Description

This expedition gives you a unique opportunity to explore fascinating archaeological sites and the mysteries of lost cultures. Starting with the magnificent Machu Picchu, then on to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, as well as the ancient Chimu kingdom´s pyramids and shrines. Finally, we sail through the Panama Canal before ending our journey in beautiful Costa Rica.

Lost Cities and a giant citadel
The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. This expedition starts on land. From Lima, Peru we will visit some amazing Inca constructions like the Incan town of Ollantaytambo, the ruins of spectacular Machu Picchu, the Sacsayhuamán fortress and Cusco, once the centre of the Inca Empire. Then board MS Fram to continue the expedition by sea.

In Salaverry we visit the ancient Chimu kingdom, the largest mud brick citadel of the Americas from the pre-Columbian era.

National Parks and Panama Canal
We will also explore the only coastal national park in Ecuador, visit a small coastal community known for excellent fishing in Panama and sail through the Panama Canal. The last day will be spent in Bocas del Toro and the Bastimentos National Park. Here you can dive and kayak among mangroves and coral reefs as well as hike through the rainforest in search of wildlife, before we reach the end of this expedition in beautiful Costa Rica.

Please Note: your voyage rates include return economy flight Lima-Cusco-Lima

Trip Name

From Ancient Inca Kingdoms to Costa Rica

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 114m Passenger Capacity: 276 Built: 2007 MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 From ancient Inca kingdoms to the Costa Rican rainforest

Lima's history predates the colonial presence in the country. In the north, visit the city of Caral, considered the most ancient city in the Americas, and to the south is the archaeological complex of Pachacamac. Spanish conquistadores established the Viceroyalty of Peru in Lima in 1542, and began building significant churches, monasteries, mansions and balconies in the city. The arrival of modernity didn’t impact the historic center, which is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Join one of our excursions to enjoy art museums, archaeological sites, beaches, the boardwalk and experience the exquisite cuisine that gives Peru’s capital its unique personality. Explore the city on your own before spending the night in a hotel.

Day 2 - Day 2 UNESCO site and ancient history

In the morning, you are transferred to your flight from Lima to Cusco. Enjoy lunch before visiting one of the most amazing Incan constructions in the area, the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Sacsayhuamán translates as "satisfied falcon". It was said the falcon guarded the capital of the empire - the name also makes sense since one gets a birds-eye view of Cusco from the hill where this fortress was built. The construction lasted more than seven decades and required the work of 20,000 men, both for the foundations and hewn stone works, the transportation of materials, carving and stones setting. It was constructed entirely without mortar, like many other Inca structures. Yet the enormous stones fit so tightly that not even a thin blade of grass can slide between them. The craftsmanship is a stunning example of the Inca’s sophisticated construction techniques and architectural skills. In the afternoon we continue to Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3 - Day 3 The highlights of the Incan empire

After breakfast, you’re in for another day of highlights. First is the visit to Ollantaytambo. This Incan town shares its name with the formidable stone structure that climbs the massive cliff looming over town. The fortress was the valley’s main defence against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-coloured granite, this huge installation was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Next, head to the nearby train station to board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. A savoury brunch will be served as we enjoy the spectacular views outside. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its rise and fall – as the Incas left no written records. Explore the city's ruins, feel its pulse and visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this incredible place. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites. After spending a time exploring the ruins, you can enjoy tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before we continue back to Hacienda Urubamba for another nice evening and overnight stay here.

Day 4 - Day 4 Centre of the Incan Empire

After breakfast we head on to Cusco, once the centre of the Inca Empire. Visit the splendid Baroque-style Cusco Cathedral, built in the mid-1500s on the foundations of an Inca palace. Many of the stones used in its construction were looted from the nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress. We continue to Koricancha, to admire the lovely Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo that was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The curved, mortar-less masonry wall at the west end of the church is considered to be one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework. After another day of exploring, we will transfer you to the airport, where you fly to Lima, where MS Fram stands ready to continue this expedition at sea.

Day 5 - Day 5 Gain insight while being at sea

Expedition days at sea are yours to enjoy. These days are great for inspiration – enjoy the changing blue horizons and ponder about those early explorers who sailed in these waters before you. Join our lecture team for interesting presentations to learn more about the west coast of South America, its nature, history and geography. Oceanography, climate change and environmental issues are also frequent topics of our lectures.

Day 6 - Day 6 Explore an ancient kingdom, Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon.

The small port of Salaverry is the starting point for the excursion to the ancient Chimu kingdom (700–1400 A.D.). The Chimu founded their capital by the banks of the Moche River and called it Chan Chan (“sun-sun”), which covers an area of eight square miles. It was built using clay, mud, pebbles, straw and cane, creating the largest mud brick citadel of the Americas from pre-Hispanic times. It is a remarkable place, listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1986. Also discover Trujillo, a city that retains much of its colonial charm and has a splendid backdrop of the vast green and brown of the Andean foothills. There is also an excursion going to the main religious center of the Moche culture, built in the 5th century A.D. Admire the Temple of the Sun, the largest adobe structure in the world, and the Temple of the Moon, covered with beautiful and vibrant Moche designs.

Day 7 - Day 7 Sailing north

While we make our way further north towards Ecuador, take your time to relax on the open decks or gain more insight with our lectures. During the day there might also be other gatherings with the Expedition team or photography workshops.

Day 8 - Day 8 Colourful birds and fish on the Silver Island

Isla de la Plata is a part of Parque National Machalilla, and is Ecuador’s only coastal national park. The island is known as Ecuador’s other Galapagos because of its abundance of marine birdlife. Isla de la Plata translates to Silver Island, and is the home to blue-footed boobies, nesting waved albatrosses and frigate birds among others. The island is great for hikers and has plenty of bird watching trails. You can also explore the colourful life under water by snorkelling amongst large schools of fish, or take a refreshing dip in the blue ocean.

Day 9 - Day 9 Crossing the Equator

After the days you have had at sea so far, you have probably found the perfect way to spend this day. Find the time to finish one of the books you brought with you, look through and sort the pictures you have taken, or maybe simply relax on deck. We will cross the Equator, and a remarkable celebration; the” Equator baptism” is waiting for you.

Day 10 - Day 10 A deep-sea fishing paradise

Puerto Piña is a small coastal community located near the border of Colombia, largely populated by Afro-Colonial and indigenous Emberá people. Piñas Bay is Panama’s most incredible fishing spot, more than 200 deep-sea fishing world records have been set here, more than anywhere else on Earth. The area is also naturally beautiful with fascinating culture, so even non-fishers will find it a pleasant place to visit. The diversity of species in this area is astounding. There are roosterfish, swordfish, billfish, tuna, dorado, snapper, snook, dolphin fish, wahoo, barracuda and blue, black and striped marlin. Most of the records set here have been for marlin and Pacific sailfish. Other marine species in Piñas Bay include dolphins, sharks, rays and humpback whales. The Panamanian government protects the bay and does not allow commercial fishing ships to enter into it. There is a small white-sand beach here, Playa Blanca, where you can relax and sunbathe. The offshore waters have coral reefs that are good for snorkeling or kayaking, and the trails in the jungle are great for hiking.

Day 11 - Day 11 Connecting two oceans

We enter the Panama Canal close to Balboa. Experience the thrill of canal transit and the intricacy of the lock system first-hand, as MS Fram is lifted over 85 feet above sea level from one body of water to the next. The Panama Canal is one of the largest and most ambitious engineering projects ever undertaken. It had an enormous impact on shipping between the two oceans, replacing the long and treacherous route via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn.

Day 12 - Day 12 UNESCO Site and Biosphere Reserve

Bocas del Toro, (“mouth of the bull”), is a pristine region, and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Amistad International Park and Isla Bastimentos, Panama's first National Marine Park and Biosphere Reserve. Consisting of 9 islands and hundreds of smaller islets you can visit Bocas town with its colourful Caribbean vibe and atmosphere, before venturing into the expanse of Bastimentos National Park. Snorkel, dive and kayak among mangroves and coral reefs, or hike through the rainforest in search of wildlife.

Day 13 - Day 13 Home of the “pura vida” lifestyle

Puerto Limón in Costa Rica is a compelling destination for adventurous explorers. The city itself has some fascinating architecture and colorful open-air marketplaces. The main market in the centre of town is the place to go to buy everything from wooden carved items to traditional souvenirs. Cashew nuts are big in this city, so be sure to try the cashew wine, which is a specialty. While the city is rather laid back during the day, Puerto Limon has an active nightlife. The evenings are lively, with a number of bars and restaurants to be found all over the city. This is where your expedition comes to an end. Stay on to enjoy Costa Rica or fly home.

Day 14 - Please Note:

This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.

Start	End	Price From	Room Type
04-11-2018	16-11-2018	GBP £0	Polar Outside. From
04-11-2018	16-11-2018	GBP £0	Arctic Superior. From
04-11-2018	16-11-2018	GBP £0	Expedition Suite. From
22-03-2019	03-04-2019	GBP £0	Polar Inside. From
22-03-2019	03-04-2019	GBP £0	Polar Outside. From
22-03-2019	03-04-2019	GBP £0	Arctic Superior. From
22-03-2019	03-04-2019	GBP £0	Expedition Suite. From

From Ancient Inca Kingdoms to Costa Rica

From Ancient Inca Kingdoms to Costa Rica

Description

Itinerary

Trip Dates

Inclusions

Map

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