Galápagos Islands, Ancient History & Highlights of South America
Galápagos Islands, Ancient History & Highlights of South America
Explore the beautiful and biologically diverse Galápagos Islands before embarking on an expedition cruise along the scenic west coast of South America. Discover the differences and similarities between modern cities and historic ancient civilisations as you experience charming architecture, beautiful beaches, archaeological mysteries and UNESCO sites across Peru and Chile.
The islands of the giant tortoise
Your adventure starts in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, home to the best-preserved UNESCO historic centre in the Americas and a visit a museum on the Earth’s Equator. You'll then fly to Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands where you will see enormous endemic tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. The next two days are an exciting exploration of other islands in the archipelago by boat, discovering more of its diverse wildlife.
Life along the Pacific Coast
Take the plane to the Peruvian capital of Lima and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the city before boarding your ship bound for Valparaíso. Our first stop, Paracas, is surrounded by sandy cliffs in distinct shades of brown and red. Next is Arica where you can take a short hike up El Morro hill to look over the beaches. In Iquique, you’ll go into the Atacama Desert to explore the abandoned mining town of Humberstone while La Serena has neo-colonial architecture and many stone churches to admire
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Day 1Quito
Top UNESCO historic centre
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Day 2Quito
Views from the Middle of the World
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Day 3Quito/Baltra Island/Santa Cruz Island
Arriving at Santa Cruz Island
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Day 4-5Santa Cruz Island
Galápagos Island Hopping
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Day 6Baltra Island / Lima
From isolated islands to connected capital
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Day 7Callao
‘The City of Kings’
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Day 8Paracas, Peru
Birds and brandy
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Day 9At Sea
Picture perfect
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Day 10Arica, Chile
City of Everlasting Spring
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Day 11Iquique, Chile
Chile’s Premier Beach Resort
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Day 12At Sea
Relax on board
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Day 13La Serena, Chile
‘The City of Churches’
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Day 14Valparaíso, Chile
UNESCO’s `Jewel of the Pacific´
Departures
What’s included
Land-Programme Galápagos Island before the expedition cruise
- Two nights in Quito, including breakfast and dinner on day 2.
- Three nights at a hotel in Santa Cruz Island /Galápagos Islands, including full board
- One night in Lima, including half board
- Economy flight Quito-Baltra, Baltra-Lima (via Guayaquil)
- All transfers, excursions and meals as described, including English-speaking guide
- Galápagos Islands National Park entrance fee
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim (on MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridjtof Nansen)
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Loan of trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
- Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
- Land based tour to Galápagos Islands involves long stretches of travel, walking over uneven terrain, and getting in/out of boats, as well as a climate that varies from cool at high altitudes to hot tropical weather.
Ships
MS Roald Amundsen
Year built | 2019 |
Shipyard | Kleven Yards |
Passenger capacity | 530 (500 in Antarctica) |
Gross tonnage | 20 889 T |
Length | 140 m |
Beam | 23,6 m |
Speed | 15 knots |
In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.
MS Fridtjof Nansen
Year built | 2020 |
Shipyard | Kleven Yards, Norway |
Passenger capacity | 530 (500 in Antarctica) |
Gross tonnage | 20 889 T |
Length | 140 m |
Beam | 23,6 m |
Speed | 15 knots |
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.
MS Fram
Year built | 2007 |
Year of refurbishment | 2022 |
Shipyard | Fincantieri, Italy |
Passenger capacity | 318 (200 in Antarctica) |
Beds | 276 |
Car capacity | 0 |
Gross tonnage | 11 647 T |
Length | 114 m |
Beam | 20.2 m |
Speed | 13 knots |
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
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