National Parks of South America & Galapagos Island
National Parks of South America & Galapagos Island
Join this expedition cruise along the Pacific Coast southbound from Costa Rica to Peru, uncovering ancient archaeological sites and exceptionally beautiful national reserves, and explore the unique Galápagos Islands that inspired the Theory of Evolution
Our small ships mean we can take you to where larger ships can’t, giving you a mix of places to explore, from cities to remote islands. At times, due to weather, we may need to change or cancel our plan for that day. Rest assured that this is all part of what it is to be on an authentic adventure in this exotic region.
Paradises in Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador
From Puntarenas we’ll journey to Quepos and Golfito, two ports that give access to nearby Costa Rican national parks full of scenic habitats and animal life such as toucans, iguana, sloths, monkeys and a range of seabirds. We stop at Manta to visit Montecristi, where classic Panama hats were invented and still handmade to this day. And while in Puerto Bolivar we learn about the historical importance of the oro verde for the local economy.
Peruvian pyramids
First call in Peru will be at Salaverry, where you can tour the ancient temple and city ruins around Trujillo. You will end the expedition cruise in Lima, the UNESCO-listed capital of Peru.
Quito and the Galápagos Islands
After flying to Ecuador’s capital Quito and enjoying wandering around its UNESCO-listed historic centre, we continue to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Over the next two days, you’ll board boats and tour a new island in the archipelago each day, uncovering the supreme biological diversity these islands are known for. Keep your eyes peeled to spot the finches that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection and maybe see native giant land tortoises in their natural habitat.
-
Day 1Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Beginning of your exotic expedition
-
Day 2Quepos, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s favourite paradise
-
Day 3Golfito, Costa Rica
From Bananas to Bargains
-
Day 4At Sea
Serenity at sea
-
Day 5Manta, Ecuador
Sea, sand, surf… and tuna?
-
Day 6Puerto Bolivar (Machala), Ecuador
Growing green gold
-
Day 7At Sea
At your leisure
-
Day 8Salaverry / Trujillo, Peru
An archaeologist’s dream
-
Day 9Callao / Lima, Peru / Quito, Ecuador
On a high
-
Day 10Quito
Views from the Middle of the World
-
Day 11Quito/Baltra Island/Santa Cruz Island
Arriving at Santa Cruz Island
-
Day 12-13Santa Cruz Island
Galápagos Island Hopping
Departures
What’s included
Land-Programme Galápagos Island after the expedition cruise
- Economy flight Lima to Quito and Quito to Baltra
- Two nights in Quito, including breakfast and dinner
- Three nights at hotel in Santa Cruz Island /Galápagos, including full board
- Economy flight Baltra to Guayaquil
- All transfers, excursions and meals as described, including English-speaking guide
- Galápagos 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
- 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
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, 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
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.
Related cruises
-
MS Fram13 days 8 October 2024
Highlights of South America - Ocean Cruise and Mountain Views
- 13-day expedition from Lima to Valparaíso, crossing the Andean Plateau and cruising down South America's Pacific coast.
- Cross the Altiplano, follow the Andes Mountains and discover mighty Lake Titicaca, the Imperial City of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- Explore an Atacama Desert mining town, the Sacsayhuamán fortress and the Ballestas Islands.
-
MS Fram, MS Roald Amundsen15 days Oct
South America – Treasures of the Pacific Coast
- 15-day expedition cruise down South America's Pacific coast, starting in Panama and visiting Ecuador, Peru and Chile
- Enjoy a thrilling transit of the famous Panama Canal while aboard your ship and see its ingenious system of locks firsthand
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
-
MS Fram14 days 6 October 2024
Highlights of South America – Land and Sea Expedition
- 14-day expedition cruise through the Panama Canal and down South America's Pacific coast, crossing the awe-inspiring Andean Plateau from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca
- Enjoy a thrilling transit of the famous Panama Canal and see its ingenious system of locks firsthand
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology and colonial architecture