National Parks of South America & Galapagos Islands
National Parks of South America & Galapagos Islands
Join this expedition cruise along the Pacific Coast as it heads south from Costa Rica to Peru. Uncover ancient archaeological sites and exceptionally beautiful national reserves and explore the unique Galápagos Islands that inspired the theory of evolution.
Our small ships can take you to places that larger ships can’t sail, opening the door to a wide range of places, from cities to remote islands. At times, due to weather, we may need to change or cancel our plan for that day. For an authentic adventure in this exotic region, this is par for the course.
Visits to paradise in Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador
From Puntarenas, we’ll journey to Quepos and Golfito, two ports that offer access to nearby Costa Rican national parks full of scenic habitats and diverse animal life, including toucans, iguana, sloths, monkeys, and a range of seabirds. We stop at Manta to visit Montecristi, where classic Panama hats were invented and are still handmade to this day. In Puerto Bolivar, we learn about the historical importance of the so-called ‘oro verde’ for the local economy.
Peruvian Pyramids
Our 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 the Ecuadorian capital of Quito and wandering its UNESCO-listed historic center, we’ll 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! You may spot the finches that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, and see native giant land tortoises in their natural habitat.
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Day 1Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Beginning of your exotic expedition
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Day 2Quepos, Costa Rica
A slice of paradise in Costa Rica
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Day 3Golfito, Costa Rica
Bananas to Bargains
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Day 4At Sea
Serenity at sea
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Day 5Manta, Ecuador
Sea, sand, surf, and… tuna?
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Day 6Puerto Bolivar (Machala), Ecuador
Growing green gold
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Day 7At Sea
At your leisure
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Day 8Salaverry / Trujillo, Peru
An archeologist’s dream
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Day 9Callao/Lima, Peru/Quito, Ecuador
On a high
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Day 10Quito
Views from the ‘Middle of the World’
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Day 11Quito/Baltra Island/Santa Cruz Island
Arriving at Santa Cruz Island
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Day 12-13Santa Cruz Island
Island-hopping in the Galápagos
Departures
What’s included
Galápagos Island Land-Program after the expedition cruise
- Economy flight from Lima to Quito, and Quito to Baltra
- Two nights in Quito, including breakfast and dinner
- Three nights at a hotel in Santa Cruz Island/Galáapagos, including full board
- Economy flight from Baltra to Guayaquil
- All transfers, excursions, and meals are as described in the itinerary, including an English-speaking guide
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- Fine-dining in À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is 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 fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program, which allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sauna, an outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers help you configure your camera settings
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Baggage 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 ensure you can meet all entry and boarding requirements.
- No gratuities are expected
MS Fridtjof Nansen
Year built | 2020 |
Shipyard | Kleven Yards, Norway |
Passenger capacity | 530 (500 in Antarctica) |
Gross tonnage | 20,889 T |
Length | 459 ft |
Beam | 77.4 ft |
Speed | 15 knots |
MS Fridtjof Nansen is a next-generation expedition ship, the latest in Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom-built ships. She explores some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.
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