Space to Explore: Save 30%
Panama and Peru – Through the Panama Canal and Along the Andean Coast
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Space to Explore: Save 30%
Save up to 30% on select 2021 cruises to North, South, and Central America, Europe, and Antarctica.See full offer details
- See different cities along South America´s Pacific Coast, each with their own character
- Learn the distinct culture of four countries: Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
- Experience a transit of the Panama Canal aboard your expedition ship
Itinerary
Colón, Panama
Located at the entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón’s Canal Expansion Observation Center has viewing platforms over the Atlantic locks and Gatún Lake. Embark MS Fram and spend the night aboard in port.
Panama Canal
Panama Canal
Early in the morning, we depart Colón and enter the Panama Canal, a marvel of modern engineering. We experience the canal transit and the ingenuity of the lock's system firsthand as MS Fram is lifted over 26 metres above sea level, bringing us from the Atlantic side over to the Pacific Ocean.
At Sea
Spend time relaxing in the serenity of the sea. Join lectures as our experienced lecturers share their extensive knowledge and meet our Expedition Team on deck to spot marine wildlife and sea birds. As we cross the Equator, it’s our tradition to hold a ceremony seeking King Neptune’s blessing (he may even make an appearance!).
Manta, Ecuador
As we cross the Equator, it’s our tradition to hold a ceremony seeking King Neptune’s blessing. He may even make an appearance before we reach our first call in Ecuador. Manta is a bustling port with high-rise buildings and lovely beaches. You can visit the city museum which showcases artefacts from local pre-Colombian culture, a collection of Ecuadorian art, and weird and wonderful fishing paraphernalia. We recommend an excursion to nearby Montecristi where traditional Panamanian straw hats are hand woven.
Puerto Bolivar / Machala
Known as the banana capital of the world, this area is surrounded by banana plantations - approximately 80% of Ecuador’s bananas are shipped through Puerto Bolivar. Join an optional excursion to an organic plantation and learn about their unique process of growing their banana plants – by playing classical music for them. Further ashore you can explore the Buenaventura Reserve where you have the chance to observe hummingbirds, hawks and parakeets, or walk amongst fossilized trees, flowers, and plants in the Petrified Forest of Puyango on one of our optional excursions.
At Sea
Our Expedition Team will continue the lecture program to share their knowledge and experience, as well as summarise the voyage so far and let you know about plans for the exciting days to come. Our onboard Expedition Photographer will be available to help you with the basics of expedition photography.
Salaverry, Peru
Next is the port of Salaverry, the starting point for two optional excursions. Visit the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Chan Chan (`Sun Sun´) to see the mud-brick ruins of the ancient Chimú kingdom. Or tour the Mochican temples of the Sun and Moon, the former being the largest adobe pyramid in Peru.
Callao / Lima, Peru
We dock in Callao and travel a short distance to Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. From Plaza Mayor, stroll around the UNESCO-listed Historic Center, admiring the architecture of colonial cathedrals and Baroque buildings. Whether walking the spacious parks or enjoying top cuisine, you’ll understand why the city was once known as ‘The City of Kings’.
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IncludedCallao - Scenic city tour of LimaAn overview of Peru’s famous city Lima visiting parks, trendy neighbourhoods, the beautiful Cathedral of Lima and UNESCO World Heritage site, Plaza Mayor.
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Discovering the Palomino IslandsSpot wildlife and learn about local history and culture on an excursion by boat!
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Grand Tour of LimaExplore the sights and sounds of the Peruvian city of Lima.
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Callao - Pachacamac, Larco Museum & Paso HorsesEnter an ancient world that will continually fascinate you as over 3,000 years of Peru’s pre-Columbian history unfold before us.
Paracas, Peru
From Paracas, we explore the nearby uninhabited Ballestas Islands. The shores here have a range of wildlife, including sea lions, turtles, dolphins, pelicans, Peruvian boobies and Humboldt penguins. Paracas is also the near to Pisco valley, the site of mysterious Nazca lines and geoglyphs, which you can see on an optional excursion.
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IncludedParacas - Ballestas IslandExplore one of Peru’s most beautiful natural attractions, the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the Galapagos of Peru, the volcanic islands are home to an array of wildlife and dramatic scenery.
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Nazca Lines OverflightAn unforgettable flight over the mysterious Nazca lines.
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Tambo ColoradoJourney to the 15th century and earlier, visiting the Inca and Chincha in the Pisco River Valley.
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Pisco RouteDuring this half-day Land Adventure, you will travel to the heart of the Pisco Valley and visit two ‘bodegas’ to learn about the pisco-making process and taste - and enjoy - its different varieties.
At Sea
As we sail further south, enjoy our lecture program, the fresh salt air, and all the amenities the ship has to offer.
Matarani, Peru
Matarani is a gateway to Arequipa, an exceptionally beautiful city with hectares of immaculate parks and gardens, and views of the dormant, snow-capped El Misti volcano. The UNESCO-listed historic centre is a treasure trove of impressive colonial architecture built with ashlar volcanic stone, inspiring Arequipa’s other name ‘The White City’.
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IncludedMatarani - Peruvian Dance showToday you will enjoy a wonderful show on board. Perú has many different cultural traditions and one of the most important and representative is dance.
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Matarani - Mollendo & MejiaDuring this excursion, we will visit the resort community of Mollendo for a panoramic town tour. Afterwards, we head to the Mejia Lagoon, a national sanctuary and home to 141 species of birds.
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Arequipa and Santa Catalina ConventThis tour takes us to Arequipa's historic centre, which captures the beauty and glory of the colonial era. We start by visiting Santa Catalina monastery which is the most important and impressive religious monument in Perú.
Arica, Chile
Arica enjoys a constant desert climate and is one of the driest cities in the world. Walk along beaches, visit San Marcos Cathedral, or hike El Morro cliff for views over the port city. The local San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum contains artefacts from the Chinchorro culture and some of the world's oldest mummies.
At Sea
Enjoy two peaceful days at sea as we make our way south to Valparaíso. The Expedition Team recaps our voyage and continues their lecture program.
Valparaíso, Chile
Our expedition ends in the seaport of Valparaíso. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, the UNESCO-protected city is a maze of monuments, churches, historical funicular lifts, cobblestone alleys and charming plazas. Arrange to stay longer to explore more or join a Post-Program to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads.
What's Included
Included in Your Expedition
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 restaurant Aune
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrømincluded 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 organize and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included excursions
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Centerwhich has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science program 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, panoramic sauna, indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings
Not Included In Your Expedition
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
- No gratuities expected
Your Ship
MS Fram
| Year built | 2007 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2020 |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri, Italy |
| Passenger capacity | 318 (200 in Antarctica) |
| Beds | 276 |
| Gross tonnage | 11647 |
| Length | 114 m / 374 ft |
| Beam | 20.2 m / 66 ft |
| 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 honors the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology and making her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in polar regions.
Optional Excursions
Some expedition cruises include excursions that can be reserved for no additional charge. These included excursions can often be combined with other excursions available in port.
Please note excursions are subject to change and are not yet available for booking for departures after March 2021.
Callao - Scenic city tour of Lima
South America
Duration
4 hrs
Price per person
Free – please reserve
Booking Code
INCL-CLL1
Callao - Discovering the Palomino Islands
South America
Duration
3 hours 30 mins
Price per person
From $ 216
Booking Code
A-CLL9
Callao - Grand Tour of Lima
South America
Duration
8 hours
Price per person
From $ 183
Booking Code
A-CLL10
Callao - Pachacamac, Larco Museum & Paso Horses
South America
Duration
8 hours
Price per person
From $ 266
Booking Code
A-CLL15
Paracas - Ballestas Island
South America
Duration
3 hrs
Price per person
Free – please reserve
Booking Code
INCL-GSM1
Paracas - Nazca Lines
South America
Duration
4h
Price per person
From $ 749
Booking Code
A-GSM5
Paracas - Tambo Colorado
South America
Duration
4h20
Price per person
From $ 216
Booking Code
A-GSM7
Paracas - Pisco Route
Duration
5 hours 30 minutes
Price per person
From $ 166
Booking Code
A-GSM1
Matarani - Peruvian Dance show
Duration
30 min
Price per person
Free – please reserve
Booking Code
INCL-MRI1
Matarani - Mollendo & Mejia
Duration
2 hours 50 minutes
Price per person
From $ 316
Booking Code
A-MRI1
Matarani - Arequipa and Santa Catalina Convent
Duration
8 hours
Price per person
From $ 333
Booking Code
A-MRI2
Practical Information
Sailing with MS Fram
Before you travel with MS Fram
Day 3
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