
- See a range of wildlife in the wondrous and biologically diverse Galápagos Islands
- Combine a land adventure with a cruise to unique cities along the Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
- Learn more about the fascinating histories and ancient cultures of Peru and Chile
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Individual arrival at the Ecuadoran capital of Quito.
Thanks to the city’s preservation of its diverse cultural past, UNESCO declared Quito the first of its World Heritage Sites in 1978. The city is beautifully situated in an Andean valley at 9,350 feet, making it the second-highest capital city in the world. Take a look around this marvellous city before spending the night at a centrally located hotel.
After breakfast, we drive north to the equator and visit the Inti Ñan Museum. Afterward, we ascend Teleférico – one of Quito’s most popular attractions, offering spectacular and easily accessible views of the city. The ride lasts only 10 minutes but takes you to an altitude of 13,300 feet. At the top, the lookout offers the visitor incredible views of Quito, the surrounding valleys, and snow-covered volcanoes (along with coffee, snacks, and oxygen for the short of breath). Bring a sweater or light jacket – it can get chilly up there!
Return to the city to enjoy lunch in Quito´s charming colonial quarter. The afternoon's sightseeing reveals some of the reasons why Ecuador's capital earned its honor as UNESCO´s first World Heritage Site. Dinner will be served at the hotel where you will spend the night.
After breakfast, we depart the hotel and drive to Quito Airport for our flight to the Galápagos Islands (via Guayaquil).
Upon arrival at Baltra´s airport, we meet the local representative and board a bus for the short transfer to the Itabaca Channel, which separates Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island. Here, we board a small ferry that crosses the azure waters of the channel to Santa Cruz, a journey that takes about five minutes.
On the other side, we travel through a rural agricultural area surrounded by wild landscapes and many different species of flora and fauna. We may spot the finches that are famous for being the basis of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
See the famous Galápagos land tortoises in their natural environment and learn how private ranches help protect these special creatures and their habitat. Tortoises of all different ages and sizes gather here: small young ones with shining carapaces and older ones with weathered and worn shells. Lunch will be served in the highlands.
Afterward, we continue to our hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora. Once settled, we walk to the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station, which hosts educational museums on both the history and development of the Galápagos Islands, and the protection of their natural heritage. Native giant land tortoises can also be observed. Many different tortoise species exist in the Galápagos and the station is the only place where most of the species reside at one place.
The afternoon is at your leisure to explore small yet picturesque Puerto Ayora and its many shops with local arts and crafts. We later enjoy dinner at the hotel´s cozy restaurant.
Breakfast at the hotel. We have two full days to tour one of the nearby, uninhabited islands by boat.
Please note that only one of the four islands listed below will be visited per day:
Bartolomé Island, famous for Pinnacle Rock and Galápagos penguins; South Plaza Island, home to a colony of land iguanas; Santa Fe Island, known for having the islands´ most sea beautiful coves; North Seymour Island, considered a microcosm of the entire archipelago; Floreana Island for a tour around the island to see tortoises and sea lions, and with some luck marine iguanas; or Isabela Island to visit a Tortoise Breading station, and a walk to see four species of mangroves and lagoons with flamingos and migratory birds.
The visits are regulated by the Galápagos National Park and we are notified of permission 30 days prior to the visit. Regardless of the islands we visit, lunch is served on board the vessel during the tour.
Later, we have dinner at the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. We then transfer to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador. En route to the airport, we stop at 'The Twins' or 'Los Gemelos' – two impressive volcanic depressions in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.
A packed lunch is served on the flight from Baltra Island to Lima (via Guayaquil). At the Lima airport, we meet our local representative, who transfers you to your hotel in the city, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Estimated time of departure is 11:59 PM
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
After check out, we transfer to the ship, taking in a 'Half-day Lima Highlights Tour,’ including a visit to the city´s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour´s highlights include Casa Aliaga, a nearly 500-year old mansion built for one of Pizarro’s lieutenants, and Santo Domingo Convent, the best-preserved colonial building in all of Lima. The tour finishes at the quayside in Callao, where your ship is ready to continue your expedition at sea
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.
As we sail further south, enjoy our lecture program, the fresh sea air, and all the amenities the expedition ship has to offer.
Matarani is a gateway to Arequipa, an exceptionally beautiful city with acres of immaculate parks and gardens, and views of the dormant, snow-capped El Misti volcano. The UNESCO-listed historic center 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 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 artifacts from the Chinchorro culture and some of the world's oldest mummies
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IncludedArica - Atacama Coastal WalkWe will depart from the pier to head towards El Laucho and La Lisera famous beach resorts.
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Arica City Tour & GeoglyphsSee the geoglyphs and the highlight of Arica city
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Arica - Man and DesertJoin us on an excursion that visits the main plaza in the port city of Arica and archaeological museum in nearby Azapa, before journeying out to amazing experiences and sights in the desert.
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Arica -Putre & The Andean HighlandsJourney to Lluta Valley and stop en route to observe the geoglyphs carved onto the hills by the region’s ancient inhabitants, and visit a rustic inn to sample coca leaf tea.
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Arica - Flavours and Colours of AricaThis excursion takes you through Arica, which lies at the entrance to the Azapa Valley, a green oasis in the middle of the Atacama Desert that produces all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables, including olives famous for their size and flavour.
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.
Estimated time of arrival is 9:00 AM
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
Galápagos Island Program Before the Cruise
- Two nights in Quito, including breakfast and dinner on Day 2.
- Three nights at a hotel in Santa Cruz Island /Galápagos, including full board
- One night in Lima, incl. half board(breakfast and dinner)
- Coach-class flights between Quito and Baltra, and Baltra and Lima (via Guayaquil)
- All transfers, excursions, and meals as described, including an 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
- 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 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 Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with current 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, sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows, 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 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
- Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
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
- The land-based tour to the 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 Fridtjof Nansen
Year built | 2020 |
Shipyard | Kleven Yards, Norway |
Passenger capacity | 530 (500 in Antarctica) |
Gross tonnage | 20 889 T |
Length | 140 m / 459 ft |
Beam | 23.6 m / 77 ft |
Speed | 15 knots |
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom-built ships – and represents the next generation of expedition ships. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.
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.
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.
Paracas - Ballestas Island
Duration
3 hrs
Price per person
Free – please reserve
Booking Code
INCL-GSM1
Paracas - Nazca Lines
Duration
4h
Price per person
From $ 749
Booking Code
A-GSM5
Paracas - Tambo Colorado
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
Arica - Atacama Coastal Walk
Duration
3 hrs 30 min
Price per person
Free – please reserve
Booking Code
INCL-ARI1
Arica - Arica City Tour & Geoglyphs
Duration
4 hours 15 mins
Price per person
From $ 133
Booking Code
A-ARI2
Arica - Man and Desert
Duration
4 hours
Price per person
From $ 158
Booking Code
A-ARI4
Arica - Putre & The Andean Highlands
Duration
7 hours 30 minutes
Price per person
From $ 266
Booking Code
A-ARI5
Arica - Flavours and Colours of Arica
Duration
4 hours 15 minutes
Price per person
From $ 141
Booking Code
A-ARI6
Extend Your Cruise
Get more out of your journey by adding a Pre- or Post-Program before or after your expedition cruise.
Santiago - Chilean Folk Show & Dinner (21/22)
Duration
4 Hours
From
$ 199
Booking Code
SCL02
Santiago Post-Excursion: Maipo Valley Vineyard Tour (20/21, 21/22)
Duration
4 Hours
From
$ 105
Booking Code
SCL05B
Valparaiso/Santiago: Post-programme Easter Island (20/21 and 21/22)
Duration
5 Days
From
$ 4,196
Booking Code
VAPIPCPOST
Practical Information
Sailing with MS Fridtjof Nansen
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MS Fridtjof Nansen: Life on board and Practical information
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Meet Our Expedition Team
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Young Explorers’ Program: Bring your kids on board
Sailing with MS Roald Amundsen
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MS Roald Amundsen: Life on board and Practical information
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Meet Our Expedition Team
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Young Explorers’ Program: Bring your kids on board
Before you travel
Day 3
Eventyrets siste kapittel - Bergen
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