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Day by Day Summary and Map
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Monday - Oct 7, 2024
Day 1
Colon, Panama
Get ready to start your adventure. Your South American expedition cruise begins in Colon, which stands at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic coast. It's a bustling cosmopolitan center with hot springs, a thriving handicraft industry, and wonderful local restaurants. If you'd like to explore more of Panama, you can join an optional pre-program. However you choose to spend your time in Panama, your expedition ship will be ready and waiting. Once onboard, locate your cabin, explore the ship, and meet your Expedition Team. ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 8, 2024
Day 2
Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
Navigate one of the world's greatest engineering marvels. Early in the morning, we'll enter the Panama Canal, an impressive and complex network of ingenious locks stretching 50 miles through natural and man-made waterways. Weather permitting, the Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project. Halfway through our transit, we'll enter the Gatun Lake section, which is one of the world's largest artificial lakes and is surrounded by verdant rainforest. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys, and even sloths. After approximately 12 hours, we'll emerge into the Pacific, having passed from one great ocean to another. ... Read More
Wednesday - Oct 9, 2024
Day 3
At Sea
Enjoy a day at sea. As we sail towards Ecuador, take time to relax and learn more about the ship. Go on deck and scan for wildlife - whales can often be seen in these waters. Your Expedition Team can be found in the Science Center. They'll be giving interesting talks on a range of topics. While you're there, ask about the Citizen Science projects we're running. If you'd simply like to relax and enjoy the journey, try out a hot tub or settle into the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar and watch the world pass by. Later, stargazing from the deck is a lovely way to end your day. ... Read More
Thursday - Oct 10, 2024
Day 4
Manta, Ecuador
Discover the birthplace of Panama hats in... Ecuador? It's not every day that you get the opportunity to seek Neptune's blessing. That's just what we'll do in a traditional - and somewhat quirky - ceremony as we cross the Equator in the early morning. Later, we'll dock at the port of Manta and set foot on South American soil as we visit the town of Montecristi. Known for its handicrafts, you can buy a stylish, genuine Panama hat here, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree. Wander around this interesting town and take a look at the imposing white church, or take in the colorful street art and murals. Returning to Manta, we'll stop at the archeological museum. ... Read More
Friday - Oct 11, 2024
Day 5
Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador, Ecuador
Bustling port with a charming atmosphere. We have a fruitful day ahead exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp, and masses of bananas. Puerto Bolivar is dubbed the 'Banana Capital of the World', as it ships more of Ecuador's 'green gold' than anywhere else in the country. Machala itself has all the charm you'd expect from a small coastal city, including friendly locals, quaint plazas, and striking monuments. You can try delicious fresh seafood at the harbor restaurants, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. Then stroll through the local markets, plazas, and the Casa de la Cultura museum. ... Read More
Saturday - Oct 12, 2024
Day 6
At Sea
Relaxation, research - or a bit of both. Your Pacific coast cruise continues as we head towards Peru. As we sail, soak up the scenery on deck, dine on delicious food, or just enjoy the onboard facilities. The Expedition Team will continue their talks in the Science Center, sharing insights on all kinds of topics. Topics may include indigenous communities and cultures, local geology, and pre-Columbian history, among other things. Out on deck, they'll help you identify the seabirds that like to follow our ship, as well as other wildlife. An onboard photographer will be on hand with tips. ... Read More
Sunday - Oct 13, 2024
Day 7
Salavery, Peru
Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms. Salaverry is the gateway port to Peru's third-largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archeological sites. Colorful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches, and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world. Nearby, the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan date back to at least 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the mysterious Moche pyramids of the Sun and the Moon are from even further back in history. Back on the ship, you can enjoy a traditional Peruvian dance performance. ... Read More
Monday - Oct 14, 2024
Day 8
Callao, Peru
Cruise Ends
Land Segment of Itinerary
Day 8 - Monday - Oct 14, 2024
Day 8
Bus Travel
Lima, Peru
Air Travel
Cusco, Peru
Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley. After a week cruising the Pacific coast, we will arrive in Callao around noon. We will say goodbye to the expedition ship here and embark on the next exciting stage of our South American adventure. From Lima, we fly to beautiful Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, situated around 11,100 feet above sea level. While you're in the Imperial City, you'll be able to see some of its most historical monuments, like Santo Domingo Church and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Seek out the famed 12-angled stone just off the city plaza. Your day ends with an overnight stay in Cusco, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. ... Read More
Tuesday - Oct 15, 2024
Day 9
Cusco, Peru
Bus Travel
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Hiram Bingham Orient Express Train Travel
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Bus Travel
Machu Picchu, Peru
Bus Travel
Aguas Calientes, Peru
Hiram Bingham Orient Express Train Travel
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Bus Travel
Cusco, Peru
Journey to the Lost City of the Incas. Start your day with a transfer to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, enjoying brunch while the breathtaking Andean scenery rolls past. Estimated to have been built around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. It was hidden by jungle for centuries, rediscovered only in 1911. The Incas left no written records, so mystery surrounds this magnificent stronghold. Enjoy the trails around the ruins, admire the precise Inca stonework, and meet some of the friendly resident llamas. After the day's adventures are done, we head back to Cusco for another relaxing overnight stay. ... Read More
Wednesday - Oct 16, 2024
Day 10
Cusco, Peru
Bus Travel
Puno, Peru, Peru
Cross the awe-inspiring Andean Plateau. Enjoy an unforgettable journey by bus across the Northern Andean Plateau - or the Altiplano, as it's known. The Altiplano is one of the world's largest and highest plateaus, sitting over 12,000 feet above sea level. The vast plateau extends into Bolivia, northern Peru, and southern Chile. During this full day of adventure, you'll pass through breathtaking scenery and be awed by the imposing Andes. There will be many opportunities to photograph this remarkable landscape. You will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch en route. At the end of your journey, rest and prepare yourself for Lake Titicaca with a comfortable overnight stay in Puno. ... Read More
Thursday - Oct 17, 2024
Day 11
Puno, Peru, Peru
Day Boat Travel
Llachon, Peru, Peru
Day Boat Travel
Los Uros Floating Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru, Peru
Day Boat Travel
Puno, Peru, Peru
Floating islands on South America's largest lake. The sheer beauty of Lake Titicaca will amaze you. Visit the rural community of Llachon, which has spectacular views over the lake. Enjoy a guided kayaking tour on the peaceful, deep blue waters. You will also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a traditional lunch. Then we will take a boat tour to reach the Uru people on their floating islands, which shimmer golden in the sun. These otherworldly islands are woven from the reeds that grow in the lake. At the end of the day, relax and reflect at your hotel in Puno. ... Read More
Friday - Oct 18, 2024
Day 12
Puno, Peru, Peru
Bus Travel
Sillustani, Peru
Bus Travel
Juliaca, Peru, Peru
Air Travel
Lima, Peru
Visit the Sillustani tombs. Before heading to the airport to catch your flight to Lima, we will take time to stop at the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca burial place overlooking Lake Umayo. The tombs (also called chullpas) are tower-like structures built by the ancient Colla people, some as tall as 39 feet and big enough to hold entire families. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the shores of the lake in this peaceful and mysterious place. After exploring this archeological marvel, we head to the local airport for our flight to Lima. In Lima, your local guide will transfer you to your hotel and you can enjoy the evening at your leisure. ... Read More
Saturday - Oct 19, 2024
Day 13
Lima, Peru
End your adventure in Peru's culinary capital. Your expedition ends in Lima, once known as 'The City of Kings'. It's well worth taking a day or two to explore this exciting city. Lima's historical center is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial-era churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You can also see Lima's Inca heritage in the ruins of the Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca ceremonial pyramids. Known as the food capital of South America, you have a range of choices at your fingertips, from specialty restaurants to can't-miss street food. Try ceviche, Peru's national dish. It is fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onion, and chili. It's the perfect place to end your adventure. ... Read More
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.