Day 1 - Friday - Oct 8, 2021
Spend the night in a central hotel in Panama City. Hike to Ancon Hill and enjoy views of the skyscraper-lined cityscape and of the Casco Antiguo district which boasts a real mix of architectural styles. Arrange to arrive a few days early for a Pre-Program that explores the local flora and fauna.
Day 2 - Saturday - Oct 9, 2021
Before embarking on MS Roald Amundsen, we visit the locks and visitor center at Miraflores and learn how massive ships are manoeuvred through this marvel of engineering. Enjoy lunch overlooking Chagres River before we board speedboats to cruise the canal itself. In the waters of Lake Gatun, we may spot monkeys and even crocodiles.
Day 3 - Sunday - Oct 10, 2021
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.
Day 4 - Monday - Oct 11, 2021
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.
Day 5 - Tuesday - Oct 12, 2021
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.
Day 6 - Wednesday - Oct 13, 2021
We arrive in the largest city in Ecuador. Colourful favelas blanket the hillsides and high-rise buildings line the Guayas river, surrounding Malecon 2000, the attractive riverfront square. Next to the majestic City Cathedral is 'Iguana Park', so named for the tame iguanas that roam the gardens here, mingling amiably with tourists, and posing for photos.
Day 7 - Thursday - Oct 14, 2021
Enjoy another day and spend it at your leisure. Recap our voyage so far with fellow guests in our comfortable lounge, indulge yourself with a spa treatment in our Wellness Center, or join in on interesting lectures. You can also refresh yourself by taking a dip in the infinity pool and hot tubs.
Day 8 - Friday - Oct 15, 2021
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 Chimu kingdom. Or tour the Mochican Temples of the Sun and Moon, the former being the largest adobe pyramid in Peru.
Day 9 - Saturday - Oct 16, 2021
We dock in Callao and travel a short distance to Lima, Peru's vibrant capital. From Plaza Mayor, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage-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'.
Day 10 - Sunday - Oct 17, 2021
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.
Day 11 - Monday - Oct 18, 2021
As we sail further south, enjoy our lecture program, the fresh sea air, and all the amenities the expedition ship has to offer.
Day 12 - Tuesday - Oct 19, 2021
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 World Heritage-listed historic center is a treasure trove of impressive colonial architecture built with ashlar volcanic stone, inspiring Arequipa's other name 'The White City'.
Day 13 - Wednesday - Oct 20, 2021
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.
Day 14 - Thursday - Oct 21, 2021
Enjoy two peaceful days at sea as we make our way south to Valparaiso. The Expedition Team recaps our voyage and continues their lecture program.
Day 15 - Friday - Oct 22, 2021
Day 16 - Saturday - Oct 23, 2021
| Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile |
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Our expedition ends in the seaport of Valparaiso. 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.
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