Cosmopolitan and Colourful Coastal Cities (Itinerary 2)

11 days with Hurtigruten Rating:

Itinerary

Day 1 Valparaíso, Chile

Your ship MS Fram awaits you in the seaport of Valparaíso in central Chile. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, this UNESCO-protected city is a maze of monuments, churches, historical funicular lifts, cobblestone alleys, and charming plazas. Arrive early and explore more of Valparaíso or join our Pre-Program to the Atacama Desert.

Day 2 La Serena, Chile

La Serena is Chile’s second-oldest city, blessed with beautiful sandy beaches along Avenida del Mar. Stroll through manicured public gardens or shop for arts and crafts at Recova Market. The city’s many churches can be distinguished by their different styles of belfries, giving rise to La Serena’s nickname as ‘The City of Church Belfries’.

Day 3 Chanaral, Chile

Rarely visited by tourists, this is a more traditional Chilean city with no high-rise buildings. Next door is Pan de Azucar National Park, a coastal desert home to animals such as the marine otter, South American sea lion, and Peruvian pelican. Nearby Isla Pan dé Azúcar is a breeding ground for Humbolt penguins, which we hope to observe from the ship.

Day 4 Antofagasta, Chile

Antofagasta has grown into Chile’s third largest city, earning its credit as ‘The Pearl of the North’. Sit back in the old-fashioned plaza or admire the Victorian and Georgian buildings of Barrio Histórico. Join an optional excursion to see La Portada, a natural white arch off the coast, or visit one of the small fishing towns.

Day 5 Iquique, Chile

Welcome to a slice of paradise by the Pacific, complete with palm trees and promenades. Walk along the beachfront boardwalk, shop in the duty-free zone, or sip on traditional mango sours in the many restaurants and chic cafés. We also offer excursions to the Atacama Desert and the UNESCO-listed ghost town of Humberstone.

Day 6-7 At Sea

Spend time on deck and enjoy the serenity of sea days. Our experienced lecturers share their extensive knowledge and lead you on deck to help spot marine wildlife and sea birds.

Day 8 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’.

Day 9 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.

Day 10 At Sea

Enjoy your last sea day and spend it at your leisure. Take advantage of the many onboard facilities, relax, or join in on lectures as we recap our voyage.

Day 11 Guayaquil, Ecuador

Your journey ends in this sprawling city, the largest in Ecuador. Highrise buildings line the Guayas river while colorful favelas blanket the hillsides. Visit Malecón 2000, the riverfront town square before posing with tame iganuas in the local park. Extend your adventure by adding a Post-Program to mystical Machu Picchu or the amazing Galápagos Islands.

Map

All This Included

From UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, we’ll journey south down the Chilean coast, first to laidback La Serena, then to Pan de Azucar National Park. Antofagasta is a booming mining city while Iquique is the place for sea, sand, and surf. Next it’s Lima, the capital of Peru, then the ancient ruins around Trujillo, before ending the trip in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

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 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, 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

Escorted landings with small expedition boats
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

Highlights

See different cities along South America´s Pacific Coast, each with their own character
Learn the distinct culture and history of three countries: Chile, Peru, and Ecuador
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
Spot wildlife such as whales, penguins, iguana, sea lion, and a range of seabirds

Accommodations

Cruising: Category I cabin onboard MS Fram

Notes

Cabin upgrades are available.
Not Included: International flights, travel protection plan, luggage handling, or optional excursions and small-group activities.
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.
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

Terms and Conditions

For Hurtigruten terms and conditions, please click here.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.

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