Diverse Cultures of South America with Galápagos Islands
Diverse Cultures of South America with Galápagos Islands
Start your expedition cruise in UNESCO-listed Valparaíso before journeying north to scenic seaside communities La Serena, Iquique, Arica and Paracas. From Callao, you’ll fly to Ecuador’s capital of Quito and then continue to the famed Galápagos Islands. With Santa Cruz Island as your base, explore two additional islands in the archipelago, seeing the incredible diversity of wildlife here.
The vibrant cities of South America
Your adventure begins in Valparaíso, where you board hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen. We'll sail the Chilean coast, stopping at laidback La Serena and the seaside city of Iquique, which both have great beaches and architecture. Next up is Arica with its desert climate and then the reddish-brown cliffs of Paracas in Peru. You’ll disembark in Lima and fly to the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. Here, you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed colonial quarter and visit a museum right on the Equator.
Wildlife beyond compare
After your second night in Quito, you’re off to the Galápagos Islands, known throughout the world for its wondrous and biologically diverse flora and fauna. You’ll arrive at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, site of the Charles Darwin Research Station and home to different species of giant land tortoises. The next two days are packed with adventure as you explore two more islands in the archipelago, discovering unique wildlife like land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the many finches that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution based on natural selection.
-
Day 1Valparaíso, Chile
Vibrant hilltop city
-
Day 2La Serena, Chile
Neo-colonial and classy
-
Day 3At Sea
Relax on board
-
Day 4Iquique, Chile
Chile’s Premier Beach Resort
-
Day 5Arica, Chile
‘City of Everlasting Spring’
-
Day 6At Sea
Fresh sea air
-
Day 7Paracas, Peru
Birds and brandy
-
Day 8Callao / Lima, Peru / Quito, Ecuador
On a high
-
Day 9Quito, Ecuador
Views from the Middle of the World
-
Day 10Quito/Baltra Island/Santa Cruz Island
Arriving at Santa Cruz Island
-
Day 11-12Santa Cruz Island
Galápagos Island Hopping
-
Day 13Santa Cruz Island/Baltra Island/Guayaquil
Return to mainland Ecuador
Departures
What’s included
Land-Programme Galápagos Island after the expedition cruise
- Economy flight Lima to Quito and Quito to Baltra
- Two nights in Quito, including breakfast and dinner
- Three nights at hotel in Santa Cruz Island /Galápagos, including full board
- Economy flight Baltra to Guayaquil
- All transfers, excursions and meals as described, including English-speaking guide
- Galápagos 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 (on MS Roald Amundsen)
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 organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
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 programme 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, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track on MS Roald Amundsen only
- 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 voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- 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 (only on MS Roald Amundsen)
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
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.
Practical information
Sailing with MS Roald Amundsen
Before you travel with MS Roald Amundsen
- What to pack for Expedition Cruises
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Safer together
- Travel requirements
Sailing with MS Fram
- Practical Information: Expedition Cruises with MS Fram
- Experts in exploration
- Landing sites in Antarctica
Before you travel with MS Fram
Related cruises
-
MS Fram13 days 8 October 2024
Highlights of South America - Ocean Cruise and Mountain Views
- 13-day expedition from Lima to Valparaíso, crossing the Andean Plateau and cruising down South America's Pacific coast.
- Cross the Altiplano, follow the Andes Mountains and discover mighty Lake Titicaca, the Imperial City of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
- Explore an Atacama Desert mining town, the Sacsayhuamán fortress and the Ballestas Islands.
Price from 6691 €6018 € -
MS Fram, MS Roald Amundsen15 days Oct
South America – Treasures of the Pacific Coast
- 15-day expedition cruise down South America's Pacific coast, starting in Panama and visiting Ecuador, Peru and Chile
- Enjoy a thrilling transit of the famous Panama Canal while aboard your ship and see its ingenious system of locks firsthand
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
Price from 4989 €3742 € -
MS Fram14 days 6 October 2024
Highlights of South America – Land and Sea Expedition
- 14-day expedition cruise through the Panama Canal and down South America's Pacific coast, crossing the awe-inspiring Andean Plateau from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca
- Enjoy a thrilling transit of the famous Panama Canal and see its ingenious system of locks firsthand
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology and colonial architecture
Price from 6991 €6293 €