
Panama Canal & Colonial Highlights with Galápagos Islands
Panama Canal & Colonial Highlights with Galápagos Islands
Your journey begins in Colón by sailing through the famous Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Once past Panama City, we’ll head south to charming cities in Ecuador and Peru, visiting beautiful beaches, archaeological mysteries and UNESCO sites. You’ll then continue to the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands where you’ll island-hop and explore the archipelago.
Transiting the Panama Canal
You’ll marvel at the engineering brilliance of the Panama Canal as you pass through its complex locks aboard the ship. Exiting on the Pacific coast, we continue south to Manta and nearby town of Montecristi, home of the handwoven Panama hat. From there, we visit the ‘Banana Capital of the World’ in Puerto Bolivar before setting course for Salaverry. If sea conditions enable us to land here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area’s ancient architecture on an optional excursion.
Quito and the Galápagos Islands
After flying to Ecuador’s capital Quito and enjoying wandering around its UNESCO-listed historic centre, we continue to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Over the next two days, you’ll board boats and tour a new island in the archipelago each day, uncovering the supreme biological diversity these islands are known for. Keep your eyes peeled to spot the finches that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection and maybe see native giant land tortoises in their natural habitat.
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Day 1
Colón, Panama
Gateway to the Panama Canal
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Day 2
Panama Canal
Connecting two oceans
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Day 3
At Sea
Welcome to the Pacific
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Day 4
Manta, Ecuador
Made in Montecristi
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Day 5
Puerto Bolivar (Machala), Ecuador
‘Banana Capital of the World’
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Day 6
At Sea
Better Photos
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Day 7
Salaverry, Peru
Ancient kingdoms
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Day 8
Callao/Lima to Quito
On a high
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Day 9
Quito, Ecuador
Views from the Middle of the World
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Day 10
Quito to Galápagos (Baltra/Santa Cruz)
Arriving at Santa Cruz Island
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Day 11-12
Santa Cruz Island
Galápagos Island Hopping
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Day 13
Galápagos Island to Guayaquil
Return to mainland Ecuador
What's included
Included in your voyage
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
- 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
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Loan of 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
Notes
- 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
Ships
MS Roald Amundsen
Year built | 2019 |
Shipyard | Kleven Yards |
Passenger capacity | 528 (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.
MS Fridtjof Nansen
Year built | 2020 |
Shipyard | Kleven Yards, Norway |
Passenger capacity | 528 (500 in Antarctica) |
Gross tonnage | 20 889 T |
Length | 140 m |
Beam | 23,6 m |
Speed | 15 knots |
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.
Practical information
Sailing with MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Roald Amundsen
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MS Fridtjof Nansen - Practical information
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MS Roald Amundsen - Practical information
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Experts in exploration
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Young Explorers’ Programme: Bring your kids on board
Before you travel
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