Explore beautiful nature, fascinating archaeological sites and the mysteries of lost civilizations on a stunning cruise from Costa Rica to Chile via Panama, Ecuador and Peru.
Leaving Costa Rica
Starting in Puntarenas, we hike through Costa Rican rainforest to see exotic birds, monkeys and waterfalls as well as explore the pristine island of Coiba in Panama. In Manta, we will take some time to appreciate exquisite Panamanian handicrafts before crossing the equator.
Join an excursion to the site of the ancient Chimú culture and see the largest mud brick citadel of the Americas. Next, discover the mysterious Nazca Lines - among archaeology's greatest enigmas because of their dramatic scale.
In Chile, stunning Luaca National Park is home to breathtaking scenery with snow-capped volcanoes, sparkling lakes and isolated hot springs.
No other journey offers this combination of extreme nature, compelling history, fascinating cities and rich South American culture.
- Learn about ancient civilizations and explore fascinating archaeological sites
- Visit 5 countries in one expedition and see some of the world’s most spectacular scenery
- Discover four of the UNESCO World Heritage sites on the west coast of South America
- Enjoy a mix of natural and cultural wonders, tropical beaches and cities
- Hurtigruten expedition in cabin the grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Price includes:
- Hurtigruten expedition in cabinthe grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Not included:
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Itinerary
Our Expedition Begins - Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Take a little time to discover Puntarenas, a surfing hotspot jutting into the Gulf of Nicoya. Enjoy the fresh seafood, charming architecture and the oceanfront boardwalk of this Costa Rican city before coming on board MS Roald Amundsen.
Manuel Antonio National Park - Quepos, Costa Rica
Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. The 1,680 acre wildlife reserve is renowned for three-toed sloths, howlers, squirrels and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys, as well as hundreds of bird species. Within park boundaries, there are mangroves, lagoons, white-sand beaches, coral reefs and rainforest with hiking trails that are great for exploring. You’ll find some of the best zip-lining adventures anywhere in this park.
A Day of Adventure - Golfito, Costa Rica
Enjoy a day of great adventures and plenty of opportunity for exploration. Located on a small gulf surrounded by densely forested hills, tranquil Golfito is home to some wonderful views. Come ashore and relax on golden beaches for surfing and swimming. The nearby national park of Piedras Blancas offers fine walking tours through rainforest and the chance to see waterfalls, monkeys, bats and exotic birds.
A Breathtaking and Unique Island - Isla de la Coiba, Panama
Coiba National Park is one of Panama's natural treasures, and one of the country’s largest islands. Due to its rich coral reefs and biodiversity, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Coiba offers secluded white sand beaches and great options for snorkelling, wildlife watching and hikes.
Crossing the Equator - At sea
Join our Explorer Team for interesting presentations and talks, organize your photos, and get to know your fellow explorers. As we cross the equator you can look forward to the “Equator baptism” ritual.
Home of Panama Hats - Manta, Ecuador
Manta is a bustling and prosperous port town, graced with high-rises and beaches. Nearby, colorful fishing villages and an unusual tropical dry forest make Manta an attractive tourist destination and the starting point for exciting day trips. We recommend the trip to Montecristi, where real Panama hats are made. These traditional brimmed straw hats are hand woven, and it can take several months to make the finest examples. A "superfino" Panama hat can, according to popular rumour, hold water, and when rolled for storage, pass through a wedding ring.
The Adventures to Come - At sea
Enjoy priming your knowledge about the history and wildlife of the area. There will also be workshops and presentations on offer. Make sure to spend some time on deck to enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for wildlife.
Worshippers of the Moon - Trujillo, Peru
The city of Trujillo offers tremendous colonial architecture, set on the edge of the rugged Andean foothills. As in most Peruvian cities, the central square, the Plaza de Armas, is flanked by the cathedral and city hall. Numerous colonial mansions have been preserved in the old city and are open to visitors.
The fronts of most of these houses have distinctive wrought-iron grillwork and are painted in pastel colours. You can also join our excursions to visit the remarkable pre-Incan archaeological sites found in the area. Close to Trujillo you find the centre of the ancient Chimú culture (700–1400 A.D.).
These tribes founded their capital by the banks of the Moche River and called it Chan Chan ("sun-sun") - a remarkable place that was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1986. Other Chimú sites bake in the surrounding desert, among them the immense and suitably impressive Moche Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon), which date back ,500 years.
Pool with a View - At sea
MS Roald Amundsen is equipped with a pool and two hot tubs on the top deck. Why not enjoy the view while soaking in the water? Or from a comfortable spot at the Explorer Bar? The onboard lectures continue as well, so there many ways to spend the day.
City of Kings - Lima, Peru
Callao is situated just outside Lima, the capital of Peru. Be prepared for a full day of big city exploration. Discover the beautiful colonial architecture and well-preserved buildings in Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Lima’s wonderful museums and visit the famed Cathedral of Lima and the Archbishop’s Palace on the city’s majestic main square. “The City of Kings” is steeped in history. Join an excursion to see the main sights and archaeological highlights of the area and taste the delicious variety of Peruvian cuisine.
Home of the Nazca Lines - Pisco, Peru
Early in the morning, we arrive in Puerto General San Martin. This is the gateway to the quiet colonial town of Pisco and its fertile coastal valley with the famous and mysterious Nazca lines and geoglyphs. These lines were scratched on the surface of the ground between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D. They are among archaeology's greatest enigmas because of their quantity, nature, size and continuity.
The geoglyphs are several miles long and illustrate living creatures, stylised plants and imaginary beings, as well as geometric figures. Seeing them requires a birds-eye view and a scenic flight will be one of several optional excursions available on this day. Other options include boat tours to the Ballestas Islands to see endangered humboldt penguins, sea lions, and huge flocks of marine birds, visiting a scenic nature reserve, or exploring the archaeological site of Tambo Colorado.
South Along the Chilean Coast - At sea
As we sail south, the Expedition Team will carry on with their interesting lecture program. Our team members are experienced, modern-day explorers, each with their own relevant area of expertise. They will entertain you by sharing their deep knowledge and interesting stories, and they welcome you to participate in talks and workshops.
There might be a chance to look behind the scenes and partake in our guest expedition staff program. We also have an onboard expedition photographer, who will show you the basics of expedition photography. Take advantage of the ship´s facilities or simply find yourself the perfect vantage point to take in the endless blue horizon.
Adventure and Archaeology - Arica, Chile
Arica is blessed with a warm and sunny climate all year round, and we will spend a full day here. History, archaeology, and adventure are waiting on shore. Explore the city, walk up the “El Morro” cliff to get a panoramic view, see the beaches or visit the archaeological sites with some of the world's oldest known mummies.
You can also join the Expedition Team and visit the nearby Lauca National Park. This amazing sanctuary is home to some breathtaking scenery: snow-capped volcanoes, sparkling lakes and isolated hot springs. It also shelters pretty highland villages and a huge variety of wildlife. Numerous sites and paths found in this region are associated with the Chilean Inca Trail.
Treat Yourself - At sea
Another day at sea is yours to enjoy. Take advantage of the onboard facilities and treat yourself to some genuine relaxation. There will be plenty time to get to know the other explorers on board, and we will invite you to spend time out on deck to fully enjoy the experience of being at sea. There will also be a gathering with the Expedition Team to summarize the voyage so far, and present the plan for the following days.
Pisco, Sunsets and Telescopes - Coquimbo and La Serena
La Serena, a seaside town and the capital of the Coquimbo Region in Elqui Province, is one of the oldest cities in Chile. The town is overflowing with colorful gardens and beautiful churches. In the Archaeological Museum, you can learn about the ancient Diaguita culture that originated in this province, before the Incan conquest.
You should also visit La Recova, a popular market where you can buy handicrafts and typical products from the region. La Serena also has a long golden shoreline, perfect for enjoying the sunset. Visit the rural and beautiful Elqui Valley to sample Pisco, the national drink of Chile, and see where it’s made.
Thanks to exceptionally clear skies, northern Chile is home to the largest concentration of astronomical observatories in the world. In the region around La Serena, you can see the telescopes of many international institutions housed in white, futuristic domes that loom over the valleys from their hilltop locations.
UNESCO Color - Valparaíso, Chile
This expedition ends in the wonderfully colourful and poetic city of Valparaíso. After disembarking MS Roald Amundsen, we recommend a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Quarter of Valparaíso.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.