Costa Rica and Peru with Machu Picchu
About Lima
- Transit the legendary Panama Canal
- Visit fascinating Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo and the Sacsayhuamán fortress
- Enjoy a combination of exciting sea and land adventures
- Discover natural and cultural wonders, tropical beaches and inviting cities
INCLUDED
- Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice
- Overnight in San José including breakfast before the cruise
- Two nights at Tambo del Inka Resort after the voyage including half board
- Overnight in Lima after the cruise including breakfast
- 3-course set lunch and dinner on day 11, 12 and lunch box on day 10
- Return economy flight Lima-Cusco-Lima
- All transfers and train rides as described, including English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees according to program
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the expedition team
- Professional English-speaking expedition team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts from various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introduction photo lecture, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage shared in an Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fredheim restaurant meals included
- A la carte restaurant (only for Suite guests)
- Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
- Rejuvenating Wellness Center with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Free Wi-Fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- The land program in Peru is an active program that takes place at high altitudes (the city of Cusco's altitude is around 11,000 feet). Physical condition should be prepared for high altitudes.
TOUR DATES:
- Expedition cruise starts in San José: October 3, 2020
- Ship departs from Puerto Limón: October 4, 2020
- Ship arrives in Callao/Lima: October 12, 2020
- Voyage ends in Lima: October 15, 2020
Itinerary
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Grand Capital - San José, Costa Rica - Overnight
After your arrival in the Costa Rican capital of San José, stroll the streets and discover the neo-classical grandeur of this unique Central American metropolis. We recommend enhancing your stay by adding a Pre-program to the impressive Manuel Antonio National Park.
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Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica - Puerto Limón, Costa Rica - Embarkation
We head towards the Caribbean coast and take a boat ride on the Tortuguero Canal, before we embark on MS Roald Amundsen in Puerto Limón. One of the oldest cities on the continent, Puerto Limón was established in 1502 when Christopher Columbus landed here during his exploration of the New World.
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Island Style - Bocas del Toro, Panama - Full Day
We set course for Bocas del Toro, an archipelago of islands, cays, and thousands of islets.
Bocas is brimming with clapboard houses, a laid-back atmosphere and sandy beaches. Called the `Galápagos of the Caribbean´, Bocas del Toro is also one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.
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Connecting Two Oceans - Panama Canal, Panama
We enter the Panama Canal near the city of Colón. Experience the thrill of canal transit and the intricacy of the locks system first hand, as our expedition ship is lifted more than 85 feet above sea level, from one body of water to the next. We enter the Pacific Ocean near the town of Balboa.
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Crossing the Equator - At Sea
Spend time on deck fully enjoying the serenity of sea days. Listen in as our experienced lecturers share their extensive knowledge and meet our expedition team to spot marine wildlife and sea birds. As we cross the Equator, we need to ask King Neptune for approval and invite him on board. Join us for a proper baptism!
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Ecuador’s Metropolis - Guayaquil, Ecuador - Half Day
Welcome to Ecuador! Guayaquil was founded in 1538 and quickly became the largest shipyard in South America, often being attacked by pirates. Stroll through the historic center with parks and colonial mansions, visit the Mercado Artesanal, the largest artisan market in the city, or walk along the riverfront at Malecon 2000.
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Serenity at Sea - At sea
Our expedition team continues its lecture program, sharing their extensive knowledge and experience, as well as summarizing the voyage so far and letting you know about plans for the exciting days ahead.
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Temple of the Sun and Moon - Salaverry, Peru - Half Day
The small port of Salaverry is the starting point for the optional excursion to the historic Chimu Kingdom (700-1400 A.D.). The ancient city of Chan Chan (Sun Sun) is considered the largest mud-brick citadel of the Americas in pre-Hispanic times and was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1986.
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UNESCO Site and Ancient History - Callao/Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley - Disembarkation
Around noon, you disembark and transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. A box lunch will be provided en route to the airport. Upon arrival in Cusco, meet the local representative and continue to the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and overnight.
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The Splendor of Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu
After breakfast, you are in for some unforgettable highlights. First, we visit to Ollantaytambo, an Incan town that shares its name with the formidable stone fortress that clings to a massive cliff looming over the community. This fortification was the valley’s main defence against the rival Antis people and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-colored granite, this huge structure was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks.
Next, head to the nearby train station to board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. A savory brunch is served as we enjoy spectacular views on the way to Machu Picchu.
At last, we arrive at spectacular Machu Picchu. This hidden city overlooks the raging Urubamba River and was shielded from discovery for centuries by thick tangles of vines and trees. Now one of the great destinations in world travel, the city of Machu Picchu still hides the secret of its rise and fall, as the Incas left behind no written records. Explore the city's ruins, feel its pulse and visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this incredible place.
Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing. Inspect the famous precision of Incan stonework on display here. After spending an unforgettable day exploring the ruins, you can enjoy tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before we head back by train to Tambo del Inka Resort for another relaxing evening and overnight stay.
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Center of the Incan Empire - Cusco, Peru - flight to Lima
After breakfast, we head to Cusco, where we visit the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Sacsayhuaman is strategically located on a hill overlooking Cusco and was constructed without mortar like many other Inca structures. Despite this, the enormous stones (some weighing 200 tons) fit so tightly that not even a thin blade of grass can slide between them. The craftsmanship is a stunning example of the Inca’s sophisticated construction techniques and architectural skills. Next, proceed to the splendid Baroque-style Cusco Cathedral, built in the mid-1500s on the foundations of an Inca palace.
Continue to Koricancha, where we admire the lovely Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo that was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple in the Inca Empire.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, meet the local representative and transfer to the Swissotel.
Enjoy the evening in the capital of Peru. Overnight.
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Lovely Colonial Lima - Lima, Peru
After breakfast at the hotel, time allowing, set out to discover fascinating Lima on your own. The city and surrounding area are steeped in history. To the north is Caral, considered the most ancient city in the Americas, and to the south is the archaeological site of Pachacamac. Lima was established by the Spanish conquistadores in 1542, and the ruling Vice Royalty of Peru proceeded to build significant churches, monasteries, and mansions in the town. Today, the Lima´s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
