Highlights of Chile and Peru
About Guayaquil
Three Amazing Nations
Join us on a cruise of natural and cultural discovery as we sail along the spectacular coast of South America, visiting Chile, Peru and Ecuador.
Chilean Colonial Beauty and Wildlife
In Chile, we visit colorful colonial towns, enjoy the Mediterranean climate, stroll golden beaches and observe exotic marine wildlife near the famed Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.
The Richness of Peru
On this South American expedition cruise, we sail onward towards Peru, following the Humboldt current. Join the expedition team on deck for wildlife spotting and fascinating lectures on sailing days.
Once in Peru, we explore the contrasts of modern cities and historical sights of ancient civilizations. Enjoy archaeological treasures, with a chance to visit the famed Nazca Lines, stroll beautiful beaches and marvel at architectural gems. Sample authentic Peruvian delicacies like Ceviche and Pisco. The mix of exceptional nature, fascinating cities and vibrant culture make this a truly unforgettable voyage.
A Taste of Ecuador
Our expedition cruise concludes in colorful Guayaquil, Ecuador, giving you a chance to discover the fascinating historic center and colorful neighborhoods of this fascinating city after your disembarkation.
- Discover the best of South America´s Pacific Coast
- Experience three countries on one expedition cruise
- Explore fascinating archaeological sites and long-lost cultures
- Visit famed UNESCO World Heritage sites in Chile and Peru
- Hurtigruten expedition cruise in the cabin grade of your choice
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 of 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
- Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
- Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the 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, outdoor hot tubs and sauna with windows
- Rejuvenating wellness areas with separate treatment rooms, infinity pool, outdoor gym, running track
- Free Wi-fi onboard 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 protection plan
- Luggage handling
Itinerary
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Welcome to Chile! - Valparaíso, Chile
Our voyage starts in Valparaíso in central Chile, one of South America's most important seaports. The city's unique charm is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Poets, Painters and Philosophers - Valparaíso, Chile - Full Day
Valparaíso's quirky charm has attracted many artists. Follow their footsteps on the different cerros (hills) with their street art and escaleras (stairways). Enjoy a full day to discover the highlights of Valparaíso before we set sail in the evening.
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Beach Town with Historic Center - Coquimbo, Chile - Full Day
This town has a beautifully restored historic center, the Barrio Inglés. Visit the fish market and close by Herradura beach. You may also spend some time in the charming nearby seaside town of La Serana or join one of the optional excursions that venture inland to beautiful Elqui Valley.
Included activity:
Coquimbo and La Serena City Tour (4h15)
Join us on a city tour of La Serena and the Coquimbo region. Our first stop is La Serena lighthouse for sweeping panoramic views. We then visit La Serena´s main plaza, where the city was founded in 1544. We also drive to La Herradura Bay, where legends say pirates buried a treasure. Before returning to the ship, we visit La Recova Market featuring handicrafts like lapis lazuli (Chile's famous semi-precious blue stone) and alpaca wool.
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Penguins, Sea Lions and Dolphins - Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, Chile - Half Day
The Humboldt Penguin National Reserve is home to sea lions, sea otters, Humboldt penguins and a great variety of sea birds. If conditions allow, we will approach one of the islands with small boats, observing its wildlife from safe and undisturbing distances.
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Serenity at Sea - At Sea - At sea
Enjoy a day at sea! Our expedition team continues its lecture program, sharing their extensive knowledge and experience, as well as summarizing the voyage so far and presenting plans for the exciting days ahead.
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Beach and Desert - Iquique, Chile
Stroll between palm trees on the beachfront boardwalk of Iquique, watch surfers ride waves and enjoy the Georgian-style architecture. Another great option is to join an excursion to the Atacama Desert and the UNESCO site of Humberstone.
Included activity:
Humberstone and Santa Laura (3h45)
Come with us to enjoy a panoramic view of Iquique, its beaches and Dragon Hill, as well as the humbling beauty of the Atacama desert on your way to the deserted towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura. Visiting these ghost towns takes you back in time to Chile´s nitrate mining heyday.
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Adventure and Archaeology - Arica, Chile
We will spend a full day in balmy Arica. History, archaeology, and adventure are waiting ashore. Explore the city, walk up the El Morro cliff to get a panoramic view, stroll the beaches or visit the archaeological sites with some of the world's oldest known mummies.
Included activity:
Atacama Coastal Walk (3h30)
Depart the pier and head towards the beach resorts of El Laucho and La Lisera. At El Morro de Arica vista, we enjoy a panoramic view of the city, port and ocean. We then proceed south along the coastal road to Corazones/Anzata, where we walk up sandy hills that lead us to Puntilla. Here we observe sea lions and many local birds at close range. After relaxing, taking pictures and breathing the ocean air, we walk back to the buses and return to the pier.
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Welcome to Peru! - Matarani, Peru
Matarani is a gateway to the historic center of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arequipa is also known as the “White City,” as white volcanic rock has been used to construct its many impressive buildings. Enjoy the charm and beauty of this colonial gem, surrounded by snowcapped volcanic peaks.
Included activity:
Peruvian Dance show (30 mins)
Experience the culture of Peru and enjoy a performance of arequipeña, traditional Peruvian dances, onboard the ship. Three dancers will each perform a different traditional dance representing the many facets of Peruvian culture.
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Relax Onboard - At Sea - At sea
Spend time on deck and enjoy the serenity of a sea day. Our experienced lecturers share their extensive knowledge and lead you on deck to help spot and identify marine wildlife and sea birds.
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Mysterious Geoglyphs and Sea Lions - Paracas, Peru
Paracas is the gateway to the quiet colonial town of Pisco and its fertile coastal valley, home to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines and geoglyphs. These lines were scratched onto the surface of the ground between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D.
Included activity:
Ballestas Island (3 hrs)
Explore one of this region's most beautiful natural attractions, the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as ‘Peru's Galapagos’, with its volcanic scenery and diverse wildlife. Spot sea birds and mammals on the boat trip and enjoy photogenic landscapes on the islands. Enjoy some free time to explore and perhaps see seals, sea lions, and even penguins!
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Seaside City and Vibrant Capital - Callao / Lima, Peru
We will dock in the seaside city Callao, approx. 10 miles from the historic center of Lima, the capital of Peru. Discover the so-called “City of Kings” and its historic heart, Plaza de Armas. Lima's historic district was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988.
Included activity:
Scenic city tour of Lima (4 hrs)
Discover the fascinating highlights of the Peruvian capital in a specially designed panorama bus that allows you to get a great view of what makes Lima so special. You will be picked up by a bus and taken on a ride to see the landmarks of the city and get numerous chances to take memorable pictures while a knowledgeable guide will tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful place.
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Temple of the Sun and Moon & Chan Chan - Salaverry, Peru
Next is the port of Salaverry, starting point for our optional excursion to the ruins of the ancient Chimu kingdom (700-1400 A.D.). The city of Chan Chan (“Sun Sun”) is considered the largest mud-brick citadel of the pre-Hispanic Americas and was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1986.
Included activity:
Moon Temple & Trujillo / Chan Chan & Trujillo (4h30)
Visit either the Moon Temple or ancient city of Chan Chan. The Moon Temple tour takes you on a 30-minute bus ride to the Mochica culture’s capital city of Cerro Blanco. Looted by Spanish conquistadors in the 17th century, the Temple of the Moon was left largely untouched, revealing insights to Peru’s ancient past. The Chan Chan tour takes you to the excavated city of Chan Chan, dating back to 850 A.D. Chan Chan is the world’s largest adobe city and was the capital of the Chimu kingdom, which reached its peak in the 15th century but fell not long after to Inca conquerors. Afterwards, both tours visit Trujillo.
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At Your Leisure - At Sea - At sea
Enjoy your last sea day by spending it at your leisure. Take advantage of the many onboard facilities, relax, or join in lectures as we recap our cruise.
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Ecuador’s Coastal Metropolis - Guayaquil, Ecuador
Welcome to Ecuador! Colonial Guayaquil was founded in 1538. The town quickly became the largest shipyard in South America, often finding itself under siege by pirates. We recommend extending your adventure by adding a post-cruise Land Adventure to mystic Machu Picchu or the amazing Galápagos Islands.
