15-night Cultures of South America - Pacific Coast Expedition
$5678
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
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- 180 Euro per Couple Shipboard Credit
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Please contact your travel advisor for more information.*
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Itinerary
Suggested Private Excursion
Santiago, with over four million people, is the fifth-largest city in South America. Standing in a wide plain 1,800 feet above sea level, Santiago boasts a beautiful setting. Snow-capped peaks of the Andes chain provide a dramatic backdrop. Tastefully laid-out public gardens contribute to the beauty of the city. However, Santiago also suffers from horrendous traffic and a high percentage of pollution. The heart of Santiago is the Plaza de Armas, flanked by the cathedral, the archbishop’s palace, the National History Museum and fine arcaded buildings lined with shops. The two-mile-long Avenida O’Higgins is the major thoroughfare, commonly known as the Alameda. There is a splendid view over the city from San Cristobal Hill, crowned by the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Suggested Private Excursions
Coquimbo is near the northern port city of La Serena and one of Chile’s regional capitals. It lies between the Atacama Desert and the central valley, rich in agriculture and is an important distribution center for fruit from the Elqui Valley. Some of the elaborate woodwork handcrafted on the buildings here by early British and American settlers still remains and these wooden buildings are among Chile’s most interesting historical structures. From here you can visit the resort town of La Serena (cathedral and churches), the mountain-topTololo Observatory and the Elqui Valley.
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Iquique is dominated mainly by the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean. Its beautiful beaches, warm weather, varied landscape and exciting social activities make Iquique a desired destination. Probably the most visited attraction in Iquique are the giant geoglyphs in the area. In the main plaza in town, visitors can wonder through beautiful gardens, the clock tower and stop in a naval heroes of the War of the Pacific museum. For those interested in shopping, there is Zofri Shopping Mall, the Iquique Free Trade Zone's retail sales shopping center, where shoppers will find an extraordinary variety of imported products sold free from taxes.
This seaside oasis among golden sand dunes is Chile's northernmost gateway; it is also a rapidly developing resort. Located just 30 miles from the border of Peru and linked to Bolivia by land and air, Arica enjoys an interesting cultural exchange. The city lies at the foot of the Morro headland, with the Andes as a distant backdrop. A mild climate, with year-round temperatures of 70-75 degrees, gardens and parks brimming with luxuriant flora have earned Arica the name "City of Eternal Spring." Arica's most prominent site is the Morro, rising steeply above the city. It was the scene of a great victory by Chile over Peru in the War of the Pacific on June 7, 1880. At the foot of the Morro is the Plaza Colon with the cathedral of San Marcos, built in iron by Gustave Eiffel. He also designed the nearby Customs House.
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The Paracas Bay is best known for the area known as "The Galapagos of Peru" or the Ballestas Islands Wildlife Reserve. The sea bird colonies and marine mammals that inhabit these barren and desolate islands are some of the most spectacular in the world, including the Guanay, Red-legged and Neotropic Cormorants, the Peruvian and Blue-footed Boobies, the Peruvian Pelican, several species of tern and gulls, including the Inca Tern, and several species of petrel. There are also breeding grounds of South American fur seals and sea lion as well as a small colony of Humboldt penguins. Other interesting wildlife less frequently seen on trips to the Ballestas includes sea turtles and albatross. On the way to Ballestas, you will be able to see the candelabra in the coastal sand dunes - one of the many giant petroglyphs that dot the landscape.
Suggested Private Excursion
Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers.
Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.
Suggested Private Excursions
Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours)
Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours)
The Gold Museum of Lima (4 hours)
Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours)
Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours)
CALLAO: Colonial Lima - 3.5 hours
CALLAO: Lima city tour and Larco Herrera Museum - 4 hours
CALLAO: Night Tour Circuito Magico del Agua with dinner- 4 hours
The essence of Trujillo. Trujillo, Peru - Peru's most important northern city, is summed up each year during the floral Spring Festival. Barefoot women wearing white lace skirts and blouses, with ornate gold filigree ornaments dangling from their earlobes, spin and whirl through the streets in the traditional marinera dance. Charming, simple, formal and delicate - all are characteristics of this coastal city, making it the perfect spot to explore Peru's gentle but fiercely patriotic north. Trujillo is also noted for its colorful colonial architecture, with building painted in bright blues, yellows, reds and oranges. A circular street called Espana encloses the center of town, and most of the fascinating city sites are within this ring. Trujillo is an excellent place to sample ceviche ( a mixture of raw fishes marinated in a lime juice marinade) and other local seafood. On the fringe of Trujillo are the ruins of Chan Chan, possible the world's largest adobe city that was, at one time, home to the Chimu Indian tribe. Nearby Huanchaco Beach is a great spot for surfers, and an outgoing, friendly fishing village. The fisherman still utilize the handmade totora reed boats, called caballitos (little horses) because of the way they are ridden: riders do not sit on the boats, but straddle them on their knees. The design of these curved, peapod-shaped boats has changed little from the craft used by pre-Inca fishing tribes. Further north is Piura, Peru, a hot commercial city best known for its folk dance, the tondero, and the black magic practiced by the descendents of black slaves. The tondero is a lively, barefoot Afro-Peruvian dance accompanied by strong rhythmic music and dancers in multicolored outfids. Many Lima business executives travel to this region every year to consult with the area's brujos - witches, folk healers and fortune tellers.
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No information currently available.
Suggested Private Excursion
Manta is one of Ecuador's major port blending colourful fishing villages, unspoilt beaches and unusual tropical dry forest to make this an important tourist destination and starting point for many exciting excursions. Make time to shop for local craft or visit the Archaeological Museum which features pre-Columbian artefacts left by the Manta culture.
From Manta you can visit the capital, Quito and, if you have the time, the Galapagos islands.
Suggested Private Excursions
Pacoche Forest Trek - 4.5 hours
Cerro Jaboncillo - Discovering the Ancient Cultures of Manabi - 5 hours
Puerto Cayo | Castro-Organic Experience- 6.5 hours
Cerro Jaboncillo - Discovering the Ancient Cultures of Manabi - 5 hours
No information currently available.
Bahía Solano is located on the Chocó coast, Columbia. An area rich in biodiversity, Bahia Solano is home to the leatherback turtles and humpback whales. It is an ideal location for diving and whale watching, and famous for deep-sea sportfishing.
Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.
There’s more to Panama than the canal. Panama’s ethnic mix is reflected in its arts. This is a proud nation that honors its many Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy. And with some of the finest deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and birding, once you embrace Panama, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Itinerary subject to change without notice. Please confirm itinerary at time of booking.
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full use of our Science Center, small library, and advanced biological and geological equipment
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects.
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna with a view, and an indoor gym
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
What's not included
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International flights
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Travel protection
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Baggage handling
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Optional shore excursions with our local partners
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Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, valid for North American residents only and are subject to availability and change without notice and voyage only. The ship departure date determines the price of your voyage. Not all cabin grades ar
All prices per person and in USD unless otherwise stated.
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Information and pricing is subject to change without notice. While we do our very best to ensure that information and pricing appearing in this website is complete and accurate, we cannot be responsible for incomplete and inaccurate representations, which may or may not be under our control. In the event of a pricing error, misrepresentation or omission, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing or make any other corrections.
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