PANAMA, ECUADOR & PERU – INCA MYSTERIES & MACHU PICCHU (ROALD AMUNDSEN) Our journey begins in Panama City, site of the famous Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From there, we head south, visiting cities full of charming architecture in Ecuador and Peru, discovering beautiful beaches, archaeological mysteries, and UNESCO sites. End your voyage with a visit to the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu. Included in your voyage: Hotel Overnight in Panama City, including breakfast before the expedition cruise Transfers Transfer from the hotel to the ship in Panama City, including excursion Land-Programme Machu Picchu, Peru after the cruise Two nights at Tambo del Inka Resort, including half board One night in Lima, including breakfast 3-course set lunch and dinner on day 11, 12 and packed lunch on day 10 Return economy flight Lima-Cusco-Lima All transfers and train rides as described, including English-speaking guide Entrance fees according to ITINERARY programme Day 1 Cosmopolitan Capital Spend the night in a central hotel in Panama City. Hike to Ancón Hill and enjoy views of the skyscraper-lined cityscape and of the Casco Antiguo district which boasts a real mix of architectural styles. Arrange to arrive a few days early for a Pre-Programme that explores the local flora and fauna. Day 2 Panama Canal Experience Before embarking on the ship, we visit the locks and visitor centre at Miraflores and learn how massive ships are manoeuvred through this marvel of engineering. Enjoy lunch overlooking Chagres River before we board speedboats to cruise the canal itself. In the waters of Lake Gatún, we may spot monkeys and even crocodiles. Day 3 Crossing the Equator Spend time relaxing in the serenity of the sea. Join lectures as our experienced lecturers share their extensive knowledge and meet our Expedition Team on deck to spot marine wildlife and sea birds. As we cross the Equator, it’s our 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com tradition to hold a ceremony seeking King Neptune’s blessing. He may even Around noon, you disembark and transfer to Lima airport for your flight to make an appearance. Cusco. A packed lunch will be provided en route to the airport. Upon arrival in Cusco, meet the local representative and continue to the Tambo del Inka Day 4 Made in Montecristi Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and to spend the night. Manta is a bustling port with high-rise buildings and lovely beaches. You can Day 10 The Splendour of Machu Picchu visit the city museum which showcases artefacts from local pre-Colombian culture, a collection of Ecuadorian art, and weird and wonderful fishing After breakfast, you’re in for some unforgettable highlights. First, we visit to paraphernalia. We recommend an excursion to nearby Montecristi where Ollantaytambo, an Incan town that shares its name with the formidable stone traditional Panamanian straw hats are hand woven. fortress that clings to a massive cliff above the community. This fortification was the valley’s main defence against the rival Antis people and was the site Day 5 Bananas, Hummingbirds & Petrified Forest of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-coloured granite, this huge structure was once a thriving Known as the banana capital of the world, this area is surrounded by banana complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Next, head to the nearby plantations - approximately 80% of Ecuador’s bananas are shipped through train station to board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. A Puerto Bolivar. Join an optional excursion to an organic plantation and learn savoury brunch is served as we enjoy spectacular views on the way to Machu about their unique process of growing their banana plants – by playing Picchu. At last, we arrive at spectacular Machu Picchu. This hidden city classical music for them. Further ashore you can explore the Buenaventura overlooks the raging Urubamba River and was shielded from discovery for Reserve where you have the chance to observe hummingbirds, hawks and centuries by thick tangles of vines and trees. Now one of the great parakeets, or walk amongst fossilized trees, flowers, and plants in the Petrified destinations in world travel, the city of Machu Picchu still hides the secret of Forest of Puyango on one of our optional excursions. its rise and fall, as the Incas left behind no written records. Explore the city's ruins, feel its pulse and visualise the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and Day 6 Ecuador’s Coastal Metropolis servants who inhabited this incredible place. Excavations at the site have We arrive in the largest city in Ecuador. Colourful favelas blanket the hillsides revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing. Inspect the famous will high-rise buildings line the Guayas river, surrounding Malecón 2000, the precision of Incan stonework on display here. After spending an unforgettable attractive riverfront square. Next to the majestic City Cathedral is ‘Iguana Park’, day exploring the ruins, you can enjoy tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge so named for the tame iguanas that roam the gardens here, mingling amiably before we head back by train to Tambo del Inka Resort for another relaxing with tourists, and posing for photos. evening and overnight stay. Day 7 At Your Leisure Day 11 Centre of the Incan Empire Enjoy another day and spend it at your leisure. Recap our voyage so far with After breakfast, we head to Cusco, where we visit the Sacsayhuaman fortress. fellow guests in our comfortable lounge, indulge yourself with a spa treatment Sacsayhuamán is strategically located on a hill overlooking Cusco and was in our Wellness Center, or. Join in on interesting lectures. You can also refresh constructed without mortar like many other Inca structures. Yet the enormous yourself by taking a dip in the infinity pool and Jacuzzis. 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 Day 8 Ancient Kingdoms Inca’s sophisticated construction techniques and architectural skills. Next, proceed to the splendid Baroque-style Cusco Cathedral, built in the Next is the port of Salaverry, the starting point for two optional excursions. mid-1500s on the foundations of an Incan palace. Many of the stones used in Visit the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Chan Chan (`Sun Sun´) to its construction were looted from the nearby Sacsayhuamán fortress. Continue see the mud-brick ruins of the ancient Chimú kingdom. Or tour the Mochican to Koricancha, where we admire the lovely Dominican Convent of Santo temples of the Sun and Moon, the former being the largest adobe pyramid in Domingo that was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun, the most Peru. important temple in the Inca Empire. The curved, mortar-less masonry wall at the west end of the church is considered to be one of the greatest existing Day 9 UNESCO Site & Ancient History examples of Inca stonework. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the airport and fly to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, meet the local representative and 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com transfer to the Swissotel. Enjoy the evening in the capital of Peru. Visit the baroque Cusco Cathedral. Day 12 Lovely Colonial Lima After breakfast at the hotel, set out to discover fascinating Lima before returning home. 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, Lima´s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please Note: Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition. 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: ROALD AMUNDSEN YOUR SHIP: Roald Amundsen VESSEL TYPE: Expedition Ship LENGTH: 140 metres PASSENGER CAPACITY: 530 BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2019 In 2019, Hurtigruten adds a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and sustainable way. environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce Facilities on board fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the large ships is possible. ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten wrapped around the top of the ships' raked bow. In a vast area will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by behind it, you'll find the core of the onboard experience: sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined Amundsen Science Center.