Enjoy a hotel stay in Ecuador's fascinating capital, Quito, before exploring the unique Galapagos Islands then board your expedition ship to sail along the west coast of South America.
Discover spectacular Quito in Ecuador, the world's very first UNESCO Heritage site, with a 2-night hotel stay in the city then head to the Galapagos Islands, home to Darwin’s theory of evolution and one of the most remarkable places on Earth. Spot the finches, witness the famous Galapagos land tortoises in their natural habitat, hike through incredible lava tunnels and enjoy an insightful trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Spend two full days touring the islands before flying to Lima for an overnight stay, where a half day excursion features the superb architecture in the historic centre.
Embark Fram in Callao and sail along the coast of Peru. Travel to the ancient and mysterious Nazca lines and geoglyphs then uncover the historic sites of Antofagasta, one of the prettiest cities in Chile, before ending this unique journey in the colourful city of Valparaiso.
NE492 Operated by Hurtigruten Expeditions
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Inca Highlights and Galapagos Islands Itinerary
Day 1 - Quito (Ecuador)
Enjoy a 2-night hotel stay in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito.
Day 2 - Quito
This morning, drive North to the Equator and enjoy a visit to the Inti Ñan Museum before ascending the Teleférico for spectacular views of the city. Return to the city centre for a delicious lunch in the lovely charming quarter and spend the afternoon exploring Quito's historical landmarks.
Day 3 - Quito - Baltra Island (Galapagos) - Santa Cruz Island
This morning, fly from Quito Airport to Baltra Island via Guayaquil then transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Look out for finches which are famous for being the basis of Darwin's theory of evolution and see the famous Galapagos land tortoises in their natural environment. After lunch in the highlands join a spectacular half hour hike through one of the fascinating Lava Tunnels formed by lava from the volcanoes. After settling into your Puerto Ayora hotel for a 3-night stay, walk to the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the history and development of the Galapagos Islands and observe the giant land tortoises. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 4-5 - Galapagos Islands
Spend two full days touring two of the nearby uninhabited islands by boat. Please note only one island will be visited per day, these may include Bartolomé Island, famous for Pinnacle Rock and Galápagos penguins; South Plaza Island, home to a colony of land iguanas; Santa Fe Island, known for having the islands´ most sea beautiful coves; or North Seymour Island, considered a microcosm of the entire archipelago. The visits are regulated by the Galápagos National Park and we are notified of permission 30 days prior to the visit.
Day 6 - Baltra Island - Lima (Peru)
After breakfast transfer to Baltra airport for the flight to Lima via Guayaquil. En-route to the airport stop to admire The Twins - impressive volcanic depressions in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. In Lima transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7 - Lima - Callao
After breakfast enjoy a half day tour of Lima's highights, including a visit to the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See Casa Aliaga, an almost 500-year old mansion built for one of Pizarro’s lieutenants, and the well-preserved Santo Domingo Convent before embarking Fram to continue your expedition at sea.
Day 8 - Puerto General San Martin
Puerto General San Martin is the gateway to the enigmatic Nazca Lines and geoglyphs which were etched into the ground between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D., and are several kilometres long. These ancient creations illustrate living creatures, stylised plants, imaginary beings and geometric figures.
Days 9-10 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on relaxing days at sea.
Day 11 - Antofagasta (Chile)
Antofagasta is one of the oldest and prettiest cities in northern Chile; a contrast between the dry desert and the blue sea. Perhaps join an optional excursion to see La Portada rocky arch formation at sea, visit one of the small fishing towns nearby or explore Antofagasta´s historic sites at your leisure.
Day 12 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 13 - Valparaiso
Disembark Fram in Valparaiso.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.
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