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10 Night Panama Canal and Colonial Highlights with Machu Picchu Cruise and Land Tour from Colon

Ship: Fram

Cruise Line: Hurtigruten Cruise Line

Sailed: Wednesday, Sep 27, 2023 from Colon, Panama

Ended: Saturday, Oct 7, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Wednesday, Sep 27, 2023 departure of the Fram. If Hurtigruten Cruise Line modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Wednesday - Sep 27, 2023

Colon, Panama

Explore Colon and Panama's rainforests. Your expedition cruise begins in the vibrant city of Colon, at the Atlantic coast entrance to the Panama Canal. You may want to explore before your expedition begins. There are two fantastic Pre-Programs on offer: four days discovering the rainforest by the Chagres River, including a visit to a sloth sanctuary, or a chance to visit the locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. Then you'll board your expedition ship, perfect for taking you to visit remote coastal communities. Take time to settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and meet the Expedition Team.

Day 2 - Thursday - Sep 28, 2023

Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama

Navigate one of the world's greatest engineering feats. Early in the morning, we'll enter the Panama Canal, a complex network of huge, ingenious locks stretching 80 kilometers through natural and man-made waterways. If weather allows, the Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project. Halfway through our transit of the canal, we'll enter the Gatun Lake section, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. The surrounding verdant rainforest flourishes here undisturbed. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys, and even sloths. After 12 hours, we'll emerge into the Pacific, passing from one great ocean to another in just a day.

Day 3 - Friday - Sep 29, 2023

At Sea

Learning, relaxing, and stargazing at sea. You'll be spoilt for choice as our expedition cruise continues to Ecuador. Try the gym or Wellness Centre, take a soak in the outdoor pool or hot tubs, or head for the observation deck to watch for marine wildlife like whales, dolphins, and sea birds. The Expedition Team will be on hand in the Science Center to share their deep knowledge of the region. You can also support global research and conservation by getting involved in one of the Citizen Science projects. End the day stargazing out on deck with the Expedition Team, or settle comfortably in the Explorer Lounge & Bar to raise a glass with newfound friends.

Day 4 - Saturday - Sep 30, 2023

Manta, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Montecristi, Ecuador, Ecuador

Bus Travel

Manta, Ecuador

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in Ecuador. It's not every day you get the chance to seek King Neptune's blessing, yet that's what we'll do in a traditional ceremony as we cross the Equator early in the morning. Later, we'll visit the handicrafts town of Montecristi on an included tour, where you can buy a genuine Panama hat, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree. You'll be able to buy the hats from local artisans and see their workshops. You can browse the stalls in the pretty plaza, admire the architecture of the church, or take in the colorful street art and murals. We'll also visit the archeological museum in Manta.

Day 5 - Sunday - Oct 1, 2023

Machala, Ecuador

A bustling port with a charming atmosphere. We have a colorful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala, exporting coffee, cocoa, shrimp, and bountiful bananas. Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbor restaurant on our included tour, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. We'll also discover Machala's markets, plazas, and Casa de la Cultura Museum. As an optional excursion, you can visit a banana plantation and try to spot hummingbirds, parakeets, and howler monkeys in Buenaventura Nature Reserve. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is one of the world's largest areas of fossilized trees.

Day 6 - Monday - Oct 2, 2023

At Sea

Learn how to capture your adventure on camera. Your Expedition Team includes an onboard photographer, who will be happy to share tips on how to get the best shots. A day at sea is a great time to get some pointers. Or simply relax and enjoy the scenery as we cruise towards Peru. Watch out for friendly seabirds following the ship-the Expedition Team can help you identify different species. Enjoy delicious, locally-sourced food in the onboard restaurants and join the regular lectures in the Science Center. Topics might include pre-Colombian history, local geology, and the folklore of native communities.

Day 7 - Tuesday - Oct 3, 2023

Salavery, Peru

Explore Trujillo's ancient kingdoms. Salaverry is the gateway to Peru's third-largest city, Trujillo. Colorful Trujillo has a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches, and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the world's longest mosaic murals. Nearby are the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan, dating back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, you'll find the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon that pre-date Chan Chan. You'll also enjoy today's included activity-an onboard performance of the marinera, a traditional Peruvian dance. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today!

Day 8 - Wednesday - Oct 4, 2023

Callao, Peru

Cruise Ends

Bus Travel

Lima, Peru

Air Travel

Cusco, Peru

Bus Travel

Urubamba, Peru

Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley. After a week cruising the Pacific Coast, we arrive in Callao around noon. Here we'll say goodbye to your expedition ship and embark on the next exciting stage of your South American adventure-Machu Picchu. From Lima, you'll catch a flight to Cusco, the old capital of the Inca Empire, around 3,400 meters above sea level. Then we'll head to the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and a restful night before our visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Day 9 - Thursday - Oct 5, 2023

Urubamba, Peru

Bus Travel

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Belmond Hiram Bingham Train Travel, Peru

Aguas Calientes, Peru

Bus Travel

Machu Picchu, Peru

Bus Travel

Aguas Calientes, Peru

Train Travel

Urubamba, Peru

Discover the Lost City of the Incas. Start your day in the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we'll board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, enjoying brunch while the breathtaking Andean scenery passes by. Built around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. It was hidden by jungle for centuries, and only rediscovered in 1911. The Incas left no written records, so mystery surrounds this magnificent stronghold. You'll enjoy the trails around the city, admire the precision Incan stonework, and maybe meet friendly local llamas. This is a one-of-a-kind day at a truly special destination.

Day 10 - Friday - Oct 6, 2023

Urubamba, Peru

Bus Travel

Cusco, Peru

Air Travel

Lima, Peru

Heart of the Incan empire. After breakfast, we head back to Cusco to visit Sacsayhuaman, a fortress and temple complex overlooking the city. From here, the views of Cusco and the sacred Inca summits of Ausangate, Pachatusan, and Cinca are glorious. The enormous stones used to build Sacsayhuaman fit together entirely without mortar. Remnants of Inca civilization and culture are all around, including their Sun Temple of Coricancha-Cusco's spiritual heart-forming the foundations of the impressive Santo Domingo Church. After taking in the splendid Baroque style Cusco Cathedral and lunch, we'll fly to Lima, where you can enjoy Peru's capital at your leisure. Heading to the lively neighborhood of Barranco for bars and restaurants is highly recommended.

Day 11 - Saturday - Oct 7, 2023

Lima, Peru

Your expedition ends in Peru's historic capital. Our expedition ends in Lima, once known as 'The City of Kings'. It's well worth taking a day or two to explore this exciting city. Lima's historical center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You'll also see Lima's Incan heritage in the ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca. Known as the food capital of South America, choose from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. Try Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion, and chili, before you leave.