Panama Canal, Native Communities and Cultures with Machu Picchu
Panama Canal, Native Communities and Cultures with Machu Picchu
Enter the Panama Canal aboard your expedition ship to experience one of the greatest man-made modern wonders. Venture deep into the jungle of Darien National Park to meet the Embera and continue south along the Pacific Coast to visit charming communities. You’ll then explore Inca and colonial sites in the Sacred Valley, including the magnificent Machu Picchu.
Canal Transit and National Parks
Your expedition cruise starts in Colón as you sail into ingeniously engineered locks of the Panama Canal. Once through, you head for Darien National Park where you’ll travel up river through the jungle to the indigenous Embra community living there. Tour the Afro Colombian community in Bahía Solano before continuing to Montecristi via Manta, the actual home of the Panama hat. From there, you’ll arrive at Isla de la Plata, brimming with birdlife in Ecuador’s only coastal national park, Parque National Machalilla.
Archaeological highlights
When we port in Puerto Bolivar, you may be able to visit a banana plantation or see exotic wildlife in Buenaventura Nature Reserve on optional excursions. Challenging currents could mean landing at Salaverry isn’t possible, but if we do go ashore, you might visit the ruins of Chan Chan city or Mochican temple pyramids on optional excursions. You’ll disembark in Lima, fly to Cusco in the Sacred Valley, and explore the remains of Inca fortresses, the mysteries of Machu Picchu, and a colonial cathedral and convent.
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Day 1Colón, Panama
Gateway to the Panama Canal
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Day 2Panama Canal
Connecting Two Oceans
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Day 3Bahía Solano, Colombia
Afro Colombian vibes
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Day 4At Sea
Crossing the Equator
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Day 5Manta, Ecuador
Made in Montecristi
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Day 6Isla del la Plata
Ecuador’s other Galápagos
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Day 7Puerto Bolivar (Machala), Ecuador
Growing green gold
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Day 8At Sea
At Your Leisure
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Day 9Salaverry, Peru
Ancient Kingdoms
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Day 10Callao/Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley
On your way to the Sacred Valley
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Day 11Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley
‘The Lost City of the Incas’
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Day 12Sacred Valley/Cusco/Lima
Centre of the Incan Empire
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Day 13Lima
‘The City of Kings’
Departures
What's included
Land-Programme Peru/Machu Picchu after the expedition cruise
- Two nights at Tambo del Inka Resort, including half board
- One night in Lima, including breakfast
- 3-course set lunch on day 12, 13 and packed lunch on day 11
- Return economy flight Lima-Cusco-Lima
- All transfers and train rides as described, including English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees according to programme
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune.
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings before landings
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
- Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
- All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities expected
- The land programme in Peru takes place at high altitudes (the city of Cuzco’s altitude is around 3350 metres) and may require a certain level of physical fitness. The order of sights may vary.
MS Fram
Year built | 2007 |
Year of refurbishment | 2022 |
Ship yard | Fincantieri, Italy |
Passenger capacity | 318 (200 in Antarctica) |
Beds | 276 |
Gross tonnage | 11 647 T |
Length | 114 m |
Beam | 20.2 m |
Speed | 13 knots |
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Practical information
Sailing with MS Fram
Before you travel with MS Fram
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