Ocean Cruise & Mountain Views South America Explorer

Aboard MS Roald Amundsen with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

Departure Date

14 October 2024

Duration

7 Nights

Cruise Only From

£4,405pp

Cruise Reference

ART-4OCHU13

Cruise Overview

When people discuss great South American cities, Lima is often overlooked.

But Peru's capital can hold its own against its neighbors.

It has an oceanfront setting, colonial-era splendor, sophisticated dining, and nonstop nightlife.It's true that the city—clogged with traffic and choked with fumes—doesn't make a good first impression, especially since the airport is in an industrial neighborhood.

But wander around the regal edifices surrounding the Plaza de Armas, among the gnarled olive trees of San Isidro's Parque El Olivar, or along the winding lanes in the coastal community of Barranco, and you'll find yourself charmed.In 1535 Francisco Pizarro found the perfect place for the capital of Spain's colonial empire.

On a natural port, the so-called Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) allowed Spain to ship home all the gold the conquistador plundered from the Inca.

Lima served as the capital of Spain's South American empire for 300 years, and it's safe to say that no other colonial city enjoyed such power and prestige during this period.When Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the declaration was read in the square that Pizarro had so carefully designed.

Many of the colonial-era buildings around the Plaza de Armas are standing today.

Walk a few blocks in any direction for churches and elegant houses that reveal just how wealthy this city once was.

But the poor state of most buildings attests to the fact that the country's wealthy families have moved to neighborhoods to the south over the past century.The walls that surrounded the city were demolished in 1870, making way for unprecedented growth.

A former hacienda became the graceful residential neighborhood of San Isidro.

In the early 1920s the construction of tree-lined Avenida Arequipa heralded the development of neighborhoods such as bustling Miraflores and bohemian Barranco.Almost a third of the country's population of 29 million lives in the metropolitan area, many of them in relatively poor conos: newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.

Most residents of those neighborhoods moved there from mountain villages during the political violence and poverty that marked the 1980s and ’90s, when crime increased dramatically.

During the past decade the country has enjoyed peace and steady economic growth, which have been accompanied by many improvements and refurbishment in the city.

Residents who used to steer clear of the historic center now stroll along its streets.

And many travelers who once would have avoided the city altogether now plan to spend a day here and end up staying two or three.
The port city of Paracas is blessed with magnificent natural beauty and rich historical importance, offerings inviting beaches, ideal weather and pleasant scenery — a combination that draws visitors throughout the year.

The shores of the Paracas Peninsula and waters of the bay teem with wildlife and have been declared a national reserve.

Condors frequently can be seen gliding on the sea winds or perched on the cliffs; pink flamingos often rest here on their migratory flights.

The complex interaction between wind and ocean, sun and land has transformed this region into a kind of lunarscape under an equatorial sun.

Another reason for travellers to come to this area is its proximity to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines.

Visible from the air, these strange markings stretch for miles on a large barren plain and have bewildered archaeologists, historians and mathematicians since their discovery over a century ago.

The earliest Andean people found shelter here.

The Paracas culture was known for fine weavings in geometrical designs and vibrant colours, which have been preserved for thousands of years by the dry climate.

Some of the finest examples are in museums in Lima.

The town of Ica is Peru’s finest wine centre, as well as home to the fiery brandy-derived beverage known as Pisco.

The surrounding area features oases with springs considered to have medicinal cures.

Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Port of Paracas, about a 45-minute drive from Ica.

There are no passenger facilities at the pier.

Shopping Shopping opportunities are limited; some souvenirs can be found at the museum in Ica.

A bottle of Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) makes a nice memento.

The local currency is the nuevo sol.

Cuisine Seafood is highly recommended, however, we recommend you dine only in the hotel restaurants in Peru’s southern region.

Be sure to sample the national drink pisco sour and the area’s excellent wines.

Always drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes.

Other Sites The Bay of Paracas is sheltered by the Paracas peninsula, noted as one of the best marine reserves in the world.

This is also a popular resort area thanks to its beautiful bay, beaches and dependable warm weather.

Facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, miniature golf and a good restaurant.

For those who are looking for a little adventure dune buggies are available.

Local boat trips can be booked to the Ballestas Islands but be aware that commentary is given in Spanish.

Private arrangements for independent sightseeing are limited in this port as cars have to come from Lima.

Please submit your request to the Tour Office early in the cruise.
Arica boasts that it is "the land of the eternal spring," but its temperate climate and beaches are not the only reason to visit this small city.

Relax for an hour or two on the Plaza 21 de Mayo.

Walk to the pier and watch the pelicans and sea lions trail the fishing boats as the afternoon's catch comes in.

Walk to the top of the Morro and imagine battles of days gone by, or wonder at the magnitude of modern shipping as Chilean goods leave the port below by container ship.Arica is gaining notice for its great surfing conditions, and in 2009 hosted the Rusty Arica Pro Surf Challenge, a qualifying event to the world series of surf.

Cruise Itinerary

Aboard MS Roald Amundsen

Launch Year: 2019 Length: 140 Width: 23.6 Currency: NOK Capacity: 530 Crew Count: Deck Count: 9 Cabin Count: 265

Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and to reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable base camp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.

MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten Expeditions will add to its fleet over the next few years. Emissions are cut by sailing with electrical propulsion. Innovative sustainable technology reduces the ship's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent.

Premium expedition comfort

The stunning scenery is reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool are used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside cabins, of which 50% have private balconies, and aft suites feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views.

One of the most eye-catching exterior design features is the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck. It is an ideal place to scan the scenery and watch for wildlife with your binoculars.

MS Roald Amundsen Facilities

MS Roald Amundsen Includes

Cabin Details

Expedition Suite

These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable seating areas and TV. Many can accommodate up to four people. Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more. An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.

Arctic Superior

Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.

Polar Outside

The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.

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