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Cultures of Northern Peru and Biodiversity
D0824031809
Dates
03/18/24 - 03/27/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
9 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 6,087
Per Person
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Trip Details
Set sail to remote and pristine places in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama on this Cultures of Northern Peru and Biodiversity cruise and encounter the planet’s most diverse wildlife, including blue-footed boobies and Humboldt penguins. Your boutique expedition ship leaves from the port of Callao in Lima, Peru, and sails north along the Pacific Coast. Your journey makes for an unforgettable adventure as you head into the Darien Jungle and meet the indigenous Emberá, the world's most remote people. Discover some of Latin America's best-preserved archaeological sites, including the Moche civilization, and learn more about this region's rich history and fascinating culture from your onboard team.
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Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Callao (Lima) Day 1

Situated on a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains is Peru’s capital city of Lima. The city is served by the seaport of Callao, where you will be boarding your boutique cruise ship. The bustling metropolis of Lima has much to offer, but not least of all its internationally renowned culinary scene. There are many award-winning eateries to explore and local dishes to sample. A local favourite is ceviche, fresh fish marinated in tangy lime juice and other seasonings. You’ll find the dish on offer just about everywhere in the city, from up-market restaurants to local fishing dock cevicherías. Culture is also in plentiful supply, with the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre packed with colonial-era architecture like Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. You can also visit the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, reminders of the long-lost Inca civilisation.

Isla Guanape Day 2

Located few miles off the Peruvian coast, Isla Guanape is a breeding ground for huge populations of seabirds and sea lions. Consisting of four separate islands, the area was formerly exploited for guano (for fertiliser). The islands are now protected, and the harvesting of guano is strictly regulated. We will be searching for wildlife, including pelicans, boobies, Humboldt penguins and Southern sea lions, along the coastline of the islands on our zodiac expedition boats.

Expedition Activities
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Isla Guanape Nature By Zodiac
  • Included
Salaverry Day 3

The port of Salaverry is the gateway to the very best of pre-Incan Peru. Just a short distance away you’ll find Peru’s northern capital, Trujillo. Here you can wander through the Plaza de Armes, one of the most iconic city squares in the country. The vibrant red and blue buildings date back to the 16th century. Surrounding the city you’ll find an array of archaeological ruins, some of which are the best preserved in the country. The Moche civilisation flourished in Peru from 1-750AD, leaving several incredible relics in its wake. Two of the most archaeologically important sites in the area are the well-preserved mud pyramids of HUACA del Sol and HUACA de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon). The ancient city of Chan Chan is also a spectacular sight. Built by the Chimú empire around 1300AD, the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas was once home to an estimated 60,000 people.

Shore Excursion
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Sun & Moon Huacas and Chan Chan
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Visit the main religious center of the Mochica culture
  • Admire the Temple of the Sun, the largest adobe structure in the world
  • Enter the Nik-An Palace, located in the south-west part of Chan Chan
Sun & Moon Huacas with Lunch at private Hacienda
  • Duration: 07 h 45 m
  • Optional
  • Visit Trujillo with its colonial charm, a splendid backdrop of the vast green and brown of the Andean foothills
  • Admire the magnificent buildings with decorative windows and balconies surround this impressive colonial square
  • Discover the Temple of the Sun, the largest adobe structure in the world, and the Temple of the Moon
El Brujo Archaeological Complex and Mrs. De Cao Museum
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the pyramid of El Brujo built by thousands of adobe bricks
  • Admire the beautiful poly chrome reliefs and murals represent war motifs, divinities, animals, plants and fishing nets
Half Day Huanchaco and Caballitos De Totora experience
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Discover an ancestral tradition of Peru
  • Learn how Caballitos de Totora are built
Lobos de Tierra (Cruising) Day 4

Continue north to the island of Lobos de Tierra, a thriving wildlife hub situated just off Peru’s northern coast. The lunar-like landscape and rocky shorelines support huge populations of seabirds. The bird’s thick layers of nitrate-rich guano once attracted an abundance of guano harvesters. The harvesting has since ceased, and the birds of Lobos de Tierra are for the most part undisturbed. Here we will explore the Lobos de Tierra coastline from our zodiac boats, looking out for sea lions, Peruvian pelicans and blue-footed boobies. There are also a few building relics scattered around from the guano-mining days.

Puerto Bolivar (Machala) Day 5

You will arrive in Ecuador today via the charming port city of Machala. Feast on local seafood at one of the many harbour restaurants, wander around the quaint plazas and get to know the friendly locals. The city is surrounded by banana plantations, the region’s most famous export. Today we will be leaving the city behind as we explore the Buenaventura Reserve located within pristine cloud forest. The region is home to over 130 species of hummingbird alongside many other bird species. You will also have the option to visit a local banana plantation where you can learn how this crop is grown, harvested and packed for export.

Shore Excursion
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Arenillas Dry Forest Reserve - Long Walk
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Discover the captivated by the wonders of the Arenillas Reserve, where the fusion of nature's mastery and human appreciation culminate in an unique experience
  • Venture through this natural wonder, where every step unveils the captivating beauty of a rare ecosystem
  • Find yourself immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors while you explore the arid tropical forest
Puyango Petrified Forest
  • Duration: 07 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • Visit the largest known area of exposed petrified wood in South America.
  • Take the opportunity to observe petrified specimens with exposed growth rings and exceptionally preserved leaves
  • You might get the chance to spot various species of birds, butterflies, spiders, termites and dragonflies
Zaruma Cooking Demonstration & Gold Mine Exploration
  • Duration: 09 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy a short walk among its heritage houses, learning about the history and traditions of this beautiful place in the company of our tour guide
  • Visit El Sexmo Gold Mine, where we can walk into a cave 500 yards long and five feet wide to experience a turn-of-the-century gold mine
  • Enjoy a cooking demonstration of a typical dish, where the chef will teach us the recipe step by step and then we can taste this exquisite food
Arenillas Dry Forest Reserve - Short Walk
  • Duration: 03 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Discover the captivated by the wonders of the Arenillas Reserve, where the fusion of nature's mastery and human appreciation culminate in an unique experience
  • Venture through this natural wonder, where every step unveils the captivating beauty of a rare ecosystem
  • Find yourself immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors while you explore the arid tropical forest
Isla de la Plata Day 6

Also known as the Silver Island, the uninhabited Isla de la Plata allegedly derives its moniker from the centuries-old, buried treasure of Sir Francis Drake. Although no treasure has ever been found, what the island lacks in buried silver it makes up for in biodiversity. Rivalling the Galapagos Islands in its wildlife offerings, the island is home to the same dry, tropical environment. The variety of fauna is also similar, with over 32 species of bird living here. As we explore the island and surrounding waters, we’ll be looking out for more blue-footed boobies, nested waved albatrosses, pelicans, gannets and frigate birds.

Shore Excursion
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Natural Wonders Of Isla De La Plata - Short Hike
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Encounter an astonishing variety of marine birds that grace the skies and waters surrounding the island
  • Witness tales of pirates and treasure, to embrace its thriving avian realm, and to revel in the unmatched beauty of its panoramas
  • Reach island's highest points, from here breathtaking panorama unfolds, surrounding you with dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of open sea
Natural Wonders Of Isla De La Plata
  • Duration: 04 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Encounter an astonishing variety of marine birds that grace the skies and waters surrounding the island
  • Witness tales of pirates and treasure, to embrace its thriving avian realm, and to revel in the unmatched beauty of its panoramas
  • Reach island's highest points, from here breathtaking panorama unfolds, surrounding you with dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of open sea
Snorkeling In Isla De La Plata
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Have a unique snorkeling experience in the most captivating snorkeling spots, ensuring an encounter with the vibrant marine life that thrives beneath the waves
  • Plunge into the crystal-clear waters
Day at sea Day 7

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Utria National Park (Nuqui Harbour) Day 8

The area is one of the worlds' wettest regions, with around 10,000 millimetres of rainfall per year. Utria National Park’s forested area has rich and diverse fauna and flora with seven different mangrove species along its shore. You will have the option to explore the national park on a rainforest or mangrove walk. The national park also overlaps the territory of the Emberà indigenous people. There are also fishing villages of Afro-Colombian people along the coastline whom you may come across as you explore the area. Both groups are strong conservationists and many of the local ecotourism services are provided by these communities.

Darien Jungle Day 9

Today we will be making our way to an authentic Emberá settlement in the Darien Jungle. We will travel using local boats alongside our zodiacs as we make our way through the mangroves and waterways. On the journey keep a lookout for birds like heron, egret, osprey and harpy eagles. The indigenous Emberà have lived in this region for centuries. This is a unique opportunity to visit a tribe that rarely receives outside visitors. After a briefing on local customs and courtesies, you’ll meet the tribe and be able to explore the village. You’ll learn about the tribe’s strong connection to the surrounding jungle and how they rely on the natural environment for clothing, food and medicine.

Fuerte Amador (Panama City) Day 10

Located west of Panama City, at the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, Fuetre Amador is a manmade causeway, constructed with material excavated from the canal. Before boarding your boutique cruise ship, be sure to stop in at the Miraflores Locks’ visitor’s centre. Here you will learn about the impressive engineering that went into building this legendary waterway. Watch the mighty barges make their way through the canal from the panoramic observation deck. A short taxi ride away, Panama City is a modern and vibrant place that has evolved around its Spanish colonial centre, the Casco Veijo. Here you can wander through a conquistador-era UNESCO World Heritage Site, sip coffee in the street cafés or enjoy some shopping in the malls.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK