Colours of the south

Location:Valparaiso

This expedition starts in the wonderfully, colourful and poetic city of Valparaíso. Before embarking MS Fram, we recommend a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Quarter of Valparaiso

Pisco and papaws

Location:La Serena, Chile

La Serena is a seaside town and the capital of Coquimbo Region in Elqui Province. It is one of the oldest cities in the area and it has a marked neo-colonial architectural style and its own undeniable image. It abounds with multi-coloured gardens and many beautiful churches with bells that trace the passage of time. In the Archaeological museum, learn about the ancient Diaguita culture that originated in this province before being conquered by the Incas. You should also visit La Recova, a popular market where you can buy handicrafts and typical products from the region, such as pisco and papaws in all their varieties.

Ocean breezes

Location: Cruising the Pacific Ocean

A couple of days at sea means you can join the Expedition Team for lectures or spend the day on deck in tropical temperatures. Now is the perfect time to meet other passengers or escape from land-based stress with a good book.

Show-stopping scenery

Location:Arica, Chile

Arica is blessed with a warm and sunny climate all year round. While we are here, you can either spend a day at the beach or join the Expedition Team and visit the nearby Lauca National Park. This amazing national park is home to some breathtaking scenery: snow-sprinkled volcanoes, sparkling lakes and isolated hot springs. It also shelters pretty highland villages and a huge variety of wildlife. Numerous sites and paths found in this region are associated with the Chilean Inca trail.

Take a seat

Location: Cruising the Pacific Ocean

With sweeping views from on board MS Fram, the decks are great place to relax during a day at sea. The Expedition Team will be presenting fascinating lectures on South America's nature, culture and history

Nazca lines

Location: Puerto General San Martin (Pisco), Peru

Puerto General San Martin is the gateway to the famous and mysterious Nazca lines and geoglyphs. These lines were scratched on the surface of the ground between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D. They are among archaeology's greatest enigmas because of their quantity, nature, size and continuity. The geoglyphs are several miles long and illustrate living creatures, stylised plants and imaginary beings, as well as geometric figures. Join the excursion to see just how impressive and mysterious these lines actually are

Trading routes

Location: Callao (Lima), Peru

Callao is situated just outside Lima and is a vital route for trade both into and out of Peru. It is home to charming mansions with pretty balconies, museums, churches and the fortress of King Felipe

Enchanting Chan Chan

Location: Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru

The small port of Salaverry is the starting point for the excursion to the ancient Chimu kingdom (700–1400 A.D.). They founded their capital by the banks of the Moche River and called it Chan Chan ("sun-sun"). Chan Chan covers an area of eight square miles. It was built using clay, mud, pebbles, straw and cane, which makes it the largest mudbrick citadel of the Americas in pre-Hispanic times. It is a remarkable place that was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1986.

Seascapes

Location: Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Enjoy another relaxing but exciting day at sea. Join lectures from our Expedition Team or perhaps enjoy a drink on the deck.

Superfino hats

Location: Manta, Ecuador

Manta is a bustling and prosperous port town, graced with high-rises and a few beaches. We recommend the trip to Montecristi, where the real Panama hats are made. These traditional brimmed straw hats are hand woven, and it can take several months to make the finest ones. A "superfino" Panama hat can, according to popular rumour, hold water, and when rolled for storage, pass through a wedding ring.

Relax and recharge

Location: Cruising the Pacific Ocean

Spend the day unwinding on the deck, reading or indulging in a drink in the warm weather. There will be more interesting lectures from the Expedition Team and time to mingle with other passengers.

Architechtual and ethnic delight

Location: Fuerte Amador, Panama

Fuerte Amador is located right at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. The port is only 20 miles away from Panama City, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America and home to incredible architectural and ethnic diversity. Join tours to discover the old and new of Panama City, to the Miraflores Locks or a boat tour to a protected area and scout for wildlife

Lock it in

Location: Panama Canal, Panama

We enter the Panama Canal close to Balboa. Experience the thrill of canal transit and the intricacy of the lock's system first-hand, as MS Fram is lifted over 85 feet above sea level from one body of water to the next

Mouth of the bull

Location: Bocas del Toro, Panama

Bocas del Toro, meaning “mouth of the bull”, is a pristine region and home to Panama’s first national marine park, Bastimentos. Consisting of 9 islands and hundreds of smaller islets, you can visit Bocas town with its colourful Caribbean vibe and atmosphere before venturing into the expanse of Bastemintos National Park. Snorkel, dive and kayak among mangroves and coral reefs or hike through the rainforest in search of wildlife.

Adventure awaits

Location: Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

Puerto Limón on Costa Rica is a compelling destination for adventurous explorers

After disembarking, we transfer you to your hotel in San José, the capital of Costa Rica.

Cosmopolitan surprise

Location: San José

After breakfast in your hotel, your South American expedition comes to an end