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HANSEATIC inspiration

FROM COLON TO VALPARAISO

Colon - Valparaiso

Expedition South America with Panama Canal - treasures of mysterious ecosystems

  • 04.11.24 to 20.11.24|16 days

  • HANSEATIC inspiration

  • INS2423

  • International Trip

Colon - Valparaiso

04.11.2024 to 20.11.2024|16 days

Booked up! For inquiries call +49 40 307030 50

What to expect

The highlights of this cruise

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  • A route of discovery to the south: five-country adventure along the Pacific Coast
  • Daytime passage through the Panama Canal – exciting lock experiences by means of gravity
  • Traces of history – from millennia-old cultures to the conquistadors
  • Encounters with the indigenous people and insights into a life in harmony with the rainforest
  • Wildlife paradises with Peruvian boobies, penguins, sea lions and pelicans
  • At anchor

  • Marine reserves, desert landscapes and rainforests – the transnational beauty of South America’s Pacific coast is what makes this expedition so unique. On board the HANSEATIC inspiration, you will set course for small islands, foreign cultures and exotic flora and fauna: the daytime passage through the Panama Canal provides an extraordinary kick-off. Gigantic locks, which are some of the world’s largest concrete structures, will reveal the past and present of one of the most important waterways in the world. Providing a wealth of exciting facts, your team of on-board experts will enrich your experience as you cruise past savannahs, jungles and mangrove forests.
  • Arriving at the Pacific, you will enter the green heart of Panama in the Gulf of San Miguel: traditional boats will take you into the Darien jungle, Central America’s largest continuous rainforest. Meet the Embera people here and get to know their traditional everyday life.
  • Utria National Park in Colombia most likely features the world’s highest biodiversity – its 5 km (3.1 mi.) long bay, Ensenada de Utria, serves as a unique refuge for marine animals. A wooden walkway leads around 800 m (875 yards) through the mangrove swamp, providing insights that change with the tides. The highlights of a challenging jungle hike with rangers include anteaters, howler monkeys, sloths and hummingbirds – just some of the species that live here.
  • In Manta, Ecuador's trading center for coffee and cacao, you can take excursions to visit the small town of Montecristi*, the world-renowned center of Panama hat production, or experience the high altitude Pacoche National Park* with its banana palms, orange trees and coffee plants. In the 16th century, Sir Francis Drake went on a privateering expedition in the Pacific waters. He is said to have hidden a silver treasure on the Isla de la Plata in Ecuador – well guarded to this day by turkey vultures and lava lizards.
  • Near Salaverry, the Chimu civilisation comes to life. Explore the Huaca Dragon Temple and the ruins of Chan Chan*, built around 1300 and arguably the largest archaeological site on the continent. Even older relics can be found in the Moche Valley*, with the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, constructed using millions of adobe bricks and decorated with detailed friezes.
  • The explorer in you will be awed by fascinating natural history when cruising off the Islas Guanape and cruising off the Islas Grupo de Huaura. Your Zodiac rides here are guided by respect for the sensitive nature. The Humboldt penguins on the rocky islands are joined by seabirds such as Guanay cormorants and Peruvian boobies. Perhaps you will be rewarded with glimpses of whales surfacing?
  • From South America’s most important trading port, Callao, you will delve into fascinating chapters in the country’s history. Explore Lima, the capital of Peru*, which was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The fascinating “City of Kings” has a lively atmosphere, surprising contrasts and monasteries from colonial times.
  • As you visit the temple ruins*, modern urban architecture contrasts with a remnant of Peru’s oldest cultures: the sacred burial temple of Huaca Huallamarca from the sixth century. The Paracas Peninsula, South America’s largest marine reserve, offers a wealth of natural treasures. Take a boat trip to the lively Islas Ballestas*, teeming with seabirds and seals. A flight over the mysterious lines of Nazca* reveals an enigma. The geometric figures and monumental animal images in the desert are over 2,000 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of South American winegrowers and their world-famous products is reflected in Peru’s national drinks: pisco and wine*.
  • Your thirst for knowledge and adventure will also be satisfied by Isla Pan de Azucar – a kind of large sandy mountain. The “sugarloaf island” will treat your eyes to the sight of Peruvian pelicans on your last Zodiac ride on this expedition.
* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
The itinerary depends on official approval and the weather conditions. The natural experiences and wildlife sightings described are possibilities on this expedition and are not guaranteed.

Arrival and departure options

    • Mon, 04.11.2024

      Scheduled flight from Germany to Panama City
      Journey to Colon/Panama

      Optionally bookable

    • Wed, 20.11.2024

      Journey to Santiago de Chile
      Scheduled flight from Santiago de Chile to Germany

      Optionally bookable

    • Thu, 21.11.2024

      Arrival in Germany

      Optionally bookable

Extend your trip

  • Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.

  • Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.

Price special

LIMITED OFFER: TRAVEL FOR THE BEST PRICE IN THE SILVER FARE

For this cruise, offers in the SILVER fare are available. You will find these under "Prices & Booking" after selecting the respective cabin.

Attractive combination discount

Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise INS2424 and save € 1,000 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare/Cat. 1-10).

EXTEND AND SAVE

Set the tone for your Expedition South America with Panama Canal for seven more days full of fascinating ocean experiences. Take advantage of an attractive rate and stay in the same cabin you booked.

Experience the adventure with all the amenities of the HANSEATIC inspiration. (Travel package from cruise arrival point bookable separately)Stay in the same cabin you booked and benefit from the exclusive savings for combination travellers. (Valid for double and single occupancy)Only € 690 (extension price for INS2422, cruise only, applies to PLATINUM fare).

Book now

Included Services

Expedition and information
  • All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
  • Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
  • Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
  • Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
  • In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
  • Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
  • Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
  • Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
  • International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
All around carefree
  • German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
  • Harbour and airport fees
  • Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the fares PLATINUM and GOLD
Spa and fitness
  • Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
  • OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)