Pacific Passage – Valparaíso to Puntarenas

Board the ship in Chile's artistic port city

Valparaíso is one of South America's most distinctive port cities: colourful hillside neighbourhoods, vibrant street art, historic funicular railways, and sweeping Pacific views. This UNESCO World Heritage city has been shaped by generations of sailors, merchants, and traders. Before boarding, take time to wander its streets and ride one of the 16 remaining funiculars up to a hilltop viewpoint. 

MS Roald Amundsen awaits in the harbour. Settle into your cabin, meet the crew and Expedition Team, and familiarise yourself with the ship before we set course north along the Pacific coast. 

Four days at sea on the Pacific coast

Spend the next four days enjoying life aboard a working expedition ship. Relax in the hot tub and pool area, stroll the open decks, or grab a drink at the Explorer Bar & Lounge and chat to fellow travellers. 

Experience the captivating culture of Peru 

Today we dock in Callao, Peru's main port and gateway to the capital. Founded in the 16th century, Lima is a city where colonial history, cultural traditions, and world-class cuisine combine. Explore the elegant plazas, historic churches, and museums of the centre, or head to the districts of Miraflores and Barranco, perched above the Pacific, for local neighbourhood life. 

Whether you're here for the history or the food, Lima is one of South America's most rewarding cities to explore.  

Reflect and relax at sea 

Enjoy another few days at sea as we sail north. Join the Expedition Team's lectures, learning about Costa Rica's ecosystems and wildlife, then enjoy dining in the ship's restaurant and post-supper drinks at the bar. Head to the observation deck to watch the ocean landscape shift, or find a quiet corner to read. 

Rainforest and wildlife on the Golfo Dulce

Today we're in Golfito, a former banana-exporting town on the sheltered waters of the Golfo Dulce. The surrounding rainforests are among the most biodiverse in Central America, and however you spend your time here, Costa Rica's commitment to conservation and its extraordinary natural heritage are impossible to miss. 

White sand and turquoise water in Costa Rica

Isla Tortuga is among Costa Rica's most striking tropical spots. An uninhabited island in the Gulf of Nicoya, it's all white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and palm-fringed shores. The surrounding waters teem with marine life, and this is a day to slow the pace and take it all in. 

Your Pacific voyage ends in Costa Rica

Puntarenas marks the end of your journey along the Pacific coast. Set on Costa Rica's Gulf of Nicoya, this historic port city has welcomed travellers for generations. Take a walk along the waterfront, grab a coffee, and visit the art gallery at the Casa de la Cultura. As you bid farewell to MS Roald Amundsen and your fellow passengers, we hope you leave with lasting memories of the Pacific coastline and the places you've encountered along the way.