35-night World Cruise: Panama Canal Crossing & Polynesia Cruise

A great climate which makes it a great vacation spot all year round, exciting attractions, professional sports teams, art, history, museums, and all of the nature parks and education you could ask for. Miami has many local activities & attractions, including Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, and South Beach. Amusement parks, deep-sea fishing, boat rides, sightseeing, fine dining, professional football, dolphin watching, marine museums. A visitor can spend hours, days, or weeks entertaining themselves and family without having to travel more than a few minutes in any direction. Nighttime entertainment includes: music and dance clubs with music ranging from smooth sounding jazz to lively disco, comedy clubs, concerts, theater, opera, symphony and movies. Virtually no one comes to Miami without taking a stroll along the Beach.

Destination Guide

Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.

Destination Guide

Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.

Destination Guide

Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.

Destination Guide

Cruise across the Equator from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.

This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Ride Like a Local - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city.  Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air. 
 
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
 
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
 
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.

DURATION
4 Hours
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
 
WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
• Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
• 1 Bottle of water per person
• Local English-speaking tour guide

• Any other services not mentioned above.

• This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
• Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything.  In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
• All timings are approximate and subject to change. 
• It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours — Optional Private Excursions

The essence of Trujillo. Trujillo, Peru - Peru's most important northern city, is summed up each year during the floral Spring Festival. Barefoot women wearing white lace skirts and blouses, with ornate gold filigree ornaments dangling from their earlobes, spin and whirl through the streets in the traditional marinera dance. Charming, simple, formal and delicate - all are characteristics of this coastal city, making it the perfect spot to explore Peru's gentle but fiercely patriotic north. Trujillo is also noted for its colorful colonial architecture, with building painted in bright blues, yellows, reds and oranges. A circular street called Espana encloses the center of town, and most of the fascinating city sites are within this ring. Trujillo is an excellent place to sample ceviche ( a mixture of raw fishes marinated in a lime juice marinade) and other local seafood. On the fringe of Trujillo are the ruins of Chan Chan, possible the world's largest adobe city that was, at one time, home to the Chimu Indian tribe. Nearby Huanchaco Beach is a great spot for surfers, and an outgoing, friendly fishing village. The fisherman still utilize the handmade totora reed boats, called caballitos (little horses) because of the way they are ridden: riders do not sit on the boats, but straddle them on their knees. The design of these curved, peapod-shaped boats has changed little from the craft used by pre-Inca fishing tribes. Further north is Piura, Peru, a hot commercial city best known for its folk dance, the tondero, and the black magic practiced by the descendents of black slaves. The tondero is a lively, barefoot Afro-Peruvian dance accompanied by strong rhythmic music and dancers in multicolored outfids. Many Lima business executives travel to this region every year to consult with the area's brujos - witches, folk healers and fortune tellers.

Destination Guide

Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Learn how to prepare Peruvian dishes in a simple and fun way!
 
First you will enjoy a visit to a local market, where you will see first-hand the immense diversity of the country. Here you will meet your expert Chef.  The chef will show you our amazing variety of vegetables and fruits: many kinds of potatoes, corn of different colors, herbs, lucuma, cherimoya, mangos, etc. Your senses will experience many colors and smells for the first time
 
After this interesting visit, transfer to the cooking class venue. Besides teaching you how to cook Peruvian dishes, your Chef will tell you all about Peruvian gastronomy, its influences of other countries and how we have now one of the most important kitchens of the world. After the class, you will enjoy the dishes you prepared. 
 
Finally, as the Peruvians say, with the belly full and the heart happy, you will return to the ship. 
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours (Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:00 am.

Note : A&K has to be informed in advance in case a guest has a special diet requirement or allergy

 

Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Visit Santo Domingo Convent, the oldest church and convent in Lima. The foundation of the city of Santo Domingo was conceived by a friar named Tomas de San Martin, who later served as the Preceptor Prior to the Dominican Order. As in all convents located between the jirones of Lima and Camana, Santo Domingo is sort of a city within a city and is comprised of a succession of cloisters and yards surrounded by service areas and communal rooms. Both Saint Rose and Saint Martin de Porres are buried in Lima, as is the Spanish Saint San Juan Masias. Construction of the Santo Domingo Convent began in 1540, but it was later modernized into its present neo-classical style in the 18th century. In 1730, the greater, or general, hall was built - a work of art that later became a part of the city's more unified ornamental groups.
The visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest house in the Americas, which has been continuously occupied by 18 generations of the Aliaga family; tour the impressive colonial residence, containing valuable Peruvian art and artifacts.
 
After you leave colonial Lima, you will drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Both are suburbs where the rich and intelligentsia live. There are many large mansions, colonial buildings and fine hotels. Finally, you'll stop at El Parque del Amor for a great ocean view before finishing your tour. After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.

WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
To truly feel the spirit of the city, your tour begins with the Colonial sites of Lima, passing by the Plaza San Martin, the Plaza Mayor with its Cathedral, and the Government Palace. From the historic center, we travel to the Lima of today, including a drive-by of the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Note: The Cathedral and Santo Domingo are open daily; except on Sunday mornings only. Flash photography is not permitted in the Cathedral or the Monastery.

Includes:

• Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao. 
• Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
• Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees.
• Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.

• Tips to drivers and guides.
• Any services not mentioned above.

Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Transfer from the port to the bohemian district of Barranco. Your first stop will be the Osma Museum. The Pedro de Osma Museum exhibits Peruvian artistic pieces from the fifth to the eighteenth century. The artworks from Ancient Peru correspond to the geographic area of the south Andes and belong to the Mr. José Ignacio Lambarri collection. Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures were developed on this territory. The works from the vice regal period consist of paintings, sculptures, furniture and silver works that belonged to the Pedro de Osma Gildemeister collection (1901-1967). Paintings from the eighteenth-century Cuzco school are among the highlighted pieces of the vice regal art collection. This valuable artistic heritage is currently exhibited in the Pedro de Osma house, built in 1906 by his father, the politician and notary Pedro de Osma y Pardo.
 
Then visit Dedalo, a shop and gallery of handcrafted goods and contemporary pieces. You could find some exclusive pieces and handcrafts, accessories, jewelry, furniture, and other whimsical items. Then walk to the wonderful Hotel B to enjoy an afternoon tea. Originally built in the style of the Belle Époque, the mansion served as a seaside retreat during the presidency of Augusto Leguia in the 1920’s.
Then return to the port.

ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 7 Hours 30 minutes (Suggested). This excursion is available depending on the time of arrival.

Note : Flash photography is not permitted in the Osma Museum. 

Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

An awesome journey into the past, today's tour starts with a visit to the archaeological ruins of Pachacamac. This fascinating site takes its name from the Quechua words 'pacha' and 'camac' meaning 'Lord of the World'. It was predominantly a religious place throughout Peru's history and contains a great number of adobe structures that remain today. The most significant of these are the Old Temple, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Moon. From Ancient Peru we then enjoy an experience from the Peru of today, by lunching at one of the nearby haciendas. For lunch the owners of the hacienda join us. They will present an exhibition of their Paso, or Stepping horses, unique to Peru, before returning to Lima.

LUNCH
Pachamanca lunch is served at the Hacienda. Pachamanca is a sort of meat along with potatoes, set potatoes, corn, and fava beans cooked under the ground. The pachamanca is the epitome of the Andean banquet par excellence. Andean cultures tend to mix their worship of nature with social events. Salads are offered as appetizers and typical desserts.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Tours require more substantial level of activity (walking for moderate distances and stair/incline climbing)

DURATION: 8 Hours

Note: This tour is available depending on the time of arrival and departure of the ship.

Lima - Magic Fountains (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
From the port of Callao you head to Lima for a short panoramic drive at night before you reach the Parque de la Reserva. The Parque was originally opened in 1929 to commemorate all the civilian reservists who fought in defence of Lima during the War of the Pacific. It is now one of Lima’s most visited attractions because in 2007 the Magic Water Circuit was inaugurated. The Circuit has the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 distinct fountains which are illuminated at night, with changing colour schemes. A colourful light show, synchronised with Peruvian music makes the fountains sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
 
Easy level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 4 hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00

Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Learn how to prepare Peruvian dishes in a simple and fun way!
 
First you will enjoy a visit to a local market, where you will see first-hand the immense diversity of the country. Here you will meet your expert Chef.  The chef will show you our amazing variety of vegetables and fruits: many kinds of potatoes, corn of different colors, herbs, lucuma, cherimoya, mangos, etc. Your senses will experience many colors and smells for the first time
 
After this interesting visit, transfer to the cooking class venue. Besides teaching you how to cook Peruvian dishes, your Chef will tell you all about Peruvian gastronomy, its influences of other countries and how we have now one of the most important kitchens of the world. After the class, you will enjoy the dishes you prepared. 
 
Finally, as the Peruvians say, with the belly full and the heart happy, you will return to the ship. 
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours (Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:00 am.

Note : A&K has to be informed in advance in case a guest has a special diet requirement or allergy

 

Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Visit Santo Domingo Convent, the oldest church and convent in Lima. The foundation of the city of Santo Domingo was conceived by a friar named Tomas de San Martin, who later served as the Preceptor Prior to the Dominican Order. As in all convents located between the jirones of Lima and Camana, Santo Domingo is sort of a city within a city and is comprised of a succession of cloisters and yards surrounded by service areas and communal rooms. Both Saint Rose and Saint Martin de Porres are buried in Lima, as is the Spanish Saint San Juan Masias. Construction of the Santo Domingo Convent began in 1540, but it was later modernized into its present neo-classical style in the 18th century. In 1730, the greater, or general, hall was built - a work of art that later became a part of the city's more unified ornamental groups.
The visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest house in the Americas, which has been continuously occupied by 18 generations of the Aliaga family; tour the impressive colonial residence, containing valuable Peruvian art and artifacts.
 
After you leave colonial Lima, you will drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Both are suburbs where the rich and intelligentsia live. There are many large mansions, colonial buildings and fine hotels. Finally, you'll stop at El Parque del Amor for a great ocean view before finishing your tour. After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.

WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
To truly feel the spirit of the city, your tour begins with the Colonial sites of Lima, passing by the Plaza San Martin, the Plaza Mayor with its Cathedral, and the Government Palace. From the historic center, we travel to the Lima of today, including a drive-by of the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Note: The Cathedral and Santo Domingo are open daily; except on Sunday mornings only. Flash photography is not permitted in the Cathedral or the Monastery.

Includes:

• Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao. 
• Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
• Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees.
• Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.

• Tips to drivers and guides.
• Any services not mentioned above.

Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Transfer from the port to the bohemian district of Barranco. Your first stop will be the Osma Museum. The Pedro de Osma Museum exhibits Peruvian artistic pieces from the fifth to the eighteenth century. The artworks from Ancient Peru correspond to the geographic area of the south Andes and belong to the Mr. José Ignacio Lambarri collection. Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures were developed on this territory. The works from the vice regal period consist of paintings, sculptures, furniture and silver works that belonged to the Pedro de Osma Gildemeister collection (1901-1967). Paintings from the eighteenth-century Cuzco school are among the highlighted pieces of the vice regal art collection. This valuable artistic heritage is currently exhibited in the Pedro de Osma house, built in 1906 by his father, the politician and notary Pedro de Osma y Pardo.
 
Then visit Dedalo, a shop and gallery of handcrafted goods and contemporary pieces. You could find some exclusive pieces and handcrafts, accessories, jewelry, furniture, and other whimsical items. Then walk to the wonderful Hotel B to enjoy an afternoon tea. Originally built in the style of the Belle Époque, the mansion served as a seaside retreat during the presidency of Augusto Leguia in the 1920’s.
Then return to the port.

ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 7 Hours 30 minutes (Suggested). This excursion is available depending on the time of arrival.

Note : Flash photography is not permitted in the Osma Museum. 

Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

An awesome journey into the past, today's tour starts with a visit to the archaeological ruins of Pachacamac. This fascinating site takes its name from the Quechua words 'pacha' and 'camac' meaning 'Lord of the World'. It was predominantly a religious place throughout Peru's history and contains a great number of adobe structures that remain today. The most significant of these are the Old Temple, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Moon. From Ancient Peru we then enjoy an experience from the Peru of today, by lunching at one of the nearby haciendas. For lunch the owners of the hacienda join us. They will present an exhibition of their Paso, or Stepping horses, unique to Peru, before returning to Lima.

LUNCH
Pachamanca lunch is served at the Hacienda. Pachamanca is a sort of meat along with potatoes, set potatoes, corn, and fava beans cooked under the ground. The pachamanca is the epitome of the Andean banquet par excellence. Andean cultures tend to mix their worship of nature with social events. Salads are offered as appetizers and typical desserts.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Tours require more substantial level of activity (walking for moderate distances and stair/incline climbing)

DURATION: 8 Hours

Note: This tour is available depending on the time of arrival and departure of the ship.

Lima - Magic Fountains (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
From the port of Callao you head to Lima for a short panoramic drive at night before you reach the Parque de la Reserva. The Parque was originally opened in 1929 to commemorate all the civilian reservists who fought in defence of Lima during the War of the Pacific. It is now one of Lima’s most visited attractions because in 2007 the Magic Water Circuit was inaugurated. The Circuit has the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 distinct fountains which are illuminated at night, with changing colour schemes. A colourful light show, synchronised with Peruvian music makes the fountains sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
 
Easy level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 4 hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00

The deep-water General San Martin (Puerto General San Martín) is the largest port between Callao and Matarani, 237 km. south of Lima. Fifteen kilometres down the coast from General San Martin is the bay of Paracas, sheltered by the Paracas peninsula. The peninsula, a large area of coast to the south and the Ballestas Islands are a National Reserve, being one of the best marine reserves, with the highest concentration of marine birds, in the world. From here you can visit the Nazca Lines and Regional Museum of Ica, the Huacachina Lagoon and Ballestas Island.

Iquique is dominated mainly by the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean. Its beautiful beaches, warm weather, varied landscape and exciting social activities make Iquique a desired destination. Probably the most visited attraction in Iquique are the giant geoglyphs in the area. In the main plaza in town, visitors can wonder through beautiful gardens, the clock tower and stop in a naval heroes of the War of the Pacific museum. For those interested in shopping, there is Zofri Shopping Mall, the Iquique Free Trade Zone's retail sales shopping center, where shoppers will find an extraordinary variety of imported products sold free from taxes.

Destination Guide

Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center, (Tahiti and Chile), making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific - it is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui.

Destination Guide

Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center, (Tahiti and Chile), making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific - it is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui.

Destination Guide

Atop a green peak bordering the bay at Nuka Hiva is a statue of Virgin Mary (984 ft above sea level). In the valley is the Naniuhi "tahua", a meeting place for pre-Christian Marquesans, including a dance platform, ceremonial stones and petroglyphs carved in boulders. Taipivai Valley has numerous waterfalls, a long river and one of the best preserved archeological sites in the Marquesas including several tiki. Anaho Bay and its golden sand beach has great swimming and is one of the loveliest spots in the Marquesas with only six families living in the valley. Don’t miss the sculptures of Taiohae. They are unquestionably the most skilled wood and coconut craftspeople in French Polynesia. Taiohae is a pleasant village bordering the sea with French and Territorial administrators, government buildings, gendarmerie, post office, general hospital, town hall, Air Tahiti office, and well-stocked stores and shops. It lies on the south coast at the head of the Bay of Taiohae whose entrance is guarded by two rocks called "Les Sentinelles" Motu Nui to the west and Matauapuna to the East.

Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests. The town of Atuona is the administrative center for the southern Marquesas. Framed in a theater of mountains with the Bay of Traitors providing safe anchorage, Atuona is a favorite port of call for yachts and copra ships. Atuona has a gendarmerie, small hospital, post office, banks, weather station, Ait Tahiti office, pensions, restaurants and snack bars, stores and chops, telephones and TV. There is a Catholic mission with a boarding school and a Protestant church. A path up the cliffs behind the village leads to Calvary Cemetery - the site of simple graves of two men who chose the Marquesas as their final home and resting place, the French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel.

An hour and a half flight from Papeete, rectangular-shaped Fakarava is a charming village, home to most of the atoll's 248 inhabitants. The only other - sort of - settlement (10 people ) is on Tetamanu Motu Islet located opposite the lagoon next to the smaller but prettier pass. Fakarava's immense lagoon has several black pearl farms, idyllic white sand beaches and is peppered with small islands, homes to many breeds of nesting birds oblivious to visitors.

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Destination Guide

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Destination Guide