Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem

Valparaíso truly is the 'Jewel of the Pacific'

Your South American Pacific Coast expedition cruise begins in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, you'll love discovering this UNESCO-listed city.

Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. You can explore more of the region on one of our optional Pre-Programmes. Visit the Atacama Desert, Santiago de Chile or the Maipo Valley vineyards before joining your expedition ship.

Stunning La Serena

Explore the 'City of Churches' and Serena Beach

Perched on ocean terraces, La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches all along Avenida del Mar and beyond. Chile’s second oldest city is full of classical architecture; discover some of the 30 or so carefully restored stone churches.

Visit the Archaeological Museum which houses pre-colonial artefacts. Then head down the discreet lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda to find relaxed cafés and eateries.

You can also take a stroll through the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for crafts at Recova Market.

A day at sea

Recharge and learn on board

It's time to unwind with a relaxing day at sea. Admire the ever-changing scenery from the observation deck or comfortable Explorer Lounge.

Throughout the expedition, you Expedition Team will be in the Science Center, sharing their extensive knowledge of the region. Topics could include pre-Columbian history, the geology and wildlife of the surrounding areas or maybe local folklore.

Of course, not all lectures happen indoors. If seabirds follow our ship, the Expedition Team can help you spot and identify them out on deck.

Iquique and the Atacama

Discover the history of UNESCO-listed Humberstone

Your South American expedition cruise reaches bustling Iquique, one of Chile's premier beach resorts, lined with palm trees. Visit the abandoned saltpetre mining town of Humberstone in the Atacama Desert, a UNESCO site with history you can literally walk through.

Back in Iquique, head to the boardwalk along Playa Cavancha. Admire the city skyline on one side of Iquique Beach and the surfers on the other. Baquedano Street showcases 19th century Georgian architecture. In the centre of old town at Plaza Arturo Prat, admire historical monuments like Astoreca Palace and Torre del Reloj.

Sunny Arica

Enjoy Arica's hikes, history and local food

Arica enjoys a constant desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world, unusual for a place by the sea. No wonder the city is popular with sunbathers and surfers.

Lively Calles 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi are fun to explore, and you can try local treats at El Agro market. Take a 15-minute hike up El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Visit mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archeological museum, stretch your legs on a trek of Playa Corazones or explore the Caves of Anzota. Or you can join our optional excursion to see the geolyphs in Lluta Valley and Lauca National Park.

Fresh salt air

Sailing along the Humboldt Current

As we sail south towards Chile, make sure you take full advantage of your expedition ship's fantastic facilities. Enjoy great views as you work out in the well-equipped gym, relax in the sauna or soak in the outdoor hot tubs.

The expert Expedition Team will continue their inspiring lectures, while we keep an eye on the rich waters we sail through. They're part of the cold water Humboldt Current, home to vast shoals of sardines, anchovies and mackerel.

Ballestas and Nazca

Discover extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteries

Today, you'll be able to join excursions from Paracas to two of Peru's most famous attractions – the mysterious Nazca Lines and wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands.

On our included boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, you'll spot Humboldt penguins, turtles, pelicans, humpback whales, and so much more. You can also see the amazing geoglyphs and animal etchings at Nazca in Pisco Valley on an optional trip.

At the nearby Paracas National Reserve, walk among archaelogical cultural sites along the Martian-like yellow dunes and red beaches, and look out for Andean condors and Chilean flamingos.

From Callao to Cusco

Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley

After more than a week cruising the Pacific Coast, we arrive in Callao around noon. Here you'll say goodbye to your expedition ship and embark on the next exciting stage of your South American adventure – Machu Picchu.

A transfer will take us to Lima airport where we'll fly inland to Cusco – the old capital of the Inca Empire, which sits 3,400 metres above sea level.

Once we've arrived, we'll head to the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley. Here we'll enjoy a relaxing dinner and stay the night, ready for our journey to Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Mystical Machu Picchu

Discover the Lost City of the Incas

Our day begins in historic Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where we'll visit the rose-coloured fortress built by Emperor Pachacuti and Inca ruins. Then we’ll board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, enjoying brunch while the breathtaking Andean scenery passes by.

Built around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. It was hidden by jungle for centuries, and only rediscovered in 1911. The Incas left no written records, so mystery surrounds this magnificent stronghold.

You’ll enjoy the trails around the city, admire the precision Incan stonework and maybe meet friendly local llamas. After a day at one of the world's truly special destinations, you'll return by train to the comfort of the Tambo del Inka Resort for the night.

Cusco, city of the Incas

Heart of the Incan empire

After breakfast, we head back to Cusco to visit Sacsayhuamán, a fortress and temple complex overlooking the city. From here, the views of Cusco and the sacred Inca summits of Ausangate, Pachatusán and Cinca are glorious.

The enormous stones used to build Sacsayhuamán fit together entirely without mortar, and so closely that not even a blade of grass can slip between them, a true feat of Incan masonry.

After taking in the splendid Baroque style Cusco Cathedral and enjoying lunch, we'll fly to Lima, where you can enjoy Peru's capital at your leisure. We recommend heading to the lively neighbourhood of Barranco for bars and restaurants.

Lima's UNESCO treasures

Your expedition ends in Peru's historic capital

Our expedition ends in Lima, once known as 'The City of Kings'. It's well worth taking a day or two to explore this exciting city.

Lima's historical centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You'll also see Lima's Incan heritage in the ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca.

Known as the food capital of South America, choose from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli, before you leave.