Lima’s UNESCO treasures

Start your adventure in Lima, 'The City of Kings'

An exciting cocktail of cosmopolitan cool and ancient heritage, Lima is the perfect city to begin your Machu Picchu, Patagonia and Antarctica adventure. See colourful murals, bustling cafés and contemporary art museums in the bright, bohemian area of Barranco. 

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

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

Visit the Sillustani tombs

Fly to Juliaca and visit the Sillustani tombs

Your day starts with a flight to Juliaca. Once you arrive, we’ll take you to the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca burial place that’s surrounded by Lake Umayo, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour. 

The tombs or chullas are tower-like structures built above ground by the ancient Colla people, some as tall as 39 feet and big enough to hold entire families. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the shores of the lake in this peaceful and enigmatic place. 

After exploring this archaeological marvel, you’ll continue on to your hotel in Puno on the banks for Lake Titicaca - your home for the next two nights.

The Uro people of Lake Titicaca

See handwoven islands in South America's largest lake 

The sheer beauty of Lake Titicaca will amaze you. You'll visit the rural community of Llachón, which has spectacular views over the lake. You’ll enjoy a guided kayaking tour on the peaceful, deep blue waters. You’ll also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a typical lunch.  

Next, we'll go on a boat tour to reach the Uro people on their floating islands, shimmering golden in the sun. These otherworldly islands are woven from the reeds that grow in the lake. 

At the end of the day, relax and reflect back at your hotel in Puno.

The Altiplano Path

Cross the awe-inspiring Andean Plateau

Enjoy an unforgettable journey across the Northern Andean Plateau, or the Altiplano as it's known to the locals.  

 The Altiplano is one of the world’s largest high plateaus and it sits at over 12,000 ft above sea level. The vast plateau extends into Bolivia, northern Peru and southern Chile. During this full day of adventure, you’ll pass through breathtaking scenery and be awed by the imposing Andes.  

You’ll see the famous Pucara bulls perched on rooftops, enjoy lunch by the ancient rock formations of Tinajani, watch for wild llamas and alpacas on La Raya Pass, and marvel at the 15th century archaeological complex of Raqch'i. 

Your journey ends with a comfortable overnight stay in Cusco.

Mystical Machu Picchu

Discover the Lost City of the Incas

You’ll start your day with a transfer to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we’ll board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, enjoying brunch while the breathtaking Andean scenery rolls past. 

Estimated to have been 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. Enjoy the trails around the ruins, admire the precision Inca stonework and maybe meet some of the friendly resident llamas. 

After your day’s adventure, we’ll head to Cusco for relaxing overnight stay.

Imperial Cusco

Explore the centre of the Inca Empire

Enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, the Imperial City and archaeological capital of South America.  

Admire some of the finest examples of Inca history and architecture, like the Santo Domingo church, which was built on the Inca temple of Koricancha, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress, a 15th century ceremonial compound that boasts panoramic views of the city. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Museo Sulca Textiles museum and a stop at the main square to admire the stunning cathedral that dates back to Spanish colonial times. 

You’ll then transfer to the airport and fly to Lima where you’ll enjoy a relaxing overnight stay.

Ancient and modern Lima

Discover Lima before greeting your ship

We’ll cover Lima’s extraordinary blend of ancient and modern on today’s guided panoramic bus tour.  

As well as the colonial architecture of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, we’ll visit the sacred Inca pyramid of Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores and some of Lima’s most beautiful parks, like El Parque del Amor, the Park of Love. We’ll also visit the fascinating Museo Larco museum which holds the best private collection of Pre-Columbian art in the country. 

Late afternoon, you’ll transfer to Callao where your expedition ship will be ready and waiting. Take time to locate your cabin, explore the ship and meet your Expedition Team.

Ballestas and Nazca

Discover extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteries

Among Peru's most notable attractions are the Nazca Lines and the Ballestas Islands, and both are accessible from Paracas.  

Known as El Chaco, the town has an array of restaurants along the main shorefront where you can enjoy traditional jalea – fried seafood with salsa criolla and yuca root. Just offshore are the wildlife rich Ballestas Islands. On today’s boat tour, look out for Humboldt Penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca Terns and humpback whales as you cruise around the islands.  

Otherwise, explore the Paracas National Reserve, with its otherworldly yellow sand dunes and red beaches, or fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines etched in the Peruvian coastal desert – an experience that’s on many people’s bucket list.

Clear skies, cool climate

Rich marine life produced by the Humboldt Current

As we cruise towards Chile, we'll sail through the Humboldt Current. The cold-water environment here creates conditions that sustain an incredible abundance of marine life, including vast shoals of anchovies, mackerel and sardines. Your Expedition Team will tell you more about the Humboldt Current’s importance to the marine ecosystem. 

Visit the Science Center to find out more. Your Expedition Team will tell you more about its importance and impact on the marine ecosystem. 

You’ll also have plenty of time to relax in the heated infinity pool, go for a run on the outdoor running track, and take in the stunning views and stimulating breezes you’ll find on deck.

Sunny Arica

Enjoy Arica's hikes, history and local food

Arica experiences 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. 

On the lively streets Calle 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi you can try local treats and peruse the El Agro market. Take a 15-minute hike up the remarkable El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel. 

You can see mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archaeological museum, or stretch your legs on a trek along Playa Corazones or exploring the Caves of Anzota.

Iquique and the Atacama

Discover the history of UNESCO-listed Humberstone

Our cruise continues to bustling Iquique, a flat city of promenades lined with palm trees.  

We’ll visit the abandoned saltpetre mining towns of Santa Laura and UNESCO-listed Humberstone in the arid Atacama Desert. Back in Iquique, explore this smart ocean-side city on foot, or just pull up a chair in a café and watch the people.  

While you’re there, enjoy a delicious coffee or a traditional mango sour and chumbeque, a beloved regional sweet. Or pay a visit to La Esmeralda, a 19th century four-masted, corvette that has historical significance.

Relax at sea

Pamper yourself at sea

Your expedition cruise down South America's Pacific coast today sails towards La Serena in Chile.  

Take time to enjoy a day at sea with a little pampering at the wellness area. Choose a massage or a skin-scrubbing treatment to feel fully revitalised for the final leg of your adventure.  

 Of course, the Expedition Team will continue to deliver insightful lectures in the Science Center, and you can delve into the books in the onboard library if you want to learn more about a particular subject.

Stunning La Serena

Explore the 'City of Churches' and Serena Beach

Docking at the port of Coquimbo, we’ll head to Chile’s second oldest city, La Serena. 

La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches all along Avenida del Mar and beyond. Bursting with colonial architecture, there are around 30 carefully restored stone churches to discover, and you can visit the Archaeological Museum to marvel at pre-colonial artifacts.  

Take a stroll through the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for handicrafts at La Recova market. Down the discreet lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda you’ll find relaxed cafés and eateries. Before boarding the ship, leave some time to explore Coquimbo.

Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem

Discover Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific'

Built on steep hillsides overlooking a picturesque bay, Valparaíso is a maze of monuments, churches, historical funicular lifts, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and charming plazas. Cerros Alegre and Concepción have the best views, while the UNESCO-listed historic port district boasts 19th century architecture, bustling mercados, and the maritime and modern art museums. 

Take time to admire the architecture and spot ships in the nearby port, then head into the Concepción Hills for panoramic viewpoints, trendy cafés, and a maze of narrow streets. Baburizza Palace, near Paseo Yugoslavo, is home to the Valparaíso Fine Arts Museum, as well as a string of eateries.

Preparing for adventure

Get into expedition mode

Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during the next stage of our journey.  

Drop in on the Expedition Team’s fascinating lectures on topics such as oceanography, geology, ornithology and history, as well as hands-on presentations in the Science Center. 

Grab a pair of binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities, and spoil yourself with a spa treatment in the wellness area, or enjoy the infinity pool, hot tubs, running track, sauna and gym.

Castro's Chilotan charm

See stilt houses and historic churches 

Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. 

From various vantage points you can get great views of the city’s colourful palafitos, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For some culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. 

Bring your binoculars as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean Flamingos, along with penguins, Black-necked Swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes.

Sailing south

Relax at sea

We continue our adventure, setting course for Puerto Natales. As we pass quietly through the beautiful islands of Aysén, you’ll be able to enjoy a rare opportunity – time out to reconnect with nature. Enjoy the fresh sea air as we glide past untouched isles and green mountains, looking out for rare wildlife.  

Take it all in from the deck, the outdoor hot tub, or the panoramic Explorer Lounge & Bar. Your Expedition Team continues its programme of lectures in the Science Center, offering fascinating insights into the places and animals you’ll see on your journey.

Bohemian Puerto Natales

Gateway to Torres del Paine

We’ll sail into Puerto Natales through the White Narrows. Head out on deck to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent as your Captain skilfully navigates the ship through these famed channels.  

You can choose to see the Torres del Paine National Park on either a bus or hiking tour – both incredible experiences well worth doing. 

The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean Condor. 

Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travellers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. You can set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike; enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery; or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

We’ll depart Puerto Natales in the morning as the tides and currents allow, sailing through the White Narrows again.  

Exploring Chile's fjords

Witness scenic landscapes filled with wildlife

Your journey south along the Chilean coast takes you through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife. 

Whether cruising aboard our small expedition boats or just out on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic Penguins elephant seals and various species of whale. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coast.

Rounding Cape Horn

Attempted landing at Cape Horn

After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often has challenging conditions, but if weather allows, we'll attempt to land there. 

From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible. 

In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica’s fauna, history and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects.

Antarctica: another world

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins court while Adélie Penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge. 

You’ll spend an exciting four days busily exploring several possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling. 

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a thrilling viewpoint. 

Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.

Sailing towards Ushuaia

Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina

After four incredible days in Antarctica, we sail back across the Drake Passage towards warmer weather in Argentina, giving you two days to enjoy life on board. There are plenty of things to do. 

During your last few days at sea, you can take part in art workshops, or perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get active in the gym or admire the views from the panoramic sauna. Relax in the outdoor pool or soak in the on-deck hot tubs. 

Visit the Science Center and find out more about the things you've seen or use the time to sort through your photos and get editing tips from our onboard photographer.

Ushuaia and Buenos Aires

From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure. 

Why not join one of our optional Post-Programmes before heading home.