Lima’s UNESCO treasures

Your adventure starts in Lima, ‘The City of Kings’.

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

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

Known as the food capital of South America, you have a range of choices at your fingertips, from specialty restaurants to can’t-miss street food. We recommend trying ceviche, Peru’s national dish. It is fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onion, and chili.

Visit the Sillustani tombs

Fly to Juliaca and visit the Sillustani tombs

Your day starts with a flight to Juliaca. Once there, we will take you on a guided tour of the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca burial place overlooking Lake Umayo.

The tombs (also called chullas) are tower-like structures built 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 mysterious place.

After exploring this archeological marvel, continue to your hotel in Puno, on the banks for Lake Titicaca. This will be your home for the next two nights.

Uru community at Lake Titicaca

See handwoven islands in South America’s largest lake

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

Then we will take a boat tour to reach the Uro people on their floating islands, which shimmer 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 at your hotel in Puno.

Altiplano Path

Cross the awe-inspiring Andean Plateau

Enjoy an unforgettable journey by bus across the Northern Andean Plateau – or the Altiplano, as it’s known.

The Altiplano is one of the world’s largest and highest plateaus, sitting 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 Raqch’i archeological complex.

Your journey ends with a comfortable overnight stay in Cusco.

Mystical Machu Picchu

Discover the Lost City of the Incas

Start your day with a transfer to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we 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, rediscovered only in 1911. The Incas left no written records, so mystery surrounds this magnificent stronghold. Enjoy the trails around the ruins, admire the precise Inca stonework, and meet some of the friendly resident llamas.

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

Imperial Cusco

Explore the center of the Inca Empire

Enjoy a guided tour of the Imperial City of Cusco, an archeological reference point in South America.

You can admire some of the finest examples of Inca history and architecture here. These include the Santo Domingo church, built over the Inca temple of Koricancha, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress, a 15th-century ceremonial compound featuring 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 colonial times.

You will then catch a transfer to the airport and fly to Lima for a relaxing overnight stay.

Ancient and modern Lima

Discover Lima before greeting your ship

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

We’ll see the colonial architecture of the UNESCO-listed historic center and visit the sacred Inca pyramid of Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores. We will also see 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.

In the late afternoon, you will catch a transfer to Callao, where your expedition ship will be ready and waiting. Take time to locate your cabin, explore the ship, and meet the 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, both of which 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 (Creole sauce) and yuca root. Just offshore are the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. On today’s boat tour, look for Humboldt penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca terns, and humpback whales as you cruise around the islands.

You can also explore the Paracas National Reserve, with its otherworldly yellow sand dunes and red beaches. Another option is to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, etched in the Peruvian coastal desert – an experience on many people’s bucket lists.

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

Sunny Arica

Enjoy Arica’s hikes, history, and cuisine

Arica experiences a year-round desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world, unusual for a place by the ocean. 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.

See mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archeological museum. You could also stretch your legs on a trek along Playa Corazones or explore the Caves of Anzota.

Iquique and the Atacama Desert

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 saltpeter mining towns of Santa Laura and UNESCO-listed Humberstone in the arid Atacama Desert. Back in Iquique, explore this cosmopolitan oceanside city on foot, or simply pull up a chair in a café and do some people watching.

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

Relax at sea

Pamper yourself at sea

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

Enjoy a day at sea with a little pampering at the wellness area. Indulge in a massage or a skin-scrubbing treatment and feel fully revitalized for the final leg of your adventure.

Of course, the Expedition Team will continue to deliver insightful lectures in the Science Center. You can also 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. Visit the Archeological Museum to marvel at pre-colonial artifacts.

Take a stroll through the city’s manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón. You can also shop for handicrafts at La Recova market. Down the picturesque 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 cable cars, cobblestone alleys, colorful houses, and charming plazas. Cerros Alegre and Concepción are known to 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 hills of Concepción 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

Enter 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 about topics such as oceanography, geology, ornithology, and history, as well as hands-on presentations in the Science Center.

Grab a pair of binoculars and look for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of the onboard facilities and spoil yourself with a spa treatment in the wellness area. You can also 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 Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.

From various vantage points, enjoy great views of the city’s colorful ‘palafitos’, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For a bit of 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 as we head to Puerto Edén

We continue our adventure by setting course for Puerto Natales. As we pass quietly through the beautiful islands of Aysén, you can enjoy a rare opportunity 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 will continue its lecture program 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 are incredible experiences and well worth your time.

Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travelers and has 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 Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

We’ll depart Puerto Natales in the morning as the tides and currents allow and sail 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 island chains that make up the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.

Whether cruising aboard our small boats (RIBs) or on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and various whale species. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coastline.

Rounding Cape Horn

Landing attempt at Cape Horn

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

From here, we’ll navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica. En route, we will prepare you for what lies ahead and show you how to make your visit as safe and 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.

During the next four days, you’ll be busy exploring several possible landing sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

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

Bird enthusiasts should look skyward 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 toward Ushuaia

Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina

After four incredible days in Antarctica, we sail back across the Drake Passage toward 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 enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get moving at the gym or admire 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

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.

We recommend signing up for one of our optional Post-Programs before heading home.