Machu Picchu, Inca History & Highlights of South America

Start your adventure in style in 'The City of Kings'

An exciting cocktail of cosmopolitan cool and ancient heritage, Lima is the perfect city to explore. See colourful murals, bustling cafés and contemporary art museums in the bright, bohemian area of Barranco.

Wander round the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, packed with colonial architecture like Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. For a look even further back in time, visit the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca.

And of course, you must try the food. Ceviche, fresh fish marinated in tangy lime, is a particular highlight.

The enigmatic city of the Incas

In the morning, you'll fly from Lima to the mystical former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco. We'll 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 masonry!

We'll end the day at the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for a tasty dinner and a good night's sleep.

Discover the Lost City of the Incas

Start your day in Ollantaytambo, a fascinating Inca town in the Sacred Valley. Then board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, passing breathtaking Andean scenery while you enjoy a delicious lunch.

Machu Picchu was built around 1450 and abandoned at the time of the Spanish conquest. It was hidden by jungle for centuries, only to be rediscovered in 1911. As the Incas left no written records, mystery still surrounds this magnificent Incan stronghold.

As you enjoy trails around Machu Picchu, admire the precision of Incan stonework and maybe meet the friendly local llamas. After a day at one of the world's truly special destinations, the train will take you back to the lovely Tambo del Inka Resort.

Explore the centre of the Incan Empire

After breakfast, we'll head to the splendid Baroque style Cusco Cathedral, built with stones looted from the nearby Sacsayhuamán fortress.

In Koricancha, admire the lovely Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo that was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It houses a curved, mortar-less masonry wall, considered to be one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework.

We transfer to the airport and fly to Lima. Once there, we head to Callao where your expedition ship is docked, waiting to welcome you to the next part of your expedition.

See the Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands' wildlife

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

It's an incredible opportunity to see the amazing geoglyphs and animal etchings at Nazca in Pisco Valley for yourself. A boat tour of the Ballestas Islands is a must for wildlife lovers – you may spot Humboldt penguins, turtles, pelicans, humpback whales, and so much more.

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

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 from the comfortable Explorer Lounge.

Your Expedition Team will be in the Science Center, sharing their expertise on the region with you. They might discuss pre-Columbian history, the geology and wildlife of the surrounding areas or maybe local folklore.

If feathered friends accompany us, we may venture out on deck to spot and identify them. Our photographer will be on site to help you capture the best images as our adventure continues.

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.

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.

Enter full relaxation mode

Your South American cruise is nearing an end, so grasp this opportunity to really make the most of your ship. Enjoy a dip in a hot tub or perhaps you'd rather work out in the gym or get a relaxing massage in the spa. The Expedition Team will recap the highlights from your adventure and answer any questions. Maybe join an art workshop if you'd like to express your adventures creatively.

Or just relax and spend time with newfound friends in the Explorer Lounge, watching the sunset together and sharing memories over a favourite drink.

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.

Valparaíso is the glorious finale to your expedition

Your South American expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it's well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city before you fly home.

Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding 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.

And if you're up for more adventures, you can join one of our optional Post-Programmes, including a tour to Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its mysterious statues in Rapa Nui National Park.