Ocean Cruise & Mountain Views - South America Explorer

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 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.

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.

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. Your included activity is 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rich marine life produced by the Humboldt Current

As we cruise towards Chile, we'll sail through the Humboldt Current. The cold-water climate 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.

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.

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.

Pamper yourself on this final day at sea

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

Take time to enjoy one of your final days 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.

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 classical 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 is the glorious finale to your expedition

Your South American Pacific coast expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', this UNESCO-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. It's well worth spending time exploring before you fly home.

Filled with intriguing, impressions, 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.

Although your cruise has come to an end, if you're up for more adventures you can join an optional Post-Programme.