Pacific Coast Gems And Sacred Valley Treasures

Discover Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific' 

Your expedition ship MS Fram awaits you in Valparaíso - nicknamed the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built onto steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it's well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city. 

Filled with intriguing, impressions, it's an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Why not take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. 

If you'd like to explore more of Valparaíso, you can join one of our optional Pre-Programmes. 

After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, locate your cabin and explore the ship before enjoying the first of many delicious meals on board.  

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 the 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. 

Recharge and learn on board 

Enjoy the serenity of this day at sea, relaxing and admiring the scenery from the Observation Deck or over in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.   

Throughout your journey, your Expedition Team will be presenting lectures in the Science Center to share their extensive knowledge of the region with you. Topics could include periods of pre-Columbian history, the geology of the surrounding mountains and islands, the folklore of local communities, and so on. But not all lectures are confined to indoors. If the ship attracts seabirds who come to fly alongside us, the Expedition Team might also help you spot and identify them out on deck. 

Discover the history of UNESCO-listed Humberstone 

Your South American expedition cruise reaches bustling Iquique, a city whose streets are lined with palm trees.  

You can 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 the beach, and surfers riding rolling waves on the other. Baquedano Street showcases 19th century Georgian architecture, while in the centre of old town at Plaza Arturo Prat, you can admire historical monuments like the Astoreca Palace and Torre del Reloj. 

Enjoy Arica's history and try the 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 while exploring the Caves of Anzota. 

Going with the Humboldt Current flow 

As we sail further north toward Peru, 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. The Expedition Team will tell you more about the Humboldt Current's importance to the marine ecosystem. 

You'll have plenty of time for leisure as we spend the day at sea. You could relax in a hot tub or in the sauna, exercise in the gym, and take in the stunning views and stimulating breezes out on deck. 

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 isles.      

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

Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley 

After a week cruising the Pacific coast, we arrive in Callao around noon. Here we'll say goodbye to the expedition ship and embark on the next exciting stage of our South American adventure. 

From Lima, we fly to beautiful Cusco, the old capital of the Incas, which is situated at around 11,100 feet above sea level. While you're in the so-called Imperial City, you'll be able to see some its most historical monuments, like the Santa Domingo church and the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Seek out the famed 12-angled stone just off the city plaza. 

Your day ends with an overnight in Cusco, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night before your visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow. 

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 the day's adventures, we'll head back to Cusco for another relaxing overnight stay. 

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 high plateaus and it sits at over 12,000 ft above sea level. The vast plain 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. There will be many opportunities to photograph this remarkable landscape and you'll enjoy a picnic lunch en route. 

At the end of your journey, you can rest and get ready for Lake Titicaca with a comfortable overnight stay in Puno.  

See handwoven islands on 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 accompanying 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 aquatic villages 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. 

Visit the Sillustani tombs and fly to Lima 

Before heading to the airport to catch your flight to Lima, there'll be time to stop at the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca burial place that's surrounded by Lake Umayo.  

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, we'll continue to the local airport for our flight to Lima. Once we arrive in Lima, your local guide will transfer you to your hotel and you can enjoy the evening at your leisure. 

Your expedition ends in Peru's historic capital 

Your expedition by land and sea 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 showcase 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. It's the perfect note on which to end your adventure.