Lake Titicaca, Ancient History & Highlights of South America

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

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

Wander the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, packed with Spanish architecture like the San Francisco Monastery and the buildings surrounding Plaza Mayor. To see its Incan heritage, visit the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca.

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

Visit the mysterious 'Gate of the Gods'

Our day begins with a flight from Lima to Juliaca. From here it's a scenic one-hour drive to Puno. Your hotel for the next two days is located right on the shore of lovely Lake Titicaca. You'll enjoy lunch here before we visit Chucuito and Amaru Muru.

See Chucuito's 16th century colonial churches, Santo Domingo and Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the ancient solar clock. When here, check out the Inca Uyo, with its 86 phallic granite statues, the remains of an ancient fertility temple.

Mysterious Aramu Muru, or the Gate of the Gods, is an ancient T-shaped doorway carved into solid rock. According to locals also a site for extra-terrestrial or paranormal activity.

See hand woven islands in South America's largest lake

At 920 feet deep and 89,340 square feet in size, Lake Titicaca is a true marvel. We'll reach the floating islands of the Uros on our small expedition boats, shimmering golden in the sun. These incredible islands are handmade and woven from the reeds that grow in the lake.

Next you'll visit the rural community of Llachón, with spectacular views over the lake. Your included activity is a guided kayaking tour of the peaceful, deep blue waters. Try to spot some of the 60 species of bird, 14 native fish species and 18 types of amphibian. You’ll also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a typical lunch.

Your expedition ship awaits you in historic Lima

We'll say goodbye to Puno and head back to the airport, but not before stopping at Sillustani tombs, a pre-Incan cemetery. These tombs or chullas were built as tall as 39 feet, to hold the entire families of its society's elite.

On arrival in Lima, it's time to board your hybrid-powered expedition ship. Settle in and explore the ship. Later, you'll meet the Expedition Team who'll be your expert guides on this trip, as we set sail for more historical and cultural adventures.

Discover extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteries

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

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 archeological cultural sites along the Martian-like yellow dunes and red beaches, and look out for Andean condors and Chilean flamingos.

Sailing along the Humboldt Current

As we sail south towards Chile, make sure you take full advantage of your expedition ship's fantastic facilities. Enjoy great views as you work out in the well-equipped gyms and outdoor running track, or look out to sea from the heated outdoor infinity pool.

The expert Expedition Team will continue their inspiring lectures, while we keep an eye on the rich waters we sail through. They're part of the cold water Humboldt Current, home to vast shoals of sardines, anchovies and mackerel.

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 saltpeter 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.

Relax and unwind with a day at sea

After the last couple of day packed full of adventure, a day relaxing on board is the perfect opportunity to rest and recharge.

Enjoy a lecture from your Expedition Team in the Science Center, as they talk about the sights you've seen and the regions you've explored. Or contribute whale or cloud sightings as part of our Citizen Science projects.

Seabirds often like to follow the ship, so if you head out on deck, you can try to spot and identify them. A photographer will also be on hand to help you capture the best images as your journey continues.

Explore the 'City of Churches' and Serena Beach

You'll recognize La Serena by its long, picture-perfect beaches. Perched on ocean terraces, Chile's second oldest city is full of classic architecture, including beautifully restored stone churches.

Enjoy a visit to the Archoelogical Museum, where you'll see pre-colonial artifacts from the Diaguita and Molle cultures, as well as a statue from Easter Island.

Admire the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for lapis lazuli and handicrafts at Recova Market. Then sit back and relax at the cafés and eateries in the hidden lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda.

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'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, you'll love discovering this UNESCO-listed city.

Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colorful 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 an optional Post-Program to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads in Rapa Nui National Park.