Machu Picchu, Inca History & Highlights of South America


from$ 7527 AUD



Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.

Ship
Hurtigruten Ships
City
Lima to Valparaíso


Overview

Journey to Machu Picchu and beyond on this definitive South American tour Rich Incan history Remnants of a long-lost Inca civilisation are all around. Explore the cliff-carved royal estate at Ollantaytambo and bask in glorious views from Sacsayhuamán fortress. The luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train will take you in style to the ruins of the spectacular Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Vibrant cities From cosmopolitan charm and innovative Peruvian cuisine to La Serena's colonial churches and the history and beaches of Arica, this tour encompasses the true highlights of colourful South America.

Overview

  • ICCHG
  • 11 Days
  • Hurtigruten Ships

Cruise Itinerary

  • Lima (Peru)
  • Valparaíso (Chile)

Departures

Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.

Cruise Itinerary

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.


Itineraries are subject to change.


Hurtigruten Ships

Since 1893, the Hurtigruten ships have been a hallmark of the Norwegian coast. Today, our ships sail to the Arctic and Antarctica, and many destinations in between. On each ship you will find modern facilities carefully blended with true character. MS Fridtjof Nansen MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. MS Fram The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions. MS Kong Harald Norway's reigning monarch, a seasoned sailor, lends his name to this remarkable vessel. MS Kong Harald was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. There is a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area were you find the reception, the Expedition Team, conference room and shop. The top deck of the boat features a sun deck, observation saloon and panorama lounge, all of which provide splendid views of spectacular coastal scenery. MS Maud MS Maud is designed to take you on an expedition of the Norwegian coast in maximum comfort, equipped for a sustainable and memorable expedition. MS Maud, the current MS Trollfjord, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsens “Maud” from 1917. The original “Maud” got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten’s 1925 flagship DS Dronning Maud (“DS Queen Maud”). Today´s MS Maud is an ice class 1C ship equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway. MS Nordkapp MS Nordkapp is named after the northernmost point on mainland Europe: North Cape (71ºN) - one of the geographical highpoints you can visit on a Hurtigruten voyage. MS Nordkapp was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, a Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We also have a cosy bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The ship additionally has a large compass area with reception, a tour guide, conference room and shop. MS Nordkapp was christened by Norway´s Queen Sonja in 1996 and her maiden voyage was to the Shetland Islands. The ship started sailing the Norwegian coast in April 1996. She has also sailed in Antarctica. Since 2007, the vessel has been part of Hurtigruten´s fleet of ships dedicated to sailing the Norwegian coastline. MS Nordlys Both the name and the interior design of this modern expedition ship are inspired by the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The art, décor and colours employed aboard this ship are all inspired by the northern lights. The delicate aesthetic creates a distinct and unique on-board ambience. Passengers are invited to relax after a long day experiencing Hurtigruten´s various excursions and activities in comfy reclining chairs in the one of the ship’s lounges. In May 2019 MS Nordlys was refurbished. All cabins got a makeover, while new cabin grades were added. The upgrade saw a number of new features being added to the ship. MS Nordstjernen MS Nordstjernen is named after the North Star or Stella Polaris, famous for helping seafarers find their way back home and the Vikings to navigate the north. The ship was built for the Coastal Voyage fleet in 1956 and extensively modernised in 2000 for exclusive Arctic sailing. Today she takes explorers on adventures in the waters around Spitsbergen. Despite modernisation, she still retains the aura of an old Atlantic ship, restored to her former splendour with new brass, classic wooden interiors and all her original art. Out on deck you come extra close to the untouched nature of the Polar Arctic and with roofs over a lot of the deck space you can enjoy being outside, even in rough weather. MS Nordstjernen is equipped with a dining room and bar, a café, a panorama lounge and a library. Inside you’ll find cosy interior and exterior cabins, the majority of which have upper and lower berths. All rooms and deck surfaces exhibit that old, beautiful wood. MS Nordnorge MS Nordnorge is aptly named for northern Norway, most of which lies above the Arctic Circle. MS Nordnorge was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We have a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, a tour guide, conference room and shop.  MS Polarlys Polarlys is Norwegian for `polar light´, and refers to the natural Arctic phenomenon we pursue in winter. MS Polarlys was refurbished in 2016 and now features a modern, Arctic-inspired interior. On board are three different restaurants, the Multe bakery and ice cream bar, a sauna and fitness room. Out on deck you can enjoy the view from one of our two hot tubs. We have a comfortable bar at the front of the ship where you can enjoy a nice traditional drink. The vessel also has a large compass area where you find the reception, the expedition team, conference room and shop. MS Roald Amundsen In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years. Emissions are cut by sailing with electrical propulsion. Innovative sustainable technology reduces fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. Named after the first man to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way. MS Richard With MS Richard With proudly carries the name of Hurtigruten's founder. It is aptly designed and built in classic maritime style. When Captain Richard With established the Norwegian Coastal Express in 1893, he made an enormous impact on life along the Norwegian coastline. The MS Richard With lives up to that legacy. Relax in the ship´s panorama lounges and take in the unforgettable views of remarkable coastal scenery, much of it the same as when the first Hurtigruten boats sailed by more than a century ago. Beautiful art throughout the ship´s interior adds contemporary elegance to the vessel´s maritime ambience. MS Spitsbergen Our new ship, MS Spitsbergen will take you on a voyage beyond the ordinary. MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of travelling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the `Sports Route´. MS Spitsbergen cruises along the Norwegian coast from September to May, and becomes part of our global Explorer sailings during the rest of the year. After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel´s fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters. MS Trollfjord The ship is named after the spectacular Trollfjord in Lofoten. Inside she provides spectacular comfort, modern facilities and interior design that makes extensive use of Norwegian wood and stone. The art exhibited aboard ship includes original paintings that were once on board the old Hurtigruten ship, MS Harald Jarl. MS Trollfjord´s sun deck and hot tub are on deck 9. The ship´s spacious, two-storey panorama lounge is above the bow. Its wall-to-wall windows bathe the lounge in natural light and provide extraordinary views.  MS Vesterålen MS Vesterålen is named after the first Hurtigruten ship that sailed along Norway´s rugged coastline in 1893. She is one of our smaller boats and has an intimate on-board atmosphere. MS Vesterålen provides passengers an authentic heritage experience. In its exciting programme you will learn more about the ship´s maritime operations, logistics and hotel operations. You will get an opportunity to get closer to the Hurtigruten operation and to learn more about the operation along the Norwegian coast. 

Highlights

• 11-day expedition cruise discovering the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and many other highlights along the South American coast. • Visit Lima and unique, characterful communities. Explore an abandoned Atacama Desert mining town, the Ollantaytambo royal estate and Sacsayhuamán Fortress. • Enjoy optional tours to the famous Nazca Lines, or see Ballestas Islands' wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, turtles, Peruvian Boobies, humpback whales and more.

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