Along the Humboldt Current

Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting Silversea Expedition — “Along the Humboldt Current”.

During a special sail away party be introduced to Chef Antonio Perez, who leads your culinary team up to Callao, and learn about the aspects of the first part of your unique epicurean voyage of discovery.

Later you are introduced to your Expedition Team and this evening you can enjoy the delights of shrimp in a specially prepared menu in The Restaurant.

Attend informative lectures that prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the many possible adventures that lie ahead.

Apart from lectures there is also a food workshop. Since bananas and plantains are very important in Ecuador’s cuisine, Chef Antonio presents the various uses for banana and plantain.

A special Ecuadorian-themed Captain’s dinner is served this evening.

Lobos De Tierra and Lobos de Afuera are steep and rocky islands that protrude more than 61 meters from the surface of the deep blue Pacific, offering a splendid opportunity to explore with Zodiacs. Sea lions and hundreds of blue-footed boobies can be viewed ashore, whilst Peruvian pelicans pass overhead. The Explorer attempts to make a landing on the island.

During the afternoon, Chef Antonio introduces you to the wonderful world of chocolate –enjoy a spectacular tasting of various chocolate specialties.

This morning explore the main religious center of the Mochica culture. The archaeological complex includes the Temple of the Sun – one of the largest adobe structures in the world – and the Temple of the Moon, covered with beautiful Moche designs.

Next visit a private hacienda for champagne and appetizers, witnessing a performance of Peruvian Paso horses and a marinera dance show — an unrivalled opportunity to immerse yourselves in genuine Peruvian culture.

In the early afternoon arrive at Isla Guañape. Join the Expedition Team for a Zodiac cruise to see hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including Peruvian pelicans, Inca terns and blue-footed boobies - even Humboldt penguins and large colonies of South American sea lions can be seen.

Chef Antonio’s final night onboard promises something spectacular. Enjoy his special signature Choco-dinner!

Exploration takes you to the Larco Herrera Museum, an extensive private collection of pre-Incan ceramics – probably the largest collection of its kind in the world – providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Apart from the finest gold and silver collections of Ancient Peru, it also houses the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian attractions.

Then proceed to the district of Miraflores, where you can visit the Huaca Pucllana ruins. This ceremonial center of the Lima culture developed between the years 200 and 700 AD. Multiple tombs have been found in this adobe pyramid, which in modern times has been completely surrounded by the neighborhood of Miraflores.

In the evening enjoy the magnificent setting of the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, which overlooks the ruins lit at night, for a special Peruvian dinner and some of the outstanding South American wines that Peru and its neighboring countries produce.

After this unique culinary experience return to the port of Callao.

During a special complimentary excursion to see the famous Nazca Lines from the air, the Nazca Desert reveals a series of famous geoglyphs stretching for miles along the Pacific coast.

Dating back to an era between 200BC and 700AD, these mysterious figures and geometric patterns are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lines show an understanding of sophisticated mathematics and surveying techniques.

After this special experience of over-flying the Nazca Lines, head to the beautiful Hotel Paracas, where you can enjoy a very comprehensive and interesting Pisco Tasting. In a shaded area and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a Pisco expert presents 5 different types of Pisco. Apart from learning about Pisco you get to taste Peru’s (and Chile’s) national drink and counterbalance the drinks with some local appetizers.

If you do not want to see the Nazca Lines, then explore the Ballestas Islands - one of this region’s most beautiful natural attractions. Sea lions, cormorants, blue-footed boobies, terns, pelicans and Humboldt penguins can all be expected around the Ballestas Islands. Because of Peruvian regulations this excursion can only be done in local boats and landings are not allowed.

This evening you are introduced to your Peruvian culinary expert who joins the next section of your voyage of culinary discovery.

Gather in The Theater to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s wildlife and remarkable nature.

Due to the presence of the very nutrient-rich Humboldt Current, the waters along the Peruvian coast are incredibly rich in fish life. Today chefs introduce you to the world of “ceviche” in all its forms.

This evening have a special Peruvian-themed dinner.

This morning drive to Arequipa, “The White City”. Join experts for a walking tour of the UNESCO Historical Center including the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, followed by a guided visit of Santuarios Andinos, home to the Sarita and Juanita mummies. Found close to the summit of a nearby mountain, they were likely a sacrifice to an Incan god.

Then head over to the Dominican Santa Catalina Monastery - one of the most important and impressive religious monuments in Peru. The complex is huge and fascinating; it is almost a city within the city. Undertake a guided tour of this impressive monastery.

Later the refectory of the monastery is especially reserved for your group while you enjoy a three-course lunch accompanied by live music featuring Andean folk songs.

This evening Peruvian chefs feature regional fare, and especially potatoes and other tubers. Peru has more than 1000 varieties of potatoes.

An early morning departure is necessary for your journey to explore the region’s unique Altiplano scenery. See important archaeological sites along the way. A stop is made at a rustic Inn to have a Coca leaf tea to avoid feeling sick because of the altitude, before continuing to a location near Socoroma village where lunch is served in a special catering service exclusive for Silversea guests. The location is set in the middle of what used to be an ancient Inca road, with a privileged view of the valley and the Socoroma village where you have the opportunity to taste some local Andean flavors. Driving on, the landscape suddenly opens up and the wide valley of Putre can be seen beneath massive, snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival in Putre, stroll through town together at a leisurely pace, visiting the church and watching a performance of Andean folklore in the main plaza.

Alternatively, enjoy a visit to the Lauca National Park. This is a challenging excursion, taking you to an altitude of 4,500 meters. From the pier drive to the Quebrada de Cardones, a gorge known for its spectacular views and 20-foot-high candelabra cactus. Driving past Putre, reach Chungará Lake to admire the mountains reflected in the lake. During one hour at the lake look for the many local bird species, among them the Chilean flamingo. During the stay at the lake a box lunch is served. On the return stop at the abandoned pre-Hispanic village of Parinacota, a National Monument.

After these strenuous excursions take your time to join the bar team for a Pisco evening. Learn more about this iconic drink and whether this is an original Peruvian or Chilean drink.

A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team and join chefs for a ceviche workshop, preparing your own ceviche for lunch – chefs assist you in creating your own master piece.

Then relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read and meet up with new friends for cocktails. Before turning in for the night, take a stroll on deck to take in the solitude of the vast sea and sky.

Visit the Atacama Desert — one of the driest places on earth. Depart early for the seven-hour ride and two choices: The first option is to visit the charming adobe village of San Pedro, to have a leisurely lunch, and to explore the quaint handicraft market, the church – a National Historic Monument – and the narrow streets of the village, before finally heading to see the Valle de la Luna.

The other option includes a quick lunch in San Pedro de Atacama and a drive towards the immense Atacama Salt Flat with its splendid geological formations and its most famous residents — the pink flamingos.

Both options head to the Valle de la Luna. In this unique lunar landscape see numerous rock formations jutting out of the sand, eroded by wind into incredible shapes. At a lookout, enjoy observing an indigenous ritual to Mother Earth (Pachamama).

Alternatively, a half-day city tour is available. Antofagasta is a refined blend of traditional Chilean town and British colonial city. See the Huanchaca Ruins and during a walking tour visit the Plaza Colón and the Regional Museum with its overview of the saltpetre industry and how it affected the region. The final destination is La Portada, an enormous rock caressed by the sea and sand until a giant arch formed.

Silversea’s very own culinary star and Culinary Director Rudi Scholdis join you for the remainder of your voyage. Before lunch, Rudi and a Chilean sommelier introduce you to the delights of Chilean wine and seafood.

This afternoon explore the rugged shores of Isla Pan de Azucar (or Sugarloaf Island) by Zodiac. The island is home to thousands of Humboldt penguins. During your Zodiac cruise along the perimeter of Isla Pan de Azucar, also hope to encounter kelp gulls, turkey vultures, blackish oystercatchers, and Peruvian boobies, pelicans, sea lions, and the reclusive South American marine otter.

This morning the culinary team focuses on shellfish and other seafood and the various ways to prepare these in a workshop. From raw to steamed –find your preferred dish accompanied with the perfect Chilean wine.

During the afternoon explore the islands that make up the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve by Zodiac. The islands are an important breeding site for Humboldt penguins. You may see groups of sea lions resting on the rocky cliff ledges, South American marine otters sliding in and out of the waters along the coastline, and playful bottlenose dolphins in the surrounding seas.

Today you have two choices: a morning visit to the Elqui Valley or a longer visit to the Limarí Valley.

For the morning excursion follow the coast to drive into the Elqui Valley, an important agricultural area for papayas, olives, pears and custard apples. This is also where muscatel grapes are turned into Pisco, Chile’s national spirit.

Visit the small and picturesque artist village of Diaguitas and explore its arid and attractive streets. At a local workshop you have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts featuring the stunning and beautiful Diaguita designs and iconography.

Afterwards drive to Vicuña. Famous for its many Pisco producers it was also home to Chilean’s Nobel Prize winner in literature, Gabriela Mistral. Visit the Plaza and the Bauer Tower and have time to explore independently before returning back to Coquimbo and Silver Explorer for lunch.

The other excursion takes you into the Limarí Valley, slightly further south. Known for its pictographs and petroglyphs of the El Molle culture, visit the Enchanted Valley in the vicinity of the town of Ovalle. The Elqui and Limarí Valleys are rich and fertile transversal valleys running across the coastal mountains, leading to their importance as agricultural areas. Grapes are grown in impressive vineyards for export and for wine and you can visit the Tabalí winery. Starting in the early 1990s, already in its first year of production Tabalí obtained 24 medals. This vineyard is well known for its unique coupages and blends of wine stocks such as Viognier, Sangiovese, and Carmenere. A guided tour of the winery is given, followed by a tasting of its most representative wines.

Continue to a local restaurant for a typical Chilean lunch of empanadas and an asado (a BBQ), before returning to the pier.

Your last night aboard permits you to celebrate your new culinary skills and appreciation for the epicurean delights of South America’s West Coast. Chefs prepare a menu that reflects the lands you have traveled through with selections from each region visited.

Silver Explorer arrives in Valparaiso in the morning. Following breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer.