Natural Wonders of the Atacama and Paracas Desert

Arrive in Valparaiso. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaíso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical but perfectly functional funicular. The UNESCO-listed city is a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colorful houses and bustling plazas. Spend some time following in the footsteps of Chile’s most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, by visiting his former home. Or perhaps enjoy a wine tasting on a trip to the Casablanca Wine Valley. There are also plenty of wonderful cafes, restaurants, art galleries and museums.

Situated on the rocky hills of Península Coquimbo, the pretty harbor town of Coquimbo was once the center of Chile’s thriving gold and copper industry. Coquimbo is twinned with nearby La Serena, which was founded in 1944 and is home to many well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings. Here you can also make the most of the clearest night sky in South America at the Mamalluca Observatory or pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum. Further inland, the fertile plains and orchards of the Elqui Valley provide plentiful fresh papaya and fine wine grapes.

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
 

Steeped in culture and located on the pristine South Pacific coast, Chile’s second-largest city has a turbulent and interesting history. Antofagasta was once part of Bolivia’s coastline until the late 1800s when the War of the Pacific reshaped the borders of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. In 1883, a victorious Chile took possession of the horseshoe-shaped bay along which stretches the long, narrow city of Antofagasta. As a result, Bolivia lost its coastline and became a landlocked country.

A former saltpeter mining town, these days Iquique is more likely to attract paragliders than prospectors. With its excellent surf, long sandy beaches and favorable weather, Iquique is regarded as one of Chile’s premier beach resorts. Whilst here visit the nearby abandoned town of Humberstone in the Atacama Desert. The town was once home to a thriving community of miners from the Santiago Humberstone Saltpeter Works. The abandoned settlement and surrounding relics of industry are now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Chile’s northernmost city, Arica is one of the driest cities in the world. It does after all neighbour the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. With year-round sunshine and wonderful beaches, the city is a popular destination for travelers. And it’s not just the sun and sea that are the main attraction. Arica is home to a fascinating archaeological museum that claims to house the world’s oldest mummies. A visit to San Marcos Cathedral is also recommended. The cathedral was designed by Gustave Eiffel of Parisian Tower fame and features a door from his workshop.

The port of Matarani is your first stop in Peru and is also a gateway to Arequipa, Peru’s White City. A type of local white volcanic stone, sillar, is the primary building material used in much of the architecture here, hence the moniker. Volcanic activity still dominates the landscape, with a trio of volcanoes, including the still-active El Misti, overlooking the city. In 1995 American anthropologist Johan Reinhard came across a bundle wrapped in cloth in the nearby mountains whilst researching Inca ceremonial sites in the area.

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

General San Martin is a district in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina, named after the national hero José de San Martín. It is a place where you can enjoy this region's culture, history, and nature. General San Martin has a variety of attractions, such as the Plaza San Martín, where you can see a monument to the liberator and a replica of his house; the Museo Histórico Regional Brigadier General Juan Manuel de Rosas, where you can learn about the life and legacy of another influential figure; and the Parque Yrigoyen, where you can relax and admire the greenery.

Situated on a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains is Peru’s capital city of Lima. The city is served by the seaport of Callao, where you will be boarding your boutique cruise ship. The bustling metropolis of Lima has much to offer, but not least of all its internationally renowned culinary scene. There are many award-winning eateries to explore and local dishes to sample. A local favorite is ceviche, fresh fish marinated in tangy lime juice and other seasonings.