Peru and Chile - Incan Highlights and Machu Picchu (Itinerary 2)
About Valparaíso
Incredible Incas
Discover the highlights of the Inca Empire, the largest kingdom in pre-Columbian America, which left behind spectacular legacies such as the town of Ollantaytambo, the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu, the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress and vibrant Cusco, once the imperial center. After this exciting land adventure, we board MS Fram to continue the expedition by sea.
Mysterious Nazca Lines
The most spectacular of the massive rock carvings of the Nazca geoglyphs are found at San Martin. Otherwise known as the Nazca Lines, these amazing figures can be over 950 feet in size and are best viewed from above!
Tales of Two Cities
In Antofagasta, Chile's second-largest city, explore the historic plaza and learn about the intriguing past of this gateway city.
Our expedition ends in the poetic city of Valparaíso, which lies nestled in a natural amphitheater-like setting, surrounded by green hills The best way to enjoy a sweeping view of the lovely bay and the city´s many multi-colored houses is to enjoy a funicular ride to a local high point.
- Discover important and fascinating ancient sites in South America
- Explore the mysteries of the Incas and other lost cultures
- Visit a mix of exciting cities
- See the Nazca Lines and experience the lost city of Machu Picchu
- Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- One overnight hotel stay in Lima and two overnights at Hotel Tambo del Inka before the cruise, including breakfast
- Three-course set lunch and dinner on days 2 and 3, and a box lunch on day 4
- Coach-class flights between Lima and Cusco
- All transfers and train rides as described, including an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fee as listed in program
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Tour start date: October 22, 2019 (Lima, Peru)
Ship departure date: October 25, 2019 (Callao, Peru)
Arrival date: October 31, 2019 (Valparaíso, Chile)
Practical information:
Tour start date: October 22, 2019 (Lima, Peru)
Ship departure date: October 25, 2019 (Callao, Peru)
Arrival date: October 31, 2019 (Valparaíso, Chile)
Price includes:
- Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- One overnight hotel stay in Lima and two overnights at Hotel Tambo del Inka before the cruise, including breakfast
- Three-course set lunch and dinner on days 2 and 3, and a box lunch on day 4
- Coach-class flights between Lima and Cusco
- All transfers and train rides as described, including an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fee as listed in program
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Not included:
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Itinerary
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UNESCO Site and Ancient History - Lima, Peru
Lima and its surrounding area are steeped in history. The city of Lima is Peru's capital, established by the Spanish conquistadores in 1542. The Viceroyalty of Peru built significant churches, monasteries, and mansions in Lima. Today, the city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Lima on your own before spending the night in a hotel.
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Stunning Ancient Craftsmanship - Lima/Cusco, Peru
Start the day by transferring to your morning flight from Lima to Cusco. Enjoy lunch before experiencing the amazing Sacsayhuamán fortress. The name translates to "satisfied falcon”, in reference to the mythical bird that was said to have guarded the capital of the empire. Construction of the site lasted more than seven decades and demanded the labor of 20,000 men to set foundations, hew the stone, transport materials, and carve and set the stonework.
Like many Incan structures, the fortress was built entirely without mortar, yet the enormous stones fit so perfectly that a single blade of grass will not pass between them. The craftsmanship is a stunning example of the Inca’s sophisticated construction and architectural skills. In the afternoon, we continue to Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.
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Majestic Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu
After breakfast, you’re in for some unforgettable sights. First we visit Ollantaytambo, an Incan town that shares its name with the formidable stone fortress that hugs a massive cliff looming over the community. This fort was the valley’s main defence against the rival Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest.
Constructed of rose-colored granite, this huge structure was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Next, we head to the nearby train station and board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. A savory brunch will be served as we enjoy spectacular views on the way to Machu Picchu.
At last, we arrive at spectacular Machu Picchu. The legendary hidden city overlooks the raging Urubamba River and was shielded from discovery for centuries by thick tangles of vines and trees. Now one of the great destinations in world travel, the city of Machu Picchu still hides the secret of its rise and fall, as the Incas left no written records behind. Explore the city's ruins, feel its pulse and visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this incredible place.
Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing. The renowned precision of Incan stonework on display here is astounding. After spending an unforgettable day exploring the ruins, you can enjoy tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before we head back to Tambo del Inka Resort for another relaxing evening and overnight stay.
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Center of the Incan Empire - Cusco/Lima/Callao, Peru
After breakfast, we head back to Cusco, once the center of the Inca Empire. Visit the splendid baroque Cusco Cathedral, built in the mid-1500's on the foundations of an Incan palace. Many of the stones used in its construction were looted from the nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress.
We continue to Koricancha, to 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. The curved, mortar-less masonry wall at the west end of the church is one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework. After another day of exploring, we will transfer you to the airport to fly to Lima, where MS Fram stands ready to continue our expedition at sea.
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The Mysterious Nazca Lines - Puerto General San Martin, Peru
Puerto General San Martin is the gateway to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines and geoglyphs. These lines were etched into the ground between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D., and are considered among archaeology's greatest enigmas because of their quantity, nature, size and continuity. The geoglyphs are several kilometres long and illustrate living creatures, stylized plants and imaginary beings, as well as geometric figures. Join this excursion to truly experience these marvellous creations of the ancient world.
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At your Leisure - At sea
Days at sea mean you can join the Expedition Team for interesting lectures, learn the basics of expedition photography, and spend time out on deck enjoying the fresh salt air as you scout for wildlife. Of course, there’s also plenty time to chat with fellow explorers, or just find yourself a quiet corner to enjoy the serenity of a day at sea.
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The Northern Pearl - Antofagasta, Chile
Known as one of the oldest and prettiest cities in northern Chile, Antofagasta is nicknamed, “The Pearl of the North”. It is a city of remarkable contrasts, where you can experience the driest desert and the bluest sea.
Join one of our optional excursions to see La Portada Natural Monument, a peculiar rocky arch formation at sea, or visit one of the small fishing towns nearby.
You may also explore sunny, warm beaches, or the Antofagasta´s historic sites at your own pace.
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Serenity at Sea - At sea
Enjoy another peaceful day at sea as we make our way south to Valparaíso, and the Expedition Team continues their lecture program.
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The “Jewel of the Pacific” - Valparaíso, Chile
Our expedition ends in the wonderful, colorful and poetic city of Valparaíso. After disembarking MS Fram, take some time to stroll the UNESCO-listed Historic Quarter, or ride a funicular to one of the many hilltops for a citywide panorama.