8-night Chile & Peru Cruise: Arica, Pisco & Lima

Santiago, like Chile in general, has enjoyed a renaissance of cultural, intellectual and especially commercial activity for more than two consecutive decades. The Andes Mountains overlook Santiago's eastern edge, and their snowy peaks provide good hiking, skiing, rafting and kayaking—and the beach is only a short drive away. Small wonder it is the country's capital and largest city, as well as one of the continent's largest metropolises.

Centro (downtown Santiago) is still dotted with Spanish colonial buildings and old churches, as well as many sparkling new modern buildings. Other neighborhoods house international restaurants, upscale boutiques and lively nightlife. Tourist areas are compact, and the resident Santiaguinos are pleasantly helpful. The city has a certain efficiency not found elsewhere in Latin America, and an obvious prosperous feel to it. The major drawback is that ongoing development and traffic congestion have created air pollution and smog, and the shanty towns on the outskirts appear to be growing (albeit in a controlled state).

Destination Guide

Coquimbo is near the northern port city of La Serena and one of Chile’s regional capitals. It lies between the Atacama Desert and the central valley, rich in agriculture and is an important distribution center for fruit from the Elqui Valley. Some of the elaborate woodwork handcrafted on the buildings here by early British and American settlers still remains and these wooden buildings are among Chile’s most interesting historical structures. From here you can visit the resort town of La Serena (cathedral and churches), the mountain-topTololo Observatory and the Elqui Valley.

Iquique is dominated mainly by the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean. Its beautiful beaches, warm weather, varied landscape and exciting social activities make Iquique a desired destination. Probably the most visited attraction in Iquique are the giant geoglyphs in the area. In the main plaza in town, visitors can wonder through beautiful gardens, the clock tower and stop in a naval heroes of the War of the Pacific museum. For those interested in shopping, there is Zofri Shopping Mall, the Iquique Free Trade Zone's retail sales shopping center, where shoppers will find an extraordinary variety of imported products sold free from taxes.

Destination Guide

This seaside oasis among golden sand dunes is Chile's northernmost gateway; it is also a rapidly developing resort. Located just 30 miles from the border of Peru and linked to Bolivia by land and air, Arica enjoys an interesting cultural exchange. The city lies at the foot of the Morro headland, with the Andes as a distant backdrop. A mild climate, with year-round temperatures of 70-75 degrees, gardens and parks brimming with luxuriant flora have earned Arica the name "City of Eternal Spring." Arica's most prominent site is the Morro, rising steeply above the city. It was the scene of a great victory by Chile over Peru in the War of the Pacific on June 7, 1880. At the foot of the Morro is the Plaza Colon with the cathedral of San Marcos, built in iron by Gustave Eiffel. He also designed the nearby Customs House.

Destination Guide

Pisco is the largest port between Callao and Matarani. There are two parts of this town, Pisco Pueblo with its colonial-style homes, and Pisco Puerto, which, apart from fisheries, has been replaced as a port by the deep-water Puerto General San Martin. From Pisco you can visit the Nazca Lines and Regional Museum of Ica, the Huacachina Lagoon, and Ballestas Island. This area was also home of the Paracas culture and in August 1820 in Pisco, the great liberator General San Martin landed on its coast, which became the birthplace of Peru's struggle for independence.

Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Learn how to prepare Peruvian dishes in a simple and fun way!
 
First you will enjoy a visit to a local market, where you will see first-hand the immense diversity of the country. Here you will meet your expert Chef.  The chef will show you our amazing variety of vegetables and fruits: many kinds of potatoes, corn of different colors, herbs, lucuma, cherimoya, mangos, etc. Your senses will experience many colors and smells for the first time
 
After this interesting visit, transfer to the cooking class venue. Besides teaching you how to cook Peruvian dishes, your Chef will tell you all about Peruvian gastronomy, its influences of other countries and how we have now one of the most important kitchens of the world. After the class, you will enjoy the dishes you prepared. 
 
Finally, as the Peruvians say, with the belly full and the heart happy, you will return to the ship. 
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours (Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:00 am.

Note : A&K has to be informed in advance in case a guest has a special diet requirement or allergy

 

Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Visit Santo Domingo Convent, the oldest church and convent in Lima. The foundation of the city of Santo Domingo was conceived by a friar named Tomas de San Martin, who later served as the Preceptor Prior to the Dominican Order. As in all convents located between the jirones of Lima and Camana, Santo Domingo is sort of a city within a city and is comprised of a succession of cloisters and yards surrounded by service areas and communal rooms. Both Saint Rose and Saint Martin de Porres are buried in Lima, as is the Spanish Saint San Juan Masias. Construction of the Santo Domingo Convent began in 1540, but it was later modernized into its present neo-classical style in the 18th century. In 1730, the greater, or general, hall was built - a work of art that later became a part of the city's more unified ornamental groups.
The visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest house in the Americas, which has been continuously occupied by 18 generations of the Aliaga family; tour the impressive colonial residence, containing valuable Peruvian art and artifacts.
 
After you leave colonial Lima, you will drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Both are suburbs where the rich and intelligentsia live. There are many large mansions, colonial buildings and fine hotels. Finally, you'll stop at El Parque del Amor for a great ocean view before finishing your tour. After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.

WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
To truly feel the spirit of the city, your tour begins with the Colonial sites of Lima, passing by the Plaza San Martin, the Plaza Mayor with its Cathedral, and the Government Palace. From the historic center, we travel to the Lima of today, including a drive-by of the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Note: The Cathedral and Santo Domingo are open daily; except on Sunday mornings only. Flash photography is not permitted in the Cathedral or the Monastery.

Includes:

• Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao. 
• Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
• Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees.
• Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.

• Tips to drivers and guides.
• Any services not mentioned above.

Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Transfer from the port to the bohemian district of Barranco. Your first stop will be the Osma Museum. The Pedro de Osma Museum exhibits Peruvian artistic pieces from the fifth to the eighteenth century. The artworks from Ancient Peru correspond to the geographic area of the south Andes and belong to the Mr. José Ignacio Lambarri collection. Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures were developed on this territory. The works from the vice regal period consist of paintings, sculptures, furniture and silver works that belonged to the Pedro de Osma Gildemeister collection (1901-1967). Paintings from the eighteenth-century Cuzco school are among the highlighted pieces of the vice regal art collection. This valuable artistic heritage is currently exhibited in the Pedro de Osma house, built in 1906 by his father, the politician and notary Pedro de Osma y Pardo.
 
Then visit Dedalo, a shop and gallery of handcrafted goods and contemporary pieces. You could find some exclusive pieces and handcrafts, accessories, jewelry, furniture, and other whimsical items. Then walk to the wonderful Hotel B to enjoy an afternoon tea. Originally built in the style of the Belle Époque, the mansion served as a seaside retreat during the presidency of Augusto Leguia in the 1920’s.
Then return to the port.

ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 7 Hours 30 minutes (Suggested). This excursion is available depending on the time of arrival.

Note : Flash photography is not permitted in the Osma Museum. 

Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

An awesome journey into the past, today's tour starts with a visit to the archaeological ruins of Pachacamac. This fascinating site takes its name from the Quechua words 'pacha' and 'camac' meaning 'Lord of the World'. It was predominantly a religious place throughout Peru's history and contains a great number of adobe structures that remain today. The most significant of these are the Old Temple, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Moon. From Ancient Peru we then enjoy an experience from the Peru of today, by lunching at one of the nearby haciendas. For lunch the owners of the hacienda join us. They will present an exhibition of their Paso, or Stepping horses, unique to Peru, before returning to Lima.

LUNCH
Pachamanca lunch is served at the Hacienda. Pachamanca is a sort of meat along with potatoes, set potatoes, corn, and fava beans cooked under the ground. The pachamanca is the epitome of the Andean banquet par excellence. Andean cultures tend to mix their worship of nature with social events. Salads are offered as appetizers and typical desserts.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Tours require more substantial level of activity (walking for moderate distances and stair/incline climbing)

DURATION: 8 Hours

Note: This tour is available depending on the time of arrival and departure of the ship.

Lima - Magic Fountains (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
From the port of Callao you head to Lima for a short panoramic drive at night before you reach the Parque de la Reserva. The Parque was originally opened in 1929 to commemorate all the civilian reservists who fought in defence of Lima during the War of the Pacific. It is now one of Lima’s most visited attractions because in 2007 the Magic Water Circuit was inaugurated. The Circuit has the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 distinct fountains which are illuminated at night, with changing colour schemes. A colourful light show, synchronised with Peruvian music makes the fountains sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
 
Easy level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 4 hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00

Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Learn how to prepare Peruvian dishes in a simple and fun way!
 
First you will enjoy a visit to a local market, where you will see first-hand the immense diversity of the country. Here you will meet your expert Chef.  The chef will show you our amazing variety of vegetables and fruits: many kinds of potatoes, corn of different colors, herbs, lucuma, cherimoya, mangos, etc. Your senses will experience many colors and smells for the first time
 
After this interesting visit, transfer to the cooking class venue. Besides teaching you how to cook Peruvian dishes, your Chef will tell you all about Peruvian gastronomy, its influences of other countries and how we have now one of the most important kitchens of the world. After the class, you will enjoy the dishes you prepared. 
 
Finally, as the Peruvians say, with the belly full and the heart happy, you will return to the ship. 
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours (Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:00 am.

Note : A&K has to be informed in advance in case a guest has a special diet requirement or allergy

 

Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Visit Santo Domingo Convent, the oldest church and convent in Lima. The foundation of the city of Santo Domingo was conceived by a friar named Tomas de San Martin, who later served as the Preceptor Prior to the Dominican Order. As in all convents located between the jirones of Lima and Camana, Santo Domingo is sort of a city within a city and is comprised of a succession of cloisters and yards surrounded by service areas and communal rooms. Both Saint Rose and Saint Martin de Porres are buried in Lima, as is the Spanish Saint San Juan Masias. Construction of the Santo Domingo Convent began in 1540, but it was later modernized into its present neo-classical style in the 18th century. In 1730, the greater, or general, hall was built - a work of art that later became a part of the city's more unified ornamental groups.
The visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest house in the Americas, which has been continuously occupied by 18 generations of the Aliaga family; tour the impressive colonial residence, containing valuable Peruvian art and artifacts.
 
After you leave colonial Lima, you will drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Both are suburbs where the rich and intelligentsia live. There are many large mansions, colonial buildings and fine hotels. Finally, you'll stop at El Parque del Amor for a great ocean view before finishing your tour. After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.

WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
To truly feel the spirit of the city, your tour begins with the Colonial sites of Lima, passing by the Plaza San Martin, the Plaza Mayor with its Cathedral, and the Government Palace. From the historic center, we travel to the Lima of today, including a drive-by of the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 5 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Note: The Cathedral and Santo Domingo are open daily; except on Sunday mornings only. Flash photography is not permitted in the Cathedral or the Monastery.

Includes:

• Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao. 
• Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
• Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees.
• Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.

• Tips to drivers and guides.
• Any services not mentioned above.

Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

Transfer from the port to the bohemian district of Barranco. Your first stop will be the Osma Museum. The Pedro de Osma Museum exhibits Peruvian artistic pieces from the fifth to the eighteenth century. The artworks from Ancient Peru correspond to the geographic area of the south Andes and belong to the Mr. José Ignacio Lambarri collection. Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures were developed on this territory. The works from the vice regal period consist of paintings, sculptures, furniture and silver works that belonged to the Pedro de Osma Gildemeister collection (1901-1967). Paintings from the eighteenth-century Cuzco school are among the highlighted pieces of the vice regal art collection. This valuable artistic heritage is currently exhibited in the Pedro de Osma house, built in 1906 by his father, the politician and notary Pedro de Osma y Pardo.
 
Then visit Dedalo, a shop and gallery of handcrafted goods and contemporary pieces. You could find some exclusive pieces and handcrafts, accessories, jewelry, furniture, and other whimsical items. Then walk to the wonderful Hotel B to enjoy an afternoon tea. Originally built in the style of the Belle Époque, the mansion served as a seaside retreat during the presidency of Augusto Leguia in the 1920’s.
Then return to the port.

ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 7 Hours 30 minutes (Suggested). This excursion is available depending on the time of arrival.

Note : Flash photography is not permitted in the Osma Museum. 

Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours) — Optional Private Excursions

An awesome journey into the past, today's tour starts with a visit to the archaeological ruins of Pachacamac. This fascinating site takes its name from the Quechua words 'pacha' and 'camac' meaning 'Lord of the World'. It was predominantly a religious place throughout Peru's history and contains a great number of adobe structures that remain today. The most significant of these are the Old Temple, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Moon. From Ancient Peru we then enjoy an experience from the Peru of today, by lunching at one of the nearby haciendas. For lunch the owners of the hacienda join us. They will present an exhibition of their Paso, or Stepping horses, unique to Peru, before returning to Lima.

LUNCH
Pachamanca lunch is served at the Hacienda. Pachamanca is a sort of meat along with potatoes, set potatoes, corn, and fava beans cooked under the ground. The pachamanca is the epitome of the Andean banquet par excellence. Andean cultures tend to mix their worship of nature with social events. Salads are offered as appetizers and typical desserts.

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Tours require more substantial level of activity (walking for moderate distances and stair/incline climbing)

DURATION: 8 Hours

Note: This tour is available depending on the time of arrival and departure of the ship.

Lima - Magic Fountains (4 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
From the port of Callao you head to Lima for a short panoramic drive at night before you reach the Parque de la Reserva. The Parque was originally opened in 1929 to commemorate all the civilian reservists who fought in defence of Lima during the War of the Pacific. It is now one of Lima’s most visited attractions because in 2007 the Magic Water Circuit was inaugurated. The Circuit has the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 distinct fountains which are illuminated at night, with changing colour schemes. A colourful light show, synchronised with Peruvian music makes the fountains sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.
 
ACTIVITY LEVEL
 
Easy level of activity (easy walking for short distances)

DURATION: 4 hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00