Itinerary
- Day 1
Valparaíso
You'll arrive in Valparaíso and step into this colorful hilltop city right away. Walk through the UNESCO-listed streets with their bright houses and narrow alleyways, then check out the local markets to get a feel for the place. Pick up your expedition jacket, get to know the team, find your cabin, and have your first meal on board before the ship sets sail for the journey ahead.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Pick up expedition jacket
- Meet Expedition Team
- Explore ship
- Embark on expedition cruise
Optional Activities
- Pre-Program exploration of Valparaíso
- Funicular ride to Cerro Alegre and Concepción
Landmarks Cerro Alegre Concepción 
- Day 2
La Serena
The ship docks at Coquimbo, and you'll head to La Serena to explore what locals call the City of Churches. Wander through the neo-colonial architecture and see around 30 restored stone churches scattered throughout. Stop by the Archaeological Museum, then spend time on the sandy beaches along Avenida del Mar. Browse handicrafts at La Recova market or relax in Patio Colonial before heading back to the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore La Serena
- Visit neo-colonial architecture
- Discover stone churches
- Visit Archaeological Museum
Optional Activities
- Stroll through Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón
- Shop for handicrafts at La Recova market
- Explore Patio Colonial cafés and eateries
- Explore Coquimbo before boarding ship
Landmarks Archaeological Museum of La Serena Jardín del Corazón La Recova Market - Day 3
At Sea
This is your day to settle in and take things easy while at sea. Head to the Observation Deck or Explorer Lounge & Bar and watch the scenery roll by. The Expedition Team will give talks on pre-Columbian history, mountain geology, local folklore, and how to spot seabirds, so you can learn more about what you're sailing through.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Observation from Observation Deck or Explorer Lounge & Bar
- Expert lectures in Science Center on pre-Columbian history, geology, local folklore
- Seabird spotting and identification with Expedition Team
- Day 4
Iquique
You'll arrive at Iquique and can visit the UNESCO-listed saltpeter mining towns of Santa Laura or Humberstone out in the Atacama Desert. After that, come back and walk along Iquique's oceanside promenades or grab a coffee at a local café. See the historic 19th-century corvette La Esmeralda, and try regional specialties like mango sour and chumbeque while you explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit UNESCO-listed saltpeter mining towns of Santa Laura or Humberstone
- Explore Iquique on foot
- Visit La Esmeralda corvette
Optional Activities
- Guided shore excursion to mining towns
- Relax in café and people watch
- Try local coffee and regional sweets
Landmarks Santa Laura Saltpeter Mining Town Humberstone Saltpeter Mining Town La Esmeralda Corvette - Day 5
Arica
Arica is one of the driest cities in the world, and it's popular with people who love sun and surfing. Check out the shops and markets on Calle 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi, then hike up El Morro cliff for views across the city and ocean. Visit San Marcos Cathedral, which Gustave Eiffel designed, or head to the archaeological museum to learn about Chinchorro culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Arica
- Visit San Marcos Cathedral
- Visit Archaeological Museum
Optional Activities
- 15-minute hike up El Morro cliff
- Explore Calle 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi streets
- Visit El Agro market
- Trek along Playa Corazones
- Explore caves of Anzota
- Try local treats
Landmarks El Morro Cliff San Marcos Cathedral El Agro Market Anzota Caves Playa Corazones 
- Day 6
At Sea
You're heading north toward Peru now, traveling through the Humboldt Current, which you'll spend the day at sea. Relax in the hot tub and take in the ocean, use the gym, or just have some quiet time. The Expedition Team will explain why the Humboldt Current is so important to marine life in this region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Observe Humboldt Current marine ecosystem
- Listen to Expedition Team briefings on Humboldt Current
- Use ship facilities: hot tub, sauna, gym
- Day 7
Paracas
Paracas has both wildlife and ancient history worth your time. Visit El Chaco fishing village to try traditional jalea seafood, then take a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands to see Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and maybe whales. If you prefer, hike through Paracas National Reserve's unusual dunes and red beaches instead, or fly over the Nazca Lines etched into the desert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Paracas
- Visit El Chaco village
Optional Activities
- Boat tour to Ballestas Islands to spot Humboldt Penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca Terns, humpback whales
- Explore Paracas National Reserve
- Fly over Nazca Lines
- Dine at waterfront restaurants
- Try traditional jalea and ceviche
Landmarks Ballestas Islands Paracas National Reserve Nazca Lines 
- Day 8
Lima
Lima is Peru's historic capital, and you'll have time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage center with its Spanish-era churches, monasteries, and grand mansions. Head to Huaca Pucllana to see pre-Hispanic pyramid ruins, then try the local food scene. Ceviche is the national dish here, made with fish marinated in lime juice, onion, and chili peppers, and it's something you shouldn't miss.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Lima's historic center
- Visit colonial churches and monasteries
- Visit Huaca Pucllana pyramid ruins
Optional Activities
- Dine at gourmet restaurants
- Try street food and local cuisine
- Try ceviche
Landmarks Lima Historic Center Huaca Pucllana 
- Day 9
Trujillo
The ship docks at Salaverry, and you'll make your way to Trujillo, Peru's third largest city. See the colonial and Baroque architecture along with neoclassical mansions, and check out one of the world's longest mosaic murals. Visit the ancient Chimú city of Chan Chan from at least 900 CE, then explore the mysterious Moche pyramids of the Sun and Moon nearby.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Trujillo
- Discover colonial and Baroque architecture
Optional Activities
- Visit ancient Chimú city of Chan Chan
- Explore Moche pyramids of the Sun and Moon
- View longest mosaic mural
Landmarks Chan Chan Pyramid of the Sun (Moche) Pyramid of the Moon (Moche) 
- Day 10
At Sea
You're cruising toward Ecuador on a relaxing day at sea. Soak up the views from the hot tubs or sauna, then connect with other travelers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar to talk about what you've seen so far. The Expedition Team will give expert talks in the Science Centre, or you can browse the onboard library to learn more about the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Relax in ship facilities: hot tubs, sauna, indoor gym
- Attend expert lectures in Science Centre
- Access onboard library
- Social time with fellow explorers and crew
- Day 11
Machalilla National Park
Machalilla National Park is a special destination with dry forests and protected wetlands. You'll take small expedition boats to land at Puerto López, a fishing village, conditions permitting. Check out the ancient Machalilla archaeological site while taking in the scenery, and keep an eye out for birds since over 270 species live here along with 81 different mammals.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Machalilla National Park
- Land at Puerto López fishing village via expedition boats
- Visit Agua Blanca archaeological site
- Explore pre-Columbian Machalilla culture
Landmarks Machalilla National Park Puerto López Agua Blanca Archaeological Site - Day 12
Manta
Manta is a lively port city with a strong fishing heritage, and the local food here is worth trying. Sample wild shrimp, black clams, and red snapper, or try encebollado, the city's famous tuna in broth. Walk along Malecón Escénico to explore shops and restaurants, visit the Museo Municipal Etnográfico Cancebí to learn about pre-Columbian civilization, or take a trip to nearby Montecristi to buy handwoven Panama hats.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Manta
- Visit Museo Municipal Etnográfico Cancebí
Optional Activities
- Dine at local restaurants
- Explore Playa el Murciélago
- Shop at Malecón Escénico
- Visit Montecristi
- Buy handwoven Panama hats
- Try local tuna in encebollado broth
Landmarks Museo Municipal Etnográfico Cancebí Playa el Murciélago Malecón Escénico Montecristi - Days 13 - 14
At Sea
You'll have two relaxing days at sea heading to Panama, and you'll cross the Equator during this time. Participate in Neptune's blessing ceremony, a traditional seafaring ritual that's been going on for centuries. Watch for whales from the deck, then join the Expedition Team for citizen science projects or expert discussions, or just relax in the hot tubs and enjoy stargazing from deck in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Neptune ceremony crossing the Equator
- Wildlife observation
- Citizen Science Programme participation
- Attend lectures in Science Centre
- Use ship facilities: hot tub, sauna, gym
- Evening stargazing
- Day 15
Panama City
Your South American expedition finishes in Panama City, a modern metropolis full of skyscrapers. Explore the UNESCO-listed old town and historic district with its maritime heritage, and if you have time before you head out on your next journey, walk around this vibrant city and see what it has to offer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Panama City
Optional Activities
- Explore UNESCO-listed old town
- Visit historic district
Landmarks Panama City Old Town
