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Peregrine Travel Centre

Machu Picchu, Inca History & Highlights of South America

Machu Picchu, Inca History & Highlights of South America

From AUD $7,527

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Description

Journey to Machu Picchu and beyond on this definitive South American tour

Rich Incan history
Remnants of a long-lost Inca civilisation are all around. Explore the cliff-carved royal estate at Ollantaytambo and bask in glorious views from Sacsayhuamán fortress. The luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train will take you in style to the ruins of the spectacular Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Vibrant cities
From cosmopolitan charm and innovative Peruvian cuisine to La Serena’s colonial churches and the history and beaches of Arica, this tour encompasses the true highlights of colourful South America.

Trip Name
Machu Picchu, Inca History & Highlights of South America
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. Cabins and public areas The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views. Science Center The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team. Restaurants MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights. Everything you need for an expedition cruise Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas. In the footsteps of a great explorer The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Lima's UNESCO treasures
Start your adventure in style in 'The City of Kings'An exciting cocktail of cosmopolitan cool and ancient heritage, Lima is the perfect city to explore. See colourful murals, bustling cafés and contemporary art museums in the bright, bohemian area of Barranco.Wander round the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, packed with colonial architecture like Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. For a look even further back in time, visit the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca.And of course, you must try the food. Ceviche, fresh fish marinated in tangy lime, is a particular highlight.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Sacred Valley and Cusco
The enigmatic city of the IncasIn the morning, you'll fly from Lima to the mystical former capital of the Inca empire, Cusco. We'll visit Sacsayhuamán, a fortress and temple complex overlooking the city. From here, the views of Cusco and the sacred Inca summits of Ausangate, Pachatusán and Cinca are glorious.The enormous stones used to build Sacsayhuamán fit together entirely without mortar, and so closely that not even a blade of grass can slip between them. A true feat of masonry!We'll end the day at the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for a tasty dinner and a good night's sleep.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Mystical Machu Picchu
Discover the Lost City of the IncasStart your day in Ollantaytambo, a fascinating Inca town in the Sacred Valley. Then board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, passing breathtaking Andean scenery while you enjoy a delicious lunch.Machu Picchu was built around 1450 and abandoned at the time of the Spanish conquest. It was hidden by jungle for centuries, only to be rediscovered in 1911. As the Incas left no written records, mystery still surrounds this magnificent Incan stronghold.As you enjoy trails around Machu Picchu, admire the precision of Incan stonework and maybe meet the friendly local llamas. After a day at one of the world's truly special destinations, the train will take you back to the lovely Tambo del Inka Resort.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Cusco, city of the Incas
Explore the centre of the Incan EmpireAfter breakfast, we'll head to the splendid Baroque style Cusco Cathedral, built with stones looted from the nearby Sacsayhuamán fortress.In Koricancha, 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. It houses a curved, mortar-less masonry wall, considered to be one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework.We transfer to the airport and fly to Lima. Once there, we head to Callao where your expedition ship is docked, waiting to welcome you to the next part of your expedition.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Ballestas and Nazca
See the Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands' wildlifeToday, you'll be able to join optional excursions from Paracas to two of Peru's most famous attractions – the mysterious Nazca Lines or join our wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands Tour.It's an incredible opportunity to see the amazing geoglyphs and animal etchings at Nazca in Pisco Valley for yourself. A boat tour of the Ballestas Islands is a must for wildlife lovers – you may spot Humboldt penguins, turtles, pelicans, humpback whales, and so much more.At the nearby Paracas National Reserve, walk among archaeological cultural sites along the Martian-like yellow dunes and red beaches, and look out for Andean condors and Chilean flamingos.
Day 6 - DAY 6 A day at sea
Recharge and learn on boardIt's time to unwind with a relaxing day at sea. Admire the ever-changing scenery from the observation deck or from the comfortable Explorer Lounge.Your Expedition Team will be in the Science Center, sharing their expertise on the region with you. They might discuss pre-Columbian history, the geology and wildlife of the surrounding areas or maybe local folklore.If feathered friends accompany us, we may venture out on deck to spot and identify them. Our photographer will be on site to help you capture the best images as our adventure continues.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Sunny Arica
Enjoy Arica's hikes, history and local foodArica enjoys a constant desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world, unusual for a place by the sea. No wonder the city is popular with sunbathers and surfers.Lively Calles 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi are fun to explore, and you can try local treats at El Agro market. Take a 15-minute hike up El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel.Visit mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archeological museum, stretch your legs on a trek of Playa Corazones or explore the Caves of Anzota.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Iquique and the Atacama
Discover the history of UNESCO-listed HumberstoneYour South American expedition cruise reaches bustling Iquique, one of Chile's premier beach resorts, lined with palm trees. Visit the abandoned saltpetre mining town of Humberstone in the Atacama Desert, a UNESCO site with history you can literally walk through.Back in Iquique, head to the boardwalk along Playa Cavancha. Admire the city skyline on one side of Iquique Beach and the surfers on the other. Baquedano Street showcases 19th century Georgian architecture. In the centre of old town at Plaza Arturo Prat, admire historical monuments like Astoreca Palace and Torre del Reloj.
Day 9 - DAY 9 Relax on board
Enter full relaxation modeYour South American cruise is nearing an end, so grasp this opportunity to really make the most of your ship. Enjoy a dip in a hot tub or perhaps you'd rather work out in the gym or get a relaxing massage in the spa. The Expedition Team will recap the highlights from your adventure and answer any questions. Maybe join an art workshop if you'd like to express your adventures creatively.Or just relax and spend time with newfound friends in the Explorer Lounge, watching the sunset together and sharing memories over a favourite drink.
Day 10 - DAY 10 Stunning La Serena
Explore the 'City of Churches' and Serena BeachPerched on ocean terraces, La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches all along Avenida del Mar and beyond. Chile’s second oldest city is full of classical architecture; discover some of the 30 or so carefully restored stone churches.Visit the Archaeological Museum which houses pre-colonial artefacts. Then head down the discreet lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda to find relaxed cafés and eateries.You can also take a stroll through the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for crafts at Recova Market.
Day 11 - DAY 11 Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Valparaíso is the glorious finale to your expeditionYour South American expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it's well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city before you fly home.Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.And if you're up for more adventures, you can join one of our optional Post-Programmes, including a tour to Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its mysterious statues in Rapa Nui National Park.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-10-202327-10-2023AUD $7,527Fridtjof Nansen - Polar Inside. From
17-10-202327-10-2023AUD $8,037Fridtjof Nansen - Polar Outside. From
17-10-202327-10-2023AUD $8,474Fridtjof Nansen - Arctic Superior. From
17-10-202327-10-2023AUD $9,667Fridtjof Nansen - Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • 11-day expedition cruise discovering the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and many other highlights along the South American coast.
    • Visit Lima and unique, characterful communities. Explore an abandoned Atacama Desert mining town, the Ollantaytambo royal estate and Sacsayhuamán Fortress.
    • Enjoy optional tours to the famous Nazca Lines, or see Ballestas Islands' wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, turtles, Peruvian Boobies, humpback whales and more.

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