Discover the glory of ancient kingdoms at Ollantaytambo, the mystery of the Nazca Lines and spectacular Machu Picchu on this expedition cruise holiday through Peru and Chile, an exciting combination of sea and land adventures.
Enjoy an overnight hotel stay in Lima then fly to Cusco to explore the remarkable stone work of the Sacsayhuamán fortress. A 2-night stay in the Sacred Valley gives the opportunity to travel to the formidable stone fortress at Ollantaytambo and the mysterious grandeur of Machu Picchu where you can learn about the lives of the priests, craftsmen and servants who inhabited this incredible place. See the 16th-century baroque Cusco Cathedral, built on the foundations of an Incan palace using many stones that were looted from the nearby Sacsayhuaman fortress.
Embark ship in Callao and sail to Paracas for a trip to the fascinating Nazca Lines and geoglyphs that were carved into the ground between 500 BC and 500 AD. 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 search for wildlife. In Chile there are colourful colonial towns to explore and the chance to uncover the ancient Diaguita culture.
NE523 Operated by Hurtigruten Expeditions
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Machu Picchu and Inca Highlights Itinerary
Day 1 - Lima (Peru)
Enjoy an overnight hotel stay in Lima, home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre and colonial mansions.
Day 2 - Cusco - Sacred Valley
Fly from Lima to Cusco and enjoy lunch before visiting the amazing Incan Sacsayhuaman fortress which took 20,000 over 70 decades to complete. This afternoon continue to Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and an overnight hotel stay.
Day 3 - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu
After breakfast, travel to the Incan town of Ollantaytambo with its impressive fortress clinging to the cliff. The fortress was the valley's main defence and the site of a victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. This rose-coloured structure once housed temples and baths as well as a military barracks. Later, board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train and enjoy brunch as you travel to spectacular Machu Picchu, overlooking the Urubamba River. Discover the city's ruins and immerse yourself in history, before having tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, return by train to the hotel for another overnight stay.
Day 4 - Cusco - Lima
Head to Cusco, once the centre of the Inca Empire, to see the splendid baroque Cusco Cathedral then continue on to Koricancha and the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo which was built atop the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Fly to Lima then transfer to Callao and embark ship.
Day 5 - Paracas
Paracas is the gateway to the colonial town of Pisco and its enigmatic Nazca Lines and geoglyphs which were etched into the ground between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D., and are several kilometres long. These ancient creations illustrate living creatures, stylised plants, imaginary beings and geometric figures.
Day 6 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 7 - Arica (Chile)
Explore the historic city of Arica which features archaeological sites with some of the world's oldest known mummies. Perhaps walk up the El Morro cliff to admire the magnificent panoramic views.
Days 8-9 - At sea
Enjoy the ship's facilities on relaxing days at sea.
Day 10 - La Serena
Discover the seaside town of La Serena, home to colourful gardens, beautiful churches and an Archaeological Museum which tells the story of the ancient Diaguita culture that thrived here before the Incan conquest.
Day 11 - Valparaiso
Disembark ship in Valparaiso.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.
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