Peru, Chile – Inca Highlights and Machu Picchu
Duration: 10 days
Ship: MS Fram
Departure:
22 October 2019
Peru, Chile – Inca Highlights and Machu Picchu
Duration: 10 days
Ship: MS Fram
Departure:
22 October 2019
- 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
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Itinerary
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 centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Lima on your own before spending the night in a hotel.
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 labour 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.
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-coloured 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 savoury 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 visualise 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.
After breakfast, we head back to Cusco, once the centre of the Inca Empire. Visit the splendid baroque Cusco Cathedral, built in the mid-1500s 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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy another peaceful day at sea as we make our way south to Valparaíso, and the Expedition team continues their lecture programme.
Our expedition ends in the wonderful, colourful 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.
What's included
Included in your voyage
- Hurtigruten Expedition in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- One overnight in Lima and two overnights at Hotel Tambo del Inka before the voyage including breakfast
- Three-course set lunch and dinner on day 2 and 3, and box lunch on day 4
- Return economy flight Lima-Cusco-Lima
- All transfers and train rides as described including 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
- Free tea and coffee
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Notes
- Tour start date: 22 October 2019 (Lima, Peru)
- Ship departure date: 25 October 2019 (Callao, Peru)
- Arrival date: 31 October 2019 (Valparaíso, Chile)
Vaccination recommended:
- On this trip, a vaccine against yellow fever is recommended. The vaccination must be done at least 10 days before departure. Please bring the vaccination certificate on your voyage.
Your ship
MS Fram
| Year built | 2007 |
| Year of refurbishment | 2020 |
| Ship yard | Fincantieri, Italy |
| Passenger capacity | 318 (200 in Antarctica) |
| Beds | 276 |
| Gross tonnage | 11647 |
| Length | 114 |
| Beam | 20.2 |
| Speed | 13 |
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Optional excursions
Some expedition cruises may include excursions that can be reserved for no additional charge. These included excursions can often be combined with other excursions available in port.
Please note excursions are subject to change and are not yet available for booking for departures after March 2021.
Callao - A Traditional City
Duration
4 hours 15 mins
Price per person
From £ 92
Callao - Biking in Lima
Duration
6 hours 15 mins
Price per person
From £ 154
Callao - Discovering the Palomino Islands
Duration
3 hours 30 mins
Price per person
From £ 134
Callao - Grand Tour of Lima
Duration
8 hours
Price per person
From £ 113
Callao - Pachacamac, Archaeological Museum & Paso Horses
Duration
8 hours
Price per person
From £ 154
Callao - Peruvian Culinary Experience
Duration
5 hours 30 mins
Price per person
From £ 185
Paracas - Nazca Lines
Duration
4h30
Price per person
From £ 463
Paracas - Tambo Colorado
Duration
4h30
Price per person
From £ 134
Antofagasta - Baquedano & Chacabuco
Duration
4h30
Price per person
From £ 134
Antofagasta - Best of Antofagasta
Duration
4h30
Price per person
From £ 134
Extend your cruise
Get more out of your journey by adding a Pre- or Post-programme before or after your expedition cruise.
Practical information
Everything you need to know about a cruise with Hurtigruten
Day 3
Eventyrets siste kapittel - Bergen
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