Guest Speaker 
No single supplement 
Superior Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m2
3
Along the Andes Cordillera
Talcahuano - Callao
Dates:
20/3/2023
to
29/3/2023
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you to discover the ancient Inca Empire and its stunning slumbering citadels. From Talcahuano, set sail aboard the Le Boréal for a 10-day cruise along the coasts of Chile and Peru.
Your first port of call will be Coquimbo, a charming seaside resort just a few kilometres from La Serena, an old colonial city with a remarkable architecture, founded in 1544.
You will then discover Iquique and its exceptional historic centre inherited from the Gold Rush. Not far, you will find Humberstone, a disused mining town where the buildings now house museums listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Arica, the ‘city of eternal spring’ where the climate is temperate and sunny year round, is very popular for its beautiful beaches and its sites brimming with history. You will be captivated by this surprising city where the Inca people once lived.
When we drop anchor in Matarani, discover Arequipa, an old colonial city founded in 1540 in a fertile valley at the foot of the majestic El Misti volcano.
Before reaching the Peruvian capital, you will make a final stop in Pisco, known for attracting a wide variety of birds, particularly to the Ballestas Islands which you will have the chance to visit.
Ref : BO200323
Your itinerary
A cruise between Chile and Peru, to discover the Inca Empire and its slumbering citadels. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the saltpeter mining towns of Iquique, the historic centre of Arequipa from...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
You may also like...
You may also like...
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
4/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
9/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise between Chile and Peru, to discover the Inca Empire and its slumbering citadels.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the saltpeter mining towns of Iquique, the historic centre of Arequipa from Matarani.
- Discovering the major pre-Columbian sites and the mysterious geoglyphs.
- From Pisco, the observation of the mysterious Nazca lines.
- Exceptional architectural heritage of the colonial era.
- Discovering Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Convent from Matarani.
- The visit to Pisco and the Ballestas Islands, where the biodiversity is unique and nature enchanting.
- Specialist lecturers onboard to share their passion for their subject and their knowledge with you.
- After your cruise: the possibility of discovering the emblematic Machu Picchu.
Ports of Call & Excursions
20 March 2023 - Talcahuano
Embarkation 20/3/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 20/3/2023 at 6:00 pm
Talcahuano, Chile’s largest fishing port, neighbours the overflowing energy of Concepción, where music resonates on every street corner. Renowned for its cultural and artistic life, it is nicknamed “the gateway to the south”. With its 215,000 inhabitants, Concepción is a relatively prosperous city in Chile and the country’s largest town south of Santiago. Very beautiful little traditional fishing villages scattered along the coast add to the charm of this part of the Chilean coastline.
21 March 2023 - At sea
Arrival 21/3/2023
Departure 21/3/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
22 March 2023 - Coquimbo
Arrival 22/3/2023 early morning
Departure 22/3/2023 midday
On Chile'sﾠNorte Chico (Little North) is the port of Coquimbo where peace and harmony reign, sheltered in the inlet of the La Herradura Bay. This charming seaside town is mere minutes away from La Serena. Set off to discover this site along the Pacific Ocean and its spectacular sandy beaches. Founded in 1544, this old town has retained its beautiful colonial architecture that bears traces of Spanish and neoclassical influences. Venture deeper inland to the Elqui Valley, one of the country's largest and most spectacular. This valley was the birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, the renowned poet, and is also where Chile's famous pisco is made.
23 March 2023 - At sea
Arrival 23/3/2023
Departure 23/3/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
24 March 2023 - Iquique
Arrival 24/3/2023 midday
Departure 24/3/2023 early evening
Coastal town in the north of Chile, capital of the Tarapacà region, Iquique enjoys a unique location between the Pacific and the cliffs of the Cordillera de la Costa. Although the bustle of its harbour makes this a modern city, it also has many admirable relics from Chile’s past. You’ll love to stroll in the old centre, which is one of many preserved structures, such as the old aristocratic district of Paseo Baquedano or the neoclassical style municipal theatre.
25 March 2023 - Arica
Arrival 25/3/2023 early morning
Departure 25/3/2023 early evening
Located at the gateway to the Atacama desert, Arica, the Northernmost town in Chile, owes its reputation to the richness and beauty of its landscapes: long white sandy beaches edging the Pacific, millennial geoglyphs, arid valleys of the cordillera foothills, fertile altiplano and dormant volcanoes are just some of the sites that the “City of Eternal Spring” has in store for you. Let yourself be swept back in time and discover the culture, traditions and mummies of the Chinchorro people, this Indian civilisation, some 7,000 years old, which was the first in the world to develop mummification techniques.
26 March 2023 - Matarani
Arrival 26/3/2023 early morning
Departure 26/3/2023 evening
On the southern coast of Peru, the port of Matarani is the doorway into the Arequipa region, one of the most prosperous in the country. From the city, you can get to the famous city of Arequipa, overlooked by three majestic volcanoes, the Misti, the Chacani and the Pichu Pichu. Apart from the Andean mountains, the Matarini region also houses impressive landscapes of desert, scattered with green oasis.
27 March 2023 - At sea
Arrival 27/3/2023
Departure 27/3/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
28 March 2023 - Pisco
Arrival 28/3/2023 early morning
Departure 28/3/2023 early evening
In the south of Peru, discover the small port town of Pisco, named in reference to the Quechua word Pisscu, meaning “bird”. The region is indeed renowned for its wide variety of birdlife that you can observe in the Ballestas Islands. In addition to this exceptionally well-preserved nature, the province also boasts major historical treasures such as the archaeological site of Tambo Colorado, vestige of the Inca civilisation, the Nazca Lines, very precise traces representing geometric figures on the arid earth of the Peruvian plain, or the Candelabra, a mysterious hieroglyph sculpted into the rock by the Paracas, a pre-Inca civilisation.
29 March 2023 - Callao
Arrival 29/3/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 29/3/2023 at 7:00 am
As the country's primary fishing and trading port, Callao is the maritime gateway to Peru. From the town centre, journey on to the capital, Lima, and wander around the Plaza Mayor (formerly Plaza de Armas), crowned with its gorgeous bronze fountain. Embellished with neo-colonial buildings such as the Government Palace or the Cathedral of Lima, the esplanade is a symbol of the city's founding by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Two streets away is the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the city's best-preserved colonial structures. Further south, don't miss the superb cloisters and patios of the Casona San Marcos.
Petroglyphs & Tabali winery
The Limarí Valley, named after the river which runs through it, is a rich archaeological area whose highlights include a petrified forest at the Pichasca National Monument, and the Enchanted Valley, located 19 kilometres southwest of Ovalle. This excursion includes a visit to both valleys, as well as other highlights of this hidden corner of South America.
The journey commences with a drive through Coquimbo before heading inland toward Ovalle. As one heads inland from the coast, the scenery takes on a noticeably greener hue as lush, rolling valleys replace the arid coastal landscape before reaching the Enchanted Valley. Excavations in this valley have shown that groups of hunter-gatherers have inhabited this area for almost 4,000 years. The site now stands as an open air museum and is of great scientific and cultural interest. The main attractions here are the many examples of pictographs and petroglyphs across the hillsides, providing a reminder of times when the Indians of the El Molle Culture inhabited this valley of gargantuan boulders and murmuring streams.
This valley is also of important agricultural significance. Together with the Elqui and Choapa valleys it represents rich fertile transversal valleys running across the coastal mountains of semi-arid desert scrubland. A rich tapestry of crops covers the valley, especially the green carpets of grapes grown in impressive vineyards both for the early table grapes for export and for wine.
You will continue to Tabalí Winery. It is located in the Limarí Valley in the northernmost wine-growing region of Chile. This magical terroir was discovered by entrepreneur Guillermo Luksic Craig, a pioneer in the planting of vineyards in this area. Tabalí means "passage of waters" in the dialect of the Diaguita culture. In the winery's first year in 2003, Tabalí obtained 24 medals. This vineyard is well known for its unique blends of wine stocks such as Viognier, Sangiovese and Carmenere. Upon arrival, a guided tour of the winery will be given, followed by a tasting of its most representative wines.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the 1 ½ hour return drive to the pier.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as mornings are chilly and afternoons get hot, and protect yourself from the sun. This tour involves approximately 900 metres of walking over uneven surfaces and standing during the visits.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Flying in tandem - paragliding
Fly like the birds completely silent. Hear only the wind whispering you while you glide through the sky in absolute calm, with the bustling city at one side and the Pacific Ocean at the other, this is what the paragliding experience offers you at one of the best spots in the world: the city of Iquique, in Chile's Atacama.
The easiest way to enjoy this fantastic experience is to fly in tandem. This flight in tandem is made in a special paraglider, much bigger than the usual ones, with capacity for two persons. You sit and relax comfortably in front, while the experienced pilot takes care of all the rest: takes off, flies, and landing of the paraglider. This means you need no experience nor any previous training to fly in tandem. The 10 years experienced Instruction Pilots are all certified and registered at the Chilean DGAC (Civil Aeronautic Department), and they will provide you with a few simple instructions to follow before the flight, and that's it... you will be flying in a blink of an eye! You will have the incredible chance to take photographs, videos, call a friend on your mobile phone, and if the air conditions are right you are welcome to manoeuvre the paraglider, or simply relax and live one of the most awesome and fascinating experiences: to fly!
From the pier, you will take a 30-minute transfer to Alto Hospicio Hill, at 500 m (1,500 feet) altitude, from where you will take off. Here, your Instructor-Pilot will prepare the equipment and will give you the simple instructions. You will also be equipped with a thermic outfit for your comfort. The flights are subject to wind conditions and good weather, and in some occasions you will need to wait for these conditions to reach the ideal stage. This could take between 30 to 90 minutes. At the same time, the landing is programmed according to the weather conditions and flight safety.
- Your adventure includes guiding, professional instructor-pilot, transportation and flying equipment. Anybody can fly, regardless of your age, with a minimum weight of 30 kg (66 lbs) and a maximum of 130 kg (286 lbs). Actual flying time: minimum 20-30 minutes. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, closed shoes, a pullover or wind breaker, sun glasses, sun block, and bring charged batteries for your camera. Transfers are not guided. Depending on the number of participants, transfer may stop to pick up other local participants. Participants must speak or understand some English or Spanish - no French speaking instructors. Please note this tour is subject to weather conditions.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Santa Laura & Humberstone
From the pier, embark your coach for the one-hour drive to the nitrate towns. En route, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of this coastal city with its beautiful beaches and the ridged Cerro Dragón (dragon hill). Continue through the magical and indescribable beauty of the Atacama Desert, before finally reaching the nitrate ghost towns of Santa Laura and Humberstone, both declared National Monument.
The Santa Laura plants and the town of Humberstone are the oldest saltpetre extraction sites. Workers from Chile, Peru and Bolivia lived there and formed a common “pampina” culture. They lived and worked there from 1880 onwards, exploiting the world's largest saltpetre deposit, transforming the agricultural landscape of North, South America and Europe, while at the same time providing Chile with great wealth. These cities, now abandoned, were vast places of exchange with their own language, organisation and customs. These sites for converting saltpetre into fertiliser closed their doors around 1960, and the buildings abandoned overnight were transformed into museums and placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
First visit Santa Laura, where the processing plant and smokestacks are still visible along with the administration building and the warehouse.
A couple of miles ahead is Humberstone, founded in 1862, the place where the workers lived. You can still see the theatre with the seats still in place, the church, both built of Oregon pine, the hotel, a general store, administration buildings and a full-sized swimming pool built on iron. It will take you back in time to the splendour of this important period in Chile's history.
Before returning to the port, enjoy a nice cocktail drink at the old market.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.4 mile) walking over even surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress lightly and protect yourself from the sun.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlands ancient traditions
From the pier, embark your coach for a drive towards Lluta valley to visit the interesting geoglyphs at Rosario, drawn on the hills by the former inhabitants of the region.
After almost 40 km (25 miles), make a stop at a rustic Inn to have a coca leaves tea to avoid altitude sickness, as Aymara people still do before going up the mountain. Continue your trip to visit the Copaquilla Pukara, an archaeological remain of an old fortress which protected the surroundings.
Then proceed to Putre, the capital of the Parinacota region, where you will visit its interesting church and square, and stroll around the town to admire the houses. Later on, enjoy a folkloric dance show and proceed to a local basic restaurant for lunch.
You will then drive to Socoroma village, that you will discover by climbing through uneven terrain surrounded with agricultural terraces, going through its narrow streets to its church and main Plaza. This village was part of the famous Inca trail. Be part of one of the traditional ceremonies, blessing the Mother Hearth (Pachamama).
After the visit, drive back to the pier (2 ½ hours of driving).
- The tour brings you to an altitude of 3,200 m (9,600 feet) in order to get in touch with the local people. This tour is not recommended for guests suffering from altitude sickness, heart or breathing problems. Consult your doctor before your cruise and get a written approval to participate on this tour. A basic lunch is served in the best restaurant available. Bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers - it will be very cool at high altitude. Please note local churches do not have daily service so they may not be open.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Chinchorro culture
From the pier, embark your coach for the scenic drive along the southern coastline. Stop at the Chinchorro and Las Machas Beaches, some of the most beautiful of the region.
The Chinchorro Beach owes its name to an old fishing system used by native inhabitants since remote times. This name was also given to the mummified human remains and the culture they belonged to, which were found buried in the sand by the German archaeologist Max Uhle. They are nowadays considered to be the oldest mummies in the world.
Stop at Las Machas Beach and enjoy a short walk of around 150 yards (500 m) to observe a wide variety of birds at the wetlands. After some time at leisure, return to your coach for the drive to La Frontera Plain, where while admiring the immensity of the area and ocean, you will learn about the importance of the Chinchorro culture in the region.
Afterwards, drive to the beautiful Azapa Valley to visit the archaeological museum of San Miguel de Azapa and its special building exclusively dedicated to the Chinchorro culture, where you will learn and understand the different processes used to mummify their relatives and have the opportunity to see a wide variety of mummies, from foetus to child and adults, all preserved according to different and unique techniques that no other culture continued.
Finally, drive downtown Arica to visit the on-site museum, formerly a house at Colon 10 Street where, while working to build a restaurant, mummified remains were found. Considering their fragility, archaeologists decided to develop an “in situ” museum (the only one in South America) and left the mummies at the same place where they were buried thousands of years ago.
After this unique experience, drive back to the pier and your ship.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Arequipa & the Santa Catalina convent
Arequipa is Peru's second largest town. Originally the region was colonised by the Aymara and then by the Quechuas, before it was taken over by the Incas. Situated 1,024 km (635 miles) south of Lima, the town was founded in 1540 and boasts numerous colonial-style mansions, churches and remarkable convents. At 2,335 m (7,660 feet) above sea level, Arequipa is located in a truly awe-inspiring setting, dominated by three volcanoes: El Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
It is known locally as the "White City" because most of its buildings were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries out of soft, bright white volcanic rock extracted from nearby quarries.
From the pier, board your coach for the 2 ½-hour journey to this city that seems to be frozen in time. Crossing the splendid Plaza de Armas main square, you can admire the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit cloisters and façade of La Compañia church with its superb white-lava arcades. You will then discover the Convent of Santa Catalina. Built in 1579, it only opened to the public in 1970 after four centuries of strict religious seclusion.
The walls of this remarkable convent, the largest in the world with a surface area of over two hectares, used to shelter 450 reclusive Carmelite nuns who were shut away from the outside world. Santa Catalina is a town within a town, and when you pass through its gates you are immediately transported back to the 16th century - patios, cloisters, mansions, monastic buildings, all separated by full-size streets and plazas. Classified today as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of Peru's real treasures.
You will also visit the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries. This small museum features a collection of fascinating exhibits, including mummies and artefacts from the Inca Empire.
After stopping for lunch at a typical Peruvian restaurant in the old town, you will enjoy some free time before returning to Matarani and your ship.
- This tour involves a 5-hour return drive; it includes approximately 1 km (0.7 mile) of walking and some steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). In the art gallery of the convent, flash photography is forbidden. Video taking is forbidden at the Santa Catalina Convent. The inside visit of La Compañia church will depend of the timming, date or catholic events.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tambo Colorado
From the pier, board your air-conditioned coach for the 1 ½-hour drive to Tambo Colorado complex.
This archaeological site features large adobe complexes arranged around a trapezoidal plaza. Tambo Colorado is known by a variety of Quechua names - including Puka Tampu (“red resting place”) and Tukawasi (“red house”) - that hint at its colour. The buildings at Tambo Colorado are primarily made from adobe, but there are also horizontal ribbons of red, white, and yellow. The painting often accentuates niches and other structures.
Tambo Colorado was likely built during the 15th or 16th century as a way for the Inca to demonstrate their regional power. At the time, their empire stretched all the way from modern-day Chile to the Ecuador-Colombia border. Sites like Tambo Colorado were used as regional administrative centres aimed at helping integrate the conquered local people.
There are several structures that surround a large central plaza, as well as a raised ceremonial platform known as an Ushnu, which functioned as a sort of throne for the Inca ruler. Several niches and latticework are also carved into the adobe.
Tambo Colorado provides travellers with a fascinating look into Inca culture.
- The coach ride to and from Tambo Colorado takes 1 h ½ in each direction. This tour involves 1 hour of walking on uneven terrain. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ballestas islands
A short bus transfer from the pier will bring you to El Chaco pier, from where you will take a local boat to the Ballestas Islands.
The Ballestas Islands is a vibrant and colourful wildlife sanctuary that is filled with wild birds and mammals, including sea lions, fur seals, and endangered Humboldt penguins. During this two-hour boat tour, you will come face-to-face with these animals in their natural habitat. On rare occasions, it is even possible to see dolphins and whales. Obviously, this tour is a spectacular choice for animal lovers and bird-watchers.
In addition to the animals named above, a wide range of seabirds also call these rocky islands their home. You may see and hear pelicans, boobies, red-footed Guanay cormorants, and many other types of birds.
Early in the 20th century, the guano (bird droppings) from all these birds was collected and sold as fertilizer. Due to the vast quantities of this valuable substance, this became a major source of revenue for businesses on the coast.
During this tour, you can observe a mysterious hieroglyphic, similar to the Nazca Lines that was carved into the face of a cliff over 1,000 years ago. This symbol is called The Candelabro, and it remains the source of much speculation and debate. It likely was created by the Paracas tribe living in the coast at that time, for reasons still unknown.
- The local boats are uncovered to allow better viewing, so protect yourself from the sun. There are no restrooms on the boat.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Boreal
Le Boréal, like its Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, epitomises the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer passengers both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquillity and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Its exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
16/3/2023 - FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + THE ATACAMA DESERT 3 NIGHTS (PRE) + MACHU PICCHU, SACRED LAND OF INCAS 3 NIGHTS (POST)
AU$0
Find out moreFROM SANTIAGO TO TALCAHUANO (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Santiago
Meet at Santiago airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy 4* (or similar).
Check-in in your room at the hotel.
Lunch and afternoon at leisure.
Dinner is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Santiago/Talcahuano
Check-out.
You will then be transferred to Santiago airport to check-in your flight to Talcahuano selected by PONANT.
Upon arrival in Talcahuano, you will be transferred to the port to embark on your ship.
Your hotel:
DoubleTree by Hilton, with its striking white and geometric facade, has become a point of interest in this district of Santiago. The highlight of the hotel is its rooftop pool, offering views of the city's parks, Sky Costanera and the Andes. On the top floor, the restaurant The Glass offers the same panoramic view. The rooms are spacious and open plan. They blend traditional and contemporary design with works of art from the Bellas Artes Museum of Fine Arts.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in superior room at DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy 4* (or similar), breakfast included.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contact of your hotel:
DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy
Avenida Kennedy
4422 Vitacura
Santiago, Región Metropolitana,
Chile
Tel: +56 2 24875001
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$360
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
THE ATACAMA DESERT (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy four unforgettable days between Santiago and San Pedro to discover the ancient pre-Columbian cultures and the immensities of Atacama. Dive into Chile, between palace, desert, and fortress. This rich programme of experiments will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Santiago
Meet at Santiago airport, look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Then you will be transferred to Ladera Hotel 4* (or similar). Early check-in.
Day and lunch at leisure
Dinner will be at leisure and at your own expense.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Santiago/San Pedro de Atacama
Early bird coffee and pastries served at the hotel. Check-out.
Early morning transfer to Santiago Airport on time for a domestic flight selected by Ponant to Calama Airport.
Check-in at the airport (max 23 kgs baggage allowance on domestic flight Santiago/Calama).
You will fly to Calama (approx. a 2-hour flight).
You will be greeted off the flight by our local representative. From the airport you will depart towards San Pedro de Atacama. On the way, visit Pukara de Lasana Fortress, a pre-Columbian fortress built in the 12thcentury. It currently preserves its old architecture of narrow streets, rectangular and circular houses made of stone whose roofs were thought to be made of wood and mud. It was declared a National Monument in 1982.
You will continue your way to San Pedro de Atacama.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before you head to the lodge.
Check-in from 3.00pm at Terrantai Andino Lodge (or similar).
In the mid-afternoon, you will depart the Lodge to explore Pukara de Quitor located just 2 miles away and explore the ruins of this 12th-century strategically located (pre-Inca) fortress. Upon returning to San Pedro, visit the picturesque village with its traditional adobe houses and pretty streets and the colonial style San Pedro Church.
Dinner in a local restaurant before you head back to the Lodge.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago
Breakfast.
This morning, you will depart the Lodge for a full day excursion to the Atacama Desert.
The largest salt flat in Chile, the Salar de Atacama, covers almost 3,000sq m. south of San Pedro de Atacama. A track runs along the eastern edge, branching off to Toconao village, an oasis with orchards and white volcanic rock houses (liparite). This desolate place has a scattering of watering holes, including the Chaxa Lagoon, and it is here where you may see the various species of Chilean flamingos. You will have some time to walk around and fully appreciate this spectacular environment.
You will return to San Pedro for lunch in a local restaurant and afterwards will have time at leisure.
In the late afternoon, you will leave towards the Valle de la Luna - the Moon Valley. Tectonic movement over millions of years has raised the bottom of a dry lake and pushed up this Cordillera. Water, wind and sand erosion has shaped this area into strange figures and given the desert a whole range of colours and textures. The colours and light in this stunning landscape are at their best in the twilight. You will admire sunset while enjoying cheese & juice.
Dinner in a local restaurant before you head back to the Lodge.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - San Pedro de Atacama/Santiago/Talcahuano
Breakfast at the hotel and release of your room.
You will then be driven to Calama airport for your flight to Santiago de Chile,
Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local representative who will assist you checking-in of your flight to Talcahuano selected by PONANT.
Your hotels:
Hotel Ladera 4*/Santiago
Providencia neighborhood, where Ladera Hotel is located, has the perfect mix between neighborhood and city life. It still has the roots of its surroundings, which for years had a tranquility in the air and the opportunity to unwind. This boutique hotel offers an amazing view on the city and on the San Cristobal Hill “Le Cerro”.
Terrantai Andino Lodge/San Pedro de Atacama
Terrantai Lodge is an old Andean home that has been restored using ancestral techniques. Retaining the traditional Atacama architecture, it has been built with natural materials such as adobe and stone from the desert. The owners have managed to preserve their heritage while offering a warm welcome in a comfortable, spacious and peaceful environment.
The lodge has: a bar, room service, safe and internet access.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in standard room at Ladera Hotel (or similar), breakfast included.
- 2-night accommodation in andina room at Terrentai Lodge (or similar), breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during lunches and dinners (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- The official currency is the Chilean peso. In Santiago you can pay with US dollars (make sure you have small denomination notes) and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and shops. You can also take out pesos from cash-point machines. For San Pedro de Atacama, you are strongly advised to have small change in pesos. Credit cards and Euros are rarely accepted.
- Variations in temperature during the summer season mean you need summer clothes for the hot, dry days (light cotton items, T-shirts, bermuda shorts) and winter clothes for the cold evenings (fleece, trousers, windcheater, hat).
- You will be required to walk several miles a day on uneven, rocky or sandy ground. It is very important that you are fit enough. This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Altitude of San Pedro de Atacama: 7,704 ft
- Before you sign up for this program, we advise you to see your doctor. Anyone suffering from respiratory or cardiac problems should have a medical certificate.
- Bring with you: comfortable trekking shoes, sunglasses, sun-cream, hat and binoculars.
- Luggage: the luggage allowance is strictly limited to 1 piece of 23 kgs. Additional charges will apply for baggage which is not within the free baggage allowance. 1 piece of 5kgs max. as hand luggage can be taken aboard to ensure safe travel. An excess baggage fee will be assessed for times exceeding the permitted volume for carry-on items.
- Medication: if you are on regular medication please do not forget to bring enough with you as medical facilities are limited.
Contact of your hotel:
Hotel Ladera/Santiago
Los Araucanos 2021, Providencia
Tel: +56-22 8715700
Lodge Terrantai Andino/San Pedro de Atacama
Calle Tocopilla 411
San Pedro de Atacama, Chili
Tel: +56-55 851045
Duration and order of the visits may vary.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$2,930
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Petroglyphs & Tabali winery
The Limarí Valley, named after the river which runs through it, is a rich archaeological area whose highlights include a petrified forest at the Pichasca National Monument, and the Enchanted Valley, located 19 kilometres southwest of Ovalle. This excursion includes a visit to both valleys, as well as other highlights of this hidden corner of South America.
The journey commences with a drive through Coquimbo before heading inland toward Ovalle. As one heads inland from the coast, the scenery takes on a noticeably greener hue as lush, rolling valleys replace the arid coastal landscape before reaching the Enchanted Valley. Excavations in this valley have shown that groups of hunter-gatherers have inhabited this area for almost 4,000 years. The site now stands as an open air museum and is of great scientific and cultural interest. The main attractions here are the many examples of pictographs and petroglyphs across the hillsides, providing a reminder of times when the Indians of the El Molle Culture inhabited this valley of gargantuan boulders and murmuring streams.
This valley is also of important agricultural significance. Together with the Elqui and Choapa valleys it represents rich fertile transversal valleys running across the coastal mountains of semi-arid desert scrubland. A rich tapestry of crops covers the valley, especially the green carpets of grapes grown in impressive vineyards both for the early table grapes for export and for wine.
You will continue to Tabalí Winery. It is located in the Limarí Valley in the northernmost wine-growing region of Chile. This magical terroir was discovered by entrepreneur Guillermo Luksic Craig, a pioneer in the planting of vineyards in this area. Tabalí means "passage of waters" in the dialect of the Diaguita culture. In the winery's first year in 2003, Tabalí obtained 24 medals. This vineyard is well known for its unique blends of wine stocks such as Viognier, Sangiovese and Carmenere. Upon arrival, a guided tour of the winery will be given, followed by a tasting of its most representative wines.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the 1 ½ hour return drive to the pier.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as mornings are chilly and afternoons get hot, and protect yourself from the sun. This tour involves approximately 900 metres of walking over uneven surfaces and standing during the visits.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Flying in tandem - paragliding
Fly like the birds completely silent. Hear only the wind whispering you while you glide through the sky in absolute calm, with the bustling city at one side and the Pacific Ocean at the other, this is what the paragliding experience offers you at one of the best spots in the world: the city of Iquique, in Chile's Atacama.
The easiest way to enjoy this fantastic experience is to fly in tandem. This flight in tandem is made in a special paraglider, much bigger than the usual ones, with capacity for two persons. You sit and relax comfortably in front, while the experienced pilot takes care of all the rest: takes off, flies, and landing of the paraglider. This means you need no experience nor any previous training to fly in tandem. The 10 years experienced Instruction Pilots are all certified and registered at the Chilean DGAC (Civil Aeronautic Department), and they will provide you with a few simple instructions to follow before the flight, and that's it... you will be flying in a blink of an eye! You will have the incredible chance to take photographs, videos, call a friend on your mobile phone, and if the air conditions are right you are welcome to manoeuvre the paraglider, or simply relax and live one of the most awesome and fascinating experiences: to fly!
From the pier, you will take a 30-minute transfer to Alto Hospicio Hill, at 500 m (1,500 feet) altitude, from where you will take off. Here, your Instructor-Pilot will prepare the equipment and will give you the simple instructions. You will also be equipped with a thermic outfit for your comfort. The flights are subject to wind conditions and good weather, and in some occasions you will need to wait for these conditions to reach the ideal stage. This could take between 30 to 90 minutes. At the same time, the landing is programmed according to the weather conditions and flight safety.
- Your adventure includes guiding, professional instructor-pilot, transportation and flying equipment. Anybody can fly, regardless of your age, with a minimum weight of 30 kg (66 lbs) and a maximum of 130 kg (286 lbs). Actual flying time: minimum 20-30 minutes. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes, closed shoes, a pullover or wind breaker, sun glasses, sun block, and bring charged batteries for your camera. Transfers are not guided. Depending on the number of participants, transfer may stop to pick up other local participants. Participants must speak or understand some English or Spanish - no French speaking instructors. Please note this tour is subject to weather conditions.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Santa Laura & Humberstone
From the pier, embark your coach for the one-hour drive to the nitrate towns. En route, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of this coastal city with its beautiful beaches and the ridged Cerro Dragón (dragon hill). Continue through the magical and indescribable beauty of the Atacama Desert, before finally reaching the nitrate ghost towns of Santa Laura and Humberstone, both declared National Monument.
The Santa Laura plants and the town of Humberstone are the oldest saltpetre extraction sites. Workers from Chile, Peru and Bolivia lived there and formed a common “pampina” culture. They lived and worked there from 1880 onwards, exploiting the world's largest saltpetre deposit, transforming the agricultural landscape of North, South America and Europe, while at the same time providing Chile with great wealth. These cities, now abandoned, were vast places of exchange with their own language, organisation and customs. These sites for converting saltpetre into fertiliser closed their doors around 1960, and the buildings abandoned overnight were transformed into museums and placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
First visit Santa Laura, where the processing plant and smokestacks are still visible along with the administration building and the warehouse.
A couple of miles ahead is Humberstone, founded in 1862, the place where the workers lived. You can still see the theatre with the seats still in place, the church, both built of Oregon pine, the hotel, a general store, administration buildings and a full-sized swimming pool built on iron. It will take you back in time to the splendour of this important period in Chile's history.
Before returning to the port, enjoy a nice cocktail drink at the old market.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.4 mile) walking over even surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress lightly and protect yourself from the sun.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlands ancient traditions
From the pier, embark your coach for a drive towards Lluta valley to visit the interesting geoglyphs at Rosario, drawn on the hills by the former inhabitants of the region.
After almost 40 km (25 miles), make a stop at a rustic Inn to have a coca leaves tea to avoid altitude sickness, as Aymara people still do before going up the mountain. Continue your trip to visit the Copaquilla Pukara, an archaeological remain of an old fortress which protected the surroundings.
Then proceed to Putre, the capital of the Parinacota region, where you will visit its interesting church and square, and stroll around the town to admire the houses. Later on, enjoy a folkloric dance show and proceed to a local basic restaurant for lunch.
You will then drive to Socoroma village, that you will discover by climbing through uneven terrain surrounded with agricultural terraces, going through its narrow streets to its church and main Plaza. This village was part of the famous Inca trail. Be part of one of the traditional ceremonies, blessing the Mother Hearth (Pachamama).
After the visit, drive back to the pier (2 ½ hours of driving).
- The tour brings you to an altitude of 3,200 m (9,600 feet) in order to get in touch with the local people. This tour is not recommended for guests suffering from altitude sickness, heart or breathing problems. Consult your doctor before your cruise and get a written approval to participate on this tour. A basic lunch is served in the best restaurant available. Bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers - it will be very cool at high altitude. Please note local churches do not have daily service so they may not be open.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Chinchorro culture
From the pier, embark your coach for the scenic drive along the southern coastline. Stop at the Chinchorro and Las Machas Beaches, some of the most beautiful of the region.
The Chinchorro Beach owes its name to an old fishing system used by native inhabitants since remote times. This name was also given to the mummified human remains and the culture they belonged to, which were found buried in the sand by the German archaeologist Max Uhle. They are nowadays considered to be the oldest mummies in the world.
Stop at Las Machas Beach and enjoy a short walk of around 150 yards (500 m) to observe a wide variety of birds at the wetlands. After some time at leisure, return to your coach for the drive to La Frontera Plain, where while admiring the immensity of the area and ocean, you will learn about the importance of the Chinchorro culture in the region.
Afterwards, drive to the beautiful Azapa Valley to visit the archaeological museum of San Miguel de Azapa and its special building exclusively dedicated to the Chinchorro culture, where you will learn and understand the different processes used to mummify their relatives and have the opportunity to see a wide variety of mummies, from foetus to child and adults, all preserved according to different and unique techniques that no other culture continued.
Finally, drive downtown Arica to visit the on-site museum, formerly a house at Colon 10 Street where, while working to build a restaurant, mummified remains were found. Considering their fragility, archaeologists decided to develop an “in situ” museum (the only one in South America) and left the mummies at the same place where they were buried thousands of years ago.
After this unique experience, drive back to the pier and your ship.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Arequipa & the Santa Catalina convent
Arequipa is Peru's second largest town. Originally the region was colonised by the Aymara and then by the Quechuas, before it was taken over by the Incas. Situated 1,024 km (635 miles) south of Lima, the town was founded in 1540 and boasts numerous colonial-style mansions, churches and remarkable convents. At 2,335 m (7,660 feet) above sea level, Arequipa is located in a truly awe-inspiring setting, dominated by three volcanoes: El Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
It is known locally as the "White City" because most of its buildings were constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries out of soft, bright white volcanic rock extracted from nearby quarries.
From the pier, board your coach for the 2 ½-hour journey to this city that seems to be frozen in time. Crossing the splendid Plaza de Armas main square, you can admire the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit cloisters and façade of La Compañia church with its superb white-lava arcades. You will then discover the Convent of Santa Catalina. Built in 1579, it only opened to the public in 1970 after four centuries of strict religious seclusion.
The walls of this remarkable convent, the largest in the world with a surface area of over two hectares, used to shelter 450 reclusive Carmelite nuns who were shut away from the outside world. Santa Catalina is a town within a town, and when you pass through its gates you are immediately transported back to the 16th century - patios, cloisters, mansions, monastic buildings, all separated by full-size streets and plazas. Classified today as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of Peru's real treasures.
You will also visit the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries. This small museum features a collection of fascinating exhibits, including mummies and artefacts from the Inca Empire.
After stopping for lunch at a typical Peruvian restaurant in the old town, you will enjoy some free time before returning to Matarani and your ship.
- This tour involves a 5-hour return drive; it includes approximately 1 km (0.7 mile) of walking and some steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). In the art gallery of the convent, flash photography is forbidden. Video taking is forbidden at the Santa Catalina Convent. The inside visit of La Compañia church will depend of the timming, date or catholic events.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tambo Colorado
From the pier, board your air-conditioned coach for the 1 ½-hour drive to Tambo Colorado complex.
This archaeological site features large adobe complexes arranged around a trapezoidal plaza. Tambo Colorado is known by a variety of Quechua names - including Puka Tampu (“red resting place”) and Tukawasi (“red house”) - that hint at its colour. The buildings at Tambo Colorado are primarily made from adobe, but there are also horizontal ribbons of red, white, and yellow. The painting often accentuates niches and other structures.
Tambo Colorado was likely built during the 15th or 16th century as a way for the Inca to demonstrate their regional power. At the time, their empire stretched all the way from modern-day Chile to the Ecuador-Colombia border. Sites like Tambo Colorado were used as regional administrative centres aimed at helping integrate the conquered local people.
There are several structures that surround a large central plaza, as well as a raised ceremonial platform known as an Ushnu, which functioned as a sort of throne for the Inca ruler. Several niches and latticework are also carved into the adobe.
Tambo Colorado provides travellers with a fascinating look into Inca culture.
- The coach ride to and from Tambo Colorado takes 1 h ½ in each direction. This tour involves 1 hour of walking on uneven terrain. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ballestas islands
A short bus transfer from the pier will bring you to El Chaco pier, from where you will take a local boat to the Ballestas Islands.
The Ballestas Islands is a vibrant and colourful wildlife sanctuary that is filled with wild birds and mammals, including sea lions, fur seals, and endangered Humboldt penguins. During this two-hour boat tour, you will come face-to-face with these animals in their natural habitat. On rare occasions, it is even possible to see dolphins and whales. Obviously, this tour is a spectacular choice for animal lovers and bird-watchers.
In addition to the animals named above, a wide range of seabirds also call these rocky islands their home. You may see and hear pelicans, boobies, red-footed Guanay cormorants, and many other types of birds.
Early in the 20th century, the guano (bird droppings) from all these birds was collected and sold as fertilizer. Due to the vast quantities of this valuable substance, this became a major source of revenue for businesses on the coast.
During this tour, you can observe a mysterious hieroglyphic, similar to the Nazca Lines that was carved into the face of a cliff over 1,000 years ago. This symbol is called The Candelabro, and it remains the source of much speculation and debate. It likely was created by the Paracas tribe living in the coast at that time, for reasons still unknown.
- The local boats are uncovered to allow better viewing, so protect yourself from the sun. There are no restrooms on the boat.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
A GLIMPSE OF LIMA
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Lima
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
First immerse yourself in the colonial heritage of Lima.
Explore the Lima’s main square, designated as the centre of the city by Lima's founder, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, in 1535. As you stroll around this attractive square with your guide, you will see the Government Palace, the City Hall and visit the Cathedral with its ornate choir stalls, the chapel, the main altar and a Christ made of carved ivory, as well as the crypt with Pizarro's remains.
Then you will walk (500 meters) until Santo Domingo for a visit of the oldest church and convent in Lima. The foundation of Santo Domingo was conceived by a friar named Tomas de San Martin, who later served as the Preceptor Prior of the Dominican Order. As in all convents located between the avenues 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 neoclassical style in the 18th century. In 1730, the greater hall was built - a work of art that later became a part of the city's more unified ornamental groups.
You will continue to go back in time at the Larco Herrera Museum, founded in 1926 and housed in an elegant vice-royal colonial mansion of the 18th century.
The museum has an extensive private collection of pre-Inca ceramics – probably the largest collection of its kind in the world.
After the visit, you will enjoy your lunch.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunch with beverages package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 beer or glass of wine + coffee or tea).
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The average temperatures vary between 59°F (15°C) and 73°F (23°C).
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
- A moderate amount of activity is involved with this tour sometimes on uneven ground and cobblestones streets.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$300
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
MACHU PICCHU, SACRED LAND OF INCAS (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of four days between Lima and Cuzco to discover the major places of the Inca civilization. Walk through the streets of the ancient capital of the empire, go up the Sacred Valley to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu perched in the Cordillera. Explore the famous "lost City of the Incas", a sanctuary still veiled by mystery five centuries after its abandonment. Also, experience a unique one-way return on board to Hiram Bingham, an iconic and luxurious train connecting Cusco's region from Machu Picchu. This discovery-rich programme will be the ideal conclusion to your journey.
Day 1 - Callao/Lima/Cusco/Machu Picchu
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative, and you will be transferred to Lima Airport.
Domestic flight Lima/Cusco.
You will be greeted at Cusco Airport by our local representative.
Cusco means “navel” in Quechua. The Incas believed that the navel was the centre of life and for them Cusco was the umbilicus of the world! It stands at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet).
The capital of the Inca Empire that the Spanish conquistadores discovered in 1533 was home to 100,000 people and continued to wield a certain amount of influence for several decades after the conquest, before it started to decline. Abruptly rescued from oblivion by the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911, it is now a tourist mecca and the departure gate for all excursions to the Sacred Valley. The most striking aspect of Cusco is the architecture and the large stone walls, so perfectly constructed without mortar and testimony to the artistic and technical genius of these people. The city is a prime example of the fusion between Inca and Spanish cultures.
First you will be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. Then you will depart for a visit of the ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
Sacsayhuamán is a famous site known for fitting huge boulders together with three terraces serving for fortification purposes. It's a typical civilization Inca trademark and a part of UNESCO sites in the Cusco area.
Then, you will be transferred by bus to Ollantaytambo station to take the Vistadome train, for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) - duration of the train journey is around 1 h 55. The Vistadome train is faster than the normal train and has very comfortable carriages with reclining seats and large windows. The trip takes you through the Urubamba River valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Arrive in Aguas Calientes station in the evening.
Dinner will be served at the hotel at Inkaterra hotel.
Check-in your room and night.
Day 2 - Machu Picchu
After breakfast, take the public shuttle to the archaeological site, which is at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,973 feet), for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
It is thought the city was built during the reign of Emperor Pachacutec around 1440 and probably abandoned before the Spanish invasion of 1532. According to archaeological excavations, Machu Picchu was not a conventional town but a fortress that was used as a secondary palace by the emperor and his court. The site has a large palace and temples dedicated to the Inca divinities in the main courtyard with other annexed buildings for servants. It is estimated that there were no more than 750 people living here at any one time. Some theories claim that the place was an llacta, in other words a fortress built to control trade in conquered regions.
Since its discovery, this city of granite extending across several terraces overlooking the gorges of the Rio Urubamba has remained swathed in mystery. It appears that even during the Inca Empire period, only selected people were allowed to enter, and it may even have been a sanctuary. Like Pachacamac and other holy Inca sites, Machu Picchu seems to have been home to priests, senior officials, domestic staff, artisans and especially the “Virgins of the Sun”. After Hiram Bingham’s discovery, the city remained inaccessible until an archaeological mission discovered the Inca Trail in 1940, which connects the Sacred Valley to the fortress. The fate of the city’s inhabitants is not known. At the time of the Conquest and during the colonial period the Spanish never found the Machu Picchu site as it is not visible from the valley. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the disappearance of the people living there: epidemic or maybe ostracism when a vicious civil war split the empire before its downfall. The Incas have left no trace either written or oral to explain what happened. Excavations have only helped to make the mystery thicker, as they uncovered 173 skeletons of which 150 were female, but no gold items. In the tomb of the grand priestess the remains of a woman and a dog were found alongside with several ceramic objects, two brooches and a woollen garment.
Since 1981, Machu Picchu has been part of a 325 km² (125.5 mi²) nature reserve, the aim being to protect not only the archaeological site but also the native fauna and flora. In 1983, Machu Picchu was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
During your visit, a buffet lunch will be served in the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant at Machu Picchu.
After lunch, you will take the public shuttle down to Aguas Calientes followed by a short walk to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Diner will be served at the hotel.
Optional activity during your afternoon at mesure:
Pisco tasting at sunset
Or
Peruvian cooking lesson
Limited seats, contact your travel agent for more information.
Day 3 - Machu Picchu/Cusco
Breakfast and check out. Your bag will be stored until you re-join it in the afternoon at Aguas Calientes station.
Enjoy time at leisure during the morning and then meet your guide for the transfer by public shuttle to the Machu Picchu site (25-minute transfert). If going on a different shuttle than the one scheduled with the group, your guide will inform you where to get the shuttle and at what time.)
Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Following lunch, you will visit for a second time the mysterious citadel.
In the late afternoon, return by public shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes and go bac to Cusco on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, named as the American explorer who rediscovered the lost city of the Incas.
Go back in time inside the 1920 Pullman-style carriages. Immerse yourself in an elegant atmosphere enjoying a gastronomy dinner and a traditional musical show.
At the arrival, transfer by bus to JW Marriott Cusco Hotel.
Day 4 - Cusco/Lima
After breakfast, and check-out, morning at leisure until you will be transferred from the hotel to Cusco Airport.
Domestic flight Cusco/Lima.
At your arrival at the airport, you will then be assisted to check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotels:
JW Marriott Hotel is in the historical centre of Cusco. It offers all the amenities expected in a 5-star hotel. In addition to a restaurant, the hotel features a bar, an indoor pool and spa.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu is in an enchanting, five-hectare, cloud forest garden alongside the Vilcanota River and on the edge of the village of Aguas Calientes. Located just a short shuttle ride from the entrance to Machu Picchu, the lodge serves as an excellent base from which to explore. Skilled artisans built the 85-room hotel using stone, adobe stucco and eucalyptus beams to create a delightful Andean village ambience.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 2 nights in Superior room at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
- 1 night in Standard room at JW Marriott Cusco Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or local beer or glass of wine + 1 tea or coffee), except at the Sanctuary Lodge where the beer is not included.
- Domestic flights Lima/Cusco/Lima in economy class.
- A one-way trip Vistadome train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.
- A one-way trip Belmond Hiram Bingham train journey from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo.
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Optional activities on day 2.
Please note:
- Peru uses the Nuevo Sol. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and boutiques. You can change US dollars and euros in the foreign exchange outlets (make sure you have some small denomination notes with you), or withdraw Nuevo Sol from ATM.
- We advise you to bring one piece only of hand luggage for this programme.
- When you leave from Lima airport on Day 1, your other main pieces of luggage will be kept safely at the airport storage.
- Luggage: the luggage allowance is 23 kg. Carry-on items that can be taken aboard are restricted by size, weight, and quantity to ensure safe travel.
- From day 2 to 3: due to the Vistadome and Belmond Hiram Bingham train journey, 1 piece of hand luggage only is allowed per person (bag or backpack), the weight and size of which must not exceed 5 kg/11lb and 62 inches (length + height + width). During the train journey, the luggage must fit in the luggage compartment.
- Cusco has a mild temperate climate. Temperatures range from 6°C (43°F) to 21°C (70°F). Nights can be chilly.
- We advise you to take light cotton clothes and to bring a waterproof jacket. Flat and comfortable walking shoes; sun caps; sunglasses; sunscreen and insect repellent are suggested for the visit of Machu Picchu site. Do not forget your binoculars.
- This programme has limited participation.
- 100 % of total cost for cancellations made less than 100 days before departure.
- A medical certificate is required to participate in this programme. At time of booking, you will receive a document to be completed by your doctor. The city of Cusco lies at an altitude of around 3,400 m/11,155 ft and Machu Picchu at an altitude of 2,430 m/7,973 ft.
- This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility difficulties and healh fragility. Walking conditions on this tour are mostly flat and paved, however, there may be some steps and uneven surfaces to negotiate at times. Guests who participate on this tour must be able to walk at least short distances and / or climb a few steps.
Contact of your hotels:
JW Marriott Cusco Hotel
Esquina de la Calle Ruinas 432 y San Agustin
Cusco - Peru
Telephone: (+51) 84 582 200
Hotel Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Railroad Km 110
Aguas Calientes – Peru
Telephone: (+51) 1 6100400
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$4,331
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
FLIGHTS FROM/ TO PARIS + THE ATACAMA DESERT 3 NIGHTS (PRE) + MACHU PICCHU, SACRED LAND OF INCAS 3 NIGHTS (POST)
Total : AU$0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.