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Peregrine Travel Centre

Lake Titicaca, Ancient History & Highlights of South America

Lake Titicaca, Ancient History & Highlights of South America

From AUD $6,566

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Description

Unique cultures and ancient history
Visit Lake Titicaca and the Uro people’s floating islands, handmade from golden reeds. Explore Chucuito, the colonial-era town and see the mysterious Gate of the God, Hayu Marca, as well as the fascinating Sillustani tombs, a pre-Incan cemetery.

A journey of contrasts
From the glorious sandy beaches of Arica, to the fascinating UNESCO site of Humberstone in the Atacama Desert and the rich, ancient heritage of Lima, this expedition is set to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Trip Name
Lake Titicaca, Ancient 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 Lima, '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 the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, packed with Spanish architecture like the San Francisco Monastery and the buildings surrounding Plaza Mayor. To see its Incan heritage, visit the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca.Known as the food capital of South America, choose from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Chucuito and Aramu Muru
Visit the mysterious 'Gate of the Gods'Our day begins with a flight from Lima to Juliaca. From here it's a scenic one-hour drive to Puno. Your hotel for the next two days is located right on the shore of lovely Lake Titicaca. You'll enjoy lunch here before we visit Chucuito and Amaru Muru.See Chucuito's 16th century colonial churches, Santo Domingo and Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the ancient solar clock. When here, check out the Inca Uyo, with its 86 phallic granite statues, the remains of an ancient fertility temple.Mysterious Aramu Muru, or the Gate of the Gods, is an ancient T-shaped doorway carved into solid rock. According to locals also a site for extra-terrestrial or paranormal activity.
Day 3 - DAY 3 The Uros of Lake Titicaca
See hand woven islands in South America's largest lakeAt 920 feet deep and 89,340 square feet in size, Lake Titicaca is a true marvel. We'll reach the floating islands of the Uros on our small expedition boats, shimmering golden in the sun. These incredible islands are handmade and woven from the reeds that grow in the lake.Next you'll visit the rural community of Llachón, with spectacular views over the lake. Your included activity is a guided kayaking tour of the peaceful, deep blue waters. Try to spot some of the 60 species of bird, 14 native fish species and 18 types of amphibian. You’ll also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a typical lunch.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Heading back to Lima
Your expedition ship awaits you in historic LimaWe'll say goodbye to Puno and head back to the airport, but not before stopping at Sillustani tombs, a pre-Incan cemetery. These tombs or chullas were built as tall as 39 feet, to hold the entire families of its society's elite.On arrival in Lima, it's time to board your hybrid-powered expedition ship. Settle in and explore the ship. Later, you'll meet the Expedition Team who'll be your expert guides on this trip, as we set sail for more historical and cultural adventures.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Ballestas and Nazca
Discover extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteriesToday, you'll be able to join optional excursions from Paracas to two of Peru's most famous attractions – the mysterious Nazca Lines and wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands.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 Fresh salt air
Sailing along the Humboldt CurrentAs we sail south towards Chile, make sure you take full advantage of your expedition ship's fantastic facilities. Enjoy great views as you work out in the well-equipped gyms and outdoor running track, or look out to sea from the heated outdoor infinity pool.The expert Expedition Team will continue their inspiring lectures, while we keep an eye on the rich waters we sail through. They're part of the cold water Humboldt Current, home to vast shoals of sardines, anchovies and mackerel.
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 Visit the Atacama Desert
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
Relax and unwind with a day at seaAfter the last couple of day packed full of adventure, a day relaxing on board is the perfect opportunity to rest and recharge.Enjoy a lecture from your Expedition Team in the Science Center, as they talk about the sights you've seen and the regions you've explored. Or contribute whale or cloud sightings as part of our Citizen Science projects.Seabirds often like to follow the ship, so if you head out on deck, you can try to spot and identify them. A photographer will also be on hand to help you capture the best images as your journey continues.
Day 10 - DAY 10 Stunning La Serena
Explore the 'City of Churches' and Serena BeachYou'll recognise La Serena by its long, picture-perfect beaches. Perched on ocean terraces, Chile's second oldest city is full of classic architecture, including beautifully restored stone churches.Enjoy a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where you'll see pre-colonial artefacts from the Diaguita and Molle cultures, as well as a statue from Easter Island.Admire the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for lapis lazuli and handicrafts at Recova Market. Then sit back and relax at the cafés and eateries in the hidden lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda.
Day 11 - DAY 11 Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Valparaíso is the glorious finale to your expeditionYour South American Pacific Coast expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, you'll love discovering this UNESCO-listed city.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 an optional Post-Programme to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads in Rapa Nui National Park.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-10-202327-10-2023AUD $6,566Fridtjof Nansen - Polar Outside. From
17-10-202327-10-2023AUD $7,003Fridtjof Nansen - Arctic Superior. From
17-10-202327-10-2023AUD $8,196Fridtjof Nansen - Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • South American expedition cruise exploring ancient cultures

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