22 Day Antarctica & Machu Picchu
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
For the true explorer, expedition small-ship cruising is the best way to get off the beaten track.This experience is not just about the ship’s creature comforts but very much the destination, its nature and wildlife. Daily shore excursions by Zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step onshore and explore. A world-class, expert expedition team will help you discover each exciting destination. Onboard you’ll enjoy informative and educational lectures. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package. There’s a land touring component with shared sightseeing and transfers.
✓ Return airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All internal South American flights
✓ Return charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ Return scenic train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
✓ 10 nights accommodation in Peru and Argentina
✓ Daily breakfast, 11 lunches, 14 dinners
✓ Explore the mysteries of the Inca empire at breathtaking Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
✓ 10-night Antarctica expedition onboard Hurtigruten ship MS Fridtjof Nansen
✓ Environmentally friendly hybrid vessel with underwater drones
✓ Guiding and lectures by world-class expedition team
✓ Shore excursions by Zodiac boats
✓ Professional guides in Peru and all transportation
✓ No gratuities expected on board your cruise
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Lima, the City of Kings. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
While Peru’s capital officially began life in 1535, Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city’s attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre. You’ll also find excellent museums – a given considering the history and culture of its surrounds – and interesting colonial architecture. One such museum, the Museo de la Nacion, is the largest museum in Lima and an ideal place to begin exploring Peru’s ancient history.
At night, the Magic Water Circuit show in the Parque de la Reserva is a tourist drawcard. Every one of the 13 fountains at the park is illuminated with different colours and synchronised to music.
Your local tour guide will meet you in the lobby for a group welcome briefing and some tips for your stay in Lima. See Lima with a city tour today. We’ll start by visiting historic downtown with attractions like the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the Government Palace, City Hall, and other important monuments. We’ll visit the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the historical centre of Lima. Although most of the buildings of the original city were lost in the earthquake of 1746, the bronze fountain in the centre of the square dates back to 1651.
Continuing onto the Convent of San Francisco (entrance included), this 17th century architectural complex includes a church, convent and a square. The facade of the church, which has an image of the Immaculate Conception painted on it, was carved in stone and is characterised by its Corinthian columns. We will also visit the catacombs, a dark chamber found under the church. This maze of narrow hallways contains the bones of about 25,000 people interred here when this was Lima’s first cemetery.
After visiting the centre of Lima, head to the modern section of this great metropolis and visit the district of Miraflores with its shopping mall Larco Mar, built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the traditional ‘Parque del amor’ (Love Park). Miraflores is home to the pyramid-shaped temple of Huaca Pucllana. If you have time, a leisurely stroll down the Miraflores Boardwalk will showcase the coastline views.
With its vibrant, varied flavours, Peruvian food will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip and Lima is the country’s gastronomic capital. Ceviche is Peru’s most popular dish, and with the Pacific Ocean just west of the city, you’ll find it everywhere – from cevicherias to street stalls to fine dining restaurants. You might like to end the day with the ubiquitous pisco sour, a popular cocktail made with the nation’s favourite brandy.
It’s an early start this morning to head to Lima Airport to board your flight to Cusco. Look out for the expansive views of the Andes during your flight! The first thing you’ll notice on arrival is the thin mountain air. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the Sacred Valley.
On the way, we’ll stop at a lookout point known as El Mirador, from where you’ll be able to see the whole Sacred Valley and receive a good insight of the Inca history.
The Sacred Valley was once the epicentre of the Inca Empire, running from the ancient capital of the empire, Cusco, to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. This lush green valley’s agreeable climate and fertile plains provided an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels. Our driver and guide will suggest the best vantage points for your photos.
We’ll visit the ancient ruins of Pisac, where you’ll see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You’ll see the impressive rows of agricultural terraces, cut into the mountainside and held in place by stone walls. This stunning setting boasts some of the finest stonework in Peru. Among the expansive ruins are a citadel, temples and a stone structure thought to have been a sundial. We’ll continue to the typical and colourful Andean market of Pisac for some free time to wander and do some shopping. You’ll find handmade crafts, souvenirs, silver jewellery and items made from alpaca wool. Lunch is in a local restaurant overlooking the valley.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo for the night.
One of the new seven wonders of the world, this is the jewel in South America’s crown – today we’ll visit the breathtaking archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
We’ll head to Ollantaytambo Station today to board the fabled tourist train towards Aguas Calientes, a modern little town close to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys you can experience in Peru. It’s an almost two-hour journey that passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then descends gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, before finally reaching the cloud forest. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel.
We’ll then take a short bus ride up the steep, zigzagging road to the famed ancient site. Upon arrival, we’ll enter the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock) and the Sun Temple, among others. Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban sector in the northern part and the agricultural sector on the south-east side.
Now the most recognisable icon of the Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then, in 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. At 2430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire at the height of their reign. The stonework has to be seen up close to truly comprehend its intricate beauty. Giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
After the tour, we’ll return to the town by bus and have the afternoon at leisure.
In the morning, you’ll take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo. Once there, we’ll visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, with its wonderful stonework. These large stone terraces are extremely well preserved and a must-see. This is an extraordinary Inca setting, where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation said to be representing the Inca god Wiracocha.
After exploring Ollantaytambo we return to Cusco by bus.
Today is a free day to explore Cusco at leisure.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco has a long and interesting history, from the first Inca ruler through to the Spanish conquest – and now a major tourist destination. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.
Intricately constructed ancient Inca walls line the narrow streets of Cusco. You may like to visit the Inca temple of the sun, Qorikancha, or the Museo Inka to learn more about Inca culture. The busy main square Plaza de Armas is a great place to people watch, and you’ll find attractions nearby, like the Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus.
You’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport to board your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. You may like to explore on your own, or do some last minute shopping.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your adventure in Peru comes to an end.
Later you will be taken to the airport to board your flight to Buenos Aires to start your Antarctic expedition. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Today you will join the rest of your group as you are transferred to the airport to board your charter flight to the end of the world, Ushuaia, where MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits. Once onboard, we start our journey with a welcome dinner.
Prepare yourself for Antarctica as we cross the infamous Drake Passage, and trust us – it will take your breath away! Take it all in onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen with her two-storey panorama lounge over the bow, with wall-to-wall windows bathing the room in natural light and providing extraordinary views.
Today is another day at sea as your ship makes its way to the Antarctic Peninsula. Relax and enjoy your ship’s facilities, or join one of the lectures conducted throughout the day.
Welcome to one of the most remote areas on Earth!
There have been spectacular photo opportunities so far, but Antarctica is in an entirely different category. Go ashore by Zodiac boat to explore the breathtaking Antarctic scenery and get close to penguins and seals. You will feel like a real explorer from the moment you set foot on the endless expanse of snow and ice and from the deck there will be ample opportunities to see whales.
Over the next six days we’ll be making various landings in different locations throughout the peninsula. Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, and visit old whaling stations and its relics. Trust us when we say that every second of this journey has something new to offer.
One of the highlights of the South Shetlands is Deception Island. When we sail into the natural harbor of this volcanic island, you will see an abandoned whaling station known as Hektor and a derelict British base.
Over the course of the next few days we’ll also visit Wilhelmina Bay, Paradise Harbor and other remote locations. Join gatherings where the various members of the expedition team recount the day’s activities, make presentations, and discuss the next day’s plan. These gatherings are great opportunities to share experiences and mingle with your fellow explorers.
Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and various activities (weather depending).
Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and joining various activities (weather depending).
Another day in Antarctic waters learning about the natural flora and fauna, joining Zodiac landings and joining various activities (weather depending).
Spend another day in this unforgettable landscape undertaking a shore landing, listening to lectures and enjoying your spectacular vessel.
After exploring this exhilarating continent, we set course back to civilisation. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences with fellow explorers, or just relaxing on deck.
Today is another day at sea as your ship makes it way back to South America. Relax and enjoy your ship's facilities, or join one of the lectures conducted throughout the day.
Our Antarctic expedition cruise ends as we reach Ushuaia, and we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. On arrival in Buenos Aires, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel to relax after your expedition.
Today is a free day to relax and explore this colourful city at your own pace.
Today, you will be transferred to Buenos Aires International Airport for your scheduled flight home. We hope you enjoyed your journey to Antarctica with us!
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
For detailed information on your ship, click HERE.
Compulsory Cruise Forms
For more information, click HERE.
Bedding on board the cruise is restricted to the following configurations.If you wish to upgrade your cabin, the following amounts are payable in addition to the package price prior to travel:
Cabin Upgrades and prices are subject to availability upon booking. Please note your upgrade option as a special request when booking and our team will be in touch with a confirmed quote. If we are unable to confirm your request, we will quote alternative options.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Full-service airline used will be LATAM Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qantas Airways or similar
Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections
If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.
Adelaide customers will likely require two stops in either direction
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $2,500 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, your arrival airport transfer is included, but your departure airport transfer is no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Physical Fitness: A good level of physical fitness is essential. You must fit into a dry suit size S to XXL. You must be able to get from a floating platform to the kayaks and you must be able to swim. The ship's doctor and kayak instructor assess every participant individually and have the final say on a participant's suitability for this activity.
Duration: 3-4 hrs (including getting dressed and preparation time)
Important: Kayaking takes place during a landing and you will have less time ashore during that landing. Outings are subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions. Experienced guides will accompany you on the adventure. This activity is done in two-person kayaks. The suitability for single kayaks is only assessed on board. We cannot promise viewing ice and wildlife - every location is different.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
No strenuous or fast-paced walks are required to complete this itinerary. However, you must be able to walk for approximately 2 to 3 kilometres in (at times) hot and humid conditions, or muddy and slippery paths. You also need to be able to get on and off small boats in the Amazon Jungle – though assistance is always provided. In the Galapagos Islands you will be entering and exiting a Zodiac boat during wet and dry landings and when returning from snorkelling. Although the waters we sail are usually calm, there are times when the sea can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Rain or shine, your trusty crew will always be on hand to assist you.
Travelling at altitude
Cusco sits at 3,399 metres above sea level where it’s common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to altitude – regardless of age, gender and fitness. It's important that you discuss this itinerary and your travel plans with your doctor beforehand. Prescription medication to prevent altitude sickness is available. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health complications or even be fatal. While on tour, safety is paramount and it’s important that you discuss any altitude sickness symptoms with your local guide, so that appropriate medical attention can be provided. Follow this link for more helpful information on altitude sickness.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $12,999 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Peru, Argentina or Antarctica.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visas should not be applied for before receiving final documentation.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-40 people.
Trip Style - Expedition Cruise
These trips are for the true explorer. Expedition small ship cruising is the best way to get off-the-beaten-track and see some of the world's most unspoilt and remote destinations. The experience on an expedition cruise is very different from that of a conventional, larger cruise ship. The focus is not about the ship’s creature comforts but very much about about the destination, it’s nature and wildlife.
Daily shore excursions by zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step on to shore in the world's most remote locations where few have ever been before. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package, on board your small ship you'll have an expert expedition team giving you informative lectures and educational lectures in many different scientific fields.
Children
Children must be 12 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 120 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 120 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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