Azamara Journey
January 23, 2025

Callao, Lima, Peru, docks at Callao Port, 12 kilometers from Lima’s center, with taxis for 20-minute rides. Lima, population 9 million, features Plaza de Armas and the 16th-century cathedral. Travelers visit Larco Museum for pre-Columbian artifacts. Local markets sell ceviche. Excursions to Pachacamac, 45 minutes south, explore Inca ruins. Peak season December to March; taxis 10-20 PEN. Dining includes lomo saltado at Miraflores cafes. Souvenirs feature alpaca textiles.

Returning to Callao — see Day 1 above for port info.

Pisco, Peru, provides docking at Pisco Port. Travelers explore the Paracas National Reserve and Tambo Colorado’s Inca ruins. Excursions visit Ballestas Islands’ wildlife. Local markets sell pisco sours. The peak season, May to October, brings dry weather for coastal tours. Photography captures desert landscapes and marine life. Dining onboard includes lomo saltado, a Peruvian favorite. Souvenirs, like alpaca textiles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Inca history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Pisco’s coastal and historic charm offers a vibrant Peruvian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders, archaeological sites, and local culture, making Pisco an engaging destination for exploring Peru’s coastal heritage.

Arica, Chile, docks at Puerto Arica, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 220,000, features the San Marcos Cathedral, a 1876 iron structure by Gustave Eiffel. Travelers climb El Morro for Pacific views. Excursions to Lauca National Park, 3 hours east, spot vicuñas and Chungará Lake. Local markets sell alpaca textiles. Peak season November to March; taxis 2,000-5,000 CLP. Dining includes ceviche at port stalls. Souvenirs feature Aymara crafts.

Iquique, Chile, has docking at Iquique Port. Travelers explore Cavancha Beach and historic Baquedano Street. Excursions visit Humberstone’s UNESCO-listed nitrate mines. Local markets sell alpaca wool. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures desert landscapes and Pacific shores. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean dish. Souvenirs, like lapis lazuli crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Atacama history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Iquique’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop, blending history with beach relaxation.

Antofagasta, Chile, docks at Puerto Antofagasta, 2 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles or taxis for 10-minute rides. The city, population 400,000, features the Ruins of Huanchaca, a 19th-century silver refinery. Travelers stroll the Balneario Beach promenade. Excursions to La Portada, 20 minutes north, view natural limestone arches. Local markets sell alpaca wool. Peak season November to March; taxis 2,000-5,000 CLP. Dining includes ceviche at port cafes. Souvenirs feature copper crafts.

Coquimbo, Chile, has docking at Coquimbo Port with excursions to La Serena. Travelers explore La Serena’s colonial churches and Elqui Valley’s vineyards. Excursions visit Isla Damas’ penguins. Local markets sell pisco. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather. Photography captures Pacific shores and Andean foothills. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean dish. Souvenirs, like lapis lazuli, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Atacama history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate. Binoculars enhance wildlife spotting. Coquimbo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop, blending history with scenic beauty.

San Antonio, Chile, offers docking at San Antonio Port. Travelers explore Maipo Valley’s vineyards and Pomaire’s pottery villages. Excursions visit Valparaíso’s colorful hills. Local markets sell empanadas. The peak season, December to March, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures vine-covered hills and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes pastel de choclo, a Chilean favorite. Souvenirs, like clay crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Chilean history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance vineyard walks. San Antonio’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Chilean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of wine culture and scenic beauty, making San Antonio an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to San Antonio — see Day 10 above for port info.