Seabourn Quest - January 17, 2024

Callao is your port of entry to the glittering, elegant city of Lima, the darling of Peru. Founded by Pizarro and the Conquistadors, the capital city today offers priceless collections ranging from the Museum of Gold to the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology. Pizarro's remains can be found in the Cathedral, built in 1746. From Lima, you can also take a tour to Machu Picchu, the mysterious lost city of the Incas high in the Andes, or to Cuzco, the capital of the Incan Empire.

San Martin, located off the Peruvian coast, boasts an abundance of exciting attractions and spectacular scenery. Wander through a soft green paradise of lagoons, forests, and ancient ruins. Soak in the soothing waters of local rivers, waterfalls, and thermal falls. Make your night on the town one to remember by ascending the towering dance stages at Oasis.

Iquique is one of Chile's liveliest cities, largely due to its establishment as a free-trade zone. Iquique is on a rocky peninsula, part of the Atacama Desert. Iquique was once Chile's main port, thanks to the booming nitrate trade of the turn of the last century. Tourists today are attracted by sport fishing and gorgeous beaches.

Antofagasta, Chile, is known as the Mining Capital of South America, largely due to its copper endowment. The city sits in the northern part of Chile, and is 846 miles north of Santiago. Just miles away from the city is the Portada, a beautiful arch-like formation and natural monument. The city is also home to many manmade landmarks, including La Aduana and Las Ruinas de Huanchaca.

Puerto Montt is located just south of central Chile. The city boasts great bay views, seafood restaurants, handicrafts, and plenty of lodging. Puerto Montt is a popular launching point for day trips to national parks, waterfalls, lakes, and mountains of the area. If you take a 50-cent boat ride to the Island of Tenglo, you'll get a great view of the city and several snow-covered volcanoes.

The second-largest town on Chile's Chiloe Island, Castro is a tiny jewel nestled on the scenic coast. Visitors delight in the famous local cuisine, featuring exotic meat and seafood dishes for the most discerning tastebuds. Travelers can stroll through the sunny confines of the local market, which offers a variety of richly textured native clothing, hand-crafted artwork, and unique souvenirs.

Between Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia on the coast of Chile, massive glaciers grind beautiful fjords where the land meets the sea. Watch the soaring Andean condors. Other local fauna include orcas, seals, penguins, and petrels. There is no reason to be spooked by the sight of an albatross, either--they are actually quite a beautiful sight.

Punta Arenas is known as the southernmost city on Earth. It is in Chile, and overlooks the Strait of Magellan. The city's attractions include the Museo Salesiano de Mayonino Borgatello and the Centro Cultural Braun-Menendez. The former is a museum covering the region, and the latter provides a view of a local trading family. Be sure to visit the nearby penguin colony.

Port Stanley is the only town on the Falkland Islands, and though it has little more than 1,200 residents, it contains half of the islands' population. On the other hand there are 700,000 sheep, and a wonderful assortment of sea birds and elephant seals. Though subject to the British Queen, Argentinean claims to the "Islas Malvinas" caused war in 1982.

In Montevideo, visitors are often surprised and delighted to discover that the city still retains the disposition and feel of an intimate village. The Old City of Montevideo seems lodged in another time, with customs and architecture from a past era. In the center, the Hotel Plaza Fuerte displays characteristics of the past. Visitors are charmed by its decor and views of the city.

Buenos Aires is a very European city located in the heart of Argentina. German and Italian culture combine with the Spanish native tongue and flavor of Buenos Aires. The food of the city is legendary. If you leave Buenos Aires without seeing a tango show, you have missed out. The energy, melancholy, passion, and tension of the city come bursting forth from this music and dance.