Wonders of Machu Picchu, the Amazon & Antarctica - Cruise & Land Journey

Welcome to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru. Enjoy a convenient and comfortable overnight stay at the Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol located at Lima Airport. An ideal option to rest, recharge, and avoid the stress of city traffic before your next flight.

Set off this morning for the heart of the rainforest. Fly to Iquitos, a relaxed port city on the banks of the Amazon River, and board your boutique river cruise vessel. Over the next four nights, this elegant ship will be your sanctuary, with suites featuring panoramic windows that frame the calm river, as you ease into the rhythms and natural beauty of the Amazon.

Embark on a series of intimate excursions that will take you deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. You will explore remote tributaries of the Amazon River, trek along jungle trails teeming with life, visit Indigenous communities living as they have for centuries, and spot exotic wildlife hiding amongst the lush greenery. Whether cruising along the waterways or venturing into the lush wilderness with expert naturalist guides, every moment promises new experiences. 

Continue your exploration of the Amazon, discovering its hidden treasures and untamed beauty. Glide silently along narrow tributaries, guided by experts sharing fascinating river tales. Explore pristine habitats, from mangrove swamps to bamboo stands, uncovering nature's delicate balance. Each day offers new discoveries and moments of wonder in this extraordinary wilderness. 

Awaken to the rainforest's symphony. Be immersed in its natural rhythms, tracking wildlife or simply basking in the serenity. Activities vary each day so you could be kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the glassy river, fishing for gigantic Amazon catfish, listening to the calls of more than 1,500 species of bird, and scanning the water for the elusive pink dolphin. As night falls, retreat to your floating sanctuary, lulled by the river's gentle embrace. Reflect on the day's profound beauty as the sun dips below the horizon.

Bid farewell to the mighty Amazon as you fly to Cuzco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Travel through breathtaking landscapes to the Tambo Del Inka Resort & Spa, enjoy a three-night Scenic Special Stay at this luxurious sanctuary set beside the Urubamba River amidst the majestic Andes. Your relaxing stay in the Sacred Valley allows you to experience the history, unique lifestyle, culture and majestic scenery of this heartland of the former Inca empire.Tonight, delight in an unforgettable culinary experience with a tapas dinner accompanied by local performances.

Join your expert local guide for a walking tour of Ollantaytambo, the site where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish conquistadors in 1537.Scenic EnrichIndulge in an authentic Andean feast at a local hacienda, where tradition comes to life through vibrant weaving demonstrations and stories of local customs and life.The afternoon invites you to wander the charming village of Urubamba at your leisure.

With another full day in the Sacred Valley, discover more of its distinctive heritage and culture. Scenic Freechoice: Tailor your day to your tastes and pace with one of these excursions:Pisac Ruins and Markets: Explore the ruins of Pisac, built by the Incas in the 15th century, and its vibrant markets. Peruvians from surrounding villages come to purchase their fruit, vegetables and meat, and you can find authentic crafts and clothing.Maras and Moray: Discover the agricultural and engineering wonders of the mountains. Explore the mysterious circular terraces of Moray and the mesmerising Incan salt pans of Maras, where thousands of pools are dug into the mountainside.Later, indulge in a culinary extravaganza featuring five tantalising meats, each prepared in a unique style using ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own organic garden.

This morning, embark on one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys on a Vistadome train that climbs through breathtaking landscapes to the legendary Machu Picchu. The most famous archaeological site in South America, this mountaintop citadel was built by the Incas in the 15th century but remained lost to history until it was rediscovered in the early 1900s. Explore the enigmatic ruins with expert guides, delving into the mysteries of this timeless site.As night falls, retreat to your comfortable hotel in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes.

Continue your journey by train to the charming city of Cuzco, the imperial capital of the Incas. The oldest continually occupied city on the continent, it sits at a soaring 3,399 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest settlements in the world. You will be welcomed to the luxurious Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Set inside a 500-year-old mansion, enjoy a two-night Scenic Special Stay ensconced in the heart of this storied city, surrounded by opulence and history.

Unravel the secrets of Cuzco as you wander through its cobblestone streets and past grand architecture. On your walking tour, you will uncover the history of this World Heritage-listed site where ancient Incan ruins sit alongside colonial whitewashed houses and Baroque palaces. Your final stop will be the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuamán fortress, where the carved stone blocks form the shape of a puma’s head.Experience vibrant local culture as you explore the bustling San Pedro Market, where traditions, aromas and flavours create an authentic cultural encounter at every turn.

Take a flight to Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru. This cosmopolitan city is home to an incredible food scene and some of the world’s finest restaurants, as well as compelling museums and contemporary galleries. Check in to your stylish, contemporary hotel beside the beach for an overnight stay.Embark on a city tour with an expert local guide who will reveal the city's rich tapestry of culture and heritage. Discover the charms of colonial and modern Lima, admire cathedrals and convents, visit San Isidro financial district, and tour the famed Larco Museum. Afterwards, enjoy lunch.

Lima, Peru, the vibrant capital, blends colonial charm with modern dynamism. Known for its rich history, the city showcases splendid architecture in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Lima boasts scenic ocean views, exquisite cuisine, and lively cultural scenes. Its diverse neighborhoods, from Miraflores' upscale vibe to Barranco's bohemian allure, offer unique experiences. Renowned museums, bustling markets, and the iconic Huaca Pucllana ruins highlight its heritage. Lima's bustling streets and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a captivating destination for travelers.

Bid farewell to Peru and its rich Incan heritage as you fly to Buenos Aires. The colourful Argentine capital is known as the ‘Paris of the Americas’ and is an elegant city with pockets of unique character.  

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.

Discover the vibrant allure of Buenos Aires as you immerse yourself in the city's highlights and experience its unique charm. Latin passion and European romance define this beautiful capital, a dynamic city known for its wide-ranging architectural styles, contemporary and historical arts, and culinary experiences. Enjoy a four-hour tour of the city this morning that takes you to the main historic sites of Buenos Aires, including the Casa Rosada (Pink Palace) and the Recoleta Cemetery, resting place of Argentine luminaries like Eva Peron.

Depart Buenos Aires on an included flight to Ushuaia the gateway to Antarctica and the world’s southernmost city, nestled on the rugged shores of Tierra del Fuego. The Captain and crew will warmly greet you as you board your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht.    Raise a glass of Champagne as you set sail through the legendary Beagle Channel, tracing the path of Charles Darwin’s historic voyage. From your private verandah or the Observation Deck, take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andean peaks and pristine Patagonian wilderness — marking the beginning of an unforgettable Expedition Voyage.  

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

Today you will enter Antarctic waters, an unpredictable but stunningly beautiful environment. Put on your complimentary polar parka and head to the Observation Deck to spot icebergs for the first time – it’s a feeling that will stay with you forever.    Watch out for whale blows in the distance. Your Discovery Team will be available to provide insightful information.  Be sure to check your Daily Program for the essential biosecurity and boot fitting schedule. And join the fascinating enrichment lecture on marine and seabird life – a captivating experience that will enhance your knowledge and connection to the natural world around you.  On board, savour a leisurely lunch at Azure Bar & Café, where you can graze throughout the day as you take in spectacular ocean views. This evening, enjoy a glass of Champagne at Lumière's Champagne Bar, or choose from a range of distinct culinary experiences, before settling into an evening of thoughtfully curated entertainment. 

Slide open the floor-to-ceiling doors of your verandah suite to see icebergs sculpted by nature and glacial mountains rising from the ocean. Antarctica is a birdwatcher's delight, home to a variety of species, so keep your eyes peeled for wandering albatrosses, shearwaters, giant petrels and more.  Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, Discovery Excursions throughout your Expedition Voyage are dependent on weather and ice conditions. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader, who have made countless journeys to Antarctica, will use their expertise to design a bespoke voyage, making the most of your time in this spectacular destination.   Visit the open bridge on Deck 7 to meet the Captain and navigational team and gain first-hand insight into a Scenic Discovery Yacht’s state-of-the-art technology from one of the most inspiring vantage points on board. Scenic Discovery: Daily experiences may include cruising on Zodiacs, stepping ashore to view vast penguin rookeries or historic huts, and kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding around icebergs. Wherever your voyage takes you, you will have countless “pinch me" moments.  

Start your day with freshly squeezed juice, steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your suite by your butler. Then set out on Zodiac excursions to explore breathtaking glaciated bays, tranquil channels and pristine landing sites. As you trek across the Antarctic wilderness, meet the adorable chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo penguins that inhabit this magical region. Small groups offer the best way to experience an environmentally sensitive destination like Antarctica. You will board the Zodiacs according to your designated colour, with our expert polar Discovery Team guiding you, ensuring an unforgettable and unique adventure.  Back on board, warm up in the Senses Spa, with infrared saunas, steam room and signature thermal loungers or gather at the Observation Lounge where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the polar landscape. 

Various species of penguins can be found in the Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic region, including Adélie, chinstrap and the gentoo. Guided by your expert Discovery Team, you’ll witness colonies up close; hear their calls and watch as they clumsily waddle along and interact with each other.   Whales are another majestic creature you may encounter, including minke whales, humpback whales or orcas. Watch them up close in a kayak or a Zodiac with your Discovery Team or observe them from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht. Whichever way you see them, it’s a breathtaking experience. Scenic Discovery: During daily Discovery Excursions, ask your expert Discovery Team for photography tips so you can best capture the incredible wildlife and landscape around you. To see Antarctica from above or below the horizon book an optional helicopter^ or submersible^ experience. 

From the moment it was discovered, Antarctica has held an irresistible allure for intrepid explorers. The bold exploits of legendary explorers like Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen have fuelled its mystique, inspiring generations to venture into this untamed wilderness.  On this unforgettable day, you’ll cruise past Antarctica's stunning icy mountains before stepping ashore by Zodiac to immerse yourself in the polar wilderness. With ample time to explore, this voyage ensures you experience the magic of this awe-inspiring landscape up close.  Back on board, enjoy a warm speciality tea or coffee in the Observation Lounge and take in the views through the Swarovski telescopes.  

In the untouched silence of this frozen wilderness, nature’s rare sounds become unforgettable, whether it’s the endearing chatter of penguins squabbling over prized pebbles or the thunderous roar of a glacier calving into the sea.  Towering glaciers provide one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles of your journey, with the chance to witness massive ice formations breaking away, creating brand-new icebergs before your eyes, a moment of pure wonder.  On board, explore some of your Scenic Discovery Yacht’s indulgent spaces, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the expansive Senses Spa#. Choose from a selection of world-class culinary experiences on board tonight.   

On board your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, every moment is crafted for both comfort and connection. Our inviting Scenic Lounge provides the perfect setting to unwind and share unforgettable experiences with like-minded travellers.  For those craving excitement, the legendary Polar Plunge offers a thrilling rush — an unforgettable dive into icy waters, expertly coordinated by the Discovery Leader and Captain. If you prefer to stay warm, find a prime viewing spot and enjoy the spectacle as fellow guests take the plunge, then join them for a toast with a glass of whiskey or a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Scenic Discovery: Glide past towering icebergs on a Zodiac, step onto untouched white snow, and soar over vast mountain ranges. This is one of the world's few remaining pristine wildernesses, awaiting your exploration.  

At 55 degrees latitude south, Ushuaia (pronounced oo-swy-ah) is closer to the South Pole than to Argentina's northern border with Bolivia. It is the capital and tourism base for Tierra del Fuego, the island at the southernmost tip of Argentina.Although its stark physical beauty is striking, Tierra del Fuego's historical allure is based more on its mythical past than on rugged reality. The island was inhabited for 6,000 years by Yámana, Haush, Selk'nam, and Alakaluf Indians. But in 1902 Argentina, eager to populate Patagonia to bolster its territorial claims, moved to initiate an Ushuaian penal colony, establishing the permanent settlement of its most southern territories and, by implication, everything in between.When the prison closed in 1947, Ushuaia had a population of about 3,000, made up mainly of former inmates and prison staff. Today the Indians of Darwin's "missing link" theory are long gone—wiped out by diseases brought by settlers and by indifference to their plight—and the 60,000 residents of Ushuaia are hitching their star to tourism.The city rightly (if perhaps too loudly) promotes itself as the southernmost city in the world (Puerto Williams, a few miles south on the Chilean side of the Beagle Channel, is a small town). You can make your way to the tourism office to get your clichéd, but oh-so-necessary, "Southernmost City in the World" passport stamp. Ushuaia feels like a frontier boomtown, at heart still a rugged, weather-beaten fishing village, but exhibiting the frayed edges of a city that quadrupled in size in the '70s and '80s and just keeps growing. Unpaved portions of Ruta 3, the last stretch of the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, are finally being paved. The summer months (December through March) draw more than 120,000 visitors, and dozens of cruise ships. The city is trying to extend those visits with events like March's Marathon at the End of the World and by increasing the gamut of winter activities buoyed by the excellent snow conditions.A terrific trail winds through the town up to the Martial Glacier, where a ski lift can help cut down a steep kilometer of your journey. The chaotic and contradictory urban landscape includes a handful of luxury hotels amid the concrete of public housing projects. Scores of "sled houses" (wooden shacks) sit precariously on upright piers, ready for speedy displacement to a different site. But there are also many small, picturesque homes with tiny, carefully tended gardens. Many of the newer homes are built in a Swiss-chalet style, reinforcing the idea that this is a town into which tourism has breathed new life. At the same time, the weather-worn pastel colors that dominate the town's landscape remind you that Ushuaia was once just a tiny fishing village, snuggled at the end of the Earth.As you stand on the banks of the Canal Beagle (Beagle Channel) near Ushuaia, the spirit of the farthest corner of the world takes hold. What stands out is the light: at sundown the landscape is cast in a subdued, sensual tone; everything feels closer, softer, and more human in dimension despite the vastness of the setting. The snowcapped mountains reflect the setting sun back onto a stream rolling into the channel, as nearby peaks echo their image—on a windless day—in the still waters.Above the city rise the last mountains of the Andean Cordillera, and just south and west of Ushuaia they finally vanish into the often-stormy sea. Snow whitens the peaks well into summer. Nature is the principal attraction here, with trekking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife spotting, and sailing among the most rewarding activities, especially in the Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego National Park).

This morning, bid farewell to your expert crew and fellow travellers as your extraordinary journey comes to an end. After a final indulgent breakfast on board, disembark in Ushuaia and board your flight to Buenos Aires, carrying with your memories of a truly unforgettable Expedition Voyage in the pristine landscapes of Antarctica.  Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 09:30 PM.#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions. ~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations. Subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.

Glamorous and gritty, Buenos Aires is two cities in one. What makes Argentina's capital so fascinating is its dual heritage—part European, part Latin American. Plaza de Mayo resembles a grand square in Madrid, and the ornate Teatro Colón would not be out of place in Vienna. But you’ll know you’re in South America by the leather shoes for sale on cobbled streets and impromptu parades of triumphant soccer fans. Limited-production wines, juicy steaks, and ice cream in countless flavors are among the old-world imports the city has perfected.