Cruise Description

9 Night Cruise sailing from Callao to Valparaiso aboard Crystal Serenity.

Each port on this voyage invites exploration. Start by exploring Lima during an overnight in Callao, then continue your Peruvian adventure with a long day in Puerto San Martin, perfect for Pisco. A sea day brings you to Chile, with Iquique’s desert landscape, followed by Antofagasta’s mountain-meets-sea scenery. Another day of Crystal Serenity onboard relaxation as you sail into Coquimbo’s calm waters. End your voyage with an overnight in the colorful and wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site Valparaiso.

Highlights of this cruise:

Lima
The gateway to Lima, Callao offers visitors the perfect balance of things to see, do, and relax. At just seven miles from the capital, you would be forgiven for thinking that Callao is simply a suburb, but this city very much has it's own identity. The old center of Callao has houses from the Lima colonial era and public squares with historical monuments, such as the stunning Plaza Miguel Grau and Plaza Independencia. The popular Punta district offers locals and visitors alike a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, most featuring the Peruvian classic, ceviche. There's also a lovely boardwalk where you can walk off your meal while soaking-in views of the sea and surrounds.

Iquique
Blessed with mild, year-round temperatures, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific and the Atacama Desert, it’s little wonder that Iquique appeals to those seeking sun, sand, and a laid-back vibe. Once the unrivaled capital of the saltpeter, or nitrate industry (found in fertilizer and fireworks), the town’s historic center boasts palatial buildings, stoic testaments to its once thriving economy. Today, Iquique is a beacon for tourists drawn to its inviting beaches - like palm-tree fringed Playa Cavancha - exciting casinos, and duty-free shopping. A short drive outside the city is where you’ll find well-preserved ghost towns, remnants from the nitrate industry’s hey-day. Some, including Humberstone, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can enjoy water sports, explore the nearby Atacama Desert, and experience the city's lively atmosphere, making Iquique one of the most enticing destinations in South America.

Coquimbo
With its brightly colored fishing boats bobbing lazily in its harbor and wide, welcoming beaches, it’s hard to miss the port of Coquimbo. Along with its twin city of La Serena, Coquimbo is known for being one of Chile’s most popular seaside resorts with local and international visitors coming to experince its unique blend of culture, cuisine and charisma. Head to Barrio Ingles (English Quarter) for a taste of vibrant market life by day, not forgetting to stop by the popular street-food stalls for a taste of anticuchos (chicken leg skewers), and of course the iconic empanadas. Come sunset, the area turns into a busy, buzzy night life area, with many bars and local restaurants. While its beaches are certainly its signature appeal, Coquimbo is also home to more bucolic pastimes including historic churches, museums, impressive neocolonial architecture, and nearby national parks.

Valparaiso
Valparaíso, Chile's most artistic city, is vibrant canvas where colorful houses climb steep hills, embraced by the Pacific breeze. Founded in the 16th century, the city's history dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers discovered its natural harbor. Its strategic location along the trade routes made it a crucial port, attracting ships from around the world. Today, the city's diverse architecture reflects this history, blending colonial, European, and indigenous influences. The city's cultural scene flourished during Chile's economic booms in the 19th century and attracted many intellectuals, writers, and artists. Their legacy live on: Valparaíso was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, celebrated for its rich history and vibrant artistic culture. Its hills showcase colorful houses, connected by winding streets and iconic ascensores (funiculars). These elements are a living testament to the city's past, its role as a crossroads of cultures, and its enduring appeal to travelers seeking a taste of history and creative inspiration.