Lima (Callao)
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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CALLAO: Colonial Lima - 3.5 hours
Enjoy our City Tour of Colonial and Modern Lima, starting with a nice view of the Pacific Ocean. Our tour will take you through the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. On the way, we will observe the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial temple in the form of a pyramid that has survived the urban expansion of Lima. Then we will visit the historic center of Lima, named Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. On this tour, we will enjoy what was once the center of the 16th-century Spanish colony. We will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo, where the relics of three Peruvian saints, St. Rose of Lima, St. Martin de Porres and St. John Macias, are preserved. At the end of the tour, you will have the option to stay at the Larcomar Shopping Mall or return to the pier.
Tour duration: 3.30 hours
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, entrance
fee to Santo Domingo and Huaca Pucllana.
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Lima's Main Plaza
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CALLAO: Lima city tour and Larco Herrera Museum - 4 hours
Your tour will start in the Pueblo Libre district, where you will visit the Larco Museum. Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, the museum is located inside a viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid of the 7th century. The visit to this museum enables to understand over five thousand years of the high degree of development of the cultures that flourished before the Inca Empire. It shows the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts as well pieces of erotic art. Over 45,000 archaeological artifacts bear witness of five thousand years of Peruvian history. From there you will go to the citys built-up area, a World Heritage listed by UNESCO. You will tour the Main Square to see the presidential Palace and the Lima Cathedral, impressive constructions that are still being used. You will then visit the Aliaga House, an ancient viceregal construction delivered by Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains (Jerónimo de Aliaga) when he founded the city, the construction of which started in 1535. It may be the only house that still belongs to the same family until today. Next, you will visit the Santo Domingo Church, built along forty years and completed at the end of the 16th century. It is also known as the Minor Basilica and Maximum Convent of our Lady of the Rosary. The church has several altars and viceregal sculptures, and exhibits different times and aesthetic expressions. From here you will walk until the San Martín Square, where you will be picked up by your transportation service and transferred to the pier.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair accessible: No.
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, entrance fee to to Larco Herrera Museum, Casona San Marcos, Casa Aliaga and Santo Domingo Convent
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Larco Herrera Musem
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CALLAO: Night Tour Circuito Magico del Agua with dinner- 4 hours
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Magic Water Circuit of Lima, a modern fountain system (certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records) built in La Exposicion Park. The fountain system attracts crowds during summer and winter, consolidating it as one of the new attractions of Lima. Afterwards, head to a restaurant to enjoy a typical dance show during dinner. Return to the pier.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Late afternoon / From Wednesday to Sunday. Fantasy water show available at 7:15 pm, 8:15 pm and 9:30 pm
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, entrance fee to the Magic Water Circuit and dinner
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Circuito Magico del Agua
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Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours)
Learn how to prepare Peruvian dishes in a simple and fun way!
First you will enjoy a visit to a local market, where you will see first-hand the immense diversity of the country. Here you will meet your expert Chef. The chef will show you our amazing variety of vegetables and fruits: many kinds of potatoes, corn of different colors, herbs, lucuma, cherimoya, mangos, etc. Your senses will experience many colors and smells for the first time
After this interesting visit, transfer to the cooking class venue. Besides teaching you how to cook Peruvian dishes, your Chef will tell you all about Peruvian gastronomy, its influences of other countries and how we have now one of the most important kitchens of the world. After the class, you will enjoy the dishes you prepared.
Finally, as the Peruvians say, with the belly full and the heart happy, you will return to the ship.
ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 5 Hours (Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:00 am.
Note : A&K has to be informed in advance in case a guest has a special diet requirement or allergy
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Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Visit Santo Domingo Convent, the oldest church and convent in Lima. The foundation of the city of Santo Domingo was conceived by a friar named Tomas de San Martin, who later served as the Preceptor Prior to the Dominican Order. As in all convents located between the jirones of Lima and Camana, Santo Domingo is sort of a city within a city and is comprised of a succession of cloisters and yards surrounded by service areas and communal rooms. Both Saint Rose and Saint Martin de Porres are buried in Lima, as is the Spanish Saint San Juan Masias. Construction of the Santo Domingo Convent began in 1540, but it was later modernized into its present neo-classical style in the 18th century. In 1730, the greater, or general, hall was built - a work of art that later became a part of the city's more unified ornamental groups.
The visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest house in the Americas, which has been continuously occupied by 18 generations of the Aliaga family; tour the impressive colonial residence, containing valuable Peruvian art and artifacts.
After you leave colonial Lima, you will drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Both are suburbs where the rich and intelligentsia live. There are many large mansions, colonial buildings and fine hotels. Finally, you'll stop at El Parque del Amor for a great ocean view before finishing your tour. After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
To truly feel the spirit of the city, your tour begins with the Colonial sites of Lima, passing by the Plaza San Martin, the Plaza Mayor with its Cathedral, and the Government Palace. From the historic center, we travel to the Lima of today, including a drive-by of the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 5 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Note: The Cathedral and Santo Domingo are open daily; except on Sunday mornings only. Flash photography is not permitted in the Cathedral or the Monastery.
Includes:
- Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao.
- Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
- Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.
Excludes:
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Any services not mentioned above.
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Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours)
Transfer from the port to the bohemian district of Barranco. Your first stop will be the Osma Museum. The Pedro de Osma Museum exhibits Peruvian artistic pieces from the fifth to the eighteenth century. The artworks from Ancient Peru correspond to the geographic area of the south Andes and belong to the Mr. José Ignacio Lambarri collection. Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures were developed on this territory. The works from the vice regal period consist of paintings, sculptures, furniture and silver works that belonged to the Pedro de Osma Gildemeister collection (1901-1967). Paintings from the eighteenth-century Cuzco school are among the highlighted pieces of the vice regal art collection. This valuable artistic heritage is currently exhibited in the Pedro de Osma house, built in 1906 by his father, the politician and notary Pedro de Osma y Pardo.
Then visit Dedalo, a shop and gallery of handcrafted goods and contemporary pieces. You could find some exclusive pieces and handcrafts, accessories, jewelry, furniture, and other whimsical items. Then walk to the wonderful Hotel B to enjoy an afternoon tea. Originally built in the style of the Belle Époque, the mansion served as a seaside retreat during the presidency of Augusto Leguia in the 1920’s.
Then return to the port.
ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 7 Hours 30 minutes (Suggested). This excursion is available depending on the time of arrival.
Note : Flash photography is not permitted in the Osma Museum.
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Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours)
An awesome journey into the past, today's tour starts with a visit to the archaeological ruins of Pachacamac. This fascinating site takes its name from the Quechua words 'pacha' and 'camac' meaning 'Lord of the World'. It was predominantly a religious place throughout Peru's history and contains a great number of adobe structures that remain today. The most significant of these are the Old Temple, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Moon. From Ancient Peru we then enjoy an experience from the Peru of today, by lunching at one of the nearby haciendas. For lunch the owners of the hacienda join us. They will present an exhibition of their Paso, or Stepping horses, unique to Peru, before returning to Lima.
LUNCH
Pachamanca lunch is served at the Hacienda. Pachamanca is a sort of meat along with potatoes, set potatoes, corn, and fava beans cooked under the ground. The pachamanca is the epitome of the Andean banquet par excellence. Andean cultures tend to mix their worship of nature with social events. Salads are offered as appetizers and typical desserts.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Tours require more substantial level of activity (walking for moderate distances and stair/incline climbing)
DURATION: 8 Hours
Note: This tour is available depending on the time of arrival and departure of the ship.
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Lima - Magic Fountains (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
From the port of Callao you head to Lima for a short panoramic drive at night before you reach the Parque de la Reserva. The Parque was originally opened in 1929 to commemorate all the civilian reservists who fought in defence of Lima during the War of the Pacific. It is now one of Lima’s most visited attractions because in 2007 the Magic Water Circuit was inaugurated. The Circuit has the largest fountain complex in the world, displaying 13 distinct fountains which are illuminated at night, with changing colour schemes. A colourful light show, synchronised with Peruvian music makes the fountains sparkle and shine as the water flows in unique patterns and shapes.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
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01/04/2025 |
01/05/2025 |
Guayaquil
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Ride Like a Local - 4 hours
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.
DURATION
4 Hours
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
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Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours
Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”
The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.
After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.
SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS
TIMING |
ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST |
TERRAIN |
W/C FRIENDLY |
00:00 – 00:45 |
Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco |
Paved |
This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own |
00:45 – 02:45 |
Walk around the Canoa Trail |
Uneven, slippery, muddy |
02:45 – 03:45 |
Deluxe Picnic |
Flat |
03:45 – 04:30 |
Drive back to the pier for embarkation |
Paved |
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DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Deluxe Picnin
- 1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Any other services not mentioned above.
IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
- This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
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01/08/2025 |
01/08/2025 |