Aboard Silver Wind with Silversea
Cruise Overview
When people discuss great South American cities, Lima is often overlooked.
But Peru's capital can hold its own against its neighbors.
It has an oceanfront setting, colonial-era splendor, sophisticated dining, and nonstop nightlife.It's true that the city—clogged with traffic and choked with fumes—doesn't make a good first impression, especially since the airport is in an industrial neighborhood.
But wander around the regal edifices surrounding the Plaza de Armas, among the gnarled olive trees of San Isidro's Parque El Olivar, or along the winding lanes in the coastal community of Barranco, and you'll find yourself charmed.In 1535 Francisco Pizarro found the perfect place for the capital of Spain's colonial empire.
On a natural port, the so-called Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) allowed Spain to ship home all the gold the conquistador plundered from the Inca.
Lima served as the capital of Spain's South American empire for 300 years, and it's safe to say that no other colonial city enjoyed such power and prestige during this period.When Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the declaration was read in the square that Pizarro had so carefully designed.
Many of the colonial-era buildings around the Plaza de Armas are standing today.
Walk a few blocks in any direction for churches and elegant houses that reveal just how wealthy this city once was.
But the poor state of most buildings attests to the fact that the country's wealthy families have moved to neighborhoods to the south over the past century.The walls that surrounded the city were demolished in 1870, making way for unprecedented growth.
A former hacienda became the graceful residential neighborhood of San Isidro.
In the early 1920s the construction of tree-lined Avenida Arequipa heralded the development of neighborhoods such as bustling Miraflores and bohemian Barranco.Almost a third of the country's population of 29 million lives in the metropolitan area, many of them in relatively poor conos: newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
Most residents of those neighborhoods moved there from mountain villages during the political violence and poverty that marked the 1980s and ’90s, when crime increased dramatically.
During the past decade the country has enjoyed peace and steady economic growth, which have been accompanied by many improvements and refurbishment in the city.
Residents who used to steer clear of the historic center now stroll along its streets.
And many travelers who once would have avoided the city altogether now plan to spend a day here and end up staying two or three.
The port city of Paracas is blessed with magnificent natural beauty and rich historical importance, offerings inviting beaches, ideal weather and pleasant scenery — a combination that draws visitors throughout the year.
The shores of the Paracas Peninsula and waters of the bay teem with wildlife and have been declared a national reserve.
Condors frequently can be seen gliding on the sea winds or perched on the cliffs; pink flamingos often rest here on their migratory flights.
The complex interaction between wind and ocean, sun and land has transformed this region into a kind of lunarscape under an equatorial sun.
Another reason for travellers to come to this area is its proximity to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines.
Visible from the air, these strange markings stretch for miles on a large barren plain and have bewildered archaeologists, historians and mathematicians since their discovery over a century ago.
The earliest Andean people found shelter here.
The Paracas culture was known for fine weavings in geometrical designs and vibrant colours, which have been preserved for thousands of years by the dry climate.
Some of the finest examples are in museums in Lima.
The town of Ica is Peru’s finest wine centre, as well as home to the fiery brandy-derived beverage known as Pisco.
The surrounding area features oases with springs considered to have medicinal cures.
Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Port of Paracas, about a 45-minute drive from Ica.
There are no passenger facilities at the pier.
Shopping Shopping opportunities are limited; some souvenirs can be found at the museum in Ica.
A bottle of Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) makes a nice memento.
The local currency is the nuevo sol.
Cuisine Seafood is highly recommended, however, we recommend you dine only in the hotel restaurants in Peru’s southern region.
Be sure to sample the national drink pisco sour and the area’s excellent wines.
Always drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes.
Other Sites The Bay of Paracas is sheltered by the Paracas peninsula, noted as one of the best marine reserves in the world.
This is also a popular resort area thanks to its beautiful bay, beaches and dependable warm weather.
Facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, miniature golf and a good restaurant.
For those who are looking for a little adventure dune buggies are available.
Local boat trips can be booked to the Ballestas Islands but be aware that commentary is given in Spanish.
Private arrangements for independent sightseeing are limited in this port as cars have to come from Lima.
Please submit your request to the Tour Office early in the cruise.
Arica boasts that it is "the land of the eternal spring," but its temperate climate and beaches are not the only reason to visit this small city.
Relax for an hour or two on the Plaza 21 de Mayo.
Walk to the pier and watch the pelicans and sea lions trail the fishing boats as the afternoon's catch comes in.
Walk to the top of the Morro and imagine battles of days gone by, or wonder at the magnitude of modern shipping as Chilean goods leave the port below by container ship.Arica is gaining notice for its great surfing conditions, and in 2009 hosted the Rusty Arica Pro Surf Challenge, a qualifying event to the world series of surf.
But Peru's capital can hold its own against its neighbors.
It has an oceanfront setting, colonial-era splendor, sophisticated dining, and nonstop nightlife.It's true that the city—clogged with traffic and choked with fumes—doesn't make a good first impression, especially since the airport is in an industrial neighborhood.
But wander around the regal edifices surrounding the Plaza de Armas, among the gnarled olive trees of San Isidro's Parque El Olivar, or along the winding lanes in the coastal community of Barranco, and you'll find yourself charmed.In 1535 Francisco Pizarro found the perfect place for the capital of Spain's colonial empire.
On a natural port, the so-called Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) allowed Spain to ship home all the gold the conquistador plundered from the Inca.
Lima served as the capital of Spain's South American empire for 300 years, and it's safe to say that no other colonial city enjoyed such power and prestige during this period.When Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, the declaration was read in the square that Pizarro had so carefully designed.
Many of the colonial-era buildings around the Plaza de Armas are standing today.
Walk a few blocks in any direction for churches and elegant houses that reveal just how wealthy this city once was.
But the poor state of most buildings attests to the fact that the country's wealthy families have moved to neighborhoods to the south over the past century.The walls that surrounded the city were demolished in 1870, making way for unprecedented growth.
A former hacienda became the graceful residential neighborhood of San Isidro.
In the early 1920s the construction of tree-lined Avenida Arequipa heralded the development of neighborhoods such as bustling Miraflores and bohemian Barranco.Almost a third of the country's population of 29 million lives in the metropolitan area, many of them in relatively poor conos: newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
Most residents of those neighborhoods moved there from mountain villages during the political violence and poverty that marked the 1980s and ’90s, when crime increased dramatically.
During the past decade the country has enjoyed peace and steady economic growth, which have been accompanied by many improvements and refurbishment in the city.
Residents who used to steer clear of the historic center now stroll along its streets.
And many travelers who once would have avoided the city altogether now plan to spend a day here and end up staying two or three.
The port city of Paracas is blessed with magnificent natural beauty and rich historical importance, offerings inviting beaches, ideal weather and pleasant scenery — a combination that draws visitors throughout the year.
The shores of the Paracas Peninsula and waters of the bay teem with wildlife and have been declared a national reserve.
Condors frequently can be seen gliding on the sea winds or perched on the cliffs; pink flamingos often rest here on their migratory flights.
The complex interaction between wind and ocean, sun and land has transformed this region into a kind of lunarscape under an equatorial sun.
Another reason for travellers to come to this area is its proximity to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines.
Visible from the air, these strange markings stretch for miles on a large barren plain and have bewildered archaeologists, historians and mathematicians since their discovery over a century ago.
The earliest Andean people found shelter here.
The Paracas culture was known for fine weavings in geometrical designs and vibrant colours, which have been preserved for thousands of years by the dry climate.
Some of the finest examples are in museums in Lima.
The town of Ica is Peru’s finest wine centre, as well as home to the fiery brandy-derived beverage known as Pisco.
The surrounding area features oases with springs considered to have medicinal cures.
Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Port of Paracas, about a 45-minute drive from Ica.
There are no passenger facilities at the pier.
Shopping Shopping opportunities are limited; some souvenirs can be found at the museum in Ica.
A bottle of Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) makes a nice memento.
The local currency is the nuevo sol.
Cuisine Seafood is highly recommended, however, we recommend you dine only in the hotel restaurants in Peru’s southern region.
Be sure to sample the national drink pisco sour and the area’s excellent wines.
Always drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes.
Other Sites The Bay of Paracas is sheltered by the Paracas peninsula, noted as one of the best marine reserves in the world.
This is also a popular resort area thanks to its beautiful bay, beaches and dependable warm weather.
Facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, miniature golf and a good restaurant.
For those who are looking for a little adventure dune buggies are available.
Local boat trips can be booked to the Ballestas Islands but be aware that commentary is given in Spanish.
Private arrangements for independent sightseeing are limited in this port as cars have to come from Lima.
Please submit your request to the Tour Office early in the cruise.
Arica boasts that it is "the land of the eternal spring," but its temperate climate and beaches are not the only reason to visit this small city.
Relax for an hour or two on the Plaza 21 de Mayo.
Walk to the pier and watch the pelicans and sea lions trail the fishing boats as the afternoon's catch comes in.
Walk to the top of the Morro and imagine battles of days gone by, or wonder at the magnitude of modern shipping as Chilean goods leave the port below by container ship.Arica is gaining notice for its great surfing conditions, and in 2009 hosted the Rusty Arica Pro Surf Challenge, a qualifying event to the world series of surf.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Silver Wind
Launch Year: 1995 Length: 155 Width: 21 Currency: USD Capacity: 274 Crew Count: 239 Deck Count: 6 Cabin Count: 148
Break new waters with Silver Wind.
A major upgrade in December 2018 saw Silver Wind looking better than ever. A second refurbishment in November 2021 saw her benefitting from a strengthened ice-class hull and made her one of the most adaptable ships in our fleet. Still timelessly elegant, still luxuriously relaxed, Silver Wind’s improved cruising versatility means she can whizz from Polar Regions to iconic ports with fluid ease. Whether you want to get up close and personal to penguins in Antarctica or laze on the golden sands of the Caribbean, get ready for a wealth of diverse destination experiences aboard Silver Wind.
Refurbished in November 2021, Silver Wind is an intimate yet spacious ice-class ship that offers one of the best luxury expedition cruise experiences there is.
Silver Wind Facilities
Silver Wind Includes
Cabin Details
Silversea’s suites offer one of the highest space-per-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodations. All Silversea suites have ocean views, and most include a private teak veranda so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air simply by stepping outside your door. And regardless of the ship or suite category, all guests will be pampered with the personalised services of an attentive butler. For a truly personal experience, customise your suite with an abundance of thoughtful options and luxurious amenities from Bulgari toiletries and personalised stationery to a bar with your favourite wines and spirits. Settle in with a complimentary movie or choose instead to simply watch the ocean swim by. You can even have dinner in-suite served course by course by your butler. Then, when it’s time to retire, curl up beneath Egyptian cotton linens and a fluffy duvet, with your choice of nine different pillow types. The ultimate in luxury cruise accommodations, Silversea’s suites are your home away from home.
