Valparaíso is the principal port and second largest city of Chile. The city is situated on the shores of a sweeping bay and on a crescent of hills behind. Seen from the ocean, it presents a majestic panorama; a great circle of hills is backed by the snow-capped peaks of the distant Cordillera. Due to Valparaiso's convenient location along the shipping routes circling Cape Horn, the port experienced a tremendous boost when the ports and the Americas were opened to world trade.

Coquimbo, in northern Chile, means "place of calm water," a fitting name for a port city. Legend says Sir Francis Drake buried treasure there. In the early 19th century it was a small fishing village, but the railway linking copper mines to the sea spurred rapid growth. Today Coquimbo offers a scenic seaside promenade, the restored 19th-century English Quarter, and several fine beaches.

Founded in the 16th century, Iquique is the capital of the Iquique Province and a popular port city on the northern Pacific coast of Chile. Located west of the Atacama Desert, Iquique was part of Peru until the 19th century. Today the city is known for its duty-free commercial port center, one of the largest in South America, as well as its mild climate, beautiful beaches and archaeological treasures.

Journey to where the desert meets the Pacific. This coastal gem offers beautiful beaches, world-class surfing and a laid-back vibe. Explore the dramatic cliffs of El Morro, stroll historic downtown streets or venture inland to discover the unique culture of the Azapa Valley. With its perfect climate, rich history and gateway location to northern Chile and southern Peru, Arica is an unforgettable blend of relaxation and exploration.

From this Peruvian port, see UNESCO's "most outstanding group of geoglyphs anywhere in the world": the Nazca Lines, huge drawings and geometric figures etched into the arid coastal plain between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, still remarkably intact. Take "flightseeing" tours to view them, or explore Paracas National Reserve's sculpted cliffs and desert landscapes, plus the nearby Ballestas Islands, Peru's answer to the Galápagos.

Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on the banks of the Rimac river that forms a splendid and strategically located valley. At 133 meters above sea level, Lima enjoys mild yet humid weather with almost little or no rain. The city of Lima is one of South America's largest, and is Peru's center of political, cultural and economic life. Lima is your gateway to the splendid ruins of Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the ancient city in the clouds.

Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on the banks of the Rimac river that forms a splendid and strategically located valley. At 133 meters above sea level, Lima enjoys mild yet humid weather with almost little or no rain. The city of Lima is one of South America's largest, and is Peru's center of political, cultural and economic life. Lima is your gateway to the splendid ruins of Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the ancient city in the clouds.