Chile & Peru: Voyage Through the Humboldt Current

‘Vibrant’ barely captures this incredible city, Chile’s main port, where thousands of colourful houses are draped across the rolling hills, linked by the city’s famous funicular elevators. After embarking the vessel in the afternoon and completing the required safety briefings and drills, join your fellow explorers on the outer decks and toast your expedition as we sail out from the colourful hills of Valpo (as the locals call it)! 

Days at sea are never dull – sailing up the Pacific Coast of Chile, we follow the chilly Humboldt Current, which originates in Antarctica, and brings exceptional productivity to this section of coast. As such, a plethora of seabirds, whales, and other marine life are common in the area – so while you relax and indulge during a relaxing day at sea, ensure you have your binoculars by your side! 

On the third day of our expedition, we arrive at the coast of Isla Pan de Azúcar (‘Sugarloaf Island’) – a dry desert island a few kilometers off the Chilean coast. Protected as a national park, the island is a haven for flora and fauna. Cacti cling to the barren rocks, competing for space with the squabbling sealions, squawking seabirds, and stripy Humboldt penguins, which nest on the island. Join expert local guides on the water to explore this remarkable island – a natural paradise in the desert! 

The largest city in northern Chile, Antofagasta, lies in the foothills of the Andes, and prospers on the export of copper, lithium, and other riches of the mountains. From there, we’ll travel to the Atacama – Earth’s driest desert, most of which has never recorded any rainfall, for a full-day excursion led by expert local guides to explore this breathtaking region, a desert which brims with beauty, wildlife, and vibrant culture. 

During your day at sea, take advantage of the educational program offered by our knowledgeable Expedition Team. Discover new knowledge about this fascinating region during expertly crafted lectures, join the Team on the outer decks to watch for marine wildlife, or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. Or for maximum relaxation, simply soak up the sun from the vessel’s hot tubs as we sail to Arica. 

Although a stone’s throw from the Peruvian border, and once part of Bolivian territory, the city of Arica is as Chilean as it gets! Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its balmy climate, the history of the city stretches far beyond the Chilean state and back into antiquity, to the Inca Empire (toppled by Spanish conquistadors), and a huge variety of other ancient cultures. Indeed, the oldest known archaeological sites in Chile are all found nearby, including the spellbinding Chinchorro Mummies, which predate those of Egypt by more than two thousand years. Join a shore excursion through this ancient land to learn more about its fascinating history, the legacy of which still pervades the city today.  

Matarani is a small port city in southern Peru – the gateway to Arequipa, the White City. Join a shore excursion led by expert local guides to explore this Andean gem! Surrounded by three brooding volcanoes, Arequipa is a feast for the senses. Colorful, patterned fabrics flutter from every doorway, rambling verandas run along every upper floor, and vibrant flowers perfume the air. Experience the many highlights of this shining city: from the beautiful colonial-era Plaza de Armas, to a delicious Peruvian lunch, to the spellbinding Santa Catalina Monastery, and to breathtaking views over the city and the surrounding volcanoes. 

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, soak up the enthusiasm for learning from your Expedition Team, and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s adventures in Paracas, Peru’s beachfront paradise. 

On the final full day of our expedition, we arrive at the laid-back beachfront town of Paracas, one of Peru’s premier destinations. This vibrant resort town has everything you could hope for from the Pacific coast – expect to see happy families strolling, and surfers catching the waves offshore. Take a stroll along the beachfront and enjoy delicious local delicacies such as fresh ceviche and crunchy chicharrón, washed down with a pisco sour, distilled just a few miles away. Scratch the surface, however, and Paracas has so much more to offer! Just offshore lie the world-famous Ballestas Islands, wildlife paradises often compared to the Galapagos, and slightly to the south lie the legendary Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs which have been the subject of scientific and spiritual debate for centuries.

On the pacific coast of Peru lies Callao, the port of the great city of Lima, capital of Peru, and easily one of South America’s largest and most thrilling cities. From incredible gastronomy to historical sites and a vibrant mix of global cultures, Lima is like nowhere else on the continent. After a fond farewell to Expedition Team and Crew of the Discoverer, alight in this dynamic city ready to explore, or ready to head home with memories of the expedition of a lifetime.