Natural Wonders Of The Atacama And Paracas Desert

ITINERARY

Valparaiso
Day 1
One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaíso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical funicular. UNESCO-listed, it's a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. The former home of Chile's most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, is open to the public in Isla Negra. Leaving Valparaiso, the fertile Casablanca Valley is known for Chilean white wines.

Coquimbo
Day 2
Once Chile's gold and copper hub, colourful harbour town Coquimbo sits on the rocky Península Coquimbo hills. On top of the town is the Cross of the Third Millennium. The main square, La Serena lighthouse and views from La Serena viewpoint are among highlights. Ancient petroglyphs are found in the Limari Valley's Enchanted Valley park. The fertile Elqui Valley produces papayas, wine grapes for Chile's famed Pisco.

SHORE EXCURSIONS:
British Coquimbo
Optional
03 h 30 m
Discover the uniquely prefabricated metal Guayacán Church, designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel.
Learn about the English pioneers and sailors who settled in Coquimbo during the 1825 mining boom.
Visit Fort Lambert, constructed by Charles Lambert, a prosperous miner, to safeguard his stock and mining supplies from pirate threats

La Serena Highlights
Included
04 h 00 m
Learn the history of La Herradura’s legendary English pirates
Immerse yourself in pre-Columbian civilization with the museum’s excellent collection of ceramics
Treat yourself to some souvenirs from the craft market, including jewelry made from the local semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli

Day at sea
Day 3
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Antofagasta
Day 4
Steeped in culture on Chile's pristine Pacific coast, Antofagasta has a turbulent history. It was once part of Bolivia until Chile's 1883 War of the Pacific victory reshaped borders, giving Chile the city's horseshoe bay while landlocked Bolivia. Initially a prosperous mining hub, today Antofagasta draws visitors to its coastal beauty and proximity to Atacama Desert highlights like moonscape salt flats, lagoons and vast deserts.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Sunset and Stars
Optional
05 h 00 m
Experience the night skies in the oldest and driest desert in the world, the Atacama Desert
Watch the sunset over the Pacific from the Caleta del Cobre viewpoint
Marvel at the constellations in the clearest skies in the world accompanied by a glass of wine and folkloric music around the fire pit

Atacama Desert & Pachamama Ceremony
Optional
15 h 30 m
Marvel at Atacama Salt Flat, the largest in Chile, surrounded by mountains and interesting fauna
Observe the incredible rock formations and the unique lunar landscape at Valle de la Luna
Enjoy a Pachamama Ceremony, an indigenous gratitude ritual to Mother Earth

Highlights of Antofagasta
Included
03 h 30 m
Marvel atthe most ancient constructions in Antofagasta, the Huanchaca Ruins, from a view point
Discover the wonders of Plaza de Armas’ historic Old Customs House, famous church, and interesting museums
Stroll through the fishing wharf and admire the beautiful panorama

Nitrate and Desert
Optional
05 h 00 m
Travel back in time to learn about the "white gold" nitrate business
Feel the town’s unique history, as you wander though Chacabuco’s theater and town square
Stop off at the Tropic of Capricorn Monument and the Natural Monument La Portada to take in stunning panoramic views


Iquique
Day 5
Iquique, a former saltpetre mining town, has become a premier Chilean beach resort with excellent surf, long sandy beaches, and favourable weather. The town's impressive 19th-century Georgian architecture includes Astoreca Palace, now a hotel. Chic street-side cafes, bars, and restaurants enhance the dining scene. Nearby, Humberstone, a nitrate town, is now a ghost town, a remnant of the once-prosperous saltpetre mining industry in the region.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Iquique Highlights
Included
03 h 15 m
Discover how the nitrate business influenced Iquique and the immigrants who lived there
Embrace the city’s old quarter, which has been declared National Monument
Learn about the Chinchorro culture at the Regional Museum

Santa Laura & Humberstone - The Nitrate Ghost Towns
Optional
04 h 15 m
Drive through the magical beauty of the Atacama Desert
Immerse yourself in the history of Chile’s saltpeter mines
Lose yourself in Humberstone’s theatre, church, and hotel, which has a full-sized swimming pool, built in iron

Iquique Panoramic Tour & Dinner
Optional
02 h 50 m
Experience the cosmopolitan allure of 19th-century Iquique, once the world's nitrate capital
Marvel at the beautiful colonial architecture along Baquedano Avenue in the historic quarter of Iquique
Indulge in the flavours of the region with a traditional Chilean dinner at a local restaurant

Arica
Day 6
Bordering the Atacama, the world's driest desert, Arica, Chile's northernmost city features an elegant Gustave Eiffel-designed cathedral and an archaeological museum with ancient mummies. Nearby, the Atacama has the world's tallest sand dunes. Alpacas, pumas, llamas and birds like the Chilean flamingo and Andean condor inhabit the stark yet beautiful desert landscape. The picturesque Pomerape and Parinacota volcanoes sit across Chungara Lake.
SHORE EXCURSIONS

Arica & Ancient cultures
Optional
06 h 30 m
Explore Arica's rich cultural tapestry with a visit to the Lluta Valley, discovering ancient Geoglyphs
Observe mesmerising a traditional local ceremony and ritual honouring Mother Earth
Delve into the archaeological significance of Chinchorro culture, known for their unique mummification practices

Atacama Coastal Walk
Optional
03 h 00 m
Stroll along Arica's captivating coastlines and explore the stunning Anzota Caves
Witness local wildlife, including charming sea lions, during your walk
Enjoy panoramic views from the iconic Morro de Arica, a historical landmark with a notable role in the War of the Pacific

Valley Explorer – Arica To Poconchile By Train
Included
05 h 00 m


Matarani
Day 7
The port of Matarani is the gateway to Arequipa, Peru's White City, with the still-active El Misti volcano looming. Arequipa's colonial buildings carved from white volcanic sillar rock reflect the influence of volcanism on the landscape. Other landmarks include Inca ceremonial sites and the Museo Santuarios displaying the famous mummy of a girl, Juanita. Santa Catalina Convent, guarded by high walls, is a 16th century citadel within the city.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Mejia Lagoons
Optional
04 h 00 m
Explore lagoons of different degrees of salinity, salt marshes, reed patches, and salt mines
Watch out for gulls, ospreys and Chilean flamingos
Keep an eye out for migratory birds too, such as the Franklin gull from the northern United States and Canada

Cooking Demonstration and Mollendo Excursion
Optional
05 h 35 m
Wander along the sand and watch out for local birdlife, including guanay cormorants and an impressive array of gulls
Visit Mollendo’s indoor market, with its colorful stalls and wonderful local produce
Head to Estación Ferroviaria de Mollendo and explore the railway station designed by Gustave Eiffel, now a museum and cultural center, complete with an 1871 steam locomotive

A Day Exploring Arequipa
Included
10 h 30 m
Admire amazing views of the "White City" from Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints
Discover the gold and silver treasures kept in Arequipa’s cathedral
Marvel at La Compañia church’s famous multicolored dome, and impressive collection of colonial art


Day at sea
Day 8
Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

General San Martin
Day 9
The port of General San Martin serves as a gateway to the wonders of Peru's Paracas Peninsula. From here, guests can take flights over the Nazca Lines to witness geometric designs and mysterious geoglyphs. Nearby Paracas and Pisco offer speedboat excursions to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands and vineyard visits discovering the Pisco-making process. In Tambo Colorado, well-preserved Inca ruins offer a glimpse into the lives of Inca nobility.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Vineyard Bodega 1615 Visit
Optional
03 h 45 m
Visit a historical vineyard, housed in a building that was part of the Hacienda of Santa Cruz de Lanchas in the 16th century
Find out about traditional Paracas winemaking techniques
Sample this local drink, with its raisin, geranium, citrus and floral notes, and bitter pecan finish

Flying Over Nazca Lines
Optional
04 h 15 m
Learn about the Nasca lines as you fly over them on an exclusive flight
Be one of the few people on Earth to witness this eye-opening, Peruvian mystery
Watch out for swirls and zigzags forming distinct shapes in amongst the geometric designs. Will you spot a hummingbird, a spider, or monkey? There’s only one way to find out!

Ballestas Island
Included
03 h 50 m
Admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Paracas Bay and the Peninsula during a 2-hour speedboat tour
Discover the incredible natural habitat of the Ballestas Islands, home to diverse migratory and resident species, including Humboldt penguins, Guanay cormorants,and sea lions
Immerse yourself in one of the country's premier wildlife-spotting experiences

Paracas National Reserve
Optional
02 h 30 m

Dune Buggie Adventure
Optional
03 h 00 m
Embark on an exhilarating four-wheel-drive journey through otherworldly desert landscapes
Capture the moment with stunning photographs
Unwind with a luxurious pisco tasting

Tastiest Bay
Optional
03 h 45 m
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of fan shell breeding as our expert guide unveils the intricate process through vivid visuals
Climb aboard a charming small boat and venture to the hatchery
Savour a thoughtfully curated marine appetizer, perfectly complemented by a glass of wine or beer

Callao (Lima)
Day 10
Lima, Peru's capital, sits between the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains with the seaport of Callao. The bustling city’s enowned culinary scene features a local favourite, ceviche. The UNESCO World Heritage historic centre features colonial-era architecture including Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. Nearby, the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids, Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, offer a glimpse of the Inca civilization's history.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayaking is not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi. Premium Wifi bookable for a fee on board
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes