The Nazca Lines in Peru to Chilean Patagonia
Aboard the Explorer
From $9,880 per person, based on double occupancy; single rates from $12,990.
See the brochure (pdf)
Trip Overview
Chile’s Isla Pan de Azucar and the Ballestas Islands of Peru are highlights of our navigation along the coast of South America. Encounter rare Humboldt penguins and watch condors circle the islands’ volcanic hills. Walk through a cloud forest at Fray Jorge World Biosphere Reserve. Explore the Patagonian wilderness at Pumalin, the largest private park in the world.
A tour highlight is a flight seeing excursion above the mysterious Nazca Lines—hundreds of stylized geoglyphs, some of which are nearly 900 feet long. No one knows who carved them, or why, so they remain one of the history’s great archeological mysteries.
Trip Itinerary
Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1: U.S. / Lima, Peru / Embark
Upon arrival in Lima, stay overnight at the Swissotel, then spend the next day exploring the capital’s markets and Larco Herrera Museum before embarking the ship. (B,L,D)
Sunday, November 2: Isla Ballestas and Paracas National Reserve
The spectacular sea-carved Ballestas Islands are often called the “Peruvian Galápagos” because they provide shelter for sea lions and 150 species of marine birds. Explore via Zodiac. Later, tour Paracas National Reserve, where the desert and sea meet at rugged cliffs carved with arches and caves. (B,L,D)
Monday, November 3: Puerto San Juan: Nazca Lines
By small aircraft, see the hummingbirds, trees and geometric shapes cut into the stony desert by unknown Nazca natives. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, November 4: Puerto Mollendo: Mejia Lagoon
A sandbar separates a series of lakes from the Pacific coast at Lagunas de Mejia Natural Sanctuary, creating a peaceful refuge for migratory birds. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, November 5: Arica, Chile: Azapa Valley and Lauca National Park
Venture into the Andes to Lauca National Park, where guanacos and llamas wander across grassy fields and snow-capped volcanoes are set against crystal-clear blue skies. Or choose to explore the Azapa Valley’s geoglyphs and museum. (B,L,D)
Thursday & Friday, November 6 & 7: At sea / Isla Pan de Azucar
Following a day at sea, explore a desert-like national park, with rocky cliffs spilling into the Pacific. Cacti dot the landscape, giving way to a rocky edge that’s home to sea lions and thousands of Humboldt penguins. (B,L,D)
Saturday & Sunday, November 8 & 9: Coquimbo: Bosque de Fray Jorge National Park and La Serena / At sea
Coastal fog hugs the mountains of Fray Jorge, giving this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve’s thick forests a surreal and lush feel. Explore the park during walks, or choose to visit the neo-classical Andean city of La Serena. A day at sea follows. (B,L,D)
Monday & Tuesday, November 10 & 11: Juan Fernandez Islands
Once a hideout for pirates, the sparsely inhabited islands host 17 bird species, plus fur seals that were nearly hunted to extinction. Spend two days exploring. (B,L,D)
Wednesday & Thursday, November 12 & 13: At sea / Chiloé Archipelago
After a day at sea, visit the World Heritage site of Chiloé. It’s an isolated community with mythology-filled folklore and a unique architectural style, which you’ll see in its many wood-shingled churches and stilted houses. (B,L,D)
Friday, November 14: Chaiten: Pumalin Park
This private park and sanctuary features nature trails among alerce trees as large as sequoias, hot springs and stunning fjords along the coast. (B,L,D)
Saturday, November 15: Puerto Mont / Disembark / Santiago
Disembark in Puerto Montt and visit the Puyehue Thermal Springs. After lunch, fly to Santiago and connect with your overnight flights home. (B,L)
November 16: U.S.
Arrive home today.
Optional Extension
