Journey to South America: Acapulco to Santiago

Itinerary

Day 1: Acapulco, Mexico

Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 22-day expedition. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2: Huatulco, Mexico

Just 425 miles (684 km) southeast of Acapulco lies a coved hideaway with an aura that ensures you are miles away from civilization. Huatulco is a little-known resort area nestled between the foothills of the Sierra Madre and the azure waters of the Pacific. One of today’s tour options takes you off the beaten path into the historical roots of Oaxaca and Mexico. Visit visit three small communities to catch a glimpse into the cultural, social characteristics, habits and customs of the people of this region. You make stops at local homes where you learn the traditional ways of making hand-moulded tortillas and tamales, and meander through local citrus and fruit groves to observe native cultivation methods.Alternatively, set out to discover the rich diversity of wetland birds and the unspoiled beauty of a caducifólia jungle as you hike the trails of the Copalita River. Huatulco is a bird-watchers haven filled with rich ecosystems and a vast variety of flora and fauna.

Days 3-4: At Sea

As you make way into the deep blue Pacific, meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Join your in-residence photographer, Richard Harker, as he introduces you to the best techniques for photographing your expedition. Special guest lecturer, Jon Bowermaster, author, filmmaker and adventurer extraordinaire will entertain with tales of his explorations of exotic and remote destinations.

Day 5: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Residing in the Gulf of Nicoya and fringed with the Tilarán and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, rests Puntarenas, Costa Rica’s largest province. Home to Costa Rica’s most popular beach resorts and having more national parks and nature reserves than any other province, plus serving up some of the nation’s best cuisine, makes Puntarenas a destination sought by travellers from all over the world.Located in a solitary position of transition between the humid Pacific coast of the south and the drier northern coast, hides the Carara Biological Reserve. Here, we have the opportunity to wade through more than 10,000 plant species, 300 types of birds and 200 butterfly variations. Your expert naturalist and local guide, a true master of the forest, will interpret all the messages and signs that the jungle puts forth.

Day 6: Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica

Embark the Zodiacs to go ashore at the small port town of Quepos, which is best known for sport fishing and tourism. Tranquil turquoise beaches, lush tropical jungles, and a fantastic variety of flora and fauna can only begin to paint the portrait of this idyllic destination. Quepos is less than 4.5 miles (7 km) from Costa Rica’s most popular gem, Manuel Antonio National Park. Spread out over 683 hectares is the nation’s smallest national park with the largest heart. Filled to the brim with diverse wildlife, primary and secondary forests, a stunning shoreline ideal for bird watching or swimming, and home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals. Accompanied by your Costa Rican naturalist guides, hike through Manuel Antonio National Park.Alternatively, enjoy a cruise through the mangroves, considered to be an important ecosystem packed with hundreds of species of marine and land animals at the beginning their life cycles. Aboard a sturdy vessel designed for this type of cruising, your guides and captain navigate around shifting sandbanks, to reveal the animals, birds, insects and plants that lie hidden to the untrained eye.

Day 7: Cruise and Explore Isla Coiba, Panama

Making full use of your small, manoeuvrable ship and Zodiacs, land at an obscure part of Panama. Afoot on an amazing rainforest adventure, exploring land and sea, marvel at the natural wonder that is Isla Coiba. Setting out in search of an abundant assortment of birdlife along with our natural history staff, search for some of the 150 known bird species.Today will be your first opportunity to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a kayak ride, in the Pacific Ocean. Just off shore from this nature and wildlife preserve lies the largest coral reef in Central America and it is teaming with underwater activity. The reef and underground caves attract more than 200 species of reef and game fish, including King angels, Blennies, dolphins, whales, and Blue marlin.

Day 8: At Sea

Binoculars and cameras in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds, dolphins, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of migrating Humpback whales on their return to Antarctica after mating and calving in the warm tropical waters. You may prefer to simply enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at The Humidor or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 9: Isla de la Plata, Ecuador

Exploration and discovery await you as you anchor off the coast of the uninhabited and unspoiled Isla de la Plata. Best known for its fauna, which is amazingly similar to that of the Galapagos Islands, Isla de la Plata is a delightful place for diving, snorkelling, fishing, birding, photography and long nature walks.Via Zodiac or clear kayaks, you can snorkel and swim amid this crystal-clear watery coral reef utopia that encircles the island. Encountering dolphins, sea lions, herons, pelicans, gulls, frigate birds, masked boobies, hawks, sea turtles and a kaleidoscopic array of iridescent tropical fish will be an experience unlike any other.

Days 10-11: At Sea

Spend spend two days navigating the Pacific Ocean. Attend an expedition lecture in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation with your interactive television system.

Day 12: Salaverry, Peru

Dock at Salaverry, but the day's destination is just a few miles north in Trujillo. This sunny and pleasant desert city is known as much for its sugarcane, rice and textile commerce as it is for its pre-Incan ruins of the ancient Chimú city of Chan Chan, which was built from adobe. Chan Chan is known as the City of the Moon or Long Walls, and rivals Mexico's Teotihuacán or the primitive cities of Egypt.A fusion of dance and cuisine are important traditions in Trujillo. Culinary samplings include a local specialty of ceviche; other traditional Andean dishes use alpaca meat and quinoa, which is a highland grain rich in protein. You visit a private hacienda for lunch. Here, you witness la marinera con caballo de paso, which will be performed by a young man upon a Peruvian paso horse, and led by his female partner. As the afternoon begins to fade, you return to the Prince Albert II and set sail for tomorrow’s visit to Isla Lobos de Tierra.

Day 13: Cruise and Explore Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru

This morning, the Prince Albert II anchors off Isla Lobos de Tierra and readies for the day’s extreme adventures examining marine life up close. Lobos De Tierra and Lobos de Afuera are steep and rocky islands that protrude more than 200 feet (61 metres) from the surface of the deep blue Pacific.An abundant array of marine mammals and seabirds surround these two islas and offer you a splendid opportunity to explore with your Zodiacs. Sea lions, like sunbathers, bask on the beach and hundreds of blue-footed boobies can be viewed ashore as well, whilst Peruvian pelicans pass overhead. Weather permitting, you will attempt to make a landing on the island.

Day 14: Supe, Peru

Cruise along the Río Supe, where the sounds of rapids rumble in the distance. As afternoon approaches, drop anchor in the North-Central mountainous area of Peru known as the Supe Valley. Here, near an archaeological site only recently discovered, you become investigators of ancient people and their community dating as far back as 2600 BC. Caral, the oldest civilization in the Americas, second only to Mesopotamia in age, was first occupied around the year 2627 BC. Ancient Caral was a complex, highly structured society that flourished around the same time as the Egyptians were building the pyramids. This sprawling city, currently being excavated, has 17 pyramids including residential quarters, an amphitheatre pyramid and most notably, the Piramide Mayor, an adobe structure that is nearly 60 feet (18 metres) high. Caral is just one of 18 such sites in the Supe Valley.

Day 15: Cruise and Explore Hormigas de Afuera, Peru

In the afternoon the Prince Albert II arrives just off the shores of Hormigas de Afuera. The name literally translates to Offshore Ant Islands, which refers to the size of the islands. Using the ship's Zodiacs, you explore these tiny islands known for their amazing wildlife, in particular the Peruvian booby, and other seabirds, plus the South American sea lion. If you are lucky, you might even spot a few whales and dolphins from the deck of the Prince Albert II.

Day 16: Paracas, Peru

Sand and sea create a striking contrast at Paracas, where the Pacific Ocean crashes onto the cliffs and rocks of an arid Peruvian desert. You anchor off the coast and sight the massive Candelabro (chandelier) carved into the sand with similar techniques to those used in the Nazca Lines. Via Zodiac you cruise, through Paracas’ bay amidst incredible landscapes, sea lion colonies and millions of seabirds including flamingos.For one of today’s options, you can take local boats to the nearby Ballestas Islands, which are said to be composed of the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. Return to the Prince Albert II for lunch. Alternatively, visit Tambo Colorado, the most well-preserved Incan monument on the Peruvian coast. Strategically located at the entrance to the Pisco River Valley, this imperial outpost is remarkably preserved, right down to the red, white, yellow ochre and black paint on the walls. Indulge in the flavors of traditional Afro-Peruvian cuisine at historic Hacienda San Jose in Chincha before returning to the Prince Albert II.Travelers participating in the optional Overland Adventure to the Nazca Desert will experience a series of geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines. This Overland Adventure requires advance booking. Contact ExpeditionTrips for further details.

Day 17: At Sea

Spend the day cruising further south against the Humboldt Current. Attend informative lectures led by your lecture staff and guest specialists who will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and any possible unscheduled adventures that lie ahead. Relax on deck or peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked library.

Day 18: Arica, Chile

The quaint coastal city of Arica resides just 12 miles (19 km) from Chile’s northernmost border with Peru. A popular surfing and beach resort town, Arica is filled with golden sand dunes, miles of seashore, sheltered coves, warm waters, and a mild, dry climate. Visit a local church, San Marcos de Arica, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel, then you are off to Codpa. En route to Codpa, stop to witness Chilean artist and sculptor Juan Díaz Fleming's Presencias Tutelares sculptures. Paying homage to the Aymara culture, these impressive stone structures reach 26-30 feet (8-9 metres) straight into a vibrant blue sky. In Codpa, sample some of the traditional Pintatani wine. Whilst enjoying our wine, a Shaman will use a cocoa leaf to read the future, as area musicians perform ceremonious music and dance. Lunch will be a tantalizing taste of local fare, before you rejoin the Prince Albert II. Alternatively, embark on a rewarding high-adventure trip to the Lauca National Park. Journey out of Arica and through the Antiplanic towns of Poconchile and Putre and make your way across the Atacama Desert to Lauca National Park in the high plateaus of the northeastern Tarapaca region. (Acclimatization tablets recommended; consult your physician for this medication prior to departure.)Uncultivated beauty and a wealth of flora and fauna greet you at Lauca National Park, home of Lake Chungara. Resting at the foot of the Payachata twin volcanoes, Lake Chungara has one of the world’s highest elevations for a lake. This national reserve is home to more than 130 different species of birds, including the Andean condor.

Day 19: Iquique, Chile

Today, visit Iquique, a port seldom featured on cruise itineraries. This thriving city is one of Chile’s main waterway hubs and an urban oasis full of charm that is surrounded by the arid and barren Atacama pampa. From about anywhere in the city, you see the imposing Andes Mountains, massive dunes and the Pacific Ocean. About 45 minutes via tour coach, discover the mining ghost town of Humberstone which remains completely intact. Explore mining structures, cars, a train, and equipment of this 1862 mine that closed in 1960. Return to Iquique and stop at the attractive Renaissance-style Municipal Theatre, which exudes a refined cultural life amidst this former desert outpost. Next, stop off at the resident Spanish community, Centro Español (an artistic imitation of the Alhambra Palace in Grenada, Spain) for refreshments. The center features Moorish architecture and a series of large oil paintings depicting scenes of Don Quixote’s life. Alternatively, you may participate in an optional Overland Adventure – Atacama Desert Expedition. A fantastic opportunity to explore one of Chile’s most exceptional attractions, this 2-day/1-night trip takes travelers to important archaeological relics of the Atacameña culture, outstanding geological formations and the breathtaking scenery of the Atacama Desert. Requires advanced booking. Contact ExpeditionTrips for further details.

Day 20: Antofagasta, Chile

Some 700 miles (1,130 km) north of Santiago rests Antofagasta–a blend of typical Chilean town and typical British colonial city. Beaches are scattered throughout and flanked by mountains and plains. Festivities abound with rodeos and parades, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere is throughout with museums, great food and shopping. Despite these refinements, Antofagasta remains a secret from the majority of tourists who simply use it as a gateway to the Atacama Desert.Enjoy a morning walking tour to the regional history museum, the Plaza Colon. Stop by the former railway station before heading out of the to the Bolivian silver refinery. Next, follow the coast for about 10 miles (16 km) where a dramatic naturally eroded arch wades off shore, La Portada. Lunch onboard. The afternoon is at your leisure.In the evening of Day 20, guest participating in the Atacama Desert Expedition will rejoin the Prince Albert II upon their return to Antofagasta.

Day 21: Isla Pan de Azucar, Chile

This morning, explore by Zodiac the rugged shores of Isla Pan de Azucar or Sugarloaf Island, where thousands of Humboldt penguins reign. Whilst exploring the perimeter of Isla Pan de Azucar, you may encounter Peruvian boobies, pelicans, South American sea lions, and marine otters. In the afternoon, cruise toward Coquimbo, Chile. Enjoy a variety of lectures, and onboard activities or relax in one of the lounges with a book, or enjoy a documentary or latest movie in your suite on your interactive television system.

Day 22: Coquimbo, Chile

This morning, dock in the natural harbor of Coquimbo. You find elaborate woodworking throughout many of the city’s buildings, which were handcrafted by early British and U.S. settlers.Upon leaving Coquimbo, your tour coach takes you along the stunning coastline past the Plaza de Armas or main square, where colonial and modern architecture complement one another. Stop at the seaside resort of La Herradura, as well as the symbol of La Serena, the monumental lighthouse. Known as the city of carnations and bell towers, La Serena offers a spectacular hilltop view of the surrounding vista. You also visit the Museo Arqueológico, which houses an extensive collection of Diaguita and Molle cultural artefacts, as well as an original Moai from Easter Island.Following a brief walk from the museum to La Recova, there is just enough time for a little bit of exploration on your own at this handicraft market. Return to the Prince Albert II for lunch before departing for Valparaíso, Chile.

Day 23: Valparaiso, Chile

The Prince Albert II will arrive at Valparaíso, Chile during the early morning hours on the 3rd of November. After breakfast, disembark Prince Albert II.

Trip Details

Ship	Prince Albert II
Just Released Offer	Special Inaugural Promotion:Members of ExpeditionTrips.com save 50% per person on regular cruise rates in categories View Suite or higher. Offer based on availability and subject to change. Call your Program Manager for exact pricing.Applicable Date: 10/12/2008Expiration Date: 9/30/2008Per Person Discounted Rates:View Suite: $8,360; Vista Suite: $8,800; Veranda Suite: $11,000; Expedition Suite: $14,520; Medallion Suite: $15,400; Discoverer Suite: $16,280; Silver Suite: $18,040; Grand Suite: $20,240; Owner's Suite: $20,680Per Person Regular Rates:View Suite: $16,720; Vista Suite: $17,600; Veranda Suite: $22,000; Expedition Suite: $29,040; Medallion Suite: $30,800; Discoverer Suite: $32,560; Silver Suite: $36,080; Grand Suite: $40,480; Owner's Suite: $41,360New Reservations Only.
Highlights	Luxury expedition ship with fantastic service and cuisine, great expert naturalists, and most cabins have a veranda. A beautiful ship!
Trip Notes	Included:All ocean-view suite accommodation; complimentary beverages served throughout the ship (a premium assortment of complimentary wines, champagne and spirits are stocked in one of the finest cellars at sea; in-suite beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages; all onboard gratuities; no assigned dining time, no assigned table; complimentary in-suite dining and 24-hour room service; complimentary shore side; a full spectrum of entertainment and onboard enrichment from renowned authors to destination specialists. Not Included:Airfare; transfers; government fees and taxes; port charges and handling fees of $290 per person; passport expenses; items of a personal nature; travel insurance.
Payment Policy	A 10% deposit of the total cruise fare is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover, Diners Club).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-10-12	2008-11-03	+

Browse Similar Trips

• Galapagos Cruise - Santa Cruz
• Belize, Trans Panama and Costa Rica
• Galapagos Cruise - Mary Anne

• Great South American Journey - Above the Equator - Caracas to Quito
• Andes to Coast
• Peru Adventure

• Andean Horizons
• Galapagos Cruise - Beluga
• Rainforest and Desert Explorer

• Inca Discoverer
• Galapagos Cruise - Explorer II
• Inca Magic

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail