“Journey to South America"

V7819 • October 12 • 22 Days
We begin our journey into South America and find it filled with many fascinating stops along the way. From tropical rainforests and coral reefs across the equator to tranquil beaches and arid deserts, nature’s treasures are as diverse as any we have imagined. Our manoeuvrable ship takes us to ports and places larger ships only dream of. Opportunities to kayak, snorkel, swim, hike, tour and delve into traditional customs will fill our days. Whilst from trek to trek, the exquisite Prince Albert II indulges us with a lifestyle of endless luxuries. By the time we reach Valparaíso, we will be find ourselves forever enriched by the experiences and memories shared with new-found friends on this incredible voyage.

Day 1 – Acapulco, Mexico
Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 22-day Silversea Expedition – “Journey to South America”. 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 we are miles away from civilisation. Huatulco is a little-known resort area nestled between the foothills of the Sierra Madre and the azure waters of the Pacific. Surrounding vegetation of low, deciduous forests and mangrove swamps provide refuge for skunks, raccoons and armadillos as well as herons, pelicans and falcons. Nine private bays, rimmed in fine white sand and unusual landscapes coupled with average water temperatures of 82º F (28º C) and 340 clear sunny days per year, make this Oaxacan hamlet a truly untapped paradise.

One of today’s tour options takes us off the beaten path into the historical roots of Oaxaca and Mexico. We visit three small communities to catch a glimpse into the cultural, social characteristics, habits and customs of the people of this region. We make stops at local homes where we learn the traditional ways of making hand-moulded tortillas and tamales. We also meander through local citrus and fruit groves observing native cultivation methods as well as watching the hand crafting of cooking post and adobe bricks. Like ancient voyagers, we peruse our environment in search of edible and medicinal plants of the land and in low-growth caducifólia jungle trees.

Alternatively, we set out to discover the rich diversity of wetland birds and the unspoiled beauty of a caducifólia jungle as we 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. Area wildlife includes iguanas, deer and more than 227 species of birds including 20 varieties of hummingbirds. Our knowledgeable local guides and our ship’s natural history staff provide us with comprehensive explanations of the surrounding ecology, wildlife and points of interest.

Days 3 & 4 – At Sea
As we 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.

Gather in the Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Join our in-residence photographer, Richard Harker, as he introduces you to the best techniques for photographing your expedition. From uncultivated natural terrain to breathtaking landscapes, he explains the nuances of photographic challenges in a myriad of diverse environments. Special guest lecturer, Jon Bowermaster, author, filmmaker and adventurer extraordinaire will entertain with tales of his explorations of exotic and remote destinations.

Other onboard diversions may include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

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. Port Caldera is the country’s most significant port, which today mostly serves cruise ships for a blossoming tourism industry. 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. An excellent introduction to a rainforest because of the lower humidity levels, there is less undergrowth, despite being surrounded by lush vegetation. This makes it easy for us to view the abundant wildlife throughout the reserve. Here, we have the opportunity to wade through more than 10,000 plant species, 300 types of birds and 200 butterfly variations. Scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, white collared monkeys, coatimundis, peccaries, crocodiles and toucans are a few of the animals that call this area their home and although not guaranteed, may be spotted. The key to our learning adventure is our expert naturalist and local guide, a true master of the forest, who will interpret all the messages and signs that the jungle puts forth. 

Day 6 – Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica
We use the ship’s 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, where we begin the day’s exploration.

In 1972, the people of Costa Rica dedicated Manuel Antonio National Park so to preserve, for future generations, one of the most stunning and bio-diverse areas of the world. 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 including: iguanas, sloths, squirrel monkeys, colourful crabs, and the ceiba tree, which, according to ancient Mayan culture, is the tree of life that links us to the spirit world.

Together with our highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guides we hike through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforests hoping to encounter numerous species of monkeys as they traverse the tree canopy, and listen to the songs of the multitude of birds as they glide above the group.

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, insects and plants that lie hidden to the untrained eye. We pass through wide lagoons, where many species of nesting sea birds can be observed, and round narrow passages, affording us a chance for an intimate encounter with the shy white-collared capuchin monkeys. These creatures are certain to come and peer out at those who have entered their realm.

Day 7  – Cruise & Explore Isla Coiba, Panama
Making full use of our small, manoeuvrable ship and our Zodiacs, we hope to land at this obscure part of Panama. Afoot on an amazing rainforest adventure, exploring land and sea, we marvel at the natural wonder that is Isla Coiba. We may be greeted by the roaring sound of the social, but mostly harmless, Howler monkey. Setting out in search of an abundant assortment of birdlife along with our natural history staff, we hope to spot some of the 150 known bird species, including the bi-coloured hawk, King vulture, Coiba spinetail, Bare-throated tiger herring, Crimson-backed tangier, and the Scarlet macaw. Leaving footprints in the fine, white sand beaches, we might encounter a sea turtle nest or two.

Today will be our first opportunity to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a kayak ride in one of our specially designed clear kayaks, in the Pacific Ocean and we could not ask for a better place. 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, Puffers, Moray eels, Hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, whales, Blue marlin, swordfish, sailfish, roosterfish, Red snapper, grouper and Amberjack.

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. Before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of a vast velvet sky strewn with shimmering stars

DAY 9 – Isla de la Plata, Ecuador
Exploration and discovery await us as we anchor off the coast of the uninhabited and unspoiled Isla de la Plata. An island whose name was derived from the swashbuckling pirate lore of Sir Francis Drake's buried silver treasure. The island was privately owned until 1979, when it was declared part of Ecuador's Machalilla National Park. 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 our specially designed clear kayaks, we 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
We spend two days navigating the Pacific Ocean, the largest ocean in the world and named by legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan. During a 1519 cruise to find what he believed to be a shortcut to the Spice Islands around the southern tip of South America, Magellan and his crew navigated the turbulent straits that now bear his name. After 38 days Magellan and his crew, minus two ships lost along the way, emerged into the Pacific. Describing it, he called it a "beautiful, peaceful ocean," and thus it was named pacific, meaning peaceful.

Attend an expedition lecture in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation with our interactive television system.

Day 12 – Salaverry, Peru
We 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, which is raw white fish marinated in limejuice with onions and spices. The acid of the lime cooks the fish. It's ¡muy delicioso! Other traditional Andean dishes use alpaca meat, which is a low-cholesterol red meat; and quinoa, which is a highland grain rich in protein. Dances like the elegant and complex Mestizo courtship ritual called la marinera represent a melding of African and Spanish influences.

We visit a private hacienda, for a spot of lunch. Here we will 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. A unrivalled opportunity to immerse ourselves in genuine Peruvian culture and customs, through food, dance, costume, music and the nation’s purebred horses. The Peruvian paso is a graceful and poised horse with ancestral traits from the Spanish Andalusian. Additionally, its lineage is tied to the Northwest African barb, which is known for its endurance and athleticism.

As the afternoon begins to fade, we return to the Prince Albert II and set sail for tomorrow’s visit to Isla Lobos de Tierra.

Day 13 – Cruise & 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 us a splendid opportunity to explore with our 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; we will attempt to make a landing on the island.

Day 14 – Supe, Peru
We cruise along the Río Supe, where the sounds of rapids rumble in the distance. As afternoon approaches, we drop anchor in the North-Central mountainous area of Peru known as the Supe Valley. Here, near an archaeological site only recently discovered, we become investigators of ancient people and their community dating as far back as 2600 BC.

Caral, the oldest civilisation 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 & 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, we explore these tiny islands known for their amazing wildlife, in particular the Peruvian booby, and other seabirds, plus the South American sea lion. If we are lucky, we 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. We anchor off the coast and sight the massive Candelabro (chandelier) carved into the sand with similar techniques to those used in the Nazca Lines. Theories of the Candelabro’s origin range from soldiers fighting for independence from Spain to pirates marking the place of their hidden treasure. Via Zodiac we cruise, through Paracas’ bay amidst incredible landscapes, sea lion colonies and millions of seabirds including flamingos.

For one of today’s options, we 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. The Ballestas Islands are home to more than 160 species of marine birds, including the Humboldt penguin, cormorant, Peruvian booby, Incan tern, pelican and the occasional condor. We will 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 primarily built out of adobe. Remarkably preserved, right down to the red, white, yellow ochre and black paint on the walls. This archaeological site was a regional centre designed to exude the power and organizational prowess of the Incan empire. The entire complex, including three palaces, complete with servant quarters and bathrooms, additional residential buildings and barracks, revolves around a central trapezoidal-shaped plaza.

We indulge in the flavours of traditional Afro-Peruvian cuisine at historic Hacienda San Jose in Chincha before returning to the Prince Albert II.

Guests participating in the optional Overland Adventure to the Nazca Desert will experience a series of geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines. Stretching an expansive 37 miles (60 km) along the Pacific coast and extending inland 15 miles (24 km), Pampa Colorada or Red Plain is the section of the 1,400-mile-long (2,414-kilometre-long) desert where the Nazca Lines are found. From high above, the lines look like etchings but are in reality an alignment of stones. Apparently the Nazca people, who flourished between 200 BC and 600 AD, were movers of earth. Dark red surface stones and soil were cleared away, exposing the lighter-coloured subsoil, creating the lines. Amazingly preserved over time, the Nazca Lines seem miraculous in nature. Such pristine preservation of these “lines” is due to the fact that there is no sand, very little rainfall and an extremely flat surface, which is left relatively undisturbed by wind.

This OverlandAdventure requires advance booking at Silversea.com. Cancellations received after this deadline will incur penalty charges of up to 100 percent to be billed to your shipboard account. Operation of this tour is subject to minimum participation. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as terrain is uneven at the stops.

Day 17 – At Sea
Spend the day cruising further south against the Humboldt Current, a cold, low salinity current flowing in the direction of the Equator. Extending along the west coast of South America from Northern Peru to the southern tip of Chile, the Humboldt Current has a considerable cooling influence on the climate of Chile and is largely responsible for the aridity that prevails in Northern Chile, coastal Peru and Southern Ecuador. Marine air is cooled by the flow and thus is not conducive to generating precipitation. However, fog and clouds do form to create some distinctive atmospheric conditions, like those found in the mountaintop forests of the Peruvian Andes.

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. The landmark rust-coloured El Morro, a massive desert hill that looks more like a giant rock, dominates the cityscape. Arica’s brightly painted buildings and the sapphire Pacific highlight this City of Eternal Spring, where we begin our day’s exploration. We first visit a local church, San Marcos de Arica, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel; builder of Paris’ famed Eiffel Tower. Then, we are off to Codpa. En route to Codpa, we 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.

Arriving at our destination, the verdant Codpa village, we sample some of the traditional Pintatani wine. (The unusual foggy climate of Codpa is a direct effect of the Humboldt Current mentioned in yesterday’s “At Sea” description.) Produced from locally grown grapes and extremely pure water collected from the Vitor River, Pintatani wine is associated with the cultural heritage of the Chilean people. 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 we 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 as we make our way across the Atacama Desert to Lauca National Park in the high plateaus of the northeastern Tarapaca region. For guests planning to participate in this excursion, we recommend taking acclimatization tablets. Please consult your physician to obtain this type of medication before departing on your voyage.

Uncultivated beauty and a wealth of flora and fauna greet us as we arrive 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, blanquillo, huairavo, Juarjual duck, Giant taqua and the Jargon duck. Sharing these protective grounds are the puma, vincuña, llama, alpaca and grey fox. Plant life includes a dense, light-green bush called the llareta, which can hold the weight of a human.

Day 19 – Iquique, Chile
Today we get the rare opportunity to visit Iquique, a port seldom featured on cruise itineraries. Derived from the Aymara word “ique-ique”, meaning “place of rest and tranquillity”, this thriving city is one of Chile’s main waterway hubs. We find Iquique to be an urban oasis full of charm that is surrounded by the arid and barren Atacama pampa. From about anywhere in the city, we see the imposing Andes Mountains, massive dunes and the Pacific Ocean. Colourful Victorian buildings and a famous clock tower stand proudly against the dry desert backdrop. A rocky peninsula with beautiful beaches lapped by a soulful ocean makes Iquique an idyllic vacation setting.

About 45 minutes via tour coach, we discover the mining ghost town of Humberstone. In the midst of the arid Atacama Desert, this abandoned town remains completely intact. We explore mining structures, cars, a train, and equipment of this 1862 mine that closed in 1960. The deserted streets of this Pan-American Highway crossroads are lined with buildings around the town square, including a theatre, a general store, a hotel, schools, administration buildings, a church, and even a swimming pool.

We return to Iquique and stop at the attractive Renaissance-style Municipal Theatre, which exudes a refined cultural life amidst this former desert outpost. For several decades, renowned operatic artists have travelled to Chile to perform here. Next, we stop off at the resident Spanish community, Centro Español (an artistic imitation of the Alhambra Palace in Grenada, Spain) for refreshments. The centre features Moorish architecture and a series of large oil paintings depicting scenes of Don Quixote’s life.

Alternatively, guests 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 participants to important archaeological relics of the Atacameña culture, outstanding geological formations and the breathtaking scenery of the Atacama Desert.

Depart early this morning for a seven-hour journey south to San Pedro de Atacama. One the outskirts of Iquique, we discover man-made and natural Tamarugo tree-filled forests that comprise the Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve. We follow the Pan-American Highway, which runs parallel to the Loa River and passes through the small towns of Quillagua and Pozo Almonte.

Just off the highway, we stop to examine Pintados Geoglyphs, or ancient aboriginal land art. More than 60,000 square yards (50,000 metres) of hill slopes are covered by at least 400 figures depicting humans, animals, birds and abstract shapes.

As the geoglyphs fade into the rear view mirror, we head to Calama, the largest oasis in the entire Andean foothill region. Here, we break for lunch, followed by a visit to the ancient Chiu Chiu village and ruined Fortress of Lasana en route to the historic town of San Pedro de Atacama. Situated some 8,000 feet (2,438 metres) above sea level, San Pedro de Atacama was the centre of the Atacameña culture. We end our day at the fabulous Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, Chile’s newest adventure spa resort. Check in and enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation at the hotel.

Following breakfast the next morning, we check out and head for the Archaeological Museum, which boasts a fascinating repository of artefacts providing excellent insight into the evolution of the Atacameña. Exhibits include indigenous ceramics, mummies, garments, ornaments and a collection of gold figurines.

Afterward, we embark on a 200-mile (322-kilometre) westward drive to Antofagasta. Along the way, we stop to enjoy a box lunch at the sharp-crested hills and bizarre landscape known as Valle de la Luna or Moon Valley. Next, we continue through the diverse Atacama Desert.

Hitching up and down the Pacific coast of Chile is the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth. Unlike most deserts, Atacama is not scorching hot during the day, but is instead rather cool, with average temperatures ranging from 32º - 77º F (0º - 25º C).

An amazing myriad of clashing elements, the Atacama Desert consists of layered mineral sediments from the Andes, barren plains, alluvial salt lakes, river gorges, and snow-capped volcanoes stretching skyward to 20,000 feet (6,000 metres). Whilst the Atacama receives very little rain, it does obtain precipitation from fog and dew condensation, which helps the plants, animals and insects living here. Flocks of flamingos make their home in the desert, feeding on the Red algae that thrive in the salt lakes.

Our adventure concludes in Antofagasta, where we rejoin the Prince Albert II.

This Overland Adventure requires advance booking at Silversea.com. Cancellations received after this deadline will incur penalty charges of up to 100 percent to be billed to your shipboard account. Operation of this tour is subject to minimum participation. Meals are as outlined above, including beverages with lunch and dinner. Transportation is by deluxe coach involving long drives of 200-300 miles (322-495 km). This is a fairly rugged trip and should only be considered by very fit and adventurous guests. Packing should be limited to overnight essentials, with comfortable and casual clothing. We recommend dressing in layers. Single occupancy subject to availability; rate provided upon request.

Day 20 – Antofagasta, Chile
Some 700 miles (1,130 km) north of Santiago, and a world away, rests Antofagasta – a blend of typical Chilean town and typical British colonial city. Antofagasta is a melting pot of sorts with many residents coming from Bolivian and Peruvian descents. Originally built on profits from the nitrate and silver mining boom of the late 19th century, the city now thrives on a successful copper mining industry as well as tourism. Beaches are scattered throughout and flanked by mountains and plains. Festivities abound with rodeos and parades. The cosmopolitan atmosphere is throughout with museums, great food and shopping. The incredible contrast between the dry, void of Chile’s Cordillera de la Costa, a line of low coastal mountains, and the azure blue of the Pacific Ocean coupled with a gentle, cooling breeze, keeps travellers returning again and again. Despite these refinements, Antofagasta remains a secret from the majority of tourists who simply use it as a gateway to the Atacama Desert.

We begin our morning with a walking tour to the regional history museum, the Plaza Colon. The old customs house blends Spanish colonial and Swiss chalet architectural styles. Inside the plaza are monuments donated by many different foreign communities, including: a replica of London’s Big Ben clock tower, which was a gift from the British in 1910; a Slavic bandstand; and a Spanish monument to Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.

We stop by the former railway station before heading out of the city to the south. We pass the University of Antofagasta campus on our way to the Bolivian silver refinery, which was built in 1868 and closed in 1903. Next, we follow the coast for about 10 miles (16 km) in the opposite direction, where a dramatic naturally eroded arch wades off shore. La Portada is an enormous rock that has been caressed by the sea and sand until a spectacular arch was formed.

Lunch will be onboard the Prince Albert II, but the afternoon is ours to explore at our 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
By Zodiac this morning, we explore the rugged shores of Isla Pan de Azucar or Sugarloaf Island, where thousands of Humboldt penguins reign. They come here to breed and spend time fishing, swimming and diving, as do many of the other birds found on this arid island. Whilst exploring the perimeter of Isla Pan de Azucar, we hope to encounter Peruvian boobies, pelicans, South American sea lions, and marine otters. What a great opportunity for taking photos!

In the afternoon, we cruise toward our next port, 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 our interactive television system.

Day 22 – Coquimbo, Chile
This morning we dock in the natural harbour of Coquimbo, whose name comes from the native Diaguita word for "place of calm waters". This bustling port city is the capital of the Elqui Province and serves as the winter home of the Chilean Navy. We find elaborate woodworking throughout many of the city’s buildings, which were handcrafted by early British and U.S. settlers.

Upon leaving Coquimbo, our tour coach takes us along the stunning coastline past the Plaza de Armas or main square, where colonial and modern architecture complement one another. A stop at the seaside resort of La Herradura allows time for our guide to amuse us with a few tales of local pirate lore. After a short drive along the coast, we encounter 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. We stop off at 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 our own at this handicraft market, filled with combarbalita (an ornamental volcanic rock) and other semi-precious stones, pottery and ceramic with Diaguita motifs, papaya products, and alpaca wool articles. We will then 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