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Natural Wonders of the Atacama and Paracas Desert
D0724030909
Dates
03/09/24 - 03/18/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
9 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 6,087
Per Person
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Trip Details
Board your boutique expedition ship in Valparaíso, Chile, and set sail on a Natural Wonders of the Atacama and Paracas Desert cruise along the arid coastline of Chile and Peru. From the colorful houses of Valparaíso to the driest desert in the world, the Atacama, and its otherworldly sand dunes, you'll experience a journey of extremes. Visit uninhabited wildlife havens in wetlands, see prehistoric geoglyph line drawings in the Paracas desert, and discover world-class coastal towns and bustling cosmopolitan cities. Stand under the towering peaks and dramatic volcanoes of the Andes, and let the beauty of this region wash over you. Your mesmerizing voyage of discovery and beauty finally comes to an end in Lima, the capital of Peru, in the bustling port of Callao.
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Itinerary Map
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 but perfectly functional funicular. The UNESCO-listed city is a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colourful houses and bustling plazas. Spend some time following in the footsteps of Chile’s most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, by visiting his former home. Or perhaps enjoy a wine tasting on a trip to the Casablanca Wine Valley. There are also plenty of wonderful cafes, restaurants, art galleries, museums and shopping opportunities. This city is truly unique and fascinating in equal measure, and definitely worth taking some time getting to know a little better.

Coquimbo Day 2

Situated on the rocky hills of Península Coquimbo, the pretty harbour town of Coquimbo was once the centre of Chile’s thriving gold and copper industry. Coquimbo is twinned with nearby La Serena, which was founded in 1944 and is home to many well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings. Here you can also make the most of the clearest night sky in South America at the Mamalluca Observatory or pay a visit to the Archaeological Museum. Further inland, the fertile plains and orchards of the Elqui Valley provide plentiful fresh papaya and fine wine grapes. This region also produces Chile’s famous Pisco drink. Enjoy a taste at one of the many local vineyards and perhaps join in the debate as to whether the drink is Chilean or Peruvian, a matter yet to be unanimously agreed upon!

Shore Excursion
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Coquimbo and La Serena
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy a relaxed panoramic driving tour of the towns
  • Visit Coquimbo main square, and see the iconic lighthouse in La Serena
  • Enjoy the Stunning view from la Serena viewpoint
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 and located on the pristine South Pacific coast, Chile’s second-largest city has a turbulent and interesting history. Antofagasta was once part of Bolivia’s coastline until the late 1800s when the War of Pacific reshaped the borders of Chile, Peru and Bolivia. In 1883, a victorious Chile took possession of the horseshoe-shaped bay along which stretches the long, narrow city of Antofagasta. As a result, Bolivia lost its coastline and became a landlocked country. Once prosperous as a mining town, Antofagsta now draws visitors thanks to its coastal location and natural beauty. Venture inland through the arid Atacama Desert and you’ll discover moonscape salt flats, lagoons and vast deserts. Travel back along the coast to see the impressive Monumento Natural La Portada, a stone archway perched in the sea below the cliffs.

Shore Excursion
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Antofagasta & Surroundings
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy a Panoramic drive
  • Take a short walking tour around the Plaza Col, the main square surrounded by monuments
  • Pass the Clock Tower, the Bandstand, the Old Customs House and the former Railway Station
Baquedano & Chacabuco
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy the driving through the desert towards the small town of Baquedano
  • Visit Chacabuco, the remnants of a large residential town built in 1922 for workers of the nearby nitrate plant
  • Discover the history of Chacabuco as the the town between 1973 and 1975 was used by the Pinochet government as a concentration camp
Iquique Day 5

A former saltpeter mining town, these days Iquique is more likely to attract paragliders than prospectors. With its excellent surf, long sandy beaches and favourable weather, Iquique is regarded as one of Chile’s premier beach resorts. Whilst here we will be visiting the nearby abandoned town of Humberstone in the Atacama Desert. The town was once home to a thriving community of miners from the Santiago Humberstone Saltpeter Works. The abandoned settlement and surrounding relics of industry are now protected as UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer a fascinating insight into the region’s past. Back in town, enjoy the laid-back beach life on the sands of Playa Cavancha. Or head further into town and experience the hive of activity and impressive 19th-century Georgian architecture. There are plenty of on-street chic cafés, bars and restaurants to observe the sights and sounds of the city from. Iquique is also a duty-free city; a perfect spot for some shopping.

Shore Excursion
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Iquique Highlights
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Included
  • Enjoy a panoramic drive through Iquique, passing by the major attractions of this pretty town
  • Admire the turn-of-the century Baquedano Avenue
  • Visit Astoreca Palace, one of the most impressive mansions on the row
Iquique & Humberstone: The Nitrate Ghost Town
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy the drive through the coastal mountain range to the nitrate town of Humberstone
  • Listen to the history of Humberston, founded in 1862 at the junction of the Pan-American Highway and the road to Iquique that today is a real ghost town
  • Take a a panoramic drive through Iquique and see the Municipal Theater
Humberstone & Pintados Geoglyphs
  • Duration: 06 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Learn the fascinating story of nitrate, a polyatomic ion that lies at the heart of the area's legacy of boom and bust
  • Visit the nitrate town of Humberstone, founded in 1872 and today known as the Ghost town
  • Be fashnated by the Tamarugal Forest, a natural forest reserve of tamarugo trees comes as a surprise in this vast desert
Arica Day 6

Chile’s northernmost city, Arica is one of the driest cities in the world. It does after all neighbour the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. With year-round sunshine and wonderful beaches, the city is a popular destination for travellers. And it’s not just the sun and sea that are the main attraction. Arica is home to a fascinating archaeological museum that claims to house the world’s oldest mummies. A visit to San Marcos Cathedral is also recommended. The cathedral was designed by Gustave Eiffel of Parisian tower fame and features a door from his workshop in Paris. From Arica we will see some of the tallest sand dunes in the world as we travel through the Atacama Desert on our way to Chungara Lake. The view of the Pomerape and Parinacota volcanoes across the lake is one of the most iconic sites in Chile. The surrounding land and mountains are home to a plethora of wildlife including alpacas, pumas and llamas. You may also be able to spot some local birdlife including the Chilean flamingo, puna partridge and condor.

Shore Excursion
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Chinchorro Culture
  • Duration: 03 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Watch seabirds on the beautiful beaches of Chinchorro and Las Machas
  • Discover Chinchorro Culture at the Azapa Valley museum
  • Observe mummies at the Latin America´s only “in situ” museum in Arica
City Tour Arica & Azapa Valley
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the city of Gustave Eiffel’s heritage
  • Enjoy the beaches La Lisera and El Laucho
  • See the unique exhibits of the world’s oldest mummies at the archaeological museum San Miguel de Azapa
Lauca National Park & Lake Chungara
  • Duration: 07 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover the pre-Inca settlement of Poconchile
  • Taste the unique Coca leaves tea efficient against high altitude sickness
  • Visit of Putre village and the abandoned pre-Hispanic village of Parinacota
Matarani Day 7

The port of Matarani is your first stop in Peru and is also a gateway to Arequipa, Peru’s White City. A type of local white volcanic stone, sillar, is the primary building material used in much of the architecture here, hence the moniker. Volcanic activity still dominates the landscape, with a trio of volcanoes, including the still-active El Misti, overlooking the city. In 1995 American anthropologist Johan Reinhard came across a bundle wrapped in cloth in the nearby mountains whilst researching Inca ceremonial sites in the area. The cloth contained the mummified remains of a girl who would come to be known as Juanita, one of Peru’s most famous mummies. You can visit Juaniti in her display case at the Museo Santuarios, not far from the Plaza de Armas. You may also wish to stop in at the Santa Catalina Convent, one of the oldest structures in Arequipa. Guarded by imposing high walls, this interesting building is often described as a city within a city. Explore the fascinating and colourful alleys of the convent whilst learning about its long and interesting history.

Shore Excursion
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Mollendo & Cooking demonstration
  • Duration: 05 h 35 m
  • Optional
  • Visit Mollendo, famous for its beautiful hidden beaches with fantastic views
  • Enjoy a visit to the town and some free time
  • Have a unique Ceviche cooking demonstration
A Day in Arequipa
  • Duration: 10 h 30 m
  • Included
  • Discover the city of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Admire the amazing landscape from Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints
  • Visit the Santa Catalina Convent a ‘small town’ built in the 19th Century
Mejia Lagoons
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Visit to the Mejia Lagoons National Sanctuary
  • Try to spot some of the 210 bird species living in the park
  • Learn about the lagoons
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

General San Martin is a district in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina, named after the national hero José de San Martín. It is a place where you can enjoy this region's culture, history, and nature. General San Martin has a variety of attractions, such as the Plaza San Martín, where you can see a monument to the liberator and a replica of his house; the Museo Histórico Regional Brigadier General Juan Manuel de Rosas, where you can learn about the life and legacy of another influential figure; and the Parque Yrigoyen, where you can relax and admire the greenery.

Shore Excursion
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Ballestas Island by Speed Boat
  • Duration: 03 h 35 m
  • Optional
  • Enjoy the impressive panoramic view of The Paracas Bay and Peninsula
  • Stop in front of Ballestas Islands to take pictures and listen to the history of this magic place
Tambo Colorado
  • Duration: 04 h 10 m
  • Included
  • Be amazed by the landscapes during the drive
  • Visit the incredible archaeological site
  • Walk through the rooms and courtyards, narrow corridors and platforms full of colors and unique architectural details
Overflight Nazca lines
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Marvel at the famous Nazca Lines
  • Enjoy the flight over the different figures as the dog, the monkey and the spider
  • Take incredible pictures
Vineyard Bodega 1615
  • Duration: 03 h 20 m
  • Optional
  • Have an experiential tour in the grape vineyards
  • Visit its facilities where 200,000 Liters of Pisco are made
  • Enjoy a demostration of how to prepare a Pisco Sour and Chilcano
Callao (Lima) Day 10

Situated on a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains is Peru’s capital city of Lima. The city is served by the seaport of Callao, where you will be boarding your boutique cruise ship. The bustling metropolis of Lima has much to offer, but not least of all its internationally renowned culinary scene. There are many award-winning eateries to explore and local dishes to sample. A local favourite is ceviche, fresh fish marinated in tangy lime juice and other seasonings. You’ll find the dish on offer just about everywhere in the city, from up-market restaurants to local fishing dock cevicherías. Culture is also in plentiful supply, with the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre packed with colonial-era architecture like Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. You can also visit the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, reminders of the long-lost Inca civilisation.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
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 (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK