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Aerial view of a plaza in Lima.

Peru and Chile: Ancient Sites & Natural Wonders

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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Discover the varied cultures and rich history of South America on this Peru and Chile small ship cruise. Begin in Lima and embark on the National Geographic Explorer in Callao. Set sail along South America's western coast, visiting the Ballestas Islands, viewing the mysterious Nazca Lines from the air, the Mejia Lagoons, and arid Atacama Desert. Disembark daily to wander colorful markets and interact with the friendly locals of the region.
Spider, Nazca LinesA magnificent sunset over Atacama's ValleyFlamingos in the lagoons of the Atacama DesertChiloe Island, ChileAerial view of a plaza in Lima.
Highlights
  • Soar over the enormous Nazca lines on a flightseeing excursion
  • Explore the Atacama Desert’s unbelievable landscapes and wildlife
  • See penguin and seabird colonies, and hike through historic towns
  • Explore Juan Fernández Island, the inspiration for novel Robinson Crusoe
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Lima

Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, and check in to your hotel (included in your cruise fare).

Day 2: Lima / Callao / Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore Lima’s golden past with a visit to the Indian market and the Larco Herrera Museum, which offers a stunning Gold and Silver Gallery. Board the National Geographic Explorer in Callao.

Day 3: Paracas / Ballestas Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning exploring the scenic arches and pink granite caves of the Ballestas Islands by zodiac. The islands shelter hundreds of sea lions and seabirds by the tens of thousands. See Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and other seabirds including Inca terns and Peruvian boobies. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the spectacular cliffs and dunes of the Paracas Peninsula Reserve, or visit the extensive Inca ruins at Tambo Colorado.

Day 4: Nazca Lines

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, drive from Puerto San Juan to Nazca and take an included flightseeing excursion over the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the air, you'll see some of the hundreds of enormous geometric and animal shapes: monkeys, hummingbirds and condors, which were cut into the stony desert by a long-departed civilization. Their purpose remains the subject of intense study and conjecture. Enjoy lunch at a local hacienda, with time to visit nearby archaeological sites if you wish.

Day 5: Mejía Lagoons or Arequipa

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From the port of Matarani, visit the Mejía Lagoons National Sanctuary, a well-recognized refuge for migratory birds. More than 195 species have been recorded in the area. Look specifically for flamingoes, rails, skimmers and a host of other species from the beach and observation platforms. Alternatively, take a drive into the Andes to Arequipa, one of Peru’s greatest colonial towns and also a World Heritage site, one of whose museums holds the Inca mummy 'Juanita' that was discovered by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Johan Reinhard.

Day 6-7: Arica / Atacama Desert, Chile

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The city of Arica lies beneath dramatic 430-foot El Morro cliff, the site of the 1880 Battle of the Pacific, where Chile defeated Peru. Visit some of Arica’s sites, including the Gustave Eiffel-designed cathedral, before taking a special flight to the Atacama Desert for two nights spent in a fine lodge. This high desert averages about 7,000 feet above sea level. Atacama, considered the driest place on Earth, has some of the world’s most astonishing landscapes. Spend the days exploring, visiting the renowned, aptly named Valley of the Moon, with jagged mountains, a salt-covered surface, wind-created salt sculptures and sand dunes that give it an otherworldly appearance. Dinosaur Valley and Death Valley offer great views.

Day 8: Atacama / Antofagasta

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After a morning further exploring the Atacama Desert, drive to the port city of Antofagasta and rejoin the National Geographic Explorer.

Day 9: Isla Pan de Azucar

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isla Pan de Azúcar is a national park with a large colony of Humboldt penguins. Admire them on Zodiac cruises and by kayak, conditions permitting, and explore the habitat on the mainland if time permits.

Day 10: Coquimbo

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
From Coquimbo, choose between several excursions. Visit the mist forest and wildlife of Fray Jorge National Park, or explore the green, fertile Elqui Valley, home of the Nobel Prize-winning poet Gabriela Mistral. Or, see the colonial towns of Coquimbo and La Serena.

Day 11: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the day at sea as you sail for the Juan Fernandez Islands.

Day 12-13: Juan Fernandez Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Robinson Crusoe Island and Alexander Selkirk Island are remote, more than 430 miles off the coast of Chile, and are rarely visited. Famed for having been home to sailor Alexander Selkirk, who inspired the novel Robinson Crusoe, Robinson Crusoe Island is still rebuilding after a 2010 tsunami. Enjoy two days exploring the islands.

Day 14: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Relax on board as the ship sails for Ancud, Chiloe Island.

Day 15: Ancud, Chiloe Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Chiloé, which features verdant temperate rain forest and picturesque hillside farms, is the northern gateway to the Patagonian fjords. Anchor off the historic city of Ancud, the capital of the last bastion of Spanish rule in the South Pacific. Visit the Chepu Reserve, taking small boats along a submerged forest, sunken by a 1960 earthquake. Hike through temperate rain forest to a long beach, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Austral parakeets, Sierra finch, chucaos, rails, flycatchers, Chilean pigeons, and other birds. Alternatively, explore some of the nearby historic towns, meeting their residents, enjoying panoramic views, and seeing a church.

Day 16: Puerto Montt / Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Puerto Montt after breakfast and explore the city before boarding a charter flight to Santiago. Continue on in your independent travels.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Lima - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
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Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
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Cat 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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