West Coast of South America: Ecuador, Peru,Chile
« All Sea Adventurer (ZE) cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive Quito
- Day 2 Quito
- Day 3 Quito / Guayaquíl / Salinas / Embark
- Day 4 At Sea
- Day 5 Salaverry, Peru / Chan Chan
- Day 6 Hormigas de Afuera
- Day 7 Pisco / Paracas National Reserve / Optional Nazca Lines Excursion)
- Day 8 At Sea
- Day 9 Arica, Chile
- Day 10 Arica / Lauca National Park
- Days 11-12 Iquique / Atcama Desert / Antofagasta
- Day 13 Isla Pan De Azucar
- Day 14 Islotes Pajaros / Coquimbo / La Serena
- Day 15 At Sea
- Day 16 Isla Mocha
- Day 17 Valdivia
- Day 18 Chiloe Island
- Day 19 Puerto Montt / Disembark
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Suite | Owner | Single Cat 2 | Single Cat 4 | |
| Oct 8 '13 |
$11,980 | $13,380 | $14,480 | $16,080 | $17,880 | $19,780 | $23,880 | $25,280 | $16,780 | $25,730 |
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Cabins are available for single occupancy between 1.6-1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
Deposit & Payment -Cabins are available for single occupancy between 1.6-1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Arrive into beautiful Quito on your independent flight; transfer to the JW Marriott upon arrival. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2 Quito
Situated at 9,350 feet, Quito is nestled in a valley surrounded by magnificent snow-capped volcanoes. After a morning at leisure and lunch at the hotel, visit the old colonial section with its Spanish-style cathedral and palace — a World Heritage Site — stroll down winding cobblestone streets, and explore spacious plazas before driving to a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Quito / Guayaquíl / Salinas / Embark
Board your group flight (not included in cruise fare) to Guayaquíl this morning, and enjoy an introductory tour of Ecuador’s largest city and main port, including the old district of Las Peñas and the restored Malecón Riverfront neighborhood. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the port at Salinas to board the Sea Adventurer.
Day 4 At Sea
Join ornithologist Peter Harrison on deck as you cruise along the coast toward Peru. The cold waters of the Humboldt Current, rich in dissolved nutrients, support one of the richest oceanic environments in the world. The abundant sea life, in turn, attracts a multitude of birds including albatross, shearwaters, petrels, cormorants, and gulls. You may also spot pods of dolphins or humpback whales.
Day 5 Salaverry, Peru / Chan Chan
After breakfast disembark in Salaverry and take a short drive to Chan Chán, a World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of this former imperial headquarters of the Chimú Empire (1000-1470), with the remains of palaces, temples, dwellings, and burial mounds, many sculpted with ornate decorative figures. The nearby Sun and Moon temples are South America’s largest pre-Columbian pyramids, representative of the Moche culture in the 5th century.
Day 6 Hormigas de Afuera
After a morning at sea, visit these tiny islands known for their abundant wildlife, particularly Peruvian boobies and vast numbers of southern sea lions.
Day 7 Pisco / Paracas National Reserve / Optional Nazca Lines Excursion)
Disembark in Pisco and transfer to Paracas National Reserve which protects a variety of marine habitats and tropical desert. After seeking out the area’s resident wildlife visit Tambo Colorado, a well-preserved Inca village that was likely built at the end of the 15th century. Or, choose an optional flight to view the Nazca Lines, a World Heritage Site. These enormous geoglyphs, animal-motif remnants of a pre-Incan civilization that flourished between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, are etched into the desert surface and can only be fully appreciated from the air.
Day 8 At Sea
Attend informative lectures on the region’s natural and cultural history.
Day 9 Arica, Chile
This afternoon, dock in the colorful Chilean town of Arica. Peruse a variety of handicrafts at the Poblado de Artisans, then enjoy a drive through the scenic Azapa Valley, a fertile oasis framed by hills where ancient geoglyphs can be found. Birders search for the rare Chilean woodstar, a hummingbird endemic to this valley. This afternoon there is free time to explore Arica on your own.
Day 10 Arica / Lauca National Park
Journey inland for a full-day exploration of Lauca National Park, a Global Biosphere Reserve. Situated high in the Andes, more than 14,000 feet above sea level on the altiplano (plateau), Lauca is one of South America’s most spectacular parks. Witness a great variety of landscapes from lowland Arica to the towering, snowcapped Guallatiri Volcano and ice-blue Lake Chungará. Lauca has an abundance of wildlife including vicuñas, guanacos, viscachas, and Andean flamingos. You will also make a stop at a supremely photogenic highland village.
Days 11-12 Iquique / Atcama Desert / Antofagasta
From Iquique, board a short group flight (included in cruise fare) to Calama, then drive further inland to Hosteria San Pedro de Atacama, your base while exploring the Atacama Desert. Visit the Valley of the Moon, an eerily beautiful landscape of eroded salt mountains and distant volcanoes soaring to over 19,000 feet. In the town of Lasana, view an ancient fortress, explore the pre-Columbian ruins of Pukara de Quitor, and in San Pedro de Atacama, visit the archaeological museum with its remarkable displays of 2,300-year-old mummies. The next day includes an early-morning stop at Lake Chaxa, where three species of flamingos may be seen feeding in the briny waters. Cross the Tropic of Capricorn this afternoon, en route to Antofagasta, where you board the ship in time for dinner.
Day 13 Isla Pan De Azucar
This rugged island, a protected reserve, is home to the largest breeding colony of Humboldt penguins in Chile. From Zodiacs, watch the birds diving, swimming, and feeding. You may also spot marine otters, South American sea lions, pelicans, and Peruvian boobies.
Day 14 Islotes Pajaros / Coquimbo / La Serena
In the morning board Zodiacs to explore the Islotes Pajaros, home to a number of seabirds including red-legged cormorants and boobies. The islands are also the site of a major sea lion rookery. After brunch on board go ashore at the port of Coquimbo. A short drive takes you to La Serena — established in 1544, for a beautiful hilltop view of the city and surrounding coastline. Here, visit La Recova market and the archaeological museum. Returning to Coquimbo, stop at the local market to peruse a variety of handicrafts, including woven baskets, pottery, sweaters, and jewelry.
Day 15 At Sea
Attend lectures, or relax on deck as you cruise south along the Chilean coast.
Day 16 Isla Mocha
Isla Mocha supports a lush, temperate rain forest of southern beech, fuschias, and large arrayan trees. Explore the island’s rocky coastline and continue inland, passing horses and cows grazing in fields of flowers, to a lovely forest trail for nature walks. Birders search for black-faced ibis, southern lapwings, and the pink-footed shearwaters that breed on this island.
Day 17 Valdivia
This morning visit Valdivia; a provincial capital and river port, its European ambiance is due to an influx of German immigrants in the 1800s. Visit the fortress in the nearby beach resort of Niebla, the botanical garden, and a famous chocolate factory. After lunch at a local restaurant, board Zodiacs to explore the Río Cruces estuary to search for black-necked swans, snowy-crowned terns, and Chiloé wigeons.
Day 18 Chiloe Island
After breakfast set out for a tour of historic Chiloé, whose churches are a World Heritage Site. Make a stop at the seaside community of Dalcahue and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 19 Puerto Montt / Disembark
Birders depart early this morning to search for the recently discovered, and not yet officially named “Puerto Montt storm petrel.” After breakfast, disembark the Sea Adventurer and set out for a sightseeing tour of Puerto Montt and its environs. After lunch in Puerto Varas, located at the foot of the Osorno Volcano, depart for the airport for your independent flight to Santiago, connecting with homeward flights.
Itinerary Notes
Cruise Fare Inclusions:All gratuities; accommodations in hotels and on board Sea Adventurer as outlined in the itinerary; all onboard meals; all group meals on land; arrival and departure transfers on group dates; services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows; all group activities and excursions; landing and port fees; $50,000 of medical expense coverage and $75,000 in emergency evacuation insurance.
Cruise Fare Exclusions:
All air fare (except for the flight from Iquique to Calama); optional Nazca Lines excursion; excess baggage charges; airport arrival and departure taxes; transfers for independent arrivals and departures; passport and/or visa fees; baggage/trip cancellation insurance; items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar charges, alcoholic beverages, e-mail/Internet/fax/telephone charges.
Know Before You Go:
Most activities during this voyage require a relatively moderate level of exertion. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for shore excursions (staff and crew will be on hand to assist). Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over occasionally rough terrain on beaches and at archaeological sites. Temperatures will range from the upper 50°s to mid 70s°F with temperatures cooling as you make your way south. Layered clothing and comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes are recommended.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 30% cruise cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 130 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more | $950 per person |
| 119-60 days | 55% cruise cost |
| 59-0 days | 100% cruise cost |
Sea Adventurer (ZE)
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 110
Sea Adventurer is a handsome expedition vessel reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners, with lots of varnished wood and brass. Formerly known as the Clipper Adventurer, she sails on a wide variety of cruises — in Europe, the Canadian Arctic, the U.S., South America, and Antarctica.
Built in 1975 as the Alla Tarasova in the former Yugoslavia, the 122-passenger Sea Adventurer underwent a $13-million conversion in Scandinavia. Features include: 61 comfortable, all-outside cabins, with lower beds, private bathroom facilities, and individual temperature controls to offer the most comfortable tours possible. The window-lined dining room seats all passengers at leisurely single seatings, where superb American and Continental cuisine is served by the friendly staff. There are two lounges — the Main Lounge and Bar on Promenade Deck, seating 130 passengers; and the Clipper Club, also on Promenade Deck, seating 45 passengers. There’s also a library/card room, a small workout room, a gift shop, and a hair salon.
Unique to the Sea Adventurer is a spacious, covered promenade with a beautiful wooden deck (varnished Oregon pine) where passengers can view the seascapes during their small ship cruises. There’s also plenty of open deck space on the Boat Deck and Sun Deck, while an observation platform located forward below the Bridge is ideal for wildlife viewing.
The Sea Adventurer is an oceangoing vessel equipped with an ice-strengthened hull (A-1 ice class) ideally suited for cruises in remote environments and is supremely comfortable anywhere she sails. A fleet of Zodiac landing craft provides access to areas where no infrastructure exists. The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art satellite navigation and communication equipment including telephone, fax, and e-mail.
The Captain and his officers maintain an open bridge to give passengers an opportunity to observe and ask questions. An experienced cruise staff, physician, and on board lecturers accompany all voyages to enhance the passengers’ enjoyment of the places visited.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat 1 Two lower berths, shower, porthole window, 120 sq. ft |
 | Cat 2 Two lower berths, shower, porthole window, 120-150 sq. ft. |
 | Cat 3 Shower, two lower berths, double window, 125 sq. ft. |
 | Cat 4 Two lower berths, shower, porthole or double window, 125- 155 sq. ft. |
 | Cat 5 Two lower berths, shower, double window, 130 sq.ft. |
 | Cat 6 Two lower berths, bath or shower, sitting area, triple window, 160 sq. ft. |
 | Suite Suite, two lower beds, bath with shower, two double windows, mini-refrigerator, sitting area, 215 sq. ft. |
 | Owner Owner’s Suite, two lower berths, shower/ bathtub, two double windows, mini-refrigerator and microwave, 268 sq ft. |
 | Single Cat 2 Two lower berths, shower, porthole window, 125 sq. ft. |
 | Single Cat 4 Two lower berths, shower, porthole or picture window, 125- 155 sq. ft. |
