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Bird perched upon the rocky shoreline

Lands of the Humboldt Current

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Silver Explorer
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Explore some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and discover the very best of South America. Archaeological Incan remains, Pisco Sour tastings plus local boat excursions to "Peru's Galapagos" to spot cormorants, blue-footed boobies, terns, pelicans and Humboldt penguins make this voyage exceptional. An optional overnight overland experience to the Atacama Desert makes it unforgettable.
Friends hiking during a trip togetherTour local wine cellarsArequipaArequipaBird perched upon the rocky shoreline
Highlights
  • Visit Tabalí winery, followed by a tasting of its most representative wines
  • Explore the rugged shores of Isla Pan de Azucar and its wildlife
  • Hike through the beautiful National Reserve La Chimba
  • Discover Atacama Desert — one of the driest places on earth
  • Join a guided walking tour of Arequipa, including Santa Catalina Monastery
  • Fly over the Nazca Lines, marveling at these mysterious ancient geoglyphs
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: Embark in Valparaiso, Chile

Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting Silversea Expedition — “Lands of the Humboldt Current”. Before the ship leaves the harbor a mandatory safety drill is conducted. During a special sail away party look back at the spectacular setting of Valparaiso –the “Pearl of the Pacific”- and its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later be introduced to your Expedition Team and this evening you can enjoy the delights of shrimp in a specially prepared menu in The Restaurant.

Day 2: Coquimbo, Chile

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today you have two choices: a morning visit to the colonial-style city of La Serena or a longer visit to the Limarí Valley. For the morning excursion, drive south to La Herradura Bay and its 1.2-mile-long beach before heading north and to the beach resort of La Serena, Chile’s second-oldest city. The coastal avenue leads to a famous landmark of the region, a lighthouse built in the mid-20th century. Driving along the Francisco de Aguirre Boulevard, named after the second founder of the city, and its many reproductions of ancient statues, reach the Main Plaza and the Recova Market. Set in a picturesque patio, this market has the famous blue semi-precious lapis lazuli, pottery and ceramics with Diaguita design, as well as alpaca wool articles on offer. 

The other excursion takes you into the Limarí Valley, slightly further south. Known for its pictographs and petroglyphs of the El Molle culture, visit the Enchanted Valley in the vicinity of the town of Ovalle. The Elqui and Limarí Valleys are rich and fertile transversal valleys running across the coastal mountains, leading to their importance as agricultural areas. Grapes are grown in impressive vineyards for export and for wine and you can visit the Tabalí winery. Starting in the early 1990s, already in its first year of production Tabalí obtained 24 medals. This vineyard is well known for its unique coupages and blends of wine stocks such as Viognier, Sangiovese, and Carmenere. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery, followed by a tasting of its most representative wines. Then continue to a local restaurant for a typical Chilean lunch of empanadas and an asado (a BBQ) before returning to the pier.

Day 3: Isla Pan de Azucar, Chile

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During the morning attend a lecture or a seminar and let your chefs talk about and prepare some delicious Chilean seafood. This afternoon explore the rugged shores of Isla Pan de Azucar (or Sugarloaf Island) by Zodiac. The island is home to thousands of Humboldt penguins. During your Zodiac cruise along the perimeter of Isla Pan de Azucar, also hope to encounter kelp gulls, turkey vultures, blackish oystercatchers, and Peruvian boobies, pelicans, sea lions, and the reclusive South American marine otter.

Day 4-5: Antofagasta, Chile

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
On your first day in Antofagasta explore the city during the morning. Antofagasta is a refined blend of traditional Chilean town and British colonial city. See the Huanchaca Ruins and during a walking tour, visit the Plaza Colón and the Regional Museum with its overview of the saltpetre industry and how it affected the region. The final destination is La Portada, an enormous rock caressed by the sea and sand until a giant arch formed, before heading back to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon enjoy some walks and hikes in the National Reserve La Chimba to see how plants and animals have adopted to life in the coastal desert and mountains. During your second day venture inland to see remains of Chile’s mining and saltpetre activities of the early 20th century. Driving east, reach the ghost town or oficina of “Chacabuco”. Although the town existed for a period of less than 15 years, it had been designed for 5,000 miners and had its own theater. The town became quite famous and was declared a Historic Monument in 1971, only to be used as a concentration camp two years later. Some of the buildings like the former theater have been restored with the help of the German Embassy and a saltpetre museum has been added. Another stop is made at the former railroad junction of Baquedano, where the old railroad station has been declared a Historic Monument and several of the old locomotives, wagons, the building to overhaul the engines and a small museum can be seen.

Optional overland excursion to visit the Atacama Desert — one of the driest places on earth:
Depart early for the five-hour ride to the charming adobe village of San Pedro de Atacama. Once you reach San Pedro have a look at the small church, a Historic Monument, and continue to the hotel grounds to have lunch. During the afternoon visit the archaeological site of Tulor. This former village complex has dates going back to the fourth century BC and circular walls and vaults are a typical architectural feature. Afterwards head to Valle de la Luna. In this unique lunar landscape observe numerous rock formations jutting out of the sand, eroded by wind into incredible shapes. At a lookout, enjoy a special cheese and wine tasting. Back at your hotel have dinner with live Andean music.

On your second day in the Atacama Desert visit the 740 km² “Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos” in the extensive Atacama Salt Flat - at 3,000 km² it's the third-largest salt flat in the world. During your drive to Chaxa lagoon you might see Puna plovers, yellow-billed teals, Andean avocets and Chilean and Andean flamingos. The Andean flamingos that migrate between Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina use this area as one of their most important breeding grounds. Returning to the hotel, a photo stop can be made at the Tropic of Capricorn crossing. The excursion ends in time to have dinner aboard Silver Explorer.

Day 6: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s wildlife and remarkable nature. Due to the presence of the very nutrient-rich Humboldt Current, the waters along the Chilean coast are incredibly rich in fish life. Today your chefs might introduce you to the world of “ceviche” in all its forms.

Day 7: Arica, Chile

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
An early morning departure is necessary for your journey to explore the region’s unique Altiplano scenery. See important archaeological sites along the way before the landscape suddenly opens up and the wide valley of Putre can be seen beneath massive, snow-capped peaks. Upon your arrival in Putre, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Later stroll through town together, visiting the church and watching a performance of Andean folklore in the main plaza. 

Alternatively, enjoy a visit to the Lauca National Park. This is a challenging excursion, taking you to an altitude of 4,500 meters. From the pier, drive to the Copaquilla Pukara, a pre-Incan defensive settlement. Continuing on, drive past Putre to reach Chungará Lake and to admire the mountains reflected in the lake. During one hour at the lake look for the many local bird species, among them the Chilean flamingo. During the stay at the lake a box lunch is served. On the return stop at the abandoned pre-Hispanic village of Parinacota, a National Monument.

The half-day excursion permits you to either visit the Archaeological Museum and to see the main highlights of the downtown area and have a view from the iconic promontory El Morro or to visit the local market, choosing fresh produce with the help of a local chef. Visit a farm and learn about the famous Azapa olives and taste the special appetizers prepared by the local chef with the products you selected at the market. Other half-day tours feature local foods selected by you at the market and prepared by local chefs while visiting some emblematic natural highlights in the vicinity of Arica.

Day 8: Matarani, Peru

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning drive to Arequipa, “The White City”. Join your experts for a walking tour of the UNESCO Historical Centre including the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, followed by a guided visit of Santuarios Andinos, home to the Sarita and Juanita mummies. Found close to the summit of a nearby mountain, they were likely a sacrifice to an Incan god.

Then head over to the Dominican Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most important and impressive religious monuments in Peru. The complex is huge and fascinating; it is almost a city within the city. Undertake a guided tour of this impressive monastery.

Later gather in the refectory of the monastery, especially reserved for your group, while enjoying a three-course lunch accompanied by live music featuring Andean folk songs. This evening your chefs feature regional fare, and especially potatoes and other tubers. Peru has more than 1000 varieties of potatoes

Day 9: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A leisurely day at sea is yours to enjoy. Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team. Then relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read and meet up with new friends for cocktails. Before turning in for the night, take a stroll on deck to take in the solitude of the vast sea and sky.

Day 10: Paracas and Ballestas Islands, Peru

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
During a special Silversea Expedition complimentary excursion to see the famous Nazca Lines from the air, the Nazca Desert reveals a series of famous geoglyphs stretching for miles along the Pacific coast. Dating back to an era between 200BC and 700AD, these mysterious figures and geometric patterns are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lines show an understanding of sophisticated mathematics and surveying techniques.

After this special experience of over-flying the Nazca Lines, head to the beautiful Hotel Paracas and enjoy a very comprehensive and interesting Pisco Tasting. In a shaded area and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a Pisco expert presents 5 different types of Pisco. Apart from learning about Pisco obviously get to taste Peru’s (and Chile’s) national drink and counterbalance the drinks with some local appetizers. 

If you do not want to see the Nazca Lines, then explore the Ballestas Islands, one of this region’s most beautiful natural attractions. Sea lions, cormorants, blue-footed boobies, terns, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins can all be expected around the Ballestas Islands. Because of Peruvian regulations this excursion can only be done in local boats and landings are not allowed.

Day 11: Disembark in Callao, Peru

  • 1 Breakfast
The Silver Explorer arrives in Callao in the morning. Following breakfast, disembark.

Ship/Hotel

Silver Explorer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,250
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Adventurer Class
6 cabins on Deck 3, 180 sq. feet, Twin or Queen beds, 2 portholes.
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Explorer Class
4 cabins on Deck 4, Twin or Queen beds, 180 sq. feet with view window.
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View Suite
12 suites on Deck 3, 230 sq. feet with view window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Vista Suite
16 suites on Deck 4, 194 - 230 sq. feet with large window, Twin or Queen beds.
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Veranda Suite
8 suites on Deck 5, 215 sq. feet with French balcony, Twin or Queen beds.
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Medallion Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 358 sq. feet with private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Silver Suite
6 suites on Deck 5, 430 sq. feet with 2 French balconies, Twin or Queen beds.
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Grand Suite
2 suites on Deck 7, 650 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.
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Owner
2 suites on Deck 7, 540 sq. feet with large private veranda, Twin or Queen beds.

Notes

Please note: Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change at any time without notice. All prices are in US dollars, cruise-only per person based on double occupancy.

- The supplement for single occupancy in a Vista, Veranda or Midship Veranda Suite ranges from 25% – 100% above the double occupancy fare, depending upon the sailing and suite selected. Single supplement for a Silver or Medallion Suite (Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper), Owner’s, Grand or Royal Suites are 100% above of the double occupancy fare. Suites for single and third guests are capacity controlled.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Personalized Service with a Butler for all Suites
  • One hour free WIFI per day for all guests. Unlimited free WIFI for guests sailing on select suite categories.
  • In-suite dining and room service
  • Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
  • Complimentary transportation into town in most ports
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Some champagne, premium wine and spirit selections, caviar, cigarettes and cigars are not included in your fare.
  • Meals ashore
  • Laundry or Valet services
  • Casino gaming

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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