fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Natural Wonders of the Atacama and Paracas Desert Cruise

Natural Wonders of the Atacama and Paracas Desert Cruise

From NZD $13,390

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

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.

Trip Name
Natural Wonders of the Atacama and Paracas Desert Cruise
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 125 meters Passenger Capacity: 192 Built: 2022-2023 Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises. Named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth. Building on the outstanding amenities of her sister ships, she adds a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, and two tenders which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. A Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull combines with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as comfortable as possible. SH Diana has been designed for immersive experiences, with extensive outside deck areas, multiple observation points and bright, open and relaxing public spaces with unobstructed views. The pleasure and safety of our guests is paramount at all times, cared for by our attentive crew and seasoned expedition leaders. Cutting edge hygiene technology protects the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems. SH Diana’s 96 staterooms , including 11 suites, are each a superbly comfortable home from home and all feature panoramic sea views, a flame-effect fireplace, original works of art, plush couches, premium pocket sprung mattresses, en-suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, and Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes and sheets. A pillow menu offers customised head and neck comfort during rest, while a large flat screen TV, espresso machine with Illy premium coffee, tea making facilities with the finest Kusmi teas, and a minibar with refreshments enhance relaxation at any time. In-room dining is of course available at all hours.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 PRE CRUISE
a:0:{}
Day 2 - DAY 2 VALPARAISO
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.
Day 3 - DAY 3 COQUIMBO
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!
Day 4 - DAY 4 DAY AT SEA
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.
Day 5 - DAY 5 ANTOFAGASTA
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.
Day 6 - DAY 6 IQUIQUE
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.
Day 7 - DAY 7 ARICA
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.
Day 8 - DAY 8 MATARANI
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.
Day 9 - DAY 9 DAY AT SEA
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.
Day 10 - DAY 10 GENERAL SAN MARTIN
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.
Day 11 - DAY 11 CALLAO (LIMA)
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.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itinerary changes and surprising experiences are part of expedition cruise life. The world has a habit of amazing us with incredible things when we yield to the unexpected. Join us with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll find that this can pay off in the most rewarding ways.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $13,390Oceanview D4
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $21,072Oceanview M4
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $25,538Balcony D5
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $26,714Balcony M5
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $29,326Balcony D6
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $33,057Junior Suite
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $38,324Suite
08-03-202418-03-2024NZD $44,521Premium Suite

Inclusions

    • Valparaíso: Explore the UNESCO-listed city known for its steep hillsides, historical funiculars, colourful houses, and vibrant cultural scene. Visit Pablo Neruda's former home, enjoy a wine tasting in the Casablanca Wine Valley, and immerse yourself in the city's unique charm and architecture.
    • Coquimbo and La Serena: Discover the charming harbour town of Coquimbo and its twin city La Serena. Explore the Plaza de Armas, visit archaeological sites like Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, and enjoy the beauty of the Elqui Valley with its vineyards and clear night sky.
    • Antofagasta: Delve into the city's history and admire its impressive coastal landscape. Learn about the War of the Pacific, visit the Monumento Natural La Portada, and explore the surrounding Atacama Desert with its salt flats, lagoons, and unique geological formations.
    • Iquique: Experience the beach resort atmosphere of Iquique and explore the nearby abandoned town of Humberstone, offering insights into Chile's mining history. Relax on the sandy beaches, enjoy shopping in the duty-free city, and visit local attractions like the Archaeological Museum and Playa Cavancha.

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Chile
More of activity:
South & Central America Cruises