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A magnificent sunset over Atacama's Valley

Cruise from Chile to Peru

Valparaiso - Callao - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard the SH Vega, exploring Chile and Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich history. Discover Valparaíso’s steep hills and UNESCO-listed sites, then enjoy Coquimbo’s vibrant harbor, La Serena lighthouse, and ancient Limari Valley petroglyphs. In Antofagasta, witness the coastal beauty and Atacama Desert’s salt flats and lagoons. Experience Iquique’s beaches and Georgian architecture, and marvel at Arica’s Eiffel-designed cathedral and dramatic sand dunes. Visit Matarani for a glimpse of Arequipa’s white volcanic architecture and Incan sites. Fly over the Nazca Lines and explore the Paracas Peninsula in General San Martin, known for wildlife and Pisco tours. Conclude in Callao, Lima, with its colonial heritage and acclaimed culinary scene.
The salt flats of the Atacama Desert stretch as far as the eye can seeVisit the lush Elqui valleyExplore La SerenaPelicans in the harbor of La SerenaWe rode an elevator to the top of a hill and worked our way down through the streetsCallao, PeruA magnificent sunset over Atacama's Valley
Highlights
  • See Arica's Pomerape volcanoes and picturesque Chungara Lake
  • Visit Valparaiso's maze of monuments, historic funicular, and colorful houses
  • Discover ancient petroglyphs in the Enchanted Valley park in Coquimbo
  • Witness Atacama Desert’s salt flats, lagoons, and vast landscape
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Valparaiso

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided.

Day 2: Valparaiso | Embark

One of Chile’s oldest cities, Valparaiso is known for its steep hillsides overlooking the ocean as well as its historical funicular. UNESCO-listed, it's a maze of monuments, wonderful architecture, churches, cobblestone alleys, colorful houses, and bustling plazas. The former home of Chile's most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, is open to the public in Isla Negra. Leaving Valparaiso, the fertile Casablanca Valley is known for Chilean white wines.

Day 3: Coquimbo

Once Chile's gold and copper hub, the colorful harbor town of Coquimbo sits on the rocky Península Coquimbo hills. On top of the town is the Cross of the Third Millennium. The main square, La Serena lighthouse, and views from La Serena viewpoint are among the highlights. Ancient petroglyphs are found in the Limari Valley's Enchanted Valley park. The fertile Elqui Valley produces papayas, and wine grapes for Chile's famed Pisco.

Included Excursion

La Serena Highlights
  • Learn the history of La Herradura’s legendary English pirates
  • Immerse yourself in pre-Columbian civilization with the museum’s excellent collection of ceramics
  • Treat yourself to some souvenirs from the craft market, including jewelry made from the local semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli

Day 4: 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 allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to the library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of the onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from the onboard professional photographers.

 

Day 5: Antofagasta

Steeped in culture on Chile's pristine Pacific coast, Antofagasta has a turbulent history. It was once part of Bolivia until Chile's 1883 War of the Pacific victory reshaped borders, giving Chile the city's horseshoe bay while landlocked Bolivia. Initially a prosperous mining hub, today Antofagasta draws visitors to its coastal beauty and proximity to the Atacama Desert highlights like moonscape salt flats, lagoons, and vast deserts.

Included Excursion

Highlights of Antofagasta
  • Marvel at the most ancient constructions in Antofagasta, the Huanchaca Ruins, from a viewpoint
  • Discover the wonders of Plaza de Armas’ historic Old Customs House, famous church, and interesting museums
  • Stroll through the fishing wharf and admire the beautiful panorama

Day 6: Iquique

Iquique, a former saltpetre mining town, has become a premier Chilean beach resort with excellent surf, long sandy beaches, and favorable weather. The town's impressive 19th-century Georgian architecture includes Astoreca Palace, now a hotel. Chic street-side cafes, bars, and restaurants enhance the dining scene. Nearby, Humberstone, a nitrate town, is now a ghost town, a remnant of the once-prosperous saltpetre mining industry in the region.

Included Excursion

Iquique Highlights
  • Discover how the nitrate business influenced Iquique and the immigrants who lived there
  • Embrace the city’s old quarter, which has been declared a National Monument
  • Learn about the Chinchorro culture at the Regional Museum

Day 7: Arica

Bordering the Atacama, the world's driest desert, Arica, Chile's northernmost city features an elegant Gustave Eiffel-designed cathedral and an archaeological museum with ancient mummies. Nearby, the Atacama has the world's tallest sand dunes. Alpacas, pumas, llamas, and birds like the Chilean flamingo and Andean condor inhabit the stark yet beautiful desert landscape. The picturesque Pomerape and Parinacota volcanoes sit across Chungara Lake.

Included Excursion

Valley Explorer – Arica To Poconchile By Train

Day 8: Matarani

The port of Matarani is the gateway to Arequipa, Peru's White City, with the still-active El Misti volcano looming. Arequipa's colonial buildings carved from white volcanic sillar rock reflect the influence of volcanism on the landscape. Other landmarks include Inca ceremonial sites and the Museo Santuarios displaying the famous mummy of a girl, Juanita. Santa Catalina Convent, guarded by high walls, is a 16th-century citadel within the city.

Included Excursion

A Day Exploring Arequipa
Included
10 h 30 m
  • Admire amazing views of the "White City" from Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints
  • Discover the gold and silver treasures kept in Arequipa’s cathedral
  • Marvel at La Compañia church’s famous multicolored dome, and impressive collection of colonial art

Day 9: 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: 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.

Included Excursion

Ballestas Island
  • Admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Paracas Bay and the Peninsula during a 2-hour speedboat tour
  • Discover the incredible natural habitat of the Ballestas Islands, home to diverse migratory and resident species, including Humboldt penguins, Guanay cormorants, and sea lions
  • Immerse yourself in one of the country's premier wildlife-spotting experiences

Day 11: Callao, Lima | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Lima, Peru's capital, sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains with the seaport of Callao. The bustling city’s renowned culinary scene features a local favorite, ceviche. The UNESCO World Heritage historic centre features colonial-era architecture including Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. Nearby, the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids, Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, offer a glimpse of the Inca civilization's history.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Valparaiso - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Exclusive Discount 25750
Book by September 30, 2024 and enjoy exceptional prices plus $200 OnBoard Credit per passenger for Oceanview Cabins and $500 OnBoard Credit per passenger for Balcony Cabins. This offer is subject to availability for new bookings and offers can be pulled at any time.OnBoard Credits are not redeemable for cash and cannot be combined with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.

Promo Code: TRAVELZOOCAR
Applies to Mar 26, 2025 departure

Per person starting at
$5,380 2-3 travelers
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Vega Suite PremiumSH Vega Suite PremiumPremium suitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 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
  • Room Service 
  • Wifi
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • 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
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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