Costa Rica to Chile

Day 1 Puerto Caldera, Puerto Rica

Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 17-day expedition. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2 Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

As the sun wakes, set off on a great adventure exploring the wild side of Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula might just be Costa Rica’s best-kept secret. Its distinctive bio-diversity is made up of eight different habitats including cloud forest, sprawling lowland, rain-drenched tropical forest, wave-pummelled beaches, coastal wetlands, and fertile farmlands.

Following entry clearance for Costa Rica in Golfitio, begin your adventures in this protected peninsula. Corcovado National Park is a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Four species of marine turtles can be found here, including the olive ridley, the black turtle, the leatherback and hawksbill. Hiking inland, encounter a place where jaguars and pumas still roam the jungles. Entering the mouth of a muddy, swirling jungle river, catch a glimpse of the sly but powerful crocodile. Osa is also the home to 400 different species of birds, including one of Central America’s largest populations of scarlet macaws. Chance to encounter poison dart frogs and 500 species of trees during your time at the Corcovado Conservation Area.

Day 3 Isla de Coiba, Panama

Making full use of the small, maneuverable ship and Zodiacs, land at this remote part of Panama. Afoot on an amazing rainforest adventure, you may be greeted by the roaring sound of howler monkeys. Your onboard ornithologist will help you to spot some of the 150 known bird species, including the bi-coloured hawk, king vulture, Coiba spine tail, bare-throated tiger herring, crimson-backed tangier, and the scarlet macaw. Youmight even encounter a sea turtle nest or two.

Just offshore from this nature and wildlife preserve lies the largest coral reef in Central America. This presents the opportunity to swim and snorkel, or kayak in a transparent kayak. The coral and underground caves attract more than 200 species of reef and game fish, including king angels, blennies, puffers, moray eels, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, whales, blue marlin, swordfish, sailfish, roosterfish, red snapper, grouper and amberjack.

Day 4 Day at Sea

Knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields, and gather in The Theatre to hear their fascinating tales of adventure and to learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 Isla de La Plata, Ecuador

Exploration and discovery await as the ship anchors off the coast of the uninhabited and unspoilt Isla de la Plata. An island whose name was derived from the legend of swashbuckling pirate Sir Francis Drake’s buried silver treasure. The island was privately owned until 1979, when it was declared part of Ecuador's Machalilla National Park. Best known for its fauna, which is amazingly similar to that of the Galapagos Islands, Isla de la Plata is a delightful place for diving, snorkeling, fishing, birding, photography and long nature walks.

Via Zodiac or transparent kayaks, snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear waters amidst the coral reef utopia that encircles the island. Possible wildlife sightings include dolphins, sea lions, herons, pelicans, gulls, frigate birds, masked boobies, hawks, sea turtles and a kaleidoscopic array of iridescent tropical fish.

Day 6 Guayaquil, Ecuador

This city of more than two million people spreads out from the banks of the chocolate-colored Guayas River. Today your excursions may include a visit to the Cerro Blanco Forest Reserve or the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve where you can explore the mangroves and dry tropical forests observing aquatic birds and forest critters such as armadillo, tigrillo, capuchin and howler monkeys, tortoises and badgers. Other optional excursions allow you to discover Guayaquil’s rich history and modern culture. Guided tours introduce the city highlights, allow you to experience the workings of a cocoa plantation, and showcase museum collections of local archaeological finds, colonial religious art and Native American artefacts crafted in gold.

Day 7 Day at Sea

Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 8 Salaverry, Peru

Dock at Salaverry, but the day's destination is just a few miles north in Trujillo where you will visit its pre-Incan ruins of the ancient Chimú city of Chan Chan. Built from adobe, Chan Chan rivals Mexico's Teotihuacán or the primitive cities of Egypt. Next visit a private hacienda. Here enjoy lunch and witness a performance featuring the Peruvian paso horse – an unrivalled opportunity to immerse yourself in genuine Peruvian culture and customs through food, dance, costume, music and the nation’s purebred horses.

Day 9 Day at Sea

Binoculars and cameras in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds, dolphins, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of humpback whales as they migrate to the warm tropical waters.

Day 10 Callao, Peru

This morning enter the natural harbor of El Callao (pebble) in Callao Bay, a place with a rich cultural history. Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro first discovered Callao in 1537, after which the Spaniards began to loot ancient Incan and Peruvian gold and silver. Upon hearing of the rich treasures, other plunderer soon followed including the famous Sir Francis Drake. During the War of the Pacific (1881-1883), El Callao was a staging point for Chilean forces, who occupied the port. Finally, in 1823, revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar landed, and three years later, Peru was an independent nation even though Spain remained in control of the port until 1826. Despite a devastating tsunami in 1746 that obliterated the town, and a severe blow from an earthquake in 1940, El Callao has managed to expand and modernize into the busy port it is today.

Day 11 Paracuas, Peru

Sand and sea create a striking contrast at Paracas, where the Pacific Ocean crashes onto the cliffs and rocks of an arid Peruvian desert. Anchor off the coast and sight the massive Candelabro (chandelier) carved into the sand. Via Zodiac, cruise through Paracas’ bay amidst incredible landscapes, sea lion colonies and millions of seabirds including flamingos.

For one of today’s options, take local boats to the nearby Ballestas Islands, a wildlife sanctuary and home to more than 160 species of marine birds, including the Humboldt penguin, cormorant, Peruvian booby, Incan tern, pelican and the occasional condor. This excursion returns to the Prince Albert II in time for lunch onboard.

Alternatively, visit Tambo Colorado, an archaeological site that was once a regional centre of the Incan empire. Primarily built out of adobe, it has been remarkably preserved, right down to the red, white, yellow ochre and black paint on the walls. The complex includes three palaces complete with servant quarters and bathrooms, residential buildings, barracks, and a central plaza. For lunch, sample the flavors of traditional Afro-Peruvian cuisine at the historic Hacienda San Jose in Chincha.

Nazca Lines Overflight
Highlights: An optional shore excursion to the Nazca Desert reveals a series of famous geoglyphs stretching for miles along the Pacific coast. The mysterious figures and geometric patterns were formed between 200 B.C. and 700 A.D. and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From high above, the lines look like etchings but are in reality an alignment of stones. Apparently, the Nazca people cleared away the dark red surface stones and soil, exposing the lighter-colored subsoil and creating the lines. There are scores of theories as to why a pre-Columbian culture would trace huge patterns in the sands, creations that they would not necessarily be able to see from above themselves. The lines show an understanding of sophisticated mathematics and surveying techniques. (Advance booking required)

Day 12 Day at Sea

Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team, relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read, and meet up with new friends for cocktails and conversation.

Day 13 Arica, Chile

The landmark, rust-coloured El Morro, a massive desert hill that looks more like a giant rock, dominates the cityscape of this City of Eternal Spring. First visit a local church, San Marcos de Arica, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel, builder of the famed Eiffel Tower. En route to Codpa, stop to admire Chilean artist Juan Díaz Fleming’s Presencias Tutelares sculptures. Paying homage to the Aymara culture, these impressive stone structures reach 26-30 feet (8-9 metres) straight into the sky. Arriving at Codpa, sample some traditional Pintatani wine while a Shaman uses a cocoa leaf to read the future and local musicians perform ceremonious music and dance. Enjoy a taste of local fare for lunch before rejoining the Prince Albert II.

Alternatively, choose to travel out of Arica to the Lauca National Park in the high plateaus of the northeastern Tarapaca region. This national reserve is home to more than 130 different species of birds, including the Andean condor, blanquillo, huairavo, giant taqua and the jargon duck. Sharing these protected grounds are the puma, llama, alpaca and grey fox. Plant life includes a dense bush called the llareta, strong enough to hold the weight of a human. Resting at the foot of twin volcanoes, scenic Lake Chungara has one of the world’s highest elevations for a lake. (For guests planning to participate in this excursion, it is recommended that guests take acclimatisation tablets. Please consult your physician to obtain this type of medication before leaving home.)

Day 14 Iquique, Chile

Today get the rare opportunity to visit Iquique, a port seldom featured on cruise itineraries. Iquique is an urban oasis full of charm, surrounded by the arid and barren Atacama pampa. From about anywhere in the city see massive dunes, the imposing Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Colorful Victorian buildings and a famous clock tower stand proudly against the dry desert backdrop.

After travelling about 45 minutes via tour coach, discover the ghost town of Humberstone in the midst of the Atacama Desert. Explore the mining structures and equipment of this abandoned 1862 mining town that closed in 1960 but remains completely intact. Around the town square, the deserted streets are lined with buildings including a theatre, a general store, a hotel, schools, administration buildings, a church, and even a swimming pool. Return to Iquique and stop at the Renaissance-style Municipal Theater and the resident Spanish community, Centro Español, which features Moorish architecture and a series of large oil paintings depicting scenes from Don Quixote.

Day 15 Antofagasta, Chile

Some 700 miles (1,130 km) north of Santiago, and a world away find Antofagasta – a refined blend of traditional Chilean town and British colonial city. Antofagasta remains a lesser-known travel gem since to many travelers it is simply a gateway to the Atacama Desert.

Begin your morning with a walking tour with the regional history museum, the Plaza Colon. The old customs house blends Spanish colonial and Swiss chalet architectural styles. The Plaza has many monuments donated by different foreign communities, including: a replica of London’s Big Ben, a Slavic bandstand, and a Spanish monument to Ferdinand and Isabella. Stop by the former railway station before heading out of the city to the south to the Bolivian silver refinery (1868–1903). Next, follow the coast to admire La Portada, an enormous rock caressed by the sea and sand until a spectacular arch formed. Lunch will be served onboard the Prince Albert II, but the afternoon is yours. Explore Antofagasta’s beaches, museums, great eateries and shops at your leisure.

Day 16 Isla Pan de Acuzar, Chile

This morning explore by Zodiac the rugged shores of Isla Pan de Azucar or Sugarloaf Island, where thousands of Humboldt penguins reign. They come here to breed, fish, swim and dive, as do many of the other birds found on this arid island. Whilst exploring the perimeter of Isla Pan de Azucar you might encounter Peruvian boobies, pelicans, South American sea lions, and marine otters. What a great opportunity for taking photos! In the afternoon, cruise toward your next port.

Day 17 Coquimbo, Chile

Your day in Coquimbo begins with a coach tour along the stunning coastline past the Plaza de Armas, or main square, where more modern buildings nicely complement colonial architecture. A stop at the seaside resort of La Herradura allows time for your guide to amuse with a few tales of local pirate lore. After a short drive, encounter the monumental lighthouse of La Serena, and take in the city’s spectacular hilltop views. Stop off at the Museo Arqueológico to admire an extensive collection of Diaguita and Molle cultural artefacts, as well as an original Moai from Easter Island. Following some free time at the handicraft market, return to the Prince Albert II for lunch.

Day 18 Santaiago (Valparaiso), Chile

The Prince Albert II will arrive at Valparaíso in the morning. After breakfast, disembark.