South America Cruise - Santiago to Cartagena

A wise soul once said: “It’s not the destination but the journey that counts.” Those words certainly ring true with respect to this tour. The moment you board the G Expedition you can expect to sail into a journey you’ll remember forever. This 25-day voyage is filled with so many highlights, it would be impossible to list them all; but what we can tell you is that you’ll discover the life-changing beauty of South America’s western coast. Included trips to Machu Picchu, the Darien Jungle, and the Panama Canal will give you plenty to write home about.

Day 1 Santiago
Arrive at any time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique city.

Day 2 Santiago/Valparaíso
It's an early start this morning, as you transfer from Santiago to Valparaiso to join the G Expedition.

Day 3 South Pacific Ocean
Opt to spend this time at sea out on deck or join one of the lectures or painting classes.

Day 4 Caldera
Enjoy a full day of exploring picturesque Caldera. Choose between visiting local museums or a local mine. Soak in the desert scenery.

Day 5 South Pacific Ocean
Another day at sea gives you the opportunity to spend some time out on deck. Keep your cameras and binoculars on hand for scenery or wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 6 Arica
Enjoy a day in Arica. Opt to relax on the beach, or head out on a city tour and visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum.

Day 7 South Pacific Ocean
Enjoy a day hike along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Reach the Hongu Taisha Shrine with the largest torii gate in Japan.

Day 8 San Juan de Marcona
Enjoy a guided tour of Nazca desert cemetery and the potter's studio. Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines (available for pre-purchase).

Day 9 San Juan de Marcona
Enjoy getting a closer look at sea lions, penguins and seabirds with a Zodiac cruise to the nearby nature reserve.

Day 10 Callao/Cusco
Travel from the port in Lima to the airport for a short flight to the colonial city of Cusco set high in the Andes Mountains. Take a tour of the city to learn more about the history, soak in the architecture and the valley's atmopshere. Continue on to a hotel for the night in the Sacred Valley.

Day 11 Ollantaytambo
Spend the day getting to know the Sacred Valley a little better. Enjoy guided visits to the Incan ruins sites of Pisac and Moray with a visit to a local handicraft market. After, meet the women at the G Adventures-supported Ccaccaccollo community and Women’s Weaving Co-op. Learn about their ancient traditions. Stop in the indigenous village of Huchuy Qosco for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious lunch and know that your visit is helping to support a remote community. Later, visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras and learn more about the Incas with a tour of Ollantaytambo ruins.

Day 12 Machu Picchu
Rise early and journey to the Ollantaytambo station to catch the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins and soak in the famous views. Enjoy free time to explore the ruins on your own before returning to Cusco for the night.

Day 13 Cusco/Trujillo
Fly to Trujillo and return to the Expedition. Opt for a guided visit to the ancient Chimu capital of Chan Chan. Wander this UNESCO site and marvel at the carvings and gain unique insight into the ancient history of the region.

Day 14 South Pacific Ocean
Spend some time on board with your fellow travellers, while enjoying an optional painting class or photography workshop.

Day 15 Salinas/Isla de La Plata
Spend a leisurely day shopping and exploring the waterfront of Salinas. Some travellers may end their cruise here, while others may join this evening.

Day 16 Isla de La Plata
Head out on a full-day wildlife tour to experience the best of Isla de la Plata. Similar to the Galápagos, prepare to see blue- and red-footed boobies, Peruvian pelicans, frigatebirds and waved albatrosses. Explore more of the area on easy hikes.

Day 17 North Pacific Ocean
Enjoy the on board lecture program with this day at sea.

Day 18 Bahía Solano
The G Expedition will dock in Bahia Solano just after lunch. Pick one of the four included excursions. Options include hikes through the jungle to see waterfalls, visits to a nearby fishing village, or free time to wander the town and relax on gorgeous beaches.

Day 19 Punta Alegre/Darien Jungle Reserve
Leave the ship in Punta Alegre for the day and transfer to a motorized canoe to journey into the lives of the Emberá Indian Tribe nestled in the pristine Darien Jungle. Navigate up the Mogue River to this community of the indigenous people of the area. Wander the village and get to know your hosts. Enjoy a presentation of traditional dances.

Day 20 Pearl Islands
With over 200 islands, the Pearl Islands offer world-class beaches and postcard perfect landscapes. Explore this remote area, taking advantage of included snorkelling gear. Take the Zodiacs to stunning snorkelling areas, beautiful beaches or opt to spend time in the sleepy town.

Day 21 Panama City
The G Expedition will reach the Panama Canal with the opportunity to explore this marvel of engineering before the transit through the canal begins tomorrow. Enjoy an included visit to the Miraflores Locks Observation Center to learn more. Walk through the old French Quarter of Panama City to the coast, learning about the history of the area along the way.

Day 22 Panama Canal
With an understanding of the history of the canal and how it works, see it all first hand as the Expedition navigates her way through the canal. Enjoy your first views of the Caribbean when you reach the other side.

Day 23 San Blas Islands
Arrive on the San Blas Islands – full of white-sand beaches, palm trees, and crystal-clear blue waters. Spend this free day relaxing on the beach or snorkelling and swimming. Enjoy a visit to a local market and a small town to learn more about the life of the local Kuna Indians.

Day 24 Capurganá
This seldom visited area is a gem in the Caribbean. Take part in excursions to visit the locals, walk through the jungle and enjoy a traditional meal with your new native friends. Enjoy an included walk through the Eco Reserve El Cielo.

Day 25 Cartagena
Arrive in colonial Cartagena. Catch a departure transfer to a centrally located hotel where the tour ends on arrival.