South America Cruise - Santiago to Guayaquil

Looking to experience the beauty of coastal South America but want to include some of the region’s most important landmarks along the way? Look no further than this 15-day cruise that begins at sea and takes you 2,430m (7,972 ft) above sea level with an included three-day tour to one of the world’s most important ruins: Machu Picchu. This unique itinerary will have you cruising through Chile’s majestic coastline, exploring colourful coastal towns, taking in the beauty of national parks, and discovering famed archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. If you’re looking for a tour that will have you checking plenty off your must-do list, we’ve got you covered.

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/Guayaquil
Disembark the G Expedition and catch a transfer from Salinas to Guayaquil city centre. The perfect launching point for a trip extension to the Galapagos Islands, and with easy connections to Quito, Guayaquil has a charm all of its own that few take the time to explore.