South America Cruise - Santiago to Cartagena image
Operated by G Adventures

South America Cruise - Santiago to Cartagena

From
Price on request
Duration
25 days
Countries
Colombia, Panama, Chile, Ecuador, Peru
Activity
easy

The adventure

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.

At a glance

Duration
25 days
Route
Santiago → Cartagena
Countries
Colombia, Panama, Chile, Ecuador, Peru
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Rail Journeys, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

South America Cruise - Santiago to Cartagena image

Day by day

Vibrant landscape of cropland with a mountain backdrop in Guayabal, Tolima, Colombia.
Your journey through

Colombia, Panama & 3 more countries

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrival transfer is included.
Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2It's an early start this morningSantiagoTravel by private bus to the colourful port town of Valparaiso. Visit a local winery for lunch before joining the ship for a 4pm embarkation.
Spectacular dusk over Santiago's skyline with Andes mountains backdrop.Santiago
Travel by private bus to the colourful port town of Valparaiso. Visit a local winery for lunch before joining the ship for a 4pm embarkation.
Map showing Santiago
Day 3Opt to spend this time at sea out…
Opt to spend this time at sea out on deck or join one of the lectures or painting classes.
Day 4Enjoy a full day of exploring picturesque Caldera
Enjoy a full day of exploring picturesque Caldera. Choose between visiting local museums or a local mine. Soak in the desert scenery.
Day 5Another day at sea gives you the opportunity…
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 6Enjoy a day in AricaWith a warm climate year round, Arica is known as the City of Eternal Spring. With some of the best beaches in Chile, spend a relaxing day catching some sun, or opt to explore the San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum for some local cultural history.
With a warm climate year round, Arica is known as the City of Eternal Spring. With some of the best beaches in Chile, spend a relaxing day catching some sun, or opt to explore the San Miguel de Azapa Archeological Museum for some local cultural history.
Day 7Enjoy a day hike along the Kumano Kodo…
Enjoy a day hike along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Reach the Hongu Taisha Shrine with the largest torii gate in Japan.
Day 8Enjoy a guided tour of Nazca desert cemetery…Travel to Nazca for a guided tour of the Chauchilla desert cemetery and potter's studio. Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines (available for pre-purchase) before returning to the ship. Along the coast there may be opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Travel to Nazca for a guided tour of the Chauchilla desert cemetery and potter's studio. Opt for a flight over the Nazca Lines (available for pre-purchase) before returning to the ship. Along the coast there may be opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Day 9Enjoy getting a closer look at sea lions
Enjoy getting a closer look at sea lions, penguins and seabirds with a Zodiac cruise to the nearby nature reserve.
Day 10Travel from the port in Lima…
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 11Spend the day getting to know the Sacred…
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 12Rise early and journey to the Ollantaytambo station…Machu Picchu
Stunning aerial view of the historic Machu Picchu in the Andes mountains, showcasing its ancient architecture and lush surroundings.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.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 13Fly to Trujillo and return to the Expedition
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 14Spend some time on board with your fellow travellers
Spend some time on board with your fellow travellers, while enjoying an optional painting class or photography workshop.
Day 15Spend a leisurely day shopping and exploring…
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 16Head out on a full-day wildlife tour…
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 17Enjoy the on board lecture program with this day at sea
Enjoy the on board lecture program with this day at sea.
Day 18The G Expedition will dock in Bahia 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 19Leave the ship in Punta Alegre…
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 20With over 200 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 21The G Expedition will reach the Panama Canal…
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 22With an understanding of the history…
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 23Arrive on the 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 24This seldom visited area is a gem…
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 25Arrive in colonial Cartagena
Vibrant colonial architecture on a historic street in Cartagena, Colombia.Cartagena
Arrive in colonial Cartagena. Catch a departure transfer to a centrally located hotel where the tour ends on arrival.
Map showing Cartagena

Discover Colombia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A breathtaking aerial view of the lakes and rolling hills in Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia, under a dramatic sky.
Lush green hills under a cloudy sky in Manta, Colombia.
Explore the serene landscape of Sumapaz Paramo, showcasing lush greenery and a tranquil lake.
Stunning aerial shot of verdant hills and forests in Bogotá, Colombia under a cloudy sky.
Stunning aerial view of Medellín's urban landscape nestled in the Aburrá Valley, Colombia.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

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