THE NAZCA LINES TO CHILEAN PATAGONIA ITINERARY:
DAY 1 — Miami/Lima, Peru
Arrive Lima, the capital of Peru, founded by Spanish
conquistador Pizarro as the City of the Kings. Check in to the
deluxe Swissotel Lima. (or similar).
DAY 2 — Lima/Callao/Embark Ship
Today we explore Lima’s golden past. Visit the colonial
market, the Indian market and the Larco Herrera Museum, with its
extensive collection of pre-Columbian art and exquisite Gold and
Silver Gallery. Embark National Geographic Explorer in Callao
and meet your shipboard staff. You’ll be traveling with National
Geographic Photographer Pablo Corral Vega. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 — Isla Ballestas & Paracas Reserve
The dramatic Ballestas Islands provide shelter for hundreds
of sea lions and tens of thousands of sea birds, including Inca
terns, Peruvian boobies and Guanay cormorants. Zodiacs take us
around scenic arches and pink granite caves. Opt to stroll along
the cliffs of the Paracas Peninsula Reserve, or drive inland to
one of the way stations of the ancient Inca Trail and a chance
to see the countryside. (B.L.D)
DAY 4 — Puerto San Juan: Nazca Lines
Ponder the mystery of the Nazca lines by small aircraft.
From the air we spot the enormous animal, tree and geometric
shapes cut into the stony desert by a long-departed
civilization. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 — Puerto Mollendo: Mejia Lagoon
The little-known Lagunas de Mejia Nature Reserve is a series
of lakes separated from the coast by a sandbar, perfect for
birdwatching. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 — Arica, Chile: Azapa Valley & Lauca National Park
Venture into the Andes to Lauca National Park, a sweeping
expanse of mountains and wildlife set on a plateau surrounded by
volcanoes. Or opt to explore the Azapa Valley known for its
remarkable geoglyphs and Archaeological Museum. See excellent
pre-Columbian ceramics, basketry, weavings and the famous
10,000-year-old mummies from the Chinchorro culture. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 — At Sea (B,L,D)
DAY 8 — Isla Pan de Azucar
Isla Pan de Azucar National Park offers a protected slice of
Chile´s coastal desert habitat with an incredible number of
native cacti, sea lions and about 3,000 Humboldt penguins. We
explore via Zodiac. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 — Coquimbo: Fray Jorge National Park & Serena
Its peculiar misty forest and valuable wildlife are the
reasons why Fray Jorge is declared a UNESCO World Biosphere
Reserve. Choose to hike among fragrant cinnamon trees. Or travel
through the foothills of the Andes to Serena, with its
neo-colonial Spanish architecture. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 — At Sea (B,L,D)
DAY 11-12 — Juan Fernandez Islands
The islands are famed for having been home to sailor
Alexander Selkirk, who inspired the novel Robinson Crusoe. The
archipelago is also referred to as a temperate counterpart to
the Galapagos, with over 60% of the native plants endemic to the
islands, as our staff will point out on guided walks. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 — At Sea (B.L,D)
DAY 14 — Chiloe Archipelago
Today we explore the culture and landscapes of the Chiloe
Archipelago. Surrounded by water, the Chilotes and their
lifestyle are tied to the sea and we visit some of the small
communities to experience the Chiloe culture and to photograph
the attractive palafitos, houses built on stilts along the
water’s edge. Or, opt to take a guided nature walk. (B,L,D)
DAY 15 — Chaiten: Pumalin National Park
Pumalin’s 750,000 acres in Chilean Patagonia are protected
as one of the last areas where the unique Alerce forest remains.
These huge trees are similar in dimension to the redwoods and
sequoias of the western U.S. Walk the park trails to see them up
close, and spend the afternoon cruising in the marine-rich
waters of Gulfo Corcovado. (B,L,D)
DAY 16 — Puerto Montt/Disembark/Fly to Santiago
Disembark in Puerto Montt followed by a visit to the Puyehue
Thermal Springs, set in the impressive lakes region. After
lunch, fly to Santiago and connect with our overnight flight to
Miami. (B,L)
DAY 17 — Arrive Miami/Home
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This voyage offers a cornucopia of natural and cultural history.
Explore extraordinary national parks, like Isla Pan de Azucar in
Chile, for close encounters with rare Humboldt penguins, or
Lauca, with its awesome displays of condors and other raptors
circling the volcanic hills. Take an enchanting cloud forest
walk at Fray Jorge World Biosphere Reserve, where the flora is
entirely dependent on the condensation of coastal fog. Or,
delight in the tranquillity of the Patagonian wilderness at
Pumalin, where American Douglas Tompkins has created the largest
private park in the world to protect this unique landscape. The
cooling Humboldt current makes Paracas in Peru one of the
largest marine reserves in the world, and the sanctuary at Mejia
is noted for the passage of myriad migratory birds.
The mysterious Nazca Lines are best appreciated from the air and
we make a thrilling flightseeing excursion. Along our route,
several museums, large and small, display exceptional
collections of pre-Columbian artefacts: pottery, textiles and
gold. The Juan Fernandez archipelago, some 400 miles off the
coast of Chile, was home to castaway Alexander Selkirk, the
model for Robinson Crusoe, and the contrasting Chiloe
Archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its
unique ensemble of mission churches. Our voyage ends in Puerto
Montt, an intriguing colonial settlement with dramatic thermal
springs.
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DATES & RATES |
Departure Dates:
October 31, 2008 - National Geographic Explorer
Prices From:
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Category |
Sole |
Double |
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01 |
- |
$9,880 |
|
02 |
- |
$10,470 |
|
03 |
- |
$10,990 |
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04 |
- |
$11,420 |
|
05 |
- |
$13,620 |
|
06 |
- |
$13,620 |
|
07 |
- |
$15,730 |
|
08 |
- |
$17,990 |
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2S |
$12,990 |
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3S |
$13,370 |
- |
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER |
The newest addition to its fleet is the National Geographic
Explorer, an ice-class polar expedition vessel that will hold
148 guests in 81 outside cabins and will set sail in the summer
of 2008. The ship, the Lyngen, purchased from the Norwegian
company Hurtigruten, will be renamed the National Geographic
Explorer and will be redesigned to provide travelers with the
most innovative tools for exploring the undersea, the polar
regions and key destinations around the globe. The ship will be
the seventh in the Lindblad fleet.
Built in 1982, Lindblad’s new ship will undergo extensive
renovations to become a state-of-the-art vessel, offering guests
an intimate, educational environment. The new ship, like all
Lindblad vessels, will carry the name of National Geographic,
showcasing the deepening relationship between the two
organizations. In addition, the ship’s new name reflects the
National Geographic Society’s century of exploration and the
name of Lindblad Travel’s first ship, the Lindblad Explorer,
which was commissioned in 1969 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, known to
many as the ‘father of eco-tourism,’ as the world’s first
purpose-built expedition ship. “Adding the National Geographic
Explorer to our fleet of ships enables us to bring to life, in
the fullest sense, the name of my father’s first ship, but with
all of the best tools for exploring and the comfort of a
21st-century expedition ship,” said Sven Lindblad, founder and
president of Lindblad Expeditions. “This vessel will not only
explore the remote corners of the world, but with our partners
at NGS, we hope to positively impact these regions through guest
involvement in scientific research and conservation”.
The National Geographic Explorer will be a state-of-the-art
expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins.
It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages
while providing comfort. Building upon Lindblad Expedition’s
spirit of exploration and discovery, the National Geographic
Explorer will house technology for sea exploration, such as
Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a
Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional ship-enhancement plans
include the development of multiple dining venues, a lounge area
designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury
wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar,
library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A
mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition
gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables
for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is
international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or
portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely
operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam,
underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing
craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist,
Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler.
There is internet access for guests, a business center, and
laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about
the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational
equipment from our Captain and Officers.
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