Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Ships
Those who have a passion for the wilder places on our planet usually have Patagonia on their must do list. Shaped by fire and ice, this rugged, yet hauntingly beautiful land of windswept pampas, hanging glaciers and cloud piercing peaks, remains today as enticing and fascinating as it did to Magellan, Drake and more latterly Darwin.
Chile is made for cruising. Its shape and geographic location is just perfect; thousands of miles of coastline that you can of course explore aboard one of the many huge cruise vessels calling at the major cities of South America, or alternatively join us aboard the Sea Explorer and enjoy the wonders of this magical country, some of which only small ships have access to.
Wildlife abounds here and the skies are filled with the cries of seabirds. Albatross and petrels wheel overhead and sea lions bark from their rocky outcrops. Helping us understand all the wonders we shall encounter will be our experts and expedition staff who will accompany us ashore and our highly adaptable Zodiac craft will allow us to enter tiny inlets and explore fjords and stretches of magnificent coastline.
The second part of our voyage takes us along the Pacific shores of South America and will be dominated by the ever present Andes as we make our way from central Chile to Peru. This is one of the worlds great expedition cruises. Few regions in the world offer the diversity and ecosystems of those found in this intriguing part of South America. From the towering snow-capped Andes to barren coastal desert, the landscapes are unparalleled.
Our voyage takes us along the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current that is a haven for an amazing concentration of seabirds, marine mammals and wildlife. To highlight the wildlife, we will be visiting the Islas Ballestas National Reserve, the Humboldt Penguin Nature Reserve and many other remote coastal sites and islands. This trip is as equally rich in geological, archaeological and cultural interest as well with visits included to the Pintados Geoglyphs, the Peruvian capital of Lima and the ruins of Chan Chan. There will also be the opportunity to join optional excursions to both the Atacama Desert and the Nazca Lines.
Combination Cruise
This voyage is a combination of Patagonia & the Chilean Fjords and Passage of the Condor. You may be asked to change cabins on day 17, this will be advised at the time of booking.
Enjoy the scenery as we enter the Beagle Channel, named after the HMS Beagle which Robert Fitzroy piloted through this extraordinarily beautiful channel with naturalist Charles Darwin in the 1830s.
Explore the beautiful protected waters and enjoy the renowned fjords of southern Chile which rival those of southeast Alaska in their raw beauty and prolific wildlife. Crystal clear reflections of vertical walls and hanging glaciers are broken only by the ripples of dolphins and whales, whilst overhead, the sky is alive with seabirds.
See the large groups of Magellan penguins, herds of guanacos (a smaller version of the llama), rheas, Patagonian hares, foxes and rich birdlife.
Enjoy a full day in South Americas largest national park, the Torres del Paine - one of the most spectacular places on earth.
Enjoy a tour of Lima city, which was founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and then named the City of Kings by the Spaniards who took the city in name of the Spanish Crown.
Explore the beautiful protected waters and enjoy the renowned fjords of southern Chile which rival those of southeast Alaska in their raw beauty and prolific wildlife. Crystal clear reflections of vertical walls and hanging glaciers are broken only by the ripples of dolphins and whales, whilst overhead, the sky is alive with seabirds.
See the large groups of Magellan penguins, herds of guanacos (a smaller version of the llama), rheas, Patagonian hares, foxes and rich birdlife.
Enjoy a full day in South Americas largest national park, the Torres del Paine - one of the most spectacular places on earth.
Enjoy a tour of Lima city, which was founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and then named the City of Kings by the Spaniards who took the city in name of the Spanish Crown.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
show reverse itinerary
Day 1 - London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 - Buenos Aires.
Arrive this morning and transfer to the Sheraton Hotel (or similar) for a two night stay. Rooms will be available on arrival and the remainder of the day and evening are free to relax and explore independently.
Day 3 - Buenos Aires.
During our guided morning tour we will visit the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall) before we continue towards the most traditional neighborhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo which is characterised by its old colonial houses and the cobblestoned streets. We will continue to the neighbourhood of La Boca to look around the colorful zinc houses that make up this area of Buenos Aires which used to be the refuge and home for the first immigrants and popular artists. We will see the woods of Palermo with 741 acres of gardens and artificial ponds surrounded by elegant buildings. This afternoon is free to relax before we meet this evening for a tango show and dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 4 - Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival, transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening. Enjoy the scenery as we enter the Beagle Channel, named after the HMS Beagle which Robert Fitzroy piloted through this extraordinarily beautiful channel with naturalist Charles Darwin in the 1830s.
Day 5 - Cape Horn, Chile.
We will make our way around Cape Horn, one of the best known maritime landmarks in the world. Magellan was the first European visitor here in 1530 and prior to the opening of the Panama Canal it was an important staging post. Weather permitting we hope to use our Zodiacs to land and enjoy a walk to the monument. This afternoon we return to the Beagle Channel. Here the mountains, still partly unmapped, drop as sheer, densely wooded cliffs into the channel and six glaciers flow from the 8000 foot Mount Darwin into the sea. Penguins, dolphins and South American sea lions abound in the channel.
Days 6 to 12 - Chilean Fjords, Punta Arenas & Torres del Paine National Park.
During the next seven days we will enjoy some of the most stunning scenery imaginable. This vast area of mountains, glaciers, islands, lakes and waterfalls is untouched by man except for a few fishing villages which perch at the end of the world. We will make good use of our time exploring the beautiful protected waters, enjoying the renowned fjords of southern Chile which rival those of southeast Alaska in their raw beauty and prolific wildlife. Crystal clear reflections of vertical walls and hanging glaciers are broken only by the ripples of dolphins and whales, whilst overhead, the sky is alive with seabirds. See how quickly you run out of suitable adjectives to describe all you are witnessing. Our route will be managed by our experienced Captain and Expedition Leader alongside the local pilots. As well as stunning scenic cruising, the area is ideal for Zodiac forays. From Punta Arenas we will travel to Otway Bay to see the large groups of Magellan penguins that return each year to mate and live in large groups on the beach. This is now a protected area and the colony numbers up to 10,000. As we continue our journey we hope to navigate the Kirke Narrows, a remarkable channel leading between lush, forested shores, so narrow it can only be sailed at low tide. Dropping anchor at Puerto Natales, we enjoy a full day in South Americas largest national park, the Torres del Paine. This is one of the most spectacular places on earth, a vast uninhabited wilderness of glacier-draped mountains, windswept pampas, turquoise glacial lakes and verdant valleys. Look out for herds of guanacos (a smaller version of the llama), rheas, Patagonian hares, foxes and rich birdlife and see the stunning rock formations of the Horns of Paine. We also hope to operate Zodiac excursions ashore in some of the remote fjords we pass on our journey.
Day 13 - Chiloe Island.
Chiles second largest island, Chiloe Island was one of the first Spanish strongholds in the Pacific Southern South America. Once the island had been conquered, it was hard for indigenous uprisings to reconquer and as a result it became a major link in the Spanish trade route around Cape Horn. The island was also visited by Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle in 1831. Our visit ashore on this mainly forested island will include Castro, one of the oldest towns in the Americas, known for its unique wooden architecture and stilted houses. Either join a nature walk with our onboard naturalists to explore the flora and fauna of the island or join an island drive including the wooden cathedral of St Francis and the historic old quarter.
Day 14 - Puerto Montt.
Just when you thought you had seen the best Chile has to offer, we land at picturesque Puerto Montt, a resort town in the Lake District. Settled by German colonists in the mid-19th century, much of its early Middle- European styled architecture remains, rendering a slightly bizarre feel in such an obviously un- European setting. Leaving the ship we will head to the Vincente Perez Rosales National Park which is the oldest in Chile and contains three commanding volcanoes in Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo. We will see the mighty Petrohue River and the rapids that crash through lava channels creating a series of magnificent waterfalls. We will return to the ship via Puerto Varas situated in a stunning location on Lago Llanquihue with a backdrop of the Osorno volcano.
Day 15 - Valdivia.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Niebla, the sheltered bay that serves the nearby colonial city of Valdivia, one of the oldest European settlements in Chile. An afternoon excursion will include time at the Canelos Tower, built in 1774 and at the time of its construction it was one of only two land entrances to the city, equipped with a wide portcullis and drawbridge. We will see the San Francisco Church before spending some time exploring the historical and anthropological museum and the bustling Mercado Fluvial. Our tour will finish with a short visit to one of the traditional breweries.
Day 16 - At sea.
Enjoy a relaxing final day onboard as we continue our journey north along the Chilean coast.
Day 17 - Valparaiso.
Today enjoy a full day tour including Valparaiso and Algre Hill before returning to the Sea Explorer.
Day 18 - Coquimbo.
This morning we enjoy a glimpse of the important port city of Coquimbo, with its strong British influence, and the regional capital of La Serena. One of Coquimbos highlights is the picturesque Barrio Ingles. This historical quarter opposite the port stands as a testament to the strong British influence in this port city. British settlers arrived to the area in the mid-1800s and the legacy remains in the architecture of this barrio. Rising impressively above the city is the 91 metre Cross of the Third Millennium. Return to the Sea Explorer for lunch and this afternoon we head inland where the landscape transforms itself into a lush array of plantations and vineyards set amongst rolling hills. We will stop at the Gabriela Mistral Museum in the village of Montegrande, enjoy a pisco tasting in the Elqui Valley and have a stroll through the Main Square.
Day 19 - Isla Pajaros & Isla Chanaral.
Today we enjoy the benefits of small ship cruising as we use our Zodiacs to view the islands off the Chilean coast. Spend the morning at Isla Pajaros to view the colonies of cormorants, boobies and Humboldt penguins that reside here. Over lunch we continue our journey north to Isla Chanaral, the largest in a series of islands once known as an important site for guano, a valuable agricultural fertilizer. The islands are protected today as a nature reserve home to sea lion colonies, nesting boobies, pelicans, cormorants as well as marine otters.
Day 20 - At sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we continue our journey north.
Day 21 - Antofagasta.
Originally part of Bolivia and captured by Chile in the war of the Pacific in the late 19th century, Antofagasta is today a hub for the Chilean mining industry and handles most of the minerals from the Atacama. There will be the opportunity to join an optional overnight tour to the Atacama Desert to enjoy the sites of pre-Colombian, colonial and contemporary culture, the unique geology, volcanoes and lagoons and stay overnight in one of the desert hotels. We return to the ship in the evening of day 22 in Iquique. For those remaining onboard we will take a walking tour around Plaza Colon and see the Clock Tower, the Old Customs House and the former Railway Station. Continue to the Huanchaca Ruins where we see the striking remains of a Bolivian silver refinery built in 1868 and closed in 1903 and see La Portada, a natural erosion-carved arch-like rock formation.
Day 22 - Iquique.
Arrive this morning in Iquique which grew in the 19th century due to the large deposits of sodium nitrate found in the area. On a morning excursion we will discover the desert and pampa region inland from Iquique and see the remains of a once flourishing nitrate town in Humberstone. Founded in 1872 at the junction of the Pan-American Highway and the road to Iquique, it is today a ghost town after it stopped operations in 1960. We continue to the Pintados Geoglyphs where over 60,000 square yards of hill slopes are decorated by more than 400 figures depicting humans, animals, birds or abstract shapes, isolated or arranged into thematic groups. The geoglyphs are estimated to date from 1,000 to 1,400 A.D. and are thought to be part of a votive centre.
Day 23 - Arica.
Enjoy a choice of excursions today from the port of Arica. A morning tour will provide an introduction to Aricas monuments and historic buildings including the Customs House and Church of San Marcos, constructed by Gustave Eiffel in 1876. Afterwards continue outside of the city to see the geoglyph art on the nearby hillsides. A visit to the San Miguel Archaeological Museum reveals its fascinating display of Chinchorro Mummies, the oldest known mummies in the world dating back 7,000 years. We return to Arica via the Morro where the history and arms museum offers an insight into the battles of the War of the Pacific and also wonderful views over the city. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon. Alternatively have an early start and choose a full day tour to the Lauca National Park which straddles the Chilean / Bolivian border and offers a wealth of flora and fauna, interesting culture and history, and outstanding natural beauty. This journey features the regions unique Altiplanic scenery, from green agricultural oasis to desert hills, pre-Inca archaeological sites to snow-capped peaks, magnificent volcanoes and one of the highest altitude lakes in the world at Lake Chungara home to pink flamingos. (Please note that this tour will reach altitudes around 4,500m).
Day 24 - Matarani, Peru.
Here in the far south of Peru we call into the port of Matarani. Drive to the White City, as Arequipa is known. Our tour includes bustling Plaza de Armas dominated by the stunning neo- Renaissance Cathedral, set amidst colonial buildings. Later, visit Santa Catalina Convent, a beautiful walled citadel, which for four centuries housed a closed order of nuns. We will also take in the colonial district of Yanahuara, a short distance from the heart of the city. It is a charming area of narrow cobblestone streets and old, white, volcanic stone houses. From here, there are magnificent views of the three volcanoes which overlook the city: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
Day 25 - At sea.
Relax onboard.
Day 26 - Isla Ballestas & Tambo Colorado.
Influenced by the cold Humboldt Current, Isla Ballestas marine preserve area serves as a breeding refuge for birds, resting areas for mammals and spawning grounds for many marine organisms. We take local boats from the port of Pisco to explore these unparalleled, fascinating islands where we should see a variety of seabirds, such as the very localised Peruvian booby, and mammals such as the southern sea lion. On our way back to the mainland we will pass the candelabro a giant figure etched into the coastal cliffs. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we travel to the Tambo Colorado, one of the best preserved Inca archaeological sites in Peru. Named after the abundant use of colour on the walls it was one of the administrative and military centres controlling the Pisco valley from its base on the main road between the coast and mountains. We will explore the site and see the structures built around the central plaza. Alternatively, there will be an opportunity to join an optional tour aboard a small aircraft for a birds eye view of the famed Nazca Lines. These enormous geoglyphs etched in the desert floor date back to 2000 B.C. and can really only be truly appreciated from the air.
Day 27 - Callao for Lima.
This morning we arrive in Callao the port for Lima. After breakfast we enjoy a tour of Lima city, which was founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and then named the City of Kings by the Spaniards who took the city in name of the Spanish Crown. During the viceroyalty the city became the most important capital in the region, and as testament to this, today you can still see the imposing buildings that were constructed principally in the city centre. We will see the most important buildings in the Plaza Mayor, such as the Government Palace, the beautiful cathedral; and the various small palaces and colonial balconies that adorn the capital of the Peruvian Republic, all of which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its well preserved architecture.
Day 28 - Salaverry.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Salaverry at lunchtime and enjoy a choice of activities this afternoon. Either visit Hauca de la Luna to see the Huaca del Sol pyramids from the Moche culture, a remarkable pre-Inca civilisation. Continue on to the ruins of Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the imperial capital of the Chimu, where we explore the ruins of the largest adobe city in the world, marvelling at their skillful irrigation and engineering projects. Alternatively choose to drive a few miles inland to the intriguing desert city of Trujillo. This oasis city was founded by Pizarro in 1536 and still exudes much Spanish colonial charm. Visit the Casa Urquiaga, a mansion containing pre-Columbian ceramics and the Plaza de Armas with its imposing 17th century cathedral.
Day 29 - At sea.
Our lecture programme will continue today and you will also view a slideshow of photos from your voyage before enjoying a Farewell Dinner this evening.
Day 30 - Guayaquil, Ecuador to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 31 - London.
Arrive this afternoon.
Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Re…
Hebridean Sky
| Length | 90 metres |
|---|---|
| Built/refurbished | 1992/2016 |
Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Representative. Hebridean Sky is the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. Is it a luxury ship? An adventure ship? It’s both! The vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016.
ONBOARD DINING
Great expeditions require great food! We are pleased to offer daily changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with an emphasis on providing well balanced and nutritional cuisine. Our team of international chefs has boat loads of creativity and you are sure to experience a variety of interesting dishes throughout your voyage. The restaurant is located on Deck 2 and our service team looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience.
IMPECCABLE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Returning from excursions, passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Other Sea Explorer features include:
- Library with Internet access
- Lounge with audiovisual facilities
- Dining room
- Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi
- Exercise room
- Medical facilities with available doctor
- Elevator serving all passenger decks
- Swimming/zodiac platform
All Voyages Include:
Up to Two Pre-Voyage Hotel Nights
Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner
Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
World Class Cuisine
Live Entertainment
Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
Voyage Photographer
Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
Complimentary Expedition Jacket
Please note deck plan may vary.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
