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Adventure Tours   >   South America Adventure Tours   >  South America Cruise - Santiago to Guayaquil

South America Cruise - Santiago to Guayaquil Adventure Tour

South America

  • Chile
  • Ecuador
  • Peru

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.


Group Leader Description  

A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. Our expedition ships boast an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The Expedition Staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Group Leader  

One Expedition team member per 10 guests.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

PLEASE NOTE: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the time you are returning home is required at the time of booking. This trip cannot be confirmed without a valid passport.


Accommodation  

Twin-share hotels (4 nts), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (10 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to arrive before embarkation time (usually 4pm) of Day 2 please use the emergency contact details in this dossier. We highly recommend arriving at least 1 day before sailing in order to make sure that delays do not ruin your trip as the ship is unable to wait for late passengers. If you are delayed in arriving to prebooked accommodations please contact the hotel to advise them when you will arrive. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your booking agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Expedition (South America):
• Binoculars (optional) (We highly recommend a good pair of binoculars for viewing wildlife at a distance.)
• Drybag (To protect camera and belongings on Zodiac landings.)
• Fleece jacket or warm layer
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sunblock
• Warm hat
• Waterproof pants (For Zodiac landings)
• Wool socks

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Note: Please note shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided on board.


Tipping  

Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is USD $10 - 15 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff. The Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.


Optional Activities  

South Pacific Ocean
- Expedition Lecture Program (South America)

Nazca
- Flight over Nazca Lines

Trujillo
- Chan Chan Archaeological Excursion


Trip Specific Safety  

We recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items safely stored in our complimentary safety deposit box, which is located at the Purser's Desk.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


Group Size Notes  

Max 134 aboard the G Expedition


Meals  

Onboard our expedition ships you'll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub or the lounge.


What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay. 10 nts aboard the G Expedition. Arrival and departure transfers. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley (3-day land excursion). Cusco city tour. Ollantaytambo ruins guided tour. G Adventures-supported Women's Weaving Co-op visit (Ccaccaccollo). Lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa Community Restaurant (Sacred Valley). Machu Picchu guided tour. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs on board. Internal flights. All transport to/from included activities and between all destinations.


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have selected the Private Cabin option at the time of booking, you will receive your own room for the duration of this cruise. This includes the first night hotel.

If you are a solo traveller and you have NOT selected the Private Cabin option, you will be paired with another solo traveller for all nights, including the first night hotel.

For groups of 3 passengers travelling together who have booked a triple cabin, you will have a triple room in the hotel where available. If we cannot book a triple room, please note that one of you will be sharing with another solo traveller of the same gender for the first night hotel.


What to Take  

Most airlines allow one checked bag and two carry-on per person. To avoid any problems at check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. For storage on board the expedition ship soft compactible luggage makes storage much easier.

Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.

One of the important items that you will need to bring on your voyage is a a pair of waterproof pants. Occasionally Zodiac landings mean stepping from the Zodiac into shallow water and waterproof pants are essential.

In the worlds most remote destinations that the G Expedition travels to we cannot offload our plastics, glass or tin waste for recycling. Therefore, we try to reduce what single use items that we use. You will see on the ship that every effort is being used to stop the use of single use plastic containers, bags and other items. In an effort to prevent plastic waste from entering the waste stream, we are asking for your help. We offer exceptional drinking water on the ship with refilling stations for your re-useable water containers. You will be provided a complimentary water bottle to fill up as needed. Plastic Items such as single use shampoo/conditioner plastic containers cannot be recycled, so please plan to bring any plastics back to your home countries for recycling. Please do not bring single use items that you intend to leave behind such plastic bags and throw away razors. Your participating in helping to prevent pollution and promote recycling is greatly appreciated.


Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Keeping in Touch on the G Expedition  

While you are on board the G Expedition, we know that keeping in touch with your family and friends is important to you. We want to ensure you have the tools available to keep you connected in some of the most remote regions of the world. We have a satellite system, which allows our travellers to connect to the internet or make phone calls with the purchase of personal data credit. Travellers may use our computer room or use any Wi-Fi enabled device to connect to our network, which is available in public areas on Decks 4 and 5. Satellite phone service is available and private calls can be made from our phone booth. Due to using a satellite connection and travelling in remote regions, internet can be slow and sometimes unavailable. The connection in the high Arctic is particularly challenging and no connection is available while in and around South Georgia Island.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Safety and Security  

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. Aboard the G Expedition, laundry is available to be serviced by our shipboard team at an additional charge.


Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Argentina: +54 11 2150 2581
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 2150 2581

After hours Emergency number
From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0380
From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 15 3425 0380

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999


Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 10 years for this trip.


Meals Included  

14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners


Transport  

G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, plane, train, walking.


Highlights  

Cruise the spectacular the South American coastline, check out the Nazca Lines, explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, savour lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa restaurant.


Important Notes  

1. Please note: While it is our intention of adhere to the route described above , there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

2. Flight Information: When packing your luggage please note that the weight restriction on domestic flights within South America, is only 15 to 23 kg (33 to 50 lbs) per person, depending on the airline. Please note that the airlines will generally charge for excess baggage.

3. The G Expedition is an adventure Expedition ship and does not offer an elevator

4. PLEASE NOTE: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the time you are returning home is required at the time of booking. This trip CANNOT be confirmed without a valid passport.

5. The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter. A limited supply of electrical adapters are available to borrow free of charge at the Purser's Desk.

Day 1 Santiago

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

Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Santiago/Valparaíso

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

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.

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.

Take an tour to the Pan de Azúcar National Park to see sealions, Humboldt penguins and spectacular 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.

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 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).

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.

Please note: If you choose to book the Nazca lines flight, please be aware that these flights are subject to cancellation in the event that the weather is too bad to safely take off and land. Pilots may also choose not to fly if the visibility is low and there is no possibility of seeing the Nazca lines. All flights are weather permitting.

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.

Details

Duration: 15 Days

Merchandising: New Trips

Travel Style: Marine

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Physical Grading: 3 - Average



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