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Home page // Shore excursions // REGION: South America |
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Note: Many PortCompass tours are private or semi-private car/van excursions and, as such, have minimum passenger requirements.
If necessary, we will try to connect you with others to form a group with sizes typically ranging from 2 to 15 pax.
We are usually able to offer Grow-A-Group discounts for larger groups and reserve the right to grow the group during periods of high demand.
Click here to inquire about any of our excursions! To VIEW PRICING, just click on the "Reservations/Inquiries" link at the bottom of each tour, and create/login to your account. Once you are in your account, you'll also find exclusive GROW-A-GROUP tools (like our "Match-List" and Bulletin Board) to help you share tours with others and lower costs! 10 night / 11 day Antarctica Expeditionary Cruise (roundtrip Ushuaia) Order code: YIS-ANTAR Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Send us an email to inquire about sail dates, pricing and availability for this once-in-a-lifetime expedition. Our rates are unmatched, and shore excursions are included! NEW!! We are now proud to offer Antarctica expeditionary cruises from Ushuaia. When you have seen and done it all, there is only one remaining frontier... Day 1: Depart from Ushuaia Embark in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins, sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinley Pass. Days 2 & 3: Crossing the Drake Passage Named after the renowned explorer, Sir Frances Drake, who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage also marks the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar water sinks beneath the warmer northern waters. This creates a great upwelling of nutrients, which sustains the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail across the passage, the ship's lecturers will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including many albatrosses, which follow in our wake. The ship's open bridge policy allows you to join our officers on the bridge and learn about navigation, watch for whales, and enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be offered as well. The first sightings of icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, a group of twenty islands and islets first sighted in February 1819 by Captain William Smith of the Brig Williams. With favorable conditions in the Drake Passage, our lecturers and naturalists will accompany you ashore as you experience your first encounter with the penguins and seals on Day 3. Days 4 to 8: Exploring South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula The South Shetland Islands are a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals make every day spent in this amazing island group unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island and the chance to swim in the hot springs of Pendulum Cove is truly amazing. King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, features colonies of nesting Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels and is home to scientific bases of many different countries. Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins as well as elephant seals await you at Livingston Island. The Antarctic Peninsula?s remarkable history will provide you with the type of exhilaration often only associated with the early explorers. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife. Apart from penguins and seabirds you are very likely to see Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke, killer (orca) and humpback whales at close range. We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel. The latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day. Possible landing sites may include: Paradise Bay -- perhaps the most aptly named place in the world. We attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expedition built a stone survival hut here in 1904. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins. Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins. Day 9 & 10: At Sea crossing the Drake Passage, northbound We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past 10 days on the way back to Ushuaia. Days 11: Arrive back at Ushuaia in the early morning and disembark after breakfast. Please note: The above itinerary is a guide only. Our exact route and program will vary to take best advantage of local weather, ice conditions and opportunities to view wildlife. Changes will be made by the Captain and/or Expedition Leader to facilitate the best results from the prevailing conditions. A daily program sheet will be issued on board. An explorer's mindset and flexibility is the key to an once-in-a lifetime expedition in one of the last frontiers of the planet! Arica City, Geoglyphs and Museum Tour Order code: NUE-CITMU Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. Important notice for all tours operated in Arica: Air-conditioned transportation is not available in Arica. Your tour begins with a drive along the coastal highway, past the Lisera and El Laucho beaches, and into the Azapa Valley. Seen in the distance from the Azapa Valley are several geoglyphs. These unique drawings of human and animal forms were created by pre-Hispanic people who scratched them into the salty surface of the brightly colored rocks. You'll stop to visit the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological and Anthropological Museum known for its collection of artifacts and its impressive Chinchorro Mummy display. The Chinchorro culture dates from 6,000 ? 8,000 B.C. Next, a stop will be made at a local handicraft market. From here, you?ll travel to Morro de Arica hill to enjoy the same panoramic view of the port and city that the Chilean military used to its advantage during the War of the Pacific. Before returning, you will visit the Colon Square and the San Marcos Cathedral - a 19th Century Gothic edifice designed by Gustave Eiffel. Arica and Ancient Cultures Order code: NUE-ANCCU Approx. 6.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. Important notice for all tours operated in Arica: Air-conditioned transportation is not available in Arica. The tour begins with a drive north heading toward the mouth of the Lluta River and then into the Lluta Valley. You will see geoglyph figures traced in stone by the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the area from a distance. The drive continues to the 17th Century town of Poconchile where you will have an outside visit of the church, one of the major landmarks of the area. Travel on unpaved roads across the plateau from Lluta to Azapa to witness a "Pacha Mama" (mother earth) ceremony performed by a "Chatire" (Aymara healer). The tour continues with a visit to the San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum for a glimpse of the socio-cultural development of the region. The museum´s main feature is the Chinchorro Mummy display. These incredibly well-preserved mummies are shown along with fascinating examples of a complex mummification process that dates back some 10,000 years, making them the world´s oldest. After a light box lunch, you will visit a local handicraft market and then travel to the San Marcos Cathedral that was built by Gustave Eiffel. Tour concludes at Pier. Chiliean Altiplana and Lauca National Park Order code: NUE-LAUCA Approx. 11 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. A box lunch will be served during the stop at Lake Chungara. Important notice for all tours operated in Arica: Air-conditioned transportation is not available in Arica. Take a trip back in time as you drive through the foothills of the Andes and ascend into the Chilean Altiplano. Your tour begins with a drive inland passing large estates and the rich farmlands of the Lluta Valley. You?ll see geoglyphs on the slopes of the nearby hills before arriving at the Pre-Inca settlement of Poconchile. You'll have the opportunity to stroll through this quaint town and visit the (outside viewing only) Colonial church built in the 17th Century by Spanish conquerors. The journey continues past the Quebrada de Cardones Gorge, known for its spectacular views and 20-foot high Candelabro Cactus, to the Pukara de Copaquilla, a 12th Century pre-Inca defensive village perched high on the Andean cliffs. Enjoy views of the 17th Century Colonial village of Putre, which can be seen in the distance nestled in the snow?capped mountains. As you enter the Lauca National Park nature sanctuary, you will see several stunning area volcanoes. Typical area fauna include guanacos, alpacas, vicuñas, llamas and vizcachas. At 4,500 meters altitude, you?ll discover the imposing Lake Chungara amid an impressive landscape that is part of the Chilean Altiplano (high steppe) and home to a wide variety of birdlife such as giant coots, highland ducks, and pink flamingos. A brief stop will be made to view this unique scenery. You?ll continue to travel through Lauca National Park and stop to visit the abandoned pre-Hispanic village of Parinacota. Stroll through the town amongst carefully restored mud-brick (adobe) and thatch-roofed houses and see a small 17th Century Colonial church that is a national monument. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. Atacama Coastal Walk Order code: NUE-ATACA Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Due to the nature of this tour, guests should be in good physical condition. This is a private/semi-private tour. A box lunch will be served during the stop at Lake Chungara. Important notice for all tours operated in Arica: Air-conditioned transportation is not available in Arica. Your tour begins with a drive by the renowned El Laucho and La Lisera beach resorts. This will be a slow drive to allow you the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the beautiful scenery. At El Morro de Arica view point, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city, ocean and port area. Morro hill was a strategic location for the Chilean military who used it as an advantage point in the War of the Pacific. The tour continues South along the coastal road to Corazones/Anzata, the starting point of the walk. While most of the walking is done on the sidewalls of sandy mountains, guests will be required to walk over sandy hills and through several caves and caverns as well. The final point of your walk is Puntilla, where you'll have the opportunity to view sea lions from a short distance. After spending time relaxing and taking pictures at Puntilla, you'll begin the walk back to Corazones/Anzata for your return to Arica. Tour concludes at Pier. The Fascinating Desert 4 day/3 night Package (from San Pedro) Order code: NUE-DESAT US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) We recommend that guests wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and dress in layers as the temperatures in the desert drop considerably after the sun sets. This package is ideal for a pre or post cruise extension. If required, we can also arrange frlights to/from Santiago. Or you can choose to start your land tour in San Pedro de Atacama itself. DAY 1: CALAMA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA Transfer in from the Loa de Calama Airport to the town of San Pedro de Atacama: the archaeological capital of Chile. Located approx. 8,000 feet above sea level, San Pedro is a hip little adobe town located at the north end of the Salar de Atacama. It is the number one destination for foreign visitors to northern Chile. San Pedro?s dependable water supply and proximity to the altiplano made it a hub of Neolithic development in the north, and the area?s mineral wealth and importance as a desert crossroads attracted the attentions of the Tianaku empire during the first millennium AD. The same characteristics later attracted the Incas, who established their regional administration at Catarpe, upriver on the Rio Grande, during the 15th century. In San Pedro, you will see 16th century Hispanic architecture and visit the Main Square, Church and Gustavo le Paige Museum. This Museum is considered the primary archaeological museum of the Atacameñean Culture with archaeological ethnographic artifacts including an impressive ?mummy? display. Return to San Pedro de Atacama Hotel for lodging. DAY 2: PURITIMA HOT SPINGS - MOON VALLEY Breakfast at the Hotel followed by departure to the wonderful Puritama Natural Hot Springs (93 Fº) located approx. 25 minutes from San Pedro. The comfortable surroundings and facilities offer crystalline waters and baths are exalted for their therapeutic and calming qualities, especially for those who suffer from rheumatism. In the afternoon you?ll visit the Death Valley and the Moon Valley San Pedro?s most popular attraction set 14 kms west of the town in the heart of the ?Cordillera de la Sal? or Salt Range. Here, unique rock formations, shaped by the wind and encrusted with crystal and salt, create a theatre of dazzling light brought about by reflections of the setting sun and rising moon. Overnight at San Pedro de Atacama Hotel. DAY 3: ATACAMA SALT FLATS ? TOCONAO ? ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS Breakfast at the Hotel followed by departure to visit the ?Salar de Atacama? Salt Flats ? the largest salt deposit in Chile and the second largest in South America after Uyuni (Bolivia) located at 2,305 meters above sea level (approximately 7,000 feet). Proceed across seemingly endless miles of this brilliant pinkish white blanket of salt speckled with desert dust to the alluring Chaxa Lagoon. Beneath the salt flats is a great lake that emerges to the surface as small lagoons ? a haven for pink flamingos. The krill found in these lagoons are the number one source of food for the flamingoes and give them their rosy pink color. Later, you will also visit the traditional village of Toconao built of volcanic stone and located in the pristine Jerez Valley an abundant fresh water and fruit tree oasis. Here, local artisans fashion crafts from the volcanic rock "liparita" and the bell tower in the Main Square dates back to 1750. On the return drive you will pass the town of Socaire located 10,700 feet above sea level and built of volcanic stone en route to visit the Miniques and Miscanti Altiplanic Lagoons. Both lagoons are located at approx. 13,000 feet above sea level and were created a million years ago by the eruption of Miniques Volcano. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama. DAY 4: TATIO GEYSERS ? TOWN OF MACHUCHA - CALAMA Departure at dawn to the Tatio Geysers, a spectacular geothermal area located 4,320 meters above sea level (approximately 13,000 feet) making it the highest such geothermal field in the world. These spectacular geysers are best visited at sunrise when contact of the ice-cold waters of the underground river with the hot magma of the Tatio Volcano cause the geysers to erupt. En route to the geysers, you?ll see the changing red, blue, and purple colors of the surrounding mountains as the world´s driest desert welcomes a new day. Entering the Tatio oasis, the scenery gradually changes to grassy plains of pampas. The early sun lights the contours of the hills, winds are minimal, and temperatures are just below the freezing point. Low angle sunlight heightens the experience of your first vision - impressive 10 meter high columns of fuming vapor. Get within a safe close approach to the 85 °C. (185 F) jets that spout forth from fissures in the earth?s surface expelling boiling water and enveloping the land in magical vapors. Return to San Pedro de Atacama passing the town of Machucha, a small settlement located 13,100 feet above sea level where you will stop to enjoy delicious ?empanadas? (meat pies) and ?sopaipillas? (pumpkin fritters), look at wild and domesticated fauna like vicuñas, lamas, wild ducks and viscachas. Transfer out from San Pedro de Atacama to the Loa de Calama Airport. Full Day Buenos Aires City Tour + Tigre Cruise combo Order code: NUE-CTTIG Approx. 7.5-8.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This tour combines a City Tour with a Tigre cruise. Includes ship/hotel transfers. Airport transfer available at extra cost. This tour is private/semi-private but the cruise is on a public conveyance. Participants wearing shorts or short skirts are not permitted to enter the Cathedral. Tour order may be reversed at guide's discretion. Those who are embarking/disembarking in Buenos Aires with a full day to explore the city have several PortCompass choices to maximize their time. For those who are interested in seeing both the city and the countryside, this "Full-day City Tour plus Tigre Delta Cruise" is a good choice. (For those who love exploring cities and find half day tour too short, the "Fall-in-Love-with-BA" tour below is the one to go with). This combo tour is perfect for those who have a full day in Buenos Aires and want a varied itinerary. This tour showcases the city's sights as well as a cruise on the delta (Those who prefer to spend all their time in the city should check out our "Fall-in-Love-With-B.A" tour below). On this city sightseeing tour, one quickly realizes why Buenos Aires is often referred to as the "The Paris of South America". This city is open and spacious with an abundance of parkland and elegant shops. Drive down one of the widest boulevards in the world, the 9 de Julio, past the Obelisk commemorating 100 years of the first national government. You will stop at the Plaza de Mayo bordered by the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral with the Mausoleum of San Martin and the Cabildo, the Colonial town hall. Drive to Caminito in colourful La Boca where the first Italian immigrants settled in 1851. No visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without seeing the remarkable and unique Recoleta Cemetery, the city's aristocratic cemetery, where you will visit Evita Peron's tomb. The tour also takes you through the fashionable Recoleta Quarter where the exclusive shops and restaurants are located. The Tigre Delta portion of tour begins with a drive along Avenida del Libertador, the most beautiful access to downtown Buenos Aires, passing the residential suburban neighborhoods with their calm narrow roads, yacht clubs and luxury homes. A stop will be made in San Isidro to visit the Cathedral and Main Plaza. Arriving at the small town of Tigre, you will see why for more than 100 years, the maze of rivers and channels of the Tigre Delta have been a favorite weekend getaway for ?Porteños? (inhabitants of Buenos Aires). Leaving behind the bustling city, you will enter a world that has changed very little since the 1920's. Departing from the Tigre pier aboard a motor launch, the green labyrinth of channels and streams invite you to explore the nature of its islands, enjoy views of the beautiful riverside villas, Victorian docks, English gardens and traditional rowing and boating clubs. Full-Day Fall-in-Love-with-B.A. Custom Tour Order code: NUE-CUSTOM Approx. 7hr US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi private tour. Lunch/dinner is at own expense. Includes ship/hotel transfers. Airport transfer available at extra cost. Those who are embarking/disembarking in Buenos Aires with a full day to explore the city have several PortCompass choices to maximize their time. For those who love exploring cities and find half day tour too short, this "Fall-in-Love-with-BA" tour is the one to go with. (For those who are interested in seeing both the city and the countryside, the "Full-day City Tour plus Tigre Delta Cruise" above is a good choice). This is a 7 hour tour that allows you to take the half day city-tour itinerary and expand it in any way you wish. (If you require a tour that is longer than 7 hrs, just ask us for a new quote). You can linger longer in places that are already on the itinerary, avoid sites that are of no interest, and (if on a weekend) you can spend a great deal of time at one or two of B.A.'s famous colorful weekend outdoor markets. You can choose your location for lunch, using the guide as a resource if you want advice. One choice for weekends is to lunch in an open-air cafe at one of the weekend markets, where often you will see tango demonstrations spontaneously combust right on the sidewalks. The beauty of this tour is: you customize it. Antique buffs can stay longer at the San Telmo market, serious shoppers can ask for an hour at Florida Street (home of many leather-goods dealers and a great shopping mecca), cathedral lovers can linger at the churches. And you never worry about your luggage - the driver stays with the vehicle and your luggage at all times. Highlights of Buenos Aires Order code: NUE-PCT4H Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch not included. Participants wearing shorts or short skirts are not permitted to enter the Cathedral. This tour is perfect for those beginning or ending their cruise in Buenos Aires. Includes ship/hotel transfers. Airport transfer available at extra cost. On this city sightseeing tour one quickly realizes why Buenos Aires is often referred to as the "The Paris of South America". This city is open and spacious with an abundance of parkland and elegant shops. Drive down one of the widest boulevards in the world, the 9 de Julio, past the Obelisk commemorating 100 years of the first national government. You will stop at the Plaza de Mayo bordered by the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral with the Mausoleum of San Martin and the Cabildo, the Colonial town hall. Drive to Caminito in colorful La Boca where the first Italian immigrants settled in 1851. No visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without seeing the remarkable and unique Recoleta Cemetery, the city's aristocratic cemetery, where you will visit Evita Peron's tomb. Finally, the tour takes you through the fashionable Recoleta Quarter where the exclusive shops and restaurants are located. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. Half Day Tigre Delta Cruise Order code: NUE-PTIGR Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour which includes hotel/ship transfers. Includes delta cruise on motor launch on a group basis. Participants wearing shorts or short skirts are not permitted to enter the Cathedral. Tour order may be reversed. This tour is perfect for those beginning or ending their cruise in Buenos Aires. Includes ship/hotel transfers. Airport transfer available at extra cost. Your tour begins with a drive along Avenida del Libertador, the most beautiful access to downtown Buenos Aires, passing the residential suburban neighborhoods with their calm narrow roads, yacht clubs and luxury homes. A stop will be made in San Isidro to visit the Cathedral and Main Plaza. Arriving at the small town of Tigre, you will see why for more than 100 years, the maze of rivers and channels of the Tigre Delta have been a favorite weekend getaway for ?Porteños? (inhabitants of Buenos Aires). Leaving behind the bustling city, you will enter a world that has changed very little since the 1920's. Departing from the Tigre pier aboard a motor launch, the green labyrinth of channels and streams invite you to explore the nature of its islands, enjoy views of the beautiful riverside villas, Victorian docks, English gardens and traditional rowing and boating clubs. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. Buenos Aires City and Jewish Highlights, including lunch Order code: NUE-BAJWH Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Synagogue is open Tuesdays and Thursdays afternoons only only. On other days of the week, you may visit Holocaust Museum instead (entrance fee not included). If you wish to add either of these places, please add $25pp, and an extra 1 hr of touring time. We recommend that guests dress appropriately to enter the Synagogue. For security reasons we will need a list of all the names of the passengers interested in this tour as required for entry into the Synagogue. This tour combines an introduction to the long-standing Jewish community in Buenos Aires, with an overview of both historical and current events, and allows guests to enjoy the main highlights of Buenos Aires as well. Includes ship/hotel transfers. Airport transfer available at extra cost. On this city sightseeing tour one quickly realizes why Buenos Aires is often referred to as the "The Paris of South America". This city is open and spacious with an abundance of parkland and elegant shops. You will travel first to the Plaza de Mayo to visit the Casa Rosada Government Palace, Cabildo Colonial Town Hall, the magnificent Cathedral, National Congress Building, and the De Mayo Pyramid Monument to the "May Revolution". From here you travel by the Old Port where the 1st Jewish Immigrants arrived en route to La Boca Caminito to visit the area where the first Italian Immigrants settled in 1851, with its colorfully painted buildings and houses. Next, travel to Recoleta to visit the former Israeli Embassy Memorial Plaza. You will see the corner where the Israeli Embassy was located before a bomb attack destroyed the building in 1992, as well as the memorial place which is a monument to the people whose lives were taken in that attack. Then you'll see the place where the Jewish community met to ask for justice for the 2 attacks against the Embassy and the AMIA (Mutual Association Israelite Argentina). From here, you will travel by the AMIA Building, the aristocratic Recoleta Cemetery where Evita Peron?s Tomb is located, Bar la Biela, and the Plaza Francia to the Belgrano neighbourhood to visit the Latin American Rabbinic Seminary. Later the coach will travel by local Jewish Schools for an OPTIONAL visit (extra $25pp and 1 extra hour) to an area Synagogue (open Tuesdays and Thursdays only) or Holocaust Museum (entrance fee not included). Then travel to the trendy area of Puerto Madero to enjoy a delicious lunch and views of the La Plata River. After lunch you will travel to the beautiful Palermo Park Gardens to visit the lush Roses and Japanese Gardens. Your coach will travel by the American Ambassador?s Residence and along the famous Libertador Avenue. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. Gaucho Fiesta, inclu BBQ Asado Lunch & Hotel Transfers (SIB) Order code: NUE-GASIB Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. Includes hotel/ship transfer, asado barbeque lunch, folkloric show (music/dance), and horsemanship demonstration. This tour is ideal for those who want to spend a day out in the countryside and see ranch life as it has been for many generations. This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. If you require pickup/dropoff from the ship or airport, or wish to have private guide, please see our other Gaucho Fiesta tour below. Spend a lovely day in the countryside driving through the rich farming area of the pampas and visiting a typical Argentine ranch where you will be welcomed with "empanadas" (a meat pie), wine and juice, followed by a typical Argentine barbecue or "asado". Local musicians will entertain you with traditional music and dance while you enjoy your meal. Audience participation is appreciated! Following lunch, the famous "Gauchos" from the Pampas region will demonstrate their athletic skills and horsemanship, leaving you with an unforgettable memory of the grasslands of Argentina. There will be time after the show to stroll the grounds, ride horses, visit the museum or enjoy handicraft shopping before you depart. Gaucho Fiesta, inclu BBQ Asado Lunch & Private Transfer Order code: NUE-PGAU Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes private hotel/ship transfer, asado barbeque lunch, folkloric show (music/dance), and horsemanship demonstration. This includes a private transfer with a private guide throughout the day at the estancia. This tour is ideal for those who want to spend a day out in the countryside and see ranch life as it has been for many generations. Includes ship/hotel transfers. Airport transfer available at extra cost for those with late night flights. If you are staying at a major hotel and do not need a private guide, we offer a group (SIB) tour (see above). Spend a lovely day in the countryside driving through the rich farming area of the pampas and visiting a typical Argentine ranch where you will be welcomed with "empanadas" (a meat pie), wine and juice, followed by a typical Argentine barbecue or "asado". Local musicians will entertain you with traditional music and dance while you enjoy your meal. Audience participation is appreciated! Following lunch, the famous "Gauchos" from the Pampas region will demonstrate their athletic skills and horsemanship, leaving you with an unforgettable memory of the grasslands of Argentina. There will be time after the show to stroll the grounds, ride horses, visit the museum or enjoy handicraft shopping before you depart. Tango Show, with Hotel Transfer (SIB) Order code: NUE-TANGO Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Does not include dinner. Includes group SIB (Seat-In-Bus) transfers with pickup/dropoff at major hotels (no guide during transfer). (Note: If a pickup/dropoff at ship is required, please refer to "Tango Show, with Private Transfer"). This show (no dinner is included) is perfect for those who are coming back from an afternoon tour and have limited time in the evening. Pickup from major hotels for a sensual extravaganza of Argentinian tango music and dancing. Their impassioned moves and stamina will leave you breathless. This performance is at a leading tango venue in the historic San Telmo District. Andean music featuring haunting flutes, pan flutes and other traditional instruments will also be performed. Dropoff at hotel after show. This show is available every night. Tango Show, with Private Transfer Order code: NUE-PTANG Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Dinner is not included. Includes private transfer with pickup/dropoff at ship or hotels (no guide during transfer). (Note: If you are staying at a major hotel, you may wish to lower the cost by considering "Tango Show, with Hotel Transfer (SIB)" instead). This show (no dinner is included) is perfect for those who have limited time in the evening and need transfers between the venue and a hotel or ship. Enjoy a sensual extravaganza of Argentinian tango music and dancing. Their impassioned moves and stamina will leave you breathless. This performance is at a leading tango venue in the historic San Telmo District. Andean music featuring haunting flutes, pan flutes and other traditional instruments will also be performed. Tango Show & Dinner, with Hotel Transfer (SIB) Order code: NUE-TANDI Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes dinner and show. Includes group SIB (Seat-In-Bus) transfers with pickup/dropoff at major hotels (no guide during transfer). (Note: If a pickup/dropoff at ship is required, please refer to "Tango Show & Dinner, with Private Transfer"). This show includes dinner (which some cruise lines do not include). Enjoy a sensual extravaganza of Argentinian tango music and dancing. Their impassioned moves and stamina will leave you breathless. This performance is at a leading tango venue and includes dinner. Andean music featuring haunting flutes, pan flutes and other traditional instruments will also be performed. This show is available every night. Tango Show & Dinner, with Private Transfer Order code: NUE-PTAND Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes dinner and show. Includes private transfer with pickup/dropoff at ship or hotels (no guide during transfer). (Note: If you are staying at a major hotel, you may wish to lower the cost by considering "Tango Show and Dinner, with Hotel Transfer (SIB)" instead). This show includes dinner (note: some cruise lines do not include dinner) and transfers between the venue and the ship/hotel. Enjoy a sensual extravaganza of Argentinian tango music and dancing. Their impassioned moves and stamina will leave you breathless. This performance is at a leading tango venue. Andean music featuring haunting flutes, pan flutes and other traditional instruments will also be performed. Show is available every night. Opera Pampa Dinner and Show, with Hotel transfer (SIB) Order code: NUE-OPSIB Approx. 4 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This includes pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. Available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only (subject to availability). Your tour includes transportation, all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner, wine, mineral water or soft drinks, and show. Dress code: Casual. This is available to those who require pickup/dropoff at major hotels. (If you require private transfers from your hotel or ship, please refer to the tour below). Enjoy a memorable evening watching an exciting live show, ?The Gaucho?s Epic Adventure?, depicting the early days of Argentina from the arrival of the horse in the Americas until the birth of a Nation. You will be completely transported by this first-rate show featuring 50 dancers and horsemen on stage, the most dazzling and colourful Argentine dances with exciting choreographies, fixed and moving stages, original music scores including several folkloric melodies, splendid horses of different breeds performing spectacular equestrian displays, great scenery and period carriages, wonderful light and sound effects, and fireworks. The horse has been a key protagonist of Argentina?s history and the inseparable partner of the ?Gaucho?, the typical inhabitant of the pampas. The horse has been an important part of Argentine life: at work in the country, during the conquest of the desert, when defending the border with the Native camps, in the wars of Independence and in the fight for the consolidation of the country. This show, through a combination of amazing artistic expressions, presents memorable scenes depicting the history of Argentina in the Americas. The show will be followed by a sumptuous all-you-can-eat Argentine barbecue dinner complete with salad bar. Opera Pampa Dinner and Show, with Private transfer Order code: NUE-OPERA Approx. 4 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This includes private transfers to/from hotel or ship. Available on Fridays and Saturdays only (subject to availability). Your tour includes transportation, all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner, wine, mineral water or soft drinks, and show. Dress code: Casual. Enjoy a memorable evening watching an exciting live show, ?The Gaucho?s Epic Adventure?, depicting the early days of Argentina from the arrival of the horse in the Americas until the birth of a Nation. You will be completely transported by this first-rate show featuring 50 dancers and horsemen on stage, the most dazzling and colourful Argentine dances with exciting choreographies, fixed and moving stages, original music scores including several folkloric melodies, splendid horses of different breeds performing spectacular equestrian displays, great scenery and period carriages, wonderful light and sound effects, and fireworks. The horse has been a key protagonist of Argentina?s history and the inseparable partner of the ?Gaucho?, the typical inhabitant of the pampas. The horse has been an important part of Argentine life: at work in the country, during the conquest of the desert, when defending the border with the Native camps, in the wars of Independence and in the fight for the consolidation of the country. This show, through a combination of amazing artistic expressions, presents memorable scenes depicting the history of Argentina in the Americas. The show will be followed by a sumptuous all-you-can-eat Argentine barbecue dinner complete with salad bar. Custom Tour from Buenos Aires Order code: NUE-BACUS US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you need a custom tour, just let us know your itinerary, and we will be happy to quote. Transfer between B.A. airport and B.A. hotel (either direction) (no tour) Order code: NUE-BAXFAH Approx. 1 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a transfer only. Between the B.A. international airport and any hotel in central B.A. (either direction). Transfer between B.A. hotel and B.A. cruise-ship terminal (either direction) (no tour) Order code: NUE-BAXFHS Approx. 1 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a transfer only. Between the B.A. cruise-ship terminal and any hotel in central B.A. (either direction). Transfer between B.A. airport and B.A. cruise-ship terminal (either direction) (no tour) Order code: NUE-BAXFAS Approx. 1 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a transfer only. Between the B.A. international airport and the B.A. cruise-ship terminal (either direction). Buenos Aires Hotel Order code: NUE-BAHOT US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you require a hotel, just let us know the dates, room type (single, double, triple) and hotel class, and we will be happy to quote. Deluxe Cartagena and Fortress Order code: NUE-DLFOR Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. Cartagena earned the reputation as the treasure chest and the most impenetrable city of the Spanish Main for its fortress. The new town quickly became a prosperous urban center between settlement in 1533 and independence in 1811. Explore the magnificent city of Cartagena! You will visit the Convento de la Popa, Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, Las Bovedas and the shopping district of Bocagrande. Departing from the pier, you will travel past the marvelous ?Republican? architecture of the Manga residential area, where some mansions have been restored to their original splendor. You will continue up the winding road to the Convento de la Popa, with a breathtaking view of the harbor and city. Here, you will visit the monastery with its ornate, 22 karat gold foil altar and a lovely, flower-filled courtyard. A half-hour stop will be made at the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, a 17th-century construction which is the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in South America. Next, it?s on to Las Bovedas (The Dungeons) for about 20 minutes of handicraft shopping. Here, local artisans display their works of art and handicrafts for you. Then the tour will pass through Simón Bolivar Square and the Inquisition Palace before you will continue on to the Church of San Pedro Claver?the patron saint of slaves. You will then stop at the modern residential area of Bocagrande, famous for its wide variety of shops. Here, you will find Colombia?s famous native gem, the emerald, along with handicrafts and leather goods at Pierino Gallo Shopping Mall. You will have approximately 45 minutes to shop before returning. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. Old City Walking Tour Order code: NUE-OLCTW Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. Learn about the fascinating history of Cartagena, Colombia. Your narrated walking tour will leave you with an idea of the rich and vibrant culture and history of this former colonial town. Your walking tour begins at Santiago´s Bastion. You will pass charming colonial architecture, to San Pedro Claver´s Plaza, with its convent and the church. Then you will continue to the colonial commercial district of Custom Plaza and down the street to the Cathedral and the Governor?s house which was the headquarters of the Spanish government. Plaza de Bolivar is the next stop and features a statue of its namesake as well as the Inquisition Palace, with all the history it implies. You will stroll along the streets to view the colonial mansions of Cartagena, finishing up back at Santiago. From there, you will ride by bus to the Dungeons, used in colonial times as a military barracks and ammunitions depot. Today, local artisans display their arts and handcrafts here. COMBO: Deluxe Cartagena and Fortress + Old City Walking Tour Order code: NUE-CTCMB Approx. 6 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. For those who want it all, this provides key portions of both the Deluxe Cartagena amd Fortress tour and the Old City Walking Tour. City Drive and La Popa Monastery Order code: NUE-CTLAP Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. This city tour will provide you with an overview of Cartagena along with some shopping time at both Las Bovedas and Bocagrande, famous for its variety of shops. You will depart to the Convento de la Popa, with a breathtaking view of the harbor and city on the way. Here, you will visit the monastery with its ornate, 22 karat gold foil altar and a lovely, flower-filled courtyard. Then you will continue to Las Bovedas (The Dungeons) for about 35 minutes of handicraft shopping where local artisans display their works of art and handicrafts for you. Next you will drive throughout the old walled city to the modern residential area of Bocagrande, famous for its wide variety of shops. You can find Colombia?s famous native gem, the emerald, along with handicrafts and leather goods shops. You will have approximately 50 minutes to shop before returning. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. The Best of Cartagena Order code: NUE-CARBO Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Cartagena is known for the many spectacular 16th century buildings and fortifications found throughout the city. See the many famous sites on this comprehensive tour. Departing from the dock, youll drive up a narrow winding road to the La Popa Monastery. Enjoy the panoramic view of the harbor and city from the terrace surrounding this lovely old building. Stop for photos at the magnificent Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, then proceed through the ancient city walls into the old city. Visit Las Bovedas, The Dungeons, which have been converted into an artisans center. Driving through old Cartagena, see the Plaza Bolivar, surrounded by the Cathedral and Palace of Inquisition. Your next stop is the church of San Pedro Claver, which still contains the remains of the Patron Saint of Slaves, who devoted himself to improving life for the poor and tortured captives of the city. A shopping stop will be made at Pierino Gallo before returning to the ship. Mangroves and Swap Eco-tour Order code: NUE-MAECO Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Please note that traveling time in canoes may vary due to weather. You will see the beautiful flora and fauna in this fascinating eco-system. This exceptional tour for bird watching will take you into the Swamp of the Virgin in a canoe, which is considered one the most important and fascinating eco-systems of Cartagena de Indias. The beauty of its landscape, the diversity of its fauna, including a huge diversity of tropical birds, beautiful fishes and crustaceans, and the imposing mangroves that oxygenate its water, represent the natural wealth of this region. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. La Serena and Coquimbo City Tour Order code: NUE-LSCOQ Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Please email for pricing. This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch option available at additional cost. Add one extra hour to tour duration for lunch. We recommend that guests wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Enroute to La Serena, you will see the highlights of Coquimbo, beginning with the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Then you'll stop in at La Herradura seaside resort where legends of swashbuckling and pirating thrive. Passing through a colorful fishing village, you will see the modern Coquimbo Casino and the old "El Faro" Lighthouse - an important symbol of the city of La Serena. Contrasting the modern architecture of exclusive condos and beach resorts, are the many Colonial-style buildings located in the heart of La Serena, Chile's second oldest city. By law, the construction of new buildings must be of the same style, so you will see many neo-Colonial designs as well. Here you'll visit the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) and impressive Cathedral and then explore the bustling Francisco de Aguirre Avenue with its unique Open-air Sculptures Museum. Next, you will visit the impressive Archaeological Museum which houses the most complete collection of Pre-Colonial artefacts of the region and showcases an original centuries old stone Moai from Chile's mysterious Easter Island. From here, you'll travel along the scenic Avenue del Mar (Coastal Avenue) and make a stop at the Recova Handicraft Market where you'll find pottery, wood, stone, alpaca, and wool products. Finally, you'll travel to an observation point to enjoy a panoramic view of La Serena city and Coquimbo Bay. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. Vicuna & Elqui Valley Order code: NUE-VCELQ Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch option available at additional cost. Add one extra hour to tour duration for lunch. We recommend that guests wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
Experience life at Earth?s magnetic center. One of the most energetically charged places on earth is considered to be the arid valley east of La Serena that extends into the Andes Mountains ? the Elqui Valley. With some of the clearest skies found in the world, the Elqui Valley sits out of the way of the city and maintains a gentle, steady climate with little wind or precipitation year long. This narrow valley is a fertile strip of land in the middle of a desert plateau, irrigated by Elqui River. Typical Andean villages such as Algarrobito, El Molle and El Tambo line your route. The valley has become a landmark in Chilean cultural geography: home to great poets, pisco production, and a beacon for esoteric groups and astronomers. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you travel away from coast and closer towards the Andes mountains. On the way, you'll see the grapes that are cultivated to produce one of Chile's most famous spirits, "pisco". In the heart of the valley is the town of Vicuña. Here you will visit a local pisco distillery and sample the Chilean national aperitif. Made from grapes, pisco is similar to Italian Grappa and is most commonly made from the Muscatel Rose, Alexandria Muscatel and Austrian Muscatel grapes. Similar to wine production, the grapes are harvested, fermented, distilled, and stored in wooden barrels to taste. The next stop of interest is a visit to Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) Museum. A famous Chilean poetess and winner of the Noble Peace Prize for Literature in 1945. Born in Vicuña, Mistral was a teacher by age 15. She taught throughout Chile and later in Portugal, Spain, France and Brazil. Her wonderful poetry reflects her love and admiration for the Chilean culture and the impressive natural environment of the Elqui Valley. Return to ship after a memorable day. Isla Damas Humboldt Penguin Adventure Order code: NUE-CQPEN Approx. 6.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. This fascinating excursion is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Travel Northeast on the Panamericana Highway to Punta Choros located approximately 2 hours from La Serena. You will pass through a semideserted area with very little vegetation, mostly dominated by cactus. The route continues over a hill, from where you can admire the many views of the rocky coast. You may also see a thick fog called ?camanchaca? that is often found draped over the coastal front. This fog originates over the ocean and is a result of the meeting of the cold Humboldt Current and the warm continental plate. After travelling 122 kms, you will arrive at Punto Choros inlet, where you will be able to see the Gaviota, Choros and Damas Islands. This sector is part of the National Humboldt Penguin Reserve managed by the Chilean National Forestry Corporation (CONAF). Embark a motorboat and begin your navigation adventure circumnavigating the various islands and observing the area marine life. You will see many Humbolt penguins, sea lions, a variety of seagulls and pelicans, and with weather permitting ? you may also be escorted by a pod of bottlenose dolphins leaping and twirling. You will disembark on Damas Island where you will be able to walk around and explore before returning to Punta Choros inlet. Petroglyphs and Limari Valley Vineyards, inclu lunch Order code: NUE-PETLM Approx. 6.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is included. A drive on the scenic coastal road acquaints you with some of the beautiful beaches of Coquimbo. As you leave the coast behind, you?ll come upon an area immersed in a permanent thick fog called the "camanchaca" - a coastal cloud phenomenon. You?ll head inland into the Limari Valley where you'll first pass through an area called the Enchanted Valley - an area of great archaeological importance and considered an open-air museum of scientific and cultural interest. The area contains an incredible number of petroglyphs depicting masks, sun symbols, and human heads among other shapes engraved in the rocks. Continue towards a small and picturesque village where the Tamaya Vineyard is located. This vineyard is known for its unique blends of wines. Here, you'll visit the vineyard and enjoy sampling while taking-in the fresh air and natural surroundings framed by the majestic Andes Mountains. Afterwards, you will visit the Santa Cristina Country House where a delicious lunch awaits. Built in the 30's, this Colonial house maintains it's original architectural style and decoration. Nowadays, part of the house is used as a museum and has undergone constant restoration and preservation for the past 25 years. Around Santa Cristina, you will find fields where all sorts of crops are planted including cinnamon and carob trees. There is also a traditional cheese factory that processes goat's milk cheese. You?ll tour the house and have free time to enjoy the grounds before the return drive. Tololo Observatory & Elqui valley, inclu lunch Order code: NUE-OBSEL Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes lunch. Man has been observing and studying the skies from time immemorial, and though this was once only a subject for priests, astrologers or scholars, nowadays this activity is within everyone's reach. This tour provides the opportunity to learn about astronomical activity from the unique perspective of the renowned "El Tololo" Astronomical Observatory. Depart along the Pan American highway to the city of La Serena where you'll travel down the Francisco de Aguirre Avenue and admire replicas of famous classical statues. From La Serena, you'll head into the fertile Elqui Valley. With some of the clearest skies found in the world, the Elqui Valley sits out of the way of the city and maintains a gentle, steady climate with little wind or precipitation year long. The valley has become a landmark in Chilean cultural geography: home to great poets, pisco production, and a beacon for esoteric groups and astronomers. The Observatory is situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level (approximately 100 kilometres from Coquimbo). The steep climb affords stunning views as the road twists and turns to the top. A spectacular panoramic vista unfolds all around with its ever changing array of colors across the mountain range and fertile valleys. One of the major Observatories of the Southern Hemisphere, the El Tololo Observatory provides a unique window into the study and testing of new theories about the origin of the cosmos, and the investigation and observation of galactic systems using sophisticated giant telescopes that operate in tandem with twin telescopes located in Hawaii. After visiting the observatory the tour continues towards the town of Vicuña - the picturesque principal town of the valley and birthplace of the Poet and Nobel Prize winner for literature, Gabriela Mistral. After enjoying a delicious lunch in Vicuña, there may be time to visit the Plaza de Armas Main Square with its Bauer Tower (the old City Hall) and church. The return drive is through the Elqui Valley. Custom Tour from Easter Island Order code: NUE-CUEAS US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you are visiting Easter Island and would like a quote, just send us your proposed itinerary and we will be happy to quote a custom package for you! Custom Tour Package to Iguazu Falls (from Buenos Aires) Order code: NUE-IGUAZU US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) IMPORTANT: US citizens wishing to visit the Brazilian side will need a visa. Other nationalities should check with the embassy. This package is ideal for those who are interested in an extension package tour to one of the naturals wonders of the world. Iguazu Falls is not a port-of-call but can be visited via our pre/post-cruise package. It can also be arranged as mid-cruise package if your ship overnights in Buenos Aires or Rio. Whether you spell it Iguazu, Iguazzu, Iguasu or Iguacu, it is not to be missed and is often cited as one of the highlights of any South American trip. We can also offer a total package that includes city tours in Buenos Aires as well so that you do not have to forgo sightseeing in these great cities due to time constraints. Due to the many varying factors, please contact us with full details for a custom quote. We are able to tailor the package to your needs and preferred length of stay. Please specify:
If you are flying into Buenos Aires from the U.S and arrive in the late morning, you will likely have to spend the first night in Buenos Aires, fly to Iguazu on the second day, stay in Iguazu for as many days as you desire, return to Buenos Aires and spend another night there, before starting your cruise or returning to your home country the subsequent day. If you are arriving into Buenos Aires on a cruise ship early morning, it is usually possible to transfer you to the domestic airport that same morning. Tour the Agentinian side of the falls that day and overnight in Iguazu. The next morning, visit the Brazilian side and catch an early afternoon flight back to Buenos Aires to catch your ship. Please contact us for pricing. Our Iguazzu package is custom and can be tailored to your specific requirements. Let Portcompass help integrate your Iguazu adventure into your cruise itinerary! Custom Tour Package to Iguazu Falls (from Rio) Order code: BLU-IGUAZU US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) IMPORTANT: US citizens wishing to visit the Brazilian side will need a visa. Other nationalities should check with the embassy. This package is ideal for those who are interested in an extension package tour to one of the naturals wonders of the world. Iguazu Falls is not a port-of-call but can be visited via our pre/post-cruise package. It can also be arranged as mid-cruise package if your ship overnights in Rio. Whether you spell it Iguazu, Iguazzu, Iguasu or Iguacu, it is not to be missed and is often cited as one of the highlights of any South American trip. We can also offer a total package that includes city tours in Rio as well so that you do not have to forgo sightseeing in these great cities due to time constraints. Due to the many varying factors, please contact us with full details for a custom quote. We are able to tailor the package to your needs and preferred length of stay. Please specify:
Please contact us for pricing. Our Iguazzu package is custom and can be tailored to your specific requirements. Let Portcompass help integrate your Iguazu adventure into your cruise itinerary! Full Day City Tour (including museum of your choice) Order code: RUT-FDCTG Approx. 8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes the entrance fees to one of the three museums listed. Lunch is at own expense. If applicable, additional entrance fees will be at your own expense. Tour is conducted in a van unless there are only 2-3 pax, which will be in a car. This itinerary is just a guideline and can be expanded and changed according to your wishes. This full day private tour provides ultimate flexibility and a relaxed touring pace. Choose to visit any one of these museums: Gold Museum, Larco Museum or Archaeological Museum. Journey from the Port of Callao to the colonial city center of Lima. This tour covers a combination of colonial and modern Lima. Stop at the Plaza San Martin where you will see a series of buildings dating to the beginning of the 20th Century and the historic Bolivar Hotel. The next stop is at Plaza de Armas, which comprises the Cathedral, Presidential Palace and City Hall. You will have time to enter the Cathedral and also spend 45 minutes at the San Francisco monastery, which is adorned with striking colonial frescoes and is one of Lima?s finest colonial buildings. Drive through the residential district of San Isidro, followed by the chic Miraflores in Lima's modern downtown. Stop at Lovers Park for a panoramic view of the coast. This tour also includes a museum of your choice. Choose from one of the three museums below: a)GOLD MUSEUM: Located in the elegant and modern neighborhood of Monterrico, southeast of Lima city, the Gold Museum boasts a priceless collection of pre-Inca pottery and gold artifacts. The collection of pre-Columbian gold items of Don Miguel Mujica Gallo is impressive due to its value and scope. The museum features one of Peru?s largest private collections of Inca and pre-Inca jewelry and ceremonial objects. There?s also an extensive weapons collection that includes Japanese armor and a sword believed to have been owned by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro. Several quality shops on the grounds of the museum offer jewelry, knitwear and handicrafts for sale. b)LARCO MUSEUM: Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of Pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. c)ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM: Provides an overview of the history of the region, mostly before the arrival of the Spanish. The museum oversees one of the largest collections of pre-hispanic art and relics in the world. Some of the highlights include exceptionally well-preserved mummies from the Nazca region and the Estela Raimondi, an enormous carved stone that once resided at Chavín de Huántar, a major pre-Columbian site. Time permitting, this full day tour may also include visits to Saint Peter Church and the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva. This houses a neat collection of archaeological items of pre-Inca civilizations and contains some of the best examples of 18th Century Baroque art in Lima. Other stops may be made, time permitting, with any additional entrance fees at your own expense. Just let us know what you'd like to add! Full Day City Tour + Miraflores Shopping (including museum of your choice) Order code: RUT-FDSHO Approx. 8.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes the entrance fees to one of the three museums listed. Lunch is at own expense. If applicable, additional entrance fees will be at your own expense. Tour is conducted in a van unless there are only 2-3 pax, which will be in a car. This itinerary is just a guideline and can be expanded and changed according to your wishes. This full day private tour is similar to the "Full Day City Tour" above, with the addition of shopping at Miraflores. It provides ultimate flexibility and a relaxed touring pace. Choose to visit any one of these museums: Gold Museum, Larco Museum or Archaeological Museum. Journey from the Port of Callao to the colonial city center of Lima. This tour covers a combination of colonial and modern Lima. Stop at the Plaza San Martin where you will see a series of buildings dating to the beginning of the 20th Century and the historic Bolivar Hotel. The next stop is at Plaza de Armas, which comprises the Cathedral, Presidential Palace and City Hall. You will have time to enter the Cathedral and also spend 45 minutes at the San Francisco monastery, which is adorned with striking colonial frescoes and is one of Lima?s finest colonial buildings. Drive through the residential district of San Isidro, followed by the chic Miraflores in Lima's modern downtown. Stop at Lovers Park for a panoramic view of the coast. This tour also includes a museum of your choice. Choose from one of the three museums below: a)GOLD MUSEUM: Located in the elegant and modern neighborhood of Monterrico, southeast of Lima city, the Gold Museum boasts a priceless collection of pre-Inca pottery and gold artifacts. The collection of pre-Columbian gold items of Don Miguel Mujica Gallo is impressive due to its value and scope. The museum features one of Peru?s largest private collections of Inca and pre-Inca jewelry and ceremonial objects. There?s also an extensive weapons collection that includes Japanese armor and a sword believed to have been owned by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro. Several quality shops on the grounds of the museum offer jewelry, knitwear and handicrafts for sale. b)LARCO MUSEUM: Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of Pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. c)ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM: Provides an overview of the history of the region, mostly before the arrival of the Spanish. The museum oversees one of the largest collections of pre-hispanic art and relics in the world. Some of the highlights include exceptionally well-preserved mummies from the Nazca region and the Estela Raimondi, an enormous carved stone that once resided at Chavín de Huántar, a major pre-Columbian site. You will also have time to shop at Miraflores. Known for its shopping areas, gardens, flower-filled parks and beaches, it is one of the upscale districts that make up the city of Lima. Time permitting, this full day tour may also include visits to Saint Peter Church and the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva. This houses a neat collection of archaeological items of pre-Inca civilizations and contains some of the best examples of 18th Century Baroque art in Lima. Other stops may be made, time permitting, with any additional entrance fees at your own expense. Just let us know what you'd like to add! City Highlights (including museum of your choice) Order code: RUT-CTGOL Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes entrance fees to one of the three museum listed. Tour is conducted in a van unless there are only 2-3 pax, which will be in a car. Journey from the Port of Callao to the colonial city center of Lima. This tour covers a combination of colonial and modern Lima. Stop at the Plaza San Martin where you will see a series of buildings dating to the beginning of the 20th Century and the historic Bolivar Hotel. The next stop is at Plaza de Armas, which comprises the Cathedral, Presidential Palace and City Hall. Due to time limitations, we do not enter the Cathedral but if you wish, it is possible to do so (entrance fee not included) if you forgo the visit to San Francisco Monastery. Otherwise, spend 45 minutes at the San Francisco monastery, which is adorned with striking colonial frescoes and is one of Lima?s finest colonial buildings. Drive through the residential district of San Isidro, followed by the chic Miraflores in Lima's modern downtown. Finally, stop at Lovers Park for a panoramic view of the coast before heading back to the port of Callao. This tour also includes a museum of your choice. Choose from one of the three museums below: a)GOLD MUSEUM: Located in the elegant and modern neighborhood of Monterrico, southeast of Lima city, the Gold Museum boasts a priceless collection of pre-Inca pottery and gold artifacts. The collection of pre-Columbian gold items of Don Miguel Mujica Gallo is impressive due to its value and scope. The museum features one of Peru?s largest private collections of Inca and pre-Inca jewelry and ceremonial objects. There?s also an extensive weapons collection that includes Japanese armor and a sword believed to have been owned by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro. Several quality shops on the grounds of the museum offer jewelry, knitwear and handicrafts for sale. b)LARCO MUSEUM: Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of Pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. c)ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM: Provides an overview of the history of the region, mostly before the arrival of the Spanish. The museum oversees one of the largest collections of pre-hispanic art and relics in the world. Some of the highlights include exceptionally well-preserved mummies from the Nazca region and the Estela Raimondi, an enormous carved stone that once resided at Chavín de Huántar, a major pre-Columbian site. Visit to Museum (of your choice) Order code: RUT-LARCO Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. For 2-3 pax, tour will be in a car. Larger groups will be in a van. This tour features a visit to a museum of your choice. Choose from one of the three museums below: a)GOLD MUSEUM: Located in the elegant and modern neighborhood of Monterrico, southeast of Lima city, the Gold Museum boasts a priceless collection of pre-Inca pottery and gold artifacts. The collection of pre-Columbian gold items of Don Miguel Mujica Gallo is impressive due to its value and scope. The museum features one of Peru?s largest private collections of Inca and pre-Inca jewelry and ceremonial objects. There?s also an extensive weapons collection that includes Japanese armor and a sword believed to have been owned by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro. Several quality shops on the grounds of the museum offer jewelry, knitwear and handicrafts for sale. b)LARCO MUSEUM: Founded in 1926, the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of Pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. c)ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM: Provides an overview of the history of the region, mostly before the arrival of the Spanish. The museum oversees one of the largest collections of pre-hispanic art and relics in the world. Some of the highlights include exceptionally well-preserved mummies from the Nazca region and the Estela Raimondi, an enormous carved stone that once resided at Chavín de Huántar, a major pre-Columbian site. Full Day Lima City Tour and Pachacamac Ruins Order code: RUT-CTPAC Approx. 8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes all entrance fees. Tour is conducted in a van unless there are only 2-3 pax, which will be in a car. To maximize your time in Lima, this full day itinerary combines the best of a Lima city tour with an outing to the reknowned Pachacamac Ruins. Journey from the Port of Callao to the colonial city center of Lima. This tour covers a combination of colonial and modern Lima. Stop at the Plaza San Martin where you will see a series of buildings dating to the beginning of the 20th Century and the historic Bolivar Hotel. The next stop is at Plaza de Armas, which comprises the Cathedral, Presidential Palace and City Hall. You will have time to enter the Cathedral and also spend 45 minutes at the San Francisco monastery, which is adorned with striking colonial frescoes and is one of Lima?s finest colonial buildings. Drive through the residential district of San Isidro, followed by the chic Miraflores in Lima's modern downtown. Finally, stop at Lovers Park for a panoramic view of the coast before heading back to the port of Callao. Other stops may be made, time permitting, with any additional entrance fees at your own expense. Just let us know what you'd like to add! After your city tour, continue on an excursion to Pachacamac, an important religious center which existed thousands of years before the Inca Empire dominated the region. See a complex of temples built with adobe by different cultures since the beginning of the Christian age, right up to the age of the Incas. Spend an intriguing day viewing ancient artifacts and exploring pre-Colombian ruins. A fee is charged for use of cameras within the museum and its grounds. Pachacamac Ruins Order code: RUT-PACHA Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes all entrance fees. Tour is conducted in a van unless there are only 2-3 pax, which will be in a car. This half day excursion takes you on a coastal drive south to Pachacamac on the Pan-American Highway. Pachacamac is an important religious center which existed thousands of years before the Inca Empire dominated the region. See a complex of temples built with adobe by different cultures since the beginning of the Christian age, right up to the age of the Incas. Spend an intriguing day viewing ancient artifacts and exploring pre-Colombian ruins. A fee is charged for use of cameras within the museum and its grounds. This tour may be combined with any half day Lima city tour for an additional cost. Nazca Lines Flightseeing, transfers by air Order code: RUT-NAZAI Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Please email for pricing. This tour is not eligible for the Grow-A-Group discount and is subject to availability. Drive through Callao to Jorge Chavez International Airport for your scheduled flight to Ica. In Ica, change to a smaller flightseeing aircraft to view the Nazca lines. Fly over the mysterious figures and lines inscribed on the pampas, which are the subject of international scientific speculation. Scores of theories have been suggested to explain these far-reaching patterns and figures etched into the sands. Whatever their origin or purpose, they display a sophisticated grasp of mathematics and surveying techniques. Your flight by light aircraft lasts approximately an hour. Get a bird?s-eye view of these famous lines that cannot be fully experienced in any other way. In Nazca, you will also enjoy a guided visit to the Ica Archeological Museum. Your guide will lead you through one of Peru?s finest regional museums featuring mummies and artifacts from the Paracas, Nazca and Ica cultures. Lunch will be at the Sun Resort Las Dunas de Ica. After a brief city tour, which will include the strange landscape of the Huacachina oasis, board your return flight to Lima and transfer back to the port of Callao. Nazca Lines Flightseeing, transfers by bus Order code: RUT-NAZBU Approx. 12-13 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Please email for pricing. This tour is not eligible for the Grow-A-Group discount and is subject to availability. Transfer from Callao to Lima where you will depart to Ica, located 190 miles south of Lima, by regular "Royal Class" bus. In Ica, board a small flightseeing aircraft to view the Nazca lines. Fly over the mysterious figures and lines inscribed on the pampas, which are the subject of international scientific speculation. Scores of theories have been suggested to explain these far-reaching patterns and figures etched into the sands. Whatever their origin or purpose, they display a sophisticated grasp of mathematics and surveying techniques. Your flight by light aircraft lasts approximately an hour. Get a bird?s-eye view of these famous lines that cannot be fully experienced in any other way. In Nazca, you will also enjoy a guided visit to the Ica Archeological Museum. Your guide will lead you through one of Peru?s finest regional museums featuring mummies and artifacts from the Paracas, Nazca and Ica cultures. After lunch and a brief city tour, which will include the strange landscape of the Huacachina oasis, board your bus to Lima and transfer back to the port of Callao. Custom Tour of Lima Order code: RUT-CUSTO Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you require a tour that is not listed on our website, we'd be happy to customize one for you. Just let us know what you require! Machu Picchu Grand Tour Order code: NUE-MAPIC Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Your excursion to Cuzco and Machu Picchu will require traveling to an elevation of 13,300 feet. As altitude sickness can affect anyone, you are advised to obtain a full medical checkup prior to embarkation. Ask your physician or a doctor specializing in travel medicine about preventive measures to prevent or alleviate altitude sickness. While at high elevations, eat light and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Should you feel the effects of altitude sickness, all hotels in Cuzco are equipped with oxygen, which is available for an additional charge. Below are the elevations at the various sites: Maximum elevation during train journey - 13,300 feet
This package is ideal for those who are interested in an extension package tour to one of the naturals wonders of the world. Machu Picchu is not a port-of-call but can be visited via as a pre/post-cruise package. It can also be arranged as mid-cruise package if your ship overnights in Lima/Callao, Arica, San Martin or another port. Whether you spell it Machu Picchu, Macchu Picchu or Machu Pichu, it is not to be missed and is often cited as one of the highlights of any South American trip. We can also offer a total package that includes city tours in Lima so that you do not have to forgo sightseeing in these great cities due to time constraints. Due to the many varying factors, please contact us with full details for a custom quote. We are able to tailor the package to your needs and preferred length of stay. Please specify:
Your adventure begins the moment you are picked up from the Lima International Airport, Hotel or Pier (Callao) and transferred to the Domestic Airport in time for your brief one hour flight to the ancient city of Cuzco, the archaeological Capital of the Americas and centre of the former Inca Empire. Cuzco, which means "the belly of the world," is located at an altitude of 11,152 feet and has a population of approximately 270,000. It represents a striking intermingling of three cultures: the native Quechua, the conquering Spanish and the modern. The highlight of your trip is the visit to Machu Picchu. Rediscovered in 1911 when Professor Hiram Bingham led an expedition into the highlands, Machu Picchu is located on a plateau above the Urubamba River, surrounded by lush semi-tropical vegetation and concealed by impressive mountain peaks. Here you will enjoy an afternoon exploring the ruins of the "Lost City of the Incas". DAY 1: LIMA - CUZCO Arrive at Lima Domestic Airport. Assistance to make connection for Domestic flight to Cuzco. Flight to Cuzco (flight schedule is subject to change without previous advisory from the Airline). In-flight Snack served. Arrive in Cuzco. Assistance and transfer to one of the following 5 Star Hotels: Monasterio, Libertador, Palacio del Inca, Novotel (or similar). Lunch not included. Time to rest and adjust to altitude. We suggest guests eat light. Depart to visit the Pre-Columbian Museum. This new and wonderfully designed addition to the Cuzco cultural landscape, is an archaeological museum that features part of the vast collection of Pre-Columbian works belonging to the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum in Lima. Housed in what was formerly an Incan ceremonial court, then Santa Clara convent, and later Colonial mansion (Casa Cabrera) of the Conquistador Alonso Díaz, are 450 archaeological pieces dating from 1250 B.C. to 1532 AD. Halls exhibit gold and silver handicrafts, jewellery, ceramics, and other artefacts depicting the rich traditions from the Nazca, Moche, Huari, Chimú, Chancay, and Inca cultures. Deviating from the museum's main thrust is a room displaying paintings from the Cuzqueñian Religious School. The museum is especially worthwhile for anyone unable to visit the major museums in Lima. Depart to Restaurant. Dinner at Local Restaurant & Folkloric Show. Hotel and Lodging. DAY 2: CUZCO - MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO Vistadome Train First Class: Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer to the Poroy Train Station. Embark Train to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Station. Arrive at Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Train Station. Board bus to the majestic Machu-Picchu Ruins. Visit Machu Picchu "The Lost City of the Incas" discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. After an important work of undergrowth clearing, the surprising beauty of the site and its harmonious construction with the mountain were emphasized. The citadel is, without a doubt, one of the most important architectonic and archaeological monuments in the world. Located at 2,400 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu is made of stone constructions spread almost 1 km. over a narrow hill, and is delimited by a cliff of 400 meters and a canyon where the Urubamba river flows. Guided visit of the site. Buffet Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (or similar): This Hotel Restaurant is located at the entrance to the Machu Picchu Ruins. Having lunch here gives guests more time to enjoy views of Machu Picchu. The restaurant offers a buffet of regional food. Descend by bus to the Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Train Station. Arrive at Station and Embark Train. Return to Poroy Train Station. Arrive at Station. Continue to Cuzco by private vehicle. Arrive at Cuzco Hotel. Dinner at Hotel & Lodging. DAY 3: CUZCO - LIMA Breakfast at Hotel. Begin Cuzco City Tour: Depart towards the monastery of Santo Domingo built over the former Incan Temple of the Sun ?Koricancha". After the conquest, Spaniards destroyed the Koricancha temple preserving only the base for the construction of the Dominican Church and Monastery. Here, you will see Incan polished stone rounded walls considered some of the finest work of the Incas. Continue to the Main Square, where according to legend, the Incan King Manco Capac's golden staff struck into the earth by itself thus showing him where to build the capital city. At the Main Square you will visit also the Cathedral built in 1534 with its large blocks of red granite extracted from Sacsayhuaman. The Renaissance style frontage contrasting its interior Baroque and Neo-Classical styles. Its main floor is in the shape of Latin cross with 3 naves and 10 side chapels. It has three corridors of procession and the crossings which communicate with 2 side churches: The Church of the Triumph and that of the Holy Family. Then visit the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Site. Due to its construction and shape, the Spanish thought that it was built as a fortress to defend Cuzco. It is made up of three walls in terraces 300 mts. long. More recent studies show that the site was an immense ceremonial centre. Lunch not included ? Except for guests of Novotel. Transfer to the Cuzco Airport to Embark Domestic flight to Lima (flight schedule is subject to change without previous advisory from the Airline). Tour concludes at Lima International Airport, Hotel or Pier. If you need to "catch up" with your ship at another port, we will fly you directly to the next port. Full Day To Machalilla National Park Order code: NUE-MMACH Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. 08h00 Departure from the port 10h30 Arrival to Puerto Lopez and departure to visit to the Archeological site and museum of Agua Blanca. The archaeological Complex is part of the national park Machalilla, is located to the south of Manabí, 8 km from the beach. It is an urban set of ceremonial and political importance. From the research, we can deduce the existence of sets of stone chairs in form of U; evidences of stone layings of foundations of probable houses; numerous artificial land knolls of different dimensions, these structures can measure between 70 to 100 m.s of length by 25 and 30 m.s of wide, the form commonest of knolls are rectangular and also they exist in form of U. 12h00 Free time for lunch 13h30 Visit of the Beach of Los Frailes which is considered one of the best on the whole pacific coastline 15h30 Return to the port 18h00 Arrival Custom Tour from Manta Order code: NUE-CUMAN US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Just let us know what itinerary desire, the numbers of persons in your group, and we will be happy to quote! Montevideo City Tour Order code: NUE-MVCT4H Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. There will be no inside visit of the Congress Building on weekends, holidays or during Parliament activities. We recommend that guests wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Enjoy a tour visiting the points of attraction in the capital city of Uruguay. Montevideo is gifted with unparalled historic wealth and beautiful architecture. This excursion offers a comprehensive overview of Montevideo?s monuments, parks and gardens. Highlights include the Old City, Constitution Square, Cathedral and Colonial Town Hall, Solis Theatre, and Independence Square - at the center of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero José Gervasio Artigas and his Mausoleum. View the Government House and the Congress Building constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble and 12 types of wood. Drive through the Prado neighborhood ? where you?ll find one of the oldest parks in the city that features the famous sculpture La Diligencia, Monument to the last Charruas Indians, and the Rose Garden. Drive through the Batlle and Ordonez Parks, passing by the Obelisk, La Carreta Monument (Covered Wagon) and the Soccer Stadium. A brief stop will be made at Plaza Virgilio where you?ll see the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy and impressive views of the city. The return drive will be along the coast and its many beaches. Fort Colonia del Sacramento, inclu Lunch Order code: NUE-COLSA Approx. 8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Includes lunch. Fort Colonia del Sacramento stands as one of the most important Uruguayan touristic pillars and a must-see for those interested in learning more about South American history. The Fort, established in 1680 by the the Portuguese Juan Manuel Lobo, was officially declared Spanish with the 1777 Treaty of Madrid. Although the city has undergone various changes over the years, it maintains its strong Colonial character. For this reason, Fort Colonia del Sacramento was declared a World Cultural Patrimony by UNESCO. A visit to Colonia is a journey into history. We begin our tour at the ?Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo" which is the main square in the heart of the historic centre. From here, we will see the Portuguese Museum with its fantastic collection of china, clothing and weapons of the time. The Municipal Museum, also known as Admiral Brown's House, is another stop where archaeological and prehistoric remains are displayed. Strolling along "Calle de los Suspiros" and travelling down ?Misiones de los Tapes?, we will admire the old walls, arcs and stones that form part of the ?Virrey House?. We will also see the "Puerta del Campo" with its impressive drawbridge. From here, we will visit the imposing "Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos" bull fighting ring that was opened to the public in 1910, featuring a hotel, casino, and St. Benito's Chapel. As bullfighting was officially forbidden by the government in 1912, it now stands as a National Historical Monument. The port of Colonia is one of the major routes used by Argentinians entering Uruguay. In the near future, these two cities will be joined by the Colonia-Buenos Aires International Bridge. Return to the ship at the end of a wonderful day. Montevideo City Sights and Vineyard Order code: NUE-MVVIN Approx. 6.5-7.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Winery portion may be on a group basis. Includes wine-tasting. There will be no inside visit of the Congress Building on weekends, holidays or during Parliament activities. Lunch option available at additional cost. We recommend that guests wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Maximize your time in Montevideo by taking in the sights of downtown Montevideo enroute to the vineyard. Start with a comprehensive overview of Montevideo?s monuments, parks and gardens. Highlights include the Old City, Constitution Square, Cathedral and Colonial Town Hall, Solis Theatre, and Independence Square - at the center of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero Jos? Gervasio Artigas and his Mausoleum. View the Government House and the Congress Building (constructed between 1908 and 1925) with local marble and 12 types of wood. Drive through the Prado neighborhood ? where you?ll find one of the oldest parks in the city that features the famous sculpture La Diligencia, Monument to the last Charruas Indians, and the Rose Garden. Drive through the Batlle and Ordonez Parks, passing by the Obelisk, La Carreta Monument (Covered Wagon) and the Soccer Stadium. A brief stop will be made at Plaza Virgilio where you?ll see the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy and impressive views of the city. Then head towards the Juanico (or similar) Vineyard. Known for its excellent grape cultures, the vineyard began with 50,000 plants and, over a century later, is a lush park where the best classic varieties are grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gew?rztraminer, Semillon, Viognier and Riesling. The stone buildings of the premises date back to the 1840's and have been restored keeping with the original style. Here, one finds a harmonious blend of tradition and state-of-the-art technology in the making of fine wines. New technology, strong investment, and strict quality control have resulted in the production of excellent wines for both the domestic and international markets. Export sales have positioned Juanico as the leading Uruguayan wine exporter. French and British importers in particular have discovered Uruguayan wines thanks to the road paved by the Juanico Vineyard. Your tour includes the magnificent vineyards and plant with wine tasting, and concludes back at the ship. Full-Day Estancia including panoramic city tour Order code: REG-RENAC Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Enjoy a city tour of Montevideo en route to a dairy estancia. Visit the farm's old railway museum and learn about trains from the 1900s. Experience the typical operations of an authentic dairy farm featuring a picturesque lake and typical wooden estancia architecture in the Uruguayian countryside. You can also enjoy horseback riding or cart-riding on the farm at no additional cost, availability permitting. Just let us know ahead of time so we can arrange it. Feast on a multi-course barbeque lunch including appetizers, wine and cheese from the region before returning to the ship. Note: For large groups, we can also arrange an optional folkloric show upon request. Montevideo Panoramic Tour and Punta del Este Resort Order code: NUE-PUEST Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is at own expense. This tour offers an opportunity to spend a full day visiting one of the elite resort cities of South America -- Punta del Este, on the Atlantic Ocean. It also includes a 45 minute mini-tour of Montevideo to maximize your visit here. Upon disembarking the ship, we will commence the panoramic driving tour of Montevideo (without stops), passing by the Constitution Square, the Government House and the famous Saint George Hotel. From there, we will travel another 5 miles to the famous waterfront of Costanera, where you will pass several neighbourhoods, including the famous Casino, the big Park Rodó and the famous private golf tour. Thereafter, we will exit the city by passing typical Uruguayian estancias and the famous Uruguayan pampas, after which we'll arrive at Punta del Este. Before arriving at Punta, we will also stop at Casa Pueblo, (residence and museum of the famous Uruguayan painter, Carlos Paes Vilaro). We will not have time to enter the museum, but will see the house and landscape from a scenic photo point. Then continue along Mansa Beach, arriving at the port of Punta del Este (where most of the best yatchs in South America can be found in the summer). We will continue to visit residential areas, and the hanging bridge of La Barra. After lunch (at own expense), we return to Montevideo after a leisurely day in the country. As this is a private tour, the itinerary above is merely a suggestion. If you prefer more time in Punta, the stops at Piriapolis and Casa Pueblo can be ommited (hence reducing the outbound drive from 2 hrs to 1 hr). If you prefer to spend most of your time at the beach, that can be arranged too. The guide is at your disposal for the day. Panama Canal Orientation Tour (Engineering, History and Geology) Order code: NUE-PANOR US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. This tour will start by visiting Miraflores Locks where you may enjoy lunch, while watching the ships go through the locks. We will then go to the Miraflores Visitor Center, where we may see the vessels in transit being raised or lowered from ocean level to lake level through a system of locks. In addition, you'll also admire a large-scale relief map of the entire canal waterway accompanied by a 12-minute video presentation. We will also stop at the foot of the canal headquarters' Administration Building, which dates from 1911, and view Goethals Monument. We will stop at the Artisans market in Balboa and from here we will move on the Casco Antiguo. The Casco Antiguo section of town houses the Museum of the Inter-oceanic Canal located across the Independence Plaza. This now renovated building was once the headquarters for the French company known as the Compagnie Universel du Canal Interocéanique, the first company to attempt to dig an ocean-to-ocean canal in Panama starting in 1881. The museum takes us through the complete historical development of Panama ? as a strategic point in the Spaniards? efforts to transport the riches of South America, the building of the Panama railroad in 1850´s, the French effort to build the canal in the 1880´s to the United States' completion of the canal in 1913. Also in the Casco Antiguo we will view a Panama landmark, the Golden Altar. Panama City and Canal Tour Order code: NUE-CTCNL Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The Panama Canal is a feat of engineering and a testament to the lasting value of conviction and hard work. The path between Pacific and Atlantic Ocean required 250,000 workers and 10 years to complete. You will visit the majestic locks of Miraflores in The Panama Canal and its miniature mock-up of the Panama Canal. Later visit the historic site of Casco Viejo (the colonial city of Panama) where you will be able to admire the colonial monuments and the Museum of the Canal. At the end of the tour there will be a short stop to the Causeway in Amador that will give you a panoramic view of Panama, the entrance of the Canal and the Pacific Ocean. Tour does not include lunch and entrance tickets. Tour concludes at Airport, Hotel or Pier. Ecotour Waterfalls and Cachaça Distillery Order code: BLU-ECOWA Approx. 6 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This tour goes into the beautiful surroundings of the National Florest of Serra da Bocaina. The first stop is at the old distillery at Cachaça where you can see the production of, and sample, the traditional Brazilian spirit, Cachaca. Afterwards you are driven the 5km to another clear waterfall - Tobogan - and for those of you who are more daring, you may take the opportunity to slide down the exciting natural "waterslide" which is formed by a smooth 30m rock face. (At your own risk!) After this, you travel to an old farm at Murycana and take a twenty minute trek to another beautiful waterfall - Poço Ingles - set in the best preserved part of this charming rainforest, literally a heaven for flora and fauna, and then onto another waterfull, Pedra Branca. Depending on the time we either have lunch (not included) here or slightly later at the Pereque river at a picturesque restaurant. Return to Jabaquara beach before stopping at the four hundred year old fort, and then return to Paraty. Coyhaique and Simpson Valley Excursion Order code: NUE-COYSI Approx. 5.5-6.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is at own expense. Enjoy the dramatic beauty of Aysen and area on a 45 minute drive filled with views of canyons, rivers and valleys en route to the Simpson River National Reserve. A total of 41,161 hectares, the reserve has a small flora and fauna museum where you will see an ?arboretum? and a thick ?lenga? trunk with rings that date from 1578 to 1970. Then stroll down to the river to see the rugged pristine scenery. An abundance of natural beauty awaits your discovery along the Simpson River. The road runs close to the steppe, to the East of the Andes, through lands cleared by settlers long ago. During the drive, you will see the natural and wild beauty of River Simpson Natural Reserve, lying across the river, squeezed by steep cliffs and graced by numerous waterfalls such as the vaporous Velo de la Novia (Bride?s Veil). At the information center you?ll see a small museum displaying exhibits of local fauna and flora. Set below the towering slabs of Cerro Macay on a bluff between the Simpson and Coyhaique rivers, Coyhaique is this capital of the Aysen region and one of the cleanest and most prosperous cities in Chile. Entering Coyhaique, you?ll enjoy a brief photo stop at the Alto Baguales view point for spectacular views of the city and area. Visit the unusual five-sided Main Plaza and the Handicraft Market. On your return to the Pier you will stop to visit the ?Cascadas de la Virgen? Waterfall. Tour concludes at the Pier. Chacabuco and Area Highlights Order code: NUE-CHASU Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Experience a typical day of life in Puerto Chacabuco and the town of Aysen and area against the back-drop of the majestic Andes Mountains. Travel down an unpaved road approx. 45 min. to Puerto Aysen. A stop will be made at scenic Lake los Palos where you will have an opportunity to take photos of the beautiful lake landscapes. Enjoy a walk along a path that borders the lake where an abundance of natural beauty awaits your discovery. In Aysen you will visit the quiet Plaza de Armas Main Square and town. Next, you?ll visit the colorful Aysen Handicraft Market. Continue along the coastal road that borders the Aysen River passing the Presidente Ibañez Hanging Bridge. Built in 1961, the bridge has an extension of 210 meters and was inaugurated in 1968 as a National Monument as it is the longest suspension bridge in the country. Puerto Chacabuco, the port that took the place of Puerto Aysen in the sixties, is considered to be the main access point to the area by sea and is the most important port in the region. On your return drive, you?ll see the constant movement of the deep draught vessels, transport ferries, and colorful fishing boats that dock here. Tour concludes at the Pier. Patagonia Nature Experience Order code: NUE-PNATU Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a semi-private/private tour. Lunch is not included. NOTE: The walking part of this tour covers approximately one-and-a-half miles and is at a slow pace. From Puerto Chacabuco, you?ll a drive along a scenic road to the Aiken del Sur Private Park where you will enjoy a truly unique encounter with Patagonia and its natural wonders. In addition to the natural paths, all of them signposted with information about the various ecosystems, Aiken has botanical gardens with 32 species representative of the region between Balmaceda and Port Chacabuco. The park also has a ?participation? forest area where guests are invited to join the campaign of landscape recovery in the areas of the park that have been cut down. Upon arrival at the park, you will visit the information center where an introduction to the area will be provided. You?ll also be rewarded with views of the picturesque Lake Riesco. Located 26 km from Puerto Aisén, this immense lake is surrounded by an abundance of local vegetation and covers an area of 14 square kilometers. Take the opportunity to see a display of the most outstanding trees indigenous to the region and a 22 mt high waterfall. Then, continue to the ?Quincho? (Traditional Area) for some refreshments accompanied by live music. Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery Order code: NUE-TOMBO Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour which includes entrance fees and a box lunch (salad, fruit, sandwich, water, and typical Argentinean sweet dessert). After leaving the pier, you will drive through typical Patagonian countryside towards Punta Tombo, 100 miles south of Puerto Madryn. Over half a million Magellanic penguins breed at Punta Tombo, making this the continental world´s largest penguin nesting ground. From November onwards it is possible to see baby penguins leaving their nests. Walk on amongst the thousands of nests and marvel at the fact that penguins stretch as far as the eye can see -- a truly unforgettable sight! There are also many seabirds and shorebirds here, most notably king and rock cormorants, giant petrels, kelp gulls, glightless steamer ducks, and black oystercatchers. Entrance fee to the reserve is included. This trip involves a minimum of 5 hours travel time but is truly an unforgettable experience. Be advised that the gravel roads are bumpy and can be dusty. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Peninsular Valdes Excursion Order code: NUE-VALDES Approx. 7.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) A boxed lunch is included with visits to Caleta Valdes and Punta Norte. We recommend that guests wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Please be advised that the gravel roads are bumpy and can be dusty. The trip involves approximately 5 hours of travel time. Many stairs will need to be climbed to view the sea lions at Punta Delgada. The tour begins with a drive north across the flat Patagonian countryside before entering the Peninsula Valdes Wildlife Sanctuary. At the Visitor's Centre you will see an interesting exhibit of local flora and fauna including a whale exhibit. The Valdes Peninsula resembles an island attached to the continent by a 25 mile long strip of land which, at some places, is only 4 miles wide. Drive along a barren gravel road to either Caleta Valdes, Punta Delgada or Punta Norte to visit the only continental habitat of sea elephants. These sea elephants can weigh between one and three tons and measure up to 18 feet in length. NOTE: The tour diary (with pictures) of a customer who took this tour is available at http://www.portcompass.com/diaries/valdez. Punta Loma and Welsh Tea in Gaiman Order code: NUE-PLWEL Approx. 6 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour which includes entrance fees and Welsh tea. Please note that some portions of the road are unpaved and can be dusty. Travel on a winding gravel road through the typical shrubby flora of the Patagonian Steppe to Punta Loma Reserve's wide pebbly beaches and cliffs with a view to the Golfo Nuevo. Located 15 miles southwest of Puerto Madryn, the Punta Loma Provincial Reserve was created in 1967 to protect the permanent sea lion colony residing on the shores. Sea lions are mammals that duplicate their weight in one year and can ultimately reach 8 feet and weigh up to 800 lbs. Offsprings are born between end December and end January, are brown, bleat like sheep and weigh around 30 lbs at birth. Males are dark brown and females have a mane. Your tour then continues with a one-hour drive to Gaiman, the oldest and most distinctively Welsh colony in the Chubut Valley. There you will encounter red brick cottages, tea rooms, and even Welsh-named streets. Enjoy a variety of sandwiches and cakes at a traditional Welsh tea. Puerto Madryn Custom Tour Order code: NUE-PMCUS Approx. 2h-4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you do not find a tour that meets your needs in Puerto Madryn, let us know. We can custom tailor a unique tour that is just right for you. If you want only a brief three-hours-maximum tour, let us know and we can construct an itinerary to include Punta Loma Reserve to observe sea lions, and Cerro Avanzado where you can hike the sandy cliffs of the point with some great vistas for photography. Flightseeing is also available in Puerto Madryn and provides a more exotic option. Pricing is determined after agreement on the itinerary and of course depends also upon group size. We look forward to assisting you! Full Day Petrohue Falls and the Chilean Lake District Order code: NUE-FDPET Approx. 6-7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Lunch is at your own expense. Puerto Montt is the capital of the Lakes District, one of the most spectacular areas of Chile where beautiful lakes and dozens of active volcanoes dominate the landscape. In Puerto Montt, your city tour includes the picturesque Angelmo Fishing Wharf and colourful Handicraft market. Your tour continues through the wild beauty of Chile's Lake District, viewing the charming city of Puerto Varas, Lake Llanquihue, South America's third largest lake, and the impressive snow-capped Osorno Volcano. The drive continues along the shoreside and past the village of Ensenada to the emerald green Lake Todos Los Santos (Lake Esmeralda) where you will enjoy more breathtaking views of the Osorno Volcano. A stop will be made to walk along the Petrohue River and view the falls cascading over the hard volcanic rocks. A brief stop will be made at a local handicraft market during the tour. Tour order may be changed to alleviate congestion. Tour concludes at the Pier. Osorno Volcano Adventure Order code: NUE-OSADV Approx. 7hr US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Does not include lunch. Please note that portions of this tour include driving on rough and bumpy roads, thus this tour is not recommended for those guests that suffer from chronic neck and back pain. Due to the high altitude, it may get cold during the walk on Osorno Volcano, thus guests should dress in layers to fully enjoy the excursion. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Tour order may be changed to alleviate congestion. Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the pier by your guide to start an adventurous journey through one of South America?s most scenic landscapes. Once off the beaten track, you'll view the hidden beauty of remote villages set amidst the lush green countryside, weather beaten clapboard barns, churches and windmills. Passing the little town of Alerce, your vehicle will proceed down a dirt road leading to the silhouette of Calbuco Volcano with its panoramic views and the perfect cone shaped majestic Osorno Volcano. Your tour continues through the countryside to Colonia Tres Puentes, a small town at the foot of Calbuco Volcano. Here, a brief stop will be made at the Meli Lodge before entering the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, the oldest park in Chile. You'll visit Laguna Verde (?Green Lagoon?) before starting your unforgettable drive up the Osorno Volcano passing deep and untouched Lenga Forests. Arriving at the sector of ?La Burbuja? at approximately 4000 ft., you can take a short walk through unspoiled natural beauty offering countless photo opportunities. At this altitude, you?ll have unique views of the snow-capped summit of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes and shimmering Lake Llanquihue deep in the valley. Visit the Petrohue Rapids, a fabulous, dashing and gleaming successions of azure blue cascades against a backdrop of majestic mountains at the east. Tour concludes at the Pier. Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Fruitillar Order code: NUE-HDPVA Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. Enjoy a pleasant city tour of Puerto Montt, capital of the Lake District, and the nearby scenic towns of Puerto Varas and Frutillar. Driving through Puerto Montt you'll see the colourful shingled houses and the neo-Classical Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas and the picturesque Angelmo Fishing Wharf. Leaving Puerto Montt, travel north passing the lush countryside to the town of Puerto Varas overlooking Lake Llanquihue, Chile?s second largest lake. Your final stop will be in Frutillar, a picturesque village founded in 1856 by German settlers and known for its alpine and traditional German-style architecture. As you explore this charming city, enjoy a drive through the old district and along the coastal avenue and visit to the German Colonial Museum. Brief stops will be made at the regional handicraft markets. Patagonian Road and Salmon Farm Order code: NUE-SALRT Approx. 8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes salmon-based lunch. This tour is a fascinating encounter with the history, people and activities of the Gulf of Reloncaví. Learn about the natural history of the region's forests and shorelines. Find out how the shellfish and seaweed farmers, as well as fishing craftsmen, live the challenge of transforming this evergreen paradise into a sustainable area of development. Stop at Quillaipe and visit a shipyard to watch traditional ship builders at work. Then, visit Caleta La Arena on board boats to visit pen-cage facilities of a salmon farm to observe the feeding process. Then, enjoy a boat trip to a sea lion colony, surrounded by the evergreen forests of this region. Upon your return to Metri, stroll around the earth-settled ponds of the Aquaculture Research Center, and observe projects on the cultivation of fish, mollusks and crustaceans. After leaving the Caleta La Arena, head to the Range Restaurant of Quillaipe, located in a farm next to a forest reserve. Enjoy the beautiful views and lunch featuring salmon, and fresh organic products. Then proceed to Coihuin to walk along the beach during low tide to take in the we views of the Gulf of Reloncavi. You'll also visit a natural sanctuary of millennial larches. Upon your return to Puerto Montt, you may stop at the Angelmo Seafood and handicraft market, time permitting. Osorno Volcano Photo Safari Order code: NUE-OSOPS Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is at own expense. Your tour begins with a narrated drive through Puerto Montt as your guide points out places of interest such as the Main Square with its Neo-Classical Cathedral. Travelling out of the city, you'll drive through the picturesque town of Puerto Varas, where you will have a view of Lake Llanquihue and the snow-capped Osorno Volcano. Your journey continues past the little village of Ensenada before reaching the Petrohue Falls. Experience the picturesque setting of a succession of emerald green rapids against a backdrop of mountains to the East. There will be ample time to explore the area by foot. The tour continues with a drive into the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, where you will have the opportunity to walk through the forest to Laguna Verde, located at the foothills of the Osorno Volcano, surrounded by an old growth forest of ?Coigues?. From here you?ll travel up the Osorno volcano by vehicle. Reaching the ?La Burbuja? crater, enjoy a brief stroll around the ?refugio? and experience the panoramic view of the Petrohue valley before you descend. Tour ends with a return to the ship. Whitewater Rafting Expedition on the Petrohue River Order code: NUE-WWRAF Approx. 6 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Neoprene wetsuits, neoprene shoes, life-jacket and safety helmet are provided. A delicious picnic lunch will be served on the riverbank! We recommend that guests wear a bathing suit, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and bring a light jacket, towel and a change of clothes. No prior rafting experience is necessary, but participants must know how to swim and be in good physical condition. This expedition is perfect for those seeking adventure in Puerto Montt. Join your river guide for this exhilarating recreational force III-IV rafting trip down the clear azure waters of the Petrohue River, one of Chile's most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers. You'll marvel at the surrounding spectacular scenery of old growth forests, waterfalls and breathtaking views of mountains and volcanoes as the river carries you downstream. Your river guide will expertly manoeuvre through thunderous rapids, so hold on and enjoy this thrilling water experience. This tour is suitable for first-time rafters. Custom Tour from Puerto Montt Order code: NUE-CUSPM US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you require a custom tour, just let us know the details (itinerary, number of passengers etc), and we will be happy to quote! Cruise to Islas Ballestas and Paracas Reserve Order code: RUT-ISPAR Approx. 6-7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The cruise portion is on a group basis, and the Paracas portion is private/semi-private. Entrance fees are included but lunch is at own expense. The launches afford little protection from sea, sun or wind: bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket or sweater, and wear low heeled rubber-soled walking shoes. Passengers may be required to wear a life jacket. This combo tour is perfect for maximizing your time, combining both a cruise to Isla Balletas and to the Paracas Reserve. This combo tour may not be available for all sailings; please provide your arrival and departure time to determine feasibility. Visit Peru?s mini-Galapagos on this intimate two-hour motorboat cruise (capacity of 15 to 25 passengers) to this wildlife paradise. These volcanic islands lie 11 miles off the coast of Peru and provide a sanctuary for thousands of sea birds and other wild life. Observe Peruvian boobies, cormorants, Incan terns, pelican and even Humboldt penguins. Sea lions frequent the waters and the rocky shores; they may be seen swimming about your boat or fighting for territory ashore. The cruise includes many photo opportunities. Then, travel to the Paracas National Reserve, declared a World Heritage Natural Site by UNESCO. The cold upwelling of the Humboldt Current is responsible for this rich wildlife. The sharp contrast between the desert and the sea also provides a stunning landscape. The Tour start in the Interpretation Hall of the National Reserve, followed by the Paleontological Area and Bird`s observatory where it will be possible to watch flamingos in their natural habitat. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Paracas Peninsula, Yumaque and Red beach before returning to the ship. Cruise to Islas Ballestas and Tambo Colorado Order code: RUT-ISTAM Approx. 6-7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The cruise portion of tour is on a group basis and the Tambo Colorado portion is private/semi-private. Entrance fees are included but lunch is at own expense. The launches afford little protection from sea, sun or wind: bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket or sweater, and wear low heeled rubber-soled walking shoes. Passengers may be required to wear a life jacket. Roads may be unpaved and bumpy. This is a combo tour that maximizes your time at port, featuring a cruise to Isla Balletas and an excursion to Tambo Colorado. This tour may not be available for all sailings; please provide your arrival and departure time to determine feasibility. Visit Peru?s mini-Galapagos on this intimate two-hour motorboat cruise (capacity of 15 to 25 passengers) to this wildlife paradise. These volcanic islands lie 11 miles off the coast of Peru and provide a sanctuary for thousands of sea birds and other wild life. Observe Peruvian boobies, cormorants, Incan terns, pelican and even Humboldt penguins. Sea lions frequent the waters and the rocky shores; they may be seen swimming about your boat or fighting for territory ashore. The cruise includes many photo opportunities. The Pisco Valley is a contrast of desert dunes and verdant agricultural valleys. From port, you travel to the small farming villages along the Pisco River, which use elaborate irrigation techniques to raise fields of corn asparagus and cotton. The drive to Tambo Colorado takes approximately an hour. This is an introduction to the Paracas Peninsula, the Pisco River Valley, and its ancient cultures. Also known as the Puka Tampu complex, the Tambo Colorado site lies about 33 kilometers down the Libertadors highway and is the largest Inca site on the Peruvian coast. The Tambo Colorado is an Inca fortress, constructed around 1440, and features a high priest?s chambers complete with sacrificial altar, bed chambers and dressing rooms, as well as silos and barracks for Incan soldiers. Return to ship after a memorable day. A number of different ancient buildings make up the complex with the northern part being best preserved. This section consists of a large quadrangular building subdivided into numerous chambers and passageways. The presence of red clay used in the adobe construction of the complex gives the site an appealing reddish yellow glow as well as its name ?Tambo Colorado?. The Inca culture that resided in the area reported directly to the Empire and the remains of the temple, the barracks and the palace can all still be easily seen. Tambo Colorado Order code: RUT-TACOL Approx. 3-4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes entrance fees. Tour is conducted in a van unless there are only 2-3 pax, which will be in a car. Some roads may be unpaved and bumpy. Depending on your arrival/departure time, it may be possible to combine this tour with the other tours at this port. The Pisco Valley is a contrast of desert dunes and verdant agricultural valleys. From port, you travel to the small farming villages along the Pisco River, which use elaborate irrigation techniques to raise fields of corn asparagus and cotton. The drive to Tambo Colorado takes approximately an hour. This is an introduction to the Paracas Peninsula, the Pisco River Valley, and its ancient cultures. Also known as the Puka Tampu complex, the Tambo Colorado site lies about 33 kilometers down the Libertadors highway and is the largest Inca site on the Peruvian coast. The Tambo Colorado is an Inca fortress, constructed around 1440, and features a high priest?s chambers complete with sacrificial altar, bed chambers and dressing rooms, as well as silos and barracks for Incan soldiers. Return to ship after a memorable day. A number of different ancient buildings make up the complex with the northern part being best preserved. This section consists of a large quadrangular building subdivided into numerous chambers and passageways. The presence of red clay used in the adobe construction of the complex gives the site an appealing reddish yellow glow as well as its name ?Tambo Colorado?. The Inca culture that resided in the area reported directly to the Empire and the remains of the temple, the barracks and the palace can all still be easily seen. Paracas National Reserve and Intepretation Hall Order code: RUT-PARIN Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Entrance fees are included. Travel to the Paracas National Reserve, declared a World Heritage Natural Site by UNESCO. The cold upwelling of the Humboldt Current is responsible for this rich wildlife. The sharp contrast between the desert and the sea also provides a stunning landscape. The Tour start in the Interpretation Hall of the National Reserve, followed by the Paleontological Area and Bird`s observatory where it will be possible to watch flamingos in their natural habitat. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Paracas Peninsula, Yumaque and Red beach before returning to the ship. Cruise to Islas Ballestas Order code: RUT-ISBAL Approx. 2-3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The launches afford little protection from sea, sun or wind: bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket or sweater, and wear low heeled rubber-soled walking shoes. Passengers may be required to wear a life jacket. Depending on your arrival/departure time, it may be possible to combine this tour with the other tours at this port. Visit Peru?s mini-Galapagos on this intimate two-hour motorboat cruise (capacity of 15 to 25 passengers) to this wildlife paradise. These volcanic islands lie 11 miles off the coast of Peru and provide a sanctuary for thousands of sea birds and other wild life. Observe Peruvian boobies, cormorants, Incan terns, pelican and even Humboldt penguins. Sea lions frequent the waters and the rocky shores; they may be seen swimming about your boat or fighting for territory ashore. The cruise includes many photo opportunities. Otway Penguin + Punta Arenas City and Museum Tour Combo Order code: VIE-OTCIT Approx. 7.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Includes entrance fees. Lunch is at own expense. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and scarf for Otway. We have specially designed this combo tour for those who wish to maximize their time at this port. This combo tour featuring the Otway Penguin Colony and Punta Arenas sightseeing is not offered by the cruise lines. Unlike the ship's penguin tours (where you are walking on the narrow boardwalk behind hundreds of other passengers), our small groups are far superior as you can enjoy the penguin colony at a leisurely pace, with the personalized attention of your own guide. Begin your tour to the colony of Magellanic penguins located 50 miles northwest of Punta Arenas. The penguin population of this colony is estimated at 50,000 families (each family being a pair of penguins and their young). On the journey to the colony (which is on a mostly-unpaved road), you will encounter wild geese in flight, rheas, skuas, terns, oystercatchers and foxes. You will pass Cabo Negro (Cape Black), Kon Aiken (one of the biggest coal mines in Chile), and vast sheep estancias. In addition, you may see a great variety of birds such as caiquenes (upland goose), nandúes (lesser rheas) and Chilean flamingos. The penguins return to this particular area from October to March to mate and breed. To reach the actual nests and beaches where the penguins live, you will have to walk approximately three quarters of a mile, each way, on a boardwalk. As it can be windy, scarves, mittens and hats are suggested. At the beach barricades, watch the penguins as they waddle to and from the ocean. From the trails and from observation towers, you can also observe them scurrying into their nests in the windswept grasslands. After the leisurely 1.5 hour drive back to Punta Arenas, stop for lunch (at own expense) in a restaurant to enjoy one the typical cuisine of the Magellan region. After lunch, the Punta Arenas city tour will commence. Start with the main plaza where at the traditional monument dedicated to Hernando de Magallanes. Afterwards, visit the Salesian Museum of Maggiorino Borgatello, where you can find native flora and fauna, and learn about the history about pioneers and aborigines. Another fascinating attraction is the outdoor museum called the Patagonia Institute, an open-air museum showcasing the machinery and dwellings of the region's early settlers. Highlights at this outdoor museum include replicas of pioneer houses, antique cars, and a gallery of historical photographs dating to 1905. You will also visit the General Cemetery with mausoleums of immigrant families to the region. Explore the history of Punta Arenas in this cemetery featuring cypress trees and elaborate mausoleums. Before ending this excursion, take a drive to the Cerro de la Cruz lookout point for a panoramic view of the city and Magellan Straits. If the weather is not cloudy, it is possible to see all the way to Tierra del Fuego Island. Return to the pier after a memorable day. Otway Sound Penguin Colony Order code: VIE-OTWAY Approx. 4-5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes entrance fees and guide. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and scarf for Otway. Unlike the ship's penguin tours (where you are walking on the narrow boardwalk behind hundreds of other passengers), our small groups are far superior as you can enjoy the penguin colony at a leisurely pace, with the personalized attention of your own guide. This is a private tour to the colony of Magellanic penguins located 50 miles northwest of Punta Arenas. The penguin population of this colony is estimated at 50,000 families (each family being a pair of penguins and their young). On the journey to the colony (which is on a mostly-unpaved road), you will encounter wild geese in flight, rheas, skuas, terns, oystercatchers and foxes. You will pass Cabo Negro (Cape Black), Kon Aiken (one of the biggest coal mines in Chile), and vast sheep estancias. In addition, you may see a great variety of birds such as caiquenes (upland goose), nandúes (lesser rheas) and Chilean flamingos. The penguins return to this particular area from Oct to March to mate and breed. To reach the actual nests and beaches where the penguins live, you will have to walk approximately three quarters of a mile, each way, on a boardwalk. As it can be windy, scarves, mittens and hats are suggested. At the beach barricades, watch the penguins as they waddle to and from the ocean. From the trails and from observation towers, you can also observe them scurrying into their nests in the windswept grasslands. Return to the ship after a memorable day. Punta Arenas City and Museum Tour Order code: VIE-CT3HR Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes entrance for two museums. To gain a good understanding of Punta Arenas, Chile's southernmost city, we begin at the Margiorino Borgatello Museum. Its collection includes ethnic Patagonian artifacts, examples of the region's flora and fauna, as well as displays on the social and economic history of the region. The tour continues with a visit to the the impressive above-ground Cemetery, plus the Ovejero, Ferdinand Magellan and Croatian Colonists Monuments, among others. We will also visit the Patagonian Institute, which contains an open-air museum featuring restored antique vehicles, tools and machinery used in pioneering times. There is also a maritime exhibit, a preserved garage and a typical house dating from colonial times. At end the day, we will visit a panoramic lookout on Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), where we can view the city, the Straits of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego. This tour can be combined with the Fenton Hill (Club Andino) and Magallanes Forest Reserve excursion, if you wish. Estancia Río de los Ciervos Farm House Visit Order code: VIE-FARMH Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes a typical Patagonian/BBQ lunch. This is a group tour and may not be available for all sailings. After a 10 minute drive, arrive at Don Arturo's Farm House. There you will be welcomed with a pisco sour or coffee welcome. Listen to a narration and watch a historical video to learn about about the pioneers who lived during the Colonial period in Patagonia. Later, explore this "historical museum" with our guide. Visit the "Pulperia," a small store where you'll will have the opportunity to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Step outdoors to learn more about "Pioneer shearing" and how wool is used in different ways. Finally, enjoy a typical Patagonian lunch before going back to the pier. Horseback Riding in the Peninsula Order code: VIE-HORSE Approx. 4-5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) A Portcompass exclusive that is not offered by the cruise lines. May not be available daily. Depart on this half day excursion to the Brunswick Peninsula. Enjoy the area's unique landscape and admire the native flora and fauna. Your horses will take you between forest and steppe, as well as beside the fabled Straits of Magellan. San Isidro Lighthouse hike Order code: VIE-SISID Approx. 8.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This tour includes a lunch box and is not offered by the cruise lines. Fairly strenuous 6 hour hike. This intimate hike is limited to a maximum of 10pax per group. Parallel groups are possible with separate guides. Departure at approx 9 am from Punta Arenas. Fifty miles south of Punta Arenas, we will start the hike to the San Isidro lighthouse and El Aguila Bay on the shores of the Straits of Magellan. You will hike through twisted, windswept lenga and coigue forests and observe a variety of birds and sea fauna on this invigorating hike. Fenton Hill (Club Andino) and Magallanes Forest Reserve Order code: VIE-FENTO Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This bus tour is not offered by the cruise lines. It is available daily except Monday. Depart for the Andino Club Refuge, located 5 miles west of the city. A skiing center in winter and a mountain club in summer, it's the perfect place for panoramic views over the Straits of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego and the Brunswick peninsula. Hikes of 1 to 2 hours take place on interpretive trails where you can admire fossils and petrified shells, both ancient and new magellanic woods, different varieties of moss and lichens and a wide range of flora typical of these environments. These trails run throughout Mount Fenton and the Club Andino and are appropriate for everyone. It is also possible to ride the chairlift up to the 1200 foot summit, from where you will have a panoramic view of the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego. Fishing the Penitente River or Parrillar Lagoon Order code: VIE-FISHP Approx. 8-10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes box lunch and all equipment. Note: largest shoe size we can outfit passengers with is US size 11 or European size 44. This tour is not offered by the cruise lines. May not be available daily. The lagoon is highly recommended for beginners in the art of flyfishing. The river, due to its significant current, should only be visited by those with some experience in the sport. Choose from either the Parrillar Lagoon (40 miles from Punta Arenas) or Penitente River (90 miles north). Both are secluded, and are excellent spots for brown and rainbow trout. IMPORTANT: The lagoon is highly recommended for beginners in the art of flyfishing. The river, due to its significant current, should only be visited by those with some experience in the sport. Take the full day excursion to one of these areas to practice the wonderful art of flyfishing. We supply the required equipment and our expert guides will show you the bounty of Patagonia's rivers and lakes. We can also provide spinning rods if that is your preference. The usual tour lasts 10 hours, but since this is a private/semi-private tour, we can adjust the timing based on your ship's schedule. Rio Verde excursion Order code: VIE-RVERD Approx. 6 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This tour includes a lamb lunch. This is a Portcompass exclusive and is not offered by the cruise lines. Depart for this half day excursion along the shores of the Fitz Roy channel. En route to Rio Verde, visit Palomares Hill, a nesting area of condors & eagles. Located 56 miles miles from Punta Arenas, the farming settlement of Rio Verde overlooks the Fitz Roy Channel and is on the way to Puerto Natales via Fabres crossing. This community contains pristine natural beauty, estancias, valleys, mountains and abundant vegetation harboring diverse fauna. Visit the village and English-styled museum of Rio Verde featuring ranching installations, shearing sheds, corrals and tools. Later we will dedicate ourselves to enjoying the natural beauty of the area -- taking walks, admiring the native flora and fauna, the infinite mountain landscapes, the Fitz Roy Canal and the Skyring Gulf. Custom Tour Order code: VIE-CUSTO US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you have special needs or a unique itinerary in mind, send us an email and let us tailor a tour just for you! Scenic Punta del Este Order code: NUE-PDECT Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. This 4hr tour is for passengers whose ship is stopping at Punta del Este. (If your ship stops in Montevideo, please refer to tours in the Montevideo section instead). Your tour of Punta del Este takes you to the site of world-renowned film festivals, international conferences and a fabulous social life. Begin with a scenic drive to Punta Ballena. Then enjoy a visit to Punta de Este, located on a peninsula at the mouth of the impressive Río de la Plata. Punta del Este is world-renowned, not only because of its natural resources, but also for the famous people who visit such as the Rockefellers, Tony Curtis, Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith. See the residential districts of San Rafael and Cantegril. Continue to Downtown Gorlero Avenue and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Drive along Playa Brava on the return trip. Tour concludes back at your ship at the Punta del Este pier. Full day tour of Punta del Este Order code: NUE-FEPDE Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. This tour is for ships that are docking in Punta del Este. If your ship is docking in Montevideo, please see the section for tours from Montevideo instead. This tour begins with pickup from your ship in Punta del Este and takes you to the site of world-renowned film festivals, international conferences and a fabulous social life. Begin with a scenic drive to Punta Ballena. Then enjoy a visit to Punta de Este, located on a peninsula at the mouth of the impressive R?o de la Plata. Punta del Este is world-renowned, not only because of its natural resources, but also for the famous people who visit such as the Rockefellers, Tony Curtis, Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith. See the residential districts of San Rafael and Cantegril. Continue to Downtown Gorlero Avenue and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Drive along Playa Brava on the return trip. The tour includes internal visits to Casapueblo and Ralli Museum, followed by lunch. Tour concludes at the Pier. Punta Del este and Lapataia Farm Order code: NUE-PDELP Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. This tour is for ships that are docking in Punta del Este. If your ship is docking in Montevideo, please see the section for tours from Montevideo instead. This tour begins with pickup from your ship in Punta del Este and takes you to the site of world-renowned film festivals, international conferences and a fabulous social life. Begin with a scenic drive to Punta Ballena. Then enjoy a visit to Punta de Este, located on a peninsula at the mouth of the impressive R?o de la Plata. Punta del Este is world-renowned, not only because of its natural resources, but also for the famous people who visit such as the Rockefellers, Tony Curtis, Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith. See the residential districts of San Rafael and Cantegril. Continue to Downtown Gorlero Avenue and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Drive along Playa Brava on the return trip. You will visit Lapataia Farm, and there you will taste one crepe with Dulce de Leche or Cheese, with Chocolate milk or mineral water. Return to your ship in Punta del Este at the end of the tour. Custom Tour from Punta Del Este Order code: NUE-PECUS US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Let us know your custom itinerary, and we will be happy to quote! Full day Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, with hotel/ship transfer (group SIB tour) Order code: NUE-FDSIB Approx. 6-7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a group tour, with pickup/dropoff at major hotels only. Lunch is at own expense. This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. If you require pickup/dropoff from the ship or airport, or wish to have private guide, please refer to the private/semi-private tour below. Begin with a scenic drive to Sugarloaf Mountain. Upon arrival, board the cable car for a short (approx. 3 min.) ride up to Urca Hill, with its lovely gardens and views of the city below. After a short visit here, take another cable car to the summit at 1,300 feet above sea level. The views from the top are extraordinary. Continue to the cool confines of the Tijuca Forest, a quiet, green sanctuary away from the noise of the city. Comprising an area of 47 square miles, this once dense tropical forest was largely cut down in the 19th Century to accommodate coffee plantations. A project of reforestation was initiated in the late 1800's with the planting of more than 100,000 trees. Today the park is a favorite spot to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. At Cosme Velho you will leave the coach and board the cog railway for the ride up to Corcovado, also known as Hunchback Mountain. As the train makes its way up the mountain, you will be riding through dense vegetation glimpsing now and again spectacular views of Rio. The 120-foot-high statue of Christ the Redeemer was completed in 1931 and stands at the top of the mountain with arms out stretched in welcome. To reach the top of the 120-foot-high statue, you will take an elevator and an escalator. On the return trip, you'll pass some of Rio's finest residential areas, around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and past the Botanical Gardens, home to more than 5,000 species of tropical plants. Full day Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, with hotel/ship transfer Order code: NUE-FDSUG Approx. 6-7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour, with pickup dropoff at ship or any hotel. Lunch is at own expense. Begin with a scenic drive to Sugarloaf Mountain. Upon arrival, board the cable car for a short (approx. 3 min.) ride up to Urca Hill, with its lovely gardens and views of the city below. After a short visit here, take another cable car to the summit at 1,300 feet above sea level. The views from the top are extraordinary. Continue to the cool confines of the Tijuca Forest, a quiet, green sanctuary away from the noise of the city. Comprising an area of 47 square miles, this once dense tropical forest was largely cut down in the 19th Century to accommodate coffee plantations. A project of reforestation was initiated in the late 1800's with the planting of more than 100,000 trees. Today the park is a favorite spot to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. At Cosme Velho you will leave the coach and board the cog railway for the ride up to Corcovado, also known as Hunchback Mountain. As the train makes its way up the mountain, you will be riding through dense vegetation glimpsing now and again spectacular views of Rio. The 120-foot-high statue of Christ the Redeemer was completed in 1931 and stands at the top of the mountain with arms out stretched in welcome. To reach the top of the 120-foot-high statue, you will take an elevator and an escalator. On the return trip, you'll pass some of Rio's finest residential areas, around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and past the Botanical Gardens, home to more than 5,000 species of tropical plants. Tour concludes at the Hotel or Pier. Airport pickup/dropoff can be arranged at additional cost. Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain, inclu hotel transfer (group SIB tour) Order code: NUE-SUSIB Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. Lunch is not included. This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. If you require pickup/dropoff from the ship or airport, or wish to have a more intimate tour, please refer to the private/semi-private tour below. Drive along Rio´s world famous beaches to the Urca district where a cable car ascent will be made in two stages to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The first stage of the ride goes to Urca Hill, where there are gardens and lookout points; for those who wish to venture even higher, the second cable car goes to the very top of Sugar Loaf itself ? 1,300 feet above sea level - for breathtaking views of the city, beaches, and harbor. Descending from Sugar Loaf, you?ll then drive through residential areas to enjoy the highlights of the historical and modern sectors of downtown Rio including Flamengo Park, the Rio Financial Centre, the Cathedral, Arcs of Lapa (old aqueducts of Rio), the Municipal Theatre and Belle Art School. Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain, inclu trsf Order code: NUE-HDSUG Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour, with pickup dropoff at ship or any hotel. Lunch is at own expense. Drive along Rio´s world famous beaches to the Urca district where a cable car ascent will be made in two stages to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The first stage of the ride goes to Urca Hill, where there are gardens and lookout points; for those who wish to venture even higher, the second cable car goes to the very top of Sugar Loaf itself ? 1,300 feet above sea level - for breathtaking views of the city, beaches, and harbor. Descending from Sugar Loaf, you?ll then drive through residential areas to enjoy the highlights of the historical and modern sectors of downtown Rio including Flamengo Park, the Rio Financial Centre, the Cathedral, Arcs of Lapa (old aqueducts of Rio), the Municipal Theatre and Belle Art School. Tour concludes at the Hotel or Pier. Airport pickup/dropoff can be arranged at additional cost. Lunch option available at additional cost. Add one extra hour to tour duration for lunch. Half Day Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, inclu hotel trsf (grp SIB tour) Order code: NUE-COSIB Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. Does not include lunch. This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. If you require pickup/dropoff from the ship or airport, or wish to have a more intimate tour, please refer to the private/semi-private tour below. The very name evokes images of sun, fun and the rhythm of the sensuous Samba - few places on earth match the hospitality, natural charm and excitement of Rio. Your tour begins with a drive through the charming residential district of Cosme Velho to the base of the Corcovado Mountain. Here you?ll board a 114 yr. old funicular train that will take you on a scenic 20 minute ride through the Tijuca Forest, the world´s largest urban forest, to the summit. Enjoy spectacular views of Rio as the train climbs Corcovado (?Hunchback?) Mountain, peeking out now and again through the dense vegetation. Arrive at the summit of Corcovado. Take the elevator and escalator to the stop for a birds-eye view of this magnificent city and the bay. Crowning Corcovado at 2,400 feet above sea level, is one of South America?s most famous landmarks, the 125 foot high soapstone statue of "Christ the Redeemer". The Redeemer´s outstreched arms welcome you to a breathtaking 360 degree panorama - unmatched for its spellbinding magic! Descend by train through the forest. On the return trip, you will pass some of Rio?s finest residential neighborhoods, including the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Botanical Gardens, Flamengo Park, the Municipal Theatre and the National Library. Admire the exclusive beach resorts, Imperial buildings, and colorful gardens as you travel along the famous Copacabana Avenue which flanks Ipanema Beach - the site of the annual Brazilian Mardi Gras. There may be a short wait to board the train to Corcovado Mountain. Also, Corcovado Mountain is frequently enshrouded in clouds which may affect your view of the city. Half Day Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, inclu hotel/ship trsf Order code: NUE-HDCOR Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour, with pickup dropoff at ship or any hotel. Lunch is at own expense. The very name evokes images of sun, fun and the rhythm of the sensuous Samba - few places on earth match the hospitality, natural charm and excitement of Rio. Your tour begins with a drive through the charming residential district of Cosme Velho to the base of the Corcovado Mountain. Here you?ll board a 114 yr. old funicular train that will take you on a scenic 20 minute ride through the Tijuca Forest, the world´s largest urban forest, to the summit. Enjoy spectacular views of Rio as the train climbs Corcovado (?Hunchback?) Mountain, peeking out now and again through the dense vegetation. Arrive at the summit of Corcovado. Take the elevator and escalator to the stop for a birds-eye view of this magnificent city and the bay. Crowning Corcovado at 2,400 feet above sea level, is one of South America?s most famous landmarks, the 125 foot high soapstone statue of "Christ the Redeemer". The Redeemer´s outstreched arms welcome you to a breathtaking 360 degree panorama - unmatched for its spellbinding magic! Descend by train through the forest. On the return trip, you will pass some of Rio?s finest residential neighborhoods, including the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Botanical Gardens, Flamengo Park, the Municipal Theatre and the National Library. Admire the exclusive beach resorts, Imperial buildings, and colorful gardens as you travel along the famous Copacabana Avenue which flanks Ipanema Beach - the site of the annual Brazilian Mardi Gras. There may be a short wait to board the train to Corcovado Mountain. Also, Corcovado Mountain is frequently enshrouded in clouds which may affect your view of the city. Tour concludes at the Hotel or Pier. Airport pickup/dropoff can be arranged at additional cost. Lunch option available at additional cost. Add one extra hour to tour duration for lunch. Imperial Petropolis, inclu hotel trsf (grp SIB tour) Order code: NUE-PESIB Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. If you require pickup/dropoff from the ship or airport, or wish to have a more intimate tour, please refer to the private/semi-private tour below. A leisurely drive through the countryside surrounding Rio will take you high into the Organ Mountains to the city of Petropolis. Now a popular weekend resort area, and once the summer home of Emperor Pedro II (from 1831 until his exile in 1889), Petropolis is a quaint European-like city, with elegant parks and stately homes, cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. At Petropolis you?ll visit the Municipal Cathedral and the Imperial Museum that house the breathtaking crown jewels, handcrafted royal carriages, collection of colonial furnishings, tapestries and porcelain. The city is an engineering marvel with bridges that soar over green valleys and roads that curve up and around mountains with beautiful flatlands below. Imperial Petropolis, including Lunch & hotel/ship trsf Order code: NUE-PETRO Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour, with pickup dropoff at ship or any hotel. Lunch is at own expense. INCLUDES LUNCH, but does not include entrance fees. A leisurely drive through the countryside surrounding Rio will take you high into the Organ Mountains to the city of Petropolis. Now a popular weekend resort area, and once the summer home of Emperor Pedro II (from 1831 until his exile in 1889), Petropolis is a quaint European-like city, with elegant parks and stately homes, cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. At Petropolis you?ll visit the Municipal Cathedral and the Imperial Museum that house the breathtaking crown jewels, handcrafted royal carriages, collection of colonial furnishings, tapestries and porcelain. The city is an engineering marvel with bridges that soar over green valleys and roads that curve up and around mountains with beautiful flatlands below. After Petropolis, you'll travel to a popular Churrascarias - Brazilian steakhouse for a delicious barbecue buffet lunch. Tour concludes at Hotel or Pier. Airport transfer, if required, is extra. Rio Historical Tour, inclu hotel/ship transfer (private) Order code: NUE-RIHIS Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Does not include lunch. Visit Rio?s historical centre founded by the Portuguese in 1565. Sights include The ?Cultural Corridor? includes the Paço Imperial (Residential Palace of Emperor Pedro I), the magnificent Candelária Church, the narrow streets from the old part of the town and the Gloria Baroque Church in octagonal shape - the Royal family?s favorite, the Arcos da Lapa Aqueduct that still serves as a passage to the tramways from the 19th Century, the modern Cathedral built in the 60?s, and the Municipal Theatre. A pedestrian area with charming cafes, bars, restaurants and shops completes the itinerary. Includes pickup/dropoff from either hotel or ship. Airport transfer available at extra cost. Rio By Night, with Dinner and Show & hotel trsf (SIB) Order code: NUE-NISIB Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes dinner and show, with pickup/dropoff at major hotels only. We recommend that guests wear comfortable evening wear. This is a group (SIB) tour, with pickup/dropoff from major hotels only. If you require pickup/dropoff from the ship or airport, please refer to the tour with private transfers below. Enjoy a fabulous meal at one of Rio?s finest Churrascarias - Brazilian steakhouses. A tradition in Brazil, these specialty restaurants offer huge selections of meat prepared on open grills. The restaurant features a mouthwatering variety of sausage, pork, chicken, beef sirloin and tenderloin with fresh tasty salads and side dishes to accompany them. After dinner, sit back and let Brazil?s vibrant and electrifying rhythms inspire you with an exciting folkloric and samba show. If you have never experienced the Carnival in Rio, this show is sure to give you a glimpse of what the excitement is all about. Feel the exuberance and the spirit of Brazilian ?joie de vivre? during the performance. Rio By Night, with Dinner and Show & hotel/ship trsf (private) Order code: NUE-NIGH Approx. 4.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes dinner and show, and private transfer from either hotel or ship. We recommend that guests wear comfortable evening wear. Enjoy a fabulous meal at one of Rio?s finest Churrascarias - Brazilian steakhouses. A tradition in Brazil, these specialty restaurants offer huge selections of meat prepared on open grills. The restaurant features a mouthwatering variety of sausage, pork, chicken, beef sirloin and tenderloin with fresh tasty salads and side dishes to accompany them. After dinner, sit back and let Brazil?s vibrant and electrifying rhythms inspire you with an exciting folkloric and samba show. If you have never experienced the Carnival in Rio, this show is sure to give you a glimpse of what the excitement is all about. Feel the exuberance and the spirit of Brazilian ?joie de vivre? during the performance. Tour concludes at the Hotel or Pier. Transfer between Rio airport and hotel (either direction) (no tour) Order code: NUE-RIXFAH US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a transfer only (unguided). Between the Rio international airport and any hotel in the Copacobana, Leblon or Ipanema areas (either direction). Transfer between Rio airport and ship (either direction) (no tour) Order code: NUE-RIXSAS US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a transfer only (unguided). Between the Rio international airport and ship (either direction). Transfer between Rio hotel and ship (either direction) (no tour) Order code: NUE-RIXSHS US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a transfer only (unguided). Between any hotel in the Copacobana, Leblon or Ipanema areas and the ship (either direction). Mini Tour and Gaucha Party Order code: BLU-MTGAU US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Please email for pricing. The gauchos of South America are world renowned for their prowess on horseback and their skill with animals. Enjoy a day visiting a farm ?estância? to see and experience the extraordinary world of the gaucho. Departure from the harbor, going through the port zone until downtown. The visit of Rio Grande city starts at the group of antique buildings near the Public Market, the Alfândega, the City Museum and goes through the Xavier Ferreira square, bordered by antique and beautiful buildings of many styles, typical from the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th. Visit to the São Pedro Cathedral, interesting sample of the barroco style. Behind the cathedral one can find the Museu de Arte Sacra, occupying the chapel that was once dedicated to São Francisco. Continuing, visit to the Tamandaré Square, one of the biggest squares in the state, with sculptures and the Monument to the hero of the Farroupilha Revolution, Bento Gonçalves. Following to the ?Estância?, your guide will give you an insight into this extraordinary part of the country, its history and culture. You will be greeted with local music and refreshments. After an introduction to the farm and its workings, one of the highlights of your visit is a demonstration of the incredible skills of the gauchos. Watch as they demonstrate their dexterity while performing the Tiro de Laço (lasso both horns at one time), the Paleteada (two horsemen drive the cattle in perfect harmony) and the Chula, a war dance. The gauchos ability and coordination in these and other demonstrations will delight you. Following the demonstration you will retire to the main building where lunch will be served. Enjoy the barbecued beef and lamb raised on the farm, as well as salads, desserts, water, ?caipirinha?, beer (other alcoholic beverages and refrigerants not included ). During lunch you will again be entertained with local music, songs and dances. Return to Rio Grande city and short visit to the Oceanographic Museum. Rio Grande City Tour Order code: BLU-RGCTT US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Please email for pricing. Departure from the harbor and pass through the port zone towards downtown. The visit starts at the group of antique buildings near the Public Market, the Alfândega, the City Museum. We will also go through the Xavier Ferreira square, bordered by antique and beautiful buildings of many styles, typical from the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th. Visit the São Pedro Cathedral, an interesting example of the Baroque style architecture. Behind the cathedral, one can find the Museu de Arte Sacra, occupying the chapel that was once dedicated to São Francisco. Continuing, visit Tamandaré Square, one of the biggest squares in the state, with sculptures and the Monument to the hero of the Farroupilha Revolution, Bento Gonçalves. This will be followed by a visit to the Museu Oceanográfico, which possesses a large collection of ocean fauna, particularly clam. The museum has research laboratories about the ocean life. In the same park is the Museu Antártico, and at a nearby island the Museu Ecológico (Pólvora Island). When returning, visit the Port and enjoy panoramic views of the Molhes da Barra, with its important engineering work from the beginning of the 20th Century, going more than 4,5 kilometers into the Atlantic Ocean. After, return to the Harbor. Historic City Tour of Salvador Order code: BLU-SLHIS Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) We start in the modern suburb of Barra at the mouth of the Bay with its famous lighthouse and make our way slowly by car or coach (depending on the size of the group) to the old historical section of town, the Pelourinho area with the largest and the best preserved complex colonial architecture in the Americas. Stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by. Later, visit the church of S. Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town. This tour shows two distinct aspects of Salvador, the new and the old, concentrating on the early expansion of the city. Panoramic City Tour of Salvador Order code: BLU-SLPAN Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The lower city tour takes us to the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula where the first holiday residences were built. Now, a peaceful family district, life moves at a slower pace than the bustling upper city. Fishermen fish from dugout canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners are at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil. We continue to Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and end at Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local artifacts. Full Day Comprehensive Salvador including Lunch Order code: BLU-SLFDT Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes lunch. This comprehensive full day tour combines the Historical and panoramic tours and includes lunch. We start in the modern suburb of Barra at the mouth of the Bay with its famous lighthouse and make our way slowly by car or coach (depending on the size of the group) to the old historical section of town, the Pelourinho area with the largest and the best preserved complex colonial architecture in the Americas. Stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by. Later, visit the church of S. Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town. The lower city tour takes us to the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula where the first holiday residences were built. Now, a peaceful family district, life moves at a slower pace than the bustling upper city. Fishermen fish from dugout canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners are at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil. We continue to Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and end at Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local artifacts. Salvador Museum Tour Order code: BLU-SLMUS Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes museum entrance fees. This is a tour of the most interesting museums of the city, each concentrating on very different aspects of Bahia History. Entrance fee to museums included. Visit the Costa Pinto Museum and admire its fine colletion of colonial furniture, antique jewelry, closters of gold and silvers amulets given to female slaves. Next visit the Afro Brazilian Museum and its display of the history of Capoeira, and its exhibition on the sacred costumes of the Orixas. Finally, visit the Sacred Art Museum, considered the finest museum of its kind in Brazil, having a vast collection from the 17th to the 18th centuries. FROM SHIP TO SANTIAGO: FULL DAY Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Santiago Tour, inclu Trsf Order code: NUE-FDVTS Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes transfer from Valparaiso (ship or hotel) to Santiago (airport or hotel). Lunch is at own expense. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual flight/ship schedule, it may be necessary to modify this itinerary. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. If you need a transfer FROM SHIP TO SANTIAGO (hotel/airport), plus want a TOUR en route, you have three options: a) the 7 hour "Full Day" b) the 8.5 hour "Comprehensive" or c) the 5.5 hour "Highlights" tour. (If you are open to sharing any of these three tours, be sure to add all of them to your inquiry, to increase your chances of lowering costs). This is the "Full Day" tour, which includes the transfer and an overview of all the major attractions in Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Santiago. It is also suitable for those who are extending their stay in the area and would like a transfer from the ship to their Valparaiso or Vi?a del Mar hotel. (We also offer transfers/tours in the reverse direction; just scroll past the next few tours to see the "FROM SANTIAGO TO SHIP" tours). The tour takes you for a drive through Valparaiso passing the National Congress building and the commercial district, en route to the neighboring city of Vina del Mar where you?ll see the famous Flower Clock. Traveling along the coastal road, you'll pass the Casino built in the 1930?s and through residential neighborhoods with their varied architecture and well groomed parks and gardens. On the way to Santiago, you'll travel through the picturesque wine-producing Casablanca Valley. Santiago is a city of contrasts. With remnants of its Colonial past to the ultra-modern high-rise buildings of its financial center, Chile's capital city always has many exciting areas to explore. While in Santiago, a stop will be made at the Santiago Cathedral. Travel south through the downtown area, passing the Club Hipico, a beautiful horseracing track in the older residential area of the city. You'll proceed alongside the Parque O'Higgins and past the Cousino Palace that was built between 1870 and 1878 for the wealthy Cousino family. From here continue along the famous Alameda, Santiago's colorful main avenue, crossing the Mapocho River and the bohemian Bella Vista district on the way to the San Cristobal Hill. When you reach the summit you will have the finest panoramic views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. Tour the modern residential areas of the city with its daring architecture. Note: For groups of 7 or less, a visit will also be made at the Pre-Columbian Museum. This museum is closed on Mondays. Photos and videos are prohibited at the Pre-Columbian Museum. For groups of 8 and above, the stop at the Pre-Columbian Museum will be replaced with the following: Patio Bellavista (stop for visit), Iglesia San Francisco (exterior photo stop), Cerro Santa Lucia (stop for visit), Palacio de Bellas Artes (stop but entrance, if you decide to enter is not included), Parque Forestal (exterior photo stop), Mercado Central (exterior photo stop). Time permitting, you may also have an opportunity to do some shopping before concluding your tour at your hotel or airport. FROM SHIP TO SANTIAGO: COMPREHENSIVE Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Santiago, inclu WINERY & Trsf Order code: NUE-CPVTA Approx. 8.5-9.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes a WINERY visit and transfer from Valparaiso (ship or hotel) to Santiago (airport or hotel). Lunch is at own expense. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual flight/ship schedule, it may be necessary to modify this itinerary. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This "Comprehensive" tour is identical to the "Full Day" tour, except that this tour INCLUDES A WINERY STOP as well. This tour starts from the ship and ends at your Santiago hotel/airport. It is ideal for those who need a transfer, PLUS want a WINERY visit and a tour of all the major attractions in Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Santiago. It is also suitable for those who are extending their stay in the area and would like a transfer from their Valparaiso or Viña del Mar hotel to Santiago. The tour takes you for a drive through Valparaiso passing the National Congress building and the commercial district, en route to the neighboring city of Vina del Mar where you?ll see the famous ?Flower Clock?. Traveling along the coastal road, you?ll pass the Casino built in the 1930?s and through residential neighborhoods with their varied architecture and well groomed parks and gardens. On the way to Santiago, you?ll travel through the picturesque wine-producing Casablanca Valley where you?ll stop to visit a renowned vineyard and enjoy wine tasting. In Santiago, you will travel to the historical center to see the Presidential Palace "La Moneda" and Constitution Square. You will also see the Ex-National Congress building and the Justice Tribunal buildings en route to the impressive Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Here, we find the Municipal Cathedral, Ex-Governor?s Palace, Main Post Office and National Historic Museum. From here, you?ll travel to one of the world?s largest urban parks: San Cristobal Hill. This lush park encompasses 712 hectares and includes a zoo, cable car system, International gardens and restaurants. From the top you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the city and the surrounding snow-capped Andes mountains. Crowning the hilltop are beautiful tiered gardens and an impressive 14 meter high 36 ton statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception that stands upon an 8.5 meter high pedestal and can be seen from most points of the city. Tour concludes at Santiago Airport or Hotel. FROM SHIP TO SANTIAGO: HIGHLIGHTS of Valparaíso & Vina del Mar, inclu Trsf Order code: NUE-HDVTA Approx. 5.5-6.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes transfer from Valparaíso (ship or hotel) to Santiago hotel/airport. Lunch, if required, is at own expense. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual flight/ship schedule, it may be necessary to modify this itinerary. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This "Highlights" tour is identical to the "Full Day" tour, except that this tour does NOT include a tour of Santiago. This tour starts from the ship and ends at your Santiago hotel/airport. It is ideal for those who need a transfer, PLUS want a brief tour of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar (without a tour of Santiago). It is also suitable for those who are extending their stay in the area and would like a transfer from their Valparaiso or Viña del Mar hotel to Santiago. Discover the exceptional beauty of Valparaiso, a centuries old port city recently declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal (1914), the Port of Valparaiso was the most important in the South Pacific as ships from around the world called here once they crossed Cape Horn or the Strait of Magellan. Explore a labyrinth of streets that stretch over the many tiered hillsides facing the bay and see an antique funicular (wooden cable car elevator) used to transport the resident ?Porteños? up and down. Enjoy the imaginative architecture and bright colors of the centenarian homes built by the first Europeans to settle here. Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean await you at the "21 de Mayo" promenade and panoramic lookout point. Other city highlights include the La Matriz church, ?Plaza Sotomayor? with its impressive Naval Heroes Monument, Ex-Govornor?s Palace and the Justice Tribunal building. Contrasting the aged elegance of Valparaiso is the ?Garden City? of Viña del Mar, Viña is renowned for its beautiful avenues lined with immense old trees, well-kept parks, popular resorts, long sandy beaches and holiday fun. Enroute to Viña, you?ll pass the Plaza Victoria, National Congress Building, and Santa Maria University. Upon arrival you?ll see the Viña "Flower Clock", impressive Presidential Palace, Brunet and Wulff Castles, and the posh Viña del Mar Casino and luxury hotel. From here you?ll travel through the famous wine-producing Casablanca Valley en route to Santiago. Tour concludes at Santiago Airport or Hotel. FROM SANTIAGO TO SHIP: FULL DAY Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar Tour, inclu Trsf Order code: NUE-FDATV Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes transfer from Santiago hotel/airport to Valparaiso (ship or hotel). Lunch is at your own expense. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual flight/ship schedule, it may be necessary to modify this itinerary. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. If you need a transfer FROM SANTIAGO (hotel/airport) TO SHIP, plus want a TOUR en route, you have three options: a) the 7 hour "Full Day" b) the 8.5 hour "Comprehensive" or c) the 5.5 hour "Highlights" tour. (If you are open to sharing any of these three tours, be sure to add all of them to your inquiry, to increase your chances of lowering costs). This is the "Full Day" tour, which includes the transfer and an overview of all the major attractions in Santiago, and Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. It is also suitable for those who are extending their stay in the area and would like a transfer from Santiago to their Valparaiso or Viña del Mar hotel. (We also offer transfers/tours in the reverse direction; just scroll up to see the "FROM SHIP TO SANTIAGO" tours). Your tour begins in Santiago where you will travel to the historical center to see the Presidential Palace "La Moneda" and Constitution Square. You will also see the Ex-National Congress building and the Justice Tribunal buildings en route to the impressive Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Here, we find the Municipal Cathedral, Ex-Governor?s Palace, Main Post Office and National Historic Museum. From here, you?ll travel to one of the world?s largest urban parks: San Cristobal Hill. This lush park encompasses 712 hectares and includes a zoo, cable car system, International gardens and restaurants. From the top you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the city and the surrounding snow-capped Andes mountains. Crowning the hilltop are beautiful tiered gardens and an impressive 14 meter high 36 ton statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception that stands upon an 8.5 meter high pedestal and can be seen from most points of the city. On the way to Valparaiso, you?ll travel through the picturesque wine-producing Casablanca Valley. Discover the exceptional beauty of Valparaiso, a centuries old port city recently declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal (1914), the Port of Valparaiso was the most important in the South Pacific as ships from around the world called here once they crossed Cape Horn or the Strait of Magellan. Contrasting the aged elegance of Valparaiso is the ?Garden City? of Vina del Mar. Vina is renowned for its beautiful avenues lined with immense old trees, well-kept parks, popular resorts, long sandy beaches and holiday fun. In Vina you?ll see the Viña "Flower Clock", impressive Presidential Palace, Brunet and Wulff Castles, and the posh Vina del Mar Casino. Tour concludes at Valparaiso Pier or Valparaiso/Viña del Mar Hotel. FROM SANTIAGO TO SHIP: COMPREHENSIVE Santiago, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, inclu WINERY & Trsf Order code: NUE-CPATV Approx. 8.5-9.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes a WINERY visit and transfer from Santiago hotel to Valparaiso (ship or hotel). Lunch is at your own expense. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual flight/ship schedule, it may be necessary to modify this itinerary. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This "Comprehensive" tour is identical to the "Full Day" tour, except that this tour INCLUDES A WINERY STOP as well. This tour starts from your Santiago hotel/airport and ends at the ship. It is ideal for those who need a transfer, PLUS want a WINERY visit and a tour of all the major attractions in Santiago, and Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. It is also suitable for those who are extending their stay in the area and would like a transfer from Santiago to their Valparaiso or Viña del Mar hotel. Your tour begins in Santiago where you will travel to the historical center to see the Presidential Palace "La Moneda" and Constitution Square. You will also see the Ex-National Congress building and the Justice Tribunal buildings en route to the impressive Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Here, we find the Municipal Cathedral, Ex-Governor?s Palace, Main Post Office and National Historic Museum. From here, you?ll travel to one of the world?s largest urban parks: San Cristobal Hill. This lush park encompasses 712 hectares and includes a zoo, cable car system, International gardens and restaurants. From the top you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the city and the surrounding snow-capped Andes mountains. Crowning the hilltop are beautiful tiered gardens and an impressive 14 meter high 36 ton statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception that stands upon an 8.5 meter high pedestal and can be seen from most points of the city. On the way to Valparaiso, you?ll travel through the picturesque wine-producing Casablanca Valley where you?ll stop to visit a renowned vineyard and enjoy wine tasting. Discover the exceptional beauty of Valparaiso, a centuries old port city recently declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal (1914), the Port of Valparaiso was the most important in the South Pacific as ships from around the world called here once they crossed Cape Horn or the Strait of Magellan. Contrasting the aged elegance of Valparaiso is the ?Garden City? of Viña del Mar. Viña is renowned for its beautiful avenues lined with immense old trees, well-kept parks, popular resorts, long sandy beaches and holiday fun. In Viña you?ll see the Viña "Flower Clock", impressive Presidential Palace, Brunet and Wulff Castles, and the posh Viña del Mar Casino. Tour ends at the ship or at your Valparaiso or Vina del Mar hotel. FROM SANTIAGO TO SHIP: HIGHLIGHTS of Valparaiso and Vina, inclu Trsf Order code: NUE-HDSTV Approx. 5.5-6.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour and includes transfer from Santiago hotel or airport to Valparaiso/Vina del Mar (ship or hotel). Lunch, if desired, is at own expense. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual ship schedule, it may be necessary to modify this itinerary. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This "Highlights" tour is identical to the "Full Day" tour, except that this tour does NOT include a tour of Santiago. This tour starts from your Santiago hotel/airport and ends at the ship. It is ideal for those who need a transfer, PLUS want a brief tour of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar (without a tour of Santiago). It is also suitable for those who are extending their stay in the area and would like a transfer from Santiago to their Valparaiso or Viña del Mar hotel. After pickup from your Santiago hotel or airport, travel through the famous wine-producing Casablanca Valley en route to the ship. Enroute to Viña, you?ll pass the Plaza Victoria, National Congress Building, and Santa Maria University. Upon arrival you?ll see the Viña "Flower Clock", impressive Presidential Palace, Brunet and Wulff Castles, and the posh Viña del Mar Casino and luxury hotel. Viña is renowned for its beautiful avenues lined with immense old trees, well-kept parks, popular resorts, long sandy beaches and holiday fun. Contrasting with the ?Garden City? of Viña del Mar, is the aged elegance of Valparaiso. Discover the exceptional beauty of Valparaiso, a centuries old port city recently declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal (1914), the Port of Valparaiso was the most important in the South Pacific as ships from around the world called here once they crossed Cape Horn or the Strait of Magellan. Explore a labyrinth of streets that stretch over the many tiered hillsides facing the bay and see an antique funicular (wooden cable car elevator) used to transport the resident ?Porteños? up and down. Enjoy the imaginative architecture and bright colors of the centenarian homes built by the first Europeans to settle here. Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean await you at the "21 de Mayo" promenade and panoramic lookout point. Other city highlights include the La Matriz church, ?Plaza Sotomayor? with its impressive Naval Heroes Monument, Ex-Govornor?s Palace and the Justice Tribunal building. Tour ends with dropoff at ship or Valparaiso/Vina del Mar hotel. SANTIAGO HOTEL TO SHIP (or reverse direction): TRANSFER-ONLY Order code: NUE-XSHLVP Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Transfer only; tour not included. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This is a transfer only. Either direction: hotel to ship OR ship to hotel. Please note that very often transfers that INCLUDE tours may actually be LESS expensive than these transfers-only. That is because it is easier to find passengers to share transfers + tours, thereby reducung their costs drastically. If you are open to both transfers-only and transfers + tours, please let us know, so that we can better help you save. FROM AIRPORT to SHIP (or reverse direction): TRANSFER-ONLY Order code: NUE-XAIRVP Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Transfer only; tour not included. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This is a transfer only. Either direction: airport to ship OR ship to airport. Please note that very often transfers that INCLUDE tours may actually be LESS expensive than these transfers-only. That is because it is easier to find passengers to share transfers + tours, thereby reducung their costs drastically. If you are open to both transfers-only and transfers + tours, please let us know, so that we can better help you save. FROM VALPARAISO/VINA HOTEL to SHIP (or reverse direction): TRANSFER-ONLY Order code: NUE-XVHLVP Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Transfer only; tour not included. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This is a transfer only. Either direction: Valparaiso/Vina hotel to ship OR ship to Valparaiso/Vina hotel. FROM AIRPORT to SANTIAGO HOTEL (or reverse direction): TRANSFER-ONLY Order code: NUE-TRATH Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Transfer only; tour not included. Please provide a baggage count as surcharges may apply if an upgrade to a larger vehicle is necessary. This is a transfer only. Either direction: SCL airport to Santiago hotel OR Santiago hotel to SCL airport. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Dinner and Folkloric Show Order code: NUE-NIGHT US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes transfer, dinner and show. This is ideal for those who are extending their stay in Santiago, and who wish to enjoy an evening out with a dinner show. Enjoy a magical evening guaranteed to satisfy your senses and your appetite. Savor a delicious variety of Chilean specialties and an entertaining assortment of folkloric dances and music from the north, central and southern regions of Chile, including the exotic dance and music of Easter Island. Pickup and dropoff at your Santiago hotel. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Half Day Santiago City Tour Order code: NUE-HDSTS Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Does not include lunch. This tour is ideal for those who are extending their stay in Santiago, and who wish to have a city tour of Santiago, with pickup/dropoff at a Santiago hotel. Airport transfer available at extra cost. Discover the fascinating history, culture and architecture of Santiago as you tour Chile?s cosmopolitan capital city. Your tour begins in Santiago where you will travel to the historical center to see the Presidential Palace "La Moneda" and Constitution Square. You will also see the Ex-National Congress building and the Justice Tribunal buildings en route to the impressive Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Here, we find the Municipal Cathedral, Ex-Governor?s Palace, Main Post Office and National Historic Museum. From here, you?ll travel to one of the world?s largest urban parks: San Cristobal Hill. This lush park encompasses 712 hectares and includes a zoo, cable car system, International gardens and restaurants. From the top you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the city and the surrounding snow-capped Andes mountains. Crowning the hilltop are beautiful tiered gardens and an impressive 14 meter high 36 ton statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception that stands upon an 8.5 meter high pedestal and can be seen from most points of the city. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Santiago Shopping, including Los Dominicos craft village Order code: NUE-SSHOP Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch, if required, is at own expense. This tour is ideal for those extending their stay in Santiago, and takes you where shopping is fun, varied and relaxing, visiting typical spots in the exclusive upper east end of the city. Pickup/dropoff is at Santiago hotel. Airport transfer available at extra cost. Your tour begins along Alonso de Cordoba Avenue located in the Vitacura district where you?ll visit a variety of exclusive boutiques that showcase the latest Chilean fashion, art, and home decoration. This avenue is also known for its high-end restaurants and cafes. Later you'll drive towards the Andean foothills to visit the Handicraft village of Los Dominicos. Here you will find an impressive variety of handicrafts including works by various indigenous groups from across the country. The beautiful Colonial-style architecture of the centre and its picturesque Andean backdrop, make this visit one of a kind. You will also have an opportunity to watch the crafts people as they work. Some of the crafts that you will find include pottery, copper, stone, wood, wool and glass products. On weekends you can also see a variety of music and dance exhibitions. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Traditional Artisans at Colchagua Valley Order code: NUE-ARTIS Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. This tour is ideal for shoppers and art lovers who are extending their stay in Santiago. Learn how some of Chile?s most beautiful arts and crafts are made by touring artist studios and workshops in the Colchagua Valley. This tour begins and ends in Santiago. (If you require dropoff/pickup at the ship or airport, just ask us for a quote). Departing from Santiago heading south, your first stop will be at the foothills of the Andes at the village of Doñihue which was once Incan territory and is now famous for its unique hand-woven blankets and clothing. From here, you?ll proceed to Pelequen, a small community that grew around a number of stone quarries. The region is noted for the unique pink volcanic stones of Rigolemu. La Lajuela is next, and here you will see the production of woven hats as they are cut, dried and braided. Finally, you?ll stop for a refreshing drink at the lovely Plaza Santa Cruz and then return to Santiago. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Full Day Excursion to the Andes/Portillo Order code: NUE-ANDES Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is at your own expense. This tour is ideal for those who are extending their stay in Santiago and who wish to visit its environs. Includes pickup and dropoff in Santiago. (In the event that you need pickup/dropoff at airport or Vinadel Mar/Valparaiso, please ask for a quote). Departure from Santiago towards the city of Los Andes. On the way, we will cross the Aconcagua valley, known for being the most productive valley for growing fruits for export. Your excursion to the Portillo Resort takes you high into the Andes mountains. Portillo is located 145 kms (90 miles) north of Santiago, close to the Argentine border. It is nestled within a high Andean valley between the peaks of Mount Ojos de Agua (4.239 mts) and Mount La Parva (4.852 mts). The highest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua (6.957 mts), is also very close by. Here you can stroll through one of Chile?s finest ski resorts and taste the excellent cuisine offered by the hotel restaurant (optional). Enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the emerald colored Inca Lagoon (also seen from the resort restaurant). There will be ample time to go outside and explore the area. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Colonial Hacienda Excursion, inclu BBQ lunch Order code: NUE-SAHAC Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Lunch is included. You will visit a classic Colonial hacienda (estate farm) located a few kilometers south of Santiago. Here, you?ll tour the hacienda, learning about its history, legends and myths, and then enjoy a typical country breakfast and a taste of local fruits grown at the hacienda. Next you?ll visit some copper handicraftsmen at work and later enjoy a delicious typical Chilean food and wine. Pickup/dropoff at Santiago Hotel. Pickup/dropoff at airport, or Valparaiso/Vina del Mar can also be arranged at extra cost. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Santiago City Highlights and Jewish History Order code: NUE-JEWCT Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. Jews have achieved prominent positions in the Chilean government and other areas of influence, and have played a key part in the founding of the country, both before and after its independence in 1813. Approximately 12,500 of Chile's 15,000 Jews today reside in the capital of Santiago. Other smaller communities exist in Viña Del Mar (Valparaiso), Concepcion, Temuco, and Valdivia. Since 1920, Chile has implemented a clear separation between church and state, which has helped the Jews to achieve prominent status in the government and other fields. There are two day schools in the country as well as a clinic and old age home for the community and the University of Chile in Santiago has had a Jewish Studies Department since 1968. Your tour begins traveling to the historical center to see the Presidential Palace "La Moneda" and Constitution Square. You will also see the Ex-National Congress building and the Justice Tribunal buildings en route to the impressive Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Here, we find the Municipal Cathedral, Ex-Governor?s Palace, Main Post Office and National Historic Museum. From here you?ll travel to the upper residential neighborhood of Las Condes and past the biggest Jewish school in the city known as the Haim Weizman-Ort Hebrew Institute that today enrolls 1,700 students. In Las Condes, you will see the Estadio Israelita Club and Synagogue (but entry to the synagogue is not available). Next, you?ll visit the Ten Commandments Monument known by its inscription that claims it was copied from the old Jerusalem Bible. Pickup/dropoff at Santiago hotel. Airport or Vina del Mar/Valparaiso transfer can be arranged at extra cost. Note: As of November 2008, Santiago synagogues are no longer opening their doors to tourists. Synagogue visits are no longer a part of this tour. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Santiago Highlights and Casablanca Valley WINERY Tour Order code: NUE-STWIN Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Lunch is not included. This tour is ideal for those who are extending their stay in Santiago, and who want to visit Santiago's highlights and a winery, with return to Santiago. This tour begins and ends in Santiago hotel. (If you require dropoff at airport or Valparaiso/Vina del Mar instead, this can be arranged at extra cost). Your tour begins in Santiago where you will travel to the historical center to see the Presidential Palace "La Moneda" and Constitution Square. You will also see the Ex-National Congress building and the Justice Tribunal buildings en route to the impressive Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Here, we find the Municipal Cathedral, Ex-Governor?s Palace, Main Post Office and National Historic Museum. From here, you?ll travel to one of the world?s largest urban parks: San Cristobal Hill. This lush park encompasses 712 hectares and includes a zoo, cable car system, International gardens and restaurants. From the top you are rewarded with spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the city and the surrounding snow-capped Andes mountains. Crowning the hilltop are beautiful tiered gardens and an impressive 14 meter high 36 ton statue of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception that stands upon an 8.5 meter high pedestal and can be seen from most points of the city. Next, you'll travel through the picturesque wine-producing Casablanca Valley where you?ll stop to visit a renowned vineyard and enjoy wine tasting. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Colchagua Valley Wine Route and Museum Order code: NUE-COLWI Approx. 7-8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This valley is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and is ideal for those extending their stay in Santiago. The wines coming from this region differ remarkably from those produced in the Aconcagua Valley, north of the capital. You?ll depart from Santiago early in the morning and travel south to the Colchagua Valley. Taste the wines and tour the Casa Silva Vineyard (or similar), one of the oldest and most traditional of the valley, and the Viu Manent Vineyard (or similar), which was founded in 1935 by Don Miguel Viu Garcia and forms part of the important history and tradition of Chilean wines. After the tour you will visit the fascinating Colchagua Museum located in the town of Santa Cruz. Created in 1994, this esteemed private museum is renowned for its impressive collections of pre-Columbian and gold Moche culture artifacts as well as antique vehicles, amber pieces, and historical documents. Pickup/dropoff at Santiago hotel. Airport or Vina del Mar/Valparaiso transfer can be arranged at extra cost. TO/FROM SANTIAGO: Maipo Valley Wine and Village Tour, including Concha y Toro winery Order code: NUE-MAIPO Approx. 6-7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts and those extanding their stay in santiago. Your tour begins with a pick up in the morning and drive to the world renowned Concha y Toro Vineyard, one of the largest and perhaps most important wine exporters of Chile located south of Santiago city in the fertile Maipo Valley. Founded in 1883, the vineyard sits within a beautiful park next to the old family mansion called "La Chascona" that dates back to the 19th Century. Our visit to the vineyard includes a tour of the grounds, facilities, historical museum, centenarian cellars, and of course, wine tasting. The best-known wines produced by Concha y Toro are: Don Melchor, Marques de Casa Concha, and Casillero del Diablo. Next, you will travel through the beautiful Maipo River valley close to the Andes mountains to the town of San Jose de Maipo. San Jose is a country village laid out in the traditional chessboard grid pattern with the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) in the center. Adobe architecture lends the village a Colonial air. After relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the town, the Chilean countryside and the fresh mountain air of the Andes, you?ll return to Santiago. Pickup/dropoff at Santiago hotel. If you require pickup/dropoff at airport or Valparaiso/Viña del Mar, please ask for a quote. TO/ FROM VALPARAISO OR VINA: Half Day Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Renaca Order code: NUE-HDVVR Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour (lunch not included). This tour is ideal for passengers who want a more in-depth and leisurely tour of Valparaíso and Vina del Mar, but who don't need any Santiago-Valparaiso (or vice versa) transfers. Your guide will pick you up at the ship or your Valparaíso/Vina del Mar hotel. As the tour departs, you'll travel to the district of Playa Ancha, site of the Chile Naval Academy. The tour continues by the areas popular and picturesque district and the 19th century Church "La Matriz", Plaza Echaurren and the Governor's Palace en route to the commercial heart of the city to the Plaza Victoria, Valparaiso's Main Square. The tour continues along Manuel Montt Avenue to the Congress Building and along the coast to the seaside resort of Vina del Mar. Once in Vina del Mar, you'll see the "Flower Clock", Wolf Castle, the Presidential Villa and the gardens of the 1930's style Casino. A stop will be made at Oceanic Rock for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Before returning, a stop will be made for relaxing and enjoying a Pisco Sour, a national aperitif drink. Drop off in Valparaiso/Viña del Mar: Tour concludes at Hotel or Pier. TO/FROM VALPARAISO OR VINA: Coastal Resort Towns and Vina del Mar Order code: NUE-FDBEA Approx. 6 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Does not include lunch. This tour is ideal for those who are extending their stay in Valparaiso or Vina del Mar, and who want to explore the scenic areas of Chile's central coastline. This tour starts and ends at Valparaiso or Vina del Mar. (Pickup or dropoff in Santiago is optionally available). Starting from the ship or your Valparaiso/Vina hotel, head towards the famed beach resorts lining the coastline. Each resort has its own distinctive character. Papudo, Maitencillo and Laguna are arguably the most popular and diverse. Zapallar is, possibly, the most traditional, exclusive and manicured. Cachagua is more rural, informal and family orientated. The coast of the Chilean central zone is considered one of the five wonders of the country. With the benign climate of the western Mediterranean and the agricultural relief and beautiful scenery of southern California, this coastline covers some 50 kms between Horcón and Papudo and is so named because of its oxygenated, green water. On this tour, you will visit Maitencillo, Cachagua and Zapallar. Leaving Valparaiso/Viña del Mar, you?ll travel north along the coastal road to the summer beach resort town of Maitencillo. Here you?ll visit a sea-gull reserve, see a wide variety of marine life and enjoy the beach and its colorful handicraft market. Maitencillo is a traditional fisherman village an hour and a half from Valparaiso, is known for its peaceful and laid back style of life. Seven kms further north is Cachagua (which means ?pastureland? in Mapuche), a relatively recent resort built on gentle slopes. At the northern end of the beach is an island, a sanctuary for pelicans, cormorants, sea otters, Humboldt and Magellan penguins that are unique in this part of the Chilean coast. Access to the island is restricted but you can admire it from a panoramic viepoint. The last stop will be Zapallar, one of the first established and most exclusive summer beach resorts in Chile. Zapallar dates from 1893 and retains every bit of its high turn-of-the-century style and Mediterranean elegance. Large but tasteful homes lie hidden among the mature forests and exuberant gardens above the beach, accessed by winding streets and a footpath that leads all the way around the north side of the bay. Golfing Excursion Order code: NUE-SGOLF Approx. 0 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Includes modern and complete golf bag/equipment and transfers to/from golf course. Fancy incorporating a round of golf into your cruise? Let us pick you up from your hotel, airport or cruise ship and take you to one of the many excellent golf courses in Santiago or Valparaiso. If you have a few days to spend in the area, we can even organize a golf tours to a different course every day. Let us know your needs and we'll customize a program just for you. Although we cannot guarantee perfect weather, the chances of rain between the months of October to April are very low, making this excursion one you'll not soon forget. Santiago/Valparaiso CUSTOM Tour/Transfer Order code: NUE-CUSTO Approx. 0 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you do not see a tour/transfer that meets your specific needs, contact us to design a custom itinerary. We have tours for those who are doing extended stays pre or post-cruise in santiago or Vina del Mar. We also have options for those who are doing back-to-back cruises. Some suggestions include:
For those seeking an active vacation:
We can even arrange extended, multi-day tours:
As our tours are private, practically anything is possible! Just let us know what you have in mind. Hotel Packages for Santiago and Vina del Mar/Renaca Order code: NUE-HOTEL US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Please contact us for pricing. Remember to specify dates and number of pax in your party, plus relevant cruise information. In our efforts to serve all the needs of a cruise passenger, we are now offering hotel in Santiago and Vina del Mar/Renaca to complement our tours and shore excursions. Let us take the hassle out of your cruise vacation! Best of Sao Paulo (from Santos) Order code: NUE-FDSAP Approx. 8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a private/semi-private tour. Departing Santos, you will leave the coastal area and follow the Anchieta Highway to São Paulo. The city is located on a plateau, 2,200 feet above sea level and is reached by crossing the Serra do Mar mountain pass. The alpine-like, winding road offers stunning scenery. After reaching the plateau, you will drive through a major industrial area before taking in the city?s highlights. Stop at the Ipiranga Monument on the outskirts of Sao Paulo erected in commemoration of Brazil?s independence. Visit the Pinacoteca - a well-preserved architectural monument from the beginning of the 20th Century where classical marble columns mingle with brick walls. Continue with a sightseeing drive through the downtown area for panoramic views and historic sites including the Municipal Theater, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Patio do Colegio where the Jesuits founded the city in 1554. OPTIONAL: Enjoy an authentic ?churrascaria? - Brazilian barbecue, with an endless selection of barbecued meats, salads, and desserts. Continue with your sightseeing drive through Sao Paulo?s main thoroughfare: Paulista Avenue, located in the enormous Ibirapuera Park. The park features such attractions as the Pioneer?s Monument, the Obelisk and the Legislative Assembly building. From here, begin the return journey to Santos. Tour concludes at the Hotel or Pier. Custom Tour from Santos/Sao Paolo Order code: NUE-CSTSP Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Send us an email to let us know the itinerary you desire. Sao Paulo TRANSFER between airport and hotel Order code: NUE-XARSAO Approx. 1 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) TRANSFER ONLY. No tour. Either direction. Between Sao Paolo airport and Sao Paolo downtown hotel. TRANSFER between Sao Paulo airport/hotel and Santos port Order code: NUE-XSHSAO Approx. 1 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) TRANSFER ONLY. No tour. Either direction. Between Sao Paolo (airport or hotel) and the ship at the Santos port. Beagle Channel Cruise + City Tour Combo Order code: YIS-BEACT Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) In case of inclement weather, the cruise through the channel will be substituted with a land tour. The Beagle Channel boat tour is a group cruise, and the land tour is private/semi-private. This combo tour is not offered by the cruise lines. Our tour combines a Beagle Channel cruise with a 1.5-hour city tour to the base of the Martial Glacier. Departures for the 3-hour cruise are at 9.30am and 3pm daily (except Sundays, which only operates in the afternoon). We may be able to modify departure time for fairly large groups. This tour is ideal for those whose cruise ship's arrival/departure time does not coincide with the Beagle cruise's sail times and the Martial Glacier chairlift's operating hours (10am to 6pm). Cruise the legendary waterways of the Beagle Channel in a classic vessel (max capacity 60pax) which features an enclosed cabin and an outside deck. As you depart Ushuaia Bay, you will cruise along the southernmost city in the world, admiring the truly stunning harbor dotted with islands and islets and set against a spectacular mountain backdrop. You will see Mt Olivia, Estancias Fique and Tunnel, Mt Escapado and the historic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. On your return, cruise past Isla de los Pajaro (Bird Island) and observe multiple species of birds including a large colony of cormorants. Get close to seals and sea lions as you cruise around Isla de los Lobos (Sea Wolves Island). A naturalist will provide intimate narration on the channel's wildlife and Ushuaia's history. Either before or after the cruise, take a 1.5-hour guided city tour that includes a visit to the base of the chairlift. From there you will be able to see the base of the glacier. Bring a windbreaker and dress in multiple layers as the weather is unpredictable at the southern tip of the continent. Beagle Channel Cruise Order code: YIS-BEACR Approx. 3-3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) In case of inclement weather, the cruise through the channel will be substituted with a land tour. The Beagle Channel boat tour is a group cruise. This tour is ideal for those who have limited time in Ushuaia or whose cruise ship's arrival/departure time does not permit a combo tour. Departures for the 3-hour cruise are at 9.30am and 3pm daily (except Sundays, which only operates in the afternoon). It may be possible to modify the departure times for very large groups. Why cruise the Beagle Channel if your cruise ship is going to go through that very same channel? Well, there's a good reason. The cruise ship must stay far from land in order to keep to the deepest part of the channel, so absolutely no shore wildlife is visible. But, the agile channel tour boats can go up amazingly close to the shore, so you get very close to the shore wildlife like sea lions and penguins and sea birds. This is very much a wildlife experience, whereas the cruise ship's journey through the channel is basically just a gorgeous vista of the sea and the faraway shoreline. Cruise the legendary waterways of the Beagle Channel in a classic vessel (max capacity 60pax) which features an enclosed cabin and an outside deck. As you depart Ushuaia Bay, you will cruise along the southernmost city in the world, admiring the truly stunning harbor dotted with islands and islets and set against a spectacular mountain backdrop. You will see Mt Olivia, Estancias Fique and Tunnel, Mt Escapado and the historic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. On your return, cruise past Isla de los Pajaro (Bird Island) and observe multiple species of birds including a large colony of cormorants. Get close to seals and sea lions as you cruise around Isla de los Lobos (Sea Wolves Island). A naturalist will provide intimate narration on the channel's wildlife and Ushuaia's history. Bring a windbreaker and dress in multiple layers as the weather is unpredictable at the southern tip of the continent. Tierra del Fuego National Park Highlights Order code: YIS-TDFUE Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Does not include National Park entrance fee of approx ARS50 pesos, payable on day of tour. This tour gives you the marvelous opportunity to enjoy the pristine beauty of the famed Tierra del Fuego National park, which covers 150,000 acres and extends from the Beagle Channel to Lake Fagnano in the north. Some parts of the forest were damaged by fires long ago and are today almost ghost-like, with stark pale gray trunks standing in contrast against the backdrop of lush green vegetation. You will visit not only Ensenada Bay, but also Roca Lake and Lapataia Bay, and travel all the way to the end of the famed PanAmerican Highway. Depending on your ship's schedule, it may be possible to combine this tour with the "End-Of-The-Earth" train (see the tours below). Tierra del Fuego Natl Park, with Beaver Dams/Lapataia Bay Hike Order code: YIS-LAPAT Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a small group hike and transfer is by van/minibus. Does not include the National Park entrance fee of approx ARS50 pesos, payable on day of tour.. This tour is a PortCompass exclusive and not offered by the cruise lines. This hike gives you a close-up view of the lakes, rivers, flora, peat bogs and beaver dams in the magnificent Tierra del Fuego National Park. Enjoy a 30 minute drive west of Ushuaia and across the Pipo River valley to arrive at Tierra del Fuego National Park. This 150,000-acre park extends from the Beagle Channel in the south along the Chilean border to beyond Lago Fagnano in the north. Start your hike through bent, gnarly lenga forests, marvel at the incredible beaver dams and and surreal beaver-felled forests. Ghost-like, stark pale gray trunks damaged by ancient fires also stand in contrast to the lush green vegetation. Hike all the way to Lapataia Bay where you can scramble along the algae-covered and fossilized shale outcrops along its shores. Photo opportunities abound. You guide will help you look out for flora and fauna and provide detailed notes about the natural assets of the area. Depending on your ship's schedule, it may be possible to combine this tour with the "End-Of-The-Earth" train (see the tours below). Tierra del Fuego Highlights, PLUS End-Of-the-Earth Train Order code: YIS-TDFTRN Approx. 4-5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The train portion of the tour is on a group basis, and the van/bus portion is on a semi-private/privates basis. Rates include the train fare, but does NOT include the National Park entrance fee of approx ARS50 pesos, payable on day of tour. This extended 4-5 hour combo tour combines the National Park Highlights tour, with the famed Tren Fin del Mundo, i.e. the "Train to the End of the Earth". (If you prefer a shorter combo tour, please see the 2.5 hour "Ensenada Bay, PLUS End-Of-the-Earth Train" tour below). Experience a train ride on the famous Tren Fin del Mundo ("Train to the End of the Earth") or a 30-minute ride through Tierra del Fuego National Park. This train is outfitted with furnishings and decor that hearken back to the 19th-century grand age of luxury rail travel. The narrow-gauge, diesel locomotive retraces the route used by the inmates of the island's penal colonies (the last one closed in 1947). On board the simple cars, cross the Pipo River and Canadon del Toro before entering the park. In addition to the train ride, this combo tour also includes a van/bus tour to take in the pristine beauty of the famed Tierra del Fuego National park, allowing you to explore areas not covered by the train ride. The national park which covers 150,000 acres and extends from the Beagle Channel to Lake Fagnano in the north. Some parts of the forest were damaged by fires long ago and are today almost ghost-like, with stark pale gray trunks standing in contrast against the backdrop of lush green vegetation. You will visit not only Ensenada Bay, but also Roca Lake and Lapataia Bay, and travel all the way to the end of the famed Pan American Highway. Beaver Dam/Lapataia Bay Hike, PLUS End-Of-the-Earth Train Order code: YIS-BVTRA Approx. 4-5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The train portion of the tour is on a group basis, and the van/bus portion is on a semi-private/privates basis. Rates include the train fare, but does NOT include the National Park entrance fee of approx ARS50 pesos, payable on day of tour. This extended 4-5 hour combo tour combines the Beaver Dam/Lapataia Bay Hike tour, with the famed Tren Fin del Mundo, i.e. the "Train to the End of the Earth". (If you prefer a shorter combo tour, please see the 2.5 hour "Ensenada Bay, PLUS End-Of-the-Earth Train" tour below). Experience a train ride on the Tren Fin del Mundo for a 30-minute ride through Tierra del Fuego National Park. This train is outfitted with furnishings and decor that hearken back to the 19th-century grand age of luxury rail travel. The narrow-gauge, diesel locomotive retraces the route used by the inmates of the island's penal colonies (the last one closed in 1947). On board the simple cars, cross the Pipo River and Canadon del Toro before entering the park. In addition to the train ride, this combo tour also includes a hike in the 150,000-acre national park, which extends from the Beagle Channel in the south along the Chilean border to beyond Lago Fagnano in the north. Start your hike through bent, gnarly lenga forests, marvel at the incredible beaver dams and and surreal beaver-felled forests. Ghost-like, stark pale gray trunks damaged by ancient fires also stand in contrast to the lush green vegetation. Hike all the way to Lapataia Bay where you can scramble along the algae-covered and fossilized shale outcrops along its shores. Photo opportunities abound. You guide will help you look out for flora and fauna and provide detailed notes about the natural assets of the area. Ensenada Bay, PLUS End-Of-the-Earth Train Order code: YIS-ENTRA Approx. 2.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The train portion of the tour is on a group basis, and the van/bus portion is on a semi-private/privates basis. Rates include the train fare, but does NOT include the National Park entrance fee of approx ARS50 pesos, payable on day of tour. This 2.5 hour hour combo tour combines a 2 hour Ensenada Bay/National Park tour, with the famed Tren Fin del Mundo, i.e. the "Train to the End of the Earth". (If you prefer an extended combo tour, please see the 4-5 hour "End-Of-the-Earth Train" combo tours above). Experience a train ride on the Tren Fin del Mundo for a 30-minute ride through Tierra del Fuego National Park. This train is outfitted with furnishings and decor that hearken back to the 19th-century grand age of luxury rail travel. The narrow-gauge, diesel locomotive retraces the route used by the inmates of the island's penal colonies (the last one closed in 1947). On board the simple cars, cross the Pipo River and Canadon del Toro before entering the park. In addition to the train ride, this combo tour also includes a van/bus tour to take in the pristine beauty of the famed Tierra del Fuego National park, allowing you to explore areas not covered by the train ride. The national park which covers 150,000 acres and extends from the Beagle Channel to Lake Fagnano in the north. Some parts of the forest were damaged by fires long ago and are today almost ghost-like, with stark pale gray trunks standing in contrast against the backdrop of lush green vegetation. You will have the opportunity to stop briefly at the Ensenada Bay scenic point to admire beautiful views of the Beagle Channel and beyond. Horseback Adventure at the End of the World Order code: YIS-HORSE Approx. 2-3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a small group ride, usually not exceeding 10 riders per group. After leaving the pier, take a short drive to a ranch to pick out your horse. Then spend two glorious hours riding alongside the wooded forests of Mount Susana and along the shores of the famed Beagle Channel. Take in the natural beauty of both forest and sea in this memorable ride. Lake Esmeralda Hike Order code: YIS-ESMER Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) The transfer is by van/minibus and includes refreshments. This tour is a PortCompass exclusive and not offered by the cruise lines. Starting from Ushuaia, travel in a minibus along the scenic PanAmerican Highway. After 20 minutes of breathtaking mountain landscapes, you will arrive at Altos del Valle, a cross country skiing mecca in the summer where you will interact with Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, stars of dogsledding races. Start your hike by walking along a colorful peatbog field. The trails eventually become wooded, where you will observe woodpeckers, caracaras, yellow finches, native parakeets and admire the native beech trees. After 2 hours, reach the Esmeralda Lagoon located at the base of a large glaciar. Enjoy a hot drink while you soak in this amazing scenery. After numerous photo opportunities, you will begin the equally exhilarating hike back. Ushuaia Custom Tour Order code: YIS-CUSTO Approx. 5-10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) As the itinerary depends on your interests, does not include lunch or entrance/activity fees. A custom tour is ideal for those who want a tour they can customize completely while at port or who are overnighting in Ushuaia. Pickup and dropoff is at your ship or hotel. Let us know your needs and we will quote accordingly. Here are some possibilities: Estancia Remolino 8hrs
You can also choose to hire a car/van and guide and design your own itinerary. Here is a suggested itinerary for a 10 hour tour. Other variations/durations are, of course, possible: -- Drive along Route 3 - side road along Larsoparsahk River - behind river, Cornu Mount - Andes Fueguinos - Harberton Ranch tour - Main House - Hill with views - Yamana huts - park and cemetery - shearing shed.
Beagle Channel Catamaran and Penguin Cruise (Private Charter only) Order code: NUE-HAMME Approx. 4-5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is available only for large group CHARTERS only. Please email us for pricing and specify the number of pax in your group. Board our modern catamaran and head east, sailing through the Beagle Channel towards the ?Bird? and ?Sea Lion? Islands, so named because of the wildlife they host. Watch out for the sighting of the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. Sailing on, you will pass the Chilean Military Township of Puerto Williams. Upon reaching Hammer Island, you will encounter the thriving penguin colony that frequents this area from October through March every year. Magellan penguins are a delight to watch from the comfort of your boat as they waddle around looking like over- dressed dinner guests. Your experienced naturalist guide will narrate throughout. You will have plenty of time to observe these adorable creatures before sailing back to Ushuaia. On our way back, you will pass Remolino Ranch, where the cruise and freighter ship ?Monte Sarmiento? has laid since the beginning of the last century. Disembark the catamaran after a lovely day soaking in the scenic wonders of Ushuaia from the Beagle Channel. |
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