18-night South America Cruise

The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.

Surrounded by steep hills and tropical rain forest, the chamring town of Golfito has a sheltered position on the Golfo Dulce on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. From here you can explore the Corcovado National Park, the black sand beach at Zancudo, and other Costa Rican wonders. The town was founded in the 1930's as a banana port.

For the lover of the outdoors, Puerto Lopez is heavenly. It is the closest village to Machalilla National Park and also is a prime area from which to embark on boat rides to go whale-watching. Walk along dramatic sea cliffs at Sendero el Rocio, or go horse-back riding in the mist-enshrouded forests at San Sebastian, visit archaeological sites like the one at Agua Blanca, relax in the therapeutic hot spring there, or explore the secret coves and swimming areas along Los Frailes.
 

Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.

This seaside oasis among golden sand dunes is Chile's northernmost gateway; it is also a rapidly developing resort. Located just 30 miles from the border of Peru and linked to Bolivia by land and air, Arica enjoys an interesting cultural exchange. The city lies at the foot of the Morro headland, with the Andes as a distant backdrop. A mild climate, with year-round temperatures of 70-75 degrees, gardens and parks brimming with luxuriant flora have earned Arica the name "City of Eternal Spring." Arica's most prominent site is the Morro, rising steeply above the city. It was the scene of a great victory by Chile over Peru in the War of the Pacific on June 7, 1880. At the foot of the Morro is the Plaza Colon with the cathedral of San Marcos, built in iron by Gustave Eiffel. He also designed the nearby Customs House.

Being the major attraction of the second region Antafogasta is a city with much tradition. This area/region is also blessed with the clearest skies in the world, with no more then 20 cloudy days in a year, and therefore home to many observatories with some of the world's largest telescopes. Of the places interesting to see, the Barrio Historico stands out. There you can visit the Muelle Salitrero, a national monument built in 1872 by the Melbourne Clarc Co.. This pier was where they loaded the saltpeter for shipping to other parts of the world. It also served during the Pacific War as a place to embark and disembark Chilean soldiers. Another place that should be visited by visitors is the Centro Urbano (downtown center), with the Plaza Colon surrounded by big old trees. There is also the Torre del Reloj (clock tower), which is a small replica of Big Ben in London and also a national monument. Alongside this is the Quiosco de la Oquesta, where different choirs traditionally meet to play for the public. In the Plaza Colon there is also a gothic styled Cathedral with many stained glass windows. Along one side of the church is the Teatro Municipal (Municipal theater), recently constructed and that intends to become a stop for well known artists. Another interesting building of Antofagasta is the Ruina de Huanchaca, a silver foundry, constructed in 1873. As far as natural attractions are concerned, be sure to pay a visit to the coast to admire the fascinating rock formations there.

The island can be reached by boat from Caleta on the mainland. However, passengers are not allowed to exit the boat and go ashore. The island is home to a colony of Humboldt Penguins, which use the is and as a breeding ground.  Other mammals include the Culpeo Fox, Chilla Fox and European Hare. The shoreline area is home to marine mammals, as are the Marine Otter and the South American Sea Lion.

Coquimbo is near the northern port city of La Serena and one of Chile’s regional capitals. It lies between the Atacama Desert and the central valley, rich in agriculture and is an important distribution center for fruit from the Elqui Valley. Some of the elaborate woodwork handcrafted on the buildings here by early British and American settlers still remains and these wooden buildings are among Chile’s most interesting historical structures. From here you can visit the resort town of La Serena (cathedral and churches), the mountain-topTololo Observatory and the Elqui Valley.

Santiago, with over four million people, is the fifth-largest city in South America. Standing in a wide plain 1,800 feet above sea level, Santiago boasts a beautiful setting. Snow-capped peaks of the Andes chain provide a dramatic backdrop. Tastefully laid-out public gardens contribute to the beauty of the city. However, Santiago also suffers from horrendous traffic and a high percentage of pollution. The heart of Santiago is the Plaza de Armas, flanked by the cathedral, the archbishop’s palace, the National History Museum and fine arcaded buildings lined with shops. The two-mile-long Avenida O’Higgins is the major thoroughfare, commonly known as the Alameda. There is a splendid view over the city from San Cristobal Hill, crowned by the statue of the Virgin Mary.