Ancient Kingdoms and Natural Treasures: Chile to Panama

The World Heritage-listed city of Valparaíso welcomes travellers with its long and colourful history. This vibrant city is rich in music, street art and exquisite Victorian architecture.

Be warmly greeted by your crew as you arrive at your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Enjoy a glass of Champagne, meet your butler and get familiar with your spacious suite, admiring the city from your private verandah.

Be sure to check your daily program for scheduled Zodiac excursions, kayaking and hikes each offering a unique way to explore the wonders around you.

Please book your flight to arrive into Santiago prior to 12:00 PM.

Start your day with a steaming barista-made coffee or tea delivered to your suite by your butler. As Scenic Eclipse II sails toward the Pingüino de Humboldt National Reserve, be sure to attend the Discovery Team's Zodiac briefing.

Covering 859.3 hectares (1,890 acres), this reserve is a stunning natural heritage site, boasting a rich and diverse ecosystem with unique features. It is home to an impressive variety of bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts might have the chance to spot remarkable creatures like the Humboldt Penguin and the Common Bottlenose Dolphin in their natural environment.

Scenic Discovery: Explore this exceptional reserve today through the exciting activities organised by the Discovery Team. In the previous evening’s recap, the Discovery Leader will go over the planned activities. 

The port city of Paracas is blessed with magnificent natural beauty and rich historical importance, offerings inviting beaches, ideal weather and pleasant scenery — a combination that draws visitors throughout the year. The shores of the Paracas Peninsula and waters of the bay teem with wildlife and have been declared a national reserve. Condors frequently can be seen gliding on the sea winds or perched on the cliffs; pink flamingos often rest here on their migratory flights. The complex interaction between wind and ocean, sun and land has transformed this region into a kind of lunarscape under an equatorial sun. Another reason for travellers to come to this area is its proximity to the famous and mysterious Nazca Lines. Visible from the air, these strange markings stretch for miles on a large barren plain and have bewildered archaeologists, historians and mathematicians since their discovery over a century ago. The earliest Andean people found shelter here. The Paracas culture was known for fine weavings in geometrical designs and vibrant colours, which have been preserved for thousands of years by the dry climate. Some of the finest examples are in museums in Lima. The town of Ica is Peru’s finest wine centre, as well as home to the fiery brandy-derived beverage known as Pisco. The surrounding area features oases with springs considered to have medicinal cures. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Port of Paracas, about a 45-minute drive from Ica. There are no passenger facilities at the pier. Shopping Shopping opportunities are limited; some souvenirs can be found at the museum in Ica. A bottle of Peruvian Pisco (grape brandy) makes a nice memento. The local currency is the nuevo sol. Cuisine Seafood is highly recommended, however, we recommend you dine only in the hotel restaurants in Peru’s southern region. Be sure to sample the national drink pisco sour and the area’s excellent wines. Always drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. Other Sites The Bay of Paracas is sheltered by the Paracas peninsula, noted as one of the best marine reserves in the world. This is also a popular resort area thanks to its beautiful bay, beaches and dependable warm weather. Facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, miniature golf and a good restaurant. For those who are looking for a little adventure dune buggies are available. Local boat trips can be booked to the Ballestas Islands but be aware that commentary is given in Spanish. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing are limited in this port as cars have to come from Lima. Please submit your request to the Tour Office early in the cruise.

Paracas is a town on Peru’s west coast. It’s known for its idyllic beaches, rich heritage, and an abundance of wildlife, so much so that Paracas Peninsula has been declared a national reserve spanning desert, ocean, and islands. This town is a launch point for the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, pelicans and Humboldt penguins.

Salaverry is a cultural treasure of Peru, home to the ancient wonders of the Chimú and Mochica civilisations. Step back in time at Chan Chan, the largest adobe citadel in pre-Columbian America and a World Heritage-listed Site.

The impressive Moche pyramids are adorned with vibrant mythological frescoes that bring the ancient history to life. An unforgettable journey into Peru’s rich cultural heritage awaits.

The dynamic coastal city of Manta greets you with its iconic tuna statue, a nod to its status as the tuna capital of the world and one of Ecuador’s most important fishing hubs. Ju Manta has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times, once home to the indigenous Manteño civilization, known for their advanced seafaring skills.

Just a short stroll from the port, the lively town centre buzzes with energy, where you can explore vibrant markets brimming with Panama hats—traditionally handwoven in Ecuador—along with exquisite silver jewellery and stylish apparel.

Utría National Natural Park, nestled along Colombia's Pacific coast, is a true hidden gem. This lush, mountainous rainforest, one of the wettest places on Earth, boasts an incredible four distinct ecosystems. Dominated by dense rainforest, the park also features expansive mangroves lining its coastline. It teems with biodiversity, sheltering a vast array of flora and fauna, including more than 500 bird species.

Scenic Discovery:
Explore Utria National Park today through the exciting activities organised by the Discovery Team. In the evening recap, the Discovery Leader will go over the planned activities.

Visiting Colombia. Enjoy curated shore excursions, cultural discoveries, and world-class luxury amenities onboard.

Uncover World Heritage-listed Darién National Park, one of the most important heritage sites in central America. A natural bridge spanning the two Americas, it houses a myriad of habitats, ranging from rocky coastlines to sandy beaches and mangroves. A plethora of wildlife awaits as even endangered species of Night Monkey, Spotted Paca and Guatemalan Black Howler call these tropical forests home. Darien National Park remains one of the few examples of protected areas co-inhabited by humans in the world.

Scenic Discovery:
Explore Darien National Park today through the exciting activities organized by the Discovery Team. In the evening recap, the Discovery Leader will go over the planned activities.

Visiting Panama. Enjoy curated shore excursions, cultural discoveries, and world-class luxury amenities onboard.

Your unforgettable journey concludes in Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama. This cosmopolitan metropolis is a captivating blend of old and new, where gleaming skyscrapers stand alongside 17th-century churches and beautifully preserved colonial buildings in the historic Casco Viejo district, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Savour one last indulgent breakfast on board your 6-star Discovery Yacht, reflecting on the extraordinary landscapes, cultural treasures, and unforgettable moments of your voyage. As you bid farewell to the crew and the new friends you’ve made along the way, carry with you the memories of this remarkable adventure.

Please book your flight to depart out of Panama City after 12:00 PM.

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

Helicopter not operational in Panama and Colombia. Submersible not operational in Colombia.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.