South America Sailing: Setting a New Course for Adventure

August 18, 2015 G Adventures

The G Expedition has been to the top of the world (the Arctic) and to the bottom (Antarctica), but a new small-ship adventure is on the horizon. The Expedition is setting its course for South America. Early next year, the Expedition and its 134 passengers will travel the entire South American Pacific coast for a 38-day adventure of a lifetime.

The ship will make its way up the coast of South America after spending the season in Antarctica.

The tour will take travellers from Argentina’s port city of Ushuaia, at the tip of South America, up through the Panama Canal, all the way to Cartagena, Colombia. Along the way, the Expedition will visit six different countries: Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Panama. “This is going to be our biggest Marine adventure ever,” says Rich Heller, Marine Product Manager.

The diversity of each of the six countries along the Expedition’s route and all the included excursions makes this voyage truly unique. On this land-and-sea adventure, travellers will experience the stunning South American coastline and see the continent’s most important landmarks. Here are some of Heller’s highlights.

The Sublime Beauty of Chile’s Fjords

The small-ship Expedition is the perfect size to get travellers up close and personal with Chile’s snow-capped fjords and sapphire-blue glaciers. “The sublime beauty of Chile’s landscape is mesmerizing. Each vista from the deck of the Expedition appears more spectacular than the last, especially around the Torres del Paine National Park,” says Heller.

The southern coast of Chile offers unforgettable views. Photo courtesy Julie L.

The southern coast of Chile offers unforgettable views. Photo courtesy Julie L.

Marvelous Machu Picchu

From Chile, the Expedition will make its way to Peru. Here, travellers will head inland and up to Machu Picchu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) for a few nights off the ship. At 2,430 m above sea level, travellers will lay their eyes on the ancient ruins of the Inca Empire.

“Visiting Peru also provides the opportunity for travellers to give back through the Planeterra Foundation. Travellers will visit the Peru Women’s Weaving Co-op and dig in at the Sacred Valley Community Restaurant,” says Heller.

Machu Picchu leaves an indelible mark on everyone who visits.

Machu Picchu leaves an indelible mark on everyone who visits.

Crossing the Canal

Back on the water, the Expedition will pass through the Panama Canal. This is a trip through living history. “It’s hard to fathom that an architectural feat of this scale was completed more than 100 years ago, and hard to fathom how much earth was moved in its construction. It’s a truly mesmerizing man-made structure,” says Heller.

Passing through the Panama Canal is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Photo courtesy Jose J.

Passing through the Panama Canal is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Photo courtesy Jose J.

The Sands of San Blas

Passing through Panama, travellers will get to relax in the sun on the white-sand beaches and swim in crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean on the Pearl and San Blas islands. “Enjoy a drink, watch the surf crash in, and reflect upon your epic journey. It’s a tropical paradise and a great snorkel destination,” says Heller.

Wade in the warm waters of the San Blas Islands. Photo courtesy Alexander S.

Wade in the warm waters of the San Blas Islands. Photo courtesy Alexander S.

This is only a snapshot of what travellers can expect to encounter on this South American adventure. You can view the entire itinerary for our new South America Cruise – Ushuaia to Cartagena here. Space is still available for the inaugural 38-day South American tour.

Getting There

Can’t be at sea for all 38-days? The Expedition also sails select portions of South America, including South America Cruise – Ushuaia to Guayaquil (28-days), South America Cruise – Santiago to Cartagena (25-days), South America Cruise – Santiago to Guayaquil (15-days), and South America Cruise – Guayaquil to Cartagena (12-days). Find the tour that’s perfect for you. Anchors aweigh!

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