South America's Ancient Civilizations, Easter Island & Fjords of Chile

In October 2009, we invite you to participate on a grand, once-in-a-lifetime voyage from the Panama Canal to Patagonia, the southern tip of South America, that also includes fabled Easter Island. Note that this unprecedented 40-day journey is also available in one of two shorter segments.

Aboard the 100-guest Clelia II, a ship that is uniquely fit for long voyages, given its spacious all-suite accommodations and attractive facilities, we will transit the historic Panama Canal and then sail along the coasts of Ecuador and Peru. Here we will explore colonial cities, including Quito, renowned for its architecture and its impressive setting in the Andes, as well as the cities and monuments of civilizations that flourished in this part of the continent before the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century.

Our last visit in Peru is at the mysterious Nazca Lines. From here, Clelia II will cross the blue Pacific to Easter Island, staying in port for four days, giving us ample opportunity to leisurely and comprehensively explore this fabled isle and its renowned monumental sculptures. Who were the people who created the sculptures and how and from where did they arrive at the island? Did they sail from the coast of Peru or from the west? These are some of the questions our expert study leaders will probe.

From Easter Island, Clelia II will then set sail for the seldom-visited Juan Fernández Archipelago and continue to the Patagonian coast of Chile. From Puerto Montt to Ushuaia, the ship will navigate one of the most spectacular seaways in the world. Here, the coast is dominated by the breathtaking, ice-capped Andes Mountains, which drop straight to the sea. Lining the coast is a maze of islands creating an “inside passage” of fjords and twisting scenic channels stretching for over a thousand miles.

Considering the incredible variety of sights, experiences, and study themes offered by our itinerary, South America’s Ancient Civilizations, Easter Island, and the Fjords of Chile promises to deliver an unforgettable travel adventure, whether you participate in the entire voyage or one of the two segments.

This voyage is composed of two segments, so if you can't join us for the full voyage, consider joining us for one of the halves. See the itinerary and Dates & Rates page for more details. Or download the brochure at the link at the bottom of the page.