WildWings’ 20-day expedition cruise follows the path of the Humboldt Current along the coastline of Peru and the Chilean fjords to Cape Horn, offering opportunities to view and photograph up to 50 species of seabird and 20 species of cetacean, as well as many endemic land birds and some unexplained ancient creations.
The Humboldt Current Large Marine system extends along the west coast of South America from Northern Peru to the southern tip of Chile. Named after Baron Humboldt, the German naturalist and explorer, it is one of the major upwelling systems of the world, supporting an abundant marine life.
WildWings is offering two 20-day voyages – in November 2006 and November 2007 - to this region, following in the footsteps of many famous explorers and naturalists. Boarding at Callao, the port city of Lima, the WildWings cruise sails past the desert coastline of Peru, with the spectacular Andes as a backdrop, continuing south to the contrasting Chilean Fjords, flanked by glaciers and snow-capped mountains, and then on to the desolation of Cape Horn, where three oceans meet. The expedition offers outstanding opportunities for both wildlife and landscape photography.
The Peruvian desert through to the Chilean Fjords presents an ever-changing scenic journey. The inexplicable Nazca Lines, mysterious geoglyphs that have been preserved by their unique environment, is a desert artwork of animal and bird drawings that can only truly be viewed from the air (a short light aircraft flight over the desert is included in the trip). The Isla Ballestras (Ballestras Islands) are spectacular islands eroded into caves and arches that provide shelter for up to 30 species of seabird including the Humboldt penguin, Peruvian booby, Guanay cormorant and Inca Tern, as well as a large South American sea lion colony.
From wildlife watching along the Humboldt Current – including a large number of seabirds, whales and dolphins - there is a visit to Valpariso, a charming city with a rich architecture from the German colonization and rooftop views of the city from the funicular railway.
A day trip to the national park in Puerto Montt, Chile is followed by a cruise along the Chilean fjords and an opportunity to see Magellanic Penguins, orca and Chilean dolphins. Puerto Eden, a small community only accessible by sea, is home to Kaweskar Indians, once a nomadic tribe of hunters and gatherers. And, on reaching the majestic mountain ranges and lakes of Torres Del Paine National Park, there is the opportunity to see condors, Chilean flamingo, rheas and guanacos, the wild ancestor of the llama.
If winds and seas cooperate, the trip will finish with a mariner’s highlight – a landing on Cape Horn. Sailing towards the Beagle Channel and our final port of call, Ushuaia in Argentina, there will be the opportunity to see the last new seabirds – grey-headed albatross, common diving-petrel and prions.
The vessel for the voyage is Polar Star, a former icebreaker converted for expedition cruising. All cabins are outside, most with windows rather than portholes, and private facilities. Under Norwegian management, Polar Star carries 100 passengers and has a fleet of Zodiacs for shore excursions and cruises.
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