Discover what’s available beyond the arrival docks: Arrival docks and cruises in Chile

To sail on a Cruise ship in Chile is way more than floating on the Pacific Ocean, it’s more like penetrating the horizon and discovering little known destinations. The coasts and above all the Ports in Chile are exceptional places that offer extraordinary enchantment, traditions and sailor stories that you’ll never forget.

The numerous maritime expeditions offered by the cruise lines match the demand made by tourists who desire to sail on the open ocean currents and discover port cities and the hidden corners of the world.

From the north to south, passing through the central region and going on to reach the southernmost point of the south, one can find interesting stops known only to a few curious travelers  who have been lucky enough to discover them.

The fortunate adventurers who sail off into the sea on the beautiful cruises benefit from what the port cities have to offer including delicious cuisine, sophisticated wines and numerous natural and cultural examples of  patrimony.

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In addition to the beautiful landscapes and diverse natural beauty, one must recognize the personalized attention and the excellent quality offered at the 16 Chilean ports.  We can assure you that Chile is among the Must See destinations for docking on international cruises.

Chile, went a step further to show its potential as a maritime tourism site when in 2019, Chile participated in the largest worldwide cruise industry show, the Seatrade Cruise Global in the United States. Here Chile demonstrated its enormous potential and the positive evolution it has had during the last few years.

It’s no surprise that between 2017 and 2018, 227 Luxury Cruise ships and more than 250.000 passengers have enjoyed both their time at sea as well as the ports they have discovered on the beautiful Chilean coasts.

NUMEROUS ATTRACTIONS

Thanks to its endless coastline, Chile is known for being a country with a profound maritime legacy and is recognized for its excellent ports, sea and coast. But moreover, each region has numerous attractions and each Chilean Port invites you to discover its riches hidden between the Pacific and the Andes.

Those passengers who dock at the different ports on the routes of the cruise ships to Chile will be entertained by the Carnaval in Arica, the beautiful beaches of  Iquique, visit the Cruz del Milenio in Coquimbo, walk up the hills of Valparaíso, discover the historic tours available in Concepción, be enchanted with the beauty of Puerto Varas or amazed by the fiords and glaciers in the Chilean Antarctic.

Each of the 16 Chilean ports has its special flavor and each city that surrounds them has attractions worthy of discovery, whether that is for dining, wines, landscapes, traditions or for its adventures. The Cruise ships that dock in Chile make remarkable opportunities available for their passengers so they never forget their experience.

The following five ports are among the Must-See in Chile.  Once you see these, you’ll hardly be able to resist seeing the rest:

1.-PORT ARICA

Among the numerous attractions in the city of Arica and its surrounding areas, available for those who dock here, we must underscore the beauty of its beaches and a trail that ascends to the Morro de Arica.   Once at the top, the ocean views are memorable and you can also visit the city’s  Museo Histórico y de Armas .

For those who enjoy religious sites, San Marco Cathedral may be just the place to visit.  It was designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel in 1876 and is constructed of wood and metal.

You can also discover the Chinchorro Culture and their mummies recognized as the oldest in the world. The Anzota Caves, home to the Chinchorro culture are always also open to visitors. If time permits, you could go to the east of the city to enjoy Sajama National Park and see the sublime Chungará Lake.

The best time to disembark in the Port of Arica is in summer when passengers from cruise ships can marvel at the colors, music, dances, and diversion of the Carnaval Con la Fuerza del Sol; one of the biggest carnivals in South America.  It is truly a memorable event.

2.-PORT IQUIQUE

This port offers history, archaeology and mystery. In addition to its white sand beaches, it also has beautiful architecture, a multitude of artisans with a wide range of products, a casino and a lovely boardwalk.

This large coastal desert fishing town, is a vibrant city that has nature, culture and historic patrimony. Take time to see the Regional Museum of Iquique, the luxurious Municipal Theater, the historic Corbeta Esmeralda Museum or an excursion to the Humberstone Nitrate Office that was declared Patrimony of  Humanity by UNESCO.

If you like mystery and you have the time, you should stop by the Geoglifos de Pintados, geoglyphs situated in the Reserva Nacional Pampa del Tamarugal, 95 kms. from Iquique.  Here you will find one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic art of the IX Century.

3.-PORT VALPARAÍSO

It’s name means the Jewel of the Pacific, and it truly is. The first impression one gets from the Cruise ship is that of a multi-colored painting framed by the Bay. This Chilean Port, the country’s main port, greets its visitors with exquisite dinning and spectacular views.

In addition to the bohemia, art and poetry that flood the streets of the city, it’s also easy to go from here to other destinations like Viña del Mar, Isla Negra and even to Chile’s capital: Santiago.

4.-PORT TALCAHUANO

Talcahuano is Chile’s first military, industrial and fishing port and is incredibly surprising. It is a place of multiple natural and cultural attractions, as well as great dinning that can be found in some of the most attractive and picturesque fish markets in the country.  If you like seafood, you’ll love Talcahuano.

Concepción, its neighboring city, offers magnificent historic tours of the city, train rides to the touristic Corto Laja, as well as an expedition to to the coal mine in the Chiflón del Diablo.

5.-PUNTA ARENAS

The Strait of Magellan and Punta Arenas are the entrance to the Chilean Antartic. Its pristine landscapes offer a wide range of activities related to the great outdoors, adventure and with plenty of opportunities for passengers to do during the day in Muelle Prat, or at the dock is the stop is quick, or fully explore the Beagle canal if you’re stay allows a city tour.

Among several options, passengers can explore the city of Punta Arenas, venture to the End of the World, experience nature, live and enjoy wildlife such as penguins, sea birds and sea lions. sublime and magical rainbows.

In this area of Chilean Patagonia, the most amazing things can happen, such as seeing magnificent and magical sunsets.