Our excursion departs from Santiago Airport or hotel and heads via the Panamerican Highway to the country town of Nogales and then towards the coast of this region allowing us to get to know a chain of beaches and the beautiful seaside resorts of Maitencillo, Cachagua and Zapallar.

Our first stop is the small resort town of Maitencillo, with its special feel combining beautiful nooks festooned with native garden plants together with the marine landscape. Zapallar, our next stop, is an exclusive seaside resort with a small bay considered to be one of the most beautiful on the northern coast. We stop at the Zapallar viewpoint and walk along its famous “Senderos de Piedra” or Stone Pathways. After this walk we have time to enjoy a short coffee break by the bay. We then head on to Cachagua, a small village characterized by its houses hidden among the vegetation. We will stop at the Cachagua viewpoint from where several bird species can be seen, including Humboldt Penguins.

During the afternoon and to conclude our excursion, we head up into the foothills of the coastal range to discover the characteristic flora and fauna of this currently endangered Mediterranean bush ecosystem. On our way we stop at the old traditional village of La Canela, where we will there is a very distinct country atmosphere with its farming traditions and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean from the hilltops. We finish at the cruise passenger terminal in Valparaíso in time for boarding in the afternoon.