Swan Hellenic Announces Extraordinary Chile to Peru Cultural Expedition Cruise with NASA and SETI Experts

Swan Hellenic has unveiled full details of its nine night Chile to Peru cultural expedition cruise, departing Valparaíso for Callao on March 30, 2026, aboard the luxury boutique expedition ship SH Vega, a journey that promises to be truly unforgettable.

Adding a remarkable dimension to this voyage, two leading scientists from the SETI Institute, astronomer Dr. James De Buizer and planetary scientist Dr. Thomas Esposito will accompany guests throughout the cruise. Dr. De Buizer, a former aeronaut and the last Assistant Director of NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), and Dr. Esposito, who leads NASA-funded programs in collaboration with the Unistellar Network, will share their expertise through lectures, guided stargazing, and personal interactions, bringing the cosmos to life like never before.  Jim is currently a Research Scientist at the Carl Sagan Center for Research at the SETI Institute.

The expedition itinerary spans some of South

America’s most spectacular landscapes:

• Limarí Valley, home to ancient rock carvings.

• Antofagasta’s salt flats and turquoise lagoons.

• Arica, with its Eiffel-designed cathedral, ancient Chinchorro mummies, and the world’s tallest sand dunes.

• The volcanic-white streets of Arequipa, the 16th-century Santa Catalina convent, and nearby Inca ceremonial sites.

• Peru’s Ballestas Islands, a wildlife haven hosting sea lions, penguins, fur seals, and 1,500 species of marine birds.

Adventurous excursions include a flight over the Nazca Lines and a two-day Atacama Desert tour featuring pre-Inca fortresses, indigenous Pachamama rituals, and unforgettable stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth.

Onboard, guests can attend five expert-led lectures:

• Dr. Esposito: Planet Family Portraits: Photographing Young Solar Systems, Cosmic Cataclysms: Things That Go BOOM! in the Night, and Planetary Defence to Planet Discovery: Citizen Astronomy in Action.

• Dr. De Buizer: Is Anybody Out There? The History of the Search for Civilized Life in the Universe and Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe from Chile, highlighting why Chile is home to over half the world’s astronomical telescopes.

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Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said:

"This voyage is a jewel in the crown of our 2026 South America season. Guests will explore some of the most captivating and breathtaking places on Earth, guided by world-class scientists and expert local guides. With Dr. De Buizer onboard, stargazing reaches an entirely new level, making this an extraordinary cultural expedition."

This is a journey that blends history, culture, wildlife, and the stars, offering guests an unparalleled expedition experience. Full details and a downloadable brochure are available on the dedicated page of the Swan Hellenic Website.