One of Chile Dream Tour’s most popular tours!  After your pick up from the cruise terminal in Valparaiso, we travel up the Pacific coastline to the town of Cachagua.

We will be a stone’s throw from Cachagua Island, known by locals as “Penguin Island” where on most days we will be able to catch glimpses of penguins by the naked eye or using binoculars.

Cachagua Island was declared a Nature Sanctuary in 1979. It’s a perfect spot for landscape and nature gazing!  It is an island of 4.5 hectares 100 meters from the coast.  It is one of the five most important nesting sites of the Humboldt penguin in Chile. The island also has an important diversity of bird species, including chungungos, pelicans, seagulls and yecos.

After viewing Penguin Island, we will walk on a beautifully carved pathway to a small cove with gorgeous views of the ocean.

Afterwards, we will stop for lunch (not included) in the quiet seaside resort town of Zapallar.

This tour is a “must do” for anyone wanting to experience the essence of Chile!

Please note:

(1) In order to sight the penguins from shore it is necessary to walk around 1,500 feet on the beach, so we recommend wearing appropriate footwear.

(2) Penguin sightings from the shore are most common during the summer months of November to March.  During these months there are several hundred penguins on the island.  Between April and October, the penguin population reduces to only a dozen or so.  Therefore, please be aware that during these months it may not be possible to see the penguins from the shore.  You will have the option of taking a one-hour private boat ride around the island – weather permitting – for closer viewing of the penguins.  Please note your interest in taking this optional boat ride when you complete the reservation form.

(3) The boat ride option is not recommended for those guests prone to sea sickness.