What tours are worthwhile in the ports of the Chilean coastline ?
February 8th, 2010 | 
Author: I will be cruising from Valparaiso in March and the ship stops in Puerto Montt , Puerto Chacabuco , and Punta Arenas . The tours on the ship seem to be more expensive than what I have found online from a private company . Does anyone have any suggestions ?
We cruised South America on Royal caribbean starting from Valparasio last year, ending in Brazil. Our cruise stopped in Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas but not Chacabuca. We did ship’s tours in both Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas and in both cases the tours turned out to be just something to do. We did the city/museum tours and one that went to a winery where we had wine and sausage and saw some native dancing. The tours were OK but not really exciting and thing to write home about, so to speak. The only suggestion that I have regarding ship’s vs private tours is make sure that you allow enough time for the tour and getting back to the ship well before departure time. You don’t want to be late Getting back to the ship because they will leave you.
Posted in tours
We cruised South America on Royal Caribbean starting from Valparasio last year, ending in Brazil. Our cruise stopped in Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas but not Chacabuca. We did ship’s tours in both Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas and in both cases the tours turned out to be just something to do. We did the city/museum tours and one that went to a winery where we had wine and sausage and saw some native dancing. The tours were OK but not really exciting and thing to write home about, so to speak. The only suggestion that I have regarding ship’s vs private tours is make sure that you allow enough time for the tour and getting back to the ship well before departure time. You don’t want to be late Getting back to the ship because they will leave you.
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cruised south America
You should be able to find info from experienced cruisers at CruiseCritic.com. Click on "Boards" at the top of the page, then go to "Ports of Call".
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Cruise shore excursions are always/usually expensive and usually poor value/itinerary!
We have done the route you mention (and went on to Antarctica). We always arrange our own local guide (quite often a local taxi firm) or hire car depending on what/where we want to go.
Usually cost is no more (for 2 people) but you get a better more personal trip and see what you want to see, not the souvenir shops they want you to shop at as they get intro. commission!
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