Sailors Cruise Along the Never-Ending South American Pacific Coastline

With an area of 6,890,000 square miles and bordered by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Caribbean Sea, the South American coastline seems almost endless. Aside from the bountiful coastline, the continent is made up over a dozen unique countries that offer sailors the exotic climate, terrain, and cultures they look for on their sailing vacation. South American climate drastically changes from tropical rain forests to cold mountainous air to dry deserts. Cruising along the Pacific coastline introduces a sailor to attractive port cities in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

After leaving behind the adventures of the Caribbean and carefully navigating your boat compass southwards, the first popular sailing destination is Colombia. Particularly, many vacationing sailors visit the coastal city of Cartagena de Indias, one of the most attractive cities in South America. This colonial city is rich with history, architecture, and shopping opportunities. Its climate is constant with warm and humid temperatures. The city also offers opportunities to visit parks and enjoy ecological trips, engage in water sports, and explore the exciting night life. With plenty of museums, walking tours, and other attractions available, sailors and their families will always find entertainment in Cartagena de Indias.

Sailing just southwest of Colombia brings one to the Ecuadorian coast which reaches from the Andes to the Pacific. Although smaller in size, Ecuador possesses diversity in climate and in its current renewal process. This diversity is illustrated in the city of Guayaquil which lies on the western bank of the Guayas River. Almost 3 million people reside in Guayaquil where the it is also home to the largest shipping port on the Pacific Coast of the continent. Offering hot and humid temperatures throughout the year, Guayaquil is very much similar to Cartagena in its climate. In an attempt to restore the city from past fires, Guayaquil is going through gradual renovation that aims to supply various opportunities for tourists to enjoy themselves. However, history is still preserved in the colonial district of “Las Peñas”, in its various museums, and in the botanical gardens. While it continues it rejuvenation, Guayaquil will be a fascinating new destination to dock at in the coming years.

Only about 150 miles from Lima, lies Paracas also known as “The Galapagos of Peru". This sailing destination is made up of 700,000 acres of rugged shoreline, desert, and mountains. Paracas is the epitome of an eclectic vacation spot as it offers all different attractions including wildlife, spas, and museums documenting Pre-Incan history. For sailors vacationing with their children, the National Reserve may be the way to go as it houses several various types of wildlife such as sea lions, birds, and much more. Another attraction is the Spa of Paracas for those sailors looking for relaxation; this spa is just a few miles from the main city. Whether a sailor is looking to spend family time exploring wildlife or looking to be at ease on the sandy beaches, Paracas is one sailing destination no sailor should miss out on.

Closing in on the Pacific Coast of South America is Chile with almost 2,700 miles of coastline. The country's climate and temperatures greatly varies depending on the particular location since Chile spans across 2,700 miles. With this said, the country’s climate is diverse with desert, subtropical, and tundra conditions so it is best to dress appropriately with Harken apparel. On the way to Patagonia or Cape Horn, sailors dock at the port city of Puerto Montt in southern Chile. The city also acts as a transport center to Lake District and the island of Chiloé. Offering a large assortment of attractions such as national parks, museums, and day trips to islands, Puerto Montt is similar to the aforementioned cities. Sailors choose this city to dock at because of it entertainment and its proximity to other islands such as Cape Horn.

The Pacific Coast of South America offers the best sailing vacation destinations in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. These South American cities marked with rich and exotic history, architecture, recreational activities, shopping, and food make it easy for sailors and their families to fully enjoy their vacations.