The "Humboldt" is the Antarctic supply vessel operated by Peru in support of its Antarctic base"Machu Picchu"  situated on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula.

The "Humboldt" was built in 1979 and has an ice re-inforced hull. She has a 100 person capacity and is currently captained by Commander Gustavo Otarola. her home port is Callao, near Lima.

Note: The above cover has a Peru stamp affixed (issued in 2002) which features a view of the vessel Humboldt itself as well as a portrait of Alexander Von Humboldt for whom the vessel was named. The cover also has two Humboldt cachets as well as a paquebot marking.

Note: The cover above bears the same two expedition cachets as the previous cover as well as the imprint of the "Instituto Del Mar Del Peru" which operates the vessel.

Backstamped on arrival in Christchurch on 19th February, 2003.

The design at left is the official label for the 2003 Expedition.

The picture at right shows the "Humboldt" moored off the Peruvian Antarctic Base Machu Picchu on King George Island.