Grand Captain Drake's Crossroads from Chile to Rio, 13 February 2027 (35 nights)

Puerto Montt, Chile, is a charming port city with a lot to offer everyone who visits – whether you’re looking for adventure ashore or a more leisurely experience. Home to some sensational cuisine, especially seafood, and surrounded by stunning scenery, this is the perfect place to casually immerse yourself in Chilean culture. Although, with this destination surrounded by forests and national parks, there’s almost more than enough opportunity to go exploring the wonderful wilderness. Staying in the city, though, you’ll have the chance to see the remarkable wood-built Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, the unique statues of Sentados Frente al Mar, and more.

Castro, the capital of Chiloé Island in southern Chile, is a vibrant, moody, and culturally rich city known for its palafitos—colorful wooden stilt houses perched above the water—as well as bustling seafood markets, traditional artisan crafts, and rich local folklore (such as the Trauco and Pincoya legends). It serves as the principal hub for touring the archipelago, with a distinct blend of UNESCO history, local folklore, and rustic, cool seaside beauty.

Puerto Chacabuco. To the northeast is Lake Los Palos, with views of snowy mountains. The forested Simpson River National Reserve, home to cougars, is southeast. The nearby town of Coyhaique has a craft market selling handmade items. Glacier-fed San Rafael Lagoon and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field are to the southwest.

The peninsular of Punta Arenas is a hugely popular location for those wanting to whale watch either from the rugged coastline or boat trips out to sea. Cruisers stopping by can also enjoy the sanctuary for sea life such as endangered turtles and seahorses, or kayak along the Magellan Straits to spot penguins. Explore the main boulevard and take in the local art gallery, or hit the duty free area for fantastic souvenirs.

Nicknamed the “End of the World”, Ushuaia is a charming windswept city on the southernmost tip of South America and an important port of call for cruise adventures to Antarctica. In the heart of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, this port is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, boasting sensational sightseeing opportunities for everyone who travels here. From vibrant coastal forests and dramatic waterfalls to stunning glaciers and unique polar wildlife, Ushuaia really is somewhere where you’ll be able to bask in the sheer beauty of nature, and soak up some sensational panoramic views from the vantage points found here. This city, though, while being famous for being (arguably) the most southernmost city in the entire world, is also something of a gateway to Antarctica and the smaller islands that make up the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. So, despite being rather quaint in comparison to other Argentinian cities and South American holiday hotspots, what you’re met with in Ushuaia is just a taste of what’s to come – if you’re continuing onto Antarctica, anyway. That doesn’t mean you should be too eager to leave Ushuaia, though, as this port of call does offer a lot more than just breathtaking natural beauty. Ushuaia is also home to a unique collection of museums and some fantastic food; so, while the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the region is a major highlight, this is one destination that will prove to be just as memorable as everything else on your itinerary.

Also known as Stanley, Port Stanley is the capital city of the Falkland Islands and a charming destination to visit during cruises through the South Atlantic Ocean and beyond. Home to roughly 70% of the Falkland Islands’ population, Port Stanley is the place to be if you’re looking to immerse yourself in this archipelago’s unique culture. Without an indigenous population, you’ll find that much of the culture and cuisine in Port Stanley is an amalgamation of British culture and cuisine, with influences from nearby nations, such as Argentina. So, Port Stanley is often described as feeling somewhat similar to a small English or Scottish town – a home away from home, of sorts. However, although exploring the quaint city centre is a fantastic way to spend your time, Port Stanley is also a great starting point for adventures further inland and along the coast. With the chance to enjoy guided nature walks, wildlife spotting, and experiences that invite you to explore this island’s tumultuous history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here – whether you’re looking to sit and enjoy a freshly-poured pint in one of the local pubs, spot some penguins in their natural habitat, or admire the stunning landscapes found here.

Stroll through vibrant streets, experience the city’s rich tango culture, and indulge in world-class cuisine in Argentina’s dynamic capital.

Located on the north-eastern bank of the Rio de la Plata, Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay and a modern metropolis with a difference. Boasting stunning European art deco-style architecture, a hangover from this region’s colonial past, Montevideo is home to an expansive beach promenade and a South American atmosphere to match. Here, you’ll find the Rambla, a riverfront avenue that’s one of the world’s longest continuous sidewalks – which just highlights how perfect Montevideo is if you’re looking to take a laid-back wander here. Beyond this, though, if you’re looking for a little more action, you’ll find a bustling marketplace in Mercado del Puerto, intriguing exhibitions in the Andes Museum and Museo El Juguetero (just two of the several incredible museums and galleries in Montevideo), and fantastic food everywhere you turn. With all the modern comforts of a capital city, but a relaxed atmosphere that lets you savour the little things, a visit to this metropolis is worth looking forward to.

Known as “The Monaco of the South” and “The Hamptons of South America”, Punta del Este is a stunning seaside resort city in southeastern Uruguay. With a permanent population of around 12,500 people, this holiday hotspot is the ultimate destination for summer sunshine and beachside relaxation. Although, it enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, so there’s always a good time to visit. The coastline here is split into two regions, with one side featuring thick golden sands and the other a fine white sand – so, you get the best of both worlds if you’re looking to sunbathe while you stop off here. As a popular holiday destination for the affluent, you can also expect to find sensational restaurants, bars, lounges, and more in Punta del Este.

Florianópolis, capital of Santa Catarina, spreads across a beautiful island and the adjacent mainland in southern Brazil. Famed for its 40-plus beaches, lagoons and surf, it blends a historic centre with a buzzing modern scene. From quiet fishing villages to lively shores, 'Floripa' offers something for everyone amid stunning coastal scenery.

At the mouth of the Itajai River, Itajai is a unique city in southern Brazil and a prominent settlement when it comes to this nation’s colonial history. An important region for Portuguese settlers by the early 19th century, this city is also home to a substantial number of German immigrants and these European influences are clear throughout. Home to a fantastic array of beaches, however, and temperatures that often peak in December and January, Itajai is a great destination to visit if you’re looking for winter sunshine – and, you’ll find some truly wonderful seafood available here too, as the city hosts Marejada (a Portuguese festival of fishing and seafood) every year.

Among the world’s most populous cities and the largest urban area by population outside of Asia, São Paulo is the financial capital of Brazil and a destination offering everyone an incredible adventure when they arrive. To say there’s a lot for you to enjoy when you’re in São Paulo would be an understatement and a half. A stone’s throw from the stunning sandy beaches of Praia Grande and Santos, and surrounded by stunning parks and hiking routes boasting breathtaking views, those of you wanting to spend some time in nature will have no trouble doing that while visiting this remarkable city. Beyond that, though, you’ll find all the attractions and historical landmarks you would expect in a city of this scale with such a vibrant history – having been founded by Jesuit priests in 1554. For culture vultures, the São Paulo Museum of Art and Catavento Museum are worth checking out when you arrive. São Paulo Cathedral, while a recent construction, is no less breathtaking than the other religious buildings in Brazil – not to mention the fact that it’s considered the fourth-largest neo-Gothic cathedral in the world. You’ll also find the Interlagos Circuit, home to the Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix, in the heart of the city; if you’re a racing fan, this is worth visiting whether it’s race day or not. Home to an abundance of everything, from restaurants and bars to museums and more, everyone will find something they enjoy when they visit São Paulo.

Sitting on the Costa Verde (Green Coast), Parati is a tourist hotspot known for its historical town centre, stunning section of coastline, and dramatic mountainous backdrop. Interestingly, the entire town is listed as a National Historic Landmark by IPHAN, with over 80% of the area being protected. The Cairucu Environmental Protection Area, for example, is an important remnant of the Atlantic Forest biome. Meanwhile, the Juatinga Ecological Reserve protects a peninsula and the traditional lifestyle of numerous villages along the coastline around Parati, and the Taimos Ecological Station monitors the marine ecosystem of the area and the nearby Ilha Grande Bay. A charming colonial town with a calmer atmosphere than Brazil’s other coastline settlements, Parati is the perfect place to soak in the sunshine and appreciate the stunning scenery surrounding you. Rest and relaxation are important to every holiday, and you’ll find plenty of that here.

A forest-covered island around 12km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande is the perfect destination for the explorers among you. It’s home to several well-maintained and well-signposted walking trails which will afford you the opportunity to admire the island’s incredible wildlife – of which, you’ll find everything from parrots and hummingbirds to monkeys – and stunning scenery. With roughly 63% of the island covered by the Ilha Grande State Park, and numerous smaller reserves in place protecting the flora, fauna, and traditional communities that reside here, 87% of the island has a protected status. While you won’t find too many attractions here, this is a great place to get in touch with nature and explore a unique environment that – in part, at least – is endangered.

Armacao dos Buzios, a popular tourist destination in the state of Rio de Janeiro that surprisingly remained relatively unknown to the wider world until the 1960s, is a highlight of any South America cruise and one holiday hotspot you’ll want to look forward to. Home to a staggering number of beaches, this peninsula serves sun loungers and surfers equally – with beaches on the west coast calmer and quieter, while beaches on the east coast are home to rougher seas and perfect for water sports. A popular excursion for the affluent among Rio de Janeiro’s residents, you’ll find Buzios is home to an active nightlife, sensational restaurants, and plenty of shopping. An urban paradise away from the hustle and bustle of a major city, you won’t regret disembarking when you arrive here.

Soak in breathtaking views from Sugarloaf Mountain, relax on vibrant beaches, and immerse yourself in the lively rhythm of Brazil’s iconic city.