South America Cruises

Both are generally safe for tourists sticking to well-known areas. Argentina has a somewhat lower overall crime rate, though standard city precautions apply in both.

It depends on your itinerary. Malaria risk exists in some Amazon and lowland regions, but not in most coastal cities or southern Patagonia. Check with a travel clinic for your specific route.

Yes. Mainstream South America cruise itineraries call at well-established, tourist-ready ports, and are considered safe for the vast majority of travellers.

Yes. It's a practical way to cover the continent's spread-out highlights, from Rio de Janeiro to Patagonia, without arranging multiple internal flights.

Buenos Aires is generally considered to have a lower crime rate than Rio de Janeiro, though standard city precautions are worth taking in both.

November to March suits the southern regions and Patagonia best. June to September is better for the Amazon and northern coastline.

Do greet with a single cheek kiss and expect dinner to start late. Don't rush a meal or expect shops to open on a fixed schedule, as pace of life is more relaxed.

This varies widely by region: the Amazon's wet season runs roughly December to May, while Patagonia's wetter months fall in autumn and winter, from April to September.

10 to 14 days covers a solid single-region itinerary, such as Patagonia or the Brazilian coast. Longer trips of 3 weeks or more suit a wider continental tour.

A South America itinerary sailing past Chilean fjords, glaciers and Cape Horn, usually calling at Punta Arenas and sometimes the Falkland Islands.

February or March, when Rio de Janeiro's Carnival season falls, though exact dates shift each year.

Chile, Uruguay and Argentina are consistently ranked among the safest for tourists, alongside well-established routes in Peru and Ecuador.

Yes, as a pre or post-cruise extension. Ships call at Callao (for Lima), from where an overland or rail trip reaches Machu Picchu, since the site itself isn't reachable by sea.

Peru offers Machu Picchu and the Andes, while Colombia has a milder climate and vibrant cities such as Cartagena and Medellín. Both are popular and well set up for tourism.

The NHS commonly recommends hepatitis A, typhoid and yellow fever for South America, depending on your itinerary. Check current advice on the NHS Fit for Travel site before you go.

Most cruise ports and tourist routes are well established and safe. Venezuela is the main country currently flagged by the FCDO for heightened risk.

Chile, Argentina and Peru are all popular for their contrasting scenery, from Patagonian glaciers to Andean ruins. The best choice depends on what draws you most.

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Silversea run the most established South America itineraries, with Silversea especially strong for smaller-ship, in-depth routes.

A 3-week cruise starts from around £3,500 to £5,000 per person, depending on the cruise line, route and cabin grade.

Requirements vary by country and region, but yellow fever, hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended. Check with a travel clinic or your GP at least six weeks before departure.