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South America Cruises
From Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer to Iguazu Falls and the Galapagos Islands, South America cruises offer something for everyone to enjoy – explorers, adventurers, and sun loungers alike! An exciting cruise to South America, and cruises around South America, even venture as far as Antarctica, making this destination truly unique.
South America Cruise Deals
Cruise lines Sailing to South America
With so many incredible experiences waiting for you in this part of the world, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a fantastic selection of cruise lines to sail with when it comes to cruising South America and beyond. You’ll find voyages to remote destinations like the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica available alongside visits to popular ports like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires on itineraries from a variety of both larger popular cruise lines and smaller luxury cruise lines; cruises around America always come with options, and this continent isn’t any different.
Cruise ships sailing to South America
From elegant ocean liners, and expansive cruise ships with an abundance of entertainment and dining options, to smaller luxury yacht-style ships and expedition vessels designed specifically for harsher climates, South America and Antarctica cruise getaways give you a fantastic selection of cruise ships to choose from. So, no matter which destinations you’re heading to on your South American cruise, you’ll find a ship to suit your style – and, of course, one that can handle the more remote destinations in this region, if they’re on your agenda.
Types of cruises to South America
If you’re looking forward to cruising South America, you’ll be pleased to know that you have a variety of options when it comes to the type of cruise you can embark on. From incredible last-minute deals and immersive all-inclusive offerings to elegant luxury sailings and exploratory expeditions to remote destinations in the region, there’s an experience for everyone to enjoy when it comes to cruises around South America.
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South America is a destination like no other and South American cruises really are the holiday of a lifetime. With so many incredible countries worth visiting, and so many experiences to enjoy – from colourful Latin city centres to tropical jungles, tranquil Incan ruins and dramatic ice-walled fjords – South America has it all!
Cruises around South America will also allow you to discover one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world, where an abundance of jaw-dropping views await. Whether you embark on a fly-cruise to South America, a cruise and stay trip around the horn, or fly somewhere to join a South America cruise as it sets off, you’ll have a chance to experience all that these stunning countries have to offer.
When to go on a South America Cruise
The best time to embark on an adventure to South America and cruise South America is from November to early May; they may be winter months in the UK, but this is the South American summer and you’ll find it easier to get up-close and personal with all the wildlife this region has to offer between December and January.
What to Eat on a South America Cruise
With so many incredible countries making up South America, it’s no surprise that there’s an extensive list of delicious dishes worth trying. However, we’ve narrowed it down to a handful of favourites, just to give you a flavour of what’s on offer here.
- Ceviche - this staple of the Peruvian diet is a must try in South America. Made from raw fish 'cooked' in a marinade of juice and chilli, this dish is packed full of flavour.
- Empanadas - if you love British pies and pasties, then don't miss out on empanadas in Argentina.
- Coxinhas - one of the most popular street foods in Brazil, coxinhas are deep-fried balls of creamy chicken.
- Dulce de leche - perfect for those with a sweet tooth, dulce de leche, a creamy, caramel sauce, is found throughout South America and served with everything from biscuits to churros to a topping on toast.
If you’re looking for something to wash all this down with, pisco sours – which is made from pisco, egg white, and lime juice – is Peru’s national drink, while Yerba Mate tea is the go-to beverage in Argentina.
What to do on a South America Cruise
South America is a place of extremes and around every corner is a new surprise. Visit the bustling street carnivals in Rio de Janeiro or the stunning beaches of Uruguay. Learn to tango in Buenos Aires or take a tour around the lush rainforests in Panama. For the most desired thing to do, take a trip to Machu Picchu to see one of the most pictured attractions in the world or for those that really want to delve into nature, visit the Galapagos Islands. If you want to read more about what you can do, take a look at our Top 10 South American Shore Excursions.
What's more, if you are already thinking about your exciting South American cruise why not extend it to a cruise & stay holiday so you can spend more time exploring the vibrant cities? Alternatively, if you want to combine this amazing country with the icy South Polar depths have a look at our amazing offers on once in a lifetime Antarctica Cruises.
Top South America Cruise Destinations and Shore Excursions
Follow in the footsteps of the famous explorers Magellan, Drake and Shackleton to discover the celestial beauty of Patagonia, Cape Horn and Antarctica. Cruise deep into the Amazon Rainforest in search of rare species and primitive river towns. Gaze in bewilderment at the sacred puzzle of the ancient Incas at Machu Picchu. Explore ancient colonial cities and be amongst the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago. Take a shore excursion to shop for fine wine, lapis, amber and leather goods. No matter which countries you visit and the shore excursions you embark on, a South America cruise will enchant, amaze and excite you from start to finish.
South America cruises to Brazil
As the Brazilians say, 'god made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio de Janeiro'. This amazing and vibrant city cries out to be explored from morning to evening. Whether you want to spend your time here on the enticing beaches, in the lush mountains or dancing samba into the early hours of the morning, Brazil has all you need for a memorable port of call during your South America cruise.
South America cruises to Argentina
Pretty much the most southerly mainland port of South America, your time in Argentina can be spent gazing out over the Magellan Strait in Ushuaia and enjoy a viewpoint enjoyed by adventurers and explorers alike for hundreds of years. Buenos Aires is the city to see in Argentina, boasting everything from museums and art galleries to the Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur, a nature reserve teeming with more than 200 species of birds.
South America cruises to Chile
The Chilean port of San Antonio has a rich history as one of the most important trading posts on the Pacific Coast and as such it buzzes today with an established and historic ambience. What's more, it's the perfect location for easy access to Santiago de Chile where you can visit the museums, theatres and restaurants to discover the history and culture of this lively country. If you're a nature lover, Chile also has plenty of wildlife living in the fjords and snow-capped mountains.
South America cruises to Uruguay
During your South America cruise, a stop off in Uruguay will take you to the port of call at the country's capital, Montevideo. Here you can check out the hub of life in the city, Independence Square. With a bustling main boulevard, lined with shops and cafes, be sure to spend an afternoon exploring, although don't forget to leave enough time to sit back and tuck into the delicious national cuisine.
South America cruises to Peru
Lima, the cultural and business hub of Peru offers top-class museums, vibrant nightlife, amazing architecture and exciting festivals all year round. However, the most popular and breathtaking excursion you can take is a trip to one of the seven wonders of the world: Machu Picchu. Here, in the Lost City of the Incas, you can see probably the best example of dry stone walling the world has to offer, thought to have been constructed around 1450.
