DESTINATION

South America

From the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires to the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and the pristine glaciers of Patagonia, discover why South America is one of cruising’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

Set Sail on a South America Cruise

South America is a continent of extraordinary contrasts—where dense Amazon rainforests meet towering Andean peaks, where cosmopolitan cities pulse with energy alongside serene coastal villages. A South American cruise lets you experience it all without the hassle of multiple flights and hotel changes. With vibrant cultures, world-class cuisine, breathtaking natural wonders, and a warmth of spirit that’s uniquely South American, this destination will leave you forever changed.

A picturesque harbor view of Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring colorful waterfront buildings, fishing boats, and mountains at golden hour, showcasing the town's maritime character.
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A picturesque view of Oia, Santorini featuring iconic white-washed buildings and distinctive blue-domed churches against a backdrop of blue sky and sea. The traditional Cycladic architecture showcases the island's unique architectural style.
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A picturesque historic street in Skagway, Alaska, featuring preserved gold rush-era buildings with snow-capped mountain peaks in the background. A small stream runs through the foreground, lined with purple lupine flowers.
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Breathtaking Landscapes

From the towering Andes and dramatic Patagonian glaciers to the lush Amazon rainforest, South America’s natural beauty is unmatched.

Vibrant Culture & Cuisine

Passionate tango, samba rhythms, world-renowned wines, and incredible cuisine from Argentine steaks to Peruvian ceviche await you ashore.

Ancient Civilizations

Explore the mysteries of the Inca Empire at Machu Picchu, colonial architecture in Cartagena, and centuries-old traditions still alive today.

Explore South America’s Cruising Regions

South America offers several distinct cruising regions, each with its own character and appeal. Our expert cruise advisors have sailed these waters and will help you find the perfect itinerary for your dream voyage.

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East Coast & Brazil

Key Ports: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Santos, Montevideo, Ilhabela, Buzios

Known For: Iconic cityscapes, Carnival culture, stunning beaches, world-class nightlife, Argentine tango

Ideal For: Culture lovers, foodies, and those seeking vibrant city experiences

Duration: 7-14 nights

A picturesque view of a colorful Alaskan fishing harbor with vibrant boats docked along wooden piers, backed by snow-capped mountains and a distant glacier at sunset.
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Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

Key Ports: Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt, Valparaiso, Cape Horn, Stanley (Falkland Islands)

Known For: Dramatic glaciers, pristine fjords, penguin colonies, Cape Horn passage, end-of-the-world landscapes

Ideal For: Nature enthusiasts and bucket-list adventurers

Duration: 10-21 nights

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West Coast & Panama Canal

Key Ports: Lima (Callao), Cartagena, Panama Canal, Manta (Ecuador), Guayaquil, Pacific Coast ports

Known For: Incan ruins, Panama Canal transit, Galapagos gateway, colonial history, Pacific coastline

Ideal For: History buffs, wildlife lovers, and those seeking a grand voyage

Duration: 10-21 nights

Compare South America Cruise Regions

Feature East Coast & Brazil Patagonia & Chilean Fjords West Coast & Panama Canal
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 10–21 nights 10–21 nights
Main Departure Ports Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Santos Buenos Aires, Santiago (Valparaiso), Ushuaia Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, Lima (Callao)
Best For Culture lovers, foodies, city explorers Nature enthusiasts, bucket-list adventurers History buffs, wildlife lovers, grand voyagers
Highlights Christ the Redeemer, tango shows, Copacabana, wine country Glaciers, Cape Horn, penguins, fjords, Falkland Islands Machu Picchu, Panama Canal, Galapagos gateway, colonial Cartagena
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Our South America cruise advisors will guide you every step of the way.

South America is vast and incredibly diverse, and we understand that planning a cruise here can feel overwhelming. Should you start in Buenos Aires and head south to Patagonia? Sail the Brazilian coast? Transit the Panama Canal? Combine it all with a grand voyage? The possibilities are endless—and that’s exactly where our team of 23+ expert advisors comes in. We’ve sailed these routes, walked the streets of Valparaiso, marveled at Iguazu Falls, and watched penguins waddle along the Falkland Islands coast. Whether you’re dreaming of a 10-night adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime grand South American circumnavigation, we’ll match you with the perfect cruise line, itinerary, and cabin—all at our exclusive group rates with no fees, ever. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Extend Your South American Adventure

Many South American itineraries can be combined with nearby destinations or extended with pre- and post-cruise land tours for an even more unforgettable experience.

  • Antarctica – The ultimate bucket-list extension from Ushuaia
  • Galapagos Islands – Incredible wildlife encounters off the coast of Ecuador
  • Machu Picchu – Add a pre- or post-cruise land tour to Peru’s ancient wonder
  • Iguazu Falls – One of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls on the Argentina-Brazil border
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise South America

South America spans a vast range of climates, so the best time to cruise depends on your chosen region. Remember, seasons are reversed south of the equator!

Peak Season (November – March): South America’s summer is the prime cruising window for Patagonia and the Chilean fjords, with the longest days and warmest temperatures. This is also when most cruise lines position ships in the region.

Shoulder Season (October, April): Enjoy fewer crowds and great value while still experiencing pleasant weather in most regions. Early and late season Patagonia sailings can be especially rewarding.

Year-Round: Brazil and the northern coast, including Cartagena and the Panama Canal, can be enjoyed throughout the year, with warm tropical weather regardless of season.

Grand voyages and repositioning cruises typically operate between October and April as ships move between their summer and winter deployments, often offering exceptional value on longer itineraries.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

South America Cruise FAQs

The peak cruising season for South America runs from November through March, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. This is especially important for Patagonia and Chilean fjord itineraries, where you’ll enjoy the longest days and mildest weather. Brazil and the northern coast can be cruised year-round. Repositioning cruises in October and April often offer outstanding value on longer voyages.

South America cruises tend to be longer than Caribbean sailings, reflecting the vast distances involved. East coast itineraries between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro typically run 7-14 nights. Patagonia and Chilean fjord voyages range from 10-21 nights. Grand South American circumnavigation cruises can last 30 days or more. Your cruise advisor can help you find the ideal length for your schedule and budget.

Yes, a valid passport is required for all South America cruises. Visa requirements vary by nationality and the specific countries you’ll visit. U.S. citizens do not currently need visas for most South American cruise ports, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, for short stays. However, requirements can change, so your cruise advisor will help ensure you have the proper documentation well before your sailing date.

Several major cruise lines offer South American itineraries, including Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Viking. Each offers a different experience, from mainstream to ultra-luxury. Our team of 23+ advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line based on your preferences, travel style, and budget—and we’ll secure exclusive group rates with no fees.

Packing depends on your itinerary. For Patagonia and Chilean fjords, bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes—temperatures can be cool even in summer. For Brazil and the east coast, pack lightweight summer clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen. Most South American cruises include formal nights, so bring appropriate evening attire. Your cruise advisor will provide a tailored packing list based on your specific voyage.

While South America cruises tend to attract more experienced travelers, they can be wonderful for families with older children and teens who appreciate culture, nature, and adventure. Shore excursions like glacier viewing, penguin colonies, and exploring ancient ruins offer incredible educational experiences. Our advisors can recommend the most family-friendly cruise lines and itineraries for South America.

Top South American shore excursions include visiting Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, exploring Buenos Aires’ tango culture and steak houses, touring Machu Picchu from Lima, glacier trekking in Patagonia, visiting penguin colonies in the Falkland Islands, wine tasting in Chilean and Argentine wine regions, and exploring the colorful colonial streets of Cartagena and Valparaiso.

A repositioning cruise occurs when cruise lines move ships between seasonal deployments—for example, from the Caribbean to South America for the Southern Hemisphere summer. These voyages often cover long distances with extra sea days and are priced significantly lower per night than standard itineraries. They’re a fantastic way to experience South America at great value. Ask your cruise advisor about repositioning options.

Many cruisers extend their South American voyage with pre- or post-cruise land tours. Popular additions include visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru, exploring Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border, spending extra days in Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, or even adding an Antarctic expedition from Ushuaia. Our advisors can help coordinate these extensions seamlessly with your cruise.

Cruising is one of the safest ways to experience South America, as the cruise lines carefully select ports and offer organized shore excursions with experienced local guides. As with any international travel, standard precautions apply—keep valuables secure, stay with your group on excursions, and follow your cruise line’s guidance. Our advisors who have sailed these routes can share personal tips for making the most of every port.