DESTINATION

South America

From the passionate rhythms of Buenos Aires to the towering glaciers of Patagonia and the dense canopy of the Amazon, South America delivers a cruise adventure that stirs the soul and fills every sense with wonder.

Embark on a South America Cruise

South America is a continent defined by extraordinary contrasts. Ancient civilizations stand alongside cosmopolitan cities, dense tropical rainforests give way to snow-covered Andean summits, and massive glaciers calve into crystalline fjords. Cruising this vast land lets you soak in all that diversity without the stress of juggling flights and hotel check-ins along the way. With world-renowned cuisine from Argentine asado to Peruvian ceviche, rich cultural traditions woven across every port, and landscapes that genuinely take your breath away, a South America voyage is unlike any other sailing you’ll ever experience.

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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A large MSC cruise ship docked at the pristine Ocean Cay marine reserve in the Bahamas, with a white lighthouse and turquoise waters surrounding a white sandy beach.
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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 large group of emperor penguins gathered on a snowy landscape with a massive white ice shelf in the background under a cloudy gray sky. The penguins are densely clustered across the frozen terrain, showcasing the harsh Antarctic environment.
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Awe-Inspiring Landscapes

Sail past thundering glaciers, navigate narrow Chilean fjords, gaze upon Andean summits, and drift through the world’s largest rainforest—all from the comfort of your ship.

Culture, Cuisine & Rhythm

Lose yourself in the passion of tango, feast on Argentine steaks and Brazilian churrasco, and discover centuries of indigenous, European, and African heritage woven into every port.

Remarkable Wildlife

Watch penguins waddle across Patagonian shores, spot colorful toucans in the Amazon canopy, observe playful sea lions along the coast, and search for whales near the continent’s southern tip.

Discover South America’s Cruising Regions

This vast continent presents three primary cruising corridors, each offering a completely different feel and set of experiences. Our expert advisors have sailed these waters and will pair you with the region that matches your travel style perfectly.

View from inside a helicopter cockpit with two pilots flying over a snowy mountainous landscape with rocky peaks visible through the windshield.
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East Coast & Brazil

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

Known For: Iconic skylines, vibrant nightlife, golden beaches, Carnival energy, world-class dining

Ideal For: Culture lovers and cosmopolitan travelers who enjoy city and beach combinations

Duration: 7–14 nights

Amazon Pink Dolphin
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Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

Key Ports: Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt, Castro (Chiloé), Cape Horn

Known For: Massive glaciers, dramatic fjords, penguin colonies, rugged wilderness, end-of-the-world scenery

Ideal For: Nature enthusiasts and bucket-list adventurers

Duration: 10–21 nights

A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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West Coast & Pacific

Key Ports: Valparaíso, Lima (Callao), Cartagena, Manta (Ecuador), Arica

Known For: Ancient Incan ruins, colonial architecture, Pacific coastline, Atacama Desert, Galápagos gateway

Ideal For: History buffs and those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures

Duration: 10–18 nights

Compare South America Cruise Regions

Feature East Coast & Brazil Patagonia & Chilean Fjords West Coast & Pacific
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 10–21 nights 10–18 nights
Main Departure Ports Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Santos Buenos Aires, Santiago (Valparaíso), Ushuaia Lima (Callao), Valparaíso, San Antonio
Best For Culture lovers, city explorers, beach enthusiasts Nature lovers, wildlife seekers, adventure travelers History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, off-the-beaten-path explorers
Highlights Christ the Redeemer, tango shows, Copacabana beaches, Carnival culture Glaciers, fjords, penguin colonies, Cape Horn, Torres del Paine Machu Picchu excursions, colonial Cartagena, Atacama Desert, Galápagos access
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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Let our expert advisors chart your South America course.

South America is vast, and narrowing down the right itinerary can feel overwhelming—but that’s exactly what our team of 23+ expert advisors does best. Along the east coast, the cosmopolitan energy of Buenos Aires, the legendary beaches of Rio de Janeiro, and the charming waterfront of Montevideo all beckon. Venture south to Patagonia and you’ll witness massive glaciers calving into turquoise waters while rounding the legendary Cape Horn. The Pacific coast opens doors to Lima—your jumping-off point for Machu Picchu—the vibrant hillside streets of Valparaíso, and the walled colonial gem of Cartagena. Some voyages even connect to the Galápagos Islands or include a transit of the Panama Canal.

Because we’ve sailed these waters ourselves, we can recommend the right ship, the ideal cabin placement, and the shore excursions that truly make a difference. We’ll secure our exclusive group rates with no fees—ever—and monitor your fare weekly so you always get the best value. Talk to a cruise expert today and let us turn your South America dream into a plan.

Beyond South America

Many South America voyages can be extended or paired with neighboring regions for an even grander adventure on the water.

  • Antarctica – The ultimate bucket-list add-on departing from Ushuaia, featuring penguin colonies and towering icebergs
  • Panama Canal – An iconic engineering wonder connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
  • Galápagos Islands – Unparalleled wildlife encounters off the coast of Ecuador
  • Falkland Islands – Remote beauty, wartime history, and abundant wildlife at the edge of the world
A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.
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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.

When to Cruise South America

One important detail many travelers overlook: South America sits in the Southern Hemisphere, which means the seasons flip compared to North America. Our advisors factor this into every recommendation so your timing is spot-on.

Peak Season (November – March): This is summer below the equator, bringing warm temperatures, extended daylight, and prime conditions for Patagonia and Chilean fjord itineraries. Most major cruise lines position their ships in the region during these months, so you’ll have the widest selection of sailings.

Shoulder Season (October & April): Slightly fewer crowds and appealing rates make these transitional months a smart choice, particularly for east coast and Brazilian port visits where the weather remains comfortable.

Year-Round Sailing: Northern destinations—Cartagena, the Amazon, and equatorial ports—enjoy tropical warmth throughout the year, meaning there’s no wrong time to visit.

Festive voyages during the Southern Hemisphere summer—think Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Rio’s legendary Carnival in February—offer once-in-a-lifetime celebrations both onboard and ashore.

A breathtaking coastal scene featuring a small boat, seals on rocky shores, and bald eagles soaring against a vibrant sunset in a lush Alaskan landscape with snow-capped mountains.
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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

Most South America sailings operate during the Southern Hemisphere summer, roughly November through March. That window gives you the warmest weather, the longest days, and the best access to Patagonia and the Chilean fjords. Brazil’s east coast peaks around Carnival in February, while northern ports such as Cartagena and the Amazon stay tropical all year long. Our advisors will help you pinpoint the perfect departure date for the regions on your wish list.

A valid passport is a must for every South America cruise. Visa requirements vary by country and nationality, though U.S. citizens currently enjoy visa-free tourist access to most South American nations on standard cruise itineraries. Because rules can shift, our team double-checks every requirement well ahead of your sailing so there are no surprises at the port.

South America cruises typically run longer than Caribbean or Mediterranean voyages because of the greater distances between ports. East coast sailings between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro generally span 7–14 nights. Patagonia and Chilean fjord itineraries range from 10–21 nights, and full coast-to-coast or circumnavigation voyages can stretch to 30 nights or more. Your advisor will match the length to your schedule and budget so everything fits comfortably.

A wide range of lines sail this part of the world, including Holland America, Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Seabourn, and Viking. Expedition-focused operators like Ponant and Hurtigruten venture into more remote waters, including Antarctica. Each line offers a distinct onboard experience, and our advisors will pair you with the one that fits your travel style and preferences.

You can! When your ship calls at Lima’s port of Callao, several cruise lines offer multi-day overland excursions to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Many include an overnight in Cusco to help you acclimate to the altitude. These tours are among the most sought-after add-ons in cruising, so we recommend securing your spot early—our advisors can handle the booking for you.

Your packing list depends entirely on your itinerary. Patagonia and the Chilean fjords call for warm layers, a waterproof outer shell, and sturdy walking shoes—summer temperatures in the far south can still be cool. For Brazil and east coast ports, pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, and plenty of sun protection. Most ships feature formal evenings, so include appropriate attire. Your advisor will send a customized packing guide based on your specific ports and sailing dates.

Because of the longer itineraries and greater distances involved, South America is often favored by travelers who already have a cruise or two under their belt. That said, shorter east coast sailings between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro make a wonderful introduction to the region. If South America is calling and it happens to be your first voyage, our advisors will craft an itinerary that feels comfortable and exciting in equal measure—and you’ll have our team’s 365-day support from booking through disembarkation.

This continent delivers some of the most extraordinary port experiences anywhere in the world. Standouts include ascending to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio, exploring the tango-infused La Boca district of Buenos Aires, trekking across Patagonian glaciers, meeting penguin colonies near Ushuaia, journeying to Machu Picchu from Lima, wandering the cobblestone streets of colonial Cartagena, and sampling wines in Chile’s Casablanca Valley. Our advisors can recommend the best options at each port based on your interests and activity level.

Cape Horn is the southernmost point of the South American mainland, perched on Hornos Island in Chile. It holds a legendary reputation among sailors as one of the most dramatic and wind-battered headlands on Earth. Many Patagonia and Chilean fjord itineraries include a scenic passage by Cape Horn, though actual shore landings depend on weather and sea conditions. Rounding the Horn is a genuine bucket-list moment and one of the most memorable highlights of any South America cruise.

Absolutely—and it’s one of the most extraordinary combinations in all of cruising. Several lines offer itineraries linking South America with Antarctica, usually departing from Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. You’ll cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula, where colossal icebergs, breaching whales, lounging seals, and vast penguin colonies await. These voyages typically span 18–30+ nights and represent a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ask your Cruise Help advisor about the best options for pairing these two incredible destinations.