2023 South America Cruises: Discover Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas serves as the capital city of Chile and is situated just north of the Strait of Magellan. Originally established as a penal colony in the mid-19th century, it now acts as the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Consider reserving the Patagonian Estancia Experience, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional drink, a Pisco Sour. You’ll also savor a barbecue featuring delicious Patagonian lamb and baked empanadas. Plus, you can navigate the famed Strait of Magellan in a two-person sea kayak.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, Argentina is one of the two cities located on Tierra del Fuego. It serves as the gateway to some of South America's most stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and forests. Here, the Andean Mountains converge with the Beagle Channel, marking the southernmost point of the continent.

Numerous excursions are available, taking you to Tierra del Fuego National Park, penguin watching, and more. The Penguin Rookery Navigation tour features a cruise through the Beagle Channel to islands teeming with sea lions, seabirds, and Magellanic penguins.

Reserve the Wildlife Cruise & Tierra del Fuego National Park tour to enjoy both sea and land adventures. Your journey begins with a cruise along the Beagle Channel, where you'll pass Bird Island, home to a variety of bird species, and Sea Wolves Island, inhabited by sea lions and seals. The land segment of the tour showcases multiple picturesque landscapes in Tierra Del Fuego National Park, including the iconic milestone marker for the End of the World.

Stanley, Falkland Islands

Stanley serves as the capital of the Falkland Islands and is home to five different species of penguins. With such a small population, there's only one jail, which can accommodate a maximum of just 13 inmates! In fact, the number of penguins far exceeds the number of people in the Falkland Islands.

Deception Island, Antarctica

This horseshoe-shaped island is located in the South Shetland Islands, off the coast of Antarctica. It serves as a wildlife sanctuary for eight species of nesting seabirds and is home to what could be the largest colony of penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula, if not the entire world. Additionally, the island features an active volcano, with geothermal heat that warms the surrounding waters and the black-sand beach, creating a striking contrast to the icy landscape of Antarctica.

Elephant Island / Cape Lookout

Elephant Island derives its name from the elephant seals that inhabit the area, and its shape resembles an elephant's head. Keep an eye out for groups of charming penguins waddling over the rocks while elephant seals bask on the shores.

São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo is Brazil's largest city, brimming with opportunities to explore intriguing architectural landmarks, shop at unique venues, savor delicious cuisine, and relax on stunning beaches. Gonzaga Beach offers a vibe similar to that of the French Riviera. For a shopping spree, head to the Jardins District. Coffee aficionados shouldn't miss Santos' Museu do Café, a coffee museum located in a former palace.

Ilha Grande, Brazil

The island of Ilha Grande is the third largest in Brazil. Today, it is a protected area celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, diverse wildlife, and stunning tropical landscapes. However, Ilha Grande has a less glamorous past, having once served as a leper colony and later as a prison! Cars are prohibited on the island, and Vila do Abraão is its sole town. If your cruise makes a stop at Ilha Grande, be sure to visit the exquisite 2-mile stretch of fine sand known as Lopes Mendes. Once you witness Ilha Grande's natural splendor, you'll understand why Vogue declared Praia Lopes Mendes one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Many refer to Punta del Este as the Saint-Tropez of Latin America. While the 20-mile coastline often garners attention, there are plenty of other attractions to keep you entertained in Punta del Este. Don’t miss the chance to take photos at La Mano en la Arena, a massive sculpted hand rising from the sands of Playa Brava.