From the Amazon rainforest to the Andes Mountains, and from cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, South America is filled with spectacular sights, dazzling cities, and some of the most amazing natural wonders known to man. You’ll find everything from tropical beaches and towering waterfalls to exotic islands and animals. In South America, you will experience a wide variety of ecotours – all of which you will never forget. One of the most memorable and easiest ways to explore South America is on a cruise. Whether you opt for a tall ship or a small ship, a luxury liner or a sailing ship, any South America cruise will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
The South America cruise travel season is in full swing during the months of November, December, January, February, and March. So, this is the perfect cruise to take when most places across the U.S. are cold. February and March are the best times to cruise to South America, which is summer’s end in the Southern Hemisphere. Most cruises to South America last anywhere from seven to 50 days or more, and if you are in the U.S., cruises typically set sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
There are around four common types of South America cruises including: Repositioning Cruises (15-18 days), Cruises Round Cape Horn (14-20 days), Antarctica Explorer Cruises (seven days), and Amazon River Cruises (five to seven days). Amazon River Cruises and Antarctica Explorer Cruises are the most popular South America cruises. Antarctica cruises will make stops at ports along the east coast, down the Amazon River, and then to Manaus, Brazil. If you opt for a cruise itinerary that includes the southern tip of South America, flightseeing tours over Antarctica may be available. While extended cruises are not at all uncommon, especially for those with money (and time) to burn, most South American cruises are typically purchased in shorter segments – usually seven to 15 days.
There are nearly 100 ports of call throughout South America, including a wide variety of ports of call in Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, and Colombia. Just a few South America ports of call include: Alter do Chao, Brazil; Amazon River, Manaus, Brazil; Anavilhanas Island, Brazil; Angra Dos Reis, Brazil; Antofagasta, Chile; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Copacabana Beach, Brazil; Devil’s Island, French Guiana; Laguna San Rafael, Chile; Lima (Callao), Peru; Los Roques, VenezuelaMontevideo, Uruguay; Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela; Punta Arenas, Chile; Punta del Este, Uruguay; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rio Grande, Brazil Salinas, Ecuador; Salvador, Brazil; Santa Marta, Colombia; Sao Luis (Itaqui), Brazil; Sao Paolo (Santos), Brazil; and West Point, Falkland Islands.
If you decide to book a South America cruise, there are several crusie lines that feature a nice variety of options. Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Radisson Seven Seas are just a few popular choices. You will also find a good amount of small ship cruises to the Galapagos Islands, along the Amazon, and around the waters of Antarctica. Try Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Clipper Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Aqua Expeditions, Galapagos Cruises, or Lindblad Expeditions.
To book a South America cruise, contact your local cruise travel agent or your favorite cruise line. You can also utilize one or more of the following booking search engines: orbitz.com, expedia.com, travelocity.com, or hotwire.com. Cheaptickets.com is also a good option.