A South American cruisetour offers an exciting blend of vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Starting in bustling cities like Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoying tango performances, samba music, and traditional cuisines.
Beyond the cities, the cruise typically takes you to incredible natural wonders like the mighty Amazon River, the fjords of Chile, or the majestic Iguazu Falls, offering a closer look at South America's diverse ecosystems.
On land, travelers explore ancient Incan ruins like Machu Picchu or hike through Patagonia’s breathtaking glaciers and rugged terrain. You can also discover the charming architecture of towns like Cartagena or Montevideo.
Whether exploring rainforests, experiencing South American history, or relaxing on stunning beaches, a South American cruisetour offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s most diverse and exciting regions.
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Things to Do on a Cruisetour to South America
Featured below are a few of the best ways to spend your time when taking a South American cruisetour:
- Experience the thundering UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iguazu Falls, located along the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Various walkways and observation decks provide close-up views of the Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
- Take a cable car up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain – located over 1,500 feet above the city – for the most amazing views of Rio de Janeiro. From this vantage point you’ll have 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and enjoy aerial views of the region’s top beaches, including Copacabana, Ipanema, Flamengo and more.
- Spend a day wandering the “Lost City of the Incas,” more commonly known as Machu Picchu. This famous example of Incan architecture is located in the mountains of Peru, and it’s not uncommon for the neighboring peaks to disappear amongst the clouds.
- Learn about Peru’s ancient history while exploring the streets of Cusco, Peru. Enjoy the city’s marvelous colonial architecture before making your way to various ancient structures, including the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), the Bath of the Incas, Temple of Kenko and more.
- Travel to Easter Island in Chile to see the nearly 900 famous monolithic stone figures known as moai. These striking figures were likely created by the island’s earliest Polynesian inhabitants and helped the island earn its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the rural history of Buenos Aires with a tour of a ranch where you’ll learn about gauchos, the cowboys of South America. Your experience in Buenos Aires could include everything from herding and horse riding displays to a tango show, and you’ll definitely want to try some of the local cuisine.
Map of South America: