South America Cruise Holidays

South America Cruises by Destination

Patagonia & Chilean fjords cruises

Few landscapes on earth match the sheer drama of Patagonia. This remote southern wilderness, shared between Argentina and Chile, is a place of towering granite spires, ancient glaciers and fjords so deep and still they mirror the sky perfectly. A Patagonia cruise takes you through the Chilean channels a labyrinth of waterways navigable only by ship past the colossal Perito Moreno and Grey glaciers, and around the legendary Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the Americas where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide. Many Patagonia cruise itineraries also venture into Antarctic waters, making this one of the few destinations in the world where travellers can genuinely reach the ends of the earth. Combine your cruise with time in Chilean wine country, the stunning Lake District or the cosmopolitan energy of Santiago for a South America holiday of extraordinary depth and variety.

Galapagos Islands cruise holidays

The Galapagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on earth. Lying 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, this remote volcanic archipelago is home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that have never learnt to fear human beings. Cruising the Galapagos is the only way to properly explore the islands, moving between remote landing sites each day on small expedition ships that carry no more than a hundred passengers. Every island in the Galapagos has its own distinct character from the black lava fields of Fernandina to the pink flamingo lagoons of Floreana and the soaring albatross colonies of Espanola. A Galapagos cruise is genuinely one of the great wildlife experiences on the planet, and one that TripsBeyond can seamlessly combine with mainland Ecuador, Peru's Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, or the extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon basin.

Argentina & Brazil cruise holidays

Argentina and Brazil bookend South America with two of the continent's most captivating and culturally rich cities. Buenos Aires the "Paris of South America" is a city of wide boulevards, passionate tango, world-class steak and an architectural elegance that speaks to its European heritage. Rio de Janeiro, meanwhile, is one of the world's great spectacles, with its iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, the statue of Christ the Redeemer and the legendary Copacabana and Ipanema beaches framing a natural harbour of extraordinary beauty. Many South America cruise itineraries begin or end in Buenos Aires or Rio, making both cities natural departure points for longer voyages around the continent. Extend your stay in Argentina with a visit to the Iguazu Falls one of the world's most powerful waterfall systems or explore the gaucho culture and wine estates of Mendoza. TripsBeyond will tailor your entire journey to make the most of every day on land and at sea.

Best time to cruise to South America

Patagonia & Chilean fjords: November to March is the southern hemisphere summer and the best time to cruise Patagonia, with longer daylight hours, milder temperatures and the most accessible glaciers. December and January are the most popular months book well in advance.

Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos can be visited year-round, as each season offers different wildlife highlights. December to May brings warmer seas and calmer conditions, making it ideal for snorkelling and swimming. June to November is cooler and windier but brings the best wildlife activity, including albatross nesting on Espanola.

Amazon: The best time to cruise the Amazon depends on what you want to see. June to November (the low-water season) is ideal for wildlife spotting on exposed riverbanks. December to May (high-water season) opens up the flooded forests by canoe a magical and very different experience.

Argentina & Brazil: October to March offers the warmest weather for Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, with October to November and February to March being particularly pleasant before or after the peak summer heat. Carnival in Rio falls in February or March spectacular but very busy. Our experts can advise on the best departure dates for your chosen itinerary and interests.

FAQs

Q) Does TripsBeyond offer South America cruise holidays?

A) TripsBeyond offers a range of tailor-made South America cruise holidays for UK travellers. Our holidays cover Patagonia, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, Argentina and Brazil all crafted as fully personalised itineraries including flights from the UK, pre and post-cruise land extensions, and hand-picked hotels.

Q) How long is a cruise holiday to South America from the UK?

A) South America cruise holidays from the UK typically range from 14 to 28 nights in total, depending on the destination and how much time you spend on land. A Patagonia cruise, for example, might be 10–14 nights at sea, combined with 3–5 nights in Buenos Aires or Santiago at either end of the journey. A Galapagos cruise is usually 7–10 nights on the islands, combined with Ecuador or Peru land extensions. We recommend allowing at least three weeks in total to do the continent justice.

Q) Which is the best South America cruise for wildlife?

A) For pure wildlife, the Galapagos Islands are unrivalled anywhere in the world. The islands' complete isolation means species evolved with no natural predators, so animals have no fear of humans you can stand within metres of giant tortoises, marine iguanas and sea lion colonies. The Amazon is a close second, with extraordinary biodiversity including pink river dolphins, giant river otters, hundreds of bird species and rare primates. Patagonia cruises offer excellent whale watching, penguin colonies and Andean condors. Our experts can match you to the itinerary that best suits your wildlife interests.

Q) Can I combine a South America cruise with Machu Picchu?

A) Yes, combining a cruise with Machu Picchu is one of the most popular South America itineraries. A Galapagos cruise pairs naturally with a Peru extension, flying from the islands to Lima and travelling by train to Aguas Calientes and the Sacred Valley. An Amazon river cruise departing from Iquitos in Peru can also be combined with Machu Picchu as part of the same trip. TripsBeyond specialises in exactly this kind of multi-destination itinerary, seamlessly arranging all internal flights, transfers, hotels and guided tours throughout.

Q) What is the best time to cruise South America?

A) The best time depends on your chosen region. For Patagonia and the Chilean fjords, November to March (the southern summer) offers the best conditions. The Galapagos can be visited year-round, with December to May bringing calmer, warmer seas and June to November delivering the most active wildlife. The Amazon is excellent from June to November for wildlife spotting on exposed banks, while December to May opens up the flooded forest. Argentina and Brazil are most enjoyable from October to March. Our specialists can advise on the ideal month for your specific itinerary.

Q) Which cruise lines sail to South America?

A) Several premium cruise lines operate South America itineraries, including Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises for ocean voyages. For the Galápagos specifically, specialist small-ship operators such as Silversea Expeditions operating intimate ships allowing them to access remote anchorages larger vessels cannot reach.