South America Cruises
South America's natural features also include the longest mountain range in the world, dozens of active volcanoes, alpine lakes at amazing elevations, the gargantuan Iguacu Falls, and the magnificence of the Amazon River and rain forest. All of this surrounds modern coastal cities, some of which rival the sophistication of Europe, and ancient ruins from some of the most incredible lost civilizations in the world. South America is home to so many natural wonders, you'll want to come back again and again.
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South America Cruise Highlights
Adventure-seekers are more than welcome in South America. Visitors from around the world travel to this continent to hike Machu Picchu and the Andes mountains, view the awe-inspiring Iguacu Falls, and canoe through the Amazonian waterways. Other must-sees? The enormous Christ Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the "March of the Penguins" in the Falkland Islands; and Cartagena, Colombia's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Popular South America Cruise Ports
South America is a huge continent with a wide variety of cultures, landscapes and cities to explore. A popular South American itinerary travels around Cape Horn, between Valparaiso and Buenos Aires and around the tip of the continent. The West Coast of South America is frequently visited too, where cruisers can hike Machu Picchu in Peru or view the intriguing Nazca Lines. These are a few popular ports of call:
- Montevideo: The capital of and largest city in Uruguay, Montevideo is a charming town that dates back to 1724. It is home to a bustling arts and culture scene, which includes theater, music and the arts. Visit Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest town in Uruguay, or watch a lively tango performance while in Montevideo.
- Callao / Lima: Lima is a magical blend of old and new, with a well-preserved colonial center co-existing with cosmopolitan high-rises and one of the largest populations in South America. Visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, go horseback riding, or indulge in delicious Peruvian delights like Ceviche and Lomo Saltado.
- Quito: Ecuador's capital was built atop an ancient Incan city, and has preserved much of its history from the 16th and 17th centuries. To see a spectacular view of the city, take a sky tram up to the top of Cruz Loma. Wander Old Town and stop into the ornate La Compania de Jesus cathedral.
When is the Best Time to Go to South America?
Because of South America's location in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reverse those above the equator. The summer cruising season falls between November and April, with many sailings taking place between January and March. Most itineraries are at least 14 nights in length, and one or more additional days should be added for travel time on either end of the cruise.
What Cruise Lines Go to South America?
South America is a popular destination for cruise travel, as it is home to so many historic, large and exciting coastal cities. Many South American cruises embark and debark in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Valparaiso, as well as from Barbados:
- Celebrity Cruises: Choose from 28 ports of call on a Celebrity Cruise to South America - the line travels to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay and more, departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Valparaiso, Chile. Many itineraries feature overnight stays in select cities, so you don't have to rush to see all of the natural wonders each destination has to offer.
- Holland America: Visit Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and even Antarctica on one of Holland America's South America itineraries. Some cruises sail down the Amazon, while others bring travelers to Rio de Janeiro during Carnival - both bucket list items in their own right.
- Cunard Line: For the truly savvy cruiser, Cunard's Discover South America cruise is an unmatched experience, sailing for more than 75 nights around the continent and leaving from Southampton. Ports of call are located in the Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador and more. Cunard also offers shorter, 15-30 night cruises that transit the Panama Canal.
Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
---|---|---|
Apr 2025 | 119 cruises | $507 |
May 2025 | 100 cruises | $7,092 |
Jun 2025 | 84 cruises | $7,908 |
Jul 2025 | 83 cruises | $7,073 |
Aug 2025 | 87 cruises | $5,286 |
Sep 2025 | 84 cruises | $5,284 |
Oct 2025 | 141 cruises | $293 |
Nov 2025 | 222 cruises | $281 |
Dec 2025 | 218 cruises | $263 |
Jan 2026 | 249 cruises | $485 |
Feb 2026 | 204 cruises | $373 |
Mar 2026 | 188 cruises | $373 |
Apr 2026 | 116 cruises | $649 |
May 2026 | 92 cruises | $8,372 |
Jun 2026 | 78 cruises | $8,372 |
Jul 2026 | 77 cruises | $6,258 |
Aug 2026 | 80 cruises | $8,372 |
Sep 2026 | 71 cruises | $6,861 |
Oct 2026 | 116 cruises | $6,040 |
Nov 2026 | 135 cruises | $2,142 |
Dec 2026 | 143 cruises | $2,336 |
Jan 2027 | 177 cruises | $2,214 |
Feb 2027 | 152 cruises | $2,079 |
Mar 2027 | 99 cruises | $2,374 |
Apr 2027 | 15 cruises | $9,714 |
May 2027 | 18 cruises | $9,714 |
Jun 2027 | 14 cruises | $9,714 |
Jul 2027 | 14 cruises | $9,714 |
Aug 2027 | 17 cruises | $8,170 |
Sep 2027 | 14 cruises | $8,685 |
Oct 2027 | 18 cruises | $8,685 |
Nov 2027 | 14 cruises | $9,199 |
Dec 2027 | 14 cruises | $10,227 |
Jan 2028 | 4 cruises | $6,400 |
Feb 2028 | 3 cruises | $7,300 |
7 Night Galapagos Outer Loop Cruise from Baltra, Galapagos | Duration | Priced from |
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7 Nights |
$7,848per person
(double occupancy) |
7 Night Galapagos Inner Loop Cruise from Baltra, Galapagos | Duration | Priced from |
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![]() Celebrity Flora 45 Sail Dates: 4/13; 4/27; 5/11; 5/25; 6/8; 6/22; 7/6; 7/20; 8/3; 8/17; See More Starting Port: Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador Ports of Call: Baltra Galapagos, Puerto Egas, Rabida, Elizabeth Bay, Caleta Tagus, Sullivan Bay, San Bartolome... |
7 Nights |
$7,908per person
(double occupancy) |
10 Night Quito and Galapagos Inner Loop Cruise and Land Tour from Quito | Duration | Priced from |
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10 Nights |
$11,280per person
(double occupancy) |
7 Night Galapagos Outer Loop Itinerary Cruise from Baltra, Galapagos | Duration | Priced from |
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![]() Celebrity Flora 26 Sail Dates: 1/11/26; 1/25/26; 2/8/26; 2/22/26; 3/8/26; 3/22/26; 4/5/26; 4/19/26; 5/3/26; 5/17/26; See More Starting Port: Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador Ports of Call: Baltra Galapagos, Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez, Cormorant Point Floreana Island Galapagos... |
7 Nights |
$8,459per person
(double occupancy) |
7 Night Galapagos Inner Loop Itinerary Cruise from Baltra, Galapagos | Duration | Priced from |
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![]() Celebrity Flora 26 Sail Dates: 1/4/26; 1/18/26; 2/1/26; 2/15/26; 3/1/26; 3/15/26; 3/29/26; 4/12/26; 4/26/26; 5/10/26; See More Starting Port: Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador Ports of Call: Baltra Galapagos, Puerto Egas, Rabida, Elizabeth Bay, Caleta Tagus, Sullivan Bay, San Bartolome... |
7 Nights |
$8,490per person
(double occupancy) |
14 Night Patagonia and Argentina Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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14 Nights |
$1,809per person
(double occupancy) |
14 Night Antarctica Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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14 Nights |
$2,214per person
(double occupancy) |
17 Night Antarctica Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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17 Nights |
$2,999per person
(double occupancy) |
22 Night South America and Antarctica Holiday Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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22 Nights |
$3,839per person
(double occupancy) |
22 Night South America and Antarctica Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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22 Nights |
$3,914per person
(double occupancy) |
22 Night South America and Antarctica Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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22 Nights |
$3,914per person
(double occupancy) |
14 Night South America Passage Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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14 Nights |
$2,139per person
(double occupancy) |
14 Night Patagonia and Argentina Holiday Cruise from Buenos Aires | Duration | Priced from |
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14 Nights |
$2,008per person
(double occupancy) |
9 Night Exploring Galapagos Cruise and Land Tour from Guayaquil | Duration | Priced from |
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9 Nights |
$6,765per person
(double occupancy) |
9 Night Exploring Galapagos Cruise and Land Tour from Guayaquil | Duration | Priced from |
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9 Nights |
$5,284per person
(double occupancy) |
7 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Cruise from San Cristobal Island (Puerto Baquerizo) | Duration | Priced from |
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![]() National Geographic Endeavour II 95 Sail Dates: 4/5; 4/12; 4/19; 4/26; 5/3; 5/10; 5/17; 5/24; 5/31; 6/7; See More Starting Port: San Cristobal Island (Puerto Baquerizo), Ecuador Ports of Call: San Cristobal Island (Puerto Baquerizo), Isabela Island Galapagos, Fernandina Island Galapagos... |
7 Nights |
$11,322per person
(double occupancy) |
15 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Cruise and Land Tour from Guayaquil | Duration | Priced from |
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15 Nights |
$11,322per person
(double occupancy) |
7 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Cruise from San Cristobal Island (Puerto Baquerizo) | Duration | Priced from |
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![]() National Geographic Gemini 94 Sail Dates: 4/5; 4/12; 4/19; 4/26; 5/3; 5/10; 5/17; 5/24; 5/31; 6/7; See More Starting Port: San Cristobal Island (Puerto Baquerizo), Ecuador Ports of Call: San Cristobal Island (Puerto Baquerizo), Isabela Island Galapagos, Fernandina Island Galapagos... |
7 Nights |
$12,803per person
(double occupancy) |
5 Night Galapagos Escape Cruise from Baltra, Galapagos | Duration | Priced from |
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![]() National Geographic Islander II 94 Sail Dates: 4/6; 4/11; 4/20; 4/25; 5/4; 5/9; 5/18; 5/23; 6/1; 6/15; See More Starting Port: Baltra, Galapagos, Ecuador Ports of Call: Baltra Galapagos, Isabela Island Galapagos, Fernandina Island Galapagos, Espanola... |
5 Nights |
$6,523per person
(double occupancy) |
15 Night Exploring Galapagos Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Cruise and Land Tour from Guayaquil | Duration | Priced from |
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15 Nights |
$12,803per person
(double occupancy) |
15 Night Galapagos by Catamaran Machu Picchu and Perus Land of the Inca Cruise and Land Tour from Guayaquil | Duration | Priced from |
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15 Nights |
$7,952per person
(double occupancy) |
9 Night Galapagos by Catamaran An Intimate Voyage Cruise and Land Tour from Guayaquil | Duration | Priced from |
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9 Nights |
$7,952per person
(double occupancy) |
7 Night Galapagos Escape Cruise and Land Tour from Guayaquil | Duration | Priced from |
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![]() National Geographic Islander II 89 Sail Dates: 4/5; 4/10; 4/19; 4/24; 5/3; 5/8; 5/17; 5/22; 5/31; 6/14; See More Starting Port: Guayaquil, Ecuador Ports of Call: Guayaquil, Baltra Galapagos, Isabela Island Galapagos, Fernandina Island Galapagos, Espanola... |
7 Nights |
$6,523per person
(double occupancy) |
7 Night Upper Amazon A River Expedition Cruise from Nauta | Duration | Priced from |
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7 Nights |
$7,915per person
(double occupancy) |
9 Night Upper Amazon A River Expedition Cruise and Land Tour from Lima | Duration | Priced from |
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9 Nights |
$7,915per person
(double occupancy) |