South America Cruises
Sail to South America on an incredible cruise. Explore diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and thrilling adventures.
South America Cruises with Paramount Cruises
South America offers some of the most dramatic and diverse cruise journeys in the world, combining vibrant cities, remote wilderness and breathtaking natural scenery. From the colourful beaches of Brazil to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia, a South America cruise reveals a continent rich in culture, landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Many itineraries sail between Buenos Aires and Santiago, travelling through the spectacular Chilean fjords and around the legendary Cape Horn. Others explore the Brazilian coastline from Rio de Janeiro, while some voyages venture toward the icy waters of Antarctica for scenic cruising near the Antarctic Peninsula.
With opportunities to combine your cruise with experiences such as Iguazú Falls, Machu Picchu or Chile’s famous wine regions, South America cruises offer remarkable journeys across one of the world’s most fascinating continents
Why Cruise to South America?
Cruising is one of the most rewarding ways to explore South America’s vast landscapes and diverse cultures. Ships sail past glaciers, fjords and remote coastlines that are difficult to reach by land, while also visiting vibrant cities and historic ports. From the rhythm of Rio de Janeiro to the wild beauty of Patagonia, each destination reveals a different side of the continent. With scenic cruising through regions such as the Chilean fjords and the waters near Antarctica, South America cruises offer unforgettable experiences both on land and at sea.
Popular South America Cruise Highlights
South America cruises visit some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes and vibrant destinations, from tropical coastlines to remote polar waters. These highlights showcase the incredible variety of experiences available across the region.
Chilean Fjords
Sail through spectacular fjords lined with glaciers, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains along the remote coastline of southern Chile.
Antarctica Scenic Cruising
Witness towering icebergs, glaciers and wildlife such as penguins and whales while cruising the dramatic waters near the Antarctic Peninsula.
Cape Horn
Experience one of the world’s most legendary maritime routes at the southern tip of South America where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet.
Brazilian Coastline
Discover vibrant coastal cities, golden beaches and lively culture along Brazil’s Atlantic shoreline.
Wildlife Encounters
Spot whales, penguins, sea lions and seabirds in some of the most wildlife-rich waters in the southern hemisphere.
Patagonian Landscapes
Cruise past glaciers, rugged mountains and remote wilderness across the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.
Best Time to Cruise to South America
The South America cruise season generally runs from November through March, when the southern hemisphere enjoys summer conditions and longer daylight hours. During this period, warmer weather makes it ideal for exploring cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires while also providing the best conditions for sailing through Patagonia and the Chilean fjords. Cruises visiting the waters near Antarctica also operate during these months when sea ice retreats and wildlife activity increases.
Main South America Cruise Departure Ports
South America cruises depart from several major ports across the continent, each offering different itineraries exploring the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines.
Other South America Cruise Departure Ports
In addition to the main cruise gateways, several other ports across South America host departures for regional voyages and longer itineraries exploring the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. The port of Callao near Lima serves as a gateway to Peru and is used by cruise lines sailing along South America’s Pacific coast. Many guests extend their holiday with a Peru tour with Machu Picchu, travelling from Lima into the Andes to visit one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites and UNESCO World Heritage landmarks.
In Brazil, Santos, the main port for São Paulo, is the country’s busiest cruise port and a popular starting point for itineraries along the Brazilian coastline. Further north, Salvador de Bahia offers departures along Brazil’s tropical Atlantic coast and is known for its colourful colonial architecture, historic centre and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.
Cruise Lines Sailing to South America
A range of international cruise lines operate voyages to South America, offering everything from shorter coastal cruises to longer journeys exploring Patagonia and beyond.
Antarctica Cruises
Some South America cruises venture south toward the waters of Antarctica, offering spectacular scenic cruising experiences without landings. These voyages allow guests to witness towering icebergs, dramatic polar landscapes and incredible wildlife from the comfort of a mainstream cruise ship.
Sailing near the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most remarkable experiences in cruising, combining the remote beauty of the polar region with the comfort and amenities of larger ocean ships.
Explore our Antarctica cruise packages to discover these extraordinary voyages.
Expedition Cruises in South America
While many South America cruises take place aboard larger ocean ships, the region is also one of the world’s most exciting destinations for expedition cruising. These smaller vessels are designed to explore remote environments and offer immersive experiences led by expert naturalists and guides.
Expedition voyages allow travellers to reach extraordinary destinations such as the Galápagos Islands, where unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes create one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems. Other ships sail south toward Antarctica on unique expedition cruises, offering opportunities to experience glaciers, icebergs and wildlife including penguins, seals and whales up close.
South America is also home to Amazon River cruises, which travel deep into the rainforest and reveal one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
South America Cruises – Frequently Asked Questions
If you are planning a South America cruise, these quick answers cover some of the most common questions about sailing to this remarkable region.
Cruising allows you to experience a wide range of destinations across the continent without long overland journeys. Ships can access remote coastal regions such as Patagonia and the Chilean fjords while also visiting vibrant cities including Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.
The main cruise season runs from November through March during the southern hemisphere summer, when conditions are generally warmer and daylight hours are longer.
Major departure ports include Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and the Chilean ports near Santiago such as San Antonio and Valparaíso.
Yes. Many guests extend their holiday with visits to Iguazú Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia or Chile’s wine regions before or after their cruise.
Some voyages include scenic cruising near the Antarctic Peninsula, allowing guests to witness glaciers and wildlife without landing on the continent.