356 cruises found
A South America cruise feels like a journey of contrasts: one morning on deck overlooking the Patagonian fjords, another in the colorful streets of Buenos Aires, Rio, or Valparaíso, and later amid the humid heat of the Amazon.
The journey is as much about arriving by sea as it is about the ports of call, with glaciers, Brazilian beaches, historic cafés, markets, tango, samba, and landscapes at the end of the world.
Depending on the season and ship you choose, the experience may focus on nature, culture, festivities, river cruising, or full-fledged expedition travel.
Your search criteria:
South America
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
1 other departures
Costa Serena
5 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
04/01/2027
from
$ 420
Other departures:
19 Mar 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Itajai, Santos, Buenos Aires
11 other departures
Costa Diadema
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
03/03/2027
from
$ 645
Other departures:
23-30 Dec 2026
06-13-20-27 Jan 2027
03-10-17-24 Feb 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires
3 other departures
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
03/23/2027
from
$ 751
Other ports of embarkation:
MontevideoOther departures:
27 Dec 2026
05 Jan 2027
18 Feb 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Maiu Island, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
02/27/2027
from
$ 774
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires
2 other departures
Costa Serena
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
03/08/2027
from
$ 781
Other ports of embarkation:
MontevideoOther departures:
14-31 Jan 2027
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Ilha Grande, Paranagua, Itajai, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
7 other departures
MSC Musica
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
03/02/2027
from
$ 883
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del este, Camboriú, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires
Costa Serena
11 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
02/08/2027
from
$ 1,023
Other ports of embarkation:
MontevideoItinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buenos Aires
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
01/22/2027
from
$ 1,035
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buzios, Paranagua, Itajai, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
1 other departures
MSC Musica
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
01/26/2027
from
$ 1,078
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro
6 other departures
MSC Splendida
9 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
12/06/2026
from
$ 1,415
Other ports of embarkation:
Buenos AiresOther departures:
14 Dec 2026
22 Feb 2027
02-10-18-26 Mar 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Santos, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
10 other departures
MSC Seaview
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
01/28/2027
from
$ 1,519
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buzios, Copacabana, Paranagua, Itajai, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
MSC Musica
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
12/29/2026
from
$ 1,531
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
Costa Serena
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
01/19/2027
from
$ 1,571
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Santos, Camboriú, Montevideo, Buenos Aires
MSC Seaview
8 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
01/07/2027
from
$ 1,659
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
1 other departures
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
03/04/2027
from
$ 1,721
Other departures:
10 Jan 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
7 other departures
MSC Splendida
9 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
03/23/2027
from
$ 1,727
Other ports of embarkation:
Rio de JaneiroOther departures:
03-11-19 Dec 2026
19-27 Feb 2027
07-15 Mar 2027
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
02/14/2027
from
$ 1,765
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Maiu Island, Rio de Janeiro
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
02/23/2027
from
$ 1,765
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Ilha Grande, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro
MSC Splendida
10 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
02/13/2027
from
$ 1,813
Other ports of embarkation:
Buenos AiresItinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Punta del este, Camboriú, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
02/05/2027
from
$ 1,827
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Camboriú, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
Costa Serena
10 d
Inside Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
01/27/2027
from
$ 1,834
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabella, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires, Ilhabella, Rio de Janeiro
MSC Splendida
10 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
12/22/2026
from
$ 1,883
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Ilhabella, Camboriú, Punta del este, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro
2 other departures
MSC Splendida
10 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
01/17/2027
from
$ 1,927
Other ports of embarkation:
Buenos AiresOther departures:
26 Jan 2027
04 Feb 2027
Itinerary : Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Port Stanley, Cape Horn, Ushuaia, Magellan (Strait), Punta Arenas, Puerto Madryn, Punta del este, Buenos Aires
5 other departures
Celebrity Equinox
15 d
Inside Stateroom
Buenos Aires
12/05/2026
from
$ 1,952
Other departures:
19 Dec 2026
13-27 Feb 2027
05 Dec 2027
Other departures
Itinerary : Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Ilhabella, Itajai, Punta del este, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro
MSC Splendida
10 d
Ocean view Stateroom
Rio de Janeiro
01/08/2027
from
$ 2,003
Other ports of embarkation:
Buenos Aires
Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires
Montevideo
Buenos Aires
Montevideo
Rio de Janeiro
Montevideo
Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires
Ushuaia
Punta Arenas
Chilean fjords
Punta Arenas
Chilean fjords
Ushuaia
Chilean fjords
Ushuaia
Punta Arenas
Valparaíso
San Antonio
Lima
San Antonio
Lima
Valparaíso
Lima
Valparaíso
San Antonio
Manaus
Rio Negro
Iquitos
Rio Negro
Iquitos
Manaus
Iquitos
Manaus
Rio Negro
Weather & swimming
A festive atmosphere fills Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian cities come alive with parades, music, and celebrations.
Expert advice
Ideal if you want a cruise centered on major events, with a port call in Rio or along the Brazilian coast. Prices and demand may be higher.
Weather & swimming
Quieter and more variable. Temperatures in cities are often pleasant and crowds are smaller, but conditions are more changeable in the south.
Expert advice
A good choice for urban or coastal itineraries, especially around Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, or central Chile. Less suitable for the southernmost areas.
Weather & swimming
A more limited season. Fewer traditional ocean cruises are available, and conditions in Patagonia are cold and challenging.
Expert advice
Best considered mainly for certain tropical or river itineraries. For the fjords, Tierra del Fuego, and major South American routes, the Southern Hemisphere summer is a better choice.
Weather & swimming
Peak season. Long days and milder temperatures in the south make this the best time for Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the Chilean fjords.
Expert advice
This is the prime season for major South American itineraries. It is particularly well suited to long cruises, expeditions, and voyages combining Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil.
| Season | Weather & swimming | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
February | A festive atmosphere fills Brazil. Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian cities come alive with parades, music, and celebrations. | Ideal if you want a cruise centered on major events, with a port call in Rio or along the Brazilian coast. Prices and demand may be higher. |
April - May & September - October | Quieter and more variable. Temperatures in cities are often pleasant and crowds are smaller, but conditions are more changeable in the south. | A good choice for urban or coastal itineraries, especially around Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, or central Chile. Less suitable for the southernmost areas. |
June - August A more limited season. Fewer traditional ocean cruises are available, and conditions in Patagonia are cold and challenging. Best considered mainly for certain tropical or river itineraries. For the fjords, Tierra del Fuego, and major South American routes, the Southern Hemisphere summer is a better choice. | ||
November - January & March | Peak season. Long days and milder temperatures in the south make this the best time for Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the Chilean fjords. | This is the prime season for major South American itineraries. It is particularly well suited to long cruises, expeditions, and voyages combining Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil. |
In South America, the highlights vary greatly by itinerary: major cities, glaciers, beaches, rivers, or Andean landscapes. Ideally, choose a cruise based on the main experience you are seeking.
In Ushuaia
The Beagle Channel offers an introduction to Tierra del Fuego, amid mountains, lighthouses, seabirds, and southern waters.
In Chilean fjords
Scenic cruising is often the heart of the journey, with glaciers, dark rock faces, and subpolar forests.
In the Amazon
Outings on the Rio Negro or its tributaries let you see the forest from the water, close to wildlife and villages.
In Ushuaia
The Beagle Channel offers an introduction to Tierra del Fuego, amid mountains, lighthouses, seabirds, and southern waters.
In Chilean fjords
Scenic cruising is often the heart of the journey, with glaciers, dark rock faces, and subpolar forests.
In the Amazon
Outings on the Rio Negro or its tributaries let you see the forest from the water, close to wildlife and villages.
In Buenos Aires
San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo reveal three very different sides of the Argentine capital.
In Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, and Ipanema create a striking port call combining city, beach, and dramatic terrain.
In Valparaíso
The hills, funiculars, and murals make this one of the most visually striking ports of call on South America's Pacific coast.
In Buenos Aires
San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo reveal three very different sides of the Argentine capital.
In Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, and Ipanema create a striking port call combining city, beach, and dramatic terrain.
In Valparaíso
The hills, funiculars, and murals make this one of the most visually striking ports of call on South America's Pacific coast.
In Rio de Janeiro
Sugarloaf Mountain offers one of the continent's most beautiful views, taking in the bay, beaches, and mountains at a glance.
In Punta Arenas
The Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint overlooks the city, its colorful rooftops, the port, and the Strait of Magellan.
In Valparaíso
Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción bring together colorful stairways, street art, hillside houses, and views of the port.
In Rio de Janeiro
Sugarloaf Mountain offers one of the continent's most beautiful views, taking in the bay, beaches, and mountains at a glance.
In Punta Arenas
The Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint overlooks the city, its colorful rooftops, the port, and the Strait of Magellan.
In Valparaíso
Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción bring together colorful stairways, street art, hillside houses, and views of the port.
Arrive in Rio amid mountains, a sweeping bay & iconic beaches
Rio de Janeiro is often remembered as one of the continent's standout ports because the city reveals itself immediately from the sea and the surrounding heights. Travelers remember the view from Sugarloaf Mountain, the energy of Copacabana and Ipanema, and the unmistakable Carioca spirit that sets this port apart.
Cruise through the Patagonian fjords to the gateway to Cape Horn
Southern routes leave a lasting impression with their sense of isolation and grandeur. Between Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Chilean channels, glaciers, and Tierra del Fuego's changing light, the cruise becomes an immersive journey through the landscape as well as a series of port calls.
Experience Buenos Aires through tango, cafés & colorful neighborhoods
Buenos Aires captivates visitors with its blend of urban culture, European architecture, and lively local atmosphere. Travelers enjoy San Telmo, La Boca, historic cafés, bookstores, and parrillas, as well as the easy transition from a city stroll to an evening of tango.
Enjoy a parrilla lunch at Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto
In Montevideo, travelers often enjoy this simple, distinctly local break centered on grilled food. The Mercado del Puerto lets you experience the Uruguayan atmosphere without an elaborate plan: counters, grilled meat, local wine, lively conversation, and an old town that is easy to explore on foot.
Ride Valparaíso's elevators to the murals in the hills
In Valparaíso, the appeal lies not only in the view of the port but also in the journey to reach it. The historic elevators, stairways, colorful houses, and murals of Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción give the port of call an unmistakable bohemian atmosphere.
See the Meeting of the Waters from Manaus
In the Amazon, travelers often highlight the meeting of the Rio Negro and Solimões because it is such a vivid, memorable sight. Watching the two rivers flow side by side before forming the Amazon provides a powerful first impression of the river, before outings into the forest and along smaller tributaries.
South American cruises offer easy access to an impressive range of strikingly different landscapes. In just a few days, travelers can go from the Amazon rainforest to Brazil's golden beaches, and from the peaks of the Andes to the icy fjords of Patagonia. This unique mix of scenery makes it one of the most appreciated ocean cruise destinations in the world.
At every stop, these cruises offer access to authentic cultural experiences. In Buenos Aires, passengers enjoy tango shows and historic cafés, while in Rio, they discover the festive rhythms of samba and the energy of Carnival. The artisan markets in Valparaíso and Montevideo reveal local art and traditions through their colorful streets.
Cruises in South America are also an opportunity to explore a particularly diverse culinary culture. Every port introduces local specialties, from Argentine empanadas and Brazilian grilled meats to Chilean seafood and Uruguayan wines.
The period from November to March, which corresponds to the southern hemisphere summer, is considered the most favorable time for a cruise in South America. The weather is generally mild, with long sunny days. It’s also the best season for onshore excursions, city visits, and marine wildlife observation—especially in Patagonia, where whales can sometimes be spotted. The shoulder seasons—spring (September to November) and fall (March to May)—are also good times to travel, with moderate temperatures, fewer tourists, and often better prices.
The month of February, during Rio’s Carnival, is a particularly attractive time for a cruise in South America. Carnival usually takes place the week before Ash Wednesday, with two days of parades at the Sambadrome and festivities all over Rio de Janeiro.
Many cruise lines offer itineraries that include extended stops in Rio, giving passengers the chance to attend the samba school parades while enjoying all the comforts of the ship. This major cultural event offers a fully immersive experience that combines exploration of the South American coastline with the vibrant traditions of Rio.
Buenos Aires is one of the main departure points for cruises in South America. The Argentine capital is known for its historic neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, its European-style architecture, and its vibrant cultural atmosphere, with tango at the heart of it all.
South American cruises often include a stop in Rio de Janeiro, a symbolic destination of the continent. In addition to the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio invites travelers to enjoy the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, along with its buzzing nightlife.
Valparaíso is a popular stop on Chilean cruise itineraries thanks to its bohemian charm, colorful houses, and network of quaint funiculars. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers a rich and authentic cultural experience.
Cruises exploring the southern Chilean fjords and the channels of Tierra del Fuego offer access to one of the most remote and spectacular regions of South America. Between Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Puerto Natales, and Cape Horn, these routes reveal a wild and rugged world made up of active glaciers, subpolar forests, and jagged coastlines where nature remains overwhelmingly dominant. Some of these cruises even include stops in Antarctica, giving travelers the rare chance to sail among majestic icebergs and penguin colonies in one of the planet’s most pristine and fascinating environments.
Expedition cruises operated by companies like Ponant or Australis focus on active exploration and an immersive approach to the region. They include zodiac landings, kayaking excursions, and guided wildlife observations led by polar environment experts. These itineraries access places that large-capacity ships can’t reach, offering a more intimate and authentic discovery of these unique landscapes.
To discover the Amazon by river, companies such as Rivages du Monde and CroisiEurope offer river cruises departing from Manaus, Belém, or Iquitos. On board intimate vessels, these cruises provide a privileged immersion in the Amazon’s natural wonders. As they sail along the Amazon’s tributaries—especially the Rio Negro and the Solimões—passengers encounter remarkable biodiversity: pink dolphins, caimans, monkeys, sloths, macaws, and much more. These river journeys include zodiac or kayak excursions, nature walks, themed lectures, and highlights within protected areas such as Pacaya Samiria. Stops along the way offer opportunities to meet local communities, always with a strong focus on sustainable tourism.
Your choice of cruise line depends on the type of itinerary you're looking for and the level of comfort you prefer.
MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises offer regular routes between Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, with stops in major capitals and coastal resorts.
Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises offer extended itineraries, including destinations like Peru, the Falkland Islands, or even Antarctica, aboard comfortable ships with a wide range of services.
Ponant offers a luxury cruise experience on small, intimate ships, featuring personalized service, gourmet cuisine developed in partnership with Ducasse Conseil, and expedition itineraries to remote regions such as Patagonia, the Chilean fjords, and Antarctica.
Australis specializes in exceptional cruises through Tierra del Fuego, with short itineraries between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia focused on exploring the Patagonian channels and Cape Horn.
Cruises departing from Buenos Aires are among the most popular in South America. This Argentine capital, well served by an international airport, is an ideal starting point for coastal itineraries along Brazil, Uruguay, or major cities in the Southern Cone.
Cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro offer a mix of beaches, culture, and lively stops along the Brazilian coast. With its busy port and central location, Rio is a great base for exploring the South Atlantic shoreline.
Cruises departing from Santos, near São Paulo, are some of the most common for exploring Brazil's coast. The port sees a high number of seasonal departures each year, especially during the southern summer.
Cruises departing from Montevideo are ideal for travelers wanting to explore routes combining Uruguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. The city offers a convenient alternative for those wishing to avoid larger capitals.
Cruises departing from Ushuaia are designed primarily for travelers looking to explore southern Patagonia and Antarctica. Known as the last major port before Antarctica, Ushuaia is an iconic gateway for polar cruises.
Cruises departing from San Antonio, on Chile’s coast, are the main embarkation point for itineraries along the southern fjords or through the Strait of Magellan. The port is accessible from Santiago, the capital.
Finally, some cruises departing from Puntarenas in Costa Rica sail along the Pacific coast and through the Panama Canal as part of transoceanic itineraries. The port opens access to a wide variety of tropical landscapes and is a common stop for discovering nearby natural areas, from beaches and forests to mangroves.
Most cruises in South America last between 12 and 18 days, which is ideal for exploring iconic ports like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Valparaíso, or Ushuaia while enjoying the comfort of sea travel.
For longer itineraries that include Cape Horn, the Falkland Islands, and sometimes the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll generally need to allow 20 to 36 days. These types of cruises, often operated by expedition-focused cruise lines, allow you to explore the southernmost parts of the continent in privileged conditions.
South American cruises offer a wide range of excursions, reflecting the diversity of the continent's landscapes and cultures. Expect guided tours of historic districts, local food tastings, dance workshops, zodiac outings to observe marine wildlife, and glacier hikes in Patagonia. Each stop offers a different perspective, combining cultural discovery, nature, and adventure.
The period from November to March is ideal for wildlife observation. In the Patagonian fjords, passengers can spot humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, penguins, and many migratory birds. The Amazon also offers unique opportunities to discover its biodiversity during these same months.
Prices for cruises vary greatly depending on several factors: time of year, type of cabin, chosen cruise line, included stops, and current promotions. The same itinerary can have significantly different price points depending on the season or comfort level selected.
For an eight-night cruise with MSC, prices for a standard interior cabin start around $1600 per person. This includes full board, access to standard onboard services, and a comfortable interior cabin. For a suite, prices can reach approximately $2700 per person. Suites are more spacious, usually come with a balcony, and often include perks like priority boarding, access to a wellness area, or a dedicated restaurant.
For a 10-night luxury Ponant cruise in South America, rates start around $6000 per person for a Superior cabin. This price includes full board, unlimited drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi, and one included excursion or activity per port. Onboard, the service is top-notch, the atmosphere intimate, and the amenities upscale: fine dining, wellness spaces, elegant lounges, and a limited number of guests. For a Prestige Suite with balcony and lounge area, expect to pay around $11,500 per person.
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