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Ancient ruins, rainforests, towering mountain peaks, and scenic fjords can all be part of your trip to South AmericaArgentina, Chile, BoliviaEcuador, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia — each country offers natural and cultural discovery. Wind through Amazon tributaries in search of pink dolphins, round the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego for its spectacular views of glaciers and steep rocky shorelines, and set sail for the white continent, Antarctica, on a cruise departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, and visiting the Falkland Islands. During your tour, you'll encounter some of the most welcoming people in the world as you explore Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, PatagoniaTorres del Paine, and Easter Island. Contact us for help curating your dream South America adventures.
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10 Best South America Tours, Trips & Cruises for 2023-2024

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10 Best South America Small Ship Cruises for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Authentic Amazon$54058Mar 26, 2023Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest aboard the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day tour of Amazon Tributaries. Explore isolated communities and rare, …
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Amazon Encounter$59005Mar 30, 2023The luxurious Delfin hosts this Amazon cruise visiting Yanaycu Pucate, with chances to kayak along Jacinto Lake as you navigate the Yarapa River. The …
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Luxury Amazon Discovery - High Water$45004Mar 25, 2023Embark on this 4-day Amazon River luxury cruise on the Aqua Nera, from the Amazon port town of Iquitos. Your journey includes Yacapana Islands, Lake …
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Wild Peru Escape: Amazon & Machu Picchu$83909May 27, 2023Actively experience the wonders of Peru as you explore the upper Amazon, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley on this 9-day cruise & inland adventure. …
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Amazon Encounter$48005Apr 25, 2023Cruise the storied Amazon River in luxury on this 5-day itinerary aboard the Delfin III. Experience the local and remote villages lining the river …
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Luxury Amazon Discovery - High Water$38404Apr 14, 2023From the Amazon port town of Iquitos, Peru, embark on this 4-day Amazon River luxury cruise on the Aria Amazon, hosting your journey includes …
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Luxury Amazon Explorer - High Water$51205Mar 27, 2023Venture to Peru to enjoy a luxurious 5-day cruise exploring the Amazon on the Aria Amazon. Expert guides take you each day by skiff to explore the …
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Luxury Amazon Expedition - High Water$89608Mar 31, 2023An 8-day river cruise on the awe-inspiring Amazon awaits you aboard the Aria Amazon. Get up and personal with wildlife like Amazon dolphins and …
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Galapagos Explorer + Peru's Land of the Incas$1414016Mar 31, 2023Link your 9-day small ship-based Galápagos adventure aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II to a 7-day land-based exploration of the …
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Luxury Amazon Explorer - High Water$60005Mar 28, 2023Enjoy a luxurious 5-day cruise exploring the Amazon on the Aqua Nera. Expert guides take you each day by skiff to explore the flooded forest and …
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10 Best Luxury Small Ship Cruises & Tours to South America for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Authentic Amazon$54058Mar 26, 2023Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest aboard the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day tour of Amazon Tributaries. Explore isolated communities and rare, …
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Haciendas of Ecuador$39667Mar 25, 2023This 7-day tour of Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcano explores the history and culture of the Andes while staying in luxurious haciendas: Hacienda …
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Amazon Encounter$59005Mar 30, 2023The luxurious Delfin hosts this Amazon cruise visiting Yanaycu Pucate, with chances to kayak along Jacinto Lake as you navigate the Yarapa River. The …
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Luxury Amazon Discovery - High Water$45004Mar 25, 2023Embark on this 4-day Amazon River luxury cruise on the Aqua Nera, from the Amazon port town of Iquitos. Your journey includes Yacapana Islands, Lake …
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Awasi Patagonia$40704-7Mar 25, 2023Discover the Torres del Paine National Park with luxury accommodations and unique excursions. Enjoy a 7-day relaxing stay at Awasi Patagonia while …
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Luxury Inca Trail$651710Mar 25, 2023Hike the Inca Trail in style and comfort. This 10-day Inca Trail trek & exploration of Andean Peru is combined with an upscale camping experience …
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Awasi Atacama Desert$29704Mar 25, 2023Spend your nights in San Pedro de Atacama on these 3 to 5-night luxury Chile tours with flexible itineraries that explore the best of the Atacama …
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Machu Picchu by Train with Luxury Hotels$29757Mar 25, 2023Our mainstay Machu Picchu trip with luxury accommodations. We visit the most important Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, …
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Amazon Encounter$48005Apr 25, 2023Cruise the storied Amazon River in luxury on this 5-day itinerary aboard the Delfin III. Experience the local and remote villages lining the river …
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Luxury Amazon Discovery - High Water$38404Apr 14, 2023From the Amazon port town of Iquitos, Peru, embark on this 4-day Amazon River luxury cruise on the Aria Amazon, hosting your journey includes …
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Top 12 Destinations in South America for 2023-2024

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8 Best Amazon Trips to South America for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Amazon Journey via Ucayali River -High Water Season$17854Apr 5, 2023La Perla hosts this 4-day Amazon cruise from Iquitos. Explore the Amazon, Ucayali, and Pacaya Rivers on their way deep into the Pacaya Samiria …
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Authentic Amazon$54058Mar 26, 2023Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest aboard the M/V Anakonda for an 8-day tour of Amazon Tributaries. Explore isolated communities and rare, …
0
Incas and Rainforest$226810Mar 25, 2023Journey through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and explore the Peruvian Amazon in this 10 day tour. Spend 3 nights in the Amazon, observing the …
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Tambopata Research Center$13175Mar 25, 2023Explore the Amazon rainforest on this 5-day tour from Puerto Maldonado. Hike on the floodplain trails, search for frogs at night, and look for the …
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Refugio Amazonas Adventure$9084Mar 25, 2023Take your family on a Peruvian trip to the Amazon rainforest from the comfort of Refugio Amazonas on this exciting 4-day tour. Enjoy climbing a 30 …
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Ceiba Tops Amazon Lodge$8554Mar 25, 2023Explore Peru's vast jungle with a 3-night stay at Ceiba Tops Lodge. Make your way to Iquitos, the headwaters of the Amazon and travel down the river …
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Amazon Encounter$59005Mar 30, 2023The luxurious Delfin hosts this Amazon cruise visiting Yanaycu Pucate, with chances to kayak along Jacinto Lake as you navigate the Yarapa River. The …
0
Luxury Amazon Discovery - High Water$45004Mar 25, 2023Embark on this 4-day Amazon River luxury cruise on the Aqua Nera, from the Amazon port town of Iquitos. Your journey includes Yacapana Islands, Lake …
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Amazon Rainforest Travel Guide

Top 10 South America Adventures in the Andes Mountains for 2023-2024

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Patagonia Wildlife Safari$15255Mar 25, 2023On this tour of Chile's Southern Patagonia region experience penguins, guanacos, Darwin's Rheas, Andean foxes, and more as you hike or even bike …
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Short Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu$19957Mar 25, 2023This 7-day trip culminates in a one day hike on the Inca Trail arriving to Machu Picchu with a full day and a half to explore the ruins. Explore the …
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Classic Inca Trail$306410Mar 25, 2023Follow in the footsteps of the Inca on this classic 10-day Inca Trail Trek. Acclimatize for three days as you explore Inca ruins and bargain at busy …
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Classic W Trek$15038Mar 26, 2023Experience the world's ultimate hiking adventure trekking the W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile. 6 of the 8 days are spent trekking the Paso Los …
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Machu Picchu by Train$15637Mar 25, 2023On this 7-day excursion through the Sacred Valley starting in Lima, you'll visit impressive Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuamán near Cusco, then Pisac, …
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Patagonia Camp - Torres del Paine$19304-8Mar 25, 2023Patagonia Camp is located on the shores of enormous Lake Toro and facing the Paine Massif, only 15 km from the Torres Del Paine Park’s …
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Atacama Desert$20864-5Mar 25, 2023Venture into the Atacama Desert! Three to five night extensions include flexible itineraries that explore this unique region, including a visit to …
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Classic Peru Group Tour$13347Dec 24, 2023Get to know other travelers on this seven-day Peruvian group trip. Begin in Lima, visit the Sacsayhuamán Inca ruins near Cusco, Pisac, and …
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Torres del Paine Multisport$41406Mar 25, 2023Explore Torres del Paine in this multisport tour of Patagonia's best while hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and trekking! With EcoCamp as …
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Manco Multisport$346012Mar 25, 2023This active 12-day tour through Peru blends exhilarating multi-sport adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, trekking, and mountain …
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Andes Mountains Travel Guide

10 Best Small Cruise Ships in South America  for 2023-2024

Ship NameMax PassengersFromSummary
Sylvia Earle126$11695Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, reduced air emissions and light pollution, and virtual anchoring for …
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Greg Mortimer132$12995With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in …
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Ultramarine199$13995New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. …
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National Geographic Resolution126$13880New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with …
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Le Commandant Charcot245$23220The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its …
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Ocean Victory174$5490Accommodating 174 passengers as it sails along Antarctica, the Ocean Victory offers a unique adventure. Experience shore landings, excursions, …
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Magellan Explorer73$4995The Magellan Explorer is one of the world's newest expedition ships, specifically intended for Antarctica. The ship provides a stylish base for its …
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National Geographic Endurance126$17620National Geographic Endurance, a purpose-built cruise ship capable of year-round operations in the arctic regions, with the highest ice class rating …
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Alya16$3500New in 2017, the Alya catamaran offers luxury cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating just 16 passengers, the Alya boasts 9 spacious cabins …
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Sea Spirit114$8895Explore polar regions in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious accommodations for a maximum of 114 passengers, the …
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Travel Inspiration for South America Adventures

South America Travel Guide

No word better captures the atmosphere of South America than "diversity." Between stunning biodiversity, geography stretching from the steamy Amazon to frozen Patagonia, amiable cultures, and a rich history, this corner of the world has it all. Every country has its own distinct identity and personality, but the warm spirit of hospitality for which South America is known permeates the whole continent. As you get to know each of these cultures & people, you'll also delight in the natural wonders held in this vast land.
The Natural Highlights of South America
The Amazon- Between Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, this dense jungle is home to more species of birds, plant life, & other endemic wildlife than any other part of the world, and it comes to vivid life for you as you explore the unspoiled wilderness where there are still uncontacted tribes, friendly river dolphins that swim among piranhas, and curious monkeys swinging through the canopy above.

The Galapagos Islands- Off the golden coast of Ecuador, you'll fine the sun-kissed Galapagos Islands, where Darwin himself first postulated his theories of evolution. A cruise to these pristine islands will show you the same fascinating creatures that Darwin saw, like the Giant Tortoise, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, a rainbow of tropical fish, and an array of the most stunning bird species in the world.

Patagonia- In the beating heart of Argentina you'll find the expansive landscapes of Patagonia, which has inspired travelers and explorers for centuries. From the bustling metropolitan center of Buenos Aires, you will embark on an adventure across sub-Antarctic forests, past glacial lakes, and up the steep mountains & rolling hills to get absolutely incredible panoramic vistas.

Machu Picchu- Nowhere else quite captures the grandeur of the ancient Incan Empire as well as the breathtaking citadel at Machu Picchu. These well preserved ruins in the Peruvian Andes demonstrate the astonishing engineering feats that the Inca were able to accomplish. Your guide will explain how each part of the city was specially designed as a functional tribute to nature and the gods that watched over this ancient civilization.
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Best Times to Travel to South America's Top Destinations

What is the weather in South America?

The vast majority of the continent enjoys year-round warm weather. Only in the mountains of the Andes does it always feel like winter.


The climates of South America are diverse. They range from strong rains near the windswept southwestern coast of the continent to dry desert conditions in northern Chile. The Amazon basin's tropical rain forest is characterized by sweltering heat, whereas the tall, snow-capped Andean peaks are enveloped by extremely cold air.

Best South America Cruise Lines for 2023-2024

  • Ponant is a premium cruise line based in Monaco, owned by Royal Caribbean, and the inventor of all-inclusive cruising. Visit South America on the 254-guest Silver Cloud to learn about the Mayans, see untamed beaches and natural parks, and trace the history of the Spanish explorers' famous cities. UNESCO has awarded many locations World Heritage status.
  • UnCruise. The Seattle based cruise line operates eight adventure ships, plus a partner vessel in the Galápagos, carrying 22-88 guests in Alaska, coastal Washington, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Hawaii, Galápagos, Costa Rica, and Panamà. 
  • Aqua Expeditions take guests into the depths of the Peruvian Amazon in the comfort of luxury aboard the Aria Amazon. The cruise features cuisine by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru's finest chefs, celebrated for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce. Every day, expert naturalist guides conduct small-group excursions that reward guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world's most biodiverse rainforest.
  • Silversea Cruises offers Millennium Class ships Silver Whisper and sister ship Silver Shadow that invite you to enjoy world-class accommodations, shipboard conviviality, and warm, individualized service, paired with the enhanced spaces and amenities of a larger ship.
  • Lindblad Expeditions has an entire cast of expedition specialists that guide their expeditions: experienced sailors and ice masters, expedition leaders, naturalists, undersea specialists, top photographers, cultural specialists, historians, and professional filmmakers. Explore three picturesque colonial cities from Paramaribo, Suriname, a UNESCO Site, to Belém, the gateway to the Amazon, and Salvador, Brazil's cultural heart. And visit notorious Devil's Island aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
  • Aurora ExpeditionsEmbark on the 132-guest Greg Mortimer to discover the wealth of cultural attraction, nature, and wildlife that abound in Colombia's diverse landscapes and the spirit and warmth of its people.
  • Delfin Amazon Cruises is the pioneer upscale river cruise operator in the Upper Peruvian Amazon. Venture to discover the Amazon Rainforest aboard the Delfin III, offering 22 suites with the highest comfort levels for up to 44 passengers. 
  • Hurtigruten is Svalbard's most experienced tour operator, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s, and offers year-round land-based adventures next to the North Pole. MS Fram uses the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for voyages in South America.
  • Quark Expeditions has seasoned veterans with rich backgrounds in marine biology, history, glaciology, geology, and more. Embark on a small polar vessel like the 172-guest World Explorer, an all-balcony, all-suite expedition ship perfect for polar exploration, designed to navigate into Chile's spectacular network of fjords and channels.
  • Poseidon Expeditions has been a leading operator of polar expeditions in the cruise industry since 1999. Providing spacious suites for the accommodation of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit has an ice-strengthened hull, a fleet of Zodiacs, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smoother sailing. 
  • Sea Cloud Cruises. Onboard the Sea Cloud, the sails are still traditionally set, by hand –, a real piece of work. It is always a spectacular moment when the sailors climb the rigging, loosen the heavy cloth, and powerfully tension the deck lines. 
  • Star Clippers Americas is the only modern cruise line that recreates the tall sailing boat era with its fleet Royal ClipperStar Flyer, and Star Clipper
  • Skorpios Cruises sail through fjords, gaze at glaciers and take in the spectacular landscape of Chilean Patagonia aboard the 160 guest MV Skorpios II
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