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Gorriti Island in Punte del Este, Uruguay

Discover South America: Cruise from Brazil to Argentina

Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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Take a 9-day cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires aboard a SH Vega. Walk the colonial streets of Paraty, hike Ilha Anchieta’s tropical trails, and snorkel clear coastal waters. Sail to Porto Belo for beach time, then cross to Uruguay for art and cuisine in Punta del Este. Experience Montevideo’s historic landmarks and taste locally brewed beer. End your journey in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, where colorful neighborhoods and tango fill the streets. The ship offers expert-led excursions, observation decks, and onboard lectures. This cruise blends nature, history, art, and city life into one seamless South American adventure.
Visit Copacabana Beach during your Rio de Janeiro city tourIlha Grande State Park view point in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilA local boat on the beaches of ParatyCasapueblo in Punta del Este, UruguayCoast of MontevideoStreet art in Buenos Aires!Gorriti Island in Punte del Este, Uruguay
Highlights
  • Stroll Paraty’s colonial streets and visit Santa Rita Church
  • Snorkel in clear waters off Brazil’s protected island coast
  • Explore Porto Belo’s Emerald Coast and quiet local beaches
  • Ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Rio de Janeiro | Embark

Start your journey in Rio de Janeiro, a city packed with action and iconic sights. Ride the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain or take the train up Corcovado to see the massive Christ the Redeemer statue. Walk the busy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, known for sunbathing and people-watching. Wrap up your day with a classic caipirinha in one of the city’s energetic bars.

Day 2: Paraty

Ilha Anchieta blends natural beauty with historical depth. Once a high-security prison, the island now serves as a protected park with hiking trails, wildlife, and clear coastal waters. Trek through dense Atlantic forest, explore the remains of the former penitentiary, and watch for native animals. Swim or snorkel in calm bays surrounded by untouched landscapes.

Included Excursion:

Historic Parati on Foot - AM
02 h 00 m
  • Hear the story of this historic site while exploring its narrow streets
  • Visit the Igreja de Santa Rita, known for its distinctive facade
  • Walk through the Portuguese colonial town along the historic Gold Trail

Day 3: Ilha Anchieta

This island is a nature lover's paradise with pristine beaches, hiking trails and historical significance. Once a prison, it's now a protected area with diverse flora and fauna. Snorkel in its clear waters, explore the ruins of the former prison, and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful island.

Included Excursions:

South Beach Trekking
04 h 00 m
  • Explore the enchanting Atlantic Forest on a guided adventure
  • Discover legends, stories, and diverse wildlife along the trail
Prison Ruins Trekking
01 h 30 m
  • Wander through the haunting ruins of a once-formidable prison, where each stone whispers tales of struggle and resilience
  • Immerse yourself in the island’s transformation—from mundane beginnings to dignified significance
  • Expert guides lead you on a journey, revealing chapters etched in stone and memory

Saco Grande Trekking
04 h 00 m
  • Embark on a historic trek through lush forests and vibrant flora
  • Discover the reclaimed military village and its fascinating past
  • Keep an eye out for the island’s diverse wildlife
Dam Trekking
03 h 00 m
  • Discover Anchieta Island’s vibrant flora and breathtaking views on a captivating trek
  • Explore historic ruins and lush ecosystems on an unforgettable adventure
  • End your journey at the serene Ilha Anchieta Dam, surrounded by nature’s beauty

Day 4: Porto Belo

The seafront town of Porto Belo in Brazil is set on a peninsula cradling an emerald-green bay, which gives the region its nickname of the Emerald Coast. Dotted with beaches, bays, and coves, Porto Belo has a reputation among Argentine and Paraguayan tourists for its natural beauty and water sports. Praia Bombas and Praia Bombalinhas beaches are the most popular, but word is that Mariscal Beach may be less crowded and quieter.

Day 5-6: Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 7: Punta del Este

Punta del Este stands as a beacon of sophistication along Uruguay's coastline. Renowned for its glamorous beaches, upscale resorts, and high-end boutiques, this seaside resort town captivates visitors with its luxurious charm. From the iconic hand sculpture, ‘La Mano,’ to the vibrant nightlife and exquisite dining options, Punta del Este exudes an air of elegance.

Included Excursion:

Punta Del Este's Artistic Edge & Narbona Lunch
06 h 00 m
  • Admire the remarkable collection of contemporary Latin American art in an architecturally striking setting at Ralli Museum
  • Discover the Atchugarry Foundation- offering a captivating display of contemporary sculpture in a serene, natural setting, providing a unique cultural experience
  • Savor a delightful farm-to-table lunch featuring artisanal, showcases cheeses, fine wines, and locally sourced cuisine in a peaceful countryside setting.

Day 8: Montevideo

Across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires, Uruguay's charming capital Montevideo is an authentic gem with timeless architecture, leafy plazas and sandy beaches. A city steeped in literary history, Montevideo was home to famed writers like Benedetti, Onetti and Peri Rossi. Nicknamed the 'Athens of the Rio de la Plata,' it is the cradle of Gaucho literature and the only UNESCO City of Literature in Latin America.

Included Excursion:

City Highlights And Uruguayan Beer Tasting
04 h 00 m
  • Explore the “Estadio Centenario,” where the first World Football Cup was organized by FIFA in 1930
  • Visit Independence Square and have a photo stop at the stunning Legislative Palace, known for its marble structure
  • Stop at a local brewery where a talented chef brews his own beer using German recipes

Day 9: Buenos Aires | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, often dubbed 'The Paris of South America,' is a city of diverse neighborhoods (barrios) and vibrant cafe culture. Each district has its own character, none more so than colorful La Boca, where tango dancers perform in the streets. The handsome district of Recoleta is famous for the cemetery where Eva 'Evita' Peron is buried, while ships dock in the regenerated waterfront barrio Puerto Madero.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit South America Tours & Small Ship Cruises.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Vega Suite PremiumSH Vega Suite PremiumPremium suitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
  • 24/7 self service laundry
  • Memory Package
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Spa Treatments
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
  • Several optional activities you can participate in for an extra cost. These include kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
  • Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
  • Purchases from the ship’s boutique
  • Laundry expenses
  • Premium WiFi packages

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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