Worldwide Destinations: South America
This vibrant continent combines Latin American flare with the all the warmth of the Caribbean. It's colorful, exotic, sexy, historic and modern all at the same time. It's mysterious. It's amazing. It's an adventure.
From the sultry and seductive city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the wondrous secrets of Machu Picchu in Peru - South America offers intriguing lands of culture, natural beauty, and nostalgia. Those who visit this brave continent will have a chance to discover and explore the cascading Iguazu Falls in the jungles of Argentina, the marvelous old-world architecture of Montevideo, Uruguay, the pristine lakes and snow-capped volcanoes of Puerto Montt, Chile and the Brazilian beaches of Rio.
Who Cruises There
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The climate in South America mirrors North America's seasons, putting the continents peak summer months in the middle of northern winters. Although cruises to South America are offered from October through April, peak season is reached during the months of December, January, and February.
Typically the cruises sail from Rio de Janeiro, Valparaiso, and Buenos Aires, but some do depart from San Diego, New York and Fort Lauderdale, as well. In addition to the traditional stops that are actually on South American land, ships sail around the continent, including the tip of Cape Horn, often calling in the Falkland Islands and Antarctica as well as stops in Mexico and Costa Rica. This exciting journey can last anywhere from 13 to 40 days, and usually attracts passengers with an appetite for adventure and education. Most cruise lines also offer pre- and post-cruise packages and overnight stays in some of the South American port cities.
Ports of Call
Buenos Aires - European culture and heritage - mainly that of Italy, Spain and France - flourish in Argentina's capital city. Its wide boulevards are lined with jacaranda trees, its wild nightlife booms, its artistry paints the town, and it's the birthplace of the tango.
Bright Spots - Highlights of this colorful city include visits to Avenida de Mayo, the historical and political center of Plaza de Mayo and its tall white pyramid, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cabildo city hall, the Congress building, the historical neighborhood of San Telmo, the bright homes in La Boca, and Caminito Street, where painters and artists abound. Other attractions include the famous Colon Theatre opera house, the beautiful parks of Palermo, the city zoo, a botanical garden, an Argentine horse track and national polo fields. Those with an itch for shopping will find inexpensive items, including leather and handicrafts, in Buenos Aires' elegant boutiques.
Iguazu Falls - A trip to these fascinating cascades includes a short plane ride from the Buenos Aires airport. Located at the border of Brazil and Argentina, these gigantic falls - which are double the size of Niagara Falls - are surrounded by a verdant forest and shimmer with misty rainbows.
Tango Time - Visitors can indulge in a night of tango at one of the country's famous tango houses. The night may include dinner at a popular local restaurant for a taste of the area's famous prime Argentine steaks and wines, a show of professional tango stars and musicians, or a chance to learn how to do the sultry dance from teachers of tango.
Arica - This Chilean oasis - located in the heart of the Atacama Desert - was once settled by Incas and Aymaras. Arica's mild, dry climate and warm waters gave it the name of "The City of Eternal Spring," and ensured its position as a year-round beach resort. The city, and nearby Azapa Valley, offer signs of ancient civilization dating back to 10,000 B.C.
Machu Picchu - Arica is the starting point for those who want to visit the mystical lost city of Machu Picchu. These excursions begin with a short flight to the high-altitude Peruvian city of Cuzco, departure point for the trip to the stone city built by the Incas on a steep mountain peak surrounded by jungle.
City Exploration - Tours of Arica and the Azapa Valley take visitors to the Morro to see the Arms museum which provides information on the War of the Pacific between Peru and Chile, the Gothic style San Marco church, the San Miguel museum (which houses a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and some of the oldest mummies in the world), and the handicrafts market offering knitted articles, ceramics, pottery, carved stones and ocarinas.
Putre - Settled by Spaniards, and located around 10,000 feet above sea level, this historic city's architectural highlights include a church that was once lined in silver and gold. On the way to Putre, travelers have a chance to see ancient geoglyphs on the yellow slopes of Lluta valley, the pre-Incan village of Poconchile, and the national monument of Pukara de Copaquilla.
Rio de Janeiro - This sassy and romantic Brazilian city is hot in every way! Radiant beaches - including the famous Copacabana and Ipanema - fun-loving natives (called Cariocas), a fascinating mountainous backdrop, and sounds of samba throughout the bustling streets all contribute to the legendary magic of Rio.
Sweet Beaches - Cruise vacationers might want to visit the touristy waterfront area at Botafogo Beach, bask in the sun at Copacabana and Ipanema, and ride a cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to view Rio's breathtaking scenery.
Striking City & Corcovado - A tour of the city's business district features its old colonial buildings, the World War II Memorial and the Museum of Modern Art. Beyond the central district, sightseeing excursions drive past Sambodromo (the sight of Rio's legendary Carnival) and up to Corcovado Mountain to see the famous 120-foot high statue of Christ the Redeemer and absorb the lush sanctuary of the Tijuca forest.
Rio by Night - Ships frequently stay in port at Rio overnight, giving passengers plenty of time to enjoy a sumptuous Brazilian-fare dinner, set foot in one of Rio's most popular nightclubs, and experience the culture and sounds of this exciting city through a samba show.
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