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South America

South America offers some of the most adventurous cruising anywhere, from rounding Cape Horn and visiting the Falkland Islands to sailing deep into the Amazon rainforest. Many itineraries combine the voyage with land journeys to Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lake Titicaca in Peru. Cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires make memorable starting points.

Best time to go

November to March for Patagonia and Cape Horn. The Amazon can be visited all year, with higher water from about December to June. Peru's highlands are driest from May to September.

Season

The southern summer for Cape Horn voyages, and year-round for the Amazon and Peru.

Typical daytime highs

  • Patagonia and Cape Horn (November to March). Typical daytime highs around 8 to 15°C in Patagonia and Cape Horn in the southern summer (November to March). Windy and changeable.
  • Buenos Aires and Montevideo (December to February). Typical daytime highs around 27 to 30°C in Buenos Aires and Montevideo in summer (December to February). Hot and humid.
  • Amazon (all year). Typical daytime highs around 30 to 33°C in the Amazon all year round. Hot and humid, with frequent showers.
  • Peru's Andes (all year). Typical daytime highs around 18 to 21°C in Cusco and the Andes all year round. Cool at altitude, with cold nights.

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

How long

Usually 10 to 16 nights, and longer when land tours are added.

Fly-cruise airports

  • Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG). about 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours
  • Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE). about 13 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours
  • Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM). about 12 to 13 hours
  • Manaus Eduardo Gomes (MAO). usually one or two connections

Who it suits

Adventurous travellers, wildlife lovers and anyone with a bucket list that includes Cape Horn, the Amazon or Machu Picchu.

Questions

When is the best time to sail round Cape Horn?

November to March, during the southern summer.

Can I visit Machu Picchu on a South America cruise holiday?

Yes. Several itineraries add land stays in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Is altitude an issue in Peru?

Cusco and Lake Titicaca are at high altitude, so take it easy on arrival and seek medical advice if you have concerns.

Ports and places