Treasures of South America: Chilean Fjords to the Iguazu falls - Cruise & Land Journey Buenos Aires - Rio de Janeiro

Twice-founded and once the wealthiest city in Latin America, Buenos Aires seduces with the world-class acoustics of the Teatro Colón, the ritual theatre of a wood-fire asado at a San Telmo parrilla, and the cobblestoned milongas where tango was born and where it burns still. Cross the estuary to UNESCO-listed Colonia del Sacramento or head south toward the glaciers of Patagonia. As South America's premier cruise hub for Antarctic expeditions and round-the-continent voyages, the city is most inviting from November through March.

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is a captivating blend of history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, making it a unique port of call in Argentina. Must-do experiences include savoring local delicacies like centolla and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of nearby Los Glaciares National Park. The best time to visit is during the summer months of December to March, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most stunning.

Cape Horn is South America's southernmost headland, where the Atlantic meets the Pacific in waters that claimed over ten thousand lives during the age of sail, and a solitary Chilean lighthouse keeper endures some of Earth's most extreme conditions. Attempt a landing November through March via Seabourn or Viking — weather permitting — for the albatross memorial walk and the visceral triumph of standing at the end of the Americas in howling Antarctic wind.

The Chilean Fjords are a 1,600-kilometer wilderness of glaciers, temperate rainforest, and channels along Patagonia's coast, where tidewater glaciers calve into jade-green waters and Magellanic penguins, condors, and dolphins thrive in one of Earth's last great frontiers. Must-dos include glacier viewing, wildlife observation from the deck, and transiting the Beagle Channel. December through February offers the longest days and mildest conditions in this notoriously unpredictable climate.

Aguila Glacier, Chile, delivers South America's irresistible combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. Essential experiences include exploring local markets, tasting the distinctive regional cuisine, and venturing into the surrounding natural environments. Best visited November through February, when the austral summer brings the longest days and mildest conditions. Cruise lines including Quark Expeditions feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Punta Arenas is Chile's southernmost continental city and the historic gateway to the Strait of Magellan, Antarctica, and Tierra del Fuego. Visitors should not miss savouring fresh centolla king crab at a waterfront restaurant and taking a boat excursion to the Magellanic penguin colonies at Tucker Islets. The best time to visit is during the austral summer from November through March, when temperatures are mild, daylight stretches past ten in the evening, and expedition cruise schedules are at their peak.

Isla Pingüino, Argentina, delivers South America's irresistible combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. Essential experiences include exploring local markets, tasting the distinctive regional cuisine, and venturing into the surrounding natural environments. Best visited November through February, when the austral summer brings the longest days and mildest conditions. Cruise lines including Scenic Ocean Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Punta Pirámides Nature Reserve is the gateway to Argentina's Valdés Peninsula, where up to 2,000 southern right whales breed in the sheltered Golfo Nuevo alongside elephant seal colonies, Magellanic penguins, and beach-hunting orca. Must-dos include a whale-watching boat excursion from Puerto Pirámides, observing elephant seal colonies, and tasting slow-roasted Patagonian lamb. Visit September to October for peak whale activity.

Montevideo, Uruguay's gracious capital on the Río de la Plata, enchants with its Art Deco–lined Ciudad Vieja, the legendary Mercado del Puerto where asado and Tannat wine elevate lunch to ceremony, and a twenty-kilometer Rambla promenade perfect for unhurried afternoon strolls. Day trips to glamorous Punta del Este or UNESCO-listed Colonia del Sacramento round out the experience. The Southern Hemisphere summer — November through March — brings warm days and vibrant outdoor culture, making it the ideal season for a cruise port call.

Twice-founded and once the wealthiest city in Latin America, Buenos Aires seduces with the world-class acoustics of the Teatro Colón, the ritual theatre of a wood-fire asado at a San Telmo parrilla, and the cobblestoned milongas where tango was born and where it burns still. Cross the estuary to UNESCO-listed Colonia del Sacramento or head south toward the glaciers of Patagonia. As South America's premier cruise hub for Antarctic expeditions and round-the-continent voyages, the city is most inviting from November through March.

Twice-founded and once the wealthiest city in Latin America, Buenos Aires seduces with the world-class acoustics of the Teatro Colón, the ritual theatre of a wood-fire asado at a San Telmo parrilla, and the cobblestoned milongas where tango was born and where it burns still. Cross the estuary to UNESCO-listed Colonia del Sacramento or head south toward the glaciers of Patagonia. As South America's premier cruise hub for Antarctic expeditions and round-the-continent voyages, the city is most inviting from November through March.

Iguazu Falls is the world's largest waterfall system, spanning nearly three kilometres across the Brazil-Argentina border with 275 cascades plunging into a subtropical rainforest gorge. Must-dos include walking to the Devil's Throat on the Argentine side, viewing the panoramic sweep from Brazil, and exploring the surrounding Atlantic Forest for toucans and coatis. Visit November through March for maximum water volume, or May through September for clearer views and milder weather.

Iguazu Falls is the world's largest waterfall system, spanning nearly three kilometres across the Brazil-Argentina border with 275 cascades plunging into a subtropical rainforest gorge. Must-dos include walking to the Devil's Throat on the Argentine side, viewing the panoramic sweep from Brazil, and exploring the surrounding Atlantic Forest for toucans and coatis. Visit November through March for maximum water volume, or May through September for clearer views and milder weather.

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's spectacular coastal metropolis, where granite peaks plunge into Atlantic beaches and imperial history meets vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. Visitors should not miss the panoramic ascent of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car and a traditional Saturday feijoada feast at a local boteco. The best season for cruise visits is October through March, when southern hemisphere summer brings warm temperatures and the city pulses with pre-Carnival energy, though the shoulder months of September and April offer pleasant weather with thinner crowds.

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's spectacular coastal metropolis, where granite peaks plunge into Atlantic beaches and imperial history meets vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. Visitors should not miss the panoramic ascent of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car and a traditional Saturday feijoada feast at a local boteco. The best season for cruise visits is October through March, when southern hemisphere summer brings warm temperatures and the city pulses with pre-Carnival energy, though the shoulder months of September and April offer pleasant weather with thinner crowds.