Highlights of South America
Sprawling South America boasts some of the most vibrant port cities in the world. Bordered by vast oceans and fringed by vast stretches of golden beaches, South America is the place to be if you're looking to explore and experience something new.
A few of the highlights of cruising South America
- Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's liveliest city and the perfect place to let your hair down. Step off at Pier Maua in the heart of Rio's downtown and head straight to some of South America's most recognisable tourist attractions. The Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain is arguably Brazil's most recognisable landmark and overlooks nearby Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy a dip at Ipanema beach before heading into town to take a samba class and experience some of the best nightlife in South America.
- Home of the tango, the 'Super Clasico' and some of South America's most eclectic architecture, bustling Buenos Aires is a must-see for cruise visitors. The city's port is located in the Retiro district, where you'll find plenty of upscale shopping outlets. Birthplace of the sultry tango – the national dance of Argentina, Buenos Aires is also home to one of world soccer's most famous spectacles. The legendary 'Super Clasico' between Boca Juniors and fierce city rivals River Plate enraptures the city at least twice a season.
- Chilean capital Santiago is one of Latin America's most modern cities. Cruise lines dock in the picturesque seaside town of Valparaiso, 90 minutes north of Santiago. Transfers to Santiago are readily available and while there you should explore the Plaza de Armas, the historic city square which houses the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago. Another of Santiago's most popular tourist attractions is La Chascona in the Bellavista neighbourhood, the former home of one of Latin America's most revered poets, Pablo Neruda.
Weather
The Equator runs through Ecuador and northern Brazil so much of the continent is tropical. The dry season is from October to June which is when cruises to the Amazon operate. Cruises from Rio on the east coast also run in this period.
Cruises that go round Cape Horn experience a much larger change in weather and temperature. Santiago and Buenos Aires are Mediterranean in climate and enjoy warm summers with mild winters. However cruises that go round the Horn can experience much colder temperatures even in the height of summer. Passengers on these cruises should have some winter clothing just for the days when the ship rounds the horn.