2023 South America Cruises: Explore Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay
When people think about a dream cruise vacation destination, South America might not be the first continent that comes to mind. However, exploring South America on a cruise is the perfect way to see it! You'll visit multiple countries, experience unique adventures, and pass stunning coastlines. You can even choose an itinerary that includes sailing by Antarctica!
The 2023 South America cruise season has sailings towards the end of the year in November and December, as well as some sailings that extend into early 2024. If you're excited to learn more, here are some of the ports you can visit when you cruise to South America with Norwegian.
Ready to start planning? Explore all South America Cruises.
Punta Arenas, Chile
Punta Arenas is the capital city of Chile, and is located north of the Strait of Magellan. It started as a penal colony in the mid-19th century and today is the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Consider booking the Patagonian Estancia Experience, where you'll be greeted by the traditional welcome drink, a Pisco Sour. You will also enjoy a barbecue of tasty Patagonian lamb and baked empanadas. You can also navigate the legendary Strait of Magellan on a two-person sea kayak.
Torres Del Paine National Park
Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina is one of two cities on Tierra del Fuego. It's the gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes in South America, including mountains, lakes, and forests. The Andean Mountains meet the Beagle Channel, which forms the extreme southern tip of the continent.
Multiple excursions take you to Tierra del Fuego National Park, penguin watching, and more. The Penguin Rookery Navigation tour includes a cruise through the Beagle Channel to islands filled with sea lions, seabirds, and Magellanic penguins.
Book the Wildlife Cruise & Tierra del Fuego National Park tour to combine sea and land adventures. You'll start with a cruise through Beagle Channel, passing Bird Island, home to numerous species of birds, and Sea Wolves Island, home to sea lions and seals. The land portion of the tour takes you through multiple photo-worthy landscapes in Tierra Del Fuego National Park, including the milestone marker for the End of the World.
Ushuaia, Argentina
Stanley, Falkland Islands
Stanley is the capital of the Falkland Islands and the home of five different penguin species. There are so few people here that there's only one jail, and the maximum number of people it can hold is 13! In fact, the penguins outnumber people in the Falkland Islands.
Deception Island, Antarctica
This horseshoe-shaped island is in the South Shetland Islands, off the coast of Antarctica. It's a wildlife sanctuary for eight types of nesting seabirds and home to what may be the largest group of penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula or the world. There's also an active volcano here. The geothermal heat warms the nearby water and black-sand beach, providing quite the contrast to the rest of Antarctica.
Deception Island, Antarctica
Elephant Island / Cape Lookout
Elephant Island gets its name from the elephant seals that populate the island, and it's shaped like an elephant's head. Look for legions of adorable penguins waddling along the rocks while elephant seals lounge around on the seashore.
São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city, offering many opportunities to view interesting architectural sites, shop at fascinating locales, taste exquisite cuisine, and enjoy beautiful beaches. You'll find Gonzaga Beach resembles beaches you would find in the French Riviera. Head to the Jardins District for all your shopping needs. Coffee lovers shouldn't miss a visit to Santos' Museu do Café, which is a coffee museum housed in a former palace.
São Paulo, Brazil
Ilha Grande, Brazil
The island of Ilha Grande is Brazil's third-largest island. Today, it's a protected area known for its stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and gorgeous tropical scenery. However, Ilha Grande wasn't always so glamorous. It was once a leper colony and then a prison! Cars are banned on the island, and Vila do Abraão is the only town. If your cruise stops in Ilha Grande, don't miss the stunning 2-mile fine-sand beach of Lopes Mendes. Once you experience Ilha Grande's natural beauty, you'll quickly understand why Vogue named Praia Lopes Mendes one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Some people call Punta del Este the Saint-Tropez of Latin America. While the area's 20-mile shoreline gets a lot of attention, plenty of other attractions keep you busy in Punta del Este. Pose for pictures at La Mano en la Arena, a gigantic sculpted hand emerging from the sand at Playa Brava.
Punta Del Este, Uruguay
RELATED CRUISES:
16-Day South America: Punta Arenas, Ushuaia & Punta del Este
10-Day Cruise South America: Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina
18-Day South America: Argentina to Brazil
Choosing the right South America cruise can be challenging because there are so many exciting ports. While you're planning your 2023 South America cruise, be sure to sign up for Norwegian's cruise deals newsletter. That way, you don't miss out on any upcoming special offers when you are ready to book.