When is the best time to visit South America?

South American summers begin in November, with autumn prolonging comfortable temperatures until March. As it's in the Southern Hemisphere, the more southern countries tend to have cooler climates, similar to the Scandinavian region of Europe. When you pack, prepare for a range of weathers and temperatures so you can make the most of your cruise.

What are the typical ports of call on a South America cruise?

Cunard’s South America cruises offer a rich tapestry of destinations, from vibrant cities to remote natural wonders. Each port has been carefully selected to showcase the continent’s cultural diversity, scenic beauty, and historic charm. Argentina Buenos Aires – A city of tango, grand boulevards, and European elegance. Montevideo – Colonial charm and relaxed waterfront living. Puerto Madryn – Gateway to Patagonia and marine wildlife. Ushuaia – The southernmost city in the world, surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Chile Cape Horn (Sail-by) – A legendary maritime landmark. Punta Arenas – A hub for Patagonian exploration. Amalia Glacier (Scenic Cruising) – Towering ice formations and pristine fjords. PIO X Glacier (Scenic Cruising) – One of Chile’s most remote and spectacular glaciers. Puerto Montt – Access to lakes, volcanoes, and the Andes. San Antonio – Gateway to Santiago’s culture and cuisine. Brazil Fortaleza – A lively coastal city with golden beaches. Salvador – Rich in Afro-Brazilian heritage and colonial architecture. Búzios – A chic seaside town with crystal-clear waters. Rio de Janeiro – Iconic beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. Santos – Access to São Paulo’s cosmopolitan energy. Caribbean & Atlantic Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos – White sands and turquoise waters. Bridgetown, Barbados – A blend of British heritage and island charm. Many itineraries also feature scenic cruising through the Beagle Channel and Magellan Strait, offering views only possible from the sea.

South America cruises

Around this vibrant continent, you’ll find desert, jungle, mountains and glaciers, and some truly legendary cities. This continent of sprawling cities and colonial towns is balanced by huge swathes of wilderness.

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Queen Anne's South America Discovery, 2027

Join Queen Anne as she sails to South America, including many maiden ports for the ship. What little anecdotes could fill your postcard? Perhaps all the elaborate costumes you saw at Carnival, during an epic night over in Rio? You could make the most of your route and take time to see Machu Picchu on an overland adventure. Or you could simply bask in all the sights and sounds you sail past, along South America's ineffable coast.

Our latest offers

Up to US$1,000 on board credit

Elevate your Cunard voyage with up to US$1,000 on board credit per Grill suite to spend on the moments that delight you the most. Book from our wide range of itineraries by 1 June 2026 to enjoy this exclusive offer.

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Cunard Signature Packages

We're delighted to introduce our new Cunard Signature Packages. Save up to 30% and enjoy drinks, Wi-Fi, and dining credit to use in our alternative restaurants.

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Last minute cruise deals

By booking within 90 days of sailing, you’ll unlock savings on select Late Saver Fare voyages.

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South America Discovery benefits

When you book a South America Discovery voyage on the Cunard Fare, you'll enjoy the following benefits and special events:

Welcome on board reception
Access to a private lounge
Concierge Service
Unique commemorative gift
Cocktail event on board
Shoreside gala event
Inclusive hotel and dining charge

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Explore South America

Vibrant rainforest, icy glaciers and crumbling colonial towns. South America thrives with spirit, soul and passion. A continent abundant with natural wonder, where life beats to its own drum.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Renowned for its spectacular carnival and iconic landmarks, and cradled between cascading mountains and the South Atlantic, Rio is among the most breathtaking harbour cities in the world.

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Santiago, Chile

In Chile’s capital, grand colonial buildings stand proudly among glass skyscrapers and elegant parks. Discover beautiful architecture, fascinating history and sumptuous local cuisine against a dramatic backdrop of snow-dusted mountains.

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UNESCO-listed Salvador de Bahia is bursting with historical charm, traditional Brazilian flair, and Western African influences

Salvador, Brazil

Salvador is dubbed the Brazilian capital of happiness. It’s a fine example of the country’s rich cultural history, beautiful architecture and adventurous cuisine.

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View all ports in South America

The spirit of South America

Vibrant rainforest, icy glaciers and crumbling colonial towns. South America thrives with spirit, soul and passion. A continent abundant with natural wonder, where life beats to its own drum.

Be inspired

Explore our favourite destinations and our recommendations for your time on board with our inspirational articles. From the history and colour of Rio de Janeiro to the relaxation of our water-inspired Mareel Spa, there is something for everyone on a Cunard voyage.

Waves of wellbeing

As the sea-inspired Mareel Wellness & Beauty holistic spa is welcomed on Cunard cruises, we explore how the ocean can bring health benefits to mind, body and soul.

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Radiant Rio

With delicious cuisines, stunning scenery and its famous carnival atmosphere, Rio has new delights waiting around every corner.

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Raising the chocolate bar

Join us as we celebrate the world's most famous sweet treat with a special Cunard cake recipe from our Executive Chef.

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More destinations to explore

Panama Canal and Central America

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Caribbean

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South America: your questions answered

The varied climate and terrain of South America make it a fantastic place to sightsee. The driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, covers over 40,000 square miles, and includes green salt lakes and two observatories. Further south, see for yourself the growing (not shrinking) Perito Moreno Glacier of Chile, and the famed jagged cliffs around Cape Horn.

On the other side of the continent, you have Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago off Brazil's eastern coast, a place so beautiful and precious only 400 people a day are allowed to visit. Last - but certainly not least - there is the famous Christ the Redeemer, a statue standing 30 metres tall on the peak of Corcovado mountain, looking down over the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro.

A luxury cruise is one of the most effortless and enriching ways to explore South America. With Cunard, you’ll discover this captivating continent in style, without the need for multiple flights or hotel stays.

Our South America voyages combine iconic cities with breathtaking natural wonders. Imagine sailing past glaciers in Chile, rounding Cape Horn, and stepping ashore in vibrant destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Cartagena. Scenic cruising through the Beagle Channel and Magellan Strait offers views only possible from the sea.

If you’re looking for the best way to see South America, a Cunard cruise delivers a seamless blend of adventure and elegance, with every detail taken care of.

View all South America voyages

Cunard’s South America cruises offer a rich tapestry of destinations, from vibrant cities to remote natural wonders. Each port has been carefully selected to showcase the continent’s cultural diversity, scenic beauty, and historic charm.

Argentina

Buenos Aires – A city of tango, grand boulevards, and European elegance.
Montevideo – Colonial charm and relaxed waterfront living.
Puerto Madryn – Gateway to Patagonia and marine wildlife.
Ushuaia – The southernmost city in the world, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.

Chile

Cape Horn (Sail-by) – A legendary maritime landmark.
Punta Arenas – A hub for Patagonian exploration.
Amalia Glacier (Scenic Cruising) – Towering ice formations and pristine fjords.
PIO X Glacier (Scenic Cruising) – One of Chile’s most remote and spectacular glaciers.
Puerto Montt – Access to lakes, volcanoes, and the Andes.
San Antonio – Gateway to Santiago’s culture and cuisine.

Brazil

Fortaleza – A lively coastal city with golden beaches.
Salvador – Rich in Afro-Brazilian heritage and colonial architecture.
Búzios – A chic seaside town with crystal-clear waters.
Rio de Janeiro – Iconic beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer.
Santos – Access to São Paulo’s cosmopolitan energy.

Caribbean & Atlantic

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos – White sands and turquoise waters.
Bridgetown, Barbados – A blend of British heritage and island charm.

Many itineraries also feature scenic cruising through the Beagle Channel and Magellan Strait, offering views only possible from the sea.

South America is in the Southern Hemisphere: the further south you travel, the cooler the days become. The best advice is to pack layers - including jackets and jumpers - so that as you travel you can adapt easily to the temperature. As the port calls often beckon you to explore on foot, or even hike, comfortable shoes and clothing are highly recommended so you can make the most of your time ashore.

Sun protection is also a must, and although you may not encounter rain, we suggest a light waterproof jacket to be on the safe side. As on every Cunard cruise, be sure to pack swimwear and formal wear, so you can make the most of our pools and spa facilities, and enjoy our glittering Gala Evenings in all their splendour.