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.

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.

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 nights in all their splendour.