South America cruises: The ultimate guide for 2025 & 2026

Cruising South America is one of the easiest ways to cover huge distances and discover different cultures, landscapes and wildlife without the headache of flights, hotels and language barriers at every stop.

Cruises to South America offer a brilliant way to explore this incredible continent with ease; think dramatic landscapes, buzzy cities and grab-your-camera wildlife. From the glaciers of Patagonia to the rainforests of the Amazon, a South America cruise lets you experience a magical continent packed with bucket list-worthy experiences stress-free.

Whether you’re planning your 2025 escape or thinking ahead to South America cruises 2026, this Sailawaze guide covers everything you need to know.

How much is a cruise to South America?

Cruising South America can cost anywhere from around £1,000 to more than £37,000 per person depending on the cruise line, length of voyage, itinerary and holiday package.

Shorter cruises visiting highlights like Rio, Buenos Aires and Montevideo can start from as little as around £760pp (without flights and in an inside cabin, mind) while a full cruise around South America – often taking 60 nights or more – can run into high five figures, especially if you’re booking luxury lines or suites. Keep an eye out for deals and speak to a travel agent like Iglu Cruise about your budget and needs and they can help find the right cruise for you.

Is it safe to cruise in South America?

Generally yes, it’s safe to cruise South America. Cruise lines take security very seriously and work with local authorities to ensure port areas are safe. They also never stop anywhere that is hazardous for guests – so that security blanket is automatically built in. Venezuela – considered the most dangerous South American country – for instance, isn’t visited by any major ocean cruise lines. Meanwhile, Chile is often ranked one of the safest countries in South America, positioning highly in the Global Peace Index.

Like anywhere, it’s best to stick to organised shore excursions and be sensible when exploring independently. Cities like Rio and Buenos Aires are amazing to visit but travellers should always stay aware of their surroundings as pickpocketing and petty crime are possible, like in any metropolis. Villages and the countryside come with lower travel risk. Remember to always book comprehensive travel insurance too, to mitigate any problems.

What cruise lines cruise South America?

Many major brands and smaller lines offer cruises to South America, giving you loads of choice whether you want luxury, adventure or something family-friendly.

Cruise lines that sail to South America include:

Ocean cruises around South America

Silversea – ultra-luxury cruise holidays with everything included. Itineraries cover Rio Carnival sailings, Patagonia, the Chilean fjords and even the Galápagos.

Seabourn – ultra-luxury small-ship cruises with an expedition edge. Itineraries explore Patagonia, Antarctica and the Chilean coast, with all-suite ships and everything included.

Holland America Line – classic cruise holidays featuring expert-led itineraries through Patagonia, the Panama Canal and iconic ports like Buenos Aires, Valparaiso and Montevideo.

Princess Cruises – classic cruise holidays through South America and the Panama Canal with everything from Cape Horn and Patagonia to Rio de Janeiro and Cartagena.

Oceania Cruises – refined voyages with a culinary focus and stylish mid-size ships, sailing along the Brazilian coast, Uruguay and Argentina.

Cunard – timeless voyages aboard grand ocean liners, tracing legendary routes via the Panama Canal, Brazil and Argentina.

Ponant – small-ship luxury meets expedition-style adventure, with elegant French yachts sailing through the Panama Canal, Costa Rica’s coasts and Patagonia’s fjords.

Celebrity Cruises – stylish ships with a modern, resort-like feel offering journeys to Brazil, Argentina and Antarctica.

Azamara – destination-focused, boutique-style ships that linger longer in port, offering immersive South American sailings including Antarctica, Patagonia and Panama Canal transits.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises – ultra-luxury, all-suite cruises, with everything included, across South America, with calls at such destinations as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Ushuaia and the Falkland Islands.

Other cruise lines offering South American itineraries include Windstar, Scenic, HX Expeditions, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal.

River cruises in South America

River cruises are also an option if you want to head inland. AmaWaterways has recently launched luxury cruises on Colombia’s Magdalena River, taking guests through historic towns like Mompox. Meanwhile, in Peru, Uniworld and Avalon Waterways offer Amazon River sailings aboard boutique ships with wildlife-rich routes.

French river cruise line CroisiEurope has also announced new itineraries in the Brazilian Amazon starting in 2027. Sailing aboard the new 32-passenger RV Brasilian Dream [above], the cruises explore lesser-visited parts of the Amazon, Rio Negro, Solimões and Tapajós rivers, with excursions to indigenous villages, UNESCO-protected parks and wildlife-rich rainforest. Designed with sustainability in mind, the ship features solar panels, eco engines and a Brazilian-inspired onboard experience with local cuisine, crafts and culture. Three 11-day itineraries will be available.

So if you’re wondering, “Who cruises around South America?” or, “What cruise lines go to South America?”, the answer is: there’s a wide mix of options depending on your style and budget.

Can you cruise to South America from the UK?

Yes, but it’s a long journey. Some world cruises and repositioning voyages sail from the UK to South America, often taking several weeks with lots of sea days. More typically, travellers fly to ports such as Buenos Aires, Rio or Santiago to start their cruise.

When is the best time to cruise South America?

If you’re asking, “What is the best time to cruise to South America?” or even, “What is the best time of year to visit South America?” – the answer is mostly the same: November to March. Although given how huge and varied the terrain is, it will always depend on where you go.

As a guide, November through March is summer in the southern hemisphere, making it perfect for cruising Patagonia, the Chilean fjords (in the south) and southern Argentina. It’s also Carnival season in Brazil, making February a popular month for cruises to South America. However, spring-like weather in September and October makes this period a great time to visit the rest of Argentina and Chile as well as Uruguay or Bolivia.

Amazon river cruises can operate year-round but if you want dry weather and lively festivals, aim for the December to March sweet spot.

Best South America Cruises

Here are some popular options for South America cruises 2025 and 2026:

Best places to visit in South America

A cruise to South America lets you explore a huge range of destinations across the continent. Some of the best places to visit in South America by cruise include:

– Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: for Carnival, Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer
– Buenos Aires, Argentina: the home of tango, steak and gorgeous European-style streets
– Santiago (San Antonio), Chile: gateway to the Andes and world-class vineyards
– Montevideo, Uruguay: a compact capital with beaches, markets and laid-back charm
– Puerto Montt & Punta Arenas, Chile: launching points for Patagonia adventures
– Ushuaia, Argentina: the southernmost city in the world and a gateway to Antarctica
– Lima (Callao), Peru: for Incan ruins, ceviche and access to Machu Picchu
– Port Stanley, Falkland Islands: for wildlife encounters and remote landscapes
– Amazon River ports: including Manaus in Brazil, offering lush jungle excursions

Best things to do in South America

Cruising South America offers a glut of activities – whether you’re into food, history, nature or adventure. Some of the best things to do on a South America cruise include:

– Visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio and soak up the views from Sugarloaf Mountain
– Go wildlife spotting in the Galápagos Islands, Falklands or Amazon rainforest
– Explore Patagonia’s fjords and glaciers on a scenic cruise or shore excursion
– Eat your way through Buenos Aires, from empanadas to top-class steakhouses
– Tango the night away in Argentina’s sultry capital
– Tour vineyards in Chile’s Casablanca or Maipo valleys
– Trek to Machu Picchu on an extended land tour from Lima or Callao
– Stroll Montevideo’s old town or relax on its sandy beaches
– Take a boat tour through the Amazon jungle from Manaus

Is a cruise a good way to see South America?

Yes, cruising is a brilliant way to see South America – especially if you want to visit multiple countries without dealing with tricky flights, border crossings and logistics. A cruise South America itinerary often combines city breaks, nature reserves, beach days and cultural adventures in one easy package.

That said, it’s worth bearing in mind that ocean cruises will only call at coastal destinations and shore excursions can only go so far, so if you want to explore the continent’s interior, either investigate a river cruise or book a cruise and stay holiday with your travel agent. These will include hotel stays before or after your sailing so you can head into the heart of this beautiful land and explore from a different perspective.

What to pack for a South America cruise

Packing for a South America cruise is all about layers and versatility – and again depends entirely on your itinerary and the time of year.

Essentials include:

– Lightweight clothes for warm cities like Rio or Lima
– Warmer layers for cooler destinations like Ushuaia and the Chilean fjords
– Comfortable walking shoes for excursions
– Sunhat and sunscreen
– Insect repellent for Amazon regions
– Waterproof jacket for Patagonia
– Swimwear for beach stops
– Daypack for hikes and day trips
– Dressier outfits for formal nights (if your cruise line has them)

What is hurricane season in South America?

Unlike the Caribbean, South America does not really experience a traditional hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November but South America’s main cruise ports are generally south of the hurricane belt and not heavily impacted.

Do I need a visa for South America on a cruise?

Visa requirements for a South America cruise depend on your nationality and the countries included in your itinerary. British passport holders can usually visit most South American countries without needing a visa for short stays. For example, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay all allow visa-free entry for UK travellers for up to 90 days.

Always check with your cruise line or travel agent in advance, however – they’ll advise you on exactly what’s needed for your specific cruise South America itinerary. And make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.