South America, Antarctica & Galapagos Cruises
Penguins and icebergs, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, Cape Horn and the Chilean fjords — expedition travel at its best.
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Antarctica
Most voyages sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage (about two days each way) to the Antarctic Peninsula; some skip the crossing with a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile. Under IAATO guidelines, only ships carrying 500 or fewer passengers may land guests, so expedition ships are the way to set foot on the continent.
Galapagos
Part of Ecuador and a national park, the islands are visited on small ships — most carry 100 guests or fewer — with naturalist guides on every landing. Cruises run year-round, usually 4–8 nights, and start with a flight from Quito or Guayaquil.
South America
Voyages between Buenos Aires and Valparaíso (for Santiago) round Cape Horn and sail the Chilean fjords, the Strait of Magellan and the Falklands. Other itineraries cover Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, or the Amazon River.
At a Glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Season | Antarctica: November through March. South America: mostly November through April. Galapagos: year-round. |
| Typical length | Antarctica: 10–21 nights. Galapagos: 4–8 nights. Cape Horn voyages: 14 nights or more. |
| Main homeports | Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Valparaíso/San Antonio, Punta Arenas; Baltra and San Cristóbal (Galapagos) |
| Good for | Wildlife, photography, once-in-a-lifetime trips |
Smart Traveler tips
- Expedition cruises fill a year or more ahead, especially for December and January.
- Choose your ship for the experience you want: landings, kayaking, camping and the passenger count all vary.
- Antarctic voyages require good medical and evacuation insurance; some lines make it mandatory.
Plan Your South America, Antarctica & Galapagos Cruise
Flights
Flights to South America. Plan to arrive at least a day before the ship sails.Pre-cruise hotels
Cruise-port hotel guides on RoomsCheap.comShore excursions
ShoreActivities.comBrowse South America, Antarctica & Galapagos cruise lines, deals and specialists on the Official Cruise Directory: Antarctica · Galapagos · South America.
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South America, Antarctica & Galapagos Cruise FAQ
How rough is the Drake Passage?
It varies: some crossings are calm, others are rough. The crossing takes about two days each way. If you are prone to seasickness, consider a fly-cruise that starts with a flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
Why are Galapagos ships so small?
Ecuador limits visitor numbers to protect the islands. Most Galapagos cruise ships carry 100 or fewer guests, and every landing is led by a licensed naturalist guide.