We Enjoyed Our South America Visits On A Cruise To Antarctica
We were happy we added time for some great South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica. Our trip to the Antartic started and finished in Santiago, Chile. After the cruise we flew to Argentina and explored Buenos Aires. And even went to Iguazu Falls for a few days. Some great additions to an amazing Antarctica cruise to remember.
Our First Visit To South America
Our first visit to South America was a cruise that ended up circumnavigating the continent. We cruised from Miami, up the Amazon River and along the coast of Brazil. From there we traveled south with stops in Buenos Aires and in Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay.
After a short stop in Ushuaia in Argentina at the “Fin del Mundo” (the end of the world) we travelled around the tip of the Cape Horn before we headed north.
We cruised through the Chilean fjords and up the coast of Chile. Each stop showed us the amazing sights in Chile.
As we neared the end of our cruise in Lima in Peru, the Covid pandemic caught up with us and we were unable to explore Peru. But we did finish this amazing cruise passing through the Panama Canal before we returned to Miami.
Our first taste of South America intrigued us. So we really wanted to plan more South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica.
Some Antarctica Cruises Started in Ushuaia In Argentina
When we planned our Antarctica cruise, one of the decisions we needed to make was where to start our cruise. When we cruised around South America, we stopped in Ushuaia in Argentina for a day. And it was obvious that this was a common starting point for cruises to Antarctica.
We had a great day exploring from Ushuaia. It was great to discover the “Fin del Mundo” (the end of the world) and Tierra Del Fuego National Park from Ushuaia.
As much as we wanted to return and explore the Patagonia area around Ushuaia, we chose an Antarctica cruise that started in Santiago, Chile instead.
Exploring The Sights Of Santiago
Our cruise to Antarctica started and finished in Santiago. Silversea Cruises flew us by charter to and from the cruise ship docked in Puerto Williams at the south tip of Chile. We always like to arrive ahead of time when cruising so were excited to spent a few days in Santiago.
There was much to see as we wandered around Santiago. And many high viewpoints for a different perspective on this city. Even an attempt to steal my iPhone did not deter us from enjoying our stay in Santiago.
We found many day trips available from Santiago. But we did not have enough time to explore all the amazing sights in Chile on this trip. A small taste of Chile made us happy we planned some South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica.
Returning To Buenos Aires
On our cruise around South America, we had 2 days in Buenos Aires. We saw a little of the city and did a day to explore the Tigre and Parana Delta area. But we knew there was much more to see and do in Buenos Aires.
So after we returned to Santiago following our Antarctica cruise, we flew to Buenos Aires. We found much to see in the local area by our hotel.
A private tour took us all over Buenos Aires. We visited historic sites, gardens and the famous Recoleta Cemetery. We were captivated by the colourful La Boca area following the Caminito (or the “Little Path”).
One night we enjoyed an amazing dinner and an engaging Rojo Tango Show at the Faena Hotel. We learned a lot about this dance that originated in Argentina.
Exploring Buenos Aires for a few days made us happy we planned some South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica.
Exploring Iguazu Falls On South America Visits On A Cruise To Antarctica
On our first visit to South America, we really wanted to see Iguazu Falls but we just could not schedule it. So when we did the detailed planning for our South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica we knew we wanted to see these stunning waterfalls.
From Buenos Aires we headed to the Iguazu Falls for 3 days. Our hotel provided an amazing base for us to explore Iguazu Falls from both the Argentina and Brazil sides.
We saw the Iguazu Falls from all perspectives on our stay. Hiking in the park we saw the Iguazu Falls from the upper and lower paths. We went out along boardwalk in Argentina for a view down the thundering Devil’s Throat. On another day we hiked on the Brazil side for another close-up experience of the Devil’s Throat.
We got a soggy view on a boat tour below the falls. And a helicopter tour gave us an amazing view of the mighty falls from above.
When we planned some South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica we were so glad we could include Iguazu Falls.
Enjoying The Treats Of South America
There were so many local treats to draw us to add some South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica. Food was always a big draw. Argentina was known for the quality of its meat and its churrascaria restaurants. And when we wanted a sweet treat, dulce de leche was found everywhere.
We love when we find new wines and visit wineries on our travels. On our first visit to South America, we did several winery visits in Chile and discovered some new favourite varietals. Sadly we missed a chance to visit the Mendoza winery area when we were in Buenos Aires.
Local history and culture was always a great reason to travel. We got an interesting look at tango dancing as part of a traditional horse show in Chile. And we’re happy we learned so much about tango at the Rojo Tango Show in Buenos Aires.
On travels around Chile we visited Enchanted Valley (or “Valle del Encanto”) National Historic Monument. We walked through this fascinating site and learned much through the interesting variety of petroglyphs.
On every visit to South America we discovered more of the treats this continent offered.
Great Luxury Stays In South America
We had so many luxury stays on our travels in South America. Our first cruise around South America was with Oceania Cruises on the Marina. Our penthouse suite was the perfect spot for a cruise that lasted over 60 days. When we cruised to Antarctica from Chile with SilverSea Cruises, we again had a lovely suite for our 20 day trip.
We loved our luxury stays in Santiago in Chile at the Ritz-Carlton Santiago on both ends of our trip to Antarctica. We had a lovely upgraded suite. And were treated to so many great local food and drink treats.
When we stayed in Buenos Aires, our luxurious suite at the Park Tower Hotel was the perfect base to explore the local area. And to head out to discover the city.
Staying at the Gran Melia Iguazu inside the Iguazu National Park (Parque Nacional Iguazu) put us so close to the falls. It was the perfect spot for a 3 day visit to Iguazu Falls.
We splurged on our accommodations on our South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica.
Great To Add South America Visits On A Cruise To Antarctica
We booked our cruise to Antarctica to enjoy the majesty of this 7th continent. After much planning, we chose to cruise from South America. And could not resist the chance to add some great South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica.
We loved the chance to return for second looks at both Chile and Argentina. Santiago and Buenos Aires offered lots of city treats and tasty local treats. And a visit to Iguazu Falls provided more stunning natural beauty. Great stops before and after our Antartica cruise.
Did you plan some South America visits on a cruise to Antarctica?
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What an amazing read and great photos. I enjoyed all of them. I have read a lot about Ushuaiabut never managed to get so far. I would really love to go there one day and see all the beautiful things you describe in the article. Thank you for sharing this with us
We were so glad we planned some great stops in South America when we booked out cruise to Antarctica. It is a long way to travel and we wanted to make the most of our travel.
This looks like an incredible experience and I love the pictures you took! The tips are welcome for when we travel to South America next time.
We were glad we planned some great South America stops. Hope they help for your next visit.
You saw so much on this trip! What an amazing adventure. That is neat that you were finally able to see Iguazu Falls. The only place I have been to in South America is Ecuador and the Galapagos. I would love to do more exploring like this.
Galapagos is definitely still on our travel wish list. We will plan another South America adventure around this.
I have explored to South America only by land. I have actually never been on a cruise, I’m not sure how I’d cope on it with my motion sickness. Argentina and Chile are such beautiful countries. I as well visited Santiago, as well as several other points on the coast, such as Chiloe Island, Valparaiso, or Puerto Montt. I still remember the delicious food from Chile, but also the infinite asados in Argentina, where the grilled meat and sausages were the main stars at the table.
So many great reasons to explore South America. We could not miss out on more stops when we went all the way down to cruise to Antarctica.
Thank you for this wonderful post & information. Our ship docks at 1:00 pm and leaves at 10:00 pm and we really want to visit the island & peace memorial sites. Do you think this is feasible? we will be there end of May
We booked two separate excursions for me and my husband and each of us was gone for most of a cruise day. I am not sure how good local transportation is to get you to both sites. I would start by checking out the ferry schedule to Miyajima and start there. You can then stop at the monument if you still have time after the island.
What an adventure! I’ll be in Buenos Aires and Iguazu in a few months for work, and sadly I won’t be able to visit longer than a week this time! Saving this post for when I have more time to spare!
I understand the issue with trying to fit in tourist stops when travelling on business. We missed Iguazu on our first trip to South America but were glad we did not miss it on our return visit.
Exploring Santiago, Buenos Aires, and the magnificent Iguazu Falls looks wonderful. The photos are breathtaking! I love your tips on luxury accommodations as well – the suites at the Ritz-Carlton and Park Tower look divine.
We loved a little splurge when we travelled to enjoy the great sites in Santiago and Buenos Aires.
I would love to see Iguazu Falls. Seems as though you would have to pack a variety of clothes for much colder weather and then warmer weather clothes. It is a great way to maximize your travel dollars and points though.
Packing for our trip that included hot South America and cold Antarctica sure was a challenge. But we did love the chance to add in some South America gems when we went that far.
I think it makes sense if you added a trip to South American countries before or after you do the cruise to Antarctica. It doesn’t matter whether you start the cruise from Argentina or Chile. You have flown that far, you better make rooms for visiting countries in the southern part of the continent.
We always like to add in some extra places at start and end points when cruising. Heading all the way to South America to start our Antarctica trip made it particularly important. So glad we did!
Loved this article about combining a South America trip with an Antarctica cruise! It’s filled with handy tips and makes planning such a big trip seem easy and exciting. The details about exploring Santiago and Buenos Aires, and the stunning visit to Iguazu Falls, were particularly inspiring. Great for anyone thinking about an adventurous cruise like this.
The cruise agenda was all planned so for this trip we only had to really focus on our South America stops. And I even left the Iguazu Falls planning to a great travel company we used. Nice to sit back and really enjoy our South America travels when we headed down for our Antarctica cruise.
I love the idea of circumnavigating South America! How long did that take? I really have to make it to Iguazu Falls one day, that looks so beautiful 🙂
Our cruise around South America was over 60 days. An amazing adventure – even amidst the start of Covid. We missed Iguazu Falls on that trip so we were glad we got to go back.
Okay, this must be a sign from the universe. End of last year, I started planning a trip to South America and this is so helpful. I’d definitely want to see a Tango show and Faena Hotel looks very cool. I didn’t know you could do a boat tour of the falls -I would LOVE to do that too. This entire post has sparked my wanderlust!
I am always happy when one of our blog posts is timely and can help with travel planning. You will love a trip to South America!
amazing destinations! One of my biggest dreams is going on such cruise to Antarctica, but all other South America destinations are equally important and worth visiting
An Antarctica cruise is an amazing bucket list trip. And when you go all that way, it is a good time to add in some great South America visits.
This looks like the trip of a lifetime!!
Every part of this trip was an amazing adventure!
Iguazu Falls looks like an amazing spot to visit. We’ll definitely keep it on our list for our next trip to South America.
It was great to visit Iguazu Falls on this visit to South America. Excited that we will do Victoria Falls this year!
Wow you saw so many incredible places in South America I’d love to go to Antarctica one day and to include a few of these. Iguazzu Falls is incredible-loved the sheer size and scale. Buenos Aires is also somewhere I’d love to visit.
There are so many amazing spots to visit in South America. We loved the spots in Chile and Argentina we got to see on this trip.
I dream of visiting Chilean fjords one day! A traditional horse show also looks really cool, but tango is my all-time favorite – I was even dancing it on my Wedding day! Your post has really inspired me to plan a cruise to Antarctica and South America asap!
I am so glad you have been inspired to start planning a trip to Antactica with some great stops in South America. We were certainly so happy we did.
Had never thought of starting an Antarctic cruise in Santiago. Now I have a whole new lot of research to do for other options for our Antartic cruise planning. Great to be able to combine see so much of South America on the cruise.
Our cruise company started in Santiago and we took a charter flight down to the cruise start. Many others do the same thing from Buenos Aires if they don’t start in Ushuaia. Lots of ways to add some great South America stops when you do your Antarctica cruise.
That’s interesting. I didn’t know you could go to the Antarctic departing from Santiago. What a fantastic snapshot of Chile and Argentina.
We have loved every stop we did in Chile and Argentina. Certainly worth second … and maybe more … visits.
This is an excellent round up. We have been to several of these places, but still hoping to get to Antarctica someday. I would love to go back to Buenes Aries and to see the Chilean Fjords again…I enjoyed both so much.
We definitely would return to the southern part of South America. Every trip has been a great surprise.
It looks like there are so many great things to do. I’d definitely want to see Iguazu Falls. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Iguazu Falls is definitely a great spot to visit when you get to South America.
What an extensive experience! Argentina especially is a goal of mine but it all would be amazing.
It was great to be able to get back to Argentina and see more. Especially to get back to Iguazu Falls which we missed the first time.
I am amazed at your travels! How do you manage all this? I loved the falls, and to see them both by boat and helicopter, that’s an awesome experience. I would love to go to “Fin del Mundo” in Argentina, visit the enchanted valley in Chile. But the highest on my bucket list is a live tango performance. I did get a glimpse in Delhi once but am sure a live one in South America would be a treat. And have a penthouse suite on a luxury liner…It’s a dream holiday.
Adding in some great South America visits was definitely a great way to make the most of our travel for our Antarctica cruise. We loved all the great places we got to see. Hope you do get to see a live Tango performance. So much better than we expected.
That’s a great idea to plan some places to visit in South America on A Cruise to Antarctica. Your pictures of the cruise and Iguazu Falls make it look like an amazing experience.
It was a long trip to South America to start our Antarctica cruise. So it made sense to make the most of our travel when we were there. And we were so glad we did.
You planned really well and it paid. You got to see a lot of amazing places. I admire your dedication to see that many things in just a few days. Great pictures too, as always.
We did want to see as much as possible on our return to South America for our Antarctica cruise. Exhausting but worth it.
Embarking on a cruise to Antarctica from Santiago, Chile, sounds like a dream adventure! Your South American journey, from Buenos Aires to the mesmerizing Iguazu Falls, adds an extra layer of excitement. Exploring Santiago’s cityscape and high viewpoints provided a unique perspective, while Buenos Aires enchanted with its historic sites, vibrant La Boca, and captivating Rojo Tango Show. The close proximity to Ushuaia, Argentina, added a touch of exploration before your Antarctica cruise. Your luxurious stays in Santiago and Buenos Aires, along with the Gran Melia Iguazu, showcased the best of hospitality. Looking forward to more tales from your incredible travels!
Our cruise to Antarctica sure was the gem of our trip. But we were so glad we managed to plan so many amazing stops in South America too!
This is what travelling is all about – taking a journey through another part of the world and experiencing different cultures. I have been amazed by your Antarctica trip and now reading how you spent the time visiting South America as well and quite comprehensively too!
When we planned our Antarctica cruise, it was the perfect opportunity to add in some stops in South America.
I love how you plan your trips really well. The Iguazu falls is incredible and it is awesome that you included a helicopter ride to view it.
We hope to have the chance to explore South America like you did. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. You truly inspire us! The photos are beautiful.
We were glad to get the chance to add some stops in South America for our second visit there. Great to go spots like Iguazu Falls which we missed the first time.
If I get to travel to Argentina, I’d also love to witness a tango show. It’s good that you were able to experience Iguazu Falls this visit this time around and in so many perspectives. I think that Chile and Argentina would definitely spark you to visit again and again as there’s just so much to explore!
Chile and Argentina will definitely draw me back! It was great to see more on this trip but we will certainly return.
My husband and I are doing the Seabourn cruise to Antarctica this year and would love to add Iguazu Falls to the end of the trip. What company did you use to plan it? I was trying to do it myself, but want to see both the Argentina and Brazil sides and have read you need someone to expedite you through the border. Also, would love to leave our big luggage in Buenos Aires and take a smaller duffel to Iguazu if possible. If you have any thoughts on this, would love to hear them!
You can email me (using “Contact”) if you want more details. We worked with Tully Luxury Travel out of Toronto to plan our Iguazu visit for 3 days. They took care of all the details and the guides they provided looked after all the border crossing details. We chose to pick the same hotel in Buenos Aires to stay before and after our trip to Iguazu. This made storing the big luggage easy.