Highlights of South America and Chilean Fjords Cruise

33 days, 68 meals. This is the ultimate way to cover South America. From Rio de Janeiro’s beaches to Chile’s glaciers and from Santiago to the Sacred Valley, this continent’s wow-factor is evident wherever you go.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro

On arrival in Rio de Janeiro today, check into your hotel before enjoying time to recharge or stroll along the stunning Copacabana beachfront. Join a Welcome Reception tonight.

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro

Visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado Mountain. Later, take a sunset cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain. Dine out for this evening’s Insider Experience.

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day to relax or explore in Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Perhaps set sail around Guanabara Bay (additional expense).

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls

Fly from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls, a system of 275 falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. On the Brazilian side, experience the majesty of World Heritage-listed Iguacu National Park during a half-day tour. Walk through the spectacular subtropical rainforest and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the falls.

Day 5: Iguazu Falls

On the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, ride the Rainforest Ecological Train to a series of walkways and viewing points. This narrow-gauge train stops at several locations including one that leads to the 82-metre-high Devil’s Throat, one of the most spectacular falls of the region. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy our Enhance Your Journey experience.

Day 6: Buenos Aires

Enjoy the morning relaxing at leisure or admire stunning birds on an Enhance Your Journey experience (additional expense), before you fly to Buenos Aires.

Day 7: Buenos Aires

Enjoy a guided city tour including a visit to the colourful La Boca region and the neighbourhood of Palermo followed by an Insider Experience.

Day 8: Buenos Aires, Embark Holland America Line Cruise

Transfer to Holland America Line’s MS Oosterdam for a cruise through the South American passage. Your ship remains docked overnight.

Day 9: Buenos Aires

As part of your Holland America Line cruise, an extensive range of activities and excursions are on offer at every port (own expense). On waking in Buenos Aires today, you may choose to relax on board or perhaps set off to explore the city further on an excursion.

Day 10: Montevideo

Wake to views of Uruguay’s capital Montevideo. Here, perhaps take a tour of the city’s Old Town or explore the quaint streets of World Heritage-listed Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay’s oldest town. Alternatives include lunch and wine-tasting at Juanico Winery or a trip down the coast to explore Punta del Este, known as the Saint-Tropez of Uruguay.

Day 11: At Sea

Enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you glide along the Argentinian coastline. Make use of your ship’s premium facilities, and perhaps select from a range of onboard experiences including cooking demonstrations, workshops and natural world presentations with BBC Earth Experiences. Afternoon tea is served daily.

Day 12: At Sea

More time at sea bound for the Falkland Islands means further time to relax into your journey.

Day 13: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Disembark in Port Stanley today, the Falkland Islands’ remote capital. The Falklands were first colonised by the British in 1765, a history that is evident in everything from the scarlet phone boxes to the pubs. Perhaps take a historical tour or join one of the many wildlife activities available. You might like to see a range of penguins, including Magellanic, gentoo and king penguins, at home in one of the world’s largest rookeries.

Day 14: Strait of Magellan

Before the Panama Canal, only the Strait of Magellan linked the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by boat. This important route was first traversed by Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 during a Spanish expedition to the East Indies. Today, it’s your turn to cruise this stunning stretch of water.

Day 15: Punta Arenas

A cruise around the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, via the Cockburn and Beagle channels, brings you to Punta Arenas. Just a short flight away, perhaps discover the glaciers and peaks of World Heritage-listed Torres del Paine National Park. Alternatively, go sea kayaking, take a heritage walking tour or set off on a wildlife tour on Magdalena Island.

Day 16: Ushuaia

Back in Argentina, arrive in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost town. Here, activities include city walking tours, a heritage train ride and a 4WD wilderness safari.

Day 17: Cape Horn

Cruise around South America’s most southerly point, where Argentina and Chile converge. Take in views of the treeless headland on Hornos Island.

Day 18: Canal Sarmiento, Amalia Glacier

Cruise the Canal Sarmiento today, one of the main channels in Patagonia, where glaciers descend into turquoise waters. With the Chilean mainland to the east and the islands of Esperanza, Vancouver and Piazzi flanking the channel to the west, the scenery is spectacular.

Day 19: Chilean Fjords

Chile’s fjord region sprawls some 1,500 kilometres. Today, your ship will not sail in a straight line, it will meander along the jagged coast, through fjords and iceberg-strewn bays fringed by mountains.

Day 20: Puerto Montt

Arrive in the Chilean town of Puerto Montt, considered the gateway to the region’s lakes, volcanic landscapes, and national parks. While ashore, among other excursions available, you might like to visit a unique 100-year-old German settlement or meet the Indigenous communities of Mapuche people.

Day 21: At Sea

Enjoy a final day at sea. Retreat to your favourite spot on board or stand on deck and savour the views for the last time.

Day 22: Disembark Cruise San Antonio, Valparaiso, Santiago

Disembark in San Antonio and travel to Valparaiso for a tour of the World Heritage-listed town centre and a trip into the surrounding hills. Then continue to the Chilean capital of Santiago.

Day 23: Santiago

This morning, see Santiago’s modern and historic sites on a guided discovery. Then enjoy time to relax or explore as you like.

Day 24: Santiago, Lima

After breakfast, fly to Peru’s capital, Lima. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 25: Lima, Cusco, Chinchero, Sacred Valley

Wake early this morning and fly to the World Heritage-listed city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Travel through Cusco to Chinchero, a city located in the stunning Andean highlands. See how the colourful fabrics of Peru are created during a traditional weaving demonstration.

Day 26: Sacred Valley

Today explore the Pisac Ruins, a unique Inca archaeological site before visiting a local family home for lunch.

Day 27: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

Farewell the Sacred Valley this morning bound for Machu Picchu aboard your train. On arrival, you’ll set off to join a guided walking tour of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 28: Machu Picchu, Cusco

With the morning free, you might like to step out and wander around the colourful stalls of the Mercado de Artesanias craft market in Aguas Calientes. Later today, you will re-board the Machu Picchu Train for a wonderful journey to Ollantaytambo station, before a coach returns you to Cusco. Enjoy a delicious Peruvian dinner and traditional folklore show at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 29: Cusco

A guided walking tour through Cusco today will take you to the city’s historic heart, the Plaza de Armas. During your tour you will visit the sacred site of Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, thought to be the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Ruined during the 16th century, today its stonework forms the foundations of the baroque Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Following the tour, the afternoon is yours to absorb the atmosphere of this city at your own leisure.

Day 30: Puno, Lake Titicaca

Take a coach to the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you will stop at the small town of Andahuaylillas to visit San Pedro Apostol, a small Baroque chapel built in the 16th century that is called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes owing to a dazzlingly ornate interior of murals and decorations. You will also stop for a hearty lunch. On arrival in Puno, this evening is at your leisure.

Day 31: Puno, Lake Titicaca

Your Lake Titicaca excursion starts with a visit to one of the forty floating Uros islands, Titino before reaching the unspoiled community of Luquina. Locals in this lesser-known area are not visited by mass tourism yet. The locals will introduce you to the daily activities and customs of a Quechua community. A simple but fresh Andean lunch is served then in the community’s restaurant, Luquina, on the shores of Lake Titicaca and providing some of the best views of the lake.

Day 32: Lake Titicaca, Lima

Fly from Puno to Lima this morning and undertake a tour of Lima’s historic centre, admire the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Built in the 16th century, this pink convent is also the resting place for three Peruvian saints. Tonight, enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner.

Day 33: Depart Lima

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.