South America

Excursions in the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires reveal endless architecture, museums and cuisine to discover, while the town of Ushuaia sits at the “End of the World” on South America’s southern tip, a gateway to the wonders of Tierra del Fuego and beyond. Our expeditions take you from a local ranch in Patagonia for an authentic barbecue feast to remote islands in the Beagle Channel to observe penguins, sea lions and orcas.

Uruguay’s rich culture comes alive in its capital of Montevideo, home to elegant 19th-century architecture, countless museums and bustling markets. A grilled barbecue feast and a tango show might be accompanied by local wines and craft beers, and be sure to try the ubiquitous national drink, an herbal tea called mate. Along the coast to the west lies the picturesque historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while modern glamour awaits in the luxe beach clubs of Punta del Este.

The Patagonian region of Chile is best explored on a polar-class yacht that can navigate the breathtaking fjords amid snow-clad peaks and launch Zodiac boats and kayaks for in-depth exploration. Witness the mesmerizing blue of Garibaldi Glacier, listen for the mighty crack of calving ice in Glacier Alley, and watch Magellanic penguins, elephant seals and dusky dolphins frolic in the Strait of Magellan. Towns like Punta Arenas lend a human element to the otherworldly scenery.

Off the southeast tip of South America, the Falkland Islands offer the chance to observe polar wildlife on shores more hospitable than Antarctica. Gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins make their homes here, as do albatross, fur seals and whales. Fauna and flora of both glacial and tropical ecosystems come together to create a unique natural environment, and you can explore human heritage in the islands’ only town when conditions permit on a shore landing in Port Stanley.