South America Cruise Destination Guide

South America was traditionally a destination visited by cruise lines during their world cruises, but this has all changed recently as South America has become a cruise destination in its own right. Cunard with Queen Mary 2 and Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and specialist explorer / expedition cruises are now frequent visitors to South America's ports of call.

Argentina, if any country deserves the label 'land of extremes' then Argentina does. This vast country occupying a large chunk of southern South America is topographically diverse and infinitely enchanting. From the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Andes to the dusty plains of Patagonia, Argentina never fails to amaze. Whilst Brazil is South America's biggest and most influential country and takes up almost half the continent, it is also one of the world's economic giants and is revered for its football prowess, coffee production and distinctive music such as samba and bossa nova.

Interestingly, two-thirds of Brazil's population lives near the coast, meaning that life is a beach for locals and tourists alike. People are the essence of the country, and while Brazil is home to a multitude of ethnic groups of varying economic status, there are some characteristics that everyone shares - energy and passion.

Chile is also situated in South America, bounded by Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, the Antarctic and the Pacific Ocean. Home of the Andes mountain range, it is a thin ribbon of land, 4,200km (2,610 miles) long and nowhere more than 180km (115 miles) wide.

Because of its unusual geography, Chile has a hugely varied climate ranging from the world's driest desert in the north, through a Mediterranean climate in the centre, to a snow-prone Alpine climate in the south. Travellers can enjoy the country's abundant fauna and flora and spectacular scenery consisting of huge glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, blue lakes and numerous national parks where trekking is a very popular activity amongst tourists.

The Falkland Islands are home to a plethora of marine life, from five different species of penguins to whales and sea birds that hover around Stanley Harbour. Nineteenth-century shipwrecks await exploration, while battlefields in the 1982 conflict such as Goose Green and Pebble Island have become tourist attractions.

Venezuela offers a myriad of landscapes and experiences - tropical beaches, immense plains, enormous rivers, forests, jungle, waterfalls and great mountains. The clear, warm waters of its Caribbean coastline are ideal for snorkelling and diving, while numerous islands off the coast invite visitors to explore. The tropical lowlands hide a huge array of wildlife, lush vegetation and dramatic waterfalls, yet within the same country lie high Andean peaks, providing a challenge to trekkers and mountaineers.

The country is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls (about 16 times higher than Niagara Falls), and the world's longest and highest cable car, whisking tourists from the university town of Merida to the 4,765m- (15,629ft-) high Pico Espejo. The capital, Caracas, boasts fine historical monuments, an excellent collection of museums and art galleries, and contrasting examples of old and new architecture

Call the team at The Cruise Village on 0844 736 9370 to discuss your cruise holiday to South America.

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