Why Take a Luxury Voyage to South America?

As the gateway to both the Caribbean and Antarctica, South America boasts a vast range of diversity in its people, climate and landscape. In Argentina, journey to an estancia where you’ll be welcomed by a troupe of gauchos on horseback and feel the passionate rhythm of the sensual and refined tango in the center of the city. From Peru, experience a touch of magic whether you journey to the mystical Machu Picchu from Lima, the treasure of Chan Chan near Salaverry, or the Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs of Pisco. Take in the impact of history, at Puerto Quetzal’s preserved colonial town of Old Antigua and at Cartagena’s San Felipe Castle, a sprawling fortress that took 208 years to complete. The scintillating sights, sounds and sensations of the region are yours to explore. And that’s only a sampling of what awaits. Below are the top 10 excursions in South America.

1. Go for a Swim in Buzios, Brazil

The tiny fishing village of Buzios, just 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Buzios gained instant international fame after Brigitte Bardot spent time here in the 1960s. Her visit was so influential that the townspeople erected a statue of the French actress sitting on a suitcase gazing out to sea. As Bardot attested, the real draw of Buzios is its beaches. There are plenty of places to choose to lay down your towel for the perfect day of bathing and tanning. For the ultimate experience, relax on a Bahian-style schooner as you cruise and swim along the pristine islands.

INCLUDED Shore Excursion: BEACH & SWIM BY SCHOONER

2. See Sea Lions in Punta del Este, Uruguay

In this part of the world, you’re never too far from extraordinary wildlife encounters. Visit Isla de Lobos and catch sight of one of the largest colonies of sea lions on Earth. South American sea lions are highly social. You can expect them to be frolicking in the water, feeding on fish, drying off on rocky outcrops, and interacting with each other. Although their numbers were once in decline, the sea lions on Sea Wolves Island are protected, and the colony is thriving.

Regent Choice Shore Excursion: SEA WOLVES ISLAND

3. Cross the Canal by Train in Panama City, Panama

Dynamic Panama City boasts a shimmering skyline, cobblestone streets lined with rooftop bars, and centuries of intact ruins to explore. The canal is the main draw, which you can learn more about at the interactive Panama Canal Museum. For a unique experience, travel from one side of Panama to the other in a beautifully restored train, following a railway that serviced the construction of the Panama Canal. The ride will begin on the Pacific Coast side, where you will settle into a restored train car and enjoy sweeping views of the tropical rainforest.

INCLUDED Shore Excursion: TWO OCEANS BY RAILROAD

4. Photograph the Falls from Puerto Montt, Chile

From Puerto Montt, drive north to Chile's famous Lake District for a glimpse of the snow-capped Osorno Volcano towering 8,700 feet above sea level. While you can’t make it to the summit of Osorno, you can certainly climb to The Bubble, or La Burbuja, which is the starting point for those who come to ski on the hillsides of the volcano. The vistas are magnificent over the Petrohue Valley, and, after making it all this way, you would be remiss not to venture to Petrohue Falls. The falls were formed from centuries of the Petrohue River passing through volcanic rock deposits and, for a closer look at nature’s work, you can take paths to explore the surrounding verdant woodland on paths.

INCLUDED Shore Excursion: OSORNO VOLCANO, PETROHUE FALLS & PUERTO VARAS

5. Ancient Culture of Manta, Ecuador

In Manta, travel back over a thousand years to an active archaeological site showcasing artifacts from the culture that dominated the Manta region long before the Spaniards arrived. The site is what remains of a complex society that controlled large parts of this region between 900 and 1500 CE. Relics found here and on display tell the story of a highly developed culture that traveled as far as the California Gulf, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

INCLUDED Shore Excursion: CERRO JABONCILLO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

6. Savor Ceviche in Salaverry, Peru

Journey to a charming waterfront restaurant in the coastal town of Huanchaco where an award-winning chef will demonstrate how to prepare the town’s most famous dish: ceviche. After you sample Peru’s iconic cured fish delicacy, see local fishermen show off their skills piloting reed “caballito” fishing boats. Life here in coastal Huanchaco seems to revolve around the beach, the surf and especially the fish.

Regent Choice Shore Excursion: THE CEVICHE EXPERIENCE

7. Dance the Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

After indulging in an authentic Argentine dinner, dance the calories away at a milonga. The tango is said to have originated in Buenos Aires, so there is no better venue for a milonga, especially with a live orchestra of enthusiastic tango musicians to enhance the moment. Whether you are a seasoned tango dancer or just looking for a fun, authentic experience, everyone is encouraged to join the dancing.

Go Local Shore Excursion: HIDDEN TREASURES OF MILONGAS

8. March Alongside the Penguins of Stanley, Falkland Islands

In Stanley, journey to remote Bluff Cove Lagoon where breeding penguins are the main beachgoers. Bring your camera on this unforgettable adventure to capture these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Anticipate being near more than a thousand pairs of Gentoo penguins, a growing colony of King penguins with their chicks, and Magellanic penguins who swim over to visit from another island, as you walk along the white, sandy beach. If you need to warm up or charge up, Bluff Cove Museum is also on hand, where you can find out more about the farm and the lagoon menagerie as well as watch live demonstrations of spinning and felting done with local wool.

Regent Choice Shore Excursion: BLUFF COVE LAGOON PENGUIN SAFARI

9. Witness Unspoiled Patagonia from Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

From Puerto Chacabuco experience the unspoiled beauty of Chilean Patagonia with a visit to Aiken del Sur Private Park, set along the banks of Lake Riesco. Dedicated to the preservation of the unique flora and fauna of the region, take in the natural splendor on a guided walking tour in this pristine environment.

INCLUDED Shore Excursion: A GLIMPSE OF PATAGONIAN NATURE

10. Sip Your Way Around Itajaí, Brazil

Sitting at the mouth of the scenic Rio Itajaí, this cosmopolitan city between São Paulo and the Uruguayan border offers a culture-rich respite from the frenetic pace of Brazil’s larger cities. An influx of 19th-century German immigrants provides a modern-day bonanza of wineries and breweries, and you can savor it all.

INCLUDED Shore Excursion: BLUMENAU HERITAGE

What Are Your Top 10 Excursions Across South America?

Immerse yourself in the rich history, cuisine and natural beauty of this region, while enjoying an all-inclusive cruise aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® has consistently delivered unmatched luxury cruises with the very best value for over thirty years. Aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet^®, enjoy unrivaled onboard space, unforgettable shoreside excursions, incomparable culinary experiences, and exceptional personalized service.