Boats are an underrated way to see the world. Yet in many cases, they are the best way to properly visit a destination. Read this guide to the best cruises in South America and explore some of the most remote and untouched areas of this magical continent.
Galapagos Islands, the wildlife haven
Follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps, and marvel at wild creatures found nowhere else on earth. Lying about 650 miles west of mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Archipelago consists of six main islands (San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, Fernandina, and Santiago), twelve smaller ones, and over forty islets. Only a few of the islands are inhabited, and the entire archipelago has a population of around 30,000.
Boats cruising around the archipelago vary from small yachts to large cruise ships, with Galapagos cruises lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Thanks to the year round mild climate, there is no bad time to visit the Galapagos, although the best seasons for animal watching run from April to June, and November to January.
These rough and rocky islands are home to fascinating animals that will hardly notice the flashing of your camera. Protected from human conquest for centuries, the wild animals here still have little instinctive fear of man. You’ll bring back pictures of you patting giant tortoises or marine iguanas, sitting next to tiny penguins, colorful birds, and many other animals that call this beautiful region home.
Amazon, the lush jungle
Your trip of a lifetime awaits aboard a cruise along the stunningly beautiful Amazon River. For many excellent reasons, the Amazon rainforest is currently ranked as South America’s number one natural wonder. The Amazon jungle is so large that it accounts for more than half of the world’s remaining rainforest and is home to the richest and most diverse collection of plant and animal life in the world. One in ten species and one in five bird species found around the world live in the Amazon. This striking biodiversity leaves much to be seen on an Amazon River cruise, including the endangered Pink Amazonian River Dolphin.
The Amazon River encompasses more than 3,853 miles of water, spanning from its inconspicuous source in the Peruvian highlands to its mouth in Brazil, and carries one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. The various jungle settlements along the riverside provide unique cultural experiences for anyone daring to brave the unknown and remote jungle. Consider beginning your Amazon River cruise in Iquitos, Peru’s biggest jungle settlement, and the world’s largest city only accessible by air or boat.
Antarctica, the end of the world
Lounging on the sun deck of a cruise ship with a cocktail in hand is how many travelers envision spending a cruise. However, consider a vacation where ice isn’t just in your drink but all around you. This year may be your last chance to sail across the glacial waters on an Antarctica cruise as new restrictions to protect this enchanting and unique region might curtail travel around the fragile continent.
Antarctica is a vast, practically untouched continent where nature reigns. No place on earth can compare to this white wilderness of snow, ice, water, and rock. This owner-free continent, only inhabited by extraordinary wildlife and a handful of mad scientists and biologists willing to endure the cold, is a place of magnificent beauty.
On the trip to the Antarctic continent through the Southern Ocean, look out for the stunning astronomical phenomenon known as Aurora Australis, which sometimes shimmers and lights up the night sky. As the engines of your cruise ship are turned off, you will only hear the sounds of passing birds and the occasional boom of icebergs calving.
Latin America For Less is a top ranked travel agency incorporated in the US with additional offices in Lima, Cuzco and Buenos Aires, providing all tours available in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Visit www.LatinAmericaForLess.com to plan your next South American vacation.
