Best South America Trips to Add to Your Antarctic Cruise

If you’re planning a cruise to Antarctica, it can be so rewarding to extend your adventure by adding on time in South America. Most Antarctica cruises depart from South America, particularly the southernmost tip of the continent, so many Antarctic travellers love the idea of hiking the rugged peaks of Patagonia, sipping wine in Valparaiso, or admiring the mighty Iguazu Falls.

The Antarctic cruise season occurs during the Southern Hemisphere summer, which is also the perfect time to explore many popular South American destinations. Chimu’s Signature South America itineraries make it easy to travel seamlessly within South America before or after your cruise, including internal flights, transfers, and English-speaking guides.

Here are some of the best South America trips to add on before or after your Antarctic cruise, helping you plan your upcoming journey.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, the world’s largest waterfall system, borders Argentina and Brazil. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ideal place to spend a few days for anyone seeking awe-inspiring natural beauty and wildlife.

Chimu’s three-day Iguazu Falls extension begins in Puerto Iguazu, its airport easily connected by regular flights to and from Buenos Aires.

As you visit, enjoy panoramic boardwalks where you can observe the mighty rapids, take a speedboat ride to see the falls up from a closer view, and admire the Devil's Throat, the part of the waterfall system with the most powerful water flow.

The tropical climate of Iguazu Falls also makes it ideal for bird watching, home to many colourful endemic species.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Each February, the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro comes alive with Carnival, a huge celebration before the start of Lent. The energy of Carnival is unlike anywhere else, featuring vibrant parades, samba competitions, street parties, and a diverse blend of African, European, and Indigenous cultures.

February is also a fantastic time to visit Antarctica, with long summer days and lots of whale and wildlife activity, so it pairs well with a trip to Brazil. 

Chimu’s Rio Carnival Extension will introduce you to the celebrations, and the city, in comfort, style, and safety. On this, and all Chimu itineraries, you'll be met at the airport by a representative with your name on a signboard, so all of the complexities of getting to and from your hotel are seamlessly organised for you. 

The major airport of Rio makes it easy to connect to Santiago and then Ushuaia, where many Antarctic cruises depart.

Patagonia

One of the most popular South America add-ons for Antarctic travellers is Patagonia. With jagged Andean landscapes, icy-blue glaciers, and hiking for days, this shared region of Argentina and Chile has long been a drawcard for active and adventure-seeking travellers.

Patagonia is also home to some of the continent’s best remote lodges, the ideal base for invigorating day hikes or just relaxing. Hotel Las Torres, Tierra Patagonia, and Explora Patagonia, to name a few, offer incredible Argentinian cuisine and a bespoke excursions program, allowing you to fill your days with hiking, horseback riding, estancia visits, and wildlife watching.

The airports of Patagonia offer easy connections between major cities in South America.

You can also consider arriving in Ushuaia a day or two earlier to see some of its sights, including Tierra del Fuego National Park and the End of the World historic train.

Machu Picchu

November through March is the low season for Machu Picchu, as the weather this time of year can bring clouds and rain. However, advantages to visiting Machu Picchu in the rainy season include fewer crowds on the trail, lush green scenery, and warm weather.

As long as you’re prepared with rain gear (just in case!), you’ll enjoy the experience of a lifetime taking in the cultural and archeological sights of Cusco and Machu Picchu, including the Sun Gate, Temple of the Condor, and all the history of the famed Incan Empire.

From the airports of Cusco and Lima, it’s easy to connect via Santiago or Buenos Aires and then onto Ushuaia.

Or, for North American travellers heading home after their cruise, time in Peru could be a fun way to break up the journey on their way home.

The Atacama Desert

Travellers seeking completely otherworldly landscapes, like Antarctica, will be inspired by the lunar vistas and desolate deserts of the Atacama. And for Australian travellers, or anyone with a layover in Santiago, a visit to the Atacama Desert is convenient. It’s only a two-hour flight between Santiago and Calama, the arrival location for Atacama visitors.

One of the driest places in the world, the Atacama is renowned for its dark skies, making it a dream for stargazing, and its stone and rock scenery feels like stepping onto another planet.

You can also enjoy luxury resorts here, offering spa services, stargazing, and private tours, including Tierra Atacama.

The Galapagos Islands

If you’re drawn to Antarctica for its incredible wildlife, then you might love the Galapagos too! These biodiverse Ecuadorian islands are one of the best places in South America for wildlife, a dream for photographers, birders, and snorkellers.

A cruise to the Galapagos offers sunshine, sparkling blue waters, and unbelievable animal encounters, including sea lions, the Galapagos giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, blue-footed boobies, and so much more.

Yes, the remote location of the Galapagos means it takes some effort to reach, but your Chimu Destination Specialist will coordinate all of your logistics seamlessly, including flights and airport transfers.

A South American city break

There’s a wonderful contrast between the stark isolation of Antarctica and the vibrant, diverse cities of South America. If you only have a few days to spare before your cruise, a stopover in Buenos Aires, Valparaiso, near Santiago, or Lima could be just what you need.

With a range of unique luxury hotels in South America, why not rest up after your long flight, visit a museum or gallery, and feel completely well rested before flying down to Ushuaia for your Antarctic expedition.

If you’re ready to add on time in South America to your Antarctic cruise, or have questions about your options, please reach out. Chimu’s Destination Specialists have extensive first-hand knowledge of travel to both South America and Antarctica and can help you bring your dream itinerary to life.