A magical continent awaits your discovery

Relax on beautiful Brazilian beaches. Stroll the exquisite boulevards of Buenos Aires. Be among the few to witness the surreal beauty of Antarctica. Explore the rainforests and jungles of the Amazon River searching for rare and endangered species. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Incans at Machu Picchu, built high in the Andes Mountains in the first century AD. Holland America Line South America cruise vacations offer all this and more.

Indulgent Days at Sea

All Holland America Line South America cruise vacations include full days spent sailing between destinations. These "at sea" days are glorious opportunities to be completely spoiled by our crew. Have breakfast delivered to your stateroom, be pampered in our Greenhouse Spa, learn about great wines and fabulous food preparation at our wine bar and Culinary Arts Center or just relax in one of our teak deck chairs and watch the scenery go by. We invite you to indulge in our award-winning service and the many onboard amenities designed for every age and interest.

Onshore Explorations

Holland America Line offers a variety of activities to enrich your experience of the diverse regions of South America:

• Explorations Speaker Series: Guest speakers share their knowledge and insights of regional history, culture and wildlife. Available on every Holland America Line South America cruise itinerary.
• Medallion Shore Excursions: Holland America Line's exclusive, award-winning tours designed to provide in-depth perspective and unparalleled access to events and sights not otherwise available.
• Signature Collection: Holland America Line's new touring option for independent-minded travelers. Customize (and maximize!) your time ashore by reserving a private car, driver and English-speaking guide in advance. Available in select ports.

Featured South America & Antarctica Cruise Ports and Shore Excursions

Buenos Aires, Argentina One of South America's most cosmopolitan cities, Buenos Aires boasts intense French influences in its architecture, Parisian-style cafés, beautiful parks and sweeping boulevards. Surprise your partner with a tango lesson, visit Evita Peron's tomb or fly inland to witness awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. Sample shore excursions: The Palaces of Buenos Aires; Tango Show at Viejo Almacen.

Punta Arenas, Chile Beautifully situated above Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the stunning white continent of Antarctica. Sample shore excursions: Antarctica: A Spectacular Flyover; Pioneers of Punta Arenas; Scenic Patagonia; Torres del Paine National Park.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Immediately identified by the 125-foot high Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro is the cultural center of Brazil. Pulsating to a rich Samba beat, Rio is internationally renowned for its dazzling beaches, high energy night life and fascinating blend of Latin and African cultures. Sample shore excursions: Beaches of Rio & Sugarloaf Mountain; Corovado & Rio City Tour.

Manaus, Brazil Located in the heart of the Amazon jungle, where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the tan waters the Solimoes, Manaus is the chief port for the region's extensive river system. A fascinating blend of Amazonian culture and boom and bust of 19th century rubber barons, Manaus offers jungle tours, markets and the famous Teatro Amazonas. Sample shore excursions: Flora & Fauna of Manaus; Meeting of the Waters-A Jungle Cruise.

Valparaiso, Chile Founded in 1541, Valparaiso is Chile's oldest city and most important seaport. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered to be one of Latin America's most intriguing urban areas. Valparaiso is also the gateway to the capital city of Santiago and Chile's central valley, renowned for its fine wine. Sample shore excursions: Casablanca Valley Winery; Highlights of Santiago.

Itinerary Options

Holland America Line offers more South America sailings and itinerary choices than any other cruise line, as well as more scenic cruising and overnight stays in favorite ports. Circumnavigate South America, combine South America with a Panama Canal transit and Caribbean Islands or take a transatlantic voyage between South America, Africa and Europe. Add a pre- or post-cruise vacation and delve further into the mystery and romance of Machu Picchu, Santiago and Rio de Janeiro. Here are just a few of your choices.

• Discover vibrant Latin cities and awesome natural beauty aboard our 16-day South America Explorer cruise vacation. Our award winning ms Rotterdam* takes you from Valparaiso, around Cape Horn and up to Rio de Janeiro or on the reverse itinerary.
• Delve into Latin American culture and history on our new 2008 26-day Inca Discovery cruise vacation. Complete two full transits of the Panama Canal, relax on Caribbean islands and visit Central and South America. An extended stay in Callao provides the opportunity to discover the ancient Incan sites at Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
• Indulge in the ultimate South America cruise on our 68-day South America and Antarctica Grand Voyage. Transit the Panama Canal, explore the exotic regions of South America and be among the few to experience dramatic scenic cruising in the great white continent of Antarctica; all without a single international flight. You'll visit 30 unique ports in 14 different countries aboard Holland America's most intimate ship, the 793-guest ms Prinsendam.

Other Holland America cruise destinations »