International cruises through Latin America offer an excellent way to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife across the region, all from the comfort of a luxury ship. These cruises typically span multiple countries, taking in the best of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. From the tropical coastlines of the Caribbean to the wild landscapes of Patagonia, Latin America is a perfect cruise destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Here are some of the most popular international cruises throughout Latin America, categorized by their routes and experiences:
South America Grand Voyages
These cruises take you along the coastal regions of South America, from the Caribbean down to the southern tip of Patagonia, with stops at key cultural and natural landmarks.
Popular Routes:
Buenos Aires (Argentina) to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Valparaíso (Chile) to Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Ushuaia (Argentina) to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Buenos Aires (Argentina) to the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
Highlights:
Brazilian Beaches: Sail along Brazil’s coast, with stops in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Ilhabela. Enjoy tropical beaches, cultural sites, and vibrant cities.
Patagonia: Cruise through Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, or sail to Punta Arenas and the Chilean Fjords, offering amazing views of glaciers and wildlife.
Galápagos Islands: For an extended journey, some cruises head to the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
Peruvian Exploration: Some cruises from Buenos Aires head to Lima, offering the chance to explore Machu Picchu and the ancient civilizations of the Inca Empire.
Cruise Lines:
Holland America Line
Celebrity Cruises
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Panama Canal Cruises
One of the most iconic cruises in the world is the Panama Canal transit, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These cruises typically start in either the Caribbean or the West Coast of the Americas and cross through the Panama Canal.
Popular Routes:
Miami (USA) to San Francisco (USA)
Fort Lauderdale (USA) to Callao (Peru)
Miami (USA) to Cartagena (Colombia)
Los Angeles (USA) to Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Highlights:
Panama Canal: The highlight of this cruise is the crossing of the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. The cruise often makes a stop at Panama City, allowing passengers to learn about the canal’s construction and significance.
Caribbean & Central America: Enjoy stops in Cartagena (Colombia), Costa Rica, Honduras, and Belize, where you can explore tropical beaches, ancient ruins, and local culture.
South American Ports: Some longer Panama Canal cruises extend down to Peru or Chile, visiting Callao or Valparaíso.
Cruise Lines:
Cunard Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Royal Caribbean
Holland America Line
Amazon River Cruises
Explore the world’s largest river system—the Amazon—on a river cruise through the heart of South America, offering an immersive experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Popular Routes:
Manaus (Brazil) to Iquitos (Peru)
Manaus (Brazil) to Belém (Brazil)
Buenos Aires (Argentina) to the Amazon
Lima (Peru) to the Amazon River
Highlights:
Amazon Rainforest: Experience the dense jungle, lush greenery, and incredible wildlife. Spot monkeys, jaguars, sloths, and a variety of bird species as you navigate the river.
Indigenous Communities: Many Amazon river cruises stop at indigenous villages, where you can learn about the traditional ways of life of local tribes.
Wildlife Watching: In addition to land excursions, you may be able to go on skiff boat rides or kayaking excursions to spot wildlife up close.
Iguazú Falls: Some itineraries offer a side trip to Iguazú Falls (on the border of Argentina and Brazil), one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
Cruise Lines:
Aqua Expeditions
Viking River Cruises
Ama Waterways
Avalon Waterways
Caribbean and South America Cruises
Cruising from the Caribbean down through the northeast coast of South America, these cruises combine tropical destinations with cultural exploration.
Popular Routes:
Fort Lauderdale (USA) to Buenos Aires (Argentina)
San Juan (Puerto Rico) to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Panama City (Panama) to Cartagena (Colombia) and the Caribbean Islands
Highlights:
Caribbean Islands: Sail through the Caribbean Sea, visiting beautiful islands like Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad, and the Virgin Islands. Relax on pristine beaches or take in the local culture.
Brazil: Visit Brazil’s largest cities like Rio de Janeiro, Santos, and Salvador, with stops at Iguazú Falls and the Brazilian Amazon.
Cultural Stops: Explore the history and culture of Cartagena (Colombia), the Galápagos Islands, and Montevideo (Uruguay), experiencing local art, music, and cuisine.
Cruise Lines:
Royal Caribbean
Carnival Cruises
MSC Cruises
Oceania Cruises
