A wonderland of different contrasts and different cultures. South America is a continent abundant in natural beauty and grand ruins from long lost civilizations. Allow yourself to be seduced by its Latin flair. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city filled with charm and flavour. Enjoy a romantic walk through one of the many parks or boulevards, and visit the birth place of Tango, La Boca. Port Stanley is a bird watchers paradise, home to Black browed albatross and also sea lions and elephant seals. The southern most city in the world, Ushuaia, is home to a spectacular national park, a protected land that includes the beautiful Fagnano and Roca lakes, as well as sub-Antarctic forests. Sail through one of the most feared waterways on the planet, Cape Horn and visit Valparaiso, one of the world's most picturesque ports, particularly striking when viewed from sea. Take a trip to Casablanca valley where you can treat yourself to a tasting of top quality wines.

South America Ports

Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Ushuaia, Argentina

Brazil

View all ports in Brazil

Chile

View all ports in Chile

Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia

San Andres, Colombia

Santa Marta, Colombia

Ecuador

Esmeraldas, Ecuador

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Manta, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador

Falkland Islands

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

West Point, Falkland Islands

French Guiana

Devil's Island, French Guiana

Ile Royale, French Guiana

Peru

Callao, Peru

General San Martin, Peru

Lima (Callao), Peru

Paracas Bay, Peru

Pisco, Peru

Salaverry, Peru

San Martin, Peru

Suriname

Paramaribo, Suriname

Uruguay

Montevideo, Uruguay

Punta Del Este, Uruguay

Venezuala

Cano Araguaito, Venezuala

El Gran Roques, Venezuela

Isla Blanquilla, Venezuala

Isla Margarita, Venezuala

Islas Los Roques - Scenic Cruising, Venezuala

La Guaria, Venezuala

Los Roques, Venezuala

Maracaibo, Venezuala

Margherita Island, Venezuala

Orinoco River, Venezuela

Puerto Cabello, Venezuala

Puerto Ordaz, Venezuala

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Currencies

Cruises to South America take you to a number of countries with different currencies. If you intend to withdraw cash from an ATM or use a credit card, check what your bank charges and make sure you tell your bank you intend to use your debit or credit card abroad before you leave. Cruise ships usually offer an onboard currency exchange but are not always at competitive rates. If you’re unsure, ask for advice when booking your cruise.

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Time Difference

Argentina: GMT -3 (GMT -2 from third Saturday in March to first Saturday in October).
Brazil spans several time zones:
Eastern Standard Time: GMT -3 (GMT -2 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March)
Western Standard Time: GMT -4 (GMT -3 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March)
North East States and East Parà: GMT -3
Amapa and West Parà: GMT -4
Acre State: GMT -5
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: GMT -2
Chile:
Mainland and Juan Fernández Islands: GMT -4 (GMT -3 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March)
Easter Island: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from second Sunday in October to second Saturday in March)
Colombia: GMT -5. Colombia does not observe Daylight Saving Time
Ecuador: GMT -5. Ecuador does not observe Daylight Saving Time
Falkland Islands: GMT -3 (GMT - 4 from third Sunday in April to first Saturday in September)
French Guiana: GMT - 3. French Guiana does not observe Daylight Saving Time
Peru: GMT -5. Peru does not observe Daylight Saving Time
Suriname: GMT -5. Suriname does not observe Daylight Saving Time
Uruguay: GMT -3 (GMT - 2 from the second Sunday in October to the second Sunday in March)
Venezuela: GMT -4.5. Venezuela does not observe Daylight Saving Time


Tipping

In Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, a service charge of 10% is often included on restaurant bills, if not you should tip the same. Taxi fares can be rounded up, although a tip is not expected. Many locals live on a low wage so tips are much appreciated.

In Argentina and the Falkland Islands, tipping is not required but is appreciated and most tourists will tip up to 10% in restaurants and round up the fee for a taxi.

In Chile, Colombia and Uruguay a service charge may not be included but it is customary to tip 10% of the bill in restaurants. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips but many people round up the fare.


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Argentina
Currency: Peso = 100 centavos
Foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and exchange offices (cambios), available in all major cities. Most major credit cards are accepted, but not as widely as in Europe or the US. ATMs are available in most cities but usually have low daily withdrawal limits and charge per withdrawal. Traveller’s cheques should be in US Dollars but can be difficult to exchange in smaller towns so travellers are advised to use ATMs and credit cards.

Brazil
Currency: Real/Reais = 100 centavos
Banks, cambios and authorised hotels exchange recognised traveller's cheques and foreign currency – US Dollars are the most widely accepted. Most major international credit cards are accepted and ATMs are widely available. Traveller's cheques are difficult to cash so withdrawing cash directly from ATMs is advised.

Chile
Currency: Chilean Peso = 100 centavos
Most major credit cards are widely accepted in towns and cities and ATMs are also largely available. Money and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at any cambio in major towns and cities.

Colombia
Currency: Colombian Peso = 100 centavos
Currency and traveller’s cheques should be exchanged at hotels, banks and bureaux de change only. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so. ATMs are widely available in the major cities for most international cards.

Ecuador
Currency: US Dollar = 100 cents
Some coins are usual US cents and some are Ecuadorean centavos; they have the same value. Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks and cambios. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available at most banks.

Falkland Islands
Currency: Falkland Islands Pound and the British Pound Sterling = 100 pence
English Sterling banknotes and US Dollars are accepted by most businesses. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Stanley but less so outside the main town. American Express and Diners Card are accepted by some businesses. There are no ATMs. Traveller's cheques may be changed at the Standard Chartered Bank; travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling.

French Guiana
Currency: Euro = 100 cents
Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Euros can be changed in Cayenne, but the rates are lower than official rates. Credit cards are widely accepted, and you can get Visa or MasterCard cash advances at ATMs, which can be found in Cayenne, Ile de Cayenne, Kourou and Saint Laurent du Maroni.

Peru
Currency: New Sol = 100 céntimos
US Dollars are also widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas. It is difficult to change any foreign currency other than US Dollars. All major credit cards are accepted, but usage may be limited outside of Lima and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted. The use of traveller's cheques is limited in some areas and commission can be high. Traveller’s cheques should be in US Dollars. ATMs are widely available and are probably the best option.

Suriname
Currency: Suriname Dollar = 100 cents
Traveller’s cheques must be changed at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. American Express and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards.

Uruguay
Currency: Peso Uruguayo = 100 centécimos
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly used credit cards. ATMs accept most international cards and this is the best option for local currency. Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be cashed at some banks and exchange shops in major towns and cities; US Dollars are more easily exchanged.

Venezuela
Currency: Bolívar Fuerte = 100 céntimos
Banks and casas de cambio (exchange offices) will exchange cash. Travellers are advised to bring currency in US Dollars. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted in the main cities and tourist centres. Most major banks have ATMs. American Express traveller's cheques are widely accepted, other types may not be. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Brazil

A

Alter do Chao, Brazil

Amazon River (cruising), Brazil

Anavilhanas Archipelago, Brazil

Angras dos Reis, Brazil

Arraial Beach, Brazil

B

Belem, Brazil

Boco de Valeria, Brazil

Buzios, Brazil

C

Copacabana, Brazil

Curua Una River

F

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Florianopolis, Brazil

Fortaleza, Brazil

I

Ihabela, Brazil

Ilha Grande

Ilheus, Brazil

Imbituba, Brazil

Itajai, Brazil

M

Macapa, Brazil

Maceio, Brazil

Manaus, Brazil

N

Natal, Brazil

P

P.Este, Brazil

Parati, Brazil

Parintins, Brazil

Porto Belo, Brazil

R

Recife, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

S

Salvador (de Bahia), Brazil

Santarem, Brazil

Santos, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil

V

Victoria, Brazil

Chile

A

Amalia Glacier (cruising), Chile

Antofagasta, Chile

Arica, Chile

B

Bahia Garibaldi, Chile

C

Cape Horn(cruising), Chile

Castro, Chile

Chacabuco, Chile

Chilean Fjords (cruising), Chile

Concepcion, Chile

Coquimbo, Chile

Corral, Chile

E

Easter Island(cruising), Chile

H

Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile

I

Iquique, Chile

L

La Serena, Chile

Laguna San Rafael, Chile

P

Pio XI Glacier (cruising), Chile

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Puerto Corral, Chile

Puerto Montt, Chile

Puerto Natales, Chile

Punta Arenas, Chile

R

Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile

S

Santiago, Chile

Straits of Magellan (cruising), Chile

T

Talcahuano, Chile

V

Valdivia, Chile

Valparaiso, Chile