From the tuxedoed penguins and cresting whales of the Straits of Magellan to the intriguing colonial history and the glitter of nightlife in Rio and Buenos Aires, South America is a destination of opposites, and one of the hottest destinations in the world.

There are two types of South America Cruises:

Amazon River Cruises :

These are 10 - 14 night cruises where a cruise ship will begin or end it's itinerary in Manaus, Brazil, near the end of the Amazon River and deep in the heart of the jungles of South America. According to Princess Cruises, one fifth of the world's fresh water flows down this river and one third of the world's oxygen is produced by its rainforest. Amazon River Cruises sail seasonally in January, February, or March.

Cruises to South America and the Amazon River can include stops at any of these ports of call, depending upon the ship and the sailing date.

Explore South America. Ancient Civilizations and lost cities. Fiery Sunsets and blue glaciers. The sweet breathy sound of a pan flute. Chic boutiques, hand-loomed blankets, and the finest tooled leather. Spitting llamas and boisterous macaws. Dense jungle trails, thundering waterfalls, and barren peaks. A sublime cruise will take you to South America's extraordinary vistas and inspirational experiences . . . and at rates lower than you ever imagined possible.