Cunard has revealed it will offer shore excursions of up to five days during its much-anticipated return to South America next year. The luxury cruise line will operate Queen Victoria's 78-night South America Discovery cruise in the region for the first time since 2020, sailing from Southampton. The voyage will depart from the South Coast on January 9, 2025.
The voyage will stop at several iconic destinations including Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia, Chilean Fjords, Callao and El Salvador. A wide range of tours are available including:
Four days overland to Machu Picchu
Travel to the mountains of Peru to visit Machu Picchu. Includes a visit to a flower village in the Andes, personal encounters with Quechua-speaking locals, and a train ride to Machu Picchu. Also included are the Sacsayhuaman Fortress and the Holy Land of Coricancha.
Five days overland to the Galapagos Islands
Opportunity to explore the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. The third and fourth days are full-day cruises, with options for the day including Bartolome Island, Seymour Island and Bachas Island, Plaza Island and Punta Carrion Island, Santa Fe Island, Floria Isla Na or Isabela. Finally visit the twin craters of Santa Cruz Island's highlands.
Four Days at Iguaza Falls
These include panoramic tours and whitewater rafting in El Salvador, helicopter tours of Iguaza Canyon and jungle walks to see wildlife such as toucans and giant butterflies. Then head to the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls for a scenic walk.
El Salvador Snapshot
City tours are available to visit major attractions such as Carlos Gomez Avenue, Campo Grande Square and Setembro Avenue.
Lima Tour
Start by driving to the picturesque Plaza Mayor, the main square and the 16th-century Convent of Santo Domingo. From here, visit the modern suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores.
Off the beaten track in the village of Kodepa
Start by driving through the Atacama Desert and visiting the Presencias Tutelares art sculpture. Guests will then visit the village of Kodepa, located on the banks of the Vitor River. Upon arrival, they will taste a glass of Pintatani wine before starting their walking tour.
Rio's best
The guided tour includes a ride along Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay, before guests take a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Also included is a drive along the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, then a ride on the Cogwheel Railway to admire the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado.
copacabana beach
Guests can relax on Copacabana Beach for approximately five hours.
Sunset schooner cruise
This three-hour cruise follows Rio de Janeiro's coastline, passing the beaches of Flamengo, Botafogo and Urca, and enjoying views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Niterói Beach.
Highlights of Montecristi and Manta
Guided tour from Manta to Montecristi (home of Torqueira hat). Upon arrival at Montecristi, guests will see a weaving demonstration and a guide will explain the hat-making process.
Buenos Aires Attractions, Dinner and Tango Show
Comprehensive tour of Argentina's capital, followed by dinner and tango show.
Matthew Gleaves, Vice President Commercial North America and Australia said: “Our South American Coast experiences allow guests to immerse themselves in the region's rich history, vibrant culture and stunning scenery. Each itinerary is carefully curated to incorporate iconic landmarks and lesser-known hidden gems, Ensuring our guests can truly experience the unique beauty of South America.”
The 78-night South America cruise will also feature World Voyage cocktail parties, shoreside soirees, unique commemorative gifts for guests and World Voyage concierge service.
