Your cruise
Queen Anne · 20-night South America cruise, Rio de Janeiro to San Antonio
Feb 8 – Feb 28 · 20 nights ·
Day 1 Rio de Janeiro (board) · Day 2 Santos (Sao Paulo) · Day 3–4 at sea · Day 5 Montevideo · Day 6–8 Buenos Aires · Day 9 at sea · Day 10 Puerto Madryn · Day 11–12 at sea · Day 13 Ushuaia · Day 14 Cape Horn · Day 15 Punta Arenas · Day 16 Amalia (Skua) Glacier · Day 17 Pio Xi (Bruggen) Glacier · Day 18 at sea · Day 19 Puerto Montt · Day 20 at sea · Day 21 San Antonio (step off)
What you do A bespoke, private full-day immersion into Santos — its gilded Coffee Exchange, the panoramic peak of Monte Serrat, and the world's longest beachfront garden — at your own pace with a vetted local expert.
What to expect Your private guide meets you at the pier and whisks you through Santos in a chauffeured vehicle. The Museu do Café dazzles with its original 1922 trading floor — stained glass, gilded balconies, and rich espresso tastings. You ascend Monte Serrat by funicular for sweeping coastal panoramas, then stroll the 5.3 km beachfront garden at Orla e Jardins da Praia. The day closes with fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant of your guide's choosing.
Good to know Santos port is compact; your guide meets you dockside. Pre-book well in advance — private guides fill up fast on busy port days. Confirm all-aboard time with your guide to build in comfortable return buffer.
Versus the ship tour Completely bespoke itinerary shaped around your interests — skip what doesn't excite you, linger where it does. Your private guide holds insider knowledge no group tour can replicate, and the pace is entirely yours.
book direct with Tours by Locals – Santos Private Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Step inside the breathtaking 1922 Bolsa Oficial do Café — Brazil's legendary coffee exchange — for a private guided tour of its stained-glass masterpiece and an expert cupping of Santos's finest single-origin coffees.
What to expect You enter a Belle Époque palace where fortunes were once made in minutes — the trading floor's vaulted ceiling and painted glass panels glow with filtered light. Your private guide narrates the rise of Santos as the world's largest coffee export port while you stand at the original mahogany desks. The tasting session that follows pairs single-origin Santos coffees with traditional Brazilian sweets. A visit to the rooftop terrace reveals the old port warehouses stretching to the waterfront.
Good to know The museum is a 10-minute taxi or rideshare from the cruise terminal. Open Tuesday–Sunday; confirm hours ahead. The tasting bar serves coffee continuously — arrive before the midday tour bus rush for a quieter experience.
Versus the ship tour Access to one of South America's most spectacular interiors — the original trading floor with soaring stained-glass panels is genuinely jaw-dropping. A private guide unlocks the stories behind the murals, the commodity traders, and Brazil's coffee-fuelled golden age in ways a group tour never can.
book direct with Museu do Café (official) → · the full guide →
What you do Ride the century-old funicular railway to the summit of Monte Serrat for breathtaking 360° views over Santos, the Atlantic, and the Serra do Mar — crowned by a historic hilltop sanctuary that has watched over sailors for centuries.
What to expect The antique funicular creaks and sways as it hauls you up the forested hillside, revealing tantalising glimpses of Santos's terracotta rooftops and the blue Atlantic below. At the summit, the whitewashed Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat sanctuary offers a moment of quiet reflection amid stunning scenery. The 360° panorama takes in the port, Guarujá island, and the Serra do Mar. Pair the ascent with a ride on the historic Linha Turística de Bonde tram through the city centre below.
Good to know The funicular operates daily; aim for mid-morning to avoid midday heat and haze. It's a short taxi ride from the port. Combining this with the Coffee Museum makes for a perfect half-day independently, leaving afternoons free for the beach garden or seafood lunch.
Versus the ship tour The funicular itself is a living piece of Brazilian history — one of the oldest cable railways in South America. The summit sanctuary and the sheer sweep of coast and jungle-clad Serra behind you is one of the most photographed views in all of São Paulo state.
book direct with Linha Turística de Bonde & Monte Serrat (official Santos city service) → · the full guide →
What you do Enter the world's only museum dedicated to Pelé — the greatest footballer of all time — in the city where he made his legend, with a private guide to bring every trophy, jersey, and photograph to vivid life.
What to expect You walk through a beautifully curated space tracing Pelé's journey from barefoot child in Bauru to three-time World Cup winner and global ambassador. Original match jerseys, golden boots, and personal correspondence fill glass cases while rare footage plays on looping screens. Your guide draws connections between Santos FC's golden era and Brazilian cultural identity. A short walk or taxi brings you to the historic Vila Belmiro stadium for an optional stadium tour.
Good to know The museum is centrally located in downtown Santos, a short taxi from the pier. Open Tuesday–Sunday. Combine with a stop at the Coffee Museum — they are within easy walking distance of each other — to make the most of your port day downtown.
Versus the ship tour Santos FC was Pelé's home for 18 seasons and the club's stadium is steps away. A private guide contextualises every artefact — the 1,000th goal ball, the World Cup medals, the handwritten notes — with stories that no audio guide can match.
What you do Wander through one of Brazil's finest botanical collections at the Orquidário Municipal — over 600 orchid species, native Atlantic Forest fauna, and resident parrots — a serene, fragrant escape from the city.
What to expect You enter a lush canopy of palms and bromeliads, the air thick with fragrance, as orchids in every conceivable colour cascade from trellises and tree trunks. A resident botanist guide points out rare Cattleya and Laelia hybrids alongside Atlantic Forest natives that took decades to cultivate. Resident parrots, tortoises, and occasional monkeys move freely through the grounds. The garden's tranquil interior is a world away from the port bustle — a genuinely restorative hour or two.
Good to know A 15-minute taxi from the pier. Best visited in the morning when light filters through the canopy and wildlife is most active. Combine with the adjacent beachfront garden for a relaxed, nature-focused port day. Open daily.
Versus the ship tour The garden is home to rescued wildlife — toucans, capuchin monkeys, and free-roaming parrots — alongside its world-class orchid collection. A private botanist guide reveals species found nowhere else and explains the fragile Atlantic Forest ecosystem in a deeply personal way.
book direct with Orquidário Municipal de Santos (official) → · the full guide →
What you do Escape to the gorgeous beaches of Guarujá island — Santos's glamorous neighbour — for a private chauffeured day of powder-white sand, crystalline Atlantic water, and a long seafood lunch at a renowned beachfront restaurant.
What to expect Your private vehicle and guide collect you at the pier and head to the Guarujá ferry crossing — a scenic 10-minute water passage with views of the Santos port channel. Praia de Enseada stretches before you in a wide arc of golden sand lapped by warm Atlantic water. After swimming and sunbathing, your guide escorts you to a handpicked beachfront restaurant for grilled fish, moqueca, and chilled caipirinhas. A scenic coastal drive back through Santos rounds out the afternoon before your return to the ship.
Good to know The ferry to Guarujá runs frequently and takes around 10 minutes. Pre-book your private guide to ensure a vehicle meets you at the pier. Confirm all-aboard time carefully — build in at least 90 minutes' return buffer given ferry and traffic variables.
Versus the ship tour Guarujá's beaches — Enseada, Pitangueiras, and Perequê — are a significant step up from Santos's city beaches in terms of clarity and seclusion. A private guide handles all logistics including the ferry crossing, freeing you to simply arrive, recline, and savour Brazil's coast in complete comfort.
book direct with TourHQ Santos – Private Local Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Rio's three crown jewels — Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Selarón Steps — in a single, seamlessly paced private day. A licensed local expert curates every moment, from sunrise crowds to golden-hour cable car rides.
What to expect Your private air-conditioned vehicle collects you at the cruise terminal and whisks you to the iconic Selarón Steps, where the artist Jorge Selarón's 215 mosaic-tiled risers cascade down Lapa in a blaze of colour. From there, ascend Corcovado by rack railway to stand at the feet of the 38-metre Cristo Redentor as the city unfolds 710 metres below. The afternoon belongs to Sugarloaf, riding two consecutive gondolas to the 396-metre summit for a panorama that takes in Guanabara Bay, Copacabana, and the Atlantic horizon. Lunch at a curated local restaurant is included, and your guide personally adjusts the itinerary around your all-aboard time.
Good to know Pre-book well in advance — private days fill up fast in peak season (Dec–Mar). Confirm your all-aboard time with the guide at booking so the schedule is built around it. Christ the Redeemer tickets should be pre-purchased online to skip the booth queue. Comfortable walking shoes essential; the steps at Corcovado are steep.
Versus the ship tour Entirely private — your guide, your pace, zero queuing with strangers. A licensed cultural expert weaves the history, politics, and art of each site into an unhurried narrative you simply cannot get in a crowd.
What you do Trade the tourist rack railway for a lush 90-minute jungle trail through Tijuca Forest, arriving at Cristo Redentor breathless and triumphant — before the day-trippers arrive. One of Rio's great bucket-list physical experiences.
What to expect Your expert naturalist guide meets you at the port and transfers you to Parque Lage, a neo-romantic 19th-century estate at the forest's edge. The trail climbs steadily through dense canopy — strangler figs, bromeliads, and the calls of toucans accompany your ascent. At the summit, the outstretched arms of Cristo Redentor frame a 360-degree panorama: Guanabara Bay glittering to the east, Ipanema and Copacabana arcing south, and the Tijuca massif rolling away to the west. The descent is by rack railway, so your legs get the reward without the repeat effort.
Good to know Moderate fitness required — ~4 km uphill on uneven forest paths. Departs early morning (07:00 recommended) to beat both heat and crowds; confirm timing against your all-aboard. Wear trail shoes, bring a light rain layer, water, and sunscreen. Trail can be muddy after rain.
Versus the ship tour This is the insider approach — starting from the fairytale Parque Lage mansion and ascending through Atlantic rainforest with capuchin monkeys overhead. Arriving on foot before the cable cars start running means you often have the terrace nearly to yourself.
book direct with Do Brazil Right – Shore Excursions → · the full guide →
What you do Ascend Sugarloaf by gondola as the sun melts into the Atlantic and Rio's lights begin to glitter below — with a private guide, reserved cable car access, and chilled champagne on the summit. Simply one of the most spectacular sunsets on Earth.
What to expect Your private vehicle collects you from the pier and drives the scenic bayside road to Praia Vermelha, where the cable car base station sits against a dramatic granite wall. The first gondola glides to Morro da Urca (215 m) for cocktails on an open-air terrace with views of Botafogo Bay. The second gondola carries you to the Sugarloaf summit itself, where your guide points out every landmark — the twin humps of the Two Brothers, the long sweep of Ipanema beach, and the Cristo Redentor glowing on Corcovado opposite. As darkness falls, Rio transforms into a carpet of lights stretching to the horizon.
Good to know Sunset timing shifts seasonally — confirm exact departure time with your guide against your all-aboard (typically 17:30–18:30 ascent works for most ships). Pre-purchase cable car tickets online at bondinho.com.br to skip queues. Light jacket recommended at the summit — the Atlantic breeze picks up after dark.
Versus the ship tour A private guide secures your gondola timing to land on the 396-metre summit precisely at golden hour — the moment when the bay turns copper and the city's mosaic of favelas, beaches, and skyscrapers is lit from below. Champagne is waiting.
book direct with Rio Private Guide – Alan Denis → · the full guide →
What you do Plunge into the world's largest urban rainforest on an open-top 4×4 Jeep, hunting hidden waterfalls, rare orchids, and monkeys in the canopy above Rio's skyline. Thrilling, beautiful, and utterly unlike any city tour.
What to expect The Jeep departs the port and within 20 minutes you're deep in Tijuca National Park — 32 square kilometres of restored Atlantic rainforest that once covered the entire city. Your naturalist driver-guide navigates steep cobbled tracks to the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, where you can swim in a cool natural pool. The trail continues to the Vista Chinesa pagoda, an incongruous 1920s belvedere perched above the south zone with jaw-dropping views of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and the beaches beyond. Look up: squirrel monkeys and toucans are reliable sightings year-round.
Good to know Half-day format (4 hrs) makes it very manageable against an all-aboard. Bring insect repellent, swimwear if you want to dip at the waterfall, and a light layer. Jeep seats are open-air — sunscreen essential. Available year-round but forest is most dramatic and green after rain.
Versus the ship tour An open-sided Jeep lets you lean into the forest rather than observe it through glass — guides stop at unmarked trails, hidden cascades, and viewpoints that only locals know. Small groups of 6 maximum mean the guide is always within earshot.
book direct with Do Brazil Right – Shore Excursions → · the full guide →
What you do Explore the birthplace of samba and the heart of Afro-Brazilian heritage — the Saúde docklands 'Pequena África', the Valongo Wharf UNESCO site, and the bohemian arches of Lapa — with a cultural historian as your guide.
What to expect Your expert cultural guide leads you from the port through the revitalised Saúde neighbourhood — Rio's 'Little Africa' — where the Valongo Wharf, the largest disembarkation point for enslaved Africans in the Americas, is now a haunting and essential UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route winds through Gamboa to the Praça Mauá waterfront plaza, past the Museum of Tomorrow, then south into the Lapa arches district, where the Selarón Steps cascade down in their famous mosaic splendour. At every turn your guide connects architecture, music, and history — from candomblé to capoeira — with the living culture of modern Rio.
Good to know Entirely walkable — flat terrain, approximately 5 km total. Wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing. Best done in the morning before heat peaks. The Selarón Steps are at the end of the route — a natural finale. Confirm all-aboard time with guide; the 4-hour format leaves a comfortable buffer.
Versus the ship tour This is the Rio that doesn't make the postcard — the cobbled alleyways where samba was born, the 19th-century wharf where millions of enslaved Africans arrived, and the street-art-covered neighbourhood of Lapa, all interpreted by a guide with deep academic and community roots.
What you do Walk the hallowed turf, dressing rooms, and players' tunnel of Maracanã — South America's most iconic football cathedral — with a private guide who unlocks areas closed to the public, and a lifetime of stories about the Maracanazo, Pelé, and the 2014 World Cup.
What to expect Your guide meets you at the port and transfers you directly to the Zona Norte neighbourhood where Maracanã rises like a concrete colosseum. Inside, the private route takes you through the players' dressing rooms (still bearing the scent of decades of drama), the athletes' tunnel where legends have walked, and out onto the pitch itself — 78,000 seats surrounding you in silence. Your guide narrates defining moments: the 1950 World Cup 'Maracanazo' defeat, Pelé's 1,000th goal, and the stadium's reinvention for 2014. A visit to the onsite Hall of Fame and the club merchandise boutique rounds out a deeply Rio experience.
Good to know Tours run most mornings when no match is scheduled — verify match schedule before booking as stadium access changes on game days. Allow 2.5–3 hours including transfer from port. The stadium is a 20-minute drive from the cruise terminal. Combine with a lunch stop in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood on the return for a perfect half-day.
Versus the ship tour A private local guide who lives and breathes football takes you beyond the standard visitor path — into the press box, the VIP areas, and pitch-side — bringing the stadium's seismic moments to life with personal storytelling that no group tour can match.
book direct with Tours by Locals – Rio de Janeiro Private Guides → · the full guide →
What you do A bespoke, private full-day immersion into Santos — its gilded Coffee Exchange, the panoramic peak of Monte Serrat, and the world's longest beachfront garden — at your own pace with a vetted local expert.
What to expect Your private guide meets you at the pier and whisks you through Santos in a chauffeured vehicle. The Museu do Café dazzles with its original 1922 trading floor — stained glass, gilded balconies, and rich espresso tastings. You ascend Monte Serrat by funicular for sweeping coastal panoramas, then stroll the 5.3 km beachfront garden at Orla e Jardins da Praia. The day closes with fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant of your guide's choosing.
Good to know Santos port is compact; your guide meets you dockside. Pre-book well in advance — private guides fill up fast on busy port days. Confirm all-aboard time with your guide to build in comfortable return buffer.
Versus the ship tour Completely bespoke itinerary shaped around your interests — skip what doesn't excite you, linger where it does. Your private guide holds insider knowledge no group tour can replicate, and the pace is entirely yours.
book direct with Tours by Locals – Santos Private Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Step inside the breathtaking 1922 Bolsa Oficial do Café — Brazil's legendary coffee exchange — for a private guided tour of its stained-glass masterpiece and an expert cupping of Santos's finest single-origin coffees.
What to expect You enter a Belle Époque palace where fortunes were once made in minutes — the trading floor's vaulted ceiling and painted glass panels glow with filtered light. Your private guide narrates the rise of Santos as the world's largest coffee export port while you stand at the original mahogany desks. The tasting session that follows pairs single-origin Santos coffees with traditional Brazilian sweets. A visit to the rooftop terrace reveals the old port warehouses stretching to the waterfront.
Good to know The museum is a 10-minute taxi or rideshare from the cruise terminal. Open Tuesday–Sunday; confirm hours ahead. The tasting bar serves coffee continuously — arrive before the midday tour bus rush for a quieter experience.
Versus the ship tour Access to one of South America's most spectacular interiors — the original trading floor with soaring stained-glass panels is genuinely jaw-dropping. A private guide unlocks the stories behind the murals, the commodity traders, and Brazil's coffee-fuelled golden age in ways a group tour never can.
book direct with Museu do Café (official) → · the full guide →
What you do Ride the century-old funicular railway to the summit of Monte Serrat for breathtaking 360° views over Santos, the Atlantic, and the Serra do Mar — crowned by a historic hilltop sanctuary that has watched over sailors for centuries.
What to expect The antique funicular creaks and sways as it hauls you up the forested hillside, revealing tantalising glimpses of Santos's terracotta rooftops and the blue Atlantic below. At the summit, the whitewashed Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat sanctuary offers a moment of quiet reflection amid stunning scenery. The 360° panorama takes in the port, Guarujá island, and the Serra do Mar. Pair the ascent with a ride on the historic Linha Turística de Bonde tram through the city centre below.
Good to know The funicular operates daily; aim for mid-morning to avoid midday heat and haze. It's a short taxi ride from the port. Combining this with the Coffee Museum makes for a perfect half-day independently, leaving afternoons free for the beach garden or seafood lunch.
Versus the ship tour The funicular itself is a living piece of Brazilian history — one of the oldest cable railways in South America. The summit sanctuary and the sheer sweep of coast and jungle-clad Serra behind you is one of the most photographed views in all of São Paulo state.
book direct with Linha Turística de Bonde & Monte Serrat (official Santos city service) → · the full guide →
What you do Enter the world's only museum dedicated to Pelé — the greatest footballer of all time — in the city where he made his legend, with a private guide to bring every trophy, jersey, and photograph to vivid life.
What to expect You walk through a beautifully curated space tracing Pelé's journey from barefoot child in Bauru to three-time World Cup winner and global ambassador. Original match jerseys, golden boots, and personal correspondence fill glass cases while rare footage plays on looping screens. Your guide draws connections between Santos FC's golden era and Brazilian cultural identity. A short walk or taxi brings you to the historic Vila Belmiro stadium for an optional stadium tour.
Good to know The museum is centrally located in downtown Santos, a short taxi from the pier. Open Tuesday–Sunday. Combine with a stop at the Coffee Museum — they are within easy walking distance of each other — to make the most of your port day downtown.
Versus the ship tour Santos FC was Pelé's home for 18 seasons and the club's stadium is steps away. A private guide contextualises every artefact — the 1,000th goal ball, the World Cup medals, the handwritten notes — with stories that no audio guide can match.
What you do Wander through one of Brazil's finest botanical collections at the Orquidário Municipal — over 600 orchid species, native Atlantic Forest fauna, and resident parrots — a serene, fragrant escape from the city.
What to expect You enter a lush canopy of palms and bromeliads, the air thick with fragrance, as orchids in every conceivable colour cascade from trellises and tree trunks. A resident botanist guide points out rare Cattleya and Laelia hybrids alongside Atlantic Forest natives that took decades to cultivate. Resident parrots, tortoises, and occasional monkeys move freely through the grounds. The garden's tranquil interior is a world away from the port bustle — a genuinely restorative hour or two.
Good to know A 15-minute taxi from the pier. Best visited in the morning when light filters through the canopy and wildlife is most active. Combine with the adjacent beachfront garden for a relaxed, nature-focused port day. Open daily.
Versus the ship tour The garden is home to rescued wildlife — toucans, capuchin monkeys, and free-roaming parrots — alongside its world-class orchid collection. A private botanist guide reveals species found nowhere else and explains the fragile Atlantic Forest ecosystem in a deeply personal way.
book direct with Orquidário Municipal de Santos (official) → · the full guide →
What you do Escape to the gorgeous beaches of Guarujá island — Santos's glamorous neighbour — for a private chauffeured day of powder-white sand, crystalline Atlantic water, and a long seafood lunch at a renowned beachfront restaurant.
What to expect Your private vehicle and guide collect you at the pier and head to the Guarujá ferry crossing — a scenic 10-minute water passage with views of the Santos port channel. Praia de Enseada stretches before you in a wide arc of golden sand lapped by warm Atlantic water. After swimming and sunbathing, your guide escorts you to a handpicked beachfront restaurant for grilled fish, moqueca, and chilled caipirinhas. A scenic coastal drive back through Santos rounds out the afternoon before your return to the ship.
Good to know The ferry to Guarujá runs frequently and takes around 10 minutes. Pre-book your private guide to ensure a vehicle meets you at the pier. Confirm all-aboard time carefully — build in at least 90 minutes' return buffer given ferry and traffic variables.
Versus the ship tour Guarujá's beaches — Enseada, Pitangueiras, and Perequê — are a significant step up from Santos's city beaches in terms of clarity and seclusion. A private guide handles all logistics including the ferry crossing, freeing you to simply arrive, recline, and savour Brazil's coast in complete comfort.
book direct with TourHQ Santos – Private Local Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Step inside Montevideo's legendary iron-and-glass market for a private guided experience culminating in a tableside asado feast — Uruguay's greatest culinary ritual. This is bucket-list South American dining, done properly.
What to expect Arrive at the ornate 19th-century cast-iron market as the grills roar to life and smoke fills the nave with the intoxicating scent of wood-fired beef. Your guide explains the cuts — entraña, vacío, chorizo — as Uruguayan grill culture unfolds around you. Settle at a reserved table at one of the legendary parrillas for a full asado lunch paired with Tannat wine. Finish with a stroll through the adjoining antique vendors and street performers outside.
Good to know The market is a short taxi ride (5–10 min, ~USD 5) from the cruise terminal. Confirm your reservation 48 hours ahead. All-aboard times in Montevideo are typically mid-to-late afternoon — a morning arrival leaves ample time for a leisurely 2-hour lunch.
Versus the ship tour A private local expert navigates you through the market's smoky parrillas, introduces you to the pit masters, and secures the best table — no queue, no rush, no group of 40 strangers.
book direct with VerdeAzul Private Guide Uruguay → · the full guide →
What you do Ascend the iconic Palacio Salvo — once the tallest building in South America — for a guided tour through its Art Deco interiors and a breathtaking panorama across Montevideo and the Río de la Plata. An unmissable icon of the city.
What to expect Enter through the grand portal on Plaza Independencia and ascend through the Palacio's extraordinary Art Deco corridors, lined with original tilework and wrought-iron detailing. Your guide reveals the building's legendary history — Mario Paysée Reyes's visionary design, the rumoured ghost stories, the literary salons of the 1930s. Emerge onto the rooftop terrace for sweeping 360-degree views of the old city, the rambla coastline, and the immense estuary beyond. On clear days, the view stretches to Argentina.
Good to know The Palacio sits directly on Plaza Independencia, a 15-minute taxi from the port (~USD 6). Book in advance as guided tour slots fill quickly on cruise days. Allow 1.5 hours total. Wear comfortable shoes for the tower climb.
Versus the ship tour Official guided access takes you beyond the lobby into the building's storied history — its bohemian past as artist studios, a hotel, and Uruguay's cultural heartbeat — with expert storytelling unavailable on self-guided visits.
book direct with Palacio Salvo (Official Tours) → · the full guide →
What you do Journey to Uruguay's most celebrated winery — Bodega Juanicó, founded in 1830 — for an exclusive private tour through colonial cellars, a barrel-room tasting, and a premium lunch pairing showcasing the world-class Tannat grape. A wine lover's bucket-list afternoon.
What to expect A scenic 45-minute private transfer carries you through Uruguay's rolling countryside to the estate, where a family winemaker or sommelier greets you personally. Walk through the original stone bodega, dating to 1830, and descend into candlelit barrel rooms breathing with aging Tannat. The tasting focuses on premium and reserve expressions — bold, velvety, and utterly distinct from any European variety. Lunch is served under the pergola: artisan charcuterie, local cheeses, and a three-course menu matched to cellar selections.
Good to know Arrange private round-trip transfers from the cruise terminal through VerdeAzul or your hotel concierge (approx. USD 60–80 each way for a private vehicle). Book the bodega experience directly via their website well in advance — cruise-day slots are limited. Total excursion time: 4–5 hours.
Versus the ship tour Access to the historic 19th-century barrel cellars and a sommelier-led tasting of reserve and single-vineyard Tannats rarely available in standard tours — paired with a gourmet lunch among the vines.
book direct with Bodega Juanicó (Familia Deicas) → · the full guide →
What you do Explore Montevideo's stunning Old City with a private expert guide — colonial plazas, Art Deco facades, hidden courtyards — culminating in a behind-the-scenes tour of the magnificent Teatro Solís, South America's oldest active opera house.
What to expect Begin at the ornate Puerta de la Ciudadela, the last remnant of the colonial fortress, and wind through the cobblestone streets of Ciudad Vieja past the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Taranco, and the neoclassical Municipal Palace. Your expert guide narrates the city's architectural evolution — Spanish colonial to Art Deco to Modernist — with anecdotes that bring each façade to life. Arrive at Teatro Solís for a guided backstage tour: the gilded auditorium, the painted ceiling, the original machinery beneath the stage. End at a nearby café for mate and medialunas.
Good to know Ciudad Vieja is a 10-minute taxi from the port (~USD 5). Teatro Solís guided tours run on a fixed schedule — confirm times when booking your private guide. Allow 3–4 hours total. Wear flat shoes; cobblestones are uneven.
Versus the ship tour An architect or cultural historian guide — not a generalist — brings the layers of Montevideo's built heritage alive, accessing courtyards and building interiors closed to casual visitors, and timing the visit to the city's own rhythm.
book direct with ToursByLocals — Private Montevideo Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Glide along Montevideo's magnificent 22 km Rambla — one of the world's great urban waterfronts — on a private guided cycling journey from the Old City to Pocitos Beach, taking in the full sweep of the Río de la Plata at its most luminous.
What to expect Mount a quality city bike and set off along the broad seaside promenade as the Río de la Plata shimmers in the morning light — so vast it resembles an ocean horizon. Your guide narrates the neighbourhoods as they unfold: the fortified walls of the Old Port, the elegant Parque Rodó, the sun-drenched strand of Pocitos packed with joggers and mate-sipping retirees. Stop at a beachside café for a coffee and medialunas before looping back through the leafy Punta Carretas neighbourhood. The total route is approximately 12–15 km at a leisurely pace.
Good to know Orange Bike is a short taxi from the port (~USD 5). Morning departures (8–9 am) are recommended for cooler temperatures and the best light on the water. Allow 3 hours. Excursion is weather-dependent — confirm the morning of your port call.
Versus the ship tour The Rambla is impossible to appreciate from a motor coach — cycling its full coastal arc at your own pace, stopping for mate with locals at sunrise, is the authentic Montevideo experience that most visitors simply never get.
What you do Dive deep into Montevideo's greatest cultural secret — its UNESCO-recognised Carnival and Afro-Uruguayan Candombe tradition — with a private museum visit and a live drum circle immersion in the historic Barrio Sur. Utterly unique and completely unforgettable.
What to expect Begin at the Museo del Carnaval on the Rambla, where extraordinary costumes, elaborate comparsa floats, and archival film transport you into the world of Montevideo's legendary 40-day Carnival — the longest in the world. Your guide contextualises the African roots of Candombe and the neighbourhood histories of Barrio Sur and Palermo. Walk into the neighbourhood to witness a genuine tamboril drum rehearsal in a street or courtyard, and — if the group is welcoming — try your hand at the rhythm that has echoed through these streets for two centuries. End with a glass of Medio y Medio sparkling wine at a local bodegón.
Good to know The Museo del Carnaval is on the waterfront Rambla, a 10-minute taxi from the port (~USD 5). Drum rehearsals are most active on weekend afternoons — time your port call accordingly. This experience is profoundly authentic; dress casually and respectfully. Allow 3–4 hours total.
Versus the ship tour A guide with deep roots in the Afro-Uruguayan community provides access to the Barrio Sur drum rehearsals and introduces you to Candombe musicians — an encounter with living culture, not a staged performance.
book direct with ToursByLocals — Private Montevideo Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Step inside one of the world's top five opera houses, where gilded tiers, a sky-blue ceiling and acoustics second to none have awed audiences since 1908. A private guided tour reveals backstage secrets before you take your seat for a world-class performance.
What to expect Your bilingual expert guide leads you through the ornate foyers, the seven-tier auditorium dripping in red velvet and gold leaf, and the vast underground workshops where set designers and seamstresses craft every production by hand. You'll hear fascinating stories of the divas, scandals and triumphant premieres that shaped Argentina's cultural identity. In the evening, take your premium seat and let a world-class company perform beneath the magnificent painted dome. The standing ovation will give you goosebumps.
Good to know Book guided tours and performance tickets directly on the official website well in advance — top performances sell out months ahead. The theatre is a 20-minute taxi or Uber from the Puerto Madero cruise terminal. Check all-aboard time carefully; a daytime tour works easily for a port day, while an evening performance suits overnight calls.
Versus the ship tour Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to rehearsal halls, costume workshops and the main stage — a perspective almost no visitor secures — followed by a live ballet, opera or orchestral concert in one of the planet's most breathtaking acoustic spaces.
book direct with Teatro Colón (official) → · the full guide →
What you do Learn the languid drama of the tango with a private maestro before a gourmet Argentine dinner and a world-class milonga show at Buenos Aires' most storied venue. This is tango as a living art form, not a tourist spectacle.
What to expect Arrive early for a private or semi-private tango lesson in a mirrored studio, where a professional dancer breaks down the embrace, the pause, the pivoting drama of each step. The colonial-stone main hall fills with candlelight as a full orchestra of bandoneons, violins and piano strikes up the first compás. Six to eight elite dancers command the floor in a two-hour show of classic and contemporary tango, followed by a three-course asado-inspired dinner with premium Malbec. The intimacy of the venue means every table has a front-row feel.
Good to know Book dinner + show directly on the website; request a private lesson by emailing the venue. The San Telmo location is a 15-minute taxi from the cruise terminal. Evening shows suit overnight or late-departure port calls — confirm all-aboard time before booking.
Versus the ship tour El Viejo Almacén is the authentic 1860s colonial warehouse where tango was born — one of the very few venues where dancers, bandoneonists and singers are career artists, not performers on a circuit. A private lesson with an in-house maestro before the show transforms you from spectator to participant.
book direct with El Viejo Almacén (official) → · the full guide →
What you do Wander the marble city of the dead alongside a local historian who unlocks the stories of Argentina's oligarchs, generals and one legendary First Lady. Continue into elegant Palermo for boutique-lined streets and a table at a celebrated wine bar.
What to expect Your guide meets you at the ornate entrance to Recoleta Cemetery and navigates its labyrinthine avenues of mausoleums — grand neo-Gothic chapels and Art Deco tombs jostling for eternity. You'll pause at Evita Perón's understated tomb and hear the full, complex story that Hollywood simplified. Strolling into Palermo, the city transforms: jacaranda-shaded streets, independent design boutiques, and a curated stop at a wine bar for an Argentine varietal tasting paired with local charcuterie. The pace is entirely yours — nothing is rushed.
Good to know Book directly on the BuenosTours website and specify private if you prefer a solo-group experience. Wear comfortable walking shoes; the cemetery's cobblestone lanes are uneven. The route is roughly 4–5 hours and easily completed before a late-afternoon all-aboard.
Versus the ship tour BuenosTours' expert-led small-group and private walks are conversational and unhurried — guides are historians and cultural insiders who read the city's architecture, social tensions and politics with the fluency of a native novel. This is Buenos Aires understood, not just seen.
What you do Lose yourself in the kaleidoscopic corrugated-iron streetscape of Caminito before weaving through the cobblestoned artisan stalls and tango buskers of San Telmo's legendary Sunday fair — curated with a private guide who knows every back alley.
What to expect You arrive at Caminito as the morning light floods the vivid zigzag of zinc facades — Maria positions you for the photographs that don't appear on postcards. She introduces you to local artists selling in the street-level galleries and explains how this working-class barrio became Argentina's most painted neighbourhood. In San Telmo, the Sunday fair's hundreds of stalls overflow with silverwork, Art Deco porcelain and vintage leather; Maria steers you away from tourist trinkets to the antique dealers serious collectors frequent. The tour ends with a cortado and medialunas at a corner café that has served the neighbourhood for decades.
Good to know The Sunday San Telmo Fair operates 10:00–17:00 — this excursion is best on Sundays. Book directly via the Go Ask a Local website. La Boca has a concentrated tourist zone; staying with a local guide is both the safest and richest way to explore. Allow 4–5 hours; taxis back to the cruise terminal take approximately 15 minutes.
Versus the ship tour Maria is a lifelong Porteña whose insider knowledge transforms a walk through La Boca and San Telmo into a layered cultural narrative — from immigrant Italian dock workers painting their houses in leftover ship paint, to the milongas where tango evolved in tenement courtyards. You move at your own pace, off the tourist current.
book direct with Go Ask a Local – Maria's Private Buenos Aires Tours → · the full guide →
What you do Escape the city entirely on a private launch into the Paraná Delta — an Amazonian labyrinth of willow-shaded waterways, weekend villas and rowing clubs just 30 km from the capital. Lunch aboard or at a delta restaurant as the current does the work.
What to expect A private transfer north from Puerto Madero delivers you to the Tigre waterfront in under an hour. Your boat glides into channels shaded by ceibo trees and trailing willows, past brightly painted weekend houses accessible only by water. The captain points out native birds — kingfishers, herons, monk parakeets — as you drift deeper into the labyrinth. Lunch at a riverside restaurant means grilled river fish, provoleta and cold Torrontés as speedboats and kayakers pass in the dappled light. The return journey offers a completely different perspective of the channels as the afternoon light turns amber.
Good to know The Tigre Delta excursion takes approximately 6–7 hours return including transfer; confirm all-aboard time before booking. Apply sunscreen and bring a light layer — the delta breeze on the water can be cool even in summer. Book the private boat option directly by contacting Shore Excursions Group or a local Tigre operator for the most exclusive experience.
Versus the ship tour A private launch gives you total control of pace and itinerary — your captain navigates narrow channels the larger excursion boats cannot reach, and you stop where you choose: a riverside fruit vendor, a 19th-century rowing club, a vine-covered restaurant on stilts. The delta reveals an Argentina almost no cruise passenger sees.
book direct with Shore Excursions Group – Tigre Delta & River Cruise → · the full guide →
What you do Ride out to a working Pampas estancia for a full-day immersion in gaucho culture: watch expert horsemen perform, try a polo lesson, and feast on a traditional wood-fired asado with unlimited Malbec beneath an open sky.
What to expect A private transfer (approx. 90 minutes) delivers you through the flat, endless horizon of the Pampas to La Mimosa's white-painted colonial ranch house. Gauchos in traditional bombachas and berets demonstrate horsemanship with staggering precision, and guests are warmly invited to ride alongside. A polo introduction on gentle horses is led by an estancia instructor. The centrepiece is the asado: whole ribs, chorizo, morcilla and sweetbreads char-grilled over quebracho embers, served with chimichurri, salads and flowing Malbec at long communal tables. The afternoon slows to the rhythm of the Pampas — folk music, mate, and the longest horizon you've ever seen.
Good to know Transfer to La Mimosa takes approximately 90 minutes each way — this is a full-day excursion best suited to port days with a late-evening all-aboard. Book directly on the La Mimosa website and arrange private transfers through your concierge for maximum comfort. Wear closed-toe shoes for riding; bring sunscreen and a hat.
Versus the ship tour La Mimosa is a genuine working estancia — not a theatrical set piece — where third-generation gauchos demonstrate real skills honed over lifetimes: lazo work, doma (horse-breaking), and the intricate footwork of malambo. The wood-fired asado served in the open air under ombú trees is the finest meal most guests eat in Argentina.
book direct with Estancia La Mimosa (official) → · the full guide →
What you do A private full-day deep dive into Península Valdés UNESCO reserve — elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and the legendary orca strandings beach. Patagonia's greatest wildlife spectacle, entirely at your own pace.
What to expect Your private guide collects you at the port and drives you deep into the UNESCO biosphere reserve, stopping first at Punta Norte — the gravel beach where orcas intentionally strand to ambush sea lions (seasonal, Apr–May). You then wind south to the dramatic Caleta Valdés lagoon to watch elephant seals spar in the surf. The afternoon is spent at Puerto Pirámide for a whale-watching boat ride, before a sunset return along the empty steppe road with rheas and guanacos alongside you.
Good to know Full-day tour runs approximately 10 hours — confirm all-aboard time with the ship and book the earliest departure. Orcas are most active April–May; southern right whales June–December; elephant seals and penguins year-round. Reserve entrance fee (approx. USD 20 pp) is additional. Pre-book directly — Sentir Patagonia is a well-regarded Puerto Madryn specialist confirmed by cruise travellers.
Versus the ship tour Fully private vehicle and dedicated bilingual naturalist guide means you linger where the wildlife is — no herding, no waiting. Access to Caleta Valdés lagoon and Punta Cantor orca beach that small-group tours skip entirely.
What you do Punta Tombo hosts the largest Magellanic penguin colony in South America — half a million birds. A private guided excursion places you on the boardwalk trails at the colony's quietest hours, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with penguins in their nesting burrows.
What to expect The 180 km drive south from Puerto Madryn crosses open Patagonian steppe — guanacos, maras (Patagonian hares) and Darwin's rheas dot the roadside. At the reserve, marked paths wind directly through the nesting colony: penguins waddle past your feet, completely unafraid. Your guide narrates breeding cycles and points out chick-feeding moments. A box lunch on the coast with Atlantic views rounds off the morning before the return drive.
Good to know Allow 7–8 hours door-to-door — verify against your all-aboard time carefully. Penguin colony is active September through March (breeding season at its peak October–November). Park entrance is included in the quoted price. Direct booking via Madryn Travel locks in the guide and vehicle; walk-ins are not accepted at the reserve gate without pre-payment.
Versus the ship tour Private or small-group departure means you arrive before the crowds peak and stay as long as the birds demand. Your naturalist guide reads penguin behaviour and takes you off the main tourist trail to quieter colony sections for genuine wildlife photography.
What you do Slip beneath the surface of the Golfo Nuevo and come face-to-face with playful South American sea lions at their natural rookery. Madryn Buceo's expert dive guides lead small groups to the sea lions' favourite underwater ledges for an encounter that will redefine wildlife swimming.
What to expect A short transfer brings you to Punta Loma, where a briefing covers sea lion behaviour and snorkel technique. You enter calm, crystalline Golfo Nuevo water (wetsuits provided) and within minutes a colony of 600+ sea lions is spiralling around you — barrel-rolling, blowing bubbles, and staring you down with enormous eyes. Certified divers can opt for the full scuba experience at 8–15 metres depth, where the sea lions perform acrobatics around kelp columns. The whole in-water session lasts 45–60 minutes.
Good to know Morning slots (departing ~09:00) have the best sea lion activity and visibility. The excursion takes approximately 3.5 hours total — very manageable against most all-aboard times. Wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks (for divers) are all included. No prior dive certification needed for snorkelling. Book directly via madrynbuceo.com well in advance — slots sell out when multiple ships are in port.
Versus the ship tour Groups are capped at 6–8 participants maximum, ensuring every guest gets genuine one-on-one time with the sea lions — not a crowded pool scenario. PADI-certified dive masters with 15+ years of Punta Loma experience know exactly which ledges the sea lions favour.
What you do Puerto Madryn sits at the edge of one of the world's great whale nurseries. Board a Zodiac inflatable with a marine biologist guide for an intimate encounter with 40-tonne southern right whale mothers and calves just metres from the boat — bucket-list Patagonia.
What to expect Departing from Puerto Madryn's protected bay, the Zodiac heads to known aggregation zones within Golfo Nuevo where southern right whales (June–December) come to breed and calve in warm, sheltered water. The guide cuts the engine as whales approach and you watch breaching, lob-tailing, and spy-hopping from metres away. On the return, look out for Commerson's dolphins riding the bow wave — a bonus spectacle unique to Patagonian waters.
Good to know Season is June through December; peak activity July–October for calves. Morning departures offer calmer sea conditions. Transfer from the port is just 5 minutes on foot. Allow 2.5 hours total. Life jackets and waterproof ponchos provided — bring a layer as Golfo Nuevo can be brisk. Book directly with Hydrosport as they are the longest-established operator on the bay.
Versus the ship tour Zodiac inflatables sit at water level — whales surface alongside you at eye height, not from a tall-sided vessel. The marine biologist on board provides real scientific context and uses hydrophones to pick up whale song in real time.
What you do The Fundación Ecocentro is Patagonia's most architecturally striking marine interpretive centre — cliffside, whitewashed, with floor-to-ceiling Atlantic views. An intimate, unhurried deep-dive into the science and poetry of the Patagonian Sea.
What to expect Set on a rocky promontory south of the town centre, the Ecocentro's galleries trace the full ecological story of the Patagonian Sea — from microscopic krill to blue whales — through immersive displays, specimen collections, and artist-in-residence installations. The cylindrical reading tower is stocked with marine biology texts and offers 360° panoramas over the Golfo Nuevo; during whale season (June–December) southern rights are visible from the windows. The café serves locally roasted coffee and Patagonian pastries. Allow 90 minutes.
Good to know A 20-minute walk south along the coastal promenade from the port, or a 5-minute taxi. No advance booking required but check seasonal opening hours at ecocentro.org.ar before your call. An ideal complement to a morning whale-watching or sea lion excursion — pair the two for a full, unhurried Patagonian day. Closed Tuesdays.
Versus the ship tour A rare blend of world-class marine science, contemporary art and coastal architecture — the reading tower alone, overlooking the open Atlantic with whale-watching telescopes, is worth the visit. Self-paced and beautifully curated for curious, discerning travellers.
What you do Playa El Doradillo is one of the only places on Earth where southern right whales come within metres of the beach to play in the shallows. Stand on the gravel shore and watch 40-tonne giants surface, breach, and spy-hop in waist-deep water — no boat required.
What to expect The drive north from Puerto Madryn to Doradillo takes just 15 minutes, arriving at a wild gravel beach facing the open gulf. Between June and December, southern right whale mothers bring their calves into the shallows to rest and socialise — at times you can hear them exhaling before you see them. Your guide walks the beach with you, identifying individual whales by their callosities (the rough skin patches unique to each animal) and narrating their biology. The panoramic Patagonian steppe backdrop — vast skies, ochre cliffs, zero crowds — makes for an elemental, utterly memorable experience.
Good to know Strictly seasonal: June through December, with July–October being the prime window. Allow 3 hours total including transfer. Combine with the Ecocentro (just 10 minutes south) for a perfect half-day pairing. Wear layers and wind-resistant clothing — the beach is exposed. No park fee required. Book the guided transfer via Madryn Travel to ensure the guide knows current whale positions along the beach.
Versus the ship tour No vessel, no seasickness, no barriers — just open Patagonian sky and whales at arm's length in the surf. A knowledgeable guide reads whale behaviour and positions you for the best sightlines along the 4 km beach. The photography opportunities are extraordinary.
What you do Wade ashore on a wild island inhabited by thousands of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins — one of the rarest wildlife landings in the Southern Hemisphere. A private catamaran transfer and expert naturalist guide make this utterly bucket-list.
What to expect A private catamaran glides through the Beagle Channel past sea-lion colonies and cormorant rookeries before anchoring off Isla Martillo. Guests don waterproof boots and wade the shallows onto the beach, where Magellanic and Gentoo penguins are utterly unbothered by visitors. Your naturalist explains breeding behaviour, conservation challenges and the island's ecology. The return journey takes in the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, perfectly golden in the afternoon light.
Good to know Landings are permit-controlled and close out weeks in advance — book the moment your itinerary is confirmed. Waterproof boots and splash pants are provided; bring layers. Typical duration is 4–5 hours; check your ship's all-aboard time and allow 30 minutes to return to the pier from the dock.
Versus the ship tour Martillo Island landings are strictly limited by permit — only small groups may wade ashore rather than view from a boat. A specialist naturalist guide narrates every step among the colony, giving you an intimate, unhurried encounter that large-group operators simply cannot provide.
What you do Sail the legendary Beagle Channel on a private or small-group catamaran, drifting past sea-lion haul-outs and the flame-red Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse — the iconic 'Lighthouse at the End of the World'. Raw Patagonian scenery at its most cinematic.
What to expect You board a sleek, well-appointed catamaran at the Ushuaia pier and ease into the steel-blue waters of the Beagle Channel, framed by snow-capped Fuegian peaks on both shores. The boat idles beside a vast sea-lion colony on a rocky islet where bulls bellow and pups play in the kelp. Rounding toward Les Eclaireurs, the red-and-white lighthouse emerges from mist — a genuinely spine-tingling moment. Steaming cormorant colonies and Imperial shags round out the wildlife count before you glide back to port.
Good to know The full navigation lasts approximately 2.5–3 hours, making it ideal for calls with a tighter schedule. Book private charter well in advance for peak season (November–March). Dress in serious windproof and waterproof layers — conditions on the Channel can change in minutes.
Versus the ship tour Tres Marias runs intimate vessels with a maximum of 12 passengers, allowing you to move freely on deck, linger at each wildlife stop, and enjoy unhurried commentary from a bilingual naturalist — a world away from crowded catamaran decks.
book direct with Tres Marias Excursiones → · the full guide →
What you do Explore the southernmost national park on Earth — ancient lenga-beech forests, beaver-dammed rivers and the raw shore of Lapataia Bay — in total privacy with a dedicated Fuegian naturalist. Darwin walked these same trails in 1833.
What to expect Your private guide collects you dockside and drives the 12 km into the park, stopping first at Laguna Verde where flamingos occasionally feed in season. Ancient southern-beech forest closes over the trail as you hike to the río Lapataia delta, carpeted in wildflowers. Lunch is taken overlooking Lago Roca — still, mirror-calm and ringed by mountains. The afternoon leads to Lapataia Bay, where the famous 'Fin del Mundo' sign marks the absolute southern end of the Pan-American Highway — a photograph worth crossing an ocean for.
Good to know Park entry (approx. ARS 5,000 / USD 5–7) is typically included in guided rates — confirm with operator. Full day runs 6–7 hours; verify your all-aboard time and book a private transfer for flexibility. November–March is peak season; book at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
Versus the ship tour A private vehicle and expert naturalist means you set the pace — lingering on a beaver dam, watching a Magellanic woodpecker, or simply standing in silence at Lapataia Bay where Route 3, the longest road in Argentina, ends at the edge of the ocean.
What you do Board the Tren del Fin del Mundo, the world's southernmost steam railway, chugging through pristine sub-Antarctic wilderness along the same route once used by Fuegian prisoners to haul timber. History, steam and scenery in one unforgettable ride.
What to expect The vintage steam locomotive departs from the station at the park entrance and winds 7 km through lenga-beech forests and over the Río Pipo gorge, with a bilingual on-board commentary narrating the haunting history of the Presidio prisoners who built this line. Stops include a reproduction of the original prisoner camp, where guides explain the brutal penal colony era. The final arrival inside Tierra del Fuego National Park drops you at the trailhead for Lapataia Bay — combine with a park exploration for a perfect full day.
Good to know First Class and private carriages sell out weeks ahead in high season — book directly via the official site. Round-trip journey is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes; one-way ticket (ending inside the park) saves time if combining with a park hike. Transfer from the Ushuaia pier to the station is approximately 20 minutes by private car.
Versus the ship tour Booking First Class or a private carriage directly with the railway grants access to a dedicated panoramic coach with wider seats, waiter service for hot drinks, and priority boarding — a markedly different experience from a crowded tourist wagon.
book direct with Tren del Fin del Mundo (Official) → · the full guide →
What you do Hike through peat bogs and wind-sculpted lenga-beech forest to a breathtaking emerald-green glacial lake — one of Patagonia's most photogenic hidden gems, virtually unknown to mass tourism. A private guide turns every step into a lesson in Fuegian ecology.
What to expect Your guide leads you across a wooden boardwalk over quaking peat bogs before the trail climbs gently into primeval beech forest draped in old-man's-beard lichen. After roughly 90 minutes of moderate hiking the trees part to reveal Laguna Esmeralda — a glacier-fed lake of impossible turquoise set against a wall of hanging ice and granite. You'll pause here for a hot Thermos of mate and medialunas as the glacier calves quietly overhead. The return through forest feels entirely different in the afternoon light.
Good to know The round-trip hike is approximately 9 km (5.5 miles) with 200 m elevation gain — suitable for moderately active travellers. Allow 4–5 hours total including transfers. Waterproof hiking boots are essential; operator provides trekking poles. Depart port early to maximise time and beat any afternoon weather.
Versus the ship tour Laguna Esmeralda sits outside the National Park and is rarely offered by large group operators — a private guide keeps the group small (2–6 people), moving at your own pace and stopping to examine native flora, peat formations and Andean condor sightings.
What you do Venture deep into the Fuegian Andes aboard a luxury 4×4, tracing a dramatic off-road pass to two remote glacial lakes invisible from any public road — Lago Escondido (Hidden Lake) and vast Lago Fagnano, straddling the Argentine-Chilean border.
What to expect Your private 4×4 leaves Ushuaia and climbs immediately onto a rough mountain track through dense southern-beech forest, cresting a rocky ridge for a jaw-dropping panorama of Lago Escondido shimmering 400 metres below. The descent brings you to a private lakeside lodge for a long, indulgent lunch of king crab, lamb asado and Patagonian wine. The afternoon continues east to the vast blue expanse of Lago Fagnano — 100 km long and flanked by Andean peaks — where condors soar on thermals above the shore. The return at dusk, with the Beagle Channel glittering below Ushuaia, is simply unforgettable.
Good to know Allow a full day — this excursion runs 7–8 hours. Confirm your ship's all-aboard time before booking; private 4×4 gives maximum flexibility to adjust timing. Roads can be muddy post-rain; the 4×4 handles it but wear sturdy shoes. Book 4–6 weeks ahead in peak season (December–February).
Versus the ship tour The unpaved off-road pass to Lago Escondido is inaccessible to standard coaches — only high-clearance 4×4 vehicles make the climb. A private vehicle means your group alone reaches the secret overlook above the Hidden Lake, one of the most dramatic viewpoints in all of Patagonia.
What you do Journey deep into Chilean Tierra del Fuego to stand among the world's southernmost King Penguin colony — thousands of iridescent birds nesting in raw Patagonian wilderness. A true once-in-a-lifetime encounter at the end of the Earth.
What to expect Depart early by private vehicle through the dramatic landscapes of Chilean Tierra del Fuego, crossing grasslands and ancient lenga beech forests. Arrive at the King Penguin Park where a resident naturalist leads you through the colony at a leisurely pace, explaining the ecology and extraordinary life cycle of these regal birds. The journey back includes stops at scenic Patagonian viewpoints, often with condor sightings. A gourmet picnic lunch featuring local Patagonian produce is typically included.
Good to know Full-day tour runs approximately 10–12 hours; confirm all-aboard time with ship and book this as a priority — the round-trip to Tierra del Fuego is only feasible on a full-day port call. Pre-book at least 4–6 weeks in advance as spaces are strictly limited.
Versus the ship tour Small-group expedition format with expert Patagonian naturalist guides ensures intimate access to the colony — no crowds, no rushing, with time to observe mating displays and chick-rearing up close.
book direct with Tangol Tours Punta Arenas → · the full guide →
What you do Sail across the fabled Strait of Magellan to Isla Magdalena, home to over 120,000 Magellanic penguins — one of the densest colonies in South America. Walk freely among thousands of waddling birds utterly unbothered by human presence.
What to expect Board a dedicated expedition vessel at Punta Arenas port and cross the legendary Strait of Magellan — the same waters Magellan himself navigated in 1520. The 90-minute crossing delivers spectacular sea views and frequent dolphin and seabird sightings. On Magdalena, a marked trail winds through the colony where penguins nest right at your feet; a CONAF ranger provides fascinating ecological commentary. The return journey at golden-hour light is simply magical.
Good to know Tours run approximately 4–5 hours total; departures are weather-dependent on the strait. Book direct well in advance for the November–March nesting season. Dress in warm, windproof layers — the strait can be brisk even in summer.
Versus the ship tour The private small-group boat experience gives you maximum time ashore on the island — linger at burrow level with nesting pairs, photograph chicks at close range, and savour the haunting beauty of the strait without a regimented group timeline.
book direct with Tangol Tours Punta Arenas → · the full guide →
What you do Witness one of the planet's most jaw-dropping landscapes — the soaring granite towers, electric-blue lakes, and sweeping Patagonian steppe of Torres del Paine — on a private, chauffeur-driven full-day expedition from Punta Arenas.
What to expect Your private guide and luxury vehicle collect you from the pier for the 2.5-hour scenic transfer north through Patagonian steppe under vast open skies. Inside the park, the day is yours to design — classic stops include the emerald waters of Lago Pehoé, the turquoise Río Serrano, and the iconic silhouette of the three granite Torres. Wildlife encounters — guanacos, rheas, Andean condors, and pumas if fortune smiles — are a constant companion. A gourmet picnic or estancia lunch can be arranged on request.
Good to know The round trip is approximately 5 hours of driving total; confirm your ship's all-aboard time carefully and communicate it to Swoop to build your itinerary accordingly. This is only viable on full-day port calls. Book months in advance — bespoke private days fill early in the austral summer.
Versus the ship tour A fully bespoke private itinerary with an ex-guide expedition leader means stops are tailored entirely to your interests — whether that's wildlife photography at Lago Grey, a short hike to the Base of the Towers, or a private lakeside lunch. Zero compromise, total flexibility.
What you do Hike to the hauntingly beautiful San Isidro Lighthouse — a historic beacon perched at the very tip of the Brunswick Peninsula where the Strait of Magellan meets the wild Patagonian sky. One of the most atmospheric walks at the bottom of the world.
What to expect Transfer from the port through the outskirts of Punta Arenas and into the raw wilderness of the Brunswick Peninsula. The guided coastal trek winds through wind-sculpted native forest and open headlands, with the strait glittering below and, on clear days, the mountains of Tierra del Fuego visible across the water. Arriving at the red-and-white striped San Isidro Lighthouse — still operational — feels like reaching the edge of the Earth itself. The guide shares tales of maritime disasters, early settlers, and the lighthouse keepers who lived in total isolation here for years.
Good to know Trek duration is approximately 3–4 hours including transfers; suitable for moderate fitness levels. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and wind-proof layers. Generally compatible with a half-day port call, but confirm your all-aboard time. Ideal for late October through March.
Versus the ship tour Expert local naturalist guides bring the extraordinary history of Magellan's passage and the lighthouse keepers' isolated existence to vivid life, while leading you along coastal trails teeming with black-necked swans, Patagonian foxes, and endemic flora that no bus tour ever reaches.
book direct with Tangol Tours Punta Arenas → · the full guide →
What you do Step aboard full-scale replicas of the ships that changed world history — Magellan's Victoria, Darwin's Beagle, and Shackleton's James Caird — then explore Punta Arenas's extraordinary Salesian Museum chronicling the lost cultures of Patagonia's indigenous peoples.
What to expect Begin at the Nao Victoria Museum on the Punta Arenas waterfront, where you board three meticulously crafted full-scale ship replicas at anchor. Your historian guide narrates the voyages with cinematic detail — the terror of the strait, the survival of Shackleton's crew. A short transfer brings you to the Salesian Museum, whose vaulted halls hold natural history collections, indigenous textiles, ceremonial objects, and photographic archives of the now-vanished Fuegian peoples. The final stop is the iconic Plaza de Armas and the gilded Braun-Menéndez mansion, testament to the extraordinary wool-baron wealth that built this city.
Good to know Easily achievable in 3–4 hours, making it perfect for shorter port calls. The Nao Victoria Museum is a short walk or taxi from the pier. Book a private guide through a local operator such as Tangol or tourHQ for a curated narrative experience rather than self-guided. Open daily in the austral summer season.
Versus the ship tour A private expert historian guide transforms these museums from sightseeing stops into profound immersive experiences — boarding the replica Victoria, you feel viscerally the audacity of the first circumnavigation; the Salesian collections of Selknam and Kawésqar artefacts are among the most important in the southern hemisphere.
What you do Discover the bold, singular flavours of Patagonian cuisine — king crab, centolla, lamb slow-roasted asado-style, and wild calafate berry sweets — through a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef, preceded by a guided tour of the city's vivid municipal market.
What to expect Your local guide leads you through the Mercado Municipal, introducing you to the fishmongers hauling in the morning's centolla (Patagonian king crab) catch and the butchers preparing grass-fed Magallanes lamb. Moving to the kitchen, a professional Patagonian chef guides you through preparing two or three signature regional dishes — typically including a centolla starter, a lamb main, and a calafate berry dessert. The class concludes with a convivial shared meal accompanied by Chilean wine, and recipes to take home.
Good to know Classes typically run 3–3.5 hours and can be scheduled to fit morning or early-afternoon port calls. Private group bookings are recommended for a fully bespoke menu — contact Nomades or a local culinary operator directly to arrange. The market is at its most vibrant before midday.
Versus the ship tour This intimate, small-group culinary experience with a local chef and market guide offers the kind of genuine human connection and flavour revelation that defines luxury travel — you leave not just fed, but genuinely understanding what makes Patagonian food culture so distinctive and irreplaceable.
book direct with Nomades Travel Punta Arenas → · the full guide →
What you do Ascend the flanks of the iconic snow-capped Osorno Volcano and stand beside the thundering turquoise cascades of Petrohué Falls inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park — Chile's oldest. A private guided day that distills the raw Andean drama of the Lake District into one unforgettable journey.
What to expect Your private guide collects you dockside and whisks you along the shores of Lake Llanquihue with Osorno's perfect cone as your constant companion. At the national park, you hike the short trail to Petrohué Falls where the Petrohué River churns through ancient black-lava channels into brilliant aquamarine pools. The ascent toward the Osorno ski station rewards you with vertiginous views across multiple Andean lakes. Midday, pause for a lakeside picnic or artisan lunch before returning in time for all-aboard.
Good to know Pre-book well in advance for port days — this is the single most sought-after private excursion in Puerto Montt. The drive is ~1.5 hrs each way; all-aboard is typically 18:00. Wear waterproof layers — the falls generate considerable mist and the volcano elevation can be cool even in summer.
Versus the ship tour Fully private vehicle and guide — your timetable, your pace. You linger at the falls or the volcano viewpoint as long as you wish, with no coach crowds obscuring the glacial blue water and volcanic cones that define this landscape.
book direct with Ports of Call Tours (Puerto Montt local specialist) → · the full guide →
What you do Cross to the mythical Chiloé Archipelago — a UNESCO-studded world of stilted palafito houses, painted wooden churches, and shamanic folklore unlike anywhere else in South America. A full-day immersion into one of Chile's most distinctive living cultures.
What to expect A short ferry crossing to Chiloé sets the adventurous tone before you reach Castro, the island's colourful capital, where palafito stilt-houses glow in ochre, indigo, and coral above the tidal flats. The Jesuit church of San Francisco — one of 16 UNESCO World Heritage wooden churches — rises dramatically over the central plaza. In Dalcahue's artisan market, browse intricate Chiloé wool weavings directly from the makers. Lunch features the legendary curanto, a slow-cooked feast of shellfish, smoked meats, and potato bread unique to the island.
Good to know Departs from Puerto Montt pier; the ferry crossing at Pargua takes ~30 min. Full-day tour runs ~10–11 hours — confirm all-aboard time with your ship and choose a morning-departure option. Bring Chilean pesos for the market.
Versus the ship tour Small-group format keeps the experience intimate — you explore Castro's famous waterfront palafitos and the polychrome UNESCO church at human scale, with a knowledgeable guide who weaves Huilliche mythology and island gastronomy into every stop.
book direct with GetYourGuide (local Chiloé operator via direct platform) → · the full guide →
What you do Trace the emerald shore of Lake Llanquihue through two of Chile's most beautiful lakeside towns — the Germanic rose-garden village of Frutillar and the sophisticated 'City of Roses,' Puerto Varas — with Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes perfectly mirrored in the water. A refined circuit through Chile's Lake District at its most photogenic.
What to expect The journey hugs the western shore of Lake Llanquihue, where 19th-century German colonists built timber houses that still stand beneath permanent Andean snow caps. In Frutillar, the open-air German Colonial Museum and lakeside promenade command unobstructed views of Osorno Volcano. Puerto Varas's casas alemanas, artisan chocolate shops, and café culture give the tour a deliciously unhurried afternoon rhythm. Your guide curates the route to your pace, ensuring you're back dockside with time to spare.
Good to know Puerto Varas is just 20 km from Puerto Montt — the drive is easy and direct. The tour runs ~5–6 hours comfortably. Ask your guide to include the Plaza de Armas rose gardens and a stop at a local craft chocolatier for a memorable souvenir.
Versus the ship tour Private vehicle and vetted local guide means spontaneous detours — a lakefront café in Puerto Varas, a hidden volcanic-ash beach, or extended time at Frutillar's Teatro del Lago — without the rigidity of a group coach. Pricing is per tour, not per person, making it exceptional value for couples and small families.
book direct with ToursByLocals – Puerto Montt Private Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Trek deep into a primeval rainforest of alerce trees — the 'redwoods of the Andes' — some living for over 3,000 years and among the oldest living organisms on Earth, protected inside a CONAF national park just 45 minutes from port. For the discerning traveller who wants a genuine wilderness encounter, not a viewpoint.
What to expect The park's trail network winds through dense Valdivian temperate rainforest where the humidity is palpable and silence is broken only by rushing streams and birdcall. Ancient alerce trunks — some over 4 metres in diameter — tower overhead in cathedral-like groves; your guide reveals their growth rings and the conservation battles that saved them. Emerald lagoons and suspension bridges add drama to the trail, and the cloud-forest light makes for extraordinary photography. This is one of the least-visited gems near Puerto Montt, delivering genuine solitude.
Good to know Park is ~45 km from the port (~45-min drive). Wear proper waterproof hiking boots and layers — the Valdivian rainforest is lush because it is wet. A half-day option (4–5 hrs total) fits comfortably within most all-aboard windows. CONAF park entry fee is payable at the gate in cash.
Versus the ship tour A private naturalist guide brings the forest alive — pointing out the moss-draped millennia-old alerce trunks, Andean kingfishers, and endemic Valdivian flora that a standard group tour walks past. You set the hiking pace and depth.
book direct with ToursByLocals – Puerto Montt Private Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Combine the waterfall spectacle of Petrohué with a curated tasting of southern Chilean wines and smoked regional delicacies in the lakeside towns of Puerto Varas and Frutillar — a gourmet and scenic fusion that is the definitive Lake District experience for the food-forward traveller.
What to expect The morning begins at Petrohué Falls, where you walk the lava-rock trail to the rushing turquoise cascades inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The afternoon shifts to the cultured lakeside world of Puerto Varas, where German-heritage architecture and a thriving artisan food scene intersect. A hosted tasting introduces you to the under-the-radar wines of the Los Lagos region alongside house-smoked meats, artisan cheeses, and freshly baked küchen. The guide's bilingual narrative weaves together geology, immigration history, and terroir seamlessly.
Good to know Available as a small-group shared tour or private upgrade — choose private for the most immersive experience. Tour duration is approximately 8 hours; confirm your ship's all-aboard before booking. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Versus the ship tour The wine-and-gastronomy layer elevates this beyond a standard falls trip — tastings are hosted at a lakeside venue with Osorno Volcano framed in the window, pairing Patagonian pinot noir and cold-smoked salmon with the dramatic scenery outside.
book direct with Viator – Local Puerto Montt Operator (Shore Excursion: Petrohué Falls, German Cities & Wine) → · the full guide →
What you do Dive into the sensory theatre of Angelmo — Puerto Montt's legendary waterfront fish market and artisan stall quarter — on a guided walking immersion that reveals the smoked meats, giant barnacles, sea urchin ceviche, and handwoven crafts that define southern Chilean coastal culture. The port's most authentic half-day experience.
What to expect Angelmo's wooden pier is lined with boats unloading the morning catch as vendors lay out centolla king crab, locos (abalone), and baskets of sea urchin — a photographer's and gastronome's paradise in equal measure. Your guide leads you through the covered market's smoky interior, explaining preparations and introducing you to the women who have run stalls for generations. A short walk inland reveals the Av. Angelmó handicraft corridor, where Mapuche weavings, lapis lazuli jewellery, and Chiloé wooden sculptures make for meaningful, locally-made souvenirs. The half-day format leaves the afternoon free for a longer excursion or leisurely exploration.
Good to know Angelmo is within walking distance (~2 km) of the cruise pier — no transfer needed. The market is liveliest before midday; aim for a 09:00 start. Bring small bills in Chilean pesos for tastings and craft purchases. This pairs beautifully as a morning warm-up before an afternoon excursion to Petrohué or Chiloé.
Versus the ship tour A private local guide navigates you past the tourist-facing stalls to the fishermen's own tables, introducing you by name to vendors and ensuring you taste the real thing — picorocos (giant barnacles), curanto, and milcao — rather than the sanitised version.
book direct with GoWithGuide – Local Puerto Montt Private Guides → · the full guide →
What you do A fully private, chauffeur-driven day into Chile's sophisticated capital — from the grand Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Palace to the bohemian Lastarria district and a pisco sour at a celebrated local restaurant. Pure bucket-list immersion in one day.
What to expect Your private guide meets you at the San Antonio cruise terminal and whisks you north in a premium vehicle. You'll walk the historic centre, admire the neoclassical architecture of La Moneda, browse the storied Mercado Central seafood hall, and explore the hillside neighbourhood of Bellavista with its vivid murals and Pablo Neruda associations. The day wraps with a drop-off at Santiago airport or back at the port — perfectly timed to your schedule.
Good to know San Antonio to Santiago is roughly 100 km (90 min drive). Confirm your all-aboard time before booking and communicate it to your guide — most private operators build in buffer. Pre-book well in advance; private guides in Santiago fill up fast on port days.
Versus the ship tour Entirely private — your itinerary, your pace, your guide's undivided expertise. Linger at the Mercado Central over king crab, duck into a neighbourhood wine bar, or add a detour to the Bellavista street-art quarter. No shared coach, no herded groups.
book direct with Tours by Locals – Santiago Private Guides → · the full guide →
What you do Ride the century-old ascensores (funicular lifts) to Valparaíso's painted cerros, walk alleyways dripping in world-class murals, and lunch on freshly caught locos (Chilean abalone) above the Pacific. A UNESCO-listed port city unlike anywhere on earth.
What to expect You board a historic funicular from the Barrio Puerto waterfront and ascend to the candy-coloured streets of Cerro Alegre. Your guide interprets the layers of street art — from politically charged murals to intimate tiles — and the city's maritime heritage as a 19th-century trade giant. A leisurely seafood lunch at a clifftop restaurant overlooks the Pacific before you descend to explore the bohemian galleries and antique bookshops of Cerro Concepción. The port of San Antonio is just 30 minutes south, making timing effortless.
Good to know Valparaíso is 30 minutes from San Antonio port — easily reached by private transfer or taxi (approx. USD 20 each way). Wear comfortable shoes; the cerros involve cobblestones and stairs. Book the private option to guarantee your preferred departure time from the port.
Versus the ship tour A true local expert navigates Valparaíso's labyrinthine hillside neighbourhoods — Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción — stopping at artist studios, hidden miraderos, and family-run picadas that no coach tour ever reaches.
book direct with Amigo Walking Tours – Valparaíso Private → · the full guide →
What you do Chile's coolest (literally) wine valley sits between San Antonio and Santiago, producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. A private guided wine safari through boutique estates with barrel-hall tours, vertical tastings, and a vineyard lunch is the ultimate indulgence.
What to expect A private transfer collects you from San Antonio and winds through coastal hills into the morning-fog-shrouded Casablanca Valley. At Emiliana's certified biodynamic estate you walk the vines with a sommelier-guide, learning how Atlantic breezes shape the terroir. The barrel hall tasting progresses through estate Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, and a structured Pinot Noir reserve. Lunch is served in the vineyard restaurant with seasonal Chilean produce paired to the wines you've just tasted — an experience that anchors the entire port day in luxury.
Good to know Casablanca Valley is approx. 60 km from San Antonio (50-min drive). Combine with a Valparaíso morning or a Santiago drop-off for a seamless full day. Pre-book the private tasting experience directly with the estate — walk-ins are not guaranteed. Confirm your all-aboard time and allow 90 min return to port.
Versus the ship tour Casablanca is Chile's most celebrated white-wine appellation — and Emiliana is its organic and biodynamic flagship. A private estate visit grants cellar access, meet-the-winemaker moments, and a multi-course lunch paired to library wines rarely poured on group tours.
book direct with Viña Emiliana – Casablanca Estate → · the full guide →
What you do Chile's 'Garden City' glitters just 40 minutes from port — belle époque mansions, manicured clifftop parks, the world-famous Flower Clock, and a haunting Easter Island Moai statue. A sophisticated coastal escape that rewards the curious traveller.
What to expect Your private vehicle departs San Antonio along the coastal Ruta 68, arriving in Viña del Mar's resort centre in under 40 minutes. You'll photograph the iconic Reloj de Flores (Flower Clock) beside the Estero de Marga Marga, stroll the palm-lined Casino Terrace, and visit the Fonck Museum to stand face-to-face with a genuine rapa nui Moai — one of very few outside Easter Island. The guide then drives the spectacular clifftop Avenida Perú above crashing Pacific surf before dropping you back at the port with time to spare.
Good to know Viña del Mar and neighbouring Valparaíso can be combined into a single full-day private itinerary — ask your guide to extend the tour. The Fonck Museum (CLP 2,500 entry) is worth every peso for Easter Island artefact lovers. Half-day tours comfortably clear most all-aboard times.
Versus the ship tour A knowledgeable local guide leads a small, private group through Viña's leafy boulevards, the clifftop Cerro Castillo presidential palace grounds, and the Fonck Museum's extraordinary Easter Island collection — at a pace that lets you linger where you wish.
book direct with SeeSight Tours – San Antonio & Viña del Mar Private → · the full guide →
What you do Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda's Santiago home — a surrealist labyrinth of secret passageways, ship-themed rooms, and priceless art — is one of Latin America's most intimate cultural experiences. A private guided visit here is pure literary magic.
What to expect Tucked into a Bellavista alleyway at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal, La Chascona is a maze of irregularly shaped rooms built for Neruda's muse and third wife, Matilde Urrutia. Your private guide narrates the poet's genius and contradictions as you pass through the library-bar, the bedroom suspended above a dining room, and the secret wine cellar. The surrounding Bellavista neighbourhood rewards post-visit wandering — artisan shops, empanada bakeries, and the best craft-cocktail bars in Santiago are steps away.
Good to know La Chascona is in Santiago's Bellavista district, approx. 100 km from San Antonio (90-min drive). Pair with a Plaza de Armas and Mercado Central visit for a rich full-day Santiago itinerary. Book timed entry online in advance — morning slots sell out on busy port days. A private vehicle ensures you make all-aboard with ease.
Versus the ship tour A specialist literature or architecture guide brings the house alive — decoding Neruda's obsessive collections of figureheads, coloured glass, and maritime maps, and placing the poet's turbulent life against Chile's political history. Intimate, intellectual, and utterly original.
book direct with Fundación Pablo Neruda – La Chascona Official → · the full guide →
What you do Ride through ancient Chilean valleys in the coastal Andes foothills on a curated hacienda experience — cantering past vineyards, river gorges, and Andean condor territory before a traditional asado under eucalyptus trees. The most visceral connection to Chilean land imaginable.
What to expect A private transfer from San Antonio delivers you to a hacienda in the coastal Andean foothills, where well-schooled criollos horses and a huaso guide await. You ride through native Chilean scrub and riverine valleys, pausing on ridgelines for panoramic Pacific views before descending into a sheltered valley for a wood-fired asado of chorizo, ribs, and empanadas. The afternoon concludes with a slow return ride and pisco sour by the hacienda fire — an experience that belongs on every serious traveller's list.
Good to know Best suited to riders with at least basic experience; inform your guide of your level when booking. Full-day options allow combination with a coastal or wine-valley stop. Transfer from San Antonio to the hacienda is typically 30–50 minutes. Confirm all-aboard time with your guide before departure — private operators are diligent about timing.
Versus the ship tour This is not a resort horse-ride — it's a genuine working-hacienda experience in the Chilean huaso (cowboy) tradition, guided by local experts who know the trails, the condors, and the terroir. Maximum intimacy: private or groups of two to four only.
book direct with Tours by Locals – Andes & Coastal Range Private Rides → · the full guide →
Before you sail · near Rio de Janeiro
Fly in at least a day early — every seasoned cruiser does, so a delay never costs you the ship. This is what is worth that day within reach of the port.
4 mi from Rio de JaneiroSugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
5 mi from Rio de JaneiroChrist the Redeemer After you step off · near San Antonio
You end in a different port — stay on, and add what is within reach before you fly home.
55 mi from San AntonioMuseo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
56 mi from San AntonioMuseo Chileno de Arte Precolombino The same trip, elevated
The same gateway on a more luxurious line — lead-in fare per person, same fare as booking direct.