A seamless journey from Rio’s vibrant coastline to the ice-sculpted landscapes of Antarctica, blending iconic cities, natural wonders and extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Embark on an extraordinary journey from the vibrant shores of Rio de Janeiro to the ice-filled landscapes of Antarctica on this immersive 27 day South American adventure.
Your journey begins in Rio, where golden beaches, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the sweeping views from Sugar Loaf Mountain set the tone. From here, fly to the mighty Iguazu Falls, where thundering cascades and subtropical rainforest create one of Latin America’s most dramatic natural spectacles. Continue to Buenos Aires, a city of grand architecture and late-night tango, before heading south to Ushuaia, often described as the End of the World and your gateway to Antarctica.
Board your Ponant expedition cruise and set sail on the remarkable Great Austral Loop. Explore the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, the vast king penguin colonies of South Georgia and the sculpted ice and quiet bays of the Antarctic Peninsula. Expect close encounters with penguins, seals and whales, guided by expert naturalists who bring each destination to life.
Blending culture and iconic city sights with powerful waterfalls, remote islands and towering icebergs, this seamless land and sea journey offers extraordinary contrasts at every turn. It is a once in a lifetime voyage through the very best of Latin America and beyond, thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories from samba rhythms to polar silence.
17 nights cruise on Le Boréal
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
24 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 17 dinners
What you'll experience
- Soak up the energy of Rio de Janeiro, from the sweeping views atop Sugar Loaf Mountain to the iconic Christ the Redeemer and the rhythm of samba along golden beaches
- Witness the sheer power of Iguazu Falls, walking rainforest-fringed trails as vast curtains of water thunder into the gorge below
- Discover Buenos Aires through its grand boulevards, elegant architecture and the unmistakable atmosphere of tango drifting through historic neighbourhoods
- Travel to Ushuaia at the tip of Argentina, the gateway to Antarctica, where dramatic Patagonian landscapes meet the Beagle Channel
- Sail with Ponant on the Great Austral Loop, exploring the Falkland Islands’ windswept shores and abundant birdlife
- Encounter the extraordinary wildlife of South Georgia, home to vast king penguin colonies, seals and soaring seabirds
- Cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula, navigating between sculpted icebergs and stepping ashore for guided landings in one of the most remote regions on Earth
- Experience a seamless blend of vibrant cities, natural wonders and polar exploration across an unforgettable 26-day journey
What's Included
- International flights
- 7 nights’ hotel as detailed
- 17 nights all-inclusive cruise onboard Le Boréal
- 24 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 17 dinners
- Excursions as mentioned.
Prices from £18,999 pp
Excludes:
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary
- Local departure taxes payable locally
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
- Tips for guides, drivers and crew (discretionary)
- Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Samba to Snow - 27 Day Itinerary
Days 1-4 UK – Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro for a three-night stay in the “Marvellous City”. Staying in Copacabana, you’ll enjoy an exciting tour to Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) and Sugar Loaf Mountain where you will have some fantastic views over the city.
With the rest of your free time, you could visit the historic downtown area or the beautiful botanical gardens, perhaps explore the Atlantic Forest of Tijuca National Park or enjoy a cultural evening show.
Day 5-6 Iguazu Falls
Today you will fly to Foz do Iguacu to discover the almighty Iguazú Falls. You will have two nights at this incredible location.
Enjoy a full-day tour taking in both the Brazilian and Argentinian side of the Iguazú Falls, for some fantastic panoramic views of one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Day 7-8 Buenos Aires
Fly from Iguazú to cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. Your time here is free to soak up the city’s sights. Why not visit the iconic Recoleta Cemetery, wander the colourful streets of La Boca, or enjoy a dinner and tango show?
Day 9 Ushuaia
Arrive in the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province. Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Embark your ship here, ready to set sail in the early evening.
Day 10 At sea
Make the most of the many services onboard your ship as you enjoy a day at sea, en route to the Falkland Islands.
Day 11 The Falkland Islands
Step onto golden sand, and flower-lined beaches of the Falkland Islands, and explore the typical moorlands. You'll soon find yourself at the heart of a colony of gentoo penguins, and may see sea lions and Commerson's dolphins out at sea. Continue to Saunders Island, home to Magellanic penguins, southern rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross and king penguins
Day 12-14 At sea
Why not treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre as you enjoy sea days onboard your vessel. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. You can also take the opportunity to enjoy insightful talks by experts on board, or meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space.
Day 15-17 South Georgia
Arrive at South Georgia, a region formed by an underwater mountain chain that extends from the Andes to the Antarctic Peninsula. This is a haven for wildlife, Gentoo penguins, elephant seals and fur seals, and one of the largest concentrations of king penguin in the world. If you are fortunate enough to land at Salisbury Plain, you can expect a wonderful spectacle of more than 300,000 king penguins.
Day 18-19 At sea
Take in the open sea on your ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species swimming by. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment on your sea days.
Day 20-23 Antarctic Peninsula
Navigate to the mythical Antarctic Peninsula, a fascinating destination that promises its visitors unforgettable moments. Throughout your adventure in this icy realm, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular scenery - shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. Penguins, humpback whales, seals and giant petrels are at home here, as are elephant seals, fur seals, Antarctic minke whales, and orcas, depending on which sites you will be lucky enough to visit.
Each day, based on ice conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will suggest zodiac outings or landings to discover the infinite riches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Glaciers, ice floe, tabletop icebergs, mountain peaks that plunge straight into the sea, volcanic beaches, research stations, enchanting bays, and vestiges of the whaling industry: these are the faces of the Antarctic that will likely reveal themselves to you, in a hushed and surreal atmosphere. You will sail in the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Adrien de Gerlache and Sir Ernest Shackleton, great Antarctic explorers who, from the 19th century, set out to conquer these remote and uninhabited lands
Day 24-25 Drake Passage
Today your ship will chart its course across the Drake Passage back to the southernmost point of South America.
Days 26-27 Buenos Aires - UK
Today you say goodbye to the crew, disembark the ship and fly from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, and on to the UK, arriving on day 27.
Speak to a dedicated Patagonia Travel Specialist today
All our itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Discover Patagonia holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.
What Makes a Latin Routes Holiday Truly Unforgettable?
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