Valparaiso, Chile - The picturesque neighborhoods of Valparaíso extend up into the 45 steep hills overlooking this busy Chilean port and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Brilliant murals and wonderful street art in bright, bold color dominates this seaside town. There’s so much to discover on a Valparaiso cruise. To explore the churches and architectural landmarks that make this a World Heritage site, ride the vibrant ascencores, a series of elevators that are over 100 years old. Many of the ascensores have ceased operation, however the few that are still running also offer wonderful birds eye views. Walk along the Caleto Portales Beach and take in the views of the ocean, the people, and the occasional sightings of sea lions sunbathing. Then, make your way to one of the many restaurants along the shore for delicious specialty dishes like empanadas, ceviche, the famous conger chowder and the freshest seafood.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Puerto Montt, Chile - This coastal enclave lives and dies by the sea, as evidenced by the colorful fishnet floats that adorn the main cathedral's altar, the dozens of salmon farms that thrive in the hidden bays, and the hundreds of fishing boats that venture out each dawn in search of ocean bounty.

Chilean Fjords - These are some of the most magnificent fjords in the world. As your eyes work their way up the jagged walls of mammoth glaciers, you may be rewarded with an Andean condor sighting. On the ocean's surface, the Magellan penguins always put on a good show.

Strait of Magellan - This 350-mile journey is a bucket-list experience for most cruisers. Named for the 16th century Portuguese explorer and navigator, Ferdinand Magellan, the Strait of Magellan connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the far Southern Patagonia region of Chile. On a Strait of Magellan cruise, you'll encounter the raw beauty of Tierra del Fuego plains in the distance, the imposing Amalia glacier, stunning Seno Eyre fjord, humpback whales, colonies of Magellanic penguins, and much more. You are certain to leave with amazing memories, and pictures, of the breathtaking scenic highlights as you make your way through this corner of the world.

Punta Arenas, Chile - South America isn't all tropical rainforests. Around Punta Arenas you'll find soaring mountains, beautiful national parks, vast ice fields and towering glaciers. The city itself has been a hub of commerce and trade for generations, thanks to its access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Trek through Magallanes National Reserve or visit the penguin colony at Seno Otway.

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina - Dramatic Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world. Domineering peaks loom on three sides; the fourth opens to the Beagle Channel, where sea lions bellow and mountains drop straight into the sea. From here it's on to Cape Horn, and new respect for ancient mariners.

Cape Horn, Chile - Tierra del Fuego, Land of Fire, is the most isolated place in the Americas, and Cape Horn is its southernmost point. Named after the Dutch town of Hoorn in 1616, its craggy cliffs and windswept shores are stark, with a rugged beauty that creates a dramatic setting for the collision between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. And, depending on the time of year, you’ll either encounter “hold on to your hat” waves, or gentle currents on a Cape Horn cruise. Visit Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) National Park and discover this lush UNESCO protected ecosystem. Created in the 1940s, this 155,906-acre national park is home to diverse flora and fauna.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina - The vibrant Puerto Madryn is a must-see town for a variety of reasons, like its quirky Welsh influence, its geographic proximity to the stunning Valdes Peninsula, some of the best whale and dolphin watching in the world, and much more. In fact, a Puerto Madryn cruise is a jumping off point for some of the most significant animal conservation efforts of modern day, making it a perfect stop for nature and wildlife lovers alike. Discover the natural beauty of Puerto Madryn and the surrounding Chubut region. This seaside city offers classic beachy activities like swimming, snorkeling, and diving in a region of Patagonia that is both luxurious and down to earth.

Montevideo, Uruguay - Montevideo is a thoroughly modern city with a rich artistic tradition - the reach of the rural estancias is all around you. If ever there were a time you were inclined to indulge, delicious steaks are the specialty of the house in virtually every restaurant.

Buenos Aires, Argentina - The capital of Argentina is overflowing with creative energy. In this melting pot of cultures—native American, Spanish colonial, Italian, French, British, and more—the local Porteños greet you warmly with a kiss. Connoisseurs of culture find 300 theaters and 160 museums. Explore the French neoclassical Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, near the port, or Teatro Colón, an opera house with interiors as beautiful as the acoustics, in the Centro. You'll shop till you drop in Buenos Aires, a leader in design. Find clothing, jewelry, and art at lavish Galerías Pacifico, near the port, or browse the fashionable Recoleta quarter for exclusive boutiques. Shop elegant Calle Florida, bustling with bustling with office workers by day and street performers at night. Look for native leather, antiques, and crafts. Eat and drink like a king on your cruise to Argentina, from elegant 19th-century bars to contemporary cafés and restaurants. Discover maté, the local tea, and don't miss the renowned steaks and excellent Malbec wines. Find pizza, pasta, and ice cream on every corner. For dessert, try alfajores, chocolate-covered double-decker cookies filled with dulce de leche.