19 Day Antarctic & South America Discovery

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Cruise Length

19 Days

Cruise Starts

Buenos Aires

Cruise Finishes

Rio de Janeiro

19 Day Antarctic & South America Discovery Itinerary (Viking)

Countries Explored: Argentina, Uruguay, Antarctica, Falkland Islands, Brazil

Cruise Line

Viking

34 Reviews

Ship

Viking Octantis

Passengers

378

Crew

260

Launched

2022

Cruise Code

VKASAD

Overview

Embark on a journey of extremes, from icy Antarctica to tropical Rio. Overnight in Buenos Aires, then your journey begins in Ushuaia, the city at the 'End of the World.' Venture to the snowy Antarctic Peninsula, where colossal penguin colonies, awe-inspiring icescapes, migratory whales, lounging seals and soaring seabirds await. Visit the windswept Falkland Islands and cultural treasures await in South America’s fabled cities, from elegant Montevideo to vibrant Rio.

Itinerary

Arrive in Buenos Aires and meet your expedition leaders and fellow guests; relax during an overnight stay in your hotel. Time permitting, you may wish to explore Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. Influences from Spain, France and Italy all converge here, creating one of the Americas' most engaging and energetic cities. Yet, it is often easy to forget you are in a big city, as the many barrios, or neighborhoods, of Buenos Aires exude an intimate atmosphere.

At the very tip of South America, Ushuaia prides itself on being the world's southernmost city, surrounded by subantarctic forests, crystal-clear lakes, pristine glaciers and rich peat bogs. You will arrive today by a private charter flight. Board your Viking Expedition ship and take time to get to know your ship and expedition team.

Named after its discoverer, Sir Francis Drake, this legendary route takes you from the tip of South America into the Antarctic Convergence, where sea temperatures plunge to near freezing in just a few hours' sailing. Here, in the solitary beauty of the Southern Ocean, you may glimpse your first iceberg. Relax, enjoy one of many onboard dining options and take part in briefings by your Viking Resident Experts as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Explore the 'Last Continent,' covered in ice and teeming with penguins, seals, whales and other wildlife. On exposed land, colorful lichens, basalt cliffs and rocky beaches provide refuge for a variety of breeding petrels and penguins. Stand within sight of Antarctica's majestic mountains. Watch glaciers calve into the sea while seals nap and penguins squabble as they tend to their stony nests. From the comfort of your ship, simply marvel at the majesty of your surroundings.

Bid farewell to Antarctica by again crossing the Drake Passage, a rite of passage for all polar explorers. As you sail, you may wish to learn more about this historic waterway, continue your studies about Antarctica, simply relax in The Nordic Spa or share your experiences with fellow guests in the Aquavit Bar.

More than 300 miles off the coast of South America lies the rugged archipelago of the Falkland Islands. Some 60 distinct bird species breed on the islands, including five different species of penguins and some of the world's largest colonies of albatross. Spend two days exploring these sparsely inhabited islands; a canvas of unspoiled nature and diverse fauna.

Spend an additional day exploring these remote islands, viewing stunning wildlife up close. See the gentoo penguin, with a vivid white stripe across its head and a bright orange bill. You will soon discover why the Falkland Islands refer to themselves as the 'Penguin Capital of the World.'

Enjoy your Viking Expedition vessel as you cruise the South Atlantic Ocean. Relax, mingle with fellow travelers and share your experiences.

Uruguay's capital city boasts perhaps the highest quality of living of any city in South America. Rich in parks, sweeping vistas and architectural styles, Montevideo is blessed with a subtropical climate, guaranteeing warm summers and mild winters. Discover the iconic monuments and historic residences.

Argentina's capital is a vibrant and eclectic mix of Latin and European Influences. Enjoy the overnight to explore the city and spend the evening taking in romantic melodies of tango during a show with singers, dancers and a tango orchestra. Or leave Buenos Aires to enjoy an overland tour to marvel at nature at the magnificent Iguazu Falls.

Enjoy more of Buenos Aires as you bike through its expansive system of parklands, through historic neighborhoods such as Recoleta and past iconic landmarks. You can also get a bird's-eye view of the city during a panoramic helicopter ride that will take you north to Tigre, gateway to the Paraná Delta, and south over the colorful neighborhood of La Boca.

While cruising to our next port of call, you can spend the day learning more about oceanic currents and ecosystems as you sail the world's second-largest ocean. Join the Viking Resident Scientists to deepen your understanding of our planet.

Cruise to idyllic Ilha do Mel, where you can enjoy a rainforest hike to the Encantadas Cave or take in the striking ocean vistas of Praia de Fora. Or, explore the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest while hiking the Salto Morato Natural Heritage Reserve.

The Cidade Maravilhosa, or 'Marvelous City,' is blessed with a stunning setting so unique that UNESCO gave it World Heritage Site status. Gaze at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue perched atop Corcovado mountain and admire the azure-blue waters as they lap against the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Take a cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain and marvel at the panoramic vistas below.

Disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your cruise with a stay in Paraty or Iguazú Falls.