Home > Cruises > Antarctica Cruises > South America & Antarctic Discovery

South America & Antarctic Discovery

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Sold Out
 Cruise Length
18 Days
 Cruise Starts
Rio de Janeiro
 Cruise Finishes
Ushuaia
Cruise Line
Viking
Ship
Passengers
378
Crew
260
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
VKSAAD

Overview

Embark on a journey of extremes, taking you from tropical Rio to icy Antarctica. Visit the cultural treasures in South America’s fabled cities before venturing to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands.

Itinerary

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and step on board your ship to begin your journey. Your overnight stay allows time to discover this colorful city on your own.

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.

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.

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.

Argentina's capital is a vibrant and eclectic mix of Latin and European influences. Enjoy an overnight stay to explore the city and spend the evening savoring a three-course Argentine dinner during a home-hosted visit with a local resident. Or depart Buenos Aires to enjoy an overland tour to marvel at the natural beauty of the magnificent Iguazú 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.

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.

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

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.'

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 Expedition Team 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.

Often referred to as the 'End of the Earth,' Ushuaia is the world's southernmost city. Depart Ushuaia by charter flight to Buenos Aires. Continue your journey home or choose to explore more with one of our post-cruise land extension packages.

Life Onboard Viking Octantis

Viking Octantis
Viking Octantis

Launching in 2022, the Viking Octantis is Vikings' newest expedition ship, part of a fleet of award winning, state of the art ships built for exploration in sensitive environments. Read more

The Thinking Person's Cruise
The Thinking Person's Cruise

Viking are destination experts. With no casinos or children on board, you can be assured that the focus is firmly on enrichment and education. Read more

And Relax
And Relax

After a day of exploration or just to enhance the relaxation of a day at sea, the on-board Spa will leave you feeling recharged and revitalized. Read more

Best Dining Options at Sea
Best Dining Options at Sea

Viking offer six on board dining options. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner at no additional charge of fee. Read more

All Inclusive
All Inclusive

Viking proudly includes all that you need and nothing you do not. A variety of features and services are standard inclusions on your cruise. Read more

Expedition Experiences
Expedition Experiences

Viking include one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. Enjoy included experiences around the world. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Viking. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Cruises

19 Day Antarctica & South Georgia Island (Viking)

19 Days Buenos Aires Buenos Aires

Operated By: Viking

From 26,725
Save 1,330
18 Day Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast (Viking)

18 Days Fort Lauderdale Los Angeles

Operated By: Viking

From 10,885
Save 1,112
18 Day Panama & Scenic South America (Viking)

18 Days Santiago Fort Lauderdale

Operated By: Viking

From 15,340
Save 1,160
18 Day West Indies & Panama Canal Passage (Viking)

18 Days Los Angeles San Juan

Operated By: Viking

From 10,775
Save 220