South America’s diverse geography makes it an especially inviting place to explore by water. And there are more ways to do it than you might imagine.
Coddiwomple Journeys, the tour operator that specializes in South America, is well versed in showcasing the best of the region in a variety of ways. And they’ve got several interesting ways to enjoy South America from the water. And each itinerary is easily customizable, allowing travelers to use the expertise of the Coddiwomple staff and guides to create the perfect South America vacation experience.
The 11-night Argentina & Chile by Land & Sea, for example, includes a four-night cruise aboard the Stella Australis, which whisks you off to Cape Horn and Wuluaia Bay, where you can enjoy a guided walk. The 100-cabin Stella Australis is designed to provide relaxing accommodations for exploring breathtaking sights, with fine dining, comfortable cabins and outstanding service on board. Also included on the cruise is a visit to the Pia Fjords, to board zodiac boats for a shore excursion to the dramatic Pia glacier. The next day, you’ll cruise through several channels to enter Agostini Sound, where massive glaciers provide unforgettable vistas. Yet again, zodiac boats are the best way to get an up-close view of the glaciers.
Water-based excitement is also a big draw on the seven-night Flavors of Southern Argentina itinerary, which offers still more ways to tour South America by water. A 45-minute boat ride brings visitors close to the waterfall at the Perito Moreno glacier, one of the best-known attractions in Argentinian Patagonia. The 97-square-mile glacier is simply magnificent, and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to take photos and learn about its history.
Also included on the Flavors of Southern Argentina itinerary is a full-day excursion with a scenic boat ride through glaciers on Lake Argentino to reach Estancia Cristina, an Argentina ranch located inside Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz province. Founded in 1914, the estancia sits on a glacial valley once occupied by the Upsala glacier, with postcard-like views of mountains, lakes, rivers and hanging glaciers nearby.
The seventh day of the Flavors of Southern Argentina trip offers still more memorable experiences on the water, with a boat trip to visit sea lions and bird colonies in Tierra del Fuego National Park, a national park in Argentina known for its dramatic landscape, with ample opportunities for viewing glaciers, mountains and waterfalls.
For travelers looking for an even more extensive South American vacation, the Perito Moreno glacier, Estancia Cristina and Tierra del Fuego excursions are also included in Coddiwomple’s 11-night Highlights of Southern Argentina itinerary.
Excitement in Ecuador
Ecuador is yet another South American nation that offers myriad ways to explore on the water.
The Galapagos Islands, in fact, are among the world’s most famous destination for fascinating small cruises that focus on natural history and wildlife. Coddiwomple’s four-night Discover Galapagos itinerary provides a choice of several different cruise options, so that travelers can create the experience they want, within the budget level they prefer.
After arrival on Santa Cruz island, stops on Coddiwomple’s Galapagos itineraries include Santiago Island (home to Bucaneer Cove and Puerto Egas), where snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat ride are among the memorable activities, with ample opportunities to view marine birds, iguanas, sea lions and volcanic landscape formations.
Snorkeling is a great way to enjoy the underwater beauty that surrounds Rabida Island and Bartolome Island, where visitors can also walk to the peak of a volcano for a spectactular view of Pinnacle Rock. And on Genovesa Island, you can spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigate birds, finches, herons and hundreds of other bird species, as well as enjoy snorkeling and swimming at Darwin’s Bay. The giant tortoises of Santa Cruz Island are another must-see.
On the mainland, Ecuador’s lush and stunningly beautiful Amazon region offers white-water rafting excitement in the rainforest. The Amazing Amazon Adventure itinerary includes a day on Jatun Yacu or Big River, where the rapids provide exciting challenges and beautiful scenery. You may get wet on some of these excursions, but it’s certainly worth it.