Cruising in South America

South America is the up-and-coming hot spot for cruise-lovers according to the 2007 Travel Trends Survey, from Cruise Holidays, the largest cruise retailer in North America.

While the top three destinations are still the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico, South America piques the curiosity of experienced passengers because the continent is considered exotic, Samba-sexy, mysterious and steeped in ancient history.

There are the sensuous rhythms of Rio, the unspoiled wilderness of Patagonia, the ancient streets of Cartagena and enough passionate culture to quicken the pulse of even the most experienced traveller.

South America has about 15 countries and many have claims to fame. Angel Falls (in Venezuela) is the world's highest waterfall. The Amazon is the largest river and rainforest. The Andes is the longest mountain range. The Atacama (in Chile) is the driest desert.

Cruise excursions range from cold to hot – such as flightseeing to Antarctica to see penguins and sea lions, floating down the Amazon River in a native canoe, visiting Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain and the city's dazzling downtown district.

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