Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay’s cool capital city Montevideo calls out with its cobbled streets, wide avenues, colonial buildings, and verdant cityscapes along the waterfront, known as the rambla. Outdoor markets prove a treasure hunt as you explore the local wares and fresh produce. The city also makes for a gastronomic adventure with freshly caught fish, pasta, wines, and desserts, all prepared in the European way.

The capital of Uruguay lies along Montevideo Bay and was built around Plaza Independencia, the former site of a Spanish citadel. Colonial-style structures and tropical palm trees lead the way to Ciudad Vieja, the old town. Modern shops and restaurants tucked away between old buildings amid the bustle of everyday life give you the chance to experience the best of Montevideo’s past and present.

To get social with the locals, share in their tradition of drinking yerba mate. Everywhere you go in Uruguay you see people drinking the strong, herbal tea out of cups that look like gourds, sipping through a long, thick straw. Custom calls for passing around the cup to share. Slurping down a shared mate makes for a quintessential Uruguayan experience.

For the full color and vibrant life of the city, head to Mercado del Puerto. Here you find a 19th century restored building that houses various stalls and eateries to get the best fare Uruguay offers. The port market is home to some of the finest asado (barbecue) in the country. As you take in the savory scents and energetic sounds of the market, you get a true sense of what makes Montevideo alive.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Few cities in South America share the ambiance and lifestyle that make Buenos Aires so endearing. From the Plaza de Mayo to the milongas along San Telmo’s cobbled streets, Buenos Aires is rife with historical and cultural sites for the curious mind.

The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina lies on the western shore of the Río de la Plata estuary. The combination of modern skyscrapers and colonial structures blends the country’s past and present in a way that calls out to the adventurer with a thirst for knowledge.

In the Plaza de Mayo you find a dotting of tropical palm trees amid old streets and buildings. The plaza holds much history as the site of the city’s foundation in 1580, the backdrop for the revolution of independence, and the scene of the latest political rallies.

At the heart of this historical site lies Casa Rosada, the Argentinian equivalent of the White House, but pink. It’s more than a novelty sight. It’s a symbol of the executive branch of government that leads the republic. Casa Rosada is best known as the location where famous first lady Evita Peron addressed the crowds.

A trip to Buenos Aires must include a visit to Recoleta Cemetery, the resting grounds of the powerful, rich, and famous. Stone paths lined with extravagant grave markers and aboveground tombs make it a celebration of the legacies that live on long after one is gone. Dive deep into Argentinian culture by joining an asado, a barbecue. As you indulge in the rich flavors of Argentinian steak and Malbec, you will come to understand and appreciate the culture’s finer points.

Cruising the Argentinian Coast

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Cruising the Argentinian Coast

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Puerto Madryn invites animal lovers to marvel and revel in its extraordinary wildlife. With sea lions and whale watching opportunities galore, this Argentinian city acts as the gateway to the Patagonia region rife with flora and fauna. Explore the Valdes Peninsula Nature Reserve, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the world’s prime whale migration hotspots.

Lying on the northern Patagonia coast, Puerto Madryn holds a reputation as the premier location for marine wildlife viewing. With deep blue bay waters along rocky, white cliffs and shores, the city’s scenery inspires a great deal of awe for its natural beauty. Catching sight of a whale fluke as it breaches the water makes for a breathtaking experience.

The Eco Centro, a clifftop museum dedicated to showcasing Patagonian nature, offers exquisite views of the expansive ocean. Once you finish a tour of the museum it’s easy to linger on the white, sandy cliffs and take in the panoramic scene. As you breathe deep the sea salt and feel the ocean breeze blow through your hair, you will not want to leave.

Downtown Puerto Madryn offers an array of shops and restaurants for more modern conveniences and a taste of Argentina’s city life. Fresh seafood and classic Argentinian cuisine abound among the many eateries in the downtown area. Multi-course meals make it easy to take your taste buds on an adventure as wild as the one you took out in nature.

Cruising the Argentinian Coast

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Although small, Port Stanley contains a big personality. Its signature landmark, the famous whale bone arch, speaks volumes about this eccentric and rarely visited destination. The colorful, small town lies on the Falkland Islands, a hot spot and haven for watching Magellanic penguins. The Malvinas call to every adventurer with an abundance of pubs, eateries, and historic attractions to explore.

The remote, South Atlantic archipelago of the Falkland Islands, also known as Islas Malvinas, set the scene for exploration with rugged, cliff-lined coasts. Its history runs deep as you will find out with a visit to the Historic Dockyard Museum, a one-stop site to learn about life in the camp, Antarctic connections, and the 1982 war with Argentina.

You can find a rocky coast among tussock grass and an expansive view of the ocean at Gypsy Cove. You will also find plenty of Magellanic penguins to get acquainted with as the little creatures run about, unperturbed by your presence. The white sands in the crescent cove invite you to sit for a spell as you take in the wildness of the islands.

Back in Port Stanley, as you walk among the Victorian houses and buildings with their splashes of color from green to blue to orange, you get the sense that even though it’s small, it holds a lot to discover. If you want the real scoop on the city, take a seat at a traditional English pub and mingle with the locals over a pint.

Cruising the Argentinian Coast

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Ushuaia, Argentina

The snow-capped Martial Mountains behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings create the backdrop of Ushuaia, Argentina. A mix of historic buildings and rugged nature adventures make this city the perfect fit for the curious explorer who wants to go beyond the surface.

Don’t let the nickname the “End of the World” fool you. Although it lies on the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel lies a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime.

The wild forest of Parque Yatana entices you to hike and explore its many trails as you find your way through Argentina’s lush nature and rich, indigenous culture. The forest’s name translates to “weave” in the native language of Yaghan. Here, you will find arts and crafts from the indigenous communities on display, giving you a sense of wonder.

For a greater challenge, take the trail that leads from downtown to Martial Glacier. The scene before your eyes gives way from green grass to rocky, black peaks spattered with white snow. The heart-pounding trek takes you through an unbelievable path that leads to a view of the Andes Mountains, Ushuaia, and the ocean.

Get a feel for local life in Ushuaia by taking a stroll along Avenida San Martin. Ushuaia’s main street provides the look and feel of a quaint town with shops, restaurants, and a church, indicating the bustle of everyday life that takes place there.