Santiago is one of those cities where the more you look, the more you find. Santiago hosts 40% of the country's population and has become a cultural centre with breathtaking natural beauty in the vicinity. Santiago lies in the center of the Santiago Basin, a valley surrounded by mountain ranges. The city has a varying elevation, towards the west it is 400m above sea level whereas at the Plaza Baquedano it comes to 540m.

The port city of Puerto Montt has a breathtaking skyline with the Calbuco volcano sitting in the background. This volcano is one of the active volcanos in Chile however there has been no eruptions in recent years meaning cruisers can enjoy the city with no worries. The region around Puerto Montt is well worth a visit offering glacial lakes and mountainous national parks which can be visited on an excursion. Puerto Montt is well known for it’s cuisine and you should definitely visit the craft market in the harbour and enjoy the local seafood.

Punta Arenas, located on the southern most tip of Patagonia, is the southernmost major city in the world. The cultural of the city is mixed and culturally colourful due to the influence of Portuguese settlers as well as English animal breeders who have lived in the area. With it’s proximity to Antarctica, Punta Arenas is often used a base for excursions to see the surrounding wilderness and landscapes.

Cape Horn is located on the headland of a Chilean rock island. The circumnavigation of the Cape was once one of the most difficult river passages known to man but the area has since become a major cruise destination. Cape Horn marks the northern boundary of and also where the Pacific and Atlantic meet. Cape Horn and the surrounded area have remained largely untouched and remains home to many species of wildlife. It’s particularly famous for being populated by many types of wild birds including Magellanic penguins. The wildlife as well as the rest of the archipelago can be explored on several cruise excursions offered in the area.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is the city with the highest quality of life in South America. The city centre offers a mix of old and modern with the colonial buildings of the old town and modern skyscrapers homing financial and political institutions. For those looking to have a more relaxed and laid back stay, Montevideo is surrounded by beautiful, pristine, uncrowded beaches.

Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is a flamboyant and colourful cruise destination. Old European colonial grandeur meets Latin flair in this metropolis. Cruisers can experience this through the architecture, cuisine and one of many tango performances which take place throughout the city. This traditional Argentinian dance combines nostalgia with the passion typical of Latin America