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Hurtigruten Group
South America

Ancient Secrets and Natural Wonder

South America is a land steeped in ancient mysteries, whose people are deeply rooted in both their extraordinary history and the vibrancy of their ever-evolving culture. On your expedition to South America, you can visit the archaeological remains of ancient civilisations, pyramid temples and enigmatic geoglyphs before meeting members of local indigenous communities. The region’s buzzing modern cities are bursting with Latin flavour – there are mercados packed with local produce, authentic crafts being made before your eyes and exciting new flavours to experience. With fjords, rainforests, deserts and glaciers, this varied region is home to countless animals and birds, from Scarlet Macaws, toucans and sloths to iguanas, hummingbirds and monkeys. Sailing along the Pacific coastline, you’ll be awestruck by the sheer variety and immense beauty of this part of the world.

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A dream destination on every intrepid traveller’s list, the Galápagos Islands offer untouched landscapes, natural history and extraordinary wildlife that you’ll never see elsewhere.

Explore the iconic Incan citadel, with its breathtaking views and rich history, for a glimpse into an ancient civilisation amidst stunning landscapes.

Experience an astonishing range of landscapes, from towering mountains to glacial lakes - perfect for hiking, wildlife watching and photography.

Where the Atlantic meets the Pacific, Cape Horn offers dramatic scenery, rich maritime history and plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.

Dive into the centre of Argentina’s vibrant culture, with its tango dancing, delicious cuisine and lively neighbourhoods. An exhilarating blend of European charm and Latin spirit.

Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colourful hills, street art and lively culture, along with stunning ocean views and a rich maritime history.

Unparalleled biodiversity

South America is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It boasts an unparalleled number of plant and animal species, many of them endemic, so observing wildlife in South America is the opportunity of a lifetime. On your voyage, you’ll be looking out for iguanas, monkeys, guanacos, sloths, armadillos and many more. There are also over 3,000 species of bird to spot, including the famous Blue-footed Booby, macaws, toucans and the majestic condor.

Llamas and alpacas

Llamas and alpacas are some of South America’s most famous residents and always a sought-after sight on any voyage here. These iconic animals roam the Andean regions, often seen grazing on high-altitude pastures and are prized by local communities for their wool, milk and popularity with travellers. You may even have the opportunity to interact with these charming creatures as we explore.

Tropical birds

South America is a birder's paradise. It plays host to over 3,000 species, including toucans, condors and macaws, all of which are astonishing to witness in the wild. With such a diverse range of habitats, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, this rich avian population includes unique species like the Harpy Eagle and the Rufous-collared Sparrow – an unforgettable showcase of South America’s biodiversity.

Magnificent whales

Whether from the deck of our ship or our small expedition boats, whale watching in South America in an exhilarating experience. Some regions of Argentina are renowned for Southern Right Whales and orcas while, in Chile, the waters around Patagonia attract Humpback Whales, especially during migration seasons. Those who find themselves inspired can learn more about these majestic creatures back on the ship in our Science Centre.

Adventure is All-Inclusive

Cruises to South America with HX include everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.

Life onboard

A stay onboard any HX ship is unforgettable. Whether you choose to voyage on MS Roald Amundsen MS Fram or MS Fridtjof Nansen, our entire fleet has been designed to give you the very best expedition experience, as sustainably as we can. With almost 130 years of experience in expeditions, we’re perfectly placed to offer you a balance of intrepid adventure, luxurious comfort and mindful travel that makes a holiday unlike any other. Start the day sipping freshly brewed coffee on the terrace, watching the sun rise over a landscape you’re about to visit. Jump into one of our smaller, nimbler expedition boats for a day of extraordinary exploration. Then spend the evening dining in style, toasting the day and then lounging under a canopy of stars in the hot tub."

Comfort and style

With HX, you’ll enjoy a taste of luxury every time you step on board. Our spacious suites include private balconies, walk-in closets, unlimited access to fine dining and complimentary laundry. All designed to envelop you in comfort and relaxation, allowing you to reflect peacefully on the day’s discoveries and gather your energy for the next.

Culinary exploration

Our restaurants offer a wide range of delicious modern dishes, all prepared onboard using fresh ingredients. Our expert chefs bring their passion for food and travel to the table, incorporating local additions where possible, and working to keep their kitchens and creations sustainable.

Rest and relaxation

After hours of exploring rainforests and bustling cities, relaxing in our sauna or spa are two perfect ways to celebrate a day well spent. All our ships include an outdoor hot tub and some have a pool, others offer massages and beauty treatments. All well-deserved and welcome before the next day’s adventures.

A deeper understanding

The heart of an HX expedition lies in our onboard Science Centre. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, it offers plenty of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of everything you’ve seen on land and sea. There are lecture spaces, a small library and specialty areas for workshops in photography, biology and more. It’s also where you'll find our Expedition Team.

Feed your curiosity

Curiosity is the key to an extraordinary expedition with HX. As you explore, you’ll find yourself drawn to find out more about the natural wonders you see and explore, and our Science & Education Program is there to enhance your knowledge and understanding. It’s an immersive learning experience, allowing you to find out more about landscapes, plants and wildlife across the land, supported by experts along the way. You’ll even have the opportunity to support real-time research and collect valuable data that will contribute to the conservation and understanding of our planet.

Active learning

The Science Centre is where guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. You’ll use advanced microscopes to analyse sea water, fossils and biological samples collected earlier in the field, and there are lecture spaces, a small library and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology and more.

Expert guidance

Our onboard Expedition Team is here to share their wealth of knowledge with you and help you make good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art Science Centre. The team also includes guest scientists conducting their own research while on board, and will only be too happy to share their findings with you.

Get involved

We‘re proud to support many vital Citizen Science projects on board our ships, including NASA cloud research, seaweed biodiversity, studies into Phytoplankton communities and many more. You're welcome to get involved in any projects that spark your interest, contributing valuable data to long-term research and playing your part in expanding our understanding of this extraordinary continent.

Meet the Expedition Team

Your Expedition Team will host lectures and share fascinating insights as you visit indigenous communities, national parks and historical sites. Learn about South America’s rich history, diverse cultures and varied wildlife. You’ll go out on our small expedition boats and explore less travelled places, guided by your Expedition Team.

HX Foundation is a collaboration between HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, our employees and our guests. Together, we unite in our commitment to fight climate change, strengthen local communities and stop unsustainable mass tourism.

Our collaborators

South America cruises

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Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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