South America is known for its diverse landscapes and radiant culture where one minute you’re climbing Machu Picchu to pose with llamas and next you’re at the Falkland Islands hanging with penguins. The country has a magnitude of adventurous and cultural activities, and the hardest part is choosing which cruise to take.

Holland America Line offers a comprehensive schedule of itineraries for the 2016-17 season, including cruises to some of the most remote destinations like Antarctica, Patagonia and even an eight-day Amazon cruise. The 42 South American departures range anywhere from 12-49 days with an endless list of excursion opportunities available for every age and interest.

If you’re looking for a unique cruise where you’ll experience history, culture, adventure and beauty, check out these once-in-a-lifetime voyages to South America.

48-Day Amazon and Carnaval Explorer

Cruisers can delight in the many opportunities available on both land and sea when cruising the 48-Day Amazon and Carnaval Explorer. Veendam is waiting at Fort Lauderdale, ready to set sail for our private island of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, and a few other flawless stops like Curaçao, Aruba and Barbados in the Caribbean. Once you hit South America your first stop will be Devils Island, French Guiana, and then it’s on to Brazil where you’ll start your journey along the east coast of South America. Recife, the “Venice of Brazil,” Salvador da Bahia and Vitoria have some of the most pristine beaches, as well as some impressive history.

The bucket-list worthy event takes place when you land at Rio de Janeiro and have three days to enjoy one of the most celebrated festivals in the world: Carnaval. After you’ve danced the night away the sea will be your playground for the next three days as you head north to the next call. The Amazon is home to the ship for eight days as you embark on the next grand adventure. Jungle towns and rain forest fill the atmosphere with excitement as you explore this region and learn about the many different species of plants and animals within.

The 48-Day Amazon and Carnaval Explorer itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for in in-depth adventure and good mix of land and sea. Veendam departs on this cruise Feb. 2, 2017.

14-Day South America Passage

The 14-Day South America Passage starts off on Zaandam at iconic Valparaiso, Chile, where you can explore the city’s impressive architecture and Casablanca Valley Winery. Guests can get their pens ready to check off another UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Old Quarter, a colorful colonial city and excellent example of late 19th-century urban and architectural development in Latin America. Heading south toward the Strait of Magellan, the ship passes dramatic inlets lined with rugged mountains and beautiful glacier-covered valleys.

Reaching Punta Arenas, Chile, guests will have plenty of free-time to hang with the penguins or kayak the Strait of Magellan. Ushuaia, Argentina, is a highlight of the voyage with Tierra del Fuego, a picturesque region with a spectacular collection of natural wonders and the perfect destination for adventure seekers. Rounding Cape Horn, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Montevideo, Uruguay, are the last calls before ending in one of the most iconic cities: Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This itinerary features many city highlights and as well as culinary experiences. The 14-Day South America Passage is perfect if you’re looking to experience South America’s gems on a shorter cruise. Zaandam will cruise this itinerary Nov. 22, 2016, and Mar. 6, 2017.

21-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday

Everyone likes a holiday getaway with family and friends, especially if that entails cruising around breathtaking destinations. The 21-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday cruise is one of our favorites for multiple reasons: adventure, pampering accommodations and once-in-a-lifetime excursions. But what hits the nail on the head more than anything is the ship’s journey to some incredible destinations!

The 21-day journey starts at Valparaiso, Chile, and sets sail for Argentina. Before you even get to Argentina you’ve seen glaciers in Glacier Alley, hung out with the penguins at Punta Arenas’ penguin reserve and curved your fearless appetite by kayaking, hiking and exploring Chile. After a call at Ushuaia, embark on your next adventure – rounding Cape Horn and cruising through Drake Passage.

The highlight of this cruise is certainly the south’s local giant, Antarctica. The ship spends three days in Antarctica where you can see wildlife as well as the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Coast. Ring in the New Year while cruising through The Palmer Archipelago and make it a memorable way to welcome 2017. Calls at the Falkland Islands, Argentina and Uruguay are the final calls before ending the cruise with an overnight at Buenos Aires.

The exciting 21-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday cruise departs from Valparaiso Dec. 20, 2016, and runs through Jan. 10, 2017.

Are you planning a South America cruise with us this season? If so, where to? Tell us your plans in the comments below.