South America & Antarctica Cruise: Miami To Chile

Propelled by Latin rhythms, with a bold style all its own, Miami is a spicy melting pot of cultures. Immerse yourself in the colorful Art Deco district, vibrant nightlife, and beaches for sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts alike. Put some money on the horses at Hialeah Park, one of racings oldest and most prominent tracks, right next to a lake full of pink flamingos. Go adventuring in the Everglades, looking for ‘gators and manatees, canoeing through mangrove tunnels, or paddling a sea kayak through the “10,000 islands”. Flashy and full of life, it’s a great place to play.

Smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is only nine miles by three miles, and two-thirds of that area is national park. In colonial times almost the entire island was clear-cut to make room for sugar cane; now there is fervent support for protecting the new growth, much of it introduced. Hiking trails of all lengths and levels of difficulty traverse these acres, and lead through the ruins of plantations. The park also contains 5,650 acres of submerged land, with an abundance of coral gardens. Trunk Bay, one of the world’s most stunning beaches, offers a marked under-sea snorkeling trail so you know what you are looking at.

This stunning harbor, filled with pleasure boats and encircled by emerald hills dotted with pastel houses, was once the center of a bustling pirate culture, as swashbuckling knaves such as Blackbeard and Drake traded stolen wares in the port of Charlotte Amalie. Today many of their old warehouses have been converted to shops and malls, where you may spend your pieces of eight on an array of treasures those buccaneers could never have imagined. Not a shopper? Hit the water without walking the plank when you pilot your own zodiac, or an underwater motor scooter.

It’s hard to get lost in Philipsburg – one mile of colorful Creole houses long and four streets deep, it is easy to explore. It is also a place where you may find yourself on the brink of an adventure you have long imagined. Transfixed by those gutsy mariners sailing for glory in the America’s Cup? Now is your chance to race aboard one of those ace vessels as a working crew member. Thrilled by the stories of divers but intimidated by SCUBA? Try SNUBA and float carefree, tethered to the surface by a long hose and an ample supply of air. The reward: warm waters, a rainbow of tropical reef fish, sunken wrecks, and tall tales of your own to take home with you.

Get to know Nevis, one central volcano and an area five miles by seven, its circle island road less than a two-hour drive. Within that tiny space are crammed delights for every taste: a championship golf course at the Four Seasons; the exhilaration and romance of dashing across a beach on horseback; and a trek through a lush rainforest of bamboo and tropical fruit trees, entertainment provided by monkeys swinging through the branches. For history hunters there are a number of old sugar plantations in varying stages of preservation and decay. They have intriguing tales to tell, and perhaps a few ghosts for good measure.

When you spy the distinctive white baroque towers of the St. Johns Cathedral, you’ll know you have arrived in Antigua’s capital city. With a staggering 365 beaches located across the island, you can visit a new beach every day of the year. But if you only have limited time to catch some rays, take a boat tour around Antigua for a unique vantage point to find the right strand of sand that speaks to you. If you’re still undecided, Galley Bay Beach is popular and is the perfect place to put your shades on and relax under an oversized umbrella. Once you’ve soaked up enough sun, head back into town and shop ‘til you drop. St. Johns is renowned for its duty-free shops, malls, and boutiques that feature everything from haute-couture to handicrafts.

If you were to close your eyes while enjoying a “high tea in Trafalgar Square,” you would swear you were in London – if it weren’t for the warm breezes and emerald green waters enveloping you. Nicknamed “Little England” by some, Barbados is home to many museums that chronicle the island’s rich past and over 100 shipwrecks along its reefs that are a playground for divers from around the world.

Scarborough is a large, multicultural area that contains the Scarborough Bluffs, huge cliffs overlooking Lake Ontario, lined with parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Inland, the sprawling Toronto Zoo features global animal pavilions, close-up encounters, and a wildlife health centre. The area is also known for its diverse spread of restaurants, including regional Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine.

Belém, sometimes called Pará, city and port, capital of Pará estado (state), northern Brazil. It is situated on Guajará Bay, part of the vast Amazon River delta, near the mouth of the Guamá River, about 80 miles (130 km) up the Pará River from the Atlantic Ocean. Its climate is equatorial, with an average annual temperature of 80 °F (27 °C) and an annual rainfall of 86 inches (2,175 mm).

Named for the surrounding coastal recifes (reefs) offshore, Recife is perched on Brazil’s northeast coast. The busy seaport is known as the “Venice of Brazil,” thanks to its many waterways, bridges, and small islands. This exciting metropolis is a mix of new high-rises and old colonial structures, with plenty to see and even more to do. Stroll through the historic heart of the city, Recife Antigo, the 16th Experience the city’s vibrant cultural, culinary and music scene, or one of its many impressive beaches, such as Porto de Galinhas, a top tourist destination. Or discover the charming town of nearby Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1530 by the Portuguese. Recife is also home to a fantastic carnival, but any time of year provides the opportunity to dance the energetic frevo.

Brazil’s first colonial capital, Salvador was the center of its sugar industry and slave trade. African rhythms became part of the fabric of the local culture, most interestingly in Capoeira, a mix of martial arts and dance, and Candomble, a religion of ritual and magic imported along with the slaves. Pelourinho, the historic center, is an architectural jewel, with an array of opulent churches – carved and embellished with an abundance of gold leaf. Much of the fine work was done by slaves, who once it was completed were not allowed inside. Thus they labored at night for a century to build a beautiful church for themselves – Our Lady of the Rosary.

Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this picturesque fishing village is now decidedly chic. Unheard of until Brigitte Bardot was photographed sashaying barefoot along the beach in 1964, it was suddenly all the rage. Surrounded by hills draped in luxuriant vegetation, this paradise found is a high-end resort with an international flair. More than twenty beaches beckon sun-worshipers and water sport enthusiasts, and the sophisticated boutiques of Rua das Pedras will delight shoppers. Gone but not forgotten, Brigitte in bronze greets you on the seaside promenade.

This dynamic city set on a magnificent bay is famed for its carnival, its natural beauty and friendly people. See the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.Shop till you drop in the modern and sophisticated shopping centre.

This dynamic city set on a magnificent bay is famed for its carnival, its natural beauty and friendly people. See the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.Shop till you drop in the modern and sophisticated shopping centre.

This dynamic city set on a magnificent bay is famed for its carnival, its natural beauty and friendly people. See the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.Shop till you drop in the modern and sophisticated shopping centre.

Trapped in a 300-year time warp, the entirety of this former gold rush town has been named a national historic monument. Its delightful Portuguese colonial architecture remains undisturbed, and nothing spoils the mood, not even traffic, as no cars are allowed in the old town center. In the 17th century it was one of the busiest and most important harbors on Brazil’s Atlantic coast, exporting gold from the interior. Follow the gold trail into the hinterlands in a 4WD, or tour a sugar estate and Cachaça distillery, where they brew up the strong sugar cane liquor that is the key ingredient in the national cocktail, the Caipirinha.

This “beautiful island” lives up to its name, and today belies its once lurid reputation as a hideout of smugglers and pirates. Where once failed coffee plantations replaced lush vegetation, the land has been reclaimed, and state park trails provide access to a luscious green jungle, with numerous waterfalls where you can stop for a swim along the way. Divers will find great opportunities on some of the many shipwrecks off the coast. And when you work up an appetite there is nothing better than shrimp right off the boat, accompanied by Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha.

A nearly 500-year old city, São Paulo has grown to become Brazil’s largest metropolis, and is ranked among the most populous cities in the world. Vibrant and bursting at the seams with life, São Paulo is a dream destination for those who love an atmosphere where anything feels possible.

Sampa, as the locals call it, is well known as a city that never sleeps. This round-the-clock lifestyle gives it a kinetic energy that is certain to captivate you, and with Azamara®’s late stays in port, you’ll have ample opportunity to immerse yourself in every exciting moment. Start with a visit to the Museu de Arte de São Paulo—Sampa’s largest and most impressive museum, which contains the most comprehensive collection of Western art in all of Latin America. If you’re in the mood for shopping, visit the Shopping Iguatemi—a luxurious shopping mall where you can browse all of Brazil’s favorite brand names. If you’d rather a more artisanal experience, head to the Feira da Republica. This open-air market is perfect for a stroll while checking out authentic local handicrafts and paintings.

Montevideo exudes European charm and elegance, with broad boulevards, fountains, stately squares, and irresistible sidewalk cafes. The city maintains a low-key atmosphere despite its position as Uruguay’s commercial and political hub, and there are few skyscrapers on the horizon, though there are some surprising contrasts – an Art Nouveau pedestrian mall, Art Deco Centenary Stadium, and an American Embassy designed by I.M. Pei. Most of the nation’s countryside is farm or ranchland, and the life of the cowboy, or gaucho, is part of the local lore. Take a peak at the Gaucho Museum, or visit an estancia, and see them in action.

Welcome to elegant, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, with its European colonial architecture and colorful mix of cultures. Each district has its own style: enjoy Palermo with its mansions and parks; shop in the chic boutiques of Soho and Hollywood; and soak up the Italian flavor of La Boca where tango dancers and artists display their talents for passersby. Then top it all off with an Argentine steak, perfectly grilled over a fire of glowing coals, and washed down with an excellent glass of Malbec.

Welcome to elegant, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, with its European colonial architecture and colorful mix of cultures. Each district has its own style: enjoy Palermo with its mansions and parks; shop in the chic boutiques of Soho and Hollywood; and soak up the Italian flavor of La Boca where tango dancers and artists display their talents for passersby. Then top it all off with an Argentine steak, perfectly grilled over a fire of glowing coals, and washed down with an excellent glass of Malbec.