Best time of year for South America

[westielvr]

What is the best time of year for a South American cruise? We are considering HAL's 16 day cruise. Don't know exact itinerary as cannot access HAL's site tonight.

[Splinter]

I don't think you are going to find South American cruises anytime except their late spring, summer and early fall (November-March or early April). Personally, I prefer the tropical areas (Brazil, esp.) during their winter (August) because I don't do well in the heat, but you are not going to find a trip around the horn at that time of year (maybe could find an Amazon trip though).

 

We went on HAL on the Ryndam in late November-December and had a good time, although it was early in the season. We had temperatures in the 70s and 80s in Santiago and Valparisio, in the 60s in Puerto Montt, and in the 40s in Puenta Arenas. It was in the low 30s in Ushiaia and around the horn (we were lucky, fairly smooth and a little rain), and then we had a glorious (and unusual) sunny day in the 70s in the Falklands. Montevideo and BA were in the 80s, and it was 95 and humid in Rio.