Best Things to Do Before (or After) Your Antarctica Cruise
Laura Pattara | 24 July 2023
Make the most of your journey to the White Continent by squeezing in extraordinary adventures in South America.
South America is the best and most popular springboard for Antarctica cruises, so it's not surprising that most travellers wonder if they can easily include more unique experiences on the continent either before (or after) their cruise. If your cruising adventure to the southernmost continent on earth is ‘forcing’ you to spend some time in South America then you’re in luck. Options for add-on tours, excursions, and activities are plentiful.
The continent's southern region – where Antarctica cruises depart from – is known as Patagonia. This vast region is revered for its incredible wilderness – its pristine forests, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, and profusion of native wildlife on land and marine animals at sea. Due to its incredible natural riches, Patagonia is often described as the most 'jaw-dropping' corner of Latin America – its remoteness and the fact that most of it is almost totally untouched no-doubt adds to the appeal. Extraordinary experiences in this part of the world are plentiful. And so are ideas of what else you could fit into your Antarctica cruise itinerary.
Before diving into all your pre-and post-cruise options, we'd like to share some of our most valuable recommendations on planning your cruise side trips. The below come from years of experience, and they'll help protect your Antarctica cruise investment – essentially, the main reason you are heading to South America in the first place.
Viva’s Top Tips for Planning Pre- and Post- Antarctica Cruise Activities
1. Arrive in South America with time to spare
Flights get cancelled every day all over the world. If you plan your itinerary to include back-to-back flights from your front door to your cruise port in Patagonia and just one flight gets cancelled (or even delayed by a few hours), you could risk missing your cruise. Yes, it happens to a few travellers every cruise season. Don’t let it happen to you.
Plan as many 'buffer' nights as possible at every step of your trip, to avoid disasters and to travel with peace of mind. That means spending at least two nights in Buenos Aires before catching your onward flight to Ushuaia and at least one night in Ushuaia before embarking on your cruise. But really, the more the better, in this case.
2. If you want to enjoy an extended tour in Patagonia, book well in advance
Antarctica cruise season coincides with the peak-travel season in Patagonia (because of summer!) The most popular Patagonia tours, flights and luxury lodges can be fully booked months in advance. If you'd like to visit the most popular parks, like Torres del Paine, you'll want to book your visit ahead of time.
Ideally, you should consider booking your Patagonia experience alongside your Antarctica cruise. Since the latter requires advanced bookings, you can also take advantage of widespread availability in Patagonia.
3. Don't risk traveling to central South America destinations like Peru and Bolivia – they’ll be washed out
Antarctica cruise season runs from October to March, with peak travel happening in December, January, and February. This is the peak rainy season in the central part of South America, so although it might seem like a genius plan to pop to Peru to visit Machu Picchu before or after your Antarctica cruise, this isn’t something we’d recommend. The two regions (center & south) boast opposing seasons. Since you are traveling to the far south of South America when it's at its (climatic) best, we suggest you concentrate your explorations on this vast and stunning region instead.
Beautiful Patagonia landscape of Andes mountain range, winding road and lake at Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.
4. If you are short on time, home in solely on Argentina
Direct flights to Ushuaia take off from Buenos Aires and Cordoba, and both cities have daily connections to Mendoza. If you are short on time but still wish to include a few side trips, choosing one, two or all three as stop-overs on your way south is a fabulous idea.
The Argentinian capital boasts enough highlights to keep you busy for weeks. Cordoba is a gloriously historic town, home to some of the most enchanting Moorish and colonial-era architecture in the whole country. Mendoza, on the other hand, is Argentina’s prime wine-growing region, right at the foothills of the Andes.
Reason enough to squeeze in a pit stop for a few days? You bet!
5. If you have time, explore Patagonia before your cruise
In an ideal world, you'd want to experience the best of Patagonia before embarking on your Antarctica cruise. This way, you'll leave 'the best highlight till last' and enjoy a magical itinerary of ever-increasing delights.
But don’t worry if you can’t make it work – exploring Patagonia at any time is a phenomenal highlight in its own right!
Best Things to Do Before or After Your Antarctica Cruise
Here are the most popular pre- and post-Antarctica cruise options for those with more time available:
Things to do in Buenos Aires
If you combine Paris with Vienna and add a touch of the exotic, Buenos Aires is the kind of vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis you'd come up with. A few days spent soaking up its beauty is always a good idea – and it's particularly perfect for Antarctica cruise passengers. Here, you can process that jetlag while sipping Malbec and shopping for hand-made leather goods, spend evenings watching gorgeous couples dance tango on the streets, and admire some of South America's most impressive architecture.
Buenos Aires has it all as Argentina’s hub of culture, style, history, music, and wonderful culinary delights. Top things to do on a stop-over itinerary? Start by exploring the enchanting neighbourhoods of San Telmo and La Boca, revered for their colourful streets, lively markets, and charming cafes. Take a guided tour of downtown and Plaza de Mayo to learn more about the country's tumultuous history, and don't miss the architectural marvels of the famous Recoleta Cemetery. In the evening, head to the newly refurbished Puerto Madero for sensational sundowners and immerse yourself in the city's essence by taking in a tango and dinner show in one of the city’s many upscale restaurants.
Viva’s 4-day Signature Buenos Aires Tour offers the perfect overview and a brilliant pre- or post-Antarctica cruise experience.
Colorful area in La Boca neighborhoods, Buenos Aires
Things to do in Mendoza
Nestled at the western foothills of the Andes, just two hours' flight from Buenos Aires, Mendoza boasts a unique blend of natural and urban charm. The city is the core of Argentina’s most famous wine-growing region and is the birthplace of Malbec in South America. The grape was first exported to the region by French agronomists in the 19th century. Yet, Mendoza's insanely fertile soil, and high-altitude location, have meant that today, the city is considered the world’s premier Malbec growing region.
Mendoza itself is an absolute gem, its wide, tree-lined avenues, grandiose plazas and imposing mansions creating an altogether majestic picture. Between the art galleries, gourmet restaurants, wine-tasting tours, bodega overnight stays, and exquisite scenery at every turn, you'll be spoilt for a choice of things to do, see, and savour. Don't forget that Mendoza is framed by the Andes, so you'll also find many outdoor adventures. Plan on extending your itinerary if you wish to do a bike tour, rafting excursion, or horseback riding tour.
Viva’sMendoza Wine Country Tour offers an appetizing taste of the city and its world-class wineries. Ask us about tailor-made itineraries that include other activities you’d love to experience.
Organic vineyards near Mendoza in Argentina with Andes in the background
Things to do in Patagonia
Amazing landscapes, wildlife-watching in abundance and a feeling that you really have reached ‘the end of the world’ – that's Patagonia in a nutshell. One of the world's most striking regions is a remote and often inhospitable place, prime for visiting for just a few short months every year – October to March – the same as Antarctic cruising season. If you have a few extra days (or weeks) to dedicate to your travels beyond your cruise itinerary, you could not find a better destination to explore.
Given its extraordinary wilderness, Patagonia is known as a hiker’s paradise and, once upon a time, was primarily the haunt of intrepid backpackers who didn’t mind roughing it for the stellar rewards. Nowadays, however, a healthy smattering of upscale lodges means you can experience just about every corner of Patagonia in comfort and luxury. Yep, even in remote national parks like Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares. You don't need to hike extensively to soak up the region's essence. Short walking trails and great driving routes abound.
Here are a few Patagonia hot spots you might want to include in your itinerary:
Bariloche – Just a two-hour direct flight from Buenos Aires is the resplendent Lakes District of Argentina. Its base town of Bariloche is set along the shores of a glacial lake, surrounded by prime dense forests, vertiginous peaks and eye-popping landscapes. The picturesque city, which wouldn’t look out of place in Switzerland, is famous for its hand-made chocolates and friendly residents St Bernards – in case you are seeking two more reasons to visit. Here's how to add a Bariloche side trip to your itinerary.
Church in the city of Bariloche. Argentina
El Calafate – The main gateway to the Glaciares National Park, home to the world-famous Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate is the best place to experience two of Argentina's best highlights: glaciers and estancias. The farmlands around the city offer an enticing glimpse into gaucho life, while at the glacier-enriched national park, you can take boat rides and short walking trails that guide you to spectacular viewpoints. Viva’s El Calafate Tour combines the best highlights in the area.
Perito Moreno glacier in Patagonia, Argentina
Full Patagonia tour – If you have more than just a few days to dedicate to Patagonia, you'll no doubt enjoy a whirlwind tour that encompasses the best highlights of this enormous region.
As we love to say, there is a Patagonia experience to suit everyone – whether you wish to stay in one luxurious location and do every activity on offer there (like our Tierra Patagonia or Explora El Chalten experiences) or join our small-group 10-day overland Southern Explorer* tour. And the most popular option of all – our 9-day Signature Patagonia itinerary which starts in Santiago (Chile).
*Please note that our small group tours start on specific dates, while our bespoke tours are tailor-designed to suit your Antarctica cruise date.
Things to do in Ushuaia
The striking city at the world's end is primarily known as the starting point for Antarctica cruises. In reality, Ushuaia has much more going for it than its (rather expansive) port. Aside from the fact that it looks absolutely surreal nestled between the frigid seas and the snow-capped Andes, Ushuaia is ideally located for exploring the jaw-dropping Tierra del Fuego archipelago and the Beagle Channel, has a marvellous glacier at its doorstep, and an abundance of top-notch restaurants and cafes along its main commercial strip. Many of our Patagonia tour itineraries visit here to soak up the nearby highlights, even without hopping on a cruise to Antarctica.
Spend a few relaxing days here before (or after) your cruise. You can access easy hiking trails in the stunning Tierra del Fuego National Park and its 63,000 acres of unspoiled forests, lakes, rivers, mountains and rich array of wildlife. To explore the Beagle Channel, you can opt for a sightseeing cruise to spot sea lions and penguins (an excellent precursor to the real deal!) or take an awe-inspiring scenic helicopter flight – perhaps one of the best you could take anywhere in the world. The perspective of Ushuaia, the archipelago, the glacier and beyond is simply mind-blowing.
Tourist helicopter flying over the city of Ushuaia
Ushuaia’s downtown is a hub of shopping and feasting. Pick up any last-minute things you’ve forgotten to pack for your Antarctica cruise and savour South Atlantic King Crab, the undisputed star of the local culinary scene. Here are the best-rated restaurants in Ushuaia to try the city’s signature dish.
See our 3-day Ushuaia itinerary, tailor-made as an Antarctica cruise itinerary add-on.
Not sure about the best way to plan a side-trip adventure that complements your Antarctica cruise itinerary? See Viva’s Patagonia Tours and contact one of our South America Destination Specialists. They will work with you to create a seamless itinerary that removes the stress and will ensure your Antarctica cruise and pre- or post-cruise excursions go ahead without a hitch.
