5 Unique Shore Excursions in South America with Crystal Cruises

Luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, makes every moment of your journey an unforgettable experience; through onboard activities and entertainment, delicious elevated dining, and unique shore excursions. If you choose to sail South America with Crystal, you will have access to incredible land excursions that include delicious regional culinary experiences, majestic landscape views, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings. Marvel at the majesty of the penguins, take endless photos of the snow-capped mountains of the Andes, or immerse yourself in regional culture through the food of the locals.

Here are 5 unique shore excursion options that you can book when cruising around South America with Crystal Cruises:

BLUFF COVE PENGUIN EXPLORATION | Duration: Half-Day

Embark on an exclusive tour to Bluff Cove Lagoon, a renowned wildlife sanctuary in the Falklands, where you'll encounter breeding King and Gentoo penguins and a variety of bird species. After arriving by tender, a 30-minute mini-bus ride with a knowledgeable guide takes you through Stanley to this private haven. At the lagoon, explore penguin colonies set against a stunning backdrop of a large lagoon and sandy beach, occasionally visited by sea lions.

This pristine reserve hosts 1,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins and the world's most accessible King penguin colony. You'll also spot Magellanic penguins and a diverse array of birdlife including Skuas, Upland geese, and Southern giant petrels. Enjoy complimentary refreshments at the Sea Cabbage Cafe, with home-baked treats like scones with Diddle-dee jam, while taking in the views of penguins and dolphins.

Visit the Wild Woolly gift shop for unique Bluff Cove souvenirs and learn about wool crafting. The Bus Stop Museum offers insights into Falklands life, the 1982 war, and local wildlife. Conclude your memorable visit with a return journey to Stanley.

ARGENTINE ASADO IMMERSION | Duration: Half-Day

Discover the enchanting rituals of an Argentinean Asado, where you'll be welcomed with a drink and witness the art of preparing the grill and selecting cuts of meat. Your hosts, passionate about gastronomy, invite you into their home for a cultural exchange over a traditional meal, offering a unique social experience. Enjoy a meal featuring appetizers, a main course, dessert, coffee or tea, wine, and Yerba mate. The creators of this tour believe that sharing a meal fosters peace and understanding, revealing cultural similarities and differences. This unique experience concludes as you return to your ship.

USHUAIA & THE ANDES BY AIR | Duration: 2 Hours

Embark on a breathtaking journey as the group takes flight over the city, heading east toward the majestic Mount Olivia. Witness its towering peak, a symbol of the region, before soaring through the Olivia River Valley with views of the Carbajal Valley's expansive peatlands. As the flight continues over the Tierra Mayor Valley, the stunning Emerald Lagoon, fed by glacier meltwater, comes into view. Climbing higher, you land on a mountain summit in the Andes, offering spectacular panoramic views. Capture the scenery and relish this unique spot at the world's end. The journey concludes with a coastal flight along the Beagle Channel and a final pass over Ushuaia's picturesque bay.

YRERE FARM EXPERIENCE | Duration: Half-Day

Embark on an enchanting journey through Ilheus, Bahia, starting with a transfer from the harbor to the historic downtown. Begin with a walking tour of the old town, visiting the impressive Cathedral and the delightful Sao Jorge Church. Explore local craft shops for unique handmade items. Then, drive to a famous chocolate shop to indulge in Bahian cocoa flavors. Continue with a scenic drive to Yvere Farm, where you can walk an ecological path and see the traditional 'barcaca,' a house with a movable roof for drying cocoa seeds. Enjoy free time to explore the farm and its rural shop, offering various local products. The tour concludes with a relaxing drive back to the port, embracing the cultural and natural treasures of Ilheus.

PUNTA LOMA & ESTANCIA SAN GUILLERMO | Duration: Half-Day

Experience the beauty of coastal wildlife and the traditional life of an Argentine sheep ranch on the Patagonian Steppe. Journey along the coastal highway for breathtaking views and wildlife sightings. Stop at Punta Loma, south of Puerto Madryn, to visit the Punta Loma Nature Reserve, home to a Sea Lion Colony. These impressive creatures, reaching up to 2.5 meters and 350kg, are easily spotted. Continue to Estancia San Guillermo to explore indigenous flora and fauna and learn about the resilient lifestyle of the locals. Witness a sheep shearing demonstration during your visit.

Booking Your Cruise

Now that you are ready to book your cruise and experience these incredible shore excursions for yourself, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the ships and itineraries inside-and-out, and have an amazing relationship with Crystal Cruises. Our advisors will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.

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