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South America - Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Uruguay
South America Luxury Cruise - Frequently Asked Questions
January 15 - February 2, 2026  

With such a rich and varied itinerary and so many aspects to touring the coastal cities of South America it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to start preparing for your cruise. We are here to help. Below, you'll find some useful information you'll need as you get ready for the tour.

TIME

Although our adventures will take us to four countries in 19 days, all of our itinerary is in the UTC - 3 zone, which means we will be 2 hours ahead of New York for our entire journey.

NEW YORK CITY

BUENOS AIRES

PACKING 

In January, which is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the weather in Chile, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and Uruguay can be quite varied, but generally, we will experience mild to warm conditions in most areas, with cooler and windier weather in the southernmost destinations (like the Falkland Islands and Punta Arenas).focus on packing breathable layers, waterproof gear, comfortable walking shoes, and warmer clothing for the cooler areas. Make sure to be prepared for a mix of sunny, cool, and rainy conditions throughout your cruise. Other items you may wish to include in your suitcase are a sun hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, your camera or phone and charger, medications, and your swimsuit for the cruise ship pool. If you are prone to seasickness you will want to bring a remedy, although there is a small shop aboard if you forget. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS  

All participants require a current passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia do not require a visa to enter Argentina, Falkland Islands, or Uruguay.

Visitors from the US and Canada no longer need to pay a reciprocity fee to enter Chile, however a passport valid for 6 months past the expected departure date is necessary. Before entering Chile, you'll need to fill out a tourist card that allows visitors to stay for 90 days and must be presented to the Immigration Office when leaving the country. Please make sure to store it securely, so you can leave the country without any issues.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION

This tour starts in Valparaiso, Chile on January 15, 2026. To reach Valparaiso, you will fly into Santiago, Chile (airport code SCL) and arrange a transfer to the port (about an hour by taxi.) The cruise ends in Buenos Aires on Monday, February 2, 2026 after breakfast; you can arrange your airport transfer at any time this day.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT AND ROOMMATES  

To avoid paying the single supplement, we will try to match you with a roommate of similar age. Otherwise, there are some single suites available on this tour, but since the price for a single suite carries a 75% surcharge, we expect that most of our travelers will be matched with a roommate. However, Sights and Soul Travels cannot guarantee roommate matching on the Silversea cruises.

THE TRAVEL GROUP  

The tour group is limited to the maximum of 16 women + the Tour Director. The minimum group size is 11 women + the Tour Director. In addition to the Tour Director, the tour guests will be assisted by the Silversea staff (almost 1 :1 ratio of staff to cruise passengers) and expedition guides.

HEALTH  

On this cruise to coastal Chile, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and Uruguay, key health risks include seasickness due to rough waters, particularly in the southern regions, as well as sunburn and dehydration from exposure to UV rays. The weather can be cold and windy, especially in the Falkland Islands and southern Chile, increasing the risk of hypothermia if unprepared. In remote areas like the Falklands, access to medical care may be limited, so it’s important to carry necessary medications and be aware of the risks associated with wildlife encounters.

WATER  

In general, the tap water in urban areas like Buenos Aires, and  Punta Arenas is considered safe to drink, as it meets local health standards. However, in more remote or rural regions, particularly in the Falkland Islands or some parts of southern Chile, it is recommended to drink bottled or purified water, as water quality may vary. If you're unsure, it’s always a good idea to ask locals or your cruise staff about the water safety in specific areas.

ACTIVITY LEVEL  

During the cruise, we'll be traveling by bus to our land excursions, and we may be covering some ground by foot. To be able to participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 4 miles throughout the day. You need to be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes, you need to be able to climb stairs, and get in and out of vehicles without assistance. It is always an option to remain on the ship if an excursion is deemed to be too taxing.

WEATHER

Chile (Punta Arenas): Temperatures range from 50°F to 59°F but can feel colder due to the wind, so warm layers and a waterproof jacket are important.

Falkland Islands: The weather is generally cool, ranging from 41°F to 59°F, with frequent wind and rain, so be prepared with warm layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes for walking in nature.

Argentina: January is summer, so expect warm temperatures in cities like Buenos Aires, ranging from 77°F to 95°F, so pack lighter clothing. However, it can cool down significantly in the evenings, so bring a sweater or light jacket.

Uruguay: Uruguay will be warm in January, with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F, making lightweight clothing ideal for days spent in cities like Montevideo and along the coast.

CELL PHONE/INTERNET

All guests onboard Silversea Whisper will be granted free, unlimited standard Wi-Fi for 1 device at the time per cabin. Standard Wi-Fi is provided at regular satellite speed, ideal for emailing, web surfing, chat or similar, but not suitable for video, audio calls, or streaming. Premium WI-FI access is available at an additional charge and is suitable for all kinds of applications, including video and audio call and streaming. Telecommunications via satellite is a significantly different experience compared to high-speed connections on shore. The signal travels in a similar manner to radio waves but at much greater distances. That is why onboard Internet access is inconsistent and cannot be guaranteed at all times. Satellite communications are also affected by weather and the ship’s location. On board, guests may make and receive phone calls, text messages and other select data services on their own cell phone. Guests will be billed by their home cell phone provider and calls or messages will appear as roaming charges on their bill. Before leaving home, you should contact your provider to confirm that a roaming agreement with Silversea has been established. Silver Whisper is also equipped with a phone system that allows guests to make direct-dial calls from their suite whilst at sea. Calls will be billed to the guest’s onboard account.

TIPPING

All gratuities are included in the cost of the Silversea South America cruise. If you feel your butler did an exceptional job you may wish to tip them an additional amount at your discretion. At the conclusion of the tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity. We recommend $15 per person per day if you feel that her services enhanced your experience on the cruise.