Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil: Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires
Coasts and Emblematic Cities of South America
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Buenos Aires → Rio de Janeiro
This ten-night voyage links Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil aboard L'Austral, a 184-guest sistership of the Ponant Classic fleet with marina platform and premium all-inclusive service. From Buenos Aires you follow the Rio de la Plata estuary, sail along the Uruguayan riviera and then enter the Brazilian Atlantic coast with its colonial towns and lush coastal forests. Highlights include the Mata Atlântica islands off Brazil and the Portuguese colonial harbours of Paraty and Rio. The compact itinerary suits travellers wanting South American contrasts in a short time.
Route highlights
- Buenos Aires: tango capital on the Río de la Plata with San Telmo, La Boca and Recoleta.
- Montevideo: Uruguay's capital with the Ciudad Vieja and Mercado del Puerto.
- Punta del Este: stylish seaside resort known for the iconic hand sculpture on the beach.
- Porto Belo: southern Brazilian bay with Atlantic rainforest and offshore islands.
- Ilhabela: mountainous island in São Paulo state, Mata Atlântica and waterfalls.
- Paraty: Portuguese colonial town with cobbled streets, UNESCO-listed.
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana as a grand finale.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Buenos Aires
10 nights
Rio de Janeiro
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Buenos Aires · Embarkation
Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America", is shaped by European architecture, tango milongas in the Caminito alley of La Boca and the Café Tortoni - the oldest coffee house on the continent. The Recoleta Cemetery with Evita Perón's grave is one of the most extraordinary cemeteries in the world.
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Montevideo
Montevideo, South America's most relaxed capital, links the Rambla (waterfront promenade) with the Ciudad Vieja - colonial architecture, Uruguayan asado culture and one of the continent's oldest markets (Mercado del Puerto). The wine regions of Canelones and Colonia del Sacramento are ideal for excursions.
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Punta del Este
On a peninsula on the southern Atlantic coast of Uruguay where the Río de la Plata meets the Atlantic, this glamorous beach resort styles itself as South America's St Tropez. The striking sculpture La Mano, five giant fingers reaching out of the sand by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, is its hallmark.
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Rio Grande
At the mouth of the Lagoa dos Patos into the Atlantic in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, this city founded in 1737 is southern Brazil's most important deep-water port. The Portuguese fortress and colonial centre recall its role as a strategic outpost against the Spanish crown.
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At sea
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Porto Belo
On the southern Brazilian Atlantic coast in the state of Santa Catarina, this coastal town nestles against a sheltered bay of clear, calm water. Just offshore lies Ilha de Porto Belo, a popular snorkelling and diving spot within a marine reserve.
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Paranaguá
In the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on a sheltered Atlantic bay, this port handles the largest soy throughput in Latin America. The colonial old town with cobbled lanes and an 18th-century Jesuit college contrasts with the modern loading cranes.
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Ilhabela
Off the Atlantic coast of the Brazilian state of São Paulo rises the mountainous island of Ilhabela with peaks up to 1,300 metres. Most of it is designated as a nature reserve with 300 waterfalls, and the island is considered the capital of the Brazilian sailing scene with an annual International Sailing Week and more shipwrecks than any other Brazilian coast.
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Paraty
Nestled along the Costa Verde between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, this colonial port town preserves an almost intact 18th-century townscape. Cobblestones, whitewashed houses with colourful doorways and the Serra do Mar mountain backdrop earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
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Rio de Janeiro · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Buenos Aires
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 30 | 29 | 27 | 23 | 19 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 29 |
| Sea °C | 23 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 120 | 110 | 120 | 110 | 90 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 110 | 100 | 100 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic South America (Buenos Aires)
Disembarkation: Rio de Janeiro
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 |
| Sea °C | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 110 | 120 | 130 | 110 | 70 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 60 | 90 | 100 | 140 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
Along the South American coast, L'Austral sails through the fjords of Patagonia to Cape Horn - expedition routes in one of the earth's last great wildernesses.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 7.360 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 7.950 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 8.790 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 9.210 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 9.710 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 13.420 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 18.050 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 18.970 | On request | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 21.750 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 10 nights from EUR 6.990 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Buenos Aires the best time to sail is October to April (southern summer); for disembarkation in Rio de Janeiro it is April to September (drier, mild).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
