Shore Excursions in South America: 10 That Fill a Day Properly

1.Shore Excursion: Petrohue Waterfalls, Frutillar & Puerto Varas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 554 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Travel from Puerto Montt to Petrohué Falls, Puerto Varas, and Frutillar in about six hours. Expect Osorno Volcano views, an easy falls walk, German-Chilean towns, homemade empanadas, wine, and pisco sour. Guides such as Emily, Ignacio, Erik, and Cony are praised for clear English and careful cruise timing.

“Enjoyable trip to Osorno and the national park. the guide Emily and the driver were friendly and helpful. Even though it was rainy in Fruitillar they made every effort that we had a lovely day. Highly recommend to anyone who visits.”

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2.Shore Excursion – National Park Tierra del Fuego

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 169 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $60Best value

From Ushuaia’s cruise pier, this 4 to 5 hour outing visits Lake Roca, Zaratiegui Cove, and Bahia Lapataia at the end of the Pan-American Highway. A local guide provides commentary, and pickup and return are arranged around the ship. Confirm the group size and train arrangements before booking, since some departures use larger buses.

“The tour bus was not in the best of shape. The windows were foggy for the first portion of the tour so we couldn't see much. The sound system was not working very well so we had trouble hearing the guide and her accent was very marked and combined with the broken sound system we had trouble understanding her. The park itself was very nice with some beautiful vistas.”

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3.Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia City Tour Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Spend about five hours touring Tierra del Fuego National Park and Ushuaia in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English or Spanish speaking guide. Expect easy walks, lake and mountain views, the End of the Pan-American Highway sign, a snack stop, and photo stops around the world’s southernmost city. Park admission costs $25 extra and requires a credit card.

“There must be more spectacular areas in Ushuaia than the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Was a bit disappointed. Also, unfortunately we didn't have the best guide. Very nice man, English was a bit difficult to understand at times and talked constantly- a good guide knows when to shut up.”

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4.Shore Excursion PRIVATE City tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $163Top rated

Explore Cartagena by private vehicle and on foot with a guide such as Nico, Ismael, Julia, or Niomi. You’ll visit the hilltop La Popa convent, the old walled city, Las Bóvedas, the San Pedro Claver church, and a major colonial fort. Port transfers, light refreshments, and a flexible pace are included.

“Absolutely fabulous tour guide! I mentioned that I have mobility problems and he even brought a wheel chair in case it might be needed! The pride that he has for his beautiful city and country is reflected in his knowledge! We came away from our tour of Cartagena with a profound respect for the people who brought independence to Cartagena! Our tour guide was kind and respectful of my lack of mobility and did everything that he could to insure that we didn't miss anything! We give 10 stars!!!”

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5.Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes – Pto Madryn – Patagonia – Argentina

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 111 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $95

Travel from Puerto Madryn into Peninsula Valdes with an English-speaking guide such as Carolina, Mary, or Santiago. Expect a small air-conditioned vehicle, box lunch, an interpretation center, penguins, elephant seals, guanacos, and possible sea lions. The day lasts about seven hours, with long stretches on gravel roads and wildlife sightings that can vary sharply by season.

“It was 200 km drive one way and other for 200 km drive home. We saw a lot of penguins and sea lions but they’re all quite a distance away. Only one penguin was up where we were 15 feet away.TOMBA area would be better on the Valdez peninsula. They saw much more than we did.”

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6.Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo with Boxlunch from Pto Madryn

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $120

From Puerto Madryn’s cruise pier, ride by car, van, or minibus to Punta Tombo, South America’s largest Magellanic penguin reserve. You’ll walk a 1.5-kilometer route through the Patagonian steppe to the coast, with at least two hours among penguin nests. Guides such as Mariana, Roy, Pitu, and Marcela have helped make the long ride engaging.

“March 2024 Tour was ok, but very disappointed as to the amount of penguins we saw! Expected to see the largest colony in the world! If this is not the time of year then this tour should not be sold!”

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7.Shore excursion Cartagena city tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $75

This four-hour Cartagena shore excursion combines La Popa’s sweeping city view, the San Felipe fortress, Las Bóvedas, the walled city, Saint Peter Claver Church, and Manga’s historic homes. Local guides such as Benny, Eduardo, and Julio lead the visit, with air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and two admission fees included.

“Difficult to get clear answers from tour operator. Tour meeting information on confirmation was wrong and almost missed pickup. One of the stops Viator listed was was not on guide's agenda. But the guide was good. Be prepared to be accosted by vendors at every stop.”

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8.Shore Excursion Punta Tombo cruise passengers Puerto Madryn

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $125

Travel from Puerto Madryn’s pier to Punta Tombo in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English and Spanish-speaking guide. You’ll spend 1.5 to 2 hours near thousands of Magellanic penguins, with chances to spot guanacos and Patagonian hares. Lunch, water, and an optional dinosaur stop are included, but park admission costs extra.

“Well organized-small group size-well versed English speaking guide. Left early (before cruise ship buses)- had plenty of time in the rookery and timely return back to ship. Would recommend this tour to any cruise ship guests.”

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9.Cruise Shore Excursion Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes – Patagonia – Argentina

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $159

Travel from Puerto Madryn to Peninsula Valdes with a small group, stopping at San Lorenzo’s huge Magellanic penguin rookery and Punta Norte’s sea lions and elephant seals. Guides such as Beto, Martin, Fernando, and Lucia add local insight. Expect about seven hours, long gravel-road stretches, and extra entrance fees.

“This is a perfect tour for solo and couples travelers who want to avoid crowds and see elephant seals, sea lions, penguins and other local wildlife plus enjoy a fantastic Argentine lunch featuring lamb and wine. The trade off is the tour is a bit pricey and you will spend approximately 3-4 hours, much of it on gravel roads. For me this was all well worth it, and my guide, Fernando, was excellent.”

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10.Punta Tombo Shore Excursion w/box Lunch(Shared tour for cruises)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 40 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $135

Travel by air-conditioned vehicle from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo, where boardwalks lead through a large Magellanic penguin colony. Guides such as Mariana, Claudia, Ariana, and Nico explain breeding, chicks, migration, and local wildlife. The shared tour lasts about seven hours, includes lunch, and carries up to 17 people.

“I did enjoy it and feel that the trip worths the money. I am glad that I went, making it a highlight for my cruise trip.”

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