South America Cruise Recap

Scenic Eclipse | Rhythms of the Brazilian Coastline

I just returned from the most incredible journey along the coast of South America aboard the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse, and I couldn’t wait to share some highlights, favorite experiences, and insider recommendations with you.

Life Onboard Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Eclipse isn’t just a cruise ship—it’s what they call a “Discovery Yacht,” and it truly feels like a floating luxury hotel with a very intimate atmosphere.

My Daily Life Onboard

Waking up to ocean views from my private verandah
Coffee delivered by my butler
Multiple incredible dining options, all included
Lounges and quiet spaces with panoramic views

Butler Service

Morning coffee delivered to your room
Help unpacking and packing
Drinks, snacks, and anything you need brought to you
Laundry and daily details handled seamlessly

The Marina

One of the coolest parts of Scenic Eclipse is “The Marina”—the back of the yacht actually opens directly into the ocean.
Paddleboard
Kayak
Swim right off the yacht
Float in beautiful destinations

Why it stood out: Being able to jump straight into the destination instead of just looking at it made the experience feel immersive and adventurous.

Mahjong with a View

We ended up playing a lot of mahjong onboard, and there were so many beautiful places to play—observation lounges, outdoor deck areas, and cozy indoor spaces with ocean views.

Itinerary Highlights

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Our journey began in Buenos Aires, a city full of energy, culture, and amazing food.

Map: Buenos Aires
Pizza: Guerrin
Steak: Don Julio
Dessert: La Brigada
Market: San Telmo Market
Market: Floreria Atlanticot

My take: Buenos Aires is a foodie’s dream and a fantastic pre- or post-cruise stay.

Montevideo, Uruguay

After a short city tour, we traveled into the countryside to visit Estancia La Rábida, a traditional working ranch.

Map: Montevideo
A 3,650-acre farm with corn, wheat, and barley
Over 650 milking cows producing thousands of liters of milk daily
I even milked a cow
Stunning scenery where farmland meets coastal cliffs along the Río de la Plata
Traditional Uruguayan asado and regional wines

What made it special: The personal connection of meeting the family and experiencing authentic gaucho life.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

We began with a scenic drive through Punta del Este, often called the “Saint-Tropez of Latin America.”

Casa Pueblo: View Location
Upscale neighborhoods and famous wavy bridges
Casa Pueblo designed by artist Carlos Páez Vilaró
A 13-story structure inspired by birds’ nests
Filled with artwork, terraces, and winding corridors

My take: A perfect mix of art, architecture, and scenery.

Porto Belo / Camboriú, Brazil

Map: View location
Scenic drive to Balneário Camboriú
Cable car ride through the Atlantic Forest to panoramic viewpoints
Stop at Laranjeiras Beach
Schooner boat ride back along the coastline

Or, if you’re like me and prefer adventure, I chose to zip line from 240 meters high instead of spending the day on the beach—and it was incredible.

What I loved: You get jungle, beach, and ocean views all in one experience.

Ilhabela, Brazil

Cabras Island: View location
Shopping: Nearby Shopping
Havaianas Store: Local Store
Small boat ride to the ecological sanctuary of Ilha das Cabras
Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
Tropical fish and peaceful natural surroundings
Great local shopping

And if you love Havaianas, this is a great place to stock up because they were about half the price compared to the U.S.

Paraty, Brazil

Saco do Mamanguá Fjord: View Location
One of my favorites! We explored the only fjord in Brazil by speedboat.
Jungle-covered mountains
Quiet, secluded setting far from crowds
Swim stops at pristine beaches
Stops included Engenho Beach, Costa Beach, and Ilhote Grande

My take: One of the most special and unexpected highlights of the entire trip.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Port: View Port

The perfect grand finale—iconic, vibrant, and unforgettable. From dramatic mountains to world-famous beaches, Rio is full of energy and beauty.

Pro Travel Tip: Maximize Your Last Day in Rio: If you have a later flight, don’t waste your final day at the airport. We arranged a fully customized private tour between disembarkation and our flight, and it turned our travel day into one of the best days of the trip.

Disembarked around 9:30am
Met our private guide right at the port
Returned to the airport around 6:00pm for a 9:30pm flight

What we fit into one amazing day:

Final Thoughts

This itinerary is perfect for travelers who want:

A mix of culture, nature, and luxury
Something beyond the typical Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise
Smaller, more intimate ship experiences
Truly immersive, unique destinations

My honest opinion: Between the destinations and the onboard experience, this was one of the most well-rounded and unique trips I’ve ever taken.