{"id":99695,"date":"2026-10-22T17:13:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/cargo-ship-to-south-america"},"modified":"2026-10-22T20:02:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T20:02:37","slug":"cargo-ship-to-south-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/cargo-ship-to-south-america","title":{"rendered":"Cargo Ship to South America: Freighter Travel from Europe to Brazil, Uruguay &#038; Argentina"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Cargo Ship to South America: Freighter Travel from Europe to Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina\",\n            \"description\": \"Travel by cargo ship to South America: routes from Europe to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, journey times, costs, ro-ro vs container ships and how to book.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/cargo-ship-to-south-america\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays19-1024x476.jpg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can you take a cargo ship to South America?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Some ro-ro and container ships carry a few passengers from Europe to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How long does a cargo ship take from Europe to Brazil?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Typically 2&ndash;4 weeks, depending on the route and port calls.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much does it cost to sail to South America on a freighter?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Around US$90&ndash;150 per person per day, meals included. A 4&ndash;6 week voyage usually costs a few thousand dollars.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I ship my car or campervan to South America?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes, usually by ro-ro or container. It is booked separately from your passenger cabin.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Do I need vaccinations?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yellow fever vaccination may be required for some ports. Check with a travel clinic well before you go.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Last updated: 22 October 2026<\/p><p><strong>Sailing from Europe to South America on a cargo ship is one of the most rewarding freighter voyages you can take.<\/strong> You cross the equator, follow the old trade routes south, and call at ports from West Africa to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. It is slow travel at its best, and ideal for overlanders, long-term travellers and anyone who wants to arrive without flying.<\/p><h2>Routes and ship types<\/h2><p>Two main kinds of ship carry passengers between Europe and South America:<\/p><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Ship type<\/th><th>Typical route<\/th><th>Journey time<\/th><th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Ro-ro \/ con-ro<\/td><td>Northern Europe &rarr; West Africa &rarr; Brazil &rarr; Uruguay &rarr; Argentina<\/td><td>About 4&ndash;6 weeks to Buenos Aires<\/td><td>Often carries vehicles; some have a dedicated passenger deck<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Container ship<\/td><td>Northern Europe or the Mediterranean &rarr; Brazil &rarr; River Plate<\/td><td>About 3&ndash;5 weeks<\/td><td>Faster, with fewer port calls<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p>Typical European departure ports include Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Le Havre and Tilbury or other UK ports on some rotations. Arrival ports often include Vit&oacute;ria, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Paranagu&aacute;, Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Z&aacute;rate.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays19-1024x476.jpg\" alt=\"Cargo ship sailing south through the Atlantic\" width=\"1024\" height=\"476\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Cargo ship sailing south through the Atlantic\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Crossing the equator is a highlight of the voyage to South America.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>How long does it take?<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Europe to Brazil:<\/strong> around 2&ndash;4 weeks, depending on port calls<\/li><li><strong>Europe to Uruguay or Argentina:<\/strong> around 4&ndash;6 weeks<\/li><li><strong>Round trip:<\/strong> around 9&ndash;12 weeks<\/li><\/ul><p>Ro-ro ships calling in West Africa (for example Dakar, Conakry, Lagos or Cotonou) take longer, but give you extra ports to see.<\/p><h2>Taking your vehicle<\/h2><p>This route is popular with overlanders driving the Americas. Your campervan or 4&times;4 travels as cargo, sometimes on the same ro-ro ship you sail on. Vehicle space and passenger cabins are booked separately. You will need:<\/p><ul><li><strong>The vehicle registration document and proof of ownership<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Temporary import permits<\/strong>, arranged at the destination<\/li><li><strong>A clean, empty vehicle<\/strong>, with personal items restricted on ro-ro<\/li><li><strong>Insurance<\/strong> for both the voyage and the road<\/li><\/ul><h2>What does it cost?<\/h2><p>Passenger fares are usually charged per day, roughly <strong>US$90&ndash;150 per person<\/strong>, including all meals. A six-week voyage to Buenos Aires can therefore cost around US$3,800&ndash;6,300 per person, plus booking fees and insurance. Vehicle shipping is priced separately by size.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_289566284-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Ship arriving into a busy port\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Ship arriving into a busy port\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Port calls in Brazil can last from a few hours to two days.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>What the voyage is like<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Cabins:<\/strong> outside cabins with private shower and toilet, near the officers<\/li><li><strong>Food:<\/strong> three set meals a day in the officers&rsquo; mess<\/li><li><strong>Crossing the line:<\/strong> many crews mark the equator crossing with a traditional ceremony<\/li><li><strong>Wildlife:<\/strong> flying fish, dolphins, seabirds and sometimes whales<\/li><li><strong>Port days:<\/strong> go ashore when time allows, with your passport and the agent&rsquo;s contact details<\/li><\/ul><p>Read <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/life-on-a-container-ship\/\">life on a container ship<\/a> for a typical day at sea.<\/p><h2>Paperwork<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Passport<\/strong> valid for at least six months<\/li><li><strong>Visas:<\/strong> UK passport holders can currently visit Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina visa-free as tourists, but rules change. Brazil has reintroduced visas for some nationalities, so check government advice.<\/li><li><strong>Yellow fever vaccination:<\/strong> recommended or required for some West African ports and parts of Brazil<\/li><li><strong>Medical certificate and specialist travel insurance<\/strong> covering evacuation at sea<\/li><\/ul><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>Can you take a cargo ship to South America?<\/h3><p>Yes. Some ro-ro and container ships carry a few passengers from Europe to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.<\/p><h3>How long does a cargo ship take from Europe to Brazil?<\/h3><p>Typically 2&ndash;4 weeks, depending on the route and port calls.<\/p><h3>How much does it cost to sail to South America on a freighter?<\/h3><p>Around US$90&ndash;150 per person per day, meals included. A 4&ndash;6 week voyage usually costs a few thousand dollars.<\/p><h3>Can I ship my car or campervan to South America?<\/h3><p>Yes, usually by ro-ro or container. It is booked separately from your passenger cabin.<\/p><h3>Do I need vaccinations?<\/h3><p>Yellow fever vaccination may be required for some ports. Check with a travel clinic well before you go.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Sail south to South America<\/strong><p>Tell us your dates and whether you&rsquo;re taking a vehicle, and we&rsquo;ll check suitable ships.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/sinformer-pour-une-croisiere-cargo\/\">Ask about South America voyages &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travel by cargo ship to South America: routes from Europe to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, journey times, costs, ro-ro vs container ships and how to book.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99801,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1020,356,357],"tags":[1560,1559,1155,1558,1561],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99695"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99695"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99725,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99695\/revisions\/99725"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99695"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99695"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}