South America is a continent of contrasts where the legacies of the Inca, Muisca, and Mapuche civilizations meet Spanish and Portuguese colonial influences and vibrant modern cities. Ancient wonders like Machu Picchu and Easter Island stand alongside UNESCO-listed old towns such as Cartagena and Quito.
The continent’s cultural richness thrives in tango halls, Andean festivals, Amazonian traditions, and some of the world’s most celebrated cuisines.
For the luxury traveler, South America offers both depth and indulgence: stay in haciendas in the Andes, enjoy exclusive Amazon cruises, and savor fine wines in Argentina and Chile while immersed in breathtaking landscapes.
Top Tourist Destinations in South America
Peru
1. Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is South America’s most iconic site. Luxury travelers can enjoy private guided tours, exclusive train journeys aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham, and five-star retreats in the Sacred Valley.
2. Lima
Lima is South America’s culinary capital, home to several of the world’s top restaurants. Private food tours, boutique hotels in Miraflores, and ocean-view dining make it a refined urban experience.
Brazil
3. Rio de Janeiro
Rio is a city of samba, beaches, and breathtaking landscapes. Luxury experiences include private helicopter rides over Sugarloaf Mountain, beachfront suites in Copacabana, and yacht charters around Guanabara Bay.
4. São Paulo
São Paulo is a hub of art, design, and gastronomy. Luxury travelers can explore world-class galleries, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, and stay in sleek high-rise hotels.
5. Iguazu Falls (Brazil & Argentina)
One of the world’s great natural wonders, Iguazu Falls offers dramatic views and luxury jungle lodges. Private tours and helicopter flights provide unforgettable perspectives.
Argentina
6. Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a city of tango, European-style boulevards, and refined gastronomy. Private tango lessons, exclusive theater performances, and stays in palatial hotels make it one of South America’s most stylish capitals.
7. Mendoza Wine Country
Mendoza is Argentina’s wine heartland. Luxury vineyard resorts, private tastings of Malbec, and gourmet dining in the Andes foothills make it a paradise for oenophiles.
8. Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)
Patagonia is a land of glaciers, mountains, and wide-open wilderness. Luxury lodges offer guided treks, glacier tours, and stargazing in some of the world’s most pristine landscapes.
Chile
9. Santiago
Santiago is a cosmopolitan capital with views of the Andes. Luxury travelers can enjoy private art tours, boutique hotels, and day trips to nearby vineyards.
10. Atacama Desert
The Atacama is the driest desert on Earth, with surreal landscapes. Luxury eco-lodges provide stargazing, guided desert tours, and fine dining in an otherworldly setting.
11. Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Easter Island is famed for its mysterious moai statues. Boutique eco-luxury lodges and private cultural tours provide an intimate experience on this remote Pacific island.
Colombia
12. Cartagena
Cartagena is one of South America’s most romantic destinations. Its walled colonial old town features boutique luxury hotels, private yacht charters, and vibrant nightlife.
13. Bogotá
Bogotá is Colombia’s high-altitude capital, combining history and creativity. Luxury travelers can enjoy private museum tours, fine dining, and exclusive stays in chic urban hotels.
14. Medellín
Medellín has transformed into a cultural and design hub. Private art tours, stylish boutique hotels, and rooftop dining make it a city on the rise for luxury travel.
Ecuador
15. Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos are a unique ecosystem of wildlife and volcanic landscapes. Luxury expedition cruises and eco-lodges provide comfort while exploring this natural wonder.
16. Quito
Quito’s colonial old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxury boutique hotels, curated cultural tours, and day trips to the surrounding Andes make it a refined stopover.
Other South American Highlights
17. Lake Titicaca (Peru & Bolivia)
The world’s highest navigable lake offers a blend of Andean culture and natural beauty. Luxury lodges and private boat tours provide exclusive access to its floating islands.
18. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The world’s largest salt flat is a surreal landscape best explored in style. Luxury lodges and private 4×4 expeditions make this otherworldly destination accessible in comfort.
19. La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz combines Andean tradition with striking landscapes. Luxury travelers can enjoy boutique hotels with mountain views and curated cultural tours.
20. Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo blends colonial heritage with a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Luxury boutique hotels and nearby vineyard tours create a charming escape.
21. Punta del Este, Uruguay
Known as the “Monaco of South America,” Punta del Este offers beaches, nightlife, and exclusive resorts. Luxury yachts and beachfront villas define the experience.
22. Asunción, Paraguay
Paraguay’s capital is off the beaten path but offers colonial charm and boutique luxury stays. It is a hidden gem for adventurous luxury travelers.
Elevating the Luxury Travel Experience
- Wine & Culinary Tours: Mendoza, Santiago, and Lima lead the way in South America’s food and wine revolution.
- Private Expeditions: From luxury Amazon cruises to guided treks in Patagonia.
- Heritage Hotels & Haciendas: Colonial mansions in Quito, Cartagena, and Cusco reimagined as boutique stays.
- Adventure with Comfort: Private helicopter tours over Iguazu Falls, luxury desert lodges in Atacama, and glacier treks in Patagonia.
- Cultural Journeys: Private tango experiences in Buenos Aires, samba immersion in Rio, and artisan markets in Otavalo.
Seamless Transportation Across South America
- Private Jets & Charters: Connect major cities and remote destinations with ease.
- Luxury Trains: Peru’s Belmond Andean Explorer offers one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys.
- Expedition Cruises: Galápagos, Amazon River, and Patagonian fjords explored in five-star comfort.
- Chauffeured Transfers: Private cars in urban hubs like Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Lima.
- Regional Airlines: LATAM, Avianca, and Aerolíneas Argentinas offer premium services across the continent.
Staying Connected with Ease
- Leading Telecom Providers: Claro, Movistar, Tigo, Entel, and Vivo dominate across South America.
- eSIM & Roaming: Airalo and Holafly provide seamless coverage for multi-country travel.
- Hotel & Lodge Wi-Fi: Most luxury hotels and eco-lodges provide reliable internet, even in remote areas.
- Remote Connectivity: In places like the Amazon or Uyuni, satellite internet ensures connection without disrupting immersion.
Countries of South America
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Guyana
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Uruguay
- Venezuela