South America has a habit of exceeding expectations. One journey might take you through Peru’s Sacred Valley and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, while another leads to Patagonia’s glaciers, the wildlife-rich Pantanal in Brazil, Colombia’s vibrant cities or the volcanic landscapes of the Galápagos Islands. Venture deeper into the Amazon rainforest, explore the vineyards of Chile and Argentina, or continue south to the vast wilderness of Antarctica. Each destination offers something different, and every itinerary is designed around the way you like to travel.
In this edition, we’re sharing a compilation of recommendations from our South America newsletters, bringing together some of our favourite journeys across the continent, from rail adventures through Peru and luxury lodges in Patagonia to wildlife encounters in Ecuador and expedition cruises to Antarctica. You’ll also find our recommendations on the best times to visit, festive escapes for Christmas, exciting new hotel and expedition cruise openings, and first-hand stories from our specialists as they return from travels through Peru, Ecuador and beyond. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore somewhere new, we hope you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next South American bespoke adventure.
Recommended Travel Itineraries for Visiting South America
From the vineyards around Santiago to the glaciers of Patagonia, our Argentina & Chile with Awasi itinerary combines two of South America’s great landscapes with stays at Awasi’s exceptional lodges. With a private guide and vehicle throughout, every day is shaped around what interests you most.
Travel through Peru in style, staying at some of Belmond’s finest hotels and boarding the legendary Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. Our Peru with Belmond itinerary, is a journey that brings together Peru’s history, landscapes and celebrated cuisine with plenty of time to enjoy each place properly.
Ancient Maya cities, colourful highland markets and a few days on the Caribbean coast make this a wonderfully varied escape. Our Guatemala & Belize Honeymoon itinerary is designed with newlyweds in mind, but it’s just as rewarding for anyone looking to combine rich cultural experiences with time to relax.
For those who want to do more than simply admire the landscape, this expedition adds kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and even camping to your Antarctic adventure. In our Active Antarctica itinerary, you’ll experience the White Continent from every angle.
When & Where to Travel in South America
Christmas Escapes
Christmas is one of Peru‘s best-kept secrets. With fewer visitors, the country’s iconic sights feel more relaxed, while the summer rains bring a welcome freshness to the Sacred Valley and surrounding landscapes. Festive celebrations add another layer of local colour, from decorated plazas to traditional markets, making it a rewarding time to experience Peru at an unhurried pace.
Warm days in the Coffee Region make Christmas an excellent time to explore Colombia’s green hills and working plantations. In Cartagena, festive lights and lively celebrations fill the colonial streets, adding plenty of atmosphere to the Caribbean sunshine. It’s a rewarding season for culture, colour and time outdoors.
A private rainforest villa is the perfect base for a Christmas escape in Costa Rica, offering space, privacy and a front-row seat to the country’s remarkable wildlife. With the dry season underway, it’s an excellent time for family adventures, whether that’s spotting sloths in the forest, exploring national parks or enjoying long days on the beach.
Spring 2027
Spring is an excellent time to discover Patagonia. As the landscapes begin to change colour, the summer crowds have dispersed, leaving quieter trails, open spaces and some of the region’s clearest skies. Hike beneath the granite peaks of Torres del Paine, cruise between the icebergs of Los Glaciares National Park, and experience the wild beauty of southern Chile and Argentina at a gentler pace.
Spring also brings wonderful conditions to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Calm seas and warm weather make island-hopping particularly enjoyable, while wildlife remains the star attraction. Watch blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance, giant tortoises roam the highlands and sea lions weave effortlessly through the clear water. It’s a remarkable time to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.
South America Travel Experiences You Need to Reserve Early
If you’re planning a wildlife holiday in Brazil, it’s worth booking well in advance. The best lodges in the Pantanal and Amazon have just a handful of rooms and are in high demand during peak wildlife season, so early planning gives you the widest choice of accommodation and guides.
Peru rewards early planning. The best hotels, Belmond train journeys and permits for Machu Picchu can sell out months ahead, particularly during the busiest travel periods. Booking in good time gives you more choice and helps the journey run smoothly.
It may seem early to plan for Antarctica’s 2027-2028 season, but demand is already high. The most sought-after departures and cabin categories are among the first to sell out, so booking well ahead gives you the best choice and flexibility.
Our South America Travel Experts
Jonny on Aurora’s Sylvia Earle, Arctic
“The expedition team on the Sylvia Earle were incredibly knowledgeable but also great fun. When you’re on a boat for two weeks, the atmosphere really matters, and Aurora gets that balance just right. My highlight was the polar plunge. I wasn’t convinced I’d do it, but fear of missing out won in the end. Jumping into Antarctic waters earns serious bragging rights, and the vodka afterwards definitely helped!”
Claire at Tinajani, Peru
“Hidden beyond Peru’s Ruta del Sol, Tinajani feels like a genuine discovery. Towering red rock formations surround a beautifully converted former sheep farm, now transformed by the family behind Andean into one of Peru’s most distinctive places to stay. Original buildings remain at its heart, with every room telling a little of the property’s story.”
Jacob at Hacienda Bambusa, Colombia
“One of my favourite memories was waking before sunrise to birdsong echoing through the bamboo. With hardly another person around, I spotted hummingbirds, macaws, saffron finches and even an agouti wandering through the gardens. Hacienda Bambusa inspired Disney’s Encanto, and once you’ve spent an evening on the terrace with a glass of local aguardiente, watching bats skim the pool as darkness falls over the Andes, it’s easy to see why.”
New Hotels
UNAI Atacama Tented Camp, Chile
A fresh approach to exploring the Atacama Desert, UNAI Atacama Luxury Tents combines stylish tented accommodation with easy access to salt flats, towering volcanoes and some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Pair a stay here with the vineyards of Chile’s Central Valley or the lakes and fjords of Patagonia, and we’ll create a bespoke journey that brings together the country’s remarkable contrasts.
Explora El Calafate, Argentina
Explora’s newest lodge offers a quieter way to experience Patagonia, with expertly guided explorations and uninterrupted views across Lago Argentino. Explora El Calafate is an ideal starting point for a customised itinerary that links Argentina’s glaciers with Chile’s national parks, creating a seamless journey through one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
Estancia Pilolil, Argentina
Experience life on a working Patagonian estancia, where horse riding, fly fishing and warm Argentine hospitality are part of everyday life. Combine a few days here with Buenos Aires, the Lake District or the glaciers of southern Patagonia, and we’ll tailor an itinerary that balances authentic local experiences with the region’s dramatic scenery.
Four Seasons Cartagena, Colombia
One of the year’s most anticipated openings, Four Seasons brings its renowned service to Cartagena’s historic waterfront within a beautifully restored collection of heritage buildings. As part of a tailor-made journey, it’s the perfect complement to Colombia’s coffee region, Caribbean islands or the vibrant streets of Medellín, creating an itinerary that reveals the country’s many different sides.
It all starts with a conversation
Speak with one of our South America travel specialists to start planning a tailor-made journey. Whether you already have a destination in mind or are looking for inspiration, we’ll shape an itinerary around your interests, pace of travel and the experiences that matter most to you.
Call +44 (0) 203 8132 555 or make an online enquiry.
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