Five Best Luxury Vacations in Latin America

The continent of Latin America holds twenty countries and stretches from Mexico to the ends of the Earth at Tierra del Fuego in Chile and Argentina. These diverse lands are home to some of the greatest destinations on the planet. Their bricolage of ancient and modern cultures shrouded amid unique flora and fauna offer unparalleled diversity. Totally Latin America specialize in creating peerless hand-crafted luxury travel journeys across these beguiling lands. Our aim is to deeply connect our travellers to both the cultures and destinations. You are assured to witness insightful and profound landmark experiences to carry forward on life’s great voyage.

What are the best luxury vacations in Latin America?

The continent of Latin America is vast and Totally Latin America clients often ask what are the best luxury vacations in Latin America? The main consideration is how much time you have and the style of travel you wish to embark upon. Distances are large and logistics are complex across countries, but our tacit knowledge delivers simplicity and seamless stress-free journeys for our clients. We recommend a minimum of 10 days for singular country visits and preferably 14 days to a month or more for multi-country offerings. The continent has a vast array of attractions to suit all travel styles, be they relaxed and refined, or pioneering and free-spirited adventure. With a view to exploring some of the showcase itinerary options, come with me on a voyage of discovery to unearth the five best luxury vacations in Latin America.

1. TEN DAYS AMAZON JUNGLE AND MACHU PICCHU PERU

The Amazon Jungle of Peru with Machu Picchu are must see destinations. In a time of considerable concern about living in harmony with our planet the Amazon is the ultimate in diverse eco-systems. A tenth of all known species exist here including over 40,000 plants, 1,500 birds and 370 reptiles. The jungle options include Pacaya Samiria National Park near Iquitos which is served by some fine cruises. Also, in the South East there is Tambopata National Park. Set deep in the jungle, exists one of our finest lodges Tambopata Research Center. Until 2019, this lodge was a full 7-hour journey to reach from Puerto Maldonado. A new road connection has made this secluded lodge accessible in just 3 ½ hours which includes a wonderful 2 ½ hours by boat on the Madre de Dios River. Excursions by day and night are led by expert naturalist guides in a pristine wilderness. A veritable kaleidoscopic of adventure awaits with macaws, monkeys, caiman, puma, piranha fishing and more on endless excursions. This lodge and rainforest experience never cease to amaze.

 

Following on from the jungle we enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas and explore from the regal Sol y Luna Hotel. The setting is beyond compare with the towering Andes Mountains holding sentry over this rich and fertile valley. From the valley, we venture out to discover the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, Moray and the world-renowned Salt Pans of Maras. Onward to Machu Picchu for a two-day privately guided visit with a stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Return Hiram Bingham luxury train to Cusco. Here you will conclude your journey with a tour of the ancient Inca ruins that abound at this navel of the Inca world. This itinerary holds the sine qua non to become one of the five best luxury vacations in Latin America.

2. GALAPAGOS AND MASHPI LODGE ECUADOR

The archipelago of the Galapagos Isles lie in the Pacific Ocean some 600 miles (1,000km) from mainland Ecuador. These enigmatic islands were the driving force that led to Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in 1859. The unsullied lands are the perfect destination to become at one with nature. Totally Latin America offer a host of excellent pioneering cruises in the Galapagos. A noteworthy choice is an 8-day cruise aboard the luxury Petrel vessel, being a deeply insightful voyage. It includes the islands of Baltra, North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fe and San Cristobal. Your encounters will include Blue Footed Boobies, Iguanas, Sea Lions, Whales, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Hawks, Herons and Giant Tortoise. The Petrel is the perfect vessel with expert naturalist guides and the finest accommodations and cuisine.

We conclude this adventure with four days at Mashpi Lodge. This unique lodge is set in the heartland of the Ecuadorian cloud forest. It is the perfect escape to relax in peaceful tranquility. Only the sounds of mother nature’s choir may disturb, to lure you out upon one of the many adventure trails. Without question this excels as one of the five best luxury vacations in Latin America.

3. TWELVE DAYS EL CALAFATE ARGENTINA & BRAZIL

Arrival to Buenos Aires to the regal Alvear Palace Hotel. This is a paragon of the splendour of seductive Buenos Aires. The perfect residence to explore the city’s art, tango shows and vibrant culture. We then fly south to the town of El Calafate, gateway to the land of glaciers and spectacular national parks. Just thirty minutes from town you will find a secluded retreat called EOLO. This exclusive lodge is the ultimate escape from the pressures of daily life. 10,000 acres of freedom with horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, bird watching and a return to the essentials of tranquility. Neighbouring Los Glaciares National Park is home to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier and the fabled peak of Mount Fitzroy. Set in a mother nature’s very own mise en scène.

4. THIRTY- ONE DAY LATIN AMERICAN GRAND TOUR OF FIVE COUNTRIES

This Latin American experience consists of five countries, namely Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Due to the geographic scope of the trip it can be tailor made to include other destinations too. We begin with a cruise in The Galapagos Isles aboard the Infinity vessel with a spacious Suite accommodation. Onward to Peru with the Amazon Jungle and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This will include a one-day hike option to follow the Inca pathway to Machu Picchu. Enjoying a night at the delectable Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel before a private tour and return to Cusco. We then fly to the awe inspiring 260-foot-high Iguazu Falls straddling the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Here you will stay at the charming Belmond Das Cataratas the perfection setting aside the majestic falls.

Next, Buenos Aires. The Paris of the South as it is known and a city you are sure to fall in love with. Tango dance, stunning architecture, local markets with wonderful food and wine experiences. This will have you wishing you never leave your newfound Porteño friends. We include one of the finest estancia (ranch) accommodations near Buenos Aires. Here you will learn of the traditions and culture of the famed gauchos of The Pampas.

Onward to Santiago de Chile where you will enjoy the charms of The Singular hotel. Whilst there, be sure to visit Boragó Resturant. Rodolfo Guzmán will bring you on a journey of the finest of Chilean cuisines at his award-winning establishment. We then fly south to Punta Arenas and enter majestic Patagonia. The Explora Salto Chico Hotel Patagonia lies in an idyllic setting on the crystal waters of Lake Pehoé, at the epicentre of Torres del Paine National Park. Here you will have opportunity to hike, horseback ride and the very finest local foods to savour; the very essence of Argentinian country life.

The culmination of your grand tour will be back to Santiago and journey two hours to Viña Vik Winery for two nights relaxation. This stunning titanium clad winery is a befitting end to a month of amazement, on one of the five best luxury vacations in Latin America.

5. FOURTEEN DAYS CROSSING THE CIRCLE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Totally Latin America offer select access to pioneering Antarctic voyages of discovery. This expedition to the seventh continent is available Jan 9th to 22nd, 2022 aboard the state-of-the-art Ultramarine cruise ship. It caters for a maximum of 199 guests and has a crew of 140 denoting the highest standards of personal attention. The 420-foot vessel is also very well appointed including a set of dual-engined helicopters.  This cruise ship is at the pinnacle of adventure activities and delivered from a luxuriant base. We recommend a Balcony Suite as a fine spacious option.

Making a first step in Antarctica is life’s watershed moment which relatively few people experience. A second moment is the sense of achievement when a traveler crosses the iconic Antarctic Circle. Navigating south of 66°33′ S is for many the pinnacle of the adventure. The daily excursions reward passengers with views of dramatic ice formations, humpback whales gliding aside the ship, leopard seals lurching beneath your Zodiac, penguins careering down icebergs and moments of silence and serenity with mother nature.

Totally Latin America wholeheartedly recommend this as one of the five best luxury vacations in Latin America. This fourteen-day itinerary can be extended into Patagonia, Argentina or Chile and other destinations.

We are the Luxury Latin America Travel Experts

For all your Latin American dreams and adventures make them a reality by contacting your friendly expert Totally Latin America travel advisor here. Life is not a dress rehearsal!

“Life’s journey cloaks another journey within its lines: the pathway not yet taken and a new perspective. All awaiting your arrival.”