Top 10 Must See Luxury Destinations in Latin America

Latin America is a vast continent stretching from Panama to the Lands of Fire at Tierra del Fuego culminating at the desolate climes of Cape Horn. This continent makes for the perfect escape from the mundane. Totally Latin America have decades of experiences in crafting and delivering the very best tailor-made luxury journeys across this continent. Be it a single destination or multi- country visit, we have the tacit knowledge and local expertise to create your very own superlative voyage of discovery.

With a continent of immense proportions, the questions comes to mind of, which are the must-see destinations? We invite you to witness and unearth what Totally Latin America see as the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America.

10. Cartagena- Colombia

Founded in 1533 as Cartagena de Indias, this was a key strategic merchant port city for colonial trades routes across the New World. Cartagena is situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. As a luxury destination, Cartagena holds many unique offerings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre since 1984 and holds the most extensive walled fortifications in all of South America. These are distributed across three localities of San Pedro, with its famed cathedral and myriad Andalusian-style palaces, San Diego, the domain of merchant traders during the colonial period and Gethsemani a Bohemian artisan quarter.

This is one of a select number of great beach destinations in Latin America, year-round clement weather aside the warm Caribbean Sea provide the perfect relaxation escapade. Our select luxury preferred accommodations include Casa San Agustín a boutique gem in the heart of the city, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara with its strong colonial vibe, Casa Pestagua the former abode of the Count of Pestagua and the Charleston Santa Teresa for its idyllic rooftop views across the city.

Cartagena joins the select club on the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America because of its idyllic beaches and a romantic colonial city centre with a vibrant local culture.

09. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

The golden sunsets of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and Rio Carnival are the domain of legend and yet still ring true today in the gregarious capital of Brazil, flamboyant Rio de Janeiro. In essence it is the people that make this beautiful location all the more appealing. Welcoming hearts with a great beach culture, samba, superb natural location and a vibrant nightlife make this city a prime contender for the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America.

Our select preferred accommodations include Belmond Copacabana Palace not only for its tradition and legacy but also for the impeccable service. Other great options include Janeiro with rooms designed by one of Brazil’s top fashion designers. The suites are particularly stunning, with opportunity for an oceanfront bath! The location couldn’t be better, Leblon is the hot spot for restaurants, shops and Rio’s elite lifestyle. Fasano Rio at Ipanema Beach. Here and you must go for a suite room. Be sure to enjoy a Rio sunset at the rooftop pool. The final great option is Emiliano Rio a boutique hotel with very spacious suites facing the majestic backdrop of Copacabana Beach.

Rio de Janeiro can be a great base to explore the nearby destinations of colonial Paraty and chic Buzios a few hours’ drive away on the coast. Speak to your Totally Latin America specialist for the insider information on select properties at these destinations and view all of our luxury Brazil Tours here.

08. Iguazú Falls – Argentina & Brazil

A prime destination in Latin America are Iguazu Falls. Nestled on the confluence of the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay these falls are in a word, immense. Scaling heights of up to 270 feet and encompassing up to 275 individual falls you cannot but be mesmerized by the grandiosity of this natural wonder of the world.

Accommodations can be had either on the Argentina side at Puerto Iguazu or on the Brazilian side near Foz do Iguaçu. Our select preferred accommodations include Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. This has the perfect setting on the Brazilian side with the privilege of having exclusive access to the falls before the park opens to the public. It is very special to witness the falls in a serene setting.

On the Argentina side of the falls our favourite is a stay at Awasi Iguazu. Nestled in the Atlantic Rainforest this exclusive venue offer bespoke touring with your own personal guide and driver throughout your stay. It is just twenty minutes from the falls which offers convenience and yet the ability to unwind. Just thirteen large Standard Private Villas and one Master Villa offer the ultimate in combining great adventures with time to relax and enjoy the secluded setting. The Master Villa can be a wonderful choice for that very special family adventure.

For a very special occasion why not consider a helicopter ride over the falls. Iguazu Falls are a popular choice in our Three World Wonders of Latin America tour combining the prime highlights of Latin America, all in twelve days.

Iguazu Falls joins the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America because of its superb natural attractions of majestic falls and the nearby Atlantic Rainforest.

07. Amazon Jungle – Peru

The Amazon Jungle of Peru is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. It stretches from the south-east of the country at Tambopata, along the western slopes of the Andes,

+ all the way to the northern territories of Iquitos and Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. There are two options for the luxury traveler. An Amazon River cruise at Iquitos or a jungle lodge stay in Tambopata. Cruises offer the advantage of air-conditioned cabins for the ultimate in comfort and the best cruise options can be explored here.

With jungle lodges there a number of excellent properties. Our favorite is the Tambopata Research Center. It offers comfortable accommodations, and the Deluxe Suites even have an outdoor jungle tub. The greatest attraction of this lodge is location. It is the only lodge actually located within the Tambopata National Reserve. This presents the greatest opportunity to observe larger mammals such as jaguar and puma. Chuncho Macaw Clay Lick is also a favorite attraction to see the majestically bedecked birds and a host of wildlife that gathers here at the break of day.

People consider Machu Picchu as the main attraction of Peru; however, the Amazon Jungle is a must do. This fragile eco system is the defining habitat for humans young and old. To pause and comprehend the need to preserve the wonders of nature for future generations. Be sure to take a night journey in the river and your guide may stop the motor of the boat, don’t speak, just listen…. the jungle under cover of darkness is very much alive!

The Amazon Jungle of Peru joins the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America with some of the very best luxury Amazon cruise options and the most remote yet very well-appointed lodge accommodations. The perfect settings to venture out to discover the magnificence of the beating heart of our planet.

06. Antarctica

The white continent is the last bastion of adventure for many travellers. It attracted the great explorers of Amundsen, Shackleton, Scott and so many more and still holds that attraction of the unknown and uncharted. This is something increasingly rare in a connected world. The shortest worthwhile trips to Antarctica are flights from Punta Arenas in Chile to the continent and then onward on a short cruise. This option known as a “Fly the Drake” avoids the choppy seas crossing of the Drake Channel. It lasts in total 8 days. We also offer some excellent longer cruises of 15 – 30 days and the Ultramarine is a superb new expedition vessel on these routes. The Ultra, Owners or Penthouse suites are the finest luxury cabin options.

For the ultimate in luxury Antarctic adventures Totally Latin America offer the Ponant Cruise vessels. Here we can consider options from 11 to 29 days in duration. The Commandant Charcot is the new star of the show in Antarctic exploration. This is the world’s first passenger ship to be fitted with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) hull. This gives it the ability to safely navigate sheets of drifting sea ice and access the seldom visited regions of this immense continent. The ship’s expedition team of twenty experts gives a laudable guest-to-staff ratio. Biologists, naturalists, glaciologists and geologists will be on hand to ensure delivery of your very own ultimate journey of a lifetime. Totally Latin America hold excellent preferential Antarctica rates not available online. Contact us for the latest rates and cruise information.

Antarctica joins the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America because of its remoteness. It rightfully remains the final frontier and is the ultimate bucket list pristine odyssean adventure.

05. Córdoba – Argentina

Córdoba may seem a surprise choice, and it this is indeed so. The gateway to so many wonderful places in Northern Argentina such as Salta, Mendoza, Iguazu Falls and Cafayate. The perfect base to discover the lesser visited gems of Argentina.  Our select preferred accommodations include the inimitable Estancia Los Potreros. This living and working ranch is in a bucolic setting in the rolling hills above Cordoba. Much gravitas is afforded to experiential travel and returning to our roots. This beautiful hacienda ranch is the ultimate in authenticity. The owners Kevin and Lou Begg will bring you on a rhapsody of Argentine culture. Days are spent as busily or leisurely as you so wish; with a host of equestrian activities, hikes, birdwatching or participating in the gaucho farm life, this is for real. The heart of this homestead is the kitchen with evenings gathered around the communal table sharing food and wine with stories of lore in warm heartfelt surrounds. Read more about the Estancia Los Potreros experience here.

From Córdoba can be found great connections from the nearby airport to all of Argentina. Specifically, we recommend a visit to Salta to explore the salt flats of Salinas Grandes and the World Heritage site of the Humahuaca Gorge. In this region also you can explore the wines of Cafayate. The luxury accommodations of House of Jasmines in Salta come highly recommended. This century-old estancia of the Fenestraz family welcomes travellers for an unforgettable stay with consummate hospitality.

Córdoba rises to the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America as a secluded gem where life unfolds as a circadian rhythm, in tune with people and nature. A simplicity much lost in todays connected world.

04. Patagonia Chile & Argentina

Theroux and Chatwin in their classic Patagonia Revisited described the lands of Patagonia as the “final capes of exile”. To this very day these remote lands are a magnet for those seeking a love of the great outdoors. The lands straddle the borders of Chile and Argentina with a focal point of Torres del Paine National Park. One of the best tour options is a journey that begins in Buenos Aires, then southbound to Los Glaciares National Park and onward to Torres del Paine in Chile, routing outbound from Santiago. This trip can be viewed in detail here.

Our favourite accommodations on this route include Explora Patagonia and EOLO Patagonia’s Spirit. For those with a penchant for the ultimate trekking adventure further days can be added in the region of El Chaltén, the home of the majestic Fitz Roy Massif. Explora El Chaltén is a great luxury expedition lodge or for those seeking a luxury glamping option we can heartly recommend Chalten Camp. This region offers a perfect base for majestic mountain hiking, river kayaking and fishing.

EOLO Patagonia’s Spirit is at the gateway to the glaciers of Perito Moreno, Upsala and others and is a haven of tranquillity. This lodge offers hiking, mountain bike, bird watching, four-wheel drive excursions and horseback riding tours.

03. Atacama Desert Chile

The Atacama Desert of Northern Chile is famed as one of the driest regions on this planet with a maximum rainfall typically of just a half inch and some parts registering zero! The lands are bordered by Peru to the north and heading west to Bolivia you will enter the immense skies and landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats) in Bolivia. Overland journeys can be arranged by Totally Latin America, contact here.

The Atacama itself is a spectacular otherworldly landscape of natural lagoons, hot geysers and wind sculpted rocky landscapes. To truly appreciate this region a stay of three to four nights is best. It is a perfect destination to try hot air ballooning as a morning excursion. Other must do activities are a sunset at Moon Valley, Tatio Geysers & Machuca Village and the Chaxa and Miscanti Lagoons.

Our select preferred accommodations include Awasi Atacama. This is the ultimate private luxury experience with just twelve rooms and Relais & Chateaux levels of service assured. Touring is allocated with your very own private guide and 4 x 4 vehicle on a fully customizable basis. Another great option is Nayara Atacama located in the peaceful Catarpe Valley on the outskirts of San Pedro de Atacama.

The Atacama Desert rises to the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America as an extra-terrestrial landscape of beauteous desolation amid spectacular rolling landscapes.

02 – Machu Picchu – Peru

Machu Picchu is the number one destination in Latin America. It earns this title from a gravitas of exquisite construction amid a cultural narrative shrouded in mystery. The Inca people did not lave a written language and so interpretations abound as to the cultural essence of this true wonder of the world. Our travel experts at Totally Latin America will create the very best custom designed journey of a lifetime. Following some days of acclimatization in the Sacred Valley we recommend a private one-day Inca Trail hike as a superb option. It affords opportunity to immerse oneself in the footsteps of the Inca and a grandiose entrance via the Sun Gate. Gazing down on Machu Picchu for the first time is an assured as landmark moment in one’s life.

Our preferred accommodations at Machu Picchu are the Sanctuary Lodge, located right outside the citadel. If you wish to be first in line for an early entrance this is the place to be. Just twenty-five minutes away is our own personal favorite the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel. Spend two nights here to explore the splendid orchid gardens, Spectacled Bear project and the wonderful on-site spa treatments.

The return journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco must be with the Hiram Bingham luxury train. A four-course gourmet meal, live entertainment and all the fresh memories of Machu Picchu. The perfect royal ending to a consummate day at famed Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu rises to the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America as a resplendent citadel of intricate craftsmanship amid the regal beauty of the high Andes Mountains.

01- The Galapagos Isles – Ecuador

Set adrift in the Pacific Ocean six hundred miles from the coastline of Ecuador, The Galapagos Isles are a haven unique flora and fauna. You have two vacation category options of land based or small cruise experiences.

Our select land-based options include Pikaia Lodge. This exclusive lodge is set in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and has just fourteen rooms of six Balcony, six Terrace, one Pool Suite and one Garden Suite. Activities includes hiking, biking, boating excursions, scuba diving, kayaking and beach visits. For the ultimate in customised itinerary selection this is one of the very best options. Finch Bay Hotel is another fine land-based stay.

Cruise boat excursions are likely the best choice for maximising your ability to see the widest diversity of natural habitats and landscapes. Typically, these luxury yachts hold 16 – 20 passengers in well-appointed vessels. The Aqua Mare is a superb option for an 8 or 15 day cruise cossetted in the ultimate of excellence. The Owner’s Suite is the ultimate in comfort with 861 sq. feet of opulence.

Another of our favourites is the Elite Cruise. This is a wonderful 16 passenger vessel with spacious suites. The 8 day “A” Itinerary is one of the best itinerary options which encompasses a broad expanse of habitat visitations from east to west across multiple isles including San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Rabida Island. A superb odyssey of wildlife, hiking, birdwatching, snorkelling and kayaking across the idyllic turquoise waters of the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Isles rise to the Top 10 Luxury Must See Travel Destinations in Latin America as the ultimate experience in exploring natural animal habitats and landscapes like no other on this planet. Today you can still savour your very own Charles Darwin explorations. Speak to your Galapagos expert adviser click here.

Which Destinations to Choose in Latin America?

The voiced destinations are but a select list of superb options for any luxury Latin America vacation. The continent is a vast expanse from Panama to the ends of the earth at Tierra del Fuego. It is best to know “about” destinations as opposed to “of “them. You should always strive to spend time to get to know people and place as opposed to making a box ticking fleeting visit. For this reason, you are well advised to spend time to discuss your individual preferences with our local travel advisers. We offer impartial tailor-made advice for trips from five to thirty days and beyond. Contact us here to begin your Latin American escapade.