The 92 Best South America Luxury Hotels

Include taxes & fees

Where should I go and what should I do in South America?

Machu Picchu via Sacred Valley Private Guide Tours – Explore Ollantaytambo stone architecture and Moray's circular terraces with private archaeologist guides before arriving at the iconic citadel at sunrise via the Salkantay Trek alternative route.
Patagonia Glacier Trekking – Fixed itineraries combine ice trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine hiking, and gourmet dining with expert naturalist guides.
Atacama Desert Stargazing + Salt Flat Mirror Effect – Experience the world's driest desert with geysers, salt lagoons, and Salar de Uyuni's surreal mirror salt flats reflecting the sky during rainy season (Jan–April).
Lima & Bogotá as Global Gastronomic Hubs – Michelin-starred restaurants like Central (Lima) and Leonor Espinosa showcase innovative Peruvian and Colombian cuisine using native Amazonian ingredients.
Amazon Riverboat Luxury Cruises + Galápagos Wildlife – Live-aboard vessels like the Aria navigate the Amazon basin for jaguar spotting and pink dolphin encounters, or cruise the Galápagos for endemic bird and marine life diving.

May–October (Dry Season Peak) – Ideal for Peru, Bolivia, and Andes highlands: clear skies, comfortable temps (50–75°F), and excellent trekking conditions
November–March (Southern Hemisphere Summer) – Perfect for Patagonia, Argentina, and southern regions: longer daylight, glaciers/lakes most vibrant, and accessibility optimal
November–April (Amazon Wet Season) – Best for river travel and wildlife cruises; higher water levels enable deeper river navigation

Visa Requirements Vary by Country – US citizens receive 90-day visa-free entry to Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil with valid passport; check each destination before departure
Altitude Sickness is Real in Andes – Cusco (11,000 ft) and Andean regions require acclimatization; arrive early, drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and take it easy first 24 hours
Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek – Inca Trail is iconic but crowded (requires 4-day fixed dates); Salkantay Trek offers more dramatic scenery with fewer permits and flexible scheduling
Patagonia Requires Flexible Weather Expectations – Torres del Paine weather is notoriously unpredictable; wind, rain, and sudden storms are common; flexible itineraries and hired guides navigate conditions
Lima is a Global Food Capital – Michelin restaurant Central requires 2–3 month advance reservations or book via travel advisor; other acclaimed options include Maido (Japanese-Peruvian) and Astrid & Gastón
Currency Varies by Country – Peru (Soles), Colombia (Pesos), Argentina (Pesos), Chile (Pesos), Brazil (Real); ATMs offer best rates; credit cards accepted at upscale restaurants