The sheer diversity of landscapes in South America is shown by the stark contrast between the Caribbean coast in the far north and the icy southern peninsula that makes up Patagonia. In between there are the remnants of the Incas and Nazcas, the other-worldly landscapes of the Salt Flats and the Atacama Desert, as well as endless rainforests, beaches, pampas and mountains. And it's not just landscapes that are worth visiting either, the cities of South America are equally diverse and exciting with Rio de Janerio, Buenos Aires, Cartagena and Cusco, as just a few of our favourites. Explore our destination pages for more on where to go in South America.
Where To Go in South America
Where to go in South America
Guyana
If you thought there were no undiscovered destinations left, think again.
Argentina
From the end of the world in Patagonia, past the pampas and sultry Buenos Aires to the hilltops of Salta, Argentina is big, bold and beautiful.
Brazil
Indisputably the ‘in’ country on earth right now, and somewhere that we at Original Travel can’t get enough of.
Chile
Imagine a country where all the world’s climatic and topographical variations are represented in a thin ribbon of land and you have Chile.
Colombia
Colombia is once more one of South America’s most vibrant countries, and soon to become one of its favourite luxury holiday destinations.
Ecuador & the Galapagos
Nobody comes back disappointed from the Galapagos, but don't neglect the rest of this fascinating country
Peru
The scenery is striking in its diversity, from plunging canyons to soaring mountains, lush rainforests to arid Altiplano.
Bolivia
Landlocked Andean Bolivia is rich in ancient culture, music and folklore and perhaps because of the country’s relative lack of sophistication...
Uruguay
The secret is sneaking out, but Uruguay is still a hugely under-rated destination.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 destinations
What to do in South America
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Ski Portillo
Just two hour's drive from the capital Santiago, Portillo is the finest ski resort in Latin America, with a majestic Andean setting and superb...
Pisac Market
In addition to the beautiful sweeping landscape and strong Incan heritage and archaeology of the Sacred Valley region, this is also a good place...
1 day Inca Trail
Hike a section of the Inca Trail from a point known as Kilometre 104, because of its location on the road between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Sugarloaf & Corcovado mountains
The iconic mountains that appear in any self-respecting shot of Rio both offer superb panoramic views of the city, its bays and beaches.
Samba
Characterized by its great diversity, the origins of Brazil’s music lie in its AmerIndian, Portuguese and African roots, and today it is firmly...
Rio Carnival
The most outrageous and spectacular festivities take place in Rio, whose world-famous Carnival and its associated musicians, dancers, floats...
Kayaking from Paraty
Hundreds of islands with unspoiled tropical wilderness lie just off shore of the Costa Verde and the best way to explore them is by kayak.
Helicopter ride
Silence the arguments over whether it’s the Argentinian or the Brazilian side of the falls that affords the best view, and see the whole lot...
Whale watching, Florianopolis
Escaping the harsh winter, the whales migrate northwards in search of warmer and calmer waters in which to reproduce and nurse their young calves.
Riding in Southern Patagonia
Although El Chalten is known for its superb hiking and mountain climbing, its pristine wild scenery also lends itself perfectly to some spectacular...
Glacier Ice Trekking
Southern Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park stretches parallel to the Andes for over 120 miles, its most famous members being the Perito...
Fly Fishing in Northern Patagonia
Still a fully working farm, Tipiliuke Lodge is part of the 20,000 hectare Cerro de los Pinos country estate founded in 1909 by the grandfather...
Riding in Northern Patagonia
Patagonia’s rugged, unpopulated expanse is the sort of landscape that makes everyone want to leap onto a horse and gallop into the distance,...
Lake Crossing to Chile
Running between the Chilean lakes towns of Puerto Varas or Puerto Montt and the Argentinian counterpart; Bariloche, the trip across lakes and...
La Boca Football Match
Football fan or not, you are likely to have heard of a controversial footballer by the name of Diego Maradona, hailing from La Boca, one of the...
Tango in Buenos Aires
With a history reaching back to the 1880s, the sensual Argentinian national dance comes from roots that combine African slave music with Andalucian...
Capoeira lessons
Original Travel can arrange private or group capoeira and samba lessons in Rio or in Salvador; after all, where better to learn?
Salvador Carnival
The most exciting moment in the Salvador calendar is undoubtedly the spectacular February carnival, when up to two million revellers from all...
Trekking in Chapada Diamantina
Trekking is undoubtedly one the best ways to discover all there is to see in Chapada Diamantina, - the Diamond Plateau - a land of underground...
Pelourinho district
The city of Salvador itself is often referred to as the ‘African Soul’ of Brazil, as descendants of the first African slaves have held tight...
Winery Tours in Mendoza
If you’re in Mendoza, the chances are it’s because you’ve enjoyed Argentinian wine and are keen to get to the source!
Riding, Pantanal
Dependent on your level of ability, we can arrange short rides or day-long excursions complete with guides and packed lunch.
Jaguar spotting in the Pantanal
Sightings are of course never guaranteed in such a wild and vast place, and particularly where one of the world’s most elusive animals is concerned,...
Iguazu Falls Helicopter Ride
Silence the arguments over whether it’s the Argentinian or the Brazilian side of the Iguazu/Iguassu Falls that affords the best view, see the...
Kite Surfing, Jeri
The National Park of Jericoacoara is flanked by huge dunes, with lakes of crystal-clear water that are the ideal place for newcomers to wind...
Diving, Fernando do Noronha
The Fernando do Noronha archipelago is known as one of the best scuba diving spots in the world due to the richness of the marine fauna and the...
Planasub
As you’d imagine, there are plenty of highlights in a country as huge as Brazil, but if we were asked to cherry-pick one particular highlight,...
Patagonia Jeep Expedition
Take an overland expedition by Jeep and travel wild Patagonia in style with luxury and comfort. Explore the large and diverse region and experience...
Visit Valparaiso
A visit to the Pacific coast just a couple of hour’s drive from Santiago makes for an enjoyable day’s outing. The journey takes you through...
Visit to Condor Cross
After the albatross, the Andean condor has the second largest wingspan (as much as 11.5ft) of all living flying birds, and we know the best place...
Showing 1 - 3 of 30 activities
Load moreLuxury Hotels in South America
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Tutabel
This chic yet bohemian boutique hotel sits in a beautiful beach side location near the historic fishing village of Trancoso and its authentic...
Hacienda Bambusa
Hacienda Bambusa is situated in the southern part of Colombia’s coffee region, lying amidst a labyrinth of fruit plantations and guadua bamboo...
Finch Bay Hotel
Named after Darwin's famous finches that are abundant in the area, this is an eco-hotel located on Santa Cruz Island, in the centre of the Galápagos...
Pikaia Lodge
For the eco-traveller looking to escape, Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island provides an ideal base from which to explore the spectacular Galapagos...
Santa Cruz II
Santa Cruz II is a 71 metre vessel spread out over five decks that seamlessly navigates the Galapagos Archipelago, island by island.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio
Originally built in 1592 on the site of the Inca Amaru Kuala Palace, the building was a monastery up until 1995, when it was converted into a hotel.
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
In the formidable foothills of the Andes lies The Scared Valley, which once formed the heart of the Inca Empire. Built among the area’s picturesque...
Aria Amazon
The Aria Amazon is THE way to explore the beautiful and intriguing river views of the Peruvian Amazon, while reclining in the lap of luxury.
Belmond Andean Explorer
The Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s first ever luxury sleeper train. Departing from Cusco and making stops at Puna, Cola Canyon...
Atemporal
The team behind Atemporal have coined the term 'hotelito' to define this boutique bolthole, located in the heart of Miraflores.
Aqua Nera
Drawing inspiration from the blackwater lagoons of the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua Nera boasts a distinctive Amazon-style that has been expertly blended...
Playa Vik
Sister property to Estancia Vik, Playa Vik is very much a work of art in itself, with wacky architectural design and fantastic sea views.
Casa Ana
Perfect for honeymooners or chill-time seekers, British art gallery owner Martin Summers, rents his summer haven out to guest looking for that...
El Balcon del Abra
The posada El Balcón del Abra is located in a manicured park surrounded by beautiful trees and towering palms, and with spectacular views of...
Guardia del Monte
Located on the edge of Castillos Lagoon, Guardia del Monte is one of the few remaining working cattle ranches that still cater to guests, and...
Hotel Fasano Las Piedras
The 480 hectares Fasano Las Piedras estate is a special setting, combining spectacular views of almost Tuscan countryside with British country...
Narbona Wine Lodge
Narbona Wine Lodge is a beautiful boutique hotel with rustic charm and ideal for those who enjoy superb unknown wines.
Pueblo Barrancas Eco Lodge
Located in a rugged oceanfront landscape hidden within forest and dunes, Pueblo Barrancas Eco Lodge is just a few short footsteps from the beach.
Posada del Faro
The good value Posada del Faro is one of our favourite hotels in Jose Ignacio, tucked away behind the lovely (and relatively quiet) Playa Mansa.
Estancia Vik
Merging exceptional design, flawless service and an unparalleled collection of Uruguayan and International Art - Estancia Vik is a luxury boutique...
Bahia Vik
Bahia Vik is the latest member of the stylish Vik retreats family. This chic beach boutique is nestled in ten acres of the sandy dunes of Mansa...
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Set in the middle of tropical vegetation, The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is a mini village of luxurious whitewashed and terracotta casitas...
Mountain Lodges of Peru
The idea behind these lodges is to offer trekkers the opportunity to experience the essence of adventure without compromising on creature comforts.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Frankly, thanks to its location as the only hotel next to Machu Picchu, this could be a hole in the ground and we’d still recommend it.
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Housed in a former palace and convent, Palacio Nazarenas exudes the history and culture of Cusco with original features such as Inca stones still...
La Casona
Surrounded by the stunning Andes mountains, La Casona is a small luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Cusco.
Palacio Manco Capac
There are a handful of authentic boutique hotels in Peru that are all about history, local culture and gastronomic experiences, of which ancient...
Sol y Luna
Set in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa is surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees, beautiful rural valleys and...
Urubamba Villas
An Andean home from home, these villas are beautifully decorated in keeping with their rural location.
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado
The extremely comfortable Rio Sagrado hotel earned its name from its location on the banks of the Urubamba River (Rio) which flows through the...
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Simply Starstruck: The Best Stargazing Destinations in the World
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I'm no Professor Brian Cox, and I'm not about to start banging on about antimatter, circumstellar discs and magellanic clouds (although they all sound marvellous), but there are few greater feelings than the sense of wonderment that comes with tipping your head back and gazing up at the…
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Time to Reconnect: The Benefits of Authentic Travel
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We are living in an age of convenience with a world of technology, information and services at our fingertips. The benefit? Life is far easier. The downside? We end up feeling utterly disconnected from the world around us. Reconnect travel is about pressing pause on the madness of modern…
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Solitary Sojourns: The Least Crowded Places in the World to go on Holiday
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While some of us are bursting to escape the quiet and re-join the crowds again after being in some sort of lockdown for the past few months, many of us are dreaming of prolonging the relative solitude with a break away from the crowds in a remote little corner of the world. If you're in the…
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The Best Travel Series to Keep us Inspired to Travel
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If 2020 has been good for anything, it's boxsets. At the very least, lockdown has given us plenty of time to catch up on all of those shows we've been meaning to watch for years, but never quite got around to. What 2020 has not been good for, on the other hand, is ticking off destinations…
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Our Favourite Sabbaticals for 2021
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So far, 2020 has been a year that no one is going to forget in a hurry. Many of us have had to adapt to working from home, rethink how we travel, and consider that age-old question of work-life-balance which has been brought to the forefront of people's minds by the coronavirus crisis. The…
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