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All Luxury South America, expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Luxury South America
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Luxury South America Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026
14 Luxury South America trips. Compare tour itineraries from 7 tour companies. 28 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.
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Top Luxury South America Attractions
- The wonder of visiting the relaxing and breathtaking Iguazu Falls
- Discovering the world’s largest natural mirror at the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia
- The thrill of an Amazon river cruise and getting to see the world’s largest rainforest
- Stepping back into history in the old streets of Cartagena, Colombia
- Enjoying a night out of watching professional tango dancers and eating asado in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Luxury South America Tours & Travel Guide
Luxury South America Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Luxury in South America
Luxury in South America, four words you thought didn’t go together? Think again!
South America is rich with culture, food, architecture, and some of the most awe-inspiring vistas you could imagine. South America is also an amazing place to go on a luxury vacation.
South American luxury tours don’t only encompass staying in 5-star hotels or on comfortable cruises, but also extend to those experiences that only booking a luxury tour can offer. Want to have a private meal with a local chef, stay only footsteps from the top natural wonders of South America, or kayak a remote lagoon, luxury vacations of South America can offer those.
Luxury tours are also about travelers getting the opportunity to create their own itinerary. Most tour operators help you handcraft your own trip if a preset itinerary doesn’t fit your travel style. They work with you to create a path that takes you to the greatest ruins and best restaurants others won’t.
Top Sights in South America for Luxury Travelers
1. Machu Picchu
The most recognizable sight in all of South America, Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel of the Incan people. This City in the Clouds was once an Incan citadel in the mountains of Peru.
To really see Machu Picchu in its full glory and getting a celebrity experience, check out the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge that offers views of Huayna Picchu Mountain from your room and top notching dining.
2. Patagonia
The southernmost point of South America is dominated by the vast, remarkable, and sparsely populated region of Patagonia. This area is made up of mountains, grasslands, coastline, pampas, and breathtaking views.
Patagonia is also where most cruises to Antarctica depart from. Luxury tours of Patagonia are all about combining numerous outdoor activities with personalized itineraries and staying in luxury hotels that still connect you to nature, such as seaside villas.
The islands that influenced Darwin’s theory of natural selection. These islands off of the coast of Ecuador were historically important during Spanish and Portuguese colonization. They are even more important for their diverse wildlife and ecosystem. Luxury cruises of the Galapagos Islands typically feature smaller vessels, multiple day excursions, and onboard activities.
4. Iguazu Falls
Imagine staying at a hotel that offers a view of the Iguazu Falls outside of your balcony window, that’s what you can experience on a luxury South America tour. On the border of Argentina and Brazil lie the Iguazu Falls.
The Iguazu Falls consist of 275 waterfalls stretching over 1.7 miles and depositing some 1,500 cubic meters of water per second. The falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are larger than both Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls.
Considered the world’s largest mirror, the Salt Flats outside of Uyuni in Bolivia are truly a natural wonder. The flats were created when prehistoric lakes evaporated leaving the large salt bed. During certain times of the year, water flows over the flats creating a reflection of the sky above.
Visitors looking for a relaxing and comfortable vacation can stay in one of the local 5-star hotels where you can meet local cultural guides who will take you through this unique landscape.
Explore one of the most remote islands in the world by spending your vacation hiking and discovering the mysterious Moai statues. Easter Island is an island of mystery and stunning views. Luxury tours of the island offer stays at eco lodges on the island, individualized culture tours of the famous sites, and special experiences.
7. Santuario de las Lajas
Santuario de las Lajas, or Las Lajas Sanctuary, is a basilica in Southern Colombia that is known for its stunning architecture and legends. With tales of visions and miraculous events happening at the church, Las Lajas Sanctuary is a special place that is often included on luxury tours of Colombia or day trips from Ipiales with the opportunity to have personalized tours of the murals.
Lake Titicaca has been called the “Birthplace of the Sun.” Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake on the continent.
You can hike along the lakeside, charter a yacht to sail you around the lake, or stay in one of the brightly colored blue or yellow hotels that hug the cliffside. If you’re lucky during your stay, you may be able to encounter one of the local festivals or celebrations that take part in the area.
Check out this colorful and historic history in style by staying in one of the historic hotels in the center of the city or getting a private tour of the famous Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Caratagena’s long history provides you with the chance to learn about the city’s colonial past and local customs through restored mansions and the Mercado de Bazurto.
The perfect city to see on a customized-tour of South America, Buenas Aires has something to offer everyone. Experience the city like no one else can when you take a personal tango lesson, spend an afternoon relaxing at the historic Faena spa, or a private wine tasting when you can try all of Argentina’s delectable wines. The city’s glitz and glamour from the 1920s and 30s are there offering those opportunities you won’t forget.
South American Cuisine
Like many things in South America, the cuisine is determined by the country and geography of where you are visiting. A common thread throughout all of the countries is a connection to the ingredients and traditions of the local people.
Peru’s cuisine isn’t only influenced by European and Asian immigrants, but also by the staples of Incan people - roots, maize, and beans. In Brazil, you’ll find Portuguese-inspired dishes along with fish stew served in clay pots.
Food in South America is a blend of multiple generations and cultures. As the country saw colonization by the Spanish, Portuguese, and later European immigrants, many countries have incorporated the traditions of these regions into their cuisine. Fusion is a common type of cuisine, especially in Peru, where the dishes are a delicious melding of traditions, techniques, and ingredients of the people of South America.
Common dishes you’ll see in South America feature fish, corn, squash, and tubers. However, you’ll also see chilies, adobe, plantains, coriander, cassava, and large amounts of meat. Many of the countries include these ingredients in their own distinct way and techniques. For those with dietary restrictions, many of the major cities have seen a growth in vegetarian and vegan options.
Classic Regions in South America for Luxury Travel
1. Chile
One of the top countries to visit in South America, Chile is considered an old hat at luxury tours. Chile may be thin in some areas but is full of historic sites, ancient ruins, and a rugged landscape. Chile is known for its opportunities to experience local traditions, handcrafts, and unique destinations.
2. Peru
Often considered the top destination in South America, Peru has been welcoming luxury travelers for years. With historic cities of Lima and Cuzco, Incan sites, and a food fusion culture, Peru has been leading the way for luxury vacations on the continent.
Since Darwin published his work, the Galapagos Islands have been inspiring travelers to learn more about the natural world and see the biodiversity that call these islands home. Cruises of the Galapagos start off in Ecuador and allow you to see the teeming natural life that makes this area of South America unforgettable.
4. Argentina
Tango, Patagonia, and Buenas Aires. A trifecta of Argentina that luxury travelers have been loving for years. Argentina has the perfect combination of unbelievable landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, colorful cities of Buenos Aires, and a rich music and food scene.
Up and Coming Regions in South America for Luxury Travelers
As travelers, we are always looking for the next hidden gem. In South America, there are some areas that are growing in popularity in the luxury travel realm for their history, remoteness, and attention to ecotourism.
1. Colombia
Once considered a country few would travel to, Colombia has been growing in popularity in the last few years. With the vibrant and historic cities of Cartagena, Bogota, and Medellin and the salsa capital of Cali, Colombia is offering an experience to get to know what Colombia is really all about.
2. Uruguay
Largely forgotten about by most because of its neighbors Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is still considered a hidden gem in South America. However, this won’t be the case much longer. Uruguay has all of the characteristics of Buenos Aires, but with smaller crowds, art galleries, and gastronomy to make your stomach growl.
3. Bolivia
Home to the Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia has become the luxury destination to see what Earth looked like before humankind. In Bolivia, you can get an up close and personal with the world around you by kayaking on the Amazon, catching pink dolphins swimming in the water, and discovering the beautiful Lake Titicaca.
4. Brazil
There are destinations in Brazil that are combining the adventurous sides of luxury travel along with the growing awareness of ecotourism. You can find multiple eco resorts in Brazil that focus on combining these two aspects of travel. As the genre of ecotourism grows and companies choosing to travel smartly, Brazil is one of the countries helping to grow this awareness.
Private Guided Tour in South America
Many luxury tour operators offer privately guided or custom itineraries of South America. One of the benefits of going with a luxury tour company is being able to handpick and construct your own vacation. These tours offer the opportunity to add in more adventurous experiences or focus on the food of a destination. You aren’t as restricted as if you were going on a preselected tour. Luxury tours can be for solo travelers, couples, and even families.
Also, these tours can be privately guided. You are paired with a local guide that takes you to all of the top sites and experiences without the stress of large tour groups or changing guides in every city. Luxury tours tend to be more intimate than larger group travel. This is a great option to see South America if you are going on a honeymoon or looking for a family vacation.
Luxury South America Reviews & Ratings
The trip exceeded my expectations.
Sebastian and Carolina were extremely helpful putting the tour together to South America. We had a great trip, the itinerary was good and I enjoyed the fact that the...
We can strongly recommend Across Argentina as a secure and highly experienced travel agency
"We recently booked an extensive two week trip of Argentina and Chile through Across South America We approached the company by email (in English) from Australia and...
T
Best tour; from the guides to the hotels to the sites - absolutely top notch
We did a private tour of Peru with A&K for our 30th wedding anniversary. It was truly remarkable. The attention to detail, sites we visited, hotels we stayed a...
We experienced Cusco, Trekking through the Andes
My wife and I just returned from our trip to Peru for 10 days. We experienced Cusco, Trekking through the Andes, and Machu Picchu. I spent a significant amount of ti...
Amazing experience and all first class!
I just got back from a tour of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco. It was an amazing experience and all first class! Our tour guide, Allison Elaine Monge Carr...
Traveling to Luxury South America, an FAQ
1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?
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Stride Preferred and Stride Premier are status categories to help you sort quickly through known and reliable travel companies. Since there are thousands of tour operators around the globe, Preferred or Premier badges are awarded to companies that Travelstride has determined meet the highest standards of professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality.