South America: A Continent of Extremes, Myth and Magic

Inspiration

Vast, visceral and endlessly compelling, South America is a continent that defies easy definition. From ancient civilisations and dramatic natural extremes to living traditions and quietly resilient cultures, it offers a depth of experience that rewards travellers willing to look beyond the surface. Here, remoteness and refinement often sit side by side, and encounters feel personal, unfiltered and deeply memorable.

Across large swathes of the continent, wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage remain remarkably well preserved. In many regions, life continues much as it has for generations, offering a sense of simplicity and authenticity that feels increasingly rare. Add to this a tapestry of distinctive cuisines shaped by geography, climate and history, and South America becomes a place that awakens curiosity and invites exploration at every turn.

This is a destination for those drawn to contrast and connection: desert and rainforest, colonial elegance and ancient ritual, cosmopolitan cities and remote wilderness. It is not a place to rush, but one to experience slowly, allowing each region to reveal its own rhythm and story.

Brazil

Palácio Tangará, São Paulo

Set within the green expanse of Burle Marx Park, Palácio Tangará brings a sense of calm and classical elegance to the edge of one of South America’s most dynamic cities. Part of the Oetker Collection, the hotel blends European heritage with São Paulo’s creative energy, offering a refined retreat within easy reach of the city’s cultural life.

Spacious, light-filled rooms overlook the parkland, while the hotel’s pools, spa and attentive service provide a welcome counterpoint to the pace of the city beyond. Dining is a highlight, with exceptional cuisine by Jean-Georges Vongerichten that draws on Brazil’s rich produce and culinary traditions.

Chile

Nayara Alto Atacama

In the heart of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest landscapes on earth, Nayara Alto Atacama feels like a true sanctuary. Built from local materials and designed to sit harmoniously within its surroundings, the lodge offers a striking contrast between the stark beauty of the desert and the warmth of its interiors.

Days are spent exploring lunar valleys, salt flats and high-altitude lagoons, before returning to heated outdoor pools, shaded courtyards and restorative spa treatments. Evenings unfold beneath vast, star-filled skies, guided by a team whose deep connection to the region brings the desert’s history, geology and spirit vividly to life.

Argentina

Awasi Iguazú

Hidden within the Atlantic Rainforest near the Iguazú Falls, Awasi Iguazú offers an experience defined by privacy, immersion and complete flexibility. With just 14 villas, each guest is paired with a private guide and vehicle, allowing every day to be shaped around individual interests and pace.

From witnessing the raw power of the falls to exploring hidden forest trails, spotting rare birdlife, visiting Jesuit ruins or learning about Guaraní culture, experiences here are deeply personal and thoughtfully curated. Time spent at Awasi often lingers longer than planned, such is the pull of its setting and sense of freedom.

Peru

Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley

Set within the fertile heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, Sol y Luna is both a refined retreat and a place of cultural connection. Its elegant casitas are surrounded by lush gardens and framed by the Andean mountains, creating a serene base from which to explore the region’s archaeological and natural wonders.

The hotel offers easy access to sites such as the Maras salt mines and the Moray terraces, while on-site experiences range from Peruvian Paso horse shows and Andean weaving demonstrations to outdoor pursuits including horse riding, kayaking and paragliding. Gastronomy is an integral part of the experience, celebrating local flavours and traditions.

Ecuador

Pikaia Lodge, Galápagos

On Santa Cruz Island, Pikaia Lodge redefines the Galápagos experience through a land-based approach to luxury and sustainability. As a member of Relais & Châteaux, the lodge combines contemporary design with a strong environmental ethos, offering exceptional comfort alongside meaningful conservation efforts.

Staying on land allows for greater privacy, outstanding cuisine and small, expertly guided excursions, while the lodge’s own giant tortoise reserve provides rare insight into one of the islands’ most iconic species. With panoramic views and a dramatic infinity pool, Pikaia Lodge offers a considered alternative to traditional cruising.

South America is not a destination to be ‘completed’, but one to be returned to time and again. Many journeys are best experienced by combining a handful of regions, allowing contrasts to unfold naturally from one place to the next. Thoughtfully connected, these experiences create a richly layered journey across a continent that continues to surprise, challenge and inspire.

Our Latest Travel Inspiration:

South America: A Continent of Extremes, Myth and Magic