Luxury Holidays in South America

South America

A wondrously diverse part of the world with stunning scenery, rainforests and expansive stretches of virgin beaches

You can be assured of an unforgettable adventure when you visit South America. Much of the continent is still untouched by development, so you can still discover wonderfully remote places. With dense Amazonian rainforests, expanses of desert, soaring mountain peaks and icy glaciers, South America is a diverse part of the world which also has a fascinating history and a colourful culture with many indigenous tribes still carrying on with their day to day traditions.

A luxurious cruise or stay in a comfortable eco-lodge is a fantastic way to see some of the stunning Peruvian Amazon. The sprawling tropical wetlands of Patanal cover over 54,000 square miles and are bursting with wildlife including jaguars, monkeys, anteaters and over 600 species of bird.

Brazil borders almost every country in South America and is only slightly smaller than the United States. With spectacular beaches, natural wonders and samba rhythms it’s no surprise that Brazil never fails to charm and delight its visitors. In the dense rainforest, you can stay in a jungle lodge or explore on a guided hike or boat excursion. In complete contrast, the vibrant and sun-kissed city of Rio boasts the world famous sights of the imposing Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana beach and Sugarloaf Mountain. Music is a huge part of the culture here and seemingly never-ending samba beat will become the theme tune of your luxury holiday.

Peru is an enchanting place and no trip here is complete with visiting Machu Picchu, one of the best-preserved Inca cities in the world. You can reach the site by train or take the infamous Inca Trail trek.

Argentina has the mighty Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world and it is truly astounding! Wine buffs will appreciate the wine tasting tours in Mendoza and this area also has a great selection of luxury spa hotels and top quality restaurants.

Ecuador and The Galapagos are wonderful destinations well, with Ecuador having emerald forests, white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. The Galapagos Islands are a unspoiled paradise teaming with endemic species making it an ideal holiday choice for nature lovers.

Designer Travel can tailor make your personal holiday itinerary to South America. Whether you want to visit one place or you are interested in touring or a multi-centre luxury holiday, we can help. Bespoke holidays are one of our specialties and if you give us your holiday wish list and a guide as to your budget, we have the expertise and extensive knowledge to search for the best options and make recommendations. We also offer a full after sales service so you are looked after from start to finish.

Key Highlights

• The Peruvian Amazon rainforest is vast, with an amazing range of wildlife and plants
• Eco-lodge stays are popular in more rural areas
• Ask us about luxury Amazon River Cruises
• Discover the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu
• Guided hikes, boat trips and excursions are a fantastic way to see the sights
• Visit Rio to see Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue
• The Pantanal wetlands are a popular choice with birdwatchers
• Iguazu Falls in Argentina is absolutely magnificent
• Choose Mendoza in Argentina for wine tasting tours
• Twin a visit to mainland Ecuador with a trip to the Galapagos Islands
• The Galapagos Islands have dramatic volcanic landscapes and an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, iguanas, penguins and giant tortoises
• South America is generally a popular choice for couples, friends and solo travellers

Travel Information

Flying Time: 10 - 13 hours

Time Difference: GMT -3 to -5 hours

Medical Information

We can provide general information about any health formalities required for your trip but you should check with your own doctor for your specific circumstances. Up-to-date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

Climate Information

The majority of South America experiences a tropical climate, but with such a large land mass, temperatures and rainfall can vary hugely from place to place.

Temperatures can reach more than 38°C.

Rainfall in the Amazon basin can be measured in feet rather than inches!

Leisure & Activities

Machu Picchu
Situated in the high Andes in Peru, the ancient city of Mach Picchu was only discovered in 1911, making it one of the best-preserved Incan cities in the world. Made up of over 100 constructions, including houses, temples and sanctuaries, it can be reached from nearby Cusco by train. For the more adventurous, you can take an organised hike with one of the many local travel services. At 8000 feet, altitude sickness can be an issue for some people.

Galapagos Islands
Probably Ecuador’s’ most visited and famous destination, the Galapagos Islands consist of 13 main islands, 6 small islands and about 107 rocky islets. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts visitors from all over the globe, who can experience the wonders of plant and animal life indigenous to this part of the world. There are also endless stretches of pristine beaches offering fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Beaches
South America has some of the best beaches on the planet, some with mile after mile of empty white sands. If a relaxing beach holiday for you, head for Brazil, Uruguay or Argentina where the beaches are world famous for their quality and facilities. Some of the best include Copacabana and Ipanema in Brazil and Punta del Este in Uruguay.