South America is a continent divided into 12 diverse countries. It has everything from thick jungles to deserts and snow-capped mountains so if you wanted to plan a trip, where would you go?
In this article, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the best luxury things to do in Brazil, Peru and Argentina. Whether you’re looking for unforgettable cruises at the end of the earth, luxury train journeys through the mountains or iconic attractions all to yourself, we can make that happen.
Get ready to expand your bucket list because here’s what to do in Argentina, Brazil and Peru!
Argentina
Go hiking the luxury way in Patagonia
One of our favourite things to do in Argentina is exploring Patagonia. Extending across the border between Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a jaw-dropping region renowned for its mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers.
Venture into the region’s heart by staying in the newly opened ultra-luxury Explora El Chaltén Lodge. Deep within the Los Huemules Conservation Reserve, this five-star lodge sits at the base of El Chaltén and offers guests an extensive range of hiking experiences led by certified guides.
After a day in the mountains, a beautiful spa, complete with massage rooms, saunas and Jacuzzis soothe well-exercised muscles at the lodge. Accommodation comes in the form of cosy rooms and suites with expansive windows. As for the food? Fine dining is a standard with dishes made from fresh local ingredients by talented chefs.
Explore more of Patagonia's highlights with Winged Boots' tailored, Argentina luxury tour, taking you through otherworldly landscapes before finishing at Iguassu Falls.
See a football match in Buenos Aires
Football is almost like a religion to Argentinians. Some of the world’s greatest players have come from this country so it comes as no surprise that they’re the 2022 FIFA World Cup Champions.
Why not witness the magic of the game for yourself in Buenos Aires? La Bombonera Stadium in the La Boca district is legendary. Here you can watch Boca Juniors play in a stadium that can accommodate up to 49,000 people.
The one catch is tickets are hard to come by unless you know where to look. You can either borrow a season pass off a Boca Junior fan who has one or buy tickets off a broker, travel company or hotel.
If you do want to see a game, we recommend talking to our personal travel managers as scams are rife. Alternatively, you can catch a glimpse of the electrifying atmosphere by doing a private tour of the stadium instead.
Drink South America's finest wine in Mendoza
In the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is where Argentina’s boldest reds meet its juiciest steaks under an open sky that turns blush at sunset. It’s the kind of place where every meal feels like a celebration, and every glass of Malbec tastes better at altitude.
For a truly immersive experience, check into Casa De Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort, where design, nature, and gastronomy blend in effortless harmony.
Think private tastings among the vines, horseback rides through sun-dappled terrain, and a sommelier-curated cellar that whispers temptation. If you’re in Argentina and skipping Mendoza, you're missing the heart of its flavour.
Cruise around Cape Horn
See the ‘uttermost ends of the earth’ on a cruising adventure you’ll never forget. Right down the bottom of the South American continent you’ll find Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city.
Situated on the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago, it’s the perfect jumping off point to explore some of the most remote and breath-taking scenery on the planet – all from the comfort of a luxury cruise.
Spend four nights aboard Australis sailing from Argentinian Ushuaia to Punta Arenas in Chile with highlights including Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay. That’s two countries in one trip!
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin as you cruise down the Beagle Channel through a labyrinth of islands and vistas of glacier-laden mountains.
Sail the Strait of Magellan and make a final stop at Isla Magdalena where you’ll meet its Patagonian penguin colony before disembarking at Punta Arenas.
Brazil
Take a cable car to Christ The Redeemer
Few places stir the soul like Rio de Janeiro, where jungle-clad peaks meet golden coastline and every view feels cinematic. This sprawling city sits between mountains on one side and the South Atlantic Ocean on the other. It’s renowned for its vibrant Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain and the 38m Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Mount Corcovado.
Take the cable car to Christ the Redeemer – an iconic luxury tour in Brazil – and feel the hush of awe as the statue towers above the city, arms outstretched in eternal welcome.
Then glide up to Sugarloaf Mountain, where glassy waters and rainforest wrap around Rio in a dazzling embrace. From there, drift down to Copacabana Beach, where the samba spirit hums through every sun-kissed moment. It’s a trio of icons that captures Brazil’s heart – spiritual, spectacular and utterly unforgettable.
Party in Rio de Janeiro
No trip to Brazil is complete without experiencing Rio de Janeiro's vibrant Carnival, an epic nationwide celebration. The version in Rio is the biggest and the best, complete with parade floats, costumes, samba dancers and an electrifying party atmosphere.
Carnival is typically held on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and continues for five days.
Get more travel inspiration in our guide to the greatest shows on earth - where we highlight the world's most exciting and extravagant cultural and music festivals.
Get exclusive access to Iguazú Falls
Voted one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Iguazú Falls is a mighty group of waterfalls bordering Brazil and Argentina on the Iguazú River. In fact, it’s the largest waterfall system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some would argue that Brazil has the better viewpoint of the falls but on the Argentinian side you can get much closer to them and there’s more to explore, so experiencing both sides is a must.
If you’re keen to see Iguazú Falls, we think staying at Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel is an absolute no-brainer. At this five-star hotel, you don’t just stay within a stone’s throwaway of the falls, you also get access to the walkways and viewpoints before the attraction is open to tourists. Enjoy views from your room, feel the energy of the water in a bioenergetic exercise and explore the Lower Falls by speedboat here.
Explore the Amazon Rainforest
For a real South American adventure, the Amazon Rainforest is a must. And while it’s wild and remote, exploring this mighty jungle doesn’t have to be lacking in luxury.
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a modern all-inclusive experience on the banks of the Rio Negro. No WIFI here, but the digital detox is certainly made worth your while by the beautiful infinity pool, delicious dining and the wealth of thrilling activities.
We love the Rio Negro riverboat cruise which meanders through the largest left tributary of the Amazon River.
Or you can go wildlife spotting with an expert guide. See the likes of pink dolphins and piranha in the water plus sloths, snakes and alligators in the jungle – from a safe distance, of course!
Peru
Meet the communities of Lake Titicaca
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is said to be the birthplace of the Inca civilization. This enormous freshwater lake high in the Andes is one of the largest in South America.
While the Incas have long since disappeared, Andean civilization is still well and truly alive here. On the lake itself you can find the floating islands of the Uros Titino communities.
These floating structures are man-made and woven from braided roots of totora – a type of reed. The same reed material is used to make woven huts for the skilled raftsmen and weaver women who make them their home.
You can visit these floating villages and learn about the ancestral heritage of these communities. They’re also fantastic places to buy authentic and original crafts.
Stay at Titilaka, a luxury lodge on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Here you can explore the beauties of the lake, experience local festivals and sample incredible Peruvian cuisine.
Take a helicopter ride over the Nazca Lines
Soar above Peru’s desert plains in a helicopter and witness one of the world’s most beguiling mysteries – the Nazca Lines.
These ancient geoglyphs, etched into the earth over 2,000 years ago, depict hummingbirds, monkeys, and geometric patterns that stretch for miles. Their purpose? Still unknown, adding to the allure.
Only from the air can you grasp their scale and precision, a feat of artistry and engineering that defies time. The flight itself is exhilarating, skimming over rust-hued terrain with each line revealing a new wonder. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s a brush with a riddle that’s never been solved.
Ride the Andean Explorer
What do you do when you want to see some of Peru’s best sights in style? Take South America’s first luxury sleeper train, of course!
Andean Explorer is a Belmond service that travels along one of the highest train routes in the world. It offers a selection of one- or two-night journeys travelling between Cusco, Puno and Arequipa.
See the ancient capital of the Inca Empire flash by your window, chug through the highest plains of the Andes, admire the glass-like beauty of Lake Titicaca and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arequipa all from the sumptuous comfort of a luxury train. It doesn’t get much better than that.
So, what can you expect from the Andean Explorer? In true Belmond fashion, the train is a work of art. Suites with double beds and cosy furnishings promise to lull you to sleep as you listen to the steady rhythm of the wheels.
The dining and lounge cars invite you to relax in pure style while the observation car allows views with fresh air. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find a spa car (yes, on a train!) where facials and massages await.
Visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is, without a doubt, a jewel in Peru’s crown if not the world. The remains of a 15th-century Inca citadel high in the Andes Mountains takes centre stage with a panorama of peaks surrounding it.
The original use for this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a mystery but today it’s one of the most popular historical attractions on the planet.
Most people make Cusco their base to see Machu Picchu, but we think you can do better and stay in the only hotel close to this magnificent attraction. Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel is a five-star hotel within easy walking distance of this Inca wonder.
This stylish retreat gives you access to Machu Picchu before the crowds descend so you have the whole place to yourself. It offers a selection of tailored experiences that allow you to see the authentic side to the Lost City and the people of the Andes.
Peru, Argentina and Brazil are some of our favourite destinations to visit in South America thanks to their unique cultural heritages, incredible natural scenery and unforgettable luxury experiences.
While this list only offers a glimpse of some of the most amazing things to do on this continent, we hope it piques your interest and encourages you to explore further.
Call our personal travel managers today and plan a trip of a lifetime in South America.
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