Regions - South America
Argentina
Argentina is one of our most requested destinations in South America, with good reason. The city life is vibrant - Buenos Aires is full of interesting neighborhoods, art galleries, great restaurants, excellent shopping and of course, history. Wine country in Mendoza or Salta offers the opportunity to relax and indulge in viticulture and gastronomy, as well as outdoor activities in the foothills of the Andes. Iguazu Falls is a fantastic sight and good for a 1-2 night visit. South of BA is the Valdes Peninsula, desolate country but perhaps the best area in which to view wildlife, including elephant seals, sea lions, penguins, orcas and other whales.
Patagonia is expansive – one can visit the city of Bariloche, famous for its ski areas, outdoor activity, and Germanic ambiance. In southern Patagonia, giant Perito Moreno Glacier is likely to cleave in front of your eyes; if watching isn't enough you can trek across the ice as well. Nearby is dramatic Mount Fitzroy and surrounding Glaciers National Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Further south, basically at the end of the earth, in the Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire), you can follow the steps of Charles Darwin through the Beagle Channel, visit islands full of penguins, or traverse the rugged back-country, learning about the local way of life.
What Argentina doesn't have is a good beach resort, but fortunately sand and surf aren't far away in Brazil or Uruguay, making a combination itinerary very attractive.
Brazil
Now is Brazil's time to shine. The economic powerhouse has firmly established itself on the world stage as a country to watch, especially with Rio's hosting of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. But the country is not just about sport and Samba; there is much more to love. Home to South America's best beaches, the sun is always shining somewhere in Brazil. While there are really only a handful of high quality beach resorts, they are very very good and worth a visit if R&R is of interest. Outdoor activities range from hiking among the stunning mesas of the Chapada Diamantina, diving remote Fernando de Noronha Island, or horseback riding across the wetlands of the fascinating Pantanal. The best way to experience the Amazon is on a boat, stopping at points for jungle hikes and shore visits.
From a city perspective, Sao Paulo is immense, but offers some terrific fashion and dining. Rio is world-class, and arguably one of the most scenic cities in the world. Ouro Preto is a lovely showcase for colonial architecture, Florianopolis is a cool modern city with a great vibe, and Salvador is colorful, happy, and full of music. Be sure to open your spirit and follow your heart: dance, have fun, and let yourself go, just like the Brazilians do.
Chile
The spine of prosperous Chile is the Andes Mountains, a defining feature of this fascinating, well-run country. With a population of only 17 million, 6 million of which reside in Santiago, the country is home to wide open space and miles and miles of coastline. Santiago itself is worth a few days' visit; it is a pleasant city with a historic center and good restaurants. To the north lies the moonscape of the Atacama Desert, home to salt pans, hot springs, stunning scenery and a soft adventure travel scene. Easter Island lies 1600 miles (2600 km) off the coast, and is famous for its mysterious stone statues and its Polynesian ancestry.
South of Santiago is Chile's wine country, which can be visited as a day trip from the capital or as a multi-day excursion. Central Chile is home to a string of snow-capped volcanoes, one of which has been particularly active of late. The coastline is rocky and dramatic, and the interior is full mountain forests and streams – perfect for hikers and fishermen alike. Serious hikers will want to make the pilgrimage to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia; the mountainous massif is stunning, and the glacier, valleys and steppe extraordinarily beautiful.
Colombia
This tropical and mountainous country has certainly faced its fair share of challenges from a tourism perspective, but visitors are starting to rediscover the beauty of Colombia, and in particular, the colonial city of Cartagena. Today Cartagena's historic quarter is home to boutique hotels, great cafes, interesting restaurants, music venues and cool shops and can be a great place to spend a few days soaking in the atmosphere.
Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
The climatic diversity one finds in Ecuador is stunning for such a small country: dense jungles, wild rivers, snow-capped volcanoes, mountain villages, tropical beaches, banana plantations, and of course, the incomparable Galapagos Islands. It's not very well oriented for luxury tourism, but for experiential visits, it's exceptional. You can learn jungle medicine from a shaman, hike or climb to your heart's content, tour the colonial center of the capital Quito, or visit indigenous villages full of colorful arts and crafts for sale. No trip would be complete without at least 3 nights (and preferably more) in the Galapagos, one of the world's premier wildlife destinations and a fragile showcase of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. The best way to visit is on a small cruise ship, although some lodges do exist on the main island.
Peru and Machu Picchu
Lovers of culture are in for a treat in Peru. If the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu isn't enough to motivate you, consider the villages of the Sacred Valley, the colonial splendor of Cuzco, the excellent museums in Lima or the reed dwelling people on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The people are colorful and warm, and you'll no doubt have many opportunities to purchase beautiful handicrafts and clothing. Don't miss the Nazca Lines – giant Incan images carved into the earth and only visible by scenic overflight. The Peruvian rainforest is also a treat: you can spend time in a jungle lodge exploring the flora and fauna, or settle into a comfortable river expedition as you look for pink dolphins and monkeys. If time permits, the beautiful Colca Canyon, one of the planet's deepest, is a nice addition. Don't forget to eat while here – Lima in particular is a hotbed of fusion cuisine based on Peru's unique local produce.
Uruguay
Tiny Uruguay is often overlooked, although many people will have heard about it in the context of Punta del Este, a beach resort often referred to as the "St. Tropez of the South". During the "season" (from November to February), glitterati from across the globe celebrate the southern summer at Punta, and fortunately, thanks to new hotel development, we now think it has nice places to stay as well. Beyond the beach, Uruguay combines nicely with Buenos Aires, either as a day-trip by ferry across the Rio del La Plata to historic Colonia, or as a city escape to a riverside resort in Carmelo. The country also has a nascent wine and gastronomy movement that foodies will appreciate, a variety of stunning national parks, estancias and interesting towns. One could easily spend a full two weeks in Uruguay alone – believe it or not!
