Best Luxury Hotels in South America

South America is one of the most fascinating continents in the world to visit, offering everything from ancient archaeological ruins to the world’s most innovative fine dining cuisine - not to mention iconic destinations like the Galapagos, Amazon River, and Patagonia.

However, a vacation to South America doesn’t mean having to sacrifice comfort! The tourism infrastructure on the continent is world-class, with so many luxury hotels in South America where you can unwind in complete comfort after an invigorating day of exploring Machu Picchu or delighting in the local markets in Buenos Aires.

If you’ve been thinking of planning a trip in five-star comfort, here are some of South America’s best luxury hotels  - plus, how Chimu can help you discover the continent in a safe and supportive environment.

Why book a luxury holiday with Chimu Adventures?

With over 20 years of industry experience, Chimu staff are true South American experts. We’ve used our unique insight to craft our Signature South America itineraries, which blend independent and supported travel. They’re designed to showcase not just the big highlights, but also a more local side of South America, such as neighbourhood markets, immersive cultural experiences, and unique dining and nightlife.

However, we know South America can be an intimidating destination, particularly if it’s your first time visiting the continent. Some travellers might feel more comfortable and relaxed staying in luxury hotels, with all the comforts of home. Each of our itineraries offers a Deluxe option, featuring luxury properties with high-end facilities in great locations.

We’ll support you every step of the way as you travel, with local ground staff in each South American country where we operate. We’ll also arrange your transfers, international and internal flights, and insurance, everything you need for an easy and stress-free trip.

Tierra Hotels

Chile’s Tierra Hotels are easily some of the best luxury hotels in South America, with a focus not just on cuisine, comfort, and style, but also on sustainability.

Tierra Atacama and Tierra Patagonia are exceptional properties where eco-friendly tourism thrives, thanks to initiatives like solar power, the use of recyclable and reusable packaging, and innovative architecture that seamlessly blends the hotel with its landscapes, while minimising environmental impact and using only locally sourced materials.

Each Tierra operates on an all-inclusive basis, including meals, drinks, and daily excursions, bespoke adventures like trekking, horseback riding, and sailing, depending on the property.

If your desire is to stargaze in Atacama or hike the rugged landscapes of Patagonia, you’ll love the architectural beauty and exceptional hospitality of the Tierra properties.

Chimu’s Tierra Patagonia and Tierra Atacama extensions offer the easiest way to experience either property, with transfers included. We can also arrange your internal South America flights.

Mashpi Lodge

Immerse yourself in an Ecuadorian cloud forest at Mashpi Lodge, part of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Just a three-hour transfer from Quito will bring you to the biodiverse Andean Choco rainforest, where you’ll bird-watch, observe wildlife, or ride a sky bike through the jungle canopy, paired with exceptional luxury.

The modern guest suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows, soaking tubs, and rainforest views are the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring, or book into Mashpi’s spa for a botanical facial or a sunrise yoga class - bliss!

With our Mashpi Cloud Forest Lodge extension, we include transfers from Quito, making it easy to add on time at Mashpi before or after your Galapagos cruise.

Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Soak up the sunrise vibes on Ipanema Beach at Fasano, one of the best luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro. With an oceanfront infinity pool and a luxury design, a throwback to the Bossa Nova era of the 1950s and ‘60s, this stunning hotel is the ideal base for exploring the vibrant city of Rio, one of Brazil’s most famous destinations.

This resort is an option for Deluxe itineraries that include time in Rio, including Signature South America Circle and Signature Rio to Buenos Aires.

Inkaterra La Casona

The gorgeous Peruvian city of Cusco is famous as the jumping-off point for Machu Picchu, but it’s also the former capital of the Inca empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, in a city so rich in history, it makes sense to stay in a historic five-star hotel!

Inkaterra La Casona is within a former 16th-century manor home, offering a beautifully remodelled boutique hotel that caters to your every need. With only 11 suites, all opening onto the inviting courtyard, this property is ideal for travellers who prefer a more personalised experience.

Enjoy time in Inkaterra La Casona on any of Chimu’s tours that include time in Cusco, such as our popular Signature Peru itinerary.

Casa Lucia

Located in the elegant, historic, and safe neighbourhood of Recoleta, Casa Lucia is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Buenos Aires. Conde Nast Traveler ranked it as one of the best new hotels in 2024, and it’s easy to see why - with chic black and white tiling, contemporary Argentinian artwork, and exceptional hospitality, this is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Buenos Aires is often considered ‘the Paris of the South’ for its grand European architecture and lush parks and boulevards, so the cosmopolitan luxury of Casa Lucia fits in perfectly with the charming, cafe-lined streets of Recoleta.

Casa Lucia can be booked as part of any itinerary in Buenos Aires, Argentina, such as Signature Rio to Buenos Aires or a layover before or after your Antarctic cruise. We can add on English speaking guides and airport transfers as well.

Illa Experience Hotel & Spa

Considered the first luxury experiential hotel in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, Illa Experience is a gorgeous boutique property with a focus on sustainability, authentic cuisine, and exceptional customer service, a relaxing start before your Galapagos Islands cruise. 

The property is full of thoughtful and unique touches, like restored doors donated from Quito churches and decor that reflects traditional Ecuadorian art and culture. Illa Experience is also a strong supporter of local employment, offering housing at no cost to the hotel’s chef, making it easier for them to save and open up their own restaurant in the future.

Relax at Illa Experience as part of your Signature Galapagos or Signature Ecuador itinerary.

La Selva Lodge

While you might not associate the Amazon with luxury, La Selva Lodge is actually one of our favourite luxury hotels in South America! Deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, this stunning eco-lodge is the perfect base for exploring the Amazon in comfort.

The suites, including several family staterooms for up to four, offer relaxed luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and rainforest showers or baths. La Selva does relaxation so well, but their naturalist guides will also show you the biodiverse wonders of the Amazon through activities like canoeing, stargazing and nighttime walks, or guided walks to the resort’s private observation tower, ideal for bird watching or spotting playful monkeys.

Chimu’s Ecuador Amazon Extension includes four days at La Selva Lodge.

If you’re ready to plan an unforgettable South American holiday, including some of the luxury properties above, please reach out and our experienced team is here to help you get started! We can help you decide which itinerary is right for you and can easily add on extensions, local flights, and local guides, ensuring you have an adventure like no other.