Luxury South & Central America Holidays

For many travellers who embark on a luxury holiday to Latin America, learning more about the fascinating ancient civilisations who once lived there is high on their list of things to do. The Maya, Inca, Olmec and Aztec people all built impressive cities here, many of which can still be seen today.

Machu Picchu

Perhaps the most famous landmark in Peru, Machu Picchu’s complex citadel reveals some of the most fascinating secrets of the Incas. Its construction is a true feat, with over 150 buildings such as bath houses, temples and sanctuaries lining the mountain.

Easter Island

For those who want to see it, a visit to Easter Island can easily be arranged during a luxury tailor-made holiday to South America. Lying off the coast of Chile, this uninhabited island is shrouded in mystery. Its main draw is over 1,000 huge, monolithic ancient Moai statues carved from volcanic rock.

Cuzco

The gateway to Machu Picchu and the Inca’s capital city, Cuzco is packed with history and culture. Later influenced by Spanish colonies, you could spend enough time admiring the streets and alpaca wool in shop windows. But, nearby Sacsayhuaman and the Korichana Temple will tempt your with more tales from the Inca’s fascinating past.

Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

If you’re thinking of travelling to Belize in Central America, make sure you visit the remains of Caracol in the Cayo district. This ancient Mayan archaeological site features an impressive pyramid nestled in the rainforest at the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Join an expert guide to learn how people lived here thousands of years ago.

The stunning Andean landscapes of South America and the lush interior of Central America are beautifully diverse. Each area offers a different exciting world to explore.

Tropical rainforests

The biggest rainforest in the world can be found in South America, the Amazon Rainforest. Spanning from Brazil into Peru and Colombia, it’s one of the most diverse natural habitats on Earth. Costa Rica, meanwhile, is known for its incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest. Journey through them and you’ll spot colourful wildlife, from rainbow-coloured frogs to sloths, jaguars and the beloved resplendent quetzal.

Magnificent waterfalls

On your luxury holidays to South America, it’s highly recommended to see the astounding Iguazu Falls. Lying on the border between Brazil and Argentina, it’s the largest waterfall in the world, spanning almost 3km in width, with around 275 separate cascades. There are numerous viewing platforms and trails to see it in all its glory.

Vast deserts

In contrast to the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls, you’ll also find sprawling deserts when you explore Central and South America. Perhaps the most famous is the Atacama Desert in Chile. While it’s the driest desert on Earth, its otherworldly landscape will surprise you with geysers, geothermal pools and sparkling blue lagoons. With clear, dark skies and a world-famous observatory, it’s also a fantastic stargazing site.

The Andes region, which includes Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Argentina among other countries, has a unique and colourful culture with beautiful traditions. Soft alpaca wool is crafted into colourful weaved textiles, while elaborate ceramics and jewellery are also handmade. Local markets are the perfect place to admire them.

Lake Titicaca is wonderful for learning more about indigenous cultures. Early Andeans believed the lake was the birthplace of the sun, while today it boasts the claim of being the world’s highest navigable lake.

Fascinating cities

Rio de Janeiro is perhaps South America’s most famous city, with its colourful carnivals and Christ the Redeemer statue. But, don’t let this distract you from the other fascinating stops. Chile’s capital, Santiago, is beautiful, with incredible colonial architecture at Plaza de Armas and the Andean Peaks making a stunning backdrop.

Peru’s capital of Lima is equally charming, while also often being considered the gastronomic capital of South America – sample the Ceviche see why. Ecuador’s capital, Quito, meanwhile is built on ancient Incan foundations in the Andean foothills. With European and Moorish influences, there are numerous ornate buildings to admire.