Ultimate Guide to
South America’s Best Hotels
Table of Contents
The Andean Region Hotels:
Historic Haciendas and Sacred Valleys
The Andean region of South America, encompassing Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, offers a spectacular tapestry of ancient civilizations, colonial cities, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. The hotel scene here is a captivating blend of restored historic mansions and luxurious lodges that serve as gateways to some of the world’s most iconic sites. The search for the best hotels in Peru often begins in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Here, stunning properties like the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, a converted 16th-century monastery, and the Inkaterra La Casona, a colonial manor, offer guests a deep sense of history and place. These hotels provide a perfect base for acclimatizing before heading into the Sacred Valley and to Machu Picchu, where exclusive hideaways like the Sanctuary Lodge offer unparalleled proximity to the ancient citadel.
Ecuador presents its own unique brand of luxury, from the historic heart of Quito to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. In Quito’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Casa Gangotena offers opulent accommodation in a restored presidential mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco. For a truly unique experience, Mashpi Lodge, a cocoon of contemporary luxury set in the middle of a cloud forest, provides a breathtaking immersion in nature with its panoramic glass walls and observation platforms. In the Galápagos, luxury is defined by intimate and exclusive expedition cruises or unique eco-lodges like Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island, which combine land-based comfort with sustainable practices and wildlife exploration.
Bolivia, a land of surreal landscapes, offers experiences that are more rugged and adventurous, yet increasingly luxurious. From the dazzling white plains of the Salar de Uyuni, unique salt hotels provide an otherworldly stay, offering unparalleled views of the star-filled night sky. In the capital, La Paz, luxury hotels provide comfortable havens in the world’s highest capital city. The best hotels in the Andean region are defined by their profound connection to the history, culture, and nature that surrounds them. Whether you are staying in a colonial masterpiece in Cusco, a cloud forest marvel in Ecuador, or a salt palace in Bolivia, these accommodations are integral parts of an unforgettable South American journey.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmond Hotel Monasterio | Cusco, Peru | Historic Monastery Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mashpi Lodge | Mashpi, Ecuador | Cloud Forest Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Inkaterra La Casona | Cusco, Peru | Colonial Manor Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Casa Gangotena | Quito, Ecuador | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Belmond Sanctuary Lodge | Machu Picchu, Peru | Unique Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort | Sacred Valley, Peru | Luxury Valley Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Pikaia Lodge | Galápagos, Ecuador | Luxury Eco-Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Cusco, Peru | Historic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Palacio de Sal | Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia | Salt Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hacienda Zuleta | Imbabura, Ecuador | Historic Hacienda | ★★★★ |
| Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel | Aguas Calientes, Peru | Luxury Nature Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness | Sacred Valley, Peru | Hacienda Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel | Galápagos, Ecuador | Eco-Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Atix Hotel | La Paz, Bolivia | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel | Aguas Calientes, Peru | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Belmond Miraflores Park | Lima, Peru | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel del Parque | Guayaquil, Ecuador | Historic Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Belmond Palacio Nazarenas | Cusco, Peru | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Titilaka, a Relais & Châteaux | Lake Titicaca, Peru | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Illa Experience Hotel | Quito, Ecuador | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hotel B | Lima, Peru | Arts Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Explora Valle Sagrado | Sacred Valley, Peru | All-Inclusive Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Sacha Lodge | Amazon, Ecuador | Jungle Lodge | ★★★★ |
| CIRQA – Relais & Châteaux | Arequipa, Peru | Historic Monastery Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Luna Salada | Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia | Salt Hotel | ★★★★ |
Brazil Hotels:
Bossa Nova Chic and Amazonian Adventures
Brazil is a country of continental proportions, with a spirit and energy that is reflected in its diverse and vibrant hotel scene. From the iconic beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, the best hotels in Brazil offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and sophisticated style. The search for luxury often starts in Rio, where legendary hotels like the Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, have been symbols of glamour for a century. Overlooking the famous mosaic promenade, this art deco masterpiece is an institution. In the chic neighborhood of Ipanema, the Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, with its Philippe Starck design and rooftop infinity pool offering stunning views of Two Brothers mountain, embodies the city’s cool, bossa nova vibe.
Beyond Rio, Brazil’s vast coastline is home to secluded and stylish beach retreats. In the state of Bahia, resorts like the UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa in Trancoso offer a unique experience, with guests staying in beautifully restored fishermen’s houses centered around a town square. This focus on “barefoot luxury” and authentic local culture is a hallmark of the best Brazilian beach hotels. Further south, near Florianópolis, Ponta dos Ganchos is an exclusive, adults-only resort on a private peninsula, offering unparalleled privacy and romance. These properties are perfect for those seeking to escape and immerse themselves in Brazil’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
For the truly adventurous, the Brazilian Amazon and Pantanal wetlands offer incredible eco-lodges that provide a comfortable base for exploring some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Lodges like Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge in the Amazon and Caiman Ecological Refuge in the Pantanal are leaders in sustainable tourism, combining wildlife excursions led by expert naturalist guides with surprisingly luxurious amenities. In the heart of the country’s economic hub, São Paulo, the Palácio Tangará and Hotel Fasano São Paulo offer opulent urban sanctuaries. From the glamour of the Copacabana to the thrill of a jaguar safari, Brazil’s top hotels deliver unforgettable experiences infused with the country’s infectious energy and warmth.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel | Rio de Janeiro | Iconic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Palácio Tangará – an Oetker Collection Hotel | São Paulo | Urban Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa | Trancoso, Bahia | Boutique Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort | Governador Celso Ramos | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel | Iguassu Falls | Unique Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Fasano São Paulo | São Paulo | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge | Amazon, Novo Airão | Jungle Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Emiliano Rio | Rio de Janeiro | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Caiman Ecological Refuge | Pantanal, Miranda | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Fasano Salvador | Salvador, Bahia | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Txai Resort Itacaré | Itacaré, Bahia | Luxury Eco Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Rosewood São Paulo | São Paulo | Luxury Art Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Kurotel – Centro Médico de Longevidade | Gramado | Luxury Wellness Spa | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana | Rio de Janeiro | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Campo Bahia Hotel Villas Spa | Santo André, Bahia | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| JW Marriott Hotel São Paulo | São Paulo | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Cristalino Lodge | Alta Floresta, Amazon | Eco-Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Santa Teresa Hotel RJ – MGallery | Rio de Janeiro | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Pousada Maravilha | Fernando de Noronha | Luxury Pousada | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Convento do Carmo | Salvador, Bahia | Historic Convent Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Botanique Hotel & Spa | Campos do Jordão | Mountain Spa Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fasano Boa Vista | Porto Feliz | Countryside Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Unique | São Paulo | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Emiliano São Paulo | São Paulo | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
The Southern Cone Hotels:
Patagonian Lodges and Wine Estates
The Southern Cone of South America, encompassing Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, is a region of epic landscapes, from the wild glaciers of Patagonia to the celebrated vineyards of Mendoza and the sophisticated streets of Buenos Aires. The hotel scene here is defined by stunningly designed lodges that embrace their remote surroundings and elegant urban properties in historic buildings. The search for the best hotels in Patagonia inevitably leads to architecturally ambitious lodges that blend into the dramatic scenery. In Chilean Patagonia, hotels like Tierra Patagonia and Explora Patagonia offer all-inclusive programs with guided excursions into Torres del Paine National Park, allowing guests to return to understated luxury after a day of adventure.
Argentina and Chile are also world-renowned wine regions, and their hospitality offerings reflect this. In Mendoza, Argentina’s premier wine country, luxurious wine lodges like Cavas Wine Lodge and The Vines Resort & Spa offer stays among the vineyards with the Andes as a backdrop. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, gourmet dining, and even the opportunity to blend their own wine. In Chile, the Colchagua Valley is home to beautiful properties like the Viña Vik, a stunning avant-garde retreat and winery that combines cutting-edge design, art, and nature. These hotels offer a complete immersion in South American wine culture.
The region’s capitals are hubs of European-style elegance and sophistication. Buenos Aires is famous for its grand hotels in neighborhoods like Recoleta, where the Alvear Palace Hotel and Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt are paragons of belle époque luxury. In Santiago, Chile, modern luxury hotels offer stunning views of the city framed by the Andes. Uruguay provides a chic and relaxed counterpoint, with coastal towns like José Ignacio home to bohemian-chic hotels such as Bahia Vik and the celebrated country retreat, Estancia Vik. From the rugged wilderness of Patagonia to the refined elegance of a Buenos Aires palace, the best hotels in the Southern Cone offer a remarkable range of sophisticated and adventurous travel experiences.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explora Patagonia | Torres del Paine, Chile | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Alvear Palace Hotel | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Iconic Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa | Torres del Paine, Chile | Luxury Lodge & Spa | ★★★★★ |
| Cavas Wine Lodge | Mendoza, Argentina | Wine Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Vik Chile | Millahue, Chile | Design & Wine Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Estancia Vik José Ignacio | José Ignacio, Uruguay | Luxury Estancia | ★★★★★ |
| Explora Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile | All-Inclusive Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa | Bariloche, Argentina | Historic Mountain Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago | Santiago, Chile | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Vines Resort & Spa | Mendoza, Argentina | Luxury Wine Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile | Desert Lodge & Spa | ★★★★★ |
| Faena Hotel Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Bahia Vik José Ignacio | José Ignacio, Uruguay | Beachfront Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| W Santiago | Santiago, Chile | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Awasi Patagonia – Relais & Châteaux | Torres del Paine, Chile | Private Villa Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Nayara Alto Atacama | San Pedro de Atacama, Chile | Desert Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Fasano Punta del Este | Punta del Este, Uruguay | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| EOLO – Patagonia’s Spirit | El Calafate, Argentina | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★ |
| The Singular Patagonia | Puerto Natales, Chile | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Alvear Art Hotel | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Modern Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Santiago | Santiago, Chile | Luxury Resort Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Entre Cielos Wine & Spa Hotel | Mendoza, Argentina | Wine Hotel & Spa | ★★★★ |
| Lapostolle Residence | Colchagua Valley, Chile | Luxury Wine Villa | ★★★★★ |
Colombia & Venezuela Hotels:
Colonial Cities and Caribbean Coasts
Colombia and Venezuela, located in the northernmost part of the continent, boast a rich history, stunning Caribbean coastlines, and vibrant cultures. Colombia, in particular, has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now one of South America’s most exciting travel destinations, with a rapidly improving luxury hotel scene. The crown jewel of Colombian hospitality is the historic walled city of Cartagena. A search for the best hotels in Cartagena reveals enchanting boutique properties in beautifully restored colonial mansions. Hotels like the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a converted 17th-century convent, and the Casa San Agustín, with its elegant rooms and private pools, offer a magical blend of history, romance, and five-star luxury. These hotels provide an intimate and sophisticated base for exploring the city’s colorful streets and vibrant culture.
Beyond Cartagena, Colombia’s diverse landscapes offer a range of unique hotel experiences. In the bustling capital, Bogotá, modern luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina and the W Bogotá cater to a discerning international clientele with sophisticated design and world-class service. The country’s coffee region, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, is home to charming haciendas and eco-lodges that allow guests to immerse themselves in the coffee-making process while enjoying the beautiful scenery. In the remote Tayrona National Park area, eco-habs and luxury lodges offer stays that are deeply connected to nature, with stunning views of where the jungle meets the Caribbean Sea.
While Venezuela’s tourism industry has faced significant challenges, the country possesses incredible natural wonders, including Angel Falls and the pristine archipelago of Los Roques. In the past, luxury “posadas” (inns) in Los Roques offered a chic, Robinson Crusoe-style escape. As the situation evolves, the potential for luxury travel remains immense. For now, Colombia is leading the way in this region, with a hotel sector that is booming with confidence and quality. From the colonial splendor of Cartagena to the modern elegance of Bogotá, the best hotels in this part of South America offer a warm welcome and a gateway to a region brimming with life, color, and resilience.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena | Cartagena, Colombia | Historic Convent Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Casa San Agustín | Cartagena, Colombia | Luxury Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá | Bogotá, Colombia | Historic Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| W Bogotá | Bogotá, Colombia | Design Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hacienda Bambusa | Coffee Region, Colombia | Hacienda Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection | Cartagena, Colombia | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Charlee Hotel | Medellín, Colombia | Lifestyle Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena | Cartagena, Colombia | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| JW Marriott Hotel Bogota | Bogotá, Colombia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas | Caracas, Venezuela | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Las Islas | Barú, Colombia | Bungalow Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Medellín Marriott Hotel | Medellín, Colombia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia | Bogotá, Colombia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Amara Isabella | Cartagena, Colombia | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sazagua Hotel Boutique | Pereira, Colombia | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Bio Habitat Hotel | Armenia, Colombia | Eco-Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Hyatt Regency Cartagena | Cartagena, Colombia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Click Clack Hotel Medellín | Medellín, Colombia | Design Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Grand Hyatt Bogota | Bogotá, Colombia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Quadrifolio | Cartagena, Colombia | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hotel Cayena-Caracas | Caracas, Venezuela | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| InterContinental Medellin | Medellín, Colombia | Resort Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hotel Boutique Don Pepe | Santa Marta, Colombia | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Bogota | Bogotá, Colombia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Bastión Luxury Hotel | Cartagena, Colombia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
The Guianas & Lesser-Known Gems Hotels:
Eco-Lodges and Raw Nature
The northeastern corner of South America, comprised of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, is a region of untamed wilderness, rich cultural heritage, and emerging tourism. This is one of the planet’s last frontiers for nature lovers, and the hospitality scene reflects this, with a focus on authentic, eco-conscious lodges that provide access to incredible biodiversity. The search for the best hotels in Guyana will almost certainly lead you away from the capital, Georgetown, and deep into the interior. Here, lodges like Cara Lodge in Georgetown offer historic colonial charm, but the true gems are remote eco-lodges that serve as bases for exploring the vast rainforest. These lodges offer experiences like jaguar tracking, bird watching, and visiting mighty waterfalls like Kaieteur Falls.
Suriname, with its unique Dutch colonial architecture and vibrant mix of cultures, offers a different experience. In the capital, Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hotels are often housed in beautifully restored wooden buildings. The Torarica Resort offers a comfortable, resort-style base for exploring the city and its surroundings. Deeper in the Surinamese jungle, lodges provide immersive experiences in pristine nature, often run by or in partnership with local indigenous communities. These stays offer a chance to disconnect from the modern world and connect with a raw, powerful environment and the diverse cultures that call it home.
French Guiana, an overseas department of France, provides a unique blend of European standards and Amazonian wilderness. The primary visitor attraction is the Guiana Space Centre, but for nature lovers, lodges provide access to primary rainforests and diverse wildlife. While the luxury hotel infrastructure in the Guianas is not as developed as in other parts of the continent, the richness of the experience is unparalleled for adventurous travelers. The best accommodations in this region are not defined by traditional five-star metrics but by their exclusivity, their connection to pristine nature, and their ability to offer a truly authentic and unforgettable journey into one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown | Georgetown, Guyana | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo | Paramaribo, Suriname | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Mercure Cayenne Royal Amazonia | Cayenne, French Guiana | Resort Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Cara Lodge | Georgetown, Guyana | Historic Hotel | ★★★ |
| Torarica Resort | Paramaribo, Suriname | Resort & Casino | ★★★★ |
| Hub Hotel Asuncion | Asunción, Paraguay | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Pegasus Hotel Guyana | Georgetown, Guyana | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Krasnapolsky Hotel Paramaribo | Paramaribo, Suriname | City Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Grand Hotel Montabo | Cayenne, French Guiana | Seaside Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Esplendor by Wyndham Asuncion | Asunción, Paraguay | Design Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Rewa Eco-Lodge | Rupununi, Guyana | Eco-Lodge | ★★★ |
| Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort | Commewijne, Suriname | Wellness Resort | ★★★★ |
| Bourbon Conmebol Asuncion Convention Hotel | Asunción, Paraguay | Convention Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Atta Rainforest Lodge & Iwokrama Canopy | Iwokrama Forest, Guyana | Rainforest Lodge | ★★★ |
| Lodge des Chutes de Carbet | Capesterre, French Guiana | Nature Lodge | ★★★ |
| Eco Resort-Inn | Paramaribo, Suriname | Eco-Resort | ★★★ |
| Sheraton Asuncion Hotel | Asunción, Paraguay | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Rock View Lodge | Rupununi, Guyana | Ranch & Lodge | ★★★ |
| Royal Torarica | Paramaribo, Suriname | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★ |
| La Mision Hotel Boutique | Asunción, Paraguay | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hotel des Roches | Kourou, French Guiana | Beach Hotel | ★★★ |
| Grand Coastal Hotel | Georgetown, Guyana | Boutique Hotel | ★★★ |
| Ramada by Wyndham Princess Paramaribo | Paramaribo, Suriname | Hotel & Casino | ★★★★ |
| Dazzler by Wyndham Asuncion | Asunción, Paraguay | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Karanambu Lodge | Rupununi, Guyana | Conservation Lodge | ★★★ |
