Looking for the best luxury resorts in South America? Embarking on a journey through South America’s lush landscapes, from the verdant rainforests to the majestic Andes, is an experience that whispers the promise of adventure and indulgence in equal measure. Here, in this mesmerizing and multifaceted continent, luxury is not merely a state of opulence but a gateway to a deeper connection with nature, culture, and oneself. The very best luxury resorts in South America are more than mere destinations; they are sanctuaries where time slows, senses are awakened, and the soul finds solace.

Planning a luxury escape to South America can be time-consuming and overwhelming — from navigating logistics and language barriers to choosing the right destinations that match your style. At Vitor Lindo Luxury Travel & Retreats, we take all of that off your hands. With over 13 years of global photography and travel expertise, we design custom itineraries that combine five-star service with soul-stirring experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a photography retreat in the Amazon, a romantic villa in Patagonia, or a private suite overlooking Iguazu Falls, our concierge-style service ensures every detail is flawlessly curated. In this guide, we reveal some of the best luxury resorts in South America — perfect for travelers who want more than just a vacation. They want beauty, meaning, and ease.

Here are some of our favorite properties:

A Symphony of Serenity: Hotel Fasano, Punta del Este, Uruguay

Rustic Charm Meets Modern Elegance

Nestled along the Uruguayan coast, Hotel Fasano Punta del Este offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and refined luxury. This elegant resort integrates natural materials like stone and wood into its architecture, echoing the textures of the surrounding countryside. Guests are embraced by a quiet sophistication, where every suite is a study in comfort, design, and scenic immersion. This property also offers a beach club, an exotic animals farm, a river club, a tennis club, a golf course, an equestrian center, a kids club, a fitness center, a spa, and three luxury restaurants. Making it one of the best luxury resorts in South America.

Panoramic Views and Private Retreats

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of rolling hills and distant ocean horizons. Suites and villas are tailored to the luxury traveler—some featuring private plunge pools and secluded terraces. Each space invites rest and renewal, set to the tranquil rhythm of the land.

Gourmet Flavors and Spa Rituals

With cuisine rooted in Uruguay’s rich culinary heritage, the resort’s restaurant sources fresh local ingredients for every dish. From intimate dinners under the stars to indulgent spa rituals using native botanicals, every experience at Fasano is curated to nourish both body and soul.

An Oasis of Luxury: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Brazil

A Retreat Beside the Falls

Located inside Iguazu National Park, this pink-hued colonial-style gem is the only hotel with direct access to the falls—offering early-morning solitude and awe-inspiring beauty before the gates open to the public. Considered to be one of the best luxury resorts in South America.

Timeless Design and Rainforest Views

The Belmond’s architecture reflects Brazil’s colonial past, with vibrant interiors, polished wood, and colorful tiles. Every suite feels like a tropical escape, with lush garden or waterfall views and luxurious amenities.

Culinary Excellence and Holistic Healing

Enjoy world-class dining featuring Brazilian flavors and regional specialties. Unwind at the jungle-inspired spa with treatments that use coconut, cacao, and native herbs. At Belmond, every experience connects guests with nature’s rhythm and elegance.

Colonial Charm in the Caribbean: Casa San Agustin, Cartagena, Colombia

Historic Elegance Meets Coastal Luxury

Considered to be one of the best luxury resorts in South America. Tucked within the walled city of Cartagena, Casa San Agustin is a luxury boutique hotel that blends colonial-era architecture with sophisticated Caribbean charm. The property, built from three whitewashed 17th-century mansions, honors the city’s rich history with original frescoes, wooden beam ceilings, and antique details throughout its 31 refined guest rooms and suites.

Tranquility in the Heart of Cartagena

Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere of relaxed elegance, with breezy courtyards, a serene swimming pool, and rooftop terraces offering city views. Each room is individually designed with artisanal Colombian touches and modern comforts. From soaking in your private plunge pool to enjoying handcrafted cocktails in the library bar, Casa San Agustin is designed to make every moment feel intimate and exclusive.

Refined Cuisine and Signature Experiences

The hotel’s Alma Restaurant is one of Cartagena’s culinary gems, celebrating the coastal flavors of Colombia with fresh seafood and bold local ingredients. Beyond the plate, guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the Aurum Spa or explore the city through bespoke private tours, arranged with the hotel’s concierge team. Whether for romance, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Casa San Agustin offers a world-class gateway to one of South America’s most captivating cities.

Immersive Luxury in the Heart of the Amazon: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Brazil

Harmony with Nature and Comfort

Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro, adjacent to the Anavilhanas National Park, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and immersion in the Amazon Rainforest. This boutique lodge is designed to harmonize with its lush surroundings, featuring 16 elegantly appointed cottages, four expansive bungalows, and two panoramic suites. Each accommodation boasts air conditioning, private balconies with hammocks, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the dense jungle canopy. The use of natural materials and thoughtful architecture ensures a seamless integration with the environment, allowing guests to experience the rainforest without sacrificing comfort.​ Considered to be one of the best luxury resorts in South America.

Exclusive Experiences and Sustainable Exploration

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge curates a variety of guided excursions that showcase the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Amazon. Guests can embark on canoeing adventures through the igapós (flooded forests), engage in piranha fishing, observe pink river dolphins, and visit local indigenous communities to gain insight into their traditions and way of life. The lodge emphasizes sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that all activities are conducted with minimal environmental impact and in partnership with local communities. After a day of exploration, guests can relax by the infinity pool overlooking the river, enjoy a cocktail at the floating bar, or indulge in a massage surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the jungle

Culinary Delights and Panoramic Views

Dining at Anavilhanas is a sensory journey, with a menu that fuses regional Amazonian flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. The on-site restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that reflect the richness of the rainforest. Meals are served in a dining area that offers panoramic views of the Rio Negro and the surrounding archipelago, enhancing the connection between gastronomy and nature. Whether savoring a hearty breakfast before a morning excursion or enjoying a candlelit dinner under the stars, the culinary experiences at Anavilhanas are designed to complement the lodge’s immersive approach to luxury in the Amazon.

Beyond The Resorts: Luxury Train Travel

Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

When traveling to South America, you won’t want to stay at the resort the entire time, you will want to embark on excursions and adventures! Traveling through the Peruvian highlands aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer is a breathtaking experience. This luxury sleeper train offers stunning views of Lake Titicaca, snow-capped peaks, and ancient ruins. Elegant cabins, gourmet dining, and a panoramic observatory car create a travel experience that rivals the destination itself.

Tren Crucero, Ecuador

From the Andes to the Pacific Coast, Tren Crucero immerses passengers in Ecuador’s natural beauty and cultural richness. With handcrafted decor, personalized service, and stops at historic villages, it’s an intimate journey of discovery and elegance.

Beyond The Resort: Luxury Cruises in South America

Silversea Cruises

Another incredible option to completely excite your senses is a luxury cruise in South America! Explore coastal wonders with Silversea Cruises—where every suite comes with ocean views, butler service, and immersive excursions. From Rio to Antarctica, these journeys offer refinement on the high seas.

Galápagos Islands Cruises

Sail through one of the world’s most biodiverse regions on a luxury Galápagos cruise. Expert naturalists guide you through volcanic islands, marine sanctuaries, and rare wildlife encounters.

Antarctic Peninsula Expeditions

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Earth’s southernmost frontier. Navigate icy fjords, witness penguin colonies, and marvel at towering glaciers—while enjoying luxury and safety aboard purpose-built expedition ships.

Conclusion

When it comes to planning an unforgettable wedding or luxurious escape, choosing the right setting is everything. The best luxury resorts in South America offer more than just stunning scenery—they provide world-class service, immersive experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. Whether you’re saying “I do” on a private beach in Brazil, celebrating with loved ones in the Andes, or enjoying a serene getaway deep in the Amazon, each of these handpicked resorts is designed to deliver extraordinary moments.

But choosing the perfect location is only part of the journey. Having a seasoned photography and videography team who understands the rhythm, beauty, and logistics of South America makes all the difference. With over a decade of experience in luxury destination weddings and a deep connection to Brazil, we’re here to capture your celebration with elegance, precision, and heart.

We don’t just take photos—we help you create a seamless, joyful, and elevated wedding experience. From the moment you arrive to the final kiss under the stars, we’ll be by your side, preserving your story in the most breathtaking way.

Ready to turn your dream wedding in South America into a reality? Let’s make it unforgettable—together.