South America presents an unrivaled combination of adventure and indulgence. With everything from romantic candlelit dinners under the stars to remote jungle trails; exciting cities to enchanting colonial towns; far-flung islands to outdoor adventures; wildlife encounters to a vibrant nightlife; there is a perfect South America honeymoon destination for everyone. When it comes to a honeymoon with a difference, the remarkable variety that exists across the continent is likewise unbeatable. And while the scope for adventure honeymoons in South America is vast, if you want to do nothing more than relax on an idyllic white-sand beach with a bestseller in one hand and a frozen caipirinha in the other, that’s all on offer here too. Read on for some suggestions about where to honeymoon in South America.
Couple Sitting On The City Wall, Bastión de Santo Domingo In Cartagena, Colombia
The kaleidoscopic Caribbean city of Cartagena in Colombia is synonymous with color, music and happy times. The colonial atmosphere of the cobblestone streets, historical plazas, and brightly-painted buildings with their wooden balconies, combined with dining in romantic restaurants, or riding in a horse-drawn cart, is only a fragment of what Cartagena can offer honeymoon couples. Meander past street stalls selling ocean-fresh ceviche, excellent pastries and tropical fruits, and after getting your fill, head to one of the city’s famous salsa dancing clubs to watch a passionate salsa performance. Cartagena’s star attraction is its historic, UNESCO-listed old town, comprising centuries’ old churches, monasteries and fortresses, much of which is delightfully well-preserved.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is housed inside a former nunnery dating all the way back to 1621. While the nuns of the order of Saint Clare are long gone, they left behind a building steeped in history. Confessionals, hidden doorways, and a candle-lit marble chapel are just a few of the priory features to survive the final pirate raid. A mix of local artworks and sleek furnishings fill its 123 contemporary and colonial-style rooms, some of which overlook the shimmering Caribbean Sea, while others offer views of the pool, which is the largest in Cartagena.
Nordenskjold Hiking In Torres Del Paine, Chile
For newlywed couples who want to mix adventure and luxury, Chile’s Torres del Paine is undoubtedly one of the most enticing honeymoon destinations in South America. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most stunning, breathtaking and extraordinary natural landscapes −
home to glaciers, ice fields, deep fjords, colossal rocky masses, snow-clad mountains, gorgeous lakes and rivers, and dramatic Magellan forests. After long hikes in the mountains, you can sip on a glass of fine Chilean red wine, cuddled up together beside the fire of your cozy eco-friendly lodge.
In the center of Torres del Paine, on the shores of Lake Pehoe, the elegant Explora Patagonia Lodge is situated within an exhilarating topography of glaciers, sparkling lakes and glorious mountain peaks. The lodge offers the perfect blend of honeymoon luxury, romance and adventure, providing healthy delicious meals paired with Chile’s best wines, as well as a spa complete with jacuzzis, sauna, a heated pool and couples’ massages. A big plus is the proximity to adventure activities – horseback riding, trekking, kayaking, and more.
Couple Making Photos On Punta Del Este Beach
Perched on a hilltop surrounded by serene pampas where horses and cattle roam free, Estancia Vik, in José Ignacio, is a place where your dream of an unforgettable honeymoon becomes true. This sophisticated art-filled hideaway has just 12 unique suites designed and decorated by Uruguay’s finest artists. Stay at this working estancia and you’ll feel like you’re residing at the fabulous home of a friend, where the food is gourmet and there’s a host of outdoor activities. And if it’s a beach honeymoon that you’re after, the property is a mere 15-minute drive from the beaches, bars and chic boutiques of José Ignacio, and 40 minutes from glitzy Punta del Este, which features idyllic sandy beaches, high-quality restaurants, and a rich bustling nightlife.
Young Couple Sunbathing In Brazil
If you’re looking for paradise, choose Ilha Grande − one of the brightest gems on Brazil’s Emerald Coast − as your honeymoon destination. Here, a mere two hours south of Rio de Janeiro, the pace of life is slow. Cars are not allowed, enabling you and your loved one to enjoy the town and beaches in peace. On Ilha Grande you will find Atlantic rainforest, homely and hammock-filled lodges, swinging troupes of monkeys and quiet beaches that you need to trek to. One of the best, sometimes described as the world’s best, is Lopes mendes, a two-mile-long swather of white powder sand and crystalline water fringed with wild vegetation and forest. Listen to the nature of the Atlantic Rainforest and stay at one of the many cute mini resorts where you can relax to the waves washing ashore. While here, don’t forget to visit nearby Paraty, which boasts dreamy scenery, perfect for beautiful photos of your romantic trip.
Maras Hiking In The Sacred Valley Of The Incas, Cusco – Peru
Not every honeymoon includes a wonder of the world, but yours deserves to. Exploring the spiritual beauty and natural majesty of the longest mountain range in the world with your special someone will be a truly awe-inspiring experience. This is because the Peruvian Andes are filled with legendary destinations, including the culturally-rich Sacred Valley, the historic city of Cusco, and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, which is surely on every travelers’ ultimate bucket list. So where better to start your new life together than on this astonishing journey through jaw-dropping natural scenery. Indeed, watching the sunrise through Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate is one of those incredible moments that you simply must share with someone special, and for the best views of this archaeological site, you might even want to consider a helicopter flight.
Among all of these snowy peaks and green valleys, exists an abundance of luxurious hideaways and romantic quests for honeymooners in Peru. Inkaterra’s Machu Picchu lodge, nestled in the cloud forest, a short bus ride from the Incan ruins, is a welcoming, sustainability-focused hotel set among waterfalls, hummingbirds, and an orchid garden. Here, 85 whitewashed, red-roofed cottages are leisurely dotted around 12 verdant acres, each featuring terracotta tiled floors, wood beamed ceilings, working fireplaces, alpaca blankets and spa-like bathrooms. The opulent Villas Inkaterra have plunge pools and 24-hour butler service, while the more private casitas, hidden among the foliage, provide a total retreat.
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