Planning a South America Honeymoon or Holiday
South America had been on my list for years, and when I finally went, it completely lived up to expectations If you’re thinking about a South America holiday or honeymoon, let's go!
Why Choose South America?
South America is all about contrast. You’ve got:
- energetic cities and laid-back beach towns
- some of the most impressive natural landscapes in the world
- incredible food and wine culture
- ancient history and completely different ways of life
No two countries feel the same, and that’s what makes it so interesting.
On a recent trip, we combined Brazil and Argentina in one itinerary, and it worked so well. Four stops and loads of variety without feeling rushed.
Rio de Janeiro
We started in Rio, and it really does pack a punch. The setting alone is something else, mountains, beaches and the city all wrapped into one. It might be a cliché to say there’s an edge to Rio that really makes it one of the most exciting cities in the world.
We stayed in Santa Teresa, up in the hills, which has a more bohemian vibe. cobbled streets and faded mansions. With great restaurants and bars that were happy to entertain to two gringos.
The big sights like Christ the Redeemer, Escadaria Selarón, Copacabana and Ipanema are stunning. One thing I’d really recommend is a favela tour. It gives a completely different perspective on the city and how people live.
Friday night in Rio was one of my all time travel highlights. We ended up in Lapa, where it felt like the whole city was out, samba, DJs, people dancing in the streets, that atmosphere was incredible.
Ilha Grande
After recovering from the excess of multiple Churrascarias, we slowed things down in Ilha Grande. A tropical island about halfway between Rio and São Paulo, and relative easy to get to. We stayed in a gorgeous Pousada in the only town, the charming Vila De Abraão.
The highlight was hiking to Lopes Mendes: one of Brazil’s best beaches completely unspoilt - barely anyone there when we arrived.
Iguazu Falls
From Rio, we flew to Foz do Iguaçu and crossed into Argentina. Iguazu Falls is one of the most incredible sights I’ve ever seen - huge waterfalls stretching as far as you can see beautiful from a distance unbelievably powerful up close It’s one of those places that genuinely stops you in your tracks.
For me, it’s an essential part of any Brazil or Argentina itinerary.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, and it completely won me over. It has a very different feel, European in parts, with grand buildings and a fascinating history. We stayed in Palermo Soho, which I’d highly recommend. great restaurants and wine bars boutique shop.
Highlights included - cycling around the city, La Recoleta Cemetery (much more interesting than expected), La Boca and Caminito and of course the steak and wine
Where Else to Go in South America
The hardest part of choosing a South America honeymoon or holiday is where to go!
In addition to Argentina and Brazil, I regularly plan trips to:
- Peru for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley - Peru is probably the most popular South America honeymoon destination I book
- Chile for the Atacama Desert and Patagonia (and the wine!
- Bolivia for the salt flats
- Colombia for colour, culture and Caribbean coast
- Galapagos for unique wildlife and marine adventures
You can mix and match depending on how much time you have and the kind of trip you want.
Planning Your South America Tour
South America is not somewhere you want to “wing”. Things like
- distances between destinations
- how many stops to include
- how to balance pace and downtime
- what works together geographically
all matter to such a big trip. South America is one of those places that feels like a proper adventure, and once you start planning, you realise how many different ways there are to do it!
At Travel Counsellors we work with a range of trusted tour operators and local partners to put together the perfect South America honeymoon or holiday for you, whether that’s a small group adventure or a more tailor made trip built around exactly what you want to experience.
Ready to start planning a South America honeymoon or holiday?
