Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Why We Love this Year-Round Destination
South America is a destination that can please everyone. You can discover twelve countries in a continent that boasts the world’s longest mountain range, largest river basin, and driest region—not to mention one of its greatest concentrations of biodiversity.
Come for the ancient civilizations, wildlife, the eye-popping ice fields, and the incredible resort hotels you’ll find to relax and recharge in. No matter when you want to travel, there’s a must-see sight but also a whole lot more to explore. Here are a few of our favorite stops:
Peru
Left: Machu Picchu | Top: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo | Bottom: Astrid y Gastón, Lima
After wandering the ruins of Machu Picchu and taking in those valley views, stay a few extra days to see more of this stunning country. North of Cuzco, discover even more Inca ruins and shop the stunning artisanship found in the local markets of towns in the Sacred Valley. The area is rich in culture, and the time you spend in the valley allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude of Cuzco.
Visitors can also head to the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca for a culture hit—the area is the mythological birthplace of the Incas. Before you fly home, the food scene of Lima is a must-try. There are more Michelin-starred chefs here than you would expect.
Chile
Top: Tierra Atacama | Bottom: Explora, Torres del Paine | Right: Viña Haras de Pirque
After you’ve used up your vocabulary of superlatives admiring the Andes spires and the mind-blowing sights of Torres del Paine National Park, make sure you don’t head home right away.
Pack your bathing suit—and find an online dictionary—to prepare yourself for the natural beauty of the Atacama Desert oasis pools—slipping into geothermal waters at the driest place on Earth is something you won’t soon forget. Then, take time to sample the inviting sauvignon blanc and Syrah of Casablanca Valley, about 45 minutes outside Santiago.
Ecuador
Left: Mashpi Lodge | Top: Galapágos Islands | Bottom: Quito
Once you’ve been blown away by the “cageless zoo”—the Galapágos Islands are renowned for wildlife that lives without fear of humans, there’s still so much more to see and do. Since you’ve come this far, make sure you spend time in the Amazon rainforest. One of the easiest ways to do this is to book a tour at the resort near the Mashpi Reserve, along the western slope of the Andes and a three-hour drive from the capital, Quito.
The floor-to-ceiling windows of Mashpi Lodge let you feel like you’re in the jungle even when you’re kicking back from a day of wildlife viewing in the cloud forests. And while you’re in the neighborhood—stand on the equatorial line for a fun photo, and make sure to explore Quito’s excellently preserved Historic Quarter.
South America works any time of the year, let’s figure out when you can start exploring.
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel
Making Your Arrival Half the Fun
You may not be a rock star, but it sure is nice to feel like one when you travel. Flying into LAX? Look into PS—this private suite solution to airport terminal woes is at the top end of the line. Travelers can choose to dine and drink in an exclusive lounge, make use of a private room with day beds, or book a direct limo ride from your front door to the tarmac.
Airports around the world have also opened separate VIP terminals and front-of-the-line access for elite travelers happy to pay for the privilege, everywhere from Amsterdam to Dubai to New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Ask us to book the service for your family. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Since you’re in rock-star-mode, seal the deal by turning heads as you arrive into your destination. Here are a few of our favorite breathtaking arrivals.
Six Senses Oman
Glide: Standing 960 feet above the Gulf of Oman, simply push off and enjoy a guided paraglide down to the beach beside Six Senses Oman. If the rest of your group isn’t so adventurous, there’s also a scenic 4x4 drive through the mountains or a private speedboat arrival from a nearby port.
Fly: St. Barth’s might be as unpretentious as it is exclusive, but that doesn’t mean you need to schlep in with the masses. Book a private jet to move you quickly and efficiently from St. Maarten (SXM) to your hotel—customs agents will meet your PJ, and you’ll be on the beach in no time. Travelers starting their laid-back luxe getaway on the Hawaiian island of Lanai can book a sleek Lanai Air PJ transfer from Honolulu—from tarmac straight to the mai tai on your balcony.
Left: JW Marriott Venice | Right: CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures
Speedboat: Leave the crowded alleys and vaporetto of Venice behind by hopping into a private speedboat to reach the exclusive island hotels of Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, and the JW Marriott Venice. In Udaipur, board a small vessel to cross Lake Pichola and fall under the romantic allure of Leela Palace Udaipur in India’s most amorous city.
Heli: Seeing the world from a helicopter is a thrill no matter where you land—but dropping into British Columbia’s CMH lodges after flying over the Cariboo or Bugaboo ranges (heli-hike in summer or heli-ski in winter) is as unforgettable a flight as you’ll find in South Australia, cresting the Blue Mountains to land at One and Only Woglan Valley resort.
Let's find a way to make your arrival half the fun.
Raise a Toast to Travel
Can you really say you’ve been to Brazil if you haven’t sipped a caipirinha and watched the sunset? The refreshing muddled blend of cachaça, limes, and brown sugar is the country’s national drink. No matter where you go, live and libate like a local—and let us know if we missed your favorite!
Peru/Chile: The Pisco Sour is a tart, sweet, silky, herbaceous cocktail to savor, and when you need a nonalcoholic boost, the caffeine in a yerba maté tea is just the ticket.
India: Ordering gin and tonic in the country of the cocktail’s origin is a true travel moment, particularly when it’s served with a salty snack and a grand view. For a refreshment that skips the alcohol, you can’t beat a mango lassi, a thick blend of mango, yogurt, milk, sugar, and cardamom.
Mango Lassi | Singapore Sling | Yerba Maté
Bali: It’s never hard to find someone with a machete at the ready to slice open a fresh green coconut—all you need to do next is stick in a straw and sip—ahhhh! You also can’t go far without seeing someone drinking Bintang—a pale lager that’s likely the most popular beer in Indonesia.
Singapore: Kopi, or coffee, is the national drink here, and kopitiams (coffee shops) are a way of life—the default order is made with sweetened condensed milk and is simply delicious. But it wouldn’t be a proper visit without a drink at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar—home to the Singapore sling, where the sweet cocktail is served in souvenir glasses.