City Trips

South America

Nature's scenery here is spectacular, but South America is always worth a city break too. Wondering what to recommend to your clients? Get inspired by our top hotel and experience picks in three popular cities.

City Trips

South America

Nature's scenery here is spectacular, but South America is always worth a city break too. Wondering what to recommend to your clients? Get inspired by our top hotel and experience picks in three popular cities.

Image: luis/stock.adobe.com

Buenos Aires Casa Lucia Meliá Collection

Debut in style: Since early 2025, Casa Lucia has marked the premiere of the Melia Collection in South America. Located in the Argentine capital, the hotel is housed in the Mihanovich Building within the artistic Retiro district. The 142 rooms and suites blend Belle Epoque style with a modern touch. Local specialties are served in the new Cantina restaurant, while the bartender at Le Club Bacan mixes signature drinks. Wine lovers can enjoy an extensive cellar, and there are various treatments for spa enthusiasts.

Trade contact: Glenny Martínez, Marketing Executive

Image: Meliá Hotels International

Experience: Private Speakeasy Tour

Buenos Aires nightlife goes way beyond tango – we are talking secret bars that are barely on the map. The local Abercrombie & Kent DMC office runs a private Buenos Aires After Dark tour that starts in trendy Palermo and whisks guests away to some seriously cool speakeasies. A local guide spills the tea on the history and lore of these spots, which each rock their own unique theme.

Trade Contact: Dalia Gibu, Regional Sales & Marketing Director A&K The Americas

Image: Abercrombie & Kent

Cartagena Four Seasons Hotel and Residences

Four Seasons is making its third splash in Colombia on May 15th. You can find the new property one in the coastal city of Cartagena, right in the historic and vibrant Getsemani district. The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, Cartagena breathes new life into a complex of iconic buildings, including a former convent and a theater. Out of the 131 rooms and suites, 27 rock a Spanish Colonial vibe, and there are some seriously massive suites for those who want to spread out. Foodies take note: eight dining spots are in the works, including a standout steakhouse.

Trade Contact: Victoria Matteucci, Account Director Corporate Commercial

Image: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Experience: Private Yacht Tour to Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands off the Colombian coast are the ultimate destination for this voyage. Guests with DMC Travel Pioneers get to roll up their sleeves and plant mangroves, doing their part to save the marine world. At lunchtime, the table is set on a hidden beach with a picnic basket packed with local treats. Off the Rosario Islands, you can snorkel and dive for rum. Wait, rum? You bet! Bottles of a premium handcrafted spirit age for three months on the ocean floor. Naturally, a tasting on deck is a must – complete with chocolate and saxophone vibes upon request. Yummie!

Trade Contact: Katrin Kirchhoff, Owner Travel Pioneers

Image: Travel Pioneers

Arequipa Palacio Guaqui

Sure, Arequipa might not be the first stop on a Peru itinerary, but it is an absolute gem. Tucked into the Andes in the south, the city boasts a UNESCO-protected center that is home to the boutique hotel Palacio Guaqui. This Mestizo-Baroque beauty is pure history, serving as the former residence of the Count of Guaqui. Even after a fresh renovation, the 16 individually designed suites are packed with original details – but you won't find any TVs. The goal is for guests to tune into the architecture, the vibe, and the flavors instead. That is an easy ask, especially since the cocktails are crafted with local ingredients.

Trade Contact: Silvia Farfan, Commercial Director

Image: Jose Alcantara

Experience: Breakfast with a View at Colca Canyon

Arequipa is the ultimate gateway to Andean adventures, and the portfolio from DMC Tropic Eco features a standout trip to Colca Valley. After a night at Las Casitas, a Belmond Hotel, guests are treated to breakfast at a private lookout right in the Colca Canyon. It is all about those magical vibes, crisp mountain air, and the serene energy of the Andes. The picnic table is loaded with top-tier local products, and if the stars align, you might even spot a condor soaring by.

Trade Contact: Cristina Serrano, Sales Manager

Image: Tropic Eco

Let's Ask the Industry

Is luxury travel in South America picking up speed?

"There has never been a better time for luxury in Latin America, with a surge in high-end hotels and lodges boasting prime locations, warm, authentic service, private excursions, and killer farm-to-table dining with real local flavors. On top of that, you have charming local guides who bring both deep knowledge and the perfect touch to every trip. I have been traveling through South America almost every year for three decades, and seeing this steady climb in the luxury segment is a thrill. These countries have always been safe to explore, supported by punctual and reliable flights. One crucial tip for travel agencies: the distances are massive, and clients will be spending a fair amount of time in the air to get from A to B or C. It is also vital to know the best timing for each spot to guarantee a peak experience, since nature does not put on the same show year-round. Guests should stay right in the heart of the action – within sight of the main attraction. In our business, private trips to Patagonia are booming. These are often paired with stays on Easter Island, the trendy hubs of Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile, the Atacama Desert, or Iguassu Falls. We are also seeing high demand for custom trips to Peru’s Inca heartland and Ecuador with the Galapagos Islands. Plus, interest in the Amazon, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Colombia is seriously taking off."

Dirk Gowin, Founder, Managing Director & Partner Select Luxury Travel, Germany (Portrait: Select Luxury Travel)

Image: gino/stock.adobe.com

Our Takeaway

South America is something of a secret weapon for travel agencies. Pitch a trip there to your clients, and they are bound to be surprised – and intrigued. It is a powerhouse of vibrant city scenes, nature in spades, and a massive dose of culture on top. Compared to other hotspots, the visitor numbers from Europe and even from the U.S. are still relatively low. But once you get them across the pond, that first trip is guaranteed not to be their last. Plus, luxury hotel brands are catching on to the potential of South America and will be ramping up their presence in a big way very soon.

Author: Cathrin Lührs