Best couple vacation destinations in South America
Best couple vacation destinations in South America
South America suits couples who want passion in their surroundings as well as in each other. It is a continent of drama, from its landscapes to its dance floors.
Some pairs come for the mountains, hiking high trails by day and warming up over local wine in the evening. Others are drawn to tropical beaches, colourful colonial streets or cities where learning a few dance steps together is practically compulsory. The Andes, the Amazon and the coastlines each ask for a different kind of trip, and many couples happily combine two or three. Travel here can be less polished than elsewhere, which tends to bring couples closer rather than the opposite.
Our South American picks range from famous romantic icons to places still flying under the radar, and almost all of them share that particular energy the continent is loved for. Bring comfortable shoes and an appetite.
Lists by region
Island in Brazil
Fernando de Noronha
World's Best Beaches and Dolphins
Visitors to this volcanic island group off Brazil's northeast coast pay a preservation fee and follow limits on numbers. Most of the area is protected as a marine national park. Couples can snorkel near turtles at Baía do Sancho and watch spinner dolphins from the Dolphin Bay lookout.
Town in Argentina
El Chalten
Hiking Capital of Argentina
Days are long and most trails are open from November to March in this small mountain village in Patagonia. Conditions are unpredictable, so layers and waterproof jackets are needed. Couples can hike to Laguna de los Tres for views of Fitz Roy. A shorter walk leads to Mirador de los Cóndores.
National Park in Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
Epic Landscapes and Untamed Wilderness
This national park of about 2,400 square kilometres in Chilean Patagonia has granite towers, glaciers, lakes and wide steppe. Couples can hike to the base of the Torres. The multi day W Trek includes stays in refugios and lodges. Guanacos and condors are often seen.
National Park in Brazil
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Otherworldly dunes with turquoise lagoons
Unlike most beach destinations in Brazil, this national park has white sand dunes with clear freshwater lagoons between them. The lagoons are fullest from about June to September. Couples can swim, join a jeep tour or fly over the dunes in a small plane. Barreirinhas is the usual base town.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
This large and elegant capital has European style buildings and a strong love of tango, steak and wine. Couples can watch a tango show or take a lesson in a historic hall. Cafes and bookshops are found in neighbourhoods such as Recoleta and San Telmo. Dinner often starts late, so evenings feel unhurried.
City in Colombia
Medellín
The City of Eternal Spring
Set in a green valley of the Colombian Andes, this city has mild temperatures through the year. Cable cars link hillside neighbourhoods with the centre and give wide views. Couples can visit Comuna 13, share a food tour or take a day trip to the colourful town of Guatapé.
City in Colombia
Cartagena
Walled city of Caribbean color
This compact walled old town sits inside a much larger Caribbean port city in northern Colombia. Colourful balconies, plazas and stone walls are easy to explore on foot. Couples can walk the walls at sunset and then have dinner in a candlelit courtyard. Boats go to the Rosario Islands for beach days.
City in Argentina
Mendoza
Wine, Andes and Adventure Bliss
This city was founded by Spanish settlers in 1561. After an earthquake in 1861 it was rebuilt with wide, tree lined streets and open plazas. Couples can cycle between wine estates in Luján de Cuyo and taste Malbec with the Andes in view. Long lunches with local beef are a regional tradition.
Village in Colombia
Barichara
Colombia's most beautiful colonial gem
Spanish settlers founded this town in Santander, Colombia, in the early 1700s. Stone streets, whitewashed houses and red tile roofs are carefully kept. Couples can walk the old royal road to the small village of Guane. Quiet viewpoints in town are pleasant places to watch the sunset.
City in Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Timeless Streets on the Río de la Plata
Many Uruguayans carry a thermos and a mate gourd everywhere. The habit is easy to spot along the river in this old Portuguese founded town. Couples can walk cobbled lanes in the historic quarter and climb the lighthouse. The sun sets over the Río de la Plata.
City in Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
This cosy lake town in Argentine Patagonia has alpine style wooden buildings and shops selling handmade chocolate. Couples can drive the Circuito Chico, a scenic loop of lakes and viewpoints. Cabin stays by the water suit a quiet getaway. Skiing at Cerro Catedral is popular in winter.
Valley in Peru
Sacred Valley
Ancient terraces echoing timeless Andean rhythms
This fertile valley in the Peruvian Andes lies along the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Inca terraces at Moray and Pisac can be visited with a guide. Couples can stay in quiet haciendas and shop at village markets. Ollantaytambo is the main station for trains to Machu Picchu.
City in Peru
Arequipa
White city with volcanic views
This city in southern Peru lies at about 2,300 metres with the snow capped Misti volcano rising behind it. The historic centre is built from white volcanic stone, which gives the city its nickname. Couples can wander quiet courtyards at Santa Catalina Monastery and try spicy local dishes in a traditional picantería.
Desert in Chile
Atacama Desert
Endless dunes under starlit desert skies
Compared with most deserts, this high plateau in northern Chile has unusually clear night skies, which suit stargazing tours. The Valle de la Luna has rock formations that are lit orange at sunset. Couples can soak in hot springs, visit salt lagoons with flamingos or join an astronomy tour.
Salt Flat in Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni
World's largest surreal salt mirror
A thin layer of water often covers the salt flat from January to March. It gives a mirror effect on the sky. In the drier months from May to October, the white surface is easy to cross by jeep. Couples can stay in a hotel built partly of salt blocks.
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