Inspiration
Some hotels, lodges or river boats are so compelling in their own right that you would want to experience them wherever they were in the world. In our Dream Destinations section we pick out a few of our favourites. All are unique and most have the added attraction of their wonderful surroundings!
Some hotels or lodges are special due to the journey you take to get there. Whether you want to hike, ride, kayak or even raft to your lodge there are numerous options throughout Latin America. You can hike along ancient Inca paths in Peru; ride between haciendas in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay; kayak along the Amazon; or raft to your lodge in Costa Rica.
If an amazing view is high on your list of priorities then why not wake up to the spectacular Iguazu Falls in Brazil, or view the sunset over the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia, or even people watch from your rooftop pool on Copacabana beach.
Some hotels are steeped in history - from old sisal haciendas in Mexico and Colombian coffee fincas to homes that were once owned by famous figureheads.
Sometimes the hosts themselves can really make your stay, going that extra mile to make your stay special.
Privacy can be hard to come by so a private villa or house is a great option to consider in Mexico or Brazil.
Itinerary Ideas
Here are some sample itineraries that feature iconic
Walking in Peru
From the classic Inca trail to less-trodden paths through the Sacred Valley, culminating at Machu Picchu
The Carretera Austral
Driving Patagonia's southern highway across rugged and remote terrain, taking in the stunning scenery along the way
We had many once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Costa Rica: seeing whales up close and personal in the Golfo Dulce; watching as the turtles laid their eggs in Tortuguero; sleeping in an open-to-the-jungle room in Playa Nicuesa; watching the volcano erupt from our bed in the middle of the night and walked on lava trails in Arenal. Oh, and having visits from curious little monkeys on our balcony at Makanda and playing with the huge waves in Playa Esterillos. - NP