Our favourite cultural experiences in South America
South America’s unique cultural heritage is an amalgamation of the influences from the ancient Mayan, Aztec and Inca civilisations; the colonisation by the Spanish and Portuguese; and the indigenous peoples across the Amazon and the Andes. Get a better understanding of this through the regions’ markets, architecture, cuisine and arts on a customised holiday by Lightfoot Travel.
Explore Peru’s capital Lima through its splendid colonial architecture. Take in Cusco’s Andean culture by way of its ancient buildings and market places, then follow the Incan footsteps on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Find cosmopolitan style in Brazil’s São Paolo with its high-end fashion stores and glamorous dining; a beach feel and Samba dancing in Rio de Janeiro; and colourful colonial buildings and beautiful churches in Salvador.
Bolivia is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the whitewashed city of Sucre for its grand ecclesiastical architecture, Santa Cruz’s old-world churches, and Uyuni Salt Flats.
A Luxury Family Holiday to Peru
LimaCusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu PicchuSouth AmericaPeru
- Visit the vibrant capital city of Lima, enjoying the freshest Peruvian Cuisine
- Witness penguins, seals and beautiful seabirds on a sailing trip to Palomino Island
- Discover the Sacred Valley with a private guide
- Visit the iconic Machu Picchu
- Embark on a city tour of Historical Cusco
Classic Argentina
Buenos Aires & The PampasArgentine Lake DistrictMendozaIguazu Falls & Ibera WetlandsNorthwest Argentina
- Explore the barrios of La Boca, San Telmo and Recoleta in Buenos Aires
- Ice trek across the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia
- Discover the forests, glacial lakes and snowy peaks of the Lake District
- Sample fine wines and gourmet meals in Mendoza
- Marvel at the power of Iguazu Falls from Argentina and Brazil
Classic Brazil
Rio de JaneiroIguazu FallsBrazilian AmazonSalvador & BahiaBrazilSouth America
- Stroll along the beachfronts of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro
- Paddle the canals and lakes of the Anavilhanas Archipelago in the Amazon, looking out for pink river dolphins
- Watch the locals perform the Brazilian martial art capoeira in the Pelourinho district of Salvador
- Sail around the 365 islands just off the shores of the Costa Verde coastline
- Witness panoramic views above Devil’s Throat Gorge at Iguazu Falls
Classic Colombia
BogotaCartagenaColombia's Coffee Triangle
- Explore historic Bogota's colonial houses and cathedrals
- Visit one of the country’s most beautiful towns, Villa de Leyva
- Stop by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena
- Learn about the local coffee-making process at a traditional plantation
- Enjoy different flavours and local delicacies on a street food tour
&Beyond Vira Vira
Situated in the Araucanía region of Chile’s Lake District, the birthplace of the valorous Mapuche people, &Beyond Vira Vira is an expansive 34-acre estate that offers a truly picturesque getaway in nature.
The views at &Beyond Vira Vira are immersed by glacial lakes that reflect the snow-capped, dormant volcanoes...
Atix Hotel
Located in the vibrant Calacoto district of Zona Sur, Atix Hotel in Bolivia is a masterpiece of modern design. Bolivia’s first Design Hotels member, this property takes its name from a Quechua word meaning ‘one who thrives’, and is a celebration of Bolivian art and design.
Awasi Atacama
Surrounded by lush gardens, Awasi Atacama is an oasis amid the immense Atacama Desert, the aridest place on Earth. This Relais & Chateaux property is located in the historic town of San Pedro de Atacama; this intimate resort blends into the landscape and offers guests a range of bespoke...
Awasi Iguazu
Located 20 minutes from Iguazu Falls in a private 25-acre plot of rainforest, Awasi Iguazu is a tropical paradise teeming with birds and butterflies. This Relais & Chateaux property features 14 private villas, each with their own private guide and 4WD.
The villas are built on stilts for minimal...
Awasi Mendoza
Located at the foot of the Andes in the heart of Argentina’s most famous wine route, Awasi Mendoza sits amongst rolling vineyards. This Relais & Chateaux property just outside Mendoza is devoted to the joy of wine.
Eighteen quirky, private villas are dotted amid vines and...
