Assembling our hotlist of South America’s most captivating destinations for 2025 is no small undertaking. It’s a labor of love—one that demands countless hours, thousands of miles, and an unwavering commitment to discovery. To recommend a place is to have truly lived it: to have felt the pull of its magic, to have been stirred by its beauty. Only then can we share it with you, confident that it will leave you equally spellbound.
So as we step into the year ahead, we invite you to let this list be your compass. A guide to where to go in South America in 2025.
Where to go in South America: Ten of the best destinations and experiences for 2025
Our hotlist is an amalgamation of experiences our team has encountered over the past three months—a tightly packed travel window that this year stretched more distance than ever before.
From the culinary explosion in La Paz, Bolivia, to newly opened boutique boltholes in Cusco and Arequipa, two cities we have long adored, to the colonial charm of Cuenca in Ecuador, the ethereal expanse of the Salar de Uyuni, a photographer’s paradise; and a pair of ultra-exclusive villas perched on protected islands along Colombia’s turquoise Caribbean coast.
It might just be our best hotlist yet. Welcome to the best destinations in South America for 2025—Aracari style.
1. La Paz, Bolivia: A Culinary and Cultural Explosion
Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, has quietly risen to prominence in recent years, cementing itself as a top result for where to go in South America in 2025. Perched high in the Andes, this vibrant city is a cultural mosaic where traditional Andean dress mingles seamlessly with a burgeoning food and creative scene.
“La Paz offers a trove of exceptional dining experiences,” says Juanjo, Aracari’s Head of Product Development, who visited alongside Marisol in November. “Restaurants like Popular, Ancestral, and Phayawi reimagine Bolivian traditions with modern flair. While the newly opened Arami, led by Marsia Taha—Latin America’s Best Female Chef—sets a new benchmark for culinary excellence.”
Beyond its kitchens, the city is making moves in the art world too. The innovative Neo Galería and the esteemed Salar Gallery—helmed by Mario Ugalde, son of the late, legendary Gastón Ugalde—are must-visits. We are especially proud to exhibit the work of our longtime friend and collaborator, Gastón Ugalde, on Aracari Shop. Through our exclusive connections, private visits to these galleries allow our clients the opportunity to explore the collections at their own pace.
2. Hacienda La Danesa, Ecuador: A family-run hacienda tucked away in verdant coastal lowlands
Just an hour and a half from Guayaquil, Ecuador – you’ll find the second entry to this year’s list of the best destinations to visit in 2025. Hacienda La Danesa is a family-run retreat tucked away in the country’s verdant coastal lowlands.
It was our Travel Designer Cecile who uncovered the hacienda during her recent scouting trip to Ecuador. “When I visited in November, I was immediately drawn to the sense of belonging,” she says. “The family’s hospitality is exceptional—you’re not simply a visitor; you feel like part of their home.”
The charm of the place, you see, isn’t found in luxurious fixtures and fittings but rather the intangible. In the experience it delivers. Here, life moves at a gentle chug – far removed from the routine haste many of us are used to. From horseback rides and cycling routes to farm-to-table dining, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients shaping each Ecuadorian dish. The family also makes their own chocolate on-site and you’re able to try your hand at the cacao production during your stay.
Ecuador may be most famous for its archipelago national park, the Galapagos Islands, slung some 900 kilometers off the coast, but the mainland is not to be overlooked. The most rewarding itineraries—like our Life’s a Beach sample journey—combine the natural wonders of the Galápagos with a restorative stay at Hacienda La Danesa during a 14-night adventure that weaves through Ecuador, the Galápagos, and the magnificent north coast of Peru.
3. The living art of Kene: A Journey into Amazonian Tradition from the heart of Lima
There are those kinds of travel experiences that simply take your breath away. This it seems to us, is the only fitting description of a visit to Wilma Maynas in the district of Rímac, Lima. In this shanty town – lives the largest urban community of the indigenous Amazonian Shipibo people whose roots reach deep into the jungles of Peru.
Kene is more than just intricate patterns; it’s a visual language steeped in symbolism. Jagged short strokes represent the teeth of the piraña, a force of protection and respect. Thick lines evoke towering trees, curves echo the movement of fish, and sweeping shapes honor the powerful anaconda. Each line Wilma paints tells a story—a tapestry of Amazonian life rendered in delicate, deliberate strokes.
As Wilma works, she sings the stories of her people. Her haunting melodies fill the space, turning the act of creation into something ceremonial, almost sacred. Using a makeshift tool—replacing what would traditionally be fashioned from a branch in the Amazon—she connects to her distant rainforest from her simple home in the heart of the metropolis.
This encounter is more than an art demonstration, which is why it felt so necessary to include it in a list of where to go in South America in 2025. It’s a window into the Shipibo way of life, their struggles, and their resilience. Right now, Lima is enjoying the gentle warmth of summer, the city feels calmer, and its tourist crowds noticeably thinned. It’s a perfect time to visit Peru—something we proudly highlighted in a recent Condé Nast Traveler feature. Let us guide you to this extraordinary experience in 2025, where the rhythms of the Amazon echo right here in the heart of Lima.
4. Bolivia’s Otherworldly Canvas: A Photographer’s Paradise in the Salar de Uyuni and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
Renowned as one of South America’s most iconic destinations, Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, offers an experience that feels otherworldly. This surreal expanse, where the horizon disappears and the line between earth and sky blurs, is a dreamscape for photographers and adventurers alike. But with Aracari, the journey becomes something even more extraordinary—a highly exclusive, entirely tailored experience.
Reaching the Salar begins with a journey through the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, a protected area brimming with natural wonders. Here, multi-colored lagoons shimmer in hues of red, green, and turquoise. Shores are dotted with flamingos wading gracefully in the still waters.
Navigating this remote corner of Bolivia requires a rugged 4×4, but with Aracari, the adventure is always elevated. Your experience is curated down to the smallest detail. With private guides who not only know the landscape but bring it to life in ways that resonate with your interests. For photography enthusiasts, this means the option of traveling alongside a professional photographer, whose expertise ensures you capture the essence of this extraordinary canvas.
This isn’t just a visit to one of South America’s most famous locations. It’s an intimate encounter with the Salar de Uyuni and Eduardo Avaroa’s astonishing beauty—crafted so that it feels entirely yours. From dawn’s golden light reflecting on the salt flats to private moments amid the vast silence. Aracari transforms this bucket-list destination into something wholly unique and deeply personal.
5. Palermo, Buenos Aires: Colour, cuisine and culture in Argentina’s capital
In the heart of Buenos Aires, the Palermo neighborhood has firmly established itself as the epicenter of the city’s dining scene. For those pondering where to go in South America in 2025, Palermo is a culinary mecca. A stylish district that seamlessly weaves together Argentina’s rich gastronomic heritage and cutting-edge innovation.
It’s a quaint part of town too. Palermo’s cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings that house everything from cozy parrillas serving sizzling steaks to trendy rooftop bistros. At the heart of its culinary scene—and perhaps partly responsible for Palermo’s foodie reputation—is the world-renowned Don Julio. Don Julio was crowned the number-one restaurant in South America. Inside its warm, inviting doors, the traditional Argentine parrilla transforms into something extraordinary, with perfectly pink steaks paired with locally sourced vintages.
Mark, one of our travel designers, who visited Buenos Aires on a scouting trip in November, also recommends El Preferido, for its nostalgic yet elevated classics, and Nino Gordo too. Yet, the magic of Palermo extends beyond the big names. The streets here are strewn with beautiful cafés and hidden haunts, each offering something unique to discover.
Palermo is not just a place to eat—it’s a neighborhood to linger. Savoring not only the food but the ambiance. Its vibrant energy, creative spirit, and flavors make it an essential stop for anyone seeking the best destination in South America for 2025.
6. Peru’s New Boutique Boltholes: Hotels with a sense of place in Cusco and Arequipa
As experts in luxury travel to Peru, we are always delighted when new openings celebrate a true sense of place. These two boutique boltholes from our friends at Ananay Hotels do exactly that. Found in Cusco and Arequipa—destinations we have long adored—these properties champion their home cities in a setting that distills intimate, laidback luxury. After all, what guide on where to go in South America is complete without places to bed down after a long day exploring?
First, there’s Palacio Manco Capac, perched atop the historic San Cristóbal hill in Cusco. An intimate retreat with breathtaking views of the ancient city. The hotel occupies a meticulously restored 19th-century republican house, preserving its historical essence while providing modern comforts. Guests can immerse themselves in the property’s unique heritage, which includes an onsite museum featuring original artifacts. With just ten rooms blending colonial and contemporary styles, this serene hideaway is the perfect base from which to explore the ancient Inca capital during a bespoke vacation to Peru with Aracari.
In Arequipa, you’ll find Palacio Guaqui. Located in the heart of the city’s historic center—a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site—this former 19th-century manor house of the Count of Guaqui has been thoughtfully restored using sustainable techniques and traditional craftsmanship. The original ashlar structure remains intact, and each suite is designed to offer spacious comfort amidst three patios.
Whether gazing over the rooftops of Cusco or wandering the quiet courtyards of Arequipa, guests will find an unforgettable blend of history and hospitality. All so very in tune with the experience provided by us during the entirety of your trip.
7. Cuenca, Ecuador: Colonial Riches in the Heart of the Andes
Cuenca is the kind of place that seems to move at its own pace. Cushioned between the Ecuadorian Andes, the city is one of the continent’s most enchanting, yet lesser visited, destinations. Quietly captivating with its rich traditions, whitewashed facades, and blue-domed churches. A must-see city for those who appreciate history and craftsmanship.
“When I arrived in Cuenca, it struck me as a place that invites you to linger,” reflects Cecile, our travel designer, who was there in November finding treasures for our hotlist. “There’s a distinct charm here— in the cobblestone streets, the flower-filled balconies, and the way locals take pride in their heritage.”
Cuenca’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a showcase of Spanish colonial architecture. Yet, the city’s history goes deeper than its colonial roots. The nearby Ingapirca ruins, Ecuador’s largest Inca archaeological site, are a fascinating window into the region’s pre-Hispanic past.
Artisans are at the heart of Cuenca’s identity, and their handiwork is everywhere—from ceramics and silver jewelry to the iconic Panama hats, which are still painstakingly handwoven here. A private visit to one of the city’s famed workshops reveals the skill and tradition that make this craft so celebrated worldwide.
Beyond the city, Cajas National Park, just 40 minutes away, offers sweeping páramo landscapes and twinkling lakes. If you’re wondering where to go in South America in 2025, we recommend a few days soaking up the laid-back atmosphere of the city before taking time to explore its surroundings.
8. Hidden Havens in the Rosario Islands: Colombia’s Most Exclusive Escapes
In the turquoise waters of the Islas del Rosario, two extraordinary villas. Cala Mambo and Coco Solo offer one of the most exclusive ways to experience this corner of Colombia. Just a short boat ride from Cartagena, these private retreats are secluded within a protected archipelago.
Though only 50 minutes by boat from Cartagena, Cala Mambo feels a world apart. Set on its own private island, this seven-bedroom villa is a standout on our list of where to go in South America in 2025. With a private white-sand beach, sun-drenched pergolas, and 360-degree views of the Caribbean, the setting is nothing short of idyllic. Days unfold with snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while the villa’s chef invites you to master Caribbean specialties like ceviche and coconut rice.
Also on the archipelago lies Cocosolo, an eco-sanctuary blending sustainability with total luxury. Built from locally sourced materials, this seven-bungalow retreat sits discreetly within its mangrove surroundings. Accommodating up to 18 guests, Cocosolo is designed for both privacy and connection, with expansive terraces, a saltwater pool, and panoramic views. Hammocks sway in the breeze, offering front-row seats to the shimmering sea.
Whether you are a family or a group of friends wondering where to go in South America in 2025, Cala Mambo and Cocosolo set a new standard for exclusivity and relaxation in Colombia. Pair your stay with a bespoke Colombia adventure— such as Colombia in Color. This way, you’ll have exactly the right balance of adventure and complete relaxation. Visit between now and April and enjoy a winter hiatus from the bitter cold of the northern hemisphere.
9. La Bamba de Areco: Rustic Elegance in the Heart of the Pampas
In the heart of the Pampas, just 75 miles from Buenos Aires, La Bamba de Areco offers a gateway into the traditions and quiet charm of Argentina’s countryside. Housed in an early 19th-century estancia, the property has been thoughtfully transformed into a luxury retreat. It blends colonial heritage with the spirit of the gaucho.
Mark, one of our Travel Designers, visited in November and returned captivated. “La Bamba exudes everything we admire about Argentina,” he reflects. “Its warmth, authenticity, and deep connection to the gaucho lifestyle make it feel truly special.”
The estancia’s colonial-style buildings, with their dark red facades and leather, wool, and wood interiors, create a sense of place. It’s both luxurious and rooted. Each room, named after a famous horse, is designed with its own distinctive flair. This adds to the charm of the estancia. Outside, the immense tree-shaded grounds offer plenty of space to unwind. A neighboring polo field brings the real energy of the Pampas to life.
Days here are as tranquil or adventurous as you wish. Ride horseback through the vast countryside, or watch gauchos perform breathtaking demonstrations of their craft. Simply sink into the stillness of the surroundings. Evenings invite you to indulge in a traditional asado. A feast of perfectly grilled meats that captures the heart of Argentine hospitality.
For those curating their list of where to go in South America in 2025, La Bamba de Areco is a perfect retreat.
10. Lima’s Creative Pulse: Private Access to Peru’s Artisans and Galleries
Last November, Marisol and our creative team spent four days immersed in Lima’s vibrant art and design scene. Visiting the ateliers of exceptional female creatives like Meche Correa, Alessandra Petersen, Ester Ventura, and ESCVDO’s Chiara Macchiavello. These designers, many of whom are featured on the Aracari Shop, have become trusted collaborators, granting us privileged access to their spaces and stories.
Our clients too are afforded the same access to a day of private shopping and creative conversation. Accompanied by a handpicked guide—someone who knows the city as a local and its artists as friends—you’ll explore these spaces. Witness the craftsmanship behind intricate embroidery, contemporary weaving, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Each visit is personal and inspiring, offering connections to pioneers preserving and reimagining Peru’s artistic heritage.
In addition to atelier appointments, there’s the opportunity to visit some of Lima’s finest art galleries featuring exclusive works for sale. Among them is the renowned 80M2 owned by acclaimed gallerist and art collector, Livia Benavides. Known for championing cutting-edge contemporary art, this gallery provides an exclusive glimpse into the city’s artistic evolution.
This isn’t just a day of exploration. Part of our Deeper and Different collection, it’s a chance to connect to Lima’s creative heartbeat. For those wondering where to go in South America in 2025, this experience unveils the artists shaping Peru’s artistic identity.
Where to go in South America in 2025: Start your journey today.
If our list of the best destinations to visit in South America in 2025 has piqued your wanderlust, we’d be delighted to guide you further. Speak to our travel designers today and begin your journey toward a bespoke Aracari adventure today. Including many of these incredible pinpoints mentioned here and the many more, there wasn’t the space to mention.