Get prepared for your luxury holiday to South America.
Below you’ll find a wide range of travel tips, advice and information that will help you get ready to explore South America.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Brazil is the largest country in South America with a huge offer for the adventurous traveller: Rainforest and wildlife, culture and gastronomy, beach and sport, mountains and rivers.
Rio de Janeiro, to many, is the gateway to Brazil. It is a vibrant city, located in a spectacular geographical setting. This is the ultimate place to finish off a holiday, chilling on its world famous beaches, taking in the sights, sounds and sunshine.
Choose to extend your stay in the area combining Rio with Paraty, a quaint, well preserved colonial coastal village; or Buzios a charming, buzzing and fun coastal town; or Ilha Grande, an island with no roads where you can really enjoy the wonders of nature.
Further afield, the state of Bahia in the north east of the country is another strong draw. The colonial capital, Salvador, with its colourful architecture, history and fiery culture is a great place to explore. Inland, Chapada Diamantina is ideal for trekkers, who head to with its plains, table-topped mountains, rivers, waterfalls and natural pools. Remote, with palm lined beaches lapped by turquoise waters, Praia do Forte is an idyllic place in which to to put up your feet and relax.
The mighty Iguazu Falls on the shared border with Argentina are another massive draw.
The Pantanal - wetlands in the West of the country are an animal lover's paradise. The World's largest wetlands is teeming with wildlife including giant anacondas, capybaras, caimans and jaguars.
The mighty Amazon River is another attraction and can be explored by boat or from a comfortable eco friendly lodge.
Not only does Brazil offer stunning sights but it also has a cultural vibrancy unmatched anywhere else. Music and dance are part of the Brazilian DNA. A varied gastronomy and a warm welcome will make any visitor immediately at ease.
Brazil shares a border with every country in South America except for Ecuador and Chile – ten in total and has great transportation links so can easily be combined with one or more other countries.
Guyana is the only English-speaking country on the South American continent and has a Caribbean feel.
It is a destination for the nature lover looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination with many attractions. Guyana offers pristine rainforest, abundant wildlife, jaguars and the mighty Kaieteur Falls.
Start your adventure in the melting pot that is the country's capital - Georgetown. Here Hindu, Muslim and Christian cultures blend in harmony.
Head off to visit the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls - the world’s highest single-drop waterfall.
Then the interior beckons. Jungle and Savannah await. With luck you might spot the Cock o' the rock or a harpy eagle.
Bigger mammals such as the ant eater might surprise you or if incredibly lucky the mighty jaguar. Travel by road or river and stay in rustic but comfortable lodges - all with an authentic Guyanese welcome.
Guyana will be an unforgettable adventure.
Paraguay is a landlocked hidden gem of a destination unspoilt by mass tourism.
The country is bordered by Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina and split into East and West by the mighty Paraguay River.
The capital Asuncion, lying on the banks of the Paraguay River, is the gateway to the country and the two main tourism regions.
In the arid West one will find the great Chaco. This is the largest and most sparsely populated territory of the country with extensive and valuable ecological and biological reserves.
Here you will find Amerindian communities and colonies of Mennonites who settled here to escape religious persecution and where they still maintain their unique way of life. You will also bear witness to the tragic history of the Chaco wars and its catastrophic consequences.
In the fertile East you will find rolling hills, green countryside bordered by mountain foothills, shady valleys dotted by streams and lakes, dense forests, along with the majority of the country’s cities and towns.
One of the main attractions of this region are the ruins of the Jesuit Missions the story of which Hollywood dramatised in Roland Joffe’s film “The Mission”.
The mighty Iguazu Falls are also just across the border from Ciudad del Este at the "tri-border" where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.
Uruguay is one of South America’s undiscovered gems, a welcoming and charming country with dramatic coast lines and hidden treasures.
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Well, we survived the Inca trail and were very pleased we selected the luxury trek with the smaller camp sites and extra day to complete the 42km. Macchu Picchu in all its glory was was bathed in sunshine on days 4&5 so we were very lucky. We were lucky enough to spot a small black bear as it crossed our path on route! Our guide Nilo stated he has only seen two bears in the last five years. Thought you may like to see this. Thank you also for all your help in booking this very memorable adventure! Your info and organisation was much appreciated and really helpful. We had a fabulous trek. Thank you again.
D and H Gants, USA, 2010 » Luxury Inca Trail Trek & Cusco
So difficult to settle back into life after that amazing experience! Everything far exceeded my expectations - what amazingly friendly people we have encountered - and fantastic food, such a shame that at altitude I had no appetite! I think the highlight of the trip was the Salkantay Lodge to Lodge trek, this was pure luxury all the way and the guides were quite amazing. The group we travelled with were fantastic, everyone willing to walk at the same speed and enjoy each others company.
R. Gay, UK, 2011 » Salkantay Lodge Trek To Machu Picchu