In addition to the many physical wonders of Patagonia you also have the choice of staying in a wide variety of beautiful places; hotels, lodges, estancias and unique properties. Here we highlight some of our and our client’s favourites. This is another part of our job that we love, first exploring and then sharing our knowledge with you so your trip is tailored individually just for you....
La Bandada Estancia is located 90 minutes from Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport - the estancia was recently awarded 1 Michelin Key 'A very special stay'...
Harpy Eagle - Brazil's southern Amazon...
Amazing Off The Beaten Track Destinations in South America...
Purmamarca (northern Argentina – north of Salta)...
Eduaro Abaroa National Reserve Bolivia...
South American wildlife is often very colourful. It is also beautiful and diverse. ...
Patagonia Camp offers very comfortable accommodation, excellent cuisine, and knowledgeable guides to escort you on walks and excursions from the property....
Rachel (South America Travel Centre Travel Specialist) travels to colourful Colombia...
Cerro Guido Foundacion - Patagonia Chile...
Estancia Cerro Guido - Torres del Paine - Chile...
South America is colourful, beautiful and diverse. Take a visual journey by country. We'll start with A, B & Cs (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile & Colombia)...
Awasi Atacama, Iguazu and Patagonia - All-inclusive, exclusive remote luxury properties...
The Pantanal and the Amazon offer opportunities to view many of Latin America’s most beautiful animals and the Pantanal is easily the best place to go looking for Jaguars....
Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia...
Puritama Conservation Reserve is in the Atacama region of Chile. Explora Atacama offer treks and a swim at the Puritama Hot Springs....
The traditional skirt worn by many Bolivians - the pollera. The journey from Tupiza to the Uyuni Salt Flats Bolivia. South America Travel Centre...
Iguazu Falls and Beyond. Awasi Iguazu is the perfect place from which to discover Iguazu Falls and the Atlantic Rainforest South America Travel Centre...
Buenos Aires, Colonia (Uruguay) and La Bamba de Areco would make a wonderful start or end to a journey in South America...
Follow one of our experts, Alana and her journey through Ecuador with an adventure through the Amazon, a stay in a cosy Hacienda and the Galapagos Islands. ...
Tierra Chiloe is a beautiful lodge in a stunning location. Though less well-known Chiloe is a hit with guests to discover this Chilean gem....
Chalten Camp offers comfortable accommodation, excellent cuisine, and knowledgeable guides to escort you on walks and excursions from the property....
Buenos Aires is a colourful city worthy of a few days to enjoy and explore....
Tierra Chiloe is a beautiful lodge in a stunning location. Though less well-known Chiloe is a hit with guests to discover this Chilean gem....
Tierra Patagonia hugs the shore of lake Sarmiento with stunning views across to Torres del Paine. This all-inclusive lodge is one of Patagonia's finest....
Use your spare luggage space to positively impact local communities in the areas that you are visiting throughout South and Central America. ...
Many of you will have undoubtedly heard of ‘horse whisperers’ but have you heard of Ecuador’s 'Bird Whisperer' or rather, whistler?...
Tierra Hotel's Luxury Lodges in Patagonia, the Atacama region and Chiloe Island are all dedicated to conservation and protecting the environment for years to come. ...
Arequipa, Peru not only offers beautiful architecture but also has incredible cuisine. Read about some of the must try dishes and interesting sights. ...
For some years now Peru has been making its way onto the international food scene thanks to people like Virgilio Martinez. Whilst his name isn’t as famous as many internationally acclaimed chefs, he is changing the face of Peruvian cuisine and putting his country on the map when comparing the world’s top restaurants....
Old Portuguese charm can be found in several towns and cities in Brazil. Paraty is better known and could be the ideal starting point to recover from the journey to Brazil ...
Ushuaia is located on the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Patagonia. Its claim to fame is being the southernmost city in the world. You will see the words Fin del Mundo (end of the world - in the geographical sense not the apocalyptic sense) plastered across all sorts of souvenirs and at landmark signage. Due to this southerly location and its proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia is also the main port for cruises sailing to Antarctica and has seen a significant increase in visitors over the past 10 years due to the ever increasing popularity of these voyages....
The Andean Spectacled Bear is the only surviving species of bear native to South America; they are much smaller and more docile in nature compared with their North American cousins. Spectacled bears are not a threat to humans (just like Paddington), their diet consisting mostly of plants and berries. This video was taken by guests staying at Hacienda Zuleta a beautiful property less than two hours from Ecuador’s capital city Quito....
There are many hiking options available from El Chalten and one of the most popular and spectacular is the Laguna Torre hike taking hikers to the base of the majestic Cerro Torre (Cerro Mountain). This 22km round trip takes you through the Patagonian forest on well maintained trails and is definitely a must do when visiting El Chalten. ...
Enjoy 7 courses at the gourmet Fogon Asado Experience. This intimate fine dining offers insight into traditional Argentinean cooking techniques. With only 24 guests it is a wonderful way to experience an Argentine Barbeque....
Christine visits Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and is enchanted by the thousands of moai statues, stone carvings, picturesque scenery and fascinating Rapa Nui culture. ...
Few people have ever heard of the Guiana's, tucked away in the Northeastern corner of South America and even less have visited this region. Surprises are plentiful with giant wildlife and mammoth waterfalls. ...
South America has many world-leading luxury and boutique hotels and lodges. Many lodges offer a range of high quality experiences and excellent cuisine....
Amazing wildlife of Brazil's Southwild Pantanal, Cristalino lodge, Parnaiba Headwaters National Park; Jaguars, Maned Wolves, Harpy Eagles and much more.....
Follow one of our experts, Alana and her journey through Ecuador with an adventure through the Amazon, a stay in a cosy Hacienda and the Galapagos Islands. ...
The expansive amount of wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is just as impressive underwater just as it is on the land and above in the skies. ...
One of our travel experts, Hayley had the chance to cruise the Peruvian Amazon on the Delfin II and what she took away from it isn't what you'd expect. ...
The red, white, pink and green colours of Bolivia make it an unforgettable place to visit. Full of surprises and breath taking scenery- add it to your list!...
Only a 2 hour flight from Buenos Aires and a short road trip south, this vast largely unexplored frontier is truly breath taking. ...
Guyana, one of the last largely unexplored frontiers in South America, is a land where everything is on a supersized scale. Aside from its giant trees and epic waterfalls, it is home to many of the continents – and often the worlds – biggest creatures....
The 45 minute train journey weaves its way around the side of the mountain, with magnificent views of the valley below, and on down the infamous Devil's Nose. Here the train track has to switchback twice to deal with with the steep slope that even today is considered and impressive piece of engineering. With the use of dynamite and a significant labour force, the near vertical rocky face was cut away to make way for the tracks. This section of the track drops 500 metres over a 12 kilometre stretch and got its name from the many deaths that occurred during the building of the line. The 'nose' part of the name comes from the side profile of the mountain, when squinting it looks a little bit like a nose....
Genovesa Island is a shield volcano in the Galapagos archipelago, famous for an abundance of bird life. On a recent visit to the island Fiona finds out first hand the main attraction of the island. Find out how to get there and what you will see....
The Carretera Austral is perhaps the most beautiful yet least known major road in all of South America. In this region you will find the famous Marble Caves, Exploradores Glacier, Patagonia National Park and spectacular scenery at each turn....
Fernandina Island, which is an active Shield Volcano, was impressing its visitors recently with a volcanic eruption over the North-Western side of the island. The flowing lava is a fascinating site to see for any guest to the Galapagos and below are some pictures that were captured by guests and staff onboard the La Pinta....
Kuelap and Gocta Falls are two sites to add to any trip to Peru. With new flight routes, new hotels and a state-of-the-art cable car system making the trip comfortable as well as economical....
Is Rio Carnival worth all the hype? Our answer is an unequivocal yes....
Enjoy incredible views of the Sacred Valley (Peru) and stunning mountains peak as you hike from Moray Ruins to the Maras Salt Ponds on a full day excursion. ...
Ensuring everyone has a fantastic time and gets along on an intergenerational trip can take a lot of pre-planning and thought. Here are some tips to make your next family holiday unforgettable (in a good way)....
As the van ascended the steep road through picturesque villages perched on the side of one of the mountains overlooking the Sacred Valley in Peru I realised I had never reached this altitude before (except in a plane). I was about 3,500m above sea level, which to put it into perspective – Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, is 2,228m....
I’m one of the two owners of South America Travel Centre and I have been travelling to South America with my wife and two children for each of the last 5 years. I first visited in 1992. As a family we’ve visited parts of; Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador & Cuba. As you’d imagine my children are very important to me (an understatement) and I wouldn’t be taking them with me if I thought their safety was at risk.Almost every time I tell a friend, sometimes a family member, that we’re off to South America again I get a slightly quizzical look; often followed by the question ‘is it safe’? The simple answer is yes....
One of the many highlights of South America is undoubtedly the magnificent Iguazu Falls. Situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in the world spanning a width of 2,700m across, consisting of 275 individual falls, and spilling 13 million liters of water over the falls every second. I have always been an enthusiast for nature’s wonders and to say the Iguazu Falls were amazing is an understatement. The day I spent exploring this natural wonder left me humbled and in awe of its size and power. Below is a brief overview of my day tour of Iguazu Falls, Argentina and what you can expect....
Machu Picchu is the most popular site visited in Peru and as soon as you capture your first glimpse of the vast citadel you can see why. Over the years with the growing popularity of Machu Picchu many options to get to the site have become available which range from treks to luxury trains. Here we explain the different options for your journey to Machu Picchu to help you decided which way is best for you. ...
The Atacama Desert is full of fun and adventure. Take a look at 6 must do excursions when you are visiting this fascinating and diverse destination. ...
There are several practical ways to reduce and manage any effects related to travelling at altitude....
A hot air balloon ride in the Atacama Desert is a must. Sail over the Moon Valley admiring the pink sand, salt-rich Mountains and rugged cliffs. Our expert travel consultant Cinzia, recently visited the Atacama Desert in Chile and to her delight she was able to participate in a hot air balloon ride at dawn over this vast, unique landscape....
There are a growing number of excellent properties in South America that are now part of ‘Relais & Chateaux’. We thought we’d tell you a little about some of the properties our guests regularly experience and thoroughly enjoy....
For a unique way to experience South America consider taking a first class or luxury train ride in Ecuador or Peru. From short trips to 4 day itineraries, travelling by train is comfortable and a great way to see the diversity of these countries....
Twenty years ago the Añangu Kichwa Community in Ecuador collectively gave up subsistence hunting and fishing (their legal right) to allow local wildlife populations to recover, and it appears to be working. ...
I was welcomed to Chiloe Island with a spectacular sunrise whilst feasting on a hearty breakfast at my accommodation, the luxurious Tierra Chiloe Hotel. I knew this was going to be my kind of place....
I’ve been to impressive national parks – quite a few – and I am the first to admit that I had high expectations of Torres del Paine National Park. I’d seen countless photos, spoken to colleagues and clients who’d been there and raved about it, and had done my research....
Beyond the magical beaches and beautiful colonial cities of Mexico, lies incredible Copper Canyon, four times larger than the Grand Canyon. ...
The incredible bird life of the Falkland Islands is awe-inspiring. Take a look at some of the species you may encounter on a visit to this fascinating place....
The Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve in Ecuador is a part of one of the greatest biodiversity ‘hot spots’ on earth, an uninterrupted rainforest that ecologists call the Chocó-Darién region which once stretched north to south, from Panama all the way to Ecuador, compressed between the Pacific coast and the Andes mountains....
As with many wildlife destinations, to have the best chance of some incredible encounters you often need to go a little further off the beaten path to reach places less affected by human presence. Manu is no exception to this rule....
Lares is a small town located to the north of the celebrated ‘Sacred Valley of the Incas’, in a region less visited than other areas. Only recently has the road from Cuzco been paved and new and comfortable lodges built to offer easier access into this area, formerly the almost-exclusive domain of trekkers....
The ‘BIG 15’ has been released, a list of the most iconic wildlife of the Galapagos Islands chosen by consensus among top naturalist guides and dedicated wildlife enthusiasts, and you’ll encounter many of these amazing creatures on cruises of 5 nights or longer...
Not often high on the list of countries that travellers to South America include in their plans, Colombia may just be one of those gems that is overlooked in the haste to tick off the big drawcards like Machu Picchu, Patagonia, and Rio’s famous Carnival....
This trek is dominated by the mesmerisingly beautiful, snow-capped peak of Mount Salkantay, all 6,264m of her. The trail takes you over glacial moraine and crosses the unforgettable Incachiriaska Pass (4,950m), Salkantay towering above before joining the ‘main’ Inca Trail and continuing towards Machu Picchu....
There are few places in the world that celebrate Easter quite like Guatemala’s colonial city of Antigua....
Argentina is one of South America’s great horse and cattle producing countries. The vast plains of the Pampas extend westward across central Argentina from the Atlantic Ocean to the Andean foothills and are home to the country’s legendary gauchos....
Not so long ago I had an unexpected opportunity to go to Mexico – or I should say, go back to Mexico after quite some years – and I’ve fallen in love with it all over again! You can now call me a born-again aficionado....
As you’ll probably have noticed, Cuba has been in the news quite a lot lately, mainly because the US and its close neighbour are very slowly beginning to ‘normalise’ their relationship after more than 50 years of imposed isolation and punitive embargoes....
Excited anticipation was enough to get us up for our early pick-up from the hotel by Leo, the widely-smiling Peruvian trekking guide accompanying us on the short trek – just one day – that would give us a small taste of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!...
I had quite a few activities on my wish list for my time spent in Chile, but horse riding in Patagonia through the remarkable landscape was at the top. On my last day in Chile at Tierra Patagonia I made this wish a reality....
No matter where you are in the world a meal made from home grown produce, prepared by an experienced cook to traditional recipes, eaten in a typical restaurant and accompanied by a local wine is a lovely way to immerse yourself in a culture....
The word ‘desert’ usually conjures images of dust, sand and rocks, cactus and scuttling creatures and, while the Atacama Desert in northern Chile has all of the above, it also offers many unexpected surprises. Forget your preconceived ideas of a barren desert environment – Atacama is bursting with exceptional experiences just waiting for you to discover....
