Luxury South America:
3 Countries in One Journey
The rainy season in Peru ends in March, the Ecuadorian cloud forest is at its lush peak in May and the seas of the Galapagos are calm until June. With the Colombian mini-dry-season in July and August, these months are the best ones for combining all three countries.
To do justice to the rich array of places and experiences in these three countries requires time. Of course, you could just take some elements of our itinerary or even extend it.
and wildlife.
We’ll curate a luxurious blend of cultural and natural experiences that includes the iconic highlights of Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands, alongside hidden gems such as the Andean Cloud Forest – crafted entirely around your interests.
"A trip to these three South American countries is all about diversity and possibilities: not just in the amazingly different experiences and environments that are offered, but also in the ways to discover them. It’s a great adventure for families, groups, couples and solo travellers alike, and we can tailor the itinerary and accommodation to suit your exact needs."
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Discover the fascinating architecture of Peru’s historical capital on a private tour with a local historian and mix with the locals on Barranco's romantic 'Bridge of Sighs'.
Drift along the waterways of Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria National Park, deep into verdant forests full of extraordinary wildlife.
Discover this mysteriously enigmatic ancient marvel in the hands of someone who knows every crevice and be one of the lucky few to see sunrise from Huayna Picchu.
Connect with the women of the Awamaki collective in Peru’s Sacred Valley and experience the ancient art of weaving through hands-on, personal encounters.
Discover the lesser-known ruins from the Inca period by venturing out onto the quieter tracks.
Climb the hill of El Panecillo to take in the amazing views of Quito, Ecuador’s capital and the world's first UNESCO-listed city.
Spend time with researchers at Mashpi Lodge, deep in a cloud forest reserve full of exotic birds and waterfalls.
Cruise the Galapagos in luxury, discovering one of Earth’s most important wildlife havens and its unique, endemic creatures.
Cosmopolitan, exciting and inventive, Bogota is a place to discover art with a local expert, followed by fine dining.
A place to unwind on tropical beaches, snorkel in the warm Caribbean waters, and hike inland for wildlife encounters.
Bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile, with the waters of the Pacific Ocean lapping its western boundary, Peru is the most varied of any Latin American country. Only here can you experience coastal deserts, towering highlands, high-altitude plateaux and lush jungle within one nation. With world-famous historical sites, Peru is culturally fascinating, and even today, almost half of the population is of indigenous descent.
The most compact of the three countries in this itinerary, Ecuador packs many punches within its borders. With vibrant historic Quito, the Andean highlands, and the biodiverse paradise of the Amazon rainforest, there’s more than enough on mainland Ecuador to enthral any visitor, but a trip to Ecuador isn’t complete without venturing to the phenomenal Galapagos Islands too.
Off the beaten tourist track, Colombia has a stunning mixture of landscapes and cultures between its Caribbean and Pacific coasts. With lively festivals, warm hospitality and a cuisine that’s as diverse as its fusion of cultures, Colombia is invigorating and genuinely authentic. As for wildlife encounters, it has an abundance, from whales on its west coast to rich Amazon splendours.
Lima’s Hotel B is a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property in a fabulous belle epoque house built as a seaside retreat for the Peruvian elite.
Since its maiden voyage in 2020, Aqua Nera has been setting the standard for river boat exploration in the Amazon region. With a maximum of 40 guests, looked after by 40 staff, you can expect an unforgettable experience that is both adventurous and relaxing in equal measure.
Sleek, spacious, state-of-the-art and sophisticated, ‘Pure Amazon’, launching mid-2025, is set to be a luxuriously modern vessel designed specifically for Amazonia.
In the Sacred Valley, with the Andes Mountains dominating the skyline, the beautiful gardens of Sol y Luna exquisitely complement the hotel’s stone casitas (“little houses”). It’s a truly magical location; the backdrop is enhanced by the orientation of the terraces and the careful planting of indigenous flowers.
With excellent eco-credentials, the 45-metre Aria Amazon is a luxury vessel that was specifically designed to take adventurers deep into the Amazon ecosystem with minimal impact.
Inkaterra Las Casona is a 16th century colonial manor house, which was at one time used as an Inca army training facility. Every wall in the property is imbued with history, and it is without doubt one of the most fascinating, beautiful places to stay in Cusco.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo is in Aguas Calientes, the departure point for most trips to Machu Picchu.
Originally dating from the 18th century, Casa Gangotena was rebuilt in the 1920s following a fire and therefore has a distinctly Art Deco feel. An aristocratic and elegant place that feels intimate and personal, it's the ideal base for exploring Quito.
Mashpi Lodge is a superb boutique hotel set in breathtaking rainforest surroundings, giving its guests an unrivalled Ecuadorian experience. Encounter exotic species, explore magical waterfalls, and completely unwind in your private suite.
With beautiful looks, extensive features and plenty of space, Hermes Catamaran is set to exude luxury without apparent effort. It’s a serenely indulgent facilitator of an unforgettable Galapagos journey.
Stylish and refined, Sofitel Victoria Regia is as elegant and interesting as its desirable neighbourhood, an accessible district of Bogotá that teems with tempting shopping and dining options.
Easy-going and authentically Colombian, Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos has a prime beachside location within a stone’s throw of gorgeous Tayrona National Park: a place of tranquil rivers, golden sands, granite headlands and lush forests.
Tips From The Team
- Make the journey yours. This itinerary is just one suggestion – you can travel in reverse, extend your adventure, or focus on a specific region. The choice is yours.
- Book in advance. We recommend contacting us 9-12 months before you want to go so that you have the best choice of small, private and luxury properties. If you can't give us that much notice, fret not, because the partnerships that we have built over the last 25 years give us lots of options for creating an amazing holiday.
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- Stay longer in the Galápagos, immersing yourself in the archipelago’s diverse islands and unique wildlife.
- Add a few days in Peru to discover the white city of Arequipa and watch mighty condors soar above the immense Colca Canyon.
- Extend your time in Colombia, savouring the finest roasts in the lush Coffee Triangle. Unwind in coastal Cartagena, where vibrant culture and historical charm await.
- For further amazing wildlife encounters, an extension to Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is highly recommended. It's home to at least half of all the species found in Costa Rica.
"Fantastic trip!
Ross and the team from Journeysmiths did a great job organizing a trip exactly to our liking. Together with my partner, we travelled to South America for multiple weeks and all our expectations were exceeded. Can highly recommend!"
Price Guide
Get in touch and we’ll design a personalised itinerary, complete with tailored pricing and expert recommendations.
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- Knowledge, Experience & Passion
Since 1990, we’ve been exploring our planet, discovering the world's finest properties and most reliable partners so that you too can experience the best of the wild world. - Logistical Expertise & Extraordinary Service
Our teams work together to take care of every last detail of your holiday, ensuring it runs like clockwork from beginning to end.
- Privacy and Discretion
Luxurious, remote properties and exclusive reserves in the wilderness guarantee maximum privacy, the essence of a Journeysmiths holiday. - Positive Impact
We ensure you are ‘Travelling Well’, with every journey we arrange benefitting the habitats, wildlife and people who live there in some way.
Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.
Set off on a captivating family adventure in Peru, where ancient wonders and vibrant culture await. From exploring the mystical Machu Picchu to navigating the Amazon rainforest, this itinerary promises unforgettable moments that will weave the rich tapestry of Peru into the fabric of your family's cherished memories.
Peru is the perfect place for an exhilarating adventure. Immerse yourself in thrilling activities, from trekking majestic peaks to exploring ancient ruins, for an adrenaline-fuelled experience.
Explore uncrowded, beautiful landscapes on a luxury holiday, journeying through Chile. The perfect destination for an unforgettable adventure, this volcano dotted country promises astounding wildlife, incredible scenery and memories lasting a lifetime.
This experiential itinerary allows you to go deeper in some of Costa Rica's most spectacular regions. Embark on a hands-on conservation adventure, take to the ocean for a private yacht adventure, explore wildlife filled forests and contribute to the future of Costa Rica's sea turtle population.