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It’s the one that heaves with wildlife, astounds with scenery and stays up all night dancing.
South America doesn’t do anything by halves, and that’s precisely why we fall for its charms every time.
Brazil may be getting all the attention at the moment, but South America boasts 12 countries of enormous diversity that are just impossible to resist any longer, from Brazilian beaches to Argentinian glaciers, and from colonial Colombian architecture to colourful Peruvian towns and Ecuadorian wildlife, rounded off with warm and welcoming locals with an infectious zest for life.
Needless to say, it was hard to narrow it down to just the six shown below, but our experts have handpicked the essential experiences, must-see sights and finest places to stay across the continent. Talk to them about exploring South America and start planning an incredible journey.
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All Exsus itinerary prices include international flights, private transfers and accommodation.
Call our experts on +44 207 337 9010 or enquire online.
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Peru never fails to live up to its reputation. The perennial classics, Cusco and Machu Picchu, are more spectacular than you could believe, brought to life by the Inca people. More recently though, the capital Lima has come a long way from being a stepping stone to the Andes or Amazon and merits a stop for its foodie scene and fantastic museums. Take in the scenery of the Sacred Valley, sail on Lake Titicaca, explore the Amazon and travel north to get up close to ancient cultures, local traditions and authentic experiences.
SEE: Cusco | Machu Picchu | Colca Canyon | Lake Titicaca | Amazon
STAY: Hotel B | Palacio Nazarenas | Delfin II | explora Valle Sagrado
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Immense, wild and passionate, Argentina lives life to the full. On top of Buenos Aires, the buzzing capital whose allure is totally addictive, the rest of the country is spectacularly beautiful and utterly untouched. It’s one of the few places you can explore extreme landscapes – tropical rainforest, imposing glaciers, shimmering salt flats and snow-capped mountain ranges – from the comfort of intimate boutique hotels, rustic fincas and traditional estancias, rubbing shoulders with the gauchos and combining your hunger for wilderness with a taste for fine food and wine.
SEE: Buenos Aires | Iguazu Falls | Mendoza | Patagonia
STAY: Legado Mitico | The Vines | Estancia Rincon Chico
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Colombia has been playing catch up with its South American neighbours in terms of top-end tourism, but 2016 has seen it make an almighty comeback with more and more curious visitors tuning in to this untapped gem, which remains blissfully unspoilt by crowds. Packing a real cultural punch, Colombia casts its spell with Caribbean beaches, aromatic coffee regions and cities dancing to the rhythms of merengue and salsa. And don't forget you can trek to Colombia's version of Machu Picchu, La Ciudad Perdida, which is 650 years older and far off the beaten track.
SEE: Cartagena | Tayrona National Park | Coffee Triangle
STAY: Sofitel Santa Clara | Ananda | Hacienda San Jose
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The Coffee Belt
South America boasts some of the world's best coffee, so caffeine fiends will be in absolute heaven. Take a look on our blog to discover our favourite destinations studded on the world's coffee belt.
Find out more... >
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The Galapagos Islands inevitably steal the headlines, but there’s more to Ecuador than this extravagant wildlife hotspot. Graced with pristine Amazon jungle, misty cloud forests, dramatic volcanoes and buzzing market towns like Otavalo where you can meet the locals and buy their colourful handicrafts, Ecuador is jam-packed with South American character yet remains an under-discovered jewel. Its compact size makes it easy to see it all in one trip, although we’re certain that after the first visit you’ll be totally hooked.
SEE: Quito | Galapagos | Cotopaxi | Amazon
STAY: Mashpi Lodge | MV Origin | Hacienda Zuleta
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Once visited, never forgotten, Brazil is a country that will seduce you with its vibrant culture. Its staggering diversity means there’s something for everyone, whether you're one for a languid bossa nova or a pulsating samba. The spotlight is on Rio right now, but look beyond this captivating city and you’ll find over two thousand golden beaches to choose from, laid-back colonial towns, wildlife-rich wetlands and friendly locals whose energy and passion is contagious. Don't leave Brazil without experiencing a capoeira performance in Bahia, and take a class yourself to understand this powerful martial arts dance.
SEE: Rio | Bahia | Pantanal | Fernando de Noronha | Amazon
STAY: UXUA | Reserva do Ibitipoca | Pousada Literaria
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For the adventurous traveller wanting to get off the beaten track, Chile offers the ultimate playground amid some of the world’s most unspoilt and spectacular scenery. You name it, Chile has it: lunar-like deserts, rolling vineyards, smouldering volcanoes and glacial fjords – plus a far-flung island outpost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Wherever you are the action is never far away, with rafting, kayaking and even horse riding with huaso Chilean cowboys, before you relax in hot springs to stargaze and savour a fine Chilean wine.
SEE: Torres del Paine | Atacama | Valparaiso | Easter Island
STAY: Vira Vira | Alto Atacama | Awasi Patagonia
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"Thanks for organising a fantastic holiday for us in Peru. Your selection of hotels was spot on: they were a little oasis wherever we went and the itinerary was just what we were looking for. Nice touch in letting the hotels know it was our wedding anniversary as well, thanks for this - we were upgraded three times!"
Dean and Julia travelled to Peru, July 2016
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