Must-see hotels in South America

  • El Pueblito

    Santa Cruz & Gran Chiquitania

    This four-star resort is arranged like a little village complete with its own church and plaza. Each room is uniquely styled after a village shop and…

  • Las Cumbres

    Punta del Este

    Near Punta Ballena, this understatedly luxurious hilltop paradise is eclectically decorated with treasures from the owners’ world travels. The spacious…

  • Gran Hotel Potrerillos

    Mendoza & the Central Andes

    Occupying a large hilltop property with commanding views and blending Spanish mission-style architecture with contemporary design, this is indeed a grand…

  • Paradores Draghi

    San Antonio de Areco

    It's worth staying over in Areco just so you can check in here. Lovingly run by a mother-daughter team and conveniently located near the main plaza, this…

  • Um Hostel

    Rio de Janeiro State

    With a prime city center location opposite the Bohemia brewery, this town-house-turned-hostel has been a Petrópolis budget traveler's dream-come-true…

  • Mandala das Águas

    Minas Gerais

    Near the valley’s far end, the delightfully tranquil Mandala boasts spacious rooms, verandas with hammocks, an ofurô (Japanese hot tub; per two people R…

  • Masaya Bogotá Hostel

    Bogotá

    Taking flashpacker luxury to a new level, this large French-owned hostel has notably comfortable dorms, with privacy curtains, beanbags, and fluffy…

  • Entre Hielos

    Northern Patagonia

    A lovely cypress home located at the top of a steep staircase, this wonderful lodging boasts both modern style and family warmth, with a two-night minimum…

  • Puesto Cagliero

    Inland Patagonia

    This stylish mountain hut borders an alpine lake facing Glaciar Cagliero, a privileged spot only available to those who make the 7km trek from the…

  • Hotel de Autor

    Lima

    Why can't every hotel be like this? Service is personal, breakfasts are satisfying, and the style is modern, with authentic travel memorabilia to help…

  • Hotel Rosario del Lago

    Lake Titicaca

    One of the smartest places in town, the hacienda-styled, three-star sister of Hotel Rosario in La Paz has charming modern rooms with solar-heated showers,…

  • Chill House

    Buenos Aires

    This relaxed and friendly guesthouse is in a remodeled old house with high ceilings and a rustic artsy style, and has 10 private rooms (number 6, with a…

  • Hostería de la Patagonia

    Northern Patagonia

    Descendants of Belgian colonists run this sweet farmhouse with historic memorabilia and a garden hot tub. Renovated rooms feature central heating and…

  • Algodon Wine Estates Wellness Resort

    Mendoza & the Central Andes

    Luxurious bodega owned by a former professional golfer with spacious and sophisticated rooms in a classic finca-style lodge. Guests can play on the estate…

  • Hotel Rosario

    La Paz

    The professional, English-speaking staff at La Paz’s best three-star hotel pamper you with five-star treatment. The ultraclean rooms in the well…

  • Samiria Ecolodge

    Amazon Basin

    It's not significantly more 'eco' than other lodges, but this beauty on the Río Marañón is significantly flashier. Shiny, dark-wood 56 sq meter cabins,…

  • Bantú

    Cartagena

    Two wonderfully restored 15th-century homes make up this lovely 28-room, open-air boutique hotel, replete with exposed-brick archways, original stone…

  • Hotel Casa Pando

    Middle Chile

    Food and wine lovers José María and Mariela run this remarkably friendly B&B just on the edge of town, six blocks north of Plaza de Armas. The converted…

  • Hotel Playa Tranquilo

    San Andrés

    Buddha overlooks a small pool and sets the tone for this boutique place, which has gorgeous rooms combining modern and traditional touches. Kitchens and…

  • Happy Hammock

    Paraty

    This Swiss-run waterfront hostel sits on isolated Ponta Grossa, a 15-minute boat ride from Paraty. With no road access, limited generator-fueled…

  • Casa Alegre Art Gallery

    Cali

    In a handy San Antonio location for dining out and taking salsa classes, this is a characterful, converted colonial house with a greenery-filled courtyard…

  • Zerohotel

    Valparaíso

    This boutique hotel has one of the best patios around, and taking in the Valparaíso sunshine here is a decadent treat. There are just nine rooms, all with…

  • Oak Tree House

    Guatapé

    Some 10 minutes' walk across the bridge from Guatapé proper, this delightful place really stands out due to the warmth of its staff, who go above and…

  • Balcón de la Plaza

    Salta

    Polite and genuine, helpful service, an appealing genteel ambience, and 10 understated and elegant rooms with handsome bathrooms and king-sized beds – all…

  • Casa da Praia

    Espírito Santo

    This backstreet hideaway is one of Itaúnas’ loveliest pousadas. The guest rooms, surrounded by pretty landscaped grounds, feature cheerful colors, flower…

  • Mansión Alcázar

    Cuenca

    With unrivaled service and rooms decorated with unique themes, the Alcázar is the best high-end offering in Cuenca. A water fountain spills over with…

  • La Casa de Paula

    Coastal Patagonia

    A haven after a day of sun and wind, artist Paula's house beckons with huge king beds covered in down duvets and woven throws. An eclectic and warm decor…

  • El Diablo Tranquilo

    Punta del Diablo

    Follow the devilish red glow into one of South America’s most seductive hostels, whose endless perks include inviting chill-out areas, bike and surfboard…

  • Samary Wasi

    Bolivia

    A kilometer from the village of Maragua, in Irupampa, is this lovely stone and red-tile-roofed hostal with three bedrooms, heaps of heavy blankets for…

  • Casa do Amarelindo

    Salvador

    Inside a 19th-century colonial mansion on a historic block, this charming boutique hotel is truly a gem. Ten impeccably outfitted guest rooms have first…

  • Posada El Arribo

    Jujuy

    An oasis in the heart of Jujuy, this impressive family-run place occupying a renovated 19th-century mansion is wonderful, with original floor tiles and…

  • Hospedaje del Bosque

    Atlantic Coast

    Four blocks in from the beach, this homey yet elegant family-run Tudor inn is by far the most atmospheric place to stay in Necochea. Rooms are large and…

  • Nothofagus B&B

    El Chaltén

    Attentive and adorable, this chalet-style inn offers a toasty retreat with hearty breakfast options. Practices that earn them the Sello Verde (Green Seal)…

  • Pouso Da Trilha

    Lençóis

    Conveniently located on the edge of the historic center, this guesthouse has simple rooms with homey design flourishes and a tranquil patio area with…

  • Coral de Bahía

    Norte Chico

    At the south end of the beach, Coral de Bahía has 11 lovely rooms upstairs, some with balconies and sweeping ocean views. This hotel gets booked up in…

  • Rancho de los Esteros

    Parque Esteros del Iberá

    This exquisitely peaceful lakeside retreat is run with traditional Argentine country hospitality. Four gorgeous, super-spacious rooms (they can fit a…

  • Hotel Casona Solar

    Arequipa

    This gorgeous ‘secret garden’ is situated – incredibly given its tranquility – only three blocks from Arequipa's main square. Grand 18th-century rooms are…

  • Reina Madre Hostel

    Palermo

    This hipster-friendly hostel is stylish and well run. It’s in an old building that has plenty of personality, with high ceilings and original tiles, and…

  • El Viejo Molino

    Catamarca & La Rioja

    Run with a warm, personal touch, this attractive spot overlooks a small garden next to the Molino de San Francisco museum. Modern rooms are comfortable,…

  • América del Sur

    San Telmo

    This stylish boutique-like hostel was built especially to host backpackers and youthful travelers. Beyond the reception is a cool bar area with a large…

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