Must-see hotels in South America

  • Ilaia Hotel

    Punta Arenas

    Playful and modern, this high-concept boutique hotel is run with family warmth. Sly messages are written to be read in mirrors, rooms are simple and chic,…

  • Vinn Haus

    Puerto Natales

    Taking dormitory living to a new level, this Chilean-Finnish enterprise employs a gorgeous vintage concept with old suitcases, antique tiles and pleated…

  • Che Lagarto

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    Unbeatable location at the far eastern end of Abraão's main beach, a panoramic waterfront deck and a bar with free-flowing caipirinhas are the prime…

  • DM Hotel Andino

    Bolivia

    La Paz feels a world away at this luxurious country retreat, where your toughest decision will be whether to dip in the regular or hydromassage pool…

  • Mama Simona

    Ollantaytambo

    As locations go, this is one of Ollanta's finest, with riverside garden hammocks and papaya trees. Dorms feature individual bed lights and attached…

  • Recanto da Pedra

    Espírito Santo

    Hands down the best value along this stretch of coast, Recanto da Pedra is picturesquely sited on rocks at Iriri beach's northern end. Many rooms have…

  • Adventure Bed & Bike

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    On most days here, you'll find gregarious owner Indiana chatting with (predominantly cyclist) guests over ample breakfasts or in the chillout areas,…

  • La Antigua Casona

    Northern Patagonia

    Every polished detail of this refurbished settler's barn expresses the loving attention of its Italian and Chilean owners. Rooms sport a lovely, nature…

  • Hotel Posadas Urbano

    Misiones

    This smartly renovated hotel has rapidly become top dog with its wide array of facilities and great central location. Bright, very large, carpeted…

  • Hostal Mi Casa Gautape

    Guatapé

    Run by an affable Anglo-Colombian couple, this popular small hostel close to the base of Piedra del Peñol is welcoming and comfortable. Some of the…

  • Jasy Hotel

    Puerto Iguazú

    Original and peaceful, these 10 two-level rooms, with a great design for family sleeping, climb a hill like a forest staircase and are all equipped with a…

  • Palafito Cucao Hostel

    Chiloé

    This equally chic sister hotel of Castro's Palafito hotels, situated on the Lago Cucao, offers the best and most comfortable beds in Cucao, whether you…

  • Pousada Borghetto Sant’Anna

    Rio Grande do Sul

    Perched above the Vale dos Vinhedos, this cluster of romantic stone houses gives a fantastic view of the valley below. The lodgings mix rustic charm with…

  • Pousada Dolce Vita

    Ceará

    The Dolce Vita is friendly and relaxed. Bungalows are arranged around a garden of palms, flowers and lawns with a beautiful pool at its center. Rooms are…

  • Taypikala Lago

    Lake Titicaca

    It would be hard to miss the museum-like, arched-window exterior of Taypikala Lago at its prime and singular position near the lake. Handsome rustic…

  • Tocuyeros Boutique Hotel

    Cuzco

    A fine addition to San Blas, this hidden treasure sits far off the street, accessed via a long stone tunnel. With only nine rooms, this boutique hotel…

  • Bamboo Búzios Hostel

    Búzios

    Boasting a seaside perch in the thick of the Rua das Pedras nightlife zone, Búzios' most centrally located hostel offers four- to 13-bed dorms…

  • Lucho Libre

    Cali & Southwest Colombia

    Ten minutes' walk to the center of Pasto, this hostel is a superb addition to the backpacker scene. Whether you're surveying the city from the lofty…

  • The Search House Búzios

    Búzios

    With clean white air-conditioned dorms and doubles, comfortable beds, and a dreamy backyard opening directly onto Manguinhos beach, the Search House is…

  • Espacio Mundano

    Salta

    An artistic oasis in the heart of Salta. The setting is a 200-year-old house, converted into an art studio and B&B that is a riot of color and imagination…

  • Hostería Cananvalle

    Northern Highlands

    Literally on the other side of the tracks, 5km from downtown, this family-owned working farm sits on a bucolic property with canyon and mountain views…

  • Hotel Solar da Ponte

    Minas Gerais

    Right in the heart of town, this magnificent re-creation of a colonial-era mansion is one of Brazil’s finest hotels, with first-rate food and service…

  • Hostal Tierra Diaguita

    La Serena

    Inside a colonial house and leafy patio sprinkled with pre-Columbian designs and artwork, you'll find a mix of attractively designed rooms, all with comfy…

  • Playa Colán Lodge

    North Coast

    The best place to stay in Colán. Built from a combination of natural materials, it has an upmarket, Robinson Crusoe feel and hosts cute, pastel-colored…

  • Hotel Presidente Huancavelica

    Central Highlands

    Presentable old Hotel Presidente Huancavelica is, truth be told, very pricey for what you actually get, but locations do not get much better. Rooms are…

  • Chescos

    South Coast

    This funky new hostel on the malecón is where the young people hang out. It has a welcoming atmosphere and a TV lounge with swings as seats, plus games…

  • Jardim Secreto Pousada

    Gramado

    A mostly English-speaking sibling threesome runs this triumphantly lovely pousada just 800m from the main square. Extensive gardens surround the property,…

  • Terrace Lodge & Cafe

    Norte Grande

    A friendly pair of multilingual Italian expats run this hideaway with five rustic-chic rooms. Units are small but well heated, with mountain views through…

  • Hotel Mariscal Robledo

    Around Medellín

    Occupying a privileged place on Parque de la Chinca, Santa Fe's finest hotel oozes character. The spacious rooms are packed with antiques, most of which…

  • Country House

    Bolivia

    Easily your best bet in town, this welcoming home is 10 minutes west of the plaza, by the basketball court. Lovingly decorated rooms have hot-water…

  • Camping Lago Roca

    Inland Patagonia

    This full-service campground with restaurant-bar, located a few kilometers past the education camp, makes an excellent adventure base. The clean concrete…

  • Pousada Sítio dos Tucanos

    Santa Catarina

    About 1.5km past Costa de Dentro, this multilingual German-run pousada sits high up in peaceful farm country, the domain of animal lovers and bird…

  • Casa de Piedra

    Puerto Madryn

    This wonderful B&B shines with warm and attentive service. The artisan owners have thoughtfully crafted every detail, from stone patterns in the walkway…

  • Janela de Márcia

    Santa Catarina

    Brazilian returnee Márcia and her big, hospitable personality run the show at this intimate B&B – don't call it a pousada – hidden away in an upscale…

  • Fundo Los Leones

    Northern Patagonia

    Thoreau would swoon for these tiny shingled cabins looking out on the Pitipalena Fjord. Hosts Mery and Mauricio provide the ultimate retreat on this…

  • El Casco Art Hotel

    Bariloche

    Nestling on a land spur overlooking Lago Nahuel Huapi, this intimate boutique hotel is both for art lovers (the place is decorated with over 500 pieces of…

  • El Mocambo Hostel

    Salento

    A 15-minute walk south of Salento, this peaceful place is run by hospitable Soledad, a mother figure who makes her guests feel really at home. It's hard…

  • Refugio Agostino Rocca

    Bariloche & the Lake District

    This cozy mountain lodge has room for 80 guests, made welcome in eight co-ed dorms. Hot meals are available at extra cost, though guests are welcome to…

  • Bonita Lake House

    Bariloche

    With its gorgeous lakefront setting, close to Playa Bonita, this friendly hostel is where international travelers mingle with locals looking for some R&R…

  • Pousada Maravilha

    Fernando de Noronha

    The top pousada on a top-end island, Maravilha is a luxurious retreat with just a handful of bungalows perched on a hillside overlooking Bahia Sueste…

More destinations you need to see