5 Bucket List Destinations For A Honeymoon in South America

August 05, 2022 | by: Nadia Vizcarra

Often more anticipated than the wedding itself for couples is the first big trip after to celebrate the union – the honeymoon! Though honeymoon destinations may make you think of beach resorts and overwater bungalows – there are many destinations for an unforgettable honeymoon in South America for travelers looking to venture away from the typical honeymoon destinations in search of a unique, personalized luxury trip of a lifetime in South America.

If you’re considering planning a honeymoon in South America, here are our top destinations to enjoy some time away with your significant other after tying the knot: 

1. Sipping through the vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina

For foodies and travelers looking to sip, dine and sit back and enjoy a peaceful honeymoon in a romantic destination – we recommend Mendoza, Argentina. The vibrant region of Mendoza is a destination beloved by wine connoisseurs and culinary enthusiasts across the globe. The most famous destination in Argentina’s bustling wine country, it beckons travelers who are searching for gourmet gastronomy and both modern and rustic vineyards with awe-inspiring mountain backdrops. The region is known for its production of red wine—especially Malbec—and its magical landscape sits at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

Mendoza makes for not only a delicious but also relaxing honeymoon in South America – with activities including wine tasting at many of the region’s over 1200 vineyards, dining at a plethora of restaurants, relaxing at one of the many luxury hotel spas, horseback riding through the foothills of the Andes and more – Mendoza is a honeymoon destination for love, relaxation and enjoying each other’s company.

• Where to stay: Entre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel & Spa

For oenophiles looking to sip where they stay, Entre Cielos is a hotel and vineyard perfect for a getaway to Argentina’s famed wine country. Complete with a  luxe spa with a Turkish hammam, vineyard, mountain views, plus upscale dining and  an outdoor pool – the property also organizes tours such as horseback rides, vineyard tours and outdoor activities such as trekking or river rafting for more adventurous couples.

• Where to dine: Siete Fuegos

Siete Fuegos, or “seven fires,” describes Francis Mallmann’s honed collection of open-flame cooking techniques, inspired by Argentine gauchos and European migrations, and refined through hundreds of years of history. The menu evolves by season, in tune with nature and local ingredients.

Dine indoors or out, or enjoy a front row seat in the open kitchen where you can watch artisans of fire create impassioned Argentine fare. For memorable group gatherings, feast at the enormous chef’s table on the scenic patio among the seven fires.

2. Relaxing in Caribbean Luxury in Cartagena Colombia

Colombia’s Caribbean coast makes for the perfect destination for couples looking for some sun and sea, and Cartagena de Indias is its crown jewel. The romantic coastal city will woo you with its stunning colonial architecture, picturesque white sand beaches, and narrow cobbled streets. The walled city has so much to do from dining, shopping, history, mixology, culture and nightlife both in the daytime and in the evening. Cartagena also has a variety of luxury offerings for couples looking for an upscale honeymoon experience – from high-end restaurants to five star hotels – this Colombian city has it all for those looking for a luxury honeymoon in South America.

Beyond the city, you and your honey can sail the Caribbean Sea by private charter boat, where you can venture to the Colombian coast’s many sites including The Islas de Rosario and San Bernardo Archipelago, home to Cartagena’s most idyllic beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphin sightings along the way!

• Where to stay: Casa San Agustin

An upscale colonial hotel in the heart of the walled city, surrounded by many of the city’s best shops and restaurants. Amenities consist of a bar and an upmarket restaurant, along with a chic spa, a terrace and an outdoor pool. 

• Where to dine: Celele

Since opening, Celele has become the jewel in the crown of Cartagena’s burgeoning culinary scene, winning the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award in 2021. Diners can choose from the à la carte menu, but for the full experience a 10-course tasting menu explores everything the Caribbean coast has to offer, accompanied by a thoughtful drinks flight of regional craft beers, cocktails made with Colombian fruits, fermented spirits and wines.

3. Enjoying a Romantic Adventure in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Imagine watching a sunrise or a sunset with your significant other in one of the world’s most remote archipelagos, tucked away in the Pacific Ocean. The 127 islands of the Galapagos all have something unique for honeymooners – but we recommend starting off the journey or being based in Isla Santa Cruz, the most inhabited island in the Galapagos.  The Galapagos is a perfect honeymoon destination in South America for couples looking to disconnect, unwind and admire breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife. The Galapagos Islands provide an intimate experience to dine, sunbathe and partake in adventures in a destination that receives less than 200,000 visitors per year. Couples can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with sea turtles, trekking volcanoes, exotic bird watching and so much more in addition to relaxing on one of the region’s pristine beaches. Snow-white beaches and vivid sunsets, otherworldly lava fields, and the soothing sound of the ocean will make every aspect of your Galapagos honeymoon an unforgettable memory.

When it comes to luxury, the Galapagos doesn’t fall short. Couples can choose between award-winning high-end hotel options or choose to cruise in a luxury cruise vessel – many of which have private balconies and jacuzzis, restaurants and bars for your enjoyment.

• Where to stay: Finch Bay, Galapagos Hotel

Finch Bay is a secluded eco-hotel accessible only by boat. The lodge sits outside Puerto Ayora and overlooks a small, sandy beach surrounded by mangroves. The award-winning hotel enjoys a peaceful and magical beachfront location in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. 

• Where to dine: Almar

Almar is an oceanfront restaurant that is a favorite for visitors on the main island of Santa Cruz, known for its fresh and sustainable seafood. Choose from octopus, codfish, tuna and shrimp – all caught fresh from around the island.

4. Marveling at the wonders of Nature in Iguazú Falls, Argentina

The Argentinian side of  Iguazú  falls begins by venturing into the tropical rainforests and waterfalls of the Iguazú National Park. Here, you are likely to find a variety of life including butterflies, monkeys, caiman, peccary, and deer, as well as abundant birdlife, especially parrots, toucans, and hummingbirds.

After exploring the vast trail system on foot, board a small train and journey a few miles to the Devil’s Throat Station which surrounds the upper part of the Iguazú River. Walk to the balcony of the ominously named Devil’s Throat. Shaped like a horseshoe, and including 14 waterfalls, this is the largest, most impressive, and dramatic water curtain in the whole system. Beyond simply viewing the falls, couples can head to San Martin Island, which invites honeymooners to enjoy its lush vegetation, beautiful watchpoints, and river beaches. From here, you can arrive by boat and enjoy a picnic on this idyllic island at the foot of the falls. For couples looking for an aerial vantage point of the falls and a memory of a lifetime – private helicopter tours over the waterfalls are a popular honeymoon activity.

Couples can stay in a variety of accommodations from intimate boutique eco-lodges to large luxury resorts for additional comforts.

• Where to stay: Loi Suites Iguazú

Set in a subtropical rainforest overlooking the Iguazú river, this upscale hotel is 18 km from Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport and 20 km from Iguazú Falls. Complimentary perks include airport transfers and breakfast, which is served in a chic restaurant. 

• Where to dine: De La Fonte

De La Fonte is not your typical hotel restaurant. The chef-driven concept will delight foodies in Iguazu whether they are looking for handmade pasta or local flavors and ingredients reimagined, local tropical flavors are seamlessly intertwined with prime cuts of carefully sourced fish or meat at De La Fonte. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try their tasting menu!

5. Discovering Lost Cities in the Andes in the Sacred Valley, Peru

A Peru honeymoon is a dream trip for many couples looking for culture, history, gastronomy and incredible other-worldly landscapes – like the famous Machu Picchu. Couples can enjoy the romance of discovering the many romantic destinations of the Sacred Valley There are many adventures to be had in this beautiful South American country through its colonial city streets, Incan ruins, and winding mountain roads. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to recharge amidst the romantic scenery, too.

Starting the journey off in the colonial city of Cusco, which brings an intricate blend of cobblestone streets, colonial period architecture and bustling streets, Cusco’s designation as the gateway to the beautiful Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu simply further underscores its enduring popularity. From here, you can take a luxury train through the Sacred Valley to destinations like Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba for a look at the culture of the former Incan civilizations that inhabited the land. The Sacred Valley has a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colonial architecture and Andean views that make it a destination for a couple looking to venture outside of traditional honeymoon comforts in search of history, culture and adventure.

• Where to stay: Sol & Luna

Sol & Luna is inspired by this luminous setting and is a paean to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Decorated with traditional Andean themes, rooms at Sol y Luna are fitted with stylish furnishing.

• Where to dine: MIL Restaurant

Located nearly 12,000 feet above sea level close to the mysterious Incan ruins at Moray in the Sacred Valley, is MIL – the Sacred Valley version  Peruvian restaurant of Virgilio Martínez. Something that makes MIL even more unique than just its one of a kind 8 course tasting menu, is the experience that comes with dining there. Each of the 8 courses at MIL reflect the 8 ecosystems found at the high altitude that the restaurant sits at. The chefs work with 3 nearby indigenous communities to learn from their knowledge of techniques for farming, growing, and cooking at the altitude. When you dine at the restaurant, you also get to tour the on-site food labs and learn about the work with the communities.Among its many accolades, MIL has been named one of the World’s Best Restaurants by Food & Wine.

A honeymoon in South America may not sound like a traditional escape for those looking to take some time off together after tying the not – but the many adventures, rich cultures, diverse communities, and  incredible landscapes make for a trip that is as equally adventurous as it is intimate. If you’re looking to book a honeymoon getaway to South America, contact us at Kuoda and we’ll help make the first trip after the big day memorable.