Whether your idea of romance is a beautiful mountain hike, sunset jungle cruise or an idyllic sandy beach, there is a South America honeymoon idea for every couple. South America is home to some of the most romantic, exclusive, and beautiful destinations in the world.

At Atelier we love how diverse South America is as a top destination for couples. There is so much natural wonder and impossibly remote spots, atmospheric accommodation and fine dining cuisine—to name just a few of the reasons to make South America your honeymoon destination.

From exciting city breaks to ancient archeological sites, five-star rainforest lodges to the most isolated landscapes on the planet, South America has a destination and a hotel to make your special trip everything you want it to be, and more.

Here we look at our favorite honeymoon ideas in South America to get your ideas going ahead of the big day.

1. The Sacred Valley – Peru

The Sacred Valley throws up almost endless special moments, locations, and sights for a honeymoon that can be both active or full of history, and intrigue. Stay at one of the Sacred Valley’s best luxury hotels like Tamble del Inka, Sol y Luna or Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and awake each morning to glorious mountain views, the sun dappling surrounding fields, and a day of archeological intrigue ahead.

Famous Sacred Valley sites include the mesmerizing Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the stepped terraces of Moray and age-old salt mines at Maras, to name a few. And yet the close moments don’t stop at these incredible, isolated ancient wonders. There are remote hiking trails and relaxed horse-riding routes through the Sacred Valley, local markets and communities to visit in picturesque towns like Chinchero, as well as farm-to-fork gourmet picnics in the most wonderful settings and even traditional Andean ceremonies to enjoy.

If cozying up on the side of a mountain appeals for your South America honeymoon, look no further than the Skylodge Suites for something altogether different and adrenaline fueled—the feeling of zip-lining from your mountain suite to the valley floor is one to remember! And when all roads lead to nearby Machu Picchu, whether hiking the Salkantay,  Classic Inca Trail, walking down from the Sun Gate or taking the five-star Hiram Bingham Train to the citadel, imagine starting married life with a sunrise view over the mountains that hide the Lost City! For that, the only place to be is on your private terrace at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, perfection.

Extending your honeymoon in Peru could not be easier, with more historic treasures, culinary experiences and scenic walks to enjoy together around Cusco or heading further afield to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, the White City.

2. Luxury Amazon cruise – Ecuador

You don’t need to be a lifelong nature enthusiast to make a luxury Amazon cruise in Ecuador the perfect Honeymoon experience, as the intimate feeling of floating down the Amazon River with your beloved is simply magnificent.

There are fitting Amazon Cruises to choose from like the M/V Anakonda or more exclusive Manatee luxury vessel, and you can expect everything from hot tubs to gourmet cuisine, cocktail bars to comfortable cabins onboard.

One of the most memorable moments on any Amazon cruise comes at sunset, as you cozy up with your loved one to watch the sun go down, drink in hand, on the boat’s observation deck. Before that, days are spent sailing the Amazon, visiting wildlife-rich lagoons, spotting species like monkeys and caiman, and enjoying Ecuadorian hospitality.

From your romantic immersion into the Amazon, the rest of Ecuador also awaits with volcanoes and volcanic hot springs to savor, colonial towns, and even the wonderous Galapagos Islands on your doorstep.

3. El Calafate, Patagonia – Argentina

For anyone looking to escape on a remote honeymoon in South America it doesn’t get much more dramatic than El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia, staying at the wonderful Eolo Lodge. If you and your partner are active types and love the great outdoors as much as you love each other, El Calafate will whisk you away.

Here you can look forward to isolated hikes through dramatic mountain landscapes, glacial lagoons, and of course the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier which is worth the visit alone. And if choosing Eolo Lodge as your Patagonian honeymoon home, this boutique abode drops you in an area of wilderness with nothing but gourmet cuisine, spa treatments, endless horse riding trails and timeless views to look forward to.

Depending on the length of your honeymoon you can easily extend your time in Argentina by seeing more of Patagonia at El Chalten (fantastic for mountain hiking), visiting picture-perfect Bariloche in the Lake District, or unwinding in a luxury wine lodge around Mendoza. What’s not to love?     

4. Paraty – Brazil

Paraty in Brazil may be small, but there is so much to fall for in and around this quaint colonial town. The coastal drive from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty is a scenic one, and arriving at 17^th-century Paraty treats you to the kind of South American honeymoon destination that looks as if it’s from a film set.

The town itself sits on the waterfront and is buffered by thick forest and verdant mountains, meaning quiet evenings and low-key daytimes during your time here. There are beautiful untouched beaches nearby for romantic strolls and boat trips, or more strenuous hikes to elevated viewpoints of the surrounding hills.

If honeymooning in atmospheric Paraty then only an equally atmospheric lodge will do, and we recommend the boutique Casa Turquesa for just that—housed in an 18^th-century mansion, no less. Fueled by the 17^th-century gold rush and with many original buildings, mines and forts all around, Paraty is evocative. That also goes for the surrounding natural wonders of Serra da Bocaina National Park, nearby waterfalls and swimming spots, or the wildlife of Paraty-Mirim State Park.

To experience more of the many sides of Brazil, why not extend your journey to include Rio or some of the other treasures found along Brazil’s Green Coast?

5. Cartagena – Colombia

If a Caribbean honeymoon with a difference appeals, then Cartagena in Colombia is the place for you. This gorgeous coastal town has cute streets lined with flowers that are colorful enough to rival any wedding bouquet, and has been described as the best-preserved colonial settlement in Latin America.

Cartagena still takes you back in time to this day, even with the laidback beach shacks and more modern buildings that lie outside of the Old Town. The beauty of booking Cartagena for your honeymoon comes down to how much is on offer from one base that’s both spectacular and unique. You can spend your time on sandy shores, visiting archeological sites, taking boat trips to or overnighting on remote islands, sampling gourmet cuisine al fresco on the town’s cobbled streets, or luxuriating in high-end boutique hotels like Casa Pestagua and Casa San Augustin.   

6. The Atacama Desert – Chile

When being in love feels otherworldly, the lunar-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert, Chile, are surely a fitting match. First and foremost there are five-star hotels in Atacama like Nayara Alto Atacama, Awasi Atacama, Tierra and Explora Atacama that will leave you in as much awe as the location itself. Each has their own intimate take on barefoot luxury, local heritage and how best to enjoy this Part of South America.

There are few experiences that compare to a romantic picnic-for-two beside a remote lagoon or under the foot of a deserted mountain, with one of the many draws here being how far-flung you are from the rest of civilization. Active types will love the mountain biking and hiking, while history buffs have ancient cultures to explore and above all, the one-off landscapes are simply spellbinding.

Some of the world’s clearest starry skies can also be found in Atacama, making for the ultimate end to each day spent together—whether indulging in joint spa treatments or enjoying a drink as the sunsets over one of the planet’s last untouched wildernesses. This is a profound place to celebrate your most important vacation together that’s guaranteed to leave its mark for years to come.

7. Buenos Aires – Argentina

For couples who like a city break, Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a must for your shortlist of honeymoon destinations in South America. Tango originated in Argentina and many consider this evocative dance to symbolize the passion of love and romance, so it’s no surprise that the world’s best tango shows can be found here.

The streets of Buenos Aires are also intoxicating as each of the city’s varied barrios, or neighborhoods, has its own charm and character. From high-end shopping outlets to green parks or areas known for street art and hearty food, Buenos Aires draws you in. Here you can both dine like a local on BBQ steak and world-class Malbec, or stay in five-star hotels such as   Alvear Palace, Faena or Four Seasons Buenos Aires, giving you the best of all worlds from start to finish.

And if you’re torn between beach time or hitting the city streets on your honeymoon, Buenos Aires gives you that too, as a short boat ride across the water takes you to Uruguay and Punta del Este where glamorous seafront bars and gourmet restaurants await. Or, opt for a total change of pace and stay at a high-end yet traditional estancia in Argentina’s Pampa Region, such as La Bamba de Areco.

For more South America honeymoon ideas or any other celebration or special trip you’re planning, speak to the South America travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade journey to South America.