Our favourite beach experiences in South America
With a long and unique coastline that includes stretches on the Caribbean, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, South America is home to some world-class beaches. Countries like Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia are particularly noted for their luxury beach holidays that travellers can enjoy all year round. Let our Lightfoot Travel specialists customise an itinerary that allows you to take in the best of the continent’s sun, sand, and sea.
Best known for the sweeping sands of Ipanema and Copacabana, Brazil’s extensive Atlantic coastline offers a variety of luxury resorts with sea views and swaying palm trees at every turn. Seek out lesser-known beaches like those in Paraty and Trancoso.
Fronting both the Caribbean and the Pacific, Colombia is blessed with endless white sands and enticing islands. Cartagena is not only a buzzing city, but it’s also surrounded by some stunning beaches such as Playa Blanca, Castillogrande and the Rosario Islands which lie just off the coast.
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Classic Bhutan
- Experience the fluttering prayer flags and memorial chorten on the Dochula Pass
- Mountain bike through the verdant Paro Valley
- Go on a white-water rafting adventure along the Mo Chhu River
- Explore the lush landscapes, sacred sites and historical buildings of the Paro Valley
- Hike to the famous Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, the birthplace of Buddhism in the Kingdom
Classic Mongolia
- Scrambling up the towering Khongoryn Els sand dunes for a glorious sunset and then sliding back down
- Riding camels with an authentic nomadic camel breeder in the Gobi Desert
- Staying at the luxurious Three Camel Lodge
- Horse riding through the forest to the seldom-visited Tovkhon Monastery
- Spending the night in your own bespoke ensuite luxury ger that has been set up in the wilderness just for you
Classic Peru
LimaCusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu PicchuPeruSouth America
- Discover Lima on a private tour
- Visit the Sacred Valley, touring the ancient Incan sites
- Marvel at the extraordinary ruins of Machu Picchu
- Explore Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas
Classic Taiwan
- Taking a dip in Taiwan’s famed hot springs
- Experiencing a handful of Taiwan’s iconic night markets – you will not go hungry on this trip!
- Spending a few days in the capital Taipei getting a sense of the island’s unique history
- Witness the country's stunning nature from National parks to tranquil lakes
Culture & History in Saudi Arabia
- Enjoy glamour, culture, history and adventure
- Stay in one of Riyadh's most luxurious hotels, Four Seasons Riyadh
- Discover the iconic buildings and heritage museums of Riyadh on a guided city tour
- Visit some of Saudi Arabia's most famous attractions
- Explore AlUla, an open-air museum in the desert
Belmond Copacabana Palace
The legendary Belmond Copacabana Palace is a luxury hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach. Oozing old world glamour, the Art Deco building opened its doors in 1923 and has welcomed a glittering list of the rich and famous ever since, from Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the Rolling Stones and Nelson...
Casa Gangotena
Located on the corner of Plaza San Francisco in the heart of Quito’s historic old town, this three-storey colonial mansion provides the ideal base from which to explore Ecuador’s capital.
Casa Gangotena’s eclectic style combines understated opulence with traditional Ecuadorian influences to create a magnificent, luxury...
Galapagos Horizon
The Galapagos Horizon Camila Trimaran offers luxury cruises in the Galapagos.
Catering to just 16 guests, the Camila liveaboard has eight modern staterooms each with a private balcony. All cabins feature twin or double beds, ample storage space and ocean views and en suite bathrooms. A private balcony, personal air...
Hotel Santa Teresa
Built on an old colonial fazenda in a historical district, Hotel Santa Teresa is for those who wishing to explore a new side of Rio de Janeiro. Be awed at the magnificent panoramas of the city, harbour and Guanabara Bay that you can take in from every corner of this...
