If you’re looking to honeymoon in South America, you’re in the right place. The continent is packed with diversity in terms of outdoor adventures, museums, cuisine, and culture, offering a range of activities for every kind of couple.
Of course, it goes without saying that proper planning is in your best interest here. A well-researched honeymoon will be a lifelong cherished memory, but improper attention to detail can lead to issues like fickle weather or shuttered attractions spoiling your trip.
For a South American honeymoon you’ll never forget, check out our top picks of dreamy destinations below. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach getaway, want to scale a volcano, visit ancient ruins, or get up close and personal with exotic wildlife – there are options for all sorts of couples!
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- Travel Routes Through South America
- Must-see Festivals in South America
- Amazing Facts About South America
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Amazing South American Honeymoon Destinations
Good to Know!
Remember that South America has flipped seasons to North America, meaning that a June wedding could mean a winter honeymoon!
1. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are a unique and unforgettable honeymoon destination, featuring breathtaking natural beauty, striking landscapes, crystalline waters, and an unbelievable diversity of wildlife species – many of which can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.
See sea lions, giant tortoises, penguins, and other critters up close in this pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site or sample some of the many adventure activities available. Outdoorsy couples can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and kayaking to their heart’s content!
Those seeking unspoiled vistas or a more serene experience will be glad to know that many of the islands are virtually untouched, perfect for a private romantic getaway. Unlike other waterfront locations, the Galápagos are comparatively free of crowds due to strictly-enforced limits on tourism.
While there are ample luxury accommodations available, the islands prioritize sustainable and responsible tourism practices, regulated to ensure the conservation of this totally unique ecosystem.
Also read: Bagging a cheap Galapagos cruise.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you’re stuck between choosing a European honeymoon and a South American one, perhaps you can have both! Dreamy Buenos Aires is a chic and cosmopolitan capital, known for its tango culture, delicious food, and sprawling boulevards. Its architecture is quite European, leading to it being nicknamed the ‘Paris of South America’.
Honeymooners can enjoy romantic walks through its historic and charming neighborhoods, like San Telmo, Palermo, or more modern Puerto Madero, stroll through leafy parks and upscale art galleries, browse antique markets, and indulge in some of the best cuisine on the continent. In particular, Argentina is known for its world-class steaks, but couples can also enjoy fabulous wines, homemade empanadas, and sumptuous dulce de leche based desserts.
Buenos Aires is said to be the birthplace of tango, offering couples the opportunity to take tango lessons or leave it to the professionals, who perform nightly at the city’s many milongas (dance halls). If a different type of dancing is what you seek, there are ample nightclubs to check out as well.
Also read: Festivals in Argentina.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is an excellent honeymoon destination for couples seeking a blend of natural beauty, city life, romance, adventure, and cuisine. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Rio has fabulous beaches, mountains, and natural landmarks to explore, along with a chic city feel.
You can sunbathe at the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, marvel at the iconic South American landmarks, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer statue, or take in the city’s vibrant music, dance, and nightlife, all showcasing colorful Brasilian culture.
Known for its unique fusion of African, European, and indigenous flavors, Rio is a great choice for foodie couples – don’t miss sampling a portion of rich feijoada stew, and, of course, a couple of caipirinhas before a night out are never remiss! For the more adventurous, Rio has several outdoor options, including hiking the Tijuca Forest, hang-gliding, surfing, and other day trips.
4. Patagonia, Argentina and/or Chile
Located in South America’s southernmost reaches, Patagonia offers a unique but unforgettable honeymoon experience. Famous for its incredible natural landscapes, you’ll never tire of the glaciers, lagoons, mountains, and forests surrounding you.
There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and nature walks, and for those seeking a more intense bonding experience, you can also go trekking, hiking, and horseback riding in the region’s national parks (including bucket-list contenders Torres del Paine in Chile and Los Glaciares in Argentina.)
On the other hand, those seeking simply to relax and spend time together can enjoy more intimate moments, with the region’s serene vibe offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern daily life and a lovely environment to connect and bond.
Amidst a backdrop of vast and untouched wilderness, you can also indulge in some of the amenities offered at the region’s luxury lodges, including private hot tubs, spa treatments, and specially-prepared gourmet fusion cuisine native to the region.
5. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is an ideal destination for a more budget-friendly honeymoon that’s still bursting with culture, romance, sunny Caribbean weather, and fun. The old city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with beautiful cobblestoned streets, colonial-era architecture, and charming plazas. It is also home to several museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, explore them either on a walking tour or bit by bit at your leisure.
Cartagena boasts many beautiful beaches, including Playa Blanca, so named for its gorgeous white sand, and the Rosario Islands, excellent for a day trip spent snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing.
For a bit of nightlife after a day spent enjoying activities of your choosing, Cartagena has loads of bars, clubs, and restaurants to check out. Dance the night away to salsa music, sip refreshing mojitos (or try an aguardiente), and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
6. Punta del Este, Uruguay
Swanky Punta del Este in Uruguay is a great choice for a honeymoon, particularly for those seeking an upscale waterfront destination. The city is best known for its beaches, considered some of the best in South America.
Honeymooners can enjoy warm, Atlantic waters, sunbathe on silky golden sands and relax under the shade of umbrellas. All along the waterfront, you’ll find intimate cafés and restaurants, offering ample opportunities to enjoy a romantic meal, and the city is packed with luxury resorts and hotels, offering honeymooners the opportunity to indulge in ultimate comfort and relaxation, and perhaps even have a celebrity sighting or two.
Indeed, many honeymoon packages include waterfront vistas, private pools, and access to spa facilities – while certainly not a budget destination, Punta del Este is a marvelous place for those seeking to splurge on their honeymoon in South America.
7. Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru offers great bang for your buck as a honeymoon destination – both for the opportunity to explore the city, its history, and cuisine, but also for the ability to easily add on a visit to nearby Machu Picchu.
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco itself is home to many Peruvian landmarks and historical sites, well-documented via its museums, art galleries, and for its part, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and beautiful destinations in the world, as well as one of the most important surviving archaeological sites.
Cusco is full of charm and character, with beautiful colonial architecture, narrow streets, and cozy cafés surrounded by the majestic Andes mountain range and its colorful valleys, ideal for relaxing after a day spent hiking or exploring Machu Picchu.
Particularly intrepid couples can hike all or part of the Inca Trail, hike up Huayna Picchu, or check out mountain biking, zip-lining, and river rafting on offer. Both Cusco and the environs of Machu Picchu have honeymoon packages for those seeking a bit more luxury, but Cusco also has a wide range of accommodations available for all budgets.
Not settled on a destination yet? Read our other guides for some inspo!
8. Mendoza, Argentina
Dreamy Mendoza is Argentinian wine culture at its peak, an unparalleled honeymoon destination for connoisseurs with a side of romance and a cozy, quaint ambiance. Located at the foot of the Andes mountains, the area is super scenic, with vineyards tucked amid rolling hills and lush landscapes.
Couples can go on wine tours, join tastings at local vineyards, and indulge in the delicious cuisine that pairs perfectly with all that wine. The area has ample honeymoon packages available, most of which include top-notch views of the mountains and vineyards – with some even having their very own vineyards on-site!
While wine is usually a focus of most Mendoza honeymoons, there are some outdoor activities available, particularly in terms of hiking, trekking, and horseback riding.
9. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Way up north in Chile’s Atacama Desert lies a gem of a town, its adobe buildings framed against a beguiling desert backdrop.
San Pedro de Atacama is a unique and enchanting place, with otherworldly landscapes, vast deserts, geysers, hot springs, and unique rock formations. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet, but it’s easily accessible from Santiago or other regional hotspots.
In addition to its surreal atmosphere, the areas around San Pedro de Atacama are said to be the best places in the world for stargazing, with to super-clear skies and a total lack of light pollution due to the remote location. What could be more romantic than an evening under the stars? For those seeking to learn a thing or two, there are also guided tours of the night sky available from many operators, or you can just DIY your own romantic evening.
As for the daylight hours, San Pedro de Atacama’s location makes a variety of adventure activities readily available, such as hiking, sandboarding, and mountain biking. After a day spent trekking the Moon Valley or El Tatio Geyser, you can unwind at one of the area’s many natural hot springs, spas, and wellness centers together.
10. Lake Titicaca, Peru
Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America, and still a somewhat unique destination for honeymooners, despite ample honeymoon packages available at its variety of hotels, resorts, and other accommodations.
Thought to be the birthplace of the Inca people, the lake is surrounded by swoony natural landscapes, with mountains, islands, and still waters terrific for swimming or wading. The region as a whole is rich with diverse flora and fauna, as well as indigenous communities with much cultural and historical significance.
Couples can visit the floating islands of Uros, learning about the community’s traditional way of life, or go for a romantic boat ride on the lake, relaxing on one of many beaches. Work up a bit of a sweat kayaking, paddleboarding, or hiking, or just sit back and enjoy the area’s natural beauty from its shores.
11. Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianópolis is growing rapidly in popularity as a honeymoon destination, and it’s easy to see why. Located in southern Brazil and long-popular with local visitors, Florianópolis is well-known for its stunning beaches offering glorious swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, as well as the quaint and charming architecture in the city center.
The city is actually composed of 42 islands split between the mainland and the island of Santa Catarina, each with its unique charm and attractions, ranging from more beaches than you could ever hope to visit, to natural parks, wildlife, and local cultural traditions.
Florianópolis (Floripa to locals) is also a foodie paradise, with a wide variety of seafood, local dishes, and international cuisine available for visitors seeking an intimate dinner after a day spent soaking up the sun. You can take surfing lessons together at the beautiful Praia Mole, or spend the evening partying at its many bars and restaurants, enjoying Floripa’s famous nightlife.
12. Bariloche, Argentina
If a honeymoon in the Patagonia region appeals to you but you’re seeking something a little less rustic, consider Bariloche. Known for its natural beauty, from snow-capped mountains to pristine lakes and lush forests, Bariloche is particularly popular for fans of skiing and snowboarding, if you happen to be honeymooning during winter.
In other seasons, you can enjoy scenic boat rides, vistas, and strolls around town and the surrounding nature areas together. The town itself has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with charming alpine architecture and an abundance of local chocolate shops, one of the area’s main draws.
Paired with some Argentine wine, you can’t go wrong… but just in case that wasn’t relaxing enough, hot springs are also a popular relaxation activity, and there are several to choose from in the vicinity of the town.
13. Puerto Montt, Chile
The Lake District in Chile is known for its staggering natural scenery, romantic lodging options, and a wide array of outdoor activities. Its capital Puerto Montt is considered the gateway to the Chilean side of Patagonia, framed by the jagged peaks of the Andes and the snow-capped Osorno Volcano, with quaint traditional Mapuche villages and vineyards ready to be explored nearby.
It’s an ideal honeymoon destination for those seeking quiet and peaceful quality time, but you also have your pick of outdoor activities – such as hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding, near to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Chile’s oldest.
Todos Los Santos Lake is another popular attraction nearby known for its intensely blue waters and lush vegetation, perfect for a boat ride or a swim. In terms of accommodation, the Lake District is home to a variety of romantic lodgings, from cozy cabins to luxurious resorts, depending on your budget and desires. Many of these accommodations offer glorious views of the surrounding landscape, as well as amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and private balconies.
14. Valparaíso, Chile
Coastal gem Valparaíso is a fantastic honeymoon for those seeking a more urban environment that’s not as overwhelming as the continent’s bigger cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a bohemian, eclectic vibe, Valparaíso is one of the most popular places to visit in Chile. The city is perched over a steep hillside, with colorful historic houses, street art, museums, and glorious vintage funiculars adding to an environment of vibrancy and fun.
Couples can visit museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, such as the Museo de Bellas Artes (housed in the Art Nouveau style Baburizza Palace) and La Sebastiana Museum, one of the former residences of Chile’s most famous native son, poet Pablo Neruda, while meandering through the city’s winding streets, having a nice glass of local wine, or enjoying wraparound views from the top of its hills.
Many of the city’s lodgings are in historic buildings with charming details, such as stained-glass windows and antique furnishings, or with splendid views of the surrounding architecture. The Casablanca Valley, one of the country’s biggest wine producers, is just 45 minutes southeast of the city and makes for a fabulous day trip.
A visit to any of the above destinations promises to be really special, leaving you with lifelong memories and stories about the views from your hotel room, the cute animals you saw from the trail, or the best caipirinha you’ve ever had – all experienced together with your special someone, right at the beginning of the rest of your lives together.
South America is a great choice for a honeymoon, particularly for those seeking an unforgettable but slightly more off-the-beaten-path experience.
We’d love to hear what South American honeymoon destinations you’re considering in the comments!