Can you travel in luxury through South America? Marion Bunnik, travel lover and joint founder of Bunnik Tours, shares her experiences of abundance during a Bunnik In Style tour, featuring accommodation with waterfall views at Copacabana Palace and luxury cabins aboard the Andean Explorer Train.
Travel in luxury through South America: overview
- Visit the Incan citadel of Machu Pichu
- Luxury train journey to Machu Pichu
- Small group guided excursions to avoid the queues and crowds
- See the Andean Mountains from the comfort of a luxury train
- Experience the Indian community at Uros Island
- Stay in luxurious accommodation on a South America small group tour
Visit the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu
From an abundance of amazing sights to admire, it is hard to pick one but of course, I can’t look past Machu Picchu – the Lost City of the Incas in Peru. This spiritual place is located high up in the mountains and my first sight of the city gives me goosebumps each time I have had the pleasure to visit.
Machu Picchu
The mountains surrounding Machu Picchu are often beset by misty clouds which highlights the beauty of the site. After a guided tour it is so lovely to just sit on one of the ridges and soak in the serenity and spirituality of this special place.
The luxury train journey to Machu Picchu
The best way to get to Machu Picchu is by the luxury Hiram Bingham train. The train leaves from Poroy just outside Cusco and takes you through the Valley to Aguas Calientes.
When boarding the train you are welcomed by local musicians and dancers, a glass of champagne and snacks. While enjoying the scenery on the train you will be served a delicious breakfast. The largest carriage of the train is the bar with an open platform for you to take your pictures of the beautiful scenery. The local musicians play their instruments and dance with the guests, playing music on request. A wonderful way to travel through this beautiful landscape.
Small group guided excursions avoid queues and crowds
On arrival at Aguas Calientes, there is no need to line up with the people from the other trains as you will have your own coach to take you up the mountain to enter the Lost City. After enjoying your guided excursion and exploring the Lost City, afternoon tea will be served in the hotel. The coach takes you zigzagging down the mountain to Aguas Calientes for your overnight stay at the Inca Terra Eco Hotel.
Hiram Bingham Dining
Machu Picchu is reached by travelling to Lima in Peru and then taking a short flight to Cusco, once the capital city of the Inca empire. Cusco has so many sights to visit, one is Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun and the impressive Cathedral on the Plaza des Armas.
Belmond Andean Explorer Lounge, credit Belmond Images
See the Andean Mountains from the comfort of a luxury train
After enjoying the wonderful sightseeing at Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco you’ll check-in to your luxury cabin on the luxury Andean Explorer Train.
This train journey takes you over the mighty High Andes Mountains to Puno where you will spend the night at Lake Titicaca.
Uros Islands
Experience the Indian community at Uros Island
The following morning a visit to the Uros Islands is part of the program and you will see how the Indian Communities live on Reed Islands in the lake.
Each extended family have their own island and there is a school for the children. Your journey continues to the Colca Canyon the breeding place of the largest bird of South America, the Peruvian Icon – the Condor.
Das Cataratas Hotel at Iguassu Falls
Explore South America in luxury style with a small group tour
Copacabana Palace credit Belmond Images
This amazing journey is part of our South America In Style small group tour. There are so many daily highlights like staying in the National Park of Iquazu Falls at the famous Das Cataratas Hotel in Falls View rooms, while seeing and hearing the thunder of the falls in front of the hotel. In Rio, you will be staying at Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro in Sea View Rooms.
Other fantastic accommodation includes the luxury Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires and an overnight stay at the la Bamba Estancia where you’ll watch the Gauchos perform. This luxury South America tour is one to add to your bucket list!
For more information check out our deluxe tour, South America In-Style.
FAQs
What is the most luxurious city in South America?
Buenos Aires, Spanish for ‘fair winds’, is a cosmopolitan city with historical architecture, exquisite cuisine, a vibrant art scene and spirited nightlife. The capital of Argentina is the home of the tango. Satisfy your appetite for traditional barbeque meat, and classic foods like empanadas in this welcoming city.
What is the nicest country in South America?
Peru is the destination for seekers of adventure and beauty. Hike the Inca Trail, explore Machu Picchu, the sophisticated Incan citadel with panoramic views and see the exotic wildlife of the Amazon.
What is the safest South American country to visit?
The Global Peace Index in 2023 found that Uraguay is the most peaceful country in South America for the fourth consecutive year, now ranking 50th in the world. South America as a region is the 5th most peaceful overall. Argentina improved notably in this index, making it a desirable destination for 2024.
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