Did the Olympics inspire you to spend your honeymoon in Latin America? Well then, we have some great news for you. According to Latin America specialist Chimu Adventures, there has never been a better time to turn that dream into reality.
“Both Qantas and LATAM have increased their capacity into Latin America considerably over the last years by switching to larger aircraft and we’ve been seeing the impact of the boost in seat numbers with some very competitive airfares” said Greg Carter, co-founder of Chimu Adventures.
“Latin America is a destination full of colours, flavours and rhythms offering a natural and cultural diversity like no other place on earth. It’s the picturesque scenery, the passionate locals, the world-class food and wine that make Latin America an unforgettable experience for couples and honeymooners.”
From dancing the tango in an Argentinian milonga, cruising the remote waters of the Amazon, sampling world-class wine in the stunning valleys surrounding Santiago de Chile or admiring the pristine natural areas of Patagonia, we are taking a closer look at Chimu’s favourite honeymoon hot spots for all types of couples – the adventurous at heart, the wildlife enthusiasts, the beach lovers and the gourmands.
1) Machu Picchu, Peru
It might not come as a surprise that this Peru icon features in the top list. With its spectacular mountain landscapes and the breathtaking ruins that have made this Latin America landmark so famous, it’s an item not to be missed on every adventurous couple’s Latin America bucket list. On top of giving you the opportunity to renew your wedding vows in Sanctuary Lodge, overlooking Machu Picchu, the 14-day Romantic Peru tour from Chimu Adventures will see you staying in hand-picked luxury hotels and lodges, cruising down the quiet waters of the Amazon river on a luxury river boat, wandering the historic colonial city of Lima and exploring the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the world’s largest protected flooded forest.
2) Havana, Cuba
Virtuoso’s 2017 Luxe Report revealed Cuba as the top emerging travel destination for 2017 and we couldn’t agree more. Cuba, and its capital Havana in particular, is one of the very few places in the world that has managed to stay completely loyal to its identity. Vintage cars continue to cruise the city streets, countryside towns still use their most traditional farming practices and the Latin spirit can be felt everywhere you go. Once the most heavily fortified city in the Americas, Havana is a highlight for many travellers visiting Cuba, due to its interesting history and colonial charm. On the 11-day Cuba Passion, you can explore the intriguing streets of Havana, stroll along the cobbled streets of UNESCO World Heritage Trinidad, a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial settlement built on the back of the sugar and slave trade, and take in Cuba’s world-renowned white beaches and crystal clear water on a catamaran cruise around Varadero.
3) Buenos Aires, Argentina
It’s easy to see why Buenos Aires is commonly referred to as the ‘Paris of South America’. With its European flair, its colourful neighbourhoods lined with art galleries and antique stores, one of the best cuisines in the world, the famous Argentinian wine as well as being home to the tango, Buenos Aires is a honeymoon experience like no other. On the 12-day Romantic Argentina in Style, on top of delving into the history, cuisine and culture of the seductive capital city, you will be introduced to the stunning landscapes of Patagonia and the mighty Iguazu Falls, making this the ultimate honeymoon destination.
4) Patagonia, Chile
Whether it’s admiring the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, cruising picturesque fjords, trekking or cycling along stunning lakes and impressive volcanoes or visiting one of the many wineries in the area, a Patagonia honeymoon can be as diverse as you want it to be. The 12-dayEssence of Chile tour is the perfect way for honeymooners to take in the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia as well as some of the other romantic highlights Chile has to offer, such as Santiago de Chile, Chile’s vibrant capital and cultural hub, Casablanca Valley where you can sample the crème de la crème of Chilean wines and Atacama Desert with its Salt Plains and impressive rock formations.
5) Búzios, Brazil
Famed the ‘Saint Tropez of South America’, Búzios is a beautiful seaside resort town that sits on a peninsula surrounded by more than 20 stunning beaches and crystal clear water. A scenic 3.5 hour drive from Rio de Janeiro, Búzios was once a simple fishing village that now boasts fine restaurants, bars, villas and boutiques. Búzios is a small and sophisticated paradise, combining rustic charm and incredible beauty with its narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque waterfront. The 12-day Brazilian Romance tour takes in seaside romance in Búzios, as well as exploring the romantic hot spots of Rio de Janeiro, and giving you the opportunity to get up close to some of Brazil’s most impressive wildlife on a walking safari or a canoe trip in Pantanal, Brazil’s immense tropical wetlands.
