Top Trips in Latin America: Hidden Gems to Iconic Wonders

From the mist-shrouded citadel of Machu Picchu to the otherworldly dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses, Latin America’s landscapes are some of the most captivating on Earth. Yet it is not only the scenery that makes a journey here extraordinary but how you experience it. At cazenove+loyd, we use our decades of expertise and local connections to create tailor-made journeys that reveal both the iconic and the unexpected sides of each destination in style. 

Whether you are dreaming of the best beaches in Brazil, exploring Colombia’s colonial gems or learning about ancient cultures in northern Peru, our experts design journeys that go far beyond the ordinary. Here are some of our top trips in Latin America, from hidden gems to world-renowned wonders, experienced the cazenove+loyd way. 

1.  Brazil 

For nature lovers, the Pantanal is one of Latin America’s most remarkable travel destinations, an endless mosaic of wetlands that is home to jaguars, capybaras and hundreds of bird species. At Caiman Lodge, guests enjoy privileged access to conservation areas, accompanied by expert naturalists and trackers. A cazenove+loyd journey, such as our Cities and Wildlife of Brazil sample itinerary allows you to pair this wildlife haven with the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro and the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Salvador, creating a richly diverse journey through the heart of Brazil. 

Far from the crowds, the dazzling white dunes and turquoise lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park form one of Brazil’s most surreal landscapes and one of its true hidden gems. On our sample nine-day itinerary, explore this national park by private 4WD and local boat, perhaps even enjoying a helicopter flight over the shifting sands – and take a swim in the clear freshwater lagoons that appear between the dunes during the rainy season. Combine this with some of Brazil’s finest beaches for an unforgettable coastal adventure few travellers ever experience. 

2. Colombia 

Colombia has emerged as one of Latin America’s most exciting destinations, where colonial charm, Caribbean flair and Andean culture meet. Discover the allure of Cartagena’s pastel-hued streets and lively plazas with our insider guides, who can open doors to private residences and art collections rarely seen by the public. Combine this with a stay at a rustic-chic beach retreat in the Rosario Islands or the lush coffee region for a journey that balances history, nature and style.

For those seeking something quieter, Barichara is often described as Colombia’s prettiest town. Cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and tranquil squares create a timeless atmosphere. With cazenove+loyd, you might hike the ancient Camino Real Trail to the charming village of Guane, visit the ateliers of local artisans and artists to learn about traditional handicrafts or stay in a beautifully restored colonial home, a quintessential Colombian experience. 

3. Peru 

A journey through Peru is incomplete without the legendary Machu Picchu and, with cazenove+loyd, you can experience this wonder differently. We recommend hiking the Royal Inca Trail with a private guide, which allows you to admire the ruins from above on the first day and then return and explore the site in depth on the second day. Our specialists can arrange everything in the region – from off-the-beaten-track private guided hikes through the Sacred Valley, where you will barely see any other tourists, to surprise picnics in stunning spots that will remain in your memory forever. 

For those seeking somewhere less known, northern Peru offers extraordinary discoveries such as ancient Moche temples, pre-Incan tombs and remote coastal landscapes. Our Northern Peru In Depth sample itinerary reveals this region in the best possible way, allowing you to explore amazing archaeological sites with private guides. You can also trek to the spectacular Gocta Waterfall – one of the tallest in the world – through cloud forests teeming with wildlife such as sloths and yellow-tailed woolly monkeys, before taking a refreshing dip in the natural pool at its base. 

We also recommend an unforgettable adventure deep into the Amazon, where remote lodges and luxury river cruises open the door to the rainforest’s astonishing biodiversity. 

4. Mexico 

Mexico is a country of colour, culture and contrast, from the buzz of Mexico City to the serenity of the Yucatán. In San Ignacio, you can take a private boat trip to see migrating grey whales in the protected lagoons – and, between February and March, swim alongside whale sharks for an unforgettable marine encounter guided by expert naturalists.  

Time your journey with the Day of the Dead celebrations, and we will open the door to family altars and traditional festivities few outsiders ever see. Our sample itinerary, Magical + Lesser-known Mexico, weaves together these singular moments, blending heritage, cuisine and coastline with the signature cazenove+loyd finesse. 

5. Chile + Argentina

In Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, we craft experiences that elevate a classic destination into something exceptional. Enjoy private tastings with celebrated winemakers, cycle between vineyards at sunset or indulge in an alfresco asado overlooking the Andes. Whether paired with Buenos Aires’ sophistication or Patagonia’s dramatic wilderness, Mendoza is a wonderful place to include in your Argentinian adventure. 

Southern Chile is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and few places capture its wild beauty better than Futaleufú. Here, you can go white-water rafting on the turquoise Futaleufú River – one of the world’s best rafting destinations – with its class IV and V rapids surrounded by pristine forests, mountains and glacial lakes. For a gentler pace, enjoy kayaking or fly-fishing along its serene stretches. 

You can combine Chile and Argentina on a journey through South America’s most spectacular landscapes on this epic 19-day itinerary.

6. Bolivia 

Few places capture the imagination like the Uyuni Salt Flats – an endless mirror stretching beneath the Andean sky. On our Peru and Bolivia: A Legendary Andean Holiday sample itinerary, journey across these surreal landscapes in a private 4WD with your expert guide, spending nights in a private Airstream camper. Watching the sunset reflect across the flats in silence is one of Latin America’s most mesmerising moments. 

7. The Galápagos Islands 

The Galápagos Islands remain one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. With cazenove+loyd, you will explore the archipelago aboard an elegant, privately chartered yacht with expert naturalists leading daily excursions to witness giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. We can arrange for you to go snorkelling with sea lions and penguins at Isabela Island or enjoy a private photography-focused cruise led by a naturalist guide to capture the islands’ remarkable biodiversity up close. 

8. Nicaragua + Costa Rica 

Nicaragua is a land of rich colonial heritage, volcano-dotted landscapes and serene lakes, combining beautifully with Costa Rica. Our sample Nicaragua itinerary might include private sailing on Lake Nicaragua, exploring the charming streets of Granada or unwinding at a remote eco-lodge on the Pacific coast. Don’t miss Masaya Volcano National Park (known to the Spanish as ‘Mouth of Hell’), where you can venture to the crater’s edge to watch molten lava glowing just metres away – a phenomenon once sacred to pre-Columbian Nicaraguans and still one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights.  

For a broader or longer journey, our sample Costa Rica + Nicaragua three-week itinerary combines both countries’ highlights – from cloud forests and wildlife encounters to barefoot luxury on the coast. 

Whether you are drawn to the legends of the Andes, the rhythms of Brazil or the stillness of Nicaragua’s lakes, cazenove+loyd crafts journeys that go beyond the guidebook, revealing Latin America at its most authentic, exclusive and inspiring. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our tailor-made itineraries ensure you experience this remarkable continent in the most exceptional way possible. 

To begin planning your own bespoke Latin America adventure, get in touch with our Destination Experts today.