AnnaBuckle up lovebirds, because we’re headed south! South America, that is. It’s the land of adventure, natural beauty and rich culture, perfect for those who want a honeymoon they’ll remember. Get ready for breath-taking landscapes, fascinating cultural experiences, and thrilling activities that’ll fill your head with unforgettable memories. In this post, we’ll explore the top ten badass destinations for a quirky South America honeymoon. So take that vow and let’s go!
This article about honeymoon South America contains affiliate links. We’re not selling anything ourselves – we just help products and services we find great. If you click one of them and purchase, it’ll be at no extra cost to you; and we’ll get a trifle that’ll help us bring you more awesome travel guides.
Is South America good for a honeymoon?
Why South America? Because it’s got everything you could possibly want for an active honeymoon. Here are three reasons why you’ll love it:
- Diverse landscape and activities: South America is like a bag of mixed candy, with a range of activities like horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, and skiing. You’ll never run out of things to do! And for your romantic moments, there are stunning lakes and mountains to watch the sunset from, with a glass of wine, and get your fill of beautiful memories.
- Unique cultural experiences: Forget about the boring touristy stuff. South America is home to ancient cultures like the Incas, the Wari, and the Tayrona. You can explore ancient ruins, learn about indigenous cultures, and stuff your face with local cuisine.
- Affordable travel: You can untighten your belt because South America is a budget-friendly destination! You’ll get more bang for your buck compared to other top honeymoon destinations, like Hawaii or the Maldives.
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Top destinations for an active honeymoon in South America
Now to the juicy part: what we consider the top destinations for a badass, self-made honeymoon in South America!
Iguazú/Iguaçu Falls (Argentina and Brazil)
Iguazu Falls are a must-visit destination on any South America travel, including your honeymoon. Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, the falls are a stunning natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site. They can and should be visited from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.
Here are three activities to try out as a couple:
a) Take a boat ride: Experience the power of Nature by taking a boat ride underneath the falls.
b) Hike the trails: There are several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the falls. Find all the details in our guide to the Iguazu Falls National Park.
c) Fly with a helicopter over the Falls: On the occasion of your really special honeymoon, take a very special view of the whole 250 falls with a helicopter flight.
➔ Here are the best tours for Iguazú and the area, on Viator:
Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)
Patagonia is a vast region that covers the southern parts of Chile and Argentina. It is known for its stunning glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Patagonia is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, and its romantic landscapes offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience – perfect for your honeymoon.
Here are three activities to create unforgettable memories together:
a) Trek the W circuit: The W circuit is a multi-day trek in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Patagonia. It’s demanding but it’s sure to bond the two of you forever. Read more in our post about hiking the W Trek.
b) Go kayaking: Rent a kayak for two, and explore the lakes and rivers of Patagonia. One of the best areas to explore by kayak is the Marble Cave, near Puerto Río Tranquilo, Chile. This and many other wonderful Patagonian destinations feature on our Carretera Austral road trip post.
c) Hike a glacier: For a very special experience, take a guided tour to one of the many glaciers in Patagonia, e.g. the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. The Perito Moreno glacier trek is on our favourite South America day treks list, so check it out!
➔ Here are the best experiences for your Patagonia honeymoon, on Viator:
Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, a city of vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and world-class tango dancing. As for us, we stayed here for 2 weeks and fell completely in love with the city. We’re sure you will too as you wander among its Parisian-style centre.
Here are three activities to share together:
a) Take a tango lesson: Learn the most romantic dance on earth and experience the passion of tango where it was born. There are (free) tango taster classes, which are also great for complete beginners! Experiencing tango in Argentina was one of our favourite experiences.
b) Go on a food tour: Sample some of the best Argentine cuisine, including asado (barbecue), empanadas, and mate. (If you’ve never heard of mate, here’s our post to get you acquainted.) The Argentinian Malbec is always a hit for a romantic dinner, or at a wine-tasting event!
c) Visit the museums: If you’re a culture couple, Buenos Aires has several world-class museums for you, including the MNBA and the MALBA, which feature the most famous and interesting South American artists. Get a teaser in an article I wrote for the wonderful Daily Art Magazine.
➔ Here are the best Buenos Aires experiences, on Viator:
Machu Picchu and Cusco (Peru)
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. Apart from its cultural importance, the site itself is nestled atop a mountain, in a beautiful forest.
After visiting Machu Picchu, here are three more activities you’ll love doing in the area:
a) Hike the Inca Trail: The Inca Trail is a multi-day trek that takes you through the Andes Mountains straight up to Machu Picchu. Perfect for badass hiking couples!
b) Explore Cusco: Cusco is a charming city located near Machu Picchu. Explore the city’s colonial architecture and vibrant markets.
c) Visit other Inca sites: There are several other Incan sites to visit near Cusco, in the area called the Sacred Valley. Discover the most interesting Inca sites near Cusco.
➔ Here are the best tours to experience Cusco with your partner:
The Lost City Trek and Tayrona National Park (Colombia)
The Lost City Trek and Tayrona National Park are two of the most popular destinations for a South America honeymoon in Colombia. They can easily be combined, since both of them are near Santa Marta.
The Lost City Trek is a challenging but rewarding multi-day trek that takes you through the jungle to an ancient indigenous city; while Tayrona National Park offers sandy beaches and stunning natural landscapes. So it’s a perfect location to relax on an exotic beach after the big hike.
Here are three activities to try as a couple:
a) Trek to an ancient city: The Lost City Trek is a challenging but unforgettable experience. Hike through the jungle, cross rivers, and climb steep hills to reach an ancient indigenous city that dates back over a thousand years. You cannot do the hike on your own, but as part of a tour.
b) Relax on the beach: Tayrona National Park is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia. Spend a day relaxing together on the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the sun. Plan your romantic stay in Tayrona Park in camping, hotel or resort.
c) Sail the Caribbean Sea: Tayrona National Park is also home to lush jungles, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning natural coastline. Why not explore them on a sailboat? It doesn’t get more idyllic than that!
➔ Here are the best experiences in the area, on Viator:
La Paz and Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)
La Paz, the capital city of Bolivia, is a bustling metropolis (very different from those in the Western world) located high in the Andes Mountains. You’ll be amazed by its high altitude, colonial architecture and cable car public transport.
One of the most popular destinations near La Paz is the Uyuni Salt Flats, a vast expanse of white salt that stretches for miles. They’re located on a high flats area, which is full of other natural wonders.
Here are three activities the two of you should do together:
a) Explore the city with the cable car: La Paz is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Explore the city’s colonial architecture, colourful markets and unique museums, while traveling with cable car as a public transport. Learn more in our guide to La Paz.
b) Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats and its area: Take a guided tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats to enjoy this unforgettable landscape. We strongly advise you go on a multi-day tour to explore the area as well. Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to choose your Uyuni (and area) tour.
c) Experience an authentic Bolivian festival: If you can, time your honeymoon to coincide with one of the Bolivian festivals. It’s a fantastic, unique experience that’ll give a local flavour to your romantic trip. Check out the most unique and popular Bolivian festivals.
➔ Here are the best Uyuni tours for every couple’s budget, on Viator:
The Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most sought-after destinations in South America. Visiting them is definitely not cheap but makes for an unforgettable honeymoon. They are a chain of volcanic islands located off the coast of Ecuador, known for their unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches.
Here are three activities that will fill both your heads with memories:
a) Snorkel with sea lions: The Galapagos Islands are home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea lions, sea turtles, and colourful fish. Snorkel with sea lions and experience the underwater world of the Galápagos.
b) Explore the islands: Take day trips or a guided tour of the islands to see the unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
c) Relax on the beach: The islands offer some of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches in the world. Spend a day relaxing on the beach with your partner, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the sun.
➔ Here are the best Galapagos experiences, on Viator:
Share your adventure with us in the comments below!
