Celebrate wedded bliss with an exotic honeymoon in a continent known for its diverse and dramatic terrain, exciting cuisine, and thrilling activity choices. South America offers romance in unexpected places; from historic, charming cities to once-in-a-lifetime natural experiences.
There’s something for every type of couple on a South American honeymoon. Immerse yourselves in the Brazilian rainforest, kiss at the edge of the world in Argentina, discover enchanting waterfalls, and toast your future together with world-renowned wine at picturesque vineyards.
With so many awe-inspiring honeymoon destinations in South America, you’ll have no problem finding romantic locations to relish in your newlywed status. Here are nine of South America’s most romantic honeymoon spots.
Buzios, Brazil
Ferradura Beach in Buzios, Brazil
Romance is alive in beautiful Buzios. Hold hands with your significant other while you stroll the peaceful haven of Ferradura Beach. Calm waters here provide ideal conditions for stand-up paddle boarding and swimming.
It’s also a popular spot for sailing; take to the sea with a knowledgeable instructor and learn a new skill together. Or bond over a shared adventure with a trip to Ilha Feia, one of the best diving spots in the world, where a rich marine world awaits beneath the surface.
Rua das Pedras in Buzios, Brazil
Visit the most famed street in Buzios, the Rua das Pedras. This buzzing pedestrian-only lane is filled with fantastic restaurants, art galleries, and shops. Browse for souvenirs, feast on fresh seafood dishes, or simply people-watch from the shade of a café patio.
No visit to Buzios is complete without a stroll along the famous Orla Bardot Boardwalk. Wander the wooden pathways of this seaside promenade, lined with restaurants and shops. Gaze at the ocean view, or visit the gorgeous gardens which are host to impressive bronze statues.
Ponta da Lagoinha in Buzios, Brazil
Cap off your Buzios experience with a stunning sunset at Ponta da Lagoinha, an idyllic setting of rugged cliffs and a rock-strewn beach. Explore tide pools together, and keep an eye out for sea turtles swimming nearby.
The ancient rock formations and lush vegetation create a uniquely gorgeous backdrop for Mother Nature’s evening ritual. Watching the sun dip down behind the horizon should definitely be on your Buzios honeymoon bucket list.
Puerto Montt, Chile
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park in Puerto Montt, Chile
Nature lovers will fall head-over-heels for Puerto Montt, the capital of Chile’s Lake District and an adventurous choice for your South America honeymoon. Considered the gateway to the wild Patagonia region, this port city lies against the majestic backdrop of the jagged Andes Mountains.
Explore Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, one of the best places to hike in Chile. The country’s first national park is known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. On a romantic day trip outside the city, gaze at the conical, snow-capped Osorno Volcano, one of the star attractions of this protected landscape.
Admire native trees, thermal springs and stunning South American waterfalls as you venture through the park’s lush trails, keeping a lookout for kingfishers, eagles and otters. Stand in the mist of the famed Petrohué Falls, a favorite attraction of the national park, the impossibly turquoise water tumbling over rocks in the shadow of Osorno’s snowy peak.
Also within the park, embark on a leisurely boat ride to absorb the natural splendor of Todos Los Santos lake, dense, bottle-green vegetation a vivid contrast to the shimmering aquamarine waters. You’ll want to bring your camera and capture the spectacular scenery at what is hailed as one of the most stunning lakes in Chile.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Ciudad Vieja in Montevideo, Uruguay
Uncover romance in Montevideo, the eclectic and culturally rich capital of Uruguay. From architecture and the arts to intriguing historical points of interest, there’s plenty to keep any couple busy.
Let the charming old town, Ciudad Vieja, capture your heart as you wander around to a soundtrack of live music wafting through the streets. Embrace the lively atmosphere of the main drag, Sarandí, where you’ll encounter vibrant restaurants, bars, shops, and street vendors.
One of the best things to do in Montevideo is to relax at a cafe and take in the neoclassical and art deco architecture that adorns the Plaza Matriz and much of the old town. Venture to Montevideo’s main square, Plaza Independencia. Here, you’ll have the chance to view key landmarks such as the Artigas Mausoleum, standing center stage and a monument to General Jose Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay.
Other points of interest include Palacio Salvo, a bizarre, neo-gothic structure that was the tallest building in South America when it was built in 1928, and the elegant Teatro Solís, the country’s oldest theater, built in the mid-1800s.
Sample local produce and culinary delights at the Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo, a popular market in an impressively designed 20th century structure, bursting with Uruguayan food and vegetable stalls, street food and even a microbrewery. Walk the coast with your love along the seaside La Rambla. The scenic boardwalk stretches almost 14 miles and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
Wine tasting in Montevideo, Uruguay
Head outside the city and clink glasses to married life at a local winery. Both Juanico and Spinoglio Winteries can be reached within a half hour, where you’ll find yourself transported to sprawling vineyards offering fantastic South American food and wine varieties.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Caminito La Boca in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tango together in the vibrant capital city of Argentina, known for incredible cuisine, wine, and nightlife. Night owls will thrive in Buenos Aires, where late dinners, tango clubs and an exciting bar scene await.
During the day, explore the colorful open-air museum of La Boca’s Caminito. Argentina’s culture and arts are alive on this enchanting street, where local artists have painted buildings in a spectrum of turquoise, orange, bright green and brilliant yellow. There’s live music everywhere, and impromptu dance displays.
Take a short train ride to the buzzing Tigre Delta, a maze-like network of canals and islands. Embark on a waterway boat tour or paddle yourself in a kayak and then spend the afternoon browsing the al fresco market for hand-crafted items and local goods at the Puerto de Frutos. Art aficionados will enjoy a visit to the popular Museo de Arte de Tigre, host to a collection of Argentine figurative artwork within a classic belle epoque style structure.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
To experience a natural marvel, consider an overnight trip to view the massive Iguazu Falls, one of the most famous natural landmarks in South America. At this breathtaking demonstration of nature’s power, the Iguazu river rushes over a cliff-face almost two miles long. More than 275 foaming cascades thunder into a 270-foot abyss, making Iguazu one of the world’s largest waterfalls.
Ilhabela, Brazil
Jabaquara Beach in Ilhabela, Brazil
Lovers of island life will fall for Ilhabela, a picturesque archipelago located just north of São Paulo, Brazil. You’ll be greeted by beaches of pale gold sand, tumbling waterfalls, and incredible diving on your honeymoon, with a chance of spotting sea turtles, shoals of tropical fish and even sea horses.
Relax on the gorgeous Jabaquara Beach, where white sand and lush, tropical vegetation meet clear, turquoise waters to create an awe-inspiring natural paradise. Be sure to stop and enjoy the view from above on your way to this beautiful stretch of sand; the elevated vantage point offers a striking scene of Jabaquara Beach.
Atlantic rainforest in Ilhabela, Brazil
Adventure into the Atlantic rainforest that Brazil is known for, where hiking trails lead you through dense greenery, home to tree frogs, monkeys, bats and dozens of bird species. Trek to remote beaches, discover hidden waterfalls, and explore the beautiful rainforest landscape.
Toca Waterfall is one of the best, situated on the historic ruins of an old sugar and banana plantation. Take a dip with your love in the cooling rock pool at the base of the falls, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Another worthy set of falls is Cachoeira Tres Tombos, a set of three cascades rushing over smooth rocks and accessed by a short hike or drive. Float in a natural pool here, gazing up through the green canopy of the forest.
Valparaiso, Chile
Valparaiso, Chile
The coastal city of Valparaiso is a fantastic South America honeymoon destination and one of the best places to visit in Chile. The city spills over a steep hillside, its old houses festooned with dazzling and extraordinary street art, an ongoing project supported by the local government.
One of the best things to do in Valparaiso is to join a walking tour to admire one intricate work after another, stopping at the nearest bakery for snacks of empanada, Chile’s iconic filled pastries. Vintage funiculars creak up and down the steepest hills, fun to ride and taking some of the effort out of the walk; Funicular Cerro Artillería provides some of the best views.
Head to the fine arts museum, Museo de Bellas Artes, to discover exhibits housed in the historic Art Nouveau Baburizza Palace building. Continue your museum tour in Valparaiso with a stop at La Sebastiana Museum, the former residence of Chile’s most famous poet, Pablo Neruda. Browse his quirky personal artifacts and art collection and admire the stupendous views down over the harbor from the house’s hillside perch.
Casablanca Valley in Valparaiso, Chile
Cozy up with a delicious wine tasting in the serene Casablanca Valley, just 45 minutes southeast of Valparaiso and one of Chile’s most important wine-producing areas. Stroll immaculate gardens surrounded by gently sloping vineyards, or explore on horseback for an extra romantic experience.
Many of the wineries have excellent restaurants, so you can taste popular varietals like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc while sampling local specialties against a setting of gently rolling hills.
Punta Del Este, Uruguay
La Mano in Punta Del Este, Uruguay
Uncover seaside luxury on your honeymoon in glamorous Punta Del Este, Uruguay, a hip beach resort popular with wealthy Brazilians and Argentinians.
Venture to Playa Brava, where you can enjoy the beach as well as the city’s most iconic sculpture, “La Mano en el Arena”, which means “The Hand.” This piece, created in 1982 by local artist Mario Irrarrazabal, draws visitors with its uncanny display of five massive fingers emerging from the sand and reaching for the sky. Afterward, watch surfers tackle the waves and relax on the rippling golden sands of this popular beach.
Casapueblo in Punta del Este, Uruguay
Check out the eclectic Punta Del Este museums; appreciate Latin American and European works of modern art at the Ralli Museum in the swanky residential neighborhood of Beverly Hills.
Admire the work of Uruguayan artist Carlos Vilaró at Casapueblo, a dazzling, whitewashed edifice of curved, organic shapes clinging to the cliffs. This whimsical building is a hotel now and romantics gather here at sunset for cocktails, Spanish guitar music, and dreamy views.
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Valdes Peninsula in Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Wildlife enthusiasts will swoon over the opportunities for spotting whales, seals, dolphins, and penguins just outside the port city of Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Known as the gateway to the Valdes Peninsula and located on the edge of wild, untamed Patagonia, this coastal city is an ideal destination for couples looking to get in touch with nature.
Hop on a boat tour, where you’ll be on the lookout for orcas and the hundreds of southern right whales that congregate here in summer. If you don’t venture out by boat, it’s possible to view these majestic animals while paddling in a kayak or even just from the shore, especially while on El Doradillo Beach.
If you’re interested in seeing some of South America’s resident penguins, head to Punta Norte on the Valdes Peninsula, a spot known to have colonies of charismatic, black-and-white Magellanic penguins.
After all your wildlife adventures, make sure to feast on authentic Argentine fare at some of the excellent restaurants in Puerto Madryn. While Argentina is one of the best countries in South America to visit for steaks and Patagonian lamb, seafood is the star here, with local fishermen reeling in salmon, cod, sole, and squid every morning, served as mouthwatering platters and stews in the town’s many dining spots.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Celebrate your love in one of South America’s most extravagantly beautiful destinations. Rio De Janeiro has it all; beautiful beaches and scenery, art and culture, incredible cuisine, legendary landmarks, and an irresistible energy.
Laze on Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous landmarks in Brazil, where views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Fort Duque de Caxias dazzle. Stroll the promenade and enjoy people-watching in one of the most vibrant spots in Rio.
No trip to the city is complete without taking the tram ride up Corcovado to stand in front of the massive Christ the Redeemer monument, the largest Art Deco statue in the world, gazing out over a panoramic vista of Sugarloaf Mountain and one of the best skylines in the world.
Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Venture off the beaten path for a peaceful moment with your love at the Parque Lage. Although this botanical garden is located within Rio, it’s out of the tourist hot-spot areas, making it a quiet respite.
It’ll be well worth the effort to get there though, where a large, regal mansion that now houses an art school and myriad nature trails await. Walk through the lush greenery, exploring the grounds of this magical oasis in the midst of a bustling city.
Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Commemorate your marriage with a thrilling vacation to South America that allows you to revel in your love amid gorgeous scenery, exotic locations, cultural experiences, and bucket list adventures.
A cruise is a fantastic way to indulge in a South America honeymoon. Browse itineraries on our website and book your romantic adventure today.
