The Best Countries to Combine in Latin America

Latin America has so many stunning places to see, from the tropical beaches of Costa Rica to the arid plains of Patagonia. Although each country could easily fill a whole itinerary, we often recommend visiting more than one at a time. The best country combinations in Latin America allow you to experience as much of this incredible continent as possible in one trip.

Our team of travel designers can help you plan the perfect journey, whether you’re looking for family fun, outdoor adventures, romance or relaxation. We’ll take care of all the details to ensure that everything runs smoothly, including cross-border transfers and logistics. Here are our top suggestions for an unforgettable multi-country trip to Latin America.

Travelling to Latin America with your family is an opportunity to share some of the world’s most spectacular experiences with your loved ones. Kid-friendly wildlife spotting and educational adventures abound; teenagers can embark on multi-level trails or learn to surf; and our favourite family-focused hotels guarantee that everyone’s needs will be met.

The Galápagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife, from giant tortoises to adorable penguins. Snorkelling tours and nature walks can be adapted for all ages, and families will be especially comfortable in one of the two private houses at Montemar Eco Luxury Villas.

Most flights to the Galápagos connect through Quito, and from there it’s just a short flight south to Peru. Here you can hike or cycle through the Sacred Valley and take a luxury train to Machu Picchu, then embark on a treasure hunt through Cusco and visit the local chocolate museum.

Argentina and Chile are among the best South America travel combinations for all sorts of trips, and we specifically recommend them for families with older children. In Argentina you can visit the Pampas to learn about gaucho culture, or head to Iguazú to see some of the planet’s most impressive waterfalls.

Cross the Andes into Chile for equally engaging activities, all the way from the otherworldly Atacama Desert to the glacial landscapes of Torres del Paine – a natural playground for adventurous families and outdoorsy travellers of any age.

Costa Rica is a prime destination for animal lovers, aspiring surfers and anyone looking for some tropical sunshine. There are sandy beaches with calm waters for little ones, beginner-friendly surf spots, lush rainforests and plenty of family-friendly lodges in places such as Arenal and the Osa Peninsula.

Add Panama to your itinerary for one of our favourite Central America travel combinations for families. Here you can escape the crowds and find plenty of peace and quiet, particularly in Chiriquí and the picture-perfect islands of Bocas del Toro.

Some of our favourite couples’ trips and honeymoons in Latin America are those that span multiple countries. You and your partner will have the chance to see and do all sorts of different things while also simply enjoying each other’s company, whether you wander the romantic streets of Buenos Aires, visit the vast vineyards of Chile or relax on one of the many beaches of Búzios.

Argentina is undeniably alluring for couples and honeymooners, boasting swathes of pristine wilderness and stunning natural wonders. As if that weren’t enough, Buenos Aires is among the most romantic cities in the world thanks to its grand avenues, rich history and world-class cuisine.

Only a few hours from the Argentine capital, Uruguay offers lesser-known attractions like the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento and the coastal paradise of Punta del Este. We love the rustic retreat of Finca Narbona, which is surrounded by the tranquil wine country of Carmelo.

Chile and Argentina share a border that is more than 3,200 miles (5,300 kilometres) long, making them a perfect pairing for a luxurious honeymoon or couples’ trip. Start in either country’s capital – Santiago or Buenos Aires, respectively – for fine dining and abundant historical attractions.

If you’re into wine, Mendoza and the Central Valley are not to be missed. We also suggest spending some time in the vibrant port town of Valparaíso and the Chilean Lake District, or heading north to stargaze in the Atacama and explore the wonderfully remote Puna.

Brazil and Argentina cover more than 60% of South America between them, so it’s no surprise that they lay claim to many of its most beautiful destinations. For a romantic trip, we suggest checking out some of Brazil’s beautiful beaches; the former fishing villages of Trancoso and Búzios or the southern city of Floranópolis are great places to start.

Venture inland towards Iguaçu Falls (as it’s known in Brazil) to see this marvel of nature from both sides. You can cross the border into Argentina to stay at Awasi Iguazú, then continue south to Esteros del Iberá for an off-the-beaten-path couples’ experience.

Latin America is the perfect destination for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. We can design a Central and South America itinerary that combines wildlife experiences, active adventures, contrasting landscapes and some of the most impressive natural wonders in the region (or anywhere on Earth, for that matter).

A journey through Peru offers endless opportunities for adventure, whether you want to delve into the depths of the southern Peruvian Amazon or set out on a multi-day trek through the mountains. Beyond Machu Picchu, we recommend hiking Ausangate, the Lares Trail or the Salkantay route and spending a few days in the Colca Canyon.

Complement Peru’s peaks and valleys with the volcanic islands of the Galápagos, where you can combine unforgettable wildlife with some well-earned rest and relaxation by the sea. We can arrange transfers from Lima or Cusco to the islands by way of Quito or Guayaquil.

Ecuador may be the gateway to the Galápagos Islands, but it’s also a phenomenal destination in its own right. Our travel designers recommend lingering for a few days in Quito to enjoy its fascinating historic centre and unique location high up in the Andes. To round out your trip, visit the active Cotopaxi volcano and the thermal springs of Baños – the country’s adventure capital.

Spending some time on the mainland also provides cultural context for your adventure in the Galápagos, which are an administrative province of Ecuador. Active travellers can keep busy with hiking, scuba diving, kayaking and island hopping around the archipelago.

Patagonia is an ideal place to end (or begin) your grand tour of Latin America. Located at the southern tip of South America and covering parts of both Argentina and Chile, this region is known as ‘the end of the world.’ Its landscapes are just as dramatic as its nickname; picture staggering glaciers, jagged peaks, glassy lakes and sweeping fjords.

Adventure abounds throughout Patagonia. You can trek through Torres del Paine or El Chaltén, scale the Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate, spot penguins and whales on the Península Valdés and cross between Chile and Argentina via an exhilarating cruise around Cape Horn.