The Top 10 Resort Hotels in South America
It would be easy to overlook the splendor of South America’s best resort hotels when you consider what surrounds them: the verdant (and vertiginous) hills of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the paint-box colors of the Atacama Desert, the sunny vineyards of Argentina, the sweeping mountain ranges of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. But that would be doing these properties a disservice. Each won praise from readers for top-of-the-line amenities, appealing architecture and décor, and warm and attentive service.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
Related: The World's Best Awards 2019
With the popularity of the Sacred Valley, it’s not surprising that three resort hotels from the region made our readers’ Top 10 list. “This is not only a luxury hotel with incredible hospitality and amazing activities,” wrote one reader about Sol y Luna (No. 3), a Relais & Châteaux property. With its cultural experiences, including courses in weaving and pottery, “it does so much for the local communities.” Tambo del Inka (No. 6) earned accolades for its friendly staff, beautiful design, and stellar spa and pool — as well as for the fact that it has its own train station. “Well worth the journey,” wrote one contributor.
With the diversity of South American culinary traditions, gustatory pleasures abound, too. One reader found dining at Awasi Atacama (No. 7) a revelation: “The quality and presentation rivals that of New York City and San Francisco.”
Continue reading to see which resort hotel captured our top spot.
10. Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Score: 93.20
More information: explora.com/patagonia-hotel
9. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 93.50
More information: inkaterra.com
8. The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories, Chile
Score: 93.85
More information: thesingular.com
7. Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Score: 94.00
More information: awasiatacama.com
6. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 94.06
More information: marriott.com
5. Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina
Score: 95.26
More information: cavaswinelodge.com
4. Tierra Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Score: 96.00
More information: tierrahotels.com/atacama
3. Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley, Peru
Score: 96.40
More information: relaischateaux.com
2. The Vines Resort & Spa, Mendoza, Argentina
Score: 97.20
More information: vinesresortandspa.com
1. Tierra Patagonia, Torres del Paine, Chile
Score: 97.65
More information: tierrahotels.com/patagonia
Situated on the edge of one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, Tierra Patagonia rings bells for many readers. Chalk it up to rooms handsomely appointed with domestically made furniture, windows that draw in the stunning local light, and experiences that range from horseback riding to hiking nearby glaciers. “The location, architecture, guides, food, and service are all amazing,” wrote one reader. “A pleasure to be there in all aspects.”
See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2019.