For many, if not most people, a honeymoon represents the most important (and possibly most expensive…) trip they’ll ever take. Where to go? What to do? Where to blow the largest travel budget you’ve ever had?! In tackling these questions it’s essential to determine what kind of travellers you are, both individually and as a couple. Are you looking to share an adrenaline pumping adventure together as husband and wife? Or do you picture yourselves as glowing newlyweds basking in the sun and sea for 3 weeks? Whichever travel profile you fit, honeymoons in South America have you covered…

From relaxing on a secluded beach and pretending the rest of the world has disappeared, to trekking an ancient trail through the cloud forest to Inca ruins, there is nowhere better to spend your honeymoon and celebrate the start of your married life together. This first in our new series of guides to South America honeymoons will inspire even the most indecisive partners-to-be into taking action and planning the absolutely perfect honeymoon trip!

 

Brazil

The first honeymoon we’ll explore is the more traditional, laidback, pampering-heavy trip. To combine world-class hotels with some of the best beaches in the world, out of all the countries you could look at for honeymoons in South America, there is truly nowhere better than Brazil!

Rio Honeymoon Porto Bay (flickr)

Porto Bay Hotel, Rio

 

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is served directly by many airlines around the world, so it’s likely you’ll be starting your honeymoon here. Spending a few days in Rio is the perfect way to relax into the Brazilian way of life and we recommend staying in Copacabana or Ipanema, as they both offer close proximity to the beach as well as central Rio. Some of our favourite hotels for honeymoons in South America are here, such as the Pestana Rio Atlantica, the Fasano, and of course, the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel.

Honeymoon in Rio, Brazil

Rooftop pool at the Pestana Rio Atlantica…

From any of these hotels you’ll only have to cross the street to reach the beach, and you’ll be perfectly located for any exploring you might wish to do with your free time. While you’re in Rio, it’s an absolute must to take a trip up Corcovado Mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue – the views from the top are incredible and it’s really romantic looking down at the tiny city and sprawling ocean below.

 

Iguazu Falls

After a few days in Rio, it’s time to bid farewell to the city life, even if that city does have beaches! Although we’re trying to concentrate on relaxation and pampering, it would be a shame to come all this way and not see one of South America’s absolute stand-out attractions on your Brazil honeymoon. So we’d hugely recommend taking a short flight inland to the town of Foz do Iguazu, home of the world-famous Iguazu Falls.

Holidays in Iguazu falls

Power and passion at Iguazu Falls

A favourite hotel for honeymooners here is Das Cataratas; owned by the Orient Express group and the only hotel inside the Brazilian side of the National Park, it’s fantastic in all respects, but you might also like to think about the uber-cool Loi Suites on the Argentinian side of the border. Wherever you stay, you’ll want tours of both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls, and if you’ve got an extra free day you can even head into Paraguay for some shopping. Three passport stamps in one honeymoon is pretty impressive, although some nationalities will need visas to cross the borders into Argentina and Paraguay ahead of time so it’s essential that you check requirements for your country of citizenship to avoid disappointment and make sure you get to see everything!

 

Porto de Galinhas

There probably aren’t many things that have the power to make you feel as small as Iguazu Falls does, so naturally your next stop should be all about you! Of course there are dozens of excellent beaches and resorts to choose from in Brazil, but we’ve found one place that we recommend above all others: the Nannai Beach Resort in Porto de Galinhas. About an hour’s drive from Recife, the Nannai is located on what is consistently rated one of the best beaches in Brazil and has accommodation ranging from deluxe rooms in the main building to individual bungalows dotted around the property.

South America's best honeymoon resort, the Nannai

Porto de Galinhas. What’s not to like?

Naturally, we suggest, and indeed have based our Brazil honeymoon itinerary around, staying in a bungalow here – specifically the premium bungalow, which is not only on the beach but has its own private swimming pool and day bed. Stay here and be pampered for as long as your budget allows; the real world will come calling soon enough and you owe it to yourself to make the most of your time. We’ve been planning honeymoons in South America for years and so hopefully we’ve built up the experience to make yours truly special.

 

More honeymoons in South America…

Brazil is a great choice for most newlyweds, but if you’re considering other countries in South America then have a look at our honeymoon holidays for some more ideas!

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