Despite having the third longest coastline in South America, Argentina is not one of the countries that first come to mind when planning a beach vacation in our spectacular part of the world. This is probably due to the fact that the majority of the coast is part of Patagonia, a region mostly known for its harsh climate. But there are plenty of beach towns for sunbathing during the summer months (November-March) on the coast of the province of Buenos Aires. It is important to note that these beach towns are also a popular getaway for locals since they can be reached in a few hours by car from the capital, especially during the local summer vacations (January to mid-February). By far the biggest and busiest seaside resort in the country is Mar del Plata. It is the place to go if you are looking for a variety of culinary experiences since it has a great selection of bars and restaurants, many of them focusing on seafood of course. Relatively new on the map is La Grutas, at the northern edge of Patagonia. With its dreamy white sand and warmer water than its counterparts in the north, it is quickly becoming a favorite for those who don't mind a longer trip to enjoy a quiet atmosphere and beautiful landscape. 
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If you opt for a stay in lively Mar del Plata, our recommendation is NH Gran Hotel Provincial. It is located right in front of Bristol Beach and just 300m (984ft) from the city center, with easy access to shopping, restaurants, cafés and bars. The imposing building was inspired by the seafront Hotel du Palais in Biarritz, France and after constructions finished in 1948, it was inaugurated in 1950. It was refurbished and reopened as part of the NH Hotels Group in 2009. It features 460 guestrooms with period details, such as the original wooden floor, a Spanish-inspired restaurant, a lobby bar, two heated indoor pools (one exclusively for families), a gym and a spa. Access to the Beach Club is available at an additional cost. The spacious rooms provide an ocean or city view and are equipped with cable TV with flat-screen, air-conditioning, safe, free Wi-Fi, shower and bathtub. The superior categories also provide a minibar. 
Our recommendation for a tranquil and relaxing beach stay is Almarena Apart & Hotel Boutique in Costa del Este. The whole town is located inside a lush forest and borders directly on the Atlantic. The hotel features two restaurants, a lobby bar, a beautiful rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi and water mirror, a gym and a spa. The 59 guestrooms are divided into 40 apartments for up to 8 people and 19 suites for 1-2 people. All guestrooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, Nespresso coffee maker, electric kettle, smart TV and air-conditioning. The suites have a minibar while the apartments have a fully equipped kitchen with fridge and microwave; some units have a balcony with BBQ.

With more than  7000km (4349mi) of tropical and sub-tropical coastline, Brazil is South America's number 1 beach destination. The northeastern coast boasts calm waters, pleasant temperatures, mangroves and dunes. Destinations such as Jericoacoara, Itacaré, Pipa and Fernando de Noronha are ideal for water sports while guests looking for leisure and rest head to Maceió, Porto de Galinhas, Maragogi or Barra de São Miguel. High temperatures can be expected all year round but be aware of the rainy season in the local fall and winter. We recommend avoiding the rainiest months, June and July.

Scenery and climate change as you head towards the southeastern and southern coast. The beaches here are close to the Atlantic Forest, creating a stunning contrast between the blue of the sky and the green of the forest; the color of the sea varies from blue to green on sunny days. The most famous destinations in the southeastern coastal region are Rio de Janeiro, Búzios, Angra dos Reis and Paraty. The temperatures are warm and quite stable throughout the year but the nights can get chilly between May and August. The most popular destinations on the southern coast are Florianópolis and Balneario Camboriú, although it tends to be frequented by locals more than foreign travelers. The climate is similar to the southeastern coast but with a more pronounced winter season.
Please contact our team to find the best destination for your beach extensions in Brazil!

Our beach hotel recommendations in Brazil are all about indulgence and style. Essenza Hotel in Jericoacoara is the embodiment of a tropical dream. Located inside the Jericoacoara National Park, right at the impressive Sunset Dune that slopes towards the Atlantic, the hotel features a spectacular infinity pool, a floating bar, a restaurant, a gym with personal trainer and a spa with sauna and massages. There is also a bike rental available. The 30 guestrooms are very spacious (50qm/538sqft) and equipped with King beds, Wi-Fi and satellite TV with flat-screen. They all offer views of the dune as well as the ocean. Essenza Lounge rooms are located on the ground floor, with wooden terrace and direct access to the pool. Essenza Cult rooms are located on the first floor and they have a private balcony pool.
Kenoa - Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort is located at a private beach on the edge of Barra de São Miguel. The hotel's 23 guestrooms are divided into villas and suites and equipped with King beds, double vanity bathroom basins, minibar, safe, CD/DVD Player, LCD TV with USB connection, a memory card reader to enjoy photos on the TV screen, writing desk and Wi-Fi. The villas also have a wine cellar, a private plunge pool and direct access to the beach. The hotel features a restaurant, a wine bar, a lounge, a spa and a small exercise room. You can also hire instructors for water sports, such as diving or kite surfing. 

Due to its long, narrow shape, Chile's Pacific coastline (6500km/4000mi) changes drastically: from the deserts and dunes in the north to the lake region's forest-framed beaches to the rough fjords of Patagonia. Before you jump in the water, be prepared for the Humboldt Stream, a cold-water current which keeps the water temperatures relatively low. To get the most out of your beach stay, we recommend sticking to the central or northern region during the summer months (November-March). One of the most popular northern destinations is Iquique, with a fascinating contrast between high-rise buildings and the desert. Its urban beaches, such as Cavancha, are easily accessible. Bahia Inglesa is one of the most stunning bathing spots in the country, with powdery white sand, clear turquoise water and amazing seafood restaurants. Chile's second-oldest city, La Serena, is another favorite with a big selection of beautiful beaches and top spots for stargazing! For a premium experience with high-end hotels, gourmet restaurants and a stunning green cove, head to Zapallar (2h from Santiago). Viña del Mar boasts around 13km (8mi) of coast and beaches with calm water. Our final contender is located more than 3500km (2174mi) from the mainland. Easter Island has one of the most breathtaking beaches that Chile has to offer, Anakena. The crescent-shaped white sand beach is surrounded by palm trees and offers a perfect view of seven typical moai statues standing on a beachside platform.
Please contact us here to add a beach stay to your Chile programs!
Picture credit: Sernatur

We want to show you two of our favorite options for a short coastal getaway close to Santiago. The first one is picturesque boutique Hotel Isla Seca in Zapallar. It is located on a cliff just outside of town and offers a spectacular view of the bay. The 40 bright guestrooms are designed in an elegant modern style and divided into five categories. They are all equipped with cable TV, minibar and safe; the Junior Suites also have a Nespresso coffee maker and a tub. The hotel has a large garden with terraces and an outdoor pool. The hotel's restaurant Olegario specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with Chilean influences. The beach can be reached in 15 minutes by foot. 
Casadoca Hotel Boutique is located in Concón, a small seaside town a 2-hour drive from Santiago, in a spectacular building from 1946. It has 9 guestrooms, each of them decorated in a unique style. All are equipped with LCD flat screens with ipod connections, hairdryer, heating, Wi-Fi and safe. Several of the rooms have a private terrace or balcony with view of the ocean or the garden. The hotel also has a small dining room, a spa with jacuzzi and sauna, a beautiful garden and comfortable public seating areas. It is only a 1-minute walk to the beach. 

Ecuador has a spectacular coastline of more than 2000km (1241mi) along the Pacific Ocean, dotted with picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, lush jungle, mangrove forests and a few bigger cities. Ecuador's Spondylus Route is an easy guideline for your perfect beach stay. It covers the entire mainland coast and highlights the most stunning beaches, best areas for water sports and nature as well as cultural activities. The lush northern part of the coast is home to mangroves and tropical forests; its most popular beaches that are also great for surfing can be found in Atacames and Mompiche. Traveling south, you reach Manta, the ideal place to go if you want your beach holiday with a side of nightlife. Not far from Ecuador's "little Miami", you find one of the most stunning beaches of the entire South American Pacific coast, Los Frailes, located inside the Machalilla National Park, followed by the whale-watching towns Puerto Lopez and Salinas (June-October). The central coast is also home to one of the most popular beach destinations in the country, Montañita, which offers ideal spots for surfing as well as a buzzing nightlife. Beach towns located towards the southern end of the coast, such as General Villamil, are easily accessible from Guayaquil and provide some beautiful bays. The Galapagos Archipelago also has breathtaking beaches in store, including Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island, Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island or the beaches of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. 
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Our first hotel recommendation is located in Puerto Cayo on the central coast, with easy access to Manta, Puerto Lopez and the Machalilla National Park (with Los Frailes beach). Tanusas Hotel is built right at the beach and offers 11 guestrooms, divided into suites in the beautifully rustic main building and individual villas on the property. All of them have view of the ocean and are equipped with air-conditioning, electric curtains and Wi-Fi. The villas also have a minibar, satellite TV and a private pool. The hotel features a restaurant, a terrace with outside pool and a spa with sauna and massages. At an extra cost, the hotel offers surf classes, snorkeling, scuba diving and various excursions.
If you happen to travel to Galapagos, why not extend your stay for a couple of nights to relax at the beach? Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel, with its beachfront location at the edge of Puerto Villamil, is just the place. The hotel's 14 spacious guestrooms in 4 categories are equipped with double or matrimonial beds, LED TV, a fridge minibar, a small safe and air-conditioning; the majority also has a balcony. The rooms have a view of the ocean or the Sierra Negra Volcano. The hotel features a beautiful terrace with outdoor pool and a restaurant. Organic vegetables, coffee and milk are sourced directly from the hotel's hacienda in the highlands of Isabela Island. They also offer packages for the entire stay on the island or separate day excursions. 

The coast of Peru borders on the Pacific Ocean and is approximately 2500km (1553mi) long. As opposed to other countries in South America, there is hardly any vegetation; the coastal region is mainly desert. The majority of the population lives there and has done so in the past, meaning that there is a plethora of archeological sites and cultural experiences. The popular beaches are found along the northern part of the coast, with the exception of Paracas, a seaside town south of Lima. However, visitors of Paracas tend to spend their time at the pool rather than the beach because the Humboldt Stream cools down the ocean considerably. The stream doesn't reach the northern part of the coast, making this region more attractive for a beach stay. Thanks to a warm climate throughout the year, you can travel to the northern beaches whenever you like but we recommend avoiding local holidays. Zorritos is one of the northern-most beach destinations and with its fine sand and warm water, it is ideal for a relaxed family stay. Driving down the coast, you reach Punta Sal, regarded as one of Peru's most stunning beaches. It is perfect for snorkeling or diving as the ocean here is rich in very diverse marine wildlife, thanks to the fact that warm and cold water currents meet here. Once a quaint fishing town, Máncora is now a hotspot for surfers and offers an exciting nightlife. Between August and November, you also have the opportunity to go whale-watching. If you choose a hotel outside the bustling city, for example in Vichayito, pure relaxation is waiting for you. Other popular destinations include Las Pocitas, Cabo Blanco, Los Órganos and Pimentel.
If you are interested to learn more about beach stays in Peru, please contact our team!
Picture credit: KiCHIC Boutique Hotel

The boutique hotel KiCHIC offers a holistic approach to beach holidays. Located right at Pocitas beach outside of Máncora, KiCHIC is an adults-only getaway of relaxation and tranquility. They offer daily yoga practice, an infinity pool with ocean view, a beautiful garden with comfortable seating areas and a spa with massages and chakra treatments. The intimate restaurant serves local seafood and vegetables from the hotel garden. The 9 guestrooms, including 4 suites, have an individual design and all are equipped with open-air shower, 40" screen with DirecTV, air-conditioning and fan, desk, safe, minibar and tea set. Some rooms also have an open-air tub and/or a private terrace. Two of the suites have a small private pool.
For a family-friendly beach stay, head to Casa Andina Select Zorritos. With direct access to the beach of Bocapan, the hotel features 75 guestrooms divided into 6 categories. All rooms are equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, desk, air-conditioning, minibar, safe, and electric kettle.  Some of the rooms and suites have a balcony and view of the pool or the ocean. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, a beautiful garden with outdoor pool, a spa with sauna and massage service, a gym and a kid's play zone. 

Uruguay surprises its visitors with a spectacularly lush and stunning coast. On a length of approximately 660km (410mi), it boasts modern metropolises, authentic fishing villages, lots of beautiful beaches and hidden bays. The majority of Uruguay's touristic activity takes place at the coast, in destinations such as Montevideo, Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento and Carmelo. This activity is also highly seasonal with the busiest months being January and February (midsummer). During the winter months (May-September), a lot of hotels and restaurants are closed. The most recommended beach destinations can be found between Montevideo and the Brazilian border. The easternmost part of the coast is known for its isolated beaches, surrounded by lush nature and fascinating wildlife. Some of the most beautiful beaches can be found in Cabo Polonio and La Pedrera. Travelling west, the coastline of the small department Maldonado is considered a haven for luxury travelers. José Ignacio and Punta del Este have an impressive offer of premium hotels, gourmet restaurants and high end shopping. On the way to Montevideo lies the "Gold Coast" which is home to more quiet beaches and quaint towns. 
Contact our team to request more information and travel ideas for tailor-made beach stays!

If you love rustic but cozy hotels that win you over with their authentic style, adult-only La Perla del Cabo should be on your Uruguay bucket list. It is located at the Calavera beach of Cabo Polonio and was constructed by hand, with a lot of wood and love, by the parents of today's owner. La Perla del Cabo puts a strong emphasis on simplicity, tranquility and pure relaxation, accompanied by local specialties, such as seafood and Uruguayan wines, served in the hotel restaurant. There is also a bar and a terrace to enjoy the view. The 7 guestrooms are simple but cozy, with a charming design that never lets you forget that you are at the beach. All are equipped with a safe and a private bathroom; most of them have a small terrace or a little garden and the view goes to the ocean or the lighthouse. 
On the opposite side of the design spectrum is Brisas de la Pedrera. The sleek and elegant hacienda-style building is located in La Pedrera, just a short walk from the beach. The 15 spacious and luminous guestrooms are divided into 3 categories. Each one has a private terrace or balcony and all are equipped with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, mini fridge, safe, electric kettle and tea service. There is neither a phone nor TV in the rooms. The beautifully landscaped garden features a pool, terrace and comfortable seating.

Colombia is the only South American country that has coastline on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The Caribbean coast around Cartagena and Santa Marta is known for its picturesque beaches and clear turquoise waters, best for snorkeling. The Pacific coast offers large beaches, great surfing spots and more solitude. Cartagena is a bustling city with a precious colonial center and colorful streets, surrounded by long sandy beaches and a good choice of hotels. But if you want to enjoy the real Caribbean beach feeling, you better head for Barú, a peninsula south of Cartagena. You reach Barú in around 1,5hour by car or 45min by boat, crossing the bay of Cartagena. With its turquoise water and incredible beaches it is a real tropical paradise, also famous for the nearby mangrove swamps and underwater gardens. Activities are snorkeling and diving, water sports, birdwatching and tours to beautiful Coral Islands National Natural Park. If you have a bit more time you may choose to visit Santa Marta, a less crowded place roughly 5h from Cartagena. With its wonderful landscapes, the unique contrast between the sea, beaches and the white-peaked Sierra Nevada in the back, Santa Marta is a special destination both for nature lovers and beach goers. There are also people from various indigenous ethnic groups that live in Santa Marta, and Unesco declared the area a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site in 1979. Highlight of the region is Tayrona National Natural Park, with amazing beaches, a rich fauna and flora and a nice selection of lodges, campsites and ecohubs inside the park.
For more information, please contact our team here.

A nice option in Barú is the Aura Hotel Barú, a 3-star property with 19 rooms, just 45min by boat from the city of Cartagena. With its exquisite location on a private beach within the Cholón cove, the hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun in the hotel’s own beach area, enjoy beachfront dining with typical Caribbean cuisine and beach massages or other spa services. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, minibar and safe. Some of the superior rooms also have a balcony or terrace. 

Senda Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is located in one of the best areas of Santa Marta, at only 5min by car from Tayrona Park. The beautiful boutique-hotel is nestled between Los Naranjos beach and the river Piedras, with the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the back. The hotel is decorated in a simple but inspiring style with natural material. It offers  6 spacious, comfortable rooms that are equipped with a minibar, air-conditioning, private terrace, internet and television. The hotel also features a nice swimming pool with sun terrace, facing the sea. You get there on a 5h drive from Cartagena, or just  1h by car from Santa Marta airport.