View our latest SAT newsletter for travel inspiration and product highlights in South America.
South American Tours
South American Tours
SAT NEWS - RETREATS & WELLBEING
May 2024

Dear Travel Partner,

Discover the enchanting world of retreats and wellness in South America, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage provide the perfect backdrop for rejuvenation. Combining outdoor adventure, relaxation and cultural immersion, these retreats are the perfect place to de-stress, recharge and reconnect with the essence of life. Join us as we explore unique experiences that promise tranquility, spirituality and profound wellbeing.

Contact our Sales Team for bespoke wellness programs across South America.

All the best,
Your SAT Team
 
Also check out our WebsiteFacebookInstagram for latest updates!
 
Picture credit: La Selva Lodge
Ecuador's Nature Retreats: From Cloud Forest to Amazon
Picture credit: Las Terrazas de Dana (1); La Selva Lodge (2-3)
Discover a perfect blend of the mystical cloud forest and the breathtaking Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, where you can truly unwind and recharge in pure nature. Just a two-hour drive from Quito, the biodiverse paradise of Mindo awaits. Stay at Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique & Spa Lodge, a sustainable luxury eco-lodge with spacious bungalows, each with a private terrace overlooking the lush gardens and forest. Enjoy local cuisine, relax by the outdoor pool and indulge in the hotel's Mandragora Spa. Explore Mindo's cloud forest, famous for birdwatching, where you can spot hummingbirds, toucans and monkeys, and learn about medicinal plants and orchids. Hike to waterfalls, ride a cable car over the treetops and visit a butterfly farm. Return to Quito and spend the night at Hotel El Crater near the Pululahua volcano. Next, fly to Coca and transfer to La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Retreat near the Yasuni National Park. Immerse yourself in relaxation and spirituality in this protected rainforest reserve. Enjoy peaceful canoe rides, nocturnal wildlife walks and breathtaking views from the observation tower. Explore Lake Garza Cocha, visit the parrot clay lick and experience the Amazonian Kichua culture. In the newly renovated Spa Centre, skilled therapists offer Amazon-inspired treatments that combine innovation with tradition, using local ingredients. Complimentary yoga sessions for all levels, held in inspiring spaces overlooking the lake or nestled in the forest, enhance your connection with nature. Experience the Rewilding Retreat, which includes mindfulness, somatics, emotional release, tantric yoga and a sacred cacao ceremony for deep personal transformation. Leave La Selva with peace and wellbeing from Ecuador's unique nature.
Contact us
Chile's Lake District: Hot Springs and Forest Therapy
From the majestic Andes to the lush forests of the Lake District, Chile's diverse geography sets the stage for a range of wellness and thermal retreats.
Just an hour's flight from Santiago, Temuco airport is the gateway to the picturesque Araucanía region, known for both its outdoor adventures and wellness opportunities, with beautiful hot springs set in stunning natural surroundings. Near the city of Pucón, the andBeyond Vira Vira Hotel is a haven of tranquillity in the middle of a vast forested estate. The serene setting and luxurious accommodations of this eco-friendly lodge make it an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat. Guests enjoy outdoor activities such as horse riding and hiking, farm-to-table dining and yoga sessions. The Forest Wellness Center, overlooking the crystal-clear Liucura River, offers holistic treatments such as massage and hydrotherapy, while the offer of Forest Therapy or Shinrin Yoku is a soulful practice to reconnect with nature and yourself. Nearby, Termas Huife provides thermal pools set against a forest and river backdrop, with accommodation and dining options for extended relaxation. San Luis Tinajas & Spa also offers a tranquil getaway with 4 thermal pools and private hot tubs set in the wilderness of the thermal centre's ravine. Accommodation ranges from the newly inaugurated Apart Hotel to exclusive Couples Hotel rooms and cosy cabins nestled among native trees.
Finally, Termas Geométricas in the Villarrica National Park offers 18 stone pools filled with pure thermal water, fed by over 60 natural springs. Designed by award-winning architect Germán del Sol, the red wooden walkways lead visitors through dense forest to the naturally heated pools, making it the perfect destination for a day spa experience.
Contact us
Picture credit: Vira Vira Hotel (1 & 3); Termas Geométricas (2); SERNATUR (4)
Spirituality and adventure in Brazil's Chapada Diamantina
Picture credit: Lagoa das Cores (3-4)
Join us for an invigorating trekking and wellness trip in the Chapada Diamantina in north-eastern Brazil. The National Park covers over 152,000ha of valleys, colourful rivers, mountains, caves and waterfalls, with a mild climate where unique flora and fauna thrive. Begin your journey in Salvador and dive into the rich history and Afro-Brazilian culture of Bahia by exploring the colonial old town. Embark on an afternoon canoeing tour in the calm  bay to appreciate the city from a new perspective. A scenic 5-hour drive takes you to Lençóis, the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park. Stay at the charming boutique art hotel Canto das Águas, located on the banks of the Lençóis River near the historic centre. The hotel offers an ideal environment for relaxation, with a sauna, swimming pool and private massage tents set in lush gardens. Enjoy a highlight tour of Chapada Diamantina, including a visit to Lapa Doce Cave, where a short trek reveals stunning rock formations, and Pratinha Cave, with its natural clear pool perfect for optional snorkelling. After a regional farm lunch, take a short hike to Pai Inacio Hill for spectacular 360º views and an emblematic sunset. Continue your exploration towards the Capão Valley, known for its tranquil atmosphere and a community focused on spirituality and sustainable living, connecting people with nature. The scenic trek to Fumaça Waterfall, the second highest in Brazil, offers a path to inner peace. Enjoy a picnic at the summit and take in the 385m free fall, followed by relaxation at the Riachinho waterfall. For your stay in the village, choose from the charming pousada-spa Villa Lagoa das Cores or a simple pousada within the local community, like Ilha de Mato. All accommodation and activities aim to integrate your senses with nature. Hikes focus on physical improvement and body awareness, such as the beautiful trail to the Angelica and Purification waterfalls. Enjoy meditation walks, labyrinth trails, foot spa massages or the panoramic herbal sauna in the treetops surrounded by the valley's ancient mountains. Your self-care journey ends with your return to Salvador.
Contact us
Colombia’s Mountain & Nature Retreats in Antioquia
Start your tour in the Antioquia region in Medellín, delve into the city's rich history and witness its remarkable transformation. In the vibrant Comuna 13 district, experience the famous electric staircases and see how art, graffiti and hip-hop have revitalised this once dangerous area into a safe top tourist destination. End the day with a visit to a certified agro-ecological farm and a healthy dinner. After exploring the city, retreat to the nearby luxurious Mountain Ecolodge Cannúa with 10 modern rooms and 8 chalets overlooking the Saint Nicholas Valley. Guests at Cannúa experience sustainable luxury while respecting the environment and local traditions. Activities include hiking, birdwatching and exploring the nearby pueblos. Take cooking classes or rum, chocolate and coffee tastings to discover the rich flavours of Colombia. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of Cannúa's vibrant gardens and enjoy natural spa treatments and innovative cuisine. Travel on to Guatapé, a charming town known for its colourful murals and iconic church. Continue to El Peñol and climb the 740 steps to the massive monolith for panoramic views of green mountains and blue lakes, followed by a tranquil boat ride. Continue to the region of San Rafael in eastern Antioquia, known for its numerous streams and natural pools, earning it the nickname 'Enchantment of Crystal Water'. Explore the Reserva Natural Zafra, a tranquil retreat nestled in a green forest near the Arenal River. Officially recognised by the Ministry of the Environment, this destination is truly "unique by nature". Spend some days in their eco-friendly accommodation in simple but comfortable cabins and take part in sustainable tourism activities such as hiking, birdwatching, forest restoration and tree planting, as well as educational workshops and community involvement. In harmony with nature, you can enjoy a peaceful picnic by the river, relax with a soothing massage or find peace with yoga classes, all accompanied by fresh, healthy food. Return home and remember the magic of Antioquia, where nature and the human spirit coexist in harmony.
Contact us
Picture credit: Cannúa (2), Reserva Zafra (3-4) 
Peru: Apu Ausangate Trek to the Sacred Mountain
Picture credit: Andean Lodges (1-4)
This 5-day trek brings you close to Apu Ausangate, the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region. The pristine mountain ecosystem is revered as "Apu", the bearer of life. The community-based trekking experiences of Andean Lodges help you connect deeply with the Andean culture. Along the Ausangate route and in partnership with local communities, they've built the four highest altitude eco-lodges in the world, accommodating 16 guests in 8 double rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, candlelight and solar lighting. A highlight is the trek to the famous Rainbow Mountain. As high altitude trekking requires energy and acclimatisation, we recommend that you spend 3-4 days in Cusco before the trek, exploring the city and the nearby Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu. You will then begin your trekking adventure with a bus ride along the Vilcanota River, visiting the temple of Checacupe and passing through the upper valley of Pitumarca. A short trek leads to the first Andean Lodge in Chillca, where local musicians will welcome you with native Andean music, coca tea and a healthy dinner. Continue through the glacial valley of Phinaya, past hundreds of alpacas and llamas, to the glaciers of Mt Santa Catalina. The trail climbs past the stunning Pjachaj waterfall. After a picnic lunch at the summit, a 5 hour hike through moraine walls, glaciers and lagoons takes you to Machuracay Lodge. Your bags, carried by a llama caravan, are waiting for you at the lodge. The next day you cross your first pass with breathtaking views at 5,100m/16,587ft. Descend along the glaciers to Lake Ausangate Cocha for lunch. The landscape changes dramatically as you trek through red sandstone formations with the possibility of seeing vicuñas and condors. Stay at Anatapata Lodge, next day ascend to the next pass and hike past Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. Continue over the massive Glacier del Inca to Laya Grande Hill and the colourful Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. Soak up the vibrant colours of this unique landscape before continuing on to Huampococha Lodge. After an easy descent through a karst limestone forest to Trapiche, return to Cusco by bus, reflecting on your physically challenging but spiritually enriching Andean experience. 
Contact us
Argentina: Wellness and Adventure in Patagonia's 7 Lake Region
Northern Patagonia is known as the picturesque Seven Lakes Region. A short flight from Buenos Aires brings you to Bariloche, from where you travel along the famous Ruta 40 to Villa La Angostura. Nestled in the Andes, just outside the tranquil town on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, lies the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Las Balsas. This sustainable, B Corp certified boutique hotel is surrounded by 20 ha of native forest. All of the 10 beautifully designed rooms and 10 newly added spacious villas offer breathtaking views of the lake. The luxurious retreat provide an unparalleled wellness experience, combining the beauty of nature with world-class facilities and personalised treatments. During your stay, explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Las Balsas with private half or full day excursions tailored for you. Go on a guided hike, horseback ride or mountain bike tour to experience the thrill of Patagonia's rugged terrain. Enjoy the endless possibilities for water-based fun like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or fly-fishing, or set sail on a boat tour. After a day of adventure, relax with personalized wellness programmes ranging from stress reduction and detoxification to fitness and mindfulness. Take part in yoga and meditation sessions or relax in the state-of-the-art spa. Take a dip in the heated indoor pool or unwind in the sauna and hot tub, all while enjoying the tranquil Patagonian setting. Dine on Patagonian-inspired cuisine at the hotel's fine dining restaurant, complemented by Argentine wines from the extensive cellar. Travel on to San Martin de los Andes and end your stay in Argentina's Lake District with a guided hike in the Lanín National Park, home to the emblematic Lanín Volcano, which dominates the landscape at 3,776m (12 390 ft) above sea level. Fly back to Buenos Aires or on to your next destination from nearby Chapelco airport, enriched by this holistic approach to adventure and wellness in the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia.
Contact us
Picture credit: Las Balsas (1-4)
Uruguay's Serene Countryside Retreats
Picture credit: Salinas del Almirón (1 & 3); Cerro Mistico (2 & 4)
The Uruguayan countryside provides the perfect setting for a serene retreat. Salinas del Almirón Resort Termal is located five hours from Montevideo in the picturesque town of Guichón, in the western part of Uruguay. The 4*-resort offers a peaceful sanctuary with 60 modern rooms and suites, all with stunning views of the resort's lush landscape, as well as thermal in-out pools, sauna, gym and rejuvenating spa treatments. The highlight of Salinas del Almirón is undoubtedly its salt thermal waters, which are fed by Uruguay's unique natural salt hot springs. Known for their therapeutic properties, these waters contain essential elements such as chlorides, sodium and sulphates, which contribute to their medical effects and overall wellness benefits. Outside the resort, guests can enjoy adventurous activities such as canoeing and sport fishing on the scenic Queguay River, explore nature trails in the mountains, and visit historical and cultural sites such as Castillo Morató.
If you are looking for more tranquility, Cerro Mistico (Mystical Hill) promises an experience of spirituality and relaxation in the beautiful countryside of the Lavalleja region, just 15 minutes from Minas. The country hotel, with 3 exclusive rooms and outdoor panoramic terraces and pools, and the separated self-sustainable Casa del Bosque Apart Hotel with 1 bedroom for 2 guests, bathroom, kitchenette, living area, and a large terrace with a stone fireplace, are surrounded by 50 ha of private parkland and more than 3 km (1.8 mi) of nature trails. The restaurant is tucked away in the forest and prepares healthy meals using local, organic ingredients from the hotel's own garden. In addition to (guided) nature activities such as hiking and trekking, you can enjoy the interpretive paths to learn about the flora and fauna or attend one of the various workshops, including yoga, meditation and wellness. You can also opt for one of the pre-arranged 3-day retreats, ranging from Self-knowledge and Personal Development, to Mental Peace Retreat and Connecting with the Energy of Nature, to Silence and Inner Peace Retreat. 
Contact us
HOTEL NEWS – Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Hot List
Every spring, Condé Nast Traveler publishes its annual collection of the world's best hotel openings of the past year. This year, there are three hotels in South America on the list, and we can't wait to share them with you.
Puqio, Colca Valley
Peruvian hotel brand Andean, known for Titilaka & Cirqa, opened the 8-room Puqio Tented Camp, complete with traditional adobe round houses, offering a blend of adventure and luxury in the Colca Valley. Guests can enjoy outdoor showers, fireplaces and gourmet cuisine, as well as guided wildlife tours, treks and horseback rides to archaeological sites.
Casa Lucía, Buenos Aires
Casa Lucia is a newly opened luxury hotel in the heart of the elegant Recoleta district. Housed in the neoclassical Edificio Mihanovich, once the tallest building in South America, the hotel features 142 contemporary rooms, a light-filled atrium lobby covered by a glass roof that connects two 7-storey wings of the original building, a spa and a 52-foot pool.
Our Habitas Atacama
Our Habitas Atacama has 51 rooms with adobe walls and thatched roofs that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Guests enjoy amenities such as an outdoor pool and tranquil gardens for stargazing. The lodge offers a balanced experience, bridging the gap between basic backpackers and ultra-luxury lodges in San Pedro de Atacama.
FLIGHT NEWS SOUTH AMERICA
New: Paris - Salvador
Air France launches a thrice-weekly flight between Paris CDG and Salvador da Bahia on 28 October. It's the airline's fifth destination in Brazil, after Fortaleza, Rio, São Paulo and Belém (via Cayenne).
New: Santiago - Sydney
LATAM resumes direct flights between Santiago, Chile and Sydney, Australia on 27 Oct. There will be four weekly departures from SCL on Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun. Return flights from SYD will be on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun.
Madrid - Ecuador route
Air Europa separates its two-sector flight and will now connect both Ecuadorian cities with Madrid non-stop. From 27 October, Air Europa will fly direct from Madrid to Guayaquil 4 times and to Quito 3 times a week.
southamericantours instagram facebook linkedin youtube
Argentina Chile Brazil Uruguay
Peru Bolivia Ecuador Colombia
South American Tours - Global Sales Office
Frankfurt am Main | Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 69 4058970 | Mail: sales@southamericantours.com
www.southamericantours.com
South American Tours - Sales Office North America
Mail: sales-america@southamericantours.com
South American Tours - Sales Office Italy
Mail: sales.italy@southamericantours.com
Imprint
South American Tours de Uruguay Agencia de Viajes S.A. | Buenos Aires 618, Piso 2, Oficina 201 | 11000 Montevideo | Uruguay
Tel.: +59 82 91 60 050 | Fax.: +59 82 91 55 406 | E-mail: info@southamericantours.com
Managing Director: Federico Büker | Registered Office: Montevideo | Local Court: Montevideo | Commercial Register: 1194 (Ministry of Tourism) | VAT identification no.: 215224020014
Unsubscribe