A vacation is much more than just a getaway; it’s a chance to relax, reenergize, rejuvenate, and explore new experiences. When travel focuses on improving or maintaining health and quality of life, it’s known as “wellness travel.” This type of travel aims at achieving a healthy balance and overall well-being through physical, psychological, or spiritual activities.

Latin America has long been a destination for those seeking wellness due to its rich healing traditions. Ancient civilizations like the Incas have practiced hot stone massages and used sacred coca leaves for centuries. Today, many countries in Latin America offer wellness retreats that draw on these time-honored traditions, providing travelers with opportunities to find inner calm.

Here are six top wellness retreats in South America that combine diverse healing philosophies, natural remedies, luxurious amenities, and perfect settings for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Peru

Located in Peru’s Sacred Valley and serving as a gateway to the mystical Machu Picchu, Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa is often considered the best hotel in Peru. It offers moments of renewal and relaxation amidst the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The resort’s Kallpa Spa uses the healing power of water for various treatments, including the Yucamani Stone Massage. Facial treatments use Incan favorites like cocoa, Mt. Misti mud, and quinoa, while the 24-K Gold from the Gods Facial is renowned for improving skin tone and hydration.

Guests can enjoy a fully-equipped fitness center with views of lush gardens, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, Vichy and jet showers, and more. The hotel features the Hawa restaurant, offering Peruvian cuisine based on Andean ingredients. Additionally, Tambo del Inka is the only hotel in the Sacred Valley with a private train station to Machu Picchu, providing guests with a unique starting point for their spiritual journey.

Tierra Atacama, Chile

Situated in the arid and otherworldly Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Tierra Atacama blends exquisite design, authentic experiences, and a homey atmosphere. The lodge’s Uma Spa is centered around water and offers a spa circuit, indoor and outdoor pools, and a hot tub with views of the Licancabur Volcano. Guests can enjoy treatments using regional natural ingredients like sheep’s milk, honey, volcanic mud, and desert herbs. Tierra Atacama also offers yoga spaces that connect guests with the Atacama Desert’s energy and peaceful spots for meditation.

Kapawi Ecolodge, Ecuador

Located in one of the most remote and protected areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, Kapawi Ecolodge is an off-grid wellness retreat operated by the indigenous Achuar people. The lodge emphasizes the Amazon Rainforest as a source of restoration and well-being. Activities include guided nature walks, kayaking, birdwatching, and learning about Achuar traditions. The lodge offers peaceful communal spaces for yoga and meditation, and guests can stay in tastefully decorated thatched cabins built on stilts.

Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands

Nestled on the rim of an extinct volcano in the Galapagos Islands, Pikaia Lodge offers a secluded wellness experience. Its Sumaq Spa provides authentic shamanic treatments and uses local ingredients like Galapagos volcanic ash. The lodge features an infinity pool, a spa with a treatment room and Jacuzzi, a sauna, and a well-equipped gym. Guests can explore private paths for walking, jogging, or biking and enjoy meals at the Evolution Restaurant, which combines healthy Peruvian and Ecuadorian cuisine.

Cavas Wine Lodge, Argentina

Located in the picturesque wine region of Mendoza, Cavas Wine Lodge offers a perfect wellness retreat surrounded by vineyards. The lodge’s yoga packages include yoga practice, Tai massages, healthy cooking classes, guided hikes, and meditation sessions. The spa features Moorish-Roman architecture with pools, baths, and treatment areas, as well as unique treatments like the Grand Facial.

Tierra Patagonia, Chile

Situated in the Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Patagonia is a luxury wellness retreat that emphasizes sustainability and environmental harmony. The lodge’s spa features an outdoor hot tub, steam room, indoor pool with hydro-massage, and glass walls to connect with the natural surroundings. Treatments aim to open up “prana” and include facials, massages, body wraps, and scrubs. Guests can also enjoy a yoga studio and relaxation rooms with natural ingredients for therapies.

Conclusion

South America offers diverse landscapes and cultural influences, making it an ideal destination for a rejuvenating wellness vacation. Whether you prefer island luxury, mountain retreats, or Amazonian adventures, there are plenty of options to incorporate wellness into your travels. These retreats provide experiences that leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to make healthier and more mindful decisions.

Alfonso Tandazo is the President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator, specializing in luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos, and throughout South America.