Chimu Blog Following a productive inspection trip in South America, Chimu Adventures’ Product Manager Emma McCormick just returned from several weeks on the ground, visiting with Chimu’s Signature South America tour operators, partner hotels, and local staff across Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Her immersive travels led to key Latin America travel insights that provide valuable insight into the current state of tourism on the continent.
With insider knowledge and first-hand experience of some of Chimu’s most popular Latin America offerings, here are Emma’s top five insights into current South American travel trends in 2023.
1. No one does food tourism better than South America
Immersive food experiences were pegged to be one of 2023 biggest travel trends, but South America truly offers some of the most unique and delicious!
“In Buenos Aires, the ten-course degustation menu at the Fogón Asado Experience was easily one of the best meals I’ve eaten anywhere in the world, with a modern and innovative menu and paired wines. In Peru, I loved visiting local markets on Chimu’s Lima Food Tour, sampling local fruits and experiencing all the smells, tastes, and colours of the vibrant market with a local guide”, says Emma.
Food tours are consistently ranked as a trip highlight by Chimu guests, with a focus on unique, local, and fun gastronomic experiences.
2. The joys of slow travel
Latin America is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a longer trip, ideal for travellers who like to slow down, take their time, and spend a few days (or weeks!) in each region. More and more South American visitors are planning an extended trip, allowing for more time to savour the local vibes, connect with locals, or explore off the beaten path.
Taking this into account, Chimu’s Signature South America itineraries have been designed with customisation in mind, so it’s easy for guests to add extra days or include more specialised tours or activities to suit their interests.
3. Latin America’s well-connected infrastructure makes it easy for you to arrive on time
Internal travel in South America is straightforward, modern, and reliable, so covering vast distances is no problem at all. With self check-in kiosks at the vast majority of airports, great connectivity, and frequent departures, South American travel is easy to navigate.
Travellers can explore the continent with confidence, knowing that their arrivals and departures are likely to be smooth, with all major airports also offering signage in English for international guests.
4. Hotels and tour operators in Latin America are fully embracing sustainability
Sustainability isn’t a travel trend; it’s the only way to travel moving forward. “In South America, Chimu is proud to partner with hotels that operate with sustainability at the forefront, including Tierra Hotels, Mashpi and Sacha Lodges in Ecuador, and Peru’s Casa Republica, Antigua Casona, and Tambopata Research Center, a remote eco-lodge dedicated to conservation”, explains Emma.
Chimu Adventures also carbon offset, at no additional cost, all Signature South America itineraries and are constantly working with their accommodation providers to help them reduce their carbon footprint, creating a more positive impact on the local community and the environment.
5. There are more meaningful local experiences to be had than ever before
In South America, and worldwide, travellers are craving authentic connections with locals, essential for understanding a place on a deeper level. From private market tours to expert-led archaeology walks, authentic experiences have been included in every Chimu offering, using local guides who are passionate and knowledgeable about sharing their hometown with visitors, ensuring guests can learn from meaningful experiences in the local communities they visit.
