Dinogo Readers' Top 5 Resorts in South America for 2023

Stretching over one-eighth of the planet's landmass, South America boasts everything from Brazil's verdant Pantanal wetlands to the sweeping plains of Patagonia. It's no surprise that the continent's finest resorts are exceptional destinations in their own right, designed to compete with their stunning surroundings. According to Dinogo readers, these five properties excel at achieving that ambition.

Voting Process Overview

Each year, during our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences globally — providing insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. In 2023, nearly 165,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, marking a nearly 25 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels. Over 685,000 votes were cast for more than 8,500 unique properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on their locations and amenities, and were specifically evaluated against the criteria listed below:

Accommodations/amenities
Setting
Customer service
Culinary options
Cost-effectiveness

For each attribute, participants could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the averages of these ratings.

What Captivated Readers

The premier resorts in South America are actively implementing initiatives that benefit local communities and wildlife — aspects that are becoming increasingly significant to T+L readers. “There's a remarkable regeneration project happening here,” noted a voter during their visit to the fifth-ranked Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. “The property showcases impressive biodiversity and local design.”

Vik Retreats, the family-owned brand behind three of the featured properties, combines elegant design with eco-friendly practices. This harmony is vividly present at the second-ranked Vik Chile, located within an expansive 11,000-acre reserve. “It’s an almost surreal hotel, brimming with art, offering top-tier wines and exquisite cuisine,” shared one reader. Another enthusiastically praised Vik’s winery, declaring it “one of the finest in South America.”

Continue reading to discover the complete list of resorts that T+L readers selected as their top five favorites in South America.

The Champion

Playa Vik José Ignacio: José Ignacio, Uruguay

View of Playa Vik Jose Ignacio from the beach

Image courtesy of Vik Retreats

Staying at this architectural masterpiece on Mansa Beach (close to the upscale, formerly fishing village of José Ignacio) offers you, as one guest described, a front-row view of “the best sunset” in Uruguay. Guests can choose to reside in the central Sculpture building or in one of six casa-style accommodations, each featuring a fireplace and a private garden. Days can be spent enjoying the 75-foot pool with ocean views, connecting with fellow travelers during communal Uruguayan meals, horseback riding, or simply relaxing on the dark terrace.