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The Most Incredible Places to Sleep Under the Stars in South America

South Americas many uninhabited landscapes make ideal spots for gazing at the night sky
South America's many uninhabited landscapes make ideal spots for gazing at the night sky | © Markus Thomenius / Alamy Stock Photo

There’s little more spellbinding than gazing upwards and allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the inky canopy and its infinite twinkling pinpricks of light. And South America – with its vast swathes of remote and uninhabited landscape – offers countless places ideal for spending time exploring the night sky. From jungle lodges to mountaintop glamping, we’ve picked out the subcontinent’s top places for sleeping under the stars – all bookable with Culture Trip.

Adventure Domes, Argentina

Glamping

Adventure Domes, Argentina
Courtesy of Adventure Domes, Argentina / Expedia

Few landscapes match the rugged beauty of Patagonia – and this camping experience is set on the particularly dramatic Colonias Peninsula facing the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier. The lakeside setting is unspoiled natural wilderness, meaning zero light pollution and some of the most spectacular night skies you’ll see anywhere in the world. The dome accommodation is both snug and spacious, with transparent panels to enjoy the outside while staying warm inside. Food is prepared on an open-fire pit – which doubles as a popular hang-out for social stargazing.

La Victoria Glamping, Colombia

Glamping

La Victoria Glamping, Colombia
Courtesy of La Victoria Glamping, Colombia / Expedia

Lush countryside surrounded by the backdrop of the mountainous Paramo Iguaque National Park makes this glamping spot one of Colombia’s finest. Circular tents set on their own elevated platform come with private bathrooms and hot showers. Inside is fancy camping – with queen-size beds, top-quality bedding and even a plug for your phone charger. Start the day with breakfast delivered to your tent, before a day meeting the resident animals and exploring local trails through untouched nature.

Velinn Camping Ilhabela, Brazil

Camping, Glamping

Velinn Camping Ilhabela, Brazil
Courtesy of Velinn Camping Ilhabela, Brazil / Expedia

Located on Ilhabela Island east of São Paulo, you have to jump on a ferry to access this rather special campsite. It’s integrated into the Ilha da Aventura Eco Park – made up of lush forests, river rapids and waterfalls, plus swimming pools, barbecue areas and playgrounds. Simpler accommodation includes two-person tents and bunk beds in mixed dorms but for a little luxury, book yourself the couple’s cabin – complete with a double bed, electricity and a romantic waterside setting.

Colibrí Camping and Eco Lodge

Eco-Lodge, Budget Hotel

Colibrí Camping and Eco Lodge
Courtesy of Colibrí Camping and Eco Lodge / Expedia

While just a 30-minute drive from La Paz, the mountaintop village setting of this colorful campsite feels as remote as anywhere. It’s one of only a few such sites in Bolivia and features some of the most superb Andean sierra vistas. Run by a British-Bolivian family, the eco-friendly complex offers a range of wonderful accommodation, from glamped-up lodges to traditional-style teepees. Swing in a hammock while hummingbirds flit around your head during the day, while fire logs and marshmallows are on sale for warming during chilly evenings.

Pousada and Camping Serras Verdes, Brazil

Camping, Glamping

Pousada and Camping Serras Verdes, Brazil
Courtesy of Pousada and Camping Serras Verdes, Brazil / Expedia

For absolute tranquility surrounded by untouched nature, the Pousada and Camping Serras Verdes delivers just that. It’s nestled amongst the verdant hills in Valença, just a couple hours’ drive from Rio. There’s a choice of simple suites, apartments and bungalows, as well as a campsite if you have your own tent. By day, you can sweat it out in the sauna or take a dip in the pool, while at night noise is kept to a minimum – all the better for enjoying the wonderful night sky.

Casa Bemberg, Argentina

Camping, Lodge

Casa Bemberg, Argentina
Courtesy of Casa Bemberg, Argentina / Expedia

The former residence of the Bemberg family, their casa has been transformed into this wonderfully remote jungle lodge. Surrounded by thick rainforest, Casa Bemberg practically overlooks the Paraná River that forms the border between Argentina and Paraguay. The house’s colonial feel extends to the rooms where large windows and private patios also offer lush jungle vistas. Hidden amongst the tropical flora, you can cool off in a 20m (65m) swimming pool and at sundown, head to the lookout point to soak up spectacular skies.

Selina Amazon Tena, Ecuador

Hotel

Selina Amazon Tena, Ecuador
Courtesy of Selina Amazon Tena, Ecuador / Expedia

Having the equator run right through the country puts Ecuador high on the list for amazing stargazing. Situated overlooking the Rio Napo deep in the rainforest, the Selina Amazon Tena is a great spot to enjoy the spectacular night sky. The bamboo-built jungle lodge also offers a freeform swimming pool with fountains and a jacuzzi, as well as a wellness center for yoga classes and massage treatments. For a superb star-watching experience, you can’t beat night rafting along the river.

Mítico Puelo Lodge, Chile

Lodge

Mítico Puelo Lodge, Chile
Courtesy of Mítico Puelo Lodge, Chile / Expedia

Nestled between a steep forested hillside and the spectacular Tagua Tagua Lake, the setting of this Patagonian mountain-style lodge is enchantingly remote. Most of the guest rooms have large picture windows and balconies to make the most of the wonderfully scenic vistas. The hotel can arrange fishing trips on the lake or guided hiking around the local trails – and when you return, soak tired limbs in the on-site hot tub or warm up in front of a crackling log fire.

Luxé by the Charlee, Colombia

Hotel

Luxe by the Charlee, Colombia
Courtesy of Luxé by the Charlee, Colombia / Expedia

As much of it is covered in a blanket of grass and greenery, this deluxe lakeside hotel has been artfully integrated into a picturesque peninsula on Guatapé Lake. Overlooking the waters is a mix of apartment and cabin accommodation, housed in sharp contemporary architecture and offering some seriously swish lodgings. The “beach club” is open daily, serving South American cuisine, with an aquatic center that offers all kinds of water sports. By night, views of the nearby El Peñón de Guatapé are particularly stunning framed by a starry night.

Estancia Ninette, Uruguay

Lodge, Hotel

Estancia Ninette, Uruguay
Courtesy of Estancia Ninette, Uruguay / Expedia

It’s hard not to fall a little bit in love with this remote riverside refuge, perched on a hillside overlooking Uruguay’s Rio Negro. Each of the eight rooms shares fabulous views over the scenic surroundings – and you’ll never tire of gazing out from the cooling waters of the lodge’s infinity pool. It’s a popular retreat for hunting and fishing vacations, but if shooting stars are more your thing, you’re sure to bag a few while sipping evening drinks on the peaceful patio.

About the author

A dyed-in-the-wool Londoner now firmly rooted among the cobbled streets of old town Palma de Mallorca, left a piece of himself in Mexico some time in the last millennium and had a previous existence touring the world with a band you've probably never heard of.

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