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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.