South American tours unveil some of the continent’s finest gourmet experiences across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and beyond.

A swirl of Chilean wine, the first bite into a freshly baked empanada, a slow sip of dark roast coffee. Beyond tango, ancient Incan history and charismatic cities, South Amera’s diverse cuisine and the culinary heritage binds country, culture and people – a siren call to travellers and gourmands from across the world. 

Discover the wonders of South America, where vibrant cuisine, ancient history, and stunning natural landscapes converge.  

Brazilian BBQ and Caipirinhas in Rio de Janeiro 

Brazil puts the B in BBQ, with some of the best barbecue fare in the world. Brazilian BBQ, also known as churrasco, is more than a style of cooking; it’s a cultural celebration of connection, where family and friends gather over a meal. What distinguishes Brazilian BBQ from the rest is the cuts of meat on offer. Picahna, a cut from a cow’s rump, is renowned for its thick fat cap, which melts as it’s cooked slow and low over an open flame, resulting in a tender and juicy standout dish.  

Pair your plate of flavoursome, charred beef with a caipirinha, Brazil’s signature cocktail. This zesty combination of cachaça, sugar, lime and ice teeters on the line between sweet and tart, making it a refreshing accompaniment to your hearty meal. Saúde! 

Buenos Aires Coffee Culture  

Coffee plays an integral role in Argentine culture, and has done so since the early 18th century with the influx of European immigrants. Since the 19th century, this hot beverage has become a staple for Argentines, and this is reflected in the number of cafes that have cropped up across the city. Historically, these cafes were not grab-and-go establishments, but a place for intellectuals, artists, writers and poets to gather and discuss their ideas over an espresso.  

Today, this devotion to coffee and cafes prevails. When visiting a Buenos Aires’ coffeehouse, take a seat, place your order, sit back and watch local life unfold before you. Whether you order a classic café, a café con crema (espresso with sweet cream), or a cortado (an espresso cut with a little milk), savour your coffee as the Argentines do: slowly and with a mindfulness erring on the side of reverence. 

Traditional Argentinian Dinner Experience  

In Buenos Aires, take a seat at a communal table, roll up your sleeves and learn to craft some of Argentina’s traditional recipes under the guidance of experienced local chefs.  

Toast to a memorable evening as you savour fine wines while learning how to make your own empanada and prepare your own chimichurri, between sampling some of the country’s most celebrated dishes, including slow-braised osso buco, Patagonian trout tartar, and dulce de leche flan. From kneading to serving and sharing, enjoy an immersive experience among friends both old and new during this hands-on dining experience during your South America tour. 

A Wine Lover’s Paradise in Chile 

With an ideal geographic position, diverse climate and winemaking traditions that stretch back to the 16th century, Chile is world famous for its wines. Most of Chile’s key wine regions are concentrated in the centre of the country, and include Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley and Elqui Valley. These wine regions are just a fraction of many that produce some of the world’s finest cabernet sauvignon. 

While this bold, red variety remains a chart topper, those who prefer a different drop needn’t hang up their glasses: chardonnay and sauvignon blanc lead the way for white wine grapes. From Santiago, it’s easy to journey to Chile’s popular wine regions on a day trip. Or stay close to the city and visit a local wine bar, where you can sample a selection of Chilean wines alongside delicious grazing plates.    

Lunch With a Local Family in the Sacred Valley 

In Urubamba, the largest town in the Sacred Valley, be welcomed into the home of a Peruvian abuela (grandmother) for lunch. Your host crafts a delicious three-course meal of traditional Peruvian favourites, including ceviche, soup and spiced corn. As you feast, listen as your host shares her life story and personal experience growing up in this corner of the world, surrounded by Incan ruins and incredible history. 

Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco 

Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its intriguing blend of global influences, complex spices and fresh seafood. Staple ingredients in Peru include potatoes (Peru is home to over 4,000 varieties), corn and legumes.  In Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, you can enjoy Peruvian cuisine with a traditional Andean twist. Learn about essential ingredients, traditional techniques and the rich culinary heritage of Peru at a cooking class in Cusco. A local chef will teach you ancient cooking methods, such as slow-cooking food in an underground oven, or using earthen pots over a wood fire. Next comes the best part: sampling your efforts. 

Huaca Pucllana Dining Experience in Lima  

History and cuisine converge at Huaca Pucllana in Lima. This pre-Inca archaeological site, built around AD 500, is located in the heart of Lima. The pyramid-like structure was thought to be a ceremonial and administrative centre where religious rituals took place and public policies were determined. Guided tours shed light on this early era of Peruvian history, but the true highlight for gourmands comes after dark.  As daylight fades, the Huaca Pucllana is illuminated in all its glory, best viewed from the covered terrace of the Huaca Pucllana restaurant. Here, dine on a sumptuous menu of Peruvian favourites, including fresh ceviche served with corn and sweet potato, beef tenderloin in an Andean mushroom sauce, and flavour-packed creole soup with a side of focaccia.  

Must-Try Dishes on South American Tours  

South America is no stranger to flavour, and its most popular dishes are a testament to this.  

• In Peru, order a plate of ceviche, freshly caught fish marinated in lime juice, peppers, red onion and salt.  

• Argentina is home to the empanada, a deep-fried, crescent-shaped pocket filled with meat, cheese and spices, and sold in most local bakeries.  

• Brazil’s national dish – feijoada – is a hearty affair, where black beans, pork, tomato, cabbage and carrot form a rich casserole served with white rice, kale and zesty oranges.  

For something sweet, alfajores are a popular biscuit enjoyed throughout South America, but you’ll find these in abundance in Peru, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. Bite into the soft, shortbread cookie coated in coconut flakes and savour the sweet dulce de leche filling. Chase the biscuit down with a rich coffee, as the locals do.  Want to experience it all? Immerse yourself in the Highlights of South America on this exhilarating 20-day tour.