The simple luxury of that first velvety, smooth, punchy morning coffee – it’s a tradition that stretches much further back in time than the invention of the takeaway cup. And the coffee itself likely comes from a lot further away than your nearest cafe. 

Brazil and Colombia are among the leading coffee producing countries in the world, but they’re not the only coffee producers in South America. Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Bolivia grow coffee, though it’s rare for coffee producers from these countries to rank among the world’s best.

When it comes to South America’s most acclaimed coffee producers, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru are often at the top of the industry for coffee production in the world. And these are some of the individual producers putting in the hard work to make those beans sing.

Fazendas Pinhal | Brazil 

 

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Brazil is the leading producer of coffee in the world; millions of metric tons of coffee are produced each year. As the world’s leading coffee producer for well-over a century, Brazil’s coffee producers have sizable domestic competition for industry acclaim, which makes Pinhal Farm’s achievements especially respectable.  

In 2019, Pinhal Farm was awarded the title of most sustainable farm by Globo Rural Magazine, then again in 2022 by the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association. Sustainable coffee production is paramount at Pinhal: nearly half of its land is undeveloped. Solar panels generate power around the plantation where local students volunteer and rehabilitated native wildlife roam. Pinhal also limits the use of fuel, pesticides, fertilizers, and water whenever possible.

 

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Pinhal is also a carbon positive farm, thanks to the existing native forest of eucalyptus trees removing CO2 from the air. 

Coffee drinks throughout Europe, China, Saudi Arabia, and Australia will recognize the leading coffee producer’s Fazenda Pinhal beans in batches like Taylors of Harrogate with its notes of chocolate and caramel and the Geisha roast from Koko that features Nutella, stone-fruit, and white flora flavors. 

Brew beautifully: These Are the Most Beautiful Coffee Machines You Can Buy For Your Home

Sample coffee from some of the leading coffee producers on the continent when you join Grand South America, one of our luxury tours of South America. This 23-day tour takes you across Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, where you’ll have ample opportunity to sit back with a fresh cup of South American coffee.

Cafe Jesus Martin | Colombia

 

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Colombia is a leading coffee producer in the world, third only behind Brazil and Vietnam. Aromatic, fruity flavors tend to sing from its Arabica beans. Colombia’s coffee beans are in a class all their own, with many specialty coffee drinkers convinced that it’s the best medium-bodied brew in a cup. 

Which is why it’s hard to believe that most Colombians did not know the true taste of their native coffee until quite recently.

 

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As is the case in many coffee producing countries, the best batches of beans are often exported, leaving the lower-quality beans for domestic consumption. A Colombian man named Jesus Martin is often credited with “saving” Colombian coffee by introducing specialty coffee to Colombia. 

Since 2008, Cafe Jesus Martin has received high acclaim from Colombian coffee drinkers. The brand has won a number of awards around the world, including in gourmet competitions in Paris. Its Diamante blend is a favorite of Colombians in the cafes town of Salento: a sweet, balanced and elegant coffee that’s not as bold. 

Coffee conquest: Black gold, how the once-humble coffee bean conquered the world

Cenfrocafe | Peru

 

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Coffee has a complicated history in South America, and in the case of countries like Peru, their story has brewed for some time. Brazil and Colombia are two leading producers of coffee in the world; Peru is making an impact in the industry, but despite sharing borders with both countries, there’s one key difference in Peruvian coffee.

Peru didn’t secure its first coffee plants until decades after the beans were brought to other coffee producing countries in South America. 

Coffee plants were brought to Peru from Colombia and Brazil in the mid 1700s, which means these neighboring countries had anywhere from 20 to 40 years of a head start. In recent centuries, years of economic instability and other social issues have prevented Peruvian coffee from gaining the same ranking in the industry that Brazil and Colombia have.

 

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But Cenfrocafe is slowly changing that. 

Central Fronteriza del Norte de Cafetaleros, of Cenfrocafe, is an agricultural cooperative based in Jaén. It got its start in 1999 by bringing together roughly 220 small coffee farms. Today, Cenfrocafe has between 2,000 and 3,000 members comprising nearly 100 smaller cooperatives. Cenfrocafe’s marketing and European distribution partners are aiding Peruvian coffee’s quest for global recognition. It is the second-largest coffee grower in Peru and has always operated with two primary goals: ensuring 100% Fair Trade and as close to 100% organic output as possible. 

Organic compost and organic fertilizers like Guano de Isla — wild bird excrement from Peruvian islands — are used throughout coffee growth. More importantly, the collective commits to fair wages for farmers, including paying out premiums when they achieve certain quality levels. The washed typica and caturra beans often have notes of blackberry, grape, and vanilla.  

Destination inspiration: Meet the Award-Winning Producers in the World of Luxury Coffee

Take your time sipping coffee as you make your way between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu during the Treasures of the Incas tour with Luxury Gold. Spend nearly two weeks roaming around this country, making sure to sample cups of locally roasted blends in Cusco and Lima’s cafes.

Planning a trip to Argentina? You’re in for an amazing adventure. 

Luxury travel to Argentina gives you the perfect balance: the comfort and convenience you desire without having to sacrifice opportunities to indulge in the curiosity that brought you to South America in the first place. 

If you’re traveling with Luxury Gold on our 23-day Grand South America tour or simply planning a short getaway on the tip of the continent, we’re here to help you make this the trip of a lifetime. Use this guide, inspired by the activities and experiences on our luxury tour, to plan your trip to Argentina.

Argentina Quick Facts All Luxury Travelers Should Know

Know before you go: here are a few facts that should be common knowledge when planning any luxury Argentina tour.

• Language: Spanish
• Currency: Argentine Peso
• Capital City: Buenos Aires
• Popular Historical Site: San Ignacio Miní 
• Popular Natural Site: Iguazú Falls
• Cultural Hallmark: The Tango Dance
• Culinary Hallmark: The Asado  
• Don’t Arrive Without: Comfortable clothing, both for nightly dancing and daily siestas.
• Don’t Leave Without: Experiencing Argentine farm life like a gaucho

Uncork more: Award-winning Argentine wines you must try on your next trip

What to See and Do: Luxury Travel in Argentina

Allow us to provide essential destination inspiration. Better yet, join us and make these memories while we take care of the logistics. 

Raise the Steaks with Elevated Asado Dining 

Asado, the traditional Argentine method of barbecuing, is both the meal and the way it’s prepared. These grilling techniques are world renowned, as is the taste of Argentina’s best cuts of meat. Luxury Gold travelers are in for a treat: Fogón Asado in Buenos Aires will open exclusively for our tour, treating our travelers to a private dining experience with an Asado chef.

Tour the Belle Époque Teatro Colón Theater

With some of the best acoustics in the world, the Belle Époque Teatro Colón Theater is a historic opera house in Argentina’s capital. The world’s leading orchestras, dancers, singers, and artists have all graced this iconic stage. Luxury travel in Argentina means that Luxury Gold travelers will undoubtedly enjoy a guided tour of this prestigious venue.

Observe a Mesmerizing Tango Performance

Tango is the passionate soul of Argentina. This dance that pre-dates the 1900s emerged from the working class streets of Buenos Aires to become an element of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, according to UNESCO. Luxury Gold Travelers will settle in for dinner and an authentic tango show at Rojo Tango.

Visit a Traditional Estancias Ranch

Known as gauchos, the cowboys of South America still cling to their countryside culture. A farm stay is an excellent way to learn the ropes, so to speak, about life on the pampas. Luxury Gold travelers will visit an estancia, share a lunch, and take a guided horseback ride through the traditional ranch.

See the Unfathomable Iguassu Falls

There’s nothing quite like staring down the Devil’s Throat at Iguassu Falls. It’s just as difficult to take your eyes off of the cascading falls as it is to look away from the winding catwalk leading you around these rushing waters. You’ll also trek across the Brazilian border where you’ll reach the base of the falls and marvel at panoramic views of San Martin Island.

Destination inspiration: Our favorite legendary and lesser-known shopping streets

Where to stay: Luxury hotels in Argentina

Finding a place to stay is just as important as planning what to do on a luxury Argentina vacation. There are dozens of luxury hotels across Argentina that will spoil you with quiet serenity and lavish amenities. These two luxury hotels in Argentina will welcome Luxury Gold travelers to an unforgettable stay. 

Alvear Palace Hotel | Buenos Aires

Photo credit: @alvearpalace on Instagram

Alvear Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel in the heart of Buenos Aires. Known for its sophisticated luxury yet home-like suite comforts, Alvear Palace Hotel is an elegant fixture of the La Recoleta neighborhood. Six restaurants and bars fill the space, including a terrace sushi bar and rooftop watering hole. A spa, intimate wellness area, rooftop indoor pool offer hours of relaxation after an evening spent tangoing in a milongas.

Travelers on the Luxury Gold tour will stay in Palace Premier Rooms: cozy single and double use rooms that maximize comfort at every turn, Palace Premier Rooms flaunt a modern French aesthetic and feature botticino marble bathrooms with jacuzzis.

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas | Iguassu Falls

Photo credit: @alvearpalace on Instagram

The only luxury hotel hidden within Iguazu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas surrounds you with natural beauty. Relax beside the outdoor swimming pool at this jungle escape, listening to howler monkeys in the distance. A forest bathing experience at the spa feels right in such a serene place, though no one will fault you should you choose to rest up for a guided full moon or first light walk through the jungle.

Travelers partaking in a Luxury Gold tour will stay in a Superior Room on the Forest Wing. These rooms are as artsy as they are light and airy: each features traditional azulejos painted tiles and artwork commissioned by Brazilian painter Ludmilla de Montes.

Not only does the Grand South America tour include all of the above, but this Luxury Gold experience also includes sunbathing in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, exploring Chile’s wine country, and visiting Machu Picchu in Peru. 

Read next: 7 experiences to stir your soul in South America

Book your luxury Argentia tour today with Luxury Gold.

In a time where travel is often characterized by speed and efficiency, there remains a coveted niche with more travelers seeking out hotels and experiences that hark back to a bygone era of glamor and leisure. Hotels and experiences that echo old-world charm offer more than just luxury. They embody a timeless elegance and storied past, often with a rich historical significance. From grand hotels that have welcomed royalty to regal train journeys that evoke the golden age, here are our top hotels and experiences for old-world glamor.

1. Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

If you want to experience the old-world glamor of the roaring 20s, you’ve got to go to Paris. It’s the epicenter of The Lost Generation, a legendary group of artists, writers and creators who flocked to the French capital after WWI. The likes of Hemingway, Stein, Picasso, Fitzgerald, Joyce, Pound and Eliot would spend their time swapping ideas and creating art, poems and novels and socializing in bohemian cafés and jazz bars. 

To get a taste of this history, stay at the Hôtel du Louvre, a Parisian icon since the 19th century. Facing the magnificent Louvre Museum, the hotel’s Haussmannian façade and stunning views have inspired countless artists who’ve stayed here including opera singer Enrico Caruso and writer Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s the perfect place to start tracing the steps of Lost Generation, with sumptuous suites, sweeping marble staircases, and traditional French cuisine served at the hotel’s brasserie. 

You might like to begin your exploration of Parisian institutions at Harry’s New York Bar. Founded in 1911, it was a beloved watering hole of the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Porter. The bar continues to exude the glitz of the early 19th century, serving classic cocktails and smooth jazz. 

Stay at the Hôtel du Louvre on: Ultimate Southern France With Paris Extension

We think you’ll also like: Harry’s Bars: The Story of Europe’s Two Most Glamorous Watering Holes

2. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

Set in the heart of Croatia’s vibrant capital, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a dazzling taste of the roaring 20s. With a legacy dating back to 1925, the hotel was originally built to provide luxurious accommodations for passengers of the famed Orient Express. As you enter the grand lobby, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication, with its Art Deco details echoing the golden age of travel. 

Each room and suite is decked out in rich fabrics, elegant decor, and modern amenities, while the hotel’s signature restaurant, Zinfandel’s, dishes up an artful menu of traditional Croatian cuisine. You can also enjoy Parisian-inspired ambiance and classic Croatian dishes at Le Bistro, or enjoy afternoon tea or cocktail at the Oleander Terrace overlooking the city. 

Having hosted an array of stars, dignitaries and cultural icons over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, Josephine Baker, and Charles Lindbergh, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a true cultural landmark. 

Stay at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more about the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: A Taste of the Roaring Twenties: Inside Zagreb’s Stunning Hotel Esplanade

3. Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

Set on the edge of the lagoon, a stone’s throw away from St. Mark’s Square, the Hotel Metropole in Venice has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Once an orphanage and church, where Antonio Vivaldi taught music to orphans in the 1700s, the hotel now features a Michelin-starred restaurant, MET, and an acclaimed art collection.

You’ll be swept away in time, with elaborate tapestries, frescoes, and Murano glass chandeliers. Music is still at the heart of the Hotel Metropole, with icons like Lou Reed, Patty Smith, Lenny Kravitz, and Grace Jones all staying here over the years. There’s also a luxurious spa and a private water taxi service to explore the canals of Venice. 

If you want to continue your immersion into old-world glamor, visit “the other” legendary Harry’s Bar. Founded in 1931, it’s the birthplace of the Bellini and was once a favored watering hole of Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Orson Welle. Today, Harry’s Bar remains a symbol of 20th-century literature, art and Venetian culinary traditions.

Stay at the Hotel Metropole on: Ultimate Italy

We think you’ll also like: Hiding in Plain Sight: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels

4. The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

Follow the rhythms of jazz to The Ritz Carlton in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Housed in the historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building on Canal Street, this hotel blends the old-world glamor of New Orleans with the impeccable service of the Ritz.

The hotel’s ornate architecture, grand lobby, and stylish suites transport you to an era of opulence, but the Ritz Carlton New Orleans is much more than a place to stay; it’s a celebration of the Big Easy’s unique charm and southern hospitality. Guests can indulge in the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans at the M Bistro and enjoy live jazz music while sipping on cocktails at the Davenport Lounge. There’s also a rejuvenating spa with treatments that blend local ingredients and healing practice, or you can get out and explore the French Quarter’s famed music venues, galleries and restaurants.

Stay at The Ritz Carlton New Orleans on: Southern Grace 

Read more about The Ritz Carlton New Orleans: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

5. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

Perched atop Cape Diamond overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is an icon of Quebec City. With châteauesque architecture, opulent ballrooms and a storied past dating back to the late 19th century, this hotel drips in the grandeur of a bygone era. 

The rooms and suites are a blend of old-world glamor and modern elegance, with stunning views of the old city or flowing river below. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant features exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients. The 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar offers a cozy ambiance for guests to sample the finest Quebecois cheeses paired with world-class wines. 

The Château Frontenac has also played host to world leaders, royalty and celebrities, and its halls echo with the whispers of historical events that shaped the world. Queen Elizabeth II, Charles de Gaulle, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, and Celine Dion have all stayed here, while Alfred Hitchcock chose the Château Frontenac as a location for his 1953 film “I Confess”. Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and William Lyon Mackenzie King also famously met at this hotel during WWII to discuss strategies. 

Stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Read more about Château Frontenac: The revered Quebec City hotel with an iconic movie star reputation

6. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

Overlooking the grand Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is a spectacular stay. The hotel offers unparalleled views of the world’s largest waterfall system, but it also exudes an air of old-world glamor. The regal suites are filled with plush furnishing, artisanal fabrics, locally-commissioned artworks, and Portuguese-colonial architecture. 

Surrounded by the sounds of the lush jungle, the pastel-pink retreat has welcomed a host of luminaries, including Princess Diana, Prince Albert of Monaco, David Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Jackie Chan, and Paul Simon. You’ll walk in their footsteps as you wander through the orchid gardens, sip caipirinhas by the tranquil pool, and enjoy spa treatments with local, responsibly harvested ingredients.

Stay at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas: Classic South America

We think you’ll also like: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

7. Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

The Isle of Capri is synonymous with glitz and luxury, and the Grand Hotel Quisisana lives up to this reputation. Nestled in the heart of Capri, the hotel has been a hub of elegance and exclusivity since its inception in 1845. Originally conceived as a sanatorium (Quisisana means ‘here one heals’) by a doctor, the hotel transformed into a luxurious cultural and social hub. It still hosts glamorous events like fashion shows and art exhibitions today.

The Quisisana’s guest list reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries. Artists, writers, stars, and dignitaries all found solace and inspiration within its walls, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Audrey Hepburn, and Jean Paul Sartre. 

You’ll find your own slice of restoration here, with the hotel’s soothing QuisiBeauty spa and gorgeous pool. There’s also several impressive restaurants overlooking the ​​glittering Gulf of Naples, with views of the Faraglioni rocks. It’s all backed by marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and curated art collections. There’s even a Liberty-style theatre designed by the famous architect Giò Ponti in 1929. 

Stay at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on: Ultimate Italy

Read more about Capri: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

8. Rovos Rail, South Africa

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

Rovos Rail is a journey into the heart of South Africa, wrapped in the luxury and nostalgia of the golden age of travel. Step aboard the Rovos Rail and settle into Edwardian elegance, with remarkably plush interiors. The regal wood paneling and thick carpeting give way to modern amenities including air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. As you marvel at the passing landscapes from the lush Cape Winelands to the dramatic Great Karoo and the vast African bushveld, you’ll appreciate the art of slow rail travel.

Dining is also a highlight, with gourmet meals prepared by chefs using local ingredients, served in the sophisticated dining cars. Whether you sip cocktails in the moody bars or relax in the observation car, Rovos Rail is true old-world glamor.

Experience the Rovos Rail journey on: Spectacular South Africa with Rovos Rail

Discover more luxury train journeys: Get to the Heart of Your Destination With These Boutique Train Journeys

9. Nile River cruise, Egypt

Embark on a timeless journey along the world’s longest river onboard an exclusive, five-star cruise. As you glide along the Nile, you’ll come face-to-face with ancient temples, tombs and treasures that have stood for millennia. Sail from Luxor to Aswan to discover the Valley of the Kings. Explore Karnak Temple and Kom Obo accompanied by an expert Egyptologist. Back on board the ship, enjoy the sun deck, pool and gourmet dining showcasing the best of Egyptian cuisine. You’ll retreat to stylish suites with stunning river views, providing a truly intimate exploration of the Nile’s grandeur. 

Embark on a Nile River cruise on: Elegance of the Nile

Read more about the Nile: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

Banner photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram