Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2024 list of our favorite city hotels in Central and South America.
This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2024, as destinations around the world Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.
Whether you’re headed to the bustling seaside metropolis of Rio or the historic city of Cuzco, Peru, the cities of Central and South America offer a unique allure, each featuring a signature blend of captivating scenery, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Moreover, as iBestTravel readers highlight, the top city hotels in the region provide travelers with numerous opportunities to enjoy the best aspects of each destination.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort depending on their locations and amenities.
Three spots on this year’s list went to Peru hotels, with two in the ancient Incan stronghold of Cuzco — unsurprisingly, since the city serves as a common starting point for exploring Machu Picchu, the Urubamba Valley, and the Andes. Belmond Palacio Nazarenas took the No. 2 rank, with readers praising its “central location” and “outstanding service.” Additionally, Palacio del Inka, a Marriott Luxury Collection property located in a 500-year-old landmarked mansion, came in fourth. Although its own art treasures warrant exploration, the hotel is merely a short walk from Qorikancha, the ruins of a significant Inca temple, and the Jardín Sagrado, a nearby greenspace formerly used for ceremonies.
This year showcased three properties from Colombia, with Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena taking the No. 3 position. As one voter noted, it’s “right in the heart of the city,” radiating understated luxury with simple yet elegant décor that emphasizes the building’s classic architecture (it used to operate as a nunnery in the 17th century). Moreover, modern additions like “the best pool in the old city” enhance the experience.
It is Brazil, however, that bookends this year’s list, featuring JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro at No. 10 — thanks to its prime beachfront location in Copacabana. The flagship Hotel Fasano São Paulo, known for its elegance and top-notch services, ascends to the top spot. Discover why, along with the other hotels that made this year’s list.
1. Hotel Fasano São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
This magnificent property, known for its luxury, stands out with a sleek wood-paneled façade and exquisite details, including exceptional hospitality and renowned Italian cuisine at its signature restaurant. “Wonderful décor and lovely service,” summed up one iBestTravel reader. An enviable location on the shopping thoroughfare of Rua Oscar Freire places clientele in the heart of the posh Jardins neighborhood, home to boutiques from Alexandre Herchcovitch and other high-end designers, along with the Michelin two-starred restaurant D.O.M. Amid the district’s excitement, visitors should make time to indulge at the hotel’s spa, located high up on the second-to-top floor.
Score: 96.33
More information: fasano.com
2. Palacio Nazarenas, a Belmond Hotel, Cuzco, Peru
Score: 95.83
More information: belmond.com
3. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Colombia
Score: 95.46
More information: sofitellegendsantaclara.com
4. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cuzco, Peru
Score: 95.36
More information: marriott.com
5. Casa Gangotena, Quito, Ecuador
Score: 94.56
More information: casagangotena.com
6. Casa San Agustín, Cartagena, Colombia
Score: 94.14
More information: hotelcasasanagustin.com
7. W Bogotá, Colombia
Score: 94.00
More information: marriott.com
8. W Panama, Panama City, Panama
Score: 93.69
More information: marriott.com
9. JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, Cuzco, Peru
Score: 93.05
More information: marriott.com
10. JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Score: 93.00
More information: marriott.com
See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards .
