9 Movies That Will Transport You to Latin America

To help us continue exploring the world from our living room, B&amp;R Travel Expert,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/stephanie-gulledge">Steph Gulledge</a>, shared with us a list of her favourite films set in Latin America. From exploring the continent’s enigmatic beauty to documentaries that follow the lives of its artists and politicians — settle in, pour yourself a glass of South Ameican&nbsp;vino and prepare to be transported to Latin America, even if only in your imagination.<h3><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america/chile">Chile</a></h3><h4>Neruda</h4>The Chilean Nobel Peace Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda, is elected Senator of the Communist Party in 1946. After speaking out against the country’s repression of the party, the Chilean president turns against Neruda, forcing him to live a life on the run while a young policeman, Óscar Peluchonneau,&nbsp;tries to track him down. Available on Netflix.

<h3><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america">Colombia</a></h3><h4>Embrace of the Serpent&nbsp;</h4>This Oscar-nominated Colombian film tells the story of Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman who was the last survivor of his tribe. Inspiration for the film — which was mostly shot in Colombia’s&nbsp;Amazonas, Vaupés and&nbsp;Guainía regions — was drawn from the diaries of two scientists during their fieldwork in the Amazon, first in 1909 and again in 1940. Available on Amazon Prime Video.<h4>The Colors of the Mountain</h4>A&nbsp;modern-day portrayal of daily life in a remote part of the mountainous&nbsp;Colombian countryside, this eye-opening film follows the friendship of Manuel and Julián and peeks behind the curtain of the harsh realities of Colombia’s&nbsp;armed conflict and how it affected innocent citizens for years. Available on Kanopy.

<h3><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america">Argentina</a></h3><h4>The Motorcycle Diaries</h4>A biopic about a 1952 journey taken by 23-year-old Ernesto Guevara (who would later be known as Che Guevara) and his&nbsp;friend, Alberto Granado. The two set off on a road trip to explore Latin America, covering 8,000 miles from Argentina to Peru and unveiling the continent’s dynamic topography and cultures on an epic adventure. Available on Amazon Prime Video.<h4>The Tenth Man (El Rey del Once)</h4>Ariel, an Argentinian man now living in New York, returns to his native Buenos Aires to visit his father, who runs a charity foundation in the city’s Jewish quarter. His father leads Ariel on a series of errands throughout the neighbourhood, forcing Ariel to reflect on his upbringing and rethink his identity, and ultimately drawing him closer to his former community.&nbsp;Available on Netflix.

<h3><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america/uruguay">Uruguay</a></h3><h4>El Pepe: A Supreme Life</h4>A documentary about José “Pepe” Mujica, the former Uruguayan President and guerilla fighter. Serbian filmmaker&nbsp;Emir Kusturica — two-time winner of the prestigious Cannes Palme D’or — interviews Mujica on his modest countryside property&nbsp;as he reflects on the lessons learned following over a decade spent in prison.&nbsp;Available on Netflix.<h4>Whisky</h4>Probably&nbsp;one of&nbsp;Uruguay’s best-known films internationally, this Cannes-winning tragicomedy centres around the unspoken relationships between&nbsp;estranged&nbsp;brothers Herman and Jacobo, and Martha,&nbsp;an employee at Jacobo’s decrepit sock factory.&nbsp;The plot starts to thicken when Herman pays Jacobo a surprise visit from Brazil and Jacobo orchestrates a fake relationship with Martha in an attempt to impress his brother. Available on Amazon Prime Video.&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america">Mexico</a></h3><h4>Frida</h4>Starring Selma Hayek and Alfred Molina, this film depicts the life of the famous Mexican surrealist artist, Frida Khalo, detailing her professional endeavours as well as personal.The story begins just before her tragic accident at the age of 18 and goes on to highlight the complicated relationship she shared with her partner, artist and politician, Diego Rivera, and her affair with Leon Trotsky. Available on Amazon Prime Video.

<h3><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america">Andes Mountains</a></h3><h4>Magical Andes</h4>Explore life in the Andes mountains, from Argentina to Colombia, through this five-part docuseries. Each episode profiles a different character for an in-depth look at their individual daily lives in the longest mountain range on earth.&nbsp;Available on Netflix. Want a front-row seat to the vibrant cultures, rich colours and incredible landscapes of Latin America? Check out <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/latin-america">our selection of curated adventures</a> on the continent, where we've been venturing for over 40 years.&nbsp;

Discover films set in Latin America—from The Motorcycle Diaries to Embrace of the Serpent—capturing the region’s landscapes, culture, and stories through cinema.

Movies That Transport You to Latin America | 9 Films to Inspire Travel

Discover Latin America

Latin America captivates with its vibrant cultures, rich character and incredible landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;From Costa Rica to Peru to Uruguay, Butterfield &amp; Robinson has been exploring the wonders of the region since the early 1970s—sharing our experiences and best-kept secrets with our travellers. It’s a place perfectly suited for active adventure with no shortage of things to see and do.&nbsp;Marvel at the Andes Mountains, hike the peaks of Patagonia and the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, explore the biodiversity of the Amazon or wind down at a secluded beach. Enjoy vibrant nightlife, a burgeoning wine scene and fine cuisine. Admire art and architecture, and of course, dance!&nbsp;

Where adventure and wonder thrive

Luxury biking, hiking & active tours across Latin America since the 1970s. Small group departures or fully bespoke trips. Chile, Costa Rica, Peru & more. 

Luxury Biking, Hiking & Private Tours in Latin America

Want sumptuous meals, world-class wines, old-world charm and zero jet lag? Bienvenido a Chile. Here, quiet roads through the countryside open up into epic ocean views along the spectacular coast. Picnics, barrel tastings and a cooking demo from one of the country’s top chefs reveal a culinary culture worth savouring. And the futuristic Vina Vik inspires all kinds of awe.

Exceptional Wines

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Breathtaking Landscapes

Wedged deliciously between the Andes and the Pacific, Chile’s wine country pairs adventure with a splash (or two) of vino. Pedal scenic countryside roads with Pacific panoramas and indulge in dreamy picnics, barrel tastings and chef-led culinary wizardry. We've convinced our winemaking friends to spill their secrets, so bring your thirst for adventure, your refined palate... and maybe stretchy pants.

A country of opposites

Experience the rhythm of Chile

Want sumptuous meals, world-class wines, old-world charm and zero jet lag? Bienvenido a Chile. Here, quiet roads through the countryside open up into epic ocean views along the spectacular coast. Picnics, barrel tastings and a cooking demo form one of the country’s top chefs reveal a culinary culture worth savouring. And the futuristic Vina Vik inspires all kinds of awe.

Spend 6 nights cycling Chile's world-class wine valleys in a small group. Casablanca Coast estates, private vineyard tastings and Pacific Ocean views on

Chile Wine Country Bike Tour: Casablanca Valley & Coastal Vineyard Estates

A land of dusty colonial towns and sparkling beach resorts, of rough-and-ready gauchos, subtle artists and festive plazas—this is the Uruguay we know and love. We begin in the country’s capital, Montevideo, before working our way east to cycle the peaceful countryside, stroll white-sand beaches and sip wine with local producers. Venture through the undulating green of the “Uruguayan Tuscany,” with its vineyards blanketing verdant hills, to Punta del Este, a shining, glass beacon of South American summer. Our journey wraps up in Jose Ignacio, a refined hamlet on the Atlantic coast, whose serene and sandy streets make this former fishing village the stuff dreams are made of.

Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is a land where sandy beach towns beckon artists in search of serenity, and vineyards rival those of France and Italy. Explore the best of this tiny country on two wheels and two feet as you bike in a private sculpture park, paddle through wetlands and cook alongside a celebrity chef. With secluded beaches, encounters with local artists and unforgettable culinary delights, you'll be planning your next visit before you even leave.

Authentic Food

Great Walks

In the Wild

Uruguay may be small, but it punches well above its weight in charm. Pedal through a private sculpture park, paddle peaceful wetlands, and cook with a celebrity chef who knows the secret to a perfect parrilla. From beachside art scenes to vineyard sips, this stylish little country serves up serenity, culture, and serious bragging rights.

South America's Best-Kept Secret

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary 

Experience Designer

Want to see Machu Picchu after the tourists have gone? We find the best way is to sleep next door at the stunning Sanctuary Lodge. During waking hours you’ll explore the ruins of the Sacred Valley and hike the cloud forests of the Inca Trail before hopping the Hiram Bingham Train back to Cusco for a final night dinner in an ancient Incan palace.While this is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list activity, the Inca Trail itself is a challenging hike without any options for easy-outs or modifications. There is no road or helicopter support, making rescues challenging and reserved for emergencies.

Unforgettable Experiences

Welcome to the Sacred Valley, where llamas have the right of way and ancient Incan echoes still bounce off the ruins. Hike past soaring peaks to Machu Picchu the proper way—on foot—then toast your triumph. Cap it off with a ride on the Hiram Bingham train. Epic? Absolutely. Otherworldly? You’ll see.

Discover the Lost City

A land of striking contrasts, discover Peru

Preview the itinerary

Spend 4 nights hiking to Machu Picchu in a small group with a guide who knows exactly when to arrive before the crowds. The Inca Trail, done right.

Peru Hiking Tour: Machu Picchu, Inca Trails & the Perfect Sunrise Arrival

Vibrant Culture

Active Adventure

Unique Gastronomy

Uruguay is a land of rhythm and soul. From the pulse of Candombe drumming to the vision of world-class artists and vintners, this land blends heritage and creativity in every corner. Bike past lagoons, explore lively neighbourhoods, and savour fire-kissed feasts with legendary chefs, including the renowned Francis Mallman. Discover a country where every moment feels personal, spirited and alive.

Spend 6 nights in Uruguay in a small group cultural tour. Montevideo's colonial waterfront, Atlantic dune cycling and Jose Ignacio's luxury estancia scene.

Uruguay Cultural Tour: Montevideo Waterfront, Atlantic Dunes & José Ignacio

A kaleidoscopic array of colour and adventure awaits in this biodiverse wonderland. Float through cloud forests, marvel at volcanoes and waterfalls and tune into nature’s symphony as it comes alive with the sounds of the jungle: this is Costa Rica. See it your way on a private, tailor-made trip.

Off the Beaten Path

Eco-Luxury Escapes

Costa Rica doesn’t do passive. Hike volcanoes, chase waterfalls and paddle jungle-lined rivers with howler monkeys cheering you on. Sip coffee at the source, snack on just-made chocolate and spot sloths between spa sessions. With cloud forests, private safaris and pure Pura Vida energy, this is adventure, dialled to your exact taste.

Embrace Pura Vida at every turn

Experience Pura Vida

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Zip-line cloud forests, surf the Pacific and raft rainforest canyons on a tailor-made Costa Rica journey. Privately guided adventure, built for you.

Costa Rica Private Tours: Cloud Forest, Pacific Surf & Rainforest Canyons

Insider Access

Regional Expertise

Peru is a place of staggering contrasts and vivid moments. Trace ancient footsteps to Machu Picchu at sunset, wander colonial streets in Cusco and find out why Lima is a global food capital. Cruise through the Amazon’s tangled beauty, watch macaws cut through the jungle sky and meet tradition head-on at Lake Titicaca. This is Peru—layered, living and endlessly compelling.

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Hike the Inca Trail, bike the Sacred Valley and eat at Lima's finest restaurants on a tailor-made Peru itinerary. A private Machu Picchu journey worth

Peru Private Tours: Inca Trail, Sacred Valley Cycling & Lima's Best

Argentina will enchant you with its craggy mountains, cascading waterfalls, sapphire lakes and rugged glaciers. The array of the land, from the north to the south wildly differs. From the remote Salt Flats of the north, to the vast and rugged corners of Patagonia in the south. The people are incredibly diverse, from the countryside cowboys (gauchos) to the sophisticated tango-dancers (Porteños) of vibrant Buenos Aires. With such distinction, comes rich culture, tantalizing history and sinfully delicious food. Argentina is your place to dive deep and explore.

 Get inside the heart of Latin America

Argentina Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Undiscovered Gems

Nature's Wonders

Great Hikes

Panama is the travel world's hidden gem in Central America—jungle calls, pirate tales and birdlife that belongs on a runway. Sip fresh coffee with howler monkeys, kayak through rainforest rivers and unwind in jungle-chic glamping or coastal luxury. From cloud forests to Caribbean coves, Panama packs a punch—and lets you claim bragging rights before the crowds catch on.

Jungle adventures and beach bliss in Central America's hidden gem

Hike Boquete's cloud forest, dive Panama's Caribbean reefs and explore a historic canal city on a custom itinerary. Privately guided, built for you.

Panama Private Tours: Cloud Forest, Caribbean Reefs & Canal City

Uruguay is a discreet but exquisite blend of beauty, simplicity and luxury that places focus on quality over quantity. This is a land of dusty towns and sparkling beach resorts, rough-and-ready gauchos, subtle artists and festive plazas. Every day is different here and the diversity of landscape is unparalleled. With its up-and-coming wine industry, glamorous hotels and emerging arts scene, experience for yourself a tiny country that packs a big punch. Below are some ideas to inspire your trip.

Hamptons of the South

Uruguay is South America’s best-kept secret—think barefoot luxury, boho beach towns and gaucho grit with a glass of Tannat in hand. Wander art-filled villages, dine seaside under the stars and soak in a culture that’s quietly sophisticated and wildly charming. Small in size but big on soul, Uruguay doesn’t shout. It simply winks.

Big fun in a small package1

Big fun in a small package

Bike Uruguay's Atlantic coast from Punta del Este to José Ignacio's luxury ranches. South America's most unexpected country, tailor-made and privately guided.

Uruguay Private Tours: Punta del Este, Atlantic Coast & Luxury Ranch Stays

Great Bikes, Great Rides

From desert to glacier and vineyard to volcano, Chile is adventure in widescreen—with a splash of world-class wine in between. Hike Patagonia’s jaw-dropping peaks, raft the Futaleufú or bike through rolling vines before kicking back under the star-packed sky. With bold landscapes, bolder flavours and lodges to match, Chile doesn’t just impress—it impresses upon you.

Reasons to believe

Hike, bike and stargaze across Chile on a tailor-made itinerary. Atacama desert nights, Andean trails and award-winning vineyards most visitors never reach.

Chile Private Tours: Atacama Nights, Andean Trails & Award-Winning Wines

Local Connections

Patagonia is where adventure whispers—loudly. Think jagged peaks, gaucho trails and silences big enough to get lost in. Hike past glaciers, watch condors cruise overhead and feel the edge of the world beneath your boots. Then hit Buenos Aires or Santiago for a tango-fuelled culture fix. Wild, vast and utterly unforgettable, this place is equal parts thrilling and humbling.

Hike Torres del Paine, ride the Patagonian steppe and watch glaciers calve into Beagle Channel fjords. A tailor-made Patagonia itinerary, built for you.

Patagonia Private Tours: Torres del Paine, Steppe Riding & Beagle Glaciers

Here, you can sail into a turquoise cove with no other boats in sight, walk barefoot down a powdery white beach, sit yourself down on lava rock and watch a baby sea lion sneak up for a closer inspection. A pantheon of the animal kingdom's strangest and most wonderful creatures await just off the coast of Ecuador, and here, you'll get closer to them than you ever thought possible. Discover Ecuador &amp; the Galapagos Islands on a private, bespoke trip—tailored-made your way. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Land of Striking Contrasts

Ecuador is a land of bold contrasts—snow-capped peaks, steamy jungle, and islands lost in time. Wander Quito’s cobbled colonial streets, then unwind in a mountainside hacienda with a glass of wine and panoramic Andean views. Drift through the Amazon under a canopy alive with monkeys and macaws. In the Galápagos, &nbsp;sea lions, iguanas and giant tortoises share the stage in nature’s greatest showcase. From highlands to islands, this is Ecuador in all its wild, wondrous glory.

Explore the land that stirred Darwin and turned science on its ear

Experience Designer 

From Quito's cloud forest to Galápagos wildlife on a tailor-made Ecuador journey. Private island access, expert naturalist guides and landscapes most trips