Top 5 Emerging Luxury Destinations for 2026

Move over Italy. People still love you, but they're just not asking about you as much these days.

Italy will always be a classic, but 2026 is shaping up to be the year travelers look beyond the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany toward new corners of the map—especially in Central and South America. High‑end travelers are asking for experiences that feel more personal, less predictable, and a little bit ahead of the curve, and places like Panama and Peru are suddenly on a lot more shortlists.

Below are five emerging luxury destinations to watch in 2026 if you love Italy‑level food, scenery, and culture—but want somewhere fresher and less crowded.

1. Panama: Latin America’s Next Big Luxury Hub

Panama is quietly stepping into the spotlight with a blend of sleek city stays, wild Pacific beaches, and easy air access from the U.S. Panama City now has a serious luxury hotel scene—think design‑forward properties in the financial district with infinity pools over Panama Bay and polished spa programs—paired with museums, historic Casco Viejo, and a dynamic food scene.

On the Pacific coast, upscale beach and golf resorts offer private villas, quiet stretches of sand, and activities like sailing, kayaking, and biking, all wrapped in increasingly eco‑conscious operations. For travelers who love the mix of Rome plus the Amalfi Coast, Panama’s city‑plus‑coast pairing is an appealing 2026 alternative with fewer crowds and a distinctly Latin flavor.

2. Peru: From Machu Picchu To Gourmet Amazon Riverboats

Peru has never been a secret, but it’s evolving fast as a luxury destination, especially for travelers who’ve already “done” Europe and want something deeper. Demand is rising for itineraries that combine Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley with time in Lima’s acclaimed restaurants and high‑end wellness hotels.

Beyond the icons, 2026 brings more upscale ways to explore Peru’s wild side: redesigned Amazon riverboats, small‑ship expeditions in remote reserves, and new luxury lodges in lesser‑known regions like southern canyonlands. For Italy lovers who care about food, history, and scenery, Peru offers all three—with Andean markets and trail‑side ruins instead of hill towns and Roman forums.

3. Bolivia & The Uyuni Salt Glats: Remote, Design‑Driven Luxury

Bolivia is emerging as one of South America’s most intriguing frontiers for high‑end, low‑impact travel. Near the Salar de Uyuni, new properties described as “hotel museums” are bringing polished design, serious art, and thoughtful sustainability to what used to be a purely backpacker destination.

Staying on or near the salt flats in 2026 means sunrise over an endless white horizon, stargazing with barely any light pollution, and day trips to volcanoes and high‑altitude lagoons—without giving up hot showers, good wine, or refined Andean‑inspired menus. It’s the sort of place repeat Italy travelers—used to great design and memorable meals—are increasingly asking about when they want something truly different.

4. Ecuador & the Galápagos: Ultra‑Luxury At The Ddge Of The World

The Galápagos have long been a dream trip; what’s changing is the level of comfort now available. New ultra‑luxury catamarans and small expedition ships focus on large suites, high staff‑to‑guest ratios, and curated naturalist‑led outings, so guests get both serious wildlife experiences and five‑star service.

On the mainland, boutique hotels in Quito and the Andes pair with these cruises to create fully high‑end itineraries that still feel rooted in local culture. As more travelers ask to trade European city‑hopping for one “big” once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip each year, this Peru‑plus‑Galápagos or Ecuador‑plus‑Galápagos combo is becoming a popular replacement for the classic Italy grand tour.

5. Chilean & Argentine Patagonia: The New Alps For Adventure Lovers

For travelers who love the Dolomites or the Alps but want wilder scenery, Patagonia is quickly moving to the top of the 2026 wish list. High‑end lodge brands are expanding their footprint around El Calafate and Torres del Paine, pairing guided trekking and wildlife outings with spa circuits, wine‑driven tasting menus, and all‑inclusive service.

Multi‑country itineraries that combine glaciers, steppe, and fjords are being packaged much the way luxury operators once built “best of Italy” trips—only now the focus is on remote landscapes, light pollution‑free skies, and fewer people on the trail. For many clients, Patagonia has become the place they ask about after they’ve done the Amalfi Coast, Provence, and the Swiss Alps.

Why Luxury Travelers Are Pivoting Toward South America

Across the industry, 2026 luxury travel reports show a clear shift: high‑end travelers care less about traditional status symbols and more about personalization, emotional connection, and meaningful experiences. Latin American destinations—especially Panama, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, and others—are leaning into that trend with properties and operators that emphasize nature, culture, and wellness over formality.

Market data backs up what many agencies are seeing in their inboxes: Peru’s luxury travel segment alone is projected to grow at well over 8% annually through 2030, driven by adventure, culinary travel, and customized itineraries. Industry roundups highlight Panama, Peru, and Colombia as standout luxury destinations to watch in 2026, thanks to new hotels, upgraded air links, and a growing appetite for “second‑time‑to‑the‑continent” trips.

If Italy has been your go‑to for food, scenery, and romance, 2026 is the year to consider trading Tuscan vineyards for Andean terraces, Amalfi cliffs for Patagonian peaks, or Roman ruins for Inca stonework. South America isn’t just on the map—it’s moving to the top of the luxury conversation.