map of south america

Latin America, the vast lands that range from Mexico in the north to Terra del Fuego in the south, has it all: stunning scenery, towering mountains, lush jungles, pristine beaches, bustling cities, quaint villages, isolated islands, amazing wildlife, remnants of ancient civilizations, mouthwatering food, and most of all, warm friendly people.

The highlights of the region are far too long to list, and chances are that you will only be able to include a couple in any one trip, but that being said, here are some of our favorites….. in South America you can visit the Galapagos Islands and the Andean highlands in Ecuador, or explore Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Peru, also easily combined with a visit to high altitude Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia.

chinchero man

Further south lies the remarkable region of Patagonia, accessible from either Chile or Argentina, both countries of which also offer a host of other interesting regions to explore, from the lakes, waterfalls and volcanoes of the Lake District in Chile to Argentina's wine vineyards at Mendoza and dramatic capital of Buenos Aires. Other South American highlights include the wild, dramatic waterfalls at Iguassu (on the border of Brazil and Argentina), the stunning landscapes of the Atacama desert (northern Chile), the fascinating colonial history of Salta (northwestern Argentina), or sensational skiing in the Andes either from Santiago in Chile, or from Bariloche in southern Argentina.

arenal volcano

For those looking for beautiful rainforests rather than snow-capped peaks, the rich Amazon Basin offers a host of natural history opportunities that can easily be accessed from Peru, Ecuador or Brazil, which can easily be included within many South American itineraries.

A highlight of travel in Central America is Costa Rica, home to a wonderful array of travel experiences with attractions that include volcanoes, rainforests and beaches, and some of the world's best white water rafting, all accessible from a world leading infrastructure of national parks and high quality lodges and hotels. Those interested in exploring Central America's rich Mayan history will want to look to Guatemala, home to the ancient and beautifully site of Tikal, while those looking for exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities will want to consider Belize, site to the world's second longest barrier reef.

Finally, while geographically closer to North America but still a world away in terms of development, is the remarkable island of Cuba, where one can discover beautiful beaches and a fascinating contemporary history that reveals itself as one strolls the bustling and music-filled streets of Havana, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba, all easily accessible by air from either Mexico or Canada.

Clearly there is a world of choice in travelling to Latin America, and please let us know your interests and preferences and we would be happy to discuss the options with you.