The distances within and between many of the countries can be massive – Argentina alone is 10 times the size of Great Britain. Travellers need to be realistic about what they can achieve in the time they have and travel between certain destinations can be difficult.
However, other destinations combine very well, with some well-trodden routes offering a good taste of what the continent has to offer.
Tour Central America
One of the big selling points of Central America is the ability to include ancient cultures and historic Mayan sites. This provides a good educational focus for families alongside local wildlife, colourful culture and the scenery of rainforests, ruins and reefs. Combining Guatemala and Belize allows you to take in Guatemala’s ancient pyramids at Tikal, the colonial city of Antigua and the hidden Mayan ruins of Caracol and Xunantunich in Belize. For wildlife there’s snorkelling with marine life in the Caribbean Sea. If you have more time, add Mexico to the itinerary. Including this destination means travellers can explore more ancient ruins, visit vibrant markets and take part in activities such as diving among coral reefs, climbing active volcanoes and simply relaxing on the stunning Caribbean beaches.
Multi-Centre Options within BrazilBrazil’s best-known beaches might be Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, but for the most secluded and beautiful beaches people need to travel further north to Bahia and the Coconut Coast. Fly into Salvador, capital of Bahia state, and head to Costa do Sauipe, Praia do Forte, or Ilha de Tinhare, which boasts one of the prettiest shores in Brazil.
Multi-Centre in Mexico
Mexico is probably most famous for its beach resorts around Cancun and the nearby Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula. But there’s far more to discover around the rest of Mexico, great scenery and fascinating cities to explore. One popular activity is the spectacular train journey through the Copper Canyon – which rivals the Grand Canyon for jaw-dropping scenery. Urban experiences include the bustling capital of Mexico City where sights include the Anthropological Museum and the nearby ruins of Teotihuacan.
Combine Peru and the Galapagos
For a holiday of great contrasts, you could combine an adventure in the high Andean mountains with the nature lovers’ haven of Ecuador’s Galapagos islands, which lie off the west coast of South America.
You can hike along the Inca Trail to the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru as well as taking in other attractions such as colourful markets, the spectacular scenery of the Amazon Sacred Valley and relaxing at Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
The Galapagos archipelago of volcanic islands offers a huge array of wildlife such as iguanas, sea lions, penguins, albatrosses and most famously, giant tortoises. The islands are a dream destination for anybody who loves wildlife.
The Mayan Trail
The Mayans are probably the most fascinating of Latin America’s ancient cultures, not only for their love of astronomy and bloodthirsty rituals, but also for the abrupt ending of their advanced civilisation.
The easiest way to experience their ruined cities is from Cancun or the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, or day trips or longer to Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Tulum.
But the Mayan civilisation spread throughout Central America, and some of the most impressive sites can be found in the countries neighbouring Mexico. Guatemala has a remarkable site at Tikal, deep in the rainforest, and the country has developed quality accommodation to rival that in Mexico. Honduras has the ancient city of Copan.
Amazon Cruising
The Amazon is the world’s longest river at more than 4000 miles, and some large cruise ships make it as far as the Brazilian city of Manaus, 1200 miles inland from the coast.
The journey is possible on public riverboats, sleeping in a hammock on deck, but most tourists take shorter cruises out of Manaus for up to five nights, such as those offered by Amazon Clipper Cruises.
The trouble with most Amazon cruises is that standards are basic, though most tourist boats have private facilities and air-conditioning. But this year, a luxury cruise experience became available for the first time, with the launch of the Aqua. It sails from the Peruvian city of Iquitos, which has regular flights from Lima – the flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Machu Picchu
The “Lost City of the Incas”, high up in the Peruvian Andes, is a mystical place for many travellers, but also one of South America’s most visited tourist sites.
Some visitors follow in the Incas’ footsteps – literally – by taking one of the ancient routes through the mountains known as the Inca Trail. Tourists with less time and energy take the train from the city of Cusco, as there is no road access to Machu Picchu.
The main Inca Trail has become over-crowded, with limits on numbers in high season. Travellers will need a permit (issued by UK operators) and will need to book far in advance, with the dry season (April to October) having better availability.
Patagonia
At the extreme southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a wild and beautiful region covering parts of Chile and Argentina. A trip here is truly a journey to the end of the earth: all that lies beyond is Antarctica – which travellers can visit on a cruise.
Activities available in Patagonia vary according to time and ability, but usually include the Torres del Paine national park for viewing or trekking to glaciers and lakes. Another great experience is to cruise the Beagle Channel out of Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world, seeing many species of birds.
Lost Land of the Jaguar
The highly successful BBC TV programme Lost Land of the Jaguar shown in August put the spotlight on the little visited country of Guyana and its wonderful array of rainforest-dwelling wildlife. This small country in the tropical north of South America – the only country in the continent where English is the main language – is now attracting much more interest as a result.
Any journey into the interior could be described as epic, but of particular interest is the world’s tallest “single drop” waterfall – the Kaieteur Falls. A five-day overland trek is available with camping in the forest, and as you enter the gorge, mountains rise 2000ft on either side of the Potaro River. The falls are five times higher than Niagara and to reach them involves a steep climb.
Have you travelled Latin America? Tell us about your experience. Post your comments below.
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