Where to go in Latin America

A long, thin, ribbon-like country that spans almost a quarter of the globe in length – a staggering 4,300-kilometres to be exact – Chile is a land of extremes. Backed by the Andes to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West, scorched deserts give way to bucolic, grape-garlanded vineyards; active volcanoes rub shoulders with glossy lakes and pretty forests; and the needle-sharp glaciers of the ice fields stand stark and proud against a Patagonian wilderness. Add to that a collection of artistic cities, fusion dining and excellent wine, a wild and wonderful cowboy culture, and a history of arts and crafts (and an enigmatic, Polynesian island, two time zones away), and it’s a thrilling, mesmerising and unexpected land to explore. And explore you will! White-water raft on a glacial river or strap on your boots for a hike into unknown terrain; canoe, kayak and enjoy the wildlife-filled national parks or experience 'life on Mars' in the driest desert on earth; ponder the merits of a cabernet versus a carménère in the wine valleys or stroll the maze-like city streets, following your nose to the best seafood in town. Whatever it is that excites you, you’ll find it in Chile.

As cliché as it sounds, Argentina truly has something for everyone - and how could it not? The enormous country - the eighth largest in the world, to be exact - encapsulates over 2.78 million square-kilometres where vibrant cities, sky-brushing mountains, endless pampas, glaciers, subtropical rainforests and gleaming lakes can all be discovered. Beyond the mesmerising scenery, there's plenty of activity too: head to Iguazu to marvel at one of Argentina's greatest natural spectacles, don your trekking boots and explore El Chaltén’s infinite trails, perfect your tango moves in Buenos Aires, hit the slopes in dreamy Bariloche or make the journey to the 'End of the World' in wild Tierra del Fuego. And while you’re at it, leave some space for some decadent wining and dining for this is the land of empanadas, asados, dulce de leche and bottomless Malbec. Need we say more, except perhaps, salud?

Brazil. The very name fizzes with energy. This is a country where rainforest and river stretch forever, where jaguars prowl through the Pantanal, and waterfalls thunder dramatically at Iguaçu. It’s also where samba spills into the streets, football is a religion, and beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema are bywords for a unique brand of exoticism – and fun! In Rio, Christ the Redeemer watches over one of the world’s most dazzling cities and in Salvador, Afro-Brazilian rhythms vibrate through the pretty colonial streets. Then there’s the Amazon – a living, breathing ecosystem the size of a continent, and reason enough to come on its own. Brazil really is a land of endless contrasts and constant surprises, and however you try to pin it down, it will always dance out of reach… and probably to the beat of its own drum.

With a long and winding Pacific Ocean coastline flowing onto chiselled deserts, the Andean highlands and exuberant rainforests, Peru serves up a full taste of everything South America has to offer - and then a dollop more. The country’s dramatic geography makes for equally stunning landscapes, and there's a rich diversity in just about everything from the people, the cultures, the history, the gastronomy and the experiences. From meeting the dwellers of the highest freshwater lake in the world to exploring the deepest canyon in the Americas, exploring the remnants of ancient civilisations to sampling the fusion cuisine of downtown Lima, there's a contrast around every corner. Then, there's the adventure. Dusty sand dunes and majestic peaks are just the tip of the iceberg in this giant country - we're talking navigating the world's longest river, the Amazon, and spotting pink dolphins from a kayak or getting lost in the madness of a street festival. And, if you need more convincing, we have two words for you: Machu Picchu.

Glance over Ecuador and your eyes will be treated to a smorgasbord of highlights. From Andean peaks plunging into effervescent cloudforests and hacienda-dotted valleys, to dense jungle and exotic flora and fauna that might look more at home in a fairy tale, there is a dazzling array of sights squeezed into this teeny tiny South American nation. It probably won’t surprise you that the country has more biodiversity per square mile than any other in the world (the world!), and most of it is concentrated in the Galapagos Islands, volcanic specks home to giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and surfing penguins, and the Amazon with its sloths, pink dolphins and chattering monkeys. So far, so biodiverse – but what else is on the cards for a discerning traveller? In photogenic Quito and Cuenca, it’s stunning architecture and a dose of history, whilst the rural highlands bring markets and Afro-Ecuadorian cuisine. Then there are preserved Inca ruins, horseback adventures with local chagras, and hikes through sublime countryside, whilst the south offers R&R by the boat-load, be it in a charming Pacific coastal town or on a cotton-wool beach, faced with some of the best sunsets in the world. We’ll take it all, thanks!

Often hailed as South America's best-kept secret, Colombia offers a smorgasbord of experiences. From the aromatic coffee plantations of the Zona Cafetera to the historic charm of Cartagena's walled city, it captivates at every turn. The Amazon rainforest showcases nature's bounty, while Medellín, once notorious, now shines as a hub of innovation. Beyond its stunning landscapes, Colombia boasts a rich heritage, cultivated by influences from Spain to Africa, and boldly represented in its music, festivals, and vibrant street art. Each region moves to its own rhythm, be it salsa, cumbia, or vallenato, inviting visitors to dance along.

If there was a world ecotourism and sustainability class, we’re pretty sure lovely Costa Rica would be teacher’s pet. 25% of the Central American country’s diverse terrain, from cloud forests and gurgling volcanoes to wild and wonderful beaches, is protected in the form of national parks, and a staggering 99% of the electricity is from renewable sources too. This commitment to the environment has made it an almost permanent feature on bucket lists around the world – but the sensory landscapes, wildlife (all half a million species) and outdoorsy adventures are undoubtedly helpful too. In the central spine of the country, the slopes of the active volcanoes are covered in tropical forest that drip in flora and fauna: look for sloths lounging in the branches, howler monkeys announcing their presence, and quetzals and hummingbirds flittering around orchid-festooned trees. On the Pacific Coast, blonde beaches are made for sun-dazed afternoons, whilst the turquoise waves are a surfer’s dream, and on the Caribbean side, life is breezy and barefoot. Then, there are the world-famous coffee plantations and the fascinating capital, San José, to visit; rivers to white-water raft, trails to hike, and volcanoes to ogle; marine reserves to snorkel and dive alongside barracudas, parrotfish and turtles; tropical forests to zipline across and waterfalls to rappel; and a population of warm-hearted Ticos ready you to welcome you to every corner.