Central and South America From the Amazon and soaring Andes to tropical forests, ancient cultures, vibrant cities and Caribbean coastlines, discover a region rich in adventure, wildlife and unforgettable experiences.

Belize combines Mayan rainforest ruins with the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Explore atmospheric caves like ATM before heading to the cayes for diving and snorkeling.

Antigua’s cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture are stunning, but visiting during Semana Santa (Holy Week) to see intricate sawdust carpets lining the streets is truly unforgettable.

Panama is far more than its canal. Head to the San Blas Islands for pristine indigenous Caribbean culture, or the cloud forests of Boquete for hiking and birdwatching.

Colombia’s transformation is incredible, and its food and coffee culture reflects that. Visit a working coffee finca in the Coffee Triangle to learn the art of bean-to-cup brewing.

In the Galápagos, choosing between a cruise or island-hopping depends on your priorities. Cruises reach remote uninhabited islands, while land-based stays offer more flexibility and contact with local communities.

Visiting the Salar de Uyuni during the rainy season (December to April) creates a giant mirror reflection across the salt flats, while the dry season allows you to drive across the crisp white surface.

Give yourself time to acclimatise to the altitude in Cusco and the Sacred Valley before tackling the Inca Trail or exploring Machu Picchu. Drinking coca tea and staying hydrated helps immensely.

Uruguay is Latin America’s best-kept secret for coastal relaxation. Combine the beach towns of Jose Ignacio and Punta del Este with a stay at a traditional estancia in the rolling countryside.

For wildlife, the Pantanal offers far higher chances of jaguar sightings than the Amazon. Its open wetlands make animals far easier to spot on boat safaris along the rivers.

Chile’s geography stretches from the driest desert in the world to frozen glaciers. Contrast the lunar landscapes and dark skies of Atacama with the dramatic peaks of Torres del Paine in Patagonia.

Argentina’s distances are vast, so plan domestic flights carefully or focus on two key regions, such as Buenos Aires and Patagonia, or Mendoza and the northwest around Salta.

Explore the volcanic landscapes around Granada and Leon. Sandboarding down Cerro Negro or taking a boat through the Isletas of Lake Nicaragua offer adventures you won’t find elsewhere in Central America.

Costa Rica’s microclimates mean weather can vary hugely across short distances. Pack for rain forest humidity, cool mountain cloud forests and sunny beaches on the same trip.

Don’t leave without trying lechosa. The word means ‘milky’, but in the Dominican Republic it refers to papaya. Sweet, juicy and found everywhere from roadside stalls to hotel breakfasts, it is one of those small local quirks that is useful to know.

For Día de los Muertos with fewer crowds, look beyond Oaxaca. San Miguel de Allende’s La Calaca Festival fills the cobbled streets with parades, altars and artisan workshops, while Atlixco near Puebla brings towering catrinas and marigold fields beneath the backdrop of Popocatépetl.