12 six of the best Icons of 3 2 SOUTH AMERICA 5


It’s not easy to sum up a contintent in just a handful of highlights but if you had to, this little selection would probably be it, says Laura Gelder


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Sugar Loaf Mountain, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Cocpacabana Beach and the world’s most famous party - the Rio Carnival – several iconic attractions in one city. Aside from the obvious, visitors of all ages will find something to satisfy in vibrant Rio de Janeiro, from the Samba-fuelled nightlife of the Lapa district, to Parque Nacional and Floresta da Tijuca, the largest urban reserve in the world with over 46 square miles of tropical rainforest, walking trails, waterfalls, creeks and stunning views of the city. SELL IT: Tucan Travel has two five-day Rio Carnival packages (February 5-9, 2016), a standard from £689pp and a more luxury one from £919pp. The tour includes watching the samba schools drum and shimmy their way down the world-famous Sambadrome arena. tucantravel.com


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7,000 feet above sea level, this lost Incan city was only discovered in 1911 but is a must on the Latin America trail and can be reached by a four-day trek on the Inca Trail, or a more luxurious train trip. There’s also the former Inca capital of Cusco, with its ancient walls and Spanish churches and the colonial villages and colourful markets of the Sacred Valley. SELL IT: Explore’s 14-day Spirit of the Incas trip starts and ends in Lima and is priced from £1,892pp, including visits to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and the Nazca lines. explore.co.uk


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MACHU PICCHU


RIO DE JANEIRO


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GALAPAGOS Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the


isolated volcanic islands of Galapagos are famous for their biodiversity and being the subject of Charles Darwin’s studies. Today they remain home to a huge array of endemic birds, reptiles, fish and mammals, most of which exhibit next to no fear of humans. Visitors can walk amongst blue-footed booby birds and snorkel next to seals. Landscapes range from the stark lava fields of Rábida to the white-sand beaches of Española Island. SELL IT: Latin America specialist Sunvil offers prices from £1,515pp for a three-night Galapagos cruise but also offers seven or 11-night cruises. Island accommodation includes the Galápagos Safari Camp located in the highlands of Santa Cruz or Finch Bay Hotel, a five-minute water taxi ride from Puerto Ayora, surrounded by mangroves and just a few metres from a sandy beach. sunvil.co.uk


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TORRES DEL PAINE This spectacular national park in Chilean


Patagonia comprises snow-capped mountains, glaciers and vivid blue lakes and rivers. A world biosphere reserve, it has a huge variety of plant and animal species including the odd-looking guanaco (pictured below). Popular activities include trekking, white water rafting, fishing and climbing. SELL IT: Journey Latin America has two private tours taking in Torres Del Paine, the 14-day Value Patagonia: Journey to the glaciers from £2,206pp, starting in Santiago and


finishing in Buenos Aires, and the 13-day Active Chile: Trek in Torres Del Paine from £3,191 and taking in the vineyards and Lake District. journeylatinamerica.co.uk


river and its basin spans eight countries and covers an area twice the size of India. For many, the Brazilian city of Manaus is often called the gateway to the Amazon and many cruises depart from there. Other options are Ecuador, which offers visitors the chance to spot wildlife from canopy walkways or river boats, and meet indigenous tribes. Or from Peru’s Iquitos, cruises venture into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. SELL IT: G Adventures’ Amazon Riverboat Adventure aboard the Amatista is priced from £1,549pp for nine days and explores the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Guests can expect to dine on food fresh from the jungle, spot pink dolphins on the Amazon River and interact with members of the local community. gadventures.co.uk


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Argentina’s capital combines Spanish architecture like the Plaza de Mayo and the grand Theatre Colon with the latin rhythms of neighbourhoods like La Boca, where a passion for football and tango bonds the people of the multi-coloured streets. Other popular city spots are the old residential neighbourhood of San Telmo, with its museums, antique shops, markets and old churches, or the lively bars and designer shops of Palermo. SELL IT: Argentina’s Highlights - Cities, Glaciers & Waterfalls from Rainbow Tours is a nine-day tour with flights and costs from £2,185pp. As well as the capital, the tour takes in the Perito Moreno Glacier and the majestic Iguazu Falls. rainbowtours.co.uk


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BUENOS AIRES Often referred to as the Paris of Latin America,


THE AMAZON Home to the largest rainforest in the world, the


sellingtravel.co.uk


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