Journey into Argentina’s gaucho heritage with a group riding adventure in Patagonia. Stay at Rio Quillen for horseback adventures, fishing, and exploring vast Andean terrains. Gaucho-led rides unveil volcanic lagoons, imposing peaks, and dense forests. The mainstay, Casa Quillen, overlooks the serene Quillen Valley. Experience off-the-grid living in safari-style tents and days culminating in Argentine feasts around the firepit.

Set sail down Brazil’s wildest waterways aboard a traditional riverboat. Navigate serene stretches of the Tabajós tributary, one of the largest clearwater rivers in the world, that runs through the Amazon Rainforest. Early morning motorboat excursions trace the Ururea forest for observations of fauna, flora, and local communities. As the boat sails the broad, 12-mile-wide Tapajós waters, a new realm of the Amazon unveils itself with pristine white sand beaches (visible from August to January). A local guide offers insights, and comfortable cabin suites provide respite along the way.

Set out for the open road along Chile’s Carretera Austral, a 770-mile highway winding through Patagonia’s wilderness. Starting at its northern tip, encounter isolated villages and glaciers, dipping into mountain rivers, picnicking by deepwater lakes, and hiking active volcanoes as you go. After dark, settle down in charming mountain lodges. This iconic route offers an unforgettable adventure, journeying some of South America’s remotest landscapes.

Brazil’s Pantanal stands unmatched in biodiversity. Covering an area as large as Portugal, a tenth of the world’s species can be found here. Embrace the thrill of the hunt as you track the elusive jaguar in its natural habitat. Optimal wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from May to September when animals converge on receding waters. Expert local guides lead on horseback or canoe. Savour breathtaking sunrises, and keep an eye out for the rare hyacinth macaw, among 655 other bird species.

No trip to Cuba is complete without embracing its vibrant dance culture. Jump into authentic salsa lessons, and let the rhythm of rumba move you as you’re guided by professional dancers. At night, apply your newfound moves at the hottest dance spots. Experience Cuba through the fusion of culture and movement..

Hacienda Montezuma, encompassing 1,500 hectares near the Tenorio Volcano in northern Costa Rica, offers a blend of hacienda life and environmental conservation. Guests can get involved in cattle rustling, savour fine chocolate from a nearby cacao farm, raft the Tenorio River, hike local waterfalls, and take refreshing dips in natural pools. Conservation initiatives are also open to visitors, from animal rescues to tracking local wildlife with trap cameras.

Costa Rica’s shores are visited by multiple species of turtle, including the Giant Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley Turtles. These creatures shuffle onto beaches under moonlight to dig their nests and lay eggs. Months later, the same sands stir and tiny hatchlings emerge and race against the odds to reach the ocean. Ostional Wildlife Refuge and Tortuguero National Park are prime locations in Costa Rica to observe various points of this cycle.

Engage in hands-on experiences learning directly from local producers. From harvesting the beans to the final product, you’ll discover the traditional methods that make Costa Rican coffee and chocolate so distinct. Enjoy a journey through flavour and culture, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for these everyday delights and the skills needed to create them from scratch.

In the western imagination, they may be the stuff of scary movies, however in the Amazon, piranhas are a valued food source for many communities. Head out on a small boat with your rod, skewered with chicken, at the ready, and watch as the red-bellied fish latch onto the bait. Just don’t forget to keep fingers and toes well out of the way!

Embark on a four-to-five-day tour of the Peruvian Amazon, combining five-star comforts with adventurous excursions. Hike the Natural Park, engage with indigenous communities, or paddle along tranquil creeks. In the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected flooded forest in the world, take a dip with pink river dolphins or try your hand at piranha fishing. While onboard, glimpse howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and caimans from the deck, while you sip on refreshing pisco sours. 

The Salkantay Trek, less-known than the Inca Trail, offers a journey to Machu Picchu that is lighter on tourists. Spanning approximately 74 km, to be covered over 4-5 days, this route was historically taken by Incan religious leaders who believed the high altitudes brought them nearer to the divine. Unlike the Inca Trail, which is paved with ruins, the Salkantay trek meanders through diverse terrains from glaciers to tropical Andean forests and reaches elevations close to 5,000 m.  

Situated at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galapagos islands are a haven for marine life with sea lions, whale sharks, and manta rays calling these waters home. Hammerhead schools create their own spectacle here. Dive sites like Wolf and Darwin Islands are favourites. As well as the abundant aquatic life, underwater volcanic crevices and caves make these dives all the more exhilarating. 

Santander fractures the Eastern Andes. As you roam its winding roads, dramatic canyons, forests and waterfalls reveal themselves. The region is known for adventure sports, and white-water rafting, paragliding, and caving are all on the cards. Along the way, colonial towns like Barichara and San Gil provide a rich historical backdrop with their cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture. Dive into local flavours at bustling markets.  

White Desert camps offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure in the heart of Antarctica. Venture beyond the usual routes and tailor your experience with leisurely hikes to fat biking, skiing the Explorer’s Loop, abseiling icy faces, and trips to the South Pole. Witness over 10,000 Emperor Penguins at Atka Bay with Whichaway Camp or embark on a 4×4 safari experience from Echo Camp. Sleep in futuristic sky pods and enjoy undisturbed views onto icy landscapes.  

Embark on an Antarctic cruise inspired by Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Endurance expedition. Set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, and journey to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Silver Explorer. Gain insights into Shackleton’s legacy through curated exhibitions, themed on-shore activities, and expert-led lectures. Witness diverse wildlife, explore history-rich terrains, and marvel at the icescapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.  

Swap modern comforts for a night under the Antarctic sky. As the ice stretches out beneath you, fall asleep to a chorus of penguins and seals. Depending on the time of year, nestled inside your tent or bivy sack, bask in 24-hour daylight or witness the ethereal glow of Antarctic twilight.  

 Venture deep into the jungle and throw yourself into the world of the Sapara community, one of the smallest indigenous groups in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Naku Center, an initiative by the Sapara Nation, is a beacon of eco-tourism and conservation, established to showcase the enchantment of the Amazon and share their age-old wisdom with global visitors. Nestled deep in the heart of the rainforest, the Naku Center can be reached by a two-day trek or short flight. 

The Yucatan Peninsula invites adventurers to explore the hidden world of Mayan history. This region is speckled with ‘cenotes’, naturally occurring freshwater sinkholes revered by the Mayans. Snorkel the stalactites and stalagmites of the Gran Cenote, or dive into Angelita, with its layer of hydrogen sulphide, creating a dreamlike cloud at 100 feet. Rio Secreto boasts a subterranean river, while Coba offers both ancient ruins and secluded cenotes deep in the jungle.  

Between November and March, Mexico plays host to one of nature’s great ballets—the migration of millions of Monarch butterflies. These delicate creatures blanket the forests of Michoacán and the State of Mexico in a riot of orange and black. Witness the spectacle with a visit to one of Mexico’s monarch butterfly sanctuaries. 

In November, Oaxaca becomes the heart of one of Mexico’s most renowned celebrations. Streets adorned with marigold petals, sugar skulls, and vibrant altars honour the departed on the Day of the Dead. As traditional music fills the air, locals and visitors alike don costumes, partake in candlelit processions and enjoy local delicacies.  

Under starlit skies, sleep amid the mystical ruins of Tikal. This experience in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle connects campers with Mayan history. Sleep to the growl of howler monkeys and the rustlings of the rainforest canopy. Awake to the sunrise over towering temple ruins.  

Participate in an art project in the village of Palopó on the northeastern shores of Lake Atitlán in the Guatemalan highlands. Join local artists in painting community-centred murals, embracing the opportunity to engage with locals, understand their stories, and contribute to the cultural expression of this charming lakeside town.

Guatemala’s landscape is punctuated by volcanoes, many of which offer exciting hikes. Scale Pacaya, known for its accessible paths and active lava flows, or challenge yourself with a climb up Acatenango, where overnight treks reward with breathtaking views of neighbouring Fuego’s eruptions. These guided treks balance adventure with ecological awareness, showcasing Guatemala’s volcanic wonders at their most raw and monumental. 

Where luxury meets wilderness. Experience the largest salt flats in the world from a Deluxe Airstream camper, and settle in under the stars. Having pitched camp at the foot of the Tanupa Volcano, you will marvel at the Milky Way by night and awake to an unforgettable sunrise. Enjoy concierge service, a private chef, and a personal driver, as well as hot water, AC, and comfortable, modern interiors inside your Airstream. These campers are fully mobile, and the lagoons, islands, and ancient ruins of Bolivia’s Altiplano are all within reach.

The Fighting Cholitas, Bolivia’s fierce female wrestlers, captivate crowds in El Alto with their weekly performances. Sharing the stage with male counterparts as part of a group called ‘Titans of the Ring’, hundreds gather at the Multifunctional Center of El Alto every Sunday to witness this spectacle of strength and cultural pride. Dressed in colourful polleras and wearing, the Cholitas challenge stereotypes in a celebration of indigenous community and Bolivian spirit. 

Explore the San Blas Islands, where the Kuna people reside amid a sprawling archipelago of almost 400 islands. This experience offers a glimpse into the Kuna’s way of life, their strong indigenous culture, and their tropical island home. Visitors can engage with the community, take in their traditions, enjoy the coastal landscapes, and learn all about the artisanal crafts and sustainable lifestyles of the Kuna.  

Experience a Nicaraguan ‘hípica,’ the horse parade that animates the streets of cities like Acoyapa, Juigalpa, Granada, and Estelí. Cowboys, bull riders, and brass bands are loaded onto trucks and paraded through throngs of spectators. Riders showcase their skills in colourful dress as dancers in painted masks perform for the crowds. Hípicas are a legacy of mediaeval Spanish equestrian traditions brought over in the 1500s and are now an important part of Nicaraguan culture.