Southern Paraguay is dotted with the ruins of Jesuit reductions from the 17th Century, offering a fascinating glimpse to that period of history.
The ruins at Santisima Trinidad del Parana are some of the best preserved of the region, built around a Plaza Mayor.
The ruins at San Cosme and Damian are also of interest as in the early 1770 they started astronomical studies.
The observatory can be visited to this day, making this trip well worth the travel.
The Pantanal is a vast tropical wetland in the West of Brazil and the best place for those wanting to see wildlife.
Here there are over 1,000 bird species, 400 fish species, 300 mammal species as well as 480 reptile species – and the jaguar is the king.
The main gateway airports are Campo Grande and Cuiaba.
There are many lodges offering a great wildlife experience in an area that is over 20 times larger than the Florida Everglades.
The Valdez Peninsula on the northern coast of Argentine Patagonia is a paradise for nature lovers.
The Southern Right whale can be spotted from June to December, killer whales from September to April and Magellanic Penguins from September to March.
Sea lions, dolphins, seals as well as guanacos, rheas and armadillos can be found all year round.
There are lots of shells, fossils and natural history on full display in the rocky cliffs.
The gateway airport is at Trelew and the ideal base for exploration is Puerto Madryn.
Puerto Natales has the feel of a small frontier town.
Located on the banks of the Last Hope Sound this town had its origins in the shipping out of lamb from the local estancias.
Now it is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park and boasts an impressive selection of accommodation and restaurants.
Nearby attractions include the Milodon Cave and a full day sailing tour to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.
If you have time it’s worth trekking to the top of the nearby Dorotea hill for a spectacular view of the surrounding country side.
Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant, beautiful, lush and fascinating city, with something everyone.
Just enjoy the picture postcard beaches, take the cable car up the iconic Sugar Loaf Hill or the train up Corcovado mountain to the stature of Christ.
The city has rainforest in the Tijuca forest and an incredible botanic garden. There is enough scenery to keep you going for days!
Food is available in every form and guise from street stalls selling coconuts and fresh pineapple juice, to Brazilian meat rodizio restaurants to fine dining.
If not why not have a snack and a beer in one of the many beach side terraces and watch the girl, or boy, from Ipanema or Copacabana go by.
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Jamil Malik, UK. Tailormade Ecuador and Galapagos, June 2026 Overall it was an amazing trip, Galapagos blew our minds with all the nature, very special place, loads of memories to take with us. Highlights: Cuicocha lake first crater walk at altitude (tiring but we all did it) followed by visit to Cotopaxi volcano. The main highlight, arriving in Galapagos, scene out of Jurassic Park. Quilotoa crater lake – amazing to look at. Galapagos – snorkelling, biking, boat trips all excellent. Miguel (Quito part) (guide) was excellent, and Paquito his driver was quiet and polite. Miguel’s knowledge was unbelievable and he adjusted our days as required and accommodated stops etc. Thinking about the next one already!
Jamil Malik » Galapagos Land Tour: Santa Cruz & Isabela
Morris family, USA. Land-based Galapagos, June 2026 Thank you so much for putting together our Galapagos trip. It was FANTASTIC. My husband and I were chatting and we honestly don’t think we would skip any of the activities and tours we did if we could do it all again. The guides were fantastic, the food was great, the pace was great, and the hotels were great! I shall be recommending you all to anyone who asks. If we ever decide to actually go to Patagonia, I will be in touch! Thanks again.
M. Morris » Galapagos Island Hopping: San Cristóbal, Isabela and Santa Cruz
