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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Rob Lawley, Galapagos Cruise, April 2024 The Galapagos Island Cruise on the Aida Maria was one of the best holidays I've ever had. Right from the start Andean Trails answered every question quickly, efficiently and gave useful information. The yacht itself was fabulous, perfect size, spotlessly clean and looked great. The staff were very friendly, helpful and prepared really good food. Alex, our guide for the week, was superb. Knew everything about the Islands and shared his knowledge in an interesting, engaging, friendly way. The itinerary was excellent, so many interesting places and the animals/fish we saw was just amazing. There were so many highlights but mine was probably snorkeling with Hammerhead Sharks, also the 50/60 strong pod of dolphins we saw who were swimming with the yacht for ages and also the nightly visits from sharks, sea lions, pelicans and a variety of fish at the back of the yacht whilst i was watching, enjoying a glass of red. Just incredible to see. The whole trip was brilliantly organised and its something I'll never forget. I hope to return at some stage to these amazing islands and would definitely recommend Andean Trails and the Aida Maria
Rob Lawley, Galapagos Cruise, April 2024
Kate S., Ecuador and Galapagos, April 2024 I had a fantastic adventure! So many things to thank you for! The highlight was the trip to Galapagos. The combination of the Bonita, the activities (snorkelling and kayaking in particular), the wildlife, the weather, the companions and the crew made it easily the highlight of the trip. I was sorry to leave and could have stayed another week. The low point was when I suffered from vertigo on day 2 of the Highlands walk. We came across a narrow ledge with a steep drop. Pablo, our guide guided me across the ledge confidently. I also found the final ascent to the Ruminahui volcano too steep to attempt. Accommodation was very good. All the staff at every accommodation were excellent, very welcoming, friendly and happy to help us with anything. The food at every accommodation on the trek, on the cruise and at the cloud forest was very good - I loved eating new fruits and fruit juices. The food was always freshly made and of good quality. The only 'satisfactory ' food was at the hotel in Quito! Guides were excellent, a particular shout out for Pablo on our trek. He was very knowledgeable, good company and good fun. Excellent organization, we were looked after every step of the way. It would be helpful to say in your information that some sections of the walk are very steep (the Ruminahui volcano) and there are some narrow ledges which may not be suitable for people with any kind of vertigo. We had a somewhat frustrating day in Quito as two of the churches and a museum we had planned to visit were closed. Perhaps a note in your information to tell travellers to check websites of churches/museums/places of interest before they set out might be useful. A fantastic adventure! The trip was so well organised and you have been incredibly helpful in sorting out our itinerary. So many experiences and memories, thank you!
