Americas Tours and Holidays

This journey through Ecuador showcases its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and warm local culture. What makes it especially compelling is the opportunity to experience the country as locals do, staying in locally run accommodations rather than traditional cruises, particularly in the Galapagos, offers a more authentic and often overlooked perspective. The Galapagos feels incredibly safe and close‑knit, with a strong sense of community that stands out alongside the extraordinary wildlife.

Holly Parkinson Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

Colombia is the second most bio-diverse country in the world behind Brazil. The landscape is truly breath-taking. Hilly / mountainous and very green and lush. A bit like New Zealand only with lots more trees, really beautiful. We felt safe the entire time, it’s reputation for being a “dodgy place” is no longer justified, the days of drugs and violence are in the past.

NIGEL RITSON Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Caribbean

This was a full-on tour covering a huge part of Brazil, and although you by no means see the whole country this trip is a great taster and feels like you’re getting deeply into different diverse regions and not just skimming the surface. The busy beaches and spectacular sites of Rio are as promised but a real surprise was the huge inner city rainforest park at Tijuca, just beautiful and a real oasis within the madness. South onto Paraty: a unique combination of preserved 17th-century Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and natural surroundings. It is a UNESCO-listed site known for its charming cobblestone pedestrian streets, lively nightlife, boat trips to local islands, and exquisite local dining.

There followed an early rise and drive to Sao Paolo to fly to Iguacu. Of couse the Falls didn’t disappoint and for me fulfilled a long ambition to visit. We were told it was relatively quiet but still felt very crowded. But in the heat and spray there was no rush, and watching all the selfie-takers provides its own entertainment!

Another flight to Manaus led us into the hot, humid rainforest Amazon region by boat, and a small lodge run by local people. They looked after and fed us well, and it provided a base for several boat trips and forest walks at day and night. It feels remote and peaceful and allows plenty of time for spotting wildlife in beautiful natural surroundings.

Peter Gillett Discover Brazil