South America

Top Four South America trips

1. The Rainbow Mountains of Ausangate, Peru: This off-the-beaten-track region offers travellers the only lodge-based trek in Peru; the local Andean communities are lodge shareholders, meaning they benefit directly from tourist stays. Peru’s Cordillera Vilcanota is home to the spectacular rainbow mountains, with multicoloured stripes of rock, and the sacred mountain of Ausangate – deeply revered among the Andean communities.

2. The Lost City of Choquequirao, Peru: This is a chance to visit an incredible Inca fortress, without the crowds. Characterised by llama-decorated terraces and surrounded by the towering snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, it's one of the largest and best-preserved Inca sites after Machu Picchu, but much less well known. 

3. Trekking Highlights of Chile: Experience the contrasts of Chile while walking on volcanic slopes, over salt lakes and along glacial valley trails. Get away from the crowds in the Atacama Desert by trekking amid the natural springs and cacti of Guatin Valley.

4. The Avenue of the Volcano, Ecuador: For a country about the size of England, Ecuador manages to pack a mighty punch. This eye-opening trip delves into its fiery heart: the glacial peaks of its Andean volcanoes. It’s a challenging week, but if you’ve the stamina, Ecuador's got the views. And when the rewards include reviving hot-spring baths, reaching crater lakes seems all the sweeter.