South America

Top five South America Adventures

1. The Rainbow Mountains of Ausangate

"The off-the-beaten track region of the Painted Mountains offers travellers the only lodge-based trek in Peru," says Adam. "The local Andean communities are lodge shareholders, benefiting directly from tourist stays." Peru’s Cordillera Vilcanota is home to the spectacular multi-coloured Rainbow Mountain with its stripes of multi-coloured rocks, and the sacred Ausangate mountain - deeply revered among the Andean communities.

2. The Lost City of Choquequirao 

"The lost city of Choquequirao is one of the largest and best preserved Inca sites after Machu Picchu but much less well known" says Adam. “Characterised by its llama-decorated terraces, this is a chance to visit an incredible Inca fortress without the crowds, surrounded by towering snowcapped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range. The trip ends with tours of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.”

3. Venezuela's Lost World & Angel Falls

Explore Venezuela’s ‘Lost World’, a region of dense jungle and elevated plateaus. Mount Roraima’s maze of blackened rock and babbling streams, and the spectacular Angel Falls - the highest waterfall in the world. “The walk starts at 4.30am, across a river and over black roots, pink stones and orange water pools,” says Adam. “Watch out for a break in the trees, and your first view of the epic Angel Falls crashing down to spray into a perfect rainbow as the early morning light hit the pink and orange cliff face. Cool off from your walk in the falls’ lower pool.” 

 4. Hiking in Chile

Experience the contrasts of Chile whilst 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.

5. Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes

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 seem all the sweeter.