You will travel through hill stations, tropical backwaters and temple-laden towns while staying in some of the region’s very best hotels.
Early Portuguese sailors named Taiwan Ilha Formosa, meaning ‘beautiful island’, due to the breathtaking scenery, which still impresses modern visitors today.
This tour visits the incredible Panama Canal as well as a selection of Costa Rica’s most renowned national parks, from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific coast.
For centuries, Italy's scenic Amalfi coast has drawn visitors for its historical sites, coastal vistas and small villages.
Explore the vivid colours, architecture and landscapes of little-known Gujarat.
This epic journey travels across seven countries to explore South America's greatest cultural, historic and natural wonders, including a cruise of the Galápagos islands.
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If you know when you are free to travel but not sure where to go, then look no further...
Our experienced travel consultants have shared their favourite destinations for an autumn holiday...
Our South America specialists have lived, worked and travelled extensively in the region.
The team can tell you where you’re most likely to encounter wildlife in the Amazon, and figure out the best destination in South America for you. They can guide you to the best luxury hotels, road trips and countries – all to suit your needs.
I am originally from Lima, Peru. Being from South America and beginning my travel career in Peru gives me that extra edge of knowledge. My passion for travel started when I was seven years old on my first family holiday to Huaraz in the highlands of Peru. The impressive mountain range, glacial lakes and pre-Inca archaeological sites made me realise that there is so much to learn, and the best way to do it is by traveling to all these amazing places. From that first trip travelling never stopped for me; I have travelled extensively around Peru and been to so many amazing places in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Bolivia.
Revisit Machu Picchu and walk to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain. I always recommend revisiting Machu Picchu for a second time in the morning on the first time slot to avoid the crowds and get the perfect picture opportunity. Walking to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain requires an additional ticket to be purchased in advance together with the second entrance to Machu Picchu. The walk takes three hours to the top, but it is worth it. The bird’s-eye view from the top is truly amazing, showing Machu Picchu and surrounding mountains, and – if you are lucky – you may also spot a Paddington bear in the distance.
Trekking the Colca Canyon and waking up in the middle of the night for stargazing. Walking down the canyon at dusk took us almost three hours but it felt like nothing as we enjoyed the dramatic mountain scenery and spotted the condors flying over our heads. Walking back up was very challenging but incredibly rewarding as we reached the top for dusk. Stargazing in the Colca Canyon was an amazing experience, with no noise and no light pollution – allowing me to see plenty of stars and planets.
Peru is obviously my favourite place to travel as it is my birth country and the place where I spent most of my life. Its culture, ancient archaeological sites, impressive scenery, and welcoming people make Peru the full-package destination. My favourite places in Peru are Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Cuzco welcomes you into the Inca world with its cobblestoned streets and impressive Inca and Spanish architecture that perfectly reflects the history of the country. Outside Cuzco city, the indigenous communities in the valleys and the beautiful women with their colourful attires make you realise traditions are still being passed down the generations. In the small towns, ancient Inca canals and fortresses embedded on mountains are still intact, taking you back in time and immersing you in the local culture. The journey to Machu Picchu is truly unforgettable; the train travels through the mountains into the cloud forest. Arriving at Machu Picchu, you realise that you have landed in the heart of the Inca empire.
My favourite hotel is the Arenal Nayara Gardens in Costa Rica. The property’s natural surroundings and lush forest attract a great deal of wildlife such as my personal favourite animal: sloths. If you are lucky, you can spot them hanging off a tree from your balcony while you sip a nice cup of Costa Rican coffee in the morning. The service at this hotel is outstanding; you are welcomed with a glass of wine while waiting to check in and ushered to your room in a golf cart. Villas are spread around the property, and each is surrounded by tropical foliage. On a clear day from the grounds of the property guests can enjoy views of the Arenal Volcano towering majestically in the distance.
I grew up in a small village close to Krakow in southern Poland. I always knew I wanted to explore the world. I left for London over two decades ago and I’ve not stopped travelling since.
I have visited over 70 Countries and six continents. I have managed to trek the incredible Inca Trail, kayaked next to piranhas on the Amazon River, and posed by Christ the Redeemer while soaking up the amazing views of Rio De Janeiro. I have encountered the mountain gorillas of Rwanda, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, sky dived over Swakopmund, trekked the Patagonia glaciers, and zip-lined in Arenal Volcano National Park.
Visit El Calafate in Argentina to experience Patagonia’s extraordinary ice field. I will never forget the sound of a gigantic iceberg crashing into the water and echoing loudly across the Perito Moreno Glacier. It’s a beautiful place, with the blue sky reflecting in the miles-long, never ending ice. My top tip: take the boat to ‘face’ the glacier from the water level for a magical experience.
And, for anyone into hiking, the hidden gem of El Chaltén town is just a bus journey from El Calafate. It’s where I embarked on one of the most spectacular hikes of my life. You are surrounded by crystal-clear, electric-blue lakes, glaciers, valleys, forests, and the stunning peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy.
One of my favourite experiences is seeing the sunrise on the River Ganges in Varanasi. I will never forget the bright colours, the smell of burning wood, and the sound of ringing bells and pilgrims performing spiritual rituals along the ghats. The taste of chai masala at one of the tea houses in Varanasi’s historical centre completed what was a truly magical morning.
The world is a beautiful place with so many incredible locations – it’s impossible to name just one. Japan’s Miyajima Island is undoubtedly among them, however. I loved the traffic-free lanes with Buddhist temples, friendly locals, authentic Japanese shops, and delicious seafood restaurants. The freshest and biggest oysters are served here. There are wild deer all around the island and they pose for the camera making this special place even more surreal. The cable-car ride to the top of the highest peak leads to numerous scenic trails passing ancient shrines. The views from the top are truly spectacular.
The Pacuare River Lodge in Costa Rica is fantastic. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you are very well looked after by the staff.
The resort is a haven for nature lovers. It’s surrounded by dense jungle, and arriving at the property via raft is a must for the adventurous. There is also lots of wildlife within the resort complex – I was even lucky enough to spot a sloth on the tree just next to the villa.
Several activities are included each day: zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, nature walks, and more. Often the same staff guiding you also provide other services – my raft guide was also my waiter – meaning the service is friendly and personal, though always very professional.
Pacuare River Lodge is eco-friendly, and most evenings illumination is provided by candles rather than electricity. The food is prepared using mainly fruits and vegetable from the resort’s organic garden. The property has everything that Costa Rica is famous for: friendly service, beautiful setting, delicious organic food, wildlife, thrilling activities, and a very sustainable approach.