The Patagonian Lake District is a classically beautiful region of snowcapped mountains, lush forest, lakes, waterfalls and crystalline rivers. Ever since the two main national parks were established here in the 1930s this region has been the mountain retreat of choice for the country’s adventure lovers who still flock to the area for unrivalled hiking,…

Patagonia, a mythical landscape of clear blue lakes, dramatic peaks, green forests and millennial glaciers. Los Glaciares National Park has 13 glaciers which end in the lakes Viedma and Argentino. The largest and most spectacular of which is the Perito Moreno glacier, with a height of 200 feet and an edge of 2.5 miles. Seen…

Mendoza is one of the world’s most famous wine producing regions, responsible for over two thirds of Argentina’s total wine production, and renowned internationally for its unique Malbec varietal. The city itself is picturesque but the surrounding countryside is the real highlight with rolling vineyards giving way to towering snow capped Andes mountains on the…

Though there is a very European look to Buenos Aires with its Parisian style avenues, grand squares and elegant cafés it still has a distinctively South American feel, with laid back and friendly locals. This city is a real joy to explore with well preserved historic districts coupled with an excellent nightlife and a relaxed…

The Urubamba Valley, popularly known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is home to some of the country’s most picturesque Andean scenery. Once the heart of the Inca empire it is also scattered with important archaeological sites and is for many the setting off point for a visit to the famous hidden citadel of…

Perhaps the last great wilderness, everyone talks about the Amazon, its importance to our survival and the dangers it faces, but very few people have actually been there to really see and feel this awesome place. With its source high in the Peruvian Andes, the Amazon winds its way east over the northern half of…

The shoreline around Paracas in Southern Peru is some of the most interesting and untouched of the whole South American Pacific coast. The Paracas National Reserve has over 300,000 hectares of protected coastline, dedicated to conserving the rich marine ecosystem as well as the historical patrimony of the pre-incan Paracas civilization. One of the highlights…

Surf swells, sublime ceviche and year-round sun at our favourite under-the-radar Peruvian resort town Stretching along the northern Pacific coast, the sun-drenched resort town of Mancora provides a welcome change in climate and lifestyle for visitors more used to the country’s high-altitude highlights like Machu Pichu. Popular with both backpackers and luxury travellers seeking a…

A spellbinding, mist shrouded wonder of the modern world “It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description,” wrote the late chef Anthony Bourdain of Machu Picchu, “it seems to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about…in the end, you’re just happy you were there — with your eyes…

Laidback Latin vibes meet trendsetting gastronomy and a remarkable historical heritage Like some of the flavours that form the basis of Peruvian cuisine – lime and ají chili peppers – Peru’s buzzing metropolis is anything but bland. Situated between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Lima is a study in contrasts. Its restaurants marry indigenous,…