South America

Argentina’s natural appeal is undeniable and astoundingly varied, with rolling mountains giving way to deserts, from the thundering Iguazu Falls to Antarctic Patagonian landscapes. Grasslands feed the cattle that supplies the country’s legendary meat industry, while football, tango and artistic richness steer life in the cities. Argentina is considered by many to be a mix of European and South American cultures, which is nowhere more apparent than in the cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires, both in its aesthetics and its spirit, where porteños sit at outdoor cafes under the shade of tree-lined boulevards sipping on strong coffee and people watching.

Located on the west side of the South American subcontinent is the Republic of Peru. Officially one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, Peru’s natural habitats and climates are so varied that, from the Andes mountains to the tropical Amazon rainforest, the country harbours a truly astonishing abundance of biodiversity. On the Pacific coast, the capital city, Lima, is well-known for its colourful colonial architecture and hospitable inhabitants. Venturing inland, the lost city of Machu Picchu greets curious visitors with its iconic Incan stone structures and captivating charm. Not far from this World Heritage Site is another jewel in the Peruvian crown: the City of Cuzco. As the historic capital of the Incan Empire, Cuzco is a town with Spanish colonial influence that, nevertheless, proudly celebrates its Incan heritage. Back on the coast, the beaches of Peru are guaranteed to give satisfactory repose and relaxation to even the most burnt out of travellers. The Peruvian coast stretches out for miles and miles (more than 2,400 km!) so there is absolutely no shortage of seaside destinations where layer upon layer of golden sand meets the gleaming waters of the Pacific.