Latin journeys

Rare encounters, vibrant cultures and curious histories abound on these hand-picked tours of Latin America

EMBRACE THE DIVERSITY OF COLOMBIA

It's easy to forgot just how diverse Colombia is. From the Caribbean vibes and colonial treasures of Cartagena to the misty forests of the Corcora Valley, to the barrios of urban capital Bogotá, there's so much variety here. Abercrombie & Kent's Classic Colombia tour ticks off one favourite after another, but also spares time for some interesting detours as you stroll the peaceful streets of Guatapé, its old houses marked by intricate bas reliefs, or snorkel the coral-fringed waters of the Rosario Islands. Added to this are visits to giant coffee plantations, delicious street food tours and a trip to a remarkable underground cathedral in a salt mine. Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk). Year-round (best Dec-Apr); 10 nights from £4,450pp, including international flights.

DISCOVER THE TWO SIDES OF ECUADOR

What often gets overlooked in the mad rush to see the endemic wildlife of the Galápagos Islands is just how much there is to enjoy on mainland Ecuador. On Adventure Journeys' Galápagos & Ecuador Wildlife Adventure tour, you'll first visit the famed archipelago, taking every opportunity to see its unique species, whether snorkelling lava tunnels to spy the world's northernmost penguins, swimming with sea turtles or spotting giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Thereafter, the mainland takes over as you scour the trees for kinkajus in the Bellavista cloud forest, visit a project supporting local women in an Andean village, and keep an eye out for the rare spectacled bears that still roam high in the páramos of the Andes. Adventure Journeys (adventurejourneys.com). Year round; 17 days from $9,561pp (£7,562), excluding international flights.

EXPLORE A SOUTH AMERICAN TRIO