Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca site, located 2,430m above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley. It is the most famous of all Inca sites but it was not until 1911 that it was brought to the world’s attention by the American historian Hiram Bingham. The Incas abandoned the city just prior to Spanish colonisation meaning that the Spanish conquerors never had a chance to pillage the city. As a result the ruins are still in fantastic condition and given the location of the city – on a dramatic ridgeline　surrounded by sheer cliffs and the Urubamba River on three sides – it truly is a remarkable place to visit. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and in 2007 it was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

With highlights such as the Valdez Peninsular, Moreno Glacier, Tierra Del Fuego, Torres Del Paine, El Chaten and the stunning Fjords of Chile, Patagonia is the perfect place to get up close and personal with nature. Landscapes change from semi arid plateaus to snow capped mountains ranges, stunning lakes, forests and volcanoes. An outdoor enthusiast’s Mecca, many people flock here to give their hiking boots a good work out. There is also horse riding, mountain biking, white-water rafting and skiing. However, you don’t have to have an adrenalin addiction to enjoy this stunning part of the world. Patagonia can also be enjoyed at a slower pace while staying in world class accommodation. Staring at the views, cruising the fjords, or visiting one of the many wineries are just some of the equally exciting but less exertive activities to be enjoyed here.

A trip to South America would not be complete without including this phenomenal archipelago of islands to your itinerary. Many tourists visit Ecuador especially for the Galapagos. These volcanic islands, located 966 kilometers west of Ecuador’s Pacific coast, have never been connected to the South American continent. The flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands have developed in complete isolation, a fact that in many ways allowed Charles Darwin's to form his theory of evolution. Many of the Galapagos’s unique animals exist in no other place on Earth. The Galapagos truly are a wonder that should not be missed. Galapagos animals do not fear the proximity of man. Therefore you will be able to get right up close to these remarkable creatures – an experience not to be missed. It’s like stepping back in time… a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, snorkelers, divers, geologists and historians. If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to go here, you’ll remember the experience for the rest of your life. Daily flights are offered from both Quito and Guayaquil to Baltra, from where you will be transferred to your boat. The six most known islands are: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana. Santiago and Fernandina are completely uninhabited. In addition there are further 12 smaller islands including Baltra and the uninhabited islands of Santa Fe, Pinzon, Espanola, Rabida, Daphne, Seymour, Genovesa, Marchena, Pinta, Darwin and Wolf as well as numerous other smaller islets spread throughout the archipelago. There are many different types of boat cruises on offer for touring the islands, from luxurious ships and catamarans to smaller yachts and motor-sailers. Itineraries range from 4 days to 15 days. Selecting the right cruise to suit your personal tastes will be crucial in affecting your overall experience. It’s important to take a good look at the description of the boat and each day of the itinerary to ensure that all your expectations are fulfilled. Most cruises operate on a 15 day / 14 night schedule, because National park regulations only allow operators to cruise for that period of time. These 15 days are then broken into shorter tour segments, which is why there are so many different options available. During that 15-day timeframe, a boat may not visit the same site twice, with the exception of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Regardless of the cruise you choose, all boats operate in a similar manner. The longest inter-island journeys are scheduled for during the nights. When you wake up the boat will already be anchored off the island you’ll be visiting that morning, maximising your exploration time. Every island visited will include a walk or hike (easy to intermediate), lasting from 1 to 3 hours. Your naturalist guide will lead you along clearly marked trails and give you fascinating information about each of the islands with its specific flora and fauna. Inflatable boats will allow you to visit many less-accessible places of interest such as estuaries, caves and coves and there will also be opportunities for snorkelling and diving - for those with a Diver’s Licence. If you are a diver, you will probably want to include one or more of the following sites on your itinerary: Darwin and Wolf Islands, Gordon Rocks (off Santa Cruz Island), Devil’s Crown (off Floreana Island), Cousin’s Rock (off Santiago Island) and Kicker Rock (off San Cristobal Island). When to Visit Galapagos Islands Galapagos climate is subtropical and dry, with comfortable temperatures year-round. The most recommended time to visit is between the months of January and June (the high season). It is generally warmer and sunnier during this time with higher ocean temperatures (of up to 23 degrees Celsius). The low season from July to November brings more clouds and mist, leading to possible light rains. From June, ocean temperatures can dip to as low as 15 degrees Celsius. For more detailed information on temperatures and wildlife observation month to month, as well as other more detailed touristic information, refer to our Chimu Galapagos Fact Sheet.

For those who wish to see some South American wildlife and get close to nature, a trip to Brazil would not be complete without a stay in the Pantanal. 　As the largest tropical wetland area in the world, the Pantanal is sprawled over an area of nearly 200,000 square kilometres, and extends into neighbouring Paraguay and Bolivia. 　During the wet season, around 80% of the floodplains become submerged, attracting a biologically diverse range of plant and animal species. The Pantanal is actually considered to be the world’s densest flora and fauna ecosystem. 　The delta’s wide open wetland spaces make animal spotting a lot easier than in the neighbouring Amazon, offering great photographic opportunities. 　Additionally, the Pantanal is thought to be home to up to 1000 bird species, creating a paradise for bird watchers. When to Visit the Pantanal The Pantanal can be visited year-round, however seasonal variations are extreme. 　The wet season generally runs from November until March, with monsoonal rainfall causing extensive flooding. This can cause some roads to be impassable, however most Pantanal lodges stay option year-round despite this. These lodges provide suitable transfer vehicles that can deal with the terrain. February is the height of the rainy season.　The best time for spotting wildlife is during the dry season (Apr-Oct), with bird watching at its best between July and September, and chances of spotting a jaguar highest in September-October.