PERU

YOU’VE HEARD OF: THE INCA TRAIL

Probably the most famous of all Latin America’s trails, the journey to Machu Picchu is nothing short of iconic and it’s easy to see why. It’s also one of the world’s most renowned short treks and just 4 days on the Inca Trail can show you what makes the Andes so special. Expect to see fascinating Inca ruins, along with incredible views of high mountains and lush green valleys, and you’ll even go to the respectable height of 4200m when you cross over the Dead Woman’s Pass. This is all before you even reach Machu Picchu, of course, the astounding Inca citadel that really lives up to its hype. But the best thing about the Inca Trail? It’s nowhere near as crowded as you’d think.

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT: THE SALKANTAY TREK

Did you know there’s more than one way to Machu Picchu? This is one of them. A similar level of difficulty to our Inca Trail trek and just one more day in length, this trail will be that bit quieter and also doesn’t require a trekking permit at this time. You’ll travel below the mountain of Salkantay, a snow-drenched 6270m peak, and journey through some of Peru’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes, passing by Andean communities, coffee plantations and high altitude jungles along the way. A highlight is the high point of the trek: feasting your eyes on the breathtaking views to be had from the top of the Salkantay Pass (4600m). On our adventure, after reaching Machu Picchu you’ll get to finish your time in Peru by exploring the largest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. 

YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD OF: TREKKING TO CHOQUEQUIRAO

The more challenging – but deeply rewarding – way to reach Machu Picchu, hiking via Choquequirao means you’ll get to visit two famous Inca sites in one adventure. The latter ruin is an ancient fortress and differs from Machu Picchu in that it’s only accessible by foot. Parts of the ruins have been claimed by jungle over-growth, and so Choquequirao still offers that Indiana Jones-esque sense of exploration we’re all secretly after when it comes to visiting an archaeological site. You’ll need not only your hat and whip but your sturdiest boots for this one – the trek itself involves 9 days walking, a max altitude of 4500m and a thrilling camp beside the citadel at 3000m.

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT: THE AUSANGATE CIRCUIT

We’ve paired this with Choquequirao because it’s another tough trek, but a little lesser-known – perfect for those looking to feel lost in the wilds. The route follows a circuit around a sacred peak of the Incas, Nevado Ausangate, through a rarely-visited range replete with alpine valleys and pristine lakeside camps. It’s not going to be easy as you cross 5000m passes, but this trip will undoubtedly quench the thirst of anyone looking for the true Andean experience, delving into a region where traditional Quechua Indian herdsmen and some of Peru’s most rare and spectacular wildlife still dwell. A quick visit to the hot springs at Pacchanta offers welcome relief mid-trek, and after you’ve finished, our adventure on this circuit includes the must-see visit to Machu Picchu.

YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD OF: THE CORDILLERA BLANCA

Our final pairing in Peru takes us well and truly off the beaten path. Famed as one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, the Cordillera Blanca is a sensational trek in stupendous scenery through the heart of this aptly named snow-capped range. Follow the Pan-American highway to the mountain town of Huaraz and from there your journey begins. A succession of stunning views of 6000m peaks leads you to a special highlight, a visit to the Alpamayo basecamp. For a taste of the magic this range holds, look no further than journalist Terry Adby’s fantastic account of exploring this incredible natural playground, written for Adventure Travel magazine.

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT: THE CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH

The Cordillera Blanca has a lesser-known neighbour, and that’s the Cordillera Huayhuash. This beautiful trek allows you to access wild landscapes and remote valleys few get to experience. Keen mountaineers will be fascinated to see the Siula Grande, the backdrop for Joe Simpson’s epic story, Touching the Void. With superb campsites beside green glacial lakes and the excellent company of our Quechua crew, this trip offers a rare and true South American experience. 

BOLIVIA

YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD OF: THE SALAR DE UYUNI SALT FLATS

And if not heard of, you’ve probably seen one of the obligatory perspective-bending photos which play with the vast plains the salt flats are made of. What National Geographic refers to as ‘one of the most remarkable vistas on Earth’, the iconic Salar de Uyuni is the cherry on the cake of Bolivia’s unique and bizarre landscapes. Within just two weeks you can see plenty of what’s on offer, from the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca to hiking in the Cordillera Kari Kari; from the salt flats themselves to hiking up to the crater of multi-coloured volcanoes. The latter means that if you just can’t adventure without climbing some mountains Bolivia has got you covered; on our itinerary, there are two optional ascents which offer you the chance to climb Volcan Tunupa (5190m) or even bag a six-thousander: Acotango (6052m).

YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT: THE CORDILLERA REAL

One of the world’s most underrated high-level trekking destinations, the Royal Mountains of Bolivia stretch 120km from the Wara Warani in the north to the Chucura Valley in the south and boasts a number of 6000m+ peaks. You’ll enjoy days of world-class trekking past snowy peaks and gorgeous blue lakes, and even go over a number of 5000m+ passes (the highest altitude you’ll reach on our trek is 5350m). Due to the fact that you start this adventure at a lofty 3500m in the city of La Paz, it features an acclimatisation period around Lake Titicaca before the trek – one of the unexpected highlights of travelling to hike here.

PATAGONIA

YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD OF: THE W TREK

When it comes to Patagonia there are quite a few unmissable experiences: walking in Fitzroy, seeing the Valle Frances, hiking to the base of the Paine Towers and Glacier Grey. The imaginatively named W trek, so called for its shape, combines all of these highlights in one stunning adventure into the heart of the Paine Massif. This might be the quickest way to see some of Patagonia’s highlights and therefore one of the most popular, but it still exceeds expectations when it comes to being immersed in Patagonia’s uniquely wild landscapes of granite towers, cascading waterfalls, magnificent peaks and crystal clear lakes.

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT: THE PAINE CIRCUIT

A tad longer and that bit wilder, this trek is sometimes ignored for the short and sweet W trek. However, if you have a little more time, this adventure is the way to go, taking in a full circuit around the Torres del Paine and all of its superlative scenes. You’ll be in awe of the sheer scale of its mountains, the mighty size of its immense glaciers and the number of different types of astounding flora and fauna. Camping in the heart of the national park is a dream, where evenings are spent relaxing with new friends and (weather allowing) drinking in the star-studded backdrop of Patagonia’s clear night skies.

VOLCANOES

YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD OF: ECUADOR WALKING HIGHLIGHTS

Whilst Latin America is known for its magnificent, magma-filled peaks, Ecuador is famed for its magnificent volcanoes above all – not least because they’re beautiful mountains which seem to be the mould for this fascinating formation. Just take Cotopaxi for example, pictured, a perfect conical shape with a snow-capped smoking peak. This walking highlights adventure showcases the very best of Ecuador; from its high-altitude volcanoes, unique paramo and cloud forest, vibrant culture and jungle lowlands. During the course of our two-week holiday, we explore these highlights with a series of days walks, picturesque transfers and a collection of interesting sightseeing and adventurous experiences along the way.

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT: EL SALVADOR'S EIGHT

Overlooked by many travellers to Central America, El Salvador is one of the smallest countries but by far still one of the most delightful – and if you’re after volcano trekking you won’t be disappointed. Hiking up 8 volcanoes is a challenge, but not too strenuous, with a max altitude of 2730m, and the volcanic landscapes at the top are well worth it; expect moonscape craters and dreamy views at each summit. It’s not just the volcanoes which make us think El Salvador should be on more traveller’s lists; also home to a unique slice of Latin American culture, your visit will be peppered with beautiful experiences such as visiting coffee plantations, exploring colourful colonial towns and enjoying some R&R on the gorgeous coast of El Cuco. Intrigued? Watch our video for a glimpse of what awaits.