Home to the planets highest concentration of plant and animal life, the Amazon rainforest spans nine countries in a vast green expanse. Ecuador offers a compact yet incredibly diverse slice of the Amazon, featuring serene blackwater lagoons, turbulent chocolate-hued rivers, towering tree canopies, and flooded forests. Eco-lodges with all-inclusive packages provide an ideal way to immerse yourself in the jungle, where spontaneous travel and lodging can be challenging. These retreats offer customi

Ecuadors dramatic altitude and geography profoundly influence its cuisine, with Andean highland recipes differing markedly from coastal fare. While Quito and Guayaquil offer innovative fusions from immigrant chefs, authentic regional specialties shine brightest off the beaten path. Highland Highlights Corn, or maíz, a revered Andean staple for over a millennium, appears in diverse forms. Humitas are steamed, lightly sweetened corn dumplings wrapped in husks, while quimbolitos offer a sweeter, ca

Im no objectum sexual—someone with profound emotional or romantic feelings for inanimate objects, like Erika Eiffel, who held a commitment ceremony with the Eiffel Tower. Yet, like many travelers, I feel a deep attraction to certain places, often personifying them with human qualities to capture their unique allure.This whimsical idea arose when my editor suggested a Valentines Day feature on destinations Id marry. At first, it seemed like too much commitment. But if cities had faces, Id happily

Escape the crowds of Perus Gringo Trail—Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Puno—and immerse yourself in the lush, remote Northern Highlands. This region boasts Inca and pre-Inca ruins amid some of the Andes most stunning landscapes, offering a fresh alternative for adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences. Most journeys start and end in Cajamarca, the City of Lightning. This welcoming colonial town provides access to archaeological sites, superb hiking trails, and a pivotal chapter in history.

Dont let the vast, open landscapes of the Falkland Islands fool you—they hide extraordinary wildlife along their shores. These remote yet visitor-friendly isles offer unforgettable experiences. Adapted from Rory Gouldings expert feature in Lonely Planet Magazine, heres how to explore their hidden gems. 1. Explore Stanleys Highlights

South America has long enchanted travelers with its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From pristine beaches and snow-capped mountains to lush tropical rainforests, the continent offers an unforgettable backdrop for your next adventure. However, South America is vast, making it impossible to explore everything in one trip—unless you have years to spare. If youre new to the region and unsure where to start, this expert guide highlights the top destinations to inspire your iti

South America features dramatic landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and the worlds greatest biodiversity, with the most diverse plant and animal species on Earth. Experience the awe of Incan ruins veiled in misty cloud forests, encounter monkeys and toucans in the Amazon, or trek alongside turquoise alpine lakes and snow-capped Andean peaks. Encompassing 13 countries and rich indigenous cultures, South America delivers unparalleled adventures. Discover our curated guide to the top destinat

While driving in parts of South America can raise safety concerns—such as avoiding Venezuelas roads or remote scenic spots—Chile stands out as an exceptional destination for self-drive adventures. Its 1,494km stretch of the Pan-American Highway (Route 5) from La Serena to Puerto Montt rivals top freeways in North America and Europe. In Sur Chico, spanning the Los Lagos, La Araucanía, and Los Ríos regions, well-maintained roads (with ongoing paving improvements) unlock stunning national parks dot

Experience breathtaking outdoor destinations without sacrificing modern comforts. These five curated trips showcase natural wonders alongside luxurious amenities, perfect for adventurers seeking both excitement and relaxation. (Check out our other dream trips for movie, music, food and art lovers.) Rocky Mountains, Canada Embark on a scenic two-day train journey through the stunning Canadian Rockies, all visible by daylight. Marvel at dazzling canyons, inspiring rivers, verda

Carnivals trace their roots to ancient Roman festivities, evolving through Christian traditions into todays spectacles of sequins, samba, and street parties. Celebrate Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) at these five world-renowned destinations, each offering unforgettable parades, costumes, and cultural immersion. Rio de Janeiro Brazils iconic Carnaval spans five official days from Friday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, but Rio locals (Cariocas) start the festivities months earlier. The highlight is the

Imagine gin-clear, bath-warm waters, gentle breezes swaying coconut palms, and sugar-fine white sands. These idyllic spots embody perfection, offering picture-postcard honeymoon destinations that deliver it all. 1. Atiu, Cook Islands Atiu boasts classic tropical allure: deserted beaches, azure waters, and powdery white sands. It stands out with multi-chambered limestone caves hidden in lush jungle on coral plains. Some caves hold ancient burial sites with human remains, but Atius fierce warrior

Renowned globally for its enigmatic moai stone statues rising like ancient sentinels, Easter Island—or Rapa Nui—holds the title of the worlds most isolated inhabited island. Each year, about 75,000 visitors flock to this Polynesian gem to marvel at these iconic sculptures, yet fewer realize surfings profound historical role on the island.Early Polynesian settlers arrived by sea, relying on ocean resources for survival. Archaeological evidence suggests they crafted rudimentary surfboards for tran

Argentinians enjoy an impressive average of 70 kg of beef per person per year—even more in the past. Much of this takes place at the family asado, a traditional barbecue often held on Sundays in backyards nationwide. If invited, go! Here, grilling beef over coals with just salt has been perfected to an art. Image of parrillada by Diego_3336 Steak houses build on this heritage, offering diverse choices. A parrillada (mixed grill) includes chorizo (beef or pork sausage), pollo (chicken), cost

Medellín, nestled in north-central Colombia, boasts an inspiring transformation. Just two decades after its violent peak, its now one of Latin Americas safest major cities, renowned for its vibrant character, nightlife, and public art. Medellíns public transport system stands out as a highlight. The metro played a key role in curbing violence, earning global acclaim from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy as a top system in 2012. For visitors, it delivers one of the world

Brazil is world-famous for its exuberant carnivals, massive street parties, and cultural festivals that showcase music, dance, and tradition on an epic scale. Prepare to immerse yourself in samba rhythms, colorful parades, and joyful crowds at these top 10 must-visit celebrations. Rio de Janeiro Rios Carnaval is one of the worlds largest festivals, a five-day explosion of color, music, and revelry held 40 days before Easter, from Saturday to Ash Wednesday. Months of pre-festivities build to g

Ecuador offers far more than its iconic volcanoes and rainforests. Its diverse landscapes enable a wide array of adventures, and its compact size allows you to combine multiple experiences in a single trip. Spot birds in misty Andean cloud forests, embark on multi-day treks through lush national parks, summit towering volcanoes, or snorkel with manta rays, turtles, and sea lions in the Galápagos Islands. Enjoy top-tier surfing, mountain biking, and white-water rafting too. Discover even rarer th

Brazils tropical islands captivate with swaying palm trees, powdery white sands, and crystal-clear aquamarine waters, offering a true taste of paradise. Beyond relaxation in hammocks with caipirinhas, these ilhas deliver thrilling adventures like surfing, wildlife spotting, world-class diving amid pristine coral reefs, and hikes through lush rainforests. Fernando de Noronha by sapienssolutions. Creative Commons Attribution Licence Fernando de Noronha Located 350km east of Natal off Brazils n

While Munichs iconic Oktoberfest barrels have been tapped, beer lovers can still celebrate at exceptional festivals worldwide. Raise a glass to these vibrant alternatives. Blumenau Beer Festival, Brazil Imagine oompah bands and steins of beer in South America. Blumenau, Santa Catarinas former German colony, hosts one of the worlds largest beer festivals since 1983, started to aid flood recovery. Enjoy samba, sausages, and lederhosen with a cheer of saúde! Great American Beer Festival, Denver In

While Brazil shines globally for its football and samba, its cuisine remains a cherished secret among locals. From succulent Atlantic and Amazon seafood to tender steaks and irresistible street eats, Brazils flavors fuse West African, indigenous, and European influences into extraordinary variety. Explore our expert guide to the must-try regional dishes on your next trip. Fiery Flavors of the Northeast The Northeast, home to Brazils largest Afro-Brazilian community, draws deeply from African

Traveling with children doesnt mean pausing your adventures. A family trip to Latin America can be profoundly enriching for everyone. With careful planning and simple guidelines, you can ensure a memorable, hassle-free vacation. Where to Go with Kids Chichén Itzá by UniversoAC. Creative Commons Attribution Licence Many parts of Latin America are ideal for families, but avoid areas that are too remote, high-altitude, low-lying, hot, or prone to risks like drug- or gang-related violence. For now