South America is vast and hugely diverse, both geographically and culturally. The fourth largest continent on the planet, it encompasses 12 independent countries, 3 major territories and a clutch of  world achievements; the highest waterfall, the largest river by volume, the longest mountain range, the largest rainforest, the highest capital city, the driest place on earth, the highest commercially navigable lake and the southernmost inhabited community.

Each South American country is fascinating in its own right and has an amazing amount to offer the adventurous traveller or those looking for something a little different.

Brazil is a country of massive contrast. Vast wealth and enormous poverty, vibrant cities and dense jungles, beautiful beaches and exciting festivals. Rio is an incomparable city in terms of its setting. Huge mountains leading down to some of the most famous beaches in the world, Ipanema and Copacabana among them, with the beautiful statue of Christ the Redeemer always in view on the mountaintop. A trip to the Amazon is a must for those bird and wildlife lovers and the chance to interact with some of the local communities, or perhaps to stand in awe at Iguassu Falls on the border with Argentina.

Peru is the treasure trove of Inca culture, highlighted of course by Machu Picchu high in the Andes, discovered by Hiram Bingham 100 years ago this year, but there are other sites well worth seeing such as the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Pisac market, still laid out as it was in Inca times . For the more active, why not actually walk in the steps of the ancients on the Inca Trail which ends at Machu Picchu. Cuzco is the gateway for trips to Machu Picchu and is a beautiful city built on the foundations of an Incan city, with its huge central square, cathedral and some very good museums. Perhaps combine this with a visit to the Colca Canyon (deeper than the Grand Canyon), the mysterious Nazca Lines or a stay in the cloud forest.

Argentina is a huge country of desert and rainforest, open pampas, mountains and glaciers leading to Patagonia down at the tip of the continent. Visit Buenos Aires the home of the tango, the vineyards around Mendoza or perhaps an estancia to see the gauchos working.

Ecuador is the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, but also offers the Equatorial Museum with the chance to have your feet in the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time as well as a museum showcasing Ecuadorian history. Quito is a large vibrant city, just south of which is the Avenue of the Volcanoes; you may glimpse Cotopaxi or Chimborazo or one of the other 37 volcanoes in this 325 kilometre area, through the clouds. Cuenca is a beautiful old city, home of the Panama hat and the country has numerous markets and villages producing lovely handicrafts.

The Galapagos Islands really are the wildlife lover’s paradise with the unique chance to get close to many types of birds, sea lions and iguanas. Just as spectacular beneath the sea, take a cruise around several of the islands and enjoy the different indigenous species on each, and have a go at snorkelling or diving from the ship.

Chile is a long thin country stretching down the coast for over 4000 kilometres. Holidays here offer a fantastic range of scenery from mountains to deserts and the chance to visit Easter Island, the Atacama Desert, the driest place on earth and Torres del Paine for spectacular mountain and glacier scenery in the south.

There is so much more, too much to mention! Some of the lesser visited countries have wonderful rich sights to see; Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, Angel Falls in Venezuela, the unspoilt forests of Guyana and the beautiful national parks of Colombia. A trip to South America certainly won’t disappoint!