Latin America Destination A to Z

Argentina
Tango in Buenos Aires, hike the Andes, spot penguins on the Atlantic coast and ride horses in Patagonia and the Argentine pampas – Argentina, on the move

Ascension Island
Suspended in the South Atlantic Ocean, the volcanic island's landscape is dominated by lava flows and cinder cones. From November to May the protected green turtle comes ashore to lay its eggs

Belize
Belize is one of Central America's smallest countries – but for a tiny place, Belize is big on adventure

Bolivia
From mountain to jungle and the wide Altiplano, Bolivia is truly at the heart of South America

Brazil
Steaming jungle, beautiful beaches, the wet wonderland of the Pantanal and booty-shaking beats of Carnaval – Brazil's a big, bold blend of attractions

Chile
Tall, slim and washed by the Pacific, Chile is adventure heaven, with deserts, vineyards, volcanoes, lakes and glaciers: great treks perfected by fine local wine

Colombia
Shrugging off its edgy reputation, Colombia is a tantalising mixture of Andean foothills and Amazon jungle, pre-Columbian sites and Caribbean beaches – get there soon

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is red hot and green all over – an epicentre of wildlife-watching and adrenaline activities

Ecuador
It's South America in a bite-sized package – Ecuador has the wildlife, the mountains, the rainforest and even the Inca heritage, all in easy reach

El Salvador
Volcanoes, surf breaks and coffee plantations: wake up to the appeal of El Salvador

Falkland Islands
These rugged, isolated isles welcome birdwatchers and wildlife fans – the Falkland Islands are among the best places for a penguin encounter

French Guiana
Bolstered by financial support from France, French Guiana is one of the wealthiest nations in South America. It combines an interesting colonial history with pockets of diverse wildlife

Galapagos Islands
They inspired Darwin and they enthrall wildlife-watchers with their fearless animals. The Galápagos Islands are a dream destination for anyone curious about the natural world

Guatemala
Volcanoes, jungle-clad Mayan ruins, vibrant fiestas – no wonder Guatemala is one of Central America's hottest tickets

Guyana
A frontier country with thundering waterfalls and diverse wildlife, Guyana beckons intrepid travellers with a taste for adventure

Honduras
Known as the original Banana Republic - Honduras is a country of lowlands and fertile valleys, with a fascinating pirate history and superb tropical beaches.

Mexico
Hot as a habanero chilli, cool as a dip in the Pacific, ancient as the Mayan temples and new as Mexico City's bars and restaurants – Mexico bridges North and Central America

Nicaragua
Central America's biggest country is perhaps its most misunderstood – but with volcanoes, beaches and fine colonial architecture, it's well worth getting to know

Panama
Much more than a canal... Panama boasts wildlife-rich jungles, chilled beaches, surf breaks and fascinating indigenous cultures

Paraguay
The hidden heart of South America, Paraguay's cowboys, Guaraní people and Mennonite communities make for a fascinating cultural melting pot

Peru
The Inca left their mark on Peru, but there's more to the country than Machu Picchu. Hike Andean trails, take boats through the Amazon, and surf Pacific rollers

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
Remote South Georgia, sitting in the south Atlantic just north of Antarctica, is a wild island packed with penguins and legendary explorer history

Suriname
This unexplored corner of South America is a haven for nature lovers. The brave can search for crocs, anacondas and piranhas lurking in Suriname's swamps and rivers

Uruguay
Beef and beaches – Uruguay's main claims to fame draw Argentines from across the border and, increasingly, travellers keen to explore new frontiers

Venezuela
Venezuela is where the Andes meet the Caribbean – a land of astonishing variety and a great introduction to South America