Inspiration
Walking and trekking
If you have the time and inclination, walking can be the highlight of any holiday: time to appreciate the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife; to meet and speak to local people; and to savour the sunset as the evening draws in. There is stunning hiking throughout Latin America, from the icefields of southern Chile and Argentina right up through the Andes to the ‘Lost City’ on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Less well known are Brazil’s tabletop mountains (such as the Chapada Diamantina), while in Mexico highlights include the forested hills near Oaxaca or, further west, the dramatic Copper Canyon.
Riding
Latin America offers some of the best and most varied riding in the world - see our separate riding page.
Adventure sports
For those with a taste for adventure, rafting is a wonderful way to explore the wild rivers and mountains of Latin America, from Patagonia’s mighty Futaleufú to Costa Rica’s Pacuare river. Superb kayaking opportunities include canoeing around icebergs in Antarctica and paddling in search of the source of the Amazon in Peru. Several Galapagos yachts also have kayaks on board, although stand-up paddle boarding is the latest craze. Mountain biking is available throughout Latin America and there are trails for all abilities. Zip wires and walkways are common from Argentina to Honduras, combining close-up views of the forest canopy with an exhilarating adrenaline rush. There is very good surfing, particularly in Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru. Just ask us if you have a special interest.
Best time
Kayaking: from November to April in Torres del Paine, Southern Chile, Argentina and Antartica.
Rafting: May to November in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador; December to April in Costa Rica and Guatemala.
Itinerary Ideas
Here are some sample itineraries that feature active
Riding in Chile
From riding across the wide open plains of Torres del Paine National Park to the salt flats and extreme landscapes of the Atacama Desert
Southern Grand Tour
Fjords, glaciers, lakes and mountains, a classic combination of Chile and Argentina
Walking in Peru
From the classic Inca trail to less-trodden paths through the Sacred Valley, culminating at Machu Picchu
Family Peru
An action-packed, culturally rich, multi-activity adventure for all ages through Peru's heartland
Thank you for a wonderful trip, the Mountain Lodges of Peru trek was one of the best things we have ever done. We look forward to discovering more hidden corners of Latin Amercia with Last Frontiers in the future. - JW