Latin America stretches from Mexico to Cape Horn, and for the purposes of this site is considered to consist of all the mainland Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries in Central and South America (another AITO web site describes the Caribbean ). From Central American countries such as Guatemala and Honduras, inheritors of fabled Mesoamerican cultures like the Maya to the Andean nations of Peru and Bolivia, which still resonate strongly with Inca and other pre-Columbian cultures; from Mexico, the former stronghold of the Aztec Empire, to the relatively European-oriented nations like Argentina, Latin America offers a rich variety of culture, archaeological heritage, language, scenery and climate.

Where and how you choose to holiday in Latin America depends on your own particular interests and priorities; a fascinating cross-section of culture, scenery and climate can easily be combined into one holiday.

If ancient cultures and civilisations fascinate you then you’re in luck: there’s a wealth of archaeological heritage on offer in Latin America. Why not join a trip taking in some of the amazing Mayan sites in Guatemala and Belize, linked with an exploration of Inca and pre-Inca civilisations in Peru?

If spectacular natural landscape and wildlife float your boat, then Latin America will deliver in spades. It boasts more than half the world’s tropical forest, 90,000 species of plants, the mighty Amazon River and the majestic Andes mountain range. Consider observing the Monarch butterfly migration in Mexico or whale watching off the Baja Peninsula or the coast of Argentina, visit “Darwin’s laboratory”, by sailing around the unique Galapagos Islands on a schooner, or spend from a few days to a week trekking in the amazing Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile.

Railway journeys and cruises - are these your passion? Well, why not ride the Andean Explorer from Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, across the high-altitude puna to Cusco, the centre of Inca civilisation and the perfect springboard for exploring Machu Picchu and the whole Sacred Valley. Or how about cruising down to the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego to be awed by the desolate splendour and maybe, if the weather permits, continue on to Cape Horn itself.

Check out our dossiers on individual countries or reference a holiday theme or type of your choice for further inspiration.

Click here to SEARCH for AITO members that feature holidays to Central & South America.