Top Hidden Gem Destinations in South America

The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their incredible biodiversity, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and wild, volcanic landscapes, but among the many islands in the archipelago, there are some lesser-known spots that are definitely worth a visit. On boulder-strewn North Seymour, for instance, you’ll encounter an abundance of sea lions and magnificent frigatebirds, while South Plaza offers the chance to spot hybrid iguanas while hiking through cactus forests. Alternatively, you can snorkel with penguins off the coast of Bartolome. On this five-day trip, you’ll visit an uninhabited island in addition to experiencing the highlights of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal.

Our Dazzling Brazil trip is framed by two of the country’s most famous cities, starting in Sao Paulo and ending with four thrilling days in Rio de Janeiro, but the quiet highlight of this trip will undoubtedly be your time in the beautiful town of Paraty. Here the streets are cobbled and whitewashed buildings are embellished with pops of vibrant Brazilian colour. We’ll embark on a walking tour of this Unesco World Heritage Site, learning about its history and discovering its finest nooks and crannies. The town is conveniently located right on the coast, and in the shadow of luscious mountain scenery, so you’ll also get the chance to explore Paraty Bay by boat and the Atlantic Forest by 4×4.