A huge continent that covers the snow-capped mountains of Patagonia to the arid deserts of Bolivia and the Amazonian rain forest. Unless one has a few months, the best way to visit this area is by concentrating on one region at a time. If you are looking for a trekking holiday then the Inca trail, Aconcagua and all of Patagonia beckons. For beaches, one is spoilt for choices: from the world-renowned Copacabana and Ipanema to small unspoilt islands. The cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Salvador and Santiago are vibrant and lively places to spend a few days before venturing onwards. The wildlife here is abundant, ranging from the rich waters of the Pacific and the Atlantic to the rain forests and the savannah plains. Holidays here normally entail some internal flights and can be done independently or in groups. All travellers are catered for: from camping to luxurious hotels from group tours to independents.

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