South America Trip Inspiration
Speak to a Latin Ameirca expert today
Start planning your dream holiday today

Amanda
Travel Expert
Can't decide where to go? Why not peruse some of our most popular destinations for inspiration then give us a call!
A diverse land brimming with superb safaris, pristine sandy beaches, towering snow-capped peaks and tropical underwater worlds is just waiting to welcome you
Australia offers vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, and iconic wonders like the Great Barrier Reef. New Zealand adds dramatic scenery, Maori culture, and relaxed charm. Together, they promise nature, adventure, culture, and warm hospitality.
If you're dreaming of an island getaway, look no further than the Caribbean with its gorgeous soft sand beaches and lively, diverse cultures.
Head to the amazing destination that is Central America, full of the knowledge of ancient civilizations, incredible mountains, and beautiful beaches.
Discover vibrant cultures, pristine beaches, and tantalizing flavours in the captivating travel haven that is East and Southeast Asia
Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of India, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—where ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and soaring Himalayan peaks promise unforgettable moments at every turn.
Picture yourself basking on sun-kissed beaches, sipping tropical cocktails beneath swaying palms —where crystal-clear lagoons and luxurious resorts cater to your every desire.
Experience world-class hospitality, mouthwatering cuisines, and the region’s deep-rooted cultural traditions for an unforgettable Middle East adventure.
Venture to the ends of the Earth and behold the icy majesty of polar landscapes. Discover pristine solitude, exhilarating expeditions, and breathtaking views that promise a memorable encounter with nature at its most dramatic
Journey into the heart of South America, where the rhythmic pulse of its vibrant cities meets the majesty of the Amazon rainforest and the timeless wonder of ancient civilizations.
The South Pacific is a paradise of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant island cultures. From adventure and natural beauty to pure relaxation, each island offers its own unique charm and welcome.
From the soaring plains of the Southwestern USA to the stunning landscapes of the expanses of Canada, visit some of the most impressive scenery in the world
If you are looking for a trip to knock iconic locations off your bucket list, check out our buck list recommendations
From the graceful stride of giraffes at sunrise to the echoing roars of lions beneath starlit skies, each of our safaris promises an unforgettable dance with nature.
Our family holidays are a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories, whether exploring new destinations or simply enjoying quality time together. From adventure-filled escapes to relaxing beach retreats, they offer a chance to reconnect and unwind away from daily routines.
Our luxury holidays offer the finest experiences, from exclusive resorts and private villas to tailor-made adventures with impeccable service.
For those seeking adventure beyond the usual tourist trails, our off-the-beaten-track trips take you to some of the world’s most remote and untouched destinations, where authentic cultural encounters and breathtaking landscapes await. Let us craft your unique journeys that few travellers ever experience.
For the ultimate beach escape, we offer luxury holidays to some of the world’s most stunning coastal destinations, from the white-sand shores of Antigua to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
For those who crave excitement and exploration, our adventure holidays take you to some of the world’s most thrilling destinations, whether trekking through Patagonia, summiting Mount Kenya, or kayaking past icebergs in Antarctica.
Interested in something a bit more focused? How about a horse-riding holiday through Argentina? Or a photography safari? Look through our Special Interest holiday selection for inspiration
Our wildlife holidays invite you to step into unique ecosystems and experience amazing animal encounters. Whether spotting majestic tigers in the jungles of India or marvelling at polar bears in the Arctic, each trip promises awe-inspiring moments steeped in the magic of nature.
Our small group tours offer the perfect balance of expert-guided exploration and personal experience, taking you to incredible destinations with like-minded travellers. Whether it's a wildlife safari in Botswana, a cultural journey through Vietnam, or a chef-led expedition through India, our carefully curated itineraries ensure an intimate, enriching, and hassle-free experience.
Sustainability travel is at the core of what we do and a guiding principle in every choice we make as a business. Let us help you make sustainable travel choices
Read about what we do to make a difference
One of the most important parts of our commitment to responsible travel is protecting our clients, and it is a part that we take extremely seriously.
Not sure what's best for which time of year? Check out our expert-written guides
Looking for some expertise on your destination? Have a look through our selection of guides and articles written by our destination experts
Looking for more inspiration? Read from our range of hundreds of articles from our travel specialists, local guides, and personal travel tales.
Our mission is to make every holiday special. We will do this whilst specifically aiming to minimise the environmental impact of our activity and maximise our opportunity to influence others to do the same.
Latin America expert Amanda's top tips for your first visit to Brazil
Brazil, a vast country with countless highlights, offers an overwhelming number of choices for first-time visitors. Travelling around Brazil often involves several domestic flights; however, we’ll handle all the logistics, so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, stunning beauty, and rich experiences that Brazil offers.
Most travellers have two weeks to pack in as much as possible. Read on to learn about the key highlights and experiences for first-time visitors. At Far & Wild, we've carefully selected the top destinations to include in your first visit to this magical country.
Ready to chat more? Click here to enquire and speak to our Brazil specialist, Amanda.
Paulo Coelho aptly described Rio de Janeiro
“Where the mountains kiss the sea, and the sun embraces the soul.”
This captivating gem of a city exudes energy and optimism, making it an irresistible beachside city destination. Waking up to shimmering sunshine overlooking the iconic Copacabana Beach is one of Brazil’s standout experiences. Rio's setting, with its spectacular natural harbour framed by lush peaks, is unmatched. Beyond its natural beauty, Rio is a vibrant Brazilian metropolis, constantly evolving yet always radiating the infectious warmth and zest for life of the Cariocas. Spend a few days exploring and enjoying the outdoor life alongside Rio’s best ambassadors, its locals.
First-time visitors will revel in highlights such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, offering sweeping views over the bay, and the cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain. Experience the city’s famed beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leme, or venture into the colonial centre for a taste of Brazilian culture. Sip coffee at literary cafés or visit the glittering National Theatre. A true gem of Rio is the bohemian, cobblestone clad district of Santa Teresa, nestled on a hillside with amazing views. Don’t miss the vibrant, colourful Selarón Steps, an image synonymous with the city.
Football fans will love guided tours at the Maracanã Stadium, while those seeking a quieter moment will savour the serene Botanical Garden. Wherever you venture, the infectious
Upgrade your Copacabana hotel stay to a room overlooking the beach. A Far & Wild favourite is the Porto Bay Rio International, where you can book not only a view over Copacabana beach but also a balcony, so slip on your Havaianas and enjoy your morning coffee with a view – blissful!
In the southwestern corner of Brazil, at the border with Argentina and Paraguay, lies the incomparable Iguaçu Falls. Nestled in the Atlantic Rainforest region, these thunderous falls crash through an area of stunning natural beauty. The sheer size of Iguaçu Falls dwarfs Niagara, making it South America's most awe-inspiring sight and a highlight for anyone visiting Brazil.
The vast area comprises around 275 magnificent waterfalls spanning nearly 3 kilometres, and the falls are recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. The symphony of thundering cascades resonates with power and intensity. No photograph, video, or description can truly capture the grandeur of these falls, making it imperative to witness their beauty and sheer scale firsthand.
Stroll along the 3 kilometres of walkways on the Brazilian side for fantastic panoramic views. Cross the border into Argentina to experience the noise and power of Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), accessed from a more extensive set of walkways. From the Brazilian side, take a spectacular helicopter ride over the falls, or on the Argentine side, get up close on the Gran Aventura boat trip—a truly exhilarating experience.
Nearby, the subtropical rainforest surrounding Iguaçu Falls is teeming with wildlife. Visit Parque das Aves, set in 16 hectares of forest, a haven for birds and butterflies. This region is alive with vibrant flora and fauna, adding another layer of wonder to the region.
Stay at the luxurious Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel the only hotel located within the national park on the Brazilian side. From the hotel, you can visit the falls before and after the park opens for incomparable sunrises and sunsets and enjoy peaceful moments with nature.
The world’s largest wetland, the Pantanal, is a remarkable ecosystem teeming with an astonishing array of wildlife, from giant storks and macaws to capybaras and graceful jaguars. Located in the heart of Brazil, this vast region is a mesmerising mix of wilderness and cattle ranches, featuring savannahs, swamps, and sluggish rivers. The only road, the Transpantaneira, traverses the region, providing access to its remote beauty where nature reigns supreme and human presence is minimal.
In the Pantanal, over 650 species of birds and hundreds of mammals, reptiles, and fish thrive. For an immersive experience, a stay of at least three nights is recommended, particularly for jaguar-spotting activities. Pantanal lodges offer safari-style excursions by boat, on foot, and on horseback, ideal ways to explore the marshy swamplands.
As you venture deeper into the region by boat, you might spot caimans along the riverbanks, monkeys playing in the treetops, and a variety of birds fluttering about. The Pantanal is also renowned for its magical sunsets, with fiery orange skies marking the end of another day in this wildlife paradise.
The two main hubs in the region are Cuiabá in the north and Campo Grande in the south. Most accommodations are rustic and remote, several hours by road from these airports. Experiences in the Pantanal are unmatched, offering photo safaris, fishing trips, jaguar spotting, or simply enjoying the region's beauty and immersing yourself in its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fly into Campo Grande airport in the Southern Pantanal and hire a car to spend a few nights in Bonito, Brazil’s eco-tourism capital. Explore the area and snorkel in crystal-clear streams and deep lagoons, inhabited by many vibrant fish. Enhance the experience further by upgrading to Caiman, for safari style expeditions to spot jaguar.
The Amazon Rainforest spans an immense area in South America, with the largest portion in Brazil, covering almost half the country. Vital to human survival, the Amazon Basin teems with wildlife, rivers, and remote indigenous groups who live off the land.
In the north of Amazonas State lies the city of Manaus. East of Manaus, the black acidic waters of the Rio Negro merge with the sludgy brown waters of the Solimões, a natural wonder known as the Meeting of the Waters. This bustling city and river port is the starting point for lodge adventures. Visitors can explore the vibrant market areas, revitalised docklands, the world-famous Opera House, and the pedestrianised central square filled with cafés, galleries, and boutiques.
The main highlight of the Amazon region lies deep within the rainforest, home to an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including approximately one third of the Earth’s animal species. Nature lovers will delight in the diversity, from insects and freshwater fish to 1,500 species of birds and more than 430 mammal species. Each lodge offers a range of excursions led by knowledgeable local guides who excel at spotting wildlife and providing insights into the rainforest’s ecology and history, ensuring a truly immersive stay.
For those seeking a genuine connection with nature, the Brazilian Amazon offers unparalleled experiences. Whether marveling at the intricate web of life or engaging with the indigenous culture.
For the ultimate wildlife combination of the Pantanal and Amazon Rainforest, we recommend Cristalino Lodge. The most luxurious in the Brazilian Amazon, it is accessed from Alta Floresta, a short flight from Cuiaba in the Pantanal.
After exploring the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro and the natural wonders of Brazil, it's time for a few days of well-earned rest. The southern coast of Brazil offers an array of stunning beaches both west and east of Rio de Janeiro. This lush, forested coastline, with its rocky bays and pristine beaches, is home to laid-back beach resorts, secluded upmarket hotels, and charming colonial-era ports.
East of Rio lies the chic resort town of Buzios, situated on a peninsula of sandy beaches and coves. This upmarket retreat exudes a distinctly Brazilian vibe. Outside the pretty boutique hotels, discover laid-back boat trips, quaint cobbled streets, trendy shops, elegant restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. A favourite escape for Cariocas, Buzios can get very busy during holiday seasons and Carnival.
For a more relaxed retreat, head west along the scenic Costa Verde (Green Coast), where you will find a wonderful blend of Portuguese and Brazilian cultures. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and picturesque port of Paraty is steeped in history and features well-preserved baroque architecture and a range of cultural experiences.
For beach and nature enthusiasts, the true jewel is Ilha Grande. This car-free island paradise offers lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and pristine secluded beaches. Engage in low-key activities such as hiking to hidden waterfalls, snorkelling, or scuba diving to explore the vibrant underwater marine life. Ilha Grande’s Lopes Mendes beach is often considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil. When the sun is shining, there is no prettier destination.
O’Sitio Ilha Grande is a small pousada set on Abraãozinho bay, a real slice of paradise. There are just 9 rooms, offering a perfect location to disconnect from the world and enjoy nature. Spend your days relaxing, out on the water, exploring the hidden bays and simply recharging your batteries.
Brazil is a vast country and although the flight network connects the destinations well, we recommend a maximum of 3-4 destinations. Unless you are a real wildlife enthusiast, I would suggest either the Amazon Rainforest OR The Pantanal, with Cristalino Lodge offering the easiest combination of both if you want to experience both eco-systems on one trip.
Other options to consider include the vibrant city of Salvador, or the unspoilt beaches of the Northeast Coast.
Start planning your dream holiday today
Travel Expert
What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.
I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!
Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )
We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!
Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.
Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.
Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,
Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!
It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!
Get travel tips directly to your inbox every week
Give us a call on 0203 111 1315 or fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.