South & Central America Tours & Holidays

Join our South and Central America tour packages and set off in search of dramatic landscapes, idyllic beaches and extraordinary culture.

Visit Brazil - the largest country on the continent, and home to a variety of wildlife and natural wonders that is almost unparalleled. It also boasts one of the most colourful and lively cities on the planet - Rio de Janeiro. See the iconic, towering Christ the Redeemer statue, ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain and perhaps catch a Ginga Tropical Show in the evening to enjoy the vibrant spectacle of Brazil's traditional music and dances. In Argentina, the powerful Iguazú Falls makes for an emotive outing, with the chance to spot wildlife including big cats and monkeys in the surrounding jungle. The country's cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires, delights visitors with its elegant architecture and charming neighbourhoods, including historic San Telmo and colourful La Boca.

Peru offers the chance to visit the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu - a particular highlight of many South America holidays. See the sights of culture-rich Lima, enjoy a tour of Arequipa - the White City - or embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the Amazon jungle. If your thirst for adventure and wild nature is still not quenched, a trip to the Galápagos Islands, home to paradisiacal Isla Lobos and eponymous giant tortoise, is sure to do it.

Over in Central America, you can visit the nature-haven of Costa Rica and intoxicating Mexico. Costa Rica is known for its incredible beaches, wildlife-rich rainforests and incredible scenery, with adventure and activity around every corner. A Mexico holiday will set your senses alive, offering a fascinating insight into ancient Mayan cultures as well as delicious food from each region. 

Diverse and geographically rich, Latin America is home to some truly great dining. With tropical fruit from the Amazon, seafood from the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean and fish from its many lakes and rivers, as well as the abundance of potatoes and cereals grown in its plains, the continent offers chefs fresh, high-quality ingredients all year round.

South Americans take the art of barbecuing, or asada, very seriously. As well as offering up tantalising cooked meats, especially beef and sausages, a barbecue in South American countries is an important part of social gatherings for families and friends. Asado is particularly popular in Argentina, where it has become an integral part of the nation's cuisine. Other popular traditional dishes in the country include milanesa – a slab of beef breaded and fried – and steak with chimichurri – a flavourful salsa made with garlic, oregano, oil and red pepper flakes. One of the country's most beloved desserts is alfajor, a cookie sandwich covered in chocolate.

If you are visiting Brazil on your holidays in South America, you will find that the traditional cuisine varies from region to region. However, popular dishes such as feijoada – a stew made with black beans and pork – and picanha – a highly appreciated cut of beef. Meat generally features heavily on the menus here, as well as fish, root vegetables and fruits like mango and pineapple. Street food is also popular, with one of the country's particular favourites being coxinha – a chicken and cream cheese croquette that is breaded and fried. The food in Peru is influenced by Incan culture, as well as ingredients such as rice brought by the Spanish. The country's national dish is ceviche, which is made with slices of raw fish seasoned and marinated in lime juice. Another popular delicacy is pollo a la brasa, or grilled chicken. A simple dish consisting of charcoal-grilled chicken served with fries and salad, it has become a mainstay of Peruvian cuisine.

Over in Central America, Mexico has some of the most delicious cuisine in the world. Head to Puebla and sample delicious mole - a sauce made from chocolate, chillis and a number of different spices usually served over chicken. You can also try a wide range of Mexican favourites from tacos to enchiladas, with different hot sauces depending on your palate.