How to holiday like Prince Harry in Belize

As part of his Diamond Jubilee tour, Prince Harry visited Belize. It was his first time in Belize and by all accounts he fell in love with the place and the people (which is no surprise to us, some of our clients return again and again). Find out what he did and about the luxury lodge he stayed in and you too will be day dreaming about following in his footsteps and taking a holiday in Belize.

Prince Harry started off his tour in Belize City where he helped unveil the newly named “Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard,” and then was guest of honour at a traditional Garifuna street party, where he drank the local rum and danced the night away with everyone.

The next morning he climbed Xunantunich, the stunning Mayan temple ruin in the Cayo district where he enjoyed panoramic views of the Macal River Valley and Guatemala.

Prince Harry stayed in the Cayo district – famed for its incredible natural beauty – at The Lodge at Cha Creek. On arrival he commented “Wow, this place looks so relaxing!” and asked for a mojito. When he woke the next morning he had a full English breakfast and then an hour long massage in his suite.

To follow in his footsteps we can create a similar itinerary including the Cayo district and the spectacular Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.

Find out all about Belize and where we recommend you stay here

Find out about Chaa Creek and watch our video of the lodge here

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Celebrating the Mayan world before Doomsday – where to see it at its finest

It is claimed by some that the last day of the Mayan calendar is on Friday, 21 December 2012 – the point when the solar system completes its 26,000 year cycle. They say that only a few people will survive the catastrophe that ensues. However not everyone agrees with the fertile minds of a few conspiracy theorists, doomsayers and people looking to make a quick buck. Many see it simply as a good reason to celebrate the rich heritage and incredible cities that the Mayan people built from 250-900 A.D. in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras.

Where to see the Mayan World at its finest

Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal is the most impressive city of the ancient Mayan world and an absolute must. It doesn’t get much better than this – an enormous site, encroached by tropical forest with steep pyramid temples that pierce the jungle canopy.

Best moment: Sunset from the top of temple 4 is spectacular.

Your holiday: We can put together a variety of itineraries which take in Tikal, some Mayan village culture (markets) and also enable you to experience the turquoise waters and amazing reefs off the Belizean Cayes.

Chichen Itza, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Chichen Itza was recently voted as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. The giant stepped pyramid of Kukulkan dominates the ancient city and from its heights you can contemplate structures such as the Warrior’s Temple and the moon observatory Caracol.

Best moment: The Giant Ball Court, complete with grandstand and stone hoops, where prisoners played for their lives.

Your holiday: You’ll want to dedicate at least one full day for exploring Chichen Itza and because its located inland from Cancun and the Caribbean coast, you can get to a beachside hotel for some relaxation easily. We can recommend a host of options.

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Our Favourite Honeymoons in South & Central America

Your honeymoon should be one of the most magical and luxurious holidays you will ever have. We’ve been having a good think about our favourite spots for romance and indulgence. These are just a taste of our handpicked selection but hopefully they illustrate the variety and beauty of what we have discovered in our travels in South and Central America. Whether a newly married couple are looking for underwater fun, gastronomic delights, a great adventure story or just some peace and quiet – we will be able to craft the idyllic honeymoon for you.

1. The One for Adventure Lovers – Argentina

Argentina honeymoons work well for those who seek a more adventurous honeymoon, somewhere with more activity than relaxing on the beach, though this can of course still be done. The joy of walking or kayaking in the shadows of the Andes or wine tasting in Mendoza whilst still staying in exclusive, authentic estancias or lodges makes an Argentinean honeymoon unique.

Why do we like it?

• Luxurious, remote posadas and hotels; intimate romance

• A diverse mix of activities and relaxation

• An exotic taste of Latin America

• Outstanding food and wine

Where to stay

Luxe it up – The Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza

Without a doubt one of the most stylish places to stay in Argentina, the Cavas Wine Lodge is luxurious and chic without being

pretentious. It is set in the perfect location with the impressive snow-capped back drop of the Andes and miles of vineyards below.

More affordable – El Pilar on the edge of Fitzroy national park, El Chalten

You come to Fitzroy national park to walk and go horse riding and here in this remote little corner of El Chalten is El Pilar. The lodge is surrounded by forest with the towering Fitzroy peaks above. It is a simple lodge with lovely service in a great location.

When to go

From November to April are the best months in Patagonia, though Mendoza can be visited all year round.

2. The One for Water Babies – Belize

Why do we like it?

• Experience the second longest barrier reef in the world

• Some sumptuous lodges both inland and on the coast

• Small distances, so no full days of travelling

• Go inland and explore beautiful Mayan temples

Where to stay

Luxe it up - Mata Chica, The Cayes.

Mata Chica is situated on arguably one of the most sought after stretches of the Ambergis coastline. Facing the translucent waters of the Caribbean, resting in your hammock outside your brightly painted cabana, you know that it’s going to be difficult to beat this. There is a wonderfully relaxed yet chic vibe at Mata Chica. The decorative style is unique and eclectic – from the bright painted murals to the embroidered Indian wall hangings.

More affordable – Costa Maya Reef, The Cayes

This is a remote hotel, far away from anywhere else on the island, a place where tranquillity meets adventure. The villas have been designed with a romantic island flare and are situated overlooking the water. At the centre of the hotel is the large swimming pool which overlooks the ocean and lovely little bar to sit and watch the sun go down.

When to go

December to May

3. The One for Beach Combers – Brazil

Brazil excels in terms of hospitality and luxury holiday style. It tends towards private, suave glamour of the boutique hotels, as well as having the Robinson Crusoe style ‘barefoot luxury’. Private villas, plunge pools, spas galore and wide, sweeping white sand beaches all with a wide choice of dining options, this is Brazilian honeymoon style.

Why do we like it?

• A stunningly diverse natural landscape

• Remote and exquisite beaches

• Chic lodges where you can get away from it all

• Easily accessible with direct flights

Where to stay

Luxe it up – Ponta Dos Ganchos, Florianopolis

Undoubtedly this is one of the best hotels in Brazil, if not the very best. Staff, service food and rooms are all first class. Tucked away from everything else, this is a place to lose yourself in pure luxury.

More affordable – Sombra e Agua Fresca, Pipa

The Sombra e Agua Fresca is a beautiful and relaxed hotel, located on top of a hill overlooking the Praia do Amor (‘Love Beach’).
Selecting the right room is very important – although all their rooms are nice, we know the truly spectacular ones with the best views with indoor Jacuzzis, a private plunge pool on your deck.

When to go

April to October are the cooler months in the south, January and February can be wet

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Top 5 best value holidays in South & Central America

With the economy showing no signs of recovery, we thought now was a good time to highlight which destinations in South and Central America offer the best value for money. For some it is simply a cheap place to travel whilst for others it is what you do when you are there that makes it a ‘value for money’ destination even if it is not the cheapest country in Latin America.

In order to get the lowest price for your holiday the first thing we recommend you do is book your flights as early as possible. This will secure the cheapest seats on any flight allowing you spend your hard earned cash on the hotels and rooms you want. Please note that as a general rule, flights to Central America are cheaper than those to South America. There are also some great ways to get cheap business class seats

Once at your chosen country try to avoid too much moving around as transfers to and from airports or towns can push your price up very quickly. We would therefore recommend staying in two or three (maximum) well chosen places within each country and exploring the surrounding areas from there. Our final piece of advice is; avoid multi country holidays as this is a contributing factor to cost!

Our top 5 ‘best value’ holidays

Nicaragua. Top of our list for so many reasons; the international flights are reasonable priced, the cost of food is low and general travel is inexpensive. On top of this the main destinations are close together hence limiting the travelling time and your costs. To get from Leon to Granada takes 3 hours, Granada to Ometepe Island 4 hours and from Ometepe to San Juan del Sur takes 3 hours. Expect to pay approximately $2,000 per person for a 2 week holiday excluding international flights.

Bolivia. The cheapest country in South America with regards food and travelling costs, though you may pay a little more for the airfare to get here. Once in Bolivia the destinations of La Paz, Sucre, Lake Titicaca and Uyuni can all be reached by road or train and each can be easily explored on your own with the exception of Uyuni where we recommend booking a 2 day 1 night excursion to explore the salt flats. Expect to pay approximately $2,300 per person for a 2 week holiday excluding international flights.

Mexico. With direct flights from both the US and the UK and the introduction of direct flights with Virgin Airlines (from the UK) in the middle of 2012 the cost of flying to Cancun has never been so cheap. Once here we recommend hiring a car which is the cheapest way to get around but it also gives you the freedom to explore the Yucatan Peninsula on your own. Hotels along the coast regularly have promotional stays which can easily be combined with a drive inland to the impressive Maya sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Expect to pay approximately $2,200 per person for a 2 week holiday including car hire but excluding international flights.

Brazil. At first glance you would not expect Brazil to make the list, but if you choose your destination carefully and book your flights at least 8 months in advance you can visit this fascinating country for a snip of the normal price. We recommend flying directly into the north east of the country to Salvador, Natal or Fortaleza. By avoiding Rio de Janeiro you will save on both your international and internal airfares and from any of the above mentioned destinations you can have a 12 night stay at one of the best beaches in Brazil; Morro de Sao Paulo, Pipa or Jericoacoara. Expect to pay approximately $1,700 per person for a 12 night holiday excluding international flights.

Honduras. One ofthe lesser visited countries in Central America, Honduras has long been known as the cheapest place in the world to learn how to SCUBA dive. However, the country has more to offer than just diving. The Mayan ruins of Copan were the artistic centre of their world and are easily accessible, the jungle clad Pico Bonito National park is a haven for walkers and wildlife whilst the Bay Islands of Roatan and Utila are the perfect places to relax and explore the underwater world. In order to keep costs down you need to avoid too much moving around as internal flights can be expensive. By combining the Bay islands and Pico Bonito and using the ferries from the mainland to link the two you can catch a bargain. Expect to pay approximately $2,300 per person for a 2 week holiday excluding international flights.

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Planning the perfect holiday at the perfect time

One of the most common questions we’re asked by customers is “We’ve always wanted to go to Brazil (or Argentina or Guatemala) and when is the best time to visit?” For others who are constrained by a set time it’s more a question of “Where do you think we should go in March (or June or November)?”. So we thought a monthly guide on where to go and when in South and Central America would be helpful. Do let us know what you think.

January
Mexico’s Caribbean coast

Why not escape the British winter and celebrate New Year basking in the sunshine of Mexico’s Caribbean coast – the Mayan Riviera. With hundreds of miles of perfect, white-sand beaches with clear turquoise waters, hotels to suit every budget and some great flight deals available it’s a great choice.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is an undiscovered gem. It’s what Costa Rica was like years ago – untouched and with little infrastructure. The Corn Islands off the Eastern coast have pristine white beaches and a typically Caribbean atmosphere. If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, you’ll find it on the Western Pacific coast at Morgan’s Rock (probably one of the best beach lodges in the America’s) and Punta Teonoste, which is a perfect place to get away from it all. The colonial towns of Leon and Granada are a must see and those with an adventurous spirit will like the Rio Indio lodge at the end of the Rio San juan.

February
Salvador, Brazil

No doubt, the carnival parade in Rio is maybe the most visually beautiful spectacle in the world, but if you are looking for real fun, the Salvador Carnival is the place to go. It’s no coincidence that thousands of Brazilians come to Salvador every carnival. In Rio you are a spectator of the parade, whereas in the Salvador Carnival you are the show. This is by far the biggest street party in the world with around 2 million people participating in the parades over six consecutive days.

Costa Rica

It’s the dry season in Costa Rica so it’s the perfect time to visit most areas. Nature lovers can explore the country’s volcanoes and rainforests to see beautiful poison dart frogs, cloud forests, macaws, hummingbirds and the elusive quetzal. Costa Rica is a heaven for adventurers with rafting, hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding, surfing and zip-lining through the forest canopy.

March
Soberania, Panama

Panama is frequently described as “Central America’s best-kept secret” due to its rich history, incredible natural beauty and an astounding degree of biodiversity. If you’re passionate about birding this really is the place to be with over nine hundred bird species – more than in Costa Rica or in the whole of North America. Soberania is a world famous destination among birdwatchers – and March is one of the best times to come as it’s mostly dry.

Patagonia, Chile

This is the last month of the season in Chilean Patagonia as from April through to September Patagonia can become inaccessible. People looking to get off the beaten track will find Patagonia blissful as this is one of the most remote and beautiful areas of the world. It has lush forests, deep fjords, spectacular shaped mountains and awe inspiring glaciers. Expect to see an abundance of wildlife including llama, guanaco, rhea, condors and Magellan penguins.

April
The Cayes, Belize

These tiny Caribbean islands are good value for money at this time of year, as prices begin to drop. And if you’re looking to get away from high-rise hotels, over the top resorts and crowded dive and snorkelling sites, then this is the right spot for you! The Cayes have two stunning atolls and miles of barrier reef, much of which is totally unexplored and all of it is easily accessible by boat. Why not snorkel off the Turneffe islands or dive the infamous Blue Hole made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1972 – it’s almost 1000 feet in diameter and over 450 feet deep!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, the ‘lost city of the Incas’ is a world famous destination so it can get very crowded. We recommend going either at the beginning or the end of the dry season (April to October) when there are fewer travellers. For us April is a truly special month with the orchids along the Inca trail in full bloom and the rivers ideal for white water rafting.

May
Galapagos Islands
A trip to the Galapagos Island is the journey of a lifetime; offering you a magical opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat who are completely unafraid of man. There are two seasons – the warm season is January to June and the dry Season July to December. May is a wonderful month with sunny clear skies and warm seas. You can snorkel with penguins and sea-lions and get close to penguins and flamingos. You’ll see waved albatrosses laying their eggs as well as green sea turtles hatching and marine iguana eggs.

Costa Rica Pacific
The sun drenches the land from November until the end of May; and the remote, pristine beaches lined with lush tropical jungle make this an idyllic place to relax and re-charge your batteries. You’ll find some of Costa Rica’s most exclusive beach retreats here on the Nicoya Peninsula. If you’re feeling more energetic why not learn to surf – the Pacific coast presents one of the best stretches of surfing coastline in the world.

June
Cuzco, Peru
The Inca festival of the Sun ‘Inti Raymi’ is held in Cuzco every June. Tens of thousands of people come here from other parts of Peru and South America for the celebrations that last an entire week. There are parades, dancing, street fairs, music and there is even a re-enactment of a llama sacrifice (just in case any of you are faint-hearted, it’s fake). After this you can take the short drive to the Sacred Valley with its fertile valleys, white water rivers, colourful markets and hiking trails.

Brazil
In June the weather in Brazil is perfect. You can expect temperatures in the mid-twenties on the coast in the south and low thirties further north and all without the rain. This is also the best time to see the mighty Iguazu Falls as with less water coming over the canyons there are actually more individual waterfalls!

July
Ecuador
Ecuador is a diverse country offering everything from colourful markets to colonial towns and snow-capped volcanoes to Amazonia jungle. July’s dry, warm weather is perfect for trekking, climbing or horseriding holidays here and the tropical vegetation is still lush and green. One of the most authentic and off the beaten track expeditions we offer is to the Huaorani Lodge on the edge of the Amazon where you can meet the people of this unique Indian settlement that still maintains all of their original ways of life.

Northwest Argentina
This is a relatively unknown region of Argentina – explore the multi-coloured valleys and canyons of Calchaques, visit the ancient pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes, walk through narrow canyons to hidden waterfalls, or sample wine from the many vineyards. Take the famous ‘Train to the clouds’, the highest in the world built in 1932 which begins in Salta and ends in La Polvarilla – the highest point at 4220m. The trip takes approximately 15 hours and passes through some incredibly striking scenery.

August
Pantanal, Brazil
The Amazon maybe better known but the Pantanal is a superior place to see wildlife. In the Amazon, the animals hide in the dense foliage so you will always hear more than you can see, but in the open spaces of the Pantanal, wildlife is highly visible. From May to October, the world’s biggest wetland area drains into the Amazon River to the north and through the River Plate to the south, and as the month’s progress the wet lands subside. This leaves behind small pockets of water, trapping the fish, which in turn attracts large numbers of migratory birds and resident mammals.

Bolivia
Bolivia’s population is 90% indigenous and travelling around this fascinating country is an adventure. You don’t find the high levels of luxury found elsewhere on the continent, but you will find an array of spectacular scenery. The Bolivian Amazon (or the Yunga’s as they are known) is where the Andes meet the Amazon – you’ll find small mountains draped in jungle and a wide variety of wildlife. The Uyuni salt flats are the largest in the world and are difficult to reach, but worth the journey. Most people visit Bolivia during their Winter (May-October) because of the dry, clear days.

September
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha’s weather is tropical with heat and sun all through the year – however September is a great month with average temperatures of 30 oC. Honeymooners will adore Brazil’s best and most exclusive hideaway, its 22 beaches have been fabled as an eco-wonderland. It offers a range of attractions that include snorkelling, diving, walking as well as wildlife and its beaches are regularly voted as the best in Brazil. Being a national park island it limits the amount of people on the island at any one time, which will hopefully preserve this pocket of paradise.

North East Brazil
The North East coast of Brazil is still hot at this time of year and there is no better place to get away from it all than the Marau Peninsula. To get to this remote paradise hotel, you take a private plane from Salvador landing just 100 meters from the reception, after a 35-minute scenic flight. The eco-luxury resort of Kiaroa is situated on an endless deserted beach with crystalline water and natural pools which are ideal for swimming in – you can walk for miles and you won’t see a soul.

October
Buenos Aires, Argentina
It is early spring in Buenos Aires right now and the city is warming up. Known as the ‘Paris of South America’ it’s a fascinating, colourful city with a European feel. What’s more eating out is really affordable – so you can indulge yourself dining al fresco in the rejuvenated and hip Palermo Soho with all the new boutique hotels and bars. Then dance the night away in San Telmo!

The Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is a haven for adventure and in the past few years some superb hotels have been built in and around the adobe town of San Pedro de Atacama. The landscape is positively lunar and when the sun sets and rises in the Valley de la Luna the hues of colours are amazing. The area also has salt flats, geysers, pre-Inca ruins and is surrounded by numerous 5,000 and 6,000 metre volcanoes.

November
Guatemala
November is an ideal month to explore Guatemala – the heartland of the ancient world of the Mayans – as it’s fairly dry. Unlike most of Latin America, the majority of the local people are still indigenous Indian and many still wear their colourful, traditional costume. The beautiful colonial city of Antigua is located close to the capital making it an ideal first point of call. Then head on to see Tikal probably the most impressive of the ancient Mayan cities, set deep in the rainforest and an absolute must.

Uruguay
Uruguay has year round good weather, but from November onwards the temperatures steadily increase making it a perfect beach destination after a visit to Argentina or Chile. The new Playa VIK hotel has set a gold standard, but the Posada del Faro and the Casa Suaya are both excellent alternatives. Around the small fishing village of Jose Ignacio are numerous activities from horse riding and surfing to beach combing and watching the fisherman bring in their catch – a time when the local restaurants vie for the best fish for your dinner!

December
The Bay Islands, Honduras
Located in amongst the second longest barrier reef in the world the Bay Islands spectacular coral-reef systems are home to some 96% of all species of marine life known to inhabit the Caribbean! Prices remain remarkably low, making the Bay Islands a great place to learn, and in turn love, scuba diving. December is a great month to visit because hurricane season (June to November) has ended plus its lobster season so you can indulge yourself in a fantastically fresh, incredibly cheap, sustainably fished lobster dinner.

Antarctica
Join an exclusive group of intrepid travellers and take an Antarctic voyage past Cape Horn, across the Drake Passage to the peninsula. It’s Summer in the White Continent and being unimaginably rich in fauna the southern ocean is a constant drama. Get close to penguins, seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins and albatrosses. With each boat limited to about 50 passengers there is an intimate, friendly atmosphere and there are educational lectures on board.

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Our Top 10 ‘Must See’ Sights in Latin America

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro with its famous beaches remains one of the most seductive cities in the world. Nothing quite prepares you for the Rio experience. It’s landscape is jaw dropping, with a series of granite mountains covered by forest with beautiful sandy beaches met by Atlantic waves. There is much more than the scenery though as the people are the main attraction; charged with energy, character and a positive and fun outlook on life. You can’t help but love Rio.

Odyssey Insider Tip: The best time to visit this vibrant city is on the weekend. This is when they close the road that separates the beach from the city and when the cariocas walk through their city in swimwear to get to the beach and the place comes alive!

2. Tikal, Guatemala

The most famous of all Maya sites, it doesn’t get much better than this. It’s an enormous site, in its heyday over 100,000 people lived and worshipped here. The setting is spell binding – encroached by tropical forest with steep pyramid temples that pierce the jungle canopy. Although you can no longer watch the sun set from temple 4, listening to the booming roar of the Howler monkeys as you explore the world of Indian Jones is a magical experience.

Odyssey Insider Tip: The best time to see Tikal is at the very start and end of each day, which means staying close to the ruins so you can literally walk from your hotel. During these times, not only is it the coolest times of the day, but also when there are fewest people around, which means you have this imposing world all to yourselves.

3. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park is one of the remotest and most beautiful areas of the world, encompassing mountains, glaciers, multi-coloured lakes and river-rich areas. Located in one of the most southern parts of the world, Chilean Patagonia, it offers some of the best trekking possibilities in Latin America. There is also an impressive array of wild animal species, some of which have been rescued from the brink of extinction (this rare Andean cat was only discovered in March 2011). With beautiful wind-sculpted granite and basalt peaks and some superb lodges, this has to be on everyone’s to do list.

Odyssey Insider Tip: Don’t be put off by the fact that this is a trekking destination, as some of the best walks in the park are not full day treks. Many people make the mistake of doing the full day trek to the ‘Las Torres’, where most of your day is spent without any views of the park. The best walks are around the surrounding lakes, which offer spectacular views of the whole of the massif as well as the best opportunities for seeing a diverse range of flora and fauna.

4. Iguazu Falls, Argentina & Brazil

Iguazu Falls are known throughout the world as one of the most beautiful and majestic natural waterfalls man has ever seen. The name of the falls comes from the Guaraní word for ‘great water’ and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It is better than Victoria Falls, Niagara Falls and Angel falls as Iguazu offers such a wide variety of activities and ways of seeing the falls. These activities are not only around the falls themselves, where you can visit the bird park, walk through the surrounding rainforest, take a train ride around the falls or even visit the massive Itaipu Dam, but also below by speedboat and white water rafting, above by helicopter, down the side by abseiling and none of this includes the extensive network of walking trails and bridges that snake around and through the falls themselves.

Odyssey Insider Tip: You never need more than two nights here. We have found that people always think they need three nights here to see the falls, when two is suffice. Within two nights you can see and do everything that the area has to offer without rushing and we think your third night should be spent in another area of Latin America.

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

For many this is the main reason to make the pilgrimage to Peru. Situated on a single mountain high in the Andes (2450m) this archaeological site was never discovered by the Spanish. Situated 120 km northwest of Cuzco it is only accessible by train and foot. As many of our customers say ‘You just can’t believe it until you see it with your own eyes.’ The trip to Machu Picchu can be staged from Cuzco in several different ways with or without walking and we recommend calling us to find out the best way to see it.

Odyssey Insider Tip: Avoiding the crowds! This has become more and more difficult to do as the popularity of this site have risen, especially with its induction to the new wonders of the world list. Timing is everything here, how to arrive, when to arrive, what time to walk the surrounding Inca pathways to the Sungate and Huayna Picchu, when to fit in your 3 hour guided visit and where to stay. In order to find out, you need to get in touch!

6. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Nothing will prepare you for what the Galapagos Islands have to offer. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and lying isolated in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, the ‘enchanted islands’ are a nature lovers’ paradise. One of the biggest draws for us is the lack of fear shown by the wildlife, as this will enable you to get within touching distance of almost any mammal or bird species in the archipelago. In fact, at times, it is difficult to avoid treading on them as they lie on the designated paths, grooming and cleaning themselves. There is a selection of boats on offer, each with varying characteristics and itineraries and they all come with on-board naturalist, which are experts in the islands.

Odyssey Insider Tip: Finding the right boat for you is probably the most important issue, larger vessels are recommended for those who get a little sea sick or smaller for those with good sea legs, however it is also about the amount of people on each boat, too large and you are just another passenger, too small and it can feel like a dinner party each night. When to visit is also important as each month offers something different, whether it is the Garua sea mist, the pupping season or even the rainy season.

7. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama is the driest place on earth, offering amazing scenery, numerous activities, and year round good weather. The best base for exploring the region is the Adobe town of San Pedro de Atacama, made almost entirely of adobe brick – a mix of local mud and straw. The area is dominated by over 40 volcanoes, all over 5,000 metres high and some over 6,000 metres, making it a destination for those wishing to add a peak to their cap. Surrounding the volcanoes though is a diverse mix of opportunities. The Atacama salt flat is a curious place as are the smaller villages with their local customs and beyond lies strange geological formations protruding from the desert and surrounded by natural hot springs and stunning scenery. The Valley de la Luna has a unique lunar landscape and is transformed at sunset into a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows and orange whilst the pre Inca ruins to the north are best visited by horse and need a little imagination to piece together.

Odyssey Insider Tip: A lot of activities in the region can be arranged by yourself and perhaps this is part of the attraction to the area; discovering things for yourselves. Renting a bike and riding to the valley of the moon, or horse riding through the canyons and ancient ruins to the north. One of the best short day excursions though is the walk to the Puritama hot springs, a walk that takes you through a narrow canyon lined with giant cacti.

8. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest and highest salt desert sitting at an altitude of 3,650 meters it covers over 4,200 square miles which is about 25 times bigger than the Salt Flats in Utah. The lake is surrounded by high Andean peaks and small Indian settlements that survive off the mining of the salt and tourism. At its centre is Isla Pescado (Fish Island) named because of its shape though it should be named Cactus Island as it is covered in giant cactus, some of which reach over 3 metres tall. The island though also offers an elevated view across the whole area and to stand in the middle of this amazing place is an experience like no other.

Odyssey Insider Tip: The journey here is an adventure unto itself and is best combined with either La Paz or Atacama in northern Chile. This 3 day journey from Atacama to La Paz crosses some of the most inhospitable terrain in South America, but also some of the most stunning. For something completely different visit Uyuni during the rainy season (Jan to Mar) when the entire salt flat is covered in 3 cm of water giving it a reflective coating.

9. The Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is best described as a small window of Africa in the heart of South America. There are unrivalled opportunities to view the abundant wildlife up close, either on foot, by canoe or on horseback. It’s a heaven for bird lovers with over 650 species of birds including 26 types of parrot. It is also one of the last refuges for many threatened South American mammal species such as jaguar, puma, ocelot, maned wolf, giant otter, giant anteater, giant armadillo, marsh deer and tapir. The best time to visit for wildlife observation is the dry season – June through September, a time when the floodplains have receded leaving small pools of water which the animals gather around.

Odyssey Insider Tip: This is the best place in Latin America for any kind of wildlife experience. The Amazonian region contains such dense vegetation that you are always more likely to hear more than you see, whereas the Pantanal has open plains as well as small river systems ideal for spotting game. Allow a minimum of 4 day here as all the lodges are remote and require a drive of over 4 hours from the nearest airport.

10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This is Brazil’s best and most exclusive hideaway. Celebrities such as Penelope Cruz come to the island to escape and enjoy some peace in the sun. People glaze over when you mention it: eyeballs tend to roll upwards in that universal gesture of delight. This island collection of 22 beaches has been fabled as an eco-wonderland. It offers a range of attractions that include snorkelling, diving, walking as well as wildlife and its beaches are regularly voted as the best in Brazil. It is a national park island which limits the amount of people on the island at any one time, which will hopefully preserve this pocket of paradise.

Odyssey Insider Tip: Book early! Flights to and from the island are expensive and the earlier you book the cheaper they will be. Accommodation is also expensive, though there are local houses which have been transformed into small pousadas, making it economically viable.

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Hacienda San Lucas, Copan

The northern Honduras landscape on the road to Copan is mountainous and home to many cattle ranches. We stayed in a 100 year old Hacienda which was now mostly given over to Cacao plantations. The interior of the main house had been beautifully renovated in a style which is rustic, simple yet truly elegant.

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Copan – the Paris of the Mayan World

Many people describe Copan as the artistic centre of the Mayan world. I read a great analogy today – comparing Tikal to Copan, the writer suggested that if Tikal is the ‘New York’ then Copan is the ‘Paris’ of cities in the Western world. Having now visited Copan, I think that is a true insight.

Copan is an undoubted highlight of Honduras. And despite having visited seven Mayan sites on our trip, walking into Copan I was full of excitement as I had heard that it was one of the most rewarding sites of the Mayan world with superb quality statues, carvings and decorative features.

It takes 2-3 hours to explore the complex well, and its just a 10 minute walk from the town of Copan. We stayed at the Hacienda San Lucas and the Casa Santa Rosa.

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Xunantunich Mayan ruins in Belize

Stunning views from the highest temple at Xunantunich across the Cayo district in Belize. Its not one of the major Mayan ruins, so you can explore the site in an hour or so. The main plaza at Caracol – the largest Mayan archaeological site in Belize – is absolutely magnificent. You can see here our view from the top of the highest temple. A storm was brewing so there was a angry mood to the sky across the Maya mountains.

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Lamanai and the evening ‘spotlight river boat cruise’

Lamanai – the Orange walk district. This is a land where jaguars, wild pigs and armadillo’s stalk the forests and crocodiles patrol the rivers. Howler monkeys and ciccada’s pierce the quiet of the evening with their wild calls. Bands of bats swoop and dive in and out of the trees. Toucans and vultures all reside around the waters of the New River. Rare Cormorants are seen flying downstream, skimming the ripples of the water. There is no place quite like it for nature enthusiasts.

We were really excited about the ‘spotlight river boat cruise’ and it didn’t disappoint. You set out at 8pm in one of the open air ex-army boats converted by the lodge owners, with the moonlight as our guide as we travel upstream. Birds called Fire lights stare out at you from the black night with eyes glowing like amber traffic lights. Numerous ripples in the shallows are clear signs that crocodiles are in residence. We saw several 2 footers and a 6 footer near the end. Its quite thrilling to find the croc just inches from the side of the boat glaring up at you showing its teeth! Apparently the one we saw is renowned locally and known as an old battleaxe having recently been involved in a fight with another croc. Jaguars are most often seen at night – however our guide told us that he had only seen jaguars 10 times over the last 25 years as a guide. The wild pigs can travel in groups of 50 or more.. and can be extremely vicious. They have been known to approach humans by the ruins and our guide has had to quietly encourage his group to quickly climb the temple to safety!

The ancient city of Lamanai – meaning ‘Submerged crocodile’ in Yucatec Mayan – is situated on the fresh water lake on the New river. It is the longest occupied Mayan settlement in Meso-America having been home to Mayans since 4th Century BC up to 1988 where there was just a single family residing at the site. There are almost a thousand identified structures, however just 1% of these have been fully excavated. It is a truely beautiful setting right by the lake and the lodge provides guided tours both into the ruins and the surrounding area which is abundant with wildlife.

A wonderful way to travel here is by river boat – you get a real feel for the local birdlife and you can also see the Mennonite communities. Plus, its a very relaxing form of travel. This is a fantastic destination for those who love to feel submerged in the wilderness and away from it all.

We stayed at the Lamanai Jungle Lodge

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Hacienda San Lucas, Copan

Copan – the Paris of the Mayan World

Xunantunich Mayan ruins in Belize

Lamanai and the evening ‘spotlight river boat cruise’

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