Latin America: Top 5 for 2019

1. Mexico City, Mexico

After being named World Design Capital in 2018, Mexico City has been chosen by Lonely Planet as one of the best cities to travel to in 2019. The UNESCO-recognised capital bears witness to centuries of architectural and artistic movements, with a fascinating combination of ancient, colonial and modern structures. The centre bustles with wide boulevards, 16^th-century ruins, grand Catholic churches, colourful markets, verdant gardens and museums steeped in history. It is the largest metropolitan area outside Asia, home to millions of Mexicans who have migrated from each corner, bringing with them a rich heritage of different cultures, traditions, languages and cuisines.

When?

Mexico City can be visited all year-round, although it is cooler between December and March. Even during the rainy months of May to October, mornings are sunny with short showers in the afternoon.  

How?

Mexico City is the starting point for all of our trips to Mexico.

2. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Offering a healthy mix of adventure, culture and wildlife, Costa Rica is expected to be one of the top destinations for travellers in 2019. The country’s most active and picture-perfect volcano, Arenal, draws people in with its hot springs, waterfalls and cloud forest trails.  Half of the species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in Costa Rica can be found in the Arenal National Park. Walk across the treetop suspension bridges to spot abundant wildlife from above including birds, monkeys and sloths.

When?

Temperatures are warm throughout the year, with the wettest period being between May and November.

How?

All of our holidays to Costa Rica include a visit to Arenal.

3. Amazon Jungle, Peru

The Peruvian part of the Amazon is an iconic destination and a popular hotspot for nature and wildlife lovers, covering over half of the country’s surface area. Its incredible biodiversity means that it is well protected, with national park projects carried out in 2018 to conserve the flora and fauna and spare the wilderness from development. Puerto Maldonado is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and contains more bird species than anywhere else on earth. A visit to this part of the world will involve hiking through forests, navigating by dugout canoe, visiting a bird clay lick, walking across 300-metre jungle walkways and observing monkeys, sloths, caimans and prolific birdlife.

When?

It is hot and humid all year round, with November to March being the wettest period. Between May and September, temperatures can drop to 5-10 ̊C.

How?

Glide down the river and spot abundant wildlife on our trip to the Peruvian Amazon.

4. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

At the southernmost tip of the continent, Patagonia is considered to be one of the world’s last true escapes, and a place where you can marvel at unspoiled rugged landscapes and marine wildlife including whales, sea lions, penguins as well as numerous species of birdlife. The soaring peaks, lush forests and glacial valleys of Tierra del Fuego form one of the most jaw dropping wildernesses in the world. The province has been inhabited by indigenous people for over 10,000 years, mainly surviving through hunting and gathering until the 20^th century.

When?

Any time between October and March (summer in the southern hemisphere) is a good time to visit this region. Most attractions in Patagonia are closed between June and August due to the bitterly cold winter.

How?

Journey to the archipelago at the end of the world.

5. The Pantanal, Brazil

Made up of a network of marshes and river trails, the Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world. What makes it so special is its sheer density of fauna: thousands of species call this ecological sanctuary home. Wildlife sightings are extremely common as there is less vegetation to hide in, so animals are generally on display – from the endemic capybara to caimans, jaguars, anacondas and hundreds of bird species.

When?

Although each season has its advantages, the drier season (between May and October) gives you a better chance to see more wildlife, and take part in more excursions such as hiking and fishing for piranhas.

How?

Experience the world’s largest wetland on a holiday to Brazil.

Now is a great time to book and take advantage of the British Airways sale, with fantastic flight deals to destinations including Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico. Click here to browse all our holidays to Latin America.

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