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There's no adventure quite like a journey into the beautiful, beguiling and exotic continents of South America and Antarctica. In the former you have a place of culture both indigenous and colonial, of modern architecture and centuries-old ruins, of high mountain peaks and glacier-riven valleys, of cosmopolitan cities and untouched jungle civilizations. In the latter, you'll find the sort of unspoiled wilderness that could only exist at the ends of the Earth.
There's so much on offer in this part of the world, in fact, that it can be tough simply deciding what to tackle first: the ancient cultures of Peru? The rugged landscapes of Chile? The beaches and jungles of Brazil? The adventure of a cruise to Antarctica? The answer, fortunately, is that there is no wrong answer. Wherever you choose, South America and Antarctica will not disappoint.
Cusco, Peru
WHY WE LOVE IT This one-time capital of the Incan empire is a city that oozes charm, from its colonial-era main square to its ancient Incan walls and its modern-day cafes and restaurants. Perched on an Andean plateau high above sea level, Cusco is a place where indigenous culture thrives, where you'll see locals in their bright traditional dress, and life lived the way it has been for centuries. Cusco also provides the perfect gateway to the famed Machu Picchu.
DON'T MISS Plaza de Armas is Cusco's historic centre, since Incan times. This is a beautiful open space ringed by churches, shops, restaurants and bars. Highlights include La Compania church, built in the 16th century, and the gardens and park benches in the middle, perfect for a relaxed afternoon taking in this stunning city.
INSIDER TIP Avoid the tourist hordes by taking time to see the amazing Maras salt mines near Cusco, and later enjoy lunch at El Parador, one of the region's best restaurants, which overlooks the Moray archaeological site.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
WHY WE LOVE IT There's nowhere else in the world quite like the Galápagos, it's an absolute bucket-list destination. This archipelago of islands to the far west of Ecuador boasts ecosystems that aren't found anywhere else: animals that have evolved independently of the rest of the Earth; volcanic landscapes and seascapes that have
evaded destruction by mankind. A cruise of the Galápagos will always include brushes with the area's unique wildlife – some of which inspired Darwin's theory of natural selection – from giant tortoises to marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins and Darwin finches.
DON'T MISS The amazing thing about the Galápagos is just how close you can get to the wildlife, which has had no natural predators for centuries. Hawks perch in trees just metres away; marine iguanas lie in the sun and force people to step over them to get past. You'll feel like Darwin himself.
INSIDER TIP The best way to see the islands is aboard a small ship cruise, allowing you closer access to this remote destination. Visitors cruise the Galápagos, viewing wildlife on land, and enjoying time on the generous decks while onboard.
Havana, Cuba
WHY WE LOVE IT Havana is on the verge – it's the destination everyone wants to visit, and yet it still isn't overrun by tourists. It retains its sense of independence from the wider world. Though its history in the 20th century is one of revolution and rebellion, Havana is a city that knows how to enjoy itself. This is the home of Buena Vista Social Club, a place where it seems everyone can play an instrument, and loves to dance. Havana is as much about joy, about sitting back and listening to salsa and bolero maestros do their thing, as it is about the rebellion of Fidel Castro and co.
DON'T MISS Music truly is the medium through which Cubans best express themselves, and it's possible to find live performances on almost every street corner of Havana. This is Cuban culture at its most approachable and enjoyable.
INSIDER TIP There are so many bucket-list experiences to tick off in Havana, from a ride in a vintage car to a walking tour of Old Havana, a visit to a jazz club, and a tour of Ernest Hemingway's old haunts.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
WHY WE LOVE IT It's the perfect mix of European charm and South American adventure: Buenos Aires, the stylish Argentinian capital. This is a city of passions, the birthplace of the tango, the home of some of the continent's best food, a place of British throwbacks like polo and high tea, of street-side cafes and boutique shops. Buenos Aires is all about the edgy charm of the Boca district, the classic beauty of San Telmo, the Euro style of Recoleta and the high fashion of Palermo. It's a buzzing, bustling city that you can't help but fall for.
DON'T MISS It seems strange to talk of a graveyard as a tourist attraction, but Recoleta Cemetery really is a must-see, with its tree-lined alleyways and its huge, grandiose tombs that provide a final resting place for BA's elite, including one Eva Peron.
INSIDER TIP Enjoy a tango lesson and tapas at the luxurious Alvear Palace, a stunning property in the heart of Recoleta that has played host to some of Buenos Aires' most important visitors.
The Amazon, Peru
WHY WE LOVE IT Macaws squawk overhead. Monkeys howl from the treetops. Pink river dolphins appear in the swirling waters. This is a day in Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, cruising the Ucayali River in north-eastern Peru, and it's a true adventure. In the heart of the Amazon jungle, this wide floodplain is filled with wildlife, from birds to monkeys to dolphins and fish. But it's as much a journey into local Amazonian culture as it is a wildlife excursion, with visits to local villages revealing a way of life that's so foreign, and yet friendly.
DON'T MISS Most cruises in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve culminate in a journey up-river in a ski_ to a large lagoon, where visitors have the chance to experience something amazing: swimming in the Amazon, surrounded by nothing but wild jungle on all sides.
INSIDER TIP About one third of the Earth's recorded plant and animal species can be found in the Amazon. Join a luxury cruise in the Amazon Basin, which includes the services of a qualified naturalist to point out the highlights.
Antarctica
WHY WE LOVE IT It's one of the last great frontiers, a place almost untouched by man, and a true adventure to visit: Antarctica, a continent at the end of the Earth, and a completely different world. Visitors board their ship in the town of Ushuaia to set sail for the great southern continent, and what they find there makes it well worth the journey. This is wilderness as you've never seen it, a wonderland of snowy peaks and creaking glaciers, of icebergs amid cold seas, of endless colonies of penguins, and whales breaching all around. There's no experience quite like a trip to Antarctica.
DON'T MISS Though there's much to love about Antarctica, from the majesty of the landscapes to the endlessly watchable penguins, the surprise highlight is a ride aboard a rubber-sided Zodiac dinghy, cruising through fields of the achingly beautiful icebergs.
INSIDER TIP Antarctica is best experienced aboard a luxury expedition ship, where you'll wake each morning to idyllic sea views, with icebergs gliding slowly by, and with the knowledge that the ship's expert 12-person expedition team is there to guide you through the whole journey.
Unforgettable Person
FELIPE JARA - APT TOUR DIRECTOR
A tour director's job is to know their destination and their subject matter intimately, and that's what you get with Chilean Felipe Jara. Felipe has spent the past 10 years leading tours throughout South America, from Patagonia to the Atacama Desert; from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu, and Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro. His heart, however, lies in his hometown of Valparaiso – a colourful hub of Chilean culture that is immensely popular with travellers. "When I am not on tour," Felipe says, "you can usually see me playing soccer or just enjoying walking around Valparaíso, which has been named a world heritage site by UNESCO." Those wanders around the streets of his home have inspired Felipe to explore more of South America. After a decade of touring the continent, including three years guiding for APT, he says his favourite destination is Iguazu Falls. "The power of nature there is so impressive that it takes your breath away," he says. "The sound of the waterfalls is something that stays with you for a long time, the scenery and the contact with nature is a unique experience."
This article is produced in association with APT. Experience an evocative collage of colour, culture and beauty and encounter a land like no other, full of inspiration. Enjoy the ultimate South America, Mexico, Cuba, Panama or Antarctica experience, on a luxurious, indulgent and adventure-filled journey with APT. It's truly unforgettable. For more information visit http://www.aptouring.com.au/traveller, call 1300 202 192 or contact your local travel agent.
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