Holidays in Central and South America must be one of the most colourful and exciting destinations on offer. It encompasses staggering diversities of climate and landscape, from spectacular beaches and lush rainforests, to snow capped volcanoes and penguin-dotted coasts. Combined with its wealth of heritage and vibrant culture, it’s a destination that demands to be explored. AITO operators offer small group adventures, tailor-made trips, and cultural tours of every description. Accommodation ranges from campsites and working ranches to luxury resorts and hotels, or of course, a combination of both.

• Dive with sharks, humpback whales and giant manta rays off the coast of Costa Rica, or with sea lions and penguins from the incredible Galapagos Islands
• Follow in the footsteps of Che Guevara from Buenos Aires to Lima, visiting the Atacama desert, Lake Titicaca and the Inca’s lost city of Machu Picchu
• Venture into the Amazon basin and explore the jungle by riverboat or travel south to watch the birdlife in the Panatanal wetlands and gasp at the majestic Iguassu Falls
• Discover Patagonia’s deserts and forests in the North and lakes and glaciers in the South, where you can don your crampons and trek over the famous 60m-high Perito Moreno Glacier
• Go loco in Acapulco and watch the famous cliff-divers of La Quebrada, or try horse riding, surfing or whale watching in Baja California

The climate of Central and South America varies dramatically because of its sheer size, and will depend not only on time of year, but also whether you are travelling inland, by the coast or at altitude. Whatever time of year you want to travel, there will be plenty of suitable options. The Rio Carnival lasts for five days from the Friday to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Most of Latin America celebrates Semana Santa, the week before Easter and hotels and attractions can be heavily booked and expensive, though the celebrations are well worth a look.