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 The opportunity to explore Central and South America is very exciting. From the glaciers of Patagonia to the jungles and beaches of Cost Rica, this part of the world offers a stunning diversity of landscapes, cultures and history. Explore a Maya pyramid in Guatemala, observe giant tortoises in Galapagos, watch for monkeys in the jungles of the Amazon, and see two of the World's Seven New Wonders, Mach Picchu in Peru and the statue of Christ in Rio. Plus, you will meet the people who call these mangificent lands home.
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Latin America. You can hike through a rainforest, unwind in a hot springs spa, see a volcano, scuba dive, whitewater raft, or just relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Costa Rica is also home to over 800 species of birds, 200 species of mammals, and thousands of butterfly species.
Belize lies on the crystal blue Caribbean coast of Central America. It is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and so you can enjoy some of the best diving and snorkeling around. You can relax on a pristine beach, and then venture inland to explore lusch tropical rainforests with mysterious Mayan ruins. Belize is home to over 540 species of birds, exotic wildlife, and many caves and caverns that highlight hidden geological formations.
Guatemala, once the center of Mayan civilization, now offers the vibrant color of its Indian markets as well as beautiful lakes, and the Temple ruins at Tikal and Yaxha.
Panama is the crossroads of the Americas - it connects North America to South America and the Atlantic to the Pacific. It offers some of the world's greatest ecotourism experiences, with an extensive variety of flora and fauna, as well as fascinating history and culture. 
Brazil is a vibrant and dynamic country, well-known for its fashion sense, beach culture, and nightlife. But Brazil is much more than just Rio, and its best wildlife isn't found on the beach! The Amazon, the world's largest river system, home to some of the most exotic plants and animals found anywhere, flows through Brazil. Here you will also find Iguassu Falls, one of Latin America's most spectacular attractions.
Argentina, the eighth-largest country in the world, stretches from its subtropical north to its subarctic southern tip. It is home to a wide range of dramatic and beautiful landscapes to explore - from waterfalls to cattle ranches to ski resorts to one of the world's most sophisticated cities, Buenos Aires.
 Chile is a land of vast contrasts and dramatric landscapes, from the Andes Mountains, to the beautiful Lake District, from the Atacama - the world's driest desert - in the north, to the windswept plains of Patagonia in the South. When you're ready for some civilization, Santiago, Chile's sophisticated capital, will fascinate you.
Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean countries, but boasts breathtaking scenery and a wide variety of flora and fauna. It has a long and fascinating history, with both colonial and Indian traditions. The Galapagos Islands, 600 miles ofshore, are home to a remarkable array of unique birds and animals.
Peru was once the center of the Incan Emprie and is the perfect destination for discovering the ancient history of Latin America. You can browse through handicrafts in Indian markets, discover the Spanish colonial heritage of Lima, and be amazed by the mysterious Nazca Lines in the desert. But Peru's biggest attractions are spectacular Incan sights; the most famous of these is the fabled Machu Picchu. 
When you are ready to explore the beauty and cultural diversity of Latin America, choose your destination, and then call Highlands Ranch Travel and have one of our travel counselors help arrange the perfect Latin American adventure for you.
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