Latin America with the Chilean Fjords

Funchal, the capital of Portugal's Madeiran archipelago, has a timeless old-world charm. Enhanced by a subtropical climate that fills this 'floating garden' with the year-round colours and perfumes of flowers and fruit, Funchal was a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill. His praise of the city has ensured British visitors always receive a warm welcome from locals.

Backed by rolling hills, the town is famous for its harbour, the 17th century São Tiago Fortress (now the Contemporary Art Museum) and world renowned Madeiran wine cellars. Funchal’s parks and gardens are a delight, and a hike through the Laurel Forest nearby is highly recommended. The ancient Funchal Cathedral mixes Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and is noted for its impressive carved wooden ceiling.

Sophisticated Santa Cruz - Tenerife's capital - is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks.

Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as Playa de Las Americas are within easy reach of Santa Cruz too. 

Away from the capital, many of Tenerife's highlights await on tours, including the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical lava stone Pyramids of Guimar. Exploring the volcanic El Teide National Park to marvel at majestic Mount Teide, or even climb Spain's highest peak, is an unmissable experience. 

The port city of Mindelo in the volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde, retains many features of its colonial past, and is known for its music, carnival atmosphere and blend of Portuguese traditions and Brazilian style.

Situated in Porto Grande Bay, Mindelo is surrounded by low mountains and boasts some of the best sea views and scenery in the region. The coastline is awash with natural points of interest, while the man-made Fortim d'El Rei – an abandoned fort that sits on top of a hill above Mindelo port – is well worth a visit.

The Municipal Market, with its vast fish market, is fascinating, as are the well-preserved Governor’s Palace and City Hall – both attractive examples of Portuguese-style architecture. The Torre de Belém is a scaled-down replica of the ancient tower in Lisbon. The fine, wide esplanades around the harbour offer a host of interesting little cafés and tiny shops.

The festival city of Salvador has an energy and an austere beauty that rivals any Latin city. Originally the capital of Portugal's New World colony, Brazil’s ‘Capital of Happiness’ is a living museum of 17th and 18th century architecture and gold-laden churches.

Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian culture comes alive in the endless carnivals, parties and celebrations that make any visit a joy to behold. This vibrant atmosphere takes over the city regularly and visitors are encouraged to join in and soak up the immersive sights and sounds. Alternatively, the city's beautiful beaches like Porto de Barra, are the perfect place to relax, soak up the sunshine and get away from it all.  

Clinging to the hills above a sparkling island-dotted bay, the city’s Portuguese colonial architecture is on full show in the Pelourinho neighbourhood. This historic heart with cobblestone alleys opening onto large squares and baroque churches, is home to the lavishly-decorated São Francisco Church and Convent.

Divided into an upper and lower section, the city is easy to navigate and the imposing public buildings in the cliff top Cidade Alta (Upper City) – monuments to the wealth generated by sugar-cane and tobacco, demand discovery. Elsewhere in the UNESCO-listed historic centre, the multi-coloured homes with red-tiled roofs, great market, and some 300 churches make this photogenic city irresistible.

Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breath-taking beaches, Rio de Janeiro – the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) – has many charms at her disposal, and is a rich melting pot of cultures.

Famed for its Carnival and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the samba-fuelled nightlife and raucous football matches of this huge, iconic Brazilian seaside city more than delivers on its romantic promise.

Home to the glorious 38-metre Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and the stunning Sugarloaf Mountain, a remarkable granite peak with cable cars to its summit, truly make Rio a place like no other. Music is the city’s heartbeat; a soundtrack that blends rock, bossa nova, funk and, of course, samba – the African influenced beat that’s synonymous with Rio.

Carnival means parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, and Rio’s festival is considered the world’s largest. Other occasions for partying around town include funk parties in the favelas (shanty towns) and boat parties on the bay. Food is a treasured part of local life, with its dishes roots deep in African and European traditions. Cuisine options vary from meaty churrascarias, tasty feijoadas, vibrant street food and gourmet restaurant selections.

Rio is far more than just a frantic seaside resort, and the area offers access to some outstanding outdoor adventures: hiking in the Tijuca rainforest, cycling alongside the lake and beaches and sailing across Baía de Guanabara.

Stretched along the banks of the beautiful Rio de la Plata, Montevideo – South America’s southernmost capital city – is a remarkable place to visit. With stunning natural landscapes to explore, an exciting city centre and a vibrant culture to discover, Uruguay’s lively capital caters to all.

The city revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia, once the site of a Spanish citadel. The Ciudad Vieja (the Old City) is home to many of Montevideo’s most beautiful historic buildings, including the 26-storey Palacio Salvo – once the tallest building in South America, the neoclassical performance hall, Solís Theatre, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. A number of these iconic buildings have recently been converted into stylish cafes, bars, fashionable shops and art galleries.

Mercado del Puerto is an old port market located by the city’s harbour and has also been refurbished to create one of the city’s most exciting spots. An array of charming shops and mouth-watering steakhouses can be uncovered, while the street entertainers and artists build a real buzz of excitement.

Stretched out along the Rio de la Plata, the nation’s capital, Buenos Aires, is a rich mix of European splendour and Latino passion. Its centre, Plaza de Mayo, is lined with impressive 19th century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace. It’s also the location of the Pirámide de Mayo, built to celebrate  Argentina's independence in 1810. 

French and Italian-style palaces grace the Avenida de Mayo, while other attractions include the Teatro Colón opera house, and the modern MALBA museum, which exhibits Latin American art. The city’s complexity is exemplified by the diverse architecture, unique urban landscape and boulevards lined with cafes, shops and galleries.

The food scene is increasingly dynamic, and satisfying the craving for one of the region's famously-juicy steaks is easy given Parrillas (steakhouses) sit on virtually every corner. A late-night cone of the local caramel ice-cream is a popular favourite, and an evening in this energetic city can be finished off with music and dancing in one of the many jazz clubs and tango bars. 

On the shores of Golfo Nuevo in eastern Argentina is Puerto Madryn, a busy port city known for its wildlife watching opportunities and proximity to Península Valdés, a UNESCO-designated site recognised for marine mammal conservation. Puerto Madryn has everything you would expect from a city, with shops, good accommodation options and restaurants, in addition to a sprawling beachfront. However the star attraction in the area is the diverse wildlife and marine life found in the peninsula.

Between June and November, southern right whales come to the peninsula to breed, away from the harsh Atlantic Ocean. The area is the most important breeding ground for southern right whales in the world, with more than 1,500 whales visiting the peninsula each year, providing exceptional opportunities for whale watching during these times. In addition to whales, the waters around Puerto Madryn are home to orcas, dolphins, sea lions and southern elephant seals while large colonies of Magellanic penguins and southern sea lions can be found around the shores.

Famed for being the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia is located at the tip of Tierra del Fuego, between the snow-capped Andean mountains and the Beagle Channel. The city is a great base for exploring some of the region’s remarkable sites, and a starting point for heading south towards Antarctica.

Ushuaia’s ‘end of the world’ status is popular for adventure-seekers, particularly Tierra del Fuego National Park which lies 11km west of the city. This expansive park is incredibly diverse, with glaciers, forests, beaches and mountains, providing endless opportunities for exploration.

One of the park’s top attractions is its wide range of flora and fauna, thanks to the varied landscapes, including Fuegian foxes, southern river otters, guanacos (closely related to the llama), black-browed albatrosses, woodpeckers and oystercatchers. The park can be reached via car or the ‘End of the World’ Train, an old railway line originally built to transport materials to a nearby prison which reopened as a tourist attraction in 1994. The train passes by the Pico Valley and Macarena Waterfall en route to the park.

Infamous in maritime history, the navigation of Chile’s Cape Horn was once considered a perilous act of daring, a battle against the ocean and the elements that only the bravest sailors would attempt. Today Cape Horn is better known for its natural beauty than its ‘dangers’, and rounding the horn on one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller-sized ships makes a memorable – and perfectly safe! – scenic cruising experience.

You’ll get to marvel at the unspoilt landscapes of craggy islands, islets and spectacular coastlines, look-out for native marine and bird life in the skies above and the cold waters below, and think back to the times when sailors braved this legendary route many centuries ago.

Just below Punta Arenas is a small monument that marks the "end of the Americas" although Chile lays claim to a small part of Antarctica as well.

However, for all its claim to be a frontier outpost, the town is remarkably cosmopolitan. There are fishermen mixing with pilots from the Chilean air force base, sharp-suited businessmen sipping wine in hotels and travellers hitching a ride out to Tierra del Fuego. The nearby penguin colonies are fascinating, while in the town itself there are several interesting museums.

The Museo del Recuerdo has collections of antique agricultural and industrial machinery, including a reconstructed sheep-shearing hut. In the library is a display of historic maps. The Naval and Maritime Museum has exhibits on naval history, as well as a replica ship, complete with bridge, maps, charts and radio room.

Palacio Mauricio Braun is a fabulous mansion built by a wealthy pioneer sheep farmer at the end of the 19th century. It was given to the Chilean state by one of Mauricio Braun's sons. It displays Braun's original furnishings, including French chairs and tables, inlayed wooden floors and Chinese vases.

Made for cruising, these fjords are stunning and photogenic from the ship’s deck, but rugged with deep crevices and boulders hiding under the towering ice when in closer proximity.

Surrounded by majestic glaciers and snow-capped peaks, the fjords of the Chilean coast are full of hidden lakes and waterfalls, and are home to the Magellan penguins, dolphins, whales and stunning birdlife.

Surrounded by ice-clad mountains, Puerto Chacabuco is a busy port, but it was only built in the 1990s when the natural harbour at Puerto Aisen, further up the coast, became unusable. There are local tours available of lower Patagonia and the Andes Mountains, as well as through the Rio Simpson National Reserve. The Aikén del Sur Park is privately owned but can be visited: it is a haven for wildlife, especially of wetland birds.

Originally named Juan Fernandez Island after the Portuguese sailor who discovered it in 1575, the island remained largely unknown until 1708 when Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk was rescued after being marooned for over four years. This experience then became the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Due to the literary association the Chilean Government decided to rename the Island in 1966 to Robinson Crusoe Island.

Today this volcanic island of mountainous landscape is a fascinating place of wild and unspoilt beauty. Declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977, the island is home to some unique species including the Juan Fernandez Firecrown Hummingbird, the Fur Seal and the Magellanic Penguin.

Valparaiso boasts many staircases and lifts which are now considered historic features of this wonderful port. The funicular railways carry visitors high up into the hills to enjoy the astonishing views over the historic streets and narrow winding lanes below. This fantastic experience has been considered a historic feature of the city and is a real 'must-do' on a visit to the city.

Alongside historic buildings and charming alleyway-shops, It’s not unusual to stumble across splashes of artwork when exploring the centre of Valparaiso, making this port a very colourful and visually stunning place to be. You will also notice the style of architecture isn’t always consistent; there are many varied styles, modern and traditional Chilean.

Arica serves as a vital trade link between Chile, Peru and neighbouring Bolivia. However, this pretty city is much more than just a commercial centre. Away from the busy docks you’ll discover mile-upon-mile of dark-brown beaches ideal for making the most of the year-round warmth. Looking out across the Pacific Ocean, you’re sure to see thrill-seeking surfers challenging themselves against the tide, even as the sun begins to set.  

Venturing even further from the coast and into the city itself is just as rewarding, with an abundance of highlights and attractions to discover. The Museo de Sitio Colón 10 is a must-visit to see 32 incredibly well-preserved Chinchorro mummies in situ; while the Gothic-style Catedral de San Marcos is one of Arica’s most iconic structures. Designed by Parisian engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel – before he designed the world-famous Eiffel Tower – and built in his Paris shop in the 1870’s, the cathedral was shipped around the world and assembled where it stands today. [ReadMoreDesk]

Don’t miss the spectacular views on offer from El Morro, an imposing 110-metre-high rock which overlooks the city and the busy port, too. Here you’ll also find the fascinating Museo Histórico y de Armas, which tells the story of a battle between the Chilean and Peruvian armies that took place atop El Morro in 1880.

The small port town of Paracas on Peru's west coast, has a reputation for wonderful beaches, and is a destination point for the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, pelicans and Humboldt penguins.

Much more than a thriving deep water port, Paracas is perfectly placed for tours to many of Peru's most spectacular natural wonders. Close by is the rugged, wildlife-rich Paracas National Reserve that spans desert, ocean, islands and the Paracas Peninsula. This designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sanctuary for seals, penguins, flamingos and dozens of seabird species – and home to the glorious Athens Beach.

The Islas Ballestas – affectionately known as the Peruvian Galapagos, are volcanic islands that boast spectacular scenery and are home to countless cormorants and Inca terns, as well as breeding sea lions. The Paracas Candelabra, also called the Candelabra of the Andes, is a well-known prehistoric geoglyph found on the northern face of the peninsula, and is a must to witness and capture on camera.

Callao is the Peruvian capital's once-grand port area, which has been brought back to life with culture, cuisine and rich history. An important commercial centre since the colonial era, the city retains many fine colonial mansions and elaborate examples of architecture. The Real Felipe fortress is an impressive building built to defend the city from pirates and was central to Peru’s war of independence. 

La Punta, the area around the port, was once home to Lima’s aristocracy. It has many stately houses and a wonderful seafront promenade lined with delightful cafés. The Military Museum has many fascinating artefacts, including old weaponry, while the Navy Museum is devoted to the country’s naval heritage.

Visitors can take easy transport links from Callao to explore the Peruvian capital, Lima, and learn about the country's dramatic history, from the Inca Empire to the Spanish conquistadors.

Although the harbour was not built until 1870 – to export Costa Rican bananas and grain – Puerto Limon is one of the oldest cities in Latin America. It was established in 1502 by Christopher Columbus and that long history has given the place some fascinating architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. The open-air market in the centre of town is a must-see, the place to buy anything from local handicrafts to clothes and household goods. In the side streets are interesting little bars and cafés: cashew nuts are an important crop locally, and the cashew wine is a speciality.

With enough time, it is fun to take a trip in a panga – a motorboat – along the Tortuguero Canal, which runs parallel with the coast for about 200km. Even during a short trip it is possible to see many unusual birds, as well as alligators, turtles and bats.
 

An enthralling and staggeringly beautiful city, Cartagena is one of Colombia's true gems bursting with Spanish heritage. Dominated by the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the captivating city of Cartagena is also home to the wonderful Santo Domingo Plaza, Palacio de la Inquisicion and its 16th century cathedral.  

Taking time out to relax at one of Cartagena's many open-air cafés is a popular pastime; perfect for watching the parade of horse-drawn carriages, fashionable locals and romantic street life. From one of its many beaches, many take the opportunity to mingle with the sea life on a Cartegena snorkelling trip, passing San Jose and San Ferna en route.

Belize City is an intriguingly beautiful jumble of narrow streets and canals to explore, the perfect destination for those who love a little adventure. Largely surrounded by water, the city has a vast maritime history and was formerly a pirate base before the British turned Belize into an important timber city. 

Among the paths and water ways you will find beautiful architecture that harks back to Belize City’s past. Old Belize is a living museum with entertaining and interesting exhibits that showcase the history of the nation, while the Museum of Belize, a former prison, is filled with a vast collection of archaeological finds and documents. The Eco-museum - a living museum that showcases some of Belize's finest treasures is also well worth a visit.

Badly damaged by a hurricane in 2007, the Mexican resort of Costa Maya has now grown to and beyond its former glory. With its modern shopping malls, grand central plaza complete with swimming pools, bars and trendy cafés and an impressive beach promenade, it makes for the perfect holiday escape for Mexicans and visitors from around the world alike.

Away from Costa Maya’s modern heart though are plenty of historical delights that made this particular region such a popular destination in the first place. The region around the village is famous for its magnificent Mayan ruins, such as the ancient city of Chacchoben, built in the fourth century. Nearby, the former fishing village of Mahahual, once an important part of the region’s commerce, is now a popular spot thanks to its soft white-sand beaches with grass-thatched open-air stalls selling freshly grilled fish and seafood.

Cozumel, is famed for its Mayan history, coral reefs and scuba diving. Lying off the Yucatan coast, the island has over 40 shrines to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, the sea and fertility. Many are carved from coral – the island is part of the Great Maya Barrier Reef – and archaeologists regularly find the small clay dolls, which were offerings to the goddess. 

The eco-park, Chankanaab, is the number one attraction in Cozumel; a lagoon with underwater caverns, and home to dolphins, manatees, iguanas and sea turtles. The relaxing haven of the National Marine Park boasts stunning beaches and beautiful botanical gardens. The popular diving spot around a section of the Mesoamerican Reef is the location of the amazing submerged sculptures of Museo Subacuático de Arte.

Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, in the small town of San Miguel, has interesting exhibits about the island, its flora and fauna, and the formation of the coral reef. There are also Mayan artefacts and various items from its time as a Spanish colony, including cannons, swords and armour.

The beauty of Nassau, other than its incredible sandy beaches, is that the city has something to suit all tastes. It’s white sands stretch over five miles and are accompanied by some incredible historic architecture, such as Fort Fincastle.

With their soft sand and warm, pure water, the beaches are the epitome of paradise. In fact, they are so breathtaking that movies such as Thunderball and Casino Royale were filmed here.

In the city centre there are many museums, galleries and exhibitions, where visitors can feast their eyes on a collection of Bahamian artefacts, documents, drawings and more. There is even a small museum dedicated to the history of Blackbeard and other famous pirates to explore, a unique Nassau experience. No matter what your idea of a perfect holiday is, a visit to this Bahamian paradise will be truly unforgettable.

King’s Wharf is one of two ports in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic. Situated on Ireland Island in the country’s West End, King’s Wharf is also known as the Royal Naval Dockyard. This historic area has plenty to offer, yet is only a 20-minute drive from the capital of Hamilton.

Used by the Royal Navy until 1995, the Dockyard has since been transformed into a popular tourist hub with restaurants, bars, shops and water sports available in the area. Remnants of its use as a naval base are still evident across the sprawling site, including stone buildings and fortifications.

The National Museum of Bermuda, in the grounds of the Dockyard, tells the story of the island’s history and contains numerous artefacts, from shipwrecked treasure to cannons to art. Hamilton is one of the smallest capitals in the world, and can be reached easily via road or ferry. This pretty harbour city has some lovely beaches as well as a picturesque harbour front lined with pastel-coloured buildings.

Ponta Delgada, the main town on the island of São Miguel, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere belies its 500 year history, and the surrounding island boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the stunning crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades volcano.

A fine collection of buildings, narrow cobbled streets and squares, are a firm reminder that this was once a key staging post between Europe and the Americas. Intermingled are cool parks, enchanting squares, a modern marina, restaurants and waterside cafés. Its lakeside, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look out to enchanting mountain plains.

The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade – which once stood in the harbour and now reside in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores. [ReadMoreDesk]The Gothic Church of St. Sebastian and The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, which is home to a revered image of Christ, are both worth uncovering. The Carlos Machado Museum offers diverse artefacts of Azorean culture, while Igreja Matriz Church, with its splendid clock tower, is one of many beautifully ornate towers to be found.

The ‘Green Island’ also offers canoeing and other sports activities on lakes located in the craters of its dormant volcanoes. The island’s beauty can also be enjoyed by horse riding or cycling.

The city of La Coruña is the capital of the province and a busy seaport situated in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. Most famous for its Roman lighthouse, the diverse architectural styles of La Coruña make the city an absolute delight for sightseeing.

La Coruña boasts an impressive seafront promenade, beautiful beaches and a host of attractions such as the Domus Museum, the Casa del Hombre and Torre De Hercules – said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence – which offers sweeping coastal views from the top of its 60 metre high tower. The Paseo Marítimo, a lovely 13km walkway and bike path, runs from the port, around the peninsula, and along the ocean beaches.

The compact Ciudad Vieja – La Coruña’s old quarter – is a must-visit area. Often referred to as “the city” by the locals, the medieval centre contains remains of the centuries-old Roman wall that once protected it. The arcaded Plaza de María Pita, surrounded by narrow pedestrianized lanes, is a popular spot, and features the Estatua de María Pita, a statue of a 16th century woman who warned the town of an invasion by Sir Francis Drake. The medieval Church of Santiago, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Military Museum are all fine places of interest.   

Beyond the historic city is a proud, modern metropolis, which boasts a superb food scene and a buzzing nightlife. The world’s best picnic food, empanadas, and the locally produced beer, Estrella, both demand trying.