The statue of Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stands 30 metres tall, with its horizontally outstretched arms spanning 28 metres. Photos: Supplied.
The fourth largest of the world’s continents, South America, is one of extremes. It is home to the world’s largest river, the Amazon, as well as the planet’s driest place, the Atacama Desert. The continent is also home to several ancient civilisations, including the Inca.
The famous Christ the Redeemer is possibly South America’s best-known statue, and has overlooked the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro since 1931. Another wonder is Rio’s harbour, also known as Guanabara Bay. Must-see phenomena include the Amazon Rainforest, Angel Falls, Torres del Paine, Salar de Uyuni and Perito Moreno Glacier.
What makes the continent extraordinary is that one of the seven spectacles of the world is in South America: Machu Picchu (and its famed Temple of the Sun) was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Straddling the threshold between Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazú Falls, part of the Iguazú National Park, were created in 1934 and included as a World Heritage Site in 1984 by UNESCO.
Discover some of these spectacles as Wendy Wu Tours unveils its 2025-2026 Latin America brochure. This meticulously curated collection offers travellers some incredible, immersive experiences across the continent’s most captivating destinations.
From the lush rainforests of Costa Rica to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the new brochure showcases the diverse flavours, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestries that define Latin America.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, on a mountain ridge at 2430 metres.
Head product manager for Wendy Wu Tours Australia, Sonia Orrego, elaborates on what’s included in the 68-page Latin America brochure.
“Latin America is one of the most vibrant and diverse regions in the world, offering travellers everything from breathtaking natural wonders to rich cultural traditions and mouth-watering cuisine,” Ms Orrego said.
“Our new brochure showcases the very best of this region, with curated itineraries – including three new tour options – that provide immersive and authentic experiences.
”Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, sipping fine wines, or marvelling at stunning landscapes, our team has worked hard to create a tour series that delivers unforgettable memories by adding authentic encounters to help travellers connect deeply with the essence of each locale.”
The brochure features 12 tours, with a selection of options from all-inclusive itineraries, solo travel choices and more flexible private tours. In addition, there are 14 shorter ‘’extension’’ options, to add at the beginning or end of a longer tour, to further explore areas of interest, such as a Peruvian Amazon River cruise, Santiago or Buenos Aires city stays or Easter Island short break.
Three new tours have been introduced for 2025-2026, focusing on cityscapes, wine country, biodiverse landscapes and lakes regions, and the historical heartland of the majestic Andes.
Wines & Wonders of South America: Embark on a 16-day journey through Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Highlights include wine tasting in Argentina’s Maipu Valley, exploring the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, and witnessing the majestic Iguazú Falls. This ‘’Go Beyond’’-style tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, adventure and natural beauty. Priced from $14,580 per person.
Iguazú Falls, straddling the threshold between Argentina and Brazil, is imposing evidence of nature’s raw power.
Landscapes & Lakes of Chile: This flexible, 15-day private tour starts and finishes in two captivating capital cities (on the date of your choice), revealing the huge landscapes of southern Chile and Argentina along the way. Travellers will enjoy discovering the lakes, glaciers and mountains that make this region so renowned, including the Atacama Desert, the Lake District, and the stunning Torres del Paine National Park. Priced from $16,650 per person.
Andes to Atacama Adventure: This 19-day ”Go Beyond’’-style tour is an unbeatable expedition traversing Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Participants will explore the Sacred Valley heartlands of the Incan Empire in Peru, marvel at the surreal landscapes of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) and delve into the Atacama Desert’s otherworldly landscapes, immersing themselves in the heart of the Andes. Priced from $19,580 per person.
Returning favourites for 2025-2026 are three itineraries:
- Colours of Costa Rica: A 15-day adventure through Costa Rica’s natural wonders, including visits to Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Priced from $13,980 per person.
- Colombia Discovery: Highlights of this 16-day tour include visits to Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, offering a comprehensive look at this fascinating nation. Priced from $15,490 per person.
- Treasures of South America: A 21-day journey through South America’s iconic highlights, from the breathtaking Iguazú Falls to Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue. Priced from $20,480 per person.
Prepare to be amazed by the countless natural wonders that call South America home!
