​ Independent specialist Sunvil's new Latin America brochure offers a collection of immersive holidays in the region.

Colombia

Gaining increasing recognition as one of the world's emerging destinations, Colombia offers colonial architecture, diverse wildlife and fascinating culture.

The terrain varies from hot tropical Caribbean shorelines to glacier-encrusted mountain peaks and its urban highlights include exquisite colonial architecture and intriguing museums and galleries.

Rich in wildlife, it boasts a huge variety of plant, bird, reptile and amphibian species.

There are the narrow cobbled streets and café-strewn squares of the vibrant capital Bogotá, set against the high peaks of the Andes.

Salt Cathedral at Zipaquirá

There is the preserved sixteenth century Spanish colonial town of Villa de Leyva with its white-washed buildings and the nearby Salt Cathedral at Zipaquirá.

This is an enormous underground Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine that is capable of holding 12,000 people.

There are also the lush valleys, flourishing orchids and dark green plantations of the coffee region, where age-old fincas cultivate the famous Arabica coffee beans.

The UNESCO walled city of Cartagena, has narrow, flower-bedecked streets, pastel-coloured colonial houses and mix of Spanish, African and Caribbean cultures.

Sunvil's 10-day Culture and Unwind itinerary has two nights in Bogotá, two in Villa de Leyva, three in Cartagena, one in Santa Marta and two in Tayrona National Park.

Piedras Blancas National Park, Costa Rica

Located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, which has Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, this and ecologically-diverse national park covers 35,000 acres of tropical rainforest and mangroves.

Its lush, dense forest is home to many indigenous plants and trees; varied wildlife including howler monkeys, toucans and scarlet macaws; cascading waterfalls, and is bordered by pristine Pacific beaches.

Playa Cativo, a lodge accessible only by boat, is located on the shores of Piedras Blancas National Park and surrounded by tropical gardens with butterflies, birds and exotic plants.

This boutique hotel has ocean and rainforest view rooms, a freshwater swimming pool, and a farm-to-table restaurant featuring ingredients from its on-site organic farm.

Antarctic Cruises

Antarctica, the most remote natural reserve in the world, offers ice-covered landscapes and wildlife including penguins, minke whales, seals, and albatrosses.

Sunvil has cruises to Antarcticia on two vessels :

• The Akademik Ioffe, originally designed in Finland as a scientific research vessel, is a modern and comfortable ship featuring cabins with exterior views, a theatre-style presentation room, fitness room, sauna and plunge pool.

• The Hebridean Sky, which underwent a $10m upgrade in 2016, is suited toadventure activities such as camping, kayaking and Antarctic Citizen Science projects.

Galapagos cruise

The Galapagos archipelago of 19 volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean is abundant with wildlife, which pays almost no attention to passing humans, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies, lava lizards, sea lions, snakes and a large number of sea birds.

Sunvil sails here on board the luxury yacht MV Origin, a 20-passenger vessel.

Patagonia cruise

Patagonia offers snow-capped mountains and remote islands, glaciers and fjords.

Sunvil's four-night cruise, on board the Ventus Australis, travels between Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina.

Airstream on the Bolivian salt flats

Salar de Uyuni, the world's highest and largest salt flats, form a stark and surreal landscape with bright red and jade-green lakes, white salt crusts and blue horizons.

There is the chance to get off the beaten track on an escorted tour in a Deluxe Airstream Camper.

The Airstream has a comfortable double (or twin) bed, sofa, hot shower and heating.

Guests have the services of a private guide and a cook, who provides meals from a separate kitchen on wheels.

Towed by a 4x4 driven by the private guide during the day, there's the chance enjoy complete solitude and privacy by night.

Lagarta Lodge, Costa Rica

Lagarta is a new Pacific eco lodge located near Nosara, a village in Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula.

The boutique hotel is situated on a hilltop overlooking mangroves, subtropical forest and the Pacific coastline.

Its 26 ocean and jungle-view rooms have balconies from which to enjoysunsets and the surrounding flora and fauna.

The Lagarta has a 90-acre biological reserve inhabited by monkeys, squirrels, sloths, agoutis and a variety of wildlife, and it can organise a wealth of activities, including sea fishing, wildlife excursions and kayaking through the mangroves.

Grand tour of South America

This 30 night tour visits Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil takes in mountains, lush wetlands, sweeping coastlines, colourful markets and local festivals.

Highlights include :

Useful links

​ www.sunvil.co.uk/latinamerica