South America Items

A guide to jungle trekking

Gap years are no longer the preserve of the 20-something; there are plenty of older travellers who are taking time off work to see the world. One thing most gap years have in common is adventure - and you can't get much more exciting than trekking in a jungle.

Discover the mysterious Nazca lines in Peru

When you book a South American holiday, you must be sure to visit some of the region's more mysterious sites - and Peru is full of them. From Machu Picchu to Espiritu Pampa, there are so many places to see - but none is more extraordinary than the Nazca Lines.

The top 5 places to spot a real Vampire

On Bram Stokers 100th Birthday, we forget about Twilight, True Blood and Transylvanian tourism – and track down the top five places to spot a real (or the closest thing to a real) vampire instead.

5 reasons why the Inca Trail is the best trek in South America

If you're looking to spend some time on your gap year combining your passion for adventure with an opportunity to learn more about a country's culture and history, there may be no better trip to embark on than the Inca Trail. Here are five reasons why.

Guide to low cost volunteering

These days it can cost a lot of money to volunteer and giving back during your gap year is becoming increasingly unaffordable. Some companies charge you in excess of £2000 in order to help out communities on the other side of the globe and somehow it seems unfair to be charged such prices when all you really want to do is help out. So, here are our tips on how to find low cost volunteering opportunities.

What does Argentina have to offer a gap year traveller?

Argentina has much to offer any traveller taking a South America gap year. It is one of the most diverse countries on the planet in terms of climate, terrain and landscape, while its cities are rich with culture and history, making this a fascinating destination to explore.

Learn new skills on a career break travelling round the world

Taking gap years for grown ups is one of the best ways for you to have life experiences and develop new skills. After all, you are never too old to take a sabbatical to travel and explore some more of the world, and why should students have all the fun?

Arenal Volcano is not to be missed when in Costa Rica

When you are planning a gap year travel experience, you want it to be a trip you will remember for the rest of your life - and by choosing Costa Rica it will be just that.

A guide to TEFL teaching on your gap year

Teaching English as a foreign language can be a great way to spend your gap year. You get to spend time in another country, learn a new language, learn new skills, make friends and earn money at the same time. There are so many stories and misconceptions surrounding TEFL jobs though that it can be quite hard to know where to start or who to believe, so mapthegap.co.uk have come up with some answers for you.

Peru is a must-visit destination on a South America gap year

Make the decision to travel through South America while on a gap year and you'll have a wealth of fascinating countries to visit. However, Peru certainly ought to be a must-visit destination and here you will find plenty of things to captivate your interest.

Visit the Atacama in Chile on a gap year

If you're looking for a unique way to spend your gap year, why not consider walking holidays in the Atacama Desert in Chile?

Most common travel scams

We all know that sometimes back packers or travellers can be taken advantage of when they’re in an unfamiliar place and if you don’t know what to watch out for it’s very easy to get sucked in. mapthegap.co.uk has been asking around and has come up with a list of some of the most common for you to watch out for.

Feature: Conservation projects in Ecuador

Nowhere else on earth can you find so much natural diversity in such a small place. With a landmass of 272,000 square kilometres, Ecuador is South America’s second smallest country but includes a baffling array of landscapes and creatures.

Feature: Most popular gap year destinations

Taking a gap year – particularly if you’re travelling alone – can be a daunting prospect. But with the tiniest bit of effort it’s very easy to meet tonnes of new friends in every city or town you visit, and also on buses, and in bars.

Feature: Latin American tours for your gap year adventure

When you think of Latin America, what springs to mind straight away? The Amazon Jungle, Andes, and mega-cities like Rio de Janeiro perhaps? This vast and varied continent is home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife, most fascinating indigenous cultures, and vibrant lifestyles. From the vibrant Buenos Aires to the grand Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, you are guaranteed to remember your time here.

Get 20% off late departures to Patagonia

Start your gap year in an impulsive fashion with a last-minute expedition to Patagonia, and you can get 20 per cent off. Tucan Travel is offering this discount on a range of departure dates in February and March.

Tucan Travel issues Inca Trail warning

Gap year travellers hoping to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this year may be at the mercy of a Peruvian government lottery, Tucan Travel warns, as the body that allocates tour permits has overhauled its system.

Chilean capital named must-see destination for 2011

The New York Times has named Santiago, the capital of Chile, as top of its annual travel recommendations. Other high-ranking destinations in The 41 Places to Go in 2011, include Koh Samui in Thailand, Milan and Miami.

Take your time on an in-depth tour from World Expeditions

If you're interested in more than just box-ticking and whistle-stop tours on your gap year, then the new brochure from World Expeditions is a must-read. Journeys of Discovery offers an in-depth approach to several exotic locations, such as Botswana and Peru.

Three weeks in Peru for the holiday of a lifetime

Canadian tour specialist Goway tours is promising to deliver the holiday of a lifetime, when you book an extended career break to Peru. The 20-day itinerary has a maximum group size of 20 and the total price has been frozen for 2011.

Lead your own tour with On the Go

Independent-minded travellers who want to explore new routes are being invited to organise their own itinerary with On the Go, the global tour operators. By consulting their On the Go's experts, you can put together a bespoke itinerary, specifically suited to your group.

Gap year favourites with alternative routes

Avoid the crowds of tourists when exploring the wonders of the globe, with World Adventures. Their tour guides have alternative routes to show you the hidden faces of the world's major monuments.