ISTOCKPHOTO.comMETRO76 Escorted Small Group Holidays 2012For more information, client reviews, trip dossiers, detailed extensions and to book online visit journeylatinamerica.?co.ukExtensionsistockphoto.comEASTER ISLANDPolynesian Easter Island lies 3,790km off the coast of Chile. This tiny, treeless territory, triangular in shape and with a volcano in each corner, has only 3,500 inhabitants. It is famed for its vast, brooding stone statues or moai. The balmy climate and the genuine warmth of the inhabitants make this unspoilt destination one of our most popular. Stay at a simple tourist class hotel in town (4 nights) or at the magnificent first-class explora en Rapa Nui (recommended stay 5 nights). Connects with journeys starting/ending Santiago. Recommended stay: 5-6 days, includes 1 night in Santiago.PERU's NASCA LINESNo one knows for sure why an ancient, unknown civilisation etched huge geometric markings?the Nasca Lines?into the desert south of Lima. Their scale and complexity can be best appreciated from the air: a light aircraft flight from the little airstrip at Pisco. You will have the services of an informed local guide and stay in comfortable tourist class accommodation. Connects with journeys starting/ending in Lima.Recommended stay: 3 days, includes 1 night in Lima.Travel along the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' to Riobamba and the central highland indian market of Saquisilí or Latacunga. Take a road and rail journey to Cuenca, visiting the country's most important Inca ruins, Ingapirca en route. 16th century colonial Cuenca is a delightful base from which to explore local handicraft markets and Las Cajas National Park?a vast wilderness of high páramo and turquoise lakes. Connects with journeys starting/ending in Quito or Guayaquil. Recommended stay: 5 days, includes 1 night in Quito. THE AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES, ECUADOR

ISTOCKPHOTO.comCall 020 8747 8315 to speak to one of our expert consultants for advice, additional information or to book your holiday 77 Escorted Small Group Holidays 2012SALVADOR DA BAHÍaIn a country well-endowed with colour, music and grace, the coastal city of Salvador perhaps exemplifies all three to the maximum. It's an unmissable highlight of Brazil and integral to an understanding of the country. Here, the African slave influence is dominant, with food, dance and religious ritual all harking back to the mother continent, while there is some of the best Spanish colonial architecture?all beautifully restored?on show too. It's a joyous place, and has some lovely beaches to boot. Connects with journeys starting/ending in Rio.Recommended stay: 4 days.LAKE ATITLÁNGuatemala is a deeply traditional country where indigenous and colonial culture and ritual have blended and developed over the centuries and are still very much in evidence today. It's also blessed with gorgeous scenery dominated by about 35 volcanoes. Visit the huge artisan and farmers' market at Chichicastenango in the misty highlands, famous for its carved masks and rich textiles. On to Lake Atitlán, a clear body of water imbued with mystic qualities, surrounded by volcanic cones and tiny farmsteads. Visit a couple of the little towns along the shore, where traditional costume is still worn. Connects with tours starting/ending in Antigua.Recommended stay: 4 days, includes 1 night in Antigua.Above: Climbing one of the temples at Tikal.GUATEMALA TOURIST BOARDTIKALIf your holiday in Central America doesn't include a trip to the ruined Mayan city of Tikal, it is easy to add on a visit to what many regard as the most awe-inspiring Latin American archaeological site outside Machu Picchu. There's a short drive from Antigua to Guatemala City to board a one hour flight to Flores. From there you are whisked to a jungle lodge in the heart of the tropical national park for a two day visit to the ruins, from the temples and pyramids of which you can look out over a jungle canopy full of monkeys and parrots. A guided tour is included. Fly back to Guatemala City for last night in Antigua before heading home.Connects with journeys starting/ending in Guatemala. Recommended stay: 4 days, includes 1 night in Antigua.Below: The charming estancia of 'El Rocío' is a short drive from Buenos Aires.ESTANCIA EL ROCIOESTANCIA STAYSIn colonial times, large tracts of land in Latin America were divided into large estates?estancias or haciendas. Many had palatial residences, usually built in elegant colonial style. Some of these estates have been refurbished and opened up to visitors. A few have been converted into luxury hotels; some are still operating ranches or wineries. Many offer visitors a warm family-style welcome, excellent facilities and a range of activities from wine-tasting and bird-watching to nature trails and horse-riding. One of our favourites is El Rocío, in Argentina, but you can also spend several days unwinding in bucolic tranquillity at estancias in Chile, Mexico or Ecuador.Recommended stay: 4 days.Below: Salvador is the pulsating African heart of Brazil and lively street processions and music are a common sight in the old quarters of Pelourinho.EDWARD PARKER More suggested extensions on our website For more suggested extensions please refer to individual holiday pages on our website. All extensions are tailor made?if you are unsure how they fit together with your particular journey, or would like to consider other options, please call us to discuss your requirements with a consultant who is able to advise and piece together the extension you are looking for.