Latin America’s mystique is one of its biggest selling points, but with limited knowledge about the region amongst both consumers and the trade, how do we unlock this destination’s hidden treasures?

The Latin American Travel Association (Lata) has come up with five top opportunities for cross-selling to help you identify the best Latin American destinations to send your clients to.

1. Wildlife and safari holidays

With its incredible biodiversity, Latin America has wildlife lovers covered. From the jaguars of the Pantanal and whales and penguins in Antarctica to the Costa Rican cloud forest teeming with birdlife – there really is something for everyone. Highlights include:

The Amazon

The largest rainforest on Earth, the Amazon spans Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. If you have clients looking for a luxury experience, Peru is the best bet, with numerous luxury lodges and cruises including the Aqua Expedition Cruise. For clients really wanting to get off the beaten track, Guyana offers holidays deep in the pristine, primary rainforest. You can book Guyana with Windows on the Wild here.

The Pantanal

Few people know that the Pantanal, located in the heart of Brazil, is the world’s largest wetland. It is almost certainly the best place in Latin America to see an abundance of wildlife and the most closely linked to safari-style holidays. There are regular sightings of capybara, anteaters, caiman and, if you are lucky, the elusive jaguar. You can book the Pantanal with Journey Latin America here.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is fast becoming the best-selling country in Latin America and it’s easy to see why. The country is best known for its wildlife; indeed, your clients can watch turtles nesting on the beaches on the Caribbean coast, visit the cloud forest in the centre of the country, and see the rainforest in the south. You can book Costa Rica with Latin Routes here.

2. Trekking holidays

For many, the thought of trekking holidays might bring to mind the Himalayas, Spain’s Camino de Santiago, or Morocco’s High Atlas mountains. But for incredible scenery and well-organised treks, you cannot go far wrong with Latin America.

Peru

Peru is an obvious choice, with its world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. There are, however, several other, lesser-trodden, Inca trails in Peru as well as amazing wilderness treks in the north of the country. You can book trekking in Peru with Cox and Kings here.

Chile

Trekking in Chile is a great option for clients with concerns about altitude. The famous Torres Del Paine national park has spectacular mountain peaks, but the valleys for trekking are typically around 1,000m above sea level. You can book trekking in Chile Pura Aventura here.

3. Culturally rich cities

For clients that love exciting cities, Latin America has some of the very best in the world.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Few people haven’t heard about the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Home to the world-famous carnival, amazing nightlife and miles of beautiful beaches, not to mention iconic landmarks such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio really does have it all.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Known as the Paris of Latin America and home of the Tango dance, Buenos Aires oozes sophistication with Latino flare. Each neighbourhood has its own identity with bustling pavement cafes, antique fairs and street art, not to mention amazing restaurants, where you can sample the very best steak and Malbec. You can book a trip combining Rio and Buenos Aires with Latin Routes here.

Lima, Peru

Fairly new to the scene, Lima is fast becoming the gastronomic destination of Latin America. With a growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants, it is a must-visit for anyone heading to Peru. You can book a trip to Peru with Exsus here.