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Authentic insights with our expert guides for an in-depth perspective into the rich cultures and local life of people of Latin America, India and China.

Local culture and people is of the central themes that we place a great emphasis on in our holidays to South America, Central America and China. It is a common thread that links the countries in which we travel, manifested in music, dance, art and social gatherings at thriving markets, in local parks and in bars, cafes and teahouses.

In the Brazilian city of Salvador, African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences blend to create an exotic city, embodied in rhythmic Olodum drumming. Music is a core component of the cultural identity of Havana in Cuba, where a unique society has grown out of decades of isolation and an African and Spanish heritage, and also in Buenos Aires, a city of tango halls and traditional cafes.

Mexico is a country infused with a strong cultural identity, perhaps best experienced in the city of Oaxaca and during the Day of the Dead celebrations. We also find traces of Mayan roots in Mexico and Guatemala, whilst the Inca heritage in the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador remain particularly strong. Explore the islands of Lake Titicaca and you will find timeless communities preserving ancient ways of life and customs. Far away from the cities, we encounter remote Amazon communities with little contact with the 21st century world and in the pampas of Argentina are country estancias in which you can experience elements of the traditional Guacho way of life.

In China, the cities, towns and nomadic villages of Tibet are home to devout pilgrims striving to lead their centuries-old lifestyles in the face of change, whilst throughout Yunnan, the province demonstrates strong cultural identities in its many minority communities. The capital Beijing offers windows into the lives of very distinct generations; the older Beijingers who grew up in communist China, and socialise together early every morning in the city's parks and a younger generation embracing the trappings of capitalism.

Timeless men at the barbers
Unique Society
Cuban Women with Flower Baskets
Brasilian style
Traditional costumes
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Riot of colours - Weavings and Flowers
Man in traditional dress
Patacancha Weavers
Making Panama hats, not made in Panama
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Suggestions & Recommendations

1681 Sacred Valley Of The Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Traditional villages, rural landscapes and hilltop Inca ruins bring you closer to Peru's fascinating past and present.

 
8376 Taquile Island

Taquile Island

Visit Lake Titicaca's most traditional island, known for its unusual customs, fine weavings and stunning views of the lake.

 
8377 Uros Floating Reed Islands

Uros Floating Reed Islands

Meet the traditional communities of the colourful floating Uros reed islands.

 
Oaxaca

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is an artistic city in south Mexico, noted for its indigenous culture, colonial heritage and Zapotec ruins.

 
La Havana Car

Havana

Cuba's colonial, US, revolutionary and socialist history converge in its iconic capital.

 
Capoeira Show

Salvador da Bahia

The colourful streets of Salvador are the best place to experience Afro-Portuguese culture in Brazil.

 
Making Manioc/Cassava Flour

Amazon Community Visit

Meet Amazon natives to learn about how they have adapted to life deep in the jungle.

 
Stylish Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is famed for its wide avenues, upmarket barrios, old-time cafes and traditional tango halls.

 
1701 Estancias

Estancias

The vast pampa is home to old estancias, where you can relax, ride horses and watch gauchos at work.

 
Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango is the most famous market in Guatemala, where vendors sell handicrafts, food, flowers, pottery, medicinal pl…

 
9302 Otavalo Market

Otavalo Market

Visit the colourful indigenous market, cross the equator and stroll through the quiet streets of provincial towns.

 
9366 Tarabuco Sunday Market

Tarabuco Sunday Market

Sunday is the traditional market day in Tarabuco and a vibrant representation of Latin American life.

 
Potosi & Cerro Rico

Potosi & Cerro Rico

Venture out to the mining city of Potosi to visit Cerro Rico and relive the treasure and tragedy of the silver boom.

 
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Beijing & Great Wall

Beijing is the cultural and historic heart of China, a mix of Imperial, Communist and modern day influences.

 
3940 Shigatse & Tibet

Shigatse & Tibet

Tibet's mountain landscape is dotted with turquoise lakes, remote communities and magnificent monasteries.

 

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Specialist Insights

Hong Kong at night

7 Ways to Experience Hong Kong

Discover how to best experience Hong Kong's bustling markets, atmospheric temples and exotic forested islands.

 
11340 Holidays To Tibet The Complete Guide

Holidays to Tibet - the complete guide

Considering going to Tibet? Find out how you can visit, the best places of interest and when to go to Tibet.

 
10679 The Virgen Natividad Festival In Cusco

The Virgen Natividad Festival in Cusco

We relive our experience of the Virgen Natividad in Cusco, a vibrant religious festival which takes place in early September.…

 
8741 Curious Tales From The Original Copacabana

Curious tales from the original Copacabana

Discover all about the curious customs from this small Bolivian town, as we reflect on a recent visit to Lake Titicaca.

 
8505 Brazils June Festivals

Brazil's June Festivals

Learn all about the rich traditions and spectacular celebrations of Brazil's June Festivals.

 
8064 Rio Carnival 2019 Plan Your Visit

Rio Carnival 2021 - Plan your visit

Discover everything you need to know about the Rio Carnival 2019 and how you can experience the world's biggest party yoursel…

 
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7 Ways to Experience Salvador

Discover our favourite things to do in Salvador, taking an authentic journey to the cultural heart of this dynamic coastal ci…

 
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The beginner's guide to the Day of the Dead Ancestors

November 2nd marks El Dia del los Muertos, known worldwide as the Day of the Dead, when Mexico remembers their loved relative…

 
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Your holiday is tailored by our specialist advisors to fit your preferences using our extensive kowledge of each destination

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