The BBC series Celebrity Race Across the World has put South America in the spotlight as four teams embarked on an epic journey over 12,500km from the Amazonian city of Belém in Brazil through Argentina's winelands to Chile's southern Lake District. With the show reaching its conclusion last night, specialist tour operator Journey Latin America reveal how to visit the key destinations showcased in series with expert advice on what to see and do.

The Brazilian Amazon

Celebrity Race Across the World begins in the Amazon rainforest, the world's most incredible wilderness, stretching over seven million sq.km across nine South American countries. The opportunities for wildlife watching in the jungle are unforgettable – from toucans and macaws to troupes of spider monkeys, pink river dolphins and caiman. Take fascinating jungle hikes and explore tributaries by canoe.

Combine Brazil's rainforest with the wetlands of the Pantanal, staying at a land-based eco-lodge and a week's expeditionary cruise on Journey Latin America's 15 day Brazil Wildlife: Iguazú, Pantanal and Amazon Cruise from £6,780 per person.

Brazil's North Coast: Lençóis Maranhenses

The north coast of Brazil is quieter and less visited than the south but has spectacular scenery. A highlight is the newly decaraed UNESCO World Heritage Site Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Explore this ethereal landscape of white sand dunes and turquoise lagoons by 4x4, then swim in the tranquil waters.

Visit Lençóis Maranhenses and historic Olinda on Journey Latin America's 10-day Off the Beaten track Brazil Dunes and Lagoons holiday from £2,350 per person.

Lençóis and Chapada Diamantina

Inland from Salvador and the tropical beaches of Bahia, Chapada Diamantina National Park is known as Brazil's lost world, boasting dramatic scenery of table mountains, waterfalls, canyons and crystal-clear pools. Base yourself in the former diamond rush town of Lençóis, then hike through stunning landscapes, and float in the spellbinding blue lagoon of Poço Azul.

Visit Salvador, Lençóis, Chapada Diamantina and the island of Fernando de Noronha on Journey Latin America's 15-day Active Brazil tour from £3,890 per person.

Rio de Janeiro

While not all the teams in Celebrity Race Across the World had time to visit Rio en route to São Paulo, you simply cannot miss this iconic city on a holiday to Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is stunningly beautiful, surrounded by the world's largest urban rainforest. Take in the views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, then stroll along Copacabana Beach.

Explore Rio, Iguazú and Búzios in style on Journey Latin America's 11-day Luxury Brazil holiday from £5,000 per person.

Iguazú Falls

Contestant and model Kelly Brook described Iguazú as the most beautiful thing she's ever seen. Up to 80m high with 275 individual waterfalls, these are arguably the world's most stunning waterfalls, set in subtropical rainforest filled with birds and butterflies. Iguazú Falls are on the border between Brazil and Argentina and can be visited from either country.

See the highlights of Argentina and Chile on Journey Latin America's 13-day Signature Argentina: Patagonia, Lake District and Iguazú Falls holiday.

Buenos Aires

The Argentine capital is one of Latin America's most European cities, famous for its restaurants, nightlife and colonial architecture. Take a tango class, visit the iconic Plaza de Mayo and cathedral, then feast on the best steak in the world. North-west of Buenos Aires is the riverside town of Tigre, one of the checkpoints in Celebrity Race Across the World with a beautiful setting on the Paraná delta, South America's second longest river after the Amazon.

Combine Buenos Aires with Mendoza, Salta and Santiago on Journey Latin America's 12-day group tour Gaucho: Vintage Argentina from £3,860 per person.

Northern Argentina: Salta and Jujuy

The remote northern Argentine provinces of Salta and Jujuy have dramatic landscapes of mountains, canyons and desert. Visit the unworldly Salinas Grande salt flats, take the Tren a las Nubes (train to the clouds) into the high Andes, and gaze upon the incredible Hill of Seven Colours, also known as Rainbow Mountain. Be sure to visit the ancient ruins of historic indigenous town Tilcara, one of the checkpoints in Celebrity Race across the World.

Explore northern Argentina including Salta, the Puna and Cafayate on Journey Latin America's 13-day Off the Beaten Track Argentina from £5,250 per person.

Chile's Lake District

Celebrity Race across the World reaches its conclusion in Chile's Lake District in Northern Patagonia, a beautiful region of ancient forests, rugged hills, snow-capped volcanoes, hot springs and crystalline streams. The historic town of Frutillar has views of Osorno volcano and black sand beaches on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.

Go hiking, cycling and kayaking in Chilean Patagonia on Journey Latin America's 13-day Active Chile holiday from £3,720 per person.

Product Manager for Journey Latin America David Nichols comments, “Some of our most popular holidays include transcontinental crossings. With most people taking up to 3 weeks for a holiday in South America, it's impossible to fit in every highlight included in Celebrity Race Across the World but our 19-day Sandpiper: Atlantic to Pacific in style escorted group tour visits Rio, Iguazú, Buenos Aires and the southern Chilean Lake district, ticking off some top locations from the latest series and includes one of our fantastic Journey Latin America Tour Leaders to take out all the hard work!”

For further information contact Journey Latin America (020 3553 9647, journeylatinamerica.com)

Notes to editor:

All prices quoted include domestic flights, transfers, excursions, good-quality hotels on a B&B basis and full board when staying in remote locations.

International flights and long public bus journeys are not included.

About Journey Latin America

With over 40 years' experience in creating innovative tailor-made holidays and leading small, escorted group tours, Journey Latin America is the UK's no.1 specialist in travel to Latin America and Antarctica.