10 Feb 2026
Latin America is having a moment. The region has emerged as one of the world's most compelling destinations — celebrated for its cultural depth, vibrant communities, welcoming people, and some of the planet's most extraordinary natural landscapes. From the Andes to the Amazon, from remote coastlines to living, colorful traditions, the region offers travelers the chance to connect deeply with culture, people, and territory.
With this surge in interest comes a shift in how Latin America is explored. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond iconic sights, favoring journeys shaped by intention, collaboration, and care for the places they visit.
Reflecting this evolution in travel, ATLAS – Active Travel Latin America Specialists presents The 2026 Adventure Wish List, a curated collection of standout experiences designed by its tour operator members across South America. The selection brings together rare wildlife encounters, immersive cultural journeys, legendary trails, and access to some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Each experience embodies a deeper way of traveling through Latin America, rooted in local knowledge, cultural respect, and long-term stewardship. From tracking elusive pumas in Patagonia to crossing the three Guianas, from baroque music festivals in Bolivia's Chiquitania to the winding rivers of the Amazon, the 2026 Adventure Wish List reveals the region's remarkable diversity. More than a collection of journeys, it is an invitation to experience Latin America at its most authentic, and to contribute positively to the places and people that make it so compelling.
The 2026 Adventure Wish List:
Once-in-a-Lifetime Wildlife Encounters: Puma Tracking in Chile
By Cascada Expediciones: https://www.cascada.travel
Join expert trackers as you explore Torres del Paine National Park and its surroundings in search of the elusive pumas, always observing responsibly and without disturbance. Guided outings at dawn and dusk offer insight into puma behavior, ecology, and their role in the Patagonian ecosystem, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with a strong conservation ethic.
The Baroque Soul of Chiquitania: A Curated Festival in Bolivia
By Bolivia Milenaria: https://boliviamilenaria.com
In Bolivia's eastern lowlands, the Chiquitania region blends golden savannas, forest trails, and UNESCO-listed Jesuit Mission towns. Held every two years, the International Baroque Music Festival brings centuries-old compositions to life inside historic wooden churches, preserving musical traditions safeguarded by local communities for generations.
Cuenca's Enchanting Beauty, Ecuador
By Neotropic Expeditions: https://www.neotropicexpeditions.com
Discover the fairytale charm of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, museums, blue-domed cathedrals, and vibrant markets. From artisan crafts and local cuisine to riverside walks and nearby Cajas National Park's misty highlands, Cuenca offers a graceful blend of culture and nature.
Brazil's Amazon & Savanna: From Rainforest to Cerrado
By Pure Brasil: https://purebrasil.net
This immersive journey connects Brazil's Amazon rainforest with the Cerrado, the world's most biodiverse savanna. From Belém's rich cultural mix to river journeys on the Tapajós and encounters with forest communities, who generously share their stories and way of life, the experience continues at Pousada Trijunção, where conservation initiatives protect species such as the endangered maned wolf.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
By Amazonas Explorer: https://amazonas-explorer.com
A five-day trek along the legendary Inca Trail offers a slower, more immersive approach to Machu Picchu. Traversing ancient paths, archaeological sites, and dramatic Andean landscapes, the journey emphasizes depth, pace, and connection before arriving at one of the world's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Read about the advantages of the 5 Day vs 4 Day Inca Trail.
Wild Coast Tour: Guyana, Suriname & French Guiana
By Wilderness Explorers: https://wilderness-explorers.com
This multi-country journey explores the cultural and natural heritage of the Guianas, from historic Georgetown and Kaieteur Falls to Paramaribo's waterways and French Guiana's colonial sites. Highlights include market visits, wildlife encounters, river travel, and a visit to the Guiana Space Centre, revealing a little-known corner of South America.
About ATLAS
ATLAS (Active Travel Latin America Specialists) is a collective of leading DMCs and local experts dedicated to promoting meaningful, responsible, and transformative active travel experiences across Latin America and the Caribbean. Its members represent some of the region's most trusted names in adventure and nature-based travel, united by a shared commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and genuine human connection.
Learn more at www.atlasadventuretravel.com
Press Contact:
Ana Duék
Phone: +55 21 999754998
