On CubaThe light in Cuba is most beautiful in the late afternoon - this is a great time for capturing stunning photographs.
On Costa RicaFor a refreshing drink try an 'agua de sapo' or frog water - a zingy blend of lime, ginger and cane syrup.
On BoliviaNo trip to Bolivia is complete without trying the delicious salteñas, the local version of cornish pasties! They are sold everywhere.
On ColombiaGet there soon, before everyone catches on to the fact that it’s an incredibly welcoming and safe country to travel in!
On ColombiaThe variety of exotic fruits in Colombia is astounding and you’ll find juices all over the country. Lulo is a particular favourite (a kind of sweet citrus) and maracuya (passion fruit).
On PeruIn most South American countries you will be given an immigration card on arrival - keep this with your passport as you will need to present it when leaving the country.
On BoliviaMarkets are the best places to pick up crafts and are always very lively. Meet the locals, practice your Spanish and don't be afraid to haggle!
On CubaIf you are staying in Cienfuegos, try the mojitos at the bar of the Palacio Azul as they are some of the best in Cuba.
On PeruWhen going to the Amazon basin, don't forget to take cash for drinks, tips and souvenirs as cards are not accepted at most lodges.
On PanamaTime your visit to Panama City to fall over a weekend so that you can take a transit of the famous canal.
On EcuadorA great souvenir is a handmade Panama hat, especially if you're visiting Cuenca where they are traditionally made.
On ColombiaThe early morning and late afternoon light in Cartagena is perfect for photographing the colourful balconies and crumbling facades of the walled city.
On Costa RicaThe dense forests can make photography tough - use a high ISO setting on your camera, perhaps take a light tripod, and carry a dry bag to protect it from downpours!
On The Galapagos IslandsA dry bag is particularly useful to keep cameras dry during the panga boat trips when you might get splashed.
On BoliviaBeautiful textiles are produced throughout Bolivia and there are a number of shops around the Witches' Market in La Paz or in Sucre which offer a good variety.
On PanamaThe traditional woven 'Molas' from the Kuna on the San Blas islands or baskets from the Embera communities on the mainland make great souvenirs.
On The Galapagos IslandsA sun hat and glasses are essential protection from the strong sun here. Try to bring ones with strings to avoid them blowing away when you're sailing.
On ChileThe Atacama Desert can wreak havoc on your body - drink lots of water, pack plenty of sunscreen and lip balm and buy local alpaca hats and scarves for the cold evenings.
On BoliviaIf you're going to Sun Island on Lake Titicaca it's really worth having two nights to relax and make the most of the stunning views.
On EcuadorGet up early when staying in Quito and the central areas for the best chances of clear views of the nearby volcanoes, they're often shrouded in cloud by the afternoon.
Biography
Sarah's love of Latin America was fuelled whilst studying French and Hispanic Studies at the University of Birmingham. It was here that she developed a passion for the fascinating history and culture of the continent as well as its literature and cinema. After graduating Sarah spent six months travelling throughout Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru before fulfilling a lifelong dream to work with primates at an animal sanctuary in Bolivia. Sarah's first trip with Audley took her back to Bolivia, Chile and Peru to get to know new regions and revisit old favourites. On more recent visits she has been lucky enough to travel extensively through Cuba, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador including the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands.
My Most Memorable Experience
"Having had an interest in wildlife from a young age, I had high hopes of my visit to the southern Amazon region of Peru, and it certainly didn't disappoint.
The intense green forest and muddy red rivers seen from the air, the constant hum of tropical birds and wildlife, the steamy climate, the simple boat chugging past the intriguing riverbanks- all contributed to a feeling of being in a BBC documentary!
I lost count of the different species of birds, plants and animals we saw in just a few days!"
My Favourite Destination
"Bolivia has to be my favourite Audley destination. Although it rarely tops many peoples' 'must-visit' lists, it is a country that offers astounding diversity and authenticity- a real chance to get off the beaten track from some of the more visited areas of Latin America.
Although the tourism infrastructure isn't as developed here as in some other countries, there is a wealth of interesting places to visit and you will always find a warm welcome.
La Paz is a fascinating place to spend a day or two, a real mix of the modern and traditional faces of Bolivia, whilst from nearby Rurrenabaque you can venture into the Amazon area of Madidi National Park, which contains 11% of the world`s flora and fauna.
Bolivia is of course also home to many Inca and pre-Inca ruins, especially around the mystical Lake Titicaca.
Sucre is a beautiful colonial city whilst the south-west of the country is home to some of the most surreal landscapes in the world, including the vast salt flats."
My Favourite Accommodation
"Chile has a wealth of fantastic accommodation but the Awasi in San Pedro de Atacama stands out as a particular favourite of mine.
A few nights at this friendly boutique hotel really enhance the experience of visiting the dry, surreal landscapes of the Atacama desert.
The Awasi simply oozes local charm and history: once a resting place for cattle and sheep herders, the architects chose to maintain the original layout and some of the walls, even designing everything around a centuries-old tree.
The Awasi`s eight rooms are all furnished to incredibly high standards, mixing simple adobe, wood and stone constructions with sumptious soft furnishings and impeccable attention to detail- the questionnaire sent out before arrival asking about your favourite tipple or specific interests says it all!
The Awasi is the perfect luxurious yet friendly refuge in this hostile but fascinating environment."
