Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Explore ancient Incan archaeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. Downtown Lima is crowded, but you'll enjoy exploring the city's neighbourhoods—especially the beachfront areas, which have great shopping and dining and fabulous hotels.

The largest city in South America, Sao Paulo’s cuisine and art is as multinational as its diverse population of 10 million. With the restaurants of the Jardins district serving every food imaginable to diners from around the world, you wouldn’t be out of place going to Sao Paulo just for the dining. But you’d be missing out on world-class museums, diverse and vibrant neighbourhood tours, and crazy-good shopping.

The birthplace of the tango is, like the dance itself, captivating, seductive and bustling with excited energy. Atmospheric old neighbourhoods are rife with romantic restaurants and thumping nightlife, and Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards and parks. Cafe Tortoni, the city's oldest bar, will transport you back to 1858, and the spectacular Teatro Colon impresses just as it did in 1908. Latin America's shopping capital offers the promise of premium retail therapy along its grand, wide boulevards.

Ten million people call vibrant, passionate, sprawling Bogota home. A city of startling contrasts, with affluent areas, slums and everything in between, it's best discovered on foot - with a trustworthy guide. La Candelaria is a historic walking neighbourhood. North Side offers upmarket shopping. Attractions aren't thin on the ground, although air is: the city sits at an altitude of 8660 feet. Cathedral de Sal, Museo de Arte Colonial and Museo de Oro are rich reminders of Columbia's history.

From its bustling beaches to the outrageous February festival, Rio de Janeiro is a city that knows how to entertain, day or night. Travel through Tijuca National Park to Corcovado Mountain's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car up the Sugar Loaf for more views. Explore Brazilian history at the Municipal Theatre, Praça Quinze and former presidential residence, Catete Palace. Try hang gliding or surfing, or see a match at Maracana Soccer Stadium. Or just chill with a caipirinha on the sand.

Santiago is one of those metropolitan joys where the more you look, the more you find. Funky cafes and dance clubs dot Bellavista, Forest Park art collections range from pre-Columbian to contemporary, and architecture runs the gamut from the 16th-century San Francisco Church to mirrored office towers. Shop with the locals at Mall Panora¡mico and give your palate meals to remember with hearty Chilean fare.

Abundant wildlife above and below the waves draws eco-tourists to Ecuador's Galapagos. Get up close on a stroll or in a Zodiac boat. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at Santiago's Cousin's Rock. Hike along the Darwin Trail and see finches, flamingos and iguanas. Admire Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela. As visitor numbers are limited within the islands' National Park, book your boat tour through a tour operator. Visit between January and April for the best snorkelling.

A capital of the Inca empire, Quito has a rich pre-Colombian history. Ecuador's capital was founded on the ruins of the Inca city and remains the least-altered historic centre in Latin America. A UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city's important sites include the Baroque gems San Francisco and Santo Domingo monasteries, as well as La Compañía church and college. Central Bank Museum, The Equatorial Monument and El Panecillo observation point are other highlights. Drive or take a taxi to see the city.