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Latin America 'has much to offer' backpackers

(13 Aug 2008)

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Latin America is the new "must visit" destination for backpackers and gap year travellers, it has been suggested.

A report in today's Independent claimed that there are a range of South American gap year tours to suit everyone and noted that the area is a particularly beneficial destination for Spanish speakers to visit.

Backpackers looking to develop their skills while travelling can take part in conservation projects, teach English or take up an internship with a local company.

For backpackers travelling on a budget, South America's cheapest countries are said to be Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Venezuela.

The Independent's senior travel editor Simon Calder commented: "From the lazy Rio Grande marking the northern border to the tempestuous latitudes of Tierra del Fuego, Latin America constitutes the greatest travel terrain on the planet.

"And the best news is: the turbulence of the past couple of centuries has subsided, making this the best of times to visit Mexico, Montevideo and all stations to Machu Picchu."

Meanwhile, gap year specialists STA Travel recently listed some of the most popular backpacker destinations as Lima, Peru and Argentina.

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