The Fourth Leg

January - May 2001

Latin America comprises South America, Central America and Mexico, plus the Spanish-speaking islands of the Caribbean.  Our aim was to focus on those countries with the richest cultural and natural wealth.  This trip was also to be good test of our ability to travel as a family, now joined as we were by four-month old Amber.

The highlights?  For diverse cultures, the Quechua of Cuzco and the Maya of Guatemala did not disappoint, but we were especially fascinated by the Kuna of Panama and the Habaneros of Cuba.  As for the natural world, the vast wetlands of the Pantanal and the Amazonian rainforest of Manu stood out.  And our journey to a magical island on Lake Titicaca provided a healthy dose of both.