Contiki has launched four new Latin America trips with departure dates from 2018 through to 2019. 

The operator recorded a 43% increase in Latin America bookings by young Brits in 2017 compared with 2016.

Increasing their footprint in the region, the youth brand has added new destinations, Bolivia and Chile, in 2018.

“Bolivia is a natural next step for us,” said Donna Jeavons, UK & Europe Contiki sales & marketing director. “It’s an incredible destination that provides unforgettable experiences for our travellers – whether they’re after cities, culture, or out-of-this world landscapes. With Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil all sharing borders with Bolivia it’s a great connector for our other trips, so travellers can extend their journeys throughout the region.”

Building on its Limited Edition Series in Europe, the brand has brought the food-themed trip to Central America with a new MUNCH Mexico trip. Capitalising on the millennial focus on food experiences and Mexico’s diverse a cuisine, MUNCH Mexico provides travellers with authentic food experiences.

New Contiki trips in 2018/19 include:

· 13 day Bella Bolivia – This journey through Bolivia in the highs of La Paz, tree lined Sucre, a trip to the Bolivian salt flats and the Attacama desert, as well as geysers, volcanoes and hot springs. Travellers can add optional activities like sand boarding in the Atacama Desert or a winery tour in Salta. Prices start from £1,663 per person, departures begin March 2018.

· 15 day Bolivian Magic – Visiting Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. En route to Bolivia, the adventure starts in Lake Titicaca, then onto La Paz for an exploration of Bolivia and the trip ends in Salta, Argentina. Prices start from £1,960 per person, departures begin March 2018.

· 22 day Andean Crossing – This trip takes in the sights of Bolivia but begins with further exploration of Peru and Chile and Argentina. Starting in Lima, the city is contrasted with an overnight stay in a jungle lodge in the Amazonian Rainforest. The extended trip offers Latin history, cuisine, culture and nature. Prices start from £3,500 per person, departures begin March 2018.

· 12 day MUNCH Mexico – This trip explores the cuisine of Mexico, visiting Puerto Vallarta, Tequila, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, Merida, Chichen Itza and Cancun. Tequila distillery tours, cocktail classes, market tours, salsa making classes and regional cooking demonstrations. Prices start from £1,698 per person, departures begin July 2018.

Continuing its partnership with ME to WE, Contiki is enabling travellers to give back to the local communities they visit. The Lava Line with ME to WE and Galapagos and Ecuador Island Hopper with ME to WE trips both feature dedicated departures that include three days working with ME to WE at their sustainability project in the Ecuadorian Amazon, accessible only by boat. Travellers will enjoy an Amazonian Night Walk, local meals and the opportunity to work with local community members on a project in a WE Village.

Customers can save up to £530 with an early booking discount when they book before 1 August 2017.