2. Galapagos, Ecuador

Ideal for wildlife watchers

Follow in Darwin’s footsteps and explore this biodiverse volcanic archipelago where blue-footed boobies nest on the ground, flightless cormorants leap from rock to rock, penguins play and marine iguanas bask in the sun. While most tours take in a variety of islands, the largest, Isabela, is home to one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. It’s not every day that you get to walk the slopes of the second largest active volcanic crater in the world. Punta Vicente Roca on the west coast is the perfect place to dive and snorkel among turtles, seahorses, frogfish and the elusive sunfish, which can weigh over 2,000kg. For some of the best views, stay at the safari-style Scalesia Lodge on the slopes of a volcano overlooking a forest and coastline.

How to do: Wexa Tourist attractions offers three nights full board at Scalesia as part of an island hopping excursion with prices from £5,735 pp including return flights, excursions/cruises, three nights full board at the Finch Bay Galapagos hotel and three nights in B&B in Quito.

Or try… Guana Island, British Virgin Islands

Not far from Tortola, the 850-acre forest-clad Guana Island is an unassuming paradise, criss-crossed by hiking trails that reveal native wildlife at every turn, including flamingos, tortoises, tortoises and giant iguanas. . Accessible only by boat or helicopter, the private island has 15 charming cottages, which means just 30 people on its seven secluded beaches at a time. It is the ideal destination for those seeking solitude in an almost completely untouched wilderness.

How to do: Seven nights from £3,299 per personall inclusive, with flights and transfers.