One of the best countries to visit is South America, full of rich culture and a complete world away from the European lifestyle South America is home to many stand out countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Peru. The thing is that for every article you read on the (very considerable) wonders of Manchu Picchu there are a thousand other equally amazing sights to see in this immense continent. This article will cover ten secret holiday locations that you should consider if you want to see South America this year.

10. Panama City, Panama
This city is likely to see an increase in tourism this year especially for two reasons; firstly since April of this year flight company KLM has new routes going to Panama City making it easier to travel there this year. The second reason may be that the popular US TV show Prison Break was based there recently and helped showcase the relaxed city with its attractive mix of jungles and beaches.

The beaches can provide the perfect retreat from working life back home. Panama boasts over 900 species of birds, an amazing 1,500 species of trees and well over 7000 breeds of vascular plants. This makes for the perfect holiday if you are a nature buff and don't fancy bird watching in a damp field in the rain back home.

9. Puebla & Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico is a popular tourist spot for many Americans looking to venture outside their own borders. It is also popular amongst American college students during the summer and spring breaks. But whilst it's got a great party atmosphere if that isn't quite your thing then there are plenty of other reasons to visit Mexico.

The main one that springs to mind is the cuisine, at some point chances are you'll have encountered some derivative of Mexican cooking here in the UK but as with all specialist cuisine you can't beat the taste at the source. If you're not content with simply eating the local food then there are local cookery courses that you can partake in if you prefer a hands on approach. Cities like Puebla and Oaxaca have many cookery classes that can teach you the skills to impress family and friends upon your return from your holiday.

Mexico is also home to Cancun which has become popular in recent years and with many cheap flights to Cancun available now may be the best time to take advantage of this delightful country's food.

8. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
The Atacama Desert in Chile may not sound like the most inviting destination but there are a surprising amount of activities to do in Chile; one specialist hotel even offers an adventure holiday and spa out in the middle of the Desert. The Tierra Atacama Adventure and Spa is a boutique hotel that can offer tours of the terracotta coloured sands and neighbouring lagoons.
There are even areas that are so untouched by man, due to being protected areas, that they have earned the name Moon Valley as it resembles the moon's surface with small but sharp crested hills.

The next part of this article will cover the many other locations in South America that you should visit this year. Cheap flights to Mexico and other South American locations have seen many UK tourists spreading their wings and getting flights to see this wonderful corner of the world for themselves