TENA, ECUADOR - Civilization, at least as we know it, gradually vanishes as our little pickup takes us deeper into the Ecuadoran jungle. The small truck bounces from one pothole to another along a slippery trail that’s barely as wide as the vehicle.

ACAPULCO, MEXICO - People of a certain age might recall a 1962 Timex watch commercial which featured one of this city’s legendary divers jumping off the 40-metre-high La Quebrada cliffs into the choppy surf with the company’s timepiece attached to his wrist.

CHORONI, VENEZUELA - We emerge from the heavy mist that hangs over Henri Pittier National Park into a world of vibrant greens, azure blues and bright sunshine.

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY - This is a part of South America that doesn’t get as much attention from tourists as glamour spots like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. They don’t know what they’re missing.

CUSCO, PERU - While peering through the aircraft’s cabin window as we descend into this high altitude city, my anticipation soars. Cusco is the starting point for my journey through the Sacred Valley of Peru.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - For such a big event, Rio’s world famous carnival occupies very little space. For those who think that every street of this vibrant, colorful city is jammed with people watching Rio's world-famous Carnival parade, think again.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - A ray of early morning sunshine kissed my cheeks and aroused my interest about the noise coming from outside.

ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - The words Fausto uses to greet us — “Mba’éichapa” — are unfamiliar, even to those in our small group who speak Spanish.

EL VALLE DE ANTON, PANAMA - The hammock shops gathered along the Pan American Highway start to become a blur as our van hits top speed heading south toward this resort town hidden deep in a rainforest.

PANAMA CITY - “Gringo, gringo.” At first I can’t tell where the words are coming from but being the only fair-haired, blue-eyed “gringo” in sight, I know they’re being directed at me.