SOUTH AMERICA

MACHU PICCHU

Since 2002, when the Peruvian government introduced a permit system to slow access to the country’s most iconic historic site, and prevent overtourism damaging the Inca Trail that leads to it, Machu Picchu has witnessed days when its gate is locked to latecomers. Permits are not on sale for 2021, but with numbers capped at 500 per day (including guides and porters, as well as tourists; see incatrailreservations.com) – and the authorities saying that passes booked for 2020 can be deferred to a new date – demand will certainly outstrip supply on occasion. The overspill may even extend into 2022. Explore (01252 884243; explore.co.uk) is still dispensing a 14-day Heights of Peru and Machu Picchu trip. It has a departure scheduled for May, June and October (with two planned for September). From £3,101 per person, with flights.

CHILE

Journey Latin America (020 3553 1554; journeylatinamerica.co.uk) sees pinch-points on the horizon for Chilean Patagonia. “Torres del Paine National Park has a short high season (November to March) and, although it feels a way off, 2021/22 will be in demand as travellers rearrange visits postponed during the pandemic,” says product manager David Nichols. “If you fancy a trip, it is worth making plans now, while prices are on hold.” One option is the company’s 14-night Active Chile Trek in Torres del Paine, which spends five days hiking this land of glaciers and lakes. It costs from £4,410 per person, flights extra.

Hikers are rarely short of company in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park