THREE TO TRY

For local life

NAPO CULTURAL CENTER, ECUADOR

The local Kichwa Anangu people are behind this lodge deep within the Yasuni National Park. At dawn, you can join them for wayusa, an ancestral ritual that includes singing and dream interpretation, while at night, traditional meals including maito (a Napo River fish) wrapped in banana leaf and served with cocoa beans. A short canoe ride away is Napo Wildlife Center, whose thatched huts overlook the river. Three nights from £1,600 per person, full board, including transport and return flights from Quito to Coca. rainbowtours.co.uk napoculturalcenter.com

For community

POSADA AMAZONAS, PERU

This lodge, set on a brazil nut plantation two hours from Puerto Maldonado, is owned by the native Ese Eja community of Infierno.

The onsite ethnobotanical centre showcases indigenous medicine, while the shaman takes guests on jungle walks to discover medicinal plants. There are also visits to a farm, where you can try everything from chocolate to tomato-like plants. The community is also home to 500 species of bird, eight types of monkey, and jaguars. Doubles from £454, full board, including activities and transport rainforestexpeditions.com

For gaucho heritage

ESTANCIA LOS POTREROS, ARGENTINA

An off-grid 6,500-acre farm in a nature reserve above the Sierras Chicas Mountains south of Córdoba, this is as wild as it gets. Rooms are tastefully traditional, stuffed with antiques (the estancia dates back to the 17th century) and cosy touches like rolltop baths and wood-burning stoves. The Begg family will be your guides to gaucho life: their herd of 130 horses, including ‘dancing’ Peruvian Pasos, sweep riders through a landscape patrolled by condors, eagles and owls. From £301 per person per night, full board, including transfers and activities. ranchrider.com