Top 10 "Indiana" adventures in Latin America

With less than 2 months to go until the much-anticipated May 22 release of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", now's the time for wannabe Indiana's to start planning their own jungle adventures. Choose from the hidden Mayan pyramids of El Mirador (Guatemala) and Calakmul (Mexico); an "alternative Inca Trail" to the lost city of Choquequirao (Peru); the “Lost World” trek to Roraima (Venezuela), the magnificent Iguassú Falls, mighty Amazon (Brazil) and much more.

And, what’s more, it doesn’t all have to be biting insects and roughing it – you can now do it style! Thanks to Latin America’s fast-improving hotel infrastructure, many of these amazing places are within easy reach of luxury wilderness lodges. See our Top 10 “Indiana” adventures below…

TOP 10 "INDIANA" ADVENTURES

1) Lost cities & Coppola lodges - GUATEMALA & BELIZE
Explore the colonial town of Antigua and towering Maya pyramids of Tikal in Guatemala. Search for wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities in the rainforest; then chill out on the idyllic Caribbean coast of Belize. Stay at exclusive lodges owned by legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola. This winning combination is fast becoming a favourite of the Hollywood “A List” - with the likes of Cameron Diaz, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Harrison Ford (himself!) all having holidayed in the jungles of Belize recently.

Price: 11 nights from £1339 pp + flights.

2) Trek to El Mirador - GUATEMALA
A tough, deep jungle expedition trek and a real “Indiana” experience! Hike for three days and 65km through virgin rainforest with local guides and mule support, while camping in hammocks. Explore Guatemala’s largest, most remote Mayan site all for yourself. Combine with our “Lost Cities & Coppola lodges” trip (above) for a spot of luxury.

Price: 4 nights from £478 pp + flights.

3) “Lost World Trek” to Roraima - VENEZUELA
Trek to the top of Conan Doyle’s “Lost World”, the unique Roraima plateau, home to mysterious rock formations, luxuriant flora, weird and wonderful wildlife and cascading waterfalls. It’s tough going and watch out for the bugs, but it’s undeniably one of Latin America’s great treks! Rest your weary legs on the Paría Peninsula’s idyllic beaches.

Price: 7 night trek from £366 pp + flights.

4) Costa Rica Adventure Trails - COSTA RICA
Hike through tropical rainforest; bike across verdant valleys and coffee plantations; raft the steep jungle canyon of the Pacuare river; zip-line through the treetops on a canopy tour, walk on old lava flows on Arenal volcano. A true all-action adventure!

Price: 8 nights from £1059 pp + flights.

5) Hidden kingdoms of the Maya - MEXICO
Inspired by last year’s release of Mel Gibson’s “Apocalypto”, travel to the lesser-known south of Mexico’s Yucatán. Wander the colonial streets and imposing ramparts of Campeche; discover vast Maya pyramids and wildlife in Calakmul; stay at the comfortable Explorean Kohunlich lodge. With more time, add a few days on the Caribbean coast.

Price: 7 nights from £1019 pp + flights.

6) Reef, rainforest & ruins - HONDURAS
Explore one of Central America’s most diverse but least-visited countries. Marvel at the intricate carved Mayan temples at Copán; drive through coffee, cocoa and banana plantations and stay in luxurious jungle cabins in Pico Bonito. Relax in laid-back Roatán (Bay Islands), for great beaches and snorkeling/diving on the world’s 2nd largest reef.

Price: 10 nights from £893 pp + flights.

7) Trek to the other “Lost City” of the Incas - PERU
With the world-famous Inca Trail already filling up fast for this summer (now full for May and most of June) why not opt for a tougher, more off-the-beaten-track alternative - the Choquequirao Trek. Only accessible on foot (also along Inca trails), this challenging 4-night trek with amazing Andean vistas takes you far away from the crowds. If time and budget allow, reward yourself afterwards with a trip by luxury train to Machu Picchu.

Price: 4 night trek from £268 pp + flights.

8) Wonders of Iguazú & the Amazon - BRAZIL
While you won’t be able to drive along the edge of the falls (see Indiana in the film trailor!), you can explore Iguazú’s amazing jungle setting on our “Best of Brazil” tour. Other highlights include the exotic cities of Rio and Salvador; trekking in Lencois, piranha fishing from your floating jungle lodge in the Amazon, and the barefoot paradise of Ilha Grande.

Price: from £1498 pp + flights.

9) Rivers, rainforest and waterfalls - GUYANA
Discover one of South America’s hidden gems - Guyana - a land of pristine rainforest, incredible wildlife (including jaguar), vast jungle rivers, traditional Amerindian villages, and one of the world’s great waterfalls, Kaieteur (5 times the height of Niagara).

Price: 12 nights from £2235 pp + flights.

10) “Mayas & more” for families - GUATEMALA & BELIZE
With the children all excited about the film, now’s the time to plan that dream family adventure to Central America. Start off in the colonial town of Antigua; visit the jungle Mayan temples of Tikal; stay at the Macal River Camp for wildlife and outdoor activities; then enjoy the beaches and snorkeling on the Caribbean.

Price: 11 nights from £2740 pp + flights, for a family of 4 in 2 rooms.

All prices are quoted in £GBP, per person and based on double occupancy. Prices include accommodation with some meals, internal flights, land transport and guided excursions. International flights are extra. Flight prices can be provided, along with high-res images.

For more information, visit Journeylatinamerica.co.uk.