Latin America was a cradle of ancient civilizations like those of the Incas, Maya and Aztecs, and later became the goal of European explorers, conquerors, and immigrants. It looks back on a long history, often full of contrasts and contradictions, but also has a very special multicultural atmosphere. This lavishly illustrated book presents unique, almost overwhelmingly beautiful landscapes with extraordinary hotels. Short texts and practical information complement the spectacular photos.

The places to stay shown here include the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge in the Brazilian Amazon, the Uxua on the beach of Trancoso, for which a Dutch designer has transformed historic buildings into villas in ethnic style. Big Bang, between the ocean and the forest in Uruguay, is a wonderful place for glamping, while the elegant vacation destinations of this country are home to the Fasano Punta del Este by the architect Isay Weinfeld and the Posada Ayana, where the American Land Art star James Turrell has installed one of his famous "Skyspaces" on the estate.

This journey also goes to the Explora El Chaltén at the foot of Monte Fitz Roy in rugged Patagonia, to the Tierra Atacama in the world's driest desert in Chile, to that mid-century classic Antumalal and to Easter Island, guarded since time immemorial by the huge stone sculptures of the Moai. In Peru visitors follow in the footsteps of the Incas through Valle Sagrado, site of the ruined city of Machu Picchu, and get to know the Achuar indigenous people in Ecuador while staying at the Kapawi Ecolodge.

The itinerary also takes in Columbia - with the Casa Pombo in Cartagena de Indias, a superb noble mansion that is almost as old as Cartagena itself, perhaps the most beautiful colonial city in Latin America. With the Nantipa in Costa Rica, three friends have made their dream of the ideal beach hotel come true, and in Nicaragua an American brother and sister have found their own paradise on a private island, the Isleta El Espino. This book would not be complete without Mexico, of course - including, for example, Alberto Kalach's spectacular hotel Terrestre in Puerto Escondido, the eclectic Mesón Hidalgo combining a bed & breakfast with boutiques in San Miguel de Allende, and the luxurious, laid-back Hotel San Cristóbal Baja in Todos Santos.