With all eyes set to be on Latin America this summer and this Thursday (3 April) marking ten weeks until the World Cup kicks off, the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) takes a look at new and interesting ways to discover the diverse region.

From aerial bicycle adventures in Ecuador to photography-themed cruises in the Galapagos and new treks along Peru's famed Inca Trail, 2014 sees a whole host of new ways to explore the region as well as some fresh-takes on old favourites.

Chris Pickard, LATA chairman, said: "As the home of Machu Picchu, the mighty Amazon and Christ the Redeemer, Latin America boasts some of the world's most recognisable icons. As visitor numbers rise and interest in the region grows, tourism board and operators are working hard to introduce new and exciting ways to see some of continent's most famous landmarks, as well as open up previously inaccessible areas."

See Latin America from a new perspective with LATA:

Above ground adventures

Mashpi Lodge unveils innovative aerial bicycle

Mashpi Lodge, South America's brand new pioneering eco-lodge in Ecuador's cloud forest, has just launched its innovative aerial bicycle. Providing guests with a bird's-eye view of the forest and tumbling hills that surround the lodge, this original and exciting way of travelling through the forest allows guests to explore the forest canopy up close. Home to a profusion of plant species from ferns and bromeliads plus many newly-discovered orchids and over 500 species of bird (36 endemic), the forest is brimming with unusual plants and wildlife, some of which can only really be seen from above. Designed for two people per use, guests can pedal their way along a cable stretched between two points in the forest, around 200 m (655 feet) apart.

Prices start from £827 per night per room, inclusive of shared transfers to and from main hotels in Quito, accommodation, all meals and activities within the reserve. The lodge is offering 25% off rack rate in the months of May, September and from 1-15 December 2014. www.mashpilodge.com

HighLives launches flights over Bolivian salt flats

HighLives Holidays has introduced private flights over Bolivia's remote salt flats region for a condor's-eye view of one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. London-based operator HighLives offers chartered flights for up to three passengers to fly above scarcely-visited southern Bolivia for an unforgettable ride over the pure-white salt, vivid lakes and isolated volcanoes. This remote and rugged landscape is normally only accessible on a three to five day journey by jeep. Taking off from the tropical city of Santa Cruz, HighLives offers two unique itineraries of 2.5 or 4.5 hours with experienced, certified pilots and knowledgeable guides.

Prices start from £900 per adult, English speaking guide, flight with private pilot, local airport taxes. www.highlives.co.uk   

Table with a view with Viajes Meca

Enjoy dinner overlooking the Teotihuacan pyramids with a new four-day/three-night tour of Mexico City Viajes Meca.

Passengers will dine at a table suspended at a height of 45 metres overlooking the Teotihuacan pyramids at sunset, followed by an early morning hot air balloon ride and a guided visit of the archaeological site. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the National Museum of Anthropology, home to one of the world's largest collections of archaeological and anthropological artifacts from prehispanic Mayan civilizations to the Spanish conquest.

Prices start from £550 per person. Accommodation is in four star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis and includes private transfers.www.viajesmeca.com

Land-based adventures

Dragoman launches its new, exclusive community Inca Trail trek

Dragoman, an overland operator, has launched a new, week-long, community Inca Trail through the Urubamba Valley, unique to the 32-year-old company and its guests. Billed as its flagship responsible travel project, the operator hopes to replicate the success of its award-winning Tarpuy Yachay project by providing the local Ancascocha community with financial and practical support by rebuilding a local school and helping to fund a full-time local teacher. It's hoped the community will eventually become self-supporting.

Prices start from £560 per person plus local kitty of £494 for its 12-day Cusco to La Paz trip, inclusive of the community trek. www.dragoman.com

Casa Gangotena revives Quito Old Town

When Casa Gangotena, a boutique 31-bedroom hotel, opened in the heart of Quito in 2011 it aimed to become part of the neighbourhood and was keen for guests to experience the surrounding streets, people and businesses first-hand. The hotel recently funded the work of the "San Roque Heritage Guardians" NGO. The Caminos de San Roque programme created by this partnership offers guests guided tours of the San Roque neighbourhood, which lies a little beyond the usual tourist sites. Accompanied by a local resident (and interpreter, if required), guests head out from the hotel on a walking "life-seeing" tour, visiting local businesses such as the local milliner and his shop of multifarious and multi-coloured hats, and shops selling natural remedies and traditional sweet-makers. Guests are also invited to join the hotel's chef, Chef Dávila, as he navigates his way around the bustling market in search of produce for his daily dishes.

Prices start from £277 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. www.casagangotena.com

Tren Crucero takes you on one of the world's greatest railway journeys

Tren Crucero is a four-day, three-night heritage train journey that connects Guayaquil on Ecuador's Pacific seaboard with the World Heritage City of Quito high in the Andes. All meals are taken off the train in unusual venues and overnight stays are in delightful hacienda-style hotels. It is a 'slow train', travelling at a pace that calms the mind and stimulates the senses as it journeys though spectacular scenery and engages with Ecuador's welcoming indigenous communities.

Prices start from £765 per person sharing, inclusive of all meals, overnight accommodation, transfers and admissions. www.ecuadorbytrain.com/trainecuador/crucero

Mountain Lodges of Peru introduces new lodge-based cultural trek

Mountain Lodges of Peru has added a new hiking program along the Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu and in the Urubamba Valley known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with exclusive accommodation in three new lodges. The Lares Trail, an alternative to the Inca Trail, takes in the best of the Sacred Valley's archeological sites and communities. It is noted for its cultural attractions, including traditional weavers attired in colourful dress, roving herds of alpacas and llamas, and a panorama of waterfalls, snow peaks, and glacial lakes. The new mountain lodges, built in the towns of Lamay and Ollantaytambo and in the rural community of Huacahuasi, serve as deluxe base camps for day hikes. An extensive network of trails throughout the region lead to traditional Andean highland communities unchanged for centuries and to Incan archaeological sites including Ollantaytambo.

Prices start from £897 per person, with weekly fixed departures from September 2014. www.laresadventure.com

Water-based adventures

Enjoy a deep sea photo expedition in the Galapagos

Ocean Adventures has teamed up with award-winning wildlife photographer and expert naturalist Jonathan R. Green to launch two photography expedition cruises in the Galapagos. Departing on 3 May and 23 August 2014, these cruises have been designed for those who love adventure and want to capture the moments that best celebrate nature. Evening briefings will be presented by Galapagos National Park licensed guides and specialised on-board workshops given by Jonathan. Guests will be travelling on board the M/V Eclipse with its large sun deck and indoor and outdoor dining area. Tour activities include snorkeling, panga rides and guided hikes.

Prices start from £3,372 per person. Limited spaces available. www.galapagosphotoexpedition.com

Maroma Resort and Spa offers Cenote scuba dive

Explore the natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula on a scuba dive among the Cenotes with the Maroma Resort on Mexico's Mayan Riviera. The Cenotes are unique to Mexico and were held sacred by the Mayans. Created by an underground river system, the stalactites and stalagmites within these fascinating freshwater sinkholes are true natural works of art and look magical as sunlight filters through gaps in the ceiling. Set among rustling palms and lush greenery, The Maroma Resort offers suites and a private villa opening onto a white-sand beach.

Prices start from £210 per person for two to four people, inclusive of transportation, two-tank dive, flashlight, equipment, lunch box, Cenote entrance fee, water, towel and instruction. www.maromahotel.com

Alternatively, try all three

Llama Travel presents the Best of Costa Rica and the Corcovado Coast

Appreciate the natural splendour of Costa Rica from the air, ground and beneath the surface with Llama Travel's 'Best of Costa Rica and Corcovado Coast' 15-day tour. See Costa Rica from the skies in an enthralling light aircraft flight from San Jose to the Corcovado National Park, with stunning views of the remote mountain villages, winding rivers and the beautiful Costa Rican coast. Explore the mangroves of Tortuguero, teeming with wildlife, and the canopy walkways of Monteverde cloud forest. Snorkel beneath the waves amongst schools of tropical fish, turtles and rays in the clear waters just off Corcovado Coast.

Prices start from £2,378 and includes flights, hotels and transfers. Departures until 31 March 2015. www.llamatravel.com

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For media information on LATA, or to contact its members for information or to request press visits please contact Steele Paulich/Jane Richards pr@lata.org or call 020 7326 9880.

About LATA

The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) is a travel trade organisation that was founded to promote travel to the many diverse and exotic destinations of Latin America. LATA brings together over 200 companies, including tourist boards, tour operators, hotels, wholesalers, media, and airlines. Members offer many ways to discover the gems of the region, with accommodation options ranging from velvet-lined luxury to threadbare hammocks. LATA also promotes charitable work in the region through its sister organisation the LATA Foundation (www.latafoundation.org).

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