On one day in particular I reclined on a boat as it drifted through the mysterious Caroni Swamp, gradually penetrating deeper into the mangroves. After an hour or so the channel along which we had been travelling opened out into a spacious lagoon. Out in the open, it was impossible to miss the scarlet ibises as they returned to their roost – their bright crimson plumage almost iridescent against the deep green of the vegetation.

Any wildlife enthusiast or birder visiting Trinidad and Tobago will enjoy Asa Wright Nature Centre – easily one of the best birding locations in the world. From the historic verandah you can spot more than 100 species without even leaving your seat!

Furthermore, if you do fancy stretching your legs and going for a walk, the Dunston Caves are excellent place to go. Just a 45-minute walk through the forest, these caves are home to a colony of oilbirds – the world’s largest nocturnal fruit-eating birds and one of the only birds to use echo-location.

Untouched rainforests

Another mesmerising wildlife destination in the northern corner of South America is the small nation of Guyana. Pristine rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and radiant savannah are all crammed within its borders, which gives rise to incredible biodiversity. On a week-long trip to this enthralling destination, I saw giant anteater, Guianan cock-of-the-rock, blue-and-yellow macaw and harpy eagle, to name but a few birds.

Some parts of Guyana are about as far-flung and remote as you can get. The savannahs and the rainforest are largely undisturbed by human development, which has allowed wildlife to flourish. So, if you’re looking for the journey of a lifetime and a beguiling natural experience, there’s nowhere better than Guyana.