Audley South America by Travel Designers

South America

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D i s c e r n i n g T r av e l l e r

Dear Traveller There is something truly magical about South America. It’s a vast and incredibly diverse continent with astonishing natural wonders and a remarkable rhythm and charm. I have been fortunate enough to have explored throughout the region, but exciting developments are happening all the time which keep drawing me back. I recently stayed at the wonderful Minga Lodge in Ecuador, operated in conjunction with a development charity I support. It offers a truly unique community focus I have yet to find anywhere else in the Amazon and I would highly recommend this alternative to the more traditional jungle lodges. This brochure now features more opportunities to view wildlife in its natural habitat, explore the extreme landscapes of the continent and stay in new accommodation such as an Airstream camper in Bolivia’s dazzling salt flats; a unique way to experience this surreal, barren landscape. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an old hand looking for new experiences, we hope this brochure will inspire you to visit this exuberant and dramatic part of the world.

Craig Burkinshaw, Founder Director

Introducing Audley I

t was a trip around Asia in the early 1990s that ignited Craig Burkinshaw’s passion for travel. On his return he was so keen to share his experiences that he founded Audley, or Asian Journeys as we were then called. We offered a new type of travel – individual journeys, designed to match the traveller’s interests, tastes and budget, created with an absolute commitment to quality and authenticity. Today this desire to share authentic travel experiences is undiminished and Audley is one of the UK’s most highly regarded specialist tour operators, providing tailor-made trips throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australasia, North America, Antarctica and the Arctic.

Specialist knowledge

Tailor-made journeys

Speaking to one of our specialists is the best way to start planning your trip, whether you already know where you want to go or just have the seed of an idea. They can discuss your plans, offer advice and give you ideas and inspiration for your trip, before creating a detailed itinerary, which will be forwarded to you together with maps, accommodation descriptions and a price. The same specialist will then refine the plans until you are completely satisfied and will be on hand to answer questions from your very first telephone call until you return from your trip.

The beauty of tailor-made travel is that every trip is unique. Whether you want to stay in simple or luxurious accommodation, have great guides on hand or explore under your own steam, travel for one week or five, we can create a trip to match your tastes and budget. We can also design trips for a special occasion, whether this is a spectacular honeymoon or milestone anniversary. Throughout the brochure you will find suggested itineraries and some of our favourite places to stay, but these are all just for inspiration as each trip is created uniquely for you and there are many more options available.

Our South America specialists have all travelled extensively throughout the continent and in many cases lived there, so you can rely on their in-depth, first-hand knowledge. They regularly return to discover new hidden gems in each region, stay in the accommodation and meet our guides – many of whom are firm friends – as well as experience all the excursions and activities. We believe this is the only way that we can genuinely offer you a tailor-made service and enable you to experience a side of these countries that others might miss.

Planning your trip

Financial security All travel arrangements in this brochure that include a flight from the UK are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 4817. Please see our booking conditions for more information. If your arrangements do not include any flights from the UK they are protected by a separate financial scheme, for further details please visit www.audleytravel.com/protect

Guambiano Indian lady and child, Colombia

Contents Introduction 2-5 Peru 6-23 Walking & trekking

14-15

Ecuador 24-37 Haciendas of Ecuador

Colombia 38-43 Venezuela 44-45 Bolivia 46-51 Chile 52-69 Wine regions of central Chile

58-59

Self-drive in Chile

Chile by water

Patagonia 70-71 Argentina 72-89 Estancias of Argentina

76-77

Self-drive in Argentina

Iguazu Falls 90-91 Brazil 92-111 Bahian Coast

104-105

Uruguay 112-115 Falkland Islands 116-119 Antarctica 120-122 Useful information 123

Introduction

Experience

South America S

outh America is quite possibly the most diverse continent in the world. Its landscapes range from arid deserts to lush rainforest, and jagged Andean peaks to windswept Patagonian plains, this profusion of habitats supporting a stunning array of wildlife. Cutting-edge cities, ancient citadels and sleepy colonial villages hint at the rich and distinctive culture here, and world-famous carnivals and exotic yet familiar song and dance confirm the continent’s reputation for exuberant arts. Whatever your interests and expectations, South America will exceed them all.

Locals at Otavalo market, Ecuador

Cartagena, Colombia

History

Wildlife

Drama, tragedy, and passion have shaped South America’s history from progressive ancient civilisations and pioneering explorers to ruthless conquistadors, dictators and iconic political figures. Since the first settlers arrived from Asia thousands of years ago vast empires have risen and fallen, foreign nations have imposed their might and numerous revolutions, coups and wars have fuelled cycles of boom and bust. The political and economic tussles continue in some regions but modern South America is an increasingly significant player on the world stage.

The continent offers some outstanding wildlife experiences from the biodiverse hotspot of the Amazon, home to over one third of the entire planet’s bird and plant species, to the unforgettable Galapagos Islands where the unique species inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. South America offers many more incredible wildlife experiences, in the seasonally flooded wetlands of Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela, in the high Andes, and in the icy waters of Patagonia, where penguins and whales can be found off the Atlantic coast.

Geography

Food & drink

Cleaved by the Andes, the world’s longest continual mountain range, South American geography is one of extreme contrasts. Expect to be astounded by the towering peaks, active volcanoes, vast tropical rainforest, scorched deserts, thundering waterfalls, creaking glaciers and the windswept expanse of Patagonia.

South America’s cuisine varies with the terrain with hearty meals of corn, potatoes and alpaca in the Andes, a wealth of meat in the grasslands of Argentina, and a fusion of flavours in cosmopolitan Brazil where African and Asian communities have a notable influence. Chile and Argentina produce world-class wines while local brews such as pisco, a white brandy, and chicha, a feisty maize beer, are also well worth trying.

Culture South American countries may share a common colonial legacy and influence but unique indigenous traditions remain in many areas. The Andean descendants of pre-conquest civilisations retain the languages, dress and beliefs of their ancestors, countless Amazonian tribes preserve their ancient customs despite the pressures of the outside world and, in Brazil and Colombia in particular, descendents of African slaves have exacted a strong influence on music, dance, food and religion. Yellow-ridged toucan, Peruvian Amazon

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

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Sea

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GUYANA SURINAME FRENCH GUIANA

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Festivals, song & dance

Beach at Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Beaches

South Americans like to party and across the continent you’ll find yourself surrounded by distinctive music, song and dance from gentle Andean pan pipes to pulsating salsa and haunting tango melodies. You’ll come across colourful processions, fiestas and religious celebrations wherever you go, the largest of which is Carnival, in the build up to Lent. Although celebrated in all countries, Brazil is renowned for its exuberant processions, street music and samba dancers who party solidly for days.

With Caribbean, Pacific and Atlantic coastlines to choose from, South America offers a wealth of choice for a beach stay. Brazil boasts thousands of miles of coastline dotted with chic seaside towns, laid-back surf resorts and sleepy fishing villages. Uruguay is home to some truly elegant and exclusive beach hideaways, whilst Colombia’s popularity continues to grow with its jungle-fringed coastlines and pristine Caribbean islands.

There are some South American terms that you will frequently come across in this brochure. Here is our quick guide to some of the vocabulary used across the continent. Altiplano – the ‘high plain’. A wild and bleak plateau over 3,000 metres high in the cordilleras of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Asado – the technique for cooking meat on a grill (parrilla) or open fire. Also the word used to refer to the meal itself. Cordillera – a name given to parts of the Andes where the mountains split into parallel ranges. Estancia – term used in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay to describe a large, family-owned rural estate, historically a livestock farm. Fazenda – a large plantation in northeast Brazil established during the colonial period. Hacienda – a rural estate in Ecuador and Colombia, generally used for grain, coffee, vegetable or livestock farming. Coffee producing haciendas in Colombia are also called ‘fincas’. Pampas – vast and flat alluvial plains famous for their cattle farming that spread out from Buenos Aires. Posada/Pousada (Spanish/Portuguese spelling) – the name traditionally given to a small, family-run hotel, though the name is now used by many hotels across the continent.

Dancers in Rio Carnival, Brazil

01993 838 600 • Introduction

Peru H

eartland of the Inca empire, enigmatic land of the Andes and the Amazon, Peru is South America at its most iconic and awe-inspiring. Machu Picchu is inspiration alone for many a first-time visit to South America, and rightly so, but the Incas were just one in a long list of civilisations that span thousands of years. Ancient sites such as Chan Chan and Kuelap litter the country, their diverse cultural origins matched by a landscape that is equally varied. Snow-capped mountains, giant dunes, sapphire lakes and lush rainforest provide a home to diverse birds and mammals, from the Andean condor and grazing vicuña in the mountains, to the pink dolphins and giant river otters of the Amazon basin. Glorious colonial architecture, world-class museums, a penchant for fine food and some of the most colourful markets in South America complement Peru’s natural attractions, making it a destination that will delight at every step of your journey.

Audley in Peru

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Pacaya Samiria Reserve

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The magnificent Inca citadel is Peru’s undoubted highlight, its extraordinary location and history are simply breathtaking. See pages 16-17

Ica Nazca

Amazon Rainforest Lush, wildlife-filled jungle offering easily accessible rainforest experiences as well as remote reserves such as Tambopata and Manu. See page 17

3 Sacred Valley

6 Lake Titicaca

of the Incas Authentic Peru at its very best; dramatic scenery, colourful markets, Inca ruins and a wealth of activities. See page 13

The highest navigable lake in the world; sacred to the traditional communities who make its islands their home. See page 11 7 Amazon River cruise

One of the deepest canyons in the world and a great place to see Andean condors in flight. See page 10

Cuzco

Boca Manu

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Tambopata Reserve

6 Lake Juliaca Titicaca ca Col yon El 4 Can Misti Puno Arequipa

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2 Cuzco A majestic city steeped in history, Cuzco’s bustling streets are lined with Spanish colonial architecture perched on Inca foundations. See page 12

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Colonial houses, Cuzco

Amazon Rainforest

Iquitos

Accommodation Peru offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Our regular visits to the country allow us to hand-pick a selection of hotels that we can personally vouch for, both in terms of their quality and their location. In the towns and cities, options range from simple hotels and B&Bs that offer a convenient base for a busy day of sightseeing, right through to luxurious properties in beautifully renovated colonial buildings. Further afield we pride ourselves on being able to offer an Amazon experience to suit every interest, from affordable lodges offering a gentle introduction to the jungle to luxury river cruises or even cabins attached to research stations in the heart of primary rainforest, where the wildlife really is on your doorstep.

COLOMBIA

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Whilst Peru is undoubtedly a country of iconic sights and classic journeys, this does not mean every trip has to follow the same path. Our team of specialists return to Peru frequently to keep abreast of new activities and infrastructure developments. They will carefully plan your travel arrangements so you can enjoy Machu Picchu in relative peace, visit a quieter island on Lake Titicaca and tour Lima with a local to discover its gastronomic charms. We understand that the right guide can make the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one and so choose only the very best. We are rigorous in our selection process, and look for passion as well as knowledge in those we work with. Our aim is to offer you an authentic insight and a deeper understanding of every place you visit.

Glide along the tributaries of the mighty Amazon to the wildliferich Pacaya Samiria Reserve. See page 19

BOLIVIA

CHILE

8 Northern kingdoms Explore pre-Inca treasures between Trujillo and Chiclayo and the magnificent forest-clad fortress of Kuelap. See page 20

Train journeys A memorable way to explore Peru’s wonderfully varied landscapes from the vast altiplano to the forested valleys surrounding Machu Picchu. See page 9

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Basilica Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Lima

Lima Crowded, chaotic yet charismatic, Lima is enjoying something of a renaissance, with fine colonial architecture, world-class museums and some award-winning restaurants. A visit does not come without the challenges of big city exploration but you’ll be rewarded with an incredibly rich historical and cultural heritage. The Basilica Cathedral, where the remains of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro are thought to be interred, is a highlight. Archaeological sites such as Huaca Pucllana offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilisations while age-old gold and ceramics are on display in the impressive Gold Museum and the Larco Herrera Museum. Lima is also making a name for itself as the gastronomic capital of South America and a gourmet tour of the city, where you can prepare and eat fresh ceviche and discover the best local bars to consume the popular local tipple, pisco, shouldn’t be missed.

Belmond Miraflores Park Plaza, Lima Enjoying a sweeping panorama of the city’s Pacific coastline, Belmond’s Lima hotel combines an enviable location with excellent service. All 82 rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and feature spacious marble bathrooms. Booking an ocean view room is well worth considering if you are spending more than one night in the city. Panoramic views can also be enjoyed over breakfast in the Observatory restaurant and from the hotel’s heated rooftop pool. Other facilities at the hotel include a gym, spa and restaurant serving inventive fusion cuisine. Belmond Miraflores Park Plaza, Lima

Lima is a vast city with a considerable sprawl, but the majority of quality hotels can be found in the cosmopolitan district of Miraflores with its numerous bars, restaurants and pretty parks. Neighbouring Barranco is an emerging district with a bohemian character and lively bar scene, and residential San Isidro district is a popular choice for those looking for international standard hotels in quieter surroundings. Beach at Miraflores, Lima

Santa Catalina Convent, Arequipa

Train journeys Travelling by train is a wonderful way to take in Peru’s dramatic landscapes, and the country’s most iconic rail journeys are an attraction in their own right. Unless you choose to trek the Inca Trail, you will travel by train along the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu passing rolling mountain scenery along the banks of the Urubamba River. Standard services on this route offer comfortable cabins with panoramic windows, though you may also opt for the famous Hiram Bingham service with its luxurious Pullman carriages and fine dining. Another impressive route is the journey between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca on board

the Andean Explorer. This comfortable ten hour journey includes a three course lunch and afternoon tea, as well as dramatically changing scenery from snow-capped Andean peaks to grassy plains. Train enthusiasts with flexibility in their travel dates can enjoy the service from Lima to Huancayo, the second highest passenger railway in the world. Though basic in terms of comfort, the scenery and engineering along this 12 hour journey can be literally breathtaking as it ascends to over 4,500 metres, taking in countless switchbacks, tunnels and steel bridges en route.

Local craftswoman, Arequipa

Arequipa

Seals, Ballestas Islands

Paracas & the south coast Travelling down the Pan American Highway south of Lima brings you past endless desert landscapes broken occasionally by fertile valleys where grapes are grown for pisco production. The main attractions in this area include the desert towns of Ica and Huacachina, and the Paracas Nature Reserve. From Ica, you can arrange flights over the mysterious Nazca Lines, an archaeological phenomenon of complex geoglyphs etched into the desert, their exact origins dividing opinion amongst historians to this day. Huacachina is home to a remarkable desert oasis and exhilarating adventure activities such as sand boarding, whilst the Paracas Nature Reserve is the best base from which to visit the Ballestas Islands with their plentiful seals and marine birds.

Often referred to as the ‘White City’ due to its sillar stone buildings, Arequipa is a calm and cosmopolitan city with a spectacular volcanic backdrop. The compact colonial centre is an attractive place to wander, and there are many balcony cafes and restaurants overlooking the main square. A key attraction is the labyrinthine convent of Santa Catalina, a vast complex of brightly painted avenues and courtyards forming almost a miniature city. Also worth visiting is the Museo Santuarios de Altura which, between the months of May and December, houses the remains of Juanita, the sacrificial Inca ‘ice maiden’. Her remarkably preserved tomb was discovered high in the ice caps of the nearby El Misti Volcano and the museum tells her fascinating story. Arequipa sits at an altitude of just over 2,000 metres making it the perfect place to acclimatise before continuing on to higher destinations such as the Colca Canyon or Cuzco.

Vineyard for Pisco production

El Misti Volcano, Arequipa

Casa Andina Private Collection, Arequipa With a prime location for exploring Arequipa’s colonial centre, the Casa Andina Private Collection combines historic grandeur with modern amenities. The meticulously restored former Mint House dates back to the late 18 th century and offers 43 rooms and suites divided between the original building and a bright modern wing. Even those staying in the modern wing can enjoy the hotel’s character in the colonial courtyards that link the two sections of the hotel, and it is well worth heading up to the fourth floor terrace for superb views of the city and El Misti Volcano.

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Colca Canyon

Casitas del Colca, Colca Valley The most luxurious place to stay in the valley, Casitas del Colca is a well-established hotel with 20 spacious individual casitas, dotted around ample grounds. The casitas are beautifully furnished and feature open fires, private terraces and heated plunge pools with views of the valley. Activities on offer include horse riding, relaxing spa treatments, cookery classes and feeding the baby alpacas.

Reached by a scenic overland journey from either Arequipa or Lake Titicaca, the journey in to the Colca Valley is a treat in itself. Rugged volcanic landscapes dotted with llama and dramatic mountain passes meet at Colca, home to one of the deepest canyons in the world. Pre-Inca agricultural terraces cling to the verdant canyon walls and far below, impossibly remote hamlets survive in seemingly inaccessible locations. A place steeped in history and tradition, the canyon is also one of the best places in South America to catch a glimpse of the mighty Andean condor as they soar on the thermals above the valley, making an early morning excursion to Condor’s Cross unmissable.

Killawasi Lodge, Colca Valley

Casitas del Colca, Colca Valley

Colca Lodge, Colca Valley Located deep in the valley on the banks of the river, Colca Lodge is one of the best places to stay to soak up the canyon’s scenery. The lodge’s 45 rooms are constructed of stone and adobe with thatched roofs and although simply furnished, they feature llama wool blankets and a sustainable geothermal heating system to help you stay warm during the notoriously chilly evenings. Enjoy a massage at quite possibly one of the most scenic spas in Peru or relax under the stars at the lodge’s own thermal pools. Colca Lodge, Colca Valley

One of the smallest lodges in the Colca Valley, Killawasi offers 14 guest rooms in a tranquil location just outside the town of Yanque. All enjoy a good amount of natural light and feature either a private terrace or balcony. The restaurant offers expansive views and a relaxing few hours can be passed in one of the hammocks in the grounds, or taking a guided walk up to the archaeological site of Uyo Uyo.

Killawasi Lodge, Colca Valley

Titilaka, Lake Titicaca

Llamas near Colca Canyon

Women spinning wool, Taquile Island

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca The world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca stretches across a vast area of altiplano in Peru and neighbouring Bolivia. Day trips out onto the water depart from the rather workaday town of Puno but soon the spectacular snow-capped Cordillera Real mountain range comes into view. Out on the lake proper, it really can feel like an ocean on top of the world, with deep blue water stretching as far as the eye can see. Lake Titicaca is a place of ancient customs and traditions and a classic stop on a day tour is the floating Uros Islands, which are constructed entirely of tortora reed and feel remarkably spongy underfoot. The Uros islanders will show you their reed homes and traditional cooking methods and implore you to buy some of their handmade souvenirs. Another well-visited island further out on the lake is Taquile – renowned for its textiles, colourful traditional clothing and knitting, which is carried out exclusively by the men of the island. To avoid some of the larger groups who now visit these islands, an alternative tour can be arranged to Llachon on a quiet peninsula northeast of Puno. Although not entirely undiscovered, the remote community receives fewer visitors and is a charming place to enjoy sweeping lake panoramas and a hearty lunch prepared in a family restaurant.

Condor, Colca Canyon

Tierra Viva Puno Plaza, Puno This property provides a functional and affordable base for your time exploring Lake Titicaca. Its location in the centre of Puno makes it convenient for sampling some of the town’s restaurants and bars, whilst the soundproofing of the windows ensures you will still get a good night’s sleep. All 30 rooms are bright and furnished in a modern style, while local artworks add a touch of Peruvian character.

Casa Andina Private Collection, Puno Puno’s more luxurious accommodation options can be found outside the town on the lakeshore. An excellent value option is the Casa Andina Private Collection which features 45 comfortable, modern rooms with either garden or lake views, many with their own balcony. The hotel also has its own private pier, offering the utmost convenience for a boat excursion.

Titilaka, Lake Titicaca Situated on a secluded peninsula a 40 minute drive west of Puno, Titilaka is the most luxurious and exclusive place to stay on the lake. This striking modern building features 18 lake-facing rooms divided across three levels. All are elegantly furnished and offer lake views as well as many special touches such as under-floor heating and a complimentary mini-bar. It is not only the quality of the accommodation that sets Titilaka apart, but the unique excursions which include trips to lesser-visited communities to learn about their way of life, trekking, birdwatching, cycling or lake kayaking. As well as most excursions, all meals and drinks are included during your stay and dining is always a scenic affair with floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant offering magnificent views of the lake.

For those not wishing to brave the bustle of Puno itself, all meals can be taken at the excellent Alma restaurant which has panoramic views of the lake and serves international cuisine as well as Peruvian specialities, including fish from the lake.

Casa Andina Private Collection, Puno

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Cuzco

Cuzco The majestic city of Cuzco has one of the best-preserved historical fusions of any city in South America, as well as a uniquely intoxicating atmosphere. Nestled in a fertile valley at an altitude of 3,400 metres, Cuzco held strategic importance as the capital of the vast Inca empire from the 13th century right up to the Spanish conquest. The colonial invaders were so struck by the city that they could not bring themselves to completely destroy it. Instead they chose to build on top of the existing Inca foundations. This unique blend of architecture is best seen in the Inca Temple of the Sun, Koricancha, which acts as a base for the ornate Santo Domingo Church. History aside, Cuzco has a wealth of other attractions to draw you in, and its narrow streets are lined with imposing Inca walls, a wealth of fascinating museums and art galleries, and a labyrinth of cafes, shops and handicraft markets. People-watch in the elegant Plaza de Armas, try your hand at chocolate making, or venture beyond the city to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman with its towering stone walls and stunning view of Cuzco below.

Tierra Viva Saphi, Cuzco Located just three blocks from Cuzco’s main square, Tierra Viva Saphi offers colonial character and excellent value for money. This converted 17th-century residence features 21 rooms all located around a central patio with a stone fountain. Rooms are clean and bright with local touches such as alpaca wool throws and traditional artworks adding to the welcoming feel.

El Mercado, Cuzco This charming hotel offers something a little different from Cuzco’s more traditional options. Located a five minute walk from the main Plaza de Armas, El Mercado features 31 rooms and a contemporary style combined with a local market theme, linking the building to its past as the premises of the city’s old farmers’ market. Light-hearted references to this history include the fruit juice stall at the breakfast buffet in the restaurant, and a vendor offering local teas in the patio. Within the hotel there is a bar offering fresh market food, tapas and cocktails.

Traditional door, Cuzco

La Casona, Cuzco Spending time at La Casona feels more like a stay in a luxury home than a traditional hotel. This small boutique hotel has just 11 suites and is set in a 16th-century colonial house, a short walk from the bustle of the main square. Suites face either the hotel’s own peaceful courtyard or out onto the Plaza – perfect to watch the world go by from your private balcony. Fine linens and down duvets, heated floors and elegant marble bathrooms feature in all suites, as do modern amenities. Communal areas offer open fires, antiques and works of art.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cuzco After years of meticulous restoration, this labyrinthine former convent and palace on the Plaza Las Nazarenas reopened as one of the finest hotels in Cuzco. The 55 suites combine original Inca and colonial features with bright, uplifting design and are all enriched with oxygen to assist you with acclimatisation. Additional touches such as a private bar in each room, personal butler, and the city’s only heated outdoor swimming pool make a stay here extra special.

Tierra Viva Saphi, Cuzco

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cuzco

Inca agricultural terraces, Moray

Chinchero market

Salt terraces of Maras

Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley of the Incas

Sacred Valley of the Incas

salt is extracted in a method that has remained unchanged since the Sun God reputedly hailed salt on the locals as a punishment for rebelling against the Incas.

Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley of the Incas

A scenic drive from Cuzco takes you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a winding and fertile valley that was at the spiritual and commercial heart of the Inca empire. Inca sites are set high on steep mountainsides, and the spectacular scenery and traditional markets in the valley make it a highly rewarding place to visit before continuing on to Machu Picchu. At Pisac, evocative ruins display precise Inca stonework and astronomical observation posts, and ceremonial baths give a glimpse of life in the ancient city. The equally striking remnants of the imposing fortress at Ollantaytambo dominate the town of the same name, once an important Inca administrative centre and nowadays the gateway to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. In the valley’s colourful markets you can barter with traditionally-dressed locals for an array of goods. The finest is the Sunday market in Chinchero where locals travel in from communities far and wide to buy and sell produce. Quieter daily markets also take place here, as they do in Pisac, where you can pick up a wide range of souvenirs and handicrafts. Close to Chinchero are the unusual circular Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, which are still in use, and the salt terraces of Maras where

The Sacred Valley can be explored on a full or half-day excursion from Cuzco. For those with more time, relaxing for a few days in one of the hotels is a wonderful way to soak up the scenery. You can also take part in activities such as mountain biking, trekking and horse riding.

El Albergue, Sacred Valley of the Incas Located in Ollantaytambo train station, El Albergue is a thoroughly unique place to stay. Constructed in 1925, the hotel features 16 charming rooms spread across two floors. The hotel’s gardens are home to colourful fuchsias, peach and avocado trees and visiting hummingbirds. Guests are encouraged to visit the adjoining farm where a variety of local produce is grown. The hotel operates a cafe on the station platform as well as a small restaurant exclusively for guests’ use within the grounds of the property. In the morning you can literally step outside and catch the train to Machu Picchu.

The Sol y Luna is situated just outside the sleepy village of Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Its 28 rooms feature colourful paintings by local artists, and are located in either semi-detached or stand-alone bungalows scattered across beautiful gardens. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna and spa, and a great range of local activities can be arranged. They include Peruvian Paso horse demonstrations and options for horse riding, ceramics and textiles workshops, cookery classes, mountain biking and lake kayaking.

Belmond Rio Sagrado, Sacred Valley of the Incas One of the closest hotels to the banks of the winding Urubamba River, the Belmond Rio Sagrado offers a tranquil escape and one of the most scenic settings in the Sacred Valley. All 21 rooms and suites are remarkably bright with chic, understated decor, and breathtaking views from the terrace. Delicious local and international cuisine can be enjoyed at the main restaurant, or outside overlooking the gardens. Other facilities include a swimming pool, spa with indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

The Peruvian Andes

Walking & trekking There can be few more scenic backdrops for hiking than the Peruvian Andes with their mighty peaks and glaciers, untouched rural communities and vestiges of the ancient Inca empire. The most rewarding and well-established trekking routes are focused around the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the options nowadays extending far beyond the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. When embarking on any Andean trek you will need to be relatively fit and properly acclimatised, though options now exist to cater for varying levels of physical fitness. Furthermore, though some treks involve simple camping with limited facilities, this is no longer the only way to enjoy trekking in Peru, with more comfortable lodge based options emerging in recent years.

Trekking in the Peruvian Andes

The Inca Trail One of the most iconic treks in the world, the Inca Trail is a tough but incredibly rewarding hike following the ancient path used by messengers bringing news from outposts of the Inca empire to the citadel, Machu Picchu. The trail crosses high mountain passes and rocky terrain featuring views of snow-capped peaks, as well as gentler stretches through ancient valleys and verdant cloudforests. Along the route you will also see many otherwise inaccessible Inca ruins such as Runkuracay and Phuyupatamarca which help place Machu Picchu into a wider context. Your final reward is the spectacular view of Machu Picchu from high above the city at the Intipunku Sun Gate. Audley can offer this trek on either a group or a private basis and at different paces with a classic four day trek and a gentler five day option. With strict controls on the numbers permitted to walk each day, we recommend planning your trip between six and nine months before travel to stand the best possible chance of securing a trek permit.

The Inca ruins of Chachabamba

KM104 For those short on time or just keen to hike to Machu Picchu without the camping, this one day trek is the perfect option. Starting from the mid-way point on the train journey from Cuzco, your hike begins by crossing the Urubamba River to start the gradual climb to WiĂąay Wayna, the final significant Inca site before Machu Picchu. Lunch is served en route and this option still provides that incredible first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. A night is spent at a comfortable hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town that sits beneath Machu Picchu, before you enter the Inca citadel itself the following day for a comprehensive guided tour. As with the classic Inca Trail, pressure on trek permits is considerable, so early booking is highly recommended.

Wiñay Wayna ruins

Salkantay The Salkantay trek offers a great alternative for hikers seeking magnificent Andean scenery on a far less busy route to Machu Picchu. The four day trek takes in a stunning array of landscapes including the snow-capped peaks of Humantay and Salkantay, Andean farming communities and the small Inca site of Q’ente. The final descent is towards the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will spend the night in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu the following morning. Lares Another excellent alternative to the Inca Trail, the Lares trek will delight those with a particular interest in visiting local communities where ways of life have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Sometimes referred to as the Weaver’s Way due to the textile weaving traditions of the villages it passes, this four day trek follows original Inca routes and takes walkers through spectacular scenery, rural communities and free-roaming herds of llama and alpaca. Ending in the small town of Lares, renowned for its thermal springs, walkers head back to the Sacred Valley by vehicle for their onward trip to Machu Picchu by train.

Quechua woman, Lares Valley

Choquequirao One of the region’s most challenging treks, this five day route takes walkers off the beaten track to the vast and remote Inca site of Choquequirao. Its Quechua name meaning the ‘Cradle of Gold’, Choquequirao rivals Machu Picchu in its scale and grandeur, but attracts only a fraction of the visitors due to its isolated location. The trekking route takes a dramatic descent down to the Apurimac River canyon before climbing to a vast plateau on which the ruins sit. The route starts and finishes at the same point, but for the really adventurous it is possible to continue on to Machu Picchu as part of an even tougher 12 day trek.

Mountain Lodges of Peru If you’re keen to trek in the Andes but would prefer not to camp, the extended walks offered by Mountain Lodges of Peru are a wonderful alternative. Take in the dramatic scenery of the Salkantay route over a leisurely seven days and stay in comfortable lodges with private bathrooms, hot showers, cosy down duvets and even the occasional hot tub or massage along the way. Another option is to tackle their Lares Trail on a five or seven day walk. Two different levels of hiking are on offer each day on the Lares Trail making it an ideal option for parties of mixed ability, or for those simply looking for the flexibility to decide their level of exertion on a day-to-day basis. As with their Salktantay trek, walkers enjoy incredibly scenic picnic lunches en route, and are greeted at the end of each day by a warm and comfortable lodge for the night.

Wayra Lodge, Huayraccmachay

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Although widely acknowledged as one of the world’s prime visitor attractions, the grandeur of Machu Picchu transcends its popularity and astounds even the most world-weary of travellers. Hidden until 1911 when American explorer Hiram Bingham reported it to the world, the magnificent Inca city rests between two lushly forested peaks, its seemingly inaccessible location making it all the more impressive. Whether you are exploring the site’s many temples and tombs, admiring the sweeping view from the Watchman’s Hut or marvelling at the ingenuity of the Incas and their sacred astronomical stones, a guided tour of Machu Picchu brings the citadel to life. For those who choose not to trek, a train can either be taken from Cuzco or the Sacred Valley, delivering you into the small town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) in the valley below. From here, the Inca citadel is a 30 minute bus journey up a windy road cut into the side of the mountain. An overnight stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo is recommended whatever your schedule, to allow you ample time to explore the site and perhaps even scale the vertiginous peak of Huayna Picchu with its bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu far below.

experience allows us to tailor your arrival time to avoid the peak crowds. Once there, our expert guides will lead you around the site, revealing some of the many fascinating theories along the way.

El Mapi, Machu Picchu Pueblo El Mapi is a great option for those looking for an affordable base in the town without compromising on comfort or facilities. Located on one of the main streets, the hotel is a budget offering from the prestigious Inkaterra group of luxury hotels and combines smart contemporary design with high levels of service. El Mapi’s 48 rooms all feature modern bathrooms and cosy down duvets. The restaurant offers an informal, canteen-style dining experience but a wide choice of restaurants are only minutes away.

Although Machu Picchu receives thousands of visitors each day, our local knowledge and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo A firm Audley favourite, the Sumaq enjoys a tranquil location close to the river. The hotel has 60 bright and spacious rooms offering wonderfully cosy beds with large bathrooms and mountain or river views. There is also a spa and one of the town’s best restaurants. The hotel’s own bus stop right outside reception makes the journey up to Machu Picchu all the more convenient, particularly if you are planning an early morning visit.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel The 85 cottages of the Inkaterra are located in a village-style complex of stone paths and terraces in a nature reserve on the edge of the town. The cloudforest surroundings feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the town and a wide range of activities are available including morning and evening nature walks, birdwatching, orchid walks (in season) and visits to the fascinating Andean spectacled bear conservation project. The 85 beautiful rooms with eucalyptus wood beams and local craftwork make this a great base and an upgrade to a room with a fireplace is well worth considering. The hotel also features a spa, sauna, restaurant and bar.

Poison dart frog, Peruvian Amazon

Hacienda Concepcion, southern Amazon

Monkey, Peruvian Amazon

Llamas at Machu Picchu

Macaws, Tambopata Reserve

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu

The Peruvian Amazon

The only hotel located right next to the entrance to Machu Picchu, Sanctuary Lodge offers high levels of service and comfort in an unforgettable setting. Although guests don’t have access to the ruins outside regular opening hours, the convenient location is ample reward for a stay here. The 31 rooms are elegantly furnished with marble bathrooms and high-quality linens and although development restrictions mean that the superior rooms are quite compact, deluxe rooms are more spacious and offer views of the hotel’s dramatic mountain backdrop. For the best view head up the tranquil garden facing Huayna Picchu, perhaps indulging in a massage in a truly unforgettable setting.

The Amazon rainforest in Peru is one of the best places in South America to look for wildlife, with endless swathes of steamy jungle housing creatures great and small from diminutive poison dart frogs leaping through the undergrowth, green parrots and red howler monkeys flying through the forest canopy, and giant anteaters skulking through winding forest trails. There are two main areas that offer relatively easy access for visitors. In the south, the frontier town of Puerto Maldonado is just a 30 minute flight from Cuzco and serves as the main starting point for lodge-based explorations of the rainforest. The northern Peruvian Amazon, accessed from Iquitos, is the best place for a river cruise.

Southern Amazon – Tambopata Reserve A scenic transfer by road and motorised canoe from Puerto Maldonado airport takes you to your lodge on the edges of the beautiful Tambopata Reserve, comprising over 2,700 square kilometres of dense Amazon rainforest. Characteristics of the jungle here include meandering rivers and oxbow lakes, so wherever you choose to stay, beautiful Amazonian scenery is guaranteed, as well as the possibility of seeing a

rich variety of species including colourful macaws, giant river otters and some of the eight species of monkey that make this region their home. How far you choose to venture into the reserve will depend on your preferred level of comfort, but all the lodges include a programme of small group activities led by expert naturalist guides whose passion for the flora and fauna of the Amazon is truly infectious.

Hacienda Concepcion, southern Amazon A stay at Hacienda Concepcion is one of the most affordable ways to experience the Amazon in Peru, and its location, a mere 30 minute boat ride from Puerto Maldonado dock, also makes it one of the most accessible. The hacienda sits on a natural lake and is surrounded by rich ecosystems and tropical plants. The beautiful oxbow lake of Sandoval is close by and most programmes will include a boat excursion here as well as guided walks along jungle trails, a visit to a rainforest canopy walkway and a twilight excursion. Accommodation ranges from six comfortably furnished standard rooms with ceiling fans and private bathrooms to a series of 19 thatched cabins with screened decks overlooking the forest or the Madre de Dios River.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Amazon River

Reserva Amazonica, southern Amazon

Tambopata Research Centre, southern Amazon

Set in a vast ecological reserve a short distance from Puerto Maldonado, Reserva Amazonica is the most comfortable place to stay in Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern Amazon. There are 38 private cabins, all with high palm-thatched roofs, luxurious bed linens, private bathrooms and 24 hour electricity. An upgrade to an Amazonica Suite provides a more spacious living area and bathroom, whilst the Tambopata Suite offers a private covered terrace with plunge pool and outdoor shower. Stays at Reserva Amazonica usually include a visit to the Sandoval Lake, along with excursions to the canopy tower and walkway for a prime view of the rainforest. The lodge also features a riverfront spa offering a variety of treatments and products inspired by the plants of the Amazon.

Set in the heart of the reserve, the lodge and its surrounding trails offer easy access to the prolific bird, mammal, insect and plant species of the area, including the largest macaw clay lick in the world. The four connected thatch roof buildings are built in a low-impact style and have 18 rooms designed to offer unobstructed views of the forest. The rooms share eight bathrooms with cold water showers. In addition to expert naturalist guides, scientific researchers stay at the lodge and are often willing to share information about their work.

Reserva Amazonica, southern Amazon

Sandoval Lake Lodge, southern Amazon

Sandoval Lake Lodge, southern Amazon Sandoval Lake Lodge is located on the beautiful oxbow lake of the same name, one of the most wildlife-rich lakes in the Tambopata Reserve and home to a family of giant river otters. Access is by a motorised canoe journey and jungle hike, but the pristine rainforest setting, as well as the lake sunsets, make this extra effort worthwhile. Accommodation is on the simpler side, the 25 rooms sharing wooden walls and mosquitoscreened open ceiling space. All feature ceiling fans, private bathrooms, electricity and hot water (supplied at set times of day). Meals are taken family-style in the main dining area which leads to a communal lounge with hammocks and a small library. The lodge is owned by a non-profit making conservation group and five local indigenous families.

Manu Biosphere Reserve The Manu Biosphere Reserve is renowned as one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. It is a vast and pristine wilderness encompassing grasslands, cloudforest and tropical lowlands, with an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors have the opportunity to spot countless remarkable creatures including anteaters, giant river otters, ocelots and tapir, and over 1,000 species of bird have been recorded. Access to Manu involves a two day road and river journey from Cuzco and transport prices are higher than you will find for other Amazon areas due to the distances involved, but wildlife aficionados prepared to make the journey will find the experience a highly rewarding one.

Collecting snails at Iquitos

Red howler monkey with baby, Tambopata Reserve

White-throated toucan, Peruvian Amazon

Cruises in the northern Amazon A two and a half hour flight from Lima brings you to Iquitos, the epitome of a steamy Amazon city. Hemmed in by lakes, rivers and dense forest on all sides, the only way in or out is by boat or plane. Cruises from Iquitos vary in duration from three to seven nights and will commonly include stops for guided rainforest walks in the pristine Pacaya Samiria Reserve and a fascinating visit to an indigenous community, as well as excursions in smaller boats to explore narrow channels teeming with wildlife. Itineraries will usually cover a short section of the famous Amazon river itself, but in reality the best wildlife is to be found on the tributaries such as the Uyacali and Marañon.

Delfin I

Pacaya Samiria Reserve

M/V Aqua

Amatista

M/V Aqua and M/V Aria

Perfect for those wanting to keep costs down without having to compromise on comfort, the Amatista is a purpose built riverboat with a maximum capacity of 30 passengers, offering six night itineraries into the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. Fifteen en suite air-conditioned cabins are divided between a lower and main deck, whilst the upper deck features open and covered observation areas, a bar and reading lounge. Excursions are led by two expert naturalist guides.

Delfin I and II The Delfin I and II are sister ships that offer three and four night cruises around the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The Delfin I was the first quality boat to offer voyages in this region and features just four spacious and luxurious suites, making it one of the most exclusive cruises currently on offer. Two deluxe suites located on the main deck feature panoramic windows and private decks, whilst the master suites on the upper deck benefit from private open-air Jacuzzis. The Delfin II can cater for 28 passengers across 16 suites, all with air-conditioning and large windows. The hammock area, lounge and bar on the top deck provide wonderful open spaces to relax.

Offering three, four and seven night itineraries, the sister ships Aqua and Aria offer luxurious cruises in elegant, modern vessels designed by renowned Peruvian architect Jordi Puig. The Aqua features 12 luxury suites with chic, understated design and king-sized beds facing large windows, allowing you to wake up to an Amazon sunrise. The Aria can carry 32 passengers across 16 spacious Design Suites boasting floor to ceiling panoramic windows. Both vessels have spacious indoor and outdoor lounges and sundecks, while the Aria has the addition of an open-air Jacuzzi. Known for their high quality on-board dining experience, the inventive menus are created by renowned Peruvian chefs.

Peruvian Amazon sunset

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Ruins at Chan Chan

Northern kingdoms

Chachapoyas

Frequent archaeological discoveries are luring more and more travellers to Peru’s northern kingdoms, where significant cultural sites offer a captivating insight into the country’s pre-Inca history and peoples. Accommodation in this region is simpler than in other parts of Peru but the little-visited archaeological treasures and sense of discovery you get here more than compensate for this.

A pre-Inca civilisation who fought in high forest strongholds in northern Peru, the Chachapoyas were known as the ‘People of the Clouds’. They fiercely resisted invaders, becoming one of the last kingdoms to succumb to Inca rule in the second half of the 15th century. Chachapoyas is also the name of the isolated city located seven hours inland from Chiclayo by road, and surrounded by sections of enchanting cloudforest.

Trujillo and Chiclayo circuit The most impressive pre-Inca sites can be explored on an overland tour between the small cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo in just a few days. To the west of Trujillo is Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. This vast pre-Inca city was once capital of the Chimu empire and is adorned with the remains of their palaces, temples and gardens. East of Trujillo are two impressive pyramids known as the Temples of the Sun and the Moon (Huacas del Sol y Luna) which were constructed during the time of the Moche people from 200 to 600 AD. Continue north stopping at El Brujo, an archaeological complex where the walls of the pyramids are sculpted with images of armies and giant spiders. From here you travel on to the royal tombs of Sipán near Chiclayo. Built by the Moche, the tomb of the Lord of Sipán was discovered in

Ruins at Kuelap

1987 unplundered and packed with elaborate gold and silver funerary ware, ceramics, jewellery, headdresses, masks and shields, and is considered to be one of the richest and most important archaeological discoveries in the Americas. The remains are now located in the superb Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in nearby Lambayeque, which you will usually visit after a tour of Sipán itself.

Travelling in the Chachapoyas region offers many other surprises including the burial tombs in Revash, the world’s third highest waterfall at Gocta and the colonial town of Cajamarca. We can arrange trips of various lengths to the Chachapoyas region as part of a small group or private basis, tailored to include your preferred sites of interest. Statues at Chan Chan

One of the highlights of the wider Chachapoyas region is the vast and rarely visited pre-Inca walled city of Kuelap. Discovered around 60 years before Machu Picchu, it remains relatively unknown to the outside world. Inside the confines of the towering external wall 400 cylindrical structures can be found, a trademark of the Chachapoyan civilisation. Rectangular structures suggest that the Incas also occupied this site prior to falling to the Spanish.

Women in Chachapoyas

Arennas Mancora, Pocitas

Streetlights in Cajamarca

Beach at Mancora

Northern Pacific beaches

DCO Hotel, Pocitas Away from Mancora on the furthest, quietest section of Pocitas beach, the DCO Hotel is a boutique, Mediterranean-style property designed with complete tranquillity in mind. The hotel features just eight bright and airy suites, each with their own terrace facing the ocean. There is a small swimming pool, a spa offering sweeping views of the coast and a good restaurant focusing on fresh fish and sushi. The lounge bar also has an attractive terrace with day beds, which transforms into a romantic candlelit space by night.

Whilst beaches are rarely the prime focus of a trip to Peru, the emergence of a handful of comfortable hotels on the country’s northern Pacific coast in recent years makes it a reasonable base for some beach relaxation before returning home. The small towns and villages along the coast are surrounded by stretches of barren desert, bringing a stable climate with very little rain. Temperatures are mild year-round, with some rain in February and March, and the possibility of sighting humpback whales in August and September. The best-known beach town is Mancora, a two hour drive from the local airports in Tumbes or Talara. We prefer the peaceful stretch of beach at Pocitas just south of Mancora; its stretch of golden sand is pleasant for walks, and the lack of bars and high-rise development make it ideal for complete relaxation. A short taxi journey north brings you to Punta Sal, one of the best beaches along the coast for swimming.

Painted ghost crab, Punta Sal

Traditional boat, Mancora

Arennas Mancora, Pocitas Enjoying a prime location on Pocitas beach, Arennas Mancora is an attractive, modern hotel with extensive gardens. The large swimming pool and decking area facing the beach make it an ideal option for families, and the restaurant is open all day and late into the evening serving Peruvian cuisine and international dishes. The hotel’s 22 rooms are comfortable and spacious, decorated in a contemporary style and feature air-conditioning and a private terrace. Some rooms face the garden, with deluxe rooms and suites offering partial views of the ocean. DCO Hotel, Pocitas

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Lima Machu Picchu Sacred Valley of the Incas

Cuzco

Incas Uncovered An introductory trip concentrating on the heart of the Inca empire, this itinerary takes in the highlights of cosmopolitan Lima and historic Cuzco before continuing into the Andes to visit the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas and iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Peruvian women in traditional clothing, Chivay

Tailoring your trip The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Peru specialists to start planning your itinerary.

Day 1

Fly to Lima.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Lima.

Day 3

Fly to Cuzco. Afternoon to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.

Day 4

Explore the highlights of Cuzco and nearby Inca ruins with your guide.

Day 5

Travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting ancient ruins and a colourful local market.

Day 6

Take the train to Machu Picchu, spend the afternoon exploring the site.

Day 7

Free time to further explore Machu Picchu before taking the train back to Cuzco.

Day 8

Fly to Lima to connect with your international flight.

T 01993 838 620

Getting around Travelling around Peru is relatively straightforward as the country is served by a reliable network of internal flights, good roads and some spectacular rail journeys. Peru is also well-connected to its neighbours and other South American countries for those wishing to visit more than one destination on their trip.

Peruvian food

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33 33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Peru can be visited all year round, although the peak season for visiting the Andean areas is between the summer months of April and October. Outside of this period there will be more rain, with January and February typically being the wettest months, although this does offer the advantage of fewer visitors, and abundant flora, including orchids at Machu Picchu. The Amazon is generally hot, wet and humid year round although the drier months again tend to be between April and October. The Inca Trail is closed to walkers during February.

Stay longer Relax in the Sacred Valley or try out some of the fantastic activities. Alternatively, extend your trip by two days to cross the altiplano and visit Lake Titicaca.

Time difference: GMT-5 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Peru on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans. Peruvian Amazon

Traditional buildings, Lima

Suggested itineraries Machu Picchu Lima Lima

Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Cuzco

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Cuzco

Puerto Maldonado

Lima Machu Picchu

Rio de Janeiro

Cuzco

Colca Canyon

Iguaçu Falls Puno

Arequipa

Classic Peru This trip takes in Peru’s most spectacular landscapes and cultural attractions, and has been designed with gentle acclimatisation in mind. It is a full but rewarding itinerary that makes use of many of the great road and rail journeys between iconic destinations such as the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu. Day 1

Fly to Lima.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Lima.

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Take the short flight to Arequipa, with the afternoon free to begin exploring. Tour Arequipa’s colonial centre and the Santa Catalina Convent with your guide. Scenic road journey into the Colca Canyon with the afternoon to relax at your lodge. Early morning excursion to look for condors at Condor’s Cross. Afternoon transfer to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Amazon, Inca Trail & Machu Picchu Combine the natural wonder of the Amazon rainforest with a once-in-a-lifetime trek to Machu Picchu. You will also have time to explore the majestic former Inca capital of Cuzco. Day 1

Fly to Lima.

Day 2

Take a connecting flight to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to your Amazon lodge.

Days 3-4 Group excursions from your lodge into the rainforest.

Guided tour of Cuzco’s most iconic attractions and nearby Inca ruins.

Day 4

Day 7

Travel by road into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a colourful local market and Inca sites.

Visit the colourful Sacred Valley of the Incas with its scenery and markets.

Day 5

Take the train to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the site.

Begin trekking the four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 6

Free time to revisit Machu Picchu if you wish, before taking an afternoon train back to Cuzco.

Day 7

Morning flight to Lima, then on to the town of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.

Day 8

Guided tour of the mighty Iguaçu Falls from the Argentine side.

Day 9

Visit the Brazilian side of the falls before taking an afternoon flight to Rio.

Day 10

Explore the highlights of Rio with your guide, including Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.

Day 11

Free day in Rio to explore its beaches or arrange further activities.

Day 12

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Day 8

Days 9-10 Continue on the Inca Trail.

Travel across the high altiplano by road or rail to the former Inca capital of Cuzco.

Day 12

Free morning to further explore Machu Picchu before taking the train back to Cuzco.

Guided tour of Cuzco’s most iconic attractions and nearby Inca sites.

Day 13

Travel by road into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting colourful markets and Inca ruins.

Stay longer

Free morning to further explore Machu Picchu before taking the train back to Cuzco.

Day 13

Take the short flight to Cuzco with the afternoon to relax or begin exploring.

Day 6

Day 8

Day 12

Day 2

Guided tour of the former Inca capital of Cuzco and surrounding ruins.

The final day on the trail, arrive at Machu Picchu in the morning and take a guided tour of the site.

Take the train to Machu Picchu, with an afternoon guided tour of the site.

Fly to Lima

Day 3

Day 11

Day 1

Travel back to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Cuzco. Afternoon to begin acclimatising to the altitude.

Boat trip exploring Lake Titicaca, enjoying the scenery and visiting island communities.

Day 10

An action packed itinerary taking in three of South America’s most spectacular highlights: Machu Picchu, the mighty Iguaçu Falls and Rio de Janeiro. After time exploring Cuzco’s Inca heritage and magnificent Machu Picchu, take advantage of the convenient flight from Lima to Iguaçu Falls, before completing the trip in the vibrant city of Rio.

Day 5

Day 7

Day 9

Icons of South America

Fly to Lima for your international flight.

Switch the classic Inca Trail for a more luxurious version staying in mountain lodges. Recover from your trek with a couple of nights in cosmopolitan Lima, exploring its shops, bars and world-class restaurants.

Stay longer Walk the final section of the Inca Trail on the KM104 day hike to Machu Picchu. Travel overland from Rio to visit colonial Paraty or a secluded beach hideaway on Brazil’s Green Coast.

Fly to Lima to connect with your international flight.

Stay longer Spend an additional night in the Colca Canyon to slow down the pace and further absorb the scenery. Finish the trip with an extension to the Amazon rainforest.

Macaws, Peruvian Amazon

www.audleytravel.com/peru • 01993 838 620 • Peru

Ecuador A

microcosm of all South America has to offer, Ecuador is a small country with enormous appeal. It is home to some of the world’s most diverse geography and most unique, yet fearless, wildlife. In the historic cities of Quito and Cuenca the crumbling grandeur of colonial mansions, monasteries and churches spills onto the narrow cobbled streets while in the mountain villages, markets sprawl in all directions and indigenous women go about their daily business in felt hats and brightly-coloured shawls. Ecuador is a riot of colour and flavours, from intricate weavings and textiles to exotic fruit and vegetables. Lush valleys provide a stunning backdrop for hiking, biking and horse riding, snow-capped Andean peaks and volcanoes beckon adventurers, and the steamy jungle teems with whooping monkeys, spectacular birds, wild orchids and giant insects. Some 1,000 kilometres off shore, the Galapagos Islands offer incomparable wildlife viewing and the chance to witness the wonders of evolution before your very eyes. To use Ecuador merely as a staging point for the Galapagos Islands, however, would be to miss out on the many rich and varied attractions the mainland has to offer.

50 miles

80 kilometres

COLOMBIA

Galapagos Islands

Otavalo

Equator

5 QUITO

noes

Manta Chimborazo

Avenue of Volca

CE AN

Ecuador is a wonderfully welcoming place and regular investment in its visitor infrastructure makes travelling around the compact mainland a comfortable, hassle-free and scenic experience. Our specialists have ventured far beyond the well-established attractions and use their expertise to design itineraries to perfectly match your interests, whether this is visiting traditional hat makers and confectioners in Quito’s artisan district, trekking to remote volcanoes, looking for rare hummingbirds and orchids in the cloudforest or taking an extended train journey along Ecuador’s lovingly restored rail network. Our local guides have a genuine pride and passion for their country and this is evident the longer you spend with them; do not be surprised if you make an impromptu stop at a village bakery to try a traditional snack fresh from the oven, or be guided through the plethora of stalls at a local market in search of the highest quality goods.

Inset map not to same scale

PACI FIC O

Audley in Ecuador

Cotopaxi

ECUADOR

Yasuni National Park

Shell Tungurahua

Riobamba Guayaquil

Coca

Antisana Volcano

Amazon Rainforest

Kapawi Ecological Reserve

Alausí Ingapirca

El Cajas National Park

Cuenca

PERU

Loja Podocarpus National Park

Accommodation Ecuador has countless quality hotels and guesthouses, many of them charming and characterful places that are an attraction in their own right. In towns and cities the country’s colonial influence manifests itself in elegant townhouse hotels, ideally placed to explore the nearby sights, restaurants and markets. For a richer immersion into the heritage of the country, we recommend a night or two in one of the restored haciendas built on the grand estates in the north around Otavalo. Each has its own particular history and character but all feature picturesque grounds in unrivalled settings, making them idyllic rural retreats. Ecuador also has a superb selection of lodges deep in the Amazon rainforest, some of which are run in conjunction with local indigenous communities.

1 Galapagos Islands There is nowhere else on Earth like this isolated archipelago where the astounding wildlife has no fear of man. See pages 34-35 2 Otavalo Browse for handicrafts, textiles and paintings in one of the most colourful markets in South America. See page 28 3 Quito Set against a striking volcanic backdrop, Ecuador’s capital has a beautifully preserved historic centre with UNESCO World Heritage Status. See page 26

4 Cotopaxi The almost perfect conical shape of Cotopaxi, an active volcano, offers a spectacular backdrop for walking and scenic train journeys. See page 30 5 Cloudforest reserves

A picturesque drive north of Quito brings you to a choice of tranquil cloudforest reserves with superb birdwatching. See page 27

6 Cuenca This laid-back southern city is one of Ecuador’s prettiest and is home to the famous Panama hat workshops. See page 31

The Amazon The wildlife-rich Ecuadorian Amazon offers a host of superb community-owned ecolodges and an enchanting experience for visitors. See pages 32-33

Giant tortoise, Galapagos Islands

www.audleytravel.com/ecuador • 01993 838 635 • Ecuador

View over historic Quito

Casa Gangotena, Quito

Quito Nestled in a high Andean valley and overlooked by the green slopes of Pichincha Volcano, Quito is Ecuador’s proud capital and an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the scenic hill of El Panecillo the Virgin of Quito statue spreads her silver wings and watches over the fine colonial churches, monasteries and mansions that radiate outwards from attractive plazas and tempt visitors with an abundance of history at every turn. The city’s new town, La Mariscal, offers shopping, cafes and a thriving restaurant and bar scene. Taking the scenic teleférico (cable car) from El Panecillo hill is a novel way to appreciate Quito’s remarkable geography, whilst a half day trip north of the city takes you to Mitad del Mundo. It is at this point that the equator, which gives Ecuador its name, bisects the continent.

Enjoying a prime location on the corner of Quito’s iconic Plaza de San Francisco, Casa Gangotena is a luxurious hotel set in a lovingly-restored historic mansion house. There are 31 beautiful suites, classically decorated with subtle colour schemes and fine linens. The award-winning restaurant celebrates traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and a stay here includes a generous afternoon tea featuring a fusion of British tradition with local flavours. A cocktail on the roof terrace at sunset is one of the most memorable elements of a stay at Casa Gangotena, affording some of the best views in the city.

Patio Andaluz, Quito Conveniently situated close to some of Quito’s most famous historic sights such as the ornate church of San Francisco, Patio Andaluz is an Audley favourite, providing an affordable place to stay in the city’s old town. The beautifully restored colonial house once belonged to a Spanish nobleman and much of the antique furniture and original features are still present. The grand entrance and wide corridors lead to a bright central patio overlooked by the 31 rooms and suites. The hotel also features a small library and a restaurant serving a mixture of tapas and local and international cuisine.

La Casona de la Ronda, Quito

La Casona de la Ronda, Quito Located on Quito’s historic La Ronda, a restored pedestrian street lined with quaint craft and gift shops, La Casona de la Ronda offers a characterful stay and excellent value for money. The hotel occupies a converted 18 th-century mansion and features just 22 rooms set around an airy central courtyard. The spacious rooms combine original colonial details with modern touches and feature hand-carved furniture and polished wood floors.

Patio Andaluz, Quito

Common morpho butterfly, Mindo

Cloudforest, high Andes

Waterfall, Mindo

Tree frog, cloudforest, high Andes

Birdwatching lodges

Zip lining, Mindo

Mindo & the cloudforest reserves Enormous expanses of cloudforest cover the slopes of Ecuador’s high Andes as they descend eastwards to the Amazon plains and westwards to the coast. These regions are home to an exceptionally high diversity of birdlife with over 350 species, including myriad hummingbirds, plate-billed mountain toucans and vibrantly coloured trogons and tanagers. The cloudforest will delight those with even just a passing interest in birds, and some prime birding lodges as well as established butterfly and hummingbird gardens, can be found in the reserves around the main town of Mindo. Birdwatching aside, a visit to the more temperate cloudforest can also serve simply as a tranquil natural retreat for those not heading to the Amazon rainforest. Mindo is also a great place to arrange outdoor excursions such as canopy zip lining, river tubing and rafting.

Audley works with a number of lodges in the cloudforest region and our specialists will talk through your interests to find the best match for you. Most of the accommodation in the area is fairly simple, though there is substantial variation in the style and character of each lodge. Serious birdwatchers will enjoy the quality of guiding on offer at Tandayapa. This a functional lodge best suited to those who will spend most of their time outside, taking advantage of the incredible birdlife in the surrounding area. Bellavista Cloudforest Lodge offers great value and a stunning location, with many bird species to be found in the grounds themselves so little effort is required to see them. An unusual option for those with a sense of fun and an interest in self-sufficiency can be found at El Monte. Reached by a short canopy zip line across a river, the lodge grows much of its own produce and generates hydro-electric power for the log-cabin style rooms.

Velvet purple coronet, high Andes

Septimo Paraiso, near Mindo Located in a protected cloudforest reserve ten minutes outside of Mindo, Septimo Paraiso is one of the best family friendly places to stay in the area. The varied altitude creates one of the most delicate, rich and complex ecosystems in the Mindo region. The lodge has 23 simple rooms decorated in the style of a traditional country house and within easy reach of the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Facilities such as a heated swimming pool, easy forest trails and a frog trail within its grounds make it great option for those looking for leisure activities in addition to birdwatching.

Mashpi Lodge, Mashpi Reserve One of the finest lodges in mainland Ecuador, Mashpi will appeal to both birdwatchers and those with a general interest in the cloudforest alike. The 19 rooms and three suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and modern bathrooms with luxurious amenities. Meals are served in a glass-fronted panoramic dining room, and there are a series of terraces and lounges offering prime views over the forest. Activities are usually carried out as part of a set programme and include exploring the forest trails, birdwatching, climbing the canopy tower, and a night walk in search of nocturnal creatures. The lodge’s aerial sky bike offers a truly unique way to enjoy the forest canopy.

Mashpi Lodge, Mashpi Reserve

www.audleytravel.com/ecuador • 01993 838 655 • Ecuador

Trading at Otavalo market

Otavalo & the north Set in a fertile valley framed by volcanic peaks and crystal lakes, Otavalo is famous for its bustling indigenous market which dates back to pre-Inca times. Stalls are spread over three main squares and often spill into the adjacent streets making this one of the most colourful and vibrant markets in South America. The OtavaleĂąos host the market (at its best on a Saturday) in their distinctive traditional dress â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the men in calf-length white trousers, rope sandals and ponchos, the women in delicately embroidered blouses and dark skirts. Barter for some of the many high-quality crafts and textiles on offer or just soak up the atmosphere with a stroll around the market. The surrounding villages retain traditional industries: Calderon bakeries turn out bread dough figurines in many shapes and sizes, San Antonio de Ibarra is famous for its woodcarvings and the town of Cotacachi sells fine leather products.

Elderly couple, Cotacachi

Cuicocha crater lake near Otavalo

Ecuador highlands

Otavalo market

Haciendas of Ecuador Staying in a rural hacienda can often be a highlight of a trip to mainland Ecuador. Many of these rural estates date back to the 17th century and survived the liberation of the country from the Spanish, and hosted important figures such as General Simon Bolivar. Today they have been lovingly restored and house an abundance of antiques, roaring fireplaces, quaint chapels and pretty courtyards.

Hacienda Zuleta, the highlands Although more remote than some of the other options in the Otavalo area, the luxurious touches and bright open surroundings of Hacienda Zuleta make the extra journey time worthwhile. The hacienda is a busy working farm and activities are primarily undertaken within the grounds which include over 50 kilometres of self-guided Andean trails, a condor rehabilitation centre and pre-Inca pyramids. Hacienda Zuleta is also known for having some of the finest horses in Ecuador and guests can choose from 15 different guided horse riding adventures.

Hacienda Cusin, near Otavalo

Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, near Cotopaxi

Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, near Cotopaxi Located within the boundaries of Cotopaxi National Park, San Agustin de Callo makes for a characterful place to stay along Ecuador’s Avenue of Volcanoes. The property has a fascinating history and has been receiving guests since the 15th century. It is built on the site of an Inca palace and the building today retains many examples of Inca stonework along with colonial additions. As well as offering trekking and horse riding around Cotopaxi, the location of the hacienda makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding villages and markets.

One of the closest haciendas to the town of Otavalo, Hacienda Cusin is perfectly located for exploring the villages and markets around Otavalo whilst also offering great outdoor activities such as horse riding and walks around stunning crater lakes. The 17th-century home is set in beautiful gardens which attract over 40 species of bird, making it a wonderful spot to relax after a busy day touring the highlands.

Hosteria Pantaví, the highlands

Hosteria Pantaví, the highlands Situated in the heart of the Chota Valley, the beautiful gardens and charming hosts at Hosteria Pantaví make this a wonderful base to explore the region. The interior is decorated with the vibrant paintings of the artist owner, Camilo, giving it a lively and colourful atmosphere. The hacienda also features a small pool and spa, and activities in this secluded corner of the country include walking, mountain biking and discovering the unique culture of the Chota people.

Hacienda Piman, the highlands Dating back to 1680, Piman is considered one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador. Its style is more reminiscent of the country manor houses of southern Colombia or Venezuela, with a patio running around the external walls. There are gardens and a small pool and wellness area to be enjoyed at the hacienda itself, whilst optional excursions include mountain biking, a train journey along the restored line at Ibarra or a visit to the Afro-Ecuadorian communities of El Chota.

Hacienda Cusin, near Otavalo

www.audleytravel.com/ecuador • 01993 838 655 • Ecuador

Wheatfields on the slopes of the Chimborazo Volcano

The Avenue of Volcanoes Winding south from Quito towards Cuenca, this picturesque valley marks the beginning of Ecuador’s indigenous heartland. A patchwork of fields in different shades of green and gold creep up the mountain slopes finally giving way to snow-capped peaks. The most imposing of these is Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. At its foot, the Cotopaxi National Park offers hacienda stays, gentle hikes and horse riding excursions. The surrounding countryside is also peppered with indigenous villages which play host to colourful local markets. Heading west you will come across some of the most beautiful and isolated parts of the Andes for walking, including the spectacular emerald waters of the Quilotoa crater lake. If you continue down the Avenue of Volcanoes you will reach the town of Riobamba, which lies in the shadow of Chimborazo, the country’s highest peak.

Devil’s Nose Railway

Ecuador by rail Taking at least one train journey as part of your travels through the Avenue of Volcanoes provides a spectacular panorama of the region’s dramatic volcanic backdrop. For those with more time, a longer train journey can afford an ever greater insight into the area’s communities and traditions. Devil’s Nose Railway Dating back to the late 19 th century, the lengthy construction of the Devil’s Nose Railway was one of the most challenging feats in railway engineering the world had ever seen. While large sections of the track had fallen into complete disrepair by the early 1990s, the most dramatic section of the journey up and down the Devil’s Nose remained intact, and is one of the most iconic train journeys in South America. As the train wends its way through the mountains, it reaches a steep cliff where a series of thrilling switchbacks, carved out of the sheer rock face, allows it to zigzag its way down. This 800 metre descent is one of the steepest stretches of railway in the world, and a thrilling experience as the train winds along precipitous mountainsides in a whirl of engine smoke.

Tren Crucero After four years of careful restoration and enormous investment, 2013 finally saw the completion of the Tren Crucero project. Hundreds of miles of railway were repaired or replaced, local stations revived and original coaches refurbished to bring this 100-year-old rail journey from Quito to Guayaquil back to its former glory. The project closely involved the local communities, whose pride in their restored railway is still evident in their delight in greeting the train as it chugs into small rural stations. Various individual sections of the route can be taken on the luxury carriages of the Tren Crucero, however the full four day itinerary offers the most expansive panorama as the landscape changes from snow-capped volcanoes to ambient cloudforest and coastal lowlands surrounded by banana plantations. The programme includes a combination of the most scenic sections of the journey taken by train, with nights spent in local haciendas.

Panama hat making in Cuenca

Temple of the Sun, Ingapirca

Cuenca Arguably Ecuador’s prettiest city, Cuenca enjoys a year-round spring climate and relaxed atmosphere, making it a delightful place to spend a couple of days. Founded by the Spanish in the mid-16th century, the city’s colonial centre is small enough to explore on foot and has a plethora of fine town houses and quaint market squares. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it’s a charming place to wander cobbled streets lined with elegant buildings, ironwork balconies and beautiful gardens. The finest square is Plaza de las Flores which explodes with colour in an elaborate display of flowers from local vendors. Cuenca is also the recognised home of the Panama hat, and it is possible to visit workshops to see how they are made.

Cuenca city view

Hotel Santa Lucia, Cuenca Perfectly situated in the heart of Cuenca, the Santa Lucia is just steps from the main square. Set in one of the city’s most significant buildings, the hotel dates back to 1859 and has been beautifully restored with an abundance of polished wood and antique furnishings. The 20 guest rooms are decorated with period furniture and rich fabrics, while a bright central patio is the setting for the hotel’s main restaurant which serves international cuisine. The smaller Inti restaurant serves traditional Ecuadorian dishes drawing from the country’s rich gastronomical heritage.

Mansion Alcazar, Cuenca This 19 th-century mansion has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur and is perhaps the most sophisticated and charming place to stay in Cuenca. The 14 luxurious rooms open out on two floors to an interior courtyard complete with chandelier and fountain. Extra touches such as the scattering of rose petals on the antique beds warmed by your own hot water bottle make a stay here truly special. The hotel has its own garden, a small library and a drawing room, as well as a gourmet restaurant and cocktail bar.

Hotel Santa Lucia, Cuenca

Around Cuenca An hour east of Cuenca is the picturesque Gualaceo Valley. Surrounded by towering Andean peaks, the valley is home to numerous indigenous villages each with their own unique handicrafts. Delicate handmade, painted guitars can be found in the village of San Bartolome and at nearby Sigsag, toquilla straw is harvested and prepared to weave Panama hats. The quaint village of Chordeleg, surrounded by orchards and sugarcane plantations, has many stores selling gold and silver jewellery and is renowned locally for its green and yellow pottery. To the north of Cuenca, a noteworthy example of Inca architecture, Ingapirca, can be found, where to this day archaeologists are still uncovering new examples of finely-laid and intricate Inca stonework.

Mansion Alcazar, Cuenca

www.audleytravel.com/ecuador • 01993 838 655 • Ecuador

Amazon rainforest

Ecuadorian Amazon Ecuador is a wonderful place to experience the Amazon rainforest. Although many of the lodges here are remote, they are remarkably well set up for visitors and are often joint ventures involving local communities, making a visit both a comfortable and authentic one. Access is usually made by a short flight to the gateway city of Coca followed by a boat journey to one of the jungle lodges. Comfortable river cruise options of varying durations also depart from Coca. Wherever you choose to stay, the natural surroundings and incredible biodiversity will delight. Diverse species of monkey and colourful toucans and parrots swoop overhead whilst caiman and piranha lurk in the dark waters. Lodge guides are often from local indigenous communities and have unrivalled knowledge of the Amazonian flora and fauna.

Macaw, Ecuadorian Amazon

Sacha Lodge

Napo Wildlife Centre

Napo Wildlife Centre Located on a tributary of the Napo River deep in the rainforest, the Napo Wildlife Centre offers visitors an authentic Amazon experience. Constructed entirely by the local Kichwa AĂąangu community, the lodge is a fine example of sustainable, community-based ecotourism, actively protecting over 200 square kilometres of pristine rainforest within its private reserve. The lodge is located within the Yasuni National Reserve and guests can explore the creek and surrounding areas with dedicated naturalist guides. Other activities may include a visit to the nearby parrot clay lick, ascending the canopy viewing tower or looking for the local giant river otter family. The lodge features 16 spacious and comfortable cabins, all with electricity, hot water and private verandas.

Overlooking the black waters of Pichicocha Lake, Sacha Lodge is a comfortable and ecologically-aware property with a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Guests will stay in one of 26 comfortable cabins designed to look as unobtrusive as possible amidst the dense jungle vegetation. All feature high thatched roofs, ceiling fans and a private terrace with hammocks. As well as canoe excursions and jungle walks with specialist guides, guests at Sacha Lodge can enjoy the canopy observation tower, Ecuadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest butterfly farm and a unique 300-metre-long canopy walkway that connects three towers looking out over the forest.

Arriving at Sacha Lodge

Minga Lodge One of three Me to We operated lodges that Audley travellers can visit, a stay at Minga Lodge begins like any other Ecuadorian Amazon visit with a flight to Coca and boat transfer to the lodge. Wildlife spotting opportunities are rich due to the lodge’s prime location on the Upper Napo River and guests can enjoy the flora and fauna on guided jungle hikes and night walks. What sets the activity programme here apart, however, is the opportunity to get involved in local community projects, allowing visitors to gain a remarkable insight into life in the Amazon. This experience is unmatched anywhere in the Amazon.

Minga Lodge

Milking lesson

Accommodation at Minga Lodge is in private, en suite cabins. All cabins have high thatched roofs and private terraces and are decorated in a simple but comfortable style with local materials, giving them a rustic charm. Windows and doors are screened and the bathrooms have hot showers, with electricity only available at certain times of the day in order to conserve energy. Dining here is a treat and includes international favourites as well as Ecuadorian specialities, freshly prepared from local ingredients. Meals are served on an outdoor deck overlooking the river whenever possible, making dining a memorable experience with spectacular sunset views. Minga Lodge is

operated by Me to We, the social business arm of the development charity Free the Children. Their development model aims to break the cycle of acute poverty and make communities self-sufficient by increasing education levels and improving food security and providing access to clean water, sanitation and basic healthcare. They also help communities establish alternative, sustainable sources of income and livelihood development as part of their pioneering Adopt a Village programme. All profits made by Me to We are reinvested in Free the Children projects around the world.

Construction project

Manatee Amazon Explorer

La Selva

La Selva Perched high on the shores of Lake Garzacocha, La Selva offers guests a surprisingly comfortable experience given its remote Amazon location. The 18 spacious suites have been inspired by the design of local village homes and boast a private balcony, ceiling fans and large windows, some of which feature just an insect screen allowing you to wake to the sounds of the wildlife. Jungle and river excursions are always accompanied by two guides – an English speaking naturalist and a local guide native to the area – whose skills in spotting reptiles, mammals and birds are often remarkable. There is a canopy observation tower close to the lodge, and yoga sessions and massages can be arranged. In between excursions, the lodge’s elevated lounge and dining area is a wonderful place to relax, offering prime views of the lake and curious visitors such as the prehistoric-looking hoatzin bird.

Specifically designed for cruises in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the 90-foot-long Manatee riverboat offers three, four and seven night itineraries departing from Coca to explore the wildlife-rich rainforest, rivers and lakes of the Yasuni National Reserve. The vessel accommodates up to 30 guests in 14 simple yet comfortable air-conditioned cabins, each featuring private bathrooms with hot water. The cabins are mainly located on the upper deck, with the main deck housing indoor and outdoor dining areas, a sun deck, bar and lounge. Excursions are carried out on a group basis with specialist guides and include canoeing on the Pañayacu River in search of river dolphins, exploring jungle trails, visiting a parrot clay lick and perhaps meeting members of a local indigenous community.

M/V Anakonda

M/V Anakonda The M/V Anakonda is the most luxurious vessel currently operating in the Ecuadorian Amazon. She accommodates 40 guests in 18 over-sized air-conditioned suites, each furnished in a contemporary style with floor-to-ceiling windows. Four deluxe suites also feature private balconies. In between excursions guests can relax on the expansive observation deck with its outdoor Jacuzzi and lounge. Spa treatments are also available on board, and imaginative Ecuadorian and international cuisine is served in the dining area. Like its sister ship the Manatee Amazon Explorer, the M/V Anakonda operates three, four and seven night itineraries taking in the enchanting scenery and wildlife of the Yasuni National Reserve.

Hoatzin bird, Ecuadorian Amazon

www.audleytravel.com/ecuador • 01993 838 655 • Ecuador

Blue-footed boobie

Galapagos Islands A legendary destination whose wildlife inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands offer an unparalleled visitor experience. The sheer density and diversity of wildlife on the islands guarantees a unique experience in itself, but combined with the creatures’ complete lack of fear of humans, it surpasses all expectations. Three ocean currents converge here and a massive marine park around the volcanic islands showcases a glimpse of marine life unseen anywhere else in the world.

Darwin (Culpepper) Wolf (Wenman)

Pinta (Abingdon) Marchena (Bindloe)

LAP AGO

Santiago (James)

Wolf Volcano

Genovesa (Tower)

S ISL AND

PACIFIC OCEAN

Bartolomé (Bartholomew)

Darwin Volcano

North Seymour La Cumbre Volcano

Fernandina (Narborough)

Alcedo Volcano

Rábida (Jervis)

Baltra

Los Gemelos

Puerto Ayora Sierra Negra Volcano

Cerro Azul Volcano

Plazas

Charles Darwin Research Station

Santa Fe (Barrington)

Puerto Villamil

Isabela (Albemarle)

Puerto Velasco Ibarra

Land iguana

20 miles

32 kilometres

Santa Cruz (Indefatigable)

Floreana (Charles)

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

San Cristóbal (Chatham)

Española (Hood)

Giant tortoise

Sally lightfoot crab

Sea lions, Rábida Island

Bartolomé Island

Red-footed boobie

Galapagos wildlife

Audley in the Galapagos

Nowhere in the world is as famous for its wildlife, and with good reason. The Galapagos Islands’ extreme isolation, 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, means that the animals here evolved without human predators making them fearless, and in many cases, unique to the islands. Birdlife is abundant, reptiles seem to amass everywhere and in the rich waters that surround the rocky shores are penguins, turtles and an estimated 400 species of fish. Seal pups swim in circles around awestruck snorkellers, blue-footed boobies perform comical mating dances within arm’s length and tangled piles of marine iguanas refuse to move whilst they bask in the sun.

With the wealth of options available, planning a trip to the Galapagos can seem like a daunting prospect. We have extensive experience here however, and can offer a hand-picked choice of expedition vessels and comfortable hotels which we believe will provide a perfect base for your Galapagos trip. This information is collated together with answers to commonly asked questions in our dedicated brochure. To request a copy, please call our specialists on 01993 838 635. Gal

Male Frigate bird

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Exploring the Galapagos

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Visitors to the Galapagos can choose to explore from a base at a local hotel or join an expedition cruise vessel and travel from island to island. The fragility of the Galapagos’ ecosystem means that visitor itineraries and group numbers are strictly controlled by the park authorities whichever option you choose, but with arresting volcanic vistas, lush highlands and turquoise bays to explore, no two outings will be the same. Marine iguanas

Green sea turtle

www.audleytravel.com/ecuador • 01993 838 655 • Ecuador

Galapagos Islands

Quito Coca

Guayaquil

Wildlife of Ecuador Appealing both to those with a general interest in nature, as well as satisfying even the most serious naturalist, this itinerary combines two of South America’s wildlife highlights. Wildlife excursions into the mighty Amazon rainforest are enjoyed from your comfortable lodge base, before you fly out to the Galapagos Islands and embark upon a once-in-a-lifetime cruise.

Cotopaxi Volcano

Being a small country most of Ecuador can be travelled by road but a good network of flights can speed up a number of journeys. For those with sufficient time we recommend an overland journey down the length of the country, dispensing with the need for internal flights and ensuring you make the most of the magnificent scenery. The Galapagos Islands are reached by a flight from the mainland cities of Quito or Guayaquil.

Fly to Quito.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided tour of the capital’s historic centre.

Day 3

Fly to Coca and continue by motor canoe to your chosen Amazon lodge.

Days 4-5 Activities in the Amazon rainforest.

T 01993 838 655

Getting around

Day 1

Amazon milk frogs

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

33 33

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Ecuador can be visited year-round, although weather is unpredictable in the Andes and the altitude in the highlands means that it is often cold at night. As a rough guide the driest months in the Andes are May to October, although the rains do not arrive in earnest until January. Conversely, although generally hot and wet year-round, the marginally drier months in the Ecuadorian Amazon tend to be between December and April. The Galapagos can be visited year-round, although August and September can be cooler and the seas choppier.

Day 6

Retrace your steps to Quito for one night.

Day 7

Fly to the Galapagos and board your chosen vessel.

Days 8-10 Cruising the Galapagos Islands. Explore the islands on foot and snorkel to appreciate the remarkable underwater world. Day 11

Disembark your boat. Fly back to the mainland to connect to your international flight.

Stay longer Enjoy a hacienda stay in either Cotopaxi or Otavalo before or after the Amazon. Alternatively, travel to one of Ecuador’s cloudforest reserves to enjoy the rich array of birds and outdoor activities.

Time difference: GMT-5 hours

Prices

Local woman, Otavalo

We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Ecuador on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Sea lions, Galapagos Islands

Suggested itineraries Galapagos Islands

colombia Galapagos Islands

Quito

Otavalo

Ecuador

Quito

Guayaquil

Quito Coca

Cotopaxi

Riobamba

Riobamba Guayaquil

Guayaquil

Peru

Lima

Machu Picchu Cuzco

Bucay

Cuenca

Andes & the Galapagos

Ecuador by River & Rail

Incas & Islands

This itinerary offers a flavour of everything that Ecuador is most famous for: colourful local traditions, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful colonial cities and outstanding wildlife.

Spend four nights on the water exploring the wildlife-rich rainforest and tranquil waters of the Amazon’s Yasuni National Reserve. You will then travel along lovingly restored railway lines through local communities from Quito to Guayaquil, spending the night at characterful guesthouses along the way.

Combine two of South America’s most iconic sights in one trip; Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. This itinerary features a thorough exploration of the heart of the Inca Empire in and around Cuzco before a visit to the Galapagos, getting up close to the incredible wildlife.

Day 1

Fly to Quito.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided tour of the capital’s highlights.

Day 3

Day 1

Fly to Quito.

Day 1

Fly to Peru’s capital city, Lima.

Travel north through pretty rural villages to your historic hacienda.

Day 2

Day 4

Take the short flight to Coca to board your Amazon cruise.

Fly on to Cuzco, majestic former capital of the Inca Empire.

Explore the vibrant Otavalo market before returning to Quito for the night.

Days 3-5 Activities from your Amazon cruise boat.

Day 3

Day 5

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of the highlights of Cuzco and the nearby Inca ruins.

Travel down the Avenue of Volcanoes with your guide, and enjoying the views of Cotopaxi.

Day 4

Travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting Inca ruins and a colourful local market.

Day 5

Take the train to Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the citadel.

Day 6

Return to the ruins in the morning to explore further before taking the train back to Cuzco.

Day 7

Fly from Cuzco to Ecuador’s capital city Quito, via Lima.

Day 8

Enjoy a tour of the Quito’s historic centre.

Day 6

Fly back to Quito.

Day 7

Enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s highlights.

Day 6

Continue overland to Cuenca, stopping en route for the iconic Devil’s Nose train ride.

Day 8

Begin your train journey, travelling through the famous Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi.

Day 7

Explore Cuenca’s historic centre and visit a Panama hat factory.

Day 9

Continue your train journey through the highlands to Riobamba.

Day 8

Travel by road through the beautiful El Cajas National Park and on to Guayaquil.

Day 10

The third day of your train journey takes in the thrilling descent from the Devil’s Nose.

Day 9

Fly to the Galapagos Islands and transfer to your comfortable hotel.

Day 11

Pass through banana and sugarcane plantations before reaching the coastal city of Guayaquil.

Days 10-12 Day trips exploring some of the nearby Galapagos attractions. Day 13

Fly back to the mainland to connect with your international flight.

Stay longer Switch your land-based stay on the Galapagos for a cruise to reach more remote islands. Alternatively take the short flight to Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, and immerse yourself in the country’s beautiful scenery and pretty towns.

Scenery near Cotopaxi

Day 12

Travel to the airport to connect with your international flight.

Days 9-11 Fly to the Galapagos and board your vessel for a three night voyage. Day 12

Fly back to Guayaquil and connect with your international flight.

Stay longer Fly direct from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands and embark upon a cruise to experience the astonishing wildlife of the archipelago.

Stay longer

Quito’s historical centre

Machu Picchu, Peru

Add some time in the Amazon basin in Peru or Ecuador. Alternatively take the Andean Explorer train from Cuzco across the high altiplano to Lake Titicaca to take in the remarkable scenery and island communities before flying on to Ecuador.

www.audleytravel.com/ecuador • 01993 838 655 • Ecuador

Colombia W

ith cosmopolitan cities, a hugely diverse landscape, vestiges of colonial grandeur, stunning tropical islands and ancient archaeological ruins, Colombia is gaining increasing recognition as one of the world’s most alluring emerging destinations. Following decades of conflict, the country is enjoying a new-found stability, and an increase in visitors is fuelling improvements to infrastructure, making it easy to tour the country’s numerous attractions. Along with sophisticated modern cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia is home to colonial treasures such as Cartagena and Villa de Leyva, mountain scenery, lush cloudforest, pristine barrier reefs, verdant coffee plantations and steamy jungle. Add to this remarkable biodiversity, unspoilt Pacific and Caribbean coasts, warm and welcoming people and a vibrant culture and it’s easy to understand why Colombia is fast becoming one of South America’s most captivating destinations.

Audley in Colombia Colombia is now enjoying a well-established, stable government and growing economic prosperity. As a result visitor numbers to this beautiful country are increasing, with those who make it here experiencing what Audley specialists have enjoyed for a number of years – a welcoming country with attractions to suit every possible interest. We arrange trips to many regions, from the Caribbean coast in the north to the Andean cities, right down to the Amazon basin in the southeast. We plan our itineraries to take in the obvious attractions such as Cartagena and the beaches as well as giving a good introduction to Colombian life. You will find the local people incredibly warm and exuberant, and our group of hand-picked guides are always delighted to have the opportunity to show off their country. Our specialists have explored the length and breadth of the country including the more concealed attractions such as the magnificent archaeological sites of San Agustín and the Cuidad Perdida, and are able to share first-hand insight on the logistics involved, and thus design the pace of your trip accordingly.

Accommodation From town to town and coast to coast accommodation varies dramatically. The cities of Bogotá and Cartagena have excellent hotels to suit all budgets, from charming boutique properties in lovingly restored colonial buildings to luxurious five-star options. In the coffee region we use beautiful fincas that offer an authentic insight into life in rural Colombia as well as being a peaceful base from which to explore. Outside these main areas however, the accommodation choice is more limited, although it is gradually growing as the visitor infrastructure continues to develop.

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Inset map not to same scale

bbe Cari

Providencia

Santa Marta Barranquilla Cartagena

San Andrés

Rosario Island

Tayrona National Park

PANAMA

VENEZUELA

Bahia Solano

124 miles

200 kilometres

Medellín

Nuquí

Villa de Leyva

Pereira Armenia

PACIFIC OCEAN

Neiva Popayán

BOGOTÁ

COLOMBIA

6 San Agustín Mitu

BRAZIL

ECUADOR

Amazon

1 Cartagena

An attractive and lively city with an enviable position overlooking the Caribbean. See page 42 2 Tayrona National Park A vast expanse of pristine protected rainforest, walking trails and wild, unspoilt beaches. See page 42 3 Villa de Leyva

A perfectly preserved colonial town in the hills with a relaxed vibe and compact historic centre. See page 40 4 The coffee region

Picturesque rolling landscapes of coffee plantations and exquisite fincas. See page 41

PERU

Leticia

5 Medellín Colombia’s second city is a fascinating mix of modern and traditional styles, with a striking mountain backdrop. See page 41 6 San Agustín An intriguing pre-Inca archaeological site of petroglyphs and burial chambers set in verdant rolling hills. See page 41 Sweet seller, Cartagena

www.audleytravel.com/colombia • 01993 838 683 • Colombia

Villa de Leyva

Colourful façades, Bogotá

An immaculately preserved snapshot of Colombia from a bygone era, the elegant town of Villa de Leyva is a chic getaway just four hours' drive from the capital, with the unusual Zipaquira salt cathedral an interesting short stop en route. Villa de Leyva was founded in 1572 and its whitewashed buildings and cobbled plazas remain entirely untouched by modern architecture. The main square, a vast expanse bordered by elegant colonial buildings, is steeped in character and is reputedly the largest of its kind in the country. Walk the sleepy streets and you’ll come across a selection of churches, all dating back to the 16th and early 17thcenturies.

Bogotá Spending a couple of days in Bogotá offers a great introduction to the diversity of Colombia. Perched on a high Andean plateau at an altitude of 2,640 metres, this capital city is a place of contrasts from its bustling and cosmopolitan new town with fine restaurants and inviting bars to La Candelaria, the charming colonial old town and bohemian quarter. Here colourful buildings and 400-year-old churches dot narrow cobbled streets leading to leafy plazas packed with restaurants and coffee shops. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of excellent museums including one which houses the world’s most important collection of pre-Hispanic gold. 40

Spinning wool, Villa de Leyva

Just outside Villa de Leyva, the scenery is enchanting and can be enjoyed on horseback or on a series of wonderful walks that lead to the site of giant fossils, and ancient pre-conquest observatories and indigenous sites. Further north from Villa de Leyva, picture-perfect Barichara has all of the elegance and charm of Villa de Leyva with far fewer visitors. View over Barichara

The coffee region Colombia is synonymous with coffee and its rich, full-bodied beans have been savoured around the globe for almost 200 years. The coffee region, known as the Zona Cafetera, is centred around the towns of Pereira and Armenia and is a well-established attraction with visitors coming to stay in its traditional fincas. Geographically the area is stunning, with spectacular panoramas of rolling hillsides and lush fertile valleys blanketed in plantations. Whether you drink coffee or not, this area is known as the heart and the soul of the country and visitors to the coffee region will discover Colombia at its most authentic and welcoming.

Coffee region landscape

Hacienda Venecia

Hacienda Bambusa

Hacienda Bambusa This traditional estate in the heart of the coffee region is a firm Audley favourite, offering a warm welcome and excellent food. Situated on a bluff overlooking a river valley, Hacienda Bambusa is just a short drive from Armenia airport, but feels a million miles from anywhere. Each of the seven rooms is simply but attractively decorated, several with balconies overlooking the pool or hummingbird feeders. Guided nature walks, birdwatching and horse riding can be arranged. You could also simply borrow a map and explore the estate’s pineapple, plantain, ginger, orange and cacao plantations which play host to around 100 species of birds.

This charming, family-owned hacienda offers good value for money and a fascinating insight into life in the coffee region. The hacienda has been in the family for four generations and is one of the best places to learn about coffee production in Colombia. Staying in the main house at Venecia is a bit like being welcomed into a family home. The 13 simple bedrooms are dotted around a central veranda and kitchen area, with plenty of comfortable corners to relax or read, brew a fresh coffee or enjoy a drink from the bar. A swimming pool and terrace can be found in the hotel’s gardens, and coffee tours, hiking and horse riding can easily be arranged.

Hacienda Venecia

San Agustín The UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Agustín lies ten hours south of Bogotá and is home to remnants of a pre-Inca civilisation who continue to fascinate archaeologists to this day. The story of the people who once lived here is shrouded in mystery and archaeologists have uncovered a mere 10% of the site. There are impressive statues, burial chambers and ritual edifices in the Parque Arqueologico itself, and huge statues spread throughout the valley where it is thought that Mayan-like pyramids and other structures may also lie buried. Visiting San Agustín involves a considerable amount of travel, but those prepared to make the journey will find accommodation in a tranquil town set in a picturesque valley, and one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in South America.

Stone statue, San Agustín

Flower parade, Medellín

Medellín Perched high in the Cordillera Central, Colombia’s second city is one of the Andes’ most northerly and has the feel of a friendly, provincial town. Dubbed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ because of its year-round temperate climate, visitors to Medellín can enjoy mountain views from every angle, a lively cultural scene and buzzing nightlife. Wandering the city’s narrow streets on foot is a great way to experience the eclectic mix of museums and traditional cafes, where you can sample delicious local empanadas. Each August, the streets of Medellín are overtaken by flowers and equestrian displays for the week-long Flower Festival, one of the most colourful and good-natured festivals in the Andes. Close to Medellín is the colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia, the oldest settlement in the region which can be easily explored as a day trip from the city.

Church in Santa Fe de Antioquia

Cobbled street, Santa Fe de Antioquia

www.audleytravel.com/colombia • 01993 838 683 • Colombia

Cabo San Juan, Tayrona National Park

Cartagena Founded in 1533 by the Spanish, Cartagena enjoys a prime position on the Caribbean coast and is a joy to explore. Historically fascinating, this walled city was once a major gateway to South America and was used as a hub for slave trading and as a storage centre for riches plundered from the interior, which in turn made it a magnet for pirates and buccaneers. Today, it offers some of the best preserved examples of colonial architecture in South America, its beautiful cobbled streets lined with brightly coloured buildings and balconies brimming with flowers. Step back in time and wander around the city’s UNESCO-protected port, fortress and monuments, and enjoy the romanticism of this wonderful cultural gem where the past and present collide in a lively, multicultural mix.

Plaza San Pedro Claver, Cartagena

Casa San Agustín, Cartagena A series of three lovingly restored colonial buildings, Casa San Agustín offers exclusive yet unpretentious accommodation in the heart of Cartagena. From the original frescoes in the library to centuries-old wood-beamed ceilings in the guest rooms, Casa San Agustín’s art and architecture evoke the city’s rich history. The hotel’s 30 rooms and suites are all beautifully decorated, and offer excellent amenities, some featuring balconies and private plunge pools or Jacuzzis. The hotel has a small swimming pool, a restaurant and two roof terraces.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Cartagena Set in a beautiful 17th-century building that was originally a convent, the hotel is an elegant blend of past and present. The 123 luxurious rooms feature either garden, city or ocean views. Guests can enjoy a gourmet restaurant as well as an atmospheric bar built over an ancient crypt that was the inspiration for Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel, Of Love and other Demons. Other attractions include a swimming pool, gym and spa.

Tayrona National Park A rugged, tropical paradise, Tayrona National Park is carved out of equatorial rainforest at the edge of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The wild and untouched jungle here attracts many species of bird and mammal, and the unspoilt beaches feature sea-sculpted boulders sitting in turquoise waters. Accommodation ranges from rustic huts perched on the edge of the forest to more established lodges outside the park entrance. Hidden deep in the nearby jungle are the ruins of Ciudad Perdida, the ‘lost city’, which pre-date Machu Picchu by some 650 years. Although fascinating, visiting the site requires a five night trek with basic forest hammock accommodation.

Pacific coast Colombia’s Pacific coast is a region quite unlike anywhere else in the country. Lined by endlessly long black-sand beaches, virgin rainforest, and small fishing villages whose inhabitants have African and indigenous heritage, it is a fascinating area to spend a few days. The towns of Nuquí and Bahía Solano provide ideal bases for relaxing in the pristine natural surroundings. The best time to visit is between June and October when you can spot migrating humpback whales and see turtles nesting on the beaches.

Suggested itinerary Tailoring your trip

Sloth, Amacayacu National Park

Amazon Second only to Brazil in terms of South American biodiversity, Colombia is home to almost 10% of the world’s flora and fauna. The dense tropical forests of the Amazon basin carpet approximately a third of the country and much of this vast region remains largely unexplored. Infrastructure is limited compared with neighbouring countries, but those who make it to Amacayacu National Park will be rewarded with the opportunity to spot many species including pink river dolphins, over 450 species of birds and an array of monkeys. As well as the flora and fauna, the Colombian Amazon offers the visitor an insight into tribal life in the region.

Caribbean Islands Rosario & San Bernardo Islands Sitting out in the Caribbean Sea, just two hours by boat from Cartagena, lie the tiny coral islands of Rosario and San Bernardo Archipelago. Whilst the beaches are generally small, the islands offer an accessible slice of the Caribbean, ideal for relaxation and swimming or snorkelling in the clear waters. San Andrés & Providencia Located in a UNESCO-protected reserve almost 480 miles off the Caribbean coast, the islands of San Andrés, Providencia and tiny Santa Catalina are actually closer to Nicaragua than to Colombia. San Andrés is served by numerous daily flights from the mainland, offering visitors a quick fix of sun, sea and sand. However, intriguing little Providencia really rewards those who make the extra effort, with pristine white-sand beaches, fantastic diving and snorkelling and a languid pace of life.

Clear waters, Providencia

The itinerary shown is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and is a route that works particularly well. We can use this as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Colombia specialists to start planning your itinerary.

Tayrona National Park Cartagena

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Villa de Leyva colombia

Getting around

Armenia

Travelling around the main areas of Colombia is fairly straightforward, all places are accessible by short internal flights and we try to use interesting road trips where possible. Bogotá has good international flight connections with its South American neighbours.

When to go

Bogotá

Classic Colombia This tour takes in the main highlights of Colombia at a comfortable pace. Combining city life, a wonderful rural retreat and the Caribbean coast, it captures the true spirit of the country. Day 1

Fly to Bogotá.

33 33

Day 2

Walking tour of Bogotá’s old town with your guide.

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Day 3

Transfer to Villa de Leyva visiting the Zipaquira salt cathedral en route.

Day 4

Explore the countryside around Villa de Leyva, followed by a guided tour of the town in the afternoon.

Day 5

Return to Bogotá for your flight to Armenia in the coffee region.

Day 6

Guided tour of the traditional towns of the coffee region.

Day 7

Day at leisure at your coffee region finca.

Day 8

Fly to Cartagena.

Day 9

Guided tour of picturesque Cartagena.

Day 10

Free time to explore Cartagena at your own pace.

Day 11

Transfer to Tayrona National Park.

Day 12

Explore Tayrona National Park or take a relaxing stroll along the beaches.

Day 13

At leisure in Tayrona.

Day 14

Transfer to the airport to connect with your international flight.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33

33 33

Colombia is a year-round destination, particularly along the Caribbean coast and Medellín where warm dry weather is prevalent for most of the year. December to March is the peak of the dry season and an increase in domestic visitors puts pressure on room availability. Prices may also be higher at this time. Time difference: GMT-5 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Colombia on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Stay longer Extend your trip from the coffee region up to Colombia’s second city, Medellín. Alternatively get off the beaten track and fly to Neiva in the south of the country to visit the fascinating pre-Inca statues at San Agustín.

Local lady, Cartagena

www.audleytravel.com/colombia • 01993 838 683 • Colombia

Venezuela V

enezuela is a land of superlatives: home to the world’s highest waterfall, South America’s largest lake, and the longest stretch of Caribbean coastline of any single nation. The landscapes here are some of the most spectacular on the planet and vary from powder-white beaches to thick jungle and lush plains teeming with wildlife. Yet despite this incredible natural beauty, Venezuela remains a little-visited destination. Venture here and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and unique experiences, all without the crowds. Although Venezuela has been suffering politically and economically in recent times, visitor areas remain largely unaffected and open-minded travellers will find Venezuela a fascinating destination offering a great variety of scenery and experiences.

Audley in Venezuela

Accommodation

Few travellers visit Venezuela – that’s a key part of its appeal – but this does make the experience something of a challenge. The infrastructure is not well-developed, and travel between the main sights is predominantly by air, with local airlines subject to frequent delays. Our specialists know the country well, and can create an itinerary to match regions to your specific interests, with the best available accommodation and guides.

Venezuela has some simple but comfortable accommodation in Caracas, Los Roques and around Canaima, though visitors are still encouraged to be patient and flexible, and not to expect international levels of service. Outside of these areas accommodation is often basic and very little English is spoken but, if you are prepared to face these aspects, you are often rewarded by spectacular surroundings.

Local man, Mérida

Los Llanos

3 Islas Los Roques

C TI

CARACAS

Mérida

Barinas

VENEZUELA

Puerto Ciudad Ordaz Bolivar

N EA OC

Los Llanos’ prolific wildlife ranges from anteaters to monkeys, elusive big cats, caimans and capybaras. The region is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the spectacular scarlet ibis and burrowing owls. A visit generally begins with a three hour overland transfer from Barinas, the closest regional airport, and accommodation is in simply furnished hatos, the Venezuelan equivalent of a working estancia or ranch, with excursions into the surrounding reserves being made on a small group basis.

Caribbean Sea

N LA AT

An expansive area of tropical grasslands that spread across Venezuela’s heartland towards the Colombian border. The seasonal flooding of Los Llanos attracts a unique range of animals, making this one of the best places in South America for spotting wildlife. The wetlands offer a biodiversity that rivals Brazil’s Pantanal but attract far fewer visitors, adding to their beauty and feeling of isolation.

Orinoco Delta

Los Llanos

Canaima

COLOMBIA

Angel Falls

2 Canaima National Park

GUYANA Mt Roraima

Gran Sabana

Santa Elena BRAZIL

1 Los Llanos Outstanding bird and wildlife spotting opportunities in this vast, seasonally flooded savannah.

2 Angel Falls The highest waterfall in the world, 12 times the height of Niagara Falls and with only a fraction of the visitors.

100 miles

161 kilometres

3 Islas Los Roques An archipelago of dazzling white-sand beaches and turquoise waters with a laid-back Caribbean vibe.

Anteater, Los Llanos

Angel Falls & Canaima The world’s highest waterfall is an astounding sight, its water tumbling down a remote precipice in the Venezuelan jungle for a sheer drop of 978 metres. At their best in the wet season, the falls cascade off the edge of a table mountain and thunder down into the tropical rainforest, feeding a pristine lagoon. So great is the impact of the water, that the mists created can be seen up to two kilometres away. Angel Falls’ isolated location explains why they were only reported in the 1930s, by American pilot Jimmy Angel who crashlanded here while looking for gold. There is still no land access to the region and visits begin with a flight to Canaima, then a motorised canoe trip up the River Carrao followed by a trek through the forest. Alternatively, you can take a spectacular light-aircraft flight over the falls for an unforgettable adventure. A handful of lodges and camps dotted around the Canaima lagoon provide the most comfortable accommodation. It is also possible to stay at a rustic hammock camp in the rainforest, which allows visitors to linger slightly longer at the falls.

Flock of scarlet ibis, Los Llanos

Islas Los Roques Only a 30 minute flight from Caracas, the white sands and azure waters of Los Roques make a perfect place to start or end your trip. These tranquil islands are the Caribbean’s only coral archipelago and are surrounded by its largest marine national park. The shallow, turquoise seas provide diving and snorkelling opportunities, and are the perfect destination for pure relaxation. None of the 350 islands are populated except for Gran Roque, the main island, where you can stay in a simple but charming guesthouse. You will receive a warm welcome, and can enjoy the freshest local fish and seafood caught by local fishermen. Cayo de Agua, Islas Los Roques

www.audleytravel.com/venezuela • 01993 838 625 • Venezuela

Bolivia T

he highest and most isolated of the Latin American republics, Bolivia is South America at its most enchanting. Landlocked and cleaved by the Andes, it covers some of the continent’s most extreme landscapes including snow-capped peaks, high-altitude desert and lush Amazonian jungle, which between them support a huge array of flora and fauna. Wander through the winding streets of La Paz, cross the mesmerising Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt pan in the world, or take to the waters of Lake Titicaca, the reputed birthplace of the Inca, for a sense of the country’s remarkable diversity. The population here is largely indigenous and the lively markets, processions and festivals, and the brightly-coloured traditional dress are just some elements of a culture little changed in centuries. The Spanish left their mark too of course, in the beautiful whitewashed colonial architecture of Sucre, and in the numerous churches and elegant mansions of Potosí, a city whose silver mines funded Spanish expansion across the Americas. Despite its remarkable attractions, Bolivia remains a little-visited country, refreshingly uncommercial and genuinely welcoming.

Audley in Bolivia Bolivia has long been one of our favourite South American countries, and our extensive experience on the ground comes from many years of operating tailor-made travels in this region. It is not a country for everyone and it lags behind its more developed neighbours of Peru and Chile in terms of infrastructure for visitors. However, those who decide to visit are usually overwhelmed by the beauty of the country and the welcoming nature of the people. An open mind and relaxed travelling attitude are required, as strikes, demonstrations and road-blocks are often called at the last minute, meaning that some disruption to travel plans may ensue. None of this is directed at travellers however. Time to acclimatise is also vital for those considering a trip to Bolivia, with many of the country’s highlights located at an altitude of between 3,500 and 4,500 metres.

Accommodation Accommodation options in Bolivia are not as extensive as those in neighbouring Peru and Chile, which see a much higher number of visitors. The main cities of La Paz and Santa Cruz have some international standard hotels, Sucre has a handful of delightful colonial properties, and Lake Titicaca a couple of comfortable lodges. Outside of these areas accommodation is simpler. With visitor numbers growing in Bolivia, more distinctive accommodation options are emerging, designed to immerse the visitor in the country’s breathtaking natural surroundings. These include the option to stay in an Airstream camper with your own private chef or in one of the hotels constructed entirely of salt, both in the middle of the salt flats.

BRAZIL

100 miles

161 kilometres

7 PERU

Madidi National Park

Pilón Lajas Reserve

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Rurrenabaque

Lake Titicaca

5 Coroico Copacabana LA PAZ Tiahuanaco El Alto Illimani

Concepcion

BOLIVIA Amboró

Cochabamba National Park Amboro National Park

Oruro

Santa Cruz

Sucre

4 1

3 Potosí

Salar de Uyuni

PARAGUAY

Uyuni CHILE

2 Red Lagoon Green Lagoon ARGENTINA Licancabur

1 Salar de Uyuni A vast, dazzling expanse of white as far as the eye can see, the salt flats at Uyuni are simply mesmerising. See page 50

4 Sucre Bolivia’s colonial gem, this elegant university town is lined with august buildings and oozes a distinctive, laid-back charm. See page 49

2 The southern altiplano This dramatic landscape features surreal rock formations, bubbling mud fields and red, green and white lagoons dotted with flamingos. See page 50

5 La Paz Overlooked by the snow-capped peak of Mount Illimani, La Paz is a bustling mix of indigenous markets and modern life. See page 48

3 Potosí An atmospheric colonial town, Potosí’s crumbling grandeur is matched by a fascinating mining history. See page 49

6 Lake Titicaca Glittering blue waters and traditional island communities attract visitors to this mystical lake. See page 48

7 Madidi National Park The Bolivian Amazon boasts a huge variety of flora and fauna, and great locally-owned and run ecolodges. See page 49

Climbing Incan steps, Lake Titicaca

www.audleytravel.com/bolivia • 01993 838 645 • Bolivia

View over Lake Titicaca from Sun Island

La Paz & around

Lake Titicaca

High up in the Andes, the earth suddenly falls away to reveal a huge, bowl-shaped canyon with a city spread across its floor. On arrival the altitude, as well as the view, will literally take your breath away. On closer inspection La Paz reveals itself to be a fascinating place to wander with colourful markets, colonial churches and a bustling energy. The cobbled streets are filled with market stalls tended by Aymara women dressed in voluminous skirts and bowler hats, and traditional cures for every manner of ailment and affliction can be found in the Witches Market. Ride the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest urban cable car for an overview of the city or head further afield to the jagged rock formations of Moon Valley. Another popular excursion from La Paz is to experience the spectacular 3,000 metre descent to Coroico through dramatic mountain panoramas, citrus groves and coffee plantations.

On the windswept altiplano a short distance from La Paz, Lake Titicaca stretches out in a vast shimmer of fathomless blue. The lake is sacred to Quechua and Aymara people and it is rumoured that if someone drowns in the lake, they become an offering to the earth goddess Pachamama. The most common way to appreciate the attractions of the lake from the Bolivian side is to take a hydrofoil to explore the islands and the towns along its shore. Spend a relaxing day, or even spend the night on the serene Sun Island, ambling along the paths past Inca fountains and grazing llama. Visit traditional local communities and explore the pilgrimage town of Copacabana.

Aymara woman selling spices at the market, La Paz

Posada del Inca Ecolodge, Sun Island

Tiahuanaco Giant monoliths carved with snakes, scales and symbols stand like gatekeepers at the entrance to this little-known ancient site just a couple of hours from La Paz. Set in a windy valley near the southwestern shores of Lake Titicaca, Tiahuanaco is an impressive site that, despite the ravages of time and destruction by subsequent cultures, demonstrates the remarkable archaeological and agricultural superiority that defined this pre-Columbian empire. Little is known about the Tiahuanaco culture compared with their celebrated successors the Inca. However, the civilisation thrived in the Andean basin some 1,500 years ago, and is widely believed to be an important precursor to the relatively short-lived Inca empire, with evidence that many of the practices and skills commonly attributed to them were simply borrowed from their forebears.

Posada del Inca Ecolodge, Sun Island A 45 minute walk from the jetty of Sun Island brings you to Posada del Inca with its panoramic lake views. The lodge is a restored hacienda of 20 rooms, simply furnished but with private bathrooms and hot water. Guests can also enjoy a bar, lounge with cosy fireplace, and dining area where hearty meals are served from a set daily menu. A stay here is incredibly tranquil with little to do other than relax in the gardens, meander along one of the walking trails, or take a boat trip around the remote islands.

Dancers at a fiesta, Copacabana

Calle Bustillos, Sucre

Pre-Columbian statue, Tiahuanaco

View of Potosi from San Francisco church

Sucre

Ecological reserves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Bolivia’s constitutional capital, Sucre has a glorious whitewashed colonial centre of winding narrow streets lined with ornate churches, wooden balconies and colourful hand-painted tiles. For an insight into the local indigenous groups and their distinctive weavings, visit the fascinating Ethnographic Textile Museum and follow this with a trip to some of the nearby villages such as Tarabuco and Potolo where the weaving still takes place. Sucre’s original inhabitants have also left a mark of their own with the world’s largest collection of dinosaur tracks embedded in a huge limestone rock that can be seen nearby.

Bolivia has many virtually undiscovered areas for visitors interested in the natural world, and although trips to these places involve complex travel arrangements, the wealth of bio-diversity makes for an astounding experience. The town of Rurrenabaque, in the northwest of Bolivia, is the starting point for trips into the Amazonian area of Pilon Lajas Ecological Reserve, or the vast Madidi National Park that encompasses both cloud and rainforest. Both have simple but well-positioned lodges with excellent indigenous guides to help you spot some of the local wildlife including monkeys, caiman, turtles and macaws.

Parador Santa Maria La Real, Sucre Located one block from Sucre’s central Plaza de Armas, Parador Santa Maria La Real is set in a Spanish colonial house dating back to the 18 th century. The house has been lovingly restored and adapted into a small, comfortable hotel, retaining all the traditional charm of its original structure. Each of the 23 rooms is warmly furnished with its own distinctive design, antique furniture and original works of art. The hotel also features ample communal areas to relax in such as its laid back cafe-restaurant, small spa and rooftop area complete with Jacuzzi.

Parador Santa Maria La Real, Sucre

Potosí Three hours by road from Sucre, melancholy Potosí was once South America’s richest city. Today it is a shadow of its former self with grand colonial houses crumbling on wide boulevards, but the skyline is still dominated by the Cerro Rico (Rich Hill) whose silver brought great wealth for the Spanish at the cost of many lives. Visits to the mines themselves are not for the faint-hearted, but the city itself holds plenty of interest in its own right. The Casa de la Moneda, one of the country’s best museums, is well worth a visit, with its collection of indigenous mummies dating back to the 17th century and fascinating machinery from the building’s time as the Spanish Royal Mint. The church and monastery of San Francisco are also an engaging visit. Not only is it the oldest church in Bolivia, but the views from the tower are amongst the finest in Potosí.

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, in the far east of Bolivia, is another unique destination that offers both rainforest and savannah and over 620 bird species. Its isolation means it receives few visitors and, as with an Amazon visit, it is an exercise in dedication. Wildlife lovers will however find it highly rewarding.

Squirrel monkey, Madidi National Park

www.audleytravel.com/bolivia • 01993 838 645 • Bolivia

Mounds of salt, Salar de Uyuni

Uyuni & the southern altiplano The isolated town of Uyuni is the starting point for a tour of the southern altiplano, a stark and surreal landscape that is well off the beaten track. A challenging yet completely captivating region, the adventure begins at Uyuni’s ‘train cemetery’, where the skeletons of steam locomotives rust in the sun. Beyond this a blinding sheet of white awaits at the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt lake, where a vast sea of salt contrasts vividly with the often pure blue skies. Sip coca tea on an island covered in giant cacti before continuing on to take a dip in a natural thermal pool overlooked by volcanoes. On longer expeditions further south, you will pass strange rock formations that rise up from the desert, mud geysers and red, blue, green and white lagoons dotted with flamingos.

Hotel Palacio de Sal, Colchani Another of our preferred salt hotels is Palacio de Sal, located near the small salt-producing community of Colchani. Its 30 salt-constructed rooms feature domed roofs making them appear almost igloo-like in the dazzling surroundings of the salt flats. Additional touches such as hot water bottles make your stay here extra special. When not out exploring, guests can enjoy a warm welcome in the bar and restaurant, or head up to the panoramic viewing point to take in a spectacular sunset.

Bathing in thermal springs, Uyuni

Hotel Luna Salada, Uyuni Conveniently located around 20 minutes outside the town of Uyuni, Hotel Luna Salada affords stunning views across the salt flats. Although accommodation is simple, it is difficult not to enjoy the unique experience of a staying in a hotel made entirely from salt. The walls, ceilings, beds, tables and chairs of the hotel’s 23 rooms are all constructed of salt, and the rooms feature private bathrooms and hot water. Hearty meals are served from the hotel’s restaurant which boasts panoramic views, and there is a telescope for stargazing on clear nights.

Isla Incahuasi, Uyuni

Hotel Luna Salada, Uyuni

Suggested itinerary Tailoring your trip

Flamingo, southern altiplano

Lake Titicaca

The itinerary shown is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and is a route that works particularly well. We can use this as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Bolivia specialists to start planning your itinerary.

La Paz

Sucre Potosí Uyuni

T 01993 838 645

Getting around

Green Lagoon

Bolivia is a large country and most journeys are taken by road, accompanied by a guide and experienced driver. We are acutely aware that travelling extensively through Bolivia can be a little arduous due to the distances involved, the altitude and the possible delays, but we firmly believe that it is more than worth it, as long as you are prepared. As well as a stand-alone destination in its own right, Bolivia fits in perfectly with itineraries to Peru or Chile (or both), and we have researched a number of overland routes to combine these three countries.

Classic Bolivia A stunning adventure to the heart of the country, this tour explores the incredible places along Bolivia’s Andean spine from the blue waters of Lake Titicaca to the colonial towns of Sucre and Potosí and the stunning, desolate landscapes of the south. This trip is for those with an adventurous spirit and a hankering to get off the beaten track. Day 1

Fly to La Paz.

Day 2

Connect to Sucre with the afternoon at leisure to start acclimatising.

Day 3

Explore Sucre’s charming squares and colonial highlights with your guide.

Day 4

Transfer to the fascinating mining city of Potosí for a taste of ‘real Bolivia’.

Day 5

Continue to the altiplano across otherworldly scenery to the town of Uyuni.

Day 6

Enjoy a full day tour of the dazzling salt flats at Salar de Uyuni.

Day 7

Head south for more dramatic altiplano scenery.

Day 8

Visit the altiplano’s colourful lagoons and return to Uyuni.

Day 9

Fly to La Paz and tour the city in the afternoon.

Day 10

Escape the bustle of La Paz on a tour to scenic Coroico.

Day 11

Travel to Lake Titicaca and spend a night on Sun Island.

Day 12

Discover Sun Island’s scenic walking trails before returning to La Paz.

Day 13

Travel to the airport for your international flight.

When to go Local lady, altiplano highlands

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Deluxe Airstream Camper, Salar de Uyuni Enjoying the complete isolation of a night in the middle of the salt flats in a fully-equipped camper really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The deluxe Airstream campers are amongst the most luxurious in their class, offering heating, a lounge area and a private bathroom. A stay in the camper also includes the services of a gourmet chef who will prepare fantastic meals using a separate ‘kitchen on wheels.’ At night, the guides sleep separately away from the camper to give you complete privacy to enjoy the absolute tranquillity of the place and its astonishing sunsets.

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

~ Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year. The best time to visit the highland areas is between April and October, this is the cooler winter period but it should also be dry. In the southern altiplano the sky will be blue but it will be very cold, dropping to many degrees below freezing at night. The summer rainy season from November to March can cause transport problems in the highlands, while the eastern lowlands are warm and steamy year-round.

Time difference: GMT- 4 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Bolivia on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Stay longer Fly north from La Paz to Rurrenabaque and into the Amazon, spending a few days in a jungle lodge. Alternatively fly from La Paz to Cuzco in Peru and complete your trip with a tour of the Inca heartland to Machu Picchu.

Deluxe Airstream Camper, Salar de Uyuni

Alpaca, Lago Colorada, Uyuni

www.audleytravel.com/bolivia • 01993 838 645 • Bolivia

Chile I

mplausibly long and narrow, Chile stretches over 4,000 kilometres in length and encompasses a host of geographical extremes. Hemmed in by Andean peaks on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, the terrain here varies dramatically and takes in such wonders as the Atacama Desert (the world’s driest), the rolling vineyards of the wine country, and the jagged peaks, vast glacial fields and iridescent lakes of near-mythical Patagonia. Flung out into the ocean, a five hour flight from Santiago, is enigmatic Easter Island, where mysterious statues look out across a vast expanse of sea. Chile’s mainland population is largely urban meaning that much of the country is an untouched wilderness, remote and often exquisite in its beauty. Wherever you go, the people are warm and welcoming, and the infrastructure is remarkably good, making it one of the safest and easiest South American nations to explore. Chile is also a convivial place where good food, good wine and good company are integral parts of local life. Above all, it’s easy to relax here, to hike, ride or bike and just soak up the remarkably varied and endlessly beautiful scenery.

The sheer size and diversity of Chile means it is something of a feat to cover all elements in one trip. Our specialist knowledge ensures that whatever your preference for sights and activities, we will strike the right balance for you to see as much as possible without spending too much time on the road or in the air. Due to the length of their shared border, Chile lends itself perfectly to a combined trip with Argentina. We can advise you about the many options for crossing from one to the other via the desert in the north, Santiago, the Lake District or Patagonia – all are remarkably beautiful journeys. As well as knowing the classic highlights of Chile in considerable depth, we pride ourselves on our knowledge of lesser-known regions and places to stay, and are more than happy to discuss specialist interests such as wine and astronomy.

Accommodation Hotels in Chile are as interestingly varied as the country’s distinct regions, and we always seek out, where possible, character properties that reflect this. In the capital, the winelands and Lake District, visitors can choose from a wide range of simple but charming hotels and guesthouses, right up to boutique or traditional five-star hotels with excellent facilities. Outside of the towns and cities, Chile is also home to a collection of unique and luxurious lodges combining high quality accommodation and award-winning design with comprehensive programmes of outdoor activities, enabling you to make the most of your time in destinations such as the Atacama and southern Patagonia.

Iquique Desert

BOLIVIA

Atacama

Calama Antofagasta

1 Atacama Desert A striking moonscape of rust-coloured plains and volcanoes, dazzling salt lakes and multi-coloured lagoons. See pages 56-57

Licancabur

San Pedro de Atacama

CHILE

2 Stargazing,

Elqui Valley The high altitude plateau and low humidity of central Chile make it the perfect place to view the night sky. See page 55

La Serena

Zapallar Viña del Mar Valparaíso SANTIAGO

Inset map not to same scale

3 Easter Island Hundreds of brooding stone statues gaze from this remote Pacific island, the mystery behind them fascinating historians and travellers alike for centuries. See page 67

Hanga Roa

Colchagua Valley

3 EASTER ISLAND

Concepcion Temuco Villarrica

World-class wine tasting and picture-postcard vineyards set against an Andean backdrop will delight visitors to Chile’s winelands. See pages 58-59

ARGENTINA

Puerto Varas Puerto Montt

Ancud

Chiloe Island Castro

200 miles

322 kilometres

Coyhaique 6 Balmaceda

5 Lake District

Snow-capped volcanoes, lakes and forests are the scenic introduction to Chile’s northern Patagonia, a perfect place for walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. See pages 60-61

Pucon

Osorno

4 Wineries

6 Aisen Marble caves, vast glaciers and windswept estancias await those who venture down to this lesser-visited Patagonian treasure. See page 62

Lauca National Park

Arica

PACIFIC OCEA N

Audley in Chile

PERU

7 Torres del Paine The towering granite peaks, glaciers and turquoise lakes provide some of South America’s most dramatic panoramas, and the national park is also home to world-class trekking. See pages 64-65

Adventure cruising Taking to the water in a comfortable expedition vessel is a wonderful way to explore the fjords, peninsulas and islets of Chile’s fragmented coastline. See page 66

Caleta Tortel

Torres del Paine National Park

Puerto Natales Punta Arenas Puerto Williams Isla Navarino Cape Horn

www.audleytravel.com/chile • 01993 838 640 • Chile

Santiago with the Andes beyond

The Singular Santiago

Santiago Set against a spectacular backdrop of snowcapped Andean peaks, the Chilean capital is a city of contrasts where colonial gems stand next to glittering tower blocks, and traditional food stalls flank gourmet restaurants. A dynamic, modern city with a cosmopolitan population, Santiago also has a compact historical core with grand churches and museums, an 18 th-century government palace, a beautiful Baroque cathedral and plenty of leafy squares, all of which make it a very pleasant place to stroll. Each of Santiago’s diverse neighbourhoods has a distinct character of its own. In Providencia, the city’s modern centre, you’ll find trendy shops and a variety of restaurants, while Bellavista is home to rows of colourful historic houses, small boutiques and galleries; from here you can also take the cable car up San Cristobal Hill for magnificent views over the city.

Gaining international recognition for its unique design and inventive cuisine, The Singular Santiago blends seamlessly into the bohemian Lastarria neighbourhood. Its 62 spacious rooms are spread across nine floors and are elegantly furnished. A highlight of any stay here is enjoying an evening drink from the rooftop bar with its sweeping views across the city. The rooftop area is also home to a plunge pool, or for further relaxation guests can head down to the spa.

This charming hotel, located in the heart of Lastarria district, offers just 14 rooms and suites and excellent amenities. The original residence, a grand townhouse built in 1927, has been lovingly renovated and converted into superb guest accommodation with a focus on personalised service. Each room features original items from the house and is decorated in a classic style. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant and bar, small outdoor swimming pool, garden terrace and comfortable indoor lounge offering a tranquil retreat in Chile’s bustling capital.

Hotel Orly, Santiago

Lastarria Boutique Hotel, Santiago

Hotel Orly, Santiago

Lastarria Boutique Hotel, Santiago

A firm Audley favourite, the Orly offers plenty of character and a prime location as well as excellent value for money. Situated in the heart of Providencia, with easy and immediate access to all the surrounding amenities, cafes and restaurants, the hotel provides the perfect base for those looking for freedom and convenience during their stay. There are 28 compact rooms and suites spread across the converted French mansion and all are decorated in a traditional style with modern facilities. Guests can relax in the comfortable lounge, internal courtyard garden, or enjoy a drink in the hotel’s Parisian-style pavement bar.

Stargazing Flower seller, Santiago

The north of Chile is renowned for its exceptionally clear night skies due to its high altitude, favourable atmospheric conditions and lack of light pollution. As well as several internationally funded observatories around La Serena and further north in the Atacama Desert, Chile is home to the world’s largest telescope, and the biggest ground-based astronomical project in the world.

Colourful houses, Valparaiso

The starry skies in Chile can be explored by professionals and amateurs alike, as several of the observatories are open for tours. March to October is the best time to enjoy stargazing with the clearest and darkest skies, but typically over 300 nights a year are suitable for astronomy at observatories such as El Pangue and Cerro Mamalluca. Elqui Valley

Hotel Acontraluz, Valparaiso Situated in the scenic Cerro Alegre district of Valparaiso, this renovated historic house makes for a wonderful boutique hotel. Each of the 13 rooms is slightly different, but all make use of original features such as wooden beams or old steel baths and all offer views of Valparaiso’s hills or glittering bay. The hotel’s communal areas include a relaxing lounge and an underground bar and wine cellar, while the terrace boasts wonderful views over colourful rooftops to the sea beyond.

Elqui Valley Funicular railway, Valparaiso

Valparaiso A two hour drive northwest of Santiago takes you to the characterful coastal city of Valparaiso. Tumbling precariously down dozens of hills to the historic port, the city is a maze of colourful buildings, boulevards and viewpoints, best explored using its ancient funicular railways and ‘elevators’. Valparaiso exudes a ramshackle charm which inspired the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda to take a residence here. His home, La Sebastiana, has now been converted into a small museum open to visitors. If you would like to explore the Central Valley further, a two hour drive will take you to the resort town of Zapallar, its curved sandy bay backed by lush forests.

Stretching east from the coastal town of La Serena, the Elqui Valley is a fertile carpet of green, renowned as the centre of Chile’s pisco production. Dotted with vineyards where you can taste this ubiquitous drink, the area has some excellent restaurants which serve regional cuisine. The valley is also renowned for its clean air and clear skies and is the location for a host of futuristic observatories. Whether you are an amateur stargazer or professional astronomer, this is one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky.

Elqui Domos, Elqui Valley Hidden in a remote location in the Elqui Valley and dedicated to the appreciation of the area’s beautiful night skies, Elqui Domos consists of seven two-storey domes, each featuring a downstairs living area and bathroom and an upstairs bedroom with detachable roof for stargazing. For more formal observations guests also have access to the property’s astronomic observatory which houses two electronic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Telescope handling and operating sessions can be organised and guests can also enjoy night-time horse riding. Other facilities include a swimming pool, barbecue and comfortable living area, and bike and car hire can easily be arranged.

Elqui Domos, Elqui Valley

www.audleytravel.com/chile • 01993 838 640 • Chile

Lone vicuña, Atacama Desert

Atacama Desert A land of superlatives, the Atacama is the world’s driest desert, home to the highest geyser field in the world, and is one of the most memorable destinations in Chile. There are parts of the Atacama where rainfall has never been recorded and the eerie, arid landscape holds a remarkable number of attractions. Most visitors base themselves in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, a relaxed and picturesque spot. Tours depart from San Pedro and explore the parched lunar landscape that surrounds the town. Mountains and dunes cradle rough tracks leading to valleys scattered with surreal free-standing rock formations and towers scooped out into beautiful curves and jagged edges by the forces of nature. Hidden among

Altiplanico, San Pedro de Atacama

the rocks and dunes are crumbling ghost towns, geoglyphs and archaeological sites. Rise early to reach El Tatio Geysers before dawn and see the sun rise over the spurting fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. Travel on to the otherworldly salt flats where pink flamingos rest against a backdrop of vivid lagoons, and finish your day on the top of the towering dunes of the Valley of the Moon to watch the sun set, transforming the impressive sands into flaming hills. The Atacama is equally impressive whether you explore by vehicle, on foot, on horseback or by bike. With a choice of excellent hotels to retire to at the end of the day, it offers total comfort as well as breathtaking scenery.

Altiplanico, San Pedro de Atacama A 15 minute walk from San Pedro’s main street brings you to a group of low adobe houses, forming a village-like complex of unique guest accommodation. Each of the 29 rooms is in fact its own little rustic house, offering a cool, airy space and simple comfort. All have well-equipped bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a private terrace. With the emphasis on absorbing the surroundings, you will not find televisions at Altiplanico, but guests can enjoy the lovely outdoor swimming pool, massage options and a relaxed cafe-bar area. For dinner, you can choose to walk into the town or relax in the hotel’s cosy restaurant.

Casa Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama

Casa Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama Located a short walk from San Pedro’s main square, Casa Atacama’s traditional adobe construction means it blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Inside it is stylish in design, offering light and airy spaces with six spacious rooms and 19 suites. All are furnished with local fabrics and artworks, and the heating and lighting are solar powered. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s lovely outdoor pool and Jacuzzi area, round off the day with a visit to the spa, relax by the bar with a cocktail or enjoy some fine dining in the restaurant with a menu based on local organic ingredients.

El Tatio Geysers, Atacama Desert

Andean flamingo, Atacama

Valley of the Moon, Atacama Desert

Group of vicuña, altiplano of the far north

Herd of alpacas, Lauca National Park

The far north

Tierra Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama Mixing modern luxury and traditional local style, the owners of Tierra Atacama have thought of everything to make your experience of the Atacama Desert a memorable one. All 32 elegantly furnished rooms have private terraces, outdoor rain showers and mountain views; some overlooking the mighty Licancabur Volcano. The luxurious spa offers plunge pools, Jacuzzis and saunas as well as an incredible list of massages and treatments. In the evening guests can relax in the hotel’s living rooms and terraces which are warmed by open fires. Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama

Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama

Tierra Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama

Small, personal and offering excellent activities tailored to your preferences, this is one of our favourite properties in San Pedro de Atacama. Constructed in a traditional manner from stone, adobe and wood, Awasi occupies a site that was used for shelter by cattle drivers and shepherds for centuries. It is now a beautiful retreat made up of only eight cottages, each with a private patio and both indoor and outdoor showers. Local materials have been crafted to create a unique, harmonious space designed for rest and relaxation. An outdoor bar allows you to enjoy a drink under the stars.

The startlingly barren landscape of the far north of Chile is both visually arresting and culturally significant. Pre-conquest cultures inhabited this region and their prehistoric cave art and enormous geoglyphs can still be seen, along with a collection of artefacts in the excellent museums in and around the coastal towns of Arica and Iquique. The foothills of the Andes rise to the east and lead to the vast altiplano, where herds of vicuña graze against a backdrop of brightly coloured lakes and snow-capped volcanoes. Breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife await at Lauca National Park, which adjoins the equally stunning Sajama National Park across the border in Bolivia. Both parks can be visited en route between La Paz and Arica.

Geoglyphs of Chiza, the far north

www.audleytravel.com/chile • 01993 838 640 • Chile

Organic vineyard, near Santiago

Wine regions of central Chile Where to visit Whether you are something of a connoisseur looking to learn more about wine production or you simply appreciate great wine, beautiful scenery and peaceful accommodation, a few hours or days in the winelands will be time well spent.

The Chilean Andes meet the Pacific in a series of steep-sided valleys that flow down ancient glacial paths, and it is here that some of the best wines in the world are produced. Internationally recognised as one of the global top ten wine producers by volume, many professionals and amateurs would also rank Chilean wines in the top five for quality. Lapostolle Clos Apalta Winery, Colchagua Valley

These days Chile grows a wide variety of grapes, mostly red, from chocolate carmeneres to robust cabernet sauvignons and wonderfully rounded merlots. However Chilean wine is not all about the reds. With fish featuring heavily in many Chilean diets, white wines are a natural complement, and the region west of Santiago specialises in this. In the rolling hills that work their way down from the mountains to the old port town of Valparaiso you will find the Casablanca and San Antonio valleys, home to ViĂąa Matetic. It is from here that the sauvignon blancs and an increasing number of chardonnays are produced. The environment of the valleys is a perfect blend of fresh sea air and mineral-rich soil left behind by millennia of seismic activity in the region. Ripe grapes, Colchagua Valley

The frequently visited areas for wine tasting lie to the south of Santiago where the beautiful Maipo and Colchagua Valleys take most of the glory. Either can be visited as a day trip from the capital or in more depth if you opt to stay at one or more of the wineries. Both valleys can be explored with a private guide or your own car. They make a wonderful place to relax, with stunning views through the verdant valleys up into the Andes.

Grape pickers, Colchagua Valley

Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley

Viña La Playa Winery and Hotel, Colchagua Valley

La Casona at Viña Matetic, Casablanca Valley

Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley

Viña La Playa Winery and Hotel, Colchagua Valley

La Casona at Viña Matetic, Casablanca Valley

Casa Lapostolle has for a long time produced some of the world’s best red wines from their beautifully positioned vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. It now offers guests a luxurious place to stay with four beautifully furnished casitas, completely secluded from one another, and undisturbed views across the valley. The property’s main house has a dining room, an infinity pool, sun deck and asado area. The winery is accessed via a corkscrew staircase that goes six floors down into the bedrock. This is a truly special place to stay, with excellent levels of service provided by staff with an in-depth knowledge and passion for wine.

Offering high levels of comfort and a great choice of activities, Viña La Playa provides an excellent base in the Colchagua Valley. The hotel boasts superb leisure facilities and extensive grounds with an enticing swimming pool, while the 11 bright guest rooms feature open fireplaces and wonderful views across the vineyards from the terrace. Hearty meals that perfectly complement the estate’s own wines are served in the restaurant and guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding vineyard by bike or on horseback.

Built in the early 1900s, Viña Matetic is a traditional casa de campo (country house) which has been producing wine for over 100 years using organic grapes from its vineyards. There are just seven rooms, each named after red and white grapes cultivated on the estate. The landscaped gardens are tranquil, and there is a relaxation area with daybeds alongside the large outdoor swimming pool. All bookings here include a visit to the cellar ten kilometres away for a tour and wine tasting, and visits to their cheese factory can also be arranged.

Viña Vik, Millahue Valley

Viña Vik, Millahue Valley The latest venture from the Uruguayan Vik chain, Viña Vik has brought outstanding luxury to Chile’s wine tasting scene. Situated in a privileged location in the Millahue Valley with exceptional views of the vineyards and mountains, the hotel is designed to be modern and minimalist but with a connection to its natural surroundings. Each of the 22 suites boasts floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to take advantage of the wonderful panoramas, whilst the granite infinity pool extends out over the valleys and lake below, offering the sensation of swimming above the vineyards. As well as wine tours and tastings, mountain biking and horse riding, visitors can relax in the hotel’s own ‘wine spa’, offering luxurious treatments using some products derived from Vik’s very own grapes. Montes vineyards, Colchagua Valley

www.audleytravel.com/chile • 01993 838 640 • Chile

Osorno Volcano, southern Lake District

The northern Lake District Chileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake District starts in the north at Temuco and stretches over 300 kilometres south to Puerto Montt, where the gentle lakes end and the landscape changes into the more dramatic face of northern Patagonia. The northern Lake District is an accessible and picturesque region of snow-capped volcanoes, waterfalls, ancient forests and lakes of the bluest waters. The elegant town of Pucon, with its iconic backdrop of the Villarica Volcano, is the epicentre of activity in the northern lakes area. Whether you enjoy gentle walks or climbing volcanic slopes, fishing, cycling, horse riding or simply pure relaxation in invigorating scenery, then this is the place for you. We can arrange a hire car for you to explore independently, or local guided excursions designed around your specific interests.

Hotel Antumalal, near Pucon

Monte Verde Hotel and Cabins, near Pucon Only five kilometres from the centre of Pucon, Monte Verde offers a peaceful location and great views over Lago Villarrica. Its 29 rooms are divided between the main hotel, individual cabins and self-contained apartments which are classically furnished with local woods and cosy fabrics. There are plenty of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lake, a hot tub, sauna and gym.

Nothofagus Hotel and Spa, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

Monte Verde Hotel and Cabins, near Pucon

Hotel Antumalal, near Pucon Set in extensive landscaped gardens with its own private beach and dock, Antumalal was designed in Bauhaus style by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Facilities include a spa with a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hydro-massage pool and sauna, as well as a tennis court. The hotel is set on top of a wooded point and each of its 19 rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows with views of either Lago Villarrica or the gardens. Antumalalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderfully mature gardens that surround the hotel are home to some amazing birds, with ibis and lapwings regularly sighted.

A unique design and innovative layout make the Nothofagus Hotel and Spa a most unexpected discovery in this beautiful part of the Lake District. Set in the dense forest of the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, the hotel was designed by Chilean architect Rodrigo Veredugo and takes the form of a large wooden inverted cone. The spiral floors reach up into the surrounding forest canopy and support 50 rooms, each with its own balcony. As well as the restaurant and bar, guests can enjoy a swimming pool and spa, and a wonderful series of hot tubs set in hollowed out trees.

Palafitos, Chiloe island

Ojos del Calburga waterfalls, near Pucon

Quincho Country Home, near Puerto Varas

Estancia 440, Puerto Varas

The southern Lake District Heading south, the striking volcano and lakedotted scenery continues, with activity options centred around the small town of Puerto Varas. This town enjoys an enviable location on the shores of Lago Llanquihue, overlooked by the conical peaks of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. It provides a great place to unwind if you are travelling further into Patagonia, and is also where those crossing into Argentina will take the picturesque lake and road journey across the Andes. Day trips can be arranged to the Petrohue Falls, Vicente Perez Rosales and Alerce Andino national parks, the little lakeside resort of Frutillar, and the curious settlements of Puerto Octay whose Germanic roots are reflected in its Bavarian-style architecture.

Quincho Country Home, near Puerto Varas Ten kilometres from Puerto Varas, overlooking the deep blue Lago Llanquihue, Quincho Country Home is an oasis of hospitality, privacy and beautifully crafted accommodation. With only four rooms, each guest is attended to with great care. There is an attractive living area with large open fireplace and panoramic views of the lake. Guests can also enjoy fine wine and delicious home-cooked cuisine.

Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas, Puerto Varas

Estancia 440, Puerto Varas This charming guesthouse is conveniently located in central Puerto Varas just a short stroll from Lago Llanquihue. Set within a 1930s German homestead, its seven en suite rooms feature fabrics and materials from Patagonia where the owner’s family has a working estancia. Guests always receive a warm welcome and breakfast is a sociable affair, served at a communal table laid with fresh homemade products typical of the area.

Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas, Puerto Varas This hotel sits above Puerto Varas and gives the impression of being in town yet surrounded by nature, offering beautiful views across the lake. Cumbres Patagonicas has also mastered the ability to feel like a small hotel while offering the services of a much larger property. There are 90 rooms and suites, some of which have balconies with panoramic views of Lago Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano. As well as a restaurant and bar, there is a guest lounge with a cosy open fireplace and a spa with heated swimming pool, sauna and gym.

Chiloe Island Half an hour’s ferry ride from the city of Puerto Montt lie a series of islands famous for their folklore, legend and handicraft traditions. Chiloe Island, covered by undulating hills and evergreen forest, boasts diverse and abundant birdlife, over 150 wooden churches, and the much photographed palafitos – picturesque timber houses perched precariously over the water on stilts. Travel with your local guide or hire a car to explore the island, perhaps visiting a penguin colony and stopping for lunch to try some of Chiloe’s renowned oysters.

Tierra Chiloe, Chiloe Located 20 minutes from the city of Castro, Tierra Chiloe sits atop a hill at the edge of the ocean. The hotel is surrounded by gentle green hills dotted with brightly coloured wildflowers, hundreds of native trees and the Pullao Wetland, home to dozens of endemic birds. Twelve exclusive rooms boast huge picture windows with ocean views, while communal areas include a reading room, a dining room and terrace. The hotel also offers a modern spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Day trips from Tierra showcase the archipelago’s diversity, alternating cultural visits and boat excursions with horse riding and trekking.

www.audleytravel.com/chile • 01993 838 640 • Chile

Marble Caves, Lago General Carrera

Aisen Exceptionally remote and scenic, Aisen is a rugged region, studded with azure lakes, magnificent glaciers and cleaved by lush fjords blanketed in temperate forest. This dramatic landscape is accessed along Chile’s Carretera Austral, which snakes from Puerto Montt down to southern Patagonia. The road ends at the tiny hamlet of Villa O’Higgins where the vast southern ice field blocks its way. The incredible views along the way are ample reward for anyone attempting this challenging route, with the marble caves of Lago General Carrera, the mighty O’Higgins Glacier and the small Patagonian fishing village of Tortel just some of the highlights. We can organise a hire car and maps, arrange a guide, or fly you into the town of Balmaceda which allows easy access to the attractions of the region.

Mallin Colorado Eco Lodge, Lago General Carrera

Robinson Crusoe Deep Patagonia Lodge

Located near Villa O’Higgins at the end of the Carretera Austral, Robinson Crusoe Lodge offers 12 cosy rooms in a wonderfully remote location. Designed in the style of typical Patagonian barns, guest rooms are divided between two main buildings and are simply furnished but with an emphasis on warmth and comfort. Each room also comes with its own open-air hot tub where you can take a relaxing soak under the stars. In the main house guests will find plenty of space in which to enjoy a glass of fine Chilean wine in front of an open fireplace whilst reading one of the books from the library.

Mallin Colorado Eco Lodge, Lago General Carrera With an enviable position on the edge of Lago General Carrera, Mallin Colorado Eco Lodge offers a stunning location and comfortable base for exploring the area. Four spacious cabins are simply furnished in a rustic style and boast wood heating and large windows to enjoy the views. For dining there is the quincho, where guests are treated to local lamb cooked on an open fire, a welcome treat after an active day. Unusually for Patagonia, this region has an average of 300 days of sun a year, so guests stand a good chance of clear skies as a backdrop to the spectacular surroundings.

O’Higgins Glacier, Aisen

Torres del Paine National Park

Self-drive in Chile Chile’s dramatic and ever-changing scenery makes it an incredibly appealing destination for a self-drive adventure. Independent self-drive in much of South America can be challenging, even for experienced travellers. Chile, however, is an exception and offers fantastic opportunities to explore under your own steam. The romantic notion of driving from top to bottom of the country is an impossibility, with the mighty southern Patagonia ice field bisecting the country and ending the Austral Highway in a dramatic fashion at Aisen, but there are ample individual sections of road to be enjoyed.

Saltos de Petrohue, near Puerto Varas

Lago Llanquihue, Chilean Lake District

Santiago to the northern Lake District Driving from Santiago down to the Chilean Lake District makes for a wonderfully relaxing few days, passing through some of the finest wine-producing regions in the country. Once in the Lake District you will find some of the best self-driving opportunities in South America, with good quality roads that skirt emerald green lakes, wind around volcanoes and pass through small picturesque towns. Heading south from Pucon with its volcanic backdrop, you will enter a region of rich indigenous heritage. The Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve lies on the other side of the Villarica Volcano and is full of ancient woodland, remote lakes and a deep sense of history and tradition rooted in the Mapuche Indian past. Southern Lake District to Aisen Driving south you enter a region that was heavily populated by German immigrants in the 19 th century. This is the most commonly visited part of the region with activities focused around the town of Puerto Varas. Driving into the Argentinian Lake District is possible, but it can be prohibitively expensive

to return a hire car to a different country, so we would recommend looping back into Chile. For the more adventurous there is the option of driving further south, down into the Aisen region. Mainly on unpaved roads, and with the need for some ferries, this can be a challenging trip, but it takes in some of the most pristine and least-discovered areas of Chile, many of them spectacular national parks. There are lodges along the route, which becomes more rugged as you travel south, before you finally reach the impassable barrier of the southern Patagonian ice field. The far south Below the southern Patagonian ice field roads appear again, and exploring this section of Chile by road is all about long journeys across wide open expanses of Patagonian steppe. Driving yourself around Torres del Paine National Park is an interesting way of enjoying the region at your own pace. With the scenery here some of the most spectacular in South America, the freedom of having your own vehicle allows you to simply stop wherever the mood takes you, to photograph or simply stand and marvel over unforgettable Patagonian panoramas.

Landscape in the Aisen region

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Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park Wild, remote and rugged, the breathtaking scenery of Torres del Paine National Park makes it one of the most famous in South America. Turquoise lakes and emerald forests shelter under sparkling glaciers that run down from the jagged torres (towers) and smooth and twisted cuernos (horns) of the unforgettable Paine Massif. You can sail between vivid blue icebergs on Lago Grey to the face of a massive glacier. Access some of the remoter parts of the park by bike or on horseback, take a hard dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hike to the base of the towers, or trek around a longer circuit for up to six days, camping in remote but sublime spots en route. Torres del Paine is the jewel in a stunning corner of Patagonia but staying close to the park is no longer the only, or necessarily best, option. The gateway to the national park is Puerto Natales and using this small town as a base to explore from is a fantastic alternative. Though you will be an hour or so from the park, you will have access to less-visited areas that are equally as stunning. A trip to Los Baguales mountain range or to the Figueroa Lagoon to view condors from above, can add much more to a stay in this stunning part of Chile than solely remaining in the park itself.

Eco Camp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park A unique accommodation experience within the confines of the national park, Eco Camp offers a range of accommodation in 33 geodesic domes, and a traditional campsite. Superior domes have propane heaters and private bathrooms, while the Suite domes are extremely spacious and comfortable, with woodburning stoves and en suite bathrooms. Three communal domes house the dining area and living room, and guests eat together at shared tables and prepare their own packed lunches for their excursions. Eco Camp offers a genuine outdoor camping experience softened by some creature comforts.

Patagonia Camp, Torres del Paine National Park Located on the shores of Lago Toro, an hour from the famous jagged towers of Torres del Paine, Patagonia Camp is a safari-style camp with yurts or wooden tents featuring central heating, electricity, hot water and en suite facilities. Each of the 18 yurts has fantastic views, a private terrace and a skylight so you can see the stars while you lie in bed. There is a restaurant, lounge, bar and grill, and a central dining area with a huge, panoramic window, making every element of your stay here a scenic one.

Eco Camp Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

Las Torres, Torres del Paine National Park Stretched out at the base of the national parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eponymous granite towers, Las Torres combines the authentic feel of a traditional estancia with a comfortable hotel. The 84 rooms are cosy and welcoming. An extensive and hearty selection of regional cuisine is available in the restaurant and the property is ideally located for tours on foot, horseback or by vehicle around Torres del Paine National Park.

Las Torres, Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia Camp, Torres del Paine National Park

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa

Walking near Puerto Williams, Isla Navarino

Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park

The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories

Lakutaia Lodge, Isla Navarino

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, near Torres del Paine National Park

and cohesion with its natural surroundings. The 49 rooms and suites are Scandinavian in style and combine rustic charm with high levels of comfort. As the name suggests, the Explora concept is based around exploration, and the hotel’s exclusive guides and excursion routes will ensure you get the very most out of Patagonia and Torres del Paine.

Isla Navarino

Located in spectacular isolation about an hours’ drive from the main sights of the national park, Tierra Patagonia overlooks the park’s famous granite peaks, and is a magnificent work of architecture. There are 40 comfortable rooms, all taking advantage of the stunning view with their large and perfectly-positioned windows. The hotel’s spa is one of the best in Patagonia, its indoor and outdoor pools boasting unforgettable panoramic views. As well as offering all the usual excursions within Torres del Paine, Tierra’s location presents many other opportunities; its expansive surroundings home to walks and horse rides taking in unique sights, with grazing guanacos and even glimpses of the mighty condor.

Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park Justifiably renowned for its pioneering architecture and unashamed luxury, Explora Patagonia is amongst the finest hotels in Chile. The sensational views of Lago Pehoe, the epic Torres Massif and the Salto Chico Waterfall can be enjoyed from the lounge, the restaurant, many of the rooms and even the open-air Jacuzzis. Despite the hotel’s distinctly chic style, it is well-known for its environmental awareness

The Singular Patagonia, Puerto Bories Situated in the small town of Puerto Bories, The Singular Patagonia was originally a cold storage plant and meat packing factory constructed at the height of Patagonian lamb farming. Original machinery has been lovingly restored in the entrance to the hotel and inside, guests will find luxurious accommodation. The 54 en suite rooms and three suites are spacious, with fantastic views through floor-to-ceiling windows of Last Hope Sound and the stunning Andes in the distance. The Singular aims to offer a unique Patagonian experience with the focus on the entire region rather than just Torres del Paine National Park.

A remote backwater with an end-of-the-earth atmosphere, the island of Isla Navarino lies at the far southern tip of Chile, its jagged peaks and wild landscape a unique destination for adventurous travellers. For centuries the island served as a safe haven for passing ships keen to rest before or after the hellish journey around Cape Horn. Today, Puerto Williams is the world’s most southerly permanent settlement outside Antarctica, where visitors come to tackle some of the many hiking trails that criss-cross the island, offering access to the splendidly rugged scenery and tranquil isolation. Isla Navarino is reached by a short flight – or a long ferry trip – from Punta Arenas.

Lakutaia Lodge, Isla Navarino Just east of Puerto Williams, Lakutaia Lodge offers rustic but comfortable accommodation in a truly magnificent location. The hotel has 24 en suite rooms, with hearty meals served in the main restaurant. Activities on offer here range from helicopter flights over Cape Horn to horse riding, kayaking, trekking and even sailing through the Beagle Channel. A strong focus on the local environment and culture means that you will also experience a great insight into life at one of the southern-most settlements in the world.

www.audleytravel.com/chile • 01993 838 640 • Chile

Exploring the fjords of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

Chile by water Chile’s unique ribbon-like shape provides over 4,300 kilometres of coastline stretching down the Pacific coast of South America. The bottom third of this coastline is a fragmented landscape, as if this part of Chile was once dropped on the floor and it shattered into a thousand pieces. This means that there are many fjords, islets, archipelagos and peninsulas to be discovered, and there is no better (indeed no other) way to explore this fascinating territory than by taking to the water. This can be done either as a day trip, on a relaxing cruise, or as part of a longer journey as a means of getting from one location to the next.

King penguins, Tierra del Fuego

Via & Stella Australis

MV Skorpios III

MV Skorpios III Sailing from Puerto Natales through the southern ice fjords, the MV Skorpios III has 45 cabins across five decks with capacity for up to 90 passengers. The spacious cabins feature fine native woods and are all equipped with low beds and functional private bathrooms. The Zeus Bar and Apollo Lounge provide a warm atmosphere to relax in after a days’ activities. Expedition cruises on the Skorpios III are an all-inclusive affair; you can expect a varied menu of traditional Patagonian and international cuisine, and all drinks are included. Expert guides and skilled Zodiac drivers will enable you to get up close to some of southern Patagonia’s less-visited and most impressive glaciers.

The Via and Stella Australis boats were custom built to sail the icy waters of Patagonia’s southern-most tip, with itineraries covering the region between Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina. Some itineraries also take in the iconic Cape Horn. The Via’s 64 and Stella’s 100 cabins are comfortable, well-equipped and spacious, with ample communal areas on board for you to take advantage of the spectacular scenery. Guests are joined by expert local guides who lead excursions to the shore by small Zodiacs, and visit virtually untouched areas of Tierra del Fuego, including glaciers and wildlife colonies. In the evenings, there are optional lectures covering the flora, fauna and history of the area.

Via Australis

Rano Kao, Easter Island

Moai, Easter Island

Hotel Puku Vai, Easter Island Located a 30 minute walk from the town centre in Hanga Roa, Hotel Puku Vai offers 13 simply furnished but spacious rooms set in peaceful grounds. A good value option that makes a convenient base from which to explore, the hotel’s comfortable rooms have views of the garden and direct access to the small outdoor swimming pool. Other facilities include a bar and a large dining area for breakfast. Hotel Puku Vai, Easter Island

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Flung out into the Pacific Ocean, a five hour flight from the mainland, tiny Easter Island is one of the most remote islands on the planet. Yet this mysterious place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, made famous by its hundreds of ‘moai’, the squat and brooding enigmatic stone statues that gaze out to sea all along its coast.

Hare Noi, Easter Island Hare Noi is a characterful option on Easter Island, mixing traditional Polynesian design with modernist touches. There are nine rooms spread out over three hares (houses) connected by wooden walkways and each hare contains a spacious living and dining area with outdoor terrace. The heart of the hotel is the motu umanga, which houses the main dining area and bar, as well as the pool, natural solarium and massage room. Guest rooms are fresh and beautifully decorated.

Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island

Hare Noi, Easter Island

Easter Island, has a long and often tragic history that erased all explanation for the statues’ presence. The great mystery that surrounds them has fascinated travellers and scholars for centuries. As well as the statues themselves, visits on the island may also take in a ceremonial village and a fascinating volcanic crater. The only town on Easter Island is Hanga Roa in the southwest, from where you can explore with a guide, or independently, by hire car, on foot or horseback.

Continuing its philosophy of unique design, first class accommodation and excursions, Explora’s Easter Island hotel is undoubtedly the most comfortable place to stay on the island. Set on a hill looking out to sea, the hotel is located in the southwest of the island, 15 minutes from Hanga Roa. Volcanic rock from the island and wood from the mainland have been used in the construction of the hotel, with 30 guest rooms branching off from the living and dining areas, all of which offer sweeping views of the ocean. As with Explora’s other properties, Rapa Nui boasts a luxurious spa, high quality cuisine and excellent wines.

Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island

www.audleytravel.com/chile • 01993 838 640 • Chile

Calama

Easter Island

Valparaiso Santiago

chile

Northern Chile Explored This trip focuses on many of the central and northern highlights of Chile and can be undertaken year-round. Starting in the Atacama Desert with its remarkable landscapes and numerous activities, you continue to the pretty city of Valparaiso with its emerging art scene, cafe culture and fascinating museums. The trip ends on the mysterious Easter Island where your expert guide will recount some of the myths and legends of this enchanting volcanic island.

Miscanti Volcano and high plateau lagoon, Atacama Desert

Fly to Chile.

Day 2

Time to relax or take a city tour of Santiago.

Day 3

Fly to Calama and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Days 4-5 Excursions around the Atacama Desert. Visit El Tatio Geysers or explore the village of San Pedro de Atacama.

T 01993 838 640

Getting around Travel around such an unusually-shaped country does present some challenges with regard to distances and logistics. We will advise you on the ideal sequence in which to organise your trip according to internal flight schedules, self-drive options, climate, cruise departure days and entry days of hotels, if applicable. The flight network is extensive and keeps to a good timetable.

Day 1

Day 6

Morning flight back to Santiago and transfer to Valparaiso.

Iglesia de San Francisco Church, Chiloe Island

Day 7

Explore the atmospheric port city of Valparaiso with your guide.

When to go

Day 8

Transfer back to Santiago for your flight to Easter Island.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

As befits a country that spans a range of latitudes, Chile has many different climatic regions. The Atacama and sub-tropical Easter Island are warm and dry throughout the year. From Santiago down to the Lake District and on down through Patagonia, the summer months; October to April are the best times to visit although the area can be enjoyed year-round.

Days 9-10 Excursions on Easter Island to see its famous statues, secluded beaches and volcanic crater. Day 11

Fly back to Santiago for the night.

Day 12

Travel to the airport for your international flight.

Stay longer Begin the itinerary with time in the winelands or extend your trip from the Atacama Desert into Argentina, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northwest.

Time difference: GMT-4 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Chile on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans. San Rafael Glacier

Colourful Valparaiso

Suggested itineraries Calama

Santiago

argentina Santiago

Buenos Aires

argentina

Santiago chile chile chile Temuco

Puerto Montt

Torres del Paine

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve

El Calafate

Puerto Varas

Torres del Paine

Punta Arenas

Classic Chile

Patagonia Explored

This itinerary takes in the country’s most famous highlights. A treat for those with a love of the great outdoors, this trip incorporates desert, rolling hills, lakes and rugged national parks.

This trip takes in two of the main highlights of the wonderful and vast expanse of Patagonia – Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. By choosing how you would like to explore these places you can make the trip as active or as relaxing as you wish, so the only prerequisite is a love of the great outdoors.

Day 1

Fly to Chile.

Day 2

Begin exploring Santiago, independently or with a guide.

Day 3

Fly north to Calama and transfer to the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama.

Days 4-5 Excursions around the stark but beautiful Atacama Desert. Day 6

Day 7

Fly south to Puerto Montt in Chile’s Lake District. Transfer to your hotel in the lakeside town of Puerto Varas. Visit Peulla and the waterfalls at Petrohue.

Day 8

Enjoy a day trip to Chiloe Island, visiting one of its large penguin colonies.

Day 9

Fly south to Punta Arenas from where you’ll begin your journey into Torres del Paine National Park.

Days 10-11 E xplore Torres del Paine by foot, horse or vehicle. Day 12

Fly from Punta Arenas back to Santiago. Spend your last night in the city.

Day 13

Travel to the airport for your international flight.

Stay longer After a busy trip like this you may wish to have some rest and relaxation on a beach, for this we recommend stopping in Brazil on the way home. Fly to São Paulo and then transfer to one of the small hotels dotted along the golden sands of the Green Coast.

Pucon San Martin de los Andes Villa La Angostura

Puerto Montt

Self-drive through Chile & Argentina If you enjoy the independence of driving yourself around, Chile is a perfect destination. Start in Santiago and finish in the Lake District some 1,000 kilometres to the south, having explored the vineyards of the Central Valley and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the northern and southern Lake District.

Day 1

Fly to Chile.

Day 1

Fly to Chile.

Day 2

Enjoy a tour of Santiago or some relaxation.

Day 2

Free time to explore Santiago, or take a tour of the city.

Day 3

Fly south to Punta Arenas and travel into Torres del Paine National Park.

Day 3

Fly south to Temuco where you will collect your vehicle and drive to your hotel in Pucon.

Day 4

Exploration and activities in the beautiful surroundings of Pucon.

Day 5

Drive across the northern Lake District, venturing into the Villarica National Park. Afternoon arrival in the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve.

Day 6

Spend the day walking, visiting waterfalls or perhaps even canopy zip lining.

Day 7

Take the scenic ferry and road journey across the border into Argentina.

Days 4-5 Explore Torres del Paine by foot, horse or vehicle. Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Travel overland across the border with Argentina to the town of El Calafate. A trip to the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier including a trek on the ice itself. Free time to relax or take an optional excursion into the Patagonian countryside to see a local estancia or further glaciers.

Day 9

Fly north to Buenos Aires.

Day 10

Enjoy the fascinating capital of Argentina.

Day 8

Explore the picturesque region around San Martin de los Andes.

Day 11

Free day to further explore Buenos Aires and take in an evening tango show.

Day 9

Travel south along the famous ‘Route of the Seven Lakes’ to Villa La Angostura.

Day 12

Travel to the airport for your international flight.

Day 10

Free time to enjoy activities around charming Villa La Angostura.

Day 11

Drive back into Chile to Puerto Varas via the Puyuhue National Park.

Day 12

Discover the southern Lake District at your own pace.

Day 13

Fly from Puerto Montt to Santiago to connect with your international flight.

Stay longer The Lake Districts of either Chile or Argentina can be easily incorporated into this itinerary allowing you to explore northern Patagonia. Alternatively Peninsula Valdes in Argentina is great for wildlife enthusiasts and the seasonal abundant marine life can be seen by stopping off here on the way up to Buenos Aires.

Stay longer Extend your time at the beginning of the trip with a visit to a winery or the atmospheric coastal city of Valparaiso. Lago Llanquihue, southern Lake District

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Lago Pehoe, Torres del Paine National Park

Patagonia Wild, windswept and isolated but staggeringly beautiful, Patagonia has intrigued and inspired explorers, pioneers, writers and travellers for centuries and remains an enchanting place to visit to this day.

history, and inspired many literary figures. Today, Patagonia has a population of around two million and includes significant settlements of Welsh and German inhabitants, among others.

Geography A vast territory tapering to the tip of the continent, Patagonia covers about a third of the landmass of Chile and Argentina and encompasses some of the globe’s most dramatic landscapes. From the relatively gentle scenery of the Lake District, where snow-capped volcanoes overlook crystal-clear waters, to the icy fjords, granite peaks and creaking glaciers of the far south, Patagonia covers over 400,000 square kilometres.

Wildlife Despite the harsh emptiness of much of the Patagonian landscape, it supports a varied range of species. On land one of the most frequent sights is the pretty guanaco, the wild cousin of the llama. The guanaco is hunted by the puma, Patagonia’s stealthy big cat, but only the luckiest visitor will spot these solitary nocturnal predators. The rhea – South America’s largest bird – is flightless but a nimble runner and can be regularly seen roaming the grasslands. Gliding high above them, the Andean condor is the world’s largest bird of prey and rules the Patagonian skies, using its finger-like feathers to soar on thermals. Offshore, the waters around Peninsula Valdes in Argentina are home to a host of marine mammals including about a quarter of the world’s population of southern right whales between June and December. Magellanic penguins and elephant seals are regular residents, and orca appear from November to April.

The Patagonian landscape varies significantly between Chile and Argentina with dense forests in northern Chilean Patagonia and plains of barren, semi-arid steppe in southern Argentina. This southern region is in fact a cold winter desert in the ‘rain shadow’ of the Andes, while the deep south is jagged, desolate and starkly beautiful. Vast swathes of Patagonia have been given national park status, and UNESCO has declared two areas to be World Heritage Sites: Los Glaciares National Park and the Valdes Peninsula, both in Argentina.

Wild guanacoes, Patagonia

People & history The Tehuelche people were one of a number of tribes that are believed to have inhabited the Patagonian region since 9000 BC. Legend has it that Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was so astonished by their great height when he arrived here in 1520 that he dubbed them ‘Patagons’ in reference to their big feet, or pata, thus giving rise to the region’s name. Up until the late 1800s, before the construction of the Panama Canal, southern Chile and Argentina were important stoppingoff points for ships navigating around the continent via Cape Horn. The rich tapestry of traders, mariners, explorers and conquistadors who arrived here created a unique social

Where to visit A visit to Patagonia is all about exploring the natural world and our South America specialists can arrange itineraries to include hiking, horse riding, boat or road trips tailored around your preferred level of comfort and activity.

Trekking Whether it is just a scenic day hike or week-long extended trekking programme, Torres del Paine in Chile or El Chalten in Argentina offer some of the most varied and scenic hiking options. In Torres del Paine trekking itineraries can include hikes to the foot of towering granite peaks and past dazzling blue lakes, whilst El Chalten is the base for treks to the mighty Fitzroy Massif and into Los Glaciares National Park. Horse riding & fishing Many of the lodges around the Lake District in northern Patagonia offer wonderful horse riding excursions to suit all levels. Serious horse riders will particularly enjoy the options on offer from the Argentine estancias here. Chile’s northern lakes and rivers, meanwhile, are home to some excellent opportunities for fly fishing. An adventure on the open road Setting off in a hire car along Chile’s Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) or Argentina’s Ruta 40 gives you the ultimate freedom to create your own Patagonian adventure. For more information on which routes may be best for you, see features on pages 63 and 82. Cruises Boat travel around the fjords and glaciers of Chilean Patagonia, and at the very tip of the continent around Tierra del Fuego, allow gentle contemplation of the scenery and the option of disembarking for glacier walks. Further details can be found on page 66.

Hiking, Perito Moreno Glacier 40

Temuco Villarrica

Pucon San Martin de Los Andes

Osorno

Puerto Varas Ancud

San Carlos de Puerto Bariloche Montt ARGENTINA

Chiloé Castro Island

Puerto Madryn

Esquel Puyuhuapi

PACIFIC OCEAN

Classic highlights Spending a few days in El Calafate in Argentina allows access to some of the region’s iconic sights, in relative comfort. The impossibly blue shades of the Perito Moreno Glacier can be enjoyed on an easy day trip, strolling along boardwalks or taking a boat trip, perhaps complemented by a short glacier hike. Those looking for a more active glacier experience can try kayaking at the Upsala Glacier.

Trelew

Peninsula Valdes

CHILE

Aisen

Coyhaique

Balmaceda Caleta Tortel San Rafael Glacier

PATAGONIA Villa O’Higgins Mount Fitzroy

El Chalten Perito Moreno Glacier Torres del Paine National Park

Los Glaciares National Park

El Calafate Puerto Natales

Rio Gallegos

Boat Routes Punta Arenas

Isla Navarino

Ushuaia Puerto Williams Cape Horn

200 miles

322 kilometres

Magellanic penguins, Patagonia

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Argentina A

lthough sometimes described as the most European of South American countries, Argentina is a fiercely independent place with an indefatigable energy and exuberant character. Birthplace of Evita, Che Guevara and Maradona, home to sultry tango bars and vast cattle ranches worked by rugged gauchos, it is a country where the proud and passionate people last as long in the memory as the magnificent landscapes. Pulsating Buenos Aires is one of the world’s most captivating cities, its many neighbourhoods as distinct as they are colourful. Beyond the capital, a vast natural wonderland unfolds encompassing everything from the wild and arid Patagonian steppe to lush wetlands, thundering waterfalls, icy glaciers and world-renowned vineyards. This rich and complex landscape supports an impressive array of wildlife including capybara, caiman, penguins, whales and elephant seals. Trek through the grassy pampas, hike or kayak past mighty glaciers, marvel at Patagonia’s jagged peaks or the emerald waters of the Lake District. Wherever you go you’ll revel in the enduring power of nature – and in the hospitality of the people who call this unique country home.

Audley in Argentina I

I I

Perito Moreno Glacier

Cachi

Salta

Iguazu Falls

4 Cafayate

San Ignacio Posadas

Corrientes

3 Ibera Wetlands

BRAZIL

Cordoba p a s

Aconcagua

Mendoza

URUGUAY

5 Vineyards

BUENOS AIRES

CHILE

ARGENTINA Mar del Plata San Martin de los Andes

6 P a t a g o n i a

Bariloche

Accommodation Particular to Argentina is the estancia, or working ranch, from which you can explore the surrounding countryside on foot or on horse, watch the gauchos at work and get to know your hosts over fine meals. There are many of these estancias dotted throughout the country, offering a wonderfully authentic insight into traditional rural life, and we have searched out those with the best location and the friendliest hosts. Argentina has also been at the forefront of the rise of boutique properties in South America, and throughout the country there are many wonderful and quirky hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.

Jujuy I

Whatever your motive for visiting this magnificent country, whether you wish to learn to tango, sample the wine, marvel at the glaciers, waterfalls or mountains, photograph the wildlife, ride with the gauchos, or enjoy a combination of all these things, we can tailor a trip to ensure that you leave the country loving it as much as we do.

PARAGUAY I

Argentina is a huge and varied country with an incredible number of visitor attractions. Our specialists have a detailed knowledge of its many regions and of the best ways to combine them. The country can be visited year-round and in addition to the obvious highlights such as Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and the Perito Moreno Glacier, we like to incorporate lesser-known areas and places to stay.

Fitzroy

El Chalten Perito Moreno Glacier

Puerto Madryn

Peninsula Valdes

Trelew Punta Tombo

Bahia Bustamente

Los Glaciares National Park

ATLANTIC OCEAN

200 miles

322 kilometres

El Calafate

Tierra del Fuego

Ushuaia

1 Buenos Aires The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina is an intoxicating mix of culture, cafe society, dining, history and tango. See pages 74-75

3 Ibera Wetlands A great place for wildlife spotting – float on a canoe with only caiman, capybara and storks to keep you company. See page 86

2 Iguazu Falls These vast waterfalls straddling the Argentinian and Brazilian border are an impressive sight. See pages 90-91

4 Salta A colourful city with a traditional colonial centre, many museums and easy access to the dramatic landscapes nearby. See page 84

around Mendoza The home of the wine industry in Argentina and a great place to test your palate in the shadow of the Andes. See page 83 6 Lake District A beautiful and verdant region of lakes and hills that can be easily explored by car, bike, on foot or horseback. See page 80 7 Perito Moreno Glacier One of the world’s few advancing glaciers, Perito Moreno is an awe-inspiring sight. See page 78 8 Peninsula Valdes

Abundant wildlife including penguins, whales and sea lions. Sometimes orcas can be spotted hunting for a meal off this remote peninsula. See page 87

Coloured mountains, Salta

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Colourful buildings, La Boca

Buenos Aires The capital of Argentina is one of the world’s great urban experiences: a place of stylish people and buildings, wide boulevards and leafy parks, poignant history, gastronomic delights, tango in the streets and extravagant arts and architecture. The city is divided into barrios (neighbourhoods), each different yet all full of character. The colourful buildings of the working-class La Boca contrast with chic Recoleta, best known for its lavish cemetery housing the tomb of Eva Perón. Bohemian San Telmo turns into a bustling market on Sundays while the trendy streets of Palermo are perfect for people-watching and boutique shopping. The gentrified dockland area of Puerto Madero is full of restaurants, modern hotels and bars and provides a friendly counterpoint to the handsome Plaza de Mayo. One of the joys of being in Buenos Aires is to explore these barrios on foot, pausing for a drink in a pavement cafe whilst you watch the city around you.

Legado Mitico, Buenos Aires

Hub Porteño, Buenos Aires

Recoleta Cemetery

An understated street entrance in Recoleta leads to one of the city’s most sophisticated and exclusive hotels. Beautifully decorated and tastefully furnished with antique furniture and modern artwork, Hub Porteño’s 11 large suites are spread over four floors and offer views of the hotel’s lovely winter garden. The elegant restaurant serves a creative and ambitious menu and is regarded as one of the best places to eat in the city, while the beautiful living room is a great place to enjoy good coffee and freshly baked goods. Hub Porteño prides itself on its service which is completely tailored to guests’ individual needs and staff will happily arrange tours and excursions in Buenos Aires and its surroundings.

Legado Mitico, Buenos Aires A firm Audley favourite, Legado Mitico is a charming little retreat hidden away in the streets of Palermo. Its 11 en suite rooms are all themed on great Argentinians, from La Primera Dama (otherwise known as Evita) to Che Guevara. The ground floor hosts a plush library and lounge which opens onto a small courtyard, well away from the hustle and bustle of the city; the top floor offers a small outdoor decking area with hydro-massage facilities, showers and deckchairs. Legado Mitico is a classic example of a Buenos Aires boutique, a small and stylish hotel that is unmistakably Argentinian. Hub Porteño, Buenos Aires

Dockland area at Puerto Madero

Tango dancing, La Boca

Teatro Colón opera house

Plaza de Mayo

Flower monument, United Nations Plaza

Nuss Buenos Aires Soho A Spanish style former convent located in the busy, bohemian area of Palermo Soho, Nuss Buenos Aires Soho has 22 rooms and suites centred around the old cloister, each decorated in a tasteful blend of traditional and modern styles. Rooms are not huge, but are light and airy with clean lines and a contemporary character. In addition the hotel’s rooftop terrace has a small outdoor splash pool and plenty of shaded seating, providing a welcome retreat, particularly in the heat of the Buenos Aires summer.

Outdoor violinist

Nuss Buenos Aires Soho

A large and stylish hotel with 197 spacious rooms located in the heart of the regenerated docklands. Facilities include two bars and a restaurant, with a menu designed by award winning chef Alejandro Bontempo. The hotel is ideal for visitors looking to base themselves close to a modern bar and restaurant scene, without feeling too isolated from Buenos Aires’ historic buildings and attractions.

Hotel Madero, Buenos Aires

Sofitel Buenos Aires

Sofitel Buenos Aires Refined elegance and charm are the hallmarks of this fine hotel located in the heart of affluent Recoleta. A converted 1925 mansion, the Sofitel oozes sophistication, carefully combining classic French decor with a traditional Argentinian twist. The hotel has 140 rooms and suites, an indoor swimming pool (unusual for Buenos Aires), gym, spa, restaurant serving French cuisine, a cafe and a library. Many Argentinians who work locally use the Cafe Arroyo floor as a place to go for lunch, afternoon coffee, or a post-work drink and this adds to the hotel’s atmosphere.

Hotel Pulitzer, Buenos Aires A smart, modern hotel located only two blocks from Plaza San Martin, the Pulitzer offers great value for money and an excellent location. Its retro decor and friendly service give its 104 rooms and suites a good balance between character and practicality. The hotel boasts a small plunge pool, gym, and a relaxed bar-restaurant. Hotel Pulitzer, Buenos Aires

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Gauchos riding horses

Estancias of Argentina The estancia, home to Argentina’s iconic gaucho with his beret, wind burnt skin and leather belts and boots, is as integral to the country’s culture as the tango. A stay on one of these traditional estates offers a wonderful insight into rural life in Argentina and is a rewarding option for anyone looking for some time away from the bustle of neighbouring towns and cities. Traditionally large farming estates that powered the Argentinian economy, many estancias today combine their agricultural work with hosting visitors, who can often choose to join in with the work of cattle rearing or sheep herding.

you a great sense of history, their newer counterparts are often aimed at the more luxurious end of the market. A visit will most likely be based around three things – food, drink and horses. Expect asado lunches, local wines, and plenty of riding. With a lack of beach destinations in Argentina, estancias also offer a place to simply relax in tranquil, natural surroundings. We like to recommend estancias that have some history, be it in the buildings, or in the families that own them, and wherever possible, use working estancias which provide a truly authentic experience. Here are some of our favourites:

Often these are ancient family homes that have only recently opened their doors to visitors while others have been purpose-built as country hotels. Older estancias can give

Candelaria del Monte, near Buenos Aires

A working estancia within an easy drive of Buenos Aires, Candelaria del Monte offers a range of activities such as horse riding, birdwatching and polo matches. The house itself has many colonial characteristics and the 6 rooms have some quirky touches. There is a swimming pool and vast grounds. Meals are based around the traditional asados and pucheros (stews) plus tasty Patagonian lamb and trout. The friendly owner will ensure a relaxed and memorable stay.

Estancia La Bamba, near Buenos Aires

Estancia La Bamba, near Buenos Aires Set in the midst of rolling pampas countryside but within easy reach of Buenos Aires, Estancia La Bamba is a distinctive and beautiful house dating back to the 1830s. The house retains many colonial features including a watchtower, covered porches and a charming internal courtyard, whilst its 11 rooms and suites are smart and comfortable, with dark wooden floors and antique furniture. Guests can take advantage of the Pulperia, originally a stables and inn, now converted to accommodate a relaxing space for reading and socialising. La Bamba’s extensive grounds include a cattle ranch, a tree-lined park, and immaculate lawns offering croquet opportunities and a place to dine al fresco when the weather allows.

La China Casa de Campo, near Buenos Aires

Traditional saddles hanging up

Gaucho herding cattle

La China Casa de Campo, near Buenos Aires Situated 120 kilometres from Buenos Aires, La China has just four simply furnished rooms, all with private bathrooms, a cosy kitchen, living room and a generous deck area. Your time here can be spent riding, participating in rural tasks, birdwatching, walking, visiting local settlements or simply reading a book in the peaceful gardens. In the summer, guests can also cool off in the quirky swimming pool fashioned from a large water tank. The food here is home-cooked and delicious.

Estancia Los Potreros, near Cordoba

Polo match near Buenos Aires

Estancia Santa Ines, near Posadas

Estancia Los Potreros, near Cordoba A family-owned farm, high in the Cordoban hills, Estancia Los Potreros affords guests a unique opportunity to live amongst three generations of the Anglo-Argentinian owners, and experience rural life on a working cattle ranch. Due to its remote location, perched atop the sierras, the views from foot or horseback are spectacular, and there are over two square kilometres of private land for you to explore. The seven rooms are simple, comfortable, and individual, as you would expect from a private home.

Ibera wetlands

Estancia Huechahue, near San Martin de los Andes

Estancia Huechahue, near San Martin de los Andes Around 70 kilometres east of the pretty town of San Martin de los Andes, lies the vast working estancia of Huechahue which offers guests an intimate estancia experience. It has just ten rooms, and boasts some of the most authentic riding in the area, suitable for novices to experienced riders. Guests can ride across wide expanses of meadow to the base of the Andes, and watch condors and eagles soaring over ancient Indian burial caves, where primitive drawings can still be seen on the walls. Join the gauchos working the cattle and enjoy a traditional barbecue lunch, spend a day rafting down the river, stopping for lunch and a swim in a calm pool, or try fishing for the famed wild brown trout.

An excellent base for a visit to the Ibera Wetlands, the Jesuit ruins and Iguazu Falls, Estancia Santa Ines is a beautiful century-old family home, built in an English colonial style as the centre of a yerba mate plantation. Its nine guest bedrooms feature wooden floors, high ceilings and antique furniture, and a stay at the property always includes a warm welcome from its charming hosts, tasty home-cooked meals using locally-sourced ingredients and walking or horse riding to enjoy the extensive bird and wildlife. The estancia boasts large grounds and a spring water, volcanic stone swimming pool, the perfect spot for some relaxation in this picturesque rural setting.

Estancia Santa Ines, near Posadas

www.audleytravel.com/argentina â&#x20AC;˘ 01993 838 630 â&#x20AC;˘ Argentina

Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate The town of El Calafate is the gateway to the stunning Los Glaciares National Park, the magnificent centrepiece of which is the creaking hulk of ice that is the Perito Moreno Glacier. Its age-old turquoise folds and white peaks have advanced into Lago Argentino, resting for now in a frontage that is five kilometres across and 60 metres high. From an observation platform or a boat, a safe distance away, listen for an eerie creak – which indicates a large chunk of ice is about to calve off and crash noisily into the milky waters, where it then drifts idly away. For a different view, we can arrange trekking on the glacier itself where the crunchy meringue-like ice is punctuated by glowing sapphire crevasses. Other glaciers worth a visit are those of Upsala and Onelli, visited on a day trip out by boat to the northwestern end of Lago Argentino.

Eolo, near El Calafate

Hosteria La Estepa, El Calafate

Hosteria La Estepa, El Calafate Located approximately five kilometres from downtown El Calafate, Hosteria La Estepa offers excellent value for money. The 24 en suite rooms are spacious and comfortable, and offer a view of Lago Argentino or of the Patagonian steppe. The hotel is a five minute journey from town but it boasts a good restaurant for those wishing to eat in.

Perched on a hill rising above the Anita Valley 30 kilometres from El Calafate, Eolo is set on a large reserve. The lodge affords beautiful views across Lago Argentino and on a clear day, as far as Chile’s famous Torres del Paine. Based on the style of a traditional Patagonian estancia with a modern twist, Eolo’s 17 rooms are comfortable and stylish, whilst its communal living areas are ideal places to enjoy talks about the local flora and fauna or just to curl up with a book and relax.

Patagonia Rebelde, El Calafate Built in the style of an old railway station, and resembling a museum more than a hotel, Patagonia Rebelde is a unique property offering great value and charm. Its 12 small rooms are simple but warmly furnished with bright local fabrics and photographs of the region in past times. The hotel also has a lounge and bar, as well as a pretty courtyard and garden. An unusual and quirky property, a stay here offers a unique insight into the history of this part of Patagonia. Lago Argentino

Eolo, near El Calafate

Sea lion, Ushuaia

Fitzroy Massif, Los Glaciares National Park

Los Glaciares National Park

Hosteria Lunajuim, El Chalten

El Chalten & Fitzroy El Chalten is a small village at the northern tip of Los Glaciares National Park that acts as a base for visitors to the Fitzroy Massif. It has a relaxed and friendly feel, with an interesting mix of architectural styles and a fabulous setting. The surrounding area is challenging but rewarding trekking country, with the 3,400 metre Mount Fitzroy as its jagged centrepiece, a stark and soaring piece of granite.

Hosteria Lunajuim, El Chalten Our favourite no frills option in El Chalten, Hosteria Lunajuim has a pleasant alpine feel, quirky artwork, cosy communal areas and a roaring log fire. Its 30 guest rooms are clean and comfortably furnished with warm, down duvets and spacious bathrooms. Staff are friendly and the downtown location offers excellent access to the start of many of the trails that wind through Fitzroy National Park.

Hosteria Senderos, El Chalten Built in traditional Patagonian style and inspired by the estancias of the 1920s, Hosteria Senderos is a charming, good value property in an excellent location for exploring the Fitzroy National Park. The hotel has 22 en suite rooms which are simply furnished and offer wonderful views of the surrounding scenery, including the magnificent Mount Fitzroy. The hosteria can organise horse riding and trekking. It is also a great space in which to shut out the famous Patagonian wind and relax in the reading room, by the log fireplace, or in the wine bar.

The harbour at Ushuaia

Hiking at Fitzroy, El Chalten

Goose, Tierra del Fuego National Park

Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego The Andes finally slide into the sea at the far tip of South America, breaking up into a series of rugged islands and peninsulas as they go. The name of the biggest island is Tierra del Fuego, ‘Land of Fire’, a windy outpost with an end-ofthe-world feel. The focus of the island is the city of Ushuaia, whose colourful houses spill down from the sides of imposing snowy mountains before stopping abruptly at the shores of the icy Beagle Channel. Ushuaia is the base for exploring the region’s attractions such as Lapataia National Park and Tierra del Fuego National Park, as well as boat trips to enjoy the scenery, seabirds and seals on the Beagle Channel. It is possible to visit the historic Estancia Harberton which was built by a British missionary on one of the farthest outposts of the continent. Ushuaia is also the embarkation point for most of the cruises that depart for Antarctica.

Hosteria Senderos, El Chalten

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche

Lake District

Hotel Aldebaran, near Bariloche

On the northern edge of Patagonia, Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake District is a beautiful area of glacial lakes, emerald forests and snow-capped volcanoes. Often compared to the scenery of Switzerland because of its clean, crisp air, abundance of flowers and glittering waters, this region nonetheless has a very distinct flavour that is all its own. There are three areas of the Lake District that are most often visited: Bariloche, San Martin de los Andes and, between the two, the chic resort of Villa La Angostura.

Located on the San Pedro Peninsula, 23 kilometres away from the centre of Bariloche, Aldebaran is surrounded by lush scenery and has ten rooms overlooking Lago Nahuel Huapi. The restaurant comes highly recommended, with its wood-fired mud oven used for preparing gourmet dishes. Traditional Argentinian asados are also available and there is a spa offering a variety of treatments, as well as hydro-massage and a sauna.

Bariloche Bariloche is the main centre of the southern Lake District and an ideal base from which to explore the abundance of pristine national parks in the region. The town operates as a ski resort in winter and has an alpine feel with a chairlift offering panoramic views of lakes and volcanoes stretching as far as the eye can see. You can also go walking along woodland trails, raft in the local rivers or explore at your own pace with a hire car. Bariloche is the embarkation point for the breathtakingly scenic road and lake journey across the Andes to Puerto Varas in Chile. The town has a wide range of accommodation options, meaning it often has many more visitors than its smaller northern neighbour, San Martin de los Andes.

Posada Los Juncos, near Bariloche

Posada Los Juncos, near Bariloche A little hidden treasure located 20 kilometres from Bariloche and an ideal stop if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re exploring the area in a hire car, Posada Los Juncos overlooks some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Also known as the Lake House, it is a wonderfully informal place to stay where you will immediately feel at home, thanks to its friendly atmosphere and intimate size. Los Juncos features just five rooms, each with a slightly different theme but all comfortably furnished.

Hotel Aldebaran, near Bariloche

Cable car over Nahuel Huapi National Park

Tipiliuke Lodge, near San Martin de los Andes

La Casa de Eugenia, San Martin de los Andes

Mountain forest, Bariloche

Rio Hermoso Hotel de Montaña

Villa La Angostura

San Martin de los Andes

A relaxed and charming town, Villa La Angostura meanders along the northern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi. It’s an ideal base from which to visit the stunning Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, and makes a perfect stop whilst exploring the Lake District. The town itself is home to several cafes and restaurants as well as shops selling artisanal chocolate and beer, and is a lovely place to spend an afternoon strolling around and watching the world go by.

Built in a valley on the shore of the beautiful Lago Lacar, San Martin is the principal town of the northern Lake District, with a good range of restaurants, shops and activities. This is great horse riding country, with several trails in the surrounding area varying from a day’s duration right through to a week or more; for a unique perspective on the dramatic landscapes.

Las Balsas, Villa La Angostura A retreat on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, Las Balsas aims to pamper all its guests in a comfortable and tranquil setting. All 15 rooms are furnished in a unique style, and feature large picture windows with either forest or lake views. In the winter months the hotel is a great base for ski trips.

Casa Luma, Villa La Angostura An elegant mountain retreat, Casa Luma features just eight spacious suites which have a stunning view of Lago Nahuel Huapi. The excellent restaurant uses local produce in its Patagonian cuisine, and guests can also enjoy the property’s spa, which offers an indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool and sauna.

Tipiliuke Lodge, near San Martin de los Andes Tipiliuke Lodge is a vast working estancia in the foothills of the Andes. It was founded in 1909 by the grandfather of the current owners and is one of the most professionally managed estancias in the region, offering a highly personalised service. The lodge is classically stylish, its nine guest rooms have airy colour schemes and private bathrooms. Communal living areas look out on to gardens brimming with magnificent trees and guests can enjoy riding, fly fishing, birdwatching and walking as well as skiing in the Argentinian winter.

La Casa de Eugenia, San Martin de los Andes Well positioned in a central location in San Martin de los Andes, close to Lago Lacar, La Casa de Eugenia offers guests an intimate and friendly stay in this beautiful part of the Lake District. Its nine pleasant en suite rooms are tastefully furnished and have their own unique colour schemes, whilst its communal areas are warm and cosy. We particularly love the afternoon tea that is served daily, offering guests an array of homemade breads, pastries and locally produced jams.

Rio Hermoso Hotel de Montaña, near San Martin de los Andes Located on the shores of a river running through the Parque Nacional Lanin, the hotel is surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and lakes. With only six rooms and nothing to disturb you but the sound of the river and local birds, the hotel really is a little haven of tranquillity. Each room is finished with local materials, the soft furnishings and artwork making them inviting and comfortable. Modern, fusion cuisine is served at the lodge’s on-site restaurant, where the menu changes according to the season, and a typical asado is frequently available.

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Ruta 40, Valles de Salta

Self-drive in Argentina As the eighth largest country in the world, exploring Argentina’s vast swathes of land by car is not an option for most visitors, but there are wonderful pockets of the country that make for excellent self-drive tours for those with an adventurous spirit. It is not for the faint-hearted however, many roads are gravel and signposts are not especially common. A lot of the driving is on or around Argentina’s famous Ruta 40, a road that travels more or less the length of the entire country. It was along stretches of this route that a young Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara travelled by motorbike. His diaries reveal much of what he saw along the route, which in turn fired his famous revolutionary spirit.

Candelabra cactus, Calchaqui valley

Northwest Argentina The northwest of the country offers perhaps the most dramatic experience for those driving. There is a logical route running south from Salta, the first part of which takes you through an ever-changing landscape to Cachi. Along the way you’ll pass through sheer-sided valleys, open farmland, small pockets of jungle and ochre desert, whilst condors circle effortlessly above white adobe houses of the small villages you pass. From Cachi you follow Ruta 40, into the wine region that surrounds Cafayate. On the edge of the desert you will find the wineries that produce some of the country’s most interesting wines. Not far from here is Quilmes, the location of some stunning Jesuit ruins and home to the nation’s favourite beer. Patagonia Nestling in the heart of Argentina’s Lake District, the stunning ‘Route of the Seven Lakes’ links the small town of San Martin de los Andes to its neighbour Bariloche. Continuing south from Bariloche it is possible to pick up Ruta 40 to travel into the heart of Welsh Patagonia and the towns of Trevelin and Esquel. Here you will find the Patagonian Express steam train that has been running through the region for nearly a century. For the really adventurous it is possible to drive deeper into the vast Patagonian

wilderness by following Ruta 40 south to El Calafate and on until it can go no further, to the city of Ushuaia where the road stops at the Beagle Channel. Peninsula Valdes Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Peninsula Valdes appears at first glance to be a section of featureless Patagonian desert. It is in fact home to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in South America, from Magellanic penguins and elephant seals to the majestic southern right whales. The freedom that a car offers can be invaluable – there is only one road around the peninsula making it impossible to get lost, and travelling at your own pace allows you to spend all day on one beach waiting for that magical moment when an orca might surf up the beach and grab a sea lion.

Peninsula Valdes

Wine tasting, Mendoza

Vineyards at Mendoza

Alpasion, near Mendoza

Lares de Chacra, Chacras de Coria

Posada Oliva Verde, near Mendoza

Mendoza

Lares de Chacra, Chacras de Coria

Posada Oliva Verde, near Mendoza

A colourful, villa-style property that accommodates 25 guests, Lares de Chacra is located in the small town of Chacras de Coria, approximately 15 kilometres outside the centre of Mendoza. The hotel has a homely feel with log fires, wooden furniture and large windows which look out onto picturesque natural surroundings. It also boasts a pool and wine cellar.

This stylish, rural property is designed to preserve the features of a typical country house. Its intimate setting boasts a spacious gallery, a large living room and a library filled with books about the region. The posada’s three double rooms are individually decorated and maintain a rustic feel, whilst offering plenty of natural light with doors opening out onto the gardens. Expect delicious breakfasts as well as wine tasting and cooking classes on request.

Lively Mendoza is at the heart of the self-styled ‘land of sunshine and wine’, where Argentina rears up into the foothills of the Andes. A pleasant city with wide tree-lined streets, plazas and parks, the vast majority of visitors here have come with one thing in mind: its world-renowned wines. Mendoza province lays claim to at least 70% of Argentina’s wine output, thanks to its gentle climate and the snowmelt from the Andes. The sight of the rows of lush green vines against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks makes this an extremely picturesque spot, and there are a large number of bodegas (wineries) welcoming visitors with guided tours, tastings and lunches. Day trips out from Mendoza are possible into the main areas of Maipu, Tupungato and Lujan de Cuyo or, better still, stay overnight at a winery and explore from there.

Club Tapiz, near Mendoza Constructed in 1890 and surrounded by rolling vineyards, this traditional house has just 11 simply furnished but comfortable rooms, making it a relaxed place for wine tasting. Guests at Club Tapiz can also enjoy its restaurant which serves an interesting range of regional cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine list. There is also a spa and a swimming pool with terrific views of the Andes.

If you have time, this region has other, often overlooked, attractions. Heading west, you can take the panoramic ‘Alta Montaña’ route into the Andes to view the highest mountain in the Americas, Mount Aconcagua, which stands at 6,982 metres. The road itself climbs over the top of the Andes to Chile’s capital Santiago, a breathtaking way of travelling between the two countries.

Alpasion, near Mendoza A unique hotel in the heart of the Uco Valley with spectacular views to the Andes, Alpasion has six rooms, each subtly themed on the elements. All rooms enjoy views across the vineyards and on to the mountains, and a private terrace to enjoy the panorama. The concept here is to offer a home from home experience, with a focus on fresh, regional food and wines. All meals can either be served in the main dining room, on the terrace or even on the roof where you can spend hours relaxing under the stars, or over a glass or two of wine in front of the open fire.

Club Tapiz, near Mendoza

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Hill of Seven Colours, Purmamarca

Salta & the Northwest Up in this far-flung corner of Argentina lie some vast and magnificent swathes of land, which geographically and culturally have more in common with Argentina’s Andean neighbours than the more modern, European influenced areas further south. North of the city of Salta, a lunar landscape awaits including ochre deserts dotted with cacti, and gorges striped with many different hues. South of Salta there are green river valleys and vineyards mixed into the dry foothills of the Andes. Exploring this area can be as energetic or relaxed as you would like; you can base yourself in one place and take day trips, or travel around the countryside on a road trip, staying at some of the excellent hotels on the way.

Known locally as ‘Salta la Linda’ (Salta the beautiful), this city is the starting point for explorations of the northwest, but is also an interesting place in itself to explore for at least a day or two. Set in an enviable location in the picturesque Lerma Valley, Salta has striking architecture, including some of Argentina’s finest remaining colonial buildings. Its leafy plazas, including the main focal point of the city, the Plaza 9 de Julio, are great places to people watch from the cafes.

Legado Mitico, Salta Comfortable and unique accommodation in a central location, the Legado Mitico has 11 large rooms, each with elegant decoration based on Argentinian historical figures. All open on to balconies or small terraces, and the hotel has a delightful central courtyard.

Finca Valentina, Salta Finca Valentina is a rustic country house, full of charm, located outside the city centre. Owned by an Italian couple who have invested their hearts and souls into the property, there are just seven light and airy suites. Guests can enjoy the lounge with its log fire and small library, plus pretty gardens with a barbecue area and swimming pool plus wonderful locally-sourced, home-cooked food.

Legado Mitico, Salta

Kkala Boutique Hotel, Salta

Kkala Boutique Hotel, Salta A chic hotel with only ten rooms, situated in the quiet neighbourhood of Tres Cerritos, Kkala Boutique Hotel has some wonderful design features, but also has the feel of staying in your own home, with a beautiful living room and breakfast area with outdoor terrace. Filled with colour and style, the hotel’s rooms are furnished to a high standard. There is a large swimming pool (heated in winter) with deck and sun loungers, a living room, and library, all of which make for a peaceful and relaxing stay.

Finca Valentina, Salta

The Puna The Puna is the name given to the high altitude grasslands, valleys and plains extending across South America’s central Andean range. The section in northwest Argentina is particularly striking, with its dazzling salt flats, deserts and dunes, and jagged rock formations, volcanoes and enormous cacti making breaks in the lunar landscape. Travelling overland across the Puna can involve passing through four different ecosystems in one day in a series of simply astounding landscapes. Some of the highlights include: Desierto del Laberinto – This ten million year old fossil desert is quite literally a labyrinth of towering, pyramid-shaped red dunes jutting out into the sky like an enormous city of desert stalagmites. San Francisco Church, Salta

Cono de Arita – A perfect conical volcano, incongruously perched in the middle of a vast salt flat, Cono de Arita changes colour depending on your viewpoint and appears to hover above the plains below. Campo de Piedra Pomez – Historic volcanic activity near the desert oasis of El Peñon and subsequent erosion by harsh winds has created the strange and beautiful

Campo de Piedra Pomez

phenomenon of swirling white rock formations and dunes in this remarkable place, referred to as the Pumice Stone Field. Practicalities Although some highlights are possible to visit if you hire your own vehicle, this is only for the more adventurous driver as some of the best views and sights involve leaving the shale roads and negotiating dirt tracks. For a more relaxing way to travel, we can arrange a tour travelling in a 4x4 vehicle well-equipped for the terrain, and accompanied by a specialist guide and driver who will ensure you do not miss any of the hidden gems and iconic photo opportunities along the way. Accommodation is relatively simple in this isolated and unspoilt part of Argentina, but your reward is magnificent scenery and an authentic, overland adventure.

El Manantial del Silencio, Purmamarca

Purmamarca & around

Cafayate, Molinos & Cachi

Heading north out of Salta you’ll pass giant cacti, grazing vicuña, sculpted rocks and mountains striped red, amber, coffee and ochre until you reach dazzling salt flats and tiny settlements at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level. Purmamarca, a small village set below the Hill of Seven Colours, is the base to travel further north into the awe-inspiring scenery of the Humahuaca Gorge, visiting quiet oasis villages, the ruins of a hilltop fortress and some of the most important archaeological sites in the country. The ‘Train to the Clouds’ is one way to experience the scenery, although it runs a somewhat intermittent schedule. Alternatively take a guided 4x4 tour travelling close to the same route, or make your own way around by hire car. If you wish to combine Argentina with Chile, we can arrange for you to cross the high plains into the Chilean Atacama Desert.

South of Salta lies the stunning Calchaqui Valley, a place of sun-dappled vineyards, and the towns of Cafayate, Molinos and Cachi with their archaeological museums and adobe churches. The foothills of the Andes here, as with Mendoza, provide fantastic soils for wine production, though in Cafayate in particular, the wineries are far less visited. There are several vineyards and wineries that can be toured, and many types of wine to be tasted. This is an area to explore at leisure, taking roads which wind through dramatic mountain passes and vine-clad hills. Travel around this area can be undertaken with a guide and driver, or with your own vehicle along the famous Ruta 40.

La Merced del Alto, Cachi

La Merced del Alto, Cachi On the edge of Cachi, La Merced del Alto was built in the style of a grand country house and offers 12 attractive rooms with high ceilings, elegant decor and views of the immaculately kept grounds. There is a restaurant and bar in the main building, while the grounds are home to the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and spa.

Patios de Cafayate Hotel and Spa, Cafayate

El Manantial del Silencio, Purmamarca

A hotel which enjoys spectacular views of the Calchaqui Valley vineyards, and places an emphasis on the unique designs of the traditional local cultures. Patios de Cafayate has extensive gardens, charming colonial patios, and the 26 guest rooms are decorated with antique furniture. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities and outdoor pool or just sit under the trees with a glass of fine wine, taking in the wonderful views.

Facing the Hill of Seven Colours is the charming El Manantial del Silencio, set in an elegant colonial style building. The hotel is simply furnished and the 18 elegant rooms are bright but serene, overlooking expansive gardens, an outdoor pool and striking mountain backdrop.

Patios de Cafayate Hotel and Spa, Cafayate

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Ibera Wetlands

Estancia Rincon del Socorro, Ibera Wetlands

Marsh deer, Ibera Wetlands

Estancia Rincon del Socorro is a former cattle ranch that has been converted into a nature reserve. It is a small, refined ecolodge with six rooms in the main house and three small bungalows. The main house has a living area, veranda and terrace dining area. When not out exploring the wetlands, guests can make use of the swimming pool, and dine on hearty asados which are enjoyed with homemade breads and Argentinian wine.

Ibera Wetlands & Misiones The Ibera Wetlands (Esteros del Ibera)are a protected area of seasonally flooded swamps and marshes, second only to Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pantanal in size. This network of lagoons and creeks is best explored by canoe and affords some wonderful wildlife viewing. Caiman, capybara, marsh deer, otter and over 300 species of bird all inhabit this peaceful haven that the Guarani Indians originally named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bright Watersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Estancia Rincon del Socorro, Ibera Wetlands

Puerto Valle, near Ibera Wetlands

In neighbouring Misiones province, across the border from the wetlands in Paraguay lie Jesuit missions that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and have been recovered from the emerald forest. The most impressive of these are San Ignacio Mini and Santa Ana which makes an interesting stop for those visiting Ibera and Iguazu Falls. Yellow-billed cardinal, Ibera Wetlands

Whilst not technically in Ibera Wetlands itself, Puerto Valle is located on the banks of the Parana River, on the edge of the wetlands, and offers a great location from which to head out and explore them. The 13 spacious rooms all have access to a balcony with stunning views over the extensive grounds down to the river. The hotel also boasts its own lagoon, where you can spot caiman and capybara, an outdoor pool, wine cellar, and a fantastic restaurant serving both traditional and more unusual local delicacies. Be adventurous and try the delicious local delicacy, pacu river fish.

Lighthouse, Peninsula Valdes

Ibera Wetlands

Seal pup, Peninsula Valdes

Park Valdes, Peninsula Valdes

Greeting a penguin, Peninsula Valdes

The Atlantic Coast & Peninsula Valdes

Bahia Bustamente, Chubut Province

This wild and treeless spit of land reaching out into the south Atlantic, is a UNESCO-protected nature reserve that is home to a great variety of wildlife. Whales, penguins and elephant seals make up part of the profusion of marine life, whilst guanacos, rheas and armadillos roam around on the land. Southern right whales can be spotted during their breeding season of June to November, orca are most likely to make an appearance between November and April, and August to October is the best time to observe the elephant seals.

Patagonia is one of the most sparsely inhabited areas of the world, and it is fair to say Bahia Bustamante is in one of the quietest areas of even this remote region. Based in an abandoned village, with a schoolroom, church and workers’ houses still fully intact, the lodge provides a little taste of bygone Patagonia. There are six guest rooms, all simple, but warm and cosy. The hospitality is of a high standard while the excursions to see the local wildlife including sea lions, cormorants and a colony of Magallenic penguins are run by knowledgeable and passionate guides.

Bahia Bustamente, Chubut Province

You can stay on the isthmus itself in a number of estancias, or base yourself in the town of Puerto Madryn, which in 1865 was the site of the first Welsh landing in the area. Their legacy remains today and Welsh-speakers, tearooms and eisteddfods add a distinctive cultural flavour to the region. Another attraction is the noisy colony of Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo.

Estancia Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes

Southern right whale, Peninsula Valdes

With only eight rooms plus cosy drawing and dining rooms, this converted farmhouse offers a comfortable retreat in a completely isolated setting. The accommodation is simple but charming and the hosts are keen to give guests a real taste of estancia life, as well as an insight into the area’s extensive wildlife such as the nearby beach of elephant seals.

Estancia Rincon Chico, Peninsula Valdes

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Iguazu Falls argentina

Buenos Aires

Bariloche

Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate

Classic Argentina A trip that takes in the varied sights and icons for which Argentina is famous – from gauchos to glaciers, and wine to waterfalls. Begin in vibrant Buenos Aires and from there fly down into deepest Patagonia to marvel at glaciers. Return north via the gentle scenery of the Lake District to Iguazu Falls.

Red rocks at Cafayate

Tailoring your trip

Day 1

Fly to Buenos Aires.

Day 2

A morning city tour, including the Recoleta cemetery and the La Boca district.

Day 3

At leisure in Buenos Aires – maybe take a tango lesson?

Day 4

Fly to El Calafate in southern Patagonia.

Day 5

A trip to visit the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier including a trek on the ice itself.

Lake District

Day 6

Free time in El Calafate to arrange additional excursions

When to go

Day 7

Fly to Bariloche in the heart of the Argentinian Lake District.

The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Argentina specialists to start planning your itinerary.

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Getting around Due to its vastness, comprehensive itineraries around Argentina will involve several internal flights, but our specialists will ensure that the idiosyncrasies of the airline schedules are taken into account. Travel by road between different destinations is an option in certain places (such as the northwest and southern Patagonia), and hiring a car can be a great way to enjoy the country’s spectacular scenery at your own pace. Argentina is also easily combined with visits to Chile via one of the many spectacular Andean routes between the two countries, or with Brazil via Iguazu Falls.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33

33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Most of Argentina has seasons that are the opposite of the northern hemisphere’s, but as you would expect in a country of this size, distinct regions have climates all of their own. Therefore the best time of year to travel will depend largely on the areas you wish to visit, for example Patagonia’s peak travel season is from October to March, although travel outside of this time is possible if you wrap up warm. The northern areas of Iguazu, Mendoza, the wetlands and Salta are pleasant all year round.

Days 8-9 Explore the beautiful region by car, horseback or foot, depending on your preference. Day 10

Fly to Iguazu, via Buenos Aires.

Day 11

Explorations of these magnificent waterfalls.

Day 12

Travel to the airport to connect with your international flight.

Stay longer If you enjoy fine wine and scenery then Mendoza can be added to this trip. Alternatively head for one of Brazil’s southern beaches for a couple of days’ relaxation.

Time difference: GMT-3 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Argentina on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans. La Boca district, Buenos Aires

Magellanic penguin, Peninsula Valdes

Suggested itineraries Iguazu Falls

brazil

argentina

Cafayate

Rio de Janeiro

paraguay

Iguazu Falls

Salta Cachi

Posadas

Iguazu Falls

Buenos Aires

argentina

Buenos Aires argentina Trelew

Buenos Aires

Cities and Waterfalls

Wild Argentina

This short trip shows you the vibrant sights of two of South America’s greatest cities, with the bonus of a visit to the thundering Iguazu Falls in between.

A wonderful itinerary taking in Argentina’s main wildlife destinations including the Peninsula Valdes, the Ibera Wetlands and the mighty Iguazu Falls. Ideal for wildlife lovers or for a second visit to Argentina.

Day 1

Fly to Buenos Aires.

Day 2

Explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, dine out in Palermo and enjoy some tango in La Boca.

Day 3

More time to get to know Buenos Aires; a cultural city with a wealth of museums and galleries.

Day 4

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls.

Day 5

Time exploring the mighty waterfalls.

Day 6

Fly to the exciting city of Rio de Janeiro.

Day 7

Enjoy a guided tour of Rio.

Day 8

Day 9

More time to explore Rio’s beaches, its galleries and museums and try some of its great restaurants. Transfer to the airport for your flight.

Northwest Argentina Explored Explore some of the lesser-visited areas of Argentina including its more remote wineries. Connect with the country’s indigenous past and contrast this with the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires.

Day 1

Fly to Buenos Aires.

Day 2

Enjoy a guided tour of Buenos Aires.

Day 1

Day 3

Fly to Trelew, your base from which to explore the Peninsula Valdes.

Fly to South America and connect with your flight to Iguazu.

Day 2

Day 4

A full day excursion to see the wildlife of the Peninsula Valdes.

Enjoy a guided tour of the trails and vistas of the Argentinian side of the falls.

Day 5

At leisure, you may wish to visit the Punta Tombo penguin colony.

Day 3

Fly to Salta and transfer to your hotel.

Day 6

Travel to Posadas and transfer to your wetlands lodge.

Day 4

Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s colonial centre.

Day 5

Travel through the area’s valleys to the village of Purmamarca.

Days 7-8 Explore the Ibera Wetlands. Day 9

Travel overland to Iguazu.

Day 6

Day 10

Visit the Argentinian side of these mighty falls.

Enjoy a tour of the Humahuaca Gorge before returning to Salta.

Day 7

Day 11

Enjoy the panoramic views at the Brazilian side of the falls.

Head southwest through valleys and desert savannah to the tiny town of Cachi.

Day 12

Travel to the airport to connect with your international flight.

Day 8

Continue along the famous Ruta 40 to the wine producing region of Cafayate.

Stay longer

Day 9

Travel out of Buenos Aires for a stay on a traditional estancia or make your Iguazu base a comfortable jungle lodge, perfect for birdwatching and a little relaxation at the end of your trip.

Time at leisure before you return to Salta.

Day 10

Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to your hotel.

Day 11

Take a guided tour of the city and enjoy a tango show in the evening.

Day 12

Transfer to the airport for your flight.

Stay longer Take a more active approach to your trip with tango lessons in Buenos Aires or head out to one of the country’s famous estancias close to the capital. In Rio, explore the city with your guide by bike or climb to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to take in the views. Extend your trip with some beach time in Brazil by exploring the nearby Green Coast.

Stay longer Time in Salta combines wonderfully with a visit to the stunning Atacama Desert in northern Chile. Collect a hire car when you arrive in Salta and explore the valleys and villages under your own steam.

Traditional cactus wood weaving, Puna

Iguazu Falls

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 630 • Argentina

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls In the midst of a subtropical nature reserve on the border between Argentina and Brazil, the mighty Iguazu Falls (Iguaçu in Brazil) cascade down sheer cliffs forming one of South America’s most breathtaking sights. Here, in the middle of the jungle, a chasm seems to open up in the earth and 275 separate falls crash over a horseshoe-shaped precipice nearly five kilometres wide and 90 metres high. The sheer scale of Iguazu Falls and the volume of water to be appreciated here will astonish even those who have visited more well-known waterfalls elsewhere in the world. Their size, unique natural setting and the proximity to the water that can be enjoyed from the park’s extensive network of walkways provide visitors to Iguazu with an experience like no other. Iguazu Falls can be viewed from both sides of the border and it is said that ‘Argentina provides the show and Brazil enjoys the view’. Certainly the more panoramic walkways are on the Brazilian side but visitors should not miss a trip to the Argentinian side of the falls where the walkways’ proximity to the thundering water reveals their incredible force and power. Nature is showcased at its fiercest in the foaming cauldron of the Devil’s Throat, where several falls join together to hurtle down a

sheer drop. The wider national park is also home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, and over 400 species of bird. When to visit Although Iguazu Falls have two distinct seasons, you will find them a spectacular sight whenever you visit. During the rainy season from December to March conditions are more humid but higher water levels mean seeing the falls at their mightiest. From April to June temperatures cool and water levels drop but trails are more accessible and more comfortable to walk thanks to the lower humidity. The skies can also be clearer, providing opportunities for some spectacular photographs with the morning sunshine meeting the spray of tumbling waters to create vivid rainbows.

Brazilian tanager, Parque Nacional do Iguaçu

Practicalities Iguazu Falls are served by two regional airports, Puerto Iguazu in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. Both are small towns which have grown around the popularity of the falls and offer little of interest in themselves, however they offer a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Which side you stay on will often depend on the rest of your itinerary, with cross-border trips to view the falls from each side nothing more than a formality on an organised tour. Two days is sufficient to see the falls from both sides, and other activities that can be enjoyed include a boat safari to the base of the falls, a helicopter ride, a visit to the bird park or a day trip to the impressive Itaipu Dam on the border with Paraguay.

Viewing the falls from Argentina

Boat approaching Iguazu Falls

The Devil’s Throat, Parque Nacional Iguazu

San Martin Hotel & Resort

Butterflies gather near Iguazu Falls

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

San Martin Hotel & Resort, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

Posada Puerto Bemberg, Puerto Libertad, Argentina

Situated just ten minutes from the entrance to the national park on the Brazilian side, San Martin is one of the most affordable and convenient places to stay in the area. This resort-style hotel is set in leafy natural surroundings and features 135 simple but comfortable rooms and suites. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, gym and spa, and within the ample grounds guests can enjoy a swimming pool and a number of nature trails.

This luxurious, colonial-style hotel offers just 16 rooms and is set in the heart of a protected rainforest reserve 30 kilometres from the national park. Rooms are decorated in a classic style, and the hotel’s swimming pool provides a welcome retreat on warmer days. The grounds attract hummingbirds, toucans and colourful butterflies, and guided nature walks can be arranged. The hotel also offers boat and swimming excursions to a nearby waterfall, as well as visits to the Jesuit ruins near Posadas. This unique setting makes Posada Puerto Bemberg a destination in its own right, so combining a stay here with a night nearer the falls is a particularly good option.

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Brazil The only hotel located within the national park on the Brazilian side of the falls, Belmond’s das Cataratas offers excellent levels of accommodation in an unrivalled location. Its 193 rooms boast jungle or garden views, with a small number of suites also featuring partial views of the falls themselves. What sets the hotel apart, however, is the convenience of having the national park’s walkways just a five minute walk away, and privileged access to the falls before and after regular opening hours. Facilities at the hotel include fine gardens and terraces, a swimming pool, spa, tennis court and two restaurants.

Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel

Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina Located in lush jungle surroundings, Loi Suites Iguazu combines understated luxury with a tranquil, rainforest setting. Set away from the bustle of Puerto Iguazu’s urban centre, the entrance to the national park is just a 15 minute drive away. The hotel’s 162 rooms are spread across five buildings connected by a series of canopy walkways and all are decorated in a modern style with hardwood furnishings and warm neutral tones. The hotel features a large swimming pool, a spa, fitness area and a restaurant serving both Argentinian and international cuisine.

Posada Puerto Bemberg

www.audleytravel.com/argentina • 01993 838 631 • Iguazu Falls

Brazil A

vast country whose sheer size and scale is difficult to comprehend, Brazil is an intoxicating place; geographically, ethnically and culturally diverse and riveting to explore. Its sights, sounds, colours and cuisine are wonderfully vibrant and even a short trip here is unforgettable. Jungle-fringed beaches, hedonistic cities, pristine rainforest, incredible wildlife and colonial grandeur all await, offering visitors a depth and array of experiences seldom seen in one country. Explore the vibrant streets of Rio or Salvador and encounter the passionate people and pulsating samba and bossa nova beats that seem to create a rhythm for everyday life. Retire to a chic resort on an idyllic beach, wander through the picturesque cobbled streets of perfectly-preserved colonial towns or discover the exotic creatures of the Amazon basin and the Pantanal wetlands. Brazil is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, its people are dynamic and welcoming, its cities infinitely engaging and its whole, a spellbinding miscellany that may well take a lifetime to explore and understand.

Manaus

Capoeiristas, Rio de Janeiro

Natal Olinda Chapada Porto do Diamantina Galinhas Recife National Park Maceio Lençois Praia do Forte

BRAZIL Alta Floresta

PERU

Jericoacoara Fortaleza

São Luís

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

Salvador Ilheus

BOLIVIA

Cuiaba PANTANAL 400 miles 644 kilometres

BRASILIA

r Pa

PARAGUAY

Curitiba

2 Iguaçu Falls

ARGENTINA

URUGUAY

1 Rio de Janeiro

2 Iguaçu Falls

Tiradentes Paraty São 4 Paulo

Trancoso Porto Seguro

Ouro Preto Buzios

Rio de Janeiro 1 Ilha Grande Green Coast

Florianopolis

ATLANTIC OCEAN

4 Paraty & the

A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, Rio is home to the iconic sights of Copacabana beach and Christ the Redeemer. See pages 94-95

Diamantina

Belo Horizonte

Campo Grande a

0 0

Fernando de Noronha

FERNANDO DE NORONHA

Lençois Maranhenses National Park

zon Ama

Amazon Rainforest

Atol das Rocas

Bah

COLOMBIA

Accommodation With a wide variety of accommodation on offer in Brazil you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing somewhere to stay. In Rio de Janeiro the offering is predominantly international hotels whose principal advantages are their prime location on the city’s beachfronts. Outside Rio you’ll find a fine range of characterful options from five-star luxury resorts to charming pousadas, often set in renovated colonial buildings. From urban boltholes to jungle lodges and beachside resorts, we seek out the best options in every price range and return regularly to ensure standards remain high.

SURINAME GUYANA

Inset map not to same scale

FRENCH GUIANA

Brazil is an enormous country and attempting to see highlights such as Rio, Iguaçu, the Amazon and Salvador in one trip entails numerous flights. If you think you are unlikely to return to Brazil and want an overview of this incredible country, then it’s well worth doing. However, for a more leisurely trip we would advise choosing one particular area of the country to visit, such as the south or the northeast. Our specialists have travelled all around the country and can talk you through the options depending on your interests, budget and time frame. They can then tailor an itinerary to match your exact preferences, whether it is a rustic wildlife adventure, gentle cultural exploration, or a luxurious city and beach getaway.

VENEZUELA

ian Co as

Audley in Brazil

Green Coast The delightful colonial town of Paraty leads to a beautiful coastline of tranquil beaches and fishing villages. See page 97

One of the wonders of the natural world, these thundering falls bordering Brazil and Argentina are a breathtaking sight. See pages 90-91

5 Amazon River The legendary river and surroundings are home to astonishingly diverse flora, fauna and indigenous customs. See pages 102-103

3 The Pantanal Vast, seasonally flooded wetlands home to abundant wildlife including big cats, caiman, giant river otters and an astounding array of birds. See pages 100-101

6 Salvador An atmospheric city where African and Portuguese influences collide; a heady mix of colourful architecture, food, music and dance. See page 106

7 Bahian Coast

With hundreds of miles of palm-fringed beaches, the Bahian coast offers everything from laid-back seaside towns to exclusive, luxury hideaways. See pages 104-105 8 Minas Gerais’

Route of Gold Immaculately preserved colonial towns with lavishly decorated churches dot the hills and winding valleys of Brazil’s historic mining heartland. See page 98 Carnival The build up to Lent brings the greatest party on Earth to Brazil, most notably to the streets of Rio. See page 95

www.audleytravel.com/brazil • 01993 838 610 • Brazil

View from Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Vibrant, contrasting, exuberant, Rio is far more than even the sum of its many descriptions. It is one of the world’s most exciting cities and enjoys what is arguably the most stunning urban setting in the world. Enveloping a vast bay fringed with golden beaches and hemmed in by a crescent of forested mountains, it is easy to see why the Cariocas, its residents, refer to it as the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (Marvellous City). Stand on the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain at sunset, marvel at the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, stroll along the beachfronts at Copacabana or Ipanema; Rio has as many iconic landmarks as it has hidden charms. In Tijuca, the world’s largest urban forest, you’ll see toucans and monkeys; on a guided tour of the favelas (shanty towns), you’ll get a revealing insight into the city’s glaring contrasts; and in the stands at the Maracanã football stadium you’ll be blown away by the exuberant crowds and their deafening singing and drumming. Stroll around the bohemian Santa Teresa district, explore the excellent museums and galleries, dine in world-class restaurants or soak up the city’s legendary music and nightlife. Rio is a city that knows how to party and from Carnival to football and a myriad of festivals in between, its people have a good natured lust for life that is highly contagious.

Miramar by Windsor, Rio de Janeiro Occupying a prime spot on the world famous Copacabana beachfront, Miramar by Windsor is one of our favourite properties in Rio. The rooftop infinity pool and bar area is possibly the most impressive on the Copacabana, its comfortable loungers and sweeping views of the coastline make it an ideal place to relax at any time of day. The hotel’s 200 rooms are all decorated in a light, contemporary style and face either a side street with a partial ocean view, or directly onto Copacabana beach. In addition to the swimming pool, gym and fine dining restaurant, the hotel provides a beach service with towels and its own section of loungers and parasols.

Miramar by Windsor, Rio de Janeiro

Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro

Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro This Art Deco landmark is the most traditional and elegant hotel in the city, and a hall of fame on the first floor pays homage to the famous names that have stayed here since the property first opened in 1923. The hotel has been providing the highest levels of service ever since, and its 245 rooms and suites are now divided between the main building and an adjoining tower. Rooms vary in size and their outlooks range from city or partial ocean views right up to uninterrupted views of Copacabana beach. Suites also feature their own private balconies. Facilities at the hotel include a large swimming pool, spa, tennis court, two excellent restaurants and a piano bar.

Carnival

Colourful buildings in a favela

Brazil is at its most striking and colourful during its world-famous Carnival which takes place every year in the build up to Lent. Carnival time is an opportunity for people to let their hair down and take to the streets to enjoy the dancing and music Brazil is so well known for. For visitors it is an eye opening and somewhat frenetic collision of colours and sounds, of scantily-clad Brazilian bodies and ice cold beers and cocktails. Rio is the place for the grandest costumes and most impressive parades but you’ll find a more participatory and local experience in the northeast towns of Salvador, Olinda and Recife which also come alive at this time of year.

Porto Bay Rio Internacional, Rio de Janeiro

Dancers at Rio Carnival, Rio de Janeiro

Carnival procession, Salvador

In Rio thousands of brightly-coloured feather and sequin clad dancers samba their way through the parade ground of the Sambadrome to the intoxicating beat of drums, whistles and the whoops of the crowd. Carnival celebrations tend to last for about a week and there is little respite from the festivities. For a more affordable experience of Carnival with a slightly lower intensity, we recommend visiting during the Winners’ Parade. This takes place in Rio the weekend after Carnival itself, featuring the winning samba groups from the previous week’s parades, so the quality of performance is always high. It offers a wonderful taste of the vibrant colours and sounds of Carnival without the week-long shut down and lengthy minimum-stay packages enforced by hotels.

Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro

Windsor Martinique, Rio de Janeiro

Porto Bay Rio Internacional, Rio de Janeiro

In a city where location is of utmost importance, the Windsor Martinique manages to combine a prime position just behind Copacabana beach with an affordable price. The hotel is set on a pleasant street with a good range of shops and restaurants within easy reach and the world-famous beach is also only 30 metres away. Inside, there are 117 comfortable en suite rooms and after a busy day exploring Rio you can relax in the small rooftop swimming pool, work out in the gym, or enjoy a range of dishes or cocktails in the restaurant and bar.

Situated on the Copacabana beachfront and affording superb views across the bay, Porto Bay Rio Internacional is an excellent choice. The 117 bright and airy rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with partial or full ocean views. The hotel’s rooftop pool and bar on the 20 th floor serves light meals and drinks. Other facilities include a sauna, massage room and perhaps the most scenic gym in Rio. If you wish to spend the afternoon on the Copacabana the hotel also offers its own beach service for guests.

Mama Ruisa, Rio de Janeiro Built in 1871 and exquisitely renovated by its French owner, Mama Ruisa is a historic option in the colourful neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. A 20 minute drive from Rio’s beachfronts, the hotel offers plenty of authentic character. Six rooms are divided across the stylish mansion, each individually decorated with vibrant textiles and works of art reflecting Rio’s colonial past. Suites also feature a private terrace with views of Guanabara Bay. The serene, palm-shaded gardens are an ideal place to relax with a book or take a cooling swim, whilst in the main house guests will find a quirky lounge and attached terrace where breakfast and snacks are served.

Escadaria Selarón, Santa Teresa

Fasano Rio, Rio de Janeiro The most exclusive place to stay in the city, Fasano Rio enjoys a privileged beachfront location in upmarket Ipanema. Designed by renowned French architect Philippe Starck, it is a chic and elegant place with sleek understated decor including original artwork from the 1950s and 60s. The hotel’s 79 rooms and ten suites are equally plush, the deluxe rooms and suites are designed to ensure that the ocean can be seen from any position. The rooftop infinity pool and bar is great for sipping a signature cocktail whilst admiring the panoramic view of the coastline and mountains. The hotel also boasts a gym, spa and fine dining restaurant, as well its own bar and nightclub.

Fasano Rio, Rio de Janeiro

www.audleytravel.com/brazil • 01993 838 610 • Brazil

Canto Beach, Buzios

Buzios A quiet fishing village until the 1960s, Buzios found fame when Brigitte Bardot came to town. Over the intervening years it has developed into a chic and sophisticated resort with a strong Mediterranean flavour. Ice cream parlours, restaurants and shops line the cobbled streets and 17 sandy beaches stretch out enticingly along the scalloped peninsula on which it sits. Despite its popularity, the town retains a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of activities on offer including snorkelling and island-hopping. Just a few hours drive east of Rio, Buzios makes a good beach extension to any visit to the city with several lovely hotels and pousadas dotted around the town.

Vila d’Este, Buzios A long-standing Audley favourite, Vila d’Este is a boutique hotel enjoying an elevated position with wonderful views out to the bay. There is a narrow beach across the street in front of the hotel, but a ten minute walk along the Orla Bardot Promenade brings you to the heart of town with alternative beaches, bars and restaurants. All 15 rooms and suites are brightly furnished and the superior oceanfront rooms have their own balconies. The hotel features a charming swimming pool and bar area with a terrace overlooking the ocean. Other facilities include an informal restaurant and a small massage area with Jacuzzi.

Abracadabra, Buzios A small pousada with plenty of character, Abracadabra is one of the more tranquil and affordable places to stay in Buzios. The 16 rooms are simply furnished but bright and airy, and most feature a small private veranda. Sweeping views of the ocean and bay can be enjoyed from the hotel’s infinity pool and guests can also access the swimming pool and facilities of neighbouring hotel Casas Brancas. Abracadabra has its own small restaurant and bar but is also just a short walk from the main street which has a wide range of dining options.

Vila d’Este, Buzios

Casas Brancas, Buzios This stylish hotel is situated on the hills overlooking the bay of Buzios. It is designed in a Mediterranean style with an ocean-facing pool and a large outdoor terrace, and offers 32 rooms and suites, some with a private balcony. The main restaurant boasts ocean views and serves a fusion of Brazilian, French and Mediterranean cuisine. There is also a lower level bar and restaurant facing the seaside promenade which serves Italian and local dishes. The hotel has its own spa and can arrange yoga and t’ai chi classes, a variety of water sports and boat trips. Guests can also access an exclusive beach lounge just a five minute drive away.

Insolito, Buzios One of the only hotels in Buzios with direct beach access, Insolito’s secluded location lends itself to complete relaxation in an exclusive setting. Located on Ferradura Beach, a ten minute drive outside the town centre, the hotel is surrounded by lush green vegetation, with some rooms, terraces and the hotel’s rooftop restaurant offering ocean views. There are two swimming pools within the hotel’s cliffside grounds, as well as a small spa with Jacuzzi and sauna. Insolito has only 12 rooms, three of which are suites offering a large living room with a Jacuzzi and sea-view balcony. Meanwhile, the deluxe rooms have small private gardens.

Cobbled street, Paraty

Fisherman, Buzios

Santa Rita Church, Paraty

Surfboards, Ilha Grande

Pousada do Ouro, Paraty

Ilha Grande

Paraty

To the west of Rio lies a totally different landscape where emerald rainforest blankets rolling hills that tumble down to mile upon mile of white-sand beaches. This exquisite stretch of coastline is known as the Green Coast (Costa Verde) and it is here that you’ll find the unspoilt, jungle-covered island of Ilha Grande. Ringed by divine beaches and incredibly tranquil thanks to a ban on motor traffic, it is a sublime place to relax. Accommodation on the island is in simple guesthouses, and while this will not suit travellers looking for top levels of luxury, the pousadas we recommend here are all in keeping with the island’s natural surroundings and provide clean and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms.

Pousada Naturalia, Ilha Grande An Audley favourite on Ilha Grande, Pousada Naturalia enjoys a superb location on a quieter section of one of the island’s main beaches, just a short walk from the town of Abrãao. The pousada’s 12 rooms all have a small private balcony with a hammock offering partial or full ocean views. Breakfast is taken in the shaded veranda surrounded by tropical gardens where hummingbirds can often be seen.

Pousada Piçinguaba, Green Coast

Pousada Literaria, Paraty

With an equally beautiful setting and a wellpreserved historical centre, the town of Paraty is another delightful stop along the Green Coast. Little has changed since the colonial era when it was the principal port for the gold trade; its cobbled streets are lined with picturesque whitewashed houses and ornate churches as well as a good selection of shops, galleries and restaurants. The town has become something of a haven for writers and artists, and its relaxed atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to unwind for a few days. Just outside the town you will find some glorious beaches with calm waters for swimming, and excursions can be taken into the nearby forested hills and to a cachaça rum distillery. Alternatively take a relaxing cruise on a schooner around the multitude of small, uninhabited islands just off the coast.

Pousada do Ouro, Paraty This traditional pousada is a wonderfully characterful place to stay that will transport you back to Paraty’s colonial era. Conveniently located in the centre of Paraty, its 27 rooms represent excellent value for money and are all comfortably furnished. Facilities include a swimming pool, spa and sauna, and a bar that serves light meals.

One of the most comfortable places to stay in the heart of Paraty, Pousada Literaria is set in a colonial building which retains a historic feel. The 23 large, airy rooms here all boast king-size beds and spacious bathrooms. The hotel is themed around literature, and its own library houses a great range of books in various languages. There is an enticing pool with an adjacent bar area, a great place to relax after enjoying a stroll through Paraty.

Pousada Piçinguaba, Green Coast A stay here is all about relaxation, with sublime views and a superb setting on a coast of white sandy bays backed by lush rainforest and mountain peaks. The hotel is housed in a converted convent, with ten simply but stylishly decorated rooms. The tropical gardens hide an inviting pool with wonderful views over the bay. Piçinguaba is about half an hour’s drive south of Paraty, so day trips can easily be arranged, as well a variety of other activities including kayaking to deserted beaches with a picnic lunch, or perhaps taking a cruise to local islands on the pousada’s own schooner.

www.audleytravel.com/brazil • 01993 838 610 • Brazil

Tiradentes, Minas Gerais

Minas Gerais Fortunes were made and lost in Minas Gerais in the 17th and 18th century when prospectors flocked here in an attempt to strike it lucky in the gold and diamond mines of the area. Many became very wealthy and poured money into building the lavish churches and homes which still adorn the many picturesque towns of the region. The Baroque art and architecture here are unmatched anywhere else in Brazil, and possibly throughout the Americas as a whole. The sleepy town of Tiradentes is a colonial gem, steeped in history and home to an impressive collection of period buildings. Set on a lush hillside with sweeping views, the Santo Antonio church takes prime position and from here, winding cobbled streets lead down to the main square. Quaint buildings, many now occupied by local artists, line the route and house antiques shops and cafes.

Churches overlooking Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais

Hotel Solar do Rosario, Ouro Preto

Set in a 19 th-century mansion in the heart of Ouro Preto, Solar do Rosario blends elegant period charm with modern style. You’ll find elaborate metalwork, crystal chandeliers and antique furniture here as well as gourmet food, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and excellent service. The 41 rooms’ large windows and high ceilings bathe them in light, while the refined and elegant decor gives them a luxurious yet understated charm.

Reserva do Ibitipoca, Ibitipoca

The jewel in the crown of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is set on the steep slopes of a forested hillside, its winding streets flanked by whitewashed colonial houses and Baroque churches with elaborate interiors. A UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it is best explored on foot, its attractive squares, fountains and bridges offering just a hint of the town’s incredible wealth and influence in times past. Excursions can also be taken to nearby Mariana to visit its fascinating gold mine.

Set in a 30 square kilometre private reserve in the heart of rural Minas Gerais, Reserva do Ibitipoca is one of Brazil’s finest small hotels, ideal for some down time and pampering during a busy touring itinerary. The traditional farmhouse building dates back to 1715 and has eight sumptuous guest rooms, each stylishly decorated using local handicrafts and original furniture. The hotel has an excellent spa, sauna and hydro-massage pool as well as its own stables. Guests can explore the stunning surroundings of waterfalls and mountains on horseback, foot or 4x4 vehicle.

Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, Ouro Preto

Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo

Armacao beach, Florianopolis

Florianopolis A relaxed and unhurried city in the south of Brazil, Florianopolis, or ‘Floripa’ as it is affectionately known, has an interesting colonial heart as well as a choice of magnificent beaches. Apart from January and February, when the area does become busy, many of these beautiful stretches of sand are deserted and make an excellent destination for both sun seekers and surfers. Praia da Rosa, just south of Florianopolis, is famous for its whale watching, particularly between July and October when southern right whales breed in the bay.

Assistant at a market stall, São Paulo

Ponta dos Ganchos, near Florianopolis

Fazenda Catuçaba, São Luiz do Paraitinga

One of Brazil’s most exclusive beach hotels, Ponta dos Ganchos is tucked away on a private peninsula overlooking emerald seas. Luxurious but unpretentious, its 25 elegant bungalows have panoramic windows and expansive verandas. Some also feature private plunge pools, saunas or Jacuzzis. Service is impeccable throughout and the beachfront restaurant offers sophisticated fusion fare. The hotel features a heated pool, spa and options for kayaking excursions. There’s also the option to dine on a private island reached by a candlelit causeway.

A luxury retreat set in an idyllic rural location halfway between São Paulo and Paraty on the Green Coast, Fazenda Catuçaba is a perfect place to relax. The beautifully restored farmstead has 10 rooms and has been lovingly restored to incorporate many original features. Life slows down here and relaxation is in the detail – lunch under the trees with linen tablecloths and antique silver, a swim before breakfast in a nearby waterfall, walking past old coffee terraces for views of the rolling hills in the distance, and horse riding followed by a glass of champagne to watch the sun set.

São Paulo

Ponta dos Ganchos, near Florianopolis

One of the largest cities in the world, São Paulo is Brazil’s financial, cultural and architectural powerhouse, and is a vibrant and diverse place with a multicultural population. Like any sprawling metropolis it has problems with overcrowding and congestion. However, its considerable number of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars make it a worthwhile stop for those looking to experience authentic and cosmopolitan modern Brazil. The massive Metropolitan Cathedral, ornate Basilica and São Bento Monastery are all worth visiting, as are the excellent galleries and museums of Ibirapuera Park, and the engaging Jardim District for its shopping and cafe culture.

Fazenda Catuçaba, São Luiz do Paraitinga

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Aerial view over the Pantanal

The Pantanal

Northern Pantanal

A vast area of seasonally flooded savannah lowlands and wetlands, lush, fertile and largely inaccessible to motor vehicles, the Pantanal offers some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent. The number and diversity of species is similar to those in the Amazon basin but the lack of dense foliage makes the animal and birdlife here far easier to see. Capybaras and caiman sun themselves on the banks of lakes and rivers, howler and capuchin monkeys chatter and swing from tree to tree, and toucans, macaws and parrots fan their iridescent feathers for all to see. You may also see anteaters, armadillos, otters and marmosets; while beneath the giant water lilies that rest on the lake surfaces, anacondas lurk amongst darting catfish and piranha. Although big cats are notoriously difficult to spot, there is no better place in South America than the Pantanal in the dry season months of April to October to look for jaguar or even catch a fleeting glimpse of a puma.

The northern Pantanal, accessed from the city of Cuiaba, is slightly more straightforward to get to than the southern region and has a wide choice of lodges, many of which are reached via a journey along the renowned wildlife spotting corridor, the Transpantaneira Highway. Visitors to the north can extend their stay to include the elevated national park of Chapada dos Guimarães where the arresting tabletop mountains, canyons, caves, streams and waterfalls are a haven for walkers.

Araras Lodge, northern Pantanal

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Araras Lodge, northern Pantanal Built in a regional, rustic style Araras Lodge features 19 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. It also boasts a small swimming pool and verandas with hammocks, as well as a reading room, all of which are perfect for some relaxation in between activities. The lodge’s low impact policy means that group sizes are kept to a maximum of ten and employees are local to the area. As well as nature walks, horse riding and boat trips, guests can climb the lodge’s 25 metre tower which affords great views with chances of spotting monkeys and birds in nearby trees.

Caiman, the Pantanal

Pousada Rio Mutum, northern Pantanal Overlooking the Mutum River, this lodge is amongst the easiest to access in the Pantanal. The 22 brightly decorated rooms are set in well-tended tropical gardens and each comes with a private bathroom with hot water, as well as a veranda and hammock. There is a swimming pool where macaws and parakeets fly overhead, and enormous capybara are often seen grazing nearby. Small group activities follow a set programme designed to be as varied as possible – these include guided nature walks, horse riding, canoe trips and sunrise or sunset boat safaris.

In search of the jaguar

Giant water lilies, the Pantanal

One of the world’s largest and most elusive big cats, the jaguar is often high on travellers’ checklists when visiting Brazil’s Pantanal. The wetlands are vast however, and relatively few sections are accessible to visitors, so spotting jaguar is not a realistic prospect at every lodge. A notable exception is a section of the northern Pantanal around the Three Brothers State Park, which offers some of the best opportunities in the world for spotting jaguar in the wild.

Hotel Porto Jofre, northern Pantanal

Hotel Porto Jofre, northern Pantanal With many local operators now capitalising on the popularity of jaguar tourism in the region, it is a sad fact that not all so-called specialist packages work on sound, responsible tourism. Porto Jofre is one of the few exceptions. For many years this simple hotel operated primarily for fishermen, but its location makes it an excellent support base for the observation of jaguar and it now has 28 functional rooms as well as a swimming pool and restaurant. Included in the experience are two boat excursions per day with the primary purpose of finding and photographing jaguar on the banks of the river.

Jaguar in the Pantanal Red-breasted toucan, the Pantanal

Southern Pantanal

Fazenda Barranco Alto, southern Pantanal

A flight to the gateway city of Campo Grande is the principal access point to the southern Pantanal. Here visitors will notice more cattle farming than in the northern region, as well as more seasonal flooding, but the wildlife spotting opportunities are no less rich.

Fazenda Barranco Alto, southern Pantanal

Refugio Ecologico Caiman, southern Pantanal Cocoi heron, the Pantanal

Family of capybara, the Pantanal

Located 240 kilometres west of Campo Grande, Refugio Ecologico Caiman offers high standards of accommodation and a superb location in the southern Pantanal. Eleven rooms decorated in a traditional fazenda style are divided between two individual lodges, each with their own restaurant, swimming pool and lounge areas. Activities typically include wildlife walks, 4x4 safaris, canoe trips and night safaris. Specialist birdwatching programmes can be arranged, and the refuge carries out important conservation work including two successful projects with hyacinth macaws and jaguars, which guests can get involved in if they wish.

Set in a remote location 250 kilometres from Campo Grande, Fazenda Barranco Alto is situated in a vast reserve containing pristine forests, savannah grasslands and more than 100 lakes. The fazenda still operates as a traditional cattle ranch but offers excellent guest accommodation in just six rooms, each with a private veranda. The friendly hosts, both of whom are biologists, help guests make the most of the exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities here. The reserve is home to a wide variety of mammals and over 400 different bird species including hyacinth macaws, trogons, jacamars, toucans and raptors. Excursions include river trips in search of wildlife, swimming, birdwatching, fishing and canoeing. With such intimate group sizes, activities are tailored to suit guests’ specific interests wherever possible.

Refugio Ecologico Caiman, southern Pantanal

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Amazon basin, near Manaus

Manaus The commercial hub for Brazil’s Amazon region, Manaus is a bustling city and port, built to serve the 19 th-century rubber boom. Hot, humid and hectic, it is a thriving urban centre with a grand, marble-lined opera house and an atmospheric port area. The real reason to visit however, is to access the legendary sections of Amazon rainforest that surround the city.

The Brazilian Amazon Manaus sits at the confluence of the Solimões and Negro rivers which, after six kilometres of running side by side in the curious phenomenon known as the Meeting of the Waters merge to form what we know as the Amazon. Leading off this immense waterway is a network of rivers and lakes home to an abundance of plant and animal species. The region around Manaus has been inhabited and exploited since the 17th-century making the wildlife in its immediate

Amazon Eco Park, the Amazon

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Juma Lodge, the Amazon

vicinity both scarce and challenging to spot, therefore the further out you travel and the more time you spend here, the more rewarding your trip will be. Lodges closer to Manaus still offer a fascinating introduction to life in the jungle, with guided excursions taking in the beautiful scenery, myriad medicinal plants and fascinating communities.

Amazon Eco Park, the Amazon A simple but good value introduction to the jungle, Amazon Eco Park sits on the banks of the Taruma River, just 30 minutes from Manaus, and offers 60 comfortable en suite rooms with hot showers. Regional dishes are served in the large open-air restaurant and guests can swim from the private beach and in natural pools nearby. The lodge provides a wide range of activities including treks through the jungle, piranha fishing, boat trips and night-time caiman spotting as well as visits to local villages.

Located three hours from Manaus by motorboat and road via the Meeting of the Waters, Juma Lodge offers 20 unique bungalows each with a veranda, hammock and private bathroom. Built on stilts to cater for the vastly differing water levels, each bungalow has either a forest or lake view. Round-the-clock electricity and hot water are supplied by solar power. There is a restaurant, serving both local and international cuisine and in between excursions guests can relax in the ‘hammock house’. As well as exploring by boat and on foot, you may even head out on a canoe to look for pink river dolphins.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, the Amazon One of the most stylish options in the Amazon basin, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is situated on the Negro River adjacent to Anavilhanas Archipelago, a three hour journey from Manaus by car. Its 22 spacious cottages offer plenty of creature comforts, as well as private decks with hammocks. The lodge boasts a swimming pool with views of the surrounding jungle and a comfortable living area. It also has a 13 metre lookout tower offering splendid views.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, the Amazon

Guianan cock-of-the-rock, Amazon basin

Aerial view of an igapo, near Manaus

Fisherman on the Negro River, Amazon basin

Cristalino Jungle Lodge, the Amazon Enjoying an incredibly privileged location bordering the Cristalino State Park in the southern Amazon, this superb lodge is set in dense jungle, only accessible by a road and boat journey from the regional airport of Alta Floresta. There is an extensive trail system surrounding the lodge and the area is a haven for birdwatchers. The unique higher altitude of the reserve brings a diverse range of natural habitats and flora and fauna including numerous endemic species. Cristalino combines particularly well with the northern Pantanal for an in-depth wildlife experience. All excursions are undertaken with a maximum of eight people per specialist guide; with canoeing, jungle hikes and climbing the canopy towers just some of the activities that can be enjoyed here.

Teatro Amazonas Opera House, Manaus

M/Y Tucano

Amazon Clipper Premium

Amazon Cruises Manaus is the boarding point for a choice of boat trips along the Amazon and its many tributaries. A relaxing and easy-paced way to enjoy the river and jungle, trips range from two nights exploring the local area to seven night cruises venturing further into the rainforest.

An Amazon cruise on the M/Y Tucano is a fantastic opportunity to observe and learn about the region’s wildlife and habitats. Trained naturalist guides accompany all cruises and itineraries take in lesser-visited tributaries, particularly on their renowned seven night ‘Heart of the Amazon’ voyage. Although cabins are simple, all feature private bathrooms and air-conditioning, and the boat has a maximum capacity of just 18 passengers. Activities include jungle walks, exploring flooded forests, dawn wildlife watching and night tours, as well as optional swimming and kayaking.

Amazon Clipper Premium This traditional riverboat offers spacious cabins and communal areas, but is small enough to dock at remote spots and reach hidden locations due to its shallow draught. The vessel features just 16 en suite cabins with hot showers and air-conditioning, and an observation and sun deck with a fantastic panoramic view. Two, three and five night itineraries include guided group excursions by water and on land, looking for flora and fauna and visiting local communities. Cristalino Jungle Lodge, the Amazon

M/Y Tucano

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Beach near Trancoso

Bahian Coast

Boat on the beach, Praia do Forte

Bahia’s coastline, stretching from the north of Salvador right down to Trancoso in the south, has beach options to suit every taste and budget. The long, palm-fringed beaches here are often quiet and so ideal for those seeking relaxation, but being largely backed by jungle, there are also plenty of opportunities for activities.

Tivoli Eco Resort, Praia do Forte

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Praia do Forte The most convenient and affordable of the beach options to combine with a city stay in Salvador, the seaside town of Praia do Forte is located an easy two hour drive north of the regional capital. The town has a laid-back atmosphere and is particularly popular with families and Brazilian holiday makers. A narrow sandy beach lapped by calm, shallow waters and studded with rock pools runs along the length of the town and its environs. On the edge of Praia do Forte is the Tamar Project, a preservation centre for sea turtles that lay their eggs on the nearby golden beaches.

Tivoli Eco Resort, Praia do Forte The family-friendly resort of Tivoli has all you need to recharge your batteries. Relax in the spacious grounds or the excellent spa, swim in the beautiful pool overlooking the Atlantic or take advantage of the tennis courts and water sports centre. The hotel has 250 large rooms decorated in a sleek, modern style and all have their own veranda and hammock. Those feeling more active can walk along the beach to the town of Praia do Forte, just 20 minutes away.

Boipeba Island A remote and idyllic island that is largely undiscovered, Boipeba is located around four hours from Salvador by ferry and car or 30 minutes by small plane. It’s a tropical paradise with no roads and only a sandy path for the tractors that take the island’s children to school. Dozens of alluring and often deserted beaches fringe the shoreline and a handful of simple but charming pousadas provide a peaceful and comfortable base for your time here.

Pousada Santa Clara, Boipeba Island Set in shady tropical gardens just steps from the beach, Pousada Santa Clara is a charming and relaxed place to stay where you are guaranteed a warm welcome. Each of the 12 rooms is simply furnished but bright and comfortable, all featuring their own veranda and hammock. The pousada’s restaurant serving fresh, Bahian cuisine is renowned on the island. The emphasis of a stay here is relaxation and taking advantage of the pristine beach, but the main town is just a ten minute walk away should you fancy a change of scenery.

Hawksbill turtle, Tamar Project, Praia do Forte

Beach at Praia do Forte

Sunset, Bahian Coast

Houses in Trancoso

Woman in traditional dress, Praia do Forte

Pousada Etnia, Trancoso

Trancoso Located just south of Porto Seguro, this impossibly attractive fishing village is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after and exclusive beach destinations in Brazil. Life in the village centres on the quadrado, the grassy main square, with its colourful buildings and whitewashed 17th-century church, which claims to have held the first mass in Brazil. Stretching away from here are miles and miles of wonderful beaches.

Villas de Trancoso, Trancoso

A truly delightful place to stay, Pousada Etnia exudes an understated sophistication. Its eight individually decorated rooms are styled with the utmost care, each reflecting a geographical theme from Japanese minimalism to Romany exuberance. The hotel is conveniently located just a five minute walk from the main square and the beach, but its tropical gardens give the property a wonderful sense of seclusion. There is a beautiful swimming pool and relaxing deck area, as well as an open-air restaurant serving fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

Villas de Trancoso, Trancoso

Uxua Casa, Trancoso One of South America’s most luxurious and sophisticated properties, Uxua Casa really is in a league of its own. Its nine individually designed cabins are located around the town and include historic casas right on the famous quadrado, poolside studios and a unique treehouse. Each features custom-made and locally-sourced furniture and antiques as well as elegant Bahian artwork. Indoor/outdoor bathrooms include handcrafted fixtures, created onsite by local artisans working in wood, copper and stone. Uxua has spa facilities available to guests, as well as reserved places on the sofas at the hotel’s beach lounge.

Perched next to a gorgeous sandy beach within walking distance of the town, Villas de Trancoso offers luxurious guest accommodation in ten villas made from locally-sourced Brazilian woods. Each is decorated with local artwork and fabrics and has its own veranda. There is a beach bar for refreshments and guests can enjoy an excellent range of Brazilian and international dishes in the hotel’s restaurant or under the stars on the beach.

Uxua Casa, Trancoso

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Women in Bahian dress, Pelourinho district, Salvador

Salvador

Casa do Amarelindo, Salvador A tranquil retreat right in the heart of historic Pelourinho, Casa do Amarelindo is set in a beautifully restored 19 th-century townhouse. The hotel has just ten comfortably decorated rooms with French windows opening out onto the streets below. The decor is inspired by Bahian colonial culture with a touch of African influence and along with an excellent restaurant, guests can enjoy the rooftop bar and small swimming pool with breathtaking views over All Saints’ Bay.

A fascinating historic and cultural melting pot, Brazil’s former capital Salvador, is the country’s oldest city and one of its most beautiful. Awash with attractive colonial architecture and charming squares and exuding a unique energy and character that stems from its many cultural influences, Salvador makes a beguiling destination.

Decorative window, Pelourinho district

Capoeira performance, Salvador

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Stroll the cobbled streets of the Pelourinho district with its ornate churches, candy-coloured colonial houses and tranquil courtyards overflowing with flowers. Antique doorways are piled high with folk art, local crafts and musical instruments, and the atmosphere is unlike many southern Brazilian cities thanks to the strong African influence. Locals form circles to practise capoeira, a graceful art form that is part-dance, part-martial art and was once used by the slaves as a form of rebellion. Candomblé, a fusion of Catholicism and African indigenous rituals, is also practised here and its heavy use of music and dance adds yet another dimension to this fascinating city. Cuisine too is a highlight, a unique fusion of Brazilian, Portuguese and African flavours, best enjoyed as the sun sets and the city comes to life on the streets.

Pelourinho district, Salvador

Self-drive in northeastern Brazil

Olinda Recife

With a number of interesting colonial towns and beautiful beaches, the stretch of coast from northern Bahia through Alagoas and Pernambuco states to Recife is a great option for a self-drive tour. Roads in the region are mostly well-surfaced, making this an adventurous but not too challenging option.

Maragogi São Miguel dos Milagres Maceio

Sa¯ o Fra nci sco

Barra de São Miguel Penedo

BRAZIL 50 miles

84 kilometres

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Aracaju

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After time exploring Salvador and Praia do Forte, a scenic drive north takes you to the small colonial town of Penedo with its Baroque churches and lively local market. Take in the main sights and absorb the atmosphere before you continue on to one of the sublime beaches close to the city of Maceio. When you have had your fill of relaxation and delicious cuisine, true beach lovers can continue to the impossibly attractive shores of São Miguel dos Milagres, where crystal-clear waters lap pristine beaches dotted with natural reef-formed pools. Alternatively, carry straight on from Maceio to another beach retreat close to the towns of Maragogi or Porto de Galinhas, before finishing in Olinda’s colourful and atmospheric cobbled streets.

Porto de Galinhas

Praia do Forte Salvador

Recife & Olinda

View from Pai Inacio, Chapada Diamantina National Park

Lençois & Chapada Diamantina National Park Faded colonial grandeur and an easy charm await in the pretty former diamond-mining town of Lençois. With plenty of outdoor cafes and a number of colourful 19 th-century buildings, it’s an engaging destination in its own right. The real attraction however is the stunning scenery of the surrounding Chapada Diamantina National Park. Flat-topped mountains and forested valleys dotted with beautiful waterfalls and hidden caves make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The most famous of the caves is Poço Encantado, where the midday sun shines through a natural window turning the water inside a magical electric blue. Walking, biking, riding or kayaking through the park rewards visitors with some

spectacular flora, clear, crisp waters for a cooling dip, and superb vistas of bluffs and escarpments dotted with caves and underground rivers. Lençois is a 45 minute flight or a seven hour road journey from Salvador, and a three night stay here will allow you to take in most of the attractions. Alternatively opt for four nights to allow for additional independent exploration and leisure time.

Poço Encantado, Chapada Diamantina National Park

A busy, modern city with a small historical centre, Recife is a convenient gateway to the colonial town of Olinda to the north and a string of tantalising beaches to the south. Time has largely stood still in hilltop Olinda, where magnificent Baroque churches and convents, pastel-coloured houses and mansions, and shady plazas with ornate fountains and swaying palm trees allow visitors to step back several centuries. A bohemian place with UNESCO World Heritage Status, its streets are crammed with galleries, workshops and museums, and a host of cafes and restaurants making it a rewarding place to visit.

Church in Olinda

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Praia Patacho, São Miguel dos Milagres

Pousada do Toque, São Miguel dos Milagres

São Miguel dos Milagres Despite the state measuring only a fraction of the size of Bahia, the quality of the beaches in the northeastern municipality of Alagoas easily rival those around Trancoso and Salvador, yet attract only a fraction of the visitors. Swaying palm trees overlook aquamarine waters on the idyllic stretches of coastline here and have given the region the nickname ‘Brazil’s Caribbean’. Some of the best beaches are just an hour or so from the airport of Maceio, with the village of São Miguel dos Milagres being a particular highlight. The UNESCO-protected Jesuit church and ruins are a worthwhile visit in themselves, but it is the immaculate beach with its warm waters and crystalline reef pools that is the real attraction of a stay here.

There are few better places in Brazil to completely get away from it all than the sublime beachfront hideaway of Pousada do Toque. Set in attractive gardens which attract myriad tropical birds, the hotel has the unique feel of a tranquil oasis but with the convenience of a good choice of restaurants and activities nearby. The hotel’s 17 airy bungalows are elegantly furnished with local woods and artistic touches; some also feature their own deck and private plunge pool. There is a restaurant serving the tastiest local seafood, and an ocean-facing swimming pool with loungers and hammocks to relax in and soak up the unforgettable view.

As Brazil’s Atlantic coastline reaches its most northeasterly tip, the coast becomes more exposed and is dotted with countless laid-back beach towns, first developed in the 1970s when the surf scene found its way to Brazil. There is far more to this stretch of coastline than surfing however, and charming Pipa makes a fantastic base with the convenience of an international airport an easy transfer away. Typical local activities include kite surfing, dolphin watching and sandboarding in the dunes or just relaxing on one of the many unspoilt beaches bathed in almost year-round sunshine.

Toca da Coruja, Pipa Utterly tranquil and gloriously indulgent, a stay at Toca da Coruja (the owl’s nest) is all about relaxation. In beautiful, natural surroundings, this characterful boutique hotel features just 15 rooms set around attractive gardens. It is located just a short walk from the beach and the main street in Pipa, with its range of restaurants and bars. The hotel is well-equipped with a swimming pool, excellent restaurant and ample hammocks and loungers where you can relax with only the sounds of the birds in the fruit trees above you.

Toca da Coruja, Pipa

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Pipa

Praia Patacho, São Miguel dos Milagres

Praia do Conceicao, Fernando de Noronha

Praia do Amor, near Pipa

Sand dunes and pools, Lençois Maranhenses National Park

Lençois Maranhenses National Park Undulating white dunes stretch as far as the eye can see in the mesmerising Lençois Maranhenses National Park, an area of astounding natural beauty. The dunes stretch 70 kilometres along the northern coastline of Maranhao state, and in places, reach an incredible 40 metres high. Between January and June the area receives enough rainfall to fill the channels between the dunes with crystal-clear water. The stark contrast between the iridescent pools and the white dunes is enthralling and, between July and September, a surprising number of fish can be seen in the pools, hatched from eggs carried inland by seabirds. The infrastructure here remains largely underdeveloped, with long journeys on bumpy roads usually unavoidable, but those prepared for the challenge will find this unique part of Brazil highly rewarding.

Aerial view of the sand dunes

Brasilia

Coney grouper, Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha In a country of stunning beaches, the small archipelago of Fernando de Noronha stands out for its pristine setting and dazzling array of marine life. The archipelago lies 350 kilometres off the mainland and is a protected national marine park, offering the country’s best diving and snorkelling and some sublime beaches. Turtles, sharks, stingrays, dolphins and multicoloured tropical fish abound, whilst on land red-footed boobies and several types of pelican can often be seen. Fernando de Noronha can be reached by air from either Recife or Natal, and visitor numbers are strictly limited in order to preserve the fragile environment.

Brazil’s futuristic capital is an experiment in 1960s modernist town planning and architecture, built on the unpopulated plains of central Brazil over a period of just five years. Seen from the air it takes on the shape of a plane with the residential and commercial areas spread across the wings and all the official buildings along the central axis. Its many monuments remain leading examples of the modernist architectural style of its era and the city now has UNESCO World Heritage Status. Oscar Niemeyer’s soaring, crown-like Metropolitan Cathedral has a radiant interior with large swathes of stained glass, while the Square of Three Powers with its Congress, Judicial and Presidential buildings is a textbook lesson in modernist planning and design. By night the central district is deserted and the city’s commercial ‘wings’ burst into life.

Roof of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Brasilia

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Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Ilha Grande Paraty

Green Coast Uncovered Offering a good overview of Rio, the coast and Brazil’s colonial grandeur, this itinerary features diverse attractions and experiences without the need to travel vast distances or take domestic flights. Houses with stucco decoration, Pelourinho district, Salvador

Day 1

Fly to Rio de Janeiro.

Tailoring your trip

Day 2

Enjoy a tour of Rio including Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Day 3

Free time to explore Rio’s beaches and cultural attractions.

Day 4

Travel by road to the small town of Paraty.

Day 5

Explore Paraty’s colonial cafes, architecture and galleries.

Day 6

Continue on to Ilha Grande.

The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Brazil specialists to start planning your itinerary.

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Getting around Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and any trip here, even one centred on just one region, entails a significant amount of travel. The internal flight network is extensive however, and generally runs to timetable, making it possible to travel large distances quickly and easily. If you would prefer to keep domestic flights to a minimum, an itinerary just concentrating on one or two areas such as Rio and the Green Coast, Minas Gerais, or Salvador and the northeast works very well. These scenic overland itineraries can be enjoyed either independently with your own hire car, or with our hand-picked selection of expert driver-guides.

Portuguese terracotta roofed houses, Bahia

When to go

Days 7-9 Relax on the beaches of Ilha Grande.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33

33 33 33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Brazil has a warm tropical climate and can be visited year-round but its vast nature means that there are some seasonal and regional variations to be aware of. Between April and July the northeast experiences a rainy season. Rio and the south are wet between October and January and from June to September the far south and southeast of the country have cooler temperatures. Unlike many other South American destinations however, the climatic extremes in Brazil are not severe enough to deter visits to any part of the country at any given time – your specialist will simply discuss your interests with you and make recommendations accordingly.

Day 10

Return to Rio by road for your international flight.

Stay longer With two extra days you could take the short flight to Iguaçu Falls from Rio. Alternatively, head inland from Paraty to spend a few days horse riding, exploring beautiful mountain scenery and being pampered at the rural retreat of Fazenda Catuçaba.

Time difference: GMT-2 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Brazil on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

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Macaws flying over the Pantanal

Suggested itineraries Olinda Brazil

Praia do Forte

Manaus

Recife Brazil

Salvador

Salvador Brazil

Pantanal Rio de Janeiro Iguaçu Falls

Ouro Preto Tiradentes

Rio de Janeiro

Iguaçu Falls

Classic Brazil

Wild Brazil

Colonial Brazil

Ideal for first time visitors to Brazil, this itinerary takes you around the country’s highlights from its dynamic cities to its stunning waterfalls and beautiful beaches.

Brazil is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet and this itinerary offers an overview of some of the country’s best wildlife viewing destinations from the Amazon jungle, waterfalls and wetlands to urban forests and botanical gardens.

Offering an insight into Brazil in colonial times, and the architecture and culture which flourished with its wealth, this itinerary gives a comprehensive overview of this period in history as well as a wonderful introduction to the country’s northeast.

Day 1

Fly to Rio de Janeiro.

Day 1

Fly to Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2

Enjoy a tour of Rio including Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Day 2

A full day’s guided tour of the city’s most iconic sights.

Day 3

Time to further explore Rio perhaps taking a hike in the Tijuca Forest.

Free day to further explore Rio – you could visit a favela or the city’s historic neighbourhoods.

Day 4

Fly to Iguaçu where you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Day 4

Depart Rio for the charming colonial town of Tiradentes.

Day 5

Experience the mighty Iguaçu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.

Day 5

Free day to explore the historic centre of Tiradentes with its museums and churches.

Day 6

Fly to the Pantanal and transfer to your lodge.

Day 6

Transfer to Ouro Preto, jewel in the crown of colonial Minas Gerais.

Days 7-8 Wildlife excursions in the Pantanal exploring on foot and by boat with a guide.

Day 7

Day at leisure to explore the hilly streets and picturesque churches of Ouro Preto.

Day 9

Travel back to the airport for your flight to the Amazon. Spend the night in the port city of Manaus.

Day 8

Fly north to Recife and transfer to the nearby colonial gem of Olinda.

Day 9

Day 10

Travel to your Amazon lodge or board your cruise boat. Afternoon excursions into the jungle.

Free day to explore Olinda’s cobbled streets, Baroque churches and quirky art galleries.

Day 10

Take the short flight from Recife to Salvador, one of Brazil’s most colourful cities.

Day 11

Guided tour of Salvador’s key sights, including the resplendent Baroque church of São Francisco.

Day 12

Free day to further explore Salvador.

Day 13

Travel to the airport for your onward international flight.

Day 1

Fly to Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2

Explore Rio’s famous sites with your guide.

Day 3

Free time in Rio perhaps to visit a favela or take a cookery class.

Day 4

Take the short flight to Iguaçu Falls.

Day 5

Experience the mighty Iguaçu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides.

Day 6

Fly to the vibrant city of Salvador in the northeast.

Day 7

Guided tour of Salvador’s historic sights.

Day 8

Free day in Salvador to visit a handicrafts market or experience a folk dance performance.

Day 9

Travel along the coast to end your trip with some relaxation on the beach at Praia do Forte.

Days 10-12 Relax on the beach. Day 13

Travel to the airport for your international flight.

Stay longer Add on some time to look for wildlife in the Pantanal, or head inland from Salvador to the table-top mountains and caves of Chapada Diamantina National Park.

Days 11-12 Guided excursions into the jungle. Day 13

Return to Manaus to connect with your international flight.

Stay longer Extend your time in Rio to visit a birdwatching lodge in the Atlantic rainforest, or add a specialist jaguar spotting programme to your Pantanal stay. Alternatively, enjoy some time relaxing at one of Brazil’s beautiful beaches before flying home.

Stay longer Extend your time in Bahia with a few days’ relaxation on a pristine beach, or for a complete contrast, spend a couple of nights in Brasilia discovering the iconic modern architecture of Oscar Niemeyer.

Rio de Janeiro

www.audleytravel.com/brazil • 01993 838 610 • Brazil

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Uruguay D

espite being only a fraction of the size of neighbouring Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay richly rewards those who take the time to visit. The capital Montevideo brims with architectural delights; there are wildly beautiful beaches at Jose Ignacio, UNESCO-protected colonial treasures in Colonia del Sacramento, and a choice of superb local wines, cheeses and steaks to savour as you travel. You’ll also find a plethora of cultural and outdoor activities in the interior where the mild climate and verdant landscape offer the perfect conditions for horse riding, birdwatching and touring the small vineyards, quaint villages and beautiful estancias.

Audley in Uruguay

Accommodation

Although frequently combined with time in neighbouring Argentina, the rich attractions of Uruguay can easily merit a trip in its own right. Our specialists can tailor every trip to your tastes and interests, matching you with local drivers and guides who provide a fascinating insight into a country of which they are immensely proud. We also recommend self-drive in Uruguay, with the country’s diminutive size making most attractions within easy reach.

Historically Uruguay relied heavily on agriculture and today numerous ranches or estancias have opened their doors to visitors seeking a taste of the life of a Uruguayan cowboy. These traditional farmhouses offer characterful accommodation in rural locations across the country and serve home-cooked food and great wine. Uruguay is also renowned for having some of South America’s most elegant beach hotels, as well as a good range of other properties to suit most tastes and budgets. Market, port of Montevideo

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Montevideo

Colonia del Sacramento Time has stood still in the sleepy former smuggling town of Colonia del Sacramento, founded by the Portuguese in 1680. Its cobbled streets, picture-perfect Spanish and Portuguese houses, quaint art galleries, cafes and leafy parks make it an atmospheric place for a day trip by ferry from Buenos Aires, but even better for a couple of nights’ stay. Lapped on three sides by the waters of the River Plate, its colonial centre has some fascinating attractions including a host of small museums, Uruguay’s oldest church and an ancient wooden drawbridge leading to the original city gate.

100 miles

161 kilometres

Artigas Embalse de Salto Grande

BRAZIL

Cuchilla del Daymán

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Tacuarembó

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Cuchilla

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Vichadero

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Paso de los Toros Lago Artificial de Rincón del Bonete nde a

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Perched on the banks of the River Plate, Montevideo is an intriguing capital. Reminiscent of a European city in appearance, it lives at a more relaxed pace than its Argentinian neighbour Buenos Aires. Its historic old town is a charming area, dotted with plazas and wonderful restaurants linked by meandering rivers and parks with enticing bike trails. The city’s port area has been regenerated and its famed market, particularly lively on a Saturday, has taken place in the same spot since 1868. Full of colour and life, it is a delightful place for people-watching and exploring its labyrinthine alleys teeming with stalls, entertainers and buskers. Here you’ll also taste some of the city’s finest steak and seafood from a number of excellent bistros or by grabbing a chivito, a Uruguayan steak sandwich, from one of the many busy stalls.

Chuy

Carmelo

1 BUENOS AIRES

Rio

Colonia del Sacramento

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1 Colonia del

4 Cabo Polonio 2 MONTEVIDEO

3 Jose Ignacio Punta del Este

3 Jose Ignacio

Sacramento Across the River Plate from Buenos Aires, the historic cobbled streets of the town centre are a delight to explore. 2 Montevideo Uruguay’s cosmopolitan capital is home to a vibrant arts scene and some of the country’s finest restaurants and steakhouses.

Relax on one of the pristine, windswept beaches in this chic seaside town. See page 114 4 Cabo Polonio Take a 4x4 safari or trek across the sweeping sand dunes to this tiny, castaway village. See page 114

Wine Enjoy a large glass of Tannat, the ‘Uruguayan Malbec’ on a visit to one of the vineyards near Carmelo. See page 114 Saddle up at an Estancia Visit one of the country’s authentic estancias and ride like a gaucho.

Charco, Colonia del Sacramento

Charco, Colonia del Sacramento This diminutive property combines impeccable service and an intimate atmosphere with excellent facilities and an enviable location. It offers boutique hospitality at its best and strikes a perfect balance between its historic surroundings and sleek design. Just seven rooms can be found in the main hotel, all characterful yet contemporary in style, and some come with a private balcony. The hotel also has its own bistro, and a highlight of a stay here is sipping a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the River Plate at sunset, with the Buenos Aires skyline in the distance.

Food stall, Montevideo

Colonia del Sacramento

Uruguayan gaucho

www.audleytravel.com/uruguay • 01993 838 600 • Uruguay

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Criollo horses running near Carmelo

Carmelo & the winelands

Jose Ignacio & around

Travelling into the little-visited interior will provide a great insight into rural Uruguay, including its culture of fine wine and cheese. Uruguayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wine heritage dates back to the first Spanish and Italian immigrants who brought viticulture here some 250 years ago. Today the Tannat grape is the most cultivated and produces dark, dense red wines enjoyed across the country, but there are plenty of lighter alternatives too.

Around two hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive east of Montevideo past the glitzy resort of Punta del Este lies the tranquil beach town of Jose Ignacio with its sweeping stretches of golden sand and chic five-star properties, many of which are destinations in their own right. The town itself has a bohemian charm and makes a great place to relax at the end of a trip to Uruguay or Argentina, with the sleepy fishing village of San Jose and the sand dunes of Cabo Polonio to explore nearby.

The pleasant, tree-lined town of Carmelo lies opposite the Parana Delta and is a great base for exploring the winelands. There are a number of wineries offering charming accommodation and the complete wine experience, while local estancias make a great base for horse riding with beautiful criollo horses and terrain ranging from sand dunes and marshes to pine forests and palm groves.

Tasting room, Narbona Wine Lodge

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Tannat grapes

Narbona Wine Lodge, near Carmelo Uruguayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undiscovered yet decidedly impressive wines can be sampled at the Narbona Wine Lodge, with its five stylish and exclusive suites overlooking the winery or vineyards. Each of the suites is named after a type of wine and features beautiful wooden floors and antique furniture. Set in the wider Finca Narbona, which is also a working farm, dairy and winery, the lodge boasts one of the best restaurants in Uruguay and serves the finest local produce accompanied by some excellent Tannats. As well as wine and cheese tasting, horse riding or cycling through the vineyards are just some of the options for your free time. During high season, guests can also enjoy the facilities of the nearby club house with its tranquil river beach, inviting swimming pool and beach bar.

La Posada del Faro, Jose Ignacio A charming boutique hotel close to the beach, La Posada del Faro features 15 spacious guest rooms. All are individually decorated with many featuring their own fireplace, comfortable armchairs, and private deck or balcony overlooking the swimming pool and unspoilt beach. Design here is rustic-chic with whitewashed walls, polished wooden floors and splashes of colour. The hotel is also one of the few properties in Jose Ignacio with its own restaurant, bar and loungers on the beach.

Suggested itinerary

Wine store, near Carmelo Carmelo

San Jose de Mayo

Beachwear seller, Jose Ignacio Colonia

Tailoring your trip

Cabo Polonio

Montevideo

The itinerary shown is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and is a route that works particularly well. We can use this as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Uruguay specialists to start planning your itinerary.

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Bahia Vik, Jose Ignacio One of the newest additions to the Vik collection of luxury, design-inspired hotels, Bahia Vik enjoys a superb location tucked away behind the sand dunes just outside the town of Jose Ignacio. The hotel has the same impeccable attention to detail, modern styling, art installations and wonderful food and wines as its sister properties. The 37 individual suites and beach bungalow rooms all come with private terraces and sweeping views of the dunes and ocean. As well as relaxing on the beach, in one of the hotel’s four swimming pools or in the spa, guests can ride or join activities at Estancia Vik, or use the facilities at the nearby Playa Vik.

Estancia Vik, near Jose Ignacio The Vik collection’s original and signature property, Estancia Vik offers a stylish Uruguayan ranch experience unlike anywhere else. Located a 15 minute drive from Jose Ignacio, a typical day here could include a ride on a beautiful horse with a gaucho in the morning, a tasty asado at lunch time and an afternoon by the pool. All 12 suites are vast, striking and individual in design and other facilities at the hotel include a spa, gym and the option to arrange polo lessons on the estancia’s own polo field.

Classic Uruguay This 12 day itinerary encapsulates the very essence of Uruguay. Travel at a comfortable pace and incorporate the country’s fine foods and wine, horse riding at a typical estancia, exploration of Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento and relax on a pristine beach. Day 1

Fly to Montevideo.

Day 2

Free time in Montevideo, to relax or start exploring.

Day 3

Guided tour of Montevideo and the historic port market.

Day 4

Transfer to Colonia, with an afternoon walking tour of the historic centre.

Day 5

Travel to Carmelo and your hotel in the vineyards.

Day 6

Free day to arrange wine tasting and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

Day 7

Travel on to your typical Uruguayan estancia.

33 33

Day 8

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

A day of horse riding or other activities from your estancia.

Day 9

Transfer to your beach hotel in Jose Ignacio.

Getting around

Estancia Vik, near Jose Ignacio

Jose Ignacio

There are excellent international airports in Montevideo and Punta del Este and good infrastructure, making travelling overland the best way to explore. Whether you choose to be accompanied by one of our knowledgeable guides or hire a car to explore independently, you will find travel a relaxing experience due to the condition of the roads, wonderful scenery and welcoming people.

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

33 33 33

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.

The best time to travel to Uruguay, particularly to its coastal areas, is during its summer months, between November and February. Travel is possible year-round however, particularly if focusing on more cultural sites and cities, but many of the beach resorts close for much of the year as soon as summer slips into autumn. Time difference: GMT-2 hours

Prices

Days 10 -11 Beach relaxation in Jose Ignacio. Day 12

Transfer to the airport in Montevideo for your onward flight.

Stay longer Take the ferry across the River Plate to Buenos Aires and spend a few days here. Alternatively take the direct flight from Montevideo to Rio to finish in one of South America’s most vibrant cities.

We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Uruguay on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Sea lion colony, Cabo Polonio

www.audleytravel.com/uruguay • 01993 838 600 • Uruguay

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Falkland Islands R

emote, barren and rugged, the Falkland Islands are a unique and captivating destination where huge skies, pure air and teeming wildlife reward those who make it here. These historic islands offer glorious isolation, a complex past and the ability to walk, draw, photograph or fish in mesmerising surroundings. The proximity of the Antarctic convergence draws wildlife in large numbers including five species of penguin, elephant seals, albatross and a myriad of other birdlife, while the stories of early settlers and more recent military history epitomise the pioneering spirit of the islanders.

Audley in the Falkland Islands We have been visiting the Falklands for many years and our in-depth knowledge of the islands as well as our long-standing relationships with local providers means we can create a trip perfectly tailored for you. The islands are an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flight off mainland South America and can be reached on the weekly LAN service from Santiago, Chile, or you can travel on the RAF service from Brize Norton, UK. The islands can also be visited as part of an Antarctica cruise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to request a dedicated brochure, please contact our specialists on 01993 838 651. 116

Accommodation The capital, Stanley, is home to the only real hotels on the islands, the wonderfully friendly Lafone House and Malvina House. Elsewhere accommodation is in family lodges or selfcatering cottages and although standards vary and en suite facilities are not always available, dining and socialising with fellow travellers and your hosts provides a very personal and authentic local experience. There are lodges scattered throughout the islands, and though not all are mentioned here, your specialist will be able to provide the most up-to-date information for your time of travel. Coastline, near Stanley

Stanley

New Island Beaver Island

Weddell Island

Weddell

Roy Cove

King George Bay Chartres

Queen Charlotte Bay

West Point Island A rewarding side trip by boat from Carcass Island, this tiny craggy island is home to colonies of rockhopper penguin and impressive black-browed albatross. An incredible sight; you can sit and watch these huge, beautiful birds returning from the sea to feed their chicks.

Volunteer Point A three hour journey by 4x4 across rolling moors in East Falkland brings you to Volunteer Point, home to the world’s largest accessible colony of king penguins. En route you’ll pass through a stark but beautiful landscape covered in diddle-dee berries and dotted with glacial-scarred rock. At Volunteer Point itself the white-sand beach, rolling hills, lagoon and the pebble shore are inundated with penguins. A visit here is a privileged opportunity to observe these fascinating, sociable creatures go about their daily life of preening, breeding, and protecting and feeding their young. Birds of all ages are present year-round so you are all but guaranteed to see the comical young king penguins that appear to be little more than brown balls of fluff with huge feet.

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Fox Bay West

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Port Stephens Speedwell Island George Island

Douglas San Carlos

Walker Creek

Bay of Harbours

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Concordia Bay

Salvador Johnson 6 Port Harbour Volunteer Louis Point D Berkeley AN Teal Inlet KL Sound Bluff L 7 Mount FA Cove Usborne STANLEY S T 9 Darwin Fitzroy E AGoose Mount Pleasant Green

Pebble Hill Saunders Cove Mount Port Adam Howard 4

Dunnose Head

Carcass Island Arguably the most beautiful of the islands, when the sun is shining the rolling green hills here offer a vivid contrast to the vibrant yellow gorse, dazzling white-sand beaches and the pale blue sea. Wildlife spotting opportunities are plentiful thanks to a lack of predators, and you can visit colonies of elephant seals as well as gentoo and Magellanic penguins, on a windy but scenic walk from the settlement. Sometimes the penguins even nest in the settlement itself. Other wildlife regularly spotted includes kelp, upland and ruddy geese, Patagonian crested duck, flightless steamer duck and pied, black and Magellanic oystercatchers.

North FalklandFoul Sound Bay

Byron Sound

West Point Island Passage Islands

Cape Dolphin

Pebble Saunders Keppel 3 Island Sound Island

Carcass Island

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Bull Point 8 Sea Lion Island

Lively Island

Bleaker Island

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The capital of the Falklands is a charming place with just a few streets of colourful houses and a smattering of red phone boxes, all set on a gentle slope beside Stanley Harbour. Follow the 1982 Memorial Walk along the harbour front to visit the whimsical Stanley Museum, the world’s most southerly cathedral and the Whale Bone Arch, made in 1933 from the jawbones of two blue whales. Pass the historic Jubilee Villas, then explore Cartmell Cottage, one of the earliest residential buildings in Stanley, built in 1849 using a kit sent from Britain. Finally, stop off in one of Stanley’s distinctly English pubs to chat to some locals over a beer.

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20 miles

32 kilometres

1 Carcass Island

A small and incredibly picturesque island, home to a large variety of wildlife including penguins and elephant seals. 2 Bleaker Island A vast array of seabirds and freshwater fowl can be seen here, as well as a traditional working cattle farm. See page 118 3 Pebble Island Abundant wildlife including penguins and seals makes this a great place for interesting walks. See page 118 4 Port Howard Stroll around the largest working sheep farm on West Falkland. See page 118 5 San Carlos This beautiful part of East Falkland is home to memorials of the 1982 conflict. See page 119

Local pub, Stanley 6 Volunteer Point

The world’s most accessible colony of king penguins offers a fascinating insight into the social interaction of these comical birds. 7 Stanley

A little piece of Britain in the South Atlantic, the capital embodies the unique spirit of the islands.

Male elephant seal, Sea Lion Island 8 Sea Lion Island

Elephant seals and orcas can be spotted on the beach just a stone’s throw from the lodge. See page 118 9 Darwin & Goose Green Poignant reminders of the 1982 Falkland conflict. See page 119

Sheep farm, Port Howard

Magellanic oystercatcher

www.audleytravel.com/falklands • 01993 838 644 • Falkland Islands

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Southern elephant seal pup, Seal Island

Bleaker Island

Port Howard

A long, thin island, Bleaker attracts a wide range of wildlife, including a huge colony of imperial cormorants and, of course, penguins. The main island gives its name to a group of eight islands, some of which are rat-free allowing for ground breeding birds to thrive. Sooty shearwaters and tussac birds are regular breeders here. In addition to the wildlife, the settlement at Bleaker is home to a working farm with 1,000 sheep and 55 Hereford cattle giving you the rare opportunity to photograph penguins and cows in one shot.

Once the largest settlement outside Stanley and still a working farm, Port Howard, on West Falkland, is a fascinating introduction to the farming history of the islands. Your flight here may bring you over the high ridge that circles the farm offering impressive overviews of the landscape and you’ll soon be tucking into the hearty ‘smoko’ (tea and cake break) that is typical of the Falklands. In spring you may see some of the sheep shearing gangs hard at work and, year-round, this is one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world and a trip out with a gillie provides a rewarding experience for any fisherman.

Pebble Island A perfect island for hiking and wildlife spotting, Pebble Island is home to a plentiful and diverse array of penguin colonies. This is a great place to immerse yourself in the wonderful, noisy interactions of the penguins, and some lucky visitors have seen up to five different species here in a single day. One of the most engaging sights is watching the sociable rockhoppers leave their nests, gather in little groups, and set off in their comical gait on a perilous trip down the cliffs to the sea. Pebble has some of the Falkland Islands’ best wetlands and is home to a huge variety of birdlife. The island was also the site of an assault made by the SAS during the 1982 conflict and is home to the memorial to HMS Coventry.

Rockhopper penguins, Pebble Island

Sea Lion Island Sea Lion Island boasts the best accommodation outside of the capital, with Sea Lion Lodge occupying an ideal location overlooking a gentoo penguin colony. A pre-breakfast amble through the tussock grass to the sea shore is a delightful way to start the day. Here you can sit quietly with the sea lions and elephant seals who are lazing about on the sandy beach, but since orcas have been known to arrive at the shore to snatch their breakfast, we recommend avoiding a morning dip in the sea. Port Howard

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Suggested itinerary Tailoring your trip

British War Cemetery, San Carlos

The itinerary shown is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and is a route that works particularly well. We can use this as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Falkland Islands specialists to start planning your itinerary.

Carcass Island

Port Howard

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Darwin Stanley Mount Pleasant Sea Lion Island

Getting around Travelling between the islands is by FIGAS (Falkland Island Government Air Service) eight seater twin-engined aircraft which act almost as a taxi service. We will design your trip to suit your specific interests, and your itinerary will probably take in Stanley plus one or two ‘Camp’ settlements (Camp is the term for any settlements within the islands that are not Stanley).

Classic Falklands This trip allows you to see all sides of life on the islands. Marvel at the incredible wildlife, learn about the recent military history, and meet many of the fascinating islanders. Day 1

Fly to the Falkland Islands.

Day 2

Arrive in Mount Pleasant and transfer to Darwin House.

Day 3

Fly to Carcass Island, afternoon explorations of this small but beautiful island.

Day 4

Enjoy walks around Carcass Island.

Day 5

Take a boat trip to visit West Point Island, home to a huge colony of black-browed albatross.

Day 6

Fly to Port Howard to experience life on the ‘mainland’.

Day 7

Explore by foot or 4x4, and visit the War Museum.

Day 8

Fly on to Sea Lion Island.

Day 9

Walk around the island to see some of the remarkable local wildlife.

Day 10

Fly back to Stanley, take a walking tour of the capital including the museum and Conflict Memorial.

Day 11

Visit the king penguin colony at Volunteer Point.

Day 12

Transfer to Mount Pleasant for your international flight.

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Imperial shag colony, Bleaker Island

Goose Green, Darwin & San Carlos The East Falkland area of Goose Green, Darwin and San Carlos has become synonymous with the 1982 conflict. Darwin Lodge is your base for exploring this region where your knowledgeable hosts will act as your guides to the Goose Green battle site, the War Museum, and the windswept and poignant British and Argentinian cemeteries. Even if the recent military history of the islands is not the primary reason for your visit, we recommend you include a trip to this area to gain an understanding of life on the islands. For those who want to see more of East Falkland there are also some simple, selfcatering cabins that can be booked in conjunction with a hire car.

White-tufted grebe, Pebble island

5 Travel is not recommended.

The Falkland Islands have a temperate climate with the ideal time to visit falling during the summer months between October and March. It is at this time that the hours of daylight are at their longest, however, the weather is extremely changeable and the winds are persistent all year round. Time difference: GMT-3 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to the Falkland Islands on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Stay longer For those flying back to the UK, international flights go via Ascension Island, so we can arrange stopovers here for those with an interest in this remote British overseas territory in the South Atlantic. You can also combine the Falkland Islands with a trip to Chile.

Cottage garden, Stanley

www.audleytravel.com/falklands • 01993 838 644 • Falkland Islands

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Antarctica O

wned by no one and visited by few, Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and wildest continent. It is an area of awe-inspiring desolation and captivating beauty, where you can see creaking blue glaciers, dazzling white snow, the most radiant sunshine and the harshest of skies, all in one day. Icebergs drift slowly by as whales flip their tails above glassy seas, seals bask on ice shelves and penguins chatter raucously in vast rookeries. Man’s presence is seen only rarely in the abandoned shelters of polar explorers and whaling stations rusting in the sun. Visiting what is possibly the world’s ultimate travel frontier, the ‘White Continent’, guarantees a truly unforgettable experience.

Audley in Antarctica

Practicalities

A visit to Antarctica is a journey like no other, challenging but educational and when well planned, a mesmerising trip of a lifetime. We recommend a small selection of expedition vessels and only work with companies who are committed to ensuring that any impact on the environment is minimised. Our Antarctica specialists have travelled on or inspected all of these vessels and their unrivalled knowledge enables them to offer first-hand advice on choosing a vessel to suit you.

Most expedition cruises depart from Ushuaia in southern Argentina for the journey over the Drake Passage to Antarctica. There are also some ‘fly-cruise’ options that avoid the Drake Passage crossing and transfer to an expedition vessel on King George Island. Trips range from ten days around the Antarctic Peninsula to 20 day journeys that continue on to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Cruises operate from early November to late March, and although there is no ‘best’ time to go, wildlife-spotting opportunities vary within this period. Chinstrap penguins, Antarctica

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Your home for the duration will be one of our carefully selected expedition cruise vessels which, whilst not necessarily the height of luxury, offer comfortable accommodation, and more importantly, experienced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable expedition leaders.

Stanley Punta Arenas Ushuaia Cape Horn

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Islands Elephant King Island George Island

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Port Lockroy 2

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Places of interest

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The simplest and most cost-effective way to experience Antarctica is on board an expedition cruise ship. These trips head to the Antarctic Peninsula, the finger of land that beckons upwards from this vast white continent towards Patagonia, and also to the islands of the South Atlantic Ocean. Your days will pass in a whirl of open-mouthed amazement at the sights, sounds and experiences – disembarking to observe penguin colonies and to visit historical settlements of explorers and whalers.

Expedition cruising

Antarctic place names are synonymous with the continent’s history and legend. The Drake Passage, scourge of mariners for hundreds of years, is now endured by travellers to reach the calm waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. South Georgia, inexorably linked to Ernest Shackleton and the Southern Ocean whaling industry, is a beautiful place teeming with wildlife including hundreds of thousands of king penguins. Deception Island is a former whaling station and current scientific base where ongoing geothermal activity lets you take a warm bath in the otherwise icy sea.

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Other places of note visited on cruises include the British Antarctic Survey base at Port Lockroy and the photogenic Lemaire Channel.

Wildlife

Expedition cruise ship

Despite its harsh climate, Antarctica is home to abundant wildlife whose only fear is those above them in the food chain. Penguins are the main attraction, you are likely to see Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins on your trip, with macaroni and rockhopper an added bonus. King penguins have colonies on the Falkland Islands and South Georgia but emperor penguins are only seen on land-based trips or expeditions to Snow Hill Island. Seals of different varieties are abundant; elephant seals, crabeaters and the reptilian leopard seal are regularly sighted. Whales, including minke, humpback, southern right and maybe even blue, glide around the icy waters, as do pods of orca: meaning time spent on deck is almost always rewarding. In the air a huge variety of sea birds can be observed, including many species of albatross and petrel.

1 Drake Passage A rite of passage for Antarctic explorers, for some, the Drake Passage is something to be endured, to others it’s the start of an incredible adventure. 2 Lemaire Channel One of the most picturesque areas of the Antarctic Peninsula, this narrow channel sits between towering mountains and glaciers.

Kayaking, Cierva Cove, Antarctic Peninsula 3 South Georgia Home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins and scene of untold historical human endeavour.

Whales Mighty minke, fin, blue, humpback and orca are some of the species you might encounter during your cruise.

Penguins Comical on land, graceful in the water and hugely sociable, it’s easy to spend hours watching the Adélie, gentoo, king and chinstrap penguins.

Camping & kayaking Wrap up warm and follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s most intrepid explorers.

Humpback whale fluke

www.audleytravel.com/antarctica • 01993 838 615 • Antarctica

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King penguins, South Georgia

Activities You do not need to be very fit for an Antarctic cruise, although you need to be mobile enough to get on and off the small Zodiac boats that are used for shore excursions. Once on shore activity is generally no more than walking up a snow-covered hill to a penguin colony or stripping to your swimsuit for a quick dip in thermal pools. However, for those with an extra sense of adventure, some cruises offer the opportunity to camp for a night or two on the ice, go kayaking amongst the icebergs, or even snorkelling, diving or paddle boarding. Alternatively, for those with a hankering for even more adventure, there are companies that offer land-based trips into the heart of the continent, flying in from either South Africa or Chile and landing on a blue-ice runway. Once there you could be skiing, trekking or snow-mobiling, or visiting emperor penguins in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Iceberg in the Drake Passage

The Arctic

AdĂŠlie penguins

Polar Expedition Cruising We have a brochure dedicated to the Polar regions. Please call our polar specialists on 01993 838 651 to learn more.

Leopard seal

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From April to October the boats that ply the Antarctic waters head north to sail around the Arctic. Cruises go to Spitsbergen, part of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland, as well as Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northwest Passage and Baffin Island, and the North Pole. Arctic cruises are both incredibly similar and totally different to Antarctic cruises. The landscapes are equally stunning, with glaciers, mountains and icebergs, and the wildlife too is incredible, but rather than noisy colonies of penguins, hopefully you will be lucky enough to encounter a polar bear. Marine and birdlife are also prolific and many Arctic cruises stop at local indigenous communities adding a strong cultural element that differentiates them from their southern counterparts.

Useful information

Quechua women, Cuzco, Peru

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Festive Amazon parrot, Brazil

Flights

Address:

South America is served by a number of direct flights from the UK. The principal hubs are Lima in Peru, Buenos Aires in Argentina, São Paulo in Brazil and Bogotá in Colombia. For those wishing to fly to other destinations, or fly from their closest regional airport, many South American capitals can be reached on an indirect service involving one change in either Europe or the USA.

Terms & Conditions and Travel Insurance

Audley Travel, New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX, United Kingdom. Telephone: 01993 838 600 Email: southam@audleytravel.com London Office: Audley Travel, Monsoon Building, 1 Nicholas Road, London W11 4AN, United Kingdom.

Responsible Travel We’re passionate about travel but also deeply aware of the responsibility we have to the people and places we visit. We believe that a visit from an Audley traveller should have a positive impact on the destination. We always endeavour to use locally-owned hotels, work with local guides and operators, and promote community and wildlife projects.

We work with a range of airlines flying from numerous airports in the UK and Ireland. We will help you decide which airline to choose based on your preferred route, connections and class of travel. Furthermore, booking your international flights with Audley often allows you discounted fares for your flights within South America, as we can access ‘airpass’ rates for domestic and regional flights across the continent.

Honeymoons South America offers incredible diversity, and can therefore cater to whatever type of honeymoon you are looking for. Whether it is exploring iconic ruins and dramatic national parks, relaxing on pristine beaches, immersing yourself in the jungle or enjoying fine food and wine in lively cities, your preferences can easily be accommodated. Our optional honeymoon gift service and personalised website is available for no additional cost and is a great option to consider should your wedding guests wish to contribute to your trip.

Your booking is subject to the terms and conditions of Audley Travel which are detailed in the booking form. It is vital that you have adequate travel insurance and we are able to suggest a number of policies either for the duration of your trip or on an annual basis.

AITO Membership Audley is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Audley abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com

Photography in this brochure We would like to thank the following photographers and organisations for the images used in this brochure: Alamy, Audley staff, clients and suppliers, AWL images, iStockphoto, Robert Harding, Steve Allen, Superstock. All images used in this brochure were obtained in good faith by Audley Travel Group Limited and in the belief that all necessary consents and clearances were obtained for their use. For any queries relating to photography please contact us on 01993 838 040.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Visit our offices

www.audleytravel.com

If you would like to discuss your travel arrangements in person we welcome personal visits, please call in advance to arrange an appointment with one or more of our country specialists. Our offices are at the New Mill, a 17th-century converted wool mill on the outskirts of Witney, ten miles west of Oxford, on the edge of the Cotswolds. We also have an office in west London, if this is more convenient for you.

Our website is packed with information, features and advice covering all our destinations across the globe. On the site you can browse by theme, interest or region as well as viewing additional accommodation options and itineraries that are not featured in this brochure. You can request all our brochures online or contact us via the website where there is the option to tell us about your plans so that we can start tailoring your itinerary.

www.audleytravel.com/visit-us

Useful information

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New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX, United Kingdom Telephone: 01993 838 600 • Fax: 01993 838 010 Email: southam@audleytravel.com • Website: www.audleytravel.com

This brochure has been printed on paper from well managed forests, approved by the Forest Stewardship Council ,® using vegetable inks. Our printer holds ISO 14001 and FSC® environmental certifications. Should you wish to dispose of your brochure, we kindly request that you recycle it. The paper used in this brochure has also been carbon balanced.