The LATA Guide to Latin America 2012 by Wanderlust Publications

THE LATIN AMERICAN TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

INSIDE: 50 essential Latin American experiences 25 country guides Directory of tour operators & members 1 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 2009

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The Latin american Travel Association

L.Sup erior

Bismarck

Boise Cape Mendocino

Madison

L.M ichi

gan

Cheyenne

Concord

Toronto

Lansing

Halifax Cape Sable

Montpelier

Salt Lake City

Augusta

Ottawa

Great Salt Lake

Carson City

San Francisco

Montreal SIERRA NEVA

Sacramento

St. Paul M

Pierre

Boston

Albany

Cape Cod

Hartford

Providence

Welcome

U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A BERMUDA

A T L A N T I C M E X I C O

O C E A N

BAHAMAS

GULF OF MEXICO HAVANA

Puerto Vallarta

D O M IN IC A N R EP U BL IC

CUBA

Chichén Itzá

HAITI

MEXICO CITY

BELIZE JAMAICA BELMOPAN HONDURAS GUATEMALA Tikal

CITY

GUATEMALA

TEGUCIGALPA

SAN SALVADOR

EL SALVADOR

NICARAGUA SAN JOSÉ

PACIFIC OCEAN

C A R I B B E A N S E A

MANAGUA

COSTA RICA

PANAMA PANAMA

SANTO DOMINGO

ANTIGUA & PUERTO BARBUDA RICO ST KITTS & NEVIS DOMINICA ST LUCIA

DUTCH ST VINCENT BARBADOS CARIBBEAN GRENADA TRINIDAD CARACAS & TOBAGO VENEZUELA

GEORGETOWN PARAMARIBO

FRENCH GUIANA

GUYANA

Angel Falls

COLOMBIA

SURINAME

BOGOTÁ

CAYENNE

ECUADOR QUITO

azon

Galapagos Islands

River Am

Manaus

Belém

Guayaquil

Fortaleza

L Recife

P E R U LIMA Machu Picchu Cusco

Salvador

B O L I V I A

Santa Cruz Salar de Uyuni Calama

PARAGUAY

Atacama Desert

São Paulo

ASUNCIÓN

Rio de Janeiro

Iguassu Falls

Easter Island

Directory of LATA tour operators & members

MONTEVIDEO

SANTIAGO Juan Fernández Islands

BUENOS AIRES

URUGUAY

A R G E N T I N A

A T L A N T I C

Puerto Montt

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Porto Alegre Córdoba Mendoza

page 02

Country guides

Curitiba

CHILE

Inside: The Latin America list: 50 great experiences

BRASÍLIA

LA PAZ

PACIFIC OCEAN

Each country in Latin America – large or small – boasts a myriad of extraordinary adventures. The Latin American Travel Association – a collection of tourist boards, airlines, guidebook publishers, tour operators and travel companies – will help you create an adventure that is both unforgettable and safe. All UK tour operator members are fully ATOLbonded (see page 58) so your holidays are protected. For more information, you’ll find a searchable map and links to all members on our website (www.lata.org). LATA members don’t just share a reputation you can trust, but a passion for Latin America. Let them share it with you here – happy travels!

O C E A N

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Tel: 020 8715 2913 email: info@lata.org 0

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1000km

Torres del Paine

Punta Arenas

FALKLAND ISLANDS/ ISLAS MALVINAS

Ushuaia

Cape Horn

South Georgia

All text © Latin American Travel Association. Images supplied by LATA members unless otherwise credited. LATA is a trade organisation and we welcome membership from any company or individual who shares our aims and objectives. Whilst care is taken to ensure that our members are bona fide, prospective clients are recommended to make their own enquiries.

Designed and published by Wanderlust Travel Media www.wanderlusttravelmedia.co.uk Printing by Polestar Colchester All rights are reserved. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. No responsibility for incorrect information can be accepted. The views expressed in this supplement are not necessarily those of the publishers. First published 01/2012. Official partner of the FCO’s Know Before You Go Campaign Cover: Festival Dancers, Mexico; Larry Dale Gordon/Getty. This page, clockwise from left: Nick Harper; Danny Beath; Sandra Hunter (all finalists of the Wanderlust Travel Photo Of The Year competition)

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THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 1

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From volcanoes to literary heroes, tasty tidbits to crumbling cities – here are 50 people, places, and experiences that embody the most passionate continent on earth

Four aweinspiring ruins

1 caracol Belize

the latin america list

Hidden by thick jungle for centuries, the vast Maya city of Caracol was only discovered by a logger in 1937. Archaeologists are still at work here: they’ve uncovered grand pyramids, royal tombs, and ball courts. A millennium ago, 200,000 people thrived here – today you may well have the site to yourself.

2 Copan Honduras

A peaceful river valley in remote western Honduras holds the remnants of one of the great centres of Maya civilisation. Copan is prized for its well preserved stone carvings and hieroglyphics: the detail gives a glimpse of just how spectacular the time-worn temples would once have been.

missions 3 Jesuit Trinidad, Paraguay

Step under the ornately-carved arches of the Jesuit mission buildings in Trinidad to understand Paraguay’s past. The atmospheric red-brick skeletons are where missionaries worked with the indigenous people in the 17th century, before they were expelled by the Spanish government. It’s said to be the least-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site: lucky for some.

Getty

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Machu Picchu Peru

Perched in a tropical rain forest high in the Peruvian Andes, this last stronghold of the Inca is one of the world’s most enigmatic ancient sites. Take a train to the cloud-shrouded citadel, or follow in the Incas’ footsteps by trekking up. Climb the extra 360m to the top of Huayna Picchu for a euphoriainducing vista. THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 3

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Four fiery fiestas

Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Dominicans flock to the streets each August to honour their patron saint, Santo Domingo de Guzmán. His statue is carried across Managua when thousands paint their bodies and dress up to dance, eat and drink to the marching of music bands – a veritable feast for the eyes!

Semana Santa 2 Guatemala

Antigua is famous for its vibrant and elaborate religious festivities during Holy Week in the lead-up to Easter. Thousands line the cobblestone streets to watch the costumed processions and reenactments of the crucifixion. The sight of pavements covered in ‘carpets’ of dyed sawdust, flowers and plants will take your breath away.

Feast of San 3Nicaragua Jeronimo

What began as an eight-day celebration of the patron saint of Masaya, San Jeronimo, now spans nearly two weeks in September and October. A bull is let loose during the opening ceremony, forcing revellers to flee in glee-like terror. Fireworks, dancing and merriment then accompany a stream of parades.

Carnaval Uruguay

Preparation begins months in advance for February’s Carnival Week in Montevideo, so the excitement is palpable. Traditional parades reflect the nation’s slave heritage, and locals decorate houses, create sets around the city and take to the streets in bright feathered headgear.

“Fireworks, dancing and merriment accompany a stream of parades” Three literary greats Charriere 1 Henri French Guiana

The beautiful, wildlife-rich Îles du Salut weren’t always so – until 1947 they formed a feared penal colony for political prisoners. Their most famous resident, Henri Charrière, miraculously escaped to Venezuela and recounted his horrors in 1970s bestseller Papillon. The Commander’s House on Île Royale is now a haunting museum offering tours.

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Ernest Hemingway Cuba

Havana boasts about its Hemingway heritage: plaques and busts are dotted around the coastal city where he spent months writing, among others, For Whom the Bell Tolls. His favourite barstool still remains in El Floridita where he mused over fruity daiquiris, and his room in Hotel Ambos Mundos is now a museum.

Garcia Marquez 3 Gabriel Colombia

Trace the literary creations of this Nobel Prizewinning author to his birthplace of Aracataca. Avid fans can immerse themselves in his restored house, visit the new museum or simply wander the streets of Cartagena and soak up the ambience immortalised by Love in the Time of Cholera. 4 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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THREE SMOKING VOLCANOES

ARENAL COSTA RICA

Molten lava, sulphurous gases, rumbling clouds: until recently all images synonymous with Central America’s most active volcano. It’s hoped the daily eruptions will light up the sky once more, but until then the surrounding lava fields, yawning craters and the beautiful Lake Arenal provide ample entertainment.

2 IZALCO EL SALVADOR

This stark cinder cone lies in the National Park of Volcanoes, nestled among 13 other volcanic peaks. But what makes this volcano special is the coal-black lava decorating its slopes and the lack of vegetation. If you’re up for a challenge, try ‘cinder running’ down the rivulets of soft volcanic sand.

3 PACAYA GUATEMALA

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Alamy; Getty

Dangerously enticing, Pacaya is one of the country’s most exciting volcanoes and it’s constantly rewarding visitors with flaming lava flows and enigmatic sulphurous clouds. Make sure you take a tour guide for the easy hike so as not to overstep the mark – and don’t forget the marshmallows to toast on the embers! THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 5

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Six incredible aerial views

PERITO MORENO ARGENTINA

A jagged mass of electric-blue ice, Patagonia’s remote Perito Moreno glacier is a dynamic beast – one of few glaciers growing in size. The height of a 15-storey building, and the size of Buenos Aires, it looms over Lake Argentina. Crane your neck from the bottom, or strap on crampons and trek the ice.

GREAT BLUE HOLE BELIZE

From the air, the Great Blue Hole is unmissable: a huge, circular sinkhole filled with deep-blue water that stands out in a shallow reef. Set off the coast of Belize, this 300m-wide chasm was probably formed when the roof of a subterranean cave collapsed. Dive down for stalagmites, corals and exotic fish.

NAZCa LINES PERU

Why were they created? The mystery of Peru’s Nazca lines – enormous shapes carved across a rocky plain around 650 AD – continues today. There’s a condor with wings 130m wide, a spider, a huge lizard, and dozens more. You can get a sketchy view from an observation tower – but the best view is by light aircraft.

4 LAKE TITICACA BOLIVIA

In Incan mythology, the god Viracocha rose from Lake Titicaca to create the world. This sacred stretch of

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sapphire water straddles Bolivia and Peru, a dizzying 3,820m above sea level. Take a boat to explore tiny islands, villages, and Inca ruins. Sunset from the lighthouse on Isla del Sol is magical.

MARANHENSES 5 LENCOIS BRAZIL

This vast expanse of white sand dunes in north-eastern Brazil could be a desert – but it rains here, filling the landscape with brilliant blue and green lagoons for part of the year. Take a jeep, swim in the lagoons, or gawp at the full 1000 sq km expanse from a small plane.

6 MT RORAIMA VENEZUELA

Thought to be the inspiration for Conan Doyle’s The Lost World, Mt Roirama is a majestic flat-topped mountain with sheer 400m-high cliffs on every side. Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana all meet here. You can conquer it – but it’s not an easy trek. Watch for extreme weather. www.lata.org 18/1/12 16:20:11

six rare species turtles 1 Sea Suriname

The sight of female turtles dragging themselves up the beach to lay their eggs is heartwarming. Galibi Nature Reserve and the surrounding Amerindian villages are accessible only by boat through swamplands up the Marowijne (Maroni) River. Visit in July when leatherback hatchlings rush to the sea at high tide.

2 Penguins Antarctica

Penguins are the emblematic species of this frozen southern ice-scape, and are usually found huddled together for warmth along the coast. Hundreds of thousands of giant Emperor and miniature Adélie penguins live in the Antarctic year-round, so this is the only place to see them court, breed and fish to survive.

Alamy; Corbis; iStockphoto

Quetzal Costa Rica

The mystical enshrouded forests that typify Costa Rica are home to the colourful quetzal, a bird held sacred by the ancient Maya. It may be elusive but its resplendent red and green feathers and its long tail will help you to spot it

amid the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Boobies 4 Galapagos Islands

The hype cannot quite prepare you for the incredible close encounters with tame wildlife on the Galapagos. Daphne Major, Plaza Sur, Española and Seymour Norte are among the best for observing the courtship dances of all three endemic species of booby: the blue-footed, redfooted and masked.

Jaguar Guyana

Guyana’s little-visited interior, rich in thick jungle and dry grassland, offers ample hunting ground for the

elusive jaguar. The Rupununi Savannah in the far southwest lies along the ‘jaguar corridor’ between Venezuela and Suriname. Follow the tracks along the banks of the Rupununi River for a glimpse of this beautiful jungle cat.

Black-browed 6Falkland albatross Islands

Photographers, birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts and walkers alike all flock to the Falklands for the incredible scenery and dense bird populations. The islands are home to two-thirds of the world’s quota of black-browed albatross: head to Steeple Jason for shorelines covered with their iconic brow markings.

Six PLACES WITH NO MOBILE RECEPTION

1 Pantanal Brazil

Saunders Island Yaxchilan 3 Falklands 5 Mexico

The cacophony of birdcalls is the only soundwave filling the air across most of this great wildlife preserve – a wetland the size of Belgium, Holland, Portugal and Switzerland combined. Arrive by boat or plane to reach the Pantanal’s truly hidden depths and come face to face with jaguars, ocelots and caiman.

End of the World Antarctica

You may as well leave your phone at home, for this great white continent is as remote as they get. Other than your fellow cruisers, the only contact you’ll

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The British deserted this outpost long ago, leaving the wilderness to a gaggle of penguins, albatross and elephant seals. Plan for long walks against a backdrop of blue seas and barren moorland: from the Neck you’ll be able to see dolphins surfing the waves and whales spouting in the depths.

4 have out on these ice fields is with penguins, whales and seals. But who would want interruptions as you follow legendary explorers to the ends of the earth?

Maroni River French Guiana

Emerald-tinted jungle, fine-sand banks and remote camps: no-one back home would believe you even if you could tell them! A dugout canoe along the Maroni River is the only way into this spellbinding rainforest.

Once the most important Maya city in the Usumacinta region, today its only inhabitants are the raucous howler monkeys. The crumbling, moss-covered ruins are hidden amid the Mexican forest and accessible only by boat. Come armed with a flashlight.

Darién Gap 6 Panama

The Pan-American Highway ominously peters out at Yaviza, giving way to dense rainforest. The route from here to Colombia is not for the faint-hearted: there are few trails, no maps and no permanent inhabitants. Ensure you take a good local guide. THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 7

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WE KNOW THE LATIN AMERICA YOU’LL LOVE For individual travel recommendations and unrivalled insight, speak to the UK’s Nº1 specialist in travel to Latin America

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Eight delicious delicacies

3 Coffee Colombia

A rich aroma stokes the air of central Colombia, known as Coffee Country for its sheer number of fincas, with farmers willing to show off their production process. For a delicacy, crunch on a plateful of hormiga culona – toasted black ants – in Bucharamanga.

4 ElPupusas Salvador

Nestled between Guatemala and Honduras, El Salvador has a different feel to its neighbours – reflected in its take on the tortilla. Salvadorians stuff their cornmeal wraps with refried beans, farmer’s cheese or chicharrón (pork crackling), and serve them with enthusiasm in street markets.

Peanut soup Suriname

The cuisine here is as varied as the country’s influences – a little African, a touch of Asian and some European – to give it a quasi-Caribbean flavour. The speciality pindasoep (peanut soup) is one example: a delicious broth with plantain dumplings or noodles sold in the markets.

5 MatE Paraguay

Wine Chile

Chile has a worldwide reputation for fine wines – and it won’t take you long to see (or taste!) why. Vineyards stretch from the coast into the Andean foothills, offering tours and tastings. The Maipo Alto Wine Route is just 45 minutes from Santiago and can be done by bike.

The British tea equivalent, but even more popular, is mate: hot, cold or sugar-coated. The native yerba mate shrub is harvested before the dried leaves and twigs are steeped in hot (not boiling) or ice-cold water for a perfect cuppa.

Mojitos Cuba

It is hard to visit this sun-soaked, laidback island without getting hooked on

the nation’s drink – the mojito. A good splash of Havana rum, mint and lime is an enticing addition to a cool sea breeze and a night of heady salsa rhythms.

7 Sausages Uruguay

Black pudding with a twist, morcilla dulce is a sweet black sausage made from blood, but mixed with orange peel and walnuts. Morcilla salada is its saltier cousin. Wash it down with clericó – a wine and fruit juice mix.

Chocolate 8 Venezuela

‘Paradise on earth’, Columbus said of this nation; and that was without trying the chocolate! The Paria Peninsula on the northern shoreline has been nicknamed the Chocolate Coast for its density of cocoa trees and stands selling bolas de cacao puro – pure cacao balls.

“It’s hard to visit Cuba without getting hooked on the nation’s drink: the mojito” Three scenic rail journeys Tren a las Nubes 1 Argentina

The ‘Train to the Clouds’ is as aspirational as it sounds: one of the world’s highest railways, it zigzags its way to a vertiginous 4,200m, over 29 bridges, 13 viaducts and through 21 tunnels. The 16-hour journey from Salta to La Polvorilla Viaduct allows you time to admire the cloud formations nuzzling the slopes.

Alamy; iStockphoto

Devil’s Nose Train 2 Ecuador

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Hailed as the most difficult journey in the world (certainly an engineering headache), the train spirals down a perpendicular wall of rock on its way to the Andean

city of Alausí. Grab a window seat to absorb the scenery as the single-track carriage plummets from 2,346m down to 1,860m.

Copper Canyon Railway Mexico

This engineering feat took 90 years and $90million to construct – but it was worth the wait. Spanning 360 miles, it whisks you from the Pacific Coast at Los Mochis to highs of 2,500m and back down into Chihuahua City. The line crosses Mexico’s beautifully rugged terrain, hugging the Sierra Madre Mountains and crossing deep ravines. THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 9

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SALT FLATS 2 LARGEST BOLIVIA

SEVEN SUPERLATIVES

THE DRIEST DESERT CHILE

Parts of Chile’s Atacama Desert haven’t seen a drop of rain since records began, which explains why it’s known as the driest place on earth. Stretching 600 miles along the Pacific Coast to the Peruvian border, the desert’s lunar landscape is easily explored from the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Blinding white salt crust blends into bright blue skies across Salar de Uyuni, the largest (and highest) flats in the world. The drive across it is one of the great Bolivian experiences and takes in the salt-water bubbles of Ojos del Agua. Top it off with a night in a salt hotel!

REPTILE 3 SMALLEST DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Scientists only discovered the dwarf gecko, the world’s smallest species of lizard, in 2001 in Jaragua National Park, on Beata Island. Fully grown at just 16mm, the Jaragua Sphaero joins the park’s other residents – the marine turtle, rock iguana and Antillean manatee in frolicking around the protected forest.

SINGLE 4 LARGEST DROP FALLS GUYANA

The crown jewel of Guyana’s interior, Kaieteur Falls, is five times larger than Niagara and the world’s largest single-drop waterfall. The Potaro River runs through Kaieteur NP, before the 100m-wide waterway plummets 228m over an escarpment.

VALUE DIVING 5 BEST HONDURAS

The captivating Bay Islands (three large, three small) arc off the coast of Honduras and are a mecca for cash-strapped divers. Reefs surrounding the islands offer some of the best pillar coral, caves and canyons. Utila Island is the bee’s knees, with protected marine parks and rumours of pirate booty.

VOLCANIC 6 LARGEST ISLAND NICARAGUA

Two volcán cones rise sharply from Lake Nicaragua to form Isla Ometepe, the world’s largest volcanic island in South America’s biggest freshwater lake.

As a bridge between the Caribbean and the Pacific, the Panama Canal is a marvellous feat of engineering. It’s a sight to watch the vessels rise and fall through locks over the 82km, but it’s best to experience it for yourself on a boat. ■

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Photo: Lyn Hughes/Paul Morrison

SHORTCUT 7 GREATEST PANAMA

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Latin America The LATA Foundation helps travellers support worthwhile causes in Latin America – why not get involved?

atin America is a region that gives generously to travellers, and many who visit would love to return the favour. The LATA Foundation was set up by the Latin America travel industry to identify, support and manage charitable projects throughout the region. Run by a team of volunteers who all have a background as travel specialists for Latin America, many of its projects have been recommended by tour operators. Since launching in 2008, the Foundation has already aided 14 worthwhile projects – many involving children. In Argentina, the Foundation supports a dental project providing free treatment to disadvantaged youngsters. The Foundation’s summer 2011 raffle – supported by Aerolineas Argentinas and the Argentine Embassy – raised over £2,000, giving the dental project around 10% of their income. In 2011 the project

Maria Benita’s Lip Balm In Guatemala, the LATA Foundation is supporting NGO As Green as it Gets to help locals produce natural cosmetics. Maria Benita, who makes a lip balm made from macadamia oil, beeswax and mint, has now sold over 3,500 units. This product helps the

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farmers who grow macadamia nuts, the beekeepers as well as the people who process the nuts to extract the oil. Maria is now funding her own way through college (studying English & Sustainable Development). She’s also been able to install a shower and toilet with running water in the family home.

Get involved The LATA Foundation relies on donations from individuals and organisations, and every penny donated goes directly to worthwhile projects in Latin America. The Foundation is staffed by volunteers and all administrative costs are

provided over 30,000 treatments to 5,000 children. In Peru, the Foundation supports an ambitious reforestation project aiming to plant a million trees. Other projects provide equipment and training to give people new income-generating skills. Their water projects in Mexico and in Nicaragua are helping hundreds of people daily. They also support turtle protection in Venezuela. “LATA is remarkable,” says Foundation chairman, David Gilmour. “It’s a consortium of competing airlines, tour operators, hotels, ground agents and travel publishers that are collaborating to promote Latin America. The LATA Foundation was set up by members to put something back. We strongly believe that together we can do more. It shows just what the travel industry can achieve by working together.”

covered by LATA itself – so 100% of donations go to where they’re needed. To help raise funds, or to make a donation yourself, visit www.latafoundation.org or our JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/lata Reg. Charity No. 1123580

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Antarctica

The planet’s final frontier is as cool as ice

SOUTH AFRICA

Lyn Hughes

South Georgia

ATLANTIC O C E A3 N

I I I

www.lata.org Antarctica12_cgv1.indd 15

2 4 5 WEDDELL SEA

ARGENTINA

outh America is the most popular gateway to Antarctica, the world’s last great wilderness. Cold, wind-beaten and desolate, the white continent boasts the lowest temperature ever recorded – -90°C – but for many it remains the most beautiful place on the planet. The coastline is teeming with rare wildlife; gigantic icebergs and vast mountain ranges reflect in the freezing water, and the continent shivers under a blanket of snow and ice, like nowhere else on earth. Cruises run during the Antarctic summer (November to mid-March) and represent the only way to reach unique landscapes such as the Ross Ice Shelf – a glistening mass of floating ice the size of France – and Paradise Harbour, Antarctica’s most beautiful bay. But it is the wildlife that attracts most visitors. You’ll be taken ashore in Zodiacs to see some of the world’s rarest birdlife, including the endangered wandering albatross. You’ll also likely see minke 1 whales and seals. Then there are the penguins – hundreds of thousands of them. Visit in November to see them courting; through December and January to spot the chicks being born; or during the last days of the austral summer (February to March) to watch the impossibly cute youngsters head out to sea.

r ag e p e r m an e n Ave t ex

ten t

CHILE Antarctic Peninsula

of se

INDIAN OCEAN

a ice

Amery Ice Shelf

Ronne Ice Shelf SOUTH POLE

Shackleton Ice Shelf

1 Ross Ice Shelf

George V Land

ROSS SEA

PACIFIC OCEAN

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: Governed by an international treaty and not ‘owned’ by anyone – no capital city Population: 1,100 (winter), 4,400 (summer) – all scientific expeditions Time: Many expedition ships keep the same time as the port they left International dialling code: +672 Money: Bases generally accept US$; ships usually run a tab system – you pay at the end of the trip Visas: Not required, but UK nationals must have a permit – usually provided by the tour company for the whole vessel. Check 1 before you depart

When to go 1 November to mid-March,

unless you fancy total darkness and temperatures below -50°C

South Magnetic Pole 0

200km

Macquarie Is

Campbell I.

top 5 experiences

Tasmania

Auckland I.

at the Ross Ice Shelf, 1 MarvelNEW ZEALAND a near-vertical sheet of ice stretching for 800km Antipodes Is

AUSTRALIA

2 Sail to the South Shetland Islands, a British dependency around 120km north of the Antarctic peninsula, renowned for nature-spotting opportunities 3 Make flat-footed friends on South Georgia – this archipelago is home to colossal penguin colonies, as well as Shackleton history 4 Take in views of snow-capped mountains and ice cliffs at the aptly-named Paradise Harbour, in the north of the peninsula 5 Cruise through the Lemaire Channel, flanked with calving glaciers and snowy peaks

8 For more information go to: www.lata.org/antarctica THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 15

17/1/12 09:54:48

South & Central America. Together, we’ve got it covered. Dragoman have been offering adventurous overland expeditions to Latin America for over 30 years, reaching genuine, off the beaten track locations on life-changing journeys. Imaginative Traveller small group adventures, tailor-made holidays and family trips really get under the skin of a country, creating memorable experiences from Mexico to Patagonia.

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18/1/12 11:17:35

Ju r

A m a z o n

TA IN

r Pu

jó

L ia ua

Porto Velho

Nevado Huascarán

P E R U

SP AR ré

Cha Diam

apo

ECI

Paranating

Arequipa

Noel Kempff Mercado NP

moré

Nevado Ampato

Lake Titicaca

Colca Canyon

Pen. Paracas

Nasca Lines Nasca

B S

Riberalta

Manu Biosphere Reserve Comas Huancayo Callao LIMA Machu Picchu Sacred Valley Cusco

Nevado Ancohume

Sucre Campo Grande

CHILE

Iguazu Falls

PACIFIC OCEAN

Santa Fe

Santos

Florianópolis Laguna

BRAZIL

Cabo Sta. Marta Grande

Concordia

URUGUAY

BUENOS AIRES

Bahia Blanca

La Plata Pamp

Mar del Plata

Bariloche

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Trelew

200km

Pata

El Calafate

gonia

Comodoro Rivadavia

Argentina

Río de Janeiro Cabo

São Paulo

Formosa

Cordoba

Mendoza

Grande

Campinas

Corrientes

Belo Horizonte Juiz de Fora

PARAGUAY

Gra nC hac o

Salta City

MI N AS G ER A IS

Potosí

Salar de Uyuni NP

Cerro Aconcagua

Puerto Santa Cruz

Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego S C O TIA S EA

From buzzy Buenos Aires to pristine Patagonia

rgentina’s contrasts never cease to amaze. One day you’re on a boat rushing towards spectacular waterfalls as electricblue butterflies flutter through the spray. Next thing you know, you’re walking across the sculpted surface of a vast glacier. Argentina’s extraordinary natural wonders are largely untouched. The mighty Andes form the country’s spine, their jagged peaks a trekking paradise. From Mendoza you can climb Mount Aconcagua or ski for miles, before sipping a fine malbec at a nearby bodega (winery). In the peaks around Bariloche are lakes of navy, peppermint green and the palest blue, surrounded by ancient forest. Nearby you can fish for huge

www.lata.org 017_Argentina_SO.indd 17

rainbow trout from the Chimehuin River, or walk among monkeypuzzle trees in Villa Pehuenia. Argentina’s history stretches back to pre-Incan cultures, whose ruined cities are perched on hillsides in cactus-strewn valleys. Quiet adobe villages are oases in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a vast gorge of vermilion rock. Wander through palm-filled plazas in colonial Salta to the sounds of a vibrant peña (folklore group), as crowds of locals clap and sing. Across the sweltering savannas of Corrientes, storks and caiman stand on islands of vegetation: a nature-watcher’s heaven. For more exotic creatures and mighty waterfalls, head 1 to the emerald jungle of Iguazú National Park, or follow red-earth roads to the evocative Jesuit ruins at San Ignacio in Misiones. The capital, Buenos Aires, is another Argentina altogether, with a swift pace, chic restaurants and Parisian-style architecture. Marvel at the intricate footwork of the tango one night and, next day, ride your horse over the pampas to a gorgeous colonial estancia (ranch) to eat sublime steaks cooked on the asado (barbecue) under the stars.

I I I

There is no experience like Patagonia: liberating, empty expanses of nothing – just sheep, llamas, wind-whipped clouds and Mount Fitz Roy’s granite turrets rising up from the steppe. All along the Atlantic coast are beautiful, wild beaches that are home to penguins and colonies

of seals, with whales basking in the bay right next to your boat. But Tierra del Fuego is the ultimate wilderness, with jagged mountains whose tree-cloaked slopes turn scarlet in autumn. Sail to the estancia (ranch) of the first pioneer and contemplate the ‘end of the world’ in magical tranquillity.

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: Buenos Aires Population: 41.8 million Language: Spanish Time: GMT-3 International dialling code: +54 Money: Argentine peso (AR$), currently around AR$6.7 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

When to go

It’s always the right time to be somewhere in Argentina, though the south is cold in  winter (May to October) and the north can be hot and humid with heavy rains during the summer months (December to February). The Argentine spring, from September to November, is perfect just about everywhere

Montes Claros

Goiânia

Santa Cruz

Oruro Lake Poopó

BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS

BRASÍLIA

PLANALTO DE MATO GROSSO

Corioco LA PAZ Cochabamba

Arica

Carinhan

Cuiabá

B O L I V I A

Sorata

Volcán El Misti

PACIFIC OCEAN

Istockphoto, Lyn Hughes

Parnaíb

Cordillera Blanca

Trujillo Chimbote

Pa ra n

Chiclayo

Xin

ANDE

Punta Aguja

Top 5 experiences

1 Wander Recoleta cemetery in Buenos Aires, home to Evita’s grave – and many stray cats 2 Slurp world-class wine in the Mendoza region, home to mouth-watering vineyards, colonial villages and luxurious estancias. 3 Ride across the wild, drum-flat Argentine pampas – saddle up for games of polo, drive cattle across huge estates or just soak up the gaucho (cowboy) culture 4 Find the end of the world – Tierra del Fuego is a land of wind-whipped wilderness and dramatic landscapes 5 Take in Patagonia’s show-piece attraction, the Perito Moreno Glacier – a 30km river of ice snaking through the mountains

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/argentina THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 17

17/1/12 10:05:59

South Geor

Belize

Maya treasures and island bliss 0

100km

M E X I C O 3 Corozal Orange Walk 1

Amber Caye

Caye Caulker Belize City The Blue 4 Hole

Altun Ha Lamanai Guanacaste

NP San Ignacio BELMOPAN

Dangriga CARIBBEAN Placencia SEA

Cockscomb Basin WS

Caracol

Lubaantun

Big Falls

800%

Punta Gorda

Tony Rath/tonyrath.com

G U AT E M A L A

elize, formerly known as British Honduras, nestles on the Caribbean coast between Mexico and Guatemala. Within this small country, the landscape varies incredibly: mountainous, tropical rainforests with abundant wildlife; fertile subtropical foothills where sugar, rice, cattle and fruit trees are cultivated; bird-filled coastal wetlands; and cayes (small islands) with beautiful beaches. The coral and cayes form a 295km-long barrier reef sitting in crystal-clear water, perfect for fishing, diving and snorkelling. Warm tropical breezes encourage the laid-back attitude of the ethnically diverse population: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the most popular. From here, take excursions to the smaller cayes and marine parks to sample spectacular diving at the world-famous Blue Hole.

18 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

018_Belize_SO.indd 18

Back on the mainland, in the west you can visit Guanacaste National Park and a number of eco-resorts, lodges and working farms offering accommodation in idyllic settings. A side trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge offers great hiking amid spectacular rivers, waterfalls and caves. San Ignacio and its twin town Santa Elena have a pleasant climate and lie in a beautiful setting of wooded hills. The whole of Belize – and especially 1 the west – is littered with ancient Maya sites; try the fine ruins at Lamanai. In the south, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for jaguars is the main attraction. The coastal area around Placencia offers some spectacular sport fishing and diving, while offshore cayes reached by boat from Dangriga or Mango Creek offer seclusion, relaxation, lovely beaches and fabulous water.

I I I

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: Belmopan; however, Belize City is the main hub Population: 321,000 Language: English (official), Spanish and indigenous languages Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +501 Money: Belize dollar (Bz$), currently around Bz$3 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK1 nationals

When to go

Officially wet season is June to August and dry season is February to May. Realistically, you could get rained on at any time, especially in the south. Hurricane season is June to November. High season is mid-December to March

top 5 experiences

1 Laze about on the cayes in the north of the country for a taste of island paradise 2 Be at one with nature at the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, an area of dense forest and cool shade, excellent for exploring local caves, rivers and waterfalls 3 Make the northern town of Orange Walk your base for visiting the surrounding Maya ceremonial sites such as Lamanai and Altun Ha 4 Head to the town of Dangriga to sample the customs and music of the Garifuna people, an Afro-Belizean community 5 Visit the world-famous jaguar preserve at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/belize www.lata.org 17/1/12 10:13:50

PORT-AU-PRINCE

Tikal

KINGSTON

JAMAICA

BELIZE

Semuc The Bay Islands Todos Santos Champey Lívingston Quetzaltenango Lake Atitlán Copán La Mosquitia Antigua ruins Lake Yojoa Gracias GUATEMALA TEGUCIGALPA Monterrico Suchitoto Cerro Verde NP SAN El Imposible NP SALVADOR Leon Granada Ruta de Flores MANAGUA

HONDURAS

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

C A R I B B E A N

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

DOMINICA

S E A

ST. LUCIA

GUATEMALA

The Corn Islands

Ometepe Island Tenorio NP Guanacaste Volcán Arenal Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero

BARBADOS GRENADA

Curaçao Henri

PANAMA

Azuero Gulf of Darién Peninsula Panama

Maracaibo

PORT OF SPAIN

Sierra Nevada NP

Armenia Buenaventura Cali Nevado del Huila

Ciudad Ciudad Guayana Bolivar

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4,000m above sea level. La Paz, Chimbote Nevado Huascarán 500m below in a deep canyon ringed by snow-capped mountains, is like a giant street market where Comas Callao Huancayo indigenous women in traditional LIMA bowler hats and brightly coloured skirts will sell you absolutely Pen. Paracas Lines everything you could possiblyNasca need Nasca – from a cheap pair of designer jeans to a dried llama foetus. Despite this, most of the country is made up of tropical lowlands, a lush carpet stretching all the way to Brazil. Twisting roads thread

B R A Z I L

Riberalta

P E R U

Madidi NP

Noel Kempff Mercado NP

Lake Titicaca

Sora

Coroico Missions LA PAZ Cochabamba Circuit Santa Cruz Oruro 2 Volcán Sajama Amboró NP Gran Chaco 3 Sucre PACIFIC Potosí Salar de OCEAN Uyuni NP 0

200km

CHILE

ARGENTINA

PARAGUAY

Antofagasta

agu

Par

A DE COR

SIERR

Chiloé

Archipelago de Los chonos

Rawson

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 19

C. Quilán O N I A

5 Soak up the sights, sounds and market stalls of colourful capital city La Paz

4 Go off-piste in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park – one of the continent’s most remote reserves, home to jaguar and more

3 Cross the sparkling-white Salar de Uyuni – the largest salt flats in the world – for an other-worldly experience; you can even stay in a salt hotel

2 Smaller than La Paz, the town of Sucre has a laid-back charm and some stunning 19th-century whitewashed houses; it’s also a Unesco World Heritage site

Itaipú

ES MOUNTA

1 Take in the deep blue hues of Lake Titicaca, one of the highest in the world

Parana

pan

Salta City their way down from the snowy ecosystems – Bthe Amazon basin, er Volcán ASUNCIÓN m Iguazú NP Llullaillaco peaks of the high Andes to steaming the foothills of thee j oAndes and the Curi Rio Igu aç Formosa Ignacio u jungles, providing excellent – if Chaco plain – and is home toSan Guazú Ur ug Nevado Ojos San Miguel de of Tucumán ua dangerous – mountain The thousands species of insects, del Salado Copiapó biking. i Corrientes 70km route from La Paz to Coroico birds and plants. The park contains Santa is like sliding down a giant heltermore butterflies than anywhere Maria Pôrto skelter – without the safety barrier. else on earth. Alegre Mar Chiquito Coquimbo A trip into the hinterland In the remote eastern corner, Lagôa dos Patos Pta. Lengua de Vaca Concordia Pelotas demonstrates that the rest of San Juan Noel Cordoba Kempff Mercado National ro Neg Bolivia is on a similar scale. In the Park is said to be one inspiration Rio Gran Santa Fe URUGUAY Paraná Cerro Aconcagua north, Lake Titicaca is one of the behind Conan Doyle’s The Colonia Lost del Lagôa Mirim Rosario Mendoza City Valparaiso Sacramento Santa Teresa NP highest navigable lakes in the World. Madidi, in the farR north, is SANTIAGO BUENOS AIRES i o d MONTEVIDEO PAMPAS e L world, while nearby Sorata is a pristine Amazonian watershed. a P La Plata Punta del Este lata surrounded by mountains San thatRafael And what’s more, the lodges in Pta. Norte C. Carranza locals insist are the site of the this region provide some of the Cabo San Antonio Chillán original Garden of Eden. In the best examples of indigenous Concepción Mar del Plata south is Pta. theLavapié old colonial town of ecotourism all of LatinCabo America. Bahia in Blanca Corrientes Co l o ra d o Potosí, complete with silver mine, Leave the modern world behind Bahia Blanca o r while a train graveyard lies on the N e gas you gaze down over the world’s edge of the Salar de Uyuni, the highest forest on the slopes of the Valdivia Viedmaor glide in silence world’s highest and largest salt flat. SajamaGolfo volcano, Pta. de la Galera San Matias Bariloche West of Santa Cruz, Amboró down the rushing Beni River with Puerto Montt Peninsula Valdés National Park Isla encompasses three only fireflies for company. de AND

top 5 experiences

019_Bolivia_SO.indd 19

A m a z o n

Chiclayo

Xin

Punta Aguja

azo

Manaus

Gulf of Guayaquil

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/bolivia www.lata.org

When to go

Bolivian weather is unpredictable and varies across the country – it could rain at any time, but especially during the wet season (October to March). August is generally the driest month and coincides with most of Bolivia’s major festivals

Macapá gr

Chimborazo

Essentials

FRENCH

Ne Ca

Adventure and adrenaline at dizzying heights Trujillo

Capital: Sucre (judicial), La Paz (political) Population: 10.1 million Language: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara Time: GMT-4 International dialling code: +591 Money: Boliviano (Bs), currently around Bs10.5 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK1 nationals

Saül

QUITO

Vital statistics

Galibi Natu Salut Brownsberg Islands Kourou NP Voltaire CAYEN Falls

PARAMARIBO

Raleighvallen Nature Reserve U I Mount Roraima A N A H I G H Central L A N Orin D S Suriname Awarradam oco Nature Reserve

Punta Galera

n Bolivia you learn to expect the unexpected. This is where flamingoes feed from red and green lakes rimmed by volcanoes, where Dalí-esque rock structures dot the altiplano (high plain) like a baby giant’s building blocks, and where waterfalls crash onto one of the most dangerous (but spectacular) roads in the world. With close to 1,000 peaks over 5,000m, it is no surprise that Bolivia has the highest capital in the world. Even the airport is

GEORGETOWN

GUYANA

Angel Falls

San Agustín

Bolivia I

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Delta del Orinoco

Medellin Manizales

Pereira Nevado del Tolima

Orinoc

Magda

Cabo Corrientes

Tobago

Paria Trinidad Peninsula

VENEZUELA

Corcovado NP Osa Peninsula

Gulf of Venezuela

Cauca

COSTA RICA SAN JOSÉ

Manuel Antonio NP

Tayrona NP

ST. VINCENT

Barranquilla Pittier Morrocoy NP CARACAS NP Cartagena Portobello Maracaibo Ciudad Perdida Panama Panamá Viejo Valencia Canal (The Lost City) San Blás Barquisimeto PANAMA Islands Lake S

Lake Nicaragua

Volcán Masaya

LESSE R AN TIL Netherlands LE S Aruba Antilles

Pta. Gallinas

ANDE

I I I

NICARAGUA

EL SALVADOR

Pa ra n

Palenque

Los Haitises NP

Mount SANTO Pico Duarte DOMINGO

San Cristóbel de las Casas

HAITI

Tulum

aná

Oaxaca

Peninsula

Par

MEXICO CITY

iStockphoto

ACÁN

Lago Buenos Aires Dese

Comodoro Rivadavia Golfo de San Jorge C. Tres Puntas

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Brazil

Riotur Brazil

A heady brew of sun, sea and samba in South America’s largest country

mix of mountain, rainforest and beach – and its eclectic mix of cosmopolitan city and tropical resort. Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Copacabana, Ipanema and Maracanã stadium are all names and images that make Rio special – as does the spectacular Carnaval. Brazil is much more than Rio, though. The north-east is growing in popularity as a destination, led by the state of Bahia, often dubbed ‘Africa in exile’. This was the heart of colonial Brazil and the best architecture of that period is found in the state capital, Salvador, where more than 800 buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries can be found in an area designated a World Heritage site by Unesco. The north-east offers a heady blend of cultures, cuisine and ethnic groups, as well as many natural wonders such as Chapada Diamantina National Park and the

escribed as the sexiest people on earth, Brazilians are themselves seduced by the sound of music and the lure of the beach. Along Brazil’s 7,250km coastline there is a stretch of sand for every volleyball player, capoeira dancer, surfer and dune-basher. But Brazilians have a spiritual side to match their hedonistic streak. Many exotic religions flourish, most notable Candomblé E D S T A T E S A M E R I C A (based on African traditions), BERMUDA existing alongside Catholicism. Brazil also has a rich architectural heritage, dating back to the 16th century, when the Portuguese BAHAMAS invested in some of the world’s most beautiful baroque buildings. CUBA PUERTO RICO HAITI Brazilians say that God created ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA JAMAICA ST. KITTS REPUBLIC– and BELIZE the world in sixDOMINICAN days onDOMINICA the AND NEVIS HONDURAS ST. LUCIA seventh He created Rio de Janeiro. MALA ST. VINCENT NICARAGUA BARBADOS EL SALVADOR Few who have been to Rio would GRENADA TRINIDAD & argue, given the city’s spectacular TOBAGO COSTA RICA L.Sup erior

Bismarck

Montreal

St. Paul

L.Mi chig

Madison

Boston

Cape Cod

New York

Harrisburg

Trenton

WASHINGTON

Springfield

Charleston

Frankfort

Richmond

Nashville

Raleigh

Columbia

A la

Red

Dallas

Austin Houston

Cape Hatteras

Little Rock

Dover

Indianapolis

St. Louis

iss

City

Providence

Hartford

Detroit

Columbus

Jefferson City

Concord

Albany

Chicago

Topeka

Cape Sable

Montpelier

Toronto

Lansing

Des Moines

Lincoln

Halifax

Augusta

Ottawa

Pierre

Jackson

Montgomery

Baton Rouge

Cape Fear

Atlanta

Savannah

Tallahassee

Jacksonville

New Orleans

nio

Mississippi Delta

Orlando

Tampa

A T L A N T I C

Miami

GULF OF MEXICO

HAVANA

ico

Varadero

Trinidad

Mérida

Yucatan Peninsula

PORT-AU-PRINCE

KINGSTON

Palenque

Tikal

Lake Nicaragua

Pta. Gallinas

The Corn Islands

Ometepe Island

Tenorio NP Guanacaste Nicoya Peninsula Jacó

Tayrona NP

Volcán Arenal Tortuguero

SAN JOSÉ

Manuel Antonio NP

C A R I B B E A N

Corcovado NP Osa Peninsula

Aruba

Gulf of Venezuela

S E A

LESSE R AN TIL Netherlands LE S Antilles

Curaçao Henri

PORT OF SPAIN

Barranquilla Pittier Morrocoy NP CARACAS NP Cartagena Portobello Ciudad Perdida Maracaibo Panama Panamá Viejo Valencia Canal (The Lost City) San Blás Barquisimeto PANAMA Islands Lake

PANAMA

Azuero Gulf of Darién Peninsula Panama

Maracaibo

Sierra Nevada NP

Tobago

Paria Trinidad Peninsula

Ciudad Guayana

Orinoco

Delta del Orinoco

VENEZUELA

SURINAME FRENCH GUIANA

COLOMBIA

ECUADOR

Manaus

Amazon

Santarém

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Belém

Teresina Porto Velho

PERU

Cuiabá

BOLIVIA PACIFIC OCEAN

Chapada Diamantina NP BRASÍLIA

I I I

Fortaleza

Recife

Salvador

1 Pantanal PA São Vitória RA Paulo GU AY Iguassu Río de Janeiro NP CHILE ARGENTINA Florianópolis A T L A N T I C OCEAN

Porto Alegre

300km

URUGUAY Ri

PAMPAS

La Plata

San Rafael C. Carranza

22 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA Sa

Chillán Concepción

Pta. Lavapié

Col

Bahia Blanca ora d o

4 Shake those hips at Brazil’s annual Carnaval – top places to join the party include Recife, Salvador, São Paulo and Rio 5 Wildlife-spot, canoe-paddle and forest-delve in the vast Amazon Rainforest

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/brazil

MONTEVIDEO

Plat

Punta del Este

Pta. Norte Cabo San Antonio

Mar del Plata

Cabo Corrientes

www.lata.org

y a m

Peninsula Valdés Ch ub ut

022_Brazil_SO.indd 22

When to go

Brazil can be visited at any time of year, depending on where you go. Most of the country is tropical but, given its size, weather patterns can vary. National holidays run mid-December to February, so it can get busy around this time

1 Enjoy the beaches, juice bars and local hospitality in Rio de Janeiro – a city that has it all 2 Wander around the pastelcoloured colonial houses of Salvador, in the northern state of Bahia, a hotbed of Afro-Brazilian culture and music 3 Spot flora and fauna aplenty in the Pantanal, a vast and verdant spread of wetlands – a nature-spotter’s dream and real jaguar hotspot

Golfo San Matias

Bariloche

Puerto Montt Isla de Chiloé

top 5 experiences

Viedma

Pta. de la Galera

Vital statistics

Capital: Brasília Population: 203 million Language: Portuguese Time: GMT-2 (Brasília and coast), GMT-3 (Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, western Pará, Rondônia, Roraima), GMT-4 (Acre, West Amazonas) International dialling code: +55 Money: Real (R$), currently around R$2.85 to the UK£ Natal Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

Bahia Blanca

Negro

Valdivia

wetlands in the Americas where an immense diversity of bird and wildlife can be found. Brazil’s southern states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná are equally full of surprises. There are great beaches for sun and surf; crumbling colonial splendour at towns such as Paranaguá; Bavarian architecture at Blumenau; Itaimbezinho Canyon, the largest in Latin America; and the spectacular falls at Iguaçu, which stretch almost 3km along the border with Argentina and Paraguay.

Essentials

O C E A N

GUYANA

Rawson

C. Quilán I A

San Cristóbel de las Casas

Jarabocoa Samaná Los Haitises NP Mount SANTO Pico Duarte DOMINGO

Santiago de Cuba

Tulum

Cauca

stunning beaches. Other popular destinations in the north-east include the states of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe. The mighty Amazon river flows through northern Brazil to the Atlantic. Visitors can explore and experience the astonishing natural variety of the Amazon’s flora and fauna via gateways such as Belém or Manaus. Offering a more visible display of Brazil’s varied wildlife is the Pantanal, a collection of ecosystems comprising the largest

Comodoro Rivadavia

17/1/12 10:34:01

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Chile

The ‘thin country’ reaching Pacific heights PERU BOLIVIA

Arica Iquique

PARAGUAY San Pedro de Atacama Atacama Desert

La Serena

1 4 ARGENTINA

PA C I F I C OCEAN

SANTIAGO

Chillán

Valdivia

Pucón Lake District

Puerto Montt Chiloé

Coyhaique

horns

AT L A N T I C OCEAN

gon

Villa O’Higgins

Pata

Felipe Orrego; Gastón Oyarzún. Both from www.visitchile.org

Valparaíso

Hanga Roa Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

hile is a ribbon of land squashed between the Pacific and the Andes. Its landscape embraces glacial wilderness and moonscapes, lakes and volcanoes, beaches, salt flats and the burnt colours of the desert. In one day it’s possible to scale a mountain, soak off the exhaustion in a thermal bath and then rest beneath the desert stars. Santiago, Chile’s sophisticated capital, nestles beside the Andes. It’s a frenetic collision of skyscrapers, noise and nightlife. The nearby port of Valparaíso was described by Brian Keenan as a “Venice waiting to be discovered,” with warrens of streets and bright houses.

In the far north is the small town of San Pedro de Atacama, an unlikely oasis set among geysers, volcanoes and salt flats. For real stargazers, there are astronomical observatories to take advantage of the region’s clear skies. South of capital Santiago is the popular Lake District. Much of this region is protected as national parks, and the mixture of forests, lakes and snow-capped volcanoes is unforgettable. Further south lies the mysterious archipelago of Chiloé, one of the most fascinating areas of Chile. Here you are almost always within sight of the sea, with dolphins playing in the waters and, on a clear day, views across to the 1 twisting Corcovado volcano. The Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) traverses a large tract of sparsely inhabited wilderness. Drive past forests, glaciers, fjords, small islands and hidden fishing villages. There are hot springs and excellent fishing and rafting in the cold, clean waters. You can climb mountains and cross ice fields, or cruise to the breathtaking sight of Laguna San Rafael’s glacier. In the far south lies the aweinspiring Torres del Paine National

I I I

www.lata.org 025_Chile_SO.indd 25

Park, a mecca for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Throughout the year, the park offers constantly changing views of the glaciers, peaks and the iconic granite towers, which overlook vividly coloured lakes and quiet green

500km

Torres Tierra del del Paine NP Fuego Punta Arenas Puerto Williams Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn)

valleys filled with carpets of wild flowers and shrubs. For something completely different, head 3,790km west into the Pacific. Here sits Easter Island, famous for its 887 iconic and mysterious moai (stone heads).

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: Santiago Population: 17 million Language: Spanish Time: GMT-4 (mainland), GMT-6 (Easter Island) International dialling code: +56 Money: Chilean peso (CLP), currently around CLP750 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK1 nationals

When to go

Explore the south November to April but avoid mid-winter (June to September) when some southern areas are almost impenetrable. The middle of Chile is best in spring and autumn, while the northern desert can be explored year-round

top 5 experiences

1 Amble about the port town of Valparaíso and feast your eyes on the colourful old town 2 Trek through the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, for spectacular vistas over snow-capped mountains and shimmering lakes 3 Have a head-to-head with the giant stone statues on Easter Island, remnants of a longvanished Polynesian civilisation in the remotest Pacific 4 Tuck into seafood in the buzzing metropolis of Santiago, one of South America’s most happening urban centres 5 Drive for miles without encountering another soul on the wild Carretera Austral

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/chile THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 25

17/1/12 10:39:27

SkorpiosLata2011.FH11 Fri Oct 21 13:19:07 2011

Página 1 C

CY CMY

Footprint

88 years in Latin America

Over 35 travel guides to this stunning continent.

“The best books for South America around” South American Explorers Club

Available from all good bookshops and online at Amazon or

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6/12/11 11:04 AM 18/1/12 10:40:19

L.S up eri

Bismarck

Montreal St. Paul ip

Madison

Boston

Cape Cod

Hartford Harrisburg

ans

Trenton

WASHINGTON

Springfield

Topeka Jefferson City

Providence

New York

Columbus Ark

Concord

Albany

Chicago

Lincoln

Denver

Montpelier

Detroit

Des Moines

Cape Sable

Toronto

Lansing

L.M ich

Cheyenne

Halifax

Augusta

Ottawa

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Dover

Indianapolis Charleston

St. Louis

Frankfort

U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A

Richmond

Canadian

Oklahoma City

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Nashville

Cape Hatteras

Columbia

BERMUDA

Cape Fear

Proexport; Colombian Journeys

Red

Raleigh

Little Rock

Dallas

Colorad

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Austin Houston

Jackson

Atlanta

Montgomery

Baton Rouge

Savannah

Tallahassee Jacksonville

New Orleans

San Antonio

Mississippi Delta

Orlando Tampa

A T L A N T I C

O C E A N

Monterrey

E X I C O

VERACRUZ

Trinidad

Yucatan Peninsula

MEXICO CITY

Oaxaca

Tulum

Palenque

CUBA

Santiago de Cuba

HAITI

PORT-AU-PRINCE

JAMAICA

KINGSTON

PUERTO RICO

Jarabocoa Samaná Los Haitises NP Mount SANTO Pico Duarte DOMINGO

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

DOMINICAN

REPUBLIC BELIZE DOMINICA AND NEVIS Idyllic beaches, cultural riches and soul-shaking salsa HONDURAS San Cristóbel de las Casas

ST. KITTS

Tikal

ST. LUCIA

GUATEMALA

NICARAGUA EL SALVADORuch of Colombia is

BARBADOS To the east lies Tayrona south-west of Bogotá is Cali, partyGRENADA National Park, where visitors lovingPORT capital of salsa music. OF Tobago SPAIN TRINIDAD & Paria jewel share the beaches with pelicans, The Trinidad in the country’s Peninsula TOBAGO Delta delis the beautiful city and enjoy an idyllic setting: the colonial crown Orinoco Ciudad backdrop of the snow-capped of Ciudad Cartagena, full of wonderful old Guayana Bolivar GEORGETOWN Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta buildings lining flower-filled Galibi Nature Reserve PARAMARIBO Angel Salut GUYANA Brownsberg Islands rises straight out of the gentle streets Falls and with aNature fascinating Raleighvallen Kourou NP Reserve Mount Roraima Voltaire history rich in emeralds and Falls SaülCAYENNE waters of the Caribbean. SURINAME Central Suriname Awarradam Located inland, high up pirates. Today it’s the heart Nature Reserve of FRENCH GUIANA in the mountains, lies Ciudad Colombia’s Caribbean: miles of unspoilt coastline stretch west Macapá Perdida, an ancient centre of the B. de Marajó once-great Tayrona culture. towards Panama. I. de Marajó

C A R I B B E A N1 S E A

now firmly on the Ciudad Cartagena travel circuit, and Perdida COSTA RICA SAN JOSÉ PANAMA Manuel Antonio NP the adventurous Corcovado NP Osa Peninsula Azuero VENEZUELA will fall in love with this land of Peninsula sun and emeralds. Colombia is Medellin 5 a land of contrasts, from the cool Pereira BOGOTÁ heights of capital city Bogotá to the 3 Ibagué Buenaventura 2 sweltering Caribbean beaches. Neiva Opportunities for climbing, San Agustín Punta Galera trekking and diving are excellent, BRAZIL and there are mud volcanoes to ECUADOR Belém B. de bathe in, acres of flowers, remoteGuayaquil São Marcos Manaus Gulf of São Luis coffee fincas high in the mountains Guayaquil PERU 0 200km Fortaleza and a CD library’s worth of music Teresina Ponta do Calcanhar festivals, in addition to several Punta Aguja Natal superb historical sites. Chiclayo Vital statistics Top 5 experiences Joao Pessoa Trujillo Bogotá stands on a plateau in the G A S T I N Cordillera Blanca Capital: Bogotá Sun-worship on the A A C 1 Porto Velho Nevado Huascarán Recife eastern cordillera of the Andes. The Chimbote Population: 45 million white-sand CaribbeanJuazeiro beaches old centre, La Candelaria, boasts Maceió around Tayrona National Park S I Language: Spanish Riberalta ER Manu Biosphere RA Reserve dozens of fine colonial buildings Aracaju Comas DO Time: S P GMT-5 Huancayo Chapadain the AR 2 Get a history lesson Callao LIMA ECI Diamantina NP S Machu Picchu and a grand Gold Museum housing International dialling code: +57 Sacred Valley Cusco small town of San Agustín, Salvador one of the most remarkable Money: Colombian peso (COP), Noel Kempff Pen. Paracas famed for its intricate Carinhanha Mercado NP Nasca Lines Cuiabá Colca Canyon BRAZILIAN B dating A H I A collections of pre-Hispanic gold BRASÍLIA B O currently L I V I Aaround COP$2,856 Nasca H I G H L A N D S statues pre-Columbian 1 Nevado Ampato Volcán Sorata Nevado Ancohume PLANALTO DE MATO GROSSO Corioco to the UK£ in Latin America. Montes Claros5,000 years Goiânia Arequipa El Misti back more than LA PAZ Cochabamba Visas: required by UK nationals Outside the centre, head to the Cruz 1 SantaNot Caravelas M Ithose N A S salsa moves Oruro 3 Show off Sucre Arica G E R A I S town of Zipaquirá to explore the inBelo Cali, Latin America’s Horizonte When to go Campo Grande Potosí ACIFIC OCEAN Pta. de Baleia awesome cathedralPcarved out of Salar de Uyuni NP 1 undisputed capital when it comes There are no real ‘seasons’ in Vitória Juiz to the dance.de Look out for the city’s a rock-salt mine – a true wonder The Chaco Fora Colombia: weather is dependent Campos Concepción Campinas post-Christmas feria (carnival) Cabo de São Tomé of this mysterious country. Esteros de on altitude. Heavy showers can Antofagasta Iberá São Paulo Río de Janeiro Cabo Frio PARAGUAY R South-west of Bogotá, in the lush Stroll the warren of streets in Salta City happen at any time, ASUNCIÓN though rain is 4 M A Santos Volcán Iguazú NP Llullaillaco Curitiba the walled city of Cartagena, valleys around the little town of more likely inFormosa April, May, October San Ignacio Guazú Colombia’s most impressive San Agustín, lies the country’s most and November. Nevado Ojos San Miguel de Tucumán The best time to del Salado Copiapó Florianópolis Corrientes colonial gem visit is December to February, but impressive pre-Columbian site: Laguna Santa C H I L E Cabo Sta. Marta Grande take warm clothing for areas above Visit the sparklingly the Valley of the Statues, where Maria Pôrto 5 Alegre 2,000m. Bogotá has cool to Coquimbo enlightening Gold Museum hundreds of enigmatic stone Pta. Lengua de Vaca Cordoba temperatures Concordia moderate all year Pelotas in La Candelaria, Bogotá San Juan figures of men, animals and gods – Rio Grande Santa Fe URUGUAY Paraná Cerro Aconcagua some over 5,000 years old – adorn ForRosario more information go to www.lata.org/colombia Colonia del Mendoza City Valparaiso Sacramento Santa Teresa NP an ancient ceremonial site. Also SANTIAGO BUENOS AIRES MONTEVIDEO PAMPAS TheLake Corn Islands Nicaragua Ometepe Island Tenorio NP Guanacaste Volcán Arenal Tortuguero Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Volcán Masaya

Tayrona NP

Orinoco

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San Rafael C. Carranza

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Pa ra n

Lake Poopó

MA DESERT

O A N P L T I A L

ATA C A

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Acapulco

Varadero

Mérida

Teotihuacán

MICHOACÁN

BAHAMAS

Colombia HAVANA

Tampico

Leon

Miami

GULF OF MEXICO

Bahia Blanca

Co l o ra d o

Bahia Blanca

Plat

Punta del Este

Pta. Norte Cabo San Antonio

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 27

Mar del Plata

Cabo Corrientes

18/1/12 12:56:53

Tallahassee

Jacksonvi

New Orleans

San Antonio

de ran

Copper Canyon

Baton Rouge

Houston

G Rio

Chihuahua

FO RN IA

Costa Rica

Mississippi Delta

Orlando Tampa

Torreón

Monterrey

True to its name, undeniably nature-rich

Mia

GULF OF MEXICO

M E X I C O HAVANA

Tampico Guadalajara Cabo Corrientes

Leon

VERACRUZ

Trinidad Mérida

Teotihuacán

Sue Morkill/Last Frontiers; iStockphoto

MICHOACÁN Acapulco

eaceful, calm and politically stable – welcome to Costa Rica. Coast to coast, the country boasts huge riches in wildlife. Indeed, more than 25% of Costa Rica is protected by national parks and reserves. Quetzals flit through the moss-draped cloud forest, hummingbirds congregate to drink nectar, monkeys howl, frogs come in a spectrum of dazzling shades and leatherback turtles nest on virgin beaches. In short, it’s a nature-lover’s paradise. In the far north-west, Guanacaste has the largest remaining area of dry forest in Central America and is a Unesco Natural World Heritage site. Further south, the Nicoya Peninsula’s beaches are hidden in quiet, secluded coves, separated by rocky outcrops and fringed by jauntily angled palms rustling in the coastal breeze. The Central Pacific coast ups the pace very

Palenque Tikal

JAM

BELIZE

Semuc The Bay Islands Champey Lívingston Todos Santos Quetzaltenango Lake Atitlán Copán La Mosquitia Antigua ruins Lake Yojoa Gracias GUATEMALA TEGUCIGALPA MonterricoEL SALVADOR Suchitoto Cerro Verde NP

GUATEMALA slightly: visit the laid-back hangout of Jacó and enjoy the unmistakable beauty and golden-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. The coastal mangroves around Tortuguero are a teasing mix of natural wonders – a huge national park comprising coast and junglefringed waterways teeming with bird and insect life. If you’re lucky you may see a huge leatherback turtle lumber out of the ocean to lay soft-skinned, leathery eggs in a sandy nest. You might also catch the looping flight of a multicoloured toucan or spot the vivid flash of morpho butterflies. The capital city, San José, perches in the heart of the central highlands, on a loose line of volcanoes that runs the length of the country. Dividing the Caribbean from the Pacific, the Central, Tilarán and Guanacaste 1mountain ranges contain six active volcanoes including mighty Arenal, which spews a constant trickle of red-hot lava, illuminating the night sky. For something less explosive, Rincón de la Vieja and Volcán Tenorio National Parks have spluttering mud baths and steaming thermal pools that you can wallow in. Want some more action? Adrenaline junkies can tackle the barren páramo savannas to reach the peak of Cerro Chirripó. Or

I I I

HONDURAS El Imposible investigate CostaNP Rica’s stone balls located in the Diquis Delta – ancient and enigmatic relics, Ruta de Flores ranging in diameter from a few CARIBBEAN NICARAGUA SEA centimetres to 2m, which are still Guanacaste NP 2 a mystery to archaeologists. Rincón de 5 Volcán 3 la Vieja NP Arenal Río Pacuare For some of the best rainforest Monteverde Puerto Limón trekking in Latin America, head to SAN JOSÉ 1 4 Cerro Corcovado National Park on the Manuel Antonio NP Chirripó Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica’s most P A C I F I C Corcovado PANAMA NP OCEAN remote and possibly its most Osa 0 200km Peninsula rewarding wilderness.

Panama Canal

Gulf of Panama

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: San José Population: 4.6 million Language: Spanish (English widely understood) Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +506 Money: Colón (¢), currently around ¢790 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

When to go

Costa Rica’s two coasts have different weather patterns: the Pacific coast is dry from December to April, while the Caribbean slopes are drier between August and October. Costa Rica has long periods of sunshine and, due to its proximity to the equator, doesn’t really have a winter season

Cabo Co

Top 5 experiences

1 The iconic cloud forest of Monteverde is home to the aptly named resplendent quetzal

Buenav

2 Check out the Arenal volcano by night – from a safe distance of course – as it coughs up red-hot lava, which then slowly trickles down the mountainside

San

of 3 Explore the lush forests Punta Galera Guanacaste National Park where there are plenty of senderos QUITO (trails), hiking options and nature-spotting opportunities

4 Embrace your inner fitness junkie by climbing Cerro Chirripó, the highest peak inGuayaquil Costa Rica, nearly 4,000m above sea level

ECU

Chimbo

Gulf of

5 Get an adrenaline fix Guayaquil whitewater rafting on the Reventazón and Pacuare rivers

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/costarica www.lata.org Punta Aguja

Chiclayo

18/1/12 12:51:12

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San Cristóbel de las Casas

Tulum

ANDE

28 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

Yucatan Peninsula

MEXICO CITY

Oaxaca

Varade

Madison

Lansing

L .M ic

nne

Chicago

Lincoln

Cape Cod

New York

Harrisburg

Trenton

Columbus Ark

ans

WASHINGTON

Springfield

Topeka

Jefferson City

Providence

Hartford

Detroit

Des Moines

Boston

Albany

Indianapolis

Dover

Charleston

St. Louis

Frankfort

U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A

Richmond

Canadian

iss

Nashville

Raleigh

Cape Hatteras

Little Rock

Oklahoma City

Columbia

Cape Fear

Paul Morrison

Red

Dallas

Colora

Jackson

Rio Gra nde

Cuba Austin Houston

Atlanta

Montgomery

Baton Rouge

Tallahassee Jacksonville

New Orleans

San Antonio

Mississippi Delta

Orlando

Classic cars and old-school charm

Monterrey

verybody’s image of Cuba is different. For some, it’s an idealised tropical paradise, with palm trees swaying alongside endless, dazzling-white beaches and a turquoise sea. Others remember Tampico its past decadence: stories of Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene, cheap rum, gambling, wild dances and cigars being rolled on the thighs of dusky maidens. Only the Teotihuacán gambling is no longer available. MEXICO CITYare revolutionaries: Then there José Martí, Castro, Che Guevara.

I C O

BELIZE

BAHAMAS HAVANA 2

Viñales 4

Trinidad

Sierra del Rosario

Jaraboco

CARIBBEAN SEA

Santiago de Cuba

HAITI

JAMAICA 200km

Mount Pico Duart

DOM REP

Cuba is blessed with a pristine

Out of the water, Varadero is a sandy spit of land that stretches for kilometres along the north coast and has attracted tourists since the beginning of the 20th century. For something a bit livelier, head to the locals’ favourite hangouts: Guanabo, near Havana, or the beaches east of Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second city. Pta. Gallinas Wherever you go in Cuba you Aruba The Corn Islands Lake Nicaragua Volcánin Masaya the Cuban capital, a famous by Ernest Hemingway. will be accompanied by music. 10% commission to exchange Gulf Ometepe Island Tayrona NP clapped-out vintage car soaking of Venezuela Every town has a casa de la them, so take euros Guanacaste Barranquilla up the atmosphere andNP spotting Tenorio Mo trova where you can enjoy Visas: UK nationals need a 30-day Volcán Arenal Che Guevara murals Cartagena Portobello the different styles of Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero tourist card. Contact the Cuban Ciudad Perdida Maracaib Panama Panamá Viejo Embassy or your tour operator Cuban music for the 4 Dive the deep-blue sea and SAN JOSÉ Canal 1 (The Lost City) Bar San Blásprice of a rum take advantage of the excellent or two. Manuel Antonio Islands coral reefs around María laNP Gorda, When to go PANAMA Corcovado NP The salsa and the son, Lake 1 Dry season is November to in the far west Osa Peninsula the mamba and the Maracaibo Azuero Gulf of Darién Sie April – it can be as cool as 15ºC in Peninsula Panama rumba – all are now 5 Visit the casa de la trova in Ne January and February. The wet and Santiago, one of the best internationally windy season lasts May to October spots for seeing live music famous and Cuban jazz has influenced music the For more information go to www.lata.org/cuba Medellin Cabo Corrientes world over. Manizales a

Tikal

reef around most of its shores, Vital statistics Top Semuc 5 experiences The with Bay Islands walls and wrecks hosting Lívingston Capital: Havana Todos Santos 1 Champey Hike into the spectacular kaleidoscopic underwater life. The Population: 11.1 Quetzaltenango million limestone peaks and pine Copán Lake Atitlán coral is in excellent Language: Spanish forests of Viñales La Mosquitia condition and Antigua ruins Lake Yojoa Time: GMT-5 there are turtles, dolphins, grouper, Head to Trinidad, a laid-back Gracias 2 International dialling code:GUATEMALA +53 whale sharks, moray eels, rays, city full of gently dilapidated TEGUCIGALPA Money: The Cuban peso (CU$) Monterrico is Suchitoto barracuda and other large creatures colonial the main Cerro Verde NP beauty, where SAN only used by Cubans. Visitors use El Imposible NP remains industry tobacco to make your heart miss a beat. SALVADOR pesos convertibles (CUC$), worth processing from nearby fields Leon Deep-sea fishing has long been 1.54 to the UK£. US dollars are not Granada popular, with tournaments made Drive around Havana, MANAGUA 3 accepted, and you’ll be charged Ruta de Flores

HONDURAS

GUATEMALA

EL SALVADOR

NICARAGUA

COSTA RICA

PANAMA

Cauca

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Pereira

THE TO LATIN BOGOTÁ AMERICA 29 Nevado delGUIDE Tolima

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San Cristóbel Essentials de las Casas

Oaxaca

GULF OF MEXICO

Palenque

ATLANTIC OCEAN

USA

These men perhaps contribute the most powerful island image of them all: Cuba freeing itself from its colonial past and then standing up to the US, the world’s most powerful country. Cuba’s old towns remain remarkably unspoilt and intact. Havana is a Unesco World Heritage site and strenuous efforts are being made to restoreMérida the colonial centre to its former glory. Around the island, Trinidad is the most Yucatan Tulum precious colonial town, Peninsula where little has changed for at least 100 years.

ACÁN

VERACRUZ

Tampa

Magda

eon

Savannah

COLOMBIA 17/1/12 11:14:59

Nashville

Raleigh

Cape Hatteras

Dominican Republic

BERMUD

Cape Fear

Columbia

Atlanta

If life’s a beach then this is heaven

Montgomery

Savannah

Tallahassee Jacksonville

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Orlando Tampa

Miami Dominican Republic Tourist Board

O HAVANA

Varadero BAHAMAS

Trinidad

The Dominican Republic has aze on a beach under the Caribbean’s highest peak – swaying palm trees, the the rugged Pico Duarte – which blue sea lapping at your towers over the Cordillera Central toes while you sip rum at 3,175m. Nearby Jarabacoa is cocktails and catch up on your the centre for most adventure reading. Or, if the novelty of sports, from white-water rafting a Bounty-style paradise wears to canyoning. off, don a wetsuit and tackle the Further east, head to Samaná rapids, leap off a waterfall, hike up Bay to watch humpback whales a mountain and then tear back frolicking in the ocean. Los down it on a mountain bike – the Haitises National Park is a 1,200Dominican Republic has a bit of The Bay Islands sq-km park of coastal wetlands, something for everyone. lush, grassy knolls and a series of Santo Domingo is the welllimestone caves with Amerindian preserved colonial capital, Yojoa cave drawings. When you tire of a Unesco World Heritage Site nature-watching, sign up for which showcases the conquistadors’ a horse-riding trek to El Limón first cathedral, first paved street to bathe in the cool pool at the and first court in the New World. bottom of its Men cluster around tables at the 1 150m waterfall. Or try your hand at kiteboarding at roadside, deliberating over their Cabarete, one of the world’s top next domino move; raucous destinations for the sport. baseball fans spill out of Estadio The Corn Islands Lake Nicaragua a Quisqueya to celebrate their teams’ Ometepe Island Tayrona NP victories and bemoan their losses; uanacaste people dance, sip sweet coffee and betVolcán on the next cockfight. Arenal Every night the seafront drive – Tortuguero ula Panama the Malecón – becomes a huge, Canal multicoloured disco. The most San Blás riotous celebrations are during the Islands Corcovadomonth-long NP Carnaval, when street Osa Peninsula parties erupt all over theAzuero island, Gulf of Darién culminating in a colourful parade Panama Peninsula through the capital.

Tulum

Santiago de Cuba

Samaná

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Leon Granada

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Los Haïtises NP

SANTO DOMINGO

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200km

Vital statistics

Capital: Santo Domingo Population: 10 million Language: Spanish Time: GMT-4 International dialling code: +1 809 Money: Dominican Republic peso (RD$), currently around RD$59 to the UK£ Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

Pta. Gallinas

When to go

Aruba

A Top 5 experiences

1 Get swept up in the country’s baseball mania at the Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo 2 Go wild for nature at Lake Enriquillo, located in a huge valley that’s the lowest point in the Caribbean for spotting L E S – excellent E R and flamingoes,S crocs A iguanas

NTI

ST. VIN

Netherlands 3 Visit the capital Santo L L Domingo – a blueprint for E S Antilles

Spanish colonial town-building 1 Rain is most likely between Gulf –and see the conquistadors’ first Curaçao of Venezuela Henri May and November, but the cathedral and first paved street Dominican Republic stays at a Pittier Morrocoy an intrepid hiker and balmy 28-31°C throughout the year. 4 Become NP the NP Pico Duarte, tackle The north coast can be wet, and Caribbean’s highest peak, set you might want to avoid August among rugged terrain and September which is the hurricane season. The least humid 5 Hit the rapids white-water time – and the high season – runs rafting on three rivers around Lake November to April the town of Jarabacoa Maracaibo

Sierra 8 For more information go to www.lata.org/dominicanrepublic Nevada NP

Orinoc

www.lata.org

Ciuda Boliv

Medellin Manizales

Pa Penin

VENEZUELA

Cabo Corrientes

Magda

30 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 030_Dominican Republic_SO.indd 30

Playa Limón

CARACAS Cartagena Portobello Maracaibo Ciudad Perdida Panamá Viejo Valencia (The Lost City) Barquisimeto PANAMA na

ICA

Pico Duarte

Cauca

Jacó SAN JOSÉ

3 1

Essentials

La Mosquitia

HAITI

JAMAICA

HONDURAS

Jarabacoa

CUBA

KINGSTON

Cabarete

ATLANTIC OCEAN

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P A C I F I C O C E A N

C O L O M B I A

Atacames Otavalo 4

Manta

Quito

Cotopaxi 5 Chimborazo Puerto Tungurahua López Riobamba Guayaquil Macas

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Ecuador & the Galapagos A whole world – and two hemispheres – in one

he phrase ‘small is beautiful’ could have been coined specifically with Ecuador in mind. By South American standards it is tiny and dwarfed by its neighbours Colombia and Peru. But it is this relative compactness that is one of its main attractions. Here, you can watch dawn break over the jungle canopy, have lunch high in the Andean mountains and then watch the sun slip into the Pacific Ocean – all in the same day. The capital city, Quito, is the perfect base from which to explore. Although it stands a mere 23km south of the equator, Quito’s mountain setting means it enjoys a pleasant, spring-like climate all year round. The city has enough to satisfy the culture vulture and hedonistic night owl, and you don’t have to be an architecture buff to appreciate its elegant and beautifully preserved colonial heart, a Unesco World Heritage Site. South of Quito lies some of the finest mountain scenery in Ecuador. The early 19th-century explorer Alexander von Humboldt dubbed this part of the country the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. An impressive roll call of towering peaks lines the route south: 34 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

034_Ecuador_SO.indd 34

Cotopaxi, Chimborazo and Tungurahua, to name a few. The area attracts trekkers and climbers, while the less active can browse through the many colourful Indian markets and colonial towns that nestle among the volcanic cones. On the western side of the Andes lies Ecuador’s coast, so different in atmosphere from the highlands that you could almost be in another country. If your idea of a good time is to lie on a beach all day soaking up rays and partying into the small hours of the morning, then Ecuador’s popular beach resorts are for you. Those who prefer their activity during daylight hours can swim, surf, scuba dive or watch humpback whales1getting it together in the warm waters off the shores of Manabí province. Beautiful woven textiles are produced throughout the northern highlands, often using techniques unchanged for centuries. A few hours north of Quito, the market town of Otavalo is one of Ecuador’s main weaving centres. No visit to Ecuador would be complete without venturing into its steamy jungles. Only a few hours away from Quito, it’s home to all manner of strange and exotic flora and fauna.

I I I

A trip to the Galapagos Islands is an unforgettable experience. 1,000km west of mainland Ecuador, the islands are worldrenowned for their fearless wildlife

– but no amount of hype can prepare the visitor for such close encounters. Snorkel with penguins and sea lions, watch giant tortoises lumbering through cactus forests, go gooey-eyed over your first glimpse of a seal pup and enjoy the courtship displays of the blue-footed booby and frigate bird.

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: Quito Population: 13.5 million Language: Spanish and Quechua Time: GMT-5 (mainland), GMT-6 (Galapagos) International dialling code: +593 Money: US dollar (US$), currently around US$1.54 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals

When to go

Ecuador is considered a year-round destination; conditions vary more with altitude and time of day than time of year. The bulk of travellers arrive between June and September when conditions are drier and cooler with occasional fog. Quito and the mountains can be much cooler than the rest of the country due to their position

Top 5 experiences

1 Visit the spot where the equator runs through Ecuador, not far from the capital 2 Climb stunning Mount Cotopaxi, south of Quito, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and take in the verdant rolling countryside 3 Fly out to the Galapagos Islands, the premier spot in Latin America to see all sorts of weird and wonderful species of animal in startling close-up 4 Find great bars, excellent cuisine and a wealth of museums in volcano-surrounded capital Quito 5 Explore the thick jungle and adventure sports options around the town of Tena

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/ecuador www.lata.org 17/1/12 11:33:48

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Cristóbel El Salvador as Casas

BELIZ

Small is beautiful in this tropical Central American republic

Tikal

Central America Tourism Agency, Centro América; Ed Welham/Journey Latin America

Semuc Champey Lívingsto odos Santos zaltenango Lake Atitlán Antigua GUATEMALA

ively and incredibly friendly; packed with volcanoes, rich forests and craggy mountains; fringed by golden beaches and first-class waves which would satisfy the most adventurous surfers and sun-worshippers: El Salvador is Central America’s perfect one-stop destination. Most people have a love-hate relationship with the capital, San Salvador. It retains the charm of the Spanish era – it was one of the first European cities of the New World – but the pollution and modern structures of this crumbling metropolis aren’t to everybody’s taste. But beyond the city there are many compelling reasons for a visit. The northern hills around

GUATEMALA

El Poy and Perquín are a haven for trekkers; Cerro Verde National Park offers dramatic, horizonfilling landscapes filled with hot springs and countless waterfalls; a challenging scrabble across the smoking cinder cone of Izalco volcano is rewarded by beautiful views over Lago de Coatepeque; and who could resist the draw of a national park called El Imposible? To the south, long, sandy beaches prized by surfers for decades stretch along the Costa del Sol to the Gulf of Fonseca, dotted with islets and bays to explore. In the west, wander through coffee plantations, soak up the beauty of the Ruta de las Flores valley or simply laze around, watching the daily display of glorious Pacific sunsets.

I I I

HONDURAS

El Poy

El Imposible NP 2

Suchitoto

Cerro Verde NP

SAN SALVADOR

Perquín

Lago de Coatepeque

Ruta de Flores

Gulf of Fonseca

PACIFIC OCEAN 0

200km

Essentials Vital statistics

Top 5 experiences

Capital: San Salvador Population: 6.1 million Language: Spanish, Náhua Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +503 Money: US dollar ($), currently around US$1.54 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

1 Wonder at the historic Maya site of Joya de Cerén, preserved under volcanic ash 2 Go volcano spotting in the Cerro Verde National Park, near the capital, where you’ll be able to see the peaks of Izalco and Santa Ana 3 Don’t be put off by the name – El Imposible, with its tropical forest and plentiful wildlife, is a national park well worth fitting into the itinerary

Tenorio NP G Nicoya Penins

When to go

El Salvador’s temperature is a consistent and comfortable 28°C throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from May to October, although light rain is possible year round. The coast and lowland areas can feel hot and humid, especially between March and May. Take warmer clothes if you intend to spend any time at altitude

4 Get away from it all in the Gulf of Fonseca – here you’ll find scores of secluded beaches and laid-back living 5 Take a dip in one of the hot springs around the edge of Lago de Coatepeque

COSTA R

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/elsalvador www.lata.org 037_El Salvador_SO.indd 37

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 37

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P A T A G O N I A

Falkland Islands Take the road less travelled and discover the difference…

Comodoro Rivadavia

uenos

Falkland Islands Tourist Board; Connie Stevens; Allan White

Desea

Chi

Golfo de San Jorge C. Tres Puntas

Puerto Deseado

Puerto Santa Cruz

he Falkland Islands are an archipelago of more than 740 islands based in the remote South Atlantic Ocean, just 480km east of Patagonia. The Islands are half the size of Wales and boast white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and an abundance of native and migratory wildlife – with over 227 species of bird and 14 species of marine mammal on display. The Falkland Islands are a fascinating British outpost and Stanley is a colourful seaside capital, home to 85% of the country’s entire population. Visitors can spend an enjoyable day exploring the town and its many monuments, gaining an insight into the territory’s rich military and maritime history. Locally produced goods like felted wool items and paintings can also be purchased from one of the many retail outlets found along the waterfront and its adjoining streets.

Rio Gallegos

Strait of Magellan

Cape Horn 38 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

038_Falklands Islands_SO.indd 38

2 East 3 Hill Cove Falkland 4 West Stanley Falkland Darwin Mt Pleasant Goose Airport Fox Bay Green Port Stephens

Bahia Grande

nta Arenas

SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

Sheep farming is still the primary way of life for those living outside Stanley and visitors can take a light aircraft or hire a guide to reach these outlying islands and settlements – many of which are rich in waterfowl and small bird species. The beaches also grow crowded each spring with breeding elephant seals 1 and sea lions, while killer whales (orca) and dolphins patrol the shallows. Popular excursions include guided 4WD treks, round-robin flights and boat excursions to local wildlife hotspots to view endangered species such as the black-browed albatross, as well as endemic species like Cobb’s wren and up to five breeding species of penguin. Most major points of interest and key destinations are accessible by air or road, with a ferry service also available between East and West Falkland.

100km

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: Stanley Population: 3,140 Language: English Time: GMT-4 (September-April; GMT-3 for the rest of the year) International dialling code: +500 Money: Falkland Island pound (£), equal to the UK£, also legal tender Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

Top 5 experiences

1 Try island hopping – via the Government Air Service – and fly out to the Pebble Island beaches and look for semi-precious stones

Tierra del Fuego I C. San Diego I

as P ke a r D

When to go

The Falkland’s climate is comparable to parts of the UK: cool and oceanic with persistent winds. October to April is the best time to visit, when the weather is settled, and migratory birds and mammals return to the islands to give birth. The average maximum temperature in summer (December to February) is 15°C

e g sa

2 From the capital, head out to Volunteer Point and experience the most accessible king penguin colony in the world 3 Cough up a few quid for a pint in a Stanley pub and dream of the Motherland – a slice of British life in the South Atlantic Enjoy the outstanding, scenic fishing opportunities by casting your line for mullet around Goose Green and Darwin

5 Grab your camera and island hop to Saunders Island to take amazing photographs of the black-browed albatross

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/falklands www.lata.org 17/1/12 11:47:10

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DOMINICA ST. LUCIA

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ES Wilderness Explorers

ARACAS ncia

PORT OF SPAIN

Tobago

Paria Trinidad Peninsula

French Guiana Delta del Orinoco

UELA o Orinoc

rench Guiana, or Guyane Angel (‘gwee-ahn’), is an overseas Falls department of France. The capital, Cayenne, Roraima which sits Mount on a peninsula at the mouth of a river of the same name, N A was founded by French H Itraders in GtakesH the 17th century, but actually its name from an Amerindian prince. The country is still heavily dependent on its guardian nation for investment and tourism – almost all of the 10,000 travellers who reach French Guiana each year are French or Belgian. Although tourism is in its infancy, nature-loving travellers can find adventure all over this little-knownNcorner e g of Latin America, blanketed r oby thick, lush, undisturbed rainforests. St-Laurent du Maroni, close to the western border with

m a z o n

S M

us u r 40

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

Awala-Yalimopo

Îles du Salut Kourou Voltaire 5 Falls CAYENNE

Saül

SURINAME

BRAZIL

Essentials Vital statistics

Top 5 experiences Macapá Sail out to Devil’s Island, site

Capital: Cayenne Population: 220,000 Language: French Time: GMT-3 International dialling code: +594 Money: Euro (€), currently around n €1.2 to the UK£ azo m A by UK Visas: Not required nationals 1

of a former penal colony. Henri Charrière claimed to have escaped from here in the 1940s, and went on to write Papillon

I. de Marajó

When to go

Due to its equatorial position, French Guiana is humid, with an average temperature of 28°C, changing little throughout the year. The rainy season runs December to June, while it’s dry and less humid between July and November (the driest month is September). As French Guiana is in the tropics expect rain at any time

Belém

3 Gawp at virgin rainforest and the impressive Voltaire Falls near the Surinamese border 4 Take in the awe-inspiring tropical scenery by kayaking or canoeing down the Maroni river, near the village of Terre Rouge 5 Enjoy excellent cuisine and fine wines in cosmopolitan capital Cayenne

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/frenchguiana

B. de Mara

2 Dream about launching into orbit at the Centre Spatial Guyanais, an important space centre in Kourou, around 60km from the capital

I I I

St-Laurent du Maroni

Tocantins

Manaus

ATLANTIC OCEAN

200km

Xin

Suriname, is home to the Voltaire Falls. Just a further 7km south is the Amerindian village of Terre Rouge – hire a canoe for day trips up the Maroni River. Hungry visitors taking a short drive south out of Cayenne can grab a genuine taste of Laos Central L A of Cacao’s courtesy N DSunday S market – the whole town was Suriname established Nature Reserve by Hmong refugees in the 1970s. Expect a reasonable crowd at the Centre Spatial Guyanais, a space centre in Kourou, 60km northwest of the capital. Here you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about rockets at the Space Museum, and maybe even catch a dramatic launch. Offshore are the Îles du Salut, site of a notorious former penal settlement, closed in the 1950s. Today, monkeys, turtles, macaws and coconut1 palms are the only inhabitants. Devil’s Island was considered to be the most secure and inaccessible islet of the settlement: the only prisoner to escape (at least according to himself ) was Henri Charrière – aka Papillon – who in 1944 floated all the way to Venezuela on a raft of s coconuts. Charrière’s alleged route jó took him further up the coast a to p Awala-Yalimopo where now a you T might catch a glimpse of giant leatherbacks laying their eggs in the moonlight, or tiny young turtles wiggling their way back to the sea.

GUYANA

Galibi Nature Reserve

Orin oco

Ciudad Ciudad Guayana A Bolivar tiny outpost of ‘la belle France’ in the tropics GEORGETOWN

Maron

U I A

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

www.lata.org

040_French Guiana_SO.indd 40

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opper anyon

nde Gra Rio

Chihuahua

Austin Houston

Baton Rouge

Guatemala

New Orleans

San Antonio

Mississippi Delta

Colourful culture, Maya marvels and turtle power Torreón

Monterrey

Tampico

ajara

VERACRUZ Mérida

Teotihuacán iStockphoto

MICHOACÁN

Acapulco

GULF OF MEXICO Further south, blankets of white sand coat the Caribbean coast near Livingston, while on the black-sand Pacific coast, turtles and fabulous orange sunsets are an unforgettable feature at Monterrico. Let the roar of the howler monkeys and the flash of the rare scarlet macaw grab your attention in the Petén region.

Oaxaca

Tikal

MEXICO 1

Capital: Guatemala City Population: 13.8 million Language: Spanish Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +502 Money: Quetzal (Q), currently around Q12 to the UK£ Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

When to go

Climate varies with altitude, but the driest time is November to April. The coast is, by and large, hot all year round. The country’s average year-round temperature is 20°C, but highs can easily be in the late 30s. The highlands have pleasantly warm days and cool nights – in December and January there may be frost in the early morning at the highest elevations

Top 5 experiences

1 Dust off your trekking boots and head for the mountain city of Quetzaltenango 2 Barter your way around buzzing Chichicastenango market, which takes place twice weekly, selling everything from pottery to handicrafts 3 Contemplate the power of nature when wandering around the earthquake-prone colonial ruins of Antigua, a breathtaking setting for a Unesco-recognised city 4 Head to the northern jungle lowlands around Tikal to experience the country’s best Maya archaeological sites 5 Keep an eye out for toucans and howler monkeys as you float down the lush Rio Dulce

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/guatemala www.lata.org 041_Guatemala_SO.indd 41

PACIFIC OCEAN 0

Lake 3 Atitlán Antigua

BELIZE

Flores 5

CARIBBEAN SEA

Livingston

Quetzaltenango

Essentials Vital statistics

etén

uatemala, bordering four Central American countries, is a land of kaleidoscopic colour. The red lava tongues of its volcanoes contrast with the shadows of caves in the southern Petén region, believed to lead into a mysterious underworld, jagged with stalactites and stalagmites.

Tulum

MEXICO CITY

El P

I I I

Leon

GUATEMALA CITY

HONDURAS

Monterrico 200km

Completing this work of art are incredible fiestas: cultural celebrations with vibrant costumes, elaborate masks and carpets of brightly-coloured flowers. At Easter, cities are shrouded in incense as centuriesold rituals take place in the streets. Antigua, a cultural sideshow to the capital, lies in the shadow of three volcanoes. It’s a colonial treasure whose architecture graphically demonstrates the legacy of an 18th-century earthquake, and its cobbled streets are lined with pastel-coloured homes. The majestic cities of the Maya, such as Tikal, lie buried deep in

EL SALVADOR the northern jungles. NICARAGUA Huge stelae – stone monuments carved with inscriptions – reveal clues about the ancient Maya inhabitants. Venture further into the Western Highlands to explore markets and traditional villages. The Tz’utujil Maya live on the shore of Lake Atitlán, which they believe to be the birthplace of creation – in fact, it was formed by an explosion which blew the lid off an ancient volcano. Numerous other Maya villages, all named after Catholic saints, nestle around Atitlán’s shore – a rewarding three-day trek from the city of Quetzaltenango.

Ruta de Flores

Granad

MANAGUA

Volcán Masaya

Lak

Omet Guanacaste

Tenorio NP Nicoya Peninsula Jacó

SAN COSTA RICA Manuel Antonio NP

Corcovado N Osa Penins

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 41

17/1/12 11:56:48

Guyana

Fotonatura; John Gimlette

A totally tropical call of the wild

Matthews Ridge

Mount Roraima

Bartica

Orinduik Falls

Lethem

1 4 GEORGETOWN

Kaieteur NP

Kaieteur Falls

Turtle Mountain

Iwokrama Reserve

Annai

Savannahs Camp of the Rupununi Jaguar

I I I

2 0

300km

BRAZIL

Essentials Vital statistics

backdrop of the grass-covered Pakaraima Mountains stretches westwards to the highest peak in Guyana – Mount Roraima – shared with Venezuela and Brazil. If your sense of adventure was tickled by the Lost Land Of The Jaguar documentary, visit the remote Amerindian community of Rewa. Take the two-three hour journey from Annai to the lodge and enjoy some beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way.

ATLANTIC OCEAN

avenues and canals follow the layout of the old sugar estates. Whitepainted, wooden 19th-century houses are raised on stilts and flowering trees line the streets. At dusk, the sea wall is crowded with strollers, while at Easter the area becomes a mass of colourful kites. The thinly populated interior is almost untouched and rivers are often the only way to get around. Highlights include Kaieteur Falls – almost five times the height of Niagara, with a single sheer drop of 228m – and Orinduik Falls, where the river pours over steps and terraces of jasper. Here, the

a im s ra in ka nta Pa ou M

uyana is truly a wild frontier – a land of few roads, pristine forests and eco-tourism opportunities aplenty. The coastal region is dominated by a mixture of coconut palms, calypso music, Dutch drainage systems, Hindu temples, rice and Demerara sugar. Leaving the sea behind, Guyana is a land of waterfalls and rainforest, giving way to wildlife-rich savannas and isolated ranches. The capital, Georgetown, is known as the ‘Garden City’ of the Caribbean, despite actually being on the Atlantic. Its wide, tree-lined

Capital: Georgetown Population: 745,000 Language: English, Creole, Hindi and Urdu Time: GMT-4 International dialling code: +592 Money: Guyanese dollar (G$), currently around G$313 to the UK£ Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

When to go

Guyana – a country roughly the size of Britain – has temperatures that stay around 24-31ºC. It’s warm, without being unbearable, throughout the year. The two wet seasons extend from May to August and from December to January. Expect around eight hours of sunshine a day in the dry season

Top 5 experiences

1 Visit a rum distillery in Georgetown before trying your hand at playing the steel pans with Roy Geddes at his dedicated school and museum 2 Delve deep into the interior to spot giant river otters, massive water lilies and other amazing wildlife in the savannahs of the Rupununi 3 Watch the swifts dart in and out of the thundering, rainbowsplashed waters of Kaieteur Falls and gaze down the mighty gorge 4 Take in Parrot Island’s sunset display of parrots, near Baganara Island Resort 5 Travel to Rewa to wave goodbye to civilization and say hello to pristine rainforests, mountains and wildlife-rich oxbow lakes

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/guyana 42 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

042_Guyana_SO.indd 42

www.lata.org 17/1/12 12:00:54

Nashville

iss

Oklahoma City

Little Rock

Red

Honduras

A M E R I C A Mi

O F

Canadian

Central America’s road less travelled – and a diver’s delight

Dallas

Colora

G Rio

Austin Houston

Jackson

Atlanta

Montgomery

Baton Rouge

Tallahassee New Orleans

de ran

San Antonio

Mario Urrutia/Fotografo Hondureño; iStockphoto

Mississippi Delta

Tampa Monterrey

GULF OF MEXICO

onduras is the second-largest country in Central America but its population is no larger than that of neighbouring El Salvador, which is the region’s smallest. The capital, Tegucigalpa, is a chaotic celebration of colonial

Tampico

VERACRUZ

Leon

Teotihuacán

HOACÁN Essentials MEXICO CITY Vital statistics

pulco

I I I

architecture. The mountainous interior, meanwhile, is firmly off the beaten track – a haven for trekking, hiking and birdwatching. Hillsides are dotted with tiny communities and, close to the Guatemalan border, the Copán ruins mark the southernmost tip of the Maya empire.

Capital: Tegucigalpa Population: 8.1 million Language: Spanish and English Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +504 Money: Lempira (L), currently around L29 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

Oaxaca

When to go

Tegucigalpa’s temperatures hover between highs of around 25°C and 33°C, although in winter it can get as low as 4°C, due to the altitude. The lowlands range from 20°C to 37°C. Rain falls year round inland and on the Caribbean side, the dry season runs from February to June, while August to December sees the heaviest rains

Top 5 experiences

1 Wander the lesser-trodden path in the steamy, wildliferich rainforests of La Moskitia

Palenque San Cristóbel de las Casas

2 Enjoy some retail therapy in the modern shopping malls of capital city Tegucigalpa before checking out the colonial buildings in the old sector 3 Explore the turquoise waters around the Bay Islands. Go diving here – it’s still one of the cheapest places in the world to learn how

Todos Santos Quetzaltenango of beer Antigua 4 Enjoy an ice-cold glass

from a bed & breakfast – complete with micro-brewery – on the edge of Lagoa de Yojoa

5 Unearth historic Maya treasures at Copán – they’re still discovering new pieces

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/honduras

Resting off the Caribbean coast, the Bay Islands bask under sunny skies and are one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to dive. Unwind to Caribbean rhythms on endless beaches, snorkel in the pristine waters or hop over to the mainland to explore the thriving market towns of the northern coast or the cloud forests of Pico Bonito National Park. One of Latin America’s best-kept secrets, you’ll find the villages quiet and the hillside paths less travelled – Honduras gives travellers the perfect opportunity to flex their adventurous spirit while relaxing in styleMatEthe X Isame C O time.

Mérida

Yucatan Peninsula

Tulum

CARIBBEAN SEA

BELIZE

Bay Islands

GUATEMALA

San Pedro Sula

La Ceiba 1

Copán Gracias

La Moskitia

Lake Yojoa TEGUCIGALPA

EL SALVADOR

PACIFIC OCEAN

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HAVANA

NICARAGUA 0

200km

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 43

Tenorio NP

Ometepe Island Guanacaste 17/1/12 12:06:43

Mexico Variety is the spice of life

L.Sup erior

Bismarck

Boise

Madison

Las Vegas

o ol

ans

Cape Cod

Providence

New York Trenton

WASHINGTON

Dover

Indianapolis Charleston

St. Louis

Richmond

U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A

Raleigh

Hermosillo Chihuahua

Savannah

d ran

Orlando

e A T L A N

Monterrey

G U LF OF M E X I CO

CUBA

Santiago de Cuba Teotihuacán

KINGSTON

JAMAICA

TEGUCIGALPA Suchitoto SAN SALVADOR Leon Granada MANAGUA

NICARAGUA Pta. Gallinas

Lake Nicaragua The Corn Islands Volcán Masaya Ometepe Island Tenorio NP Guanacaste Volcán Arenal Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero Portobello

Corcovado NP Osa Peninsula

PANAMA

Azuero Gulf of Darién Peninsula Panama

Sierra Nevada NP

Ciudad Ciudad Guayana Bolivar

Orinoco

GEORGETOWN

N a et

Top 5 experiences COLOMBIA Armenia Buenaventura Cali

BOGOTÁ Ibagué

PARAMARIBO Angel Falls Brownsb Raleighvallen NP Nature Reserve U I Mount Roraima Volt A N Fa A H I G H Central L A N Orin D S Suriname Awarrada oco Nature Reserve

GUYANA

SURINAME

ia Gauv

1 Gawp at the sheer beauty of the Sian Ka’an Ecological ECUADOR Reserve on the Caribbean coast Nevado del Huila

Neiva

San Agustín

Punta Galera

QUITO

etá

Chimborazo

Ju ru á

2 Explore the wild highlands of Chiapas – the Zapatista heartland – and the beautiful colonial town of San P E Cristóbal R U de las Casas

r Pu

SP AR ré

ECI

apo

Noel Kempff Mercado NP

Cuiabá

Sorata

Nevado Ancohume

Volcán El Misti

PLANAL MATO G

Corioco LA PAZ Cochabamba

Santa Cruz

Sucre

Potosí

Salar de Uyuni NP

Salta City G

aná

Par

A OB

A DE COR D

Lag

Cordoba

Concordia

Colonia del Sacramento S BUENOS AIRES R i o d MONTEVID e L a P La Plata Punta d lata

PAMPAS

G E N T I N A Sa la

Bahia Blanca

y a

Viedma Golfo San Matias

Bariloche

Puerto Montt

Peninsula Valdés Ch

Rawson

ub ut

Isla de Chiloé

Cabo Corrientes

Co l o ra d o

Negro

Valdivia Pta. de la Galera

Pta. Norte

Cabo San Antoni

Mar del Plata

Bahia Blanca

Pta. Lavapié

URUGUAY

Paraná

Rosario

San Rafael

Chillán Concepción

Pelo Neg

Santa Fe

Mendoza City

C. Carranza

Santa Maria

Mar Chiquito

SIERR

5 Visit the Monte Alban ruins just outside the cultured town A R of Oaxaca, south of the capital

San Ignacio Guazú

Corrientes

San Juan

Cerro Aconcagua

Valparaiso SANTIAGO

Itaipú

ASUNCIÓN

ej o

Formosa

Pta. Lengua de Vaca

Reprêsa Ilha Grande

PARAGUAY

San Miguel de Tucumán

Nevado Ojos del Salado

Copiapó

Be r

Volcán Llullaillaco

Camp The Chaco

Concepción Esteros de Iberá

MA DESERT

4 Take the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico for a 16-hour CHILE cross-country rail-journey through the rugged sights of Copper Canyon Coquimbo

Lake Poopó

ATA C A

O A N P L T I A L

Oruro

Arica

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/mexico

Paranating

moré

Lake Titicaca

Antofagasta

A Pi

Arequipa

3 Dive headfirst into the chaos B O L I V I A and congestion of Mexico City, one of Latin America’s most vibrant PACIFIC OCEAN cities for going out – from street corner taquerías to high-end clubs Pen. Paracas

Nevado Ampato

jó

Machu Picchu Cusco

Colca Canyon

Huancayo

Nasca Lines Nasca

Riberalta

Manu Biosphere Reserve

Porto Velho

Nevado Huascarán

Sacred Valley

Cordillera Blanca

Comas Callao LIMA

Trujillo

Chimbote

Chiclayo

A m a z o n

Punta Aguja

Manaus

Gulf of Guayaquil

Easter Island

Pereira

Nevado del Tolima

Guayaquil

Tobago

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Delta del Orinoco

There’s virtually no rain in October and April. August is busy, as is the Day of the Dead (early November). Mexico City can get cool in winter while weather patterns differ on the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Pacific. Watch out for hurricane season between June and November

Maracaibo

Medellin Manizales

When to go

BARBADOS GRENADA

PORT OF SPAIN Paria Trinidad Peninsula

VENEZUELA

ANDE

ST. VINCENT

Curaçao Henri

AND

Vital statistics

LESSE R AN TIL Netherlands LE S Antilles

Aruba Gulf of Venezuela

Barranquilla Pittier Morrocoy NP CARACAS NP Cartagena Ciudad Perdida Maracaibo Panamá Viejo Valencia (The Lost City) Barquisimeto San Blás PANAMA Islands Lake

Cabo Corrientes

Capital: Mexico City Population: 114 million Languages: Spanish Time: GMT-6 (early April-late October GMT-5); some states GMT-7 or GMT-8 International dialling code: +52 Money: Mexican peso (MX$), currently around MX$21 to the UK£ Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

ST. LUCIA

gu ay

COSTA RICA SAN JOSÉ

Manuel Antonio NP

Panama Canal

Tayrona NP

DOMINICA

S E A

Essentials

C A R I B B E A N

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Ruta de Flores

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

D O M IN IC A N R E P U B L IC

Monterrico

Cerro Verde NP El Imposible NP

PUERTO RICO

Jarabocoa Samaná Los Haitises NP SANTO DOMINGO

Mount Pico Duarte

Pa ra

BELIZE

GUATEMALA EL SALVADOR

HAITI

PORT-AU-PRINCE

MEXICO CITY Taxco Oaxaca Acapulco San Cristóbal de las Casas

Trinidad

Mérida Chichén Itzá Tulum 2 1 Palenque

200km

ES MOUNTA

Varadero

Tampico

P A CI F I C OCE A N

BAHAMAS

Cauca

Guadalajara León

Miami

orte

Torreón

Jacksonville

Copper Canyon

BERMUDA

Cape Fear

Magda

Cape Hatteras

Columbia

Ciudad Juárez

of C a Sea o r n i l i f C a

I I I

Springfield

Topeka

Jefferson City

B a j a

silverwork. Further afield, there are excellent markets in Oaxaca and around the beautiful town of San Cristóbal de las Casas in the Chiapas highlands. Adventurers flock to Mexico to climb the volcanic peaks, to descend into the deepest potholes or to spill down the white waters of the Antigua and Pescado rivers. The Caribbean offers superb diving off the Quintana Roo coastline, while on the west coast surfers ride the giant rollers beside the beautiful beaches of the wild Pacific and Baja California. Inland, in northern Mexico, the Copper Canyon attracts hardy climbers and is the start of the famous Chihuahua to Pacific Railway, one of the world’s great train rides. In the far north-west, the Sea of Cortéz is one of the planet’s richest marine feeding 1 grounds, where you might spot hammerhead sharks, dolphins and California grey whales. In the far south is the Sian Ka’an Ecological Reserve – a savannah, mangrove and marine habitat hosting hundreds of species including big cats, crocodiles, monkeys and manatees. Then there’s the wonderfully diverse – and ludicrously spicy – food. And surely no one in their right mind could resist a wellmixed margarita cocktail?

Boston

Hartford Harrisburg

Columbus Ark

Los Angeles

Cape Sable

Concord

Albany

Detroit Chicago

Lincoln

Denver

Halifax

Augusta Montpelier

Toronto

Lansing

Des Moines

Mt. Whitney Pt. Arguello

L.M ichi

Cheyenne

Salt Lake City

Ottawa

gan

Great Salt Lake

Carson City

San Francisco

Pierre

rom the vivid wall paintings at Bonampak to the mighty temples of Chichén Itzá, and from the bizarre Olmec heads in Veracruz to the heart of jungleswathed Palenque, the sheer variety of archaeological sites in Mexico is astounding. Add to this the brilliance of the Caribbean, huge canyons and dense jungles – and you have an invigorating cocktail of culture and landscapes. Mexico City is among the world’s largest metropolises. Congested, polluted and gloriously manic, the capital was originally founded by the Aztecs; the remains of Templo Mayor, the pyramid at the heart of their city of Tenochtitlán – ‘place of the prickly pear cactus’ – today lies beside a massive colonial plaza, lit by the glow of neon lights. Beyond the capital, the pace slows. Colonial cities, founded on the wealth of silver mines, rest assuredly on their architectural laurels. Within easy striking distance of Mexico City, the lakes and volcanic hills of Michoacán are another world: people quietly go about their business as they always have: fishing, farming and producing crafts for sale at the local markets. Two hours south of the capital, the town of Taxco has a sterling reputation for refined

Montreal

Sacramento

St. Paul

SIERRA NEVA

Dan Linstead

Cape Mendocino

C. Quilán

Archipelago de Los chonos

PACIFIC OCEAN

Golfo de Penas

P A T A G O N I A

www.lata.org

44 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

Chi

044_Mexico_SOv2.indd 44

Isla Wellington

Comodoro Rivadavia

Lago Buenos Aires Desea

Golfo de San Jorge C. Tres Puntas

Puerto Deseado

Puerto Santa Cruz

West Sparrow Falkland Cove Kidney Cove

18/1/12Rio Gallegos 12:45:07 Bahia Grande

Archipelago Reina adelaide

Strait of Magellan

Goose Green

Stanley

East Falkland Sea Lion Island

FALKLAND/MAL

Nashville

Oklahoma City

iss

nix

a am

Jackson

Cape Fear

Atlanta

Montgomery

Austin Houston

G Rio

Baton Rouge Chihuahua One of the Americas’ best-kept secrets

Savannah

Tallahassee Jacksonville

New Orleans

San Antonio

de ran

Copper Canyon

Columbia

Dallas

mosillo

iudad Juárez

Colora

Cape Hattera

Nicaragua Red

El Paso

Raleigh

Little Rock

Mississippi Delta

Orlando Tampa

Torreón Monterrey Miami

M E X I C O HAVANA

Tampico Leon

VERACRUZ

Oaxaca

icaragua is a friendly and peaceful country that has received some negative press over the years. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing – Nicaragua has managed to preserve its authenticity and character without being swamped by tourists. The largest country in Central America, Nicaragua offers both natural and cultural gems, a testament to a turbulent but fascinating history. On its Pacific side, where most of the population now live, the major colonial influence was Spanish, while the Caribbean coast was dominated by the British – then there were the years of US-sponsored conflict.

San Cristóbel de las Casas

Santiago de Cuba

Tulum

PORT-AU-P

Palenque

JAMAICA

Tikal BELIZE

Todos Santos GUATEMALA Quetzaltenango Lake Atitlán With its volcanoes Antigua and the massive inland Lake Nicaragua, the GUATEMALA Pacific lowlands are stunningly Monterrico

HONDURAS

EL Verde NP CARIBBEAN beautiful. Ometepe Cerro Island, which 3 SALVADOR El Imposible NP SEA Matagalpa 2 lies in the lake, is the largest León MANAGUA freshwater island in the world, Bluefields Pt Corn Islands 1 P A C I F I C Granada dominated by the Concepción and Ometepe Island OCEAN Tayrona NP 4 5 Lake Nicaragua Maderas volcanoes. Regular ferries Barranquilla 0 200km head to this largely unspoilt jewel. COSTA RICA PortobelloCartagena Elsewhere, in the city of León Ciudad Panamá Viejo you’ll find old colonial buildings, Panama SAN JOSÉ (The Lo San Blás Canal while the beaches along the Pacific Manuel Antonio NP Islands PANAMA Corcovado NP coast are quiet and perfect for Osa Peninsula Azuero Gulf of Darién watersports and swimming. Off the Peninsula Panama Caribbean coast, the Corn Islands Vital statistics Top 5 experiences were once a base for British Capital: Managua 1 Take in the awesome views of buccaneers, but sandy beaches Population: 5.7 million Lake Nicaragua from the Medellin and clear blue seas now make them Language: Spanish and English colonial splendour of Granada, Cabo Corrientes Manizale an ideal destination for snorkelling Time: GMT-6 (mid-April to early the oldest continually inhabitedPereira October GMT-5) mainland town in the Americas and diving. BOG Nevado del Tolima

Essentials PANAMA

I I I

International dialling code: +505 Money: Córdoba (C$), currently around C$35 to the UK£ Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

When to go

November and December are good months to visit. The dry season lasts from December to May, although temperatures get very hot in April and May. June to October are the wettest months. Due to the country’s tropical climate, there are no huge temperature fluctuations and it remains warm year-round

Armenia Pick out some locally-made Buenaventura handicrafts to take home in the artisanal town of MasayaCali Nevado del Huila 3 Get swept up by the party atmosphere San in national capital Agustín Managua on 19 July when the country celebrates the Sandinista Punta Galera revolution of 1979 2

COL Neiva

ECUADOR

ANDE

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 45 M O Punta Aguja

Chiclayo

045_Nicaragua_SO.indd 45

Ibagué

QUITO 4 Watch the orange sun make its slow descent from the perfect sand beaches of San Juan del Sur – turtles nest nearby Chimborazo Guayaquil 5 Take advantage of the isolated coastline of the GulfCaribbean of Guayaquil idyllic Corn Islands

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/nicaragua www.lata.org

KINGSTON

Yucatan Peninsula

MEXICO CITY

Acapulco

CUBA

Trinidad Mérida

Teotihuacán

MICHOACÁN

Varadero

Cauca

Guadalajara

orrientes

BAHAM

Magda

Dreamstime; Nicaragua Tourist Board/JLA; Nicaragua Tourism Institute

GULF OF MEXICO

17/1/12 12:23:42

HAVANA

Varadero

CUBA

Trinidad Mérida Yucatan Peninsula

San Cristóbel de las Casas

Santiago de Cuba

Tulum

PORT-AU-PRINC

Palenque Tikal

KINGSTON

JAMAICA

BELIZE

Dreamstime; Centro América

Semuc Todos Santos Champey Lívingston The Bay Islands Quetzaltenango Lake Atitlán Copán La Mosquitia Antigua ruins Lake Yojoa Gracias GUATEMALA TEGUCIGALPA Monterrico Suchitoto Cerro Verde NP SAN El Imposible NP SALVADOR Leon Granada Ruta de Flores MANAGUA

HONDURAS

MALA

Panama A

EL SALVADOR

NICARAGUA

Lake Nicaragua Volcán Masaya

Pta. Ga

The Corn Islands

Old world, new country, fresh travel opportunities, classic adventures Ometepe Island Jacó SAN JOSÉ

I I I

46 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

COSTA 5 RICA

Bocas del Toro

CARIBBEAN SEA Panama Canal

200km

4 Portobelo

2 San Blas Islands

3 PANAMA

Baru Volcano 1

Azuero Peninsula

Gulf of Panama

PACIFIC OCEAN

Darien Gap

COLOMBIA

Essentials

Cabo Corrientes

Vital statistics

Pereira

Top 5 experiences

Nevado del Tolima

Medellin Manizales

BOGOTÁ Ibagué

Capital: Panama City 1 Go white-water rafting in Population: 3.5 million Chiriquí for a boulder-strewn Languages: Spanish, English adventure down the rapids and 14 local languages 2 Take your time choosing Time: GMT-5 which of the nearly 400 International dialling code: +507 Nevado delCaribbean Huila islas to visit in gorgeous Money: Balboa (B), equivalent to the San Blas Islands, stretching the US dollar, currently around southwards towards Colombia US$1.54 to the UK£ 3 Visit the ‘Big Ditch’ itself – it Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals would be rude not to. The Panama Canal is surprisingly Punta Galera When to go beautiful and a mean feat of 1 Temperatures stay around engineering prowess 30°C all year, dropping to the low 20s at night. Rainfall, however, 4 Succumb to your inner retail junkie and head to Colón, the varies. Rain is scarce on the Pacific second-largest tax-free shopping side from December to April – and zone in the world this tends to be the most popular time that people visit – but short, 5 Share the sand with diverse heavy afternoon downpours occur wildlife on the offshore islands daily on the Caribbean sideChimborazo of Bocas del Toro

Armenia Buenaventura Cali

Neiva

San Agustín

QUITO

ECUADOR

Guayaquil

information go to www.lata.org/panama 8 For more Gulf of

Guayaquil

www.lata.org

046_Panama_SO.indd 46

Barranquil Cartagena Ciudad Perd (The Lost C

Guanacaste

greatest short cut, raisingArenal oceant the crossroads of the Volcán going liners 26m to Lake Gatun on Americas, Panama can Nicoya Peninsula the 80km voyage between the be heady stuff indeed – Caribbean and the Pacific. but years of occupation On the Caribbean coast, and the ‘Big Ditch’ are not its only Portobelo NP hosted flamboyant 16thclaim to fame. There are Manuel Antonio Corcovado NP and 17th-century markets, where unexplored coral reefs, minute Osa Peninsula frogs in red, orange and yellow, the fortified warehouses filled with Peruvian gold and silver were intriguing archipelago of San Blas, guarded against pirate raids – vast stretches of cool highlands though today you’ll only find quiet, and thundering rivers. beautiful beaches. Panama City is a curious blend The archipelago of San Blas – of old Spain and modern America. containing nearly 400 islands – is The rubble and ruins of Panamá a string of islands stretching Viejo (the old centre) lie to the east towards the Colombian border, – the tale of its sacking in 1671 by Henry Morgan is the stuff of pirate inhabited by indigenous Kuna Indians. Spend a few nights here legend. Spreading inland from the Gulf of Panama, the modern centre enjoying the simpler things in life. Further east still, the Darien Gap lies at the Pacific end of the was, until recently, almost Panama Canal, surrounded by completely impenetrable but parts palm-fringed beaches and rolling of the rainforest wilderness are hills. The canal is both an engineering marvel and the world’s now opening up to the most adventurous1 travellers. On the Pacific, the Azuero Peninsula is dotted with old colonial towns, surfing beaches and nature reserves hosting wetland birds and nesting turtles. Head inland to the Chiriquí Highlands to hike up Baru volcano, explore coffee fincas or laze away days fishing or riding. The virgin rainforests and reefs of the Bocas del Toro have been called the new Galapagos – a fragile paradise rapidly becoming an iconic travel destination.

Cauca

Tenorio NP

Tayrona NP

17/1/12 12:26:49

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HONDURAS

C A R I B B E A N

S E A

ST. LUCIA

GUATEMALA

Paraguay NICARAGUA

The Corn Islands

Curaçao Henri

PORT OF SPAIN

PANAMA

Azuero Gulf of Darién Peninsula Panama

Maracaibo

GEORGETOWN

N M

BOGOTÁ Ibagué

a et

Gauv

Raleighvallen Nature Reserve U I Mount Roraima A N A H I G H Central L A N Orin D S Suriname Awarradam oco Nature Reserve

SURINAME

iare

Neiva

an Br

Punta Galera

QUITO

ECUADOR

Macapá gr

etá

I. de Marajó

Chimborazo

azo

Ju ru á

ra Ta

jó

Punta Aguja

m a z o n Xin

ANDE

Tocantins

Manaus

Gulf of Guayaquil

TA IN

Cordillera Blanca

Porto Velho

Nevado Huascarán

P E R U

ECI

Paranating

ré

Noel Kempff Mercado NP

Cuiabá

Sorata Nevado Ancohume

Volcán El Misti

BRASÍLIA

PLANALTO DE MATO GROSSO

Corioco LA PAZ

Goiân

Oruro

Defensores del Chaco NP

ARGENTINA

São P

Ciudad del Este

Curitib

ASUNCION

200km

Trinidad

San Ignacio Guazú

ES MOUNTA

CHILE

MA DESERT

Concepción Tinfunqué NP

Gra

B RA ZI L

The Chaco

S E R R A

Lake

a taste for mate (a tea-likePoopó drink also Salar de Uyuni NP popular in Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil) – the locals love it even more than the British love a Antofagasta cuppa. It’s such a way of life here that it is not unusualVolcán to see a biker Llullaillaco speeding on his mean machine, Thermos under one arm, mate Nevado Ojos gourd in hand, pouring as he rides. del Salado Copiapó ATA C A

A DE COR D

Essentials

Coquimbo

San Juan

AND

Pta. Lengua de Vaca

Santa Maria

SIERR

Vital statistics

Mar Chiquito

Cab

Pôrto Alegre

Lagôa dos Patos

Cordoba

Concordia

Pelotas

TopSanta 5 experiences Fe URUGUAY Paraná Catch a live performance of Neg

Rio Grande

Lagôa Mirim Capital: Asunción Mendoza City 1 Rosario Colonia del Valparaiso Sacramento Population: 6.5 million Paraguay’s unique music style Santa Teresa NP Ri SANTIAGO BUENOS AIRES MONTEVIDEO o PAMPAS de La Languages: Spanish and Guaraní in an AsunciónLabar Plat Plata Punta del Este a San Rafael Time: GMT-4 (mid-October to mid2 Wander tropical rainforest, Pta. Norte Carranza March C.GMT-3) swim in waterfalls and watch Cabo San Antonio Chillán International dialling code: +595 the sun set on a boat cruise down Concepción Mar del Plata Money: Guaraní (Gs), currently Bahia Blanca Pta. Lavapié the Paraná river, alongCabo the border Corrientes Co l o ra d o around Gs6,900 to the UK£ with Argentina Bahia Blanca Negro Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals 3 Shop till you drop in Ciudad Valdivia delViedma Este, known for its cheap When de la Galerato go Golfo San Matias electronic goods, before crossing 1 Pta.Visit in winter (MayBariloche to Puerto Montt Peninsula Valdés the border into Brazil or Argentina September) – the rest of the year Isla de to Rawson see Iguaça/Iguazú Falls can get unbearably hot (35ºC). Chiloé C. Quilán You’re also likely to encounter 4 Explore Paraguay’s Jesuit history in towns like Trinidad more rain at the hottest time of Comodoro Rivadavia and the Jesuit Museum at San year when storms Archipelago de are frequent Lago Buenos Golfo de San Jorge Los chonos Ignacio Guazú Aires is (the wettest month of the year C. Tres Puntas Desea do January). The hottest part of the Come face-to-face with jaguar, Deseado 5Puerto de country is theGolfo north, which lies leopard and tapir in the Penas entirely in the tropics Chi sizeable Chaco region co

Cerro Aconcagua

P A T A G O N I A

I I I

SP AR

apo

O A N P L T I A L

Lake Titicaca

Arica

n air of mystery hangs P A C I F I COutside O C E the A Ncapital of Asunción, head to the south where the over this little-known remains of mission settlements pocket of South built by the Jesuits in the 18th America, a country century lie among lush, tropical of farmland, forest and folklore. forest near the banks of the Río It’s often assumed that the Spanish and Portuguese conquered Paraná. Vestiges of the fine craftsmanship of the Guaraní all of South America, yet in Paraguay events took a strange turn Indians who followed the missions are scattered around the towns of when the Guaraní Indians Trinidad and Jesús, where a Jesuit absorbed a Spanish expedition led mission – its work curtailed by the by Pedro de Mendoza into their expulsion of its missionaries in culture, creating a hybrid society. 1767 – has been almost fully Its music, too, marks it apart reconstructed. The Jesuit Museum from its neighbours – instead of at San Ignacio Guazú is a testament the grinding rhythms of salsa or to their work, arguably one of the tango, Paraguay prefers to sway to most significant social experiments sentimental love songs and on the continent. European dances accompanied by In the north and west, the virtuoso harp players, guitar countryside1is decidedly less strummers and accordions. populated. The Chaco – a vast, Now, though, the differences cross-border plain extending into between Paraguay and the rest of Argentina and Bolivia – is South America are becoming less inhabited by a handful of distinct – politically, the country is Mennonite communities, part of the Mercosur economic indigenous peoples and the odd bloc linking the region, with wellmilitary outpost. But where the established trade routes to people are few, the wildlife is Argentina and Brazil. Moreover, plentiful – cross the marshes and the road to Bolivia is becoming the thorny wilderness where increasingly navigable – in the jaguar, puma and tapir prowl and dry season, at least: the TransP A Care I F filled I C Owith C E AaNwealth of the trees Chaco is now considered one of twittering, glittering birdlife. South America’s greatest road Wherever you roam in Paraguay, trips... and certainly one of the you are guaranteed to develop bumpiest in the continent.

Arequipa

moré

Nevado Ampato

Colca Canyon

Pen. Paracas

Nasca Lines Nasca

Riberalta

Manu Biosphere Reserve Huancayo Machu Picchu Sacred Valley Cusco

Comas Callao LIMA

LIV

Chimbote

Trujillo

Chiclayo

gua

Guayaquil

West Sparrow Falkland Cove Kidney Cove

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/paraguay Isla Wellington

Puerto Santa Cruz

Goose Green

Bahia Grande

Archipelago Reina adelaide Isla Santa Inés

049_Paraguay_SO.indd 49

Saül

FRENCH GUIAN

San Agustín

www.lata.org

Galibi Nature Reserve Salut Brownsberg Islands Kourou NP Voltaire CAYENNE Falls

PARAMARIBO

GUYANA

Angel Falls

COLOMBIA

Nevado del Huila

Ciudad Ciudad Guayana Bolivar

Pereira Armenia Buenaventura Cali

Delta del Orinoco

Medellin Manizales

Nevado del Tolima

rinoco

Magda

Cabo Corrientes

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

VENEZUELA

Sierra Nevada NP

Walk on the wild side in this rarely-visited land

Tobago

Paria Trinidad Peninsula

Para

Corcovado NP Osa Peninsula

Gulf of Venezuela

BARBADOS GRENADA

Barranquilla Pittier Morrocoy NP CARACAS NP Cartagena Portobello Ciudad Perdida Maracaibo Panama Panamá Viejo Valencia Canal (The Lost City) San Blás Barquisimeto PANAMA Islands Lake Cauca

COSTA RICA SAN JOSÉ

Manuel Antonio NP

Tayrona NP

ST. VINCENT

Río

Lake Nicaragua Volcán Masaya Ometepe Island Tenorio NP Guanacaste Volcán Arenal Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero

LESSE R AN TIL Netherlands LE S Aruba Antilles

Pta. Gallinas

EL SALVADOR

Dreamstime.com

The Bay Islands Todos Santos Champey Lívingston Quetzaltenango Lake Atitlán Copán La Mosquitia Lake Yojoa Antigua ruins Gracias GUATEMALA TEGUCIGALPA Monterrico Suchitoto Cerro Verde NP SAN El Imposible NP SALVADOR Leon Granada Ruta de Flores MANAGUA

Rio Gallegos

Stanley

East Falkland Sea Lion Island

Strait of Magellan

FALKLAND/MALVINAS THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 49 ISLANDS

Punta Arenas

Cape Horn

Tierra del Fuego C. San Diego

as e P

sag

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S E A

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Las Vegas

Pt. Arguello

l Co

ans

Trenton

WASHINGTON

Springfield

Topeka

Jefferson City

Dover

Indianapolis Charleston

St. Louis

Frankfort

U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A

Santa Fe

San Diego

New York

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Ark

Richmond

Canadian

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Cordillera, coca tea and ceviche

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Chicago

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Denver

Los Angeles

Punta Eugenia

Detroit

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Mt. Whitney

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Jackson

Atlanta

Montgomery

Baton Rouge

Savannah

Tallahassee Jacksonville

New Orleans

San Antonio

Mississippi Delta

Orlando Tampa

Torreón

Monterrey Cabo Falso

Miami

GULF OF MEXICO

BAHAMAS

M E X I C O

Sacred Valley

HAVANA

Tampico Guadalajara

Leon

Cabo Corrientes

Acapulco

Mérida Yucatan Peninsula

MEXICO CITY

Oaxaca

CUBA

Trinidad

Teotihuacán

MICHOACÁN

Varadero

VERACRUZ

San Cristóbel de las Casas

Santiago de Cuba

Tulum

PORT-AU-PRINCE

Palenque Tikal

HAITI

KINGSTON

JAMAICA

BELIZE

HONDURAS

PUERTO RICO

Jarabocoa Samaná Los Haitises NP Mount SANTO Pico Duarte DOMINGO

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

C A R I B B E A N

ST. KI AND NE

S E A

GUATEMALA

NICARAGUA

Ometepe Island Tenorio NP Guanacaste Volcán Arenal Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero

COSTA RICA SAN JOSÉ Corcovado NP Osa Peninsula

Tayrona NP

LESSE R AN TIL Netherlands LE S Antilles

Aruba Gulf of Venezuela

Curaçao Henri

Barranquilla Pittier Morrocoy NP CARACAS NP Cartagena Portobello Ciudad Perdida Maracaibo Panamá Viejo Valencia (The Lost City) San Blás Barquisimeto PANAMA Islands Lake

PANAMA

Azuero Gulf of Darién Peninsula Panama

Paria Peninsu

VENEZUELA

Maracaibo

Sierra Nevada NP

Ciudad Bolivar

Medellin Manizales BOGOTÁ Ibagué

Nevado del Tolima

Armenia Buenaventura Cali Nevado del Huila

Pereira

Orinoco

Magda

Cabo Corrientes

Gauv

U I Moun A N A

iare

Orin oco

Neiva

San Agustín Punta Galera

Ju ru á

Iquitos

4 Chan Chan Trujillo

Chachapoyas Cajamarca

BRAZIL

2 LIMA

Cusco Nasca Lines

PACIFIC OCEAN

Corioco LA PAZ Cochabamba Oruro

CHILE

Lake Poopó

Sucre Potosí

Salar de Uyuni NP

Antofagasta

Top 5 experiences

A DE COR

San Juan

SIERR

2 Sample Peru’s flavour-intense Coquimbo Lengua de Vaca cuisine – from cevichePta.to papas a la huancaína – in a top Lima restaurant Valparaiso

San Mi

Nevado Ojos del Salado

1 Delve into the Amazon from Iquitos, one of the world’s Copiapó greatest cities for wildlife

Salta City

Volcán Llullaillaco

Cerro Aconcagua

Mendoza City

SANTIAGO

A R G E do

Col

Negro

Bariloche

P A T A G O N I A

For more information go to www.lata.org/peru

PAM

San Rafael

3 No trip to Peru would be complete without a visit to the C. Carranza Chillán iconic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu Concepción Pta. Lavapié – one of the world’s great wonders – in the south of the country

B O L I

Puno Lake Arequipa Titicaca

The sierra and jungle are hot and dry from April to October. November to April is the wet Valdivia season. The opposite is true for the 4 Experience the adobe Pta. de la Galera splendour of pre-Columbian coast – hot and dry from December Puerto Montt city Chan Chan, a wonderfully wellto April with cooler conditions May Isla de Chiloé preserved site near Trujillo to November. June to September C. Quilán are the best months for trekkers. 5 Take in the sheer enormous Archipelago de Peruvians like their fiestas, so chonos majesty of Lake Titicaca – Losthe coincide a trip with celebrations highest navigable lake in the world Golfo de P A C I F I C O C E A N such as Virgen de la Candelaria and the largest in South America Penas

Colca Canyon

200km

Riberalta

1 When to go

Capital: Lima Population: 29 million Languages: Spanish and Quechua Time: GMT-5 International dialling code: +592 Money: Nuevo sol (S/), currently around S/4 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals

Port

Manu Biosphere Reserve Machu Picchu Tambopata Huancayo

Essentials Vital statistics

Cordillera Blanca

Chimbote

A m a z o n

moré

I I I

a whopping 60% of Peru is jungle. Chiclayo Experience the best of it in either Manu or Tambopata, two of the largest protected areas of rainforest and arguably the most pristine conservation units in the world. Or fly to Iquitos, the only place in Peru where you can see pink river dolphins in the morning and experience the bustle of a frenetic Amazon port in the afternoon.

the main attraction for visitors, and rightly so. Set your alarm and get up early to watch the sun rise over the mountains and fill the citadel with light. This is certainly one wake-up call you won’t want to miss. Head north to the elegant colonial city of Trujillo, on Peru’s northern coast, and Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. The crumbling ruins of the imperial city consist of nine great compounds built by successive dynasties which ruled this part of the country before the arrival of the Incas. A few kilometres from the city are the Easter massive adobe Island pyramids of Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. Elsewhere in the region are the pre-Columbian pyramid tombs of Sipán and the even older remains at Caral, dating 1 back over 4,000 years. In the Cordillera Blanca, deep in the northern Andes, is the architectural splendour of the 2,500-year-old fortress temple of Chavín de Huántar, one of Peru’s most important ancient sites. However, this region is better known as a Mecca for hikers from all over the world. If that’s not your cup of mate de coca, then try whitewater rafting or mountain biking through the peaks. But it’s not all mountains. Most people are surprised to hear that

www.lata.org

ES MOUNTA

ther than being able to name a certain little bear with a penchant for marmalade, many people would struggle to come up with more than a couple of Perurelated facts. Everyone knows about Machu Picchu, the myth- and mistshrouded Inca citadel, but hands up those who knew that Peru boasts more ancient archaeological sites than any other country in South America? Or that its vast green carpet of jungle is home to the greatest diversity of plants and wildlife on the planet? How about the fact that Peru is the birthplace of surfing, that its rivers offer the scariest white-water rafting anywhere and that the Peruvian Andes are so unexplored they make the Himalayas seem like Piccadilly Circus on a summer weekend? And that’s only scratching the surface. Everyone who visits Peru goes to Cusco, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The Spanish built their colonial churches and houses on top of the original Inca foundations, and this startling mix of architectural styles is still in evidence. Cusco is also the ideal base for exploring the Urubamba Valley, which runs west all the way to Machu Picchu and beyond. Peru’s best-known archaeological site is

COLOMBIA

ECUADOR

AND

Heinz Plenge/PromPerú

ST. VINC

Panama Canal

Manuel Antonio NP

Pta. Gallinas

The Corn Islands

Lake Nicaragua

Cauca

Volcán Masaya

EL SALVADOR

P A C I F I C O C E A N

Como

Lago Buenos Aires Desea

Chi

Gol do

Puerto

Isla Wellington

Bahia G

Rio Gal

Archipelago Reina adelaide

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA Isla 51Santa Inés

Strai

Punta Arenas

Cape Horn

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BAHAMAS

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ST. LUCIA ST. VINCENT

BARBADOS GRENADA

Suriname Gulf of Venezuela

Curaçao Henri

PORT OF SPAIN

rranquilla Pittier Morrocoy NP CARACAS NP tagena Ciudad Perdida Maracaibo ejo Valencia (The Lost City) Blás Barquisimeto

Paria Trinidad Peninsula

Where the Guianas go Dutch

Tocantins

Xin

B O L I V I A

Nevado Ancohume

Corioco LA PAZ

052_Suriname_SO.indd Arequipa52

Volcán El Misti

Noel Kempff Mercado NP

Paranating

Nevado Ampato

Lake

52 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA Colca Canyon Titicaca Sorata

São

asca Lines Nasca

moré

cas

Manu Biosphere Reserve Huancayo LIMA Machu Picchu Sacred Valley Cusco

B. São M

P E R U

B I I I

ado Huascarán

Essentials

dillera Blanca

Magda

Ciudad VENEZUELA

Bolivar ATLANTIC 0 Raleighvallen, with its dramatic 200km OCEAN 4 2 geological formations, is a Angel Galibi 3 rainforest park south-west GUYANA Falls of PARAMARIBO NR Paramaribo on the Coppename Brownsberg Raleighvallen NP River and part of the Central FRENCH NR 1 Central GUIANA Suriname Nature Reserve, also Suriname NR Awarradam recognised by Unesco as a World Orin oco Heritage Site. Here, several types of 5 primeval rainforest, rivers and BRAZIL steep granite rocks are home to jaguar, giant armadillo, giant river otter, tapir, sloth, eight species of Macapá Ne primates and 400 bird species such gr B. de Marajó as harpy eagle, Guiana ocock-of-theI. de Marajó rock and scarlet macaw. Vital statistics z o n top 5 experiencesBelém In the far south of the country, a m Capital: Paramaribo A 1 Visit the remote Maroon a serious-looking row of granite Population: 500,000 Manaus village of Awarradam, where mountains rises out of a green Language: Dutch you can dance with the locals duvet of forest. Notable among Time: GMT-3 and eat delicious peanut soup A m a Kasikasima, near these is Mount International dialling code: +597 z o n 2 Soak up New World and Old Money: Suriname dollar (S$), the Trio and Wajana Amerindian s World influences in Suriname’s ó a j r currently around S$5 to the UK£ S – a good base village ofAPalumeu a ei p capital city Paramaribo while V d a Visas: Required by UK nationals. T a the for trekking and exploring walking around the historic old town M They must be obtained in advance nooks and crannies of the area. and cost €40. The Honorary Consul 3 Watch out for endangered sea 1 nature reserves hug Two enticing turtles lumbering up from the s in London can help: u r the north-east coast of Suriname, sea to lay their eggs on the beach Pu ajethu@honoraryconsul.info 1 both famous in turtle circles as in the Galibi National Reserve – es primary nesting sites – Wia Wia July is the best time to visit WhenP ito go re Porto Velho s 1 The dry seasons and Galibi. Five species, including (February to 4 Sample Paramaribo’s colourful the huge leatherback turtle, come late April and August to early Indonesian and Hindustani December) are the best times to ashore to lay eggs at these spots – food options – or a European meal SI visit. The major rainy season is April for the less adventurous head there between April and July Riberalta ER to July, but that’s also when the R Anesting activity. to see top-notch 5 Tackle the striking granite DO turtles come ashore to nest and S –P you can July is the best month form of Mount Kasikasima A R worth a visit for that alone ECI uap see adults comingG ashore S o r é to lay eggs and hatchlings rushing out to For more information go to www.lata.org/suriname the sea at high tide.

or such a minuscule country, there’s an awful Medellin lot goinga on in Suriname Manizales et reira – an intriguing M BOGOTÁ Tolima combination of Dutch, Asian and enia Ibagué African roots which influences i a r ethe Gauv culture, festivals, food and street a Neivalife. In Paramaribo, the capital and a Unesco World Heritage Site, you could almost be in old Amsterdam as you stroll along the waterfront past beautiful wooden buildings built in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Dutch. The 19th-century Ca qu e t á St Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Cathedral is one of the largest wooden buildings in the Americas, and you can also pass one of the Caribbean’s greatest mosques – head to Keizerstraat at sunset for the best photo opportunities. Inland, you enter a world of S E as L Amazon rainforest, as well Amerindian and Maroon villages.

COLOMBIA

Delta del Orinoco

Orinoc

Sierra Nevada NP

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Ju ru á

Lake Maracaibo

Cauca

nds

Tobago

Tayrona NP

S E A

LESSE R AN TIL Netherlands LE S Aruba Antilles

Pta. Gallinas

DOMINICA

Parnaíb

C A R I B B E A N

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

METS Travel & Tours, Wilderness Explorers

KINGSTON

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

PORT-AU-PRINCE

Jarabocoa Samaná Los Haitises NP Mount SANTO Pico Duarte DOMINGO

HAITI

e Cuba

PUERTO RICO

Cuiabá PLANALTO DE MATO GROSSO

BRASÍLIA Goiânia

www.lata.org BRAZILIAN

HIGHLANDS 17/1/12 12:40:53 Montes Claros

Carin

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000_lata A4 adsAds_mrv1.indd display.indd 5450 LATA10

17/1/12 17:21:12 24/11/09 17:05:25

Cuiabá

B O L I V I A Nevado Ancohume

Sorata

PLANALTO DE MATO GROSSO

Santa Cruz P

Pa ra n

O ej o

Par

Formosa

Corrientes

Sa la

San Ignacio Guazú

C H I LRanch E life, Atlantic beaches and meat galore OB

A DE COR D

Campina

ema

São Paulo Iguazú NP Rio

Igu

aç

Curitiba u

Ur ug ua

Laguna

ARGENTINA

SIERR

AND

A R G E N T I N AEssentials Sa

T A G O N I A

Golfo de

055_Uruguay_SO.indd 55

Florianópo

remnants of colonial architecture or many European 0 200 km Mar Chiquito visitors there’s something in this part of the continent ua de Vaca – a well-preserved historical gem strangely familiar about BRAZIL Salto Cordoba the landscape of Uruguay. on a small peninsula jutting into San Juan the Río de la Plata. Largely devoted to agriculture, In the capital, Montevideo, things the green countryside is dotted Melo are a little more multicultural. with sheep and cows. As far back Cerro Aconcagua Buildings in a riot of architectural as 1868 – when the British built Fray Bentos Durazno Santa 4 styles – Spanish, French, Italian, a railway connectingMendoza the capital, City Teresa Valparaiso 2 Colonia del 1 5 NP Montevideo, with the countryside – English and Art Deco – line the Laguna Negra 3 Sacramento R SANTIAGO í streets. The Mercado del Puerto, Hereford and shorthorn cattle od MONTEVIDEO PAMPAS e la Plat the 19th-century market building were reared in Uruguay and ATLANTIC a Punta OCEAN near the docks, is a carnivore’s across the river. del Este San Rafael dream – dozens of restaurants It is a land of rolling hills and sizzle and steam with tray after tray verdant pastures, best explored on Pta. Norte C. Carranza horseback like a true gaucho, or by of succulent and delicious parrilla staying at one of the many colonial (grilled meat), the staple diet of Cabo San Antonio Chillán most Uruguayans. estancias that have opened their Vital statistics top 5 experiences cepción doors to visitors. Relax and adopt Escape the cities and the giant Capital:Mar Montevideo 1 Sip a medio y medio (wine del Plata barbecue and drive alongBlanca the the lifestyle of the countryside or Bahia Population: 3.3 million cocktail) in Montevideo’s Lavapié Cabo Corrientes a r d ostretching east of spectacular take part in the daily work of the C o l ocoast Language: Spanish indoor Mercado del Puerto Montevideo, a conveyor belt of ranch at your own pace. Time: GMT-2 (GMT-3 October 2 Visit the museums and amble bays, beaches and You’ll taste the colonial flavour as small to March) Bahia Blanca around the cobbled colonial o r Neg International dialling code: +598 soon as you set foot in the country. promontories backed by hills and streets of Colonia del Sacramento, Money: Uruguay peso (UYU), woods. Stop off at the resort of Colonia del Sacramento, a short one of the best-preserved towns in currently around UYU31 to the UK£ Valdiviaferry ride from Buenos Aires, was Punta del Este the Southern Cone 1 – a favourite sunVisas: Not required by UK nationals and-sea spot with the international founded by Portuguese settlers in Viedma 3 Hang out with the stars in the de la Galera 1680. It has some of the finest 1 elite. Further east still, the trendy beach resort of Punta Golfo San Matias When to go Bariloche population dwindles and you’ll del Este, where Hollywood A-listers Sun-seeking visitors head to and rich Brazilians and Argentines 1 Uruguay in the summer find quiet lagoons where you can Puerto Montt Peninsula Valdés head in summer kayak through still waters to a months (December to March), soundtrack of chirruping birds. when the coast is very hot but the 4 For a slower-paced break by Isla de Rawson the water – and excellent For a classic road adventure, interior slightly cooler, especially Chiloé seafood – head to Punta del Diablo in the hills. Temperatures are choose Route 7 towards Melo, heart further up the coast calmed in summer by the cool C. Quilán of the cattle-ranching country. Atlantic breeze while the winter For most of its length, the road 5 Visit a Uruguayan vineyard months, especially July and August, and sample the famous runs through the Cuchilla Grande can get quite cold tannat grape variety – a range of soft, curving hills – Rivadavia andComodoro past vineyards and orchards For more information go to www.lata.org/uruguay Archipelago de Lago Buenos Golfo de San Jorge up to the Brazilian border. Los chonos Aires C. Tres Puntas Desea www.lata.org THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 55 do

Coquimbo

Cabo Sta. Mart

ES MOUNTA

pan

S E R R A

ASUNCIÓN ay

San Miguel de Tucumán

Nevado Ojos del Salado

Parana

PARAGUAY Itaipú agu

Be r

Reprêsa Ilha Grande

D O

Concepción Esteros de Iberá

Grande

The Chaco

Uruguay

Belo H

A N

Salta City

Volcán Llullaillaco

Copiapó

Campo Grande

Potosí H

MA DESERT

iStockphoto; Last Frontiers

Lake Poopó

Sucre

ATA C A

tofagasta

O A N P L T I A L

Oruro

Arica

Goiânia

Corioco LA PAZ Cochabamba

BR HIG

BRASÍLIA

Volcán El Misti

Noel Kempff Mercado NP

moré

yon

Lake Titicaca

I I I

Puerto Deseado

17/1/12 13:05:11

Madison

L. M ic hi

Cheyenne

Cape Cod

Hartford

Venezuela Chicago

Ark

ans

Trenton

WASHINGTON

Springfield

Topeka

Jefferson City

Dover

Indianapolis

Charleston

St. Louis

Frankfort

U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A

Richmond

Enough diversity to send you Caracas pi

Canadian

Nashville

iss

Oklahoma City

Raleigh

Cape Hatteras

Little Rock

Providence

New York

Harrisburg

Columbus

Columbia

BERMUDA

Cape Fear

Red

o Dallas

Colora

Austin Houston

G Rio

hua

Jackson

Atlanta

Montgomery

Baton Rouge

Savannah

Tallahassee Jacksonville

New Orleans

de ran

San Antonio

Mississippi Delta

Orlando Tampa

A T L A N T I C

O C E A

Monterrey Miami

GULF OF MEXICO

BAHAMAS

E X I C O HAVANA

Tampico

VERACRUZ

Leon

Oaxaca

CUBA

Trinidad Yucatan Peninsula

MEXICO CITY

San Cristóbel de las Casas

Tulum

HAITI

PORT-AU-PRINCE

Palenque Tikal

Santiago de Cuba

JAMAICA

BELIZE

KINGSTON

HONDURAS

PUERTO RICO

Jarabocoa Samaná Los Haitises NP Mount SANTO Pico Duarte DOMINGO

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

C A R I B B E A N

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

S E A

NICARAGUA

EL SALVADOR

DOMINICA ST. LUCIA

GUATEMALA

Condor Verde

Los Roques

Lake Nicaragua The Corn Islands Ometepe Island Guanacaste Tenorio NP Volcán Arenal Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero Portobello

Volcán Masaya

5 2 Maracaibo CARACAS 4 Mochima NP Mérida Ciudad o Orinoc Guayana 3 Los Llanos Angel 1 Falls GUYANA

SURINAME

Panama Panamá Viejo the pastures studded enezuela is where the RICA SANhighland JOSÉ Canal COSTA San Blás Manuel Antonio NP withNPwildPANAMA flowers. PANAMA Islands Andes mountain range Corcovado Osa Peninsula Azuero Gulf of Darién If plants arePeninsula yourPanama thing, don’t meets the Caribbean – miss exploring the verdant a land of astonishing Galibi Nature Reserve rainforest and savannas of the variety that many believe is the Salut Cabo Corrientes Brownsberg Islands south-east – a wild and untamed ideal introduction to South Kourou NP COLOMBIA Gran Sabana Voltaire CAYENNE environment that remainsArmenia much as America. The Orinoco River Falls Saül Buenaventura 0 200km O r it was when the country received separates the vast plains from the inoc Cali Awarradam o Nevado del Huila its first foreign visitor back in 1498. tabletop mountains of the Gran FRENCH GUIANA San Agustín BRAZIL So overwhelmed was Christopher Sabana. In the west, the northern Punta Galera Columbus by what he saw that he tip of the Andes creeps up into the Macapá QUITO country in a ridge of frosted peaks. described it as “paradise on earth”. B Ca ECUADOR qu etá I. de Marajó Here Angel Falls tumbles in The south is home to Amazon n o B az Chimborazo Guayaquil Am spectacular style from the plateau rainforest, while the north’s idyllic Manaus Gulf of of a tabletop mountain. The white-sand beaches disappear into Guayaquil Vital statistics Top 5 experiences A m highest falls in the world, its waters the gently lapping Caribbean. a z o Capital: Caracas n 1 Climb Mount Roraima s cascade through the air for almost Despite all the geographical a jó Population: 27.6 million above) r(pictured S a the 2,810m A ei p V d M L S E Ta a a kilometre before meeting the obstacles, Venezuela has one of the O Language: Spanish tepui whose mist-shrouded heights M Punta Aguja rainforest floor. It’s an adventure to best-developed road networks in Time: GMT-4.5 inspired The Lost World Chiclayo B R A Z I L s ru clamber your way through the South America, thanks to its International dialling code: +58 Pu marine Trujillo 2 Visit the protected es jungle to get to the base; toCordillera reach Blanca Money: Bolívar fuerte (Bs), lucrative oil reserves. In the west is Pi National re Porto Velho area of the Mochima s Nevado Huascarán Chimbote currently around Bs6.6 to the UK£ the top warrants a major trekking Los Llanos, the great plain of the Park in the east of the country 1 expedition, but we’re guessingPtheE R Visas: Orinoco, where local flora and U Not required by UK nationals 3 Ride a horse through Los SI Riberalta ER Manu Biosphere 1Reserve views are worth it. fauna – such as scarlet ibis and Llanos, the vast area of RA Comas When to go DO S Pwetlands to the west of the country A final stop on your Venezuelan Orinoco crocodile – share their Huancayo AR Callao LIMA G E u Venezuela CIS apo Picchu is generally ré near the border with Colombia, itinerary should certainly be territory with cattle and the llanero 1 Machu Sacred Valley Cusco considered to be a year-round rich in fauna and flora Mochima National ParkPen.on the cowboys. For the ultimate ranch Noel Kempff Paracas destination. The dry season Mercado NP Lake Nasca Lines Cuiabáof coast, where you can hire a boat experience stay in one of the hatos, Colca Canyon Titicaca Relax in the cool climes (December to April) is more Sorata 4I A BRASÍLIA B O L I V Nasca Nevado Ancohume PLANALTO DE Nevado pleasant Ampato Mérida, a cultured university where you can enjoy a bit of luxury and chug round the clusters of for travelling (and Volcán MATO GROSSO Corioco El Misti Goiânia Arequipa LAbut PAZ the town dating back to the 16th islands until you find a deserted while getting to grips with a lasso. particularly trekking), Cochabamba century and set in striking mighty waterfalls in the Gran cove where you can drop anchor Further west, at Mérida, you can Santa Cruz Oruro á surroundings high up in the Andes Sabana of the south-east Sucre Arica and spend a day padding across be whisked off your feet by the Lake look more impressive Poopó during the Relax on pristine Caribbean your own beach. Or perhaps head highest cable car in the world as it B 5 Potosí PACIFIC OCEAN Campo Grande wet season. The Andes zone Grande beaches such as Puerto Cruz Salar de Uyuni NP glides up through the mist-swirled to the spectacular Los Roques Ti doesn’t get as hot as coastal areas et around Isla Margarita ê archipelago, with miles of pristine peaks of the Andes. Pull on your The Chaco Reprêsa Parana Ilha Grande p a Concepción white-sand beaches and crystalhiking boots and march out onto nem Cam For more information go to www.lata.org/venezuela a Esteros de Antofagasta Iberá clear water. the grassy trails of the páramo and São Paulo

Essentials Ju ru á

Tocantins

Xin

ANDE

I I I

Pa ra n

moré

PARAGUAY

Itaipú

ASUNCIÓN

Par

San Miguel de Tucumán

gu aç u Ur ug ua

17/1/12 13:10:28

D O

San Ignacio Guazú

Corrientes d

Iguazú NP www.lata.org Curitiba Rio I

E R R A

ej o

Copiapó

Formosa

G Nevado Ojos del Salado

Be r

Salta City

agu

MA DESERT

Volcán Llullaillaco

56 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

056_Venezuela_SO.indd 56

Paranating

ATA C A

O A N P L T I A L

capulco

Varadero

Mérida

Teotihuacán

ICHOACÁN

Boston

Albany

Detroit

Lincoln

Denver

Concord

Toronto

Lansing

Des Moines

Cape Sable

Montpelier

ga n

Florian

ABERCROMBIE & KENT TRAVEL l

l l l l l l l l

l l l l

l l

Venezuela

Uruguay

Suriname

Peru

Paraguay

Panama

Nicaragua

Mexico

Honduras

Guyana

Guatemala

Falkland Islands French Guiana

El Salvador

Dominican Republic Ecuador/ Galapagos

Cuba

Costa Rica

Colombia

Chile

Brazil

Bolivia

Belize

Argentina

Use this table to find out who goes where. Contact details for each tour operator can be found overleaf

Antarctica

Getting there from europe

ADVANCE WORLDWIDE

l l l l l l l l

l l l l l l l l l l l l

ANDEAN TRAILS

l l

l l l l l

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cazenove + loyd

Abercrombie & Kent

UK/EU tour operators

0845 070 0614 info@abercrombiekent.co.uk www.abercrombiekent.co.uk The UK’s leading luxury and adventure tour operator offering five-star tailored holidays to Latin America, the Caribbean and Antarctica. A&K is unique in having its own offices in Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina.

Advance Worldwide

Bonding Each country operates its own rules to ensure consumer protection. In the UK any company or individual offering travel arrangements available for sale in the UK that involve a flight as part of the arrangements has to hold an Air Travel Organisers’ Licence (ATOL). Similarly, under European regulations, any company that sells a ‘package’ (a combination of flights, hotels, car hire, or other ground arrangements such as transfers) must be bonded through an approved body. For your own financial security you should always check that the company you are booking with has either an ATOL (if there are flights involved), or some other recognised bonding arrangement. If not, or if you make direct bookings for hotels or services, then you will almost certainly not be covered if the company with whom you have booked goes out of business after you have paid them. All UK Tour Operators listed in this section are ATOL holders. You can check an ATOL on the CAA’s website at www.atol.org.uk.

key Group Denotes members who offer dedicated group tours.

q q b

Flight Only Denotes members who sell flights on their own. Tailor-made Denotes members who offer tailor-made services. Travel Agents Denotes members whose trips can usually be booked through travel agents.

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020 3371 1655 advance@advanceworldwide.com www.advanceworldwide.com Latin America is our expertise. Established in 2003, we are committed to first-class, continent-wide experiences for most budgets. With a fresh, flexible and an informed approach, travellers and travel agents find us an excellent choice. b q

Andean Trails

0131 467 7086 info@andeantrails.co.uk www.andeantrails.co.uk A specialist tour operator offering a personalised service. We organise adventure travel in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Guyana, Cuba and Namibia. Contact us for details of treks, trekking peaks, mountaineering, biking, Amazon kayaking and rafting. b q

Audley Latin America

01993 838 600 latina@audleytravel.com www.audleytravel.com An in-depth knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for all things Latin American, combined with a dedication to personalised service means Audley Latin America can create the perfect tailor-made journey.

Austral Tours

020 7233 5384 info@latinamerica.co.uk www.latinamerica.co.uk Specialists in tailor-made tours to Latin America, combining an in-depth knowledge of the region with an efficient personalised service. A flight-only service offers excellent value air fares. b q q

Caledonia – Languages, Culture, Adventure

0131 621 7721 info@caledonialanguages.co.uk www.caledonialanguages.com Caledonia - Languages, Culture, Adventure – is a specialist tour operator organising holidays and tailor-made itineraries in Central and South America for individuals, school groups, special interest groups and family holidays. b qq

Cathy Matos Mexican Tours

020 8492 0000 sales@mextours.co.uk www.mextours.co.uk For over 30 years, Cathy has been producing tailor-made itineraries to Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Mexico is her life’s work and her team have introduced many clients to this magical country with its magnificent beaches and archaeological sites. b q

020 7384 2332 latin@cazloyd.com www.cazloyd.com cazenove + loyd was the winner of the Favourite Specialist Tour Operator category at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2007 and in the top five from 2008-2010. We offer the finest private travel in South and Central America. b q

Chimu Adventures

0845 265 8334 uk@chimuadventures.com www.chimuadventures.com Adventure/bespoke tour operator specialising in South and Central America. Chimu Adventures is web based to provide competitive prices. We have sales representatives in the UK and Australia.

Cox & Kings

020 7873 5000 cox.kings@coxandkings.co.uk www.coxandkings.co.uk Cox & Kings, the world’s longest-established travel company, specialises in organising high-quality tours and tailor-made itineraries throughout Central and South America for both groups and individuals. b q

Dragoman

01728 861 133 sales@dragoman.co.uk www.dragoman.com Dragoman operate overland journeys and adventure holidays from two to 21 weeks. Specialising in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia, our adventures will take you further off the beaten path to explore the real South America.

Geodyssey

020 7281 7788 enquiries@geodyssey.co.uk www.geodyssey.co.uk Geodyssey offers in-depth, small-group and tailor-made itineraries designed to showcase the best in each destination. Trips include sightseeing, walking, wildlife, birdwatching, diving, adventurous treks and expeditions, beaches and self-drive. b q

Go Fishing/Windows On The Wild

020 8742 1556 maggi@gofishingworldwide.co.uk www.gofishingworldwide.co.uk Go Fishing Worldwide: fly-fishing and game-fishing holidays. Windows on the Wild: wildlife, touring and soft-adventure holidays.

HighLives Ltd

020 8696 9097 info@highlives.co.uk www.highlives.co.uk HighLives offers fully organised Latin America tours and can help you tailor your experience to combine luxury, wellness, adventure, culture and fitness. b qq

Il Viaggio Journeys And Voyages

+39 0267 390 001 info@ilviaggio.biz www.ilviaggio.biz Il Viaggio is a bespoke niche tour operator established in 1978. Our knowledge and expertise is invaluable; we provide tailor-made voyages, highlighting clients’ interests and special needs. We focus our in-depth knowledge in experiential travel. q

Imagine Latin America

Exodus

0845 863 9606 sales@exodus.co.uk www.exodus.co.uk Exodus Travels have been operating since 1974 and are the UK’s original adventure and activity holiday company, specialising in walking, cycling, winter activities, photographic and wildlife holidays in over 90 countries across the globe. b

Explore Worldwide

0844 499 0901 res@explore.co.uk www.explore.co.uk UK’s leading adventure-tour operator specialising in escorted small group holidays. Our one to four week itineraries range from hotel-accommodated cultural tours to trekking, use a variety of transport and are escorted by fully trained leaders.

Exsus Travel

020 7337 9000 escape@exsus.com www.exsus.com Exsus Travel offer luxury, personalised holidays for explorers with standards. Exsus properties are not only luxurious, but they are located in the best possible location and will truly reflect the culture of the country you are in. b q

020 7622 5129 info@imaginelatinamerica.co.uk www.imaginelatinamerica.co.uk To try and encapsulate the essence of Latin America through just words and pictures is a feat, but this is what we strive for, and hope it fires your imagination too. We are here to pass on experience and help you have a memorable holiday. b q

Jacada Travel Ltd

0800 756 6294 info@jacadatravel.com www.jacadatravel.com Leading specialists in luxury, bespoke travel to Latin America. Every one of our experts has spent time living and working in the region to gain a real in-depth understanding of what Latin America has to offer you. q

Journey Latin America

020 8747 8315 tours@journeylatinamerica.co.uk www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk As the UK’s No.1 specialist for Latin America, we’ve built up a team of specialists and guides with an unrivalled knowledge of the region, and a passion for sharing it. From tailor-made holidays to small group tours – we know the places you’ll love. b qq

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Kuoni Travel Ltd

Oasis Overland

01306 744 888 holidays@kuoni.co.uk www.kuoni.co.uk Since 1906, Kuoni has been creating escorted tours, authentic itineraries and unique tailor-made holidays. Many of our Personal Travel Experts have travelled across Latin America and we also have a network of local experts. b q

Last Frontiers

01296 653000 info@lastfrontiers.com www.lastfrontiers.com Tailor-made itineraries for individuals throughout South and Central America and Antarctica. Particular specialities include culture, wildlife, riding, photography and fishing holidays. Sensible advice, expert knowledge and real attention to detail. b q

Latin America Travel

01963 363400 info@oasisoverland.co.uk www.oasisoverland.co.uk Oasis Overland run multi-country expeditions around South America ranging in length from 15 days to 15 weeks. We build, own, and maintain all our expedition trucks, and our trips are adventurous, active, fun, and ideal for the budget-conscious traveller.

Original Travel

020 7978 7333 ask@originaltravel.co.uk www.originaltravel.co.uk An award-winning tailor-made itinerary specialist. Latin America is our fastest growing area with trips throughout South and Central America; from kayaking to jaguar spotting, the team love to talk about the region. q

Page & Moy Travel Group

020 7993 4340/7993 8205 info@latinamericatravel.co.uk www.latinamericatravel.co.uk Latin America Travel offers a wide range of tailor-made itineraries for the independent traveller to South and Central America. Tours in our brochure and website can be modified to suit your specific requirements. b q

0800 567 7379 www.travelsphere.co.uk Over 30 years of experience as an escorted-groups tour operator specialising in high-quality, affordable holidays to Latin America. Why not explore exciting destinations with like-minded people? All holidays include an experienced tour manager throughout.

Latin Odyssey

Preston Reid

020 7610 6020 info@latinodyssey.com www.latinodyssey.com Creating personalised South American itineraries around your interests and budget, our team has travelled extensively within each destination, giving you first-hand knowledge. b q

Llama Travel Limited

020 7263 3000 mail@llamatravel.com www.llamatravel.com Our experienced Latin American experts offer high quality, excellent value holidays. Choose from 40 featured holidays, or you can design your own holiday to visit the areas you want to see.

M Mercator Travel

020 8274 0263 info@mercatortravel.co.uk www.mercatortravel.co.uk Specialising in tailor-made packages (flights and/or hotels, transfers, car hire and tours) for budget, mid-range and luxury travellers – providing informed advice, quality customer service and competitive prices. b q q

Naturally Belize

020 8274 8510 info@naturallybelize.co.uk www.naturallybelize.co.uk Specialising in tailor-made holidays, we offer custom itineraries for couples, groups, individuals and families looking to experience the reefs, rainforest, wildlife and Mayan ruins within Belize and neighbouring countries. q

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01347 889332 info@prestonreid.com www.prestonreid.com Tailor-made itineraries throughout South America, individually created using our up-to-date first-hand knowledge of the region. Specialities include honeymoons, fishing, riding, cruises and sports tours.

Pura Aventura

0845 225 5058 info@pura-aventura.com www.pura-aventura.com We believe in sharing our passion for the most amazing places in the world, combining active experiences with creature comforts and operating in a sustainable way to protect them. q

Reef And Rainforest Tours

01803 866965 mail@reefandrainforest.co.uk www.reefandrainforest.co.uk Specialist natural history and diving tour operator since 1989. We publish three brochures: Tailor-Made Itineraries, Family Adventures and Escorted Group Departures.

S Scott Dunn

020 8682 5030 latin@scottdunn.com www.scottdunn.com Scott Dunn has been creating luxury holidays and honeymoons to Latin America and worldwide destinations since 1986. We cover nearly every country in Latin America, as well as Antarctica, and can also arrange add-on stays in the States. q

Select Latin America

Tribes Travel Ltd

Steamond Travel

Tropical Sky

020 7407 1478 info@selectlatinamerica.co.uk www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk Our specialist knowledge enables us to offer high-quality tours, both tailor-made and escorted small groups. We offer culture, nature and adventure itineraries. Galápagos, Amazon and Antarctica are our specialities. 27 years’ experience. q 020 7730 8646 info@steamondtravel.com www.steamondtravel.com With a background of 37 years in organising trips to Latin America, Steamond Travel offers you first-hand knowledge with flights, accommodation, air passes and bespoke tours at unbeatable prices. b qq

Steppes Travel

01285 885333 latinamerica@steppestravel.co.uk www.steppestravel.co.uk Steppes Travel specialise in tailor-made travel to all of Latin America. Our team have travelled extensively resulting in holidays that incorporate culture and wildlife while minimising your environmental impact through a careful choice of hotels. b q

Sunvil Traveller

020 8758 4774 latinamerica@sunvil.co.uk www.sunvil.co.uk Bespoke soft-adventure trips aimed at the more adventurous traveller. Particular emphasis on wildlife and culture. Itineraries have been tried and tested by our team. 11 countries across Central and South America. Sensible advice. b q

The Ultimate Travel Company

020 7386 4646 enquiry@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk Offering a wide range of tours throughout South America specialising in tailor-made itineraries for groups, individuals and families based on our extensive personal knowledge of Latin America.

Trailfinders

0845 050 5890 www.trailfinders.com Experts in tailor-made itineraries, we offer value and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for budget or luxury, adventure or city breaks, cruising or touring, our prices are among the lowest. b qq

Travel In Depth

01728 685971 lata@tribes.co.uk www.tribes.co.uk Tribes, the Fair Trade Travel™ company, provides high-quality tailor-made and small-group holidays throughout Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, Peru and Brazil. Tribes Travel promotes socially responsible tourism. q 01342 331799 info@americansky.co.uk www.tropicalsky.co.uk Tropical Sky is a leading long haul operator specialising in high quality tailor-made/ packaged holidays. The program to Latin America includes all major countries and destinations, offering a comprehensive choice and variety of accommodations and sightseeing. qq

Tucan Travel

020 8896 1600 uksales@tucantravel.com www.tucantravel.com Tucan Travel has long been the expert in adventure travel to Latin America. Our award-winning reputation for service quality, good value and responsible travel has made us leaders in this field. Take the adventure of a lifetime with Tucan Travel. b

W W&O Travel Latin America

0845 277 3366 latinamerica@wandotravel.com www.WandOtravel.com/latinamerica South America offers beach holidays, multi-country tours, classic cruises and exotic adventure. W&O Travel Latin America offers a selection of high-quality tailor-made holidays across the continent. ATOL 6094. b qq

WEXAS

020 7589 3315 mship@wexas.com www.wexas.com WEXAS is a private members’ travel club for those who are serious about travel, with over 30,000 members who pay an annual subscription to receive excellent travel advice, member benefits and exclusive travel offers not available with other travel companies. q

World Odyssey

01905 731373 info@world-odyssey.com www.world-odyssey.com World Odyssey specialises in tailor-made holidays throughout Latin America. We offer first-hand, in-depth knowledge, whether a honeymoon or a family holiday, we design the finest itineraries to fit the precise requirements of our clients. b q

01298 73780 info@travel-indepth.co.uk www.travel-indepth.co.uk We’re specialists in creating unforgettable tailor-made holidays to some of Latin America’s most unique places - Argentina, Chile, the Falkland Islands and Guyana. q

Travel 2

Yampu Tours

0800 022 4182 enquiries@travel2.com www.travel2.com From the Amazon rainforest, across the mountains of the Andes, to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia, Travel 2 offers the most comprehensive choice of tailor-made holidays to Latin America. b qq

020 7430 2668 info@yampu.com www.yampu.com Yampu has been planning lifetime experiences to Latin America for 12 years. We have offices in downtown Manhattan and Covent Garden. We are bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority. b q THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 59

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MEMBERS BY COUNTRY Antarctica Antarctic Shipping S.A +56-2-481 6910 antarctic@antarctic.cl www.antarcticdream.com Antarctic Shipping is the first Chilean company featuring expeditions to Antarctica. Itineraries on the MV Antarctic Dream range from 8(Air-Cruise)- and 11-days (Classic Antarctica) to 14 days (Polar Circle), departing from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Belize Belize Tourism Board +501-227 2420 info@travelbelize.org www.travelbelize.org Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a peaceful English-speaking country in Central America. Belize offers a unique mix of culture and adventure with tropical forests, Maya temples and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere.

Bolivia

Antarctica XXI +56-61-61 4100 sales@antarcticaxxi.com www.antarcticaxxi.com Antarctica XXI offers exclusive fly and cruise expeditions to Antarctica – a unique opportunity to fly over the ‘infamous’ Drake Passage in two hours and to join an expedition cruise visiting the best wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Crillon Tours-Titicaca Hydrofoils +591-2-233 7533 titicaca@entelnet.bo www.titicaca.com Tourism pioneer with over 50 years committed to sustainable, socially responsible tourism. Our own hydrofoil fleet, unique hotels and land transportation help serve destinations such as Lake Titicaca and the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Antarpply Expeditions +54-2901-433 636 / 436 747 info@antarpply.com www.antarpply.com Based in Ushuaia, Antarpply Expeditions operates expedition cruises to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. We specialise in taking small groups to some of the world’s most remote places on board the Ushuaia, the perfect expedition ship.

Transturin/Titicaca Catamarans +591-2-242 2222 info@transturin.com www.transturin.com Finest Bolivian DMC. Programs designed to interact with local communities. Owner of the Titicaca Catamaran Cruise Ships connecting Peru with Bolivia daily.

Argentina Alvear Palace Hotel +54-11-4808 2100 info@alvearpalace.com www.alvearpalace.com A real palace in the heart of the Recoleta area, the hotel features 210 rooms including 125 suites. Sumptuously decorated with Empire and Louis XV style furniture, personal butler service, fresh fruits and flowers and Hermès toiletries in all rooms. ATP DMC +54-11-4315 9222 info@atpdmc.com www.atpdmc.com Argentina Travel Partners (ATP DMC) is an independent destination management company that specialises in opening up the range of unique travel experiences for new and returning visitors to Argentina, whatever their age and interests. Estancia Los Potreros +54-11-4878 2692 bookings@ride-americas.com www.estancialospotreros.com Estancia Los Potreros is an exclusive working cattle farm in the wild and scenic Cordoba hills. It dates from 1574 and sets the highest standards of accommodation and is unrivalled in its fabulous horses. The top estancia to experience Argentina.

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Turismo Balsa Ltd +591-2-244 0620 info@turismobalsa.com www.turismobalsa.com Leading tour operator with offices throughout the country. Cruise ships and Las Balsas Hotel Resort at Lake Titicaca. Special interest tours. Tailor-made itineraries. Best prices with personalised service and an authentic way to visit Bolivia.

Ace Turismo Chile +56-2-335 6230 info@aceturismo.cl www.aceturismo.cl Founded in 1987. Our creative custommade itineraries in high-end leisure travel and special interests include the High Plateau in the Andes, Easter Island, the Central Valley, the Wine Country, the Lake District, Patagonia and Antarctica. Darwin’s Trails Chile +56-32-297 2096 chile@darwinstrails.com www.darwinstrails.com Custom-designed tours and special interest experiences throughout Chile and Patagonia. Anglo-Chilean-owned Darwin’s Trails provides 20 years of local knowledge in nature travel, giving you the most authentic experience of both destinations. ExploraSA +56-2-206 6060 reservexplora@explora.com www.explora.com Providing guests with the unforgettable experience of exploring the natural and cultural environments of South America’s remote regions, our sophisticated hotels ensure a real enjoyment of life’s pleasures. Terrantai Lodge +56-55-85 1045 info@terrantai.com www.terrantai.com Terrantai is the first boutique hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile and the perfect base to explore Chile’s ethnic, cultural and natural heritage – offering educational, archaeological and overlanding adventures.

Brazil

The Singular Hotel +56-2-948 8340 lata@thesingular.com www.thesingular.com The hotel is located in the converted Frigorifico Puerto Bories, a post-Victorian cold-storage plant built in 1915 and declared a national monument in 1996.

Embassy of Brazil Tourist Office 020 7399 9221 tourism@brazil.org.uk www.brazil.org.uk The UK tourist office for Brazil. Offers the answers to all and any questions about travelling to and around Brazil. Its website (www.brazil.org.uk) is the country’s official English language site.

Tierra Hotels +56-2-263 0606 info@tierrahotels.com www.tierrahotels.com Discover Patagonia and Atacama with award winning Tierra Hotels. Enjoy inspiring views, authentic design and warm friendly service. Daily adventures combine with relaxation and rejuvenation in our contemporary spas.

Copacabana Palace +55-21-2548 7070 reservas@copacabanapalace.com.br www.copacabanapalace.orient-express.com Situated on the promenade facing the legendary beach, the Copacabana Palace Hotel is legendary for its sumptuous style, fine cuisine and impeccable service.

Colombia

Chile Turismo Chile +56-2-785 6609 cpt@turismochile.travel www.turismochile.travel Non-profit organisation that unites public and private efforts to promote Chile as a travel destination in international markets, by promoting tourism in general as well as the specific tour operators that are members of the organisation.

Proexport – Tourist Office 020 7491 3535 london@proexport.com.co www.colombia.travel With 18 offices worldwide – including four in Europe – Proexport Colombia provides a point of contact and assistance for companies working or planning to work with Colombia as a destination. Colombia57 +57-6-886 8050 info@colombia57.com www.colombia57.com European-owned, local DMC and in-bound tour operator providing tailor-made, FIT and group tours to Colombia. A strong focus on quality, innovative ideas and product, value for money, excellent service and attention to detail.

Costa Rica Costa Rican Trails +506-2-280 6705 info@costaricantrails.com www.costaricantrails.com Costa Rican Trails targets to a very specific clientele, creating tailor-made itineraries with special needs and interests. All of our services and products have been carefully selected to meet our high standards of quality, value and character.

Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Tourist Board +44 2072 42 7778 uk@godominicanrepublic.com www.godominicanrepublic.com Dedicated to the promotion of our unparalleled Caribbean destination, the London branch of the Dominican Republic Tourist Board is a support and information centre for tour operators, journalists and travel industry professionals in the UK market.

Ecuador/Galapagos Advantage Travel +593-2-336 0888 info@advantagecuador.com www.advantagecuador.com Located in Quito, Ecuador, and with more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry. Aerogal +593-2-292 0495 ventasmatriz@aerogal.com.ec www.aerogal.com.ec Aerogal is an airline that has been operating for 20 years in Ecuador, flying between the major cities of Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and San Cristóbal and Baltra (Galápagos). We are focused on customer service. Ecoventura/Galapagos Network +1-305-262 6264 info@galapagosnetwork.com www.ecoventura.com Ecoventura offers authentic experiences in small compatible groups on a fleet of expedition yachts: Eric, Flamingo and Letty; and for scuba divers, Galápagos Sky. We established the Galápagos Marine Biodiversity Fund and have been certified by SmartVoyager since 2000. Enchanted Expeditions +593-2-334 0525 headoffice@enchantedexpeditions.com www.enchantedexpeditions.com Enchanted Expeditions are a longestablished and reliable ground operator in Quito. Among our specialist tours – culture, archaeology, birding, adventure, trekking. We visit Beluga and Cachalote on Galápagos. Galápagos Safari Camp +593-9179 4259 info@galapagossafaricamp.com www.galapagossafaricamp.com A new concept to the Galápagos Islands, Galápagos Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp, situated on a ridge in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, bordering the national park and offering magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean.

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Galextur/Hotel Silberstein +593-2-225 0553 info@galextur.com www.galextur.com Based in Quito, Galextur specialises in tailor-made holidays and adventure tours to the Galápagos Islands, based on first-hand knowledge and 16 years’ experience. Also we organise tours and adventure in Ecuador and throughout South America. Hilton Colón +593-2-256 1333 sales.quito@hilton.com www.quito.hilton.com Hilton Colon Quito is a five-star hotel located 15 minutes from Mariscal Sucre Airport, in a commercial, financial and touristic area: 300 rooms, including Executive floors, Deluxe and Hilton Guest rooms, three restaurants, fitness centre and swimming pool. Kleintours +593-2-226 7000 reservations8@kleintours.com.ec www.kleintours.com. Kleintours has become a leading tourism operator in Ecuador and a cruise line in the Galápagos Islands, providing dynamic mainland itineraries and exclusive community-based social projects.. Metropolitan Touring +44 020 8675 4150 info@metropolitan-touring.com www.metropolitan-touring.com Our company is a DMC/ground handler, established in 1953, with operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. We offer a one-stop-shop for our clients’ needs across South America, high standards of service and competitive prices. Ocean Adventures 0800 404 9575 info@eclipse.com.ec www.oceanadventures.com.ec Discover the Galapagos Islands on board the finest boutique cruise ship available. Owned and operated by Ocean Adventures, the expedition vessel, M/V Eclipse, allows the more discerning traveller to experience one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Sacha Lodge, Casa Suizo & Aliso +593-2-256 6090 guillermoz@sachalodge.com www.sachalodge.com Sacha Lodge: 26 rooms. Amazon basin, 300 meters canopy walkway. Casa Del Suizo: 75 room hotel. Amazon Basin. Culture, nature and adventure. Casa Aliso, Quito: 10 rooms individually designed and decorated. Petit Menu, until 10:00 PM, 24-hour front desk. Yacu Amu Experiences +593-2-290 4054 info@yacuamu.com www.yacuamu.com An inbound tour operator and boutique DMC founded in 1996, Yacu Amu are specialists in adventure, nature and cultural experiences for active travellers throughout Ecuador, including Galápagos. We’re the first tour operator in Ecuador to be Rainforest Alliance verified (June 2010).

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Falkland Islands Falkland Islands Tourist Board +500-22215 info@falklandislands.com www.falklandislands.com Leading the tourism industry of this unrivalled wildlife destination, the Falkland Islands Tourist Board provides a wide range of information and services to visitors, agents and tour operators alike. Falkland Islands Holidays +500-22622 info@falklandislandsholidays.com www.falklandislandsholidays.com Longest-established travel operator in the Falkland Islands, with over 20 years’ of experience in tailor-made holidays to suit all travel requirements, photography, wildlife, battle, hiking or general interest. Group and independent travel arranged. International Tours & Travel Ltd +500-22041 se.itt@horizon.co.fk www.falklandislands.travel The most comprehensive travel agent and tour operator in the Falkland Islands with over 10 years’ experience and passion in selling this niche destination. As LAN GSA we also offer competitive prices for international flights to the South American cone.

Mexico Mexico Tourism Board 00800-1111 2266 info@mexicotravel.co.uk www.visitmexico.com A comprehensive information service on travelling in Mexico, including literature on the country’s many attractions, for the individual traveller and the tour wholesaler. Catherwood Travels +52-999-920 2632 reservations@catherwoodtravels.com www.catherwoodtravels.com Catherwood Travels takes adventurers deep into the heart of Mexico’s mesmerising culture on unforgettable bespoke tours. Travellers enjoy exclusive dining and adventures in seldom-visited Mayan sites where they can immerse themselves in the wonders of the Maya World.

Panama Autoridad de Turismo de Panama +507-526-7000 mercadeo@visitpanama.com www.visitpanama.com Panama is a beautiful country with a variety of travel highlights to make you feel that you are in an unspoilt special place. Its incredible islands, people and culture are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in Latin America. Ecocircuitos +507-315-1488 annie@ecocircuitos.com www.ecocircuitos.com Ecocircuitos has been a tour operator and DMC since 1999, specialising in custom travel experiences that include adventure activities, cultural encounters, honeymoon getaways, family holidays and educational tours designed to foster sustainable development in Panama.

Panama Trails +507-393-8834 info@panamatrails.com www.panamatrails.com Panama Trails is a Panama-based tour operator committed to providing unique, innovative and sustainable travel services at great value. We offer travel experiences and tailor-made itineraries for families, honeymooners, nature lovers and adrenalin junkies a-like.

Peru PromPerú +51-1-224 3131 czakrzewski@promperu.gob.pe www.peru.travel PromPerú, the Commission for Exports and Tourism in Peru, is responsible for the promotion of investments and tourism. Being rich in history, colonial tradition, adventure, gastronomy and biodiversity makes Peru an attractive destination. Amazonas Explorer +51-84-252 846 sales@amazonas-explorer.com www.amazonas-explorer.com Based in Cusco, southern Peru, Amazonas Explorer is an official Inca Trail operator and organises high-quality alternative trekking, canoeing, rafting, biking, family and cultural adventure holidays in Peru. Condor Travel SA +51-1-6153 000 incoming@condortravel.com www.condortravel.com Experienced tour operator in Latin America, the first with the ISO 9001 quality certification. We offer conventional, special interest, adventure, fixed departures, tailor-made and incentive travel programs in South America. Guaranteed 24-hour response. Inkaterra Peru +51-1-6100 400 lisa.maasias@inkaterra.com www.inkaterra.com Inkaterra is Peru’s leader in sustainable tourism, with three Inkaterra hotels and two hotels under by Inkaterra, the more budget-conscious brand. The company also offers bespoke trips in Tambopata, Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Kuoda Tours +51-84-221 773 info@kuodatravel.com www.kuodatravel.com With bespoke tours in South America, we offer private itineraries tailored to requirements, personality and interests. We offer accommodations, activities, entrance tickets, private guides and transportation, key meals, 24-hour help. Unforgettable and meaningful experiences!

South American Travel Services +51-84-237 887 info@satsperu.com www.satsperu.com SATS is a team of quality international experience, based in Cusco, Peru. We offer an authentic and unique experience in Peru and South America. We specialise in customised programmes, high-quality trekking, adventure and cultural travels. The Yavari Project +51-54-369 329 yavariguldentops@hotmail.com www.yavari.org The MS Yavari, built in 1862 in England, was carried on muleback to Lake Titicaca (3,810m) and is now moored by the Posada Hotel in Puno Bay, Peru. Open daily from 8.00am. Bed & Breakfast for US$45 per person. Seven bunks available. Tucano Peru +51-1-4791 900 veronica@tucanoperu.com www.tucanoperu.com A well-designed tour will tailor the trip to the traveller and in a country as culturally rich as Peru, good travel design is guaranteed to pay dividends. For anyone who wishes to know Peru, but to do so on their own terms, there is Tucano Peru. Viajes Pacifico +51-1-6101 900 info@viajespacifico.com.pe www.viajespacifico.com.pe VIPAC Peru is one of the most prestigious tour companies in Peru. It was established more than 37 years ago with the mission of creating memorable experiences such as regular departures, private journeys and incentive programs, among others.

SURINAME Suriname Tourism Foundation +597-424 878 info@suriname-tourism.org www.suriname-tourism.org This relatively new travel destination is renowned for its unique natural and cultural heritage and invites you for a visit. Come and join one of the many authentic cultural events and have an experience of a lifetime.

URUGUAY Embassy of Uruguay +44 020 7937 4170 emburuguay@emburuguay.org.uk www.uruguaynatural.com Uruguay has stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, hidden colonial towns, world famous wines and cuisine, and wonderful culture and traditions. We invite you to travel to Uruguay, for many even a second home!

Mountain Lodges of Peru +51-84-421 6952 info@mountainlodgesofperu.com www.mountainlodgesofperu.com Mountain Lodges of Peru offers the first and only Machu Picchu Lodge-To-Lodge Trek, a unique journey through an ancient Inca trail and on your way to discovering the famous Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

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destinations and 18 international in South America, Europe and USA. On board, our passengers will experience the comfort and the excellent service offered by TAM.

MEMBERS BY CategoRY Airlines Aerolineas Argentinas

020 7290 7887 info@aerolineasargentinas.co.uk www.aerolineas.com.ar Argentina’s national carrier operates daily flights from Gatwick to Buenos Aires via Madrid. Aerolineas flies to 33 cities within Argentina, as well as to Santiago de Chile, Montevideo, Rio and Sao Pablo in Brazil, Auckland, Sydney, Barcelona and Rome.

Aerosur

0844 482 2382 aerosur@apg-ga.co.uk www.aerosur.co.uk Aerosur is a privately owned airline operating internationally from Madrid, Washington, Miami and the Dominican Republic to Santa Cruz with onward connections in Bolivia and Latin America, including Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Lima, Cuzco and Asunción.

Air Europa

0871 423 0717 uksales@air-europa.com www.aireuropa.com Spain’s largest privately owned scheduled airline offers twice-daily flights from Gatwick to Madrid with connections to Buenos Aires, Salvador da Bahia, Caracas, Havana, Cancun, Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Lima and Miami.

AviancaTACA

0871 744 0337 taca@flightdirectors.com www.tacaairlines.co.uk AviancaTACA has the widest network of destinations, routes and frequencies, operated from our four hubs in Bogota, Lima, San Jose and San Salvador. We operate 129 aircraft to 129 cities.

Iberia Airlines

020 8738 3355 sales.lon@iberia.com www.iberiaairlines.co.uk Iberia is the Latin American market leader, with the largest number of destinations and non-stop flights from Madrid. No other European carrier offers such a complete network and such quality of service.

LAN

0800 977 6656 infouk@lan.com www.lan.com LAN operates flights to and within South America. Daily overnight flights from the UK to Peru, Ecuador and Chile. On board, expect award-winning service with our latest Audio and Video on Demand.

TAM

020 8600 6700 sales.support@tam.com.br www.tamairlines.com TAM is the largest airline in South America. Our network covers more than 70 domestic 62 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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United Airlines

0845 607 6760 www.united.com United flies from six UK airports to a range of Latin American cities via hubs in Washington, New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco and LA. The leading US airline to Mexico, with a large network in Central and South America.

Charities/NGOs Galápagos Conservation Trust

020 7629 5049 gct@gct.org www.savegalapagos.org The Galápagos Conservation Trust is the UK’s primary source of information and support for the Galápagos Islands. We raise much needed funds and awareness to support the conservation of this special place and its unique ecosystem and wildlife.

The LATA Foundation

020 8715 2913 info@latafoundation.org www.latafoundation.org The LATA Foundation is a registered charity, committed to poverty relief, sustainable development and conservation projects throughout Latin America.

The Travel Foundation

0117 930 0076 admin@thetravelfoundation.org.uk www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk The Travel Foundation is an independent UK charity that aims to help the outbound travel industry manage tourism more sustainably. Our focus is on protecting and enhancing the environment and improving the well-being of destination communities.

Cruise ships Cruceros Australis

+34-93-4970484 europa@crucerosaustralis.eu www.australis.com Expedition cruises to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. Four weekly programs between Punta Arenas, Chile, and Ushuaia, Argentina. Our daily excursions disembark near glaciers and fjords, visiting colonies of penguins, elephant seals, etc.

Navimag

+56-2-442 3114 info@navimag.cl www.navimag.com Sailing the Patagonian fjords: the best way to enter or exit the Torres del Paine National Park. An indomitable landscape where the silence and the immensity of its forests, glaciers and mountains with eternal snow joins the exotic marine fauna.

Skorpios Cruises

+56-2-477 3114 skoinfo@skorpios.cl www.skorpios.cl Skorpios Cruises offers two routes to the glaciers of Chilean Patagonia: Chonos Route, a six-day program to the Northern Ice Field; and Kaweskar Route, a three-night program, with two weekly sailings, to the Patagonian Southern Ice Field.

Guide Books/Media Bradt Travel Guides

01753 893 444 info@bradtguides.com www.bradtguides.com Publishing for 37 years: focusing on new/ emerging destinations (eg Guyana), a reputation for ‘positive’ travel and recognised as one of the world’s most pioneering travel publishers. Voted Best Travel Guide Series 2008 by the readers of Wanderlust magazine.

Footprint Handbooks

01225 473 054 ads@footprintbooks.com www.footprintbooks.com Our 19 current guides to the region, including The South American Handbook, have been voted by LATA as ‘the most informative guides to Latin America on the market’. Contact us to discuss advertising opportunities in all our guides and online.

Wanderlust Publications

01753 620 426 info@wanderlust.co.uk www.wanderlust.co.uk Wanderlust is the UK’s leading travel magazine covering adventurous and cultural travel. As Michael Palin says, “the most discerning travel magazine this side of Nanga Parbat!” Look out too for Take Better Travel Photos and Unique Honeymoons magazines.

Hotel groups Breezes Resorts

020 8520 0656 info@superclubs.org www.breezes.com Breezes Resorts opened the first all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, the first in Cuba, Brazil and then Panama in 2009. In 2010, it opened the Breezes Buzios near Rio, totalling 12 resorts across six destinations: Jamaica, Bahamas, Cuba, Curacao, Brazil and Panama.

Orient-Express Hotels

020 3117 1376 lucy.clark@orient-express.com www.orient-express.com Orient-Express Hotels owns some of the finest hotels in Latin America – the Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Maroma Resort & Spa, Mexico; Miraflores Park, Lima; Hotel Monasterio & Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Peru. It is also responsible for the Hiram Bingham train.

Local operators Machete Tours

+51-8-422 4829 info@machetetours.com www.machetetours.com Machete Tours is a Peruvian-Scandinavian travel agency with offices in Cusco, Lima and Copenhagen. Its operations are throughout Peru and, since 2008, Bolivia and Chile.

Panamericana de Viajes

+57-1-6500 400 incoming@panamericanaviajes.com www.panamericanaviajes.net For 29 years we have been working on the promotion of Colombia as a wonderful

destination. With offices in Bogota, Cartagena, Medellín and our own transportation, we guarantee an unforgettable unique experience.

Quimbaya Tours

uk@quimbaya-tours.com www.quimbaya-tours.com Quimbaya is an incoming operator with local offices in 14 countries around Latin America. We have 25 years’ experience working with European tour operators and wholesalers. We have dedicated English-speaking teams available 24/7 for your convenience.

South American Tours

+49-69-4058 970 info@southamericantours.com www.southamericantours.com SAT is a leading DMC with a unique network of well established SAT offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador and Peru. We offer customised tours for groups and individual travellers, as well as seat-incoach tours with scheduled departures.

Surtek Ecuador & Galápagos

+593-2-2500 540 info@surtrek.com www.surtrek.com SAT is a leading DMC with a unique network of well established SAT offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador and Peru.

Representation COMPANIES Americas

020 7223 4330 americas@americas.co.uk www.americas.co.uk Americas represents 13 Latin American ground operators and has vast experience offering innovative tours and ensuring arrangements run smoothly for tour operators and incentive houses. We offer support with material, workshops, training and fam-trips.

Tourist Boards CATA

+34-91-5720854 info@visitcentroamerica.com www.visitcentroamerica.com CATA (the Central America Tourism Agency, with its headquarters in Madrid, Spain) unites under a single brand the promotional efforts in Europe and Asia of the 7 Central American countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

Travel shows The Times Destinations Show

020 7370 8092 destinations@clarionevents.com www.DestinationsShow.com Entering its 18th year in London and launching in Manchester, the Destinations shows are the premium consumer travel exhibitions in the UK, giving you the opportunity to meet 55,000 affluent customers in a dedicated area focusing upon Latin America.

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all lata MEMBERS A Abercrombie & Kent Travel (Tour Operators) Ace Turismo Chile (Local Operators) ADSMUNDO (Local Operators) Advance Worldwide (Tour Operators) Advantage Travel (Local Operators) AEROGAL (Airlines) Aerolineas Argentinas (Airlines) Aeromexico (Airlines) AeroSur (Airlines) Air Europa (Airlines) Alvear Palace Hotel (Hotels) Amazon Nature Tours (Cruise ships) Amazonas Explorer (Local Operators) Americas (Representation Companies) Andean Adventures (Local Operators) Andean Trails (Tour Operators) Antarctic Shipping S.A (Cruise ships) Antarctica XXI (Cruise ships) Antarpply Expeditions (Cruise ships) ATP DMC (Local Operators) Audley Latin America (Tour Operators) Aurorraeco Viagens Ltda (Local Operators) Austral Tours (Tour Operators) Autoridad de Turismo de Panama (Tourist Boards) AviancaTACA (Airlines)

B Belize Tourism Board (Tourist Boards) Blumar Tour Operator (Local Operators) Bradt Travel Guides (Guide Books/Media) Branding Latin America (Representation Companies) Brasil Travel (Local Operators) Brazil EcoJourneys (Local Operators) Breezes Resorts (Hotel Groups) Brighter Group (Representation Companies) British Argentine Chamber (Trade Bodies & Cultural Associations)

C Caledonia (Tour Operators) Canning House (Trade Bodies & Cultural Associations) Caribbean Tourism Organisation (Tourist Boards) Casa Andina (Hotel Groups) Cascada Expediciones (Local Operators) CATA (Tourist Boards) Catherwood Travels (Local Operators) Cathy Matos Mexican Tours (Tour Operators) cazenove + loyd (Tour Operators) Chile Tours (Representation Companies) Chimu Adventures (Tour Operators) Colombia Adventure (Local Operators) Colombia57 (Local Operators) Colombian Journeys (Local Operators) Coltur Peru (Local Operators) Condor (Airlines) Condor Travel SA (Local Operators) Condor Verde Travel (Local Operators) Copacabana Palace (Hotels) Costa Rica Inside (Local Operators) Costa Rica Sun Tours (Local Operators) Costa Rican Trails (Local Operators)

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Cox & Kings (Tour Operators) Crillon Tours-Titicaca Hydrofoils (Local Operators) Critical Divide (Marketing/Technology Support) Cruceros Australis (Cruise ships) Cynsa Tour Operator (Local Operators)

Kallpa Tour Operator (Local Operators) Kleintours (Local Operators) Kuoda Tours (Local Operators) Kuoni Travel Ltd (Tour Operators)

Darwin's Trails Chile (Local Operators) Delfino Tours C.A (Local Operators) Destination Marketing Group (Representation Companies) Dominican Republic Tourist Board (Tourist Boards) Dragoman (Tour Operators)

LAN (Airlines) Lares Tours & Inn Travel (Local Operators) Last Frontiers (Tour Operators) Latin America Travel (Tour Operators) Latin Discover (Local Operators) Latin Odyssey (Tour Operators) Latin Trails (Local Operators) Latincoming (Local Operators) Lima Tours SA (Local Operators) Llama Travel Limited (Tour Operators) Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa (Hotels)

Sacha Lodge , Casa Suizo & Aliso (Hotels) Saspo Tourism Services Limited (Representation Companies) Say Hueque (Local Operators) Scott Dunn (Tour Operators) Select Latin America (Tour Operators) Selling Long Haul (Guide Books/Media) Senderos (Representation Companies) Skorpios Cruises (Cruise ships) SOCOMPA (Local Operators) South American Tours (Local Operators) South American Travel Services (Local Operators) Steamond Travel (Tour Operators) Steppes Travel (Tour Operators) Sunvil Traveller (Tour Operators) Suriname Tourism Foundation (Tourist Boards) Surtrek Ecuador & Galapagos Tours (Local Operators) Swiss Travel, Costa Rica (Local Operators)

E EBS Limited (Representation Companies) EcoCircuitos (Local Operators) Ecoventura/Galapagos Network (Cruise Ships) Ecuador Adventure (Local Operators) Ecuadorian Tours (Local Operators) Embassy of Brazil Tourist Office (Tourist Boards) Embassy of Uruguay (Tourist Boards) Enchanted Expeditions (Local Operators) Enchanting Hotels Costa Rica (Hotels) ENIGMA (Local Operators) Estancia Los Potreros (Hotels) Eurotur SRL (Local Operators) Exodus (Tour Operators) Experiential Journeys Ecuador (Local Operators) explora SA (Hotel Groups) Explore Worldwide (Tour Operators) Exsus Travel (Tour Operators)

F FAENA HOTEL+UNIVERSE (Hotels) Falkland Islands Holidays (Local Operators) Falkland Islands Tourist Board (Tourist Boards) Footprint Handbooks (Guide Books/Media) Francis Ford Coppola Resorts (Hotel Groups) FUTUROPA (Charities/NGOs)

G Galapagos Conservation Trust (Charities/ NGOs) Galapagos Safari Camp (Hotels) Galextur/Hotel Silberstein (Hotels) Gentian Trails (Local Operators) Geodyssey (Tour Operators) Go Fishing/Windows on the Wild (Tour Operators)

H HighLives Ltd (Tour Operators) Hilton Colón (Hotels)

I Iberia Airlines (Airlines) Il Viaggio Journeys and Voyages (Tour Operators) Imagine Latin America (Tour Operators) Inkanatura Travel (Local Operators) Inkaterra Peru (Local Operators) Interchange (Representation Companies) International Tours & Travel Ltd. (Local Operators) Irupe Lodge & Wildlife Tours (Local Operators)

J Jacada Travel Ltd (Tour Operators) JG Black Book of Travel (Representation Companies) Journey Latin America (Tour Operators) Journey Mexico (Local Operators)

M Machete Tours (Local Operators) Magri Turismo Ltda (Local Operators) Manu Expeditions (Local Operators) Marysol Travel Services (Local Operators) Mayan Escapes (Local Operators) Mercator Travel (Tour Operators) Metropolitan Touring (Local Operators) Mexico Tourism Board (Tourist Boards) Mountain Lodges of Peru (Local Operators)

Talking Stick Marketing (Representation Companies) TAM (Airlines) Terrantai Lodge (Hotels) The Crees Foundation (Charities/NGOs) The LATA Foundation (Charities/NGOs) The Singular Hotels (Hotel Groups) N The Times Destinations Show (Travel shows) The Travel Foundation (Charities/NGOs) The Ultimate Travel Company (Tour Operators) Native Trails (Local Operators) The Yavari Project (Local attractions) Natoura Travel & Adventure Tours (Local Tierra Hotels (Hotels) Operators) Top Dest (Local Operators) Naturally Belize (Tour Operators) Tours Unlimited (Local Operators) Nature Style SA (Local Operators) NATURECO natural ecotours (Local Operators) Trailfinders (Tour Operators) Transturin/Titicaca Catamarans (Local Navimag (Cruise ships) Operators) O Travel Excellence (Local Operators) Travel In Depth (Tour Operators) Travel2 (Tour Operators) Oasis Overland (Tour Operators) travelArt Chile (Local Operators) Ocean Adventures (Local Operators) Tribes Travel Ltd (Tour Operators) Orient-Express Hotels (Hotel Groups) Tropic Journeys in Nature (Local Operators) Original Travel (Tour Operators) Tropical Sky (Tour Operators) P Tucan Travel (Tour Operators) Tucano Peru (Local Operators) Turismo Balsa Ltda (Local Operators) Page & Moy Travel Group (Tour Operators) Turismo Chile (Tourist Boards) Panama Trails (Local Operators) Turismo Turavion (Local Operators) Panamericana de Viajes (Local Operators) Turismo Vida Sol e Mar (Hotels) Panorama Perú (Local Operators) Penelope Kellie Yacht Charters U (Representation Companies) Peru Gateway Travel (Local Operators) Poas Volcano Lodge (Hotels) United Airlines (Airlines) Poncho Tours (Local Operators) V Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel (Hotel Groups) Preston Reid (Tour Operators) Vapues Tours (Local Operators) Proexport - Tourist Office (Tourist Boards) Viajes Pacifico (Local Operators) PromPerú (Tourist Boards) Viajes Via Natura (Local Operators) Protours (Local Operators) ViaVenture (Local Operators) Pura Aventura (Tour Operators) W Pure Brasil (Local Operators)

Q Quimbaya Tours (Local Operators) Quincho Country Home (Hotels)

R Rainforest Alliance (Charities/NGOs) Reef and Rainforest Tours (Tour Operators) Remota (Hotels) Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau (Trade Bodies & Cultural Associations)

W H Coleman (Travel shows) W&O Travel Latin America (Tour Operators) Walpax Viagens e Turismo (Local Operators) Wanderlust Publications (Guide Books/ Media) WEXAS (Tour Operators) Wilderness Explorers (Local Operators) World Odyssey (Tour Operators)

Y Yacu Amu Experiences (Local Operators) Yampu Tours (Tour Operators) THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 63

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from

Guatemala £1449 from

99.5% of Llama Travel customers would recommend us to their friends.

020 7263 3000 www.llamatravel.com

64 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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Enjoy the wonders of Brazil with the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest airline.

Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

Travelling in Brazil means you are bound to experience a fascinating country, full of beautiful beaches, lush nature and very warm and welcoming people, as well as some very important financial centres which make Brazil one of the most important countries of Latin America. To enjoy all this, you can count on us: we fly direct to SĂŁo Paulo and Rio de Janeiro from London Heathrow and with links to destinations worldwide, operated by TAM Airlines, or by a member of Star Alliance. Visit www.tamairlines.com or www.passiontoflyandserve.com, call 020 8741 2005 or contact your travel agent.

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