The LATA Guide to Latin America 2014

The LaTin american TraveL associaTion

inside: the Latin America list 26 country guides Directory of tour operators & members 000_Cover_SO.indd 1

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Los Lagos, Chile

Discover the wonders of South America with LAN and TAM Airlines

Machu Picchu, Cusco

Galapagos, Ecuador

TAM Airlines fly direct to Sao Paulo and to Rio de Janeiro from London Heathrow and LAN Airlines to Santiago de Chile, Guayaquil and Lima via Madrid. Discover this exciting part of the world with the airlines that most know the region.

To find out more, visit: www.tamairlines.com | www.lan.com or consult your travel agent.

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The Latin american Travel Association

Welcome

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Montreal St. Paul

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Toronto

Lansing

Halifax Cape Sable

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Great Salt Lake

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Carson City

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San Francisco

DA SIERRA NEVA

Sacramento

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 ATOL-bonded (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!

Boston

Albany

Cape Cod

Hartford

Providence

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

Inside:

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

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O C E A N

The Latin America list: 50 great experiences

BAHAMAS

GULF OF MEXICO HAVANA

Puerto Vallarta

D O M I NI C A N R E P U BL IC

CUBA

Chichén Itzá

HAITI

MEXICO CITY Tikal GUATEMALA CITY

GUATEMALA

BELIZE JAMAICA HONDURAS

BELMOPAN

TEGUCIGALPA

SAN SALVADOR

EL SALVADOR

NICARAGUA MANAGUA SAN JOSÉ

PACIFIC OCEAN

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

COSTA RICA

PANAMA PANAMA

SANTO DOMINGO

ANTIGUA & PUERTO BARBUDA RICO ST KITTS & NEVIS DOMINICA

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Country guides

ST LUCIA DUTCH ST VINCENT BARBADOS CARIBBEAN GRENADA TRINIDAD CARACAS & TOBAGO VENEZUELA

page 57

GEORGETOWN PARAMARIBO

COLOMBIA

SURINAME

BOGOTÁ

Directory of LATA tour operators & members

FRENCH GUIANA

GUYANA

Angel Falls

CAYENNE

ECUADOR QUITO

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Galapagos Islands

River Am

Manaus

Belém

Guayaquil

Fortaleza

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P E R U LIMA Machu Picchu Cusco

Salvador

B O L I V I A

BRASÍLIA

LA PAZ Santa Cruz

PACIFIC OCEAN

Salar de Uyuni Calama

PARAGUAY

Atacama Desert

São Paulo

ASUNCIÓN

Rio de Janeiro

Designed and published by Wanderlust Travel Media www.wanderlusttravelmedia.co.uk Printing by Polestar Colchester

Porto Alegre Córdoba Mendoza

MONTEVIDEO

SANTIAGO

Dreamstime; istockphoto; Shutterstock

BUENOS AIRES

1000km

A T L A N T I C

Torres del Paine

Punta Arenas

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O C E A N

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 01/2014.

Official partner of the FCO’s Know Before You Go Campaign

FALKLAND ISLANDS/ ISLAS MALVINAS

Ushuaia

Cape Horn

www.lata.org

URUGUAY

A R G E N T I N A

Puerto Montt

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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.

Curitiba

Easter Island

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email: info@lata.org website: www.lata.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ LatinAmericanTravelAssociation Twitter: https://twitter.com/latauk

Iguassu Falls

CHILE

Juan Fernández Islands

www.lata.org

South Georgia

Cover: Jaguar walking through the rainforest, South America (Biosphoto/SuperStock)

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 1

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IguassĂš Falls is surrounded

by Unesco-listed rainforest

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From spectacular sights to amazing bites: these are the 50 things that make Latin America the planet’s most exciting region

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sIx awesome Islands

three wIld waterFalls Falls 1 Iguassu ArgentinA

Bordered by a lush, dense rainforest, these spectacular falls are the heart of the Parque Nacional Iguassu – a Unesco World Heritage site straddling Argentina and Brazil. A series of cataracts stretching for 3km, the area comprises more than 250 individual waterfalls. The Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) is the most impressive – a viewing platform lets visitors creep closer to its thunderous noise and drenching sprays.

1

easter Island Chile

Ocean outcrops don’t come more remote or mysterious than Easter Island.

Over 3,500km from mainland Chile, this rugged volcanic remnant is scattered by almost 900 moai – big stone heads, reaching up to 9.8m long and dating from AD 1100.

Why were they built? Nobody quite knows.

But they’re suitably enigmatic guardians for this singular faraway land.

Falls 2 angel VenezuelA

Plunging 979m, with an uninterrupted drop of 807m – the world’s highest – Angel Falls feels as celestial as its name suggests. Its surroundings are equally breathtaking, a dense, impenetrable jungle saturated with extraordinary plant life, not least hundreds of species of orchid, including the Cattleya – known as the ‘Queen of the Orchids’.

Standing on a 250m-high precipice with the roar of the water beneath your feet, you’ll be filled with trepidation as you gaze down here – at Kaieteur Falls you can get closer to the raw power of nature than you ever thought possible. About 30,000 gallons of water pours over the falls every second, disappearing into the middle of the misty, jaguar-filled, virtually untouched jungle spread out below.

Previous spread Shutterstock this spread Alamy; Dreamstime

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2 CORN ISLANDS NICARAGUA

This pair of castaways is a Crusoe fantasy made real. Dotted 70km off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, Big Corn and Little Corn are jungly havens of bright wooden houses, lobster pots, pretty coves and Creole culture. The diving’s good too: vibrant reefs attract friendly sharks, eagle rays and a rainbow of tropical fish.

3 DEVIL’S ISLAND FRENCH GUIANA

Ironic that travellers now want to escape to this island – for 100 years, its residents only wanted to get off. From 1852 to 1953, Devil’s Island was a notorious penal colony, immortalised in Henri Charrière’s Papillon. Now it’s all about palms and parrots, although the jailhouse ruins make for sinister sightseeing.

4 DECEPTION ISLAND ANTARCTICA

Part of the South Shetlands archipelago, this flooded caldera isn’t just a haven for ships: several colonies of cheeky chinstrap penguins waddle here. Plus, as the volcano’s still active, thermal activity continues: dig down into the island’s black-sand beach to make yourself a toasty-warm bath.

5

SANTA CRUZ GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The place to meet the locals: hang out with the Galapagos’s iconic giant tortoises at Santa Cruz’s research centre and up in the leafy highlands. And look for Darwin’s game-changing finches and snorting piles of inky marine iguanas too.

6 CAYO LEVANTADO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

If there was ever a place to lay back with a rum cocktail and simply shoot the sea breeze, this is it. Flung into the blue, just off the Dom Rep’s north-east coast. Cayo Levantado is an idyllic pile of pure-white sand, lapped by tropical waters and over-swayed by palm trees snuck right out of a Bacardi ad. Paradise indeed.

FIVE SUPER SPORT EVENTS OLYMPIC 1 THE GAMES 2016 BRAZIL

The greatest show on earth arrives in Rio from 5-21 August, with the Paralympics following on 7-18 September.

More than 10,500 athletes will complete in 306 events, with the likes of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and iconic Copacabana hosting events. And the host’s famed love of a good party means you’re going to need more than a few days to soak up all that atmosphere.

ARGENTINE 2CHAMPIONSHIP POLO OPEN ARGENTINA

Over the past 100 years, the Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo (Argentine Polo Open Championship) has been one of the most fiercely contested international polo club tournaments in the world.

Filled with aggression, adrenalin, the fixture (held in November) draws around 30,000 noisy, Quilmesdrinking, fans to the famed Campo Argentino del Polo stadium – otherwise known as the ‘Cathedral of Polo’.

3 CONSEJO MUNDIAL DE LUCHA LIBRE MEXICO

Ponder Easter Island’s mystical moai statues

Cheer for the technicos (fan favourites) and hiss for the rudos (villains) in Luca Libre, the Mexican spectacle that combines pro-wrestling with surreal, high-flying panto.

Despite its bonkers theatrics,

this is serious stuff, with over 11,000 locals packing the Arena Mexico in September for Lucha’s annual landmark show. Join the wild crowds shouting themselves hoarse as the masked luchadores tumble around the ring.

FIFA WORLD 4 THE CUP 2014 BRAZIL

Seven-hundred million people tuned in to the 2010 World Cup final, making it the most-watched sporting event in history. On 12 June 2014, the contest arrives in Brazil (mascot pictured above), the country that has lifted the trophy more times than any other. Thirty-two teams will compete in 12 cities, spanning the country from Fortaleza to Porto Alegre. The much-fancied home side will face fierce competition from neighbours Argentina and Uruguay – and England will be there too.

SURINAME 5BADMINTON INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT SURINAME

Shuttlecocks at the ready!

In November, Suriname’s capital Paramaribo hosts the annual International Badminton Tournament, featuring competitors from all over the globe. Off the court, visitors can explore the old town’s Unesco World Heritage-listed fusion of 16th century European architecture and indigenous materials, crafts and cultures. www.lata.org

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seven sPorts to try Towering 3,0o0m above sea level and bordered by the Andes, Ski Portillo (above) is Chile’s oldest and most popular resort. It overlooks the crystal-blue waters of Laguna del Inca, a lake said to be haunted by an Inca man whose lover was buried there.

Skiers and snowboarders should aim to hit the slopes between July and September.

in 2 sailing honduras

Lush isles, tranquil bays, unexplored reefs: Honduras has hidden gems that are only reachable by boat.

Vibrant corals can be discovered at snorkel stops in the more remote parts of the Bay Islands, while there’s super sand at the littleknown cays off La Mosquitia.

in 3 Fishing Costa riCa

Get your rod ready and relax with a coffee cocktail in front of an exotic rainforest backdrop. Sport fishing in Costa Rica is unparalleled as the Río San Juan and the surrounding rivers are teeming with life, as is the country’s coastline. Large snook are in abundance for the anglers, while those who prefer just to watch should keep an eye out for dolphin and Atlantic blue marlin.

4 hiking in Peru

The intricate stone paths and ancient stairs of the Inca Trail are almost as iconic as 6 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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its final destination: the Unesco-listed ruins of Machu Picchu. The 42km trek passes several Inca citadels, and peaks at an oxygen-starved height of 4,200m, ensuring the trail is as much about the journey as the arrival.

in 5 Polo argentina

Horses are an intrinsic part of Argentine culture so no visit is complete without trying to get to grips with its national sport. Many estancias (rural estates), such as Estancia Los Potreros, give riders of all abilities the chance to practise at weekly stick-and-ball sessions.

climbing in 6 rock Brazil

Cable-cars are for wimps!

Scaling Sugarloaf Mountain under your own steam is tough, but it’s one of Rio de Janeiro’s most exhilarating activities. There are over 50 different routes to reach the summit – or its shorter, flatter sibling Morro do Urca – each tailored to a different skill level. Guided climbs can be arranged.

six brilliant beaches

7Diving in Belize

The Belize Barrier Reef, which lines the country’s 300km-long coast, is second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef. Slip under the waves to experience the submarine phenomenon that is the Blue Hole and float with hammerhead sharks at Glover’s Reef.

1 garDner bay galaPagos islands

alamy; istockphoto

1skiing in Chile

Not only is Gardner Bay a paradisiacal meeting of turquoise water and sparkling-white sand, it is teeming with wildlife. This beach, on three-million-year-old Española Island, is favoured by sea lions. Lots of them. And they don’t seem to mind human company one bit. Also look out for other species, such as the cheeky Española mockingbird and the Española lava lizard, as well as pods of eagle rays flapping offshore. www.lata.org 20/1/14 18:31:00

Seal lions grab a siesta on Gardner Bay

2 Tulum Mexico

With Mayan ruins teetering on a clifftop high above, the beautiful beach at Tulum is shadowed by extraordinary history. It’s worth battling through the crowds to bask in the warm Caribbean waters of the Mayan Riviera, but also to become immersed in the rich culture of the ancient civilisation.

Parts of the sandy shoreline are also protected for nesting turtles (May to October).

3 Ipanema Brazil

As the song goes, there’s a good chance you really will spot someone young, tall, tanned and lovely at Ipanema’s Riobackdropped beach. A local hang out, it remains the perfect place to catch some rays, a glass of cachaca, a game of footvolley – beach football and volleyball – or just indulge in some people watching.

4 El Cabo San Juan Colombia

Trek for 90 minutes through Tayrona National Park’s dense jungle, tracing tight trails and passing granite boulders, and

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you’ll be rewarded with El Cabo San Juan. Wild yet secluded, it is one of the prettiest beaches in Latin America. The soft white sand is fringed by an intoxicating blend of emerald-green rainforest, incandescent reefs and vast mountain ranges.

5 Playa Uvita Costa Rica

There aren’t many beaches where you can spot humpback whales migrating just offshore and sea turtles dragging themselves across the white sand to nest – but this is one of them. Playa Uvita is really off the beaten track, sitting uncorrupted next to some of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls and an elaborate network of estuaries and mangroves.

6 Playa Paraiso Cuba

Part of Cayo Largo del Sur’s 20km-long coastline, Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach) is a true nirvana. Stroll its shores and you’ll likely spot swaying palm trees, iguanas, turtles, crabs, pelicans and a wealth of other birds. You’ll also discover a place of beauty and seclusion.

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ATOL PROTECTED 4817

Chinchero market.

Faquina weaves the best shawls in Peru.

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EIGHT FABULOUS FILM LOCATIONS PART 2 1 GODFATHER DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The vibrant heart of the Dominican Republic, it’s no wonder Santo Domingo was used as a stand-in for Cuba in this mafia epic. The Occidental El Embajador Hotel and Presidential Palace were key locations.

WARS: EPISODE IV 2 STAR GUATEMALA

Darth Vader spent Episode IV hunting high and low for the rebel base. As it turned out, Yavin 4 was actually buried deep within the north Guatemalan jungle. In real life, it’s the Mayan city of Tikal that hides amid this foliage. The ruins date back to 400 BC; the centrepiece is the pyramidal temple, which towers 47m high.

3 Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN MEXICO

The beach scene at the end of this award-winning movie was not filmed at the boys’ made-up Boca del Cielo, but at the divine Playa Cacaluta in Huatulco. The beach sits on the Pacific coast and faces Isle Cacaluta, a small island encrusted with rich corals and home to a diverse bird population.

One step from Star Wars: Guatemala – and Tikal – doubled for the rebel’s planet

OF SOLACE 5 QUANTUM PANAMA

This Bond flick caused quite a stir in Panama City. Daniel Craig is shown pursuing his quarry through its atmospheric streets, which are a hybrid of different architectural styles from different eras, from the colonial old quarter to the crumbling shore. Remarkably, sloth, monkey and hundreds of birds inhabit many of the city’s urban areas.

4 THE MOSQUITO COAST, BELIZE 6 MIAMI VICE URUGUAY

While obsessed Allie (Harrison Ford) looks to build a better civilization – away from consumerism – in the heart of Belize’s dense rainforest, he might have fared better by enjoying the Latin America micro-cosmos that’s already there: Maya ruins, astonishing beaches and that remarkable jungle, all in one compact, easily navigatable country.

Sitting on 13km of peaceful beaches and the north-east bank of the Río de la Plata, it comes as a bit of a surprise that the relaxed city of Montevideo was the setting for the high-speed car chases seen in Miami Vice.

You’re more likely to see the city’s sociable inhabitants chatting over mate, the Uruguayan equivalent of a herbal tea.

differences between the many cuts on offer. The mouthwatering menu includes lomito picante (fillet of cuadril infused with chilli) and churrasco de chorizo (chorizo marinated in garlic, parsley and olive oil).

FIVE PLACES TO GO LATIN IN LONDON

Cevicheuk.com; istockphoto

1 GAUCHO PICCADILLY

Here, Argentine cuisine is done right, with an unwavering emphasis put on high-quality beef, complimented by glasses of classic Argentine reds – malbec and bonarda. Fear not if you’re no meat expert: the waiters will happily explain the

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2 WAHACA SOUTHBANK

Wahaca is all about feeling good, inside and out. The eatery offers authentic healthy, hearty Mexican cuisine including fresh tacos, tostadas and taquitos, while promoting an eco-conscious ethos. The building is made from recycled shipping containers, and 20p from its weekly Street Food Special option is donated to a charity dedicated to educating Mexican street children.

IN THE TIME OF 7 LOVE CHOLERA, COLOMBIA

With its fading colonial splendour, the Unesco-listed walled-city of Cartegena is the suitably romantic – and constrictive – setting for the adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s epic novel of thwarted love during the strict late-19th century.

MOTORCYCLE DIARIES 8 THE PERU

Che Guevara’s two-wheeled journey across Latin America stops off at San Pablo, Peru, home to a remote leper colony. The village is only accessible via the Amazon and, as well as still being an active hospital for leprosy patients, it also has an elementary school.

Like Che, visitors that come here can gain a true insight into the indigenous culture of the rainforest and its people.

3 CEVICHE SOHO

The seafood dish ceviche is a serious business in Peru.

Although this eponymous restaurant is based in London’s West End, it’s equally passionate about the Peruvian delicacy. The sea bass and salmon used are freshly sourced from local London markets, while the accompanying aji amarillo chillies are imported specially from Peru. Talented head chef, Tomasz, is in charge of concocting the dish, making it a Peruvian classic with a local twist.

IGUANAS 4 LAS SPITALFIELDS

Dine like Pelé. That’s right, at Las Iguanas, Spitalfields, you can sample the Brazilian

footballing sensation’s favourite dish: xinxim (lime chicken in a crayfish and peanut sauce). This is just one option on the restaurant’s all-encompassing Latin American menu, which reflects the diverse culinary influences across the region.

5 COYA PICCADILLY

Para picars, small nibbles for sharing, are the standout order at Coya, London’s much lauded Peruvian Piccadilly eatery. Indulge your Latin American side by sharing a plate of fish ceviche or anticuchos (grilled meat skewers) with a group of friends by candlelight, all while sipping a perfectly blended pisco sour (the national drink of Peru).

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Four musical giants

Have an ice dream while camping in Antarctica

Gilberto Gill, singerBrazil 1 songwriter

From being imprisoned as a threat to the system in the 60s to becoming Minister For Culture in 2003, Gilberto Gill’s revolutionary take on Brazilian music has become a national institution – and major export. A jumbo pot of samba, jazz, soul, reggae and psychedelia, all delivered with that unmistakable voice and a lilt of Latin swing.

Shakira, singer2 songwriter Colombia

Perhaps it’s no surprise that Shakira was born in Barranquilla, home to Colombia’s most boisterous Carnival. She’s like a one-woman fiesta, an effervescent stage performer known as much for her belly-shimmying dances as her pop-rock singing. She also flies the flag for Latino musicians, being the only artist from Latin America to reach number one in the US, Australian and UK singles charts.

Gardel, Composer 3 Carlos ArgeNtina

Six quirky sleeps

In Buenos Aires, the pavements tap to a tango beat – the perfect place to grab a swift-footed lesson or to simply be dazzled by one of the many street displays. It’s enduring popularity sits largely on the broad shoulders of Carlos Gardel, who’s canny knack with composing turned the three-minute tango into a artform – nearly a century later, Argentina kicks out a leg and swings a sharp shoulder to his music.

Canopy hotel 1 Estancia Argentina & Uruguay 4 Brazil, peru, Costa Rica & Mexico

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Salt Hotel Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat – there’s no shortage of sparkling sodium here. So it’s no surprise that eventually the Bolivians eventually constructed hotels out of this 10,582 sq km phenomenon. The buildings are often sculpted entirely from salt – from floor to ceiling and everything in-between. Yup, chairs too.

3

Casas particulares Cuba

There’s no better way to get to know Cubans than by staying in a local home, eating a fresh seafood dinner around the family table and chatting TV and politics over a rum in the kitchen. Casas particulares – Cuban homestays – allow you to do just that, offering intimate encounters with authentic island life.

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Be more bird – that’s the theory behind these elevated hotels. Picture yourself amid rich rainforest and canopies intertwined with tree trunks, sleeping on the same level as monkeys and macaws. Treetop walkways give panoramic views of the lush forest below and, if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a jungle creature or two!

Ferrer, singer 4 &Ibrahim musician Cuba

Music was survival for Ibrahim Ferrer: orphaned at age 12, he busked to get by.

However, by the time he died in 2005, aged 78, he was one of Cuba’s best-known stars.

He most loved to sing slow-tempo bolero, a style that shot him to worldwide fame via the Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club. Now, Ferrer fans can pay their respects at Havana’s Colon Cemetery. n

5Camping Antarctica

Camping in Antarctica? On ice? In sub-zero climes?! But don’t panic: you’re toasty in an explorer-worthy bivvy bag, under a barely darkening sky; you’re laying amid shimmering snowfields, listening to the creak of glaciers and the spurt of a passing whale. You might not sleep – but it will probably be the night of your life.

Ibrahim Ferrer went global with the Buena Vista Social Club

hotel 6 Stargazing Chile

Dry, clear, light-pollution free – the otherworldly Atacama, in northern Chile, is one of the world’s best spots for stargazing. This vast expanse of desert also has a mix of comfy glass-ceilinged hotels and even some establishments with no roof at all. So you can study constellations without leaving bed, and drift off beneath a blanket of stars…

Alamy; Dreamstime

Leisurely horserides across flat, empty stretches of soulful plains – experience Latin American’s cowboy culture on these rolling rural estates.

Roll out of bed for a rustic farm breakfast of homemade breads and cheese before following the resident gaucho into the fields for a morning ride. Then it’s time for a quick siesta and social mug of mate tea before hitting the trails again.

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Latin America is layered with history and natural wonders. Visit ancient sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru; the exquisite colonial architecture of towns like Oaxaca in Mexico; the intoxicating cultural mix in Brazil’s north-east; and buzzing cities such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Experience stunning landscapes and extraordinary bio-diversity, from the Amazon to the Andes and the Galapagos to Guyana.

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Antarctica

The planet’s final frontier is as cool as ice

Dreamstime; Lyn Hughes

S

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 South Georgia

ATLANTIC O C E A3 N

summer (November to midMarch) 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 SOUTH AFRICA 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 whales and seals. Then there are the penguins – hundreds of

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PACIFIC OCEAN

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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.

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

top 5 experiences

1 Marvel at the Ross Ice Shelf, a near-vertical sheet of ice stretching for 800km 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 www.lata.org

12 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA Macquarie Is

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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

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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: 42.6 million language: Spanish time: GMT-3 international dialling code: +54 Money: Argentine peso (AR$), currently around AR$9.6 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

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

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Montes Claros

Goiânia

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BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS

BRASÍLIA

PLANALTO DE MATO GROSSO

Corioco LA PAZ Cochabamba

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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 15

20/1/14 18:19:54

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

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16 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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istockphoto; Shutterstock

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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.

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: 334,297 Language: English (official), Spanish and indigenous languages Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +501 Money: Belize dollar (Bz$), currently around Bz$3.2 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK1 nationals

1

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 20/1/14 18:17:12

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Despite this, most of the country is made up of tropical lowlands, a lush carpet stretching all the way to Brazil. Twisting roads thread

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/bolivia 18 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

ei

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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

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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

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Brazil

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

Dreamstime

D

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

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Fortaleza

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20 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA Sa

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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

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020_Brazil_SO.indd 20

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

1

top 5 experiences

Viedma

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Vital statistics

Capital: Brasília Population: 201 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$3.7 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

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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

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23/1/14 09:33:02

Chile

The ‘thin country’ reaching Pacific heights PERU BOLIVIA

Arica Iquique

PARAGUAY San Pedro de Atacama Atacama Desert

La Serena

1 4 ARGENTINA Valparaíso

PA C I F I C OCEAN

SANTIAGO

Chillán

Valdivia

Pucón Lake District

Puerto Montt Chiloé

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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.

0

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

22 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 022_Chile_SO.indd 22

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: 17.2 million Language: Spanish Time: GMT-4 (mainland), GMT-6 (Easter Island) International dialling code: +56 Money: Chilean peso (CLP), currently around CLP838 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK1 nationals

1

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 www.lata.org 20/1/14 18:02:47

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23/1/14 09:28:56

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Indianapolis Charleston Jefferson City St. Louis share the beaches with pelicans, travel circuit, and The jewel in the country’s Frankfort Richmond U N I T E D S T A T E S and enjoy an idyllic setting: the the adventurous colonial crown is the beautiful city O F A M E R I C A Nashville Raleigh Cape Hatteras backdrop of the snow-capped will of Cartagena, full of wonderful old Oklahoma City fall in love with this land of Little Rock Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta sun and emeralds. Colombia is buildings lining flower-filled BERMUDA Columbia Cape Fear so rises straight out of the gentle a land of contrasts, from the cool streets and with a fascinating Atlanta Dallas Jackson Montgomery waters of the Caribbean. heights of capital city Bogotá to the history rich in emeralds and Savannah Austin Located inland, high up sweltering Caribbean beaches. pirates.

Today it’s the heart of Baton Rouge Tallahassee Houston ahua Jacksonville New Orleans in the mountains, lies Ciudad climbing, Colombia’s Caribbean: miles of San Opportunities for Antonio Mississippi Delta Perdida, an ancient centre of the trekking and diving are excellent, unspoilt coastline stretch west Orlando Tampa n and there are mud volcanoes to towards Panama. A T L A N T I C Oonce-great C E A N Tayrona culture.

Monterrey bathe in, acres of flowers, remote Miami LF OF MEXICO BAHAMAS coffee fincasG Uhigh in the mountains E X I C O and a CD library’s worth of music HAVANA Varadero Tampico festivals, in addition to several VERACRUZ Leon Trinidad CUBA PUERTO superb historical sites.

Mérida RICO Teotihuacán Vital statistics Top 5 experiences Jarabocoa Samaná Santiago de Cuba Yucatan Los Haitises NP HAITI Tulum a plateau in the MICHOACÁN MEXICO CITYBogotá stands on Peninsula Mount SANTO PORT-AU-PRINCE Capital: Bogotá ANTIGUA AND 1 Sun-worship on the Pico Duarte DOMINGO eastern cordillera of the Andes. The BARBUDA Population: 45.7 million white-sand Caribbean beaches Acapulco KINGSTON Palenque D O M I N I C A N San Cristóbel La Candelaria, boasts Oaxacaold centre, JAMAICA ST. KITTS Spanish de las Casas Language: around Tayrona National Park R E P U B L I C Tikal BELIZE Semuc AND NEVIS DOMINICA dozens of fine colonial buildings The Bay Islands Time: GMT-5 Todos Santos Champey Lívingston 2 Get a history lesson in the Quetzaltenango HONDURAS Copán and a grand Gold Museum housing International dialling code: +57 La Mosquitia Antigua ruins ST. LUCIA small town of San Agustín, Gracias GUATEMALA GUATEMALA TEGUCIGALPA one of theCerro most remarkable Money: Colombian peso (COP), Monterrico Suchitoto famed for its intricate Verde NP SAN El Imposible NP ST. VINCENT NICARAGUA SALVADOR Leon gold currently around COP$3,106 BARBADOS 0 200km collections of pre-Hispanic pre-Columbian statues dating EL SALVADOR 1 Granada C A R I B B E A N S1 E A Ruta de Flores MANAGUA The Corn Islands to the UK£ GRENADA Volcán Masaya in Latin America.

AN back more than 5,000 years Ometepe Island 4 Tayrona NP PORT OF Tobago Guanacaste Tenorio NP Visas: Not required by UK nationals SPAIN Volcán Arenal Ciudad Outside the centre, head to the 1 Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero TRINIDAD & Paria Cartagena Trinidad 3 Show off those salsa moves Perdida Peninsula JOSÉ TOBAGO COSTA RICA SANthe town of Zipaquirá to explore Delta del in Cali, Latin America’s Manuel Antonio NP PANAMA Corcovado NP Orinoco to go When Peninsula Azuero VENEZUELA awesome cathedral carvedOsaout of Peninsula undisputed capital when it comes 1 Ciudad Ciudad Guayana There are no real ‘seasons’ in Bolivar to the dance. Look out for the city’s GEORGETOWN a rock-salt mine – a true wonder Galibi Nature Reserve Colombia: weather is dependentSalut Medellin Angel 5 post-Christmas feria (carnival) GUYANA PARAMARIBO Falls of this mysterious country.

Islands Brownsberg Raleighvallen on altitude.

Heavy showers can Kourou Pereira NP Nature Reserve Mount Roraima Voltaire CAYENNE BOGOTÁ South-west of Bogotá, in the lush Falls happen at any time, though rain is 3 SURINAME 4 Stroll the warren of streets in Saül Ibagué Central Buenaventura the walled city of Cartagena, 2 Neiva valleys around the little town of Awarradam Suriname more likely in April,Nature May, October Reserve FRENCH GUIANA Colombia’s most impressive San Agustín, lies the country’s most and November. The best time to San Agustín colonial gem visit is December to February, but impressive pre-Columbian site: Punta Galera Macapá BRAZIL take warm clothing for areas above B. de Marajó the sparklingly the Valley of the Statues, where 5 Visit ECUADOR I. de Marajó 2,000m. Bogotá has cool to enlightening Gold Museum Belém hundreds of enigmatic stone B. de Guayaquil São Marcos moderate temperatures all year in La Candelaria, Bogotá Manaus figures of men, animals and gods Guayaquil –Gulf of São Luis PERU Fortaleza some over 5,000 years old – adorn For more information go to www.lata.org/colombia Teresina an ancient ceremonial site. Also Chicago

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Tallahassee

Costa Rica

Jacksonville

New Orleans

sippi Delta

Orlando True to its name, undeniably nature-rich Tampa

Miami

MEXICO

Mérida 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 multi-coloured 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 C A R I Bmountain B E A N ranges contain sixSactive 1E A volcanoes including mighty Arenal, which

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 Lake Yojoaremaining 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

Copán ruins

The Bay Islands

La Mosquitia

Gracias TEGUCIGALPA ADOR Suchitoto HONDURAS

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HAITI

Or investigate Costa Rica’s stone balls located in the Diquis Delta – ancient and enigmatic relics, ranging in diameter from a few centimetres to 2m, which are still a mystery to archaeologists.

For some of the best rainforest trekking in Latin America, head to Corco­vado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica’s most remote and possibly its most rewarding wilderness.

PORT-AU-PRINCE

KINGSTON

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Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: San José Population: 4.7 million Language: Spanish (English widely understood) Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +506 Money: Colón (¢), currently around ¢810 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

1

When to go

8

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

Pta. Gallinas

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

Tayrona NP

Costa Rica’s two coasts have Volcán NP patterns: differentTenorio weather the Pacific coast isNP dry from Tortuguero 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

Gulf of Panama

Top 5 experiences

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Barranquilla 4 Embrace your inner fitness junkie by climbing Cerro CartagenaChirripó, the highest peak in Costa Marac Rica,Ciudad nearly 4,000m above sea level Perdida an adrenaline fix 5 Get (The Lost B San Blás whitewater rafting onCity) the Reventazón and Pacuare rivers Islands PANAMA Lake For more information go to www.lata.org/costarica Darién

Maracaibo

www.lata.org

026_Costa Rica_SO.indd 26

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26 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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.

JAMAICA

BELIZE

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Santiago de Cuba

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Charleston Jefferson City Louis made to restore the colonial centre Then there areSt. revolutionaries: is different. For some, it’s to itsFrankfort former glory. AroundRichmond the José Martí, Castro, Che Guevara. an idealised tropical island, Trinidad is the most These men perhaps contribute the paradise, with palm trees Canadian precious colonial town, where little most powerful island image of swaying alongside endless, has changed for at least 100 years. them all: Cuba freeing itself from dazzling-white beaches and Nashville Raleigh Cape Hatteras Cuba is blessed with a pristine its colonial past and then standing aOklahoma turquoise sea.

Others remember City Little Rock reef around most of its shores, its past decadence: stories of Ernest up to the US, the world’s most with walls and wrecks hosting powerful country.

Hemingway and Graham Greene, Red kaleidoscopic underwaterColumbia life. The Cuba’s old towns remain cheap rum, gambling, wild dances Cape Fear coral is in excellent condition and remarkably unspoilt and intact. and cigars being rolled on the turtles, dolphins, grouper, Havana is a Unesco World Heritage there areAtlanta thighs of dusky maidens. Only the whale sharks, moray eels, rays, Dallas Jackson Colora do barracuda and other large creatures Montgomery to make your heart miss a Savannah beat.

Austin Deep-sea fishing has long been Rouge Tallahassee popular, with tournaments made Houston BatonTop Vital statistics 5 experiences famous by Ernest Hemingway.

Jacksonville Capital: Havana Hike into the spectacular 1 New Orleans Wherever you go in Cuba you Out of the water, Varadero San 11.1 million Population: limestone peaks and pine will be accompanied by music. is a sandy spit of land that Antonio Language: Spanish forests of Viñales Every town has a casa de la trova stretches for kilometres Orlando along the Time: GMT-5 Mississippi Delta 2 Head to Trinidad, a laid-back International dialling code: +53 where you can enjoy the different north coast and has attracted city full of gently dilapidated Tampa Money: The Cuban peso (CU$) is styles of Cuban music for the price tourists since the beginning of the colonial beauty, where the main only used by Cubans. Visitors use industry remains tobacco of a rum or two. The salsa and the 20th century. For something a bit pesos convertibles (CUC$), worth processing from nearby fields livelier, head to the locals’ favourite son, the mambo and the rumba – Monterrey 1.54 to the UK£. US dollars are not all are now internationally famous hangouts: Guanabo, near Havana, 3 Drive around Havana, accepted, and you’ll be charged U S A de the Cuban capital, in a and Cuban jazz hasATLANTIC influenced or the beaches east of Santiago 10% commission to exchange clapped-out vintage car soaking OCEAN music the world over.

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Dry season is November to April – it can be as cool as 15ºC in January and February. The wet and windy season lasts May to October

8

up the atmosphere and spotting Che Guevara murals

4 Dive the deep-blue sea and take advantage of the excellent coral reefs around María la Gorda, in the far west 5 Visit the casa de la trova in Santiago, one of the best Mérida spots for seeing live music

ForCITY more information go to www.lata.org/cuba MEXICO

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THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 27

Palenque Tikal

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DOM REP

20/1/14 17:55:16

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the rugged Pico Duarte – which aze on a beach under Cabarete towers over the Cordillera Central swaying palm trees, the 5 at 3,175m. Nearby Jarabacoa is blue sea lapping at your Samaná Playa Limón Jarabacoa CUBA the centre for most adventure toes while you sip rum 3 HAITI Los Haïtises NP 2 Pico Duarte sports, from white-water rafting cocktails and catch up on your SANTO 1 to canyoning. reading. Or, if the novelty of DOMINGO 4 PUERTO Further east, head to Samaná a Bounty-style paradise wears RICO CARIBBEAN SEA Bay to watch humpback whales off, don a wetsuit and tackle the 0 200km frolicking in the ocean. Los rapids, leap off a waterfall, hike up Haitises National Park is a 1,200a mountain and then tear back sq-km park of coastal wetlands, down it on a mountain bike – the lush, grassy knolls and a series of Dominican Republic has a bit of limestone caves with Amerindian something for everyone. cave drawings. When you tire of Santo Domingo is the wellIslands nature-watching, sign up for preserved colonial capital, Vital statistics Top 5 experiences a horse-riding trek to El Limón a Unesco World Heritage Site Capital: Santo Domingo 1 Get swept up in the country’s to bathe in the cool pool at the which showcases the conquistadors’ Population: 10.2 million baseball mania at the Estadio bottom of its 150m waterfall. Or first cathedral, first paved street Language: Spanish Quisqueya in Santo Domingo try your hand at kiteboarding at and first court in the New World.

Time: GMT-4 2 Go wild for nature at Lake Cabarete, one of the world’s top International dialling code: +1 809 Men cluster around tables at the Enriquillo, located in a huge Money: Dominican Republic peso destinations for the sport. roadside, deliberating over their valley that’s the lowest point in the (RD$), currently around RD$68 next domino move; raucous Caribbean – excellent for spotting 1 LESSE to the UK£ crocs and iguanas baseball fans spill out of Estadio R Aflamingoes, NTI Visas:

by UK nationals 1 Not requiredNetherlands Quisqueya to celebrate their teams’ Visit the L 3 L E capital Santo Pta. Gallinas victories and bemoan their losses; S– a blueprint for Domingo Aruba Antilles When to go Corn Islands Nicaragua The Spanish colonial town-building 1 Rain is most likely between people dance, sip sweet coffee and Gulf pe Island bet on the next cockfight.

Tayrona NP –and see the conquistadors’ first Curaçao of Venezuela Henri May and November, but the cathedral and first paved street Every night the seafront drive – Dominican Republic stays at a Pittier Morrocoy olcán Arenalthe Malecón – becomes a huge, balmy 28-31°C throughout the year. NP4 Become an intrepid hiker and NP tackle Pico Duarte, the Paria The north coast can be wet, and multicoloured disco. The most Tortuguero Caribbean’s highest peak, set Panama you might want to avoid August riotous celebrations are during the Peninsula Canal among rugged terrain and September which is the month-long Carnaval, when street San Blás hurricane season. The least humid parties erupt all over the island, Islands 5 Hit the rapids white-water time – and the high season – runs rafting on three rivers around culminating in a colourful parade Lake November to April the town of Jarabacoa Maracaibo la through the capital.

Azuero Gulf of Darién o Sierra The DominicanPanama Republic has Orinoc For more information go to www.lata.org/dominicanrepublic Peninsula Nevada NP the Caribbean’s highest peak –

Santiago de Cuba

KINGSTON

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

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www.lata.org

Angel Falls

20/1/14 17:50:27

Dominican Republic Has it all

Adventure, wildlife and

beaches – the ideal spot for ‘Relaxploration’

The Dominican Republic offers the West Indies’ highest peaks and its lowest lakes, but its diversity isn’t limited to geographical superlatives. It also boasts the New World’s oldest city too: Santo Domingo. The capital’s historic streets give you a colourful insight into life in the Dominican Republic. The merengue beats of Juan Luis Guerra pull you in to the bars, where ankleendangering dancing is performed with gusto, while 16th century Spanish architecture still edge the pavements of the Zona Colonial – many a weary traveller’s first view of the Americas: today’s wanderers can simply re-energise themselves with a pastelito off the back of a vendor’s cart.

THE MOUNTAINS The Dominican Republic’s compact size means that just a few hours’ drive from Santo Domingo is the Cordillera Central mountain range – and a completely new eco-system: a subtropical forest at around 1,830 metres, this sweltering scenery gives way again, this time to mountain pines where the wildlife and fauna prosper (over a third of the Dominican Republic’s 5,600 plant species are endemic). Mountains dominate this view, including Pico Duarte – the highest peak in the West Indies. The mountain town of Jarabacoa sits encircled by forest and agricultural land that grows flowers and coffee. You can stop by one of the area’s coffee plantations – Spirit Mountain and Monte Alto both offer tours (and a great full-bodied blend of the good stuff). For those who prefer adrenalin to caffeine, the Yaque del Norte river plunges down the Jarabacoa mountainside in grade IV rapids of white water – ideal for rafting – while a hike through the pines will take you to the scenic Jimenoa Waterfall, which cascades 60 metres from an underground lake.

THE BEACHES Of course, the Dominican Republic is most famous for its Caribbean coast. In Punta Cana you can enjoy the comfort of the resorts while investigating the marine wildlife. Venture a little further inland to see some of the Dominican Republic’s 250 species, including the greater flamingo, lizard cuckoo and emerald hummingbird.

Suffice it to say, if you’re coming to the Dominican Republic, you should definitely be bringing more than a beach towel.

Call: 020 7242 7778 uk@godominicanrepublic.com www.godominicanrepublic.com Like us on 000_lata ads display.indd 29

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1

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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

1

Manta

Quito

2

Cotopaxi 5 Chimborazo Puerto Tungurahua López Riobamba Guayaquil Macas

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El Orie

3

Yasuní NP

Cuenca Huaquillas

P E R U

Vilcabamba 250km

0

Dreamstime; Shutterstock

Macará

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

T

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 32 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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peaks lines the route south: 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 1 hours can swim, surf, scuba dive or watch humpback whales getting 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

I I I

hours away from Quito, it’s home to all manner of strange and exotic flora and fauna.

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: 15.4 million Language: Spanish and Quechua Time: GMT-5 (mainland), GMT-6 (Galapagos) International dialling code: +593 Money: US dollar (US$), currently around US$1.61 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals

1

1

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 20/1/14 17:43:26

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24/1/14 16:59:34

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

L

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 in 2008 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 Latin American travel specialists, many of its projects have been recommended by tour operators.

Since 2008, the Foundation has aided many worthwhile projects. In Argentina, it supports a dental project providing free treatment to disadvantaged youths. In 2011 alone this project provided over 30,000 treatments to 5,000 children. “Seeing the dedication of that team and the conditions the children were living in was both inspiring and humbling,” says trustee Lucy Clark.

“Some of our work truly changes – and saves – lives.”

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 former 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.”

Drinking in success In Mexico, the LATA Foundation is helping to provide clean drinking water in Mexico. The fountain design is tried and tested and yields 1,168,000 glasses of water per year. Each fountain has six spouts and can fill around 1,000 bottles every day.

34 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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With the support of the Mexico Tourism Board and others, the LATA Foundation built an initial fountain in 2011 and then secured the support of other organisations to construct four more. The five fountains – built and maintained by our partner New Life Mexico – are being used by 3,000 people every day.

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

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

www.lata.org 20/1/14 17:41:20

Palenque

CristóbelEl Salvador as Casas Tikal Semuc Champey Lívingsto odos Santos zaltenango Lake Atitlán Antigua GUATEMALA L

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Small is beautiful in this tropical Central American republic

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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

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.

1

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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$1.61 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

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

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

Tenorio NP G Nicoya Penins 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

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/elsalvador www.lata.org 035_El Salvador_SO.indd 35

THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 35

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Golfo de San Jorge C. Tres Puntas

Dreamstime; Falkland Islands Tourist Board

P A T A G O N I A

Comodoro Rivadavia

Take the road less travelled and discover the difference…

Puerto Santa Cruz

he Falkland Islands are an archipelago of more than 778 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 200 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 be easily purchased along the waterfront and its adjoining streets.

Sheep farming is still the primary way of life for those living outside Stanley and visitors can take a light

SOUTH ATLANTIC 1 OCEAN 2 East 3 Hill Cove Falkland 4 West Stanley Falkland Darwin Mt Pleasant Goose Airport Fox Bay Green 5 Port Stephens

Bahia Grande

Rio Gallegos

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aircraft to reach these outlying islands and settlements – many of which (like Saunders and Carcass islands) are also rich in waterfowl and small bird species as well as the iconic penguins. Meanwhile, if you venture out to the likes of Sea Lion Island at spring, you’ll see crowded beaches of breeding elephant seals and sea lions, 1 with orca and dolphins patrolling the shallows.

Your pilot should fly in to give you an adrenalin-filled closer peek.

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: 2,563 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 – the best way to take in the full scope of the area’s extraordinary wildlife.

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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

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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 – a slice of British life in the South Atlantic 4 Enjoy the outstanding, scenic fishing opportunities by casting your line for mullet around Goose Green and Darwin 5 Sharpen up your photography skills, whether it’s shooting black-browed albatross on Carcass Island or Seal Lion Island’s most-celebrated residents.

8 For more information go to www.lata.org/falklands www.lata.org 20/1/14 17:35:05

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

W ILDLIF E- WATC HIN G Epic landscapes |

PHOTOGRA PHY

Unrivalled access to incredible wildlife |

5 breeding species of penguin |

F ISHIN G

Island hopping |

Histor y & battlefield tour s |

HIKING

Friendly local hospitality

Enviable photo oppor tunities

80% of the wor ld’s black-browed albatross population

T: +500 22215 F:+500 27020

E:info@falklandislands.com

w w w. f a l k l a n d i s l a n d s . c o m

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22/1/14 19:12:22

BARBUDA ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

DOMINICA ST. LUCIA

ST. VINCENT

BARBADOS GRENADA

CAS

Tobago

Paria Trinidad Peninsula

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

French Guiana Delta del Orinoco

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

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38 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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Essentials Vital statistics MacapáTop 5 experiences

Capital: Cayenne Population: 251,000 Language: French Time: GMT-3 International dialling code: +594 Money: Euro (€), currently around n €1.2 to the UK£ azo m A required by UK Visas: Not nationals 1

1

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

1 Sail out to Devil’s Island, site of a former penal colony.

Henri Charrière claimed to have escaped from here in the 1940s, and went on to write Papillon

B. de Marajó

I. de Marajó

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

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

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200km

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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 Acourtesy Sunday market N ofDCacao’s Swas established Suriname – the whole town

by Hmong refugees in the 1970s.

Nature Reserve 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 coconuts. Charrière’s alleged s route jó took him further up the a coast to p now you Awala-Yalimopo where T a of giant might catch a glimpse leatherbacks laying their eggs in the moonlight, or tiny young turtles wiggling their way back to the sea.

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rench Guiana, or Guyane Angel (‘gwee-ahn’), is an overseas Falls department of France.

The capital, Cayenne, Mount which sits on aRoraima peninsula at the mouth of a river of the same name, A founded by French traders in was H the 17th century,Ibut G actually takes H its name from an Amerindian L 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 Ne little-known corner of Latin America, gblanketed by thick, ro lush, undisturbed rainforests.

St-Laurent du Maroni, close to the western border with

Maron

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Dreamstime; Shutterstock

PORT OF SPAIN

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Chihuahua

Austin Houston

Baton Rouge

Guatemala

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New Orleans

San Antonio

Mississippi Delta

Colourful culture, Maya marvels and turtle power

Torreón Monterrey

Tampico

ajara

VERACRUZ Mérida

Teotihuacán

G

Acapulco

MEXICO CITY 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

4

Tikal

MEXICO 1

Capital: Guatemala City Population: 14.4 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

1

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 039_Guatemala_SO.indd 39

PACIFIC OCEAN 0

Lake 3 Atitlán Antigua

BELIZE

Flores 5

CARIBBEAN SEA

2

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 istockphoto

MICHOACÁN

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 39

20/1/14 17:24:01

Dreamstime

Guyana G A totally

tropical call of the wild

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

N VE

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GEORGETOWN

Bartica

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Kaieteur Falls Iwokrama Reserve

Orinduik Falls

Turtle Mountain

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on the Atlantic. Its wide, tree-lined 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

AM

Savannahs Camp of the Rupununi Jaguar

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40 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

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the river pours over steps and terraces of jasper. Here, the 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.

Essentials Vital statistics

Capital: Georgetown Population: 740,000 Language: English, Creole, Hindi and Urdu Time: GMT-4 International dialling code: +592 Money: Guyanese dollar (G$), currently around G$326 to the UK£ Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

1

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 www.lata.org 20/1/14 17:13:26

Miami

ULF OF MEXICO

Haiti

HAVANA

Varadero BAHAMAS

An intriguing nation, ripe for discovery Trinidad

Mérida Yucatan Peninsula

4 Citadelle Laferrière

Santiago de Cuba

Tulum

CUBA

PORT-AUPRINCE Jacmel

Port-Salut

KINGSTON

Palenque Tikal

JAMAICA

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COSTA RICA

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Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City)

Panamá Viejo

Panama

views of the Plaine-du-Nord. Canal fascinating rock formations and endangered Mozart’s frog and 100 forests, white-sand Sanwest Blás Smaller, colonial-era forts, isolated species of orchid. beaches and mountains, or head to explore Manuel Antonio NP is rich The white-sand beaches of colourful festivals, Haiti caves of the Grotte Corcovadocoves NP and coral reefs popular with the labyrinthine Islands Lake snorkellers, are dotted along the among the in history, culture and wildlife.

Marie-Jeanne. Brave the back roads nearby Port-Salut are Maracaibo Osa Peninsula Azuero Gulf of Darién island’s north coast. most beautiful in the Caribbean Sierra Now focused firmly on the future, to Jérémie, ‘the city of poets’, on Peninsula Panama Deep in Haiti’s interior, the and the ideal place to relax at the Caribbean’s least-known Haiti’s remote west tip or venture Nevada NP sacred waterfalls of Saut-d’Eau the end of a trip. destination is ready to show off into the cloud forests of the Pic offer an insight into the religious its unique charms. practices of Haiti, a far cry from Although some areas of the sinister world of ‘voodoo dolls’ Port-au-Prince remain dilapidated and black magic pedalled by and off-limits, the capital is still Cabo Corrientes a Vital statistics top 5 experiences Hollywood. Every year, on 16 July, a fascinating and frenetic place, et Capital: Port-au-Prince Immerse yourself in the M 1 hundreds of pilgrims come to home to a thriving arts scene and Population: 9.8 million atmosphere of fascinating Nevado del Tolima celebrate Catholic mass in nearby a host of museums and galleries.

Language: French, Creole Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s cultural Here, you can dance to the rhythms Ville-Bonheur. The falls Time: GMT-5 hub – don’t miss the restored Iron iare themselves are the site of Vodou of traditional mizik rasin (roots Gauv International dialling code: +509 Market, which sells everything baptisms and offerings to the music), a blend of American rock Money: Gourde (HTG), currently from pigeons to voodoo items spirit Damballah, the bringer of ’n’ roll and Haiti’s own, Africanaround 65HTG to the UK£ Nevado del Huila 1 2 Move to the rhythms of happiness and order. influenced folk. You can also Visas: Not required by Carnival in Jacmel, home to UK nationals Just a few hours south of the admire the ornate lattice-work Haiti’s exuberant national Carnival 1 capital is Jacmel, a beautiful and balconies of the ‘gingerbread’ celebrations When to go former coffee town famed for its mansions, built by Haitian 1 Temperatures in lowland Haiti 3 Just off the Port-Salut peninsula, handicrafts and colonial architects educated in Paris in the Punta Galera you’ll find Île-à-Vaches, which average 24ºC in winter, and 30ºC in 19th and early 20th centuries. Don’t architecture. In February, Jacmel is developing a range of boutique, July and August, although the miss the colourful markets, such as hosts the most spectacular eco-friendly lodges island’s humid, tropical climate can Carnival celebrations on the the Marché de Fer (Iron Market) make it feel hotter. Expect cooler 4 Marvel at the towering island. Marching bands and where traders sell everything from bastions of 19th-century, temperatures in the mountains, Ca revellers wearing elaborate papier mangos to handicrafts. q Laferrière Unesco-listed Citadelle particularly at night. Most rain uet á mâché masks fill the streets. Look Citadelle Laferrière is the falls April-May and September5 Walk the mountain trails and out for Iwa (Vodou spirits), hornedChimborazo November. Hurricane season runs largest fort in the Americas and a drink in the magnificent views from August to early November. men stripped to the waist and monument to the early days of the of Parc National La Visite daubed in soot and molasses, and Haitian republic, born out of the For more information go to www.lata.org/haiti Gulfpast. of characters from Haiti’s only successful slave revolt in

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Monterrey

GULF OF MEXICO

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

H

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

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Teotihuacán

HOACÁN Essentials MEXICO CITY Vital statistics

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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: 8.4 million Language: Spanish and English Time: GMT-6 International dialling code: +504 Money: Lempira (L), currently around L33 to the UK£ Visas: Not required by UK nationals 1

Oaxaca

1

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 bestkept secrets, you’ll find the villages quiet and the hillside paths less travelled – Honduras gives travellers the perfect opportunity to flex their adventurous M E X spirit I C Owhile relaxing in style at the same time.

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Mérida

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Tulum

CARIBBEAN SEA

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Bay Islands

GUATEMALA

San Pedro Sula

La Ceiba 1

4

5

Copán Gracias

La Moskitia

Lake Yojoa TEGUCIGALPA

EL SALVADOR

PACIFIC OCEAN

42 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA 2010 042_Honduras_SO.indd 42

HAVANA

2

NICARAGUA 0

200km

www.lata.org

Tenorio NP

Ometepe Island Guanacaste 20/1/14 16:31:13

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

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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

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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

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When to go

BARBADOS GRENADA

PORT OF SPAIN Paria Trinidad Peninsula

VENEZUELA

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Vital statistics

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Capital: Mexico City Population: 116 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

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Mount Pico Duarte

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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?

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Variety is the spice of life 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

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20/1/14Rio Gallegos 16:25:55 Bahia Grande

Archipelago Reina adelaide

Strait of Magellan

Goose Green

Stanley

East Falkland Sea Lion Island

FALKLAND/MAL

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For more information and to book your flight visit ba.com or Iberia.com

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22/1/14 19:10:26 12/12/2013 16:37

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Baton Rouge One of the Americas’ best-kept secrets

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N

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.

Yucatan Peninsula

MEXICO CITY

Acapulco

Tikal BELIZE

Todos Santos GUATEMALA Quetzaltenango Lake Atitlán With its volcanoes and the Antigua massive inland Lake Nicaragua, the GUATEMALA Pacific lowlands are stunningly Monterrico beautiful. Ometepe Island, which lies in the lake, is the largest freshwater island in the world, dominated by the Concepción and Maderas volcanoes. Regular ferries head to this largely unspoilt jewel.

Elsewhere, in the city of León you’ll find old colonial buildings, while the beaches along the Pacific coast are quiet and perfect for watersports and swimming. Off the Caribbean coast, the Corn Islands were once a base for British buccaneers, but sandy beaches and clear blue seas now make them an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving.

1

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Essentials Vital statistics

1

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

1

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5

COSTA RICA

200km

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Capital: Managua Population: 5.8 million Language: Spanish and English Time: GMT-6 (mid-April to early October GMT-5) International dialling code: +505 Money: Córdoba (C$), currently around C$40 to the UK£ Visas: 1 Not required by UK nationals

CARIBBEAN SEA

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Corcovado NP Osa Peninsula

Panama Canal

Portobell Panam

PANAMA PANAMA

Top 5 experiences

Azuero Gulf of Darié Peninsula Panama

1 Take in the awesome views of Lake Nicaragua from the colonial splendour of Granada, the oldest continually inhabited mainland town in the Americas

Cabo Corrientes

Pick out some locally-made handicrafts to take home in the artisanal town of Masaya

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3 Get swept up by the party atmosphere in national capital Managua on 19 July when the country celebrates the Sandinista Punta Galera revolution of 1979 4 Watch the orange sun make its slow descent from the perfect sand beaches of San Juan del Sur – turtles nest nearby

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5 Take advantage of the isolated Caribbean coastline ofGulf the of Guayaquil idyllic Corn Islands

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towards the Colombian border, inhabited by indigenous Kuna Indians. Spend a few nights here enjoying the simpler things in life.

Further east still, the Darien Gap was, until recently, almost completely impenetrable but parts of the rainforest wilderness are now opening up to the most adventurous travellers.

On the Pacific, the Azuero Peninsula is dotted with old

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Cabo Corrientes 047_Panama_SO.indd 47

Vital statistics

Top 5 experiences

Capital: Panama City 1 Go white-water rafting in Population: 3.6 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 gorgeous Caribbean islas to visit in Money: Balboa (B), equivalent to the San Blas Islands, stretching Gulf the US dollar, currently around of Venezuela southwards towards Colombia US$1.61 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 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 side from December to April – andLakesecond-largest tax-free shopping zone in the world this tends to be the most popular Maracaibo 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 side of Bocas del Toro

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the 80km voyage between the Caribbean and the Pacific.

On the Caribbean coast, Portobelo hosted flamboyant 16thand 17th-century markets, where fortified warehouses filled with Peruvian gold and silver were guarded against pirate raids – though today you’ll only find quiet, beautiful beaches.

The archipelago of San Blas – containing nearly 400 islands – is 1 a string of islands stretching

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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.

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t the crossroads of the Americas, Panama can be heady stuff indeed – but years of occupation and the ‘Big Ditch’ are not its only claim to fame. There are unexplored coral reefs, minute frogs in red, orange and yellow, the intriguing archipelago of San Blas, vast stretches of cool highlands and thundering rivers.

Panama City is a curious blend of old Spain and modern America.

The rubble and ruins of Panamá Viejo (the old centre) lie to the east – the tale of its sacking in 1671 by Henry Morgan is the stuff of pirate legend. Spreading inland from the Gulf of Panama, the modern centre lies at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal, surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and rolling hills. The canal is both an engineering marvel and the world’s greatest short cut, raising oceangoing liners 26m to Lake Gatun on

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Salut GUYANA you are guaranteed to develop Outside the capital of Asunción, nt a air of mystery hangs Falls Brownsberg IslandsMennonite communities, Raleighvallen e Pereira Kourou NP M G Nature Reserve the U I Mount Roraima a taste for mate (a tea-like drink also indigenous peoples and the odd head to the south where over this little-known BOGOTÁ Nevado del Tolima Voltaire A N CAYENNE Armenia A Ibagué SURINAME Falls Saül military outpost. But where the iare H I popular in Argentina, Uruguay and remains pocket G a u vof South G H of mission settlements ntura Central L A N Orin C O L O M B America, IA Cali D S Suriname Awarradam oco southern Brazil) – the locals love it people are few, the wildlife is built by the Jesuits in the 18th a country do del Huila Nature Reserve Neiva FRENCH GUIANA even more than the British love a plentiful – cross the marshes and century lie among lush, tropical of farmland, forest and folklore. gustín cuppa. It’s such a way of life here the thorny wilderness where forest near the banks of the Río It’s often assumed that the Macapá that it is not unusual to see a biker jaguar, puma and tapir prowl and Paraná.

Vestiges of the fine Spanish and Portuguese Ne gr B. de Marajó o speeding on his mean machine, the trees are filled with a wealth of craftsmanship of the Guaraní conquered all of South America, Ca ADOR qu etá I. de Marajó Thermos under one arm, mate twittering, glittering birdlife.

Indians who followed the yet in Paraguay events took a n Belém B. de azo zo Am São Marcos gourd in hand, pouring as he rides.

Wherever you roam in Paraguay, missions are scattered around the strange turn when the Guaraní Manaus São Luis towns of Trinidad and Jesús, Indians absorbed a Spanish A Fortaleza m a expedition led by Pedro de z o n where a Jesuit mission – its work s ó a by the expulsion of its j Mendoza into their culture, A r S curtailed a Teresina ei p Ponta do Calcanhar V d L E Ta a M missionaries in 1767 – has been creating a Shybrid society.

Natal almost fully reconstructed. The Its music, too, marks it apart s Vital statistics Top 5 experiences u Joao Pessoa ur Jesuit Museum at San Ignacio from its neighbours – instead Pof jillo G A S a live performance of Capital: Asunción Catch es T1 I N Cordillera Blanca A A Pto Guazú is a testament their the grinding rhythms of salsa or C i re o Fra Porto Velho Population: 6.6 million unique music nc S áParaguay’s s Nevado Huascarán Recife style is co work, arguably one of the most tango, Paraguay prefers to sway to Juazeiro Languages: Spanish and Guaraní in an Asunción bar Maceió significant social experiments on sentimental love songs and P E R U Time: GMT-4 (mid-October to midBarragem de Wander tropical rainforest, S Sobradinho 2 Riberalta Manu Biosphere European dances accompanied byI E R R A the continent.

March GMT-3) Reserve swim in waterfalls and watch Aracaju Comas DO S PIn the north and west, the International dialling code: +595Chapada the sun set on a boat cruise down Huancayo virtuoso harp players, guitar AR Callao LIMA Gu ECI a Diamantina NP por S Machu Picchu é Money: Guaraní (Gs), currently countryside strummers Sacred Valley Cuscoand accordions. the Paraná river, along the border 1is decidedly less Salvador around Gs7,122 to the UK£ populated.

Now, though, the differences with Argentina Noel Kempff The Chaco – a vast, Pen. Paracas Carinhanha Mercado NP Lake Visas: Not required

by UK nationals Nasca Lines Cuiabá into Colca Canyon Titicaca and the rest of cross-border plain extending between Paraguay BRAZILIAN 1BRASÍLIA Sorata B A H I3 A Shop till you drop in Ciudad Nasca HIGHLANDS Nevado Ancohume PLANALTO DE Nevado Ampato Argentina and Bolivia – is South America are becoming less del Este, known for its cheap Volcán MATO GROSSO Corioco When to go Claros El Misti Montes Goiânia Arequipa LA PAZ inhabited by a handful of distinct – politically, the country is electronic goods, before crossing 1 Visit in winter (May to the border into Brazil or Argentina part of the Mercosur economic September) – the rest theAyear Caravelas MofI N S Oruro to see Iguaça/Iguazú Falls bloc linkingArica the region, with G E R A I S can get unbearably hot (35ºC).

Lake Poopó Paraguay’s Jesuit well-established trade routes to Belo Horizonte You’re also likely to encounter 4Pta. deExplore Baleia Defensores Grande Salar de Uyuni NP history in towns like Trinidad 5del Chaco NP Argentina and Brazil.

Moreover, more rain at the hottest time of BRAZIL Vitória and the Jesuit Museum at San The Chaco year when storms are frequent Juiz the road to Bolivia is becoming de Fora Campos Ignacio Guazú (the wettest month of the year is increasingly navigable – in the Concepción Campinas January). The hottest part of the Cabo de São Tomé 3 dry season, at least: the TransAntofagasta Tinfunqué NP 5 Come face-to-face with jaguar, São Paulo Río de Janeiro Cabo Frio country is theA north, which lies R leopard and tapir in the Chaco is now considered one of 1 Ciudad Santos ARGENTINA Volcán M tropics del Este entirely in the sizeable Chaco region Llullaillaco South America’s greatest road Curitiba ASUNCION 0 200km Trinidad trips... and certainly one of the 2 For more information go to www.lata.org/paraguay San Ignacio Guazú 4 Nevado Ojos bumpiest inCopiapó the continent. del Salado Florianópolis L

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Leon Trinidad CUBA PUERTO Mérida fly to Iquitos, the only place in Peru all over the world.

If that’s not your colonialSantiago city of Trujillo, on Peru’s Everyone knows about Machu RICO Teotihuacán Samaná Jarabocoa de Cuba Yucatan Los Haitises NP HAITI Tulum MICHOACÁN MEXICO CITY Mount SANTO where you can see pink river cup of mate de coca, then try northern coast, and Chan Chan, Picchu, the myth- andPeninsula mistPORT-AU-PRINCE ANTIGUA AND Pico Duarte DOMINGO BARBUDA dolphins in the morning and white-water rafting or mountain the largest adobe city in the world. shrouded Inca citadel, Acapulco KINGSTON Palenque but hands D O M I N I C A N San Cristóbel Oaxaca JAMAICA ST. KITTS the peaks. las Casas experience the bustle of a frenetic through The crumbling ruins of theR E P U B L I C biking up thosedewho knewSemuc that Peru Tikal BELIZE AND NEVIS DOMINICA The Bay Islands Lívingston Todosancient Santos Champey Amazon port in the afternoon.

But it’s not all mountains.

Most imperial city consist of nine great boasts more archaeological Quetzaltenango HONDURAS C A R I B B E A N S E A Copán La Mosquitia Antigua ruins ST. LUCIA compounds built by successive sites than any other country Graciasin GUATEMALA GUATEMALA TEGUCIGALPA Monterrico Suchitoto Cerro Verde NP SAN its vast dynasties which ruled this part ofL E S S E R South America?

OrNPthat El Imposible ST. VINCENT SALVADOR Leon NICARAGUA BARBADOS ANT ILL EL SALVADOR Pta. arrival Gallinas ES Granada MANAGUA the country before the ofNetherlands green carpet of Ruta jungle is home to Aruba Antilles de Flores The Corn Islands GRENADA Volcán Masaya O C E A N Ometepe Island Tayrona NP Curaçao Henri PORT OF Tobago kilometres from the greatest diversity of plants andVolcán Arenalthe Incas. A few Barranquilla Pittier Tenorio NP Guanacaste Morrocoy SPAIN NP CARACAS NP Cartagena Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero Portobello TRINIDAD & Paria Maracaibo Trinidad Ciudad Perdida Panamá Viejo massive Peninsula Valencia the city are the adobe wildlife on the planet?

HowRICA about SAN JOSÉ TOBAGO (The Lost City) COSTA San Blás Barquisimeto Vital statistics Top 5 experiences Delta del Manuel Antonio NP PANAMA Islands Corcovado NP PANAMA Orinoco VENEZUELA pyramids of Huaca del Sol andSierra the fact that Peru is the birthplace Osa Peninsula Azuero Gulf of Darién Capital: Ciudad Lima Peninsula Panama 1 Delve into the Amazon from Nevada NP Ciudad Guayana Huaca de la Luna. Elsewhere in the of surfing, that its rivers offer the Bolivar Population: 30 millionGEORGETOWN Iquitos, one of the world’s Galibi Nature Reserve PARAMARIBO Angel Medellin region are the pre-Columbian scariest white-water rafting Salut Cabo Corrientes Languages: and Quechua GUYANA Falls Spanish Islands greatest cities for wildlife Manizales Brownsberg Raleighvallen Pereira Kourou NP G Nature Reserve U I Mount Roraima pyramid Nevado tombs of Sipán anywhere and that the Peruvian BOGOTÁ and the del Tolima Voltaire Time: GMT-5 A N CAYENNE Armenia A Ibagué SURINAME Falls Saül 2 Sample Peru’s flavour-intense H I G H Buenaventura Central L even older remains at Caral, dating Andes are so unexplored they make International dialling A N D code: +592 Cali S Suriname Awarradam cuisine – from ceviche to Nevado del Huila Reserve Neiva FRENCH GUIANA Money: Nuevo sol (S/), Nature currently back over 4,000 years. the Himalayas seem like Piccadilly papas a la huancaína – in a top San Agustín around S/4.5 to the UK£ Punta Galera In the Cordillera Blanca, deep in Circus on a summer weekend?

Lima restaurant 1 Macapá Visas: Not required by UK nationals COLOMBIA And that’s only scratching the ECUADOR B. de Marajó trip to Peru would be 3 I. deNo Marajó surface. Everyone who visits Peru 1 Belém without aB. visit complete to the de São Marcos When to go Manaus goes to Cusco, one of the most 1 iconic Inca ruins of Machu São LuisPicchu The sierra and jungle are hot fascinating cities in the world.

1 and dry from April to October. – one of the world’s great wonders Fortaleza Iquitos – in the south of the country The Spanish built their colonial Teresina Ponta do Calcan November to April is the wet Chiclayo 4 Chachapoyas churches and houses on top of the Natal Experience the adobe season.

The opposite is true for the 4 Chan Joao Pesso Chan Cajamarca splendour of pre-Columbian G A S original Inca foundations, and this BRAZIL coast – hot and dry from December N A T I Trujillo Cordillera C A city Chan Chan, a wonderfully Porto Velhocooler conditions May startling mix of architectural styles to April with Recife Chimbote Blanca well-preserved site near TrujilloJuazeiro to November. June to September is still in evidence.

Manu Maceió 3 Biosphere S 2 IE Riberalta are the R R best months for trekkers.

Cusco is also the ideal base for A Reserve Aracaju 5 Take in the sheer enormous DO Machu Chapada LIMA PeruviansS PAlike R E C their fiestas, so majesty of Lake Titicaca – NP the Picchu exploring the Urubamba Valley, IS Diamantina Tambopata Huancayo PACIFIC coincide a trip with celebrations highest navigable lake in the world Salvador 5 which runs west all the way to Cusco Noel Kempff OCEAN Carinhanha Mercado NP such as Virgen de la Candelaria Cuiabá and the largest America Nasca Lines B R A Z in I L I ASouth N Colca Machu Picchu and beyond. Peru’s B A H I A BRASÍLIA B O L I V I A HIGHLANDS Canyon Puno PLANALTO DE MATO GROSSO Corioco best-known archaeological site is Arequipa 0 200km Montes Claros Goiânia LA PAZ For more information go to www.lata.org/peru Cochabamba the main attraction for visitors, Lake Titicaca Santa Cruz Caravelas M I N A S Oruro San Antonio

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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: 567,000 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.

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THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA B R A Z I 53 LIAN BRASÍLIA HIGHLANDS

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remnants of colonial architecture 0 200 km Mar Chiquito in this part of the continent – a well-preserved historical gem BRAZIL Salto Cordoba on a small peninsula jutting into the Río de la Plata.

In the capital, Montevideo, things Melo are a little more multicultural.

Buildings in a riot of architectural Fray Bentos Durazno Santa 4 styles – Spanish, French, Italian, Teresa 2 Colonia del 1 5 NP English and Art Deco – line the Laguna Negra 3 R í Sacramento od streets.

The Mercado del Puerto, MONTEVIDEO PAMPAS e la ATLANTIC Plat the 19th-century market building a Punta OCEAN near the docks, is a carnivore’s del Este dream – dozens of restaurants sizzle and steam with tray after tray Pta. Norte of succulent and delicious parrilla (grilled meat), the staple diet of Cabo San Antonio most Uruguayans.

Vital statistics top 5 experiences Escape the cities and the giant Capital: Montevideo 1 Sip a medio y medio (wine Mar del Plata barbecue andBahia drive along the Blanca Population: 3.3 million cocktail) in Montevideo’s Cabo Corrientes a r o spectacular stretching east of C o l o dcoast Language: Spanish indoor Mercado del Puerto Montevideo, a conveyor belt of Time: GMT-2 (GMT-3 October 2 Visit the museums and amble around the cobbled colonial osmall bays, beaches and Bahia Blancato March) International dialling code: +598 promontories backed by hills and streets of Colonia del Sacramento, Money: Uruguay peso (UYU), woods. Stop off at the resort of one of the best-preserved towns in currently around UYU34 to the UK£ Punta del Este the Southern Cone 1 – a favourite sunVisas: Not required by UK nationals and-sea spot with the international Viedma 3 Hang out with the stars in the 1 elite. Further east still, the trendy beach resort of Punta Golfo San Matias When to go 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 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 Rawson the water – and excellent For a classic road adventure, interior slightly cooler, especially 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 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 – Comodoro Rivadavia and past vineyards and orchards For more information go to www.lata.org/uruguay Golfo de San Jorge up to the Brazilian border.

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or many European visitors there’s something de Vaca strangely familiar about the landscape of Uruguay.

San Juan Largely devoted to agriculture, the green countryside is dotted with sheep and cows. As far back Cerro Aconcagua as 1868 – when the British built the capital,City Mendoza alparaiso a railway connecting Montevideo, with the countryside – SANTIAGO Hereford and shorthorn cattle were reared in Uruguay and across the river.

San Rafael It is a land of rolling hills and verdant pastures, best explored on arranza horseback like a true gaucho, or by staying at one of the many colonial Chillán estancias that have opened their pción doors to visitors. Relax and adopt the lifestyle of the countryside or apié take part in the daily work of the ranch at your own pace.

You’ll taste the colonial flavour asg r Ne soon as you set foot in the country.

Colonia del Sacramento, a short Valdivia ferry ride from Buenos Aires, was founded by Portuguese settlers in a Galera 1680. It has some of the finest

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Masaya the highland pastures studded enezuela isVolcán where the Ometepe Island 5 Tenorio NP Guanacaste 2 Volcán Arenalwild flowers. with Andes mountain range Maracaibo CARACAS Nicoya Peninsula Jacó Tortuguero Portobello Panama Panamá Viejo don’t meets the Caribbean 4 Mochima COSTA RICA–SAN JOSÉ If plantsCanalare your thing, San Blás Manuel Antonio NP Islands NP PANAMA Corcovado NP miss exploring the verdant PANAMA a land of astonishing Osa Peninsula Mérida Ciudad Azuero Gulf of Darién co o n ri rainforest and savannas of the variety that many believe is the Peninsula O Panama Guayana Los 3 south-east – a wild and untamed ideal introduction to South Llanos Angel Galibi Nature Reserve 1 environment that remains much as America. The Orinoco River Salut Falls Cabo Corrientes GUYANA Brownsberg Islands COLOMBIA Kourou it was when the country received separates the vast plains from the NP Gran Sabana Voltaire CAYENNE Armenia its first foreign visitor back in 1498. tabletop mountains of the Gran Falls Saül Buenaventura 0 200km Orino So overwhelmed was Sabana. In the west, the northern CaliChristopher Awarradam co Nevado del Huila BRAZIL Columbus by what he saw that he tip of the Andes creeps up into the FRENCH GUIANA San Agustín country in a ridge of frosted peaks. described it as “paradise on earth”.

Punta Galera Here Angel Falls tumbles in The south is home to Amazon Macapá QUITO B. de Marajó spectacular style from the plateau C rainforest, while the north’s idyllic aq ECUADOR uet I. de Marajó á of a tabletop mountain. The white-sand beaches disappear into n Belém Vital statistics Top 5 experiences azo Chimborazo Guayaquil Am highest falls in the world, its waters the gently lapping Caribbean.

Capital: Caracas Climb Mount Roraima 1Manaus Gulf of cascade through the air for almost a Despite all the geographical Guayaquil Population: 28.5 million (pictured above) the 2,810m kilometre before meeting the obstacles, Venezuela has one of the Language: Spanish A m a z o n tepui whose mist-shrouded heights s rainforest floor. It’s an adventure to best-developed road networks in Time: GMT-4.5 j óLost World r a inspired The S a A ei p V d a M L S E T a clamber your way through the South America, thanks to its International dialling code: +58 M O Punta Aguja 2 Visit the protected marine Money: Bolívar fuerte (Bs), jungle to get to the base; to reach lucrative oil reserves. In the west is area of theAMochimaZNationalI Chiclayo B R L u s the UK£ r to currently around Bs10 the top warrants a major trekking Los Llanos, the great plain of the Pu Park in the east of the country 1 Trujillo es Visas: Not required by UK nationals Blancathe expedition, but we’reCordillera guessing Orinoco, where local flora and Pi through Los re Porto Velho s 3 Ride a horse Nevado Huascarán Chimbote 1 views are worth it. fauna – such as scarlet ibis and Llanos, the vast area of When to go A final stop on your Venezuelan Orinoco crocodile – share their wetlands to the west of the country P E R U Venezuela is generally SI Riberalta ER Manu Biosphere near the border with Colombia, itinerary should certainly be territory with cattle and the llanero 1 R A Reserve considered to be a year-round Comas DO SP rich in fauna and flora Mochima National Park on the cowboys. For the ultimate ranch Huancayo A Callao R destination. The dry season G u a p o E C I S LIMA Machu Picchu ré coast, where you can hire a boat experience stay in one of the hatos, Sacred Valley Cusco (December to April) is more 4 Relax in the cool climes of Mérida, a cultured university clusters of where you can enjoy a bit of luxury and chug round the Noel Kempff pleasant for travelling (and Pen. Paracas Mercado NP Lake Lines town dating backCuiabá to the 16th Colca Canyonparticularly Titicaca islands until you findNasca a deserted while getting to grips with a lasso.

BRAZIL trekking), but the Sorata BRASÍLIA B O L I V I A century and set in striking Nasca HIGHLA Nevado Ancohume PLANALTO DE Nevado Ampato mighty waterfalls in the Gran cove where you can drop anchor Further west, at Mérida, you can Volcán ATO GROSSO Corioco El Misti surroundings highM up in the AndesGoiânia Montes PAZ and spend a day padding across Arequipa Sabana of theLAsouth-east be whisked off your feet by the Cochabamba look more impressive during the your own beach. Or perhaps head highest cable car in the world as it Santa Cruz 5 Relax on pristine Caribbean M Oruro wet beaches such as Puerto Cruz á Sucre Aricaseason. The Andes zone glides up through the mist-swirled to the spectacular Los Roques G Lake doesn’t get as hot around Isla Margarita Poopó as coastal areas with miles of pristine peaks of the Andes. Pull Belo Horizo Potosí P Aon C Iyour F I C O Carchipelago, EAN Campo Grande Grande Salar de Uyuni NP white-sand beaches and crystalhiking boots and march out onto For more information go to www.lata.org/venezuela Ti et ê clear water. the grassy trails of the páramo and The Chaco d Lake Nicaragua

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ABERCROMBIE & KENT TRAVEL l l l l l l l l l

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

Antarctica

Getting there from europe

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A UK/EU tour operators

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.

58 THE GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA

058-059_Uk tour ops Listings_14__SO.indd 58

Abercrombie & Kent

0845 070 0614 info@abercrombiekent.co.uk www.abercrombiekent.co.uk The UK’s leading luxury and adventure tour operator offering 5 star tailored holidays to Latin America, the Caribbean and Antarctica.

A&K is unique in having their own A&K offices in Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina.

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Advance Worldwide

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

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All Leisure Holidays Ltd

0800 567 7379 www.travelsphere.co.uk Over 30 years 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.

Andean Trails

0131 467 7086 kathy@andeantrails.co.uk www.andeantrails.co.uk Independent tour operator offering a personalised service. Adventure travel and holidays in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Guyana, Cuba and Namibia. Treks, trekking peaks, mountaineering, biking, Amazon, kayaking, rafting. Tailor-made or group tours. 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. b q

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Bespoke Brazil

01603 340680 info@bespokebrazil.com www.bespokebrazil.com Bespoke Brazil creates tailor made holidays to Brazil. We offer trips for individual travellers, couples or small groups which can all be tailored to your specific needs with the help of our years of experience. We are also Rio Carnival specialists. q

Bravo Travel

020 7580 3000 info@bravo-travel.com http://www.bravo-travel.com Bravo creates tailor-made itineraries designed around your requirements. Their consultants have years of experience in the airline and tourism and are ready to assist you with full arrangements for your perfect trip with a reliable and friendly service.

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C Caledonia

0131 621 7721 info@caledonialanguages.co.uk www.caledonialanguages.com Specialist tour operator organising cultural holidays, adventure trips and tailormade itineraries including dance and music, languages, guided tours, trekking, cycling and gastronomy. We organise trips for individuals, families, groups and schools.

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cazenove + loyd

Exsus Travel

Chameleon Worldwide

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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 5 from 2008 2012. They offer the finest private travel in South and Central America. b q 01962 737647 sales@chameleonworldwide.co.uk www.chameleonworldwide.co.uk Chameleon Worldwide are the adaptable tailor-made holiday experts. 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 offices in the UK and Australia. q

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 brochure tours and tailor-made itineraries throughout Central and South America for both groups and individual travellers. b q

D Distinctive Americas

01242 890 555 daniel@distinctiveamericas.com www.distinctiveamericas.com Distinctive Americas is a tailor-made specialist. We concentrate on the Americas & Polar Regions, where our destination knowledge is second to none. Our aim is to provide you with high quality travel arrangements based around exactly what YOU want to do. b q

Dragoman

01728 861 133 enquiries@dragoman.co.uk www.dragoman.com Dragoman operate overland journeys & adventure holidays from 2 to 21 weeks.

Specialists in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela & Colombia. Their adventure will take you further off the beaten path to explore the real South America.

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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 Explore has been offering off-the-beatentrack small group adventure holidays for over 30 years. Explore offer over 450 trips in more than 120 countries – including many in Latin America. b q

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

Geodyssey

020 7281 7788 enquiries@geodyssey.co.uk www.geodyssey.co.uk Geodyssey offers unique, 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

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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.

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HighLives Ltd

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

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Il Viaggio Journeys And Voyages

+39 0267 390 001 info@ilviaggio.biz www.ilviaggio.biz Il Viaggio is a bespoke niche T.O. established in 1978. Our knowledge and expertise is invaluable, we provide taylor-made voyages highlighting on client’s interests and special needs. We focus our in-depth knowledge in Experiential Travel. q

Imagine Latin America

020 7622 1116 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 & hope it fires your imagination. We are here to pass on experiences and help you to have a memorable holiday. b q

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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 in travel to Latin America, we’ve been creating award-winning tailor-made holidays and small group tours to every corner of the region for almost 35 years.

Our expert staff can help design your perfect holiday. b qq

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Kuoni Travel Ltd

01306 744 888 holidays@kuoni.co.uk www.kuoni.co.uk Since 1906, Kuoni has been creating incredible escorted tours, authentic independent 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.

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Last Frontiers

01296 653000 info@lastfrontiers.com www.lastfrontiers.com We design tailor-made itineraries throughout Latin America and Antarctica. Our knowledge, combined with sensible advice and real attention to detail, is second to none. b q

Latin Odyssey

020 8704 1389 info@latinodyssey.com www.latinodyssey.com Latin Odyssey specialises in personalised itineraries throughout South America, creating holidays 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 Llama Travel offers high quality, excellent value holidays to Latin America. All our staff have either lived there or know the countries well. Choose from 40 featured holidays, or you can design your own holiday to visit the areas you want to see.

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Mercator Travel

01932 424252 info@mercatortravel.co.uk www.mercatortravel.co.uk Mercator Travel specialises in tailor-made packages (flights and/or hotels, transfers, car hire & tours) to Central America, providing informed regional knowledge, quality customer service and competitive prices for budget, mid-range & luxury travellers. qq

Miraviva

020 7186 1111 info@miravivatravel.com www.miravivatravel.com We are the newest Latin America specialist bringing fresh in-depth knowledge of the region to our guests. We take pride in delivering unique experiences with a personal touch and a fine attention to detail.

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MotMot Travel Ltd

01327 359622 mail@motmottravel.com www.motmottravel.com MotMot Travel offers tailor-made holidays throughout the Caribbean area and on the surrounding Latin American mainland for nature lovers, bird watchers and for those seeking an authentic travel experience.

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Naturally Belize

020 8274 8510 info@naturallybelize.co.uk www.naturallybelize.co.uk Specialising in tailor-made holidays to Belize.

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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Select Latin America

Tribes Travel Ltd

01963 363400 info@oasisoverland.co.uk www.oasisoverland.co.uk Oasis Overland run multi-country expeditions around South America ranging in length from 8 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.

020 7407 1478 info@selectlatinamerica.co.uk www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk Our specialist knowledge of Latin America enables us to offer high-quality tours, both tailor-made and escorted small groups. We offer culture, nature and adventure itineraries. Galapagos, Amazon and Antarctica are our specialities. 27 years experience. q

Odyssey World Experience

Steamond Travel

Tropical Sky

Oasis Overland

01453 883937 emma@odyssey-world.co.uk www.odyssey-world.co.uk Authentic, honest and unique holiday planners specialising in eco tourism with over 30 years expertise and strong country connections.

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Original Travel

020 7978 7333 ask@originaltravel.co.uk www.originaltravel.co.uk Award winning Original Travel specialises in tailor-made itineraries across the globe.

Latin America is its fastest growing area with trips ranging from Mexico’s tropical coastline southwards to the monumental icebergs of Antarctica. q

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Preston Reid

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 and paying great attention to the finer details.

Specialities include Honeymoons, Fishing, Riding, Cruises and Sports Tours.

Pura Aventura

0845 225 5058 info@pura-aventura.com www.pura-aventura.com Pura Aventura means active holidays in comfort. 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

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Rainbow Tours

020 7666 1260 latinamerica@rainbowtours.co.uk www.rainbowtours.co.uk South America offers beach holidays, multi-country tours, classic cruises and exotic adventure. Western & Oriental Travel Latin America offers a selection of high-quality tailor-made holidays across the continent. ATOL 10417. b 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 dedicated brochures; Tailor-Made Itineraries, Family Adventures and Escorted Group Departures.

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Scott Dunn

020 8682 5030 latin@scottdunn.com www.scottdunn.com Scott Dunn has been creating luxury holidays and honeymoons to Latin America and other 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

020 7730 8646 info@steamondtravel.com www.steamondtravel.com Steamond Travel, with a background of 37 years in organising trips to Latin America 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 which incorporate culture and wildlife while minimising your environmental impact through careful choice of hotels. b q

Sunvil Traveller

020 8758 4774 traveller@sunvil.co.uk www.sunvil.co.uk Carefully-crafted adventure trips with a particular emphasis on wildlife and culture.

Our expert team has explored Latin America for well over 40 years. 11 countries across Central and South America. Sensible and honest advice. b q

T The Explorations Company

01367 850566 info@explorationscompany.com www.explorationscompany.com A highly personalised service for well-travelled individuals looking for something different. Holidays tailor-made to a client’s individuality. Our experts have a decade and a half of experience in travelling and working with this colourful continent.

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The South America Specialists

01525 840 149 info@thesouthamericaspecialists.com www.theargentinaspecialists.com A specialist tour operator and resource site for those planning their Argentina and Chile travel. Featuring independent lodge reviews, photos, HD videos and rates. We charge the same rate as going direct. q

The Ultimate Travel Company

020 7386 4646 enquiry@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk The Ultimate Travel Company offers 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. b qq

01473 890499 info@tribes.co.uk www.tribes.co.uk TRIBES is an award-winning independent travel company founded in 1998. We provide high quality tailor made holidays throughout Ecuador, The Galapagos, Peru and Brazil. We share our expert knowledge with you so that you get the experience you really want. q 0843 249 7594 marketing@tropicalsky.co.uk www.tropicalsky.co.uk Tropical Sky a leading long haul operator specialises 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 experts in adventure travel to Latin America. Our award winning reputation for quality of service, value for money & responsible travel has made them leaders in this field.

Take the adventure of a lifetime with Tucan Travel. b q

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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 to 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 and in-depth knowledge and whether a honeymoon or a family holiday, we design the finest itineraries to fit the precise requirements of our clients.

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Y Yampu Tours

0800 0112424 info@yampu.com www.yampu.com Yampu Tours which has been planning lifetime experiences for 15 years has received the award for “South America’s Leading Tour Operator” for 4 years in a row.

Let the Experts guide you. b q

Trailfinders

020 7368 1500 www.trailfinders.com Experts in tailormaking itineraries worldwide, Trailfinders offers unbeatable value and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for budget or luxury, adventure or city breaks, cruising or touring, our prices are amongst the lowest you will find. b qq

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MEMBERS

BY COUNTRY Antarctica

Antarctica XXI +56-61-61 4100 sales@antarcticaxxi.com www.antarcticaxxi.com ANTARCTICA XXI offers exclusive fly & cruise expeditions to Antarctica - a unique opportunity to fly over the ‘infamous’ Drake Passage in 2 hours, and to join an expedition cruise visiting the best wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarpply Expeditions +54-2901-433 636 / 436 747 info@antarpply.com www.antarpply.com Based in Ushuaia, ANTARPPLY EXPEDITIONS operates expedition cruises to 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.

One Ocean Expeditions + 351 962 721 836 voyages@oneoceanexpeditions.com www.oneoceanexpeditions.com Innovative, high-quality expedition cruise operator One Ocean Expeditions offers comfortable, safe - yet adventure filled – voyages to Antarctica with a focus on wildlife, photography, adventure and exceptional customer service.

Argentina

Aliwen Incoming +54-11-5032 3073 quote@aliwenincoming.com.ar www.aliwenincoming.com Aliwen Incoming provides tailor-made trips for individuals or groups who desire the highest standards. Our specialists have travelled extensively throughout the country. We ensure we deliver good value services with competitive prices.

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 which specialises in opening up the range of unique travel experiences for new and returning visits to Argentina, whatever their age and interests.

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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.

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.

Absolute Belize US Toll Free +1 800 640 2182 hello@absolutebelize.com www.absolutebelize.com At Absolute Belize, we curate the adventure and re-define the luxury, drawing on years of first hand experience on Belizean soil.

Every itinerary is hand crafted with precision, love and nurture based on our clients' tastes, desires and wildest dreams.

Bolivia

Crillon Tours-Titicaca Hydrofoils +591-2-233 7533 titicaca@entelnet.bo www.titicaca.com Tourism pioneers creating unique travel conditions for 56 years; our appealing products, programs, own operation and infrastructure on Lake Titicaca & Uyuni Salt Flats plus a growing offer of flights and hotels, Bolivia with CRILLON TOURS is unbeatable!

Turismo Balsa Ltda +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 personalized service and an authentic way to visit Bolivia.

Brazil

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. Web site (www.brazil.org.uk) is the country's official English language site.

Copacabana Palace +55-21-2548 7070 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.copacabanapalace.orient-express.com Situated on the promenade facing the magnificent Copacabana Beach, the Copacabana Palace hotel is legendary for its sumptuous style, fine cuisine and impeccable service.

Hotel das Cataratas +55-45-2102 7000 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.hoteldascataratas.com The only hotel within Brazil's Iguassu National Park, this colonial style residence is seconds from the thundering action of Iguassu Falls which guests have exclusive access to outside park opening hours.

Chile

Turismo Chile +56-2-2959 5500 cpt@turismochile.travel www.turismochile.travel Turismo Chile is a private non-profit entity, whose mission is to promote Chilean travel industry internationally. The institution combines public and private efforts to finance promotion around the world.

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa +56-2-2912 3945 recepcion@altoatacama.com www.altoatacama.com Alto Atacama is a stunning example of innovative and sustainable architecture tucked away in a beautiful valley. With 42 guestrooms, a restaurant, six pools, spa, cosy fireplace, telescope, and cultural and adventurous activities to explore the desert.

Awasi Atacama +56-2-2233 9641 info@awasi.cl www.awasi.com Awasi is the only hotel in Atacama to be in the exclusive Relais & Chateaux association.

Offering 100% tailor-made service, we assign a 4x4 vehicle & private guide per room.

Allowing an experience according to the interests & preferences of each guest.

ChileQuest International +56-2-2635 0541 travel@chilequest.com www.chilequest.com ChileQuest Int'l has become a preferred Tour Provider for travel agents and independent travelers because of its proficiency and skills in carefully planning each aspect of every made-to-order trip; Focusing in a wide range of activities and tours.

Darwin’s Trails Chile +56-32-319 3478 chile@darwinstrails.com www.darwinstrails.com An English/Chilean Tour Operator for local people experiences throughout Chile and Patagonia, nature and special interest tourism, and "off the beaten track".

Sustainable and social responsibility, plus fair trade policies are in place. Darwin’s Trails!

EcoCamp Patagonia/Cascada +56-2-2923 5950 info@cascada.travel www.cascada.travel Cascada Expediciones specialises in adventure travel and nature tours throughout Chile. We are the owners of sustainable geodesic dome hotel EcoCamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine and operate unique hiking tours in the national park.

ExploraSA +56-2-206 6060 reservexplora@explora.com www.explora.com The purpose of explora is to provide its guests with the unforgettable experience of exploring the natural and cultural environments of South America's remote regions. Our hotels are sophisticated to ensure a real enjoyment of life's pleasures.

Latitud90- Chile +56-2-2241 1941 ghorney@latitud90.com www.latitud90.com/incoming The Sense of Discovery Traveling is a learning experience that transforms people. This is why each program has been developed with the aim of revealing places, people and history in the most profound and comfortable way.

Nomads of the Seas +56 2 2940-4690 contacts@nomadsoftheseas.com www.nomadsoftheseas.com Nomads of the Seas is more than a ship, it is a unique operation. The Atmosphere, is a specially designed platform to explore virgin Chilean Patagonia by air, land and water.The real magic is what you are doing and where you are doing it.

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The Singular Hotels +56-2-948 8340 opalustran@thesingular.com www.thesingular.com Luxury hotel outside Puerto Natales and near Torres del Paine. Its restaurant, bar and museum are housed in the National Monument former post-Victorian cold-storage plant. Rooms with fjord views, spa and 20 excursions by land or sailing through Patagonia.

Tierra Hotels +56-2-263 0606 info@tierrahotels.com www.tierrahotels.com Discover Patagonia & 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.

Tierra Hotels, The Spirit of Chile.

Colombia

Proexport – Tourist Office 020 7491 3535 london@proexport.com.co www.colombia.travel With 18 offices worldwide including 4 in Europe, Proexport Colombia provides a point of contact & assistance for companies working or planning to work with Colombia as a destination. It is the perfect bridge to get the right Colombian tourism suppliers.

Colombia57 +57-6-886 8050 info@colombia57.com www.colombia57.com Colombia57 is a European owned local DMC & Receptive Tour Operator providing tailor made, FIT and group tours to Colombia with a strong focus on quality, innovative ideas & 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, 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.

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Dominican Republic

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

Ecuador/Galapagos

Advantage Travel +593-2-336 0888 info@advantagecuador.com www.advantagecuador.com ADVANTAGE TRAVEL located in Quito-Ecuador is the owner and operator of the exclusive expedition cruises Anakonda Amazon Cruise and Manatee Amazon Explorer in the Ecuadorian Rainforest and our Mantaraya Lodge, located at the Machalilla National Park.

Casa Gangotena / Mashpi Lodge +593-2-400 8000 info@casagangotena.com www.casagangotena.com Casa Gangotena, luxury boutique hotel with 31 rooms is located in the heart of Quito’s Colonial Quarter. Mashpi Lodge, awardwinning luxurious lodge is located three hours from Quito in the mega-biodiverse world of its private cloudforest reserve.

Ecoventura/Galapagos Network +1-305-262 6264 info@galapagosnetwork.com www.ecoventura.com Ecoventura offers authentic experiences in small compatible groups on expedition yachts; Eric, Flamingo and Letty and for scuba divers, Galapagos Sky. We established the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund and 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.

Beluga and Cachalote on Galapagos.

Ferrocarriles del Ecuador 01452 500663 philip@thedmg.co.uk www.ecuadorbytrain.com/trainecuador/ crucero UK Tour Operators should book Tren Crucero via http://www.ecuadorbytrain.com/ trainecuador/crucero or their usual Ecuador/Latin American DMC or Ground Handler, all of which have been fully briefed re. availability and commissions.

Galextur/Hotel Silberstein +593-2-225 0553 info@galextur.com www.galextur.com GALEXTUR, based in Quito/Ecuador specializes in tailor-made holidays to the Galapagos owning Hotel and Dive Base Silberstein and develop Tours and adventure travel in Ecuador and SA with exclusive first hand knowledge from 16 years experience.

Hilton Colón +593-2-256 1333 susana.garcia@hiltoncolon.com www.quito.hilton.com Hilton Colón Quito is a 5 star Hotel located in a commercial, financial and touristic area: 255 rooms, including Executive floors, Deluxe and Hilton Guest rooms, 6 restaurants, bar, fitness center 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 Galapagos Islands, providing dynamic mainland itineraries, and exclusive community-based social project.

Metropolitan Touring 020 8675 4150 info@metropolitan-touring.com www.metropolitan-touring.com Our company is a top 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@oagalapagos.com www.oagalapagos.com Discover the Galapagos on board the finest adventure cruise ships available. Owned and operated by Ocean Adventures, the expedition vessel, M/V Eclipse and M/C Athala II, allows travelers to experience one of the world’s greatest natural treasures.

Quasar Expeditions +593-2-2446996 info@quasarex.com www.quasarex.com Galapagos up-scale motor yacht operators since 1986. Capacity from 18 to 32 passengers. Land tour packages in Ecuador, Patagonia overland safaris and Peru tours for discerning travellers.

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 rooms Hotel. Amazon Basin.

Culture nature & adventure. CASA ALISO, Quito 10 rooms individually designed & decorated. Petit Menu, until 10:00 PM, 24 hour front desk.

Surtrek Ecuador & Galapagos Tours +593-2-250 0540 info@surtrek.com www.surtrek.com Specialist for tailor-made tours and sustainable travel in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and South America. We offer customized first-class and luxury tours for individual travelers and small groups around Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Yacu Amu Experiences +593-2-246 1511 info@yacuamu.com www.yacuamu.com Inbound tour operator and boutique DMC founded in 1996. Specialists in adventure, nature and cultural experiences for active travellers throughout Ecuador including Galapagos. First tour operator in Ecuador to be Rainforest Alliance verified (June 2010).

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, over 20 years experience in tailor-made holidays to suit all travel requirements, photograpy, wildlife, battle, hiking or general interest. Group and Independant 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.

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MEMBERS

BY COUNTRY Mexico

Mexico Tourism Board 00800-1111 2266 info@mexicotravel.co.uk www.visitmexico.com A fully comprehensive information service on all aspects of travel to Mexico, including literature on the country's many attractions, for the individual traveller and the tour wholesaler.

Casa de Sierra Nevada +52-415-152 7040 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.casadesierranevada.com A delightful hotel made up of a series of 16th and 18th century buildings situated at the heart of San Miguel de Allende.

Features include a renowned cookery school and spa.

Catherwood Travels +52-999-920 2632 reservations@catherwoodtravels.com www.catherwoodtravels.com Catherwood Travels takes adventurers deep into the heart of Mexico's mesmerizing culture on unforgettable bespoke tours.

Travelers enjoy exclusive dining, adventures in seldom-visited Mayan sites immersing them in the wonders of the Maya World.

Maroma Resort and Spa +1-866-454 9351 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.maromahotel.com A tropical retreat set among lush greenery and on a talcum-white sandy beach. Spend lazy days in the poolside restaurants and in the impressive spa, or snorkelling in the world’s second largest coral reef or nearby Mayan heritage sites.

Viajes Meca +52-55-5203 4155 mecauk@viajesmeca.com www.viajesmeca.com With over 30 years of experience, Viajes Meca has now become one of the leading DMC in Mexico, with a reliable and efficient service. Viajes Meca provides tailormade itineraries, personalizes all incentive travels, organizes conferences, seminars.

Panama

Ecocircuitos +507-315-1488 annie@ecocircuitos.com www.ecocircuitos.com Tour operator and DMC since 1999 that specializes in custom travel experiences that includes adventure activities, cultural encounters, honeymoon getaways, family holidays and educational tours that foster sustainable development in Panama.

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Panama Trails +507-836-6093 info@panamatrails.com www.panamatrails.com Panama Trails is a Panama based tour operator committed to provide unique, innovative & sustainable travel services at a great value. We offer travel experiences for families, honeymooners, nature lovers, adrenaline junkies and tailor made itineraries.

Peru

PromPerú +51-1-224 3131 lara.perez@brightergroup.com 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 organising high-quality Trekking, Canoeing, Rafting, Biking, Family and Cultural Adventure holidays in Peru. New for 2014 - Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Catamaran sailing.

Andean Experience (Peru) +51-1-700 5100 sales@andean-experience.com www.andean-experience.com Andean Experience offers tailor-made itineraries according traveler’s preferences to create Peru trips. We believe in structured yet flexible itineraries to facilitate discovery and exploration complemented by great service, the best guides and hotels.

C.A. Peru Turismo SAC +51-8-426 1369 juanjose@kichwaperu.com.pe www.kichwaperu.com.pe Kichwa creates unique and memorable experiences for travellers in Peru & Bolivia.

Whether travelling independently or in a small group, Kichwa is the epitome of expertise and efficiency, offering over 20 years of combined experience.

Condor Travel SA +51-1-615 3000 incoming@condortravel.com www.condortravel.com Condor Travel offers 36 years of experience in the market, and major competitive advantages that make us into South America's leading tour operator: ISO 9001:2008 certified,24/7 operation, innovative products, a highly skilled team, and sustainable tourism.

Hotel B +51-1-206 0800 marketing@hotelb.pe www.hotelb.pe Hotel B will cater to a variety of clientele, from guests looking for a historic atmosphere to the ones interested in the city’s contemporary art and cultural scene.

Heritage, traditions and culinary fusion attract the world’s savviest travelers to Lima.

Hotel Monasterio +51-8-460 4000 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.monasteriohotel.com A former monastery, Hotel Monasterio is a tranquil retreat located in the heart of Cusco. 16th century paintings decorate magnificent interiors while each room is enriched with oxygen to combat the effects of altitude.

Hotel Rio Sagrado +51-8-420 1631 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.riosagrado.com Set by the mighty Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the hotel is a tranquil retreat. Spacious riverfront terraces offer vistas over the river and hills.

Facilities include the Sacred Valley's first outdoor solar heated swimming pool & spa.

Inkaterra Peru +51-1-610 0400 liza.masias@inkaterra.com www.inkaterra.com Inkaterra is Peru's leader in sustainable tourism with three Inkaterra hotels and two hotels under byInkaterra, the more budget conscious brand. The company also offers bespoke tailor-made trips and in Tambopata, Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Kuoda Tours +51-84-221 773 info@kuodatravel.com www.kuodatravel.com BESPOKE TOURS IN SOUTH AMERICA: private itinerary tailored to requirements, personality, interests • Accommodations • Activities, entrance tickets • Private guides • Private transportation • Key meals • 24/7 Help • Unforgettable, meaningful experiences!

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge +51-8-421 1038 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.sanctuarylodgehotel.com The only hotel located adjacent to Machu Picchu, guests staying benefit from extra hours at the World Heritage site early in morning and late afternoon. This intimate hotel offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountainside.

Miraflores Park Hotel +51-1-610 4000 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.miraflorespark.com This chic hotel in the stylish Miraflores area enjoys a sensational location beside the Pacific Ocean. The hotel’s restaurant is one of the Lima’s top places to dine serving innovative Peruvian and Japanese fusion cuisine.

Mountain Lodges of Peru +51-8-424 3636 info@mountainlodgesofperu.com www.mountainlodgesofperu.com Mountain Lodges of Peru offers the first & 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.

Muyuna Lodge +51-065 242858 reservas@muyuna.com www.muyuna.com Muyuna is a secluded rainforest lodge with guaranteed observation of animals in their own habitat. Personalized service quality while maintaining the respect for the environment. Has relationship with San Juan village, which benefits from ecotourism.

Palacio Nazarenas +51-8-458 2222 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.palacionazarenas.com Opened in 2012, Palacio Nazarenas is a restored private residence-turnedconvent. It blends original features including Inca walls and colonial frescos with 21st –century indulgence. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Andean restaurant and spa.

The Hiram Bingham Luxury Train +51-8-458 1414 oesales.uk@orient-express.com www.orient-express.com The Hiram Bingham luxury train links Cusco and Machu Picchu via the dramatic Urubamba River valley. The journey includes appetisers, brunch, live music and a gourmet dinner of local specialities.

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MEMBERS

BY CategoRY Titilaka marketing@andean-experience.com www.titilaka.com Titilaka is an Experience Lodge located on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca, providing sophisticated travelers a luxurious refuge to explore the treasured natural, cultural and historical resources of this remote mystical region.

Viajes Pacifico +51-1-6101 900 info@vipac.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, incentive programs, among others.

Airlines

Cruise ships

Hotel groups

0871 644 4453 aerolineas@flightdirectors.com www.aerolineas.com.ar Aerolineas Argentinas, Member of SkyTeam,is one of the leading companies in South America. Aerolineas, flies to 18 international destinations in America, Europe and the South Pacific. Together with Austral operates flights to 35 destinations in Argentina.

+34-93-4970484 europa@crucerosaustralis.eu www.australis.com Expedition cruises to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn. 4 weekly programs between Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina. Our daily shore excursions disembark near glaciers and fjords visiting colonies of penguins, elephant seals, etc.

020 3117 1376 lucy.clark@orient-express.com www.orient-express.com OEH 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.

Venezuela

AviancaTACA

Angel-Eco Tours +58-212-762 5975 info@angel-ecotours.com www.angel-ecotours.com Experience the bio-diversity of Venezuela with Angel-Eco, specialists in customizing tours to the country's unspoiled natural wonders such as Canaima National Park (featuring Angel Falls and Roraima), Orinoco Delta, Merida, Los Llanos and Los Roques.

Aerolineas Argentinas

Air Europa

0871 423 0717 uksales@air-europa.com www.aireuropa.com Air Europa, the Latin America specialist, offers twice-daily flights between Gatwick and Madrid with quick connection times to Buenos Aires, Lima, Salvador de Bahia, Caracas, Havana, Santo Domingo, Montevideo, Santa Cruz, Cancun and Punta Cana.

0871 744 0337 avianca@flightdirectors.com www.avianca.co.uk Avianca Holdings S.A offers travellers the widest network of destinations, routes and frequencies, operated from our 3 hubs in Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru)and San Salvador (El Salvador). We operate 151 aircraft to 110 cities. Star Alliance Member.

BA / Iberia Airlines

020 8738 3355 consumer.support@ba.com www.ba.com Iberia and British Airways offer both direct and indirect flights to Latin America. British Airways flies to RIO, SAO, BUE, MEX and CUN non-stop from London. Iberia, via Madrid, files to BUE, RIO, SAO, SCL, BOG, SJO, UIO, GYE, SAL, GUA PTY, LIM and CCS.

Caribbean Airlines

0870 774 7336 calsales@aviacircle.com www.caribbean-airlines.com Caribbean Airlines, flies thrice weekly from London Gatwick’s North Terminal non – stop to Trinidad with onward connections to sister island Tobago and neighbouring Georgetown, Guyana.

LATAM AIRLINES GROUP

0208 600 6700 sales.support@tam.com.br www.tamairlines.com TAM is the largest airline in S. America. Our network covers more than 70 domestic destinations and 18 international in South America, Europe and USA. On board our passenger will experience the comfort and the excellent service exclusively offered by TAM.

United Airlines

0845 607 6760 www.united.com United flies from 6 UK airports to a wide range of Latin American destinations via its hubs in New York, Washington, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The leading US airline to Mexico, with an extensive network in Central and South America.

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Cruceros Australis

Navimag

+56-2-442 3110 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.

Silversea Cruises (UK) Ltd

0844 770 9030 salesuk@silversea.com www.silversea.com Luxury all-inclusive expedition cruises year-round to the Galapagos Islands on two distinct 7-day itineraries plus luxury cruises to Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil including butler service, complimentary beverages and fine dining.

Skorpios Cruises

+56-2-477 1900 skoinfo@skorpios.cl www.skorpios.cl Skorpios Cruises offers two routes to the glaciers of Chilean Patagonia; Chonos Route, a 6 nights program to the Northern Ice Field, and Kaweskar Route, a 3 nights 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: focussing 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 readers of Wanderlust.

Footprint Handbooks

01225 473 054 ads@footprinttravelguides.com www.footprinttravelguides.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.

Orient-Express Hotels Ltd

Relais & Châteaux

www.relaischateaux.com/en Relais & Châteaux offers you a veritable world tour. Whatever the occasion, however long you stay, each of our hotels will offer you the very best of its culture and region.

Hotels

Grace Hotels

020 7245 8700 michael.halsall@gracehotels.com www.gracehotels.com Grace Hotels is a group of luxury boutique hotels in the world's most stylish destinations and resorts that promises elegant guest accommodation and supreme service. Coming in late 2013 Grace Cafayate in North West Argentina and Grace Panama.

Representation COMPANIES Americas

020 7223 4330 americas@americas.co.uk www.americas.co.uk Americas connect Tour Operators with DMC’s in Latin America helping maintain and grow sales to the region. The Americas Workshop at the Royal Geographical Society is a well established event where travel professionals can meet a variety of suppliers.

SOUTH AMERICAN TOURS

+49-69-405 8970 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 customized tours for groups and individual travellers, as well as seat-incoach tours with scheduled departures.

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.

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all lata MEMBERS A

Abercrombie & Kent Travel (Tour Operators) Absolute Belize (Local operators) ADSMUNDO (Local operators) Advance Worldwide (Tour Operators) Advantage Travel (Local operators) Aerolineas Argentinas (Airlines) Aeromexico (Airlines) Air Europa (Airlines) Aliwen Incoming (Local operators) All Leisure Holidays Ltd (Tour Operators) Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa (Hotels) Alvear Palace Hotel (Hotels) Amazon Nature Tours (Cruise ships) Amazonas Explorer (Local operators) Americas (Representation companies) Andean Experience (Peru) (Local operators) Andean Trails (Tour Operators) Angel-Eco Tours (Local operators) Antarctica XXI (Cruise ships) Antarpply Expeditions (Cruise ships) Apus Peru (Local operators) ATP DMC (Local operators) Audley Latin America (Tour Operators) AVIACIRCLE (Representation companies) AviancaTACA (Airlines) Awasi Atacama (Hotels)

B

BA / Iberia Airlines (Airlines) Belize Tourism Board (Tourist Boards) Bespoke Brazil (Tour Operators) Blumar Tour Operator (Local operators) Bradt Travel Guides (Guide Books/Media) Branding Latin America (Representation companies) Bravo Travel (Tour Operators) Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (Trade bodies & Cultural Associations) Brighter Group (Representation companies) British Argentine Chamber (Trade bodies & Cultural Associations)

C

C.A. Peru Turismo SAC (Local operators) Caledonia (Tour Operators) Canning House (Trade bodies & Cultural Associations) Caribbean Airlines (Airlines) Caribbean Tourism Organisation (Tourist Boards) Casa de Sierra Nevada (Hotels) Casa Gangotena / Mashpi Lodge (Hotels) Catherwood Travels (Local operators) cazenove + loyd (Tour Operators) Chameleon Worldwide (Tour Operators) Chile Tours (Representation companies) ChileQuest International (Local operators) Chimu Adventures (Tour Operators) Colombia57 (Local operators) Colombian Journeys (Local operators) Coltur Peru (Local operators) Condor Travel SA (Local operators) Condor Verde Travel (Local operators) Copa Airlines (Airlines) Copacabana Palace (Hotels) Costa Rica Sun Tours (Local operators) Costa Rican Trails (Local operators) Cox & Kings (Tour Operators) Crillon Tours-Titicaca Hydrofoils (Local operators) Critical Divide (Marketing/Technology Support) Cruceros Australis (Cruise ships) Cynsa Tour Operator (Local operators)

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D

Darwin's Trails Chile (Local operators) Delfino Tours C.A (Local operators) Designer Trips Argentina (Local operators) Destination Marketing Group (Representation companies) Distinctive Americas (Tour Operators) Dominican Republic Tourist Board (Tourist Boards) Dragoman (Tour Operators)

E

EBS Limited (Representation companies) EcoCamp Patagonia / Cascada (Local operators) EcoCircuitos (Local operators) Ecoventura/Galapagos Network (Cruise ships) Ecuadorian Tours (Local operators) Elman Wall Travel Accountants (Business support) Embassy of Brazil Tourist Office (Tourist Boards) Enchanted Expeditions (Local operators) ENIGMA (Local operators) Estancia Los Potreros (Hotels) Eurotur SRL (Local operators) Exodus (Tour 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) Ferrocarriles del Ecuador (Transportation Companies) Footprint Handbooks (Guide Books/Media Francis Ford Coppola Resorts (Hotel groups)

G

Galapagos Conservation Trust (Charities/NGO's) Galextur/Hotel Silberstein (Hotels) Gentian Trails (Local operators) Geodyssey (Tour Operators) Go Fishing/Windows on the Wild (Tour Operators) Grace Hotels (Hotels)

H

H&T Argentina (Local operators) Hacienda Zuleta (Hotels) Hard Rock Hotels (Hotels) HighLives Ltd (Tour Operators) Hilton Colón (Hotels) Hotel B (Hotels) Hotel das Cataratas (Hotels) Hotel Monasterio (Hotels) Hotel Rio Sagrado (Hotels)

I

Il Viaggio Journeys and Voyages (Tour Operators) Imagine Latin America (Tour Operators) Inkaterra Peru (Local operators) Interchange (Representation companies) International Tours & Travel Ltd. (Local operators)

J

Jacada Travel Ltd (Tour Operators) JG Black Book of Travel (Representation companies) Journey Latin America (Tour Operators) Journey Mexico (Local operators) Just a Drop (Charities/NGO's)

K

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

L

Lares Uruguay (Local operators) Last Frontiers (Tour Operators) LATAM Airlines Group (Airlines) Latin Discover (Local operators) Latin Odyssey (Tour Operators) Latin Trails (Local operators) Latincoming (Local operators) Latitud90- Chile (Local operators) Lima Tours SA (Local operators) Llama Travel Limited (Tour Operators)

M

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Hotels) Magri Turismo Ltda (Local operators) Manu Expeditions (Local operators) Maroma Resort and Spa (Hotels) Mava Travel Peru (Local operators) Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP (Legal and Insurance) Mercator Travel (Tour Operators) Metropolitan Touring (Local operators) Mexico Tourism Board (Tourist Boards) Miraflores Park Hotel (Hotels) Miraviva (Tour Operators) MotMot Travel Ltd (Tour Operators) Mountain Lodges of Peru (Local operators) Muyuna Lodge (Hotels)

N

Native Trails (Local Operators) Natoura Travel & Adventure Tours (Local Operators) Naturally Belize (Tour Operators) Nature Style SA (Local Operators) Navimag (Cruise ships) Nomads of the Seas (Cruise ships)

O

Oasis Overland (Tour Operators) Ocean Adventures (Local operators) Odyssey World Experience (Tour Operators) 110 perCEB ltd (Representation companies) One Ocean Expeditions (Cruise ships) Orient-Express Hotels (Hotel groups) Original Travel (Tour Operators)

P

Palacio Nazarenas (Hotels) Panama Trails (Local operators) Panorama Perú (Local operators) Penelope Kellie Yacht Charters (Representation companies) Preston Reid (Tour Operators) Proexport - Tourist Office (Tourist Boards) PromPerú (Tourist Boards) Protours (Local operators) Pura Aventura (Tour Operators) Pure Brasil (Local operators)

Q

Quasar Expeditions (Local operators)

R

S

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) Silversea Cruises (UK) Ltd (Cruise ships) Skorpios Cruises (Cruise ships) SOCOMPA (Local operators) South American Tours (Local operators) Steamond Travel (Tour Operators) Steppes Travel (Tour Operators) Sunvil Traveller (Tour Operators) Surtrek Ecuador & Galapagos Tours (Local operators) Swiss Travel, Costa Rica (Local operators)

T

Talking Stick Marketing (Representation companies) The Crees Foundation (Charities/NGO's) The Explorations Company (Tour Operators) The Hiram Bingham Luxury Train (Transportation Companies) The LATA Foundation (Charities/NGO's) The Singular Hotels (Hotel groups) The South America Specialists (Tour Operators) The Times Destinations Show (Travel shows) The Travel Foundation (Charities/NGO's) The Ultimate Travel Company (Tour Operators) Tierra Hotels (Hotels) Titilaka (Hotels) Top Dest (Local operators) Tours Unlimited (Local operators) Trailfinders (Tour Operators) Travel Excellence (Local operators) Travel Risk Professionals (Legal and Insurance) Tribes Travel Ltd (Tour Operators) Tropic Journeys in Nature (Local operators) Tropical Sky (Tour Operators) Tucan Travel (Tour Operators) Tucano Peru (Local operators) Turismo Balsa Ltda (Local operators) Turismo Chile (Tourist Boards) Turismo Turavion (Local operators) Turismo Vida Sol e Mar (Hotels)

U

United Airlines (Airlines)

V

Vapues Tours (Local operators) VBRATA (Trade bodies & Cultural Associations) Viajes Meca (Local operators) Viajes Pacifico (Local operators) ViaVenture (Local operators))

W

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

Rainbow Tours (Tour Operators) Reed Exhibitions Ltd (Travel shows) Reef and Rainforest Tours (Tour Operators) Relais & Chateaux (Hotel groups) Y Remota (Hotels) Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau (Trade bodies Yacu Amu Experiences (Local Operators) Yampu Tours (Tour Operators) & Cultural Associations)

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HOTEL DAS CATARATAS, BESIDE BRAZIL’S IGUASSU FALLS.

All the action, close up Hotel das Cataratas: the only hotel in Brazil’s Iguassu National Park.

Enjoy exclusive visits to the Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, when the park is closed to other visitors. It’s just one many delights at this beautiful hotel, part of the collection of great travel experiences by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. worldwide.

For reservations and travel advice please visit orient-express.com, call our US toll free reservations office (+1 800 237 1236), phone the hotel directly (+55 45 2102 7000) or contact your travel professional.

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Fly from London to Buenos Aires Caracas Havana Lima Montevideo Salvador de Bahia Santa Cruz (Bolivia) Santo Domingo Punta Cana and Sao Paulo (from December 2013) All flights are via Madrid.

Discover Latin America with Air Europa, the Spanish airline with the Latin flair

0871 222 9122 www.aireuropaexperts.com

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