…with Gaynor, Julia and Alex In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our fabulous Business Development team of Gaynor Atherton and Julia Ross plus travel specialist Alex Wessely talk us through their experiences in the incredible Avenue of Volcanoes and charming neighbouring cities of Otavalo and Quito. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Gaynor, Alex and Julia: Quito, Otavalo and Cotopaxi in the Avenue of Volcanoes. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? Gaynor: Flew with KLM via Amsterdam to Quito in business class. Alex: Flew with KLM to Quito via Amsterdam. Julia: KLM – We went via Amsterdam. Very easy flight as we stayed overnight in Amsterdam, before waking up in the morning and heading back to the same terminal. KLM offer some of the best service I have experienced in economy, I was very impressed. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? Gaynor: First time! Alex: My second time in Ecuador but…
…with Marketing Manager, Laura In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our marketing manager Laura Radford tells us about the super relaxing side of Belize’s many charms, from its golden beaches to the aquatic wonders of the dazzling reef wildlife. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Belize – Hopkins, Placencia, Caye Caulker, San Pedro/Ambergris Caye. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with BA to Miami, and then American Airlines from Miami direct to Belize City. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? This was my first time visiting Belize. I’ve always been a little bit fascinated by this small Caribbean, English-speaking nation, in the heart of Central America, since I watched Levison Wood Walking the Americas. FAVOURITE LOCATION? My visit very much focused on the reefs & cayes of which Belize is so famous. I really liked the laid-back atmosphere and vibe of Caye Caulker, and the opportunities for lots of…
Maria Eugenia is a proud Colombian coffee farmer, locally known as “chapolera”, who picks coffee at Finca del Café in the Colombia’s Coffee Triangle and shows visitors how to make some of the greatest coffee in the world using generations-old methods. She discusses her passions, struggles, and what pushes her to accomplish her everyday work. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Maria Eugenia and I’ve been working at Finca del Café for the past nine years. We’re around three miles outside of Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda, Colombia. During harvest time, I pick coffee cherries in the plantation, and I look after the workers by providing them with food, all year round, I am the one who welcomes tourists with a great cup of coffee! Where does the name ‘chapolera’ originate? In Colombia, “chapoleras” are all the women who, for generations, have harvested coffee from…
Edwin Arce is a long-serving tour guide who has worked across Costa Rica’s many alternating terrains. He talks to us about his love of good coffee and his experiences witnessing whale calves, glowing lava flows, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica—all while guiding tourists and photographers around this fantastic destination. Can you tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Edwin Gerardo Arce Salazar. Most of my experiences are related to guiding group trips, tours, and events programs for the last twenty years in and out of Costa Rica. How does a typical day start for you? A day in paradise starts with a cup of good hot coffee, a cold shower and a panoramic view of the sky and the surroundings just to have an idea about what to expect of the day, about the weather to take advantage of the already programmed activities to acheive my…
…with Paul, Oliver and Mihaela In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our Senior Sales Manager, Paul Nolan , Senior Travel Specialist, Oliver Pryse, and Marketing Executive, Mihaela Enasoae, take us on a tour through Colombia. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the lush Coffee Region, the innovative city of Medellín, and the coastal charm of Cartagena, their first-hand insights offer a deep dive into Colombia’s diverse culture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? We spent one day in the capital city, Bogotá, two days in the Coffee Region including Santa Rosa, Cocora Valley, Filandia and Salento. Further up, we went for two days in Medellín and Guatapé , and spent the last four days in Cartagena. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? We took a direct flight from London Gatwick to Bogotá El Dorado with Avianca. All domestic flights were with Avianca, too. FIRST TIME…
The awesome Amazon River is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. It weaves through the heart of South America and supports an ecosystem that is unmatched in its diversity. While the river’s journey starts in Brazil, it meanders through several other countries, ultimately connecting distant lands and cultures before its waters reach the Atlantic Ocean. This incredible river spans nine countries, each contributing to the Amazon’s unique and awe-inspiring character. The Source: Brazil’s Highlands The Amazon River begins its journey high in the Andes, specifically in the Nevado Mismi region of southern Peru. Here, the river starts as small glacial streams that trickle down the mountains, gradually combining to form larger tributaries. These early waters join together to become the Ucayali and Marañón rivers, which are considered the main headwaters of the Amazon. Brazil is most often associated with the Amazon River, as its largest stretch and its…
A native of Chile, Pamela Gomez felt the call of the wild in Patagonia, leaving the capital to follow her dream of guiding tourists on horseback through the stunning landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park. Horse riding through Las Torres in Patagonia is a popular and scenic activity, offering a unique way to explore a region known for its dramatic mountains, azure lakes, and diverse wildlife. Our team enjoyed a fantastic visit to the park, staying in Hotel Las Torres and embarking on a stunning horse ride with Pamela leading the group. We spoke with her about what life is like in this epic part of the South American continent. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what attracted you to work in this role? I’m from Santiago and I am a tour guide working in Torres del Paine National Park. I love nature, the flora and…
Visiting Costa Rica during the lush rainy season, also known as the “green season,” offers several unique advantages and experiences that can make your trip truly memorable. In this blog, we consider the many benefits of travelling from May to November, including a look at our own travel specialists trip there during the shoulder season of May. Rainbow After the Rain From May to November, a transformation in Costa Rica’s already beautiful landscapes occurs. The rain rejuvenates the flora, resulting in vibrant paradises of verdant forests and blossoming flowers. These forests come alive, especially at night, where wildlife is abundant during a Monteverde wildlife night walk. Go With the Flows Increased rainfall means that waterfalls are at their most spectacular, with powerful flows and stunning visuals. Rivers swell, offering better conditions for white-water rafting. And even when it does rain in the tropics, it’s usually warm enough to still be in t-shirts and shorts for activities! Glass Half Full Green…
…with Product Executive, Hannah In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our product executive Hannah Finch takes us on a tour of the mysterious Maya archaeological site of Uxmal, colonial city of Mérida, the charming pueblos mágicos of Izamal and Valladolid, and discusses the many culinary delights she sampled on her trip through the Yucatán Peninsula. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Mérida, Izamal, Uxmal and Valladolid. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with AeroMexico from Heathrow, via Mexico City to Mérida. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? It was my first time, but I’m looking forward to going back to discover more of this amazing country! FAVOURITE LOCATION? I was based in Mérida, which I loved, but Izamal was also stunning. Izamal was designated a pueblo mágico (magical village) for preserving its original architecture, traditions, and history. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Seeing Uxmal Mayan pyramid. We went late in the…
The Latin Routes team takes you through the sites of the mystical Maya empire The Maya civilisation was one of the most influential Mesoamerican cultures, and their territory spanned present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Mayas had the only known fully developed written language in pre-Columbian America and constructed fascinating stepped pyramids and palaces built for Maya rulers. Though the Maya southern lowlands declined around the 9th century and were abandoned for reasons still debated among scholars, the Northern Maya cities continued to flourish until the Spanish conquest in 1520. Their legacy remains strong in the cultural heritage of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, where Maya roots and influence can be admired in these regions’ architecture, art, and traditions. Many of our travel experts were lucky enough to have visited this incredible part of the world, taking in centuries of history and taking on big climbs to the…
