…with Product Manager, Cat We are delighted to be launching a new and revealing Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America. Our debut blog begins with a feature on Product Manager Catrin Davies, who recently enjoyed a special trip to Colombia and couldn’t wait to tell us all about it! YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Bogota, Coffee Region, Cartagena, Isla Baru. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? Avianca direct from London, on a new Dreamliner plane. All flights within Colombia were also with Avianca. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? First time…but definitely not the last! FAVOURITE LOCATION? That’s a hard question as everywhere was so different. I loved the unique scenery in the Coffee Region and the serene white sand beaches of Isla Baru, but really I think Cartagena captured so much of the country’s spirit for me. Colombia is one of the…
Neighbours Peru and Bolivia share similar history and geography and are home to some of the best off-the-beaten-track experiences in South America. So if you fancy immersing yourself in their incredible landscapes away from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares, then off-road activities are one of the best ways to do so whilst having maximum fun as you go! Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu The Sacred Valley is a magical place for both Inca ancestry and today’s adventurer on four (or two) wheels. Quad biking tours – known locally as ATVs – offer great views of the majestic Andes with stop-offs at local attractions such as the salt mines in Ollantaytambo. Archaeological Incan gems await via the multi-day trek options to Machu Picchu, all of which take you through breathtakingly scenic jungle terrain where you can witness alpacas and condors, indigenous people, plus glacial lakes and ice-capped mountain…
The vast, variable expanses of this continent’s geography are a big factor in what you might find in your glass on holiday here – Malbec and Merlot for instance grow really well in some regions of Argentina, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon do best in Chile, Tannat is a specialty of Uruguay, and Chardonnay and Moscato Branco do really well in the south of Brazil. So where, then, are the best regions to head to for finding a quality Latin drop? Argentina Argentina’s northern provinces, including Salta, Catamarca, Jujuy, and Tucumán shelter valleys with superb views. This region has some of the highest vineyards in Argentina, with some over 3000 meters above sea level. You’ll find Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Tannat as common grape varieties in this region. The southern Cuyo region includes three main provinces: Mendoza, La Rioja, and San Juan. This area makes up the foothills of the Andes Mountains and is the country’s largest wine-producing region,…
Lake Titicaca is the highest and biggest navigable lake in the world, lying at 12,500 feet above sea level and 50 miles across at its widest point. In the distance, some of the highest peaks in the Andes rise up to add a stunning backdrop to this Inca Holyland. Water Ways The lake is split into two national sides, Peru and Bolivia. Taquile Island and Amantani Island in Peru offer tourists the chance to live like a local by the piercing blue waters of Lake Titicaca, but the lake is best known as the home of the Uros Floating Islands and Isla del Sol. Visitors can take a day trip from Puno to any of these islands, or stay the night on Amantani and Taquile with a local family homestay. Taquile Island Isla de Taquile textiles are renowned for their quality and colours, so much so that UNESCO has recognised their artfully…
In a continent filled with a variety of magnificent man-made structures spanning the centuries, we’ve put together our five favourite examples to give them the spotlight they deserve! Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia Our Lady of Las Lajas is a Roman Catholic Basilica church in Colombia built in the state of Nariño, on the border with Ecuador. Its stunning Gothic Revival construct sits over a 160-foot-tall bridge over the Guáitara River which connects the church to the other side of the canyon. Bahá’íTemple of South America, Chile The Bahá’í Temple of South America is located just outside of Santiago, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This unique project represents the last of eight continental temples commissioned by the religious Bahá’í Community – each meant to embody “technological innovation and architectural excellence”. Teatro Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil Located in Largo de São Sebastião in downtown Manaus, this theatre was born from the riches of…
Estancia Los Potreros in Cordoba, Argentina is a beautiful, remote ranch offering guests the opportunity to experience rural life in Argentina, enjoying horseback riding, fabulous home cooking and amazing local wine. We recently spoke to Georgia Beech who works at the Estancia to find out what life is like for her… How does a typical day at the estancia start for you? My mornings vary depending on the time of year but usually, in the summer months, my days start when the sun rises. I take the dogs out for a stroll in the early morning – usually along one of the tracks. We often pass the burrowing owls, who are beginning their days sitting on the posts watching over the estancias herd of Aberdeen Angus. The dawn or ‘madrugada’ is really the best and most beautiful time of the day; it is warm but not too hot and the…
There are so many highlights in the land of Pura Vida, that it’s impossible to include them all in one trip. But for a varied experience taking in a snapshot of both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, these are our top highlights to include in your next trip to Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero National Park consists of 19,000 hectares of protected land on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and includes beaches, canals and tropical lowland forest. The area is famous for its turtles and is a nesting ground for around seven species of sea turtles, including the endangered Green sea turtle. The park is best navigated by kayaks or canoes (known as cayucas or botes). This allows you to explore the park’s dense rainforest landscape, winding your way through lagoons, creeks, and freshwater passages. Keep an eye out for dozens of native species of tropical birds, monkeys, and caimans….
From ancient Incan citadels to a rich gastronomy scene, it’s easy to forget amidst the pisco sours that Peru is known for its incredibly abundant and diverse wildlife. Did you know that an incredible 1 in 10 of the planet’s species is found in Peru’s Amazon Rainforest? Having spent two years discovering the far less varied wildlife of the UK’s own more urban jungles; it’s now time to start treating ourselves to the experiences we deserve. So, to get you started with your planning, we’ve broken down some of the top wildlife experiences you should look to include on your big trip to Peru… Alpacas The smaller, fluffier cousin of a llama, alpacas can be distinguished by their shorter faces and are highly prized for their fine fleece. You’ll find clothing made from Alpaca Wool at shops throughout your stay in Peru, keeping you warm for your time in the…
A magnet for wildlife lovers and a region tied to the very roots of natural history, the Galapagos remains one of the world’s most inspiring destinations. Whilst the draws of the Galapagos are clear, the logistics of how to experience the archipelago may not be. Below we look at some of the questions you will need to ask yourself whilst considering a trip to the Galapagos. Cruise or Land Based? The first thing to consider is whether you want to explore the Galapagos primarily by sea or by land. Cruising options allow visitors to explore the furthest and most remote corners of the archipelago whereas travelling by land and ‘island-hopping,’ will give greater focus to the beautiful landscapes whilst staying in comfortable hotels in the main towns. Both options have strong advantages so the choice should be purely based on preference, although some consideration should be afforded to combining the…
With increasing awareness and consciousness of the impact we have as a society on the natural environment, it is more important than ever that we consider the way that we see the world and the effect we have as travellers. Whilst the myriad of natural wonders and the diverse biodiversity of Latin America continues to amaze visitors, its protection is paramount for the future generations to come. Below we look at some of the key destinations that are setting the benchmark for sustainability. The Sacred Valley, Peru With 50% of the country covered in rainforest and the creditable protective efforts made in the Machu Picchu region to reduce the impact of tourism, there are multiple destinations in Peru worthy of a mention for sustainability. However, it is the Sacred Valley that makes the cut for its ecotourism. As well as being an unparalleled hub to experience the ancient traditions of…
