…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…
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…
…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…
…with Senior Product Manager, Cat In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our senior product manager Cat Davies explains how her trip to this Caribbean gem included an all-time highlight in travel after discovering Belize’s Great Blue Hole, plus what other wonders await those lucky enough to take a trip to this magical country. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? San Ignacio/Cayo District, Placencia, Ambergris Caye. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with United Airlines via Houston – an overnight stay on the outbound journey is usually necessary but the timings work very well with an early morning flight to Belize City the following day, so no time is really lost from the itinerary in Belize. Sleeping in a proper bed also actually means you are already starting to adjust to a new body clock, and you arrive in Belize feeling much more refreshed! FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?…
…with Travel Specialist, Julia In the next instalment of Our Routes series, our travel specialist Julia Ross walks us through a fantastic trip through Costa Rica, focusing on her favourite area, Manuel Antonio, with its wildlife-abundant national park backing onto glorious sandy shores and a stunning array of quality hotels set in gorgeous grounds. WHERE DID YOU GO & WHY IS THIS PLACE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS IN COSTA RICA? Manuel Antonio is by far one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! This is due to its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a range of activities and attractions. The combination of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery creates a picturesque and scenic environment make Manuel Antonio a MUST in your itinerary. Whether you’re hiking through the rainforest, enjoying a sunset on the beach, or admiring the panoramic views from elevated viewpoints, the natural beauty…
…with Head of Trade Sales, Gaynor With its i-conical volcano, forest canopies, thundering waterfall, and thermal springs, Arenal was a true adventure for our team as they hiked through its pathways and crossed the lake by boat through the region. Our Head of Trade Sales Gaynor Atherton shared with us why this was her favourite part of the trip to Costa Rica. YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA? Arenal – the hotels and town of La Fortuna, sit under the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano with stunning scenery all around this area and lots to see and do. We had a mix of wildlife which is in abundance in Costa Rica, so no area disappoints with this. It really is a beautiful area with lots of Hot Springs to choose from, stunning scenery, hikes and lots of amazing activities to suit the whole family with the added bonus of…
Easter, or ‘Holy Week’, has profound religious significance in Latin America, along with famous, vibrant cultural celebrations. Each country boasts its own unique traditions and customs, from solemn processions to joyful feasts, let’s delve into these diverse Easter traditions in five Latin American countries, take your pick on which of these you would like to experience for yourself, on your next holiday to Latin America… Argentina Semana Santa or Holy Week in Argentina is a time for both celebration and relaxation. Many Argentinians will attend church services and participate in processions throughout the week. One of the most famous Easter traditions in Argentina is the “Vía Crucis” ceremony. During this event, the procession works its way through 14 stations of the cross towards the cathedral, and participants are encouraged to bring candles. Peru As in Argentina, in Peru, Holy Week usually begins on Palm Sunday, a week before Easter Sunday….
Latin America has no shortage of exceptional beaches. From secluded tropical paradises with sweeping golden sand to some of the most world’s most iconic beaches such as the Copacabana. Here we list five of our must-visit beaches, although with coastlines stretching across the Atlantic & Pacific oceans plus the Caribbean Sea, there are so many fantastic beach holiday destinations across this diverse continent… Jericoacoara, Brazil Getting here isn’t easy, but a journey where part of the route needs to be navigated by dune buggies must surely prick up the ears of the more adventurous traveller. Those who do make it to this beach in the northeast of Brazil are well rewarded with some of the continents most spectacular natural diversity. ‘Jeri’, as it is affectionally known as by the friendly locals, is much more than just a picturesque beach town, it is a national park, a mangrove swamp, a vast…
