ALTERNATIVE LATIN AMERICA
Or, in neighbouring Bolivia, visitors can now tour the spectacular Salar de Uyuni with one night in a hotel constructed entirely of salt and a second night in the comfort of a classic airstream caravan. Rainbow Tours is one of several operators selling the tour since it was introduced earlier in the year – a personal guide and driver accompanies guests in a four-wheel drive vehicle that tows the caravan. If your clients want to get behind the wheel themselves, then well-developed Costa Rica could be the place to get them on the road in a region not usually associated with fly-drive holidays. Cox & Kings has recently introduced a 13-day fly-drive itinerary of this small country, taking in cloud forest, volcanoes, beaches and rainforest with accommodation in attractive guesthouses and hotels along the way. Like many countries across the
region, Costa Rica’s varied landscapes make it something of an adrenaline junky’s playground. Ground handlers such as Costa Rica Sun Tours can tailor-make all manner of adventure trips including surfing, rafting, hiking, kayaking, diving and cycling. Pedal power is an increasingly popular way of exploring small corners of Latin America, with cycling trips in Central America offered by operators such as Explore. If paddle power is your client’s preference then Andean Trails – among other operators – sells an 11-day rafting itinerary through the Peruvian Amazon. For something a little more
sedate, Chile and Argentina are popular for horse-riding tours and vineyard visits, while Darwin’s Trails offers an unusual astronomy tour in the north of Chile. Latin America, it seems, caters for all tastes, however diverse they are.
What’s New Explora hotels in Patagonia and Atacama have introduced new horse-riding programmes. Five excursions are available in
Patagonia, covering between eight and 35km amid the region’s rugged landscapes. A new network of mountain biking
routes in and around Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, has been introduced. It includes the 26km Nono-Alaspungo route into the cloudforest and the 24km Lloa- Palmira route that visits naturally occurring hot springs. Colombian operator Panamericana
de Viajes has launched a new range of cycling itineraries in the country. Cox & Kings reports increased demand for Latin America, with passenger numbers up 20 per cent compared to 2011. It says new flight routings and more competitive pricing has seen more clients combine two or more countries in one trip. Its 2013 Latin America brochure includes more tailor-made options, particularly in Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala and Panama. Back Roads of Central America is a new 14-night private tour of the region priced from £3,495 per person.
From the Frontline SALLY ELLIS
International Tours & Travel, Falkland Islands
“Raw and unspoilt are two of the first words that many visitors use to describe the sure but subtle lure of one of the Falkland Islands. There’s penguins, seals and albatrosses in abundance, all in their natural environment, without hundreds of other people jostling to get the perfect photo. Landscapes of white sandy beaches and rolling grasslands are great for hiking, while the skies are clear and unpolluted, and the Islands are crime-free.”
SONIA ROJAS Latin America specialist Rainbow Tours
“On a second visit to Latin America people tend to venture beyond Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina. Destinations such as Colombia are fast becoming established on the
‘must visit’ list for the region. There is a huge amount to see and do here, it is very safe to travel there, and visitors will be sure of a warm and friendly welcome. Mainland Ecuador is also growing in popularity and for those keen to get really off the beaten track, regions such as the beautiful north of Peru are also highly recommended.”
BRIAN HAWE Product & Purchasing Manager, Travel 2 “For those after
something different I’d recommend our 11-day Experience Argentina package. Starting in Buenos Aires, clients enjoy a three-night culinary tour of the capital that includes wine tastings and cooking lessons in a private home. They then spend three nights in Mendoza exploring vineyards and tasting the various
d i s c o v e r p e a c e & t r a n q u i l l i t y i m m e r s e y o u r s e l f i n p u r e w i l d e r n e s s discover
t h e f a l k l a n d i s l a n d s
I n t e r n a t i o n a l T o u r s & T r a v e l we can arrange the perfect escape for you
email :
se.itt@
horizon.co.fk tel (falkland is.) : +500 22041
www.falklandislands.travel photos georgina strange & dan birch . design georgina strange . design in nature
ITT Falklands Advert
2009.indd 1 6/01/2009 6:43:15 AM
LOUISE TAYLOR
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