SIX LUXURY
LATIN AMERICA EXPERIENCES
Drink in Argentina How better to master Mendozan Malbecs than by staying in an intimate wine lodge
such as Casa de Uco, nestled in the shadow of the Andes in the beautiful Uco Valley, backed by activities such as hiking and horse-riding in its 700-acre estate. Or there’s always the 16-room Entre Cielos, with its impressive vineyard loft suite, or the trailblazing Cavas Wine Lodge, whose legendary hospitality continues to wow visitors.
casadeuco.com entrecielos.com cavaswinelodge.com
Rotors over Rio “A bird’s-eye view of this city will leave no doubt as to why Rio is dubbed the cidade
maravilhosa, or marvellous city,” says Katie Cosstick, of Cox & Kings. “A helicopter flight shows Sugar Loaf and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, as well as giving a spectacular panorama of the beautiful bays, islands, mountains and tropical forests that make up the city.”
Lose yourself in Colombia Hiking to the fabled Ciudad Perdida, or Lost City, in Tayrona National Park has
long been a backpacker classic but for those who like their creature comforts, Ecohabs Tayrona is a good option. With its eco-friendly thatched bungalows staggered up the lush, jungle-covered hill overlooking Cañaveral beach it’s a lovely spot to observe local wildlife. Plus there’s always the excellent food and the spa.
ecohabsantamarta.com
Extra Chile Simon Heyes, founder of Senderos, recommends a stay at all three Tierra Hotels in Chile
to fully experience the dramatically different landscapes within this long, thin country in style. “The adventure/spa philosophy at the Tierra hotels in Atacama, Chiloe and Patagonia results in some of the best combination of locations, outdoor activities, luxury accommodation and experiences,” he says.
tierrahotels.com
Go green in Belize Late 2018 sees the opening of actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s hotly anticipated
Blackadore Caye. Set on Caye Blackadore, off the country’s northeastern coast, the high-end eco-resort is being built to exacting sustainable standards, with one of its key aims being to reverse the island’s recent environmental decline. Can’t wait that long? Try the Itz’ana Resort, which opened in December 2017, or the dreamy Cayo Espanto. restora-
tiveislands.com itzanabelize.com aprivateisland.com
Ranch Out Uruguay’s working ranches, or estancias, offer travellers an intimate experience in a stunning
setting. Classic examples include Estancia Guardia del Monte. Set on a 2,500-acre estate within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the historic property offers just three guest rooms and guests are able to take part in the workings of the ranch. Combine an estancia stay with a break on the country’s unspoilt coast, beloved of the glitteratti, with operators such as Vik Retreats.
vikretreats.com
Titicaca, with the added option of ending the journey slightly early to enjoy the Colca Canyon. With its stunning scenery, soaring condors and excellent hiking, the Colca Canyon makes a welcome addition to any tour of Peru. It’s home to stunning properties such as Belmond Las Casitas (
belmond.com). Other operators featuring the Explorer include Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings, whose nine-night private tour, Peru: A Luxury Rail Journey, includes the two-night journey from Cuzco to Arequipa (from £3,495pp;
coxandkings.co.uk).
PACIFICO TRAIN “Reaching the Copper Canyon by the Chihuahua al Pacifico railway is one of Mexico’s classic experiences,” says Rachel Nicoll, Latin America product manager at Rainbow Tours (rainbowtours.
co.uk). “For fans of rail travel, this journey has a lower price point than some other famous rail journeys in Latin America, such as trains to Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and journeys on board the Belmond Andean Explorer and Tren Crucero — which is part of its appeal,” she notes. To get even closer to the action, spend some
MEXICO’S CHIHUAHUA AL
additional time on a guided hike of the area, populated by the local Tarahumara people. Nicoll suggests tacking on a stay at Hotel Mirador in Barrancas, on the edge of the canyon. “It’s close to the highest point, so offers exceptional views,” she says.“It’s great for more budget-conscious travellers keen to enjoy the breathtaking landscape.” Another common theme is for operators to
combine the rail ride with a separate regional focus. Options include Journey Latin America’s nine-day Copper Canyon Railway and Baja Coast (from £1,893pp, excluding international flights;
journeylatinamerica.co.uk), and Rainbow Tours’ eight-day Mexico City and the Copper Canyon, which combines the rail experience with time in the capital (from £2,195pp including flights). “We recommend taking this trip between
September and November when the climate is most pleasant,” says Nicoll. “The rainy season should be over, so waterfalls and rivers are at their best and the landscapes will be beautifully green.”
Right: Tarahumara family in traditional clothing, Juarez, Mexico
24 L ATIN AMERICA TRAVEL TRENDS
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