Jetsettersblog

 In response to growing consumer demand and ease of travel, Avanti Destinations has added new programs to Latin America. “The increase in consumer vacations to South and Central America reflects the great sightseeing, amazing cuisine and wonderful accommodations that are available at a very affordable cost,” said Harry Dalgaard, president of Avanti Destinations. The destinations are featured in Avanti’s new Essence of Latin America brochure, which is now off the printing presses and is arriving at travel agencies. For 2009, Avanti has added FIT programs for Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Guatemala. “Reflecting the increase in traffic to Latin America, airlines have been adding capacity. It is now easier than ever to fly from either Atlanta or Miami,” Dalgaard said.

Dalgaard noted that the interest in vacations to Chile has been especially strong. On that basis Avanti has added five new FIT programs for that country. One example is the 13-Day Ultimate Chile RVP. It features Santiago; the mountains, lake, glaciers and unique flora and fauna of Patagonia; the beautiful Lake District; the pristine scenery of the Atacama; and picturesque Valparaiso. Priced from $3,868, the package includes all ground transfers, accommodations, daily breakfast and select meals. Also new for Chile is a self-drive program focused on Chile’s wine country with bookends in the exciting cities of Santiago and Valparaiso. It includes two nights in a charming Colchagua area inn, nestled between the Andes and the coast.

The Central Valley Self-Drive Tour is a six-day package with an airport arrival transfer, compact manual car rental, accommodations and daily breakfast, priced from $889. Argentina continues to be a favorite for Avanti in South America.

 One of the most popular choices has been Avanti’s eight-day Argentine Food and Wine package in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. It features fine dining, cooking classes and visits to wineries with tastings. It is priced from $4,052 and includes roundtrip airport transfers, accommodations, daily breakfast and featured meals. Avanti’s new Ultimate Argentina RVP is an 11-day package that includes cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, a stay in Southern Patagonia, the famous Lake District and Iguassu Falls.

The program includes three nights in Buenos Aires, three nights in Calafate, two nights in Bariloche and two nights at Iguassu. Ultimate Argentina is priced from $1,756.

For more information, call 800-422-5053 or visit www.AvantiDestinations.com