Jetsettersblog

Several Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America will offer “Authentically Local” packages designed to introduce travelers to local culture and language. Packages are available through Dec. 31, 2012, and feature hands-on cultural experiences specific to each hotel and destination, including dance lessons, cooking classes, cocktail tastings and boat tours.

The program also provides guests who want to learn local languages with a language immersion pin identifying the guest as an Authentically Local participant; team members will then speak to the guest in the local language. Packages also include English/Spanish/Portuguese/Papiamentu dictionaries and a list of area language schools.

Guests can also pursue hiking through a forest at the Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa or snorkeling in local waters at the Hilton Curaçao, or opt for tango lessons at Hilton properties in Brazil or seek rumba lessons at Hilton hotels in Colombia.

Authentically Local “culture consultants” are available at each property to provide guests with menus of local experiences. To book the packages, guests can contact participating hotels directly or call a local Hilton Reservations and Customer Care office, and request an Authentically Local package.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened the 573-room Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama Bogota in Colombia.

The 30-story, 271-suite property is located at the International Center Tequendama, a mixed-use complex of meetings facilities, offices and apartments. The property is minutes from downtown Bogota and 20 minutes from El Dorado International Airport.

The hotel underwent an extensive renovation and now features two suite options (deluxe and executive club), ranging from 580 square feet to 1,000 square feet. All suites have views of the city’s skyline and include a living room with a sofa-bed, a dining room table, a fully-equipped kitchenette and a highly functional work station with wireless Internet access.

Public amenities include a spa facility, a health and fitness center, a business center, four restaurants and an indoor pool. The property also features three meeting rooms accommodating up to 700 people.

The Crowne Plaza Suites Tequendama Bogota is owned and managed by Sociedad Hotelera Tequendama under a license agreement with an IHG company. IHG currently has eight hotels in Colombia, including two InterContinental Hotels, two Crowne Plaza hotels, two Holiday Inn properties and two Holiday Inn Express properties.

The InterContinental Cartagena is currently under development and slated to open in 2013.

The travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships announces that is offering effective March 2012 five new itineraries in Central and South America thanks to the re-launch of newly renovated M/V Sea Voyager.

AdventureSmith Explorations,

www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/

brings this 60-passenger expedition ship into its fold at a time when demand for travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador is on the rise, said Todd Smith, founder / director.

He noted that the ship that provides both an experienced crew and affordable rates was a winner in Condé Nast’s 2009 Best Small Ships Awards.

Smith has worked with many of the newly assembled A-team representing the ship’s parent company, Sea Voyager Expeditions (SVE), and its partner Global Voyages Group. Among them are Michael Lomax, Brand Director Global Voyages Group, whom he met through Glacier Bay Tours & Cruises in the 1990’s; David Giersdorf, President & CEO Global Voyages Group, whose father gave Smith his first job as a naturalist guide; Dave Randon, Senior Sales Manager Global Voyages Group, who has joined Smith on Antarctic and North Pole expeditions; and Captain Jorge Murillo whom Smith met back when the ship was operated by Lindblad Expeditions.

”While I have not personally met Denise Landau, President & CEO Sea Voyager Expeditions, I am familiar with her because of her work at IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators),” Smith noted, adding that Landau is also noted as an eco-tourism advocate and expert.

Fares, priced seasonally, begin at $365 per day, per person, double cabin for 8 to 12-night cruises. Included are all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

Plus, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the M/V Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31, 2012. Discount amount is dependent on time of year, cabin type and itinerary.

While cruising guests will venture with naturalists and guides into rainforests and sea in pursuit of land and marine life that is among the world’s most diverse.

While on board passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort in 31 outside staterooms with ample storage and private bath. On board are a lounge, bar, fitness and massage rooms, library with WiFi, dining room, buffet, fore and aft deck space and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs. See: THIS LINK.

While other small ship cruises may be limited to Panama and the Pacific side of Costa Rica, traveling only November through March, M/V Sea Voyager will operate year round with itineraries inclusive of the Pacific and Caribbean side of Costa Rica, both sides of Panama and Panama Canal visits and coastal Columbia and Ecuador.

The five new itineraries are:

Panama to Costa Rica Pacific Cruise – 9 Days; Balboa/Panama City to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise – 10 Days; Panama City/Panama to San Jose/Costa Rica

Panama to Colombia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Panama City/Panama to Cartagena/Colombia

Columbia Caribbean Cruise – 9 Days; Cartagena/Colombia to Santa Marta/Colombia

Panama to Ecuador Pacific Cruise – 13 Days; Balboa/Panama City to Quito/Ecuador

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore.

The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Columbia, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Panama, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, Asia, and Australia.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775.

Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com  or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com

AdventureSmith Explorations is offering five new Central and South American cruises, thanks to the relaunch of renovated Sea Voyager, starting in March.

The 60-passenger expedition ship will offer eight- to 12-night cruises from a per diem of $365 per person, double.

Included are all meals, pre- and post-cruise hotels stays, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

In addition, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31.

The discount amount depends on the time of year, the cabin type and the itinerary.

Onboard are a lounge, a bar, a fitness and massage rooms, a library with Wi-Fi, a dining room, a buffet, fore and aft deck space, and a platform for getting on and off of Zodiacs.

The five new itineraries are a nine-day Panama to Costa Rica Pacific cruise, a 10-day Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Panama to Colombia Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Columbia Caribbean cruise, and a 13-day Panama to Ecuador Pacific cruise.

Festivals are an incredible way to experience a region and its culture and these new 2012 dates from the boutique operator Travel The Unknown showcase some of the most colourful festivals of Asia, Europe and South America.

From the Trumpet Festival in Serbia, the Barranquilla Carnival in Colombia and the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico, to North India’s grandest festival, the Hindu Festival of Navratri, Travel the Unknown guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Departure dates are in February, August and October 2012:

Cartagena and The Carnival, Colombia (seven days) £1,750 departing February 15 2012

Colombia’s biggest and brightest carnival, the Carnaval de Barranquilla, celebrates everything that’s great about this country. Take part in elaborate processions, dance to Colombian rhythms and get swept up with the vibrancy of this dazzling extravaganza. Discover the hip city of Bogota and its world-famous Gold Museum, before heading to Colombia`s crown jewel, Cartagena. Witness spectacular colonial architecture, cobbled alleys and mellow plazas and spend a relaxing day experiencing the magical healing powers of the Mud Volcano.
http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/CBC/Colombia/Cartagena%20&%20The%20Carnival

Festivals of Serbia (eight days) £1,545 departing August 11 2012
Discover Serbia`s premier festivals – the Trumpet Festival of Guca and Belgrade’s Beer Fest, as well as the cultural delights of Central Serbia – stunning orthodox monasteries, ancient and bizarre landscapes and the eerie Skull Tower of Niš. Experience the warm welcome of the Serbian people and eat, drink and be merry in Europe’s forgotten gem.
http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/FOS/Serbia/Festivals%20of%20Serbia

The Day of the Dead, Mexico (10 days) £2,325 departing October 29 2012
Discover the famous celebrations of the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, the indigenous capital of Mexico and the best places to experience this special event. The Day of the Dead in Mexico is not a mournful commemoration but a happy and colourful celebration in which death assumes a lively, friendly expression.

After the festival, explore the ancient history and phenomenal architecture of Monte Alban and Mitla, the stunning natural landscapes of Hierve El Agua and Santiago Apoala and wander colourful craft markets before taking a stroll in a cloud forest. Finally, learn some traditional Oaxacan cooking or taking a tour of Oaxaca`s legendary biodiversity in the botanical gardens.

http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/DOD/Mexico/The%20Day%20of%20the%20Dead

Festivals of India (14 days) £2,545 departing October 19

With more than 300 million gods, it is no surprise that India is unrivalled when it comes to its colourful religious festivals. Learn about Hindu culture and join millions of devotees as they celebrate the Hindu Festival of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Shakti in her various forms. North India, in particular Mumbai, comes roaring into life with traditional song, dance and delicious food. In Kolkata, meet the skilful clay idol-makers of Kumartuli. Witness Durga Puja, where idols of Goddess Durga are carried through the city and immersed in the River Hooghly.

This magnificent tour also takes in Delhi and India’s other important religious towns -Amritsar, famed for Sikhism’s glittering Golden Temple and the hill-station of Dharamsala, home to the exiled Dalai Lama and his Buddhist followers.

http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/FNI/India/Festivals%20of%20North%20India

Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India (13 days) £2,645 departure dates TBC
Drive through the plains of Assam on the lookout for unicorn rhino in Kaziranga National Park. Cross the Brahmaputra river to Majuli, the world’s largest river island with its own unique culture before entering Nagaland, India’s true frontier state (bordering onto Myanmar), steeped in history and tribal tradition. Soak up the atmosphere at the Hornbill Festival, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where Naga culture is brought to life in colourful song and dance. Learn about Naga customs and their reputation as one of the last head-hunting tribes of Asia.
http://www.traveltheunknown.com/tours/NHF/India/Nagaland%20&%20Hornbill%20Festival

Visit www.traveltheunknown.com/festivals  for more information about our festival tours.

With the colder months of winter fast approaching and the days getting shorter and shorter, now is a great time to plan a trip to Latin America for an unforgettable holiday. From the sizzling sun and beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the majestical glaciers and wildlife of Patagonia, Latin America really does have it all no matter what your taste. Chimu Adventures, the Latin America and Antarctica specialists, explain their top tips for a brilliant winter trip to this amazing continent:

Experience the beaches of Brazil: Although spectacular, there is a lot more to the coast of Brazil than the famous Copacabana or Ipanema beaches in Rio. Try and make your way down the coast to the spectacular Ilha Grande – the Island paradise with some of Brazil’s most stunning scenery or Florianopolis with its thriving nightlife and many amazing surf beaches.

Explore Costa Rica: Although still located in the Northern Hemisphere, Costa Rica’s “Winter” is generally regarded as the best time to visit the country. With considerably less rain in the Dec-April period and plenty of sunshine, Costa Rica has a whole range of activities and regions to discover. From the surfer beach towns on the Pacific coast, the magnificent volcano around Arenal and the array of birdlife in Monteverde cloud forest, you won’t regret a holiday to Costa Rica. 　

Don’t forget about Patagonia: The summertime in South America is the ideal time to explore all the many wonders of Patagonia with extremely long days and mostly calm, if not occasionally a little bit chilly, weather. Discover the charming lakes district around Bariloche, the magnificent Perito Moreno glacier near Calafate or trek in the mighty Torres del Paine national park.

Grab a last minute Antarctica Bargain: For the real adventurous, why not take an unforgettable expedition to the very end of the world – Antarctica. In terms of wildlife and landscapes, there really is no other place like the great white continent. There are still some great specials available particularly in February and March if you get in quick.

Take a trip to Colombia: With stunning landscapes, a rich sense of history and culture and an amazing Caribbean　coastline, Colombia really is the next big thing in the world of South America travel. Explore the cosmopolitan cities of Bogota and Medellin, the breath-taking Amazon basin and Andes national parks as well as Cartagena – Colombia’s vibrant and exotic beach town on the Caribbean coast. Safety has vastly improved over the last few years and with most of the country staying dry during the Dec-Mar period, this is a great time to go.

Chimu Adventures offers various tours to Latin America from short treks and city breaks to tailor made, multi-country tours including all flights from the UK. To find out more, call one of our specialist consultants today on 0845 265 8334, email us at uk@chimuadventures.com  or visit www.chimuadventure.com  today.

The South American economic miracle is impacting travel. Described as a “tale of two Americas where travel trends are concerned,” the latest ITB World Travel Trends sees the 2011 South American market as buoyant, whereas international arrivals in North America rose only slightly and U.S. travel abroad was weak.

Boosted by the strong economic performance of countries such as Brazil and Argentina, South America’s domestic and international travel markets registered high double-digit growth. In America, economic uncertainty dampened many U.S. citizens’ desire for travel. Trips to North America increased slightly over the last eight months, whereas international travel remained at last year’s levels. For next year, UNWTO forecasts a 4 to 5 percent increase in international tourists from the Americas, compared with 6.4 percent in 2010.

By contrast, many countries in South America continues to boom.

Even if growth rates have now slowed when compared with previous years, during the past eight months trips abroad by South Americans increased by 15 percent. Brazilians were particularly keen to travel. With the help of a robust domestic economy and strong currency they spent 45 percent more on trips abroad than in 2010. Relatively young, well educated and wealthy travelers are characteristic of South America’s three burgeoning markets, those of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

The arrival of more low-cost airlines in South America will further increase the number of long-haul trips. Many holidaymakers who travel abroad have also put South America at the top of their wish list. International arrivals increased by 13 percent, while trips to the Caribbean and Central America rose by a lowly 4 percent each.

The difficult economic times currently experienced by many Americans is also reflected in how they take holidays. The focus is increasingly on price awareness and travel bargains. “Staycationers” either remain at home altogether or go on holiday locally.

Only 23 percent of U.S. citizens intend to take more trips abroad next year, 28 percent aim to take less, while 23 percent have no plans at all to travel abroad next year.

The U.S. inbound market registered only slight growth.

During the last eight months, the number of international arrivals rose by only 3 percent, compared with 7 percent in 2010.

The findings are based on the assessments of 50 tourism experts from 30 countries, on a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in leading source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor, recognized as the largest ongoing survey of global travel trends in some 60 source countries. The findings reflect trends which emerged during the first eight months of 2011.

The colonial charm of Cartagena will be hosting the International Music Festival 2012 with world-renowned musicians and orchestras from January 5th – 14th, 2012.

The Adolfo Mejía Theatre, Plaza San Pedro Claver, and Plaza de la Trinidad are just some of the concert venues where international musicians and orchestras will be performing their finest pieces.

The 10-day program features the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra as the guest orchestra, and pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, violinist Livia Sohn, Le Vent du Nord ensemble and soprano Jessica Rivera among many others.

Organized by the Victor Salvi Foundation, since its beginnings in 2007, the Festival continues to grow each year. Over 20,000 people come to this event from all parts of Colombia, Europe, the United States, and the rest of the world. During the Cartagena International Music Festival more than 400 young artists have the opportunity to interact with their role models and take music lessons. The education project seeks to bring the genre of the greatest musicians in history to a large and diverse crowd.

For the complete program of the event, visit www.cartagenamusicfestival.com

Christmas Lighting in Medellin (Los Alumbrados)
Medellin’s Christmas spirit is bright in lights as the Colombian city dresses its parks and houses in colorful lights radiating the joy of the season. Los Alumbrados, as the glowing of the city is known, is a tradition of Medellin – a charm no one can resist.

This year’s theme features the most representative element of every region in Colombia – the river. Medellin and its locals will be celebrating throughout the month of December with parties starting the 3rd until the first week of January.

This is a great time to enjoy the season’s greetings with the traditional festivities.
For more information, visit www.alumbradosepm.com.com

Villa de Leyva – Lights Festival
This is one of the festivals a foreign visitor cannot miss; Villa de Leyva is a tourist attraction throughout the year with great gastronomic offer, horseback riding, caves, fun events like the Kite Festival in August, and attractions such as the Fossil Museum, Archaeological Park of Moniquira or the “Yacimiento Rupestre of Sachica” (cave painting of Pre-Columbian origin), the Blue Wells or the Gondava Thematic Park, which are the most outstanding places to visit in the town.

On December 7th, visitors gather in Villa de Leyva’s Central Square to witness the majestic fireworks. Villa de Leyva transforms into the ideal setting to officially welcome the Christmas season with lit streets, balconies, and colonial houses.

The festival also offers different activities such as the Lantern Contest. The streetlights are then exhibited in the middle of the religious procession of the Immaculate Conception, public presentations of Christmas Choirs and Musical Groups are featured in the main square.

The Cali Fair
From December 25th of each year, Cali residents welcome tourists from different cities of Colombia and countries of the entire world, in a week in which the city transforms into one huge dance festival.

For 6 days, the visitors will be able to enjoy the famous cabalgatas (horse riding parades), the bullfighting season, and the best Salsa music orchestras of the whole continent, multiple concerts, dancing, and the best gastronomy of the region.

The beginning of this fair is marked by the horse ridden parades where the best Paso Fino horses of the country walk through the streets. The celebrations are then complemented with different popular parties around the towns of the city.

The rest of the week is acclimated by the parties and concerts that are organized in diverse zones of the city. In addition to the exhibition of the best bullfighters of South America and Spain that performed in the Cañaveralejo Bullring.

Each year, thousands of citizens let the liveliness of the fair lead the way of happiness surrounded by music, party, and all the uniqueness of the Cali flare.

The Commerce, Industry and Tourism Ministry reported the arrival of 113,146 travelers in 2010, which shows an increase of 15.4% compared to 2009 where 98,060 visitors were reported. Cali represents the 7.7% of the total tourists that arrive in the entire country.

Other activities available in Cali include:

Visit to the Buga Cathedral
Meet the Marimba Music and Traditional Songs of the Pacific, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Bird watching and Ecotourism
Visit Paradise Farm
Learn how to Dance (Visit Juanchito or the Salsa Cabaret)
Visit Buenaventura, Sancipriano, and Golden Beach in the Pacific for the Humpback Whale watching
Follow the Sugar Cane Path: visit to the sugar refineries
Click here for more information on the Cali Fair

The Manizales Fair
As soon as the year begins, the streets of Manizales are full with visitants from all the country and the world, the fair was born in the middle of the 20th century as emulation of the Valencia’s Fair in Spain, as the years pass the roots of the Hispanic Mediterranean combined with the best Colombian tradition.

This fair takes place from January 4th to January 11th with activities that goes from bullfight; art crafts expositions, street shows, parades, concerts and fireworks.

The tourists will be able to enjoy the entire offer that the city and the surroundings provide, such as the National Snow Peak Parks, Andes Central Mountain Range Birth sight and Ecotourism by the coffee farms that are located in the entire region.

Other activities available in Manizales include:

Visit the Ruiz Snow Peak in the National Snow Peak Park
Visit the Coffee Park and Panaca
Live the experience of the Coffee Farms
Bird watching and Ecotourism
Taste Coffee with Juan Valdez or in the Thoughts Recinct Park (El Recinto del Pensamiento)
Enjoy a relaxing day in the thermals
Ride a Willy Jeep in Salento and Rise to the Cocora Valley
inShare.0Subscribe to our newsletter…

Proexport is Colombia’s export, tourism, and investment promotion agency. Our team of experts can assist you to facilitate business transactions with Colombian companies. To learn more about Colombia as a meetings and incentives destination, visit www.proexport.com.co, or contact our representative in the USA:
Camilo Duque
Executive Director of Leisure Tourism
cduque@proexport.com.co Proexport Colombia

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Hilton Bogota — Hilton Worldwide’s first managed full-service hotel in Bogota, Colombia. To celebrate, this city center hotel in Bogota will welcome guests with a special introductory rate starting at $99 per night.

The opening of Hilton Bogota marks the anticipated return of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to this thriving capital city, and serves as a reminder of Hilton Worldwide’s strategy to expand the portfolio throughout Latin America. It joins Hilton Cartagena as the second Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Colombia.

Located 25 minutes from El Dorado International Airport, the 15-story Hilton Bogota offers 245 guestrooms including 13 suites featuring flat-screen HDTVs, iPad-compatible alarm clock, a frosted glass pane that separates the room’s rest and leisure areas from the work space with desk, and a walk-in closet next to a sliding-door bathroom. A contemporary executive floor caters to the hotel’s business travelers from around the world.

Dining options include the hotel’s signature restaurant, which has direct street access, a café, and a four-level bar and lounge that looks upon a heated outdoor pool and hanging garden wall; the executive lounge exclusively for executive floor guests; and a quartet of small meeting rooms that follow the Hilton brand’s meetings standard. A glass-enclosed poolside fitness center featuring a massage room and treatment room area completes the hotel’s recreational amenities, while a ballroom measuring almost 5,000 square feet rounds out the hotel’s nearly 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Hilton Bogota’s underground parking provides a coveted guest convenience in this city where parking is scarce. For more information, visit www.bogota.hilton.com