The six-night, post-cruise “Amazon Explorer” package explores Peru’s Amazon basin in search of pygmy marmosets, howler monkeys, toucans and exotic wildlife that inhabit the lowland forests. Participants will cruise the Amazon in suites aboard Aqua. This package departs from Lima and is priced from $6,259 per person, based on double occupancy.

The four-night, pre-cruise “Puno & Lake Titicaca” package explores the Andes and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Prices start at $3,469.

The three- or four-night “Machu Picchu Explorer” visits the Lost City of the Incas and includes a round-trip in the Vistadome train. Departing from Lima, the program is available as a pre- or post-cruise option priced from $3,299. A similar option includes a ride on the Hiram Bingham Railway to Machu Picchu and an overnight stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel steps away from the ancient site. Departing from Lima, the program is available as a pre- or post-cruise option priced from $4,299.

“Peru’s economy continues to expand and we’ve seen increased travel demand to that market, as well as throughout Latin America,” said Chuck Schubert, American’s vice president, network planning. “This route plays a vital role in our international network strategy by offering seamless, one-stop connections to major domestic and international destinations through Dallas/Fort Worth, including customers traveling between Latin America and Asia.”

Daily DFW-LIM service departs DFW at 5:25 p.m. and arrives at Lima at 2:20 the following day. Service to DFW from Lima departs LIM at 1:40 a.m. and arrives at DFW at 8:55 a.m. the next day. American says it is also offering AAdvantage members up to 20,000 bonus miles every time they fly a round trip on the new route. Customers flying on Business Class and select Economy Class fares (booked in Y, B or H) will receive 20,000 AAdvantage bonus miles for every round trip, and those flying on all other Economy Class fares will receive 10,000 AAdvantage bonus miles for every round trip. To participate, members must register online prior to travel.

Those who book the eligible cruises receive free unlimited Internet, a $300-per-suite shipboard credit and a pre- or post-land program, where available, priced from $499 per person. Land programs include a two-night stay at the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach; a three-night “Ultimate Rio” package; a three-night “Cuzco & Machu Picchu” experience; and a two- or three-night Iguazu Falls program.

Travel agents receive a $100 gift card on every new booking made under the promotion, which is good until May 31.

The offer is valid on the following 2013-14 Asia and South America cruises:

Eligible cruises include the Seven Seas Voyager’s 19-night voyage from Dubai to Singapore departing Dec. 3 and the Seven Seas Mariner’s 12-night sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires departing Dec. 8. To book the Asia and South America cruises, use promotion code WHYCHOOSE.

A number of 2013 European sailings, which were featured in the original promotion, are still available and include free unlimited Internet, a $300 per suite shipboard credit and business-class air from $699 per person, each way. These cruises should be booked using the promotion code EUROPE2013.

The new planes’ premium business seats offer 100 percent reclining capability, and cabins feature individual 15-inch touch screen monitors. Prepared by renowned chefs, menus offer meals made with natural ingredients from different South American regions. Wines were selected by Hector Vergara, described by Wines of Chileas the only master sommelier in Latin America.

Economy class travelers will enjoy snacks, ergonomic seats, adjustable headrests, and individual nine-inch touch screen monitors. Premium business and economy class passengers will receive hot meals and on-board entertainment, including, movies, TV programs, games and music.

According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, “Our new Patagonia itinerary is a focused, immersive exploration of an incredibly scenic region, making it a great choice for past travelers returning to South America or for first-timers who really enjoy nature. It is the perfect complement to our broader, 14-day Essence of South America itinerary, which highlights cities like Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro as well as natural wonders like northern Patagonia and Iguazu Falls.”

The itinerary includes Santiago, Chile; Puerto Natales on the shores of Ultima Esperanza (“Last Hope”) Sound; Torres del Paines National Park; a visit to a ranch for lunch and a look at local life; and a day-cruise among the fjords, inlets, waterfalls and ice floes of Ultima Esperanza Sound. The trip then passes into Argentina for a three-night stay at Los Sauces Casa Patagonia, and visits Glacier National Park with a cruise on Lake Argentino to Upsala Glacier. It also includes a stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a tango show and a visit to the artists’ community of San Antonio del Areco. The program is priced from $6,490 per person double occupancy, plus international airfare.

Family trips are faster paced with snorkeling, kayaking and evening activities. Activities include an al fresco lunch while anchored in a calm bay so that guests can snorkel or kayak from the yacht. One evening includes Zodiac transportation for passengers to visit the island town of Puerto Ayora. The company operates two identical 20-passenger yachts, which have 10 twin or double cabins; two have an extra upper berth accommodating triples. These sell out first on family departures.

The six-night, post-cruise “Amazon Explorer” package explores Peru’s Amazon basin in search of pygmy marmosets, howler monkeys, toucans and exotic wildlife that inhabit the lowland forests. Participants will cruise the Amazon in suites aboard Aqua. This package departs from Lima and is priced from $6,259 per person, based on double occupancy.

The four-night, pre-cruise “Puno & Lake Titicaca” package explores the Andes and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Prices start at $3,469.

The three- or four-night “Machu Picchu Explorer” visits the Lost City of the Incas and includes a round-trip in the Vistadome train. Departing from Lima, the program is available as a pre- or post-cruise option priced from $3,299. A similar option includes a ride on the Hiram Bingham Railway to Machu Picchu and an overnight stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel steps away from the ancient site. Departing from Lima, the program is available as a pre- or post-cruise option priced from $4,299.

In January 2013, HI broadened their global network further by opening a brand new hostelling association in Paraguay. With its rich and fascinating culture, the small country of Paraguay in the heart of South America is fast becoming a leading ecotourism destination, boasting 11 national parks, protected forests and breathtaking waterfalls.

The capital ‘Asuncion’, where our first hostel in the network is now bookable, is one of the oldest cities in South America, and has a friendly, laid back feel with a beautiful location near to the Paraguay River. With original old style colonial buildings, the world famous Casa de la Independencia Museum and the cathedral, the city is a popular hot spot for tourists – who want to enjoy all that the interesting city has to offer.

Other great highlights in Paraguay include the Jesuit ruins at Encarnacion, the Chaco (South America’s largest dry forest) as well as colonial villages, ranches and lush jungle teeming with life.

HI’s brand new Asuncion El Viajero Hostel & Suites is now available to book online at hihostels.com. Perfectly located in the heart of the city centre, within walking distance of the main attractions, the hostel is a great base for guests wishing to explore the exciting surroundings. Situated in a restored mansion, with two large common areas, a bar, barbeque and an on-site pool, the hostel offers all the amenities that modern guests expect, whilst still maintaining an affordable price tag.

Prices start from £7.89 per night for a multi-share room, prices start from £25.29 for a double room, per night. Breakfast included.

For further information
Asuncion Hostel can be booked online at hihostels.com
For any further information, imagery or booking details please contact sdixon@hihostels.com

In addition, Guy Harvey will open a new 30-unit Guy Harvey Outpost Lodge on San Cristobal Island in 2016. Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts currently operates the Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour at West End on Grand Bahama Island and the Green Turtle Club and Blackfly Bonefish Lodge in the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. The company is planning additional developments in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

The Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur) has created online interactive videos featuring the 12 host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, designed to familiarize visitors with the locations in advance of the event while highlighting Brazil’s nature, culture, beaches, cities and tourist attractions.

The videos were filmed using a high-tech camera designed to provide views in all directions.

Accompanied by lively music, the videos feature the beaches and sand dunes of Fortaleza, the Municipal Market in Sao Paulo and the Federal Senate in the capital of Brasilia.

The videos also feature contextual copy accompanying each attraction, allowing users to identify of landmarks and famous sights.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup begins on June 12, 2014, in Sao Paulo, with matches scheduled to follow in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Manaus, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Natal and Recife.

Embratur is expecting to host 600,000 foreign tourists in Brazil during the four-week tournament, and is working to encourage 25 percent of the visitors to extend their stays.

Following the World Cup milestone, the country will host the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.