Jetsettersblog

International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, added a Sept. 18 Amazon Voyage departure to meet the overflow demands of its fast-filling summer and early fall tours.

Guests of the 10-day tour will save $300 per person with a free in-country airfare offer.

The tour was named one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” in the magazine’s May/June 2009 issue.

With 29 years of Peruvian rainforest exploration to its credit, the company offers intrepid travelers rare access to the most diverse ecosystem on Earth.

Guests have the opportunity to search for more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray Amazon River dolphins, 15 species of monkeys, sloths, giant otters and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.

In addition to hikes, daily outings through the nature reserves include explorations on small excursion boats, for access even further into the heart of the vast wetlands.

A highly experiential program, a highlight of the voyage is visiting with ribereños in their remote river villages, handing out school supplies to the children, and meeting with a local shaman.

Sharp-eyed local expert naturalists enhance each day of the journey through enlightening and vivid commentary.

Guests cruise aboard the 28-passenger La Amatista, specifically designed to sail the upper Amazon Basin.

When not in their spacious air-conditioned cabins, guests can relax in the dining parlor which has floor-to-ceiling windows, stargaze on the open-air top deck, or sip a cocktail while enjoying the low-key evening entertainment, courtesy of the ship’s local staff.

Per person prices for the Sept. 18 Amazon Voyage start at $3,048, including free in-country airfare (a value of $300 per person), accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides and group transfers. Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is a world leader in nature travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel,

International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

For more information, call 800-633-4734, email nature@ietravel.com  or visit www.IEtravel.com

The South American Sports Organization (ODESUR) has confirmed that the First South American Beach Games will be held from December 3 to 13 in Montevideo and Punta del Este, Uruguay and Surfing is going to be an official sport in this historic occasion.

Recently, Surfing has taken big strides on the long path towards Olympic Games participacion, something first requested by multi Olympic gold medallist Duke Kahanamoku in 1920. In October 2008 Surfing debuted in the first ever International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized Beach Games that were held in Bali, Indonesia. Surfing was the most popular sport according to visitors’ votes on the official event webpage.

Now, in the first ever South American Beach Games, the Olympic Movement has invited Surfing once again in its newest and more and very promising event.

Fernando Aguerre, ISA President, said about the upcoming event: “The ISA is proud and honored to accept to organize the surfing competitions on this Beach Games.

This time aided by the Pan American Surfing Association (PASA) our organization will show the world that Surfing is a key sport for today’s youth.

Surfing and its attractive lifestyle are at the centre of beach culture around the world.

The inclusion of surfing in these inaugural Beach Games is a very wise move by ODESUR. Millions of surfers in South America are going to be very supportive of these Games.”

Dates are set. The famous Punta del Este will witness the best surfing of South America from December 9 to 13, 2009 in the waves of Montoya.
www.surfshelter.com

www.isasurf.org

The Globus family of brands is offering special prices on more than 20 vacations ranging from seven to 23 days to Central and South America. Until June 2 clients can receive $200 per person off the air-inclusive price of any 2009 Globus, Monograms or Avalon South American vacation.

Some examples include the following: New Amazonia Voyage with Rio & Iguassu (10 days) – After arriving in Rio de Janeiro, clients will take a ride along the Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches to the Sugar Loaf Mountains where they’ll ascend by cable car and take in the spectacular city.

They’ll also visit the statute of Christ the Redeemer crowning Corcovao Mountain and experience a Samba show. In Iguassu Falls, clients will experience the falls and take an ecological jungle train before boarding a flight to Brazil’s Amazon.

After exploring many sites of Manaus, clients will take a three-night, all-inclusive Amazon Cruise with excursions into the Amazon jungle, tributaries and local communities.

Those wanting more time in the Amazon can extend their journey four nights.

Priced from $4,056 (includes air from Miami and intra-tour flights).

Ecuador & The Galápagos (11 days) – This vacation lets clients sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, including guided sightseeing in Quito, their photo taken at the “center of the world” and leisure time in Guayaquil. After flying over the Pacific to Baltra Island, clients will embark on an eight-day cruise of the Galápagos Islands.

Priced from $5,719 (land and intra-tour flights). Regional Discovery Tour: Natural Wonders of Costa Rica (nine days) – The tour begins in San José with a visit the National Theater and National Museum, then a tour of a banana plantation before reaching Tortuguero National Park, where clients will cruise through the canals, view amazing flora and fauna and enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest.

Next, they’ll transfer by boat to Sarapiqui and tour the Corsicana Pineapple Farm and travel through Tilajari Rainforest Reserve en route to Tilajari Resort, where they’ll experience Butterfly Garden, relax in the pools of Ecotermales Hot Springs and view Arenal Volcano.

Clients then go on to Poas Volcano National Park to see the magnificent La Paz Waterfall and Poas Volcano. Priced from $1,669 (land-only).

Independent Package:

Peru Highlights (seven days) – This Monograms vacation begins in Lima where clients will enjoy a guided tour of the city. Next they fly to Cuzco for city sightseeing and an introduction to various ancient sites.

They can enjoy an excursion to the town of Pisac to visit with locals and buy native wares before visiting the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo.

They also will ride a train through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu where they can walk up to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. The visit at Machu Picchu is followed by more free time in Cuzco and Lima. Priced from $1,749 land- and intra-tour flights-only.

For information on Globus, visit www.globusjourneys.com  For information on Monograms, visit www.monogramstravel.com.

South America summons the most intrepid of travellers. Visitors can scale the Andes, explore the immense Amazonian jungle, experience the world’s highest waterfall, driest desert, southernmost town or largest river.

The new Rough Guide to South America on a Budget is written by Rough Guide authors and eager bargain-hunters [students] and suggests lively itineraries, tips on crossing borders, outdoor activities, nightlife, history and even a pre-warning for your pallet – anyone for caldo de patas*?

Whether you want to saddle up with gauchos in Argentina, bargain at a Bolivian witches market, hitch a ride on a dune buggy across the Brazilian sands or follow in the footsteps of Darwin to the Galapagos, you’ll find everything you need in this new Rough Guide.

• Complete listings for hotels, hostels and restaurants

• Details of special events and festivals

• “Treat Yourself” boxes that feature great places and things worth splashing out on

• Be inspired with a full-colour introduction with highlights for every country.

Things not to miss…

Rio Carnaval, Brazil: Get ready for some serious partying at this legendary bacchanalia Otavalo Crafts Market, Ecuador: Shop for indigenous ceramics, musical instruments, and loom-woven sweaters at this colourful market.

Easter Island, Chile: Explore the mysterious, remote island known for its enigmatic moai statues.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Hike the ancient Inca Trail to this precipice-surrounded, awe-inspiring citadel.

Amazon Basin: Jungle trek and canoe through the largest rainforest on the planet

Paraguay: Spot spectacular birdlife in the wilderness of the Chaco.

Make the most of southern Brazil with one of Rough Guides tailored itineraries…

Rio – The beaches, the samba, the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio has it all.

Ouro Preto – Towns don’t come much more attractive with cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Belo Horizonte – A big city that doesn’t always feel like one thanks to its parks and European feel.

Brasilia – Experience a vision of the future, circa 1960, courtesy of Niemeyer’s modernist architecture.

The Pantanal – Check out the huge array of wildlife in these vast wetlands.

Ilha de Santa Catarina – Some of the best beaches in the country can be found near Florianopolis.

Serra Gaucha – Canela and Gramada serve two nearby parks with crashing waterfalls, climbs and hikes.

“Jam-packed with essential information for the budget-conscious traveller”
The Daily Express, on The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget

“Essential reading for anyone planning a trip to South-East Asia”
The Sunday Telegraph on The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget

Celebrity Cruises will mark its 11th season sailing in South American in December 2010.

The season will include visits to 30 ports in 13 countries. Celebrity opened its winter 2010-11 Panama Canal and South America cruises and cruise-tours for sale on April 30.

Celebrity Infinity will sail four 14-night Panama Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles.

The Panama Canal cruises in the 2010-11 season also include two 14-night “South America and Canal” voyages, two 14-night canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, and a 16-night repositioning cruise to Seattle on April 24.

Between the Panama Canal portions of the season, Infinity will sail six 14-night cruises throughout South America. These voyages, taking place from mid-December 2010 through February 2011, include sailings through the Straits of Magellan between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Valparaiso, Chile, most of which feature an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

There will also be two Antarctica cruises roundtrip from Buenos Aires that will sail through the region, past several Antarctica islands.

Each of these cruises features a visit to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, as well as cruising by Elephant Island, Paradise Bay, and Gerlache Strait in Antarctica.

Celebrity also offers escorted land tours in combination with cruises departing from or arriving in Buenos Aires and Valparaiso.

The land packages include hotel accommodations, ground transfers, some meals, and time for independent shopping, dining and sightseeing.

The four-night “Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls” package includes visits to a gaucho estancia, Buenos Aires’ old San Telmo region, and the trendy Puerto Madero neighborhood.

The package also includes a short inland flight to Iguazu Falls, where guests spend two days exploring during included tours and a Zodiac ride along the lower Iguazu River. The five-night “Machu Picchu Adventure” land package includes train travel to and from Machu Picchu and four hours at the site. Also included is a tour of Cuzco, as well as a city tour of Lima. Several inland flights are included.

From May 7th till 15th will take place the fifth Latin American Film Festival in the Louis Hartlooper Complex in Utrecht. The festival, which will present more than 40 feature films and documentaries displaying cultural and cinematographic diversity/aspects of the continent, will be opened with LINHA DE PASSE (2008), directed by Walter Salles, a Brazilian filmmaker and film producer of international prominence. Walter Salles gained international recognition by directing films such as DIÁRIOS DA MOTOCICLETA (The Motorcycle Diaries) and CENTRAL DO BRASIL. Both films will be screened in the festival during a special program on the works of the Brazilian filmmaker.

With Journey Latin America

The International Year of Astronomy (2009) is now underway and to celebrate, specialist tour operator Journey Latin America has announced its top stargazing destinations across Latin America. Budding astronomers are urged to consider exploring the night skies in Chile, Antarctica and Mexico, all renowned destinations for both professional and amateur stargazers. For those who catch the bug in 2009, Journey Latin America is also offering packages for the total solar eclipse, which can be viewed from Easter Island in 2010.

Further details on all of the packages below can be found by visiting: http://www.journeylatinamerica.com  or calling 020 8747 8315.

The Atacama Desert, Chile

Extending from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes, the Atacama desert lies in a high plateau in Northern Chile which is one of the hottest, driest places on earth. Sparsely populated and virtually rainless, the Atacama is known as one of the world’s best stargazing locations. Spend a peaceful seven nights in Chile, horse riding over sand dunes or mountain biking across desert salt flats, before soaking in Atacama’s natural hot springs. The observation tower next to the luxury hotel is the perfect spot for nights spent staring at the stars.

A 10-night holiday in Chile staying 8 nights at the explora hotel en Atacama and 2 nights in the capital, Santiago, starts from £3,376 per person. The price includes 10 nights’ accommodation in first class hotels, full board and alcoholic drinks in San Pedro, all excursions in the Atacama desert and transport. Flights start from £855 per person with Lan from London Heathrow via Madrid. For more information, please visit: this link.

Antarctica

Antarctica’s high plateau and calm atmospheric air patterns offers unparalleled visibility for the keen stargazer. Regarded as the world’s last untouched wilderness, a 10-day cruise through Antarctica gives an overview of the continent’s most appealing features from penguin rockeries to historic landing sites and landscapes including Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula. In the evenings, relax on the top deck whilst staring at the stars.

Save £606 pp on a 10-night cruise to Antarctica. A 12-night holiday including international flights, 1 night in Buenos Aires, 1 night in Ushuaia and a 10-night cruise aboard the Professor Molchanov starts from £5,485 per person.
For more information please visit: this link.

Yucatán Coast, Mexico

The Yucatán coast of Mexico, home of the ancient Mayan culture, has strong historical links with astrology and celestial bodies, since its people are known as the world’s ancient astronomers. The modern Mexican skies still offer exceptional conditions for the keen astrologers with clear skies set against ancient Mayan ruins. Take in the ceremonial centre of Edzna and the ruins of Chichén Itza before visiting Kohunlich to see the three metre-high stucco masks of the Sun God.

Journey Latin America’s ‘Mysteries of the Maya’ package includes 8 days and 7 nights exploring the lesser-known Mayan sites on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula.

Prices start from £1,124 per person, excluding international flights. International flights with Continental from Gatwick via Houston start from £545 including taxes. |

For more information, please visit: this link.

Total solar eclipse on Easter Island – 11th July 2010

For those who catch the stargazing bug in 2009, on Sunday 11th July 2010 a total eclipse of the Sun will be visible from the southern hemisphere, with Easter Island said to benefit from the best views and the longest ‘totality’ of up to five minutes. Many hotels are already booked up for this event but Journey Latin America has limited availability left for those who wish to see the natural wonder for themselves.

A three-night stay at the explora en Rapa Nui Hotel currently starts from £1,550 per person. The price includes all meals, alcoholic drinks, excursions and transfers but excludes international flights. Prices for 2010 are available upon request. Flights to Easter Island with LAN from London Heathrow, via Madrid and Santiago, start from £1,100 per person. For more information please visit: this link.

Further Information

For more information on Journey Latin America, please visit www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk or telephone: 020 8747 8315.

to Latin America

LAN Airlines is celebrating the introduction of its brand new Premium Business Class cabin on Australia –Latin America flights with a range of luxury leisure fares from just AUD$5319 per person, including taxes.

The new cabin, available from today, 01 April, 2009, on all LAN flights from Sydney to Latin America, combines the former Business and First Class cabins on its long haul Airbus A340-300 aircraft into a single, more spacious luxury product.

LAN is offering Premium Business Class introductory fares for holiday travellers to more than 50 Latin American destinations including Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lima, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Pablo and Mexico City from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Cairns, Perth and Darwin.

“Latin America is a holiday destination with a real difference, featuring attractions ranging from Chile’s spectacular Patagonia region to the magnificent Iguassu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru, and the Brazilian carnival city of Rio de Janeiro,” said Rodrigo Contreras, General Manager Australia, New Zealand and Asia for LAN.

“Our special fares for the new Premium Business Class cabin on flights from Australia add significantly more comfort and style at a very competitive price, making the holiday of a lifetime even more memorable.”

Special Premium Business Class fares (including taxes and surcharges*) include:

from Sydney from Melbourne and Brisbane from Adelaide, Hobart and Cairns from Perth and Darwin
Buenos Aires $5319 $5435 $5650 $5835
Rio de Janeiro $5721 $5837 $6052 $6237
Sao Pablo $5721 $5837 $6052 $6237
Santiago $6310 $6426 $6643 $6828
Lima $6288 $6404 $6620 $6805
Mexico City $6932 $7049 $7265 $7450
Conditions apply*

The key feature of LAN’s new Premium Business cabin on flights from Australia is a significant increase in personal space, with the introduction of 42 sleeper seats with 180 degree full flat recline, and a huge 74 inches (183 centimetres) of legroom between each seat – a 32 per cent increase over the space offered in the original long haul Business Class.

The Premium Business product – arranged in a 2 x 2 x 2 configuration - will feature a range of new and improved personal features in a completely redesigned cabin, which includes the use of elegant redwood wall and seat panels.

To ensure a peaceful environment for quality rest on long haul flights, seats in LAN’s Premium Business cabin provide a generous width of 25 inches (58.4 centimetres) when fully reclined and feature a privacy divider between passengers.

Each Premium Business passenger will have a large personal video screen, the size of a laptop computer, with both touchscreen or remote control navigation, and an extensive Video on Demand entertainment system. There is also an extensive audio selection.

For passengers who prefer to read, or for dining, each Premium Business seat is equipped with a flexible LED lamp, with three levels of brightness. And for added comfort, there is a small storage locker beneath the seat in front, as well as retractable coat hooks.

Premium Business Class passengers will be treated to personalised service from LAN cabin crew, and a range of enticing menus developed by renowned international chefs. In addition to local Australian and New Zealand wines, passengers also will be offered a selection of the finest Chilean and Argentinean wines, chosen by Latin America’s only Master Somellier, Hector Vergara.

The new-look, two class Airbus A340s seat 260 passengers – 42 in Premium Business Class and 218 in Economy Class.

*Conditions Apply. Prices quoted based on return Premium Business Class fares, subject to availability. Fares, taxes and fuel surcharges are correct as at 27 March, 2009, and are subject to change without notice. Fares are valid for sale and departures until further notice. Taxes and fuel surcharges are included. Special fare levels are available from other Australian cities to all LAN South American destinations.

Ticketing must be completed at least 30 days before departure. Passengers must stay in Latin America for a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 12 months.

Other conditions apply. For more information contact your preferred travel agent, visit www.lan.com  or call LAN Airlines on 1800 558 129. All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (AUD)

Adelante! Fund joins airline in essay competition about Latin American cultural influence

- Essay contest for Hispanic college students

- Topic: Latin American impact on U.S. culture

- Continental Airlines ticket winners announced at Adelante! Leadership Institute

HOUSTON - Continental Airlines has teamed up with the Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund to offer “Destino: Latinoamerica” (”Destination: Latin America”), an essay contest for Hispanic college students.

Latin America’s impact on U.S. culture and society is the theme of the contest. First- and second-place winners, who will receive Continental Airlines tickets, will be recognized in October at Adelante’s annual Leadership Institute for Hispanic college students in San Antonio.

“As the second-largest air carrier into Latin America, Continental is proud to partner with Adelante on the ‘Destino: Latinoamerica’ program helping to prepare Hispanic students for the highly competitive job market and leadership opportunities of tomorrow,” said John Slater, staff vice president, Latin America, Continental.

“Adelante inspires Hispanic students to graduate from college by providing the tools they need to take on leadership roles in society,” said Andria Castillo, executive director, Adelante, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to increase Hispanic college graduation rates. “Continental Airlines’ ‘Destino: Latinoamerica’ essay contest provides a way for Latino students to polish their writing skills as they explore their culture and that of their ancestors.”

First prize is four Continental Airlines tickets for any Continental destination in the continental U.S., Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean; second-place winners will receive two tickets. The first-place essay also will be posted on Adelante’s Web site, www.adelantefund.org. In addition, Continental will provide tickets for several Adelante scholarship winners to attend the Leadership Institute.

Deadline for essay submission is May 1, 2009. Essays must be between 200-300 words and may be written in English or Spanish. The winner must agree to allow use of his/her name and likeness in publicity materials.

Judges, who will include representatives from Continental and Adelante’s leadership advisory board, will evaluate the essays for clarity of expression and originality. The contest is open to legal U.S. residents of Hispanic descent currently enrolled in a college or university. All majors are accepted, but participants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.

“Destino: Latinoamerica” contest participants should submit their essays; a cover letter with name, address, telephone, college name, major and date of graduation; and proof of enrollment and GPA, via e-mail to sramos@adelantefund.org  or to the address listed below:

Sarah Ramos
Program Coordinator, Adelante U.S. Education Fund
Continental Airlines “Destino: Latinoamerica” Contest
8415 Datapoint Drive, Ste. 400
San Antonio, Texas 78229

About Continental Airlines
Latin America and the Caribbean account for more than half of Continental Airlines’ international destinations. Continental offers service to 69 destinations in 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including nonstop service to 29 destinations in Mexico - more than any other airline. Continental also offers nonstop service to more Central American cities (10) than any other U.S. airline and serves seven South American destinations. A pioneer in “Latinization,” Continental offers a number of Spanish-language services, including bilingual flight attendants on many flights to Latin America; bilingual airport personnel, reservations agents and signage; and a Spanish-language Web site at www.continental.com/espanol. Passengers also may make reservations in Spanish at 1-800-537-9222. Continental Airlines has been named to Hispanic Magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies for Hispanics” 10 times and in summer 2008 was named to Latin Business Magazine’s Diversity Honor Roll for the third consecutive year.

About Adelante U.S. Education Leadership Fund

The Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund, a national nonprofit organization based in San Antonio, Texas, was established in 1993 to address the issue of lack of college attendance and graduation among U.S. Hispanics. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and the Miller Brewing Company are the founding organizations of the Adelante Fund, whose mission is to inspire Hispanic students to graduate and lead through scholarship, internship, and leadership training. Adelante continues that same focus today, providing financial support to enable Hispanic students to graduate from college and preparing them for leadership roles upon entering the workforce. Since its designation as a 501(c)3 organization in 1997, the Adelante Fund has awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships to Hispanic undergraduate students across the nation, and has provided career development, leadership training and internship opportunities to hundreds of promising young Hispanic college students.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.adelantefund.org or contact Andria Castillo, Executive Director, at 210-692-1971 or acastillo@adelantefund.org.

Yampu Latin America Tours, experts in crafting individually customized journeys throughout Latin America, announces the launch of its new online booking engine, plus 12 percent savings on all Highlight Tours purchased online.

When added to these special savings, favorable exchange rates and falling airfares create a compelling incentive to book a Latin America adventure now.

Yampu’s new online booking capabilities make the reservation process quick and easy, even for multi-country itineraries. Travelers can search for trips by destination or interest; browse through a multitude of detailed trip itineraries; get quotes in real time that include airfare from the gateway of their choice, and choose their preferred level of accommodations.

The site also offers a special promotions section with discounts and a live chat feature through instant messaging that pairs consumers with a Yampu travel consultant who can offer advice and answer questions.

New for 2009, Yampu has added a dozen new Highlight Tours in Colombia.

One of Latin America’s last largely undiscovered treasures, Colombia is ready for its close-up as security issues that once kept travelers away no longer plague tourist areas.

From its pristine beaches and charming colonial towns to ancient ruins and famed coffee plantations, Colombia is primed to take its place as one of South America’s top destinations. Yampu offers tours including international airfare, accommodations, activities, guides and local transportation in 15 Latin American countries, many of which are tailored to specific interests — from adventure, culture and food and wine to romance, history and more.

The company’s skilled travel consultants, utilizing Yampu’s extensive network of expert guides in each country, can also create totally customized tours for clients. New Colombia tours booked online include a 12 percent discount.

Cartagena and Tayrona National Park Highlights Tour (six days) — priced from $2,399 per person (based on double occupancy, includes international airfare from Miami). Beginning with a guided walking tour of Cartagena, whose old walled city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tour showcases the intriguing colonial history of this city on the Caribbean Sea.

Following a day of sightseeing, clients can unwind at the therapeutic mud baths at the Totumo Volcano just outside the city. After three days in Cartagena, clients will explore Tayrona National Park, an archeological park with villages hidden within the rain forest and beaches of surreal beauty.

Accommodations include eco-friendly cabins in the park and a choice of three-, four- or five-star hotels in Cartagena.

Bogota, Villa de Leyva, Cartagena and Rosario Islands Highlights Tour (nine days) — priced from $3,199 per person (based on double occupancy, includes international airfare from Miami). Perched 8,000 feet up in the Andes, Bogota is a historic city where Spanish and Indian cultures converge. Here, visitors will explore such things as the Underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, the Gold Museum (with the world’s largest collection of hand crafted gold treasures) and the colonial buildings of the historic La Candelaria district.

Next it’s on to the village of Villa de Leyva. Untouched by modern architectural influences, the village feels like stepping back in time.

From there, travelers will head to Cartagena to walk its centuries-old walled city center and then cruise to the Rosario Islands to enjoy some fun in the sun and spectacular diving along a barrier reef.

A choice of three-, four- or five-star hotels is offered where available.

With more than 11 years of experience and offices based in New York and London, Yampu Latin America Tours (formerly Kontiki Tours) is an expert on Latin American destinations from popular attractions to less-visited wonders of the region. Offering historical, sightseeing, culinary, spiritual, adventure and other themed itineraries with expert guides leading the way for travelers intent on discovery,

Yampu designs personalized tours to suit any special interest.

For more information, call 888-YAMPU-01 (888-926-7801) or visit www.yampu.com