Jetsettersblog

Classic South America

An 18-day, full-board adventure to two iconic cities – Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

The first part of this holiday begins in Rio de Janeiro (the Marvellous City) and embraces visits to Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Copacabana.

From Rio, one travels down the coast to the paradise island of Ilha Grande and thence on through winding jungle paths as far as Parati, a colonial boom town built on the back of gold. Other highlights include, the spectacular Iguazu Falls (from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides).

Continuing south and west one travels through Argentina to Posadas and onto the Carlos Pellegrini Park – where one can enjoy all manner of wildlife in this aquatic wonderland.

Next on the agenda is Buenos Aires – home of the tango and asado, the Casa Rosada and Eva Peron !

Accommodation is in comfortable tourist class hotels and lodges.

Price from £2,358 per person includes flights, transfers, half-board accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

Bookings – Ramblers Worldwide Holidays 01707 331133 www.ramblersworldwideholidays.co.uk

For further information regarding the complete Ramblers Worldwide Holidays portfolio please view the brochures on-line at www.ramblersworldwideholidays.co.uk  or for a new brochure please contact Caro Hembling at Graham Ross Public Relations 01255 670661 or grahamross1@btconnect.com

Dining Though the Andes

The guide, cook and horsemen trek with the group, rather than having staff at the lodges. At the end of the day guests enjoy wine in a common area as the chef and kitchen crew prepare that night’s incredible meal.

The lodges are well-appointed, so the trip, while challenging, is done in high style.

The Inka Villas Urubamba are upscale villas in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Each comes with a Quechua woman from the local village trained to cater to up market travelers.

After determining the guests’ choice for dinner from among Peruvian specialties, she visits the market and then shows how to prepare the dishes.

Those not interested in cooking can sip Chilean red wine and enjoy the appetizers, such as a variety of fresh Peruvian potatoes with yellow pepper and olive dipping sauces.

www.wildland.com

 

Tourico Holidays to Latin America

Tourico Holidays, Inc., a leading distributor of global wholesale travel inventory, is intensifying its efforts in Latin America this quarter by expanding the presence of its regional product team.

This restructure allows Latin American hoteliers to gain exposure and increase sales from a worldwide audience through Tourico Holidays’ ever-growing client base. Spearheading the initiative is Guido Salvatori, Tourico Holidays’ new director of product development for Latin America. “Our new plan will ensure the Latin American region experiences the very same consistency with the expansion of our hotel product inventory and the most competitive rates and availability afforded us through strategic alliances with new hotels and other travel partners,” said Salvatori.

To grow Tourico Holidays’ presence in the region, Salvatori will be expanding his seasoned team with the addition of the best and brightest industry visionaries from across Central and South America. This regional focus also stretches beyond the development of dedicated personnel.

“Our office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been expanded as the official Latin American Headquarters for Tourico Holidays,” said Salvatori. Located at Edificio Bouchard Plaza, Bouchard 599 Piso 20, the main office in Buenos Aires (1106) is one of three locations maintained in South America, including operations in Sao Paulo and Curitiba, Brazil.

For more information, visit www.TouricoHolidays.com

Hot Summer Offers in Latin America

Despite the credit crunch woes, there seems to be no sign of a drop in demand for exotic holidays this summer. And Latin America is no exception, with Journey Latin America’s best-selling holiday being its 18-night “Luxury Peru” tour. But we do seem to be booking later and all still love a bargain. Read on for Summer Offers and Late Space to Latin America - from boutique boltholes near Rio, or “women-only” cruises in the Galapagos, to classic highlights tours to Panama, Cuba and Peru.

* BEACH BLISS

1) Pousada Picinguaba, Costa Verde - BRAZIL
- Offer: SAVE £286 on a 6-night stay. Valid for travel 01 May – 31 July.
- Price: 6 nights from £709 per person + flights

A beautiful pousada located on a hill overlooking the tranquil fishing village of Picinguaba, four hours’ drive south west of Rio. A peaceful hideaway with 10 tastefully-decorated rooms, nice gardens with a pool and great views of the bay and surrounding Mata Atlantica coastal rainforest. Discover empty beaches and jungle waterfalls; take a boat trip to nearby islands or visit the colonial town of Paratí. The Paratí Literary Festival runs from 02 - 06 July.

2) EL Careyes, Manzanillo – MEXICO

- Offer: Stay 7 nights and pay for 6 (SAVE £197). Plus, enjoy a 20% discount at the restaurant, 10% off spa treatments and a free kayak and horse riding tour. Valid for travel in May.
- Price: 7 nights from £692 pp + flights.

This exclusive retreat is located on a relatively undeveloped stretch of Mexico’s beautiful Pacific coast; surrounded by cliffs, lush tropical vegetation and mountains. The 51 luxurious rooms are spacious and light, with suites having private balconies, Jacuzzi or plunge pool. Facilities include a pool, fitness centre, tennis court and an array of water sports. Combine a stay here with a visit to the colonial “silver” cities or the fascinating capital, Mexico City.

* INDIANA ADVENTURES

3) Coppola lodges, Mayan temples & Caribbean – GUATEMALA & BELIZE
- Offer: Book 8 nights at Coppola lodges and pay for 7 (SAVE £175). Plus, receive 1 free massage and a bottle of Sofia Coppola sparkling wine. Valid for travel from 01 Jun – 30 Nov.
- Price: 11-night itinerary from £1230 pp + flights.

With less than a month until the much-anticipated release of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (May 22); where better to head, for anyone looking to recreate their own Indiana adventures, than the lost Maya temples of Guatemala and Belize. And you can now do it style, exploring the rainforest-clad temples by day and staying in the comfort of luxury jungle lodges by night - owned by legendary film director, Francis Ford Coppola. Start your trip in the colonial town of Antigua, and end it in laid-back Placencia, on the Caribbean.

* WILDLIFE WONDERS

4) Pousada Aguapé, Iberá wetlands – ARGENTINA

- Offer: Save 20% on all bookings made before July (SAVE £116 for a 3-night stay).
- Price: 3 nights from £349 pp + flights.

Argentina’s answer to Brazil’s famous Pantanal, the Esteros del Iberá wetlands are located in the country’s north-east corner. The region is absolutely teeming with wildlife and yet it still remains amazingly undiscovered by foreign visitors. Head off on foot, horseback or by boat in search of caiman, capybaras, deer, monkeys and hundreds of species of birds. The ranch-style lodge offers simple accommodation, a pool and a good range of activities. Combine a stay here with the awesome Iguazú Falls, or visit to the ruined Jesuit Missions in the area.

* WOMEN ONLY

5) Galápagos “Women only” cruise – ECUADOR

- Summer departure: 24 August (7 nights) onboard the MV Letty, Eric or Flamingo.
- Price: 7-night cruise from £1742 pp + international flights (includes flights from Quito). No single supplement for those willing to share with other single.

The MVs Letty, Eric and Flamingo are compact yachts which offer comfortable cruising at the top of the “tourist-class” range. Each boat has 10 outside cabins distributed over 3 decks; contemporary interiors with polished teak features; a spacious sundeck and an excellent range of activities – from “onland” nature walks with guides, to snorkelling with sealions and rays off the boat. There are nine crew and two naturalist guides.

* CLASSIC TOURS

6) Inca heritage, Peru highlights in style – PERU

- Summer departures: 27 July and 03 August.

 7) Rivers, rainforest & volcanoes – COSTA RICA & PANAMA

- Summer departures: 25 July and 22 August. - Price: from £2543 pp including all flights.

Cross from the Pacific to the Caribbean with a full-day transit of the incredible Panama Canal. Discover fairyland cloudforest and hummingbirds in Monteverde. Explore the wildlife-rich jungle creeks of Tortuguero; relax in hot springs under the smoking cone of Arenal volcano.

* ORIGINAL ADVENTURES

The Real Cuba, beyond the beach – CUBA

- Summer departure: 27 July.
- Price: 19 nights from £1098 pp + flights.

See the “real Cuba”, staying in and eating at local family homes. Travel from one end of the island to the other, with highlights including colonial Havana and Trinidad; revolution sites in Santa Clara; walking in the Sierra Maestra and exploring jungle rivers and hills near Baracoa.

Note - special offers are only valid for 2008 travel dates as stated. Cost savings are quoted as a total discount per room. Prices are based on double occupancy and do not include international flights (unless stated otherwise). Inclusive prices with flights can be provided.

Travel to Latin America This Summer

With the belief that travel can be more fulfilling for visitors, have a positive impact on local communities, and reduce harm done to the natural environment, Aventouras has created a way to visit Latin America that intimately and actively immerses the traveler in the local culture while providing a socially and environmentally-conscious experience.

Founder John Watson built on his previous consulting experience with environmental and community development organizations, and engaged the expertise of Sustainable Travel International and the Rainforest Alliance’s Sustainable Tourism program in Costa Rica in starting the company.

Trips are multi-sport and educational, with a variety of activities including river rafting, visiting local markets, lake and sea kayaking, hiking rainforest trails, learning about medicinal plants, volcano climbs, biking, horseback riding, zip lines, and snorkeling. There is always a personal touch–largely in getting to know the guides, communities, and lodges in each destination country.

Small group sizes of 12 or less allow Aventouras adventurers to support local lodges and communities that are simply not available to larger tourist groups. Aventouras trip departures are available all summer to Peru, Galapagos, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, and Ecuador, with customized trips available. Trip prices range from $1,798 to $2,698 with a supplement for single occupancy.

Prices include all activities, most meals, lodging, guides, and in-country transportation.

http://www.aventouras.com/

Non-Camping Peruvian Trek

Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, straddling the borders of Peru and Bolivia, is famous for its stunning scenery, floating reed island communities and mens’ ‘knitting circles’.

The region hit the headlines recently following the discovery of an ancient necklace dating back some 4,000 years, thought to be the oldest known gold artefact in the Americas and first evidence for the existence of an elite society. Walks Worldwide’s new Peruvian tour utilises luxurious eco-lodges, built deep into the heart of the Andes, and offers a stylish alternative to more usual ‘roughing it’ elements of a trekking holiday. 17-day Peru In Style Lodge Alternative tours combine with an optional 4-day extension on Lake Titicaca, and depart London bi-monthly from now until December 2008.

Always dreamed of trekking to Machu Picchu but found the thought of ‘roughing it’ at altitude too daunting? Walks Worldwide’s new tour, including trekking from lodge to lodge along the magnificent Salkantay Trail, offers an excellent way to reach Machu Picchu, avoiding the crowds of the Inca Trail.

The mighty Salkantay Peak, at 6,271 metres, dominates the trek, surrounded by stunning glacial scenery, turquoise lakes and green valleys where condors soar. Back in Cusco, walkers can rest their weary limbs before taking the train over the altiplano to Lake Titicaca, followed by a fast boat to Taquile Island, famous for a culture and lifestyle unchanged for the centuries. Here, inhabitants wear distinctive costumes and whilst the women work the fields, men do the knitting! The 4-day Lake Titicaca extension allows for further exploration, including an overnight stay in an indigenous family home on Amantani Island. What better way to get to know these extraordinary people?

The tour costs from £3,495 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, high quality hotel and luxury mountain lodge accommodation, most meals, cooks and porters on trek, entrance and trail fees and expert guiding.

A 4-day Lake Titicaca extension costs from £335 p/p.

Hilton Latin America Family Roots Getaway

Hilton Latin America is offering the Mis Raices package. Available now through Dec. 31, 2008, the package features: accommodations; breakfast daily; a welcome gift; a map of the city; and a destination book on local culture and traditions. Participating hotels offer the “Mis Raices” package at the starting rates: Hilton Buenos Aires - $239; Hilton São Paulo Morumbi - $219; and Hilton Cartagena - $289.

Request booking code P3 at Hilton Buenos Aires and Hilton Cartagena, and code OX at Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi. The package is available now through Dec. 31, 2008.

Top 10 Indiana Adventures In Latin America

With less than 2 months to go until the much-anticipated May 22 release of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”, now’s the time for wannabe Indiana’s to start planning their own jungle adventures. Choose from the hidden Mayan pyramids of El Mirador (Guatemala) and Calakmul (Mexico); an “alternative Inca Trail” to the lost city of Choquequirao (Peru); the “Lost World” trek to Roraima (Venezuela), the magnificent Iguassú Falls, mighty Amazon (Brazil) and much more.

And, what’s more, it doesn’t all have to be biting insects and roughing it – you can now do it style! Thanks to Latin America’s fast-improving hotel infrastructure, many of these amazing places are within easy reach of luxury wilderness lodges. See our Top 10 “Indiana” adventures below…

TOP 10 “INDIANA” ADVENTURES

1) Lost cities & Coppola lodges - GUATEMALA & BELIZE

Explore the colonial town of Antigua and towering Maya pyramids of Tikal in Guatemala. Search for wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities in the rainforest; then chill out on the idyllic Caribbean coast of Belize. Stay at exclusive lodges owned by legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola. This winning combination is fast becoming a favourite of the Hollywood “A List” - with the likes of Cameron Diaz, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio and Harrison Ford (himself!) all having holidayed in the jungles of Belize recently. Price: 11 nights from £1339 pp + flights.

2) Trek to El Mirador - GUATEMALA

A tough, deep jungle expedition trek and a real “Indiana” experience! Hike for three days and 65km through virgin rainforest with local guides and mule support, while camping in hammocks. Explore Guatemala’s largest, most remote Mayan site all for yourself. Combine with our “Lost Cities & Coppola lodges” trip (above) for a spot of luxury. Price: 4 nights from £478 pp + flights.

3) “Lost World Trek” to Roraima - VENEZUELA

Trek to the top of Conan Doyle’s “Lost World”, the unique Roraima plateau, home to mysterious rock formations, luxuriant flora, weird and wonderful wildlife and cascading waterfalls. It’s tough going and watch out for the bugs, but it’s undeniably one of Latin America’s great treks! Rest your weary legs on the Paría Peninsula’s idyllic beaches. Price: 7 night trek from £366 pp + flights.

4) Costa Rica Adventure Trails - COSTA RICA

Hike through tropical rainforest; bike across verdant valleys and coffee plantations; raft the steep jungle canyon of the Pacuare river; zip-line through the treetops on a canopy tour, walk on old lava flows on Arenal volcano. A true all-action adventure! Price: 8 nights from £1059 pp + flights.

5) Hidden kingdoms of the Maya - MEXICO

Inspired by last year’s release of Mel Gibson’s “Apocalypto”, travel to the lesser-known south of Mexico’s Yucatán. Wander the colonial streets and imposing ramparts of Campeche; discover vast Maya pyramids and wildlife in Calakmul; stay at the comfortable Explorean Kohunlich lodge. With more time, add a few days on the Caribbean coast. Price: 7 nights from £1019 pp + flights.

6) Reef, rainforest & ruins - HONDURAS

Explore one of Central America’s most diverse but least-visited countries. Marvel at the intricate carved Mayan temples at Copán; drive through coffee, cocoa and banana plantations and stay in luxurious jungle cabins in Pico Bonito. Relax in laid-back Roatán (Bay Islands), for great beaches and snorkeling/diving on the world’s 2nd largest reef. Price: 10 nights from £893 pp + flights.

7) Trek to the other “Lost City” of the Incas - PERU

With the world-famous Inca Trail already filling up fast for this summer (now full for May and most of June) why not opt for a tougher, more off-the-beaten-track alternative - the Choquequirao Trek. Only accessible on foot (also along Inca trails), this challenging 4-night trek with amazing Andean vistas takes you far away from the crowds. If time and budget allow, reward yourself afterwards with a trip by luxury train to Machu Picchu. Price: 4 night trek from £268 pp + flights.

Wonders of Iguazú & the Amazon - BRAZIL

While you won’t be able to drive along the edge of the falls (see Indiana in the film trailor!), you can explore Iguazú’s amazing jungle setting on our “Best of Brazil” tour. Other highlights include the exotic cities of Rio and Salvador; trekking in Lencois, piranha fishing from your floating jungle lodge in the Amazon, and the barefoot paradise of Ilha Grande. Price: from £1498 pp + flights.

9) Rivers, rainforest and waterfalls - GUYANA

Discover one of South America’s hidden gems - Guyana - a land of pristine rainforest, incredible wildlife (including jaguar), vast jungle rivers, traditional Amerindian villages, and one of the world’s great waterfalls, Kaieteur (5 times the height of Niagara). Price: 12 nights from £2235 pp + flights.

10) “Mayas & more” for families - GUATEMALA & BELIZE

With the children all excited about the film, now’s the time to plan that dream family adventure to Central America. Start off in the colonial town of Antigua; visit the jungle Mayan temples of Tikal; stay at the Macal River Camp for wildlife and outdoor activities; then enjoy the beaches and snorkeling on the Caribbean. Price: 11 nights from £2740 pp + flights, for a family of 4 in 2 rooms.

NOTE: All prices are quoted in £GBP, per person and based on double occupancy. Prices include accommodation with some meals, internal flights, land transport and guided excursions. International flights are extra. Flight prices can be provided, along with high-res images.

JOURNEY LATIN AMERICA

Tel: 020 8747 8315 (London), 0161 832 1441 (Manchester), or 1800 818 126 (Eire).

http://www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk/

JetBlue Launches Brazilian Carrier

JetBlue founder David Neeleman, who is also non-executive chairman of the airline, has announced plans to start up his fourth airline, a domestic carrier in Brazil, pending local government approvals. Neeleman, who was born in Brazil, has raised $150 million to finance the as-yet-unnamed carrier.

The airline, to be based in Sao Paulo, plans to commence operations in early 2009, and ultimately will serve most major markets throughout Brazil with as many as 76 brand-new Embraer aircraft by 2013. Neeleman, together with Frederico Curado, CEO of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, said the new airline has placed an aircraft order comprising firm orders for 36 Embraer E-195 jets, with options for another 20 and purchase rights for a further 20. The firm orders are valued at $1.4 billion. If all options and purchase rights are exercised, the order is valued at $3 billion.

The jets will seat 118 passengers in a two-by-two seating configuration and feature more legroom throughout the aircraft than any competing product in Brazil. Furthermore, LiveTV satellite television will be fitted at every ultra-leather upholstered seat — another important first for a Brazilian airline.

Brazil has the second largest economy in the Americas — and 10th in the world — but only about 5 percent of Brazilians currently fly. Airfares are on average 50 percent higher than in the United States on flights of like distance. Neeleman unveiled the airline’s website, whose name means “Your Choice,” where Brazilian consumers can help design the airline by voicing their opinions, likes and dislikes. The airline hopes to engage travelers in an ongoing dialogue beginning with choosing the company’s name. The person who first submits the winning entry will earn free travel privileges for themselves and a named companion.

For more information, visit http://www.voceescolhe.com.br/

Dream Adventures with WT Expeditions

Each year we ask some of our most veteran Trip Leaders to propose an exciting exploratory or create their “dream trip.” We call these adventures WT Expeditions and we have two unique and exciting expeditions coming up. For a full list of our WT Expeditions see: www.wildernesstravel.com/itins/exploratories.html

THE HEART OF INDIA: TIGERS, TRIBES, & THE TAJ with Raj & Diane Singh, January 15-27, 2009

Join Raj and Diane Singh, organizers of our popular India journeys for the past 20 years, for a unique ‘insider’s’ journey into India: we look for tigers at renowned Kanha National Park, the Singhs’ second home, and explore fascinating villages and ancient tribal (non-Hindu) cultures, and discover India’s heartland in the company of true experts. Raj, a distinguished naturalist and author, descends from the Maharajas of Bharatpur and his unique family connections open many doors for us. The legendary Taj Mahal and Rajasthan’s “pink city” of Jaipur complete this welcoming odyssey with the Singhs.

For info, email our Asia Manager or call 1-800-368-2794

SACRED AUSANGATE: A MEDITATION TREK IN THE HIGH ANDES

with Andrea Heckman and Mark Coleman, July 6-19, 2008

Mt. Ausangate, a massive snow peak sacred to the Incas, reigns over a remote and radiant landscape of tumbling glaciers, jewel-colored lakes, and Quechua settlements. In this stronghold of traditional Quechua culture, we make a stunning 7-day trek around Ausangate with veteran WT Trip Leader Andrea Heckman, an expert on Quechua culture, and Special Guest Mark Coleman, a renowned wilderness meditation teacher, author of Awake in the Wild, and popular instructor at Spirit Rock in Northern California.

For info, email our Latin America Manager or call 1-800-368-2794

SPIRIT OF NAMIBIA, August 17-28, 2008

MOUNTAIN GORILLA SAFARI, November 20-December 1, 2008

For info, email our Africa Manager or call 1-800-368-2794

BLACK SEA VOYAGE, August 3-13, 2008

Limited cabins are still available on our August 12-22 departure.

For info, email our Europe Manager or call 1-800-368-2794

There is still time to get on board one of these adventures, but call soon!

SEA KAYAKING IN BAJA, April 13-20, 2008
CORSICA & SARDINIA, April 16-26, May 21-31, 2008
GREECE: ZAGORIA & MT OLYMPUS, May 4-14, 2008
IMPERIAL RUSSIA & THE GOLDEN RING, May 9-20, 2008
ULTIMATE MICRONESIA, May 11-23, 2008
SERENGETI WILDLIFE SAFARI, May 18-30, 2008
PALAU SEA KAYAKING & SNORKELING, May 23-June 2, 2008
ANDES, AMAZON & GALAPAGOS, May 23-June 5, 2008
NEPAL: THE ULTIMATE DOLPO TREK, June 27-July 31, 2008
SPIRIT OF NAMIBIA, June 28-July 9, 2008

Our popular INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU trips are nearly sold out for summer. Space is still available for autumn on the Inca Trail, when the weather is still great, but if you really want to visit Peru this summer, we encourage you to look beyond the Inca Trail! Peru is absolutely packed full of majestic mountain beauty, amazing hiking trails, and traditional cultures.

Check out our other Peru journeys:

CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH, June 1-21, July 1-21, 2008 Trek amid the high peaks and sapphire lakes of the fantastic ice range called the Cordillera Huayhuash, with an option for a non-technical ascent of Diablo Mudo (17,235′). The awesome beauty of these mountains can be seen in the gripping adventure film Touching the Void.

For info, email our Latin America Manager or call 1-800-368-2794

HIKER’S JOURNEY TO MACHU PICCHU, July 4-12, August 29-September 6, October 10-18, 2008

In the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoy full-day trekking-style hikes to incredible Andean settings and Inca ruins accessible only on foot, then end your hiking day with a fine restaurant meal and a cozy hotel to sleep in—the best of trekking with no camping!

For info, email our Latin America Manager or call 1-800-368-2794

CHACHAPOYAS, July 23-August 10, September 1-19, 2008

Archaeology and challenging trekking amid the tombs of Peru’s most mystical pre-Inca culture come together on this intriguing “Indiana Jones” journey. Chachapoyas is in a totally untraveled part of the Peruvian Andes—you’ll feel transported to another time!

For info, email our Latin America Manager or call 1-800-368-2794

EMPIRES OF THE SUN, June 19-28, August 7-16, October 9-18, December 19-28, 2008

This fascinating lodge-based cultural odyssey brings us from Lake Titicaca, the ethereal lake of Inca legends, to the lost city of Machu Picchu, where we stay overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins.

For info, email our Latin America Manager or call 1-800-368-2794