The discounted routes include roundtrip economy class flights between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco (starting at $899) and New York (starting at $999) on LAN Airlines and/or its affiliated carriers. Also discounted are economy class roundtrip flights between Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Miami and New York (staring at $799) and Orlando (starting at $999).

Lucky for vacationers this holiday season, IHG is promising a rocking Holiday escape and a joyful and culturally-rich celebration at any of their family of hotel brands in Latin America and the Caribbean.

From golden beaches and charming colonial towns to vibrant cosmopolitan cities, IHG plans to turn wintery holiday travel plans into extra bright and warm ones with its “Free Night Holiday Celebration Package”.

Valid on hotel stays from December 14, 2012 to January 31, 2013, the package provides guests who book a minimum of four nights with one complimentary night.

The package also includes breakfast buffet for two adults and children staying in the same room; a 4 p.m. late check-out to enjoy every last moment of the Holidays; and a $25 USD credit for phone calls or Internet use, so guests can stay connected with loved ones.

–IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], one of the world’s largest hotel companies, launches the “Free Night Holiday Celebration Package”, providing families and travelers looking to celebrate the Holidays in Latin America and the Caribbean with a good reason to rejoice.

Valid on hotel stays from December 14, 2012 to January 31, 2013, the “Free Night Holiday Celebration Package” provides guests who book a minimum of four nights with one complimentary night.

The package also includes breakfast buffet for two adults and children staying in the same room; a 4 p.m. late check-out to enjoy every last moment of the Holidays; and a $25 USD credit for phone calls or Internet use, so guests can stay connected with loved ones.

The Free Night Holiday Celebration Package promises travelers a rocking Holiday escape and a joyful and culturally-rich celebration at any of the IHG family of hotel brands in Latin America and the Caribbean, including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express® and Staybridge Suites®. From golden beaches and charming colonial towns to vibrant cosmopolitan cities, Latin American and the Caribbean destinations have plenty to offer to those looking for a Holiday getaway.

The Free Night Holiday Celebration Package can be reserved from now until January 15, 2013.

Priority Club Rewards members who book this package can earn Priority Club® points on their hotel stay.

For reservations and the full terms and conditions of this offer, please visit www.ihg.com/celebrate in English, www.ihg.com/celebrar  in Spanish or www.ihg.com/celebre  in Portuguese.

PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – Suriname and French Guiana are perhaps the last untamed places in South America – lands of vast sprawling rivers, cities built on stilts, dense swamps along the coast and virtually unexplored rain forests.

Dutch explorers who first settled here on the northeast edge of South America called it “de Wilde Kust” or “Wild Coast”.

A new 12-day, 11-night independent tour program to Suriname and French Guiana will give the inquisitive traveler a chance to explore a region virtually untouched by modern-day tourism.

Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana) is an intriguing blend of Dutch, Asian and African cultures, while French Guiana is an overseas department of France, famous for its now-closed penal colony on Devil’s Island.

“Suriname and French Guiana” is offered by The Great Canadian Travel Company and is priced at $2375 per person.

The program begins with three nights in Paramaribo, the charming capital of Suriname; a small city full of 18th and 19th-century colonial building of wood and handmade brick, a town of canals, plantations, and a populace speaking twenty different languages.

While here you will have a half-day tour of the city as well as a full-day tour to the surrounding rain forest and the villages of the maroons (retribalized slaves who escaped into the interior in the 17th century). You may get a chance to spot river dolphins, caymans and other wildlife.

On Day 4 you will transfer by private car to the border town of Albina.

The journey across the northeast region of Suriname is fascinating, with two major nature reserves including nesting sites for sea turtles. From Albina you cross the Maroni River to St. Laurent du Maroni in French Guiana, where you will stay for two nights.

Here you will pick up a car, yours for the next few days. You have a full day to explore this unique town.

A sleepy town on the banks of the massive Maroni River, it was the center for the administration of the French penal system. Today there are many buildings left from this period, including the old penal transportation center, prison camps and cells.

On day 6, drive east to Kourou, passing through the picturesque town of Iracoubo.

Kourou is the center of the European space program, and if you are interested it is possible to take a tour of their facilities before checking in to your hotel.

The next day you head out by catamaran to the three famous penal islands of Royale, St. Joseph and Devil’s Island, the notorious convict settlement built in 1852.

You will have time to wander through the prison facilities, now partly a hotel and partly a museum, and wonder at the life of the thousands of convicts sent to this distant colony.

In the late afternoon you will return to Kourou and drive on to Cayenne, capital of French Guiana, where you will stay for the next two nights.

You will have a full day to explore Cayenne on your own – an odd South American city where coffee and croissants are served and the euro is the local currency.

The next day, you depart in the morning and head into the interior to Camp Cisame, an eco-lodge accessible only by pirogue, a motorized canoe common to the region.

The lodge is equipped with hammocks, and you will enjoy the splendor of the rain forest for that evening and the next day before returning to Cayenne in the early evening (in time for dinner at one of the city’s many excellent French restaurants).

The program includes accommodation for eleven nights (ten in conventional hotels with one night in hammock accommodations at Camp Cisame), a half day tour of Paramaribo, a full day tour to the Surinamese rainforest and a full day tour to the Iles du Salut by catamaran. Also included: most transfers as specified, an economy car with limited mileage (200kms/day) and one way drop off fee included. Meals are only included at Camp Cisame for two days.

There are Monday and Friday departures throughout 2012 and 2013.

Reservations and additional information available from The Great Canadian Travel Company, 800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com . The URL for the Suriname and French Guiana program is  http://greatcanadiantravel.com/guyanas/

In response to increasing demand for the region, award-winning guided holiday company, Trafalgar (www.trafalgar.com), has announced its most inspirational South American programme to date. Comprising 13 expertly-planned itineraries, ranging from 8-16 days, plus seven Pre and Post Extensions, the global travel insider’s passion for the Latin lands has been extended to include Panama and Patagonia for the first time in 2013, complementing the existing options for Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Operational from January 2013, the inaugural 8 day Panama, The Canal & Beyond (from $1975 per person twin share) and 14 day Patagonian Grand Adventure (from $5995 per person twin share) showcase the must-see highlights in addition to the unique Trafalgar differences.

Encourage to discover the delights of dining like a local, with a local and enjoy exclusive Be My Guest experiences including a visit to the highlands of the Chiriqui Province of Panama to dine with the eminent Eleta Almaran family at their prestigious equestrian estate or lunch with a family at their ranch on the Patagonian Steppe, in a property that has spanned many generations of the same clan.

Commenting on the programme developments, Matthew Cameron-Smith, MD Trafalgar Australia said, ‘We have seen impressive growth for South America this past year and witnessed a solid ongoing desire for the region.

‘We are delighted to be able to offer even more of Trafalgar’s inimitable experiences with the addition of Panama and Patagonia. We know that South America is a hot destination right now, particularly from Australia, and we look forward to welcoming further valued customers on board in 2013.’

Get under the skin of the subcontinent with the 13 day Best of South America At Leisure (from $4675 per person twin share) – providing them with a minimum of two-three days in each location, no starts before 9am and ample time for individual exploration. Move to the rhythm of Rio and sample everything from samba to Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer to churrascaria and a caipirinha cocktail-making class, whilst still having plenty of free time to soak up the sunshine of Copacabana and Ipanema at your own pace.

Head inland to Iguassu and admire the mighty Falls and spectacular surrounds, before uncovering the beauty of Buenos Aires and the birthplace of tango. Learn about leathers and crafts and follow in the footsteps of Eva Peron, then follow your senses to an Argentinean asado for a world-famous feast.

End your adventure in Santiago with an exclusive wine-tasting and winery lunch and relish the opportunity to linger a little longer in the Chilean capital.

Integral to every programme are Trafalgar’s renowned Local Specialities and Hidden Treasures, providing clients with the chance to participate in regional activities and also learn about unexpected aspects of each destination, thanks to the insider knowledge of our travel directors. Their insights are complemented by the expertise of Local Guides and Local Experts in most destinations.

Trafalgar’s South America programme also offers seven Pre and Post Extensions across The Galapagos, Easter Island, the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon and the beaches of Mexico and Costa Rica, demonstrating the diversity of the portfolio.

From the dramatic UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks to the breathtaking landscapes of the Patagonian Lake District, cruising the canal in Panama to cruising Lake Titicaca, Trafalgar has opened all of the doors. Whatever your clients’ passion, Trafalgar can lead them to discover the cultures and contrasts of South America from the inside.

For further information on Trafalgar’s 2013 South America programme, please visit www.trafalgaragent.com  follow us on Twitter @TrafalgarTalk and Facebook/TrafalgarTravel.

About Trafalgar: Trafalgar is the world’s leading guided holiday company offering exceptional quality and value itineraries to an extensive range of exciting destinations. With 65 years of experience and unrivalled local expertise, Trafalgar provides an authentic insider’s view to create truly unique travel experiences in Europe, Britain, Eastern Mediterranean, America, Canada, Asia, South and Central America.

LAN’s merger with TAM created Latam Airlines Group, Latin America’s largest carrier. The TAM and LAN brands provide passenger service to 150 destinations in 22 countries. The micro-site will provide leisure travelers with opportunities to virtually explore South America and create itineraries that include flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

“The new microsite is further proof of LAN’s commitment to promoting travel to South America and its passion for the region,” said Pablo Chiozza, Latam’s vice president of North America and the Caribbean.

“We believe South America’s people are the best reasons to visit the region, so we are excited to connect visitors to the site with this kind of insider knowledge.”

LAN is also offering a Facebook contest in conjunction with the new micro-site. The “My South America Dream List” sweepstakes runs through Sept. 1, 2012, and offers fans of the LAN Airlines USA Facebook page who provide details of their South America “dream list” a chance to win one of five “Only in South America” vacation packages to Easter Island, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Buenos Aires, the Andes, and Santiago, Chile.

“From vast rainforests to long mountain ranges, South America’s ever-changing landscape will awe and inspire even the most seasoned traveler,” said Mark Conroy, the line’s president.

“Whether choosing our 72-night voyage that circumvents the continent or shorter sailings that focus on specific regions, guests will appreciate the unparalleled service, spacious accommodations and all-inclusive value delivered by Regent Seven Seas.”

Circle South America

The all-balcony, all-suite Seven Seas Mariner explores many of the continent’s most popular ports-of-call with the Circle South America 72-night voyage, roundtrip from Miami departing January 7, 2013.

Exclusive amenities include free First Class round-trip air, special pre-cruise overnight and gala dinner in Miami, exclusive shoreside events, free private transfers to and from the port of Miami, free roundtrip luggage delivery service, internet access, visas.

Four shorter South America voyages ranging from 12- to 24-nights focus on the Panama Canal, Chilean fjords, Brazil, Argentina and the Amazon include:

· Peruvian Promenade, departing January 7, is a 14-night voyage from Miami to Lima, with visits in Curacao, Aruba, an overnight stay in Cartagena, Columbia before transiting the famed Panama Canal en route to Ecuador, and includes as many as 39 complimentary shore excursions.

Three-day post cruise land programs to Machu Picchu are also available;

· Chilean Fjord Rhapsody begins its voyage in Lima on January 21 with visits to magnificent Laguna San Rafael, Chile; Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina, two of the most southern cities in the world.

The journey continues around Cape Horn before heading to the Falkland Islands; Puerto Madryn in Argentina, home of the largest Magellanic Penguins colony in the world; before reaching the old world charm of Montevideo, Uruguay, and ending with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires.

Guests will enjoy a choice of up to 43 free shore excursions on this 24-night sailing;
· Sophisticated South America departs from Buenos Aires on February 14 for a 12-night journey ending with an overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

As many as 20 complimentary shore excursions provide exploration in ports such as Montevideo and Punta Del Este in Uruguay; and Rio Grande, Porto Belo, and Santos in Brazil;

· Spirit of Brazil departs from Rio de Janeiro on February 26 for a seven-night journey along the Amazon River with an overnight stay in the astonishing city of Manaus, Brazil, which has been carved out of jungle. Exotic ports-of-call including eight different stops in Brazil, French Guiana, Barbados, St. Barts and Puerto Rico are explored with up to 43 complimentary shore excursions.

Travelers visit these exotic South American locales aboard the all-balcony, all-suite Seven Seas Mariner. The suites on the award-winning, 700-guest ship are among the most spacious and luxurious at sea ranging in size from 301 to 2,002 square feet.

The line’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner also cruises the Amazon this winter with a 22-night The Ultimate Amazon sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Miami departing December 16. Offering up to 43 free shore excursions, guests will have ample opportunity to explore eight different ports in Brazil, French Guiana, Barbados, St. Barts and Puerto Rico. Guests who book by June 30, 2012 can receive additional bonus savings up to $10,000 per suite.

Journey through the Amazon

The intimate 490 guest, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, which received a multi-million dollar refurbishment in May 2012, sets sails for the Amazon on November 25, 2012, roundtrip from Miami. The 23-night Amazon Adventure voyage visits twelve exotic ports including St. Barts, Trinidad & Tobago, Saint Lucia, French Guiana, Barbados, Antigua, Puerto Rico and four calls along the Amazon River in Brazil. With as many as 50 complimentary excursions offered on this sailing, guests can explore the jungles of Manaus in Brazil, snorkel in St. Barts, or be emerged in the island culture of Tobago, among many others.

To receive a brochure or for more information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, see a professional travel agent, visit www.RSSC.com  or call toll-free 800-285-1835.

In addition to the network, Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines customers will also gain access to the full breadth of the global Star Alliance benefits by using their existing frequent flyer memberships to collect and redeem miles on all member carriers.

Those customers with higher status privileges in the LifeMiles program of Avianca, TACA Airlines or in Copa Airlines’ Mileage Plus program will be entitled to the Star Alliance Gold benefits, which offer priority services across the whole network, including extra baggage allowance, priority baggage delivery and access to over 990 lounges world-wide.

At the same time, holders of frequent-flyer cards of the other Star Alliance member carriers will be offered the Star Alliance Frequent Flyer benefits when travelling on the Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines network.

“On behalf of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines to the Star Alliance family. The addition of these quality aviation groups strengthens our presence in the rapidly growing Latin American market,” said Mark Schwab, CEO of Star Alliance. With Avianca, TACA Airlines and Copa Airlines our customers now enjoy increased connectivity across the Americas by connecting through five new Star Alliance hubs right in the middle of the American continent.”

A further benefit from Star Alliance is fare products both for the corporate and leisure customer. With the home bases of both airline groups being located in one of the fastest growing regions in the world, these are ideal markets for expanding Star Alliance Corporate Plus, Conventions Plus and Meetings Plus. At the same time, the Star Alliance Round the World fare can now offer customers routings which include destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, Cuzco and the Jungles of Central America as well as many beach resorts in the Caribbean.

As June 21, the Star Alliance network is comprised of 27 members offering more than 21,500 daily flights to 1,356 airports in 193 countries.

Guests who book the voyage by June 30, 2012, will receive exclusive services and amenities including first-class roundtrip air transportation, a special pre-cruise overnight stay and gala dinner in Miami, exclusive shoreside events, private transfers to and from the Port of Miami, free roundtrip luggage delivery service, Internet access, visa fulfillment and savings of up to $27,000 per suite.

Seven Seas Mariner’s South America voyages are also available in shorter segments ranging from 12 to 24 nights. The itineraries focus on the Panama Canal, the Chilean fjords, Brazil, Argentina and the Amazon.

They include a 14-night sailing from Miami to Lima that calls at Curacao, Aruba, Cartagena, Colombia and Ecuador and includes a Panama Canal transit.

A 24-night Lima-to-Buenos Aires segment departing Jan. 21 will visit Laguna San Rafael and Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina before sailing around Cape Horn to visit the Falkland Islands.

Seven Seas Mariner will also cruises the Amazon this winter with a 22-night “Ultimate Amazon” departing Rio de Janeiro for Miami on December 16. The voyage will feature 43 free shore excursions during port calls in Brazil, French Guiana, Barbados, St. Barts and Puerto Rico. Guests who book by June 30, 2012, can receive additional savings up to $10,000 per suite.

Alberto Boeri, commercial director at Tropical Sky says “To launch into Latin America is an exciting venture for us. It is a growing holiday destination and customer demand has hugely influenced our programme. Destinations such as Galapagos Islands often appear in lists to visit before you die and now we’ve created affordable holidays to enable customers to fulfil their lifelong dreams. Our experienced Latin America team of travel advisors have travelled extensively across the region and can advise on the best itinerary or can create bespoke tailor-made holidays. Most of our tours offer a choice of three, four or five-star accommodation so that we can cater for all budgets.”

From famous landmarks such as Machu Picchu to the Amazon Rainforest and the Iguazú Falls, suggested ideas and tours include:

Treasures of Brazil – 11 Days From £1,599 Per Person
Enjoy the best of both worlds with a four-night city break seeing the world-famous landmarks of Rio de Janeiro followed by five nights relaxing on the picturesque beaches of Búzios.

Priced from £1,599 per person (saving £170 per person) and valid for selected departures from 1 April to 22 June, Tropical Sky’s Treasures of Brazil includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, entrance fees to museums and national parks, sightseeing excursions in Rio with English-speaking guide to Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain and a panoramic city tour.

Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio de Janeiro – 11 Days From £2,399 Per Person
Explore the beauty of South America during this exhilarating holiday to Brazil and Argentina. Spend three nights in Buenos Aires with its chic shopping, legendary nightlife and cosmopolitan cuisine, then on to Iguazú for three nights and tours of the Argentinean Falls and Brazilian Falls. Finish with three nights in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant, bustling city known for its beautiful beaches.

Priced from £2,399 per person (saving £240 per person) and valid for selected departures from 1 April to 22 June, Tropical Sky’s Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio Tour includes accommodation on a mixed-board basis, various sightseeing excursions with English-speaking guide including a city tour, tango show and gaucha party in Buenos Aires and a city tour of Rio.

Best of Ecuador & Peru with Galapagos Cruise – 15 Days From £3,449 Per Person
This exciting tour offers the best of the colourful countries of Ecuador and Peru. Start with two nights in Quito, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, before embarking on a five-night cruise around the captivating islands of the Galapagos, home to some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife. Fly onwards for a night each in Guayaquil and Lima, the capital of Peru, then to Cusco for two nights, Aguas Calientes for a night and back to Cusco; taking in many awe-inspiring sights along the way, the highlight of which is the amazing Machu Picchu.

Priced from £3,449 per person (saving £300 per person) and valid for selected departures until 21 June, Tropical Sky’s Best of Ecuador & Peru with Galapagos Cruise includes 13 nights on a mixed-board basis, sightseeing excursions with local English speaking guide, site entrance fees, a city tour of Quito and Lima, plus a visit to Pisac market, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

All tours detailed are based on two sharing and include scheduled flights from Heathrow, accommodation and transfers. To book contact www.tropicalsky.co.uk  / 0844 332 9349.

Paramaribo is the gateway to Suriname, the former Dutch colony that has been self-governing since 1954 and independent since 1975. The majority of tourists to this energy-rich but economically and politically troubled South American country come from the Netherlands, although an increasing number are coming from other parts of the Caribbean.