Latin American Travel Association: What’s new for 2016

Whether it’s exploring the rainforests of Brazil, viewing the Atacama Desert from above by hot air balloon, immersing yourself in Ecuador’s Chocolate Trail or experiencing the sights and sounds of

Whether it’s exploring the rainforests of Brazil, viewing the Atacama Desert from above by hot air balloon, immersing yourself in Ecuador’s Chocolate Trail or experiencing the sights and sounds of Mexico in an action packed tour, 2016 has something for everyone with this round up of Member highlights from LATA.

ARGENTINA

Argentinean Mesopotamia: Land of Rivers
A unique journey across the Argentinean Mesopotamia, to observe, admire and study the flora, the fauna, the landscape and the local communities culture and lifestyle. El Palmar, an amazing forest with palm trees over 300 years old, Ibera Wetlands, one of the most important wetlands and most biodiverse ones in the world, and one of the largest freshwater reserves of the continent, the Great Mocona Fall, a three-kilometer-long canyon with whose height varies from five to seven meters and the well-known Iguazu Falls, an imposing wonder that exceed the senses.

Argentina and Chile Northwest: Andean Cultural Traces
Time seems to have stopped in this ancient land crossed by canyons, ravines and mountains. San Pedro de Atacama enchants with a valuable cultural heritage, narrow roads, mud houses and white chapels. Humahuaca Gorge displays its ancestral beliefs, cheerful celebrations, millenarian arts and exceptional flavors.

MEXICO

New Tour- Mexico to Guatemala Flyer

This fast-paced tour will take you to some of Central America’s famous highlights in a short period of time. From bustling cities to Mayan ruins, island paradises to colonial towns, each day will bring you new sights and surroundings to immerse yourself in. The new addition of internal flights mean passengers can see the big highlights including Teotihuacán ruins, Chichén Itzá, Caye Caulker and Tikal. It is perfect for people wanting to pack in the highlights of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala but don’t have lots of time to take off from work.

COLOMBIA

Last Frontiers Ltd launches a new trip to Colombia
Last Frontiers have launched a new 14 day itinerary to Colombia, combining Bogotá, San Agustín, the Coffee region, Medellín and the island of Providencia. The ‘Cultural Colombia’ itinerary is ideal for those looking to combine a stay in Colombia’s buzzing capital Bogotá with San Agustín, renowned for its ancient stone carvings, the coffee region where visitors can enjoy hikes in the national parks or learn about the coffee process, Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring; and finally spend some time relaxing on the beach on the Caribbean island of Providencia. The ancient site of San Agustín in Colombia’s south is now more accessible than ever before thanks to the recent launch (August 2015) of new internal Satena flights from Bogotá to Pitalito; previously only accessible via a lengthy four hour drive from the airport town of Popayán.

CHILE

A completely new way to see the Atacama Desert – by hot air balloon with Into Latin America

From May 2016, visitors to Chile will have the chance to discover the dramatic landscapes of the Atacama Desert from a completely new perspective, from the basket of a hot air balloon. For the very first time, visitors will be able to take to the skies above the Valley of the Moon on a sunrise flight over the magical and many-coloured rock formations, and salt plains, with a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. The full experience will last up to three hours, including a pre-launch tour of the balloon with the pilot and a champagne breakfast on landing. The balloons themselves will be made by Cameron Balloons of Bristol, and operated by the team behind ‘Balloons over Bagan’, responsible for a popular program of balloon rides in Burma. Into Latin America will offer the ballooning adventure as an option to include in their itineraries in the Atacama.

Discover Chile’s little-known Lauca National Park with Into Latin America

Trips to South America are dominated by visits to Machu Picchu, Patagonia and the like, but step off the well-worn tourist trail and Chile, in particular has some wonderful hidden cultural gems to uncover. One such example is the little-known Lauca National Park, in the very north of Chile. Currently only a very few specialist operators offer visits to the region in any depth, and Into Latin America has introduced a new itinerary for 2016 that provides an opportunity to get there before too many other tourists get wind of it. The 13-day trip will combine the dramatic scenery and fascinating culture of this off-the-beaten-track destination, with a whistle-stop tour of some of the more familiar highlights of Chile and neighbouring Peru. High in the Andes, the route takes visitors through colourful traditional villages with a varied history ranging from 7600 year-old mummies to beautiful colonial churches, and the magnificent 10,000 year-old Ofragia petroglyph. There are hot springs, volcanoes, the National Park itself (a biosphere reserve since 1981), and local markets to explore, plus a chance to attend a traditional Aymaran ceremony. The itinerary re-joins a more familiar route as it crosses into Peru – to Arequipa and Colca Canyon, then Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

ECUADOR

New intrepid adventure combining Ecuador’s Amazon and island-hopping in the Galapagos with Into Latin America

New for 2016 is an action-packed 12 day itinerary that offers a combination of staying in a pioneering community eco-lodge deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and an island-hopping tour of the Galapagos that is filled with adrenaline and outdoor activities. The trip includes a three night stay in the Amazon, based at the Huaorani Eco Lodge, where visitors will get a real insight into the life of the Huaorani Community, whose traditional ways along with the rainforest remain under constant threat from the oil industry. During the stay, visitors will join rainforest hikes to learn about the forest’s wildlife as well as essential survival and hunting/gathering skills. They will be able to learn about traditional crafts, visit ecology and educational projects, go on night hikes, and experience the food and culture of the Huaorani people. One night of the stay also offers an additional adventure as it is spent camping out on the riverbanks. The remainder of the trip features land-based stays on three islands of the Galapagos – Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz – with an itinerary that offers the chance to explore the islands from different angles including on the water, on foot and by bike. Visitors will hike to the summits of volcanoes; snorkel and swim with marine life; kayak around the islands’ bays and try SUP (stand-up paddle boarding); cycle trails through wetlands; and enjoy an exhilarating mountain-biking adventure – all combined with opportunities to learn more about the islands’ fascinating wildlife and history.

A taste of traditional Ecuadorian flavors with Quito Tourism
Quito Tourism aims to rescue the traditional and ancient Ecuadorian flavors and ingredients by promoting the experimental tourism in Quito. From the XVIth century San Francisco beer brewery to the popular Rocafuerte and Chimborazo fruit markets, travelers are invited to discover the richness of the city in a singular way; artisanal beer crafting, cooking demonstrations and chocolate and coffee tastings are at the heart of these unique sensorial activities, that give the visitor the opportunity to experience the aromas and flavors of Quito and dive into the memories and culinary traditions of our city. Through these activities such as cooking demonstrations and beer, chocolate and coffee tastings, Quito Tourism gives visitors the opportunity to experience the richness of Quito’s gastronomy and culture.

The “Chocolate Trail” Tour in Ecuador with Surtrek Tours
The Quito-based Surtrek tour operator is currently promoting Ecuador’s Ruta de Cacao (“Chocolate Trail”), recently featured as a “Best Trip” in the National Geographic Magazine. This exciting itinerary combines an excellent trekking experience in the land of volcanoes, with cultural highlights in Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta hot springs and the Amazon jungle, with accommodations in some of the finest lodges Ecuador has to offer. On this expedition you will discover not only the secrets of growing cacao and producing chocolate, but also some of the secrets of Ecuador – a country that is a natural and cultural mosaic.

COSTA RICA

Just You offer a new holiday to the Poas Volcano National Park
Utilising the new direct routing to San Jose, Just You clients will arrive seamlessly into Costa Rica. From San Jose guests will transfer via Poas Volcano National Park to the stunning, palm tree lined Tamarindo Beach and their hotel Tamarindo Diria. Here, guests will have full access to the hotels amenities, which include an adult’s only swimming pool and lush tropical gardens. We will also visit Palo Verde National Park with an included boat excursion. However before entering the National Park guest will enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch in La Cosona, one of the great Haciendas of Costa Rica. The new direct routing will provide a far better customer experience with a same day arrival into San Jose; Just You have been quick to react to this market opportunity. Furthermore, our itinerary utilises the amazing Tamarindo Diria hotel whilst also visiting 3 differing national parks, allowing clients to view the incredible ecological diversity that is present within Costa Rica.

Central America

A new adventure program around Panama City for the avid traveler with EcoCircuitos

From Panama City to the neighboring rainforests, this adventure program will please any active traveler looking for a new challenge in a new place in 2016. The Panama Biking Adventure program will take you from the local streets of Panama City to National Parks in 2 different provinces. The adventure does not stop here; this program also includes a hike on the renowned Los Quetzales Trail and zip ling through the cloud forest! All of our adventure programs include elements of culture and education as it is important to EcoCircuitos that all of its travelers have a genuine Panamanian experience. This is one of the products that EcoCircuitos will be showcasing in 2016 along with other adventure programs and itineraries that provide travelers coming to Panama with active way of discovering this amazing country.

A range of new trips around Latin America with Yampu Tours
Yampu Tours has announced new responsible experiences in Latin America along with new exotic destinations for 2016. For travelers in quest of new sensations they have designed several new trips in Latin America. In Panama, fly to Panama City to see rare birdlife before sailing the Panama Canal with your own private guide. Discover the Casco Viejo, Panama’s colonial quarter and zip line over pristine rivers and waterfalls to visit the famous Baru Volcano. This transportation utilized a hundred years ago by indigenous people is now transformed by naturalists to offer an intimate peek into the real habitat of wild creatures.

PERU

Amazon Discovery Cruise with Metropolitan Touring
The exclusive all-suite Amazon Discovery sets a new standard of cruising the Peruvian Amazon. The exclusive Amazon Discovery will provide a luxurious and intimate venue from which to learn about one of the world’s most important waterways, the Amazon River. It offers a 7-day & 4-day Peruvian Amazon itinerary, transfers to/from Iquitos Airport, 44 guests pampered by 29 crew, A/C in every suite, floor to ceiling windows, all meals included, complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, local beer and pisco-based cocktails, daily excursions led by expert English speaking naturalist guides, Deluxe, 15 person skiff excursions boats.

BRAZIL

Brazil immersion with Yampu Tours

Yampu Tours has announced new responsible experiences in Latin America along with new exotic destinations for 2016. Whether you want to experience local customs or desire to help in return, Yampu has the right destination for the trip of your dreams. In Brazil, fly to Paraty, to the south of Rio de Janeiro, and immerse yourself in the local communities to enjoy the simplicity of their lifestyle. Learn from customs, fishing techniques and unique recipes in the Reserve of Joatinga. Complete the experience of a lifetime with the incredible natural swimming pools of isolated waterfalls during your rainforest trekking.

Trek deep into the depths of Guyana with Highlives Travel
HighLives Travel has launched a new adventure to journey deep into the pristine jungles of Guyana and providing a unique gateway to a little-seen corner of Brazil. The expedition explores the uncharted secrets of this untamed land by air, by river and on foot. The terrain remains raw and undiscovered by visitors. Take a helicopter ride to the top of the lost world of Mount Roraima, wind along the Rupununi River and hike in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. This experience offers a chance to experience authentic South America, become an expert bird spotter and be awed by Guyana’s impressive waterfalls and rivers.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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