The Ultimate To Do List Latin America 2013-14 by Classic Safari Company

The Ultimate To Do List

Latin America Est. 1992

Reward yourself with life’s enriching experiences...

Welcome...

At The Classic Safari Company our relentless passion for wildlife and nature is evident in everything we do.

To inspire you to explore more of the world’s true wilderness areas, and to encourage you to share our passion, we have created The Ultimate To Do List – Latin America.

Showcasing inspiring journeys from riding high into the Andes with Gauchos, helifishing the mountain rivers of Chile, swimming with the pink dolphins of the Amazon to jaw dropping secluded villas on the white beaches of Brazil. We’ll guide you into the wilderness and let you escape into the surreal desert landscapes, explore the lush jungles and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.

We believe authentic encounters should never be packaged and we invite you to work with our specialist team to tailor your Ultimate Latin American journey. We’ve handpicked the places to stay selecting those with serious style and local character, bringing you as close to nature as possible without sacrificing comfort.

Our unmatched experience in arranging safaris to the world’s exotic destinations assures you of the highest quality adventure. We are veterans of global travel offering sophisticated and expertly crafted itineraries.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure.

Julie McIntosh & Sarah Hoyland

Est. 1992

Contents Argentina

Chile

Antarctica Uruguay

10 Buenos Aires

12

The Pampas

14

Wine Region

15

IguazĂş Falls

16

Salta & Beyond

18

Northern Patagonia

20

Horse Riding

22

Atlantic Coast

23

Southern Patagonia

24

26 Santiago & Beyond

28

Central Chile & Beyond

30

Portillo

31

Southern Patagonia

32

Northern Patagonia

36

Atacama Desert

38

Easter Island

41

42 44 Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo & Beyond

Brazil

04 Contents

46

48 Rio de Janeiro & Beyond

50

Salvador do Bahia & Beyond

52

Amazon, Pantanal & Iguassu Falls

55

CearĂĄ & Alagoas

56

Contents 58 Lima & Beyond

60

Northern Peru

61

Machu Picchu

62

Arequipa, Puno & Lake Titicaca

64

Cusco

65

The Amazon

66

68 Quito & Beyond

70

Luxury Cruising, Galapagos

72

Small Ship Cruising & Accommodation

74

76 78 80 Mexico City

82

Pacific Coast

83

84 San Jose, Costa Rica Cruising & Beyond

86

Pacific Coast, Costa Rica

88

Rainforest & Volcanoes, Costa Rica

90

Belize

92

Guatemala

94

Honduras

Peru

Ecuador

Bolivia Colombia Mexico Central America

96

05 Contents

Inspiration for your Bucket List

1. Mexico

1. Mexico Tulum is a castaways dream with its jaw dropping coastline, sugar white sands, jade-green water, ancient Maya ruins and beautiful cenotes. Hip and hippie bars and boho boutiques make this this laid-back resort the perfect place to unwind.

2. Colombia 3. Ecuador

2. Colombia

6. Brazil

4. Peru

Set on the jungle-covered Caribbean coast at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Mart, the Parque Tayrona is one of the most popular national parks of Colombia. Take a hike to view the ruins of the pre-Hispanic town of Pueblito or relax in a hammock on the beach shaded with coconut palms.

5. Bolivia

3.

9. Chile

7. Uruguay

Ecuador

Lounge among marine iguana on hackled black lava, snorkel in shallow craters abundant with colourful fish, swim with playful sea lion or witness the ritualized dance of courtship of the Waved Albatross.

The Galapagos Islands will inspire you to think differently about the world.

8. Argentina

4.

Peru

Cruise the wilds of the Amazon River and see monkeys dance in the trees and pink dolphins skim the water’s surface. Interact with Amazonian Indians and learn of their intimate relationship with this natural environment on which their survival depends.

06 Latin America

10. Antarctica

5. Bolivia

9. Chile

The enchanting and colourful town of Copacabana is located on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca. For centuries it was the site of religious pilgrimages and to this day, many pilgrims still flock to the annual fiestas. Enjoy scenic walks along the lake and beyond or visit the nearby islands of Isla del Sol or Isla de la Luna.

Marvel at icy fjords, towering, snowcapped mountains, spectacular granite pillars, pink flamingos on turquoise lakes, penguins, sea lions and more in Chile’s southernmost province, Torres del Paine National Park.

6. Brazil

10. Atarctica

The Pantanal is the world’s largest freshwater wetland system covering 140,000 square kilometres. The wildlife is prolific, boasting the highest concentration of fauna in the New World.

Journey to the last frontier. Remote and untamed, Antarctica is a wildlife paradise. Its dazzling beauty has been a haven to migratory birds, penguins, whales and seals for millions of years. It’s a once in a lifetime adventure!

7. Uruguay With her glitzy restaurants, elegant seaside hotels and luminous sandy beaches, Punte del Este is South America’s most glamorous resort. Stylish shopping, hip hangouts and swanky clubs make it the ideal beach escape.

8. Argentina Saddle up and ride with the gauchos staying in a private estancia in the heart of the pampa plains at the foot of the Patagonian Andes. Be romanced by folk lore and legend.

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Patagonia and Desert – 22 nights Santiago – 2 nights Delight in tasty Chilean Cuisine and world class wines in the capital.

Torres del Paine – 4 nights Explore the marvelous southern land of Chilean Patagonia trekking, horse riding or boat cruising in Torres del Paine National Park. Discover the region famous for its mountainous landscape, fjords, glaciers and lakes.

Galapagos Islands

Cruising to Ushuaia – 4 nights

Quito

Join a cruising expedition from Punta Arenas through the Beagle Channel, around Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego.

Ecuador

Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to isolated islands to experience wildlife encounters with Magellanic Penguins, Cormorants and Elephant Seals. Hike on rocky beaches and visit historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest Yamana aboriginal settlements.

Peru

Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands

Puerto Maldonado Machu Picchu

Delight in the mesmerizing beauty of southern Chile & Argentina as you navigate through bays, islets, glaciers and fjords, cross the Beagle Channel and round the ‘End of the Earth’ at Cape Horn before arriving in Ushuaia – the southernmost city in the world.

Cusco

Ushuaia – 1 night Purmamarca Atacama

Enjoy a spectacular sunset in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.

Salta

Buenos Aires – 3 nights Visit the ‘Paris of Latin America’. Buenos Aires will captivate you with its Tango lessons, passionate football matches, polo playing ‘gauchos’ and the traditional Argentine dish ‘Asado’.

Chile Santiago

Patagonia and Desert

Argentina

Buenos Aires

Salta – 3 nights Known for its picturesque colonial architecture Salta is where Spanish culture merges with Inca. Explore the small tranquil villages along Calchaqui Valley and Humahuaca Gorge.

Purmamarca - 1 night This little village, famous for the ‘Cerro de Siete Colores’ (hill of seven colours), is the last stop on the eastern side of the Andes before crossing back to Chile.

Atacama – 4 nights

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Cross the magnificent Andes Mountains to arrive into San Pedro de Atacama.

This small town full of adobe houses is located in the driest desert in the world and has the clearest skies on the continent. Stargazing is a must!

Torres del Paine Ushuaia

Machu Picchu and Galapagos – 17 nights Amazon – 3 nights Fly to Puerto Maldonado for your real jungle experience. Take a boat transfer alongside Tambopata National Reserve, known as the biodiversity capital of Peru: a single giant tree is home to more insect species than all of Great Britain, and the variety of plant life in a single hectare far exceeds what a coast-tocoast traveler might discover in the entire United States! You will spend four days discovering the Amazon from all its perspectives: walking its jungle, navigating its rivers and viewing its wildlife.

Cusco – 2 nights Surrounded by the Andes, this picturesque city, known as the oldest capital of the Inca Empire, takes you back centuries as its architecture remains almost untouched. Visit Qoricancha, the most important Inca temple in Cusco, and wander the narrow cobblestone streets.

Quito – 2 nights Fly to Ecuador to discover the centre of the world! The historical old town of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a maze of colonial splendour.

Cruising Galapagos Islands – 5 nights

Sacred Valley – 1 night

This group of islands is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Sea lions, iguanas, blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, sharks and dolphins are amongst the many species that peacefully coexist here. Spend five days exploring the different islands.

Fly to Cusco to explore the mystical ruins of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Camping on the Galapagos Islands – 2 nights

Machu Picchu – 2 nights

Complete your journey to the islands with a two night stay in a luxury tented camp and explore this unique destination by land.

Take a train to Aguas Calientes village to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. This breathtaking archaeological complex has a privileged location and a hike to the peak of Wayna Picchu on the second day is highly recommended. Admiring the magnificent views of the ruins from the top is priceless!

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Argentina

Stretching nearly 3,500-kilometres to the very tip of South America is the land of the tango, gauchos, polo, Malbec, glacier-topped mountains and perfectly grilled steaks.

Enjoy the splendour of Buenos Aires with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and the night-owl energy of the passionate locals. Days are for strolling through pretty green parks, popping into art galleries, shopping for designer clothes and lingering over espresso at cafés. And nights roll over into morning in stylish bistros, bars and sultry tango ballrooms.

The perfect partner to Argentina’s cultural heritage is its natural beauty, stretching from desert canyons to arctic glaciers. In the Andean foothills, stay in luxurious estancias in the pampas and swim in fresh lakes and trout-filled rivers in Bariloche. Farther west, feast on the gastronomy and award-winning wines of sunny Mendoza, sample the stunning scenery of the Lake District and explore the rolling countryside of Luján de Cuyo on bike or on horseback. Along the Brazilian border, marvel at the power, size and sheer noise of Iguazú Falls.

Outside stunning Salta, traverse the mythical valleys, salt flats and ancient settlements of the Incas. Experience the majestic beauty and glacier-carved landscapes of Patagonia as you sail around monumental icebergs floating in lakes populated by colonies of penguins.

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nH igh land

s

Lima

Br

az

ilia

Bolivia

– 11 night itinerary

Pacific Ocean

Bariloche – 3 nights Bariloche is the main city of the Lake District of Patagonia. Enjoy the myriad of outdoor activities including hiking, horse riding, fly-fishing, cycling and rafting, surrounded by blue lakes immersed in green forests with views of the snowy Andes. On the banks of the Traful River, inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, you will stay at the family owned, pioneer fly-fishing ranch, Estancia Arroyo Verde.

Atacama Desert

Lakes, Wines & Falls

Paraguay Iguazú Falls

Pampas

Iguazú Falls – 2 nights On the border with Brazil and Paraguay, in the north-eastern corner of Argentina, you will discover the awe inspiring Iguazú Falls. On the Brazilian side a scenic helicopter flight delivers magnificent panoramic views, whilst a walk along the upper and lower trails on the Argentine side provides breathtaking proximity to this natural spectacle. End your visit with a thrilling speed boat adventure under the falls! Stay at the private Puerto Bemberg inside the Puerto Bemberg Reserve.

Beunos Aires

Argentina Chile

Andes

Fly north to Mendoza, a picturesque city nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Known for its famous Malbec grape you can indulge in some of the world’s finest wines and explore the stunning Andean landscapes beneath Mt Aconcagua, the highest peak on the continent (6959m). Rafting and horse riding in this region are highly recommended. Spend three nights in the family owned Cavas Wine Lodge.

Uruguay

Mendoza

Mendoza – 3 nights

Nahuel Huapi National Park

Atlantic Ocean

Buenos Aires – 3 nights Return to Buenos Aires, the “Paris of Latin America”.

Spend three days in this vibrant city visiting both the historical and cultural areas. Compliment your stay by experiencing the city just as the locals do: watch a football match, taste the best “asado” with a delicious Malbec, dance Tango or learn to play Polo!

A day at a typical ranch on The Pampas and a visit to the Tigre Sunday Market are also highly recommended. Spend two nights in Legado Mitico a stylish boutique hotel in Palermo – the trendy neighbourhood in the heart of Argentina’s capital city.

Falkland Islands Cape Horn

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Buenos Aires This grandiose capital, with its wide tree-lined avenues, vibrant café culture and cosmopolitan flair has a distinctly European character. Known as the 'Paris of South America,' this city has a joie de vivre that will inspire you to live like a local.

During the day, stroll the botanical gardens and explore museums of Palermo, sip Malbec while reading Borges or cheer on the Boca Juniors at the riotous La Bombonera. And late into the night, cut your perfectly grilled beef with a fork at a streetcorner parilla, stop for a dolcede-leche gelato at family-owned Helados Scannapieco and slink into a sultry San Telmo tango salon.

BoBo Hotel & Restaurant - A 1920s European-style mansion in the heart of trendy Palermo Viejo is transformed into an ultra-contemporary retreat This sleek boutique hotel feels like your hipster home away from home. Each of its 15 rooms is decorated with modern, minimalist flair highlighted by an energetic palette of vibrant reds against wood and leather furnishings. Some of the spacious accommodations even have their own balconies for keeping in touch with what's happening on the pulsating streets of the neighbourhood.

Popular with tourists and locals alike, the hotel's restaurant explores exotic Mediterranean flavours combined with Oriental and classic Argentine tastes and aromas. A well-curated wine list features many excellent Argentine wines.

Esquina Carlos Gardel

Alvear Palace Hotel - The historic Alvear Palace Hotel–in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood–is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The wood-paneled Lobby Bar is wildly popular with locals Old World elegance and modern technology, combined with beautiful architecture and opulent Empire and Louis XV décor, make this one of the city's loveliest hideaways. All 191 elegant guest rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, bottled water and daily fresh flower arrangements and fruit baskets. In the vast marble bathrooms, you will find Hermes de Paris toiletries.

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Unwind in the Alvear Spa & Fitness Centre, featuring a pampering spa, a wellness area, and a kenesis and high-tech fitness area. Enjoy a buffet lunch or a classic high tea at L'Orangerie or have a drink at the Lobby Bar, unchanged since 1932.

For a more formal meal, choose La Bourgogne, a white-tablecloth restaurant, where Chef Jean-Paul Bondoux creates a refined French cuisine. Located in the heart of Recoleta, the city's most exclusive downtown neighbourhood, Alvear Palace is just steps away from chic restaurants, cafés and boutiques, and only five minutes' away from the financial district.

Esquina Carlos Gardel, a 1940s-style club, is located in the traditional quarter of Abasto, just metres away from the home of legendary Tango King, Carlos Gardel, and very near the city centre. Enjoy fine international cuisine, local Argentine specialties and a wide selection of wines from La Rural winery while watching elegant dancers and listening to sultry-voiced singers accompanied by a traditional tango orchestra.

Faena Hotel+Universe Experience classical Argentine food at El Mercado and international specialities at the elegant El Bistro, or catch the city's best tango performance at El Cabaret. Located in the arts district, close to the popular San Telmo colonial neighbourhood and the financial district, Faena Hotel+Universe is the only destination hotel in Buenos Aires offering big views of the city and surrounding parks of the Puerto Madero area.

MIO BUENOS AIRES On a leafy street in the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood, MIO BUENOS AIRES is an elegant 30-room, wine-themed hotel–even the spa features wine-inspired treatments. The open-plan rooms are large and dramatic with comfortable beds and burled-wood soaking tubs. A cooked breakfast is included. Close to high-end shopping, museums and galleries, and just blocks from the historic Recoleta Cemetary where Evita is buried.

Algodon Mansion Situated in Recoleta, one of Buenos Aires' most elegant neighbourhoods, Algodon Mansion is an all-suite, Relais & Chateaux luxury boutique hotel. Enjoy a cocktail in the Veuve Clicquot Lounge or the Davidoff Cigar Lounge on the rooftop terrace. The sophisticated restaurant, Chez Nous, takes Argentine wine and gastronomy to a whole new level. Enliven your spirit and nourish your soul at the rooftop pool and adjoining spa.

Legado Mitico Buenos Aires In the heart of Palermo Viejo, the city's most fashion-forward district, this boutique hotel has 11 individually-themed rooms subtly inspired by famous people from Argentina's rich history and culture. Each room in this cosy-chic urban townhouse is equipped with air-conditioning and heating, cable TV, Wi-Fi, safe-deposit box, DDN and DDI phone, minibar, hair-dryer and pillow menu. Adults only. Breakfast is included.

Sofitel Buenos Aires When this 19-floor Neo-Classical landmark was built in the 1920s, it was the city's first skyscraper. The 140 comfortable and luxurious guest rooms and interiors were created by famed French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Le Sud, the gourmet restaurant, combines haute French cuisine with the best local products. For seven consecutive years, Condé Nast Traveller has named this hotel one of the 'World's Best Places to Stay.'

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Alvear Art Hotel - The Alvear Art Hotel, the newest member of the Alvear Experience, is contemporary, comfortable and just steps away from the city’s historic buildings, restaurants, cafés and shopping

1. Alvear Palace Hotel

The Alvear Art Hotel, opened in 2013, is located in the financial, commercial and cultural centre of the city. It is five minutes' from the new corporate district in Puerto Madero, a few blocks from the financial area and close to the elegant boutiques that line Santa Fe Avenue and Florida Street.

2. BoBo Hotel & Restaurant

The hotel boasts chic and contemporary interiors, accented throughout by unique art pieces from the owner’s private collection. Each of the 139 sun-filled rooms and suites is decorated in restful neutrals–whites, creams and warm browns. Sheets are crisp Egyptian cotton and there are jacuzzi tubs in the marble bathrooms. Enjoy panoramic city views from the top-floor spa, fitness centre, solarium and heated pool. Sample international cuisine in the finedining restaurant or have a light snack at the lobby bar. Business travellers will appreciate the attractive meeting rooms and high-tech business centre. Wi-Fi and wired broadband Internet are complimentary.

6. Algodon Mansion

3. Esquina Carlos Gardel 4. Faena Hotel+Universe 5. Mio Buenos Aires 7. Legado Mitico Buenos Aires 8. Sofitel Buenos Aires 9. Alvear Art Hotel

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The Pampas Traditions of Argentina's celebrated gauchos were born on the flat, fertile grasslands of the Pampas.

Staying at their extravagant estancias, you can't help getting caught up in the romance and lore.

Estancia Villa Maria - One of the most distinguished country hotels in Argentina Estancia Villa Maria, a 45-minute drive from Buenos Aires, is like staying at the country estate of a rich uncle. The hotel features 11 elegantly-decorated and comfortable suites in a charming 1920s manor house set in 180-acres of landscaped parkland. Amenities include four-poster beds with 300-thread Egyptian cotton sheets, LCD televisions with satellite and breakfast in bed.

Relax by the pool, wander the grounds, ride a horse or ride in a carriage, take a private polo lesson, play tennis or billiards, and enjoy gourmet meals paired with Argentine wines. Room rate includes full board with beverages. Named one of the best traditional hotels in the world by Forbes Traveller.

Vicuna in the Pampas

Estancia de Charme El ColibrĂ­ - Experience the Gaucho lifestyle on this working ranch Estancia El ColibrĂ­, a Relais & Chateaux property, is a working farm, ranch and Polo Club. The nine rooms and suites, decorated with art and antiques, offer postcard-perfect views of the Pampas. All rooms have a wood-burning fireplace, satellite TV, DVD player, mini-bar, safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi. 2 1,3

1. Estancia Villa Maria 2. Estancia de Charme El ColibrĂ­ 3. Estancia La Oriental

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Activities include horseback riding, polo school, yoga lessons, mountain biking, bird watching, trekking, swimming, helping with farm chores or being pampered at the spa.

The chef creates multi-course menus using the freshest farm products harvested just a few metres from the kitchen door. An extensive selection of Argentine wines is offered in the wine cellar. Room rate includes full board.

Estancia La Oriental - Step back in time to a ranch whose history spans more than a century On a historic, 2,500-acre private ranch in the heart of The Pampas, Estancia La Oriental allows guests to experience the authentic Argentina. The main house (built in 1880) exudes the charm of a bygone era. Each of its seven suites has a big fireplace, soft bed and is decorated with antiques bought from Europe by the original owners. Explore the immense grounds on foot, by horse, bike or in a horse-drawn cart. Kayak, canoe and windsurf in the lagoon or simply relax.

Meals, served family style, include fresh fruit from the orchard and freshly baked bread. For dinner, asado and Argentine wine at a picnic table in the moonlight.

Room rate includes full board.

Posada Salentein Perched 1,500-metres above sea level, Posada Salentein sits in Uco Valley at the foot of the Andes. The 16 serene guest rooms have the simplicity of a rustic ranch but the amenities and services of a luxury hotel. Sharing the vast property are the Salentein Winery and vineyards, Killka Art Gallery (works by contemporary Argentine artists and 19thcentury Dutch Masters) and a traditionally-built Andean Gratitude Chapel.

Wine Region

Cavas Wine Lodge

Savour the region's flavourful fullbodied wines in Mendoza, Argentina's gorgeous grape-growing capital. In between sumptuous, private meals at wineries, take on the soaring Andes on foot, horseback or skis.

Located near some of the area's top wineries, Cavas Wine Lodge sits in its own 55-acre vineyard with great views of the snow-capped Andes. Choose from 14 luxe rooms or three vineyard villas. The spacious underground cellar showcases 250 of the best wines from the Mendoza region. Enjoy a tasting with the sommelier, a private dinner in the wine cellar and Wine Therapy Spa Treatments. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Rancho 'e Cuero With panoramic views over the Uco Valley, this 7,500-acre, family-run ranch offers privacy, outdoor adventure and relaxation, along with a classic estancia experience. Rancho 'e Cuero customises each stay to a guest's wishes–horse riding, trekking, fly fishing, 4WD excursions and delicious home-cooked meals. En-suite rooms are in two stone-and-wood lodges built from native materials and decorated in rustic mountain style.

Bodega Tapiz and Club Tapiz Club Tapiz is an 11-room boutique hotel with an award-winning restaurant and its own bodega in Argentina's wine-growing region.

Large guest rooms in this elegant 1890s Italiante villa have tall windows with big views of the Andes. Local wines and produce from the hotel's organic garden are served in the restaurant. Breakfast, spa access, wine tastings, visits to Tapiz Winery and Tapiz Olive Oil Factory are included.

Entre Cielos - This architecturally significant hotel offers seclusion and relaxation in the heart of Argentine wine country Opened in 2011, this luxury hotel and spa has 16 contemporary, wine-themed rooms and sits surrounded by vineyards in the foothills of the Andes. The more adventuresome may want to spend the night in 'Limited Edition'–a futuristic loft (on stilts) overlooking the vineyard. Inspired by the beauty of the region, Entre Cielos is made up of four essential elements: the hotel for luxurious living, the Hamam & Spa for relaxing wellness, the restaurants for savoury sensations, and the wine to connect with the earth and intensely blue skies of Mendoza.

The experienced staff includes a concierge to perfectly tailor your vacation– exquisite wine tastings, private picnics in the vineyard or trekking in the Andes.

In the spa, book a hamam (traditional Turkish bath) treatment and a wineinspired massage or body wrap. Two on-site restaurants–the Beef Club and the Katharina–pair local cuisine with local wines. The wine tradition here dates back 80 years. Try the award-winning Malbec. A full breakfast and classic 90-minute Hamam Circuit is included in the room rate.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

1. Posada Salentein 2. Cavas Wine Lodge 3. Rancho’e Cuero 4. Bodega Tapiz and Club Tapiz 5. Entre Cielos

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Iguazú Falls Enveloped by thick tropical rainforest—on the border between Argentina and Brazil—the Iguazú Falls are one of the world's most wondrous (and deafening) sights. From footpaths above and below the spray, feel the raw power of more than 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape for over three kilometres. For an even more heart-pounding and drenching thrill, glide beneath the Devil's Throat, an awesome waterfall whose spray is visible from seven kilometres away.

Stay longer to canoe the jungle rivers where monkeys, yaguareté, parrots, toucans and all manner of reptiles, fowl, mammals, fish and over 400 species of butterflies live.

Posada Puerto Bemberg - In the heart of the Atlantic Jungle, this romantic 14-room retreat is a turn-of-century inn along the banks of the Paraná River Owned for over a century by the conservation-conscious Bemberg family, this nearly 1,000-acre estate is a protected nature reserve, a jungle recovery project (more than 5,000 native trees and plants), an organic orchard and vegetable garden. The posada has comfortable rooms, a restaurant offering local cuisine (try the grilled pacú river fish) and a wine cellar stocked with excellent vintages.

In the library, sink-into chairs and more than 2,500 books. Take the jungle walk to a viewing platform overlooking the river. Enjoy tranquillity, an orange sunset, and tropical mojitos. Iguazú Falls is only 30-kilometres away.

Yacutinga Lodge - A family friendly lodge offering a truly authentic jungle adventure

Estancia Rincón del Socorro & Estancia San Alonso - Explore this private conservation area on horseback or by boat to experience amazing wildlife – from pumas to anteater

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Formerly a cattle ranch, Estancia Rincón del Socorro is a 29,700-acre nature reserve on the edge of the Iberá wetlands in northeastern Argentina. Comfortable and done in a low-key rustic style, the six guest rooms preserve the original feel of the 1896 ranch house. Explore the rugged wetlands and savannas on horseback or by boat, accompanied by a nature guide. Estancia San Alonso is a 26,600-acre ranch, with five rustic-chic suites, located in the heart of the Esteros del Iberá. The secluded property sits on the shore of Parana Lake and offers daily wildlife-spotting trips onto the savannah and into native forests.

Yacutinga Lodge is located 60-kilometres from Argentina’s Iguazú Falls.

Splendidly isolated on 1,410-acres, Yacutinga's main building and four-room cabins blend seamlessly with the landscape and are sustainably built out of wood, adobe, and recycled materials. You reach the lodge by gliding through the rainforest in a carved-out wooden canoe. Ingredients for the hearty, home-made meals (included in the price of the room) come mainly from neighbouring farms.

Designed as a tourism project to aid the conservation of the Iguazú Rainforest, profits from the lodge help fund biological studies and environmental improvements on its reserve and the neighbouring community. Naturalists, ecologists and native Guarani people offer tours and talks about the jungle ecosystem. Expect to see monkeys, exotic birds (parrots and toucans) and countless stunning butterflies. The lodge's philosophy is, 'Only by navigating the jungle waters and hiking the trails will your visit become a genuine interaction with one of the most diverse wildlife sanctuaries in the world–the Atlantic Rainforest.'

2

1, 3

1. Posada Puerto Bemberg 2. Estancia Rinc贸n del Socorro

& Estancia San Alonso 3. Yacutinga Lodge

Iguaz煤 Falls

17 Latin America

Salta and Beyond The name Salta comes from the Aymara Indian word 'sagta', meaning 'beautiful one', and as you meander through the town's narrow colonial streets – lined with perfectly preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings and houses with wooden balconies – you will see the name still very much applies. Nearby in Cafayate, drive through pink sand valleys dotted with cactus and taste the region's aromatic white wine, Torrontes. From the surreal Seven Colours Hill in Purmamarca, follow the Inca caravan route through Humahuaca gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, where today, Quechuan women tend to their goats amid the ancient empire's ruins.

El Manantial del Silencio

Hotel Solar de la Plaza

- In the Quebrada de Humahuaca Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and facing the spectacular Hill of Seven Colours

- Centrally located on a leafy square in the historic district of Salta

This charming hotel, set in tranquil gardens, is just a five-minute walk from the tiny village of Purmamarca in Argentina's northwestern Jujuy Province. Built out of indigenous materials–adobe walls and cane-and-wood roofing–El Manantial maintains the spirit of colonial architecture. The 19-rooms have big beds, granite-and-ceramic baths, whitewashed walls, flagstone floors, locally woven rugs and simple windows framing views of red-rock cliffs. Families may want the two-bedroom self-contained house. A large, sunny dining room serves local dishes, including llama. The solar-powered pool is pleasantly warm year round.

A colonial-style mansion built in 1950, this hotel is the former residence of the Patrón Costas family and it still feels like being a guest in a private aristocratic home. Distinctive tile roofs, wood floors, large windows, flower-filled patios and internal gardens have all been restored. Iron, bronze and wood bedsteads in each of the 28-rooms and two suites were created by local artisans.

La Terraza Restaurant serves regional and international dishes. An outdoor rooftop pool offers 360-degree views of the city. Located across General Güemes Square in the heart of old town, the hotel is just a few blocks from the business district and tourist attractions.

Hotel La Merced del Alto - This stately white-adobe hotel is beautifully situated with big views over the entire valley Built in a colonial-monastic style in 2006, this hotel looks like it has always been here. There are 14 large guest rooms–some double, some patio rooms and some suites–all decorated in white with curved archways and wrought iron fixtures.

The stylish dining room serves nouvelle Argentine cuisine paired with regional wines, or opt for a seat at the table in the cool wine cellar. The pool, surrounded by gardens, has striking views of the surrounding Nevada de Cachi Mountains.

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The town of Cachi is two kilometres away, the city of Salta is 60-kilometres which makes this hotel a great base for exploring the area's pre-Inca ruins and high-altitude vineyards.

Souvenir ceramics, Humahuaca

Estancia Las Carreras

Hotel Huacalera

- Brimming with history, Las Carreras is one of the oldest estancias in the Calchaqui Valley

- A showcase for local folk art in the heart of Quebrada de Humahuaca

Built in 1718 by the Jesuits with local materials like adobe, straw, reed and alder, all the ranch's rooms face central courtyards as was typical of the colonial architecture of the time. Nestled in a landscape of awe-inspiring beauty, the retreat sits at the foot of majestic hills that rise and fall between 2,600 to 4,500 metres. Each of the ten bedrooms has a historical, monastic look but with comfortable beds. The decor is simple period furniture combined with locally woven fabrics.

Originally built in the 1940s, this 32-room boutique hotel combines modern design with ancient Andean traditions. White-washed walls and dramatic lighting showcase an eclectic mix of paintings and weavings by local artists.

The furniture–some made especially for the hotel–is a mix of comfortable and contemporary. Generously proportioned guest rooms have big beds and large terraces. The spa offers treatments using local ingredients. Choose to eat indoors at the white-tablecloth restaurant or outdoors under the stars. The food is organic and home grown. Activities include trekking, mountain biking, 4WD, horseback riding and visiting charming nearby villages.

Discover the culture of the area by horse riding, visiting local artisans and eating Argentina's famous Manchego cheese (factory established in the 18th century).

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1. El Manantial del Silencio 2. Hotel La Merced del Alto 3. Hotel Solar de la Plaza 4. Estancia Las Carreras 5. Hotel Huacalera

Seven Colours Hill, Purmamarca

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Northern Patagonia Nothing can prepare you for Northern Patagonia. Its beauty defies expectation. The alluring shoreline of Lake Nahuel Huapi, a glacial finger lake, will astound.

The terrain of Nahuel Huapi National Park, one of Argentina’s most-visited national parks, rises through forest to pinnacles and ice fields of the Andes. Volcan Lanin, located in the northernmost sector of Argentina’s fabled Lake District, is the snow-capped centrepiece of the Lanín National Park. Buildings surrounding the central square of San Carlos de Bariloche (gateway to the largest ski area in South America) represent the best of Argentine Patagonia’s architecture.

Luma Casa de Montana Hotel - On the shores of spectacular Lake Nahuel Huapi, this is an ideal spot for adventure lovers and relaxation seekers Set in the midst of unspoiled natural beauty with the imposing Andean range as a backdrop, this luxury hotel has eight spacious suites with great beds and stunning lake views. Some even have floating terraces, perfect for curling up with a book and a glass of pinot noir. Modern amenities include satellite TV and WiFi. Deep bathtubs are ideal for a long soak after a day in the great outdoors–lake fishing, horseback riding and exploring nearby Nahuel Huapi National Park.

The restaurant serves fresh, local dishes. The spa offers an extensive treatment menu. Guests can enjoy a moonlight dip in the heated indoor/outdoor pool.

Latin America

Llao Llao Resort & Golf Spa - Llao Llao is a classic 1940s hotel perched among the mountains and lakes of Nahuel Huapi National Park Part rustic ranch and part Swiss chalet, this family friendly hotel has 149 guest rooms, 12 suites and 43 new studios and suites with mountain or lake views.

El Casco Art Hotel - Expansive views across the lake and artwork everywhere– throughout the grounds and the entire hotel

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Lake Nahuel Huapi

On the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and 15-minutes' away from Bariloche, El Casco Art Hotel is located in one of the most beautiful spots in Patagonia.

This luxury hotel showcases an impressive collection of 475 paintings and sculptures by notable Argentine artists. Each of the 33 suites is named after the artist displayed. More art is shown in all public areas of the hotel. The dining room looks out over the lake and features local dishes paired with wines from the 1,700-bottle cellar.

After a day mountain biking, white water rafting or exploring the lake, guests relax with a cup of tea or glass of wine by the heated pool or jacuzzi.

The resort offers year-round activities including guided nature walks, trekking, kayaking and mountain biking. An 18-hole golf course beckons, play golf or a cross-golf-lacrosse combination played with an oval ball. During July and August, skiing on nearby Mount Catedral’s slopes. A full-service spa and an indoor/outdoor heated pool are ideal for relaxing at the end of the day. The three restaurants serve innovative local and international cuisine.

Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa On the shore of a peaceful lake with vast mountain views, this romantic hotel has welcomed guests for 20 years. Canoe on the lake, explore on horseback or just relax and be pampered in the spa. The 15 large, light-filled rooms have lake views. In the baths, Orlane and La Prairie toiletries. The wood-paneled dining room has lake views or dine right out on the pier. The sommelier leads vertical tastings of local wines.

Rio Hermoso Hotel - On the grassy banks of a quiet river, this boutique hotel offers privacy, comfort and close contact with nature Rio Hermoso Hotel is a peaceful wilderness retreat in Lanin National Park, a Patagonian playground of picture-postcard forested mountains and crystal clear lakes.

The hotel has seven airy guest rooms and suites (some with private terraces) decorated in earth tones. The restaurant has big river-view windows and serves regional favourites (freshwater fish and smoked wild boar) with an international flair. In the evenings, relax in the cosy library-living room with a fireplace, TV and DVD player. Long benches along the river bank are ideal for nature watching. Or wade out into the river to try your hand with a fly rod.

El Aura Lodge, Lago Verde

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- Anglers and nature lovers can experience the wildness of nature while also enjoying the comforts of a cosy retreat

Correntoso Lake & River Hotel - This historic Relais & Chateaux retreat features one of the most dramatic vistas in Northern Patagonia On bluff overlooking the confluence of the Correntoso River and the Nahuel Huapi Lake, Correntoso Lake & River Hotel was built in 1917 to cater to fisherman.

Remodelled in 2003, the 49 elegantly rustic rooms have big, comfortable beds and deep soaking tubs. Each room looks out on the unspoiled beauty of lake, mountains and the national park beyond.

Activities include fly fishing, trekking, horse riding, kayaking, mountain biking and, in winter, skiing (both Nordic and Alpine) and snowboarding.

The Gourmet Restaurant features Patagonian-Mediterranean cuisine and the wine list includes Malbec from Argentina’s top producers.

El Aura Lodge, Lago Verde sits in the heart of the 500,000 acre Los Alerces National Park and perches right on the shores of a trout-filled lake. The Park, created in 1937 to protect the last area where one of the oldest trees on earth (the alerce or lahuan) can still be found, has become an anglers' and nature lovers' paradise. The expansive stone-and-glass main lodge and restaurant are surrounded by cosy two-bedroom, two-bath cottages equipped with modern conveniences—the perfect setting for immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. Enjoy hearty meals in the casual, contemporary dining room, in your own cottage or arrange for a complete candlelit dinner on your private deck.

Experienced guides can take you fly fishing or accompany you on the endless trails of the National Park—across glaciers and through forests of ancient trees.

Mountain trekking or riding through the wild landscape—mountain creeks and frozen lagoons—are excellent options to discover and explore this remote, incredibly scenic area.

1. Luma Casa de Montana Hotel 2. El Casco Art Hotel 3. Llao Llao Resort & Golf Spa 4. Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa 5. Rio Hermoso Hotel 6. Correntoso Lake & River Hotel 7. El Aura Lodge, Lago Verde

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Horse Riding Experience the ultimate freedom– riding through vast grasslands where rolling hills rise to meet snow-capped mountains, stopping to view ancient Indian burial sites or to fish pristine rivers and lakes.

JakoTango Riding Safaris - Be a Gaucho for ten days while enjoying the comforts of mobile safari camps, private villas and estancias 1 1

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1. JakoTango Riding Safaris

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JakoTango Riding Safaris offers adventures on horseback with experienced guide and expert horseman Jakob van Plessen who was raised in Argentina and has been around horses since childhood. The journey begins at Estancia Tres Lagos on the shores of Lake Filo, north of Bariloche in the Andean Mountains.

Here, the ride allows you to trek through picturesque mountain valleys astride your Gaucho pony. These purpose-bred Creolle ponies are sturdy, honest, stocky and able to trek up mountain passes which are otherwise inaccessible.

The romance of your journey continues to Isla Don Felipe, a lush green island in the Tigre Delta, located upstream from Buenos Aires and the site of vast fruit plantations in the 19th century. The Tudor-styled villa is a welcome change from Patagonian climate and gives riders a chance to recharge before the next riding experience. Journeying south, a surprise awaiting you is the equally amazing homestead–Estancia El Boqueron–architecturally traditional in style and set in magnificent gardens, forests and farm lands. Both properties are owned by Jakob’s family and offer impeccable hospitality and access to elegant private homes not often open to the general public.

Those who enjoy hiking will want to explore the farm. You can also take a gentle ride through horizons of golden wheat fields, visiting neighbouring estancias en-route. Hunter-jumpers will want to try the 28-jump steeplechase course. For those keen on polo, take to the field and enjoy the thrill of the sport that is a long-standing Argentine tradition. There is also rafting, shooting, fly fishing, wallowing in cool, turquoise mountain rivers, croquet, pimms cocktails on the porch and plenty of Argentine tango–all on your doorstep.

The ten-night adventures, limited to six riders, offer luxurious accommodations and breathtaking scenery. It is an equestrian experience of a lifetime. Departures are from November through to March.

Estancia Rincón Chico - This remote and serene estancia lets you get close to wildlife The Estancia Rincón Chico is located on the south east coast of Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Thousands of elephant seals, sea lions, right whales, orcas, Magellanic penguins and dolphins have made their home on the estancia's 15-kilometres of private beach. Nature guides take hotel guests up close (but not too close) to the wildlife. And the beaches are a natural laboratory for wildlife conservation scientists. The property is so remote that running water is piped in from a water well and electricity is provided by wind generators. However, the rooms are very cosy and comfortable, and the restaurant serves delicious home-made bread, entrees and desserts.

Atlantic Coast Sight whales off Peninsula Valdes.

Watch sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, Magellanic penguins and other sea creatures year-round in the ocean and along the beaches of Golf San Jose and Golfe Neuvo.

Hotel Territorio - At the gateway to one of Argentina's hidden gems–the extraordinary wildlife sanctuary of Valdes Peninsula Located near the seaside town of Puerto Madryn, this boutique hotel is a great base to explore the Valdes Peninsula. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and an area home to foxes, armadillos, rheas, guanacos, sea lions, orcas, elephant seals, Magellanic penguins as well as enormous populations of southern right whales. It is possible to spot a pod of whales whilst relaxing in the hot tub.

All of the 36-rooms and suites have open views of the steppe, the bay and the vast Patagonian Sea beyond. The interior of each room, marked by gentle curves, is an aesthetic extension of the area's rugged geography. Mixing traditional and modern materials, the well-appointed accommodations are warm and simple but include all the modern conveniences.

The spa has a sauna, hydro-massage, Scottish shower, and offers a wide variety of relaxing massages and beauty treatments. The white-tablecloth restaurant serves delicious Patagonian cuisine full of fresh regional ingredients (local seafood and lamb), complemented by a selection of Argentine wines.

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El Pedral Lodge - Once a sheep farm, this off-the-beaten-track estancia gives guests an authentic Patagonian experience Located on 42,000-acres, the historic and elegant El Pedral Lodge is perfect for experiencing nature. A short stroll from the house gets you very close to penguins and sea lions. Long stony beaches host elephant seals and countless species of marine and terrestrial birds. For the more adventurous, experience trekking, mountain-biking, horse riding along the cliffs, sand-boarding the dunes or fishing for shark (from a boat).

With romantic balustrades and an ocean-view verandah, this 19th century Norman-style hotel has a unique rustic charm. Bedrooms are basic but comfortable. Home-cooked food, served family style, is hearty and delicious.

1. Hotel Territorio 2. Estancia Rincón Chico 3. El Pedral Lodge

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Southern Patagonia Astonishing scenery combined with exceptional hiking and mountain climbing creates the most unforgettable Southern Patagonian adventure. Experience the natural wonders of this region– from The Glaciers National Park where chunks of Moreno Glacier cannonball into a crystalline lake to El Chaltén (Argentina’s trekking capital) where jagged peaks of the Fitz Roy Range loom over the valley. Spreading along the southern shore of Lago Argentino, the city of El Calafate is the poster child for Argentina’s tourism boom, offering exceptional estancias, restaurants, shopping, and is the gateway to the spectacular Moreno Glacier.

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Los Glaciares National Park

Estancia Cristina - The lodge is located within The Glaciers National Park and is accessible only by boat Located in El Calafate, inside The Glaciers National Park and right on the shore of Argentino Lake, Estancia Cristina is accessible only by boat. It's short journey offers magnificent views of Upsala Glacier, the biggest in the National Park.

A visit to Estancia Cristina can be for the day or overnight in one of 12 cosy and comfortable rooms. Both day and overnight guests can explore numerous hiking trails at various levels of difficulty, ride horseback and fly fish for trophy rainbow trout. Dinner includes Patagonian lamb, fresh vegetables and homemade breads. Box lunches are available. Named in Conde Nast's Traveller's Gold List in 2012.

EOLO - Patagonia's Spirit - In the Patagonian steppe and close to the notable glaciers of the area, Eolo is the southernmost Relais & Chateaux in the world With jaw-dropping 360-degree views, Eolo sits majestically on the wild and legendary Patagonian steppe where everything is windy, barren and vast but breathtakingly beautiful. Located within a 10,000-acre estancia, the intimate Eolo has 17 large guest rooms (furnished with authentic estancia furniture)–all with floor-to-ceiling windows for big views of the Andes or Lago Argentino.

Sunrise and sunset are, in a word, spectacular.

Only 25-kilometres from the town of El Calafate and en-route to the Perito Moreno Glacier, the hotel's location is convenient to town, to the El Calafate airport and the area's natural attractions. Outdoor activities include trekking, bird watching, 4WD, mountain biking, and horse back riding with experienced guides. Within The Glaciers National Park, hotel guests can enjoy glacier tours, ice trekking and glacier hiking. The hotel prepares gourmet picnic lunches, complete with wine, for guests setting out to tour the Park. Room rate includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

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Hosteria Alta Vista - Solitude, peace and a closeness with nature in the vastness that is Patagonia Alta Vista is situated in an incomparable setting, from where you can see the Patagonian geography with all its diversity; the Andes mountains, immense plains, lakes, forests and majestic glaciers. Ideally located 30-kilometres from El Calafate and 45-kilometres from Perito Moreno Glacier. Alta Vista is part of Estancia Anita, the largest in the region, with over 20,000 sheep and 170,000-acres. Built in the 1930s, the hotel offers six large, airy double rooms and one suite, all decorated in a classic Patagonian style.

Activities include horseback riding, bird watching, mountain biking and fly fishing. Guests enjoy traditional barbecue's and, after dinner, local folk music.

1. EOLO - Patagonia’s Spirit 2. Estancia Cristina 3. Hosteria Alta Vista

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Chile

Long and slender, Chile stretches more than half the continent—from the driest desert to the highest volcanoes, to beaches, rainforests and massive glaciers.

Stretched out along the Pacific coast, Chile is packed with phenomenal and diverse vistas. Geological idiosyncrasies – the highest volcano and the driest desert in the world, rainforests, floating anad hanging glaciers – have created striking landscapes, each inspiring unforgettable adventures.

Four-wheel drive over the lunar landscape and glistening salt flats, dotted with flamingo-filled lakes, in the Atacama Desert. Trek through vast ice fields, tropical forests and watch the Andes disappear into the Patagonian Sea. Spend days battling whitewater rapids or gently floating on quiet lagoons, scaling icy blue glaciers or soaking in hot springs amidst ancient volcanoes. Trot on horseback over rolling green hills in the Central Valley, the heart of Chile’s wine country.

In between exciting expeditions, get pampered at an amazing luxury lodge.

Chile’s natural gifts are spectacular but urban culture vultures have plenty to sink their teeth into. Santiago, the country’s cosmopolitan capital, has both the energy of a thriving metropolis and the quaint nostalgia of a colonial town. New art galleries, boutiques and restaurants make this exuberant city the perfect base from which to explore.

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ds nH igh lan

Br

az

ilia

Bolivia

Pacific Ocean

Atacama Desert

Easter Island

Paraguay Atacama Desert

The Mystic Triangle

Pampas

– 11 night itinerary

Uruguay

Atacama Desert – 4 nights

Santiago

In the far north of Chile lies the Atacama Desert – considered to be the driest desert in the world. From your base at the spectacular Explora Atacama Lodge discover an area of astonishing natural beauty.

Argentina

Each day you can choose from a wide range of explorations – by bicycle or four wheel drive, on foot or horseback.

Chile

Andes

Visit the enormous Atacama salt flat with its emerald green lagoons and pink flamingos and explore the wonderful natural phenomenon of the Moon Valley and Tatio Geysers.

Atlantic Ocean

Easter Island – 3 nights Located 3,700 km west of Chile in the Pacific Ocean is Easter Island, one of the most remote and mysterious destinations on the planet.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site it is the cradle of an unusual and enigmatic culture which endures to this day. The language, music and many traditions remain alive while the enormous carved stone “Moai” tell of a remote past.

Discover the island by land and sea from the luxurious Explora Rapa Nui Lodge. The wide range of activities include hiking or bicycle riding around the islands important geographical and archaeological heritage sites, as well as fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving in the Earth’s most transparent waters.

Torres del Paine – 4 nights Explore the marvellous southern domain of Chilean Patagonia – from fjords to glaciers, lakes, rivers and mountains. The host of plants and animals that have adapted and evolved amidst forceful winds, low temperatures and incessant rain are truly remarkable. From the refined comfort of Explora Patagonia enjoy trekking or horse riding in Torres del Paine National Park.

Torres del Paine National Park

Falkland Islands Cape Horn

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Santiago and Beyond Touching down in Santiago, wrapped in a cloak of snow-dusted Andean peaks, is a spectacular start to your Chilean adventure. After years of prosperity and stability, the country's glittering capital boasts a myriad of museums, restaurants, nightlife and parks whose number and quality rival those of more famous Buenos Aires.

While here, dive into the vibrant new fashion, art and dining scenes in Vitacura, check out the designer stores on Alonso de Córdova, and stroll through the rejuvenated colonial centre where once-crumbling 19th century mansions and abandoned factories have been converted into chic bistros and galleries.

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Le Reve Boutique Hotel

W Santiago

- Style and service is inspired by small hotels in Paris

- Fusing landmark architecture with high-concept interior design

Le Reve Boutique Hotel is designed for travellers who demand premium service as well as an unforgettable experience. The handsome four-story town house is located amid the embassies and private mansions on a quiet street off the bustling Avenue Providencia.

The 31 guest rooms open to balconies with courtyard or garden views. Other amenities include flat-panel TV with cable, complimentary Wi-Fi, a limo/town car service and an experienced concierge to help with dinner reservations and tickets to shows and museums.

A large chinoiserie-and-porcelain sitting room doubles as a cheery breakfast area. Breakfast is included. The kitchen is open 24-hours for beverages or snacks.

Against a panoramic backdrop of snow-capped Andes, the stylish and sophisticated W Santiago is located along a boulevard with many fashionable shops and restaurants in the upscale Los Condes neighbourhood. Enjoy creative Chilean cuisine at the outdoor restaurant (Terraza), martinis and music in Whiskey Blue or stop in the Wine Tasting Room for a vertical tasting of the top Chilean wines. Zen down or work out at O2 Balance & Wellness Club. Enjoy the rooftop lap pool with its nearly 360-degree views of city and mountains. The 196 comfortable rooms and suites feature the signature W Bed (hypoallergenic bedding is available). Wi-Fi is available for a fee and pets are welcome.

The Aubrey Boutique Hotel - A stylish, design-driven boutique hotel in Santiago The Aubrey Hotel offers personalised service and a great location. Nestled at the foot of Santiago's Metropolitan Park, the hotel is just steps from restaurants, nightlife, and cultural and recreational activities.

The hotel is located within a restored 1927 mansion, paying homage to Bellavista's storied past while dazzling with a modern aesthetic that defines cool. In other words, the décor seamlessly combines old and new, antique and modern. The 15 generously sized guest rooms are individually decorated in warm wood, polished copper and brightly coloured cushions. Breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Named one of the Best Hotels in Chile in 2011 by National Geographic.

Lastarria Boutique Hotel - A quiet oasis in a tree-lined neighbourhood brimming with galleries and cafés The 12-room Lastarria Boutique Hotel sits on a quiet street a few minutes' walk from some of Santiago’s most popular cafés, restaurants, museum and shops.

Built in 1927 in Lastarria (now Santiago's most bohemian neighbourhood), the mansion was carefully restored and updated while preserving the unique oak and marble features. Sunny guest rooms have tall ceilings and are smartly decorated.

Generous bathrooms are outfitted with walk-in showers with rainfall shower heads. In the walled and shady garden, there's a heated lap pool. Soothing and rejuvenating massages are available in the diminutive spa. Breakfast is included in the room rate and Wi-Fi is complimentary.

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Hotel Palacio Astoreca - Located in the historic quarter of Valparaiso, Palacio Astoreca was built in 1923 as a Victorian palace, and recently restored into a boutique hotel Hotel Palacio Astoreca opened in September 2012, after a three-year restoration maintaining the original façade and part of the interior architecture. Each of the 23 guest rooms combines antiques with modern conveniences. Handcrafted pillows, blankets and rugs were woven by Andean artisans. The rooms have views of the city, the hills or the Bay of Valpariso. Relax at the spa’s heated swimming pool, the hammam or book a massage. Sample some of Chile’s finest wines in the cellar or toast the sunset with a pisco sour out on the terrace. The on-site restaurant serves a fusion of European and Chilean cuisine, including local seafood and produce.

The hotel is near the famous Yugoslavo pedestrian walk, the Fine Arts Museum at Barburizza Palace and El Peral funicular, all in the heart of the popular Cerro Alegre Hill. It is the perfect setting to view the natural amphitheatre-like and colourful layout of this seaport city, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

Plaza de Armas

1. Le Reve Boutique Hotel 2. The Aubrey Boutique Hotel 3. W Santiago 4. Lastarria Boutique Hotel 5. Hotel Palacio Astoreca

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Cabaña del Lago Hotel Cabaña del Lago Hotel is the ideal place to discover the city of Puerto Varas, Lake Llanquihue and all the attractions of a region with an abundance of nature, an exceptional cuisine and a rich cultural heritage. A familyrun retreat since 1980, the 130-room hotel is perched hillside with stunning panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes. The privileged position makes it an excellent gateway for Patagonian adventures.

Central Chile and Beyond The Central Valley is famous for raucous rodeos and award-winning wines. Gracious haciendas provide lodging for 'wine route' travellers; Valparaíso, a lovely seaside city, offers culture and seafood.

Hotel Antumalal This 22-room boutique hotel sits on the banks of Lake Villarrica just two kilometres from the vacation town of Pucón. Built in the 1950s, its sleek lines and stunning slanted windows mirror the terraced park that surrounds it.

Interiors shine with tree-slab tables, shag rugs, wood panelling and stone fireplaces. The spa Antumaco—set in the 12 acre private park— offers a range of massages and the restaurant serves fresh local dishes.

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1. Cabaña del Lago Hotel 2. Hotel Antumalal 3. Quincho Country Home

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Osorno

Quincho Country Home - Charming, personal, homey and an ideal base for exploring the Chilean Lake Region With splendid views of Lake LLanquihue and nearby volcanoes, Quincho Country Home is ideally situated to explore the Chilean Lake Region. The hotel hosts a maximum of eight guests and provides each one with personal attention.

Great care is provided, from the services of a knowledgeable guide who picks you up at the airport and will be with you for your entire stay, to home cooked meals to boot-drying services.

Guests enjoy hiking, kayaking, rafting and excursions to Orson Volcano and to Chiloe Island to see dolphins, sea otters and penguins. Accompany the chef to local markets and choose the fish and vegetables you want for dinner.

Portillo Portillo is the oldest ski area in South America and its history holds an important place in the legend of skiing. No town—just one big hotel and one beautiful ski mountain.

World-class skiers train here.

Ski Portillo - Stunning steeps, immaculate groomers, perfect powder, exceptional scenery and a warm welcome make summer skiing in Portillo, a holiday to remember Ski Portillo, nestled in the Andes and just two-hours' from Santiago, sets the standard for classic ski experiences with more than 60-years of history and family-owned hospitality. The resort offers a unique all–inclusive ski vacation in a casually elegant hotel with ski-in/ski-out access. A maximum of 450 weekly guests eliminates long lift lines and crowded slopes, and makes guests feel like they are skiing at their own private Andean resort.

Portillo is famed for its steeps with easily accessed backcountry terrain and guided HeliSkiing day trips for intermediates to experts. There’s nothing quite like making tracks on your own Andean valley. Less-experienced guests will find wide-open beginner and intermediate slopes and a highly trained ski school offering classes for every age and level. For those with small children, there is complimentary day care in the hotel nursery for three to seven year olds, allowing parents to enjoy some slope time on their own and the kids enjoy a fun-packed day. Many guests came here as children and return every year with

their own children in tow. Hotel Portillo is stylish and almost genteel but with a serious ski history. On the walls–photos of skiing greats from Stein Eriksen (an instructor here in the 1950s) to Olympic gold and silver medallist Tommy Moe. Enjoy the après ski at the on-mountain restaurant Tio Bob’s with its stunning views or take advantage of one of the complimentary offerings such as the outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi’s – perched idyllically over Lake Inca. You might also choose to indulge in a relaxing massage before getting ready for dinner. To whet your appetite before the three-course meal, try Chile’s national drink, pisco sour. After dinner, chill out in the bar listening to live music, before hitting the disco to party into the wee hours. It is a very social place, like a vintage house party.

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1. Ski Portillo

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Southern Patagonia This desolate area of spectral beauty at the bottom of the Americas is truly the 'final frontier' of the New World. Picture yourself at the edge of the world – icy fjords, towering, snow-capped mountains 'tumbling' into the sea, penguins, sea lions and whales darting in and out of the blue waters. Memorable birdwatching excursions take you to view black-faced ibis, white-tufted grebe and distinguished blackneck swans. Welcoming estancias provide for comfortable stays.

Hotel Salto Chico

The Singular

- Offering extraordinary all-season accommodation while you journey through the windswept majesty of Chilean Patagonia

- Located in Puerto Bories in the southernmost part of Chile, The Singular is on the route to the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park and perfectly positioned for excursions to the Patagonian fjords

Built into the outfit's programmes are incredible daily excursions during which guests explore the area's wildly disparate terrains on foot, boat or horseback.

Longer explorations may include travel by van or catamaran, depending on the route. Millions of years ago, monumental geological transformations created the area's stunning mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and a wide variety of flora and fauna, all of which vastly outnumber humans. In keeping with this spirit, groups are kept small and are accompanied by expert Wilderness First Respondercertified bilingual guides.

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Between adventures, the Hotel Salto Chico, a luxurious retreat in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, provides relaxation and comfort. Patagonian gauchos prepare hearty meals, like succulent pit-roast lamb, and the lodge's bathhouse and pool offer perfect pampering. explora Patagonia also offers horseback riding programmes of four-nights' that allow you to live the gaucho lifestyle and discover one of the world's most pristine and wild landscapes.

The hotel, which used to be a cold-storage plant for frozen mutton, was repurposed and opened in November 2011. Built in 1915, the building is a listed national monument and the inventive restoration is completely unique. The 54-rooms and three suites–all facing the sea with fantastic views of the port and the fjords–are huge and simply decorated with antique wood floors, fresh white linens and classic luxury touches. Other hotel amenities include a wellappointed spa, heated swimming pool, room service, and an on-site museum with a Victorian engine room and other pieces from The Singular’s industrial heritage. The restaurant serves local lamb, fish and hare. Watch the sunset over the water while you dine.

Each day, a team of expert guides lead exciting once-in-a-lifetime expeditions through fjords, mountains, glaciers, farms and forests. Guests can choose to discover 'hidden Patagonia' on horseback, trekking or kayaking.

Hotel Remota - An architecturally significant hotel at 'the bottom of the world' with breathtaking views of fjords and glaciers Remota is a sustainably built hotel, using natural materials, including green (grass) roofs. Huge windows in the 72 double rooms and the restaurant look over the sea grass and sand hills to the Bay of Last Hope and the mountains in the distance. The hotel, designed by architect German del Sol, was inspired by sheep farm buildings of Patagonia. The cutting-edge design won Chile's coveted National Architecture Prize in 2006, the year it was built. This is the perfect place for a real rest (no TV or Internet) with a sauna, infinity pool, jacuzzi and massage. And for the adventurous, enjoy full-day hikes (with picnic lunch, including pisco sours) with knowledgeable local guides, horseback riding on mountain trails and walks along windswept lakes.

Guests also have many opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the area such as the fjords, the Sierra Dorotea, the Cordillera Prat, lakes and lagoons, Rotundo area, and the El Milodon Cave. Most attractions, including Torres del Paine, are only about 40-minutes' away. Remota is located within walking or cycling distance from the city of Puerto Natales, a small, waterside town that's

considered the gateway to trekking in Torres del Paine or Bernardo O'Higgins National Parks. CafĂŠs, bakeries, parillas serving traditional Chilean lamb barbecue, local handcraft shops and a small but interesting municipal museum, make Puerto Natales worth a visit. Although Remota prides itself on being remote, hospitals, pharmacies and doctors are only five-minutes' away. The restaurant serves fresh, organic local products, chosen by the chef at the fishing port and from local farmers. Meals are complemented by a nice selection of Chilean wines. Drinks, hors d-oeuvres and three meals a day are included in the room rate.

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1. Hotel Salto Chico 2. The Singular 3. Hotel Remota

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Southern Patagonia Retrace the footsteps of 16th century conquistador Hernando de Magallanes as he explored this enchanting land. Located right on the Strait of Magellan, the modern city of Punta Arenas is the centre for excursions to islands inhabited only by penguin colonies and to Tierra del Fuego’s remote fjords.

From the granite spires and turquoise lakes of scenic and dramatic Torres del Paine National Park to remote coastal islands rife with elephant seal colonies, the austere beauty of Chile's southernmost province is awe inspiring. And for the more adventurous, it's also wonderfully accessible, through exhilarating, well-organised horse treks and a wide choice of eco and luxury cruises that place you in the centre of it all.

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Tierra Patagonia - In an amazing setting with big views over Lake Sarmiento of the Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Patagonia blends in with the surrounding windswept Pampa and is almost hidden from view The hotel’s 60-metre long curved shape is meant to mimic the look of an ancient fossil of a prehistoric animal, stranded on the shore of the lake. Clad in Patagonian lenga beechwood both outside and in. The interiors are warm and welcoming with hand crafted furnishings made from local materials–wood, wool and leather. In the otherwise modern spa bathrooms, wash basins are rough hewn out of indigenous rocks. All 40 guest rooms, a living room, bar area and a dining space have uninterrupted views. Wi-Fi is available only in public areas–lounge, library and dining room.

Individual excursions are planned daily. With experienced and friendly guides, guests can discover this remote part of the world the way that best suits them– hikes, horse rides with the local gauchos and gentle walks on which you can see ostrich, condors, guanacos (local camelloid and foxes. Or excursions (on horseback or by vehicle) to nearby ranches where you can help with the sheep

shearing or share a meal with the locals and enjoy true southern hospitality.

On walks, guests can safely fill their water bottles from glacier-fed streams.

Other activities include visits to Grey Lake to see the icebergs, the tremendous waterfalls of the area and, of course, the mythic Torres del Paine mountain peaks.

Following a day of adventure, the 1,200-square-metre Uma spa awaits. Enjoy a full spa menu (massage and facial treatments, sauna and steam bath). Relax in the indoor infinity pool whilst viewing wildlife just outside.

The cuisine is based on local ingredients–lamb, salmon and Magellanic spider crab–freshly prepared and served by friendly staff.

Patagonia Camp Along the shores of Lake Toro in a region of extraordinary beauty, Patagonia Camp is a luxury camp with a chic collection of glamorous yurts. The camp's 18 impeccable and spacious yurts are comfortable and stylishly furnished.

They have central heating, private bathrooms and even views of the stars through a central window in the roof. Activities include kayaking, hiking, trekking in the Torres del Paine only 15-minutes' away.

Nomads of the Seas Nomads of the Seas is more than a ship, it is a unique experience. The Atmosphere, chosen among the Top Three exploration ships of the world, by Super Yacht World magazine, is a specially designed platform to explore virgin Chilean Patagonia by air, land and water. Nomads of the Seas offer a unique mix of cruising and multiple daily expeditions combined with a Grand Class Service, coordination, security and execution.

EcoCamp Patagonia - A community experience in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park–green lodging, guided trekking and sociable dining at Chile and Patagonia’s first fully sustainable hotel

Cruceros Australis - An exclusive experience in one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas Representing the heart and soul of Cruceros Australis' voyages are the incredible daily shore excursions and lectures carried out by a team of bilingual naturalist guides. The size of the luxe vessels–Via Australis (capacity 136 passengers) and the newly christened Stella Australis (capacity 210 passengers)–allows for a more personalised service and enables the ships to sail through narrow fjords.

All cabins have picture windows, private bathrooms, independently-controlled heating as well as safety deposit boxes. Each Cruceros Australis voyage features all-inclusive service, three meals a day, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, excursions and lectures.

Overlooking the majestic granite Torres, the Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards and National Geographic recognised EcoCamp is ISO 14001 certified with a green design including low impact geodesic domes inspired by the portable homes of the park’s ancient Kaweskar tribe, 100 per cent renewable electricity (hydro and solar power), composting toilets, efficient recycling and a strict Leave No Trace policy.

Guests enjoy daily guided hikes with local Patagonian guides and sleep in cosy domes with polar blankets, gazing up through the ceiling windows at the star-filled sky. EcoCamp’s Standard domes were the world’s first geodesic hotel bedrooms and sleep two people comfortably. The Family Suite domes sleep four people and have a wood stove and private bath. EcoCamp’s three Community domes provide the perfect place to sit and relax with an aperitif at the end of a day’s trek, enjoy a fusion menu with Chilean wine at sociable group tables and mingle in the bar after dinner.

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1. Tierra Patagonia 2. Patagonia Camp 3. Nomads of the Seas 4. Cruceros Australis 5. EcoCamp Patagonia

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Northern Patagonia Snowcapped Andes on one side and rugged Pacific coastline on the other, the Pan-American Highway cuts through the fairytale beauty of the Lake District. Here, along Chile's contribution to the Ring of Fire, you can see most of the country's 55 volcanoes. Take the winding road through the region – past glistening bodies of water hued cobalt blue, through breathtaking mountain passes, misty emerald green rainforests and Bavarian-style houses.

It is worth stopping in the fabulous lakeside resorts where days can be spent skiing, trekking, biking or simply relaxing in hot spring pools watching clouds float over pristine lagoons.

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Lake Puerto Guadal

Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa

Hacienda Tres Lagos

- Refined cuisine, cosy rooms and a stunning wilderness location

- Comfortable, contemporary lake-side lodgings in the wilds of Patagonia

Puyuhapi Lodge & Spa calls itself 'a secret south of silence' and that's the magic.

After flying down over the end of the Andes, driving four-hours' through rural Patagonia along the scenic Carretera Austral, taking a boat across a quiet fjord, you will reach a natural paradise full of exuberant vegetation. This is the setting for the 44-room lodge where sophistication and simplicity combine harmoniously. Despite its remote location, the lodge offers all that you would expect from a small luxury hotel. The wood-and-stone rooms and the restaurant have views that are simply stunning.

Located in one of the most beautiful regions of Chile – northern Patagonia along the spectacularly rugged Carretera Austral. The contemporary (wood, stone, and glass) Hacienda Tres Lagos (Three Lakes) sits on the shore of Lake Negro and is a stone's throw from both Lake Bertrand and Lake General Carrera, the second largest lake in South America. The hotel's 20 fully-equipped rooms, all with lake views and wood-burning stoves, are carved out like a half-moon around Lake Negro.

Travellers come to Puyuhuapi Lodge to experience the solitude of the remote Patagonia wilderness. Guests hike or cruise aboard the catamaran Patagonia Express through canals and austral fjords to Laguna San Rafel and its aweinspiring glacier. The experience is enhanced in a completely natural spa. Here guests can revitalise both body and soul by relaxing in the volcanic hot springs or being pampered at the spa–fed by three pure waters, thermal hot springs, snow-melt water and salty sea water.

Hacienda Tres Lagos is the perfect place for those seeking adventure and relaxation in a unique landscape. Day trips explore natural wonders such as Fuentes Glacier, Tamango National Reserve, Explorers Valley, and the limestone caves of Marble Caverns. And sporting activities include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, rafting, sailing, and mountain biking. Afterwards, unwinding comes easy with an afternoon tea, a soak in the hot tub, a massage at the spa, and a delicious meal of local favourites such as roast lamb, rabbit, and grilled salmon, served with a nice selection of Chilean wines.

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1. Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa 2. Hacienda Tres Lagos

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Atacama Desert Against its stark and surreal landscapes, the driest desert on earth enchants with hot springs, dramatic geysers, massive salt lakes, enormous sand dunes and huge flocks of pink flamingos and other rare avian species. A rare set of factors in this arid moon-like landscape—very little rainfall, crystalclear skies, high altitudes and no light pollution—have created a haven where stargazers can marvel at misty nebulae, faraway planets, remnants of supernova explosions and the dramatic Southern Cross. During rare winter rains, this barren desert erupts into a riot of colourful wildflowers that stretch as far as the eye can see.

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Kunza Hotel & Spa

Hotel de Larache

- Rustic luxury in the world's driest desert and surrounded by natural wonders

- Luxury lodging with dramatic vistas of desert oasis and distant mountains

Large spaces and modern architecture of the 60-room Kunza Hotel & Spa are designed to offer both comfort and the full experience of the Atacama Desert.

All rooms have air-conditioning, private terraces, flat screen TV, outside shower, complimentary Internet, digital safe, laundry service and telephone for both local and international calls. The spa boasts outdoor pools and jacuzzis, wet and dry saunas, fitness equipment and massage therapies. Beautiful, rustic paths lead you to intimate encounters with nature—a natural amphitheatre, a reflecting pool and shaded seats to sit enjoy the extensive gardens—places you can relax and lose track of time. At night, the sky is clear and strewn with stars. The food–including a traditional asado on Saturday nights–is made with fresh, local ingredients.

The first humans arrived in Atacama, Chile over 10,000 years ago, giving rise to what later became a rich culture concentrated in and around oases. Diverse, unusual forms of wildlife found ways to develop in the midst of volcanoes, salt flats, lagoons and ravines.

Day-long or half-day excursions to Valley of the Moon, Geysers of TatioMachuca, Highland Lakes, Kari and other attractions are available. The hotel offers a shuttle service to the village of San Pedro or it is a 15-minute walk.

Located in the San Pedro de Atacama oasis, and just a few minutes' walk from the town of San Pedro de Atacama, the Hotel de Larache is the ultimate base from which to explore this wonderful area. The elegant lodge sits on a 42-acre estate once belonging to an ancient desert community, and features 49 lovely rooms arranged around a courtyard shaded by chañar trees.

Hotel amenities include horse stables, an observatory for viewing the night sky, heated pools, open-air jacuzzis, saunas, steam baths and a massage room.

And every day, custom-designed excursions allow you to discover first-hand Atacama's landscapes and culture on foot, horseback or by bicycle. explora Atacama offers a four-night horseback riding programmes that allows you to experience one of the most extreme landscapes on this planet.

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Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa - Award-winning Tierra Atacama is a stylish desert hideaway that boasts creature comforts yet preserves local cultural influences With stunning views of the majestic Licancabur Volcano this boutique property is located within easy reach of the charming village of San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile. Designed to have minimal intervention on the land, authentic materials give a welcoming and cosy ambience. All rooms have private terraces, outdoor showers and views of the volcano. The dĂŠcor is casually elegant in a midcentury style, accented with authentic hand-made textiles and crafts sourced from local villages. Wi-Fi but no TV in the rooms.

Experienced guides lead desert adventures that range from hikes, walks, mountain bike rides and horse rides to more demanding volcano climbs. Guests also enjoy magnificent journeys to the salt lakes of Salar de Tara and the Atacama Salt Flat, Miscanti and MiĂąiques lagoons, Tatio Geysers, Machuca village, Puritama Hot Springs, the surreal beauty of Moon Valley, Rainbow Valley and the pre-historic rock carvings.

Guests are invited to combine activities with total relaxation at hotel's Uma Spa.

In a space designed to create calm and relaxation through aromas, colours and textures, treatments are based on local desert elements such as volcanic mud, lithium rich salt, and desert herbs. Spa facilities include indoor/outdoor pools (with cascades and water jet beds), a steam room, and a jacuzzi. Private outdoor hot tubs are made for relaxation and contemplate a beautiful desert sunset. Outdoor lounges with open fires provide the perfect location to ponder the magnificent night skies (great views of the Milky Way) and enjoy a glass of wine with friends after a day full of adventure and relaxation. Gastronomy is an integral part of the Tierra Atacama experience and healthy locally sourced produce is matched with an extensive wine list which allows guests to enjoy a wide selection of excellent Chilean wines and local craft beers. A vegetarian menu and a children's menu are available.

1. Kunza Hotel & Spa 2. Hotel de Larache 3. Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa

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Atacama Desert

Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa - An architectural gem in spectacular location of serene beauty

Relish the silence and solitude of the desert and the simple delights of the little villages with their lovely old churches. In San Pedro, enjoy cosy bars and restaurants and a lively nightlife.

Built in the style of traditional adobe, the lodge is a stunning example of innovative and sustainable architecture. Sitting alongside the San Pedro River in the shadow of Pukará de Quitor, it blends into the red-rock landscape.

The public spaces and 42 guest rooms (each with a private terrace and incredible views) pay homage to the Atacama Region with warm, desert colours with local textiles and crafts. The lodge offers a restaurant using locally sourced ingredients, six outdoor pools, spa, cosy common area with a fireplace, opendeck observatory, as well as both cultural and adventurous activities to explore the desert. San Pedro de Atacama is only three kilometres away.

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- An oasis of rustic luxury in the Atacama Dessert Awasi, located in the old town of San Pedro de Atacama, has eight adobe-andstone cottages–comfortable and in harmony with nature and the local culture.

The thatched roofs provide natural air-conditioning, and the rooms have openair patios with private solarium and outdoor shower.

1. Awasi 2. Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa 3. Atacama Adventur Camp

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Each guest is assigned a personal guide and 4WD vehicle. This gives guests the freedom to choose their adventure without having to adjust to the pace or preference of others. Options are mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, archaeological site visits, astronomy tours, bird-watching expeditions, sandboarding or relaxing by the pool. Excursions offer panoramic views of volcanoes, salt flats, Altiplanic lakes and dazzling sunsets. In town attractions include the 1600s church, an archaeological museum and picturesque local shops.

The hotel's gastronomy is a fusion of Altiplano and international cuisine, using fresh Atacama ingredients. The chef is glad to arrange late dinners, early breakfasts and to pack picnics for excursions. Awasi is the only Relais & Chateaux property in the Atacama Desert.

Atacama Adventur Camp - Desert camping in luxury and in style Adventur Camp brings its unique travel concept to the most awe-inspiring destinations. A luxury camp awaits after days filled with excitement–trekking in the mountains, ATV riding or land sailing in the desert. Nightfall around a roaring bonfire, under a star-filled sky, is an experience to be savoured.

Spacious and comfortable tents (heated and outfitted with great beds and traditional crafts) create a unique atmosphere in the spectacular natural environment. A cosy tent, massage centre, outdoor yoga, central common area with an enormous bonfire to light up the night and careful attention paid to details, create an oasis ensuring that your desert experience is truly unforgettable.

Easter Island Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is most famous for its monolithic stone statues.

The monumental stone figures are a silent testament to the seafaring skills and unique culture of the ancient Polynesian people.

Posada de Mike Rapu - An eco-lodge connecting land and sky and perched at the edge of the ocean Located 3,700-kilometres west of the South American continent, surrounded by the world’s most transparent waters, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is the cradle of an unusual and enigmatic culture. The language, music and many traditions remain alive amongst the island's inhabitants, while the enormous carved stone moai speak to a more remote past. UNESCO has declared the island a World Heritage-listed site.

The Posada de Mike Rapu, a retreat located at the isle's centre, built on 24-acres of land and perched on a hill and overlooks the vast ocean. As the first South American lodge to obtain LEED certification, the retreat was designed to have the least possible impact on the environment With welcoming indoor spaces integrating artful aspects of the local culture, the lodge has 30-rooms, each with spectacular views of the water. And everyday, the secrets and beauty of the island are unveiled through invigorating treks that culminate in gourmet picnics on rocky outcrops or along the shore.

Moai, Easter Island

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1. Posada de Mike Rapu

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Antarctica This solitary continent at the end of the world lures adventurers to its vast wilderness of ice and snow.

Glistening blue-tinted glaciers, carved by the elements over time into surreal shapes, harbour huge colonies of sea birds and emperor, chinstrap and AdeliÊ penguins. Elephant and Weddell seals and humpback and minke whales are a few others who call Antarctica home. Modern-day adventurers navigate through narrow passageways between the South Shetland Islands, following the path of early 20th century explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton or kayak up to icebergs for even closer views—and, weather permitting, even camp on the ice.

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Iceberg, Antarctica

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Antarctic XXI

Antarctic Exploring

- A magical blend of adventure and elegance... with access to some of the most remote places on earth

- Colossal and magical ice forms, up-close wildlife viewing and spending time in the last great wilderness on earth

Because Antarctica is so spectacular, your mode of transport should be too.

Antarctica XXI not only allows you to cruise along the peninsula, spotting incredible wildlife, but to forgo passing through the fearsome Drake Passage.

Known as the roughest ocean in the world, it can better be seen from the safety and comfort of the BAE-146 plane.

Antarctica is the planet's most exhilarating destination, and Lindblad's expeditionstyle of travel ensures an enriching, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey takes place aboard their 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, a state-ofthe-art, fully stabilised, ice-class vessel featuring luxury accommodations, an Internet café and a spa.

Antarctica XXI expeditions are first-class 'boutique' discovery journeys offering guests the experience of a lifetime while ensuring environmentally-responsible practices. The journeys are designed with the active adventurer in mind, with several landings each day via Zodiac boats. All expeditions are offered onboard the luxurious 68-passenger (all outside cabins) ice-strengthened vessel, M/V Ocean Nova. The trips start and/or end in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Accompanied by veteran expedition naturalists, you will take hikes through penguin communities in pristine wilderness, cruise in an inflatable Zodiac among soaring icebergs, and kayak in quiet coves and around ice floes studded with wildlife. You will also explore places few humans have ever been – the Antarctic undersea – thanks to the skill of the on-board undersea specialists who film the aquatic wonders on HD video. In addition to Lindblad's expert crew, a National Geographic photographer helps you hone your camera skills during on-board seminars and practical instruction out in the field. Lindblad's Antarctica expedition might be the single greatest travel adventure of your life.

The Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise (seven-days'/six-nights') includes return air transfers from Punta Arenas, Chile to Antarctica and the cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula. Special Air-Cruises include one leg to Antarctica by air and the other by sea.

1. Antarctic XXI 2. Antarctic Exploring

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Uruguay

Sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, tiny Uruguay has a vibrant, yet under-the-radar, cosmopolitan feel—as well as historic estancias and surf-pounded beaches.

Since it’s only a boat ride – or quick helicopter jaunt – from Buenos Aires, you will undoubtedly notice numerous simpatico similarities between the neighbours: Lingering over coffee and wine at cosy cafés is a legitimate hobby and asados turn out perfectly charcoal-roasted succulent steaks. Locals tote silver flasks filled with turbo-charged yerba maté tea (helpful for those late nights). Pretty and un-touristy Montevideo shines with historic Spanish and Italian architecture, charming small museum, local candombeé music hot spots and world-class shopping.

Surrounding the capital is flat and forested countryside where the gaucho lifestyle thrives and staying on one of the vast estancias is a highlight to any holiday. Feel the country’s Portuguese past as you walk the charming cobblestone streets of the UNESCO protected village of Colonia del Sacramento. During the South American summer, jet-setters descend upon sandy Punta del Este as chic hotels, restaurants and nightclubs open their doors to stylish night owls and the otherwise sleepy beach town becomes a baby St. Tropez. And when you need a break from the glitz, visit some of the practically undiscovered beaches stretching up the coast towards Brazil.

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Pacific Ocean

Paraguay

Rio de la Plata to Atlantic Ocean – 9 night itinerary

Pampas

Uruguay

Colonia del Sacramento – 1 night A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage picturesque colonial town must be included in every trip to Uruguay. The oldest town in the country, Colonia del Sacramento conveys its unique history in the narrow cobblestone streets surrounding the main square. Explore this magical town by foot or bicycle and witness beautiful sunsets over Rio de La Plata. Stay at quiet Posada Plaza Mayor in the heart of the historical quarter.

Santiago

Buenos Aires

Carmelo Colonia del Scaramento

Montevideo

Argentina

Carmelo – 3 nights “Nothing could be more pleasurable than resting until you are tired of resting”. These few words describe the nature of Puerto Carmelo. This quiet small village on the banks of Rio de la Plata offers the perfect combination of relaxation alongside a wide range of outdoor activities such as biking, canoeing, horseback riding, polo, tennis, fishing, and golf. Stay at the serene and luxurious Four Seasons Carmelo Resort.

Montevideo – 2 nights

Chile

Atlantic Ocean

Uruguay’s capital and by far its largest city, Montevideo is a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life. From elegant older theatres and cosy little tango bars to museums, art galleries and markets this city has much to offer. Its active and resurgent urban culture is a palpable force, and locals are justifiably proud to share it with you. Stay at boutique Le Biblo Hotel in the exclusive area of Carrasco.

Buenos Aires – 3 nights Visit glamourous Punta del Este, where the river meets the ocean. In the quaint fishing village of Jose Ignacio lies Playa Vik , a charming lodge on Mansa Beach where you will enjoy the most spectacular sunrises in Punta del Este. Handmade canoes, kayaks, kites, windsurf boards, sail boats and fishing equipment are available to enjoy the stream and nearby lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy nature walks, bird watching, horse riding, polo lessons, tennis, cycling and hiking. A champagne finale!

Falkland Islands Cape Horn

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Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo and Beyond Founded in 1680, Colonia is a romantic time capsule of a town. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site popular with honeymooners and day-trippers from Buenos Aires, the carefully preserved city juts out on a small peninsula into the Río de la Plata. Admire swoon-worthy colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and scented gardens. Like Buenos Aires, Montevideo has a Mediterranean vibe, especially its glam shopping streets and artfully dilapidated colonial old town. In flashy Punta del Este, experience Uruguay's version of the Cote d'Azur where bronzed jet-setters worship the sun or shop boutiques all day and dance the night away.

The Palacio Salvo, Montevideo

La Vigna Built by Italian immigrants in 1880 and carefully restored by its current owners, this former Colonia Valdense winery marries Uruguayan country life with urbane comfort. The five farmhouse rooms are tastefully decorated with antiques, paintings and vintage furniture, while a lagoon house sleeps up to six. From the kitchen, healthy and delicious meals made with home-made sheep's milk cheese and organic produce from the garden.

Playa Vik - Stylish Playa Vik is located in the equally chic beach town of José Ignacio

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This striking contemporary property (dubbed 'the Sculpture') incorporates natural elements including a unique 'living roof' planted with Uruguayan wild flowers. Designed by local architect Carlos Ott, who has worked on the Paris Opera House, the six-room hotel has a dramatic 17-metre inclined façade, a massive sculpted bronze door and wide expanses of glass capturing the ocean view. Modern paintings from Zaha Hadid, Anselm Kiefer and James Turrell grace the walls. Just as striking is the 23-metre cantilevered pool (of Uruguayan black granite) that juts out to the ocean. Guests enjoy sitting by the pool to watch the sunset or dine poolside by candlelight.

Beach, Punta del Este

Estancia Tierra Santa

Estancia Vik - Elegant Estancia Vik is located in the rural countryside of JosÊ Ignacio Set on 4,000-acres of rolling hills, the enormous Spanish colonial-style structure has adobe walls, a red tin roof and covered walkways linking outdoor courtyards, flowering gardens and a large herb garden. All 12 suites are large, individually decorated and display original art created by leading contemporary Uruguayan artists. In keeping with the local theme, the restaurant serves traditional barbeque, fresh fish and seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables and home-made breads and pastries. Adventures include biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and polo lessons. As an added bonus, you have access to the beach of sister hotel Playa Vik–a ten minute drive.

Luxurious accommodations await you at this first class Carmelo guest ranch. Relaxation and privacy are paramount at this posada, so are sophisticated food and wine. Guests are pampered in deluxe suites with custom marble bathrooms and antique furnishings. In one of the last unspoiled natural habitats for bird watching in the world, the estancia offers birding tours, horseback riding, fishing, tennis, swimming and boating.

Hotel Fasano Las Piedras Fasano hotels, well known for luxury in Brazil, have opened a chic but relaxed property in Uruguay. Terraced private bungalows and villas sit harmoniously between the green plains and Maldonado River. The restaurant features Italian cuisine and has rugged stone walls, wood flooring and caramel leather banquets.

An outdoor deck has sweeping views of the 1,000-acre estate, all the way to the beach-front in the distance.

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1. La Vigna 2. Playa Vik 3. Estancia Vik 4. Estancia Tierra Santa 5. Hotel Fasano Las Piedras

Lighthouse, Jose Ignacio

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Brazil

Cerulean waters and pristine beaches, enchanting colonial towns and rugged landscapes, dense jungles and musicfilled metropolises–Brazil is a land of contrasts.

From the Andes to the Atlantic and the Amazon in between, Brazil buzzes with energy. Renowned for its beautiful and fun-loving people, this immense country knows how to celebrate life. On gorgeous beaches–which seem to stretch out endlessly from the jungle–legions of perfectly bronzed locals kick around a football, practice capoeira and drink beer against a backdrop of thumping samba beats. In Rio (the nation’s spiritual capital), in cosmopolitan Sao Paulo and even in little villages, the festive streets pulsate to the beat.

Come in February for Carnival, the planet’s biggest and most raucous party.

Try to wrap your head around the fact that in the same country–beneath impenetrable rainforest canopy–are the world’s largest number of un-contacted peoples. Contradictions and diversity define this exuberant destination, offering a window into the diversity of Brazilian culture. Brazil’s unique natural environment offers countless activities such as kayaking through the Anavilhanas (a labyrinth of 400 islands in the Rio Negro) or exploring coral reefs off the Bahia coast and the remote Fernando de Noronha archipelago, or motoring under the explosive Iguazú Falls, a genuine natural wonder.

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Rio de Janeiro – 3 nights

Pacific Ocean

Atacama Desert

Rio de Janeiro aptly nicknamed the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (Marvellous City) is undoubtedly one of the most iconic cities in the world. Visit the legendary Pão de Açúcar 700m (Sugar Loaf Mountain), gaze upon Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, paraglide above this famed city or simply sit and enjoy the people parade on Copacabana Beach. A sunset on Ipanema Beach is a must before joining the Cariocas (Rio residents) to dance the night away to the rhythm of Samba! The glamourous Fasano Hotel will be your home in this enthralling city.

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– 10 night itinerary

Paraguay

Rio de Janeiro

Florianopolis

Pantanal – 4 nights More than 1,000km inland lies the world’s largest wetland of any kind and one of the least explored regions in Brazil. The Pantanal hosts a biologically diverse collection of aquatic plants and animal species, making it an ideal landscape for any nature enthusiast. If you like to see animals such as jaguar and puma, caiman reptiles and anacondas in their natural environment, the open spaces of the Pantanal offer good sightings and the greatest concentration of fauna in the New World. Spend four days in the cosy and comfortable Caiman Lodge.

Walks, horseback and bicycle rides, trips in canoes, photographic safaris and nocturnal spotlight reveal the rich fauna and flora of Pantanal at its best.

Pampas

Uruguay

Argentina Chile

Florianopolis – 3 nights

Andes

Discover one of the most exclusive beach resorts in Brazil and end your journey in ultimate style. In the south of the country, surrounded by idyllic landscapes of emerald sea and forest, Ponta dos Ganchos Resort exudes luxury and comfort in a dream-like setting. A ridge of Atlantic rainforest runs down to the water, where three tiny islands horseshoe around a sandy bay.

Snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking and sailing are only a few of the many activities offered in this romantic hideaway.

Atlantic Ocean

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Hotel Santa Teresa The Hotel Santa Teresa, the newest 40-room boutique designer hotel in Rio, is also the city's only Relais & Chateaux property. Le SPA features beauty and relaxation treatments using Natura, an eco-Amazonian brand. The restaurant Térèze, with its industrial wood, linen and steel design, is frequented by the high society of Cariocas and offers the best of French cuisine with a Brazilian flair, created by Chef Damien Montecer.

Rio de Janeiro and Beyond Rio–the very name immediately conjures up images–the flamboyant costumes of Carnival; the outstretched arms of the mountaintop statue of Christ; and the sandy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, filled with beautiful bodies and immortalised in song.

And it's easy to dive in–whether you fancy dancing to sultry samba at a club or joining the cheers of 100,000 fans at a football game at Maracana Stadium–friendly locals encourage participation.

Fashionistas, foodies and art lovers find a non-stop mecca in sprawling Sao Paulo. And in between, at the fabulous beach resorts Búzios and Florianopolis, the party never stops.

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Villa Casa Cairucu Accessible only by boat, Villa Casa Cairucu overlooks crystal clear, protected waters of a bay in one of Brazil’s most spectacular settings.

The villa is modern and fully-equipped with stunning views, and one can often see turtles and dolphins from the terrace. With three double en-suite bedrooms and an additional single room, the home is perfect for families, groups of friends or for honeymooners.

Copacabana Palace by Orient-Express - A glamorous Art-Deco landmark overlooking Copacabana Beach Recently fully renovated, the famous Copacabana Palace presents itself in a brand new contemporary style. Superbly positioned overlooking the sea, this glamorous hotel in Rio has been welcoming the rich and famous since its doors swung open in 1923. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced here and The Rolling Stones prepared, in one of its grandest salons, before their 2006 concert on the beach. Brazil jet-setters gather and soak up the sun by the magnificent pool adjacent to the Bar do Copa.

Copacabana Palace boasts one of Rio’s finest spas. Relax in this sophisticated sanctuary and enjoy the treatment rituals to tone, revitalise and purify both body and soul. Within these elegant and tranquil surroundings, its features include seven treatment rooms, two double treatment suites, fitness centre, hair salon, wet/dry sauna and relaxation area. The hair salon is one of the most exclusive in Rio. Restaurant Cipriani combines the best in Italian and Brazilian cuisine.

Casual dining and Sunday brunch are available poolside. After dinner, mingle with locals at the Piano Bar.

Hotel Unique - Architecture, art, design, gastronomy, music and dedicated service enchant visitors Located in the well-heeled residential area of Jardins, Hotel Unique is an urban work of art and a beloved symbol of Sao Paulo. It is in walking distance of the Ibirapuera Park, the biggest green area of the city.

The hotel features 85-rooms and ten suites in various sizes–from cosy to large and multi-functional. Guests enjoy the fresh concepts of a non-traditional hotel– round windows, a sound system in the bed's headboard and one number to call for everything from housekeeping to room service.

Skye, the rooftop restaurant, offers extraordinary views of the city, if you can take your eyes off the deep crimson swimming pool. Champagne at check in.

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Ponta dos Ganchos - A seriously romantic and good-feeling retreat Located on a private rainforest-covered peninsula near Florianopolis on Brazil's south coast – also known as the Emerald Coast – Ponta dos Ganchos is one of the country’s most exclusive beach resorts. Though easily accessible from Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, you are truly in the middle of nowhere.

Surrounded on three sides by jewel-bright waters and dazzling white beaches, 25 charming bungalows are scattered over the hillside. Each is decorated in a simple, uncluttered style with big beds, fine Egyptian cotton, neutral colours, comfy sofas, plenty of light and enormous views of Ganchos Bay. Fabulously rustic in ambience, they feature all the mod cons. Even the smaller Luxo rooms are enormous and come with an open fireplace in the sitting room, excellent bathrooms with showers and walls of glass that open onto balconies. The Super Luxo rooms have a sauna and a jacuzzi on the balcony. The villas have private pools, sauna and jacuzzi.

At Ponta dos Ganchos, guests spend long days under dazzling sunshine enjoying a variety of activities, such as fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and some of the best diving on the Brazilian coast. They indulge in the ultimate relaxation at

the ocean-front spa. They feast on haute cuisine interpretations of the regional dishes, made from freshly-caught seafood and local ingredients. Dishes are paired with vintages from the 200-label wine cellar. Breakfast (ten-courses to choose from) is served all day. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool, fitness room, ocean-front tennis court, billiards and game room, kayaks, canoes, ecological trails and an on-site cinema with a library of 300 films.

Giving back to the community is an intricate part of the hotel's philosophy of 'Teach a man how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.' In addition to being one of the largest employers in the city, the hotel also encourages its employees to further their education and to learn a second language by paying 70 per cent of their tuition.

1. Copacabana Palace

by Orient-Express 2. Hotel Santa Teresa 3. Villa Casa Cairucu 4. Hotel Unique 5. Ponta dos Ganchos

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Uxua Casa Hotel Uxua Casa is a luxury boutique hotel in the fishing village of Trancoso, on Brazil's southeastern Bahian coast. Wilbert Das, former Creative Director of Diesel, is the brains behind this enchanting eco-chic retreat. The one- to three-bedroom casas are the epitome of rustic modernism with Southern Bahian and Indian design influences. Each of the ten casas has a kitchen, private garden, open-air bath, satellite TV and Wi-Fi.

Salvador da Bahia and Beyond Stroll the narrow cobbled streets of the UNESCO protected old town of Salvador do Bahia, Brazil’s first capital in 1549. Take in the well-preserved, pastel-hued Spanish colonial houses and the gilded Baroque-looking churches, adorned inside with gold, silver and precious gems. Visit the Museo de Arte Sacra (housed in a former Carmelite monastery) to see one of Brazil’s most important collections of religious art. Shop for souvenirs at Mercado Modelo.

Catch a boat to Sao Marcelo do Mar Fortress. Linger at a sidewalk café, sipping strong coffee and admiring women in their traditional clothing— colourful shawls, long full skirts and turban-like head coverings.

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Fazenda São Francisco do Corumbau Set on a coconut palm farm surrounded by virgin mangrove swamps and a long pristine beach, Fazenda São Francisco combines the comfort of a luxury hotel with the charming, relaxed atmosphere of a beach house. Spacious and sophisticated beach-front suites and bungalows are shaded by palm fronds and give ultimate privacy and stunning views. Enjoy world-class diving on the doorstep.

Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte - Just an hour north from Salvador, this exclusive ecoresort combines luxury with pristine natural beauty Surrounded by coconut groves in the middle of a rainforest preserve, the hotel boasts a nearly deserted 12-kilometre beach where sea turtles nest and lay their eggs. Just walking distance away is the charming fishermen's village Praia do Forte.

Divided amongst 18 cottages, the resort's 287-rooms are scattered over 75-acres of lush tropical gardens. Each gorgeous room is tastefully outfitted in natural fibres and features contemporary, elegant décor and stunning panoramic views of either the gardens or the sea of Praia do Forte. With a heated infinity pool and a large relaxation garden, Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte is home to Brazil's largest Thalasso Spa, an oasis where treatments are designed to achieve a balance between the body and the mind. At the property’s three restaurants, you may feast on fresh salads, home-made pastas and local fish, as well as typical Bahian delicacies like tapioca and beiju (manioc bread). Dende Bar serves a traditional Brazilian lunch poolside. Bubble Bar Chandon is a gathering place on the beach.

Pousada Maravilha - Hidden away on the mountainous island of Fernando de Noronha where dolphins and sea turtles outnumber visitors Pousada Maravilha's five posh bungalows and three luxury apartments offer unobstructed views of dramatic sea cliffs and volcanic rock formations rising out of the emerald waters of Baía do Sueste, the horseshoe-shaped home of a marine turtle nursery. The warm seas are perfect for sailing, diving, snorkelling and swimming. There is also excellent scuba diving nearby.

Designed by acclaimed architect Thiago Bernardes, this unique, sustainable pousada combines rusticity and comfort, and features an excellent restaurant, infinity pool and spa. In 2009, Condé Nast Johansens named Maravilha the 'Best Small Hotel in South America.'

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Txai Resort - Nestled between densely forested mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and sits on Itacarezinho Beach on Brazil's largely undeveloped Cocoa Coast This coastline, lined with un-crowded white sand beaches, is a well-kept secret but a favourite escape for Brazilians. The architecture is inspired by old cocoa plantation houses–rustic simplicity combined with style and luxury. Spacious, kingbedded suites are in a central building facing the ocean or in private bungalows built on suspended wooden decks. All have air-conditioning and private balconies with panoramic ocean views. Bungalow baths feature outdoor showers.

1. Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte 2. Uxua Casa Hotel 3. Fazenda SĂŁo Francisco

do Corumbau 4. Pousada Maravilha 5. Txai Resort

The resort offers a 35-degree Shamash therapeutic bath with big ocean views, a full-service spa, and five pools. Enjoy the use of the tennis courts and wellequipped gymnasium. Guests can hike to waterfalls, go river rafting and surfing.

Located on the beach, the two candle-lit restaurants serve organic Bahian specialities paired with fine wines. The pool bar offers exotic cocktails. The meals are simple but at the same time sophisticated and are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Barra lighthouse, Salvador de Bahia

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Salvador da Bahia and Beyond You will want to sunbathe on secluded island beaches, explore the ruins of a 16th century castle, dive to old shipwrecks all along the coast and trek through Chapada Diamantina National Park.

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1. Pousada Estrela D’Agua

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Pousada Estrela D'Agua - Comfort and sophistication with ocean-front views in the middle of the preserved Atlantic Rainforest Pousada Estrela D’Agua, a 28-room secluded seaside escape, perfectly situated right on the emerald-coloured sea and near the historic town of Trancoso. The great expanse of white sand beach in front of the hotel is called Praia dos Nativos (Beach of Natives). Surrounded by 23,000-square-metres of Atlantic Rain Forest, the hotel is set in gardens of native vegetation – palm trees, caju trees and pink hibiscus. The muted natural tones of the airy interiors are a counterpoint to the vivid colours of the tropical gardens.

The Aldeia de São João garden restaurant, where the native chef creates menus from fresh local produce, brings a modern touch to Bahian and international cuisine. Here breakfast is served facing the ocean, and guests can enjoy candlelight dinner accompanied by a discerning wine list. The Sushi Star, whose menu was designed by the renowned chef Max Kamakura, receives fresh fish every day. And the Beach Bar (‘Bar da Costa’), famous in Trancoso for its fruit ‘caipirinha’ and snacks, serves guests at the beach and at the swimming pool.

Not to be missed are the organised diving expeditions and kayak tours through

the mangroves. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a boat trip to watch the whales playing in the Atlantic before they start their migratory journey.

Golfers will enjoy special greens-fee rates at the 18-hole Terravista Golf Course adjacent to the hotel. Arguably Latin America´s best golf course, it extends up to the Trancoso cliffs where the ocean views are breathtaking.

After such an adventure-filled day, enjoy a relaxing foot bath followed by an invigorating treatment at the spa pavilion. Finally, sip a fruit ‘caipirinha’ and relax as the glowing sun sets on the never-ending horizon. In the evening, stroll (or take a taxi) to the village ‘Quadrado’ and join in the nightly festivities.

Amazon, Pantanal and Iguazú Falls

Caiman Ecological Refuge - Beautiful and comfortable eco-lodging in the vast Pantanal Wilderness

Swim with pink dolphins in the Rio Negro, paddle through the macawfilled Anavilhanas, saddle up and explore the savannahs of the Pantanal or take a speedboat under the roiling cascades of Iguazú Falls.

Caiman Ecological Refuge is located on a 130,965-acre ranch in the Pantanal wetlands, a mega-diverse area designated by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage-listed site and World Biosphere Reserve.

On the Caiman property are two lodges: the six-room Baiazinha, a lodge with balconies overlooking the clear waters of a lake and the five-suite Cordilheira built on stilts next to a forest. Both lodges offer charming farm-style accommodations.

The menu changes daily and often includes local favourites like Piranha soup.

Among the many activities enjoy horseback rides through wetlands, birdwatching, photo safaris, canoe trips and wildlife-viewing treks with a naturalist.

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Hotel das Cataratas by Orient-Express - This hotel is the only one situated in the Iguazú National Park; therefore the Hotel das Cataratas provides exclusivity for its guests enabling them to enjoy the park without other tourists

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge - Charming, sustainable lodgings in harmony with nature Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is located across from Anavilhanas National Park, on the edge of Rio Negro and 180-kilometres outside of Manaus. Nestled amidst the forest are 20 luxury suites in two-room cottages or individual bungalows.

The pool and floating gazebo are social areas. Activities include rainforest and river excursions and a night time boat safari.

The lodge is the only hotel in northern Brazil to be part of the Associação de Roteiros de Charme (Charm Itinerary Association), the authority in quality artisanal lodging for boutique hotels in Brazil–following the principles of conducting low-impact tourism activities responsibly and in harmony with the local community.

When the park is closed to visitors, hotel guests can experience the amazing sunsets at the falls and the incredible full rainbows. This classic Orient-Express retreat was a former colonial residence and is just steps away from the sensational thundering falls. Adventures await–white-water rafting, helicopter trips over the massive falls and jungle treks to view amazing wildlife that includes colourful toucans and giant butterflies.

Restore your body and soul in the heart of the Iguazú. Each spa treatment celebrates the Amazon by featuring an array of responsibly harvested and sustainable ingredients–directly from the lush rain forests of Brazil. A cocktail of tropical fruits, moisturising butters and organic plant extracts inspire treatments that comfort the body and soothe the soul.

The casual restaurant serves gaucho-style barbeque. The white-tablecloth restaurant has an extensive wine list and is known for Brazilian-international fusion cuisine.

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1. Caiman Ecological Refuge 2. Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge 3. Hotel das Cataratas

by Orient-Express

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Ceará and Alagoas Ceará and Alagoas are small, off-thebeaten-track and incredibly beautiful.

Ceará is a four-hour drive (through what could be mistaken for the Gobi desert) west from the city of Fortaleza but when you arrive, you will see cerulean waters beyond sand hills as high as buildings. Stiff breezes (from September to November) make this a mecca for sand boarders and windsurfers. Swimmers enjoy the jacuzzi-like temperature of the water. Alagoas’ coastline is made up of secluded beaches, rustic fishing villages and small historic towns. Inland, a network of lakes and lagoons attract serious bird-watchers.

Go here before everyone does.

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Vila Kalango

Rancho do Peixe

- Picture postcard perfection with sun, sand and ocean as the background

- A tranquil tropical resort fronting on a vast expanse of beach and sea

Right on Jericoacoara Beach and completely integrated with the natural environment, Vila Kalango is located in a 5,000-square-metre property of coconut and cashew trees and next to the famous Sunset Dune. The pousada, built with typical materials from the region, such as clay bricks, carnauba straw and muiracatiara timber, brings together comfort and charm in a rustic setting.

The 24 charming rooms are divided among apartments, bungalows and stilt houses. Besides the natural beauty of the beach, guests enjoy soothing massages, lounging in hammocks or taking wind- and kite-surfing lessons.

On the edge of Jericoacoara National Park, Preá Beach is one of the best spots in Brazil for kite- and wind-surfing. Located on this serene beach, Pousada Rancho do Peixe (a 200,000-square-metre seafront coconut farm) boasts a simple and elegant design in a rustic style. Each of the 20 quaint, thatched bungalows is built on a single floor and includes a deck with hammocks and reclining chairs.

The tasteful décor highlights work of local artisans. No TVs but free Wi-Fi.

The restaurant creates international recipes using fresh fish and seafood.

Beach, Alagoas

The restaurant specialises in Brazilian cuisine with Mediterranean influences.

Fresh fish comes from the ocean; produce from the hotel's organic farm. There is also an excellent selection of wines.

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Kenoa - Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort - An architecturally significant eco-chic property on a pristine sand beach, overlooking the turquoise-blue ocean Defining a whole new realm for nature-friendly well-being, Kenoa is a joyful symphony of social and environmental awareness, synchronised with Zen-like luxury. The architecture's humble and stark character dissolves the boundaries between man-made and natural, allowing for an effortless pursuit of happiness.

Kenoa - Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort is located on Brazil’s stunning northeastern coast, caressed by a brilliant blue, seemingly infinite ocean and kilometres of pristine white beach of Barra de São Miguel. The hotel confidently stands out as much as it blends in with the natural beauty of its unique location. When founder Pedro Marques first dreamed up the lush haven at this breathtakingly beautiful spot, he instantly envisioned the stylish resort would create a mental, physical and environmental equilibrium. Keen on environment-sparing solutions like recycled glass water bottles, reclaimed wood of tree trunks, energy-saving LED lights, locally produced foods, and even non-ironed staff uniforms, the eco-chic retreats intimate set-up offers repose for guests who are ready to wind down and relax.

Each of the 23 exclusive villas and suites offers unique features–from unparalleled views over the neighbouring wildlife sanctuary, to private pools and outstanding interior design mingled with indigenous works of art. A Shiseido-equipped spa, fitness centre with ocean views, winebar, lounge and world-class cuisine tantalise the senses and satisfy the soul. The restaurant serves local fish, shrimp, lobsters, organic produce and has a fine wine list.

Kenoa is located 30-kilometres south of Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas, in Barra de São Miguel. The nearest airport is in Maceió. The resort is privileged with a single season year-round. Merely nine-degrees south of the equator, the region presents a tropical climate and a sea water temperature that is invariably pleasant – indeed, summer all year round.

1. Vila Kalango 2. Rancho do Peixe 3. Kenoa - Exclusive Beach Spa

& Resort

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Peru

High Andean peaks where majestic condors soar, steamy rainforests of the Amazon basin, nearly limitless coastal destinations and the almost mythical Machu Picchu.

Once you see the mystically enchanting Andean highlands of Peru, you will understand why the Incas considered this place as the centre of their empire.

Cradled by cloud-shrouded peaks, surrounded by cultivated fields of quinoa, the Inca erected stone temples without mortar. They laid roads the length of the country and melted gold into every form imaginable–from wall décor to hand plows. Over eight centuries later, we still thrill to seeing the sun rising behind the ruins of Machu Picchu and to hiking the mythical Inca Trail.

This spellbinding country also has desert-meets-sea beaches, lush Amazonian jungle and magnificent volcanoes, as well as captivating cities that inspire travellers both young and old. Wander through a first century adobe city, feel colonial ghosts in the glorious Cusco cathedrals, fly over the mysterious Nazca desert drawings, visit the Uros people on floating islands in Lake Titicaca and feast on alpaca steak and ceviche in stylish eateries in Lima. Or go off the beaten track to the alabaster city of Arequipa, spot condors from a gorge twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, sandboard or buggy over dunes in Paracas and sail to Peru’s own version of the Galapagos Islands.

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Gu

Colombia

Land of the Incas

Ecuador

ian

a Hi gh

lands

A mazon

– 12 night itinerary Cusco – 3 nights

Basin

Brazil

Perú

Cusco

Bolivia

Brasilia

Lake Titicaca

ilia

Inca Trail Lodge to Lodge Trek – 5 nights

Br

az

Follow the ancient “ Salkantay Inca Trail ” – the road less travelled – to the lost city of the Incas. This exciting, and exceedingly comfortable, six day adventure winds through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range, before plunging into forested canyons.

Atacama Desert

Trekking from lodge to lodge enjoy the comfort and service of four top quality mountain lodges located in pristine areas and complete with hot showers, comfortable beds and fabulous food, before finally reaching Machu Picchu, the crown jewel, as a final destination. On this journey you will traverse magnificent mountain passes, enjoying enormous and mystical snow-capped peaks, pass through magical cloud forests, see nature in its purest form and explore more than 15 different ecosystems. The chances for ethnic and cultural exchanges are ever-present with local natives who still remain closely attached to, and are willing to share, their heritage.

land

s

Lima Machu Picchu

nH igh

Vibrant is the word which best describes Cusco, the ancient capital of the vast Inca Empire. Today it is one of the most important cities in the Andes where you can enjoy the charming mix of Inca, Spanish and Colonial culture. As you roam the cobbled streets surrounding La Casona Cusco Hotel, a colonial manor house that is possibly the first Spanish construction in Cusco, you will discover the quaint Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, formerly the Inca Empire’s richest temple. The recently refurbished 1560 Gothic-Renaissance Church with intricately carved pulpits & exquisite interiors can also be found at your doorstep on Cusco’s main square.

Pacific Ocean

Paraguay

Pampas

Uruguay

Machu Picchu – 2 nights One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a breathtaking archaeological complex. Immersed in the heart of the Andes, standing at 2,430m above sea level, this last stronghold of the Incas holds superb architectural and archaeological importance and is one of the most important cultural sites in Latin America. From your privileged base in the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, of Aguas Calientes, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Andes. For those who are active, a hike to the peak of Wayna Picchu on the second day is highly recommended as the magnificent aerial view of the ruins is priceless!

Argentina Chile

Lake Titicaca – 2 nights Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake on Earth and a cradle of Inca civilisation. Titilaka Lodge is surrounded by stunning scenery and astounding Andean geography and from this base you can explore the Andean communities on the islands of Taquile or Uros; visit the archaeological sites of Chullpas de Sillustani and the splendid colonial churches in the towns of Juli, Pomata and Lampa; or simply relax in absorb the spirit of the region.

Falkland Islands

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Lima and Beyond Uncover Lima’s colonial past in Old Town; savour the country's cuisine in modern bistros. Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, to Paracas for deserted beaches or raft in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

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Miraflores Park Hotel - Elegant all-suite hotel in the heart one of Lima's most fashionable neighbourhoods Renowned for its beautiful garden location beside the Pacific Ocean, it has breathtaking views out to sea. Like all Orient-Express hotels, the Miraflores Park Hotel combines personalised service, exceptional dining and indulgent facilities. The Zest Spa offers treatments inspired by and incorporating indigenous products from Peru and the Amazon. Guests enjoy creative Japanese cuisine in Mesa 18. For breakfast, the Observatory Restaurant offers spectacular views of Lima and the Pacific Ocean. Colonial architecture, superb museums with Inca gold and Pre-Columbian antiquities, and glamorous shops, bars and restaurants are all just moments from the hotel.

Paracas National Reserve

Nazca Lines Located in the Pampa of San Jose and on an area of 50-kilometres, the geoglyphs depict animals and plants. Some of these figures may reach up to 300-metres long and occupy an area of 1,000-square-metres. The lines are almost imperceptible at ground level; only viewed from above do they reveal their spectacular vision. The 30-minute tourist flights leave from the Nazca airstrip in the morning and in the early afternoon.

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Libertador Paracas – Luxury Collection - Restful, luxurious and located right on the Peruvian coast Featuring 120 elegant rooms and suites, Libertador Paracas has a luxury spa, bar lounge and two restaurants. For lunch, contemporary Peruvian cuisine. For dinner, fish and seafood with Asian and Mediterranean influences. A Trattoria offers classic Italian dishes.

1. Miraflores Park Hotel 2. Nazca Lines 3. Libertador Paracas

– Luxury Collection

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Paragliding, Miraflores

Travel three hours' by car or 45-minutes' by plane from Lima to reach the Libertador Paracas. Located near a nature reserve where you can admire marine life and where the Paracas culture flourished nearly two millennia before the Incas. Take a boat from the hotel's private dock to the Ballesta Islands that provide shelter to over 150 species of marine bird including cormorants, pelicans and the Humboldt penguin.

Northern Peru Geographically diverse and culturally fertile, the northern coast and highlands of Peru include mountains, deserts, verdant valleys, white sand beaches, 11 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites and wondrous pre-Inca archaeological ruins.

Gocta Andes Lodge

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- View the mystical Peruvian Andes and some of the world's tallest waterfalls from the comfort of your bedroom The lovely and remote Gocta Lodge, in the tiny, quaint village of Cocachimba 1,800-metres above sea level, offers comfort and service. Designed so views of the rushing Gocta waterfalls may be enjoyed in total relaxation, each of the hotel's ten rooms has either a balcony or a terrace. Even the gardens and swimming pool face the spectacular falls, ensuring maximum visual impact wherever you look. Surrounded by this tranquillity and beauty, accommodations are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel's excellent restaurant serves cuisine made from the finest local ingredients out on a fabulous terrace perfect for both dining and for sunbathing.

Adventurous guests make the challenging trek (by horseback and on foot) right up to the waterfalls. The jacuzzi bath offers a welcome soak at the end of the day. Just 42-kilometres from Chachapoyas, the colonial capital of the region, the lodge is wonderfully situated for day hikes to fascinating and historically important pre-Incan ruins like the Kuelap fortress and Karajia sarcophagi.

Revash Mausoleum, near Chachapoyas

1. Gocta Andes Lodge

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Machu Picchu Machu Picchu, the phenomenal 'Lost City of the Incas,' sits like a proud lion perched on a high plateau (2,430-metres above sea level) in a tropical mountain forest that is perpetually swathed in ribbons of clouds. The city was built in the 15th century and is a marvel of mortarfree limestone architecture. It is probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its zenith. Although the site was known locally, it was unknown to the outside world until it was 'discovered' in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. Board a train or take the multi-day hiking trail but make sure you see the ruins at sunrise.

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Machu Picchu Journey by Mountain Lodges of Peru - A life-changing journey to Machu Picchu in comfort and style Follow the footsteps of the Incas and experience an extraordinary adventure.

Mountain Lodges of Peru–-a group of boutique hotels highly focused on customer service–offers unique Lodge to Lodge Treks and Equestrian Journeys to Machu Picchu. Oriented to soft adventure and social responsibility, the trek leads travellers in style (including hot picnic lunches) via the Salkantay Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Mountain Lodges of Peru offers adventure at its best: the opportunity to experience the essence of a life-changing adventure within the luxury of revitalising comforts. During this unique seven-day experience, you will hike or ride un-crowded ancient trails through nine different biozones, traverse a mountain pass at 4,600-metres, see the convergence of three rivers, discover communities where locals maintain age-old traditions, and witness the majesty of Machu Picchu–the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. Guests spend the nights in four intimate and comfortable lodges located in strategic points along the route.

Each one offers gourmet Andean cuisine, outdoor jacuzzi, sauna, bar and lounge,

cosy and well-appointed rooms. All four mountain lodges have been designed and built in accordance with traditional building techniques, Inca architectural and mythological concepts, and respect for the surrounding environment. The Salkantay Lodge has 12 private rooms with private bathroom facilities, while the other lodges (Wayra, Colpa, Lucma) have six en-suite rooms. Salkantay, Wayra, and Colpa lodges have outdoor jacuzzis. Every lodge guarantees an ample supply of hot water for showers. Professional massage services are available.

A satellite-based phone system is available for making international calls. The phone requires phone cards that can be purchased at the lodges. Mountain Lodges of Peru adheres strictly to Fair Tourism practices, with a strong emphasis on social and environmental issues. This allows travellers an opportunity to 'Give Back and Go Green.'

Lamas, Machu Picchu

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel - This luxury boutique hotel is tucked inside the Machu Picchu Natural and Historical Sanctuary

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by Explorandes Peru - Energise your senses in one of the most magical places in the world–the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu In four days trekkers will get to experience the many unique environments of the Andes—from mountain scenery to the lush cloud forest and ending in the subtropical rainforest. Starting at the Sacred Valley of the Incas, explorer find remote Inca archaeological sites and will enjoy landscapes filled with exotic flora and fauna. Entering Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun is one of the most captivating experiences of the trail. The last day, trekkers will feel the climax of the trip visiting the Machu Picchu citadel.

Explorandes, the pioneer adventure tour operator in Peru since 1975, offers trekkers exclusive camping areas and specialised equipment and guides to fulfil this unique experience in a comfortable way. Explorandes is always concerned about its sustainable tourism, preserving the environment, culture and traditions.

It was selected as the World’s Leading Green Tour Operator in the 2012 World Travel Awards. Explorandes offers fixed departures every Wednesday and Sunday during Inca Trail season.

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Spread out over 12-acres of tropical cloud forest, the intimate Inkaterra is designed to feel like an Andean village. The 85 one- and two-storey cottages nestled into terraced hills are connected by stone pathways through orchid-filled gardens.

Cottages have king-sized beds, spa-style bathrooms and fireplaces. Soft alpaca blankets are a nice touch. Enjoy the eucalyptus sauna, followed by a star-lit dip in the plunge pool. The glass-walled restaurant boasts stunning views of the Vilcanota River.

Guided nature excursions include bird watching, viewing sacred pre-Inca pictographs and enjoying 372 species of native orchids in the hotel garden.

The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge At the edge of the Machu Picchu Citadel located over the mountain that accesses the lost city of the Incas, The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (an Orient-Express Hotel) is a place where nature lovers will discover the myriad orchid species that grow all year inside the property and will enjoy local Peruvian cuisine.

Spacious rooms offer views across the dramatic undulating landscape of the Sacred Valley.

1. Machu Picchu Journey

by Mountain Lodges of Peru 2. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

by Explorandes Peru 3. Inkaterra Machu Picchu

Pueblo Hotel 4. The Machu Picchu

Sanctuary Lodge

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Las Casitas del Colca

Arequipa, Puno and Lake Titicaca Arequipa, an elegant colonial town, sits surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. Explore the sacred azure waters of Lake Titicaca. From Puno, sail to the lake's floating islands, home of pre-Incan Uros tribe.

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Titilaka Hotel - Excursions, activities and truly spectacular views of Lake Titicaca Titilaka, a modern all-inclusive lodge on a remote peninsula on the Peruvian shores of Lake Titicaca, offers a luxurious refuge from which to explore the treasured natural, cultural and historical resources of this mystical region.

Surrounded by stunning scenery and pristine geography, Titilaka's contemporary design integrates with the environment and pays homage to the native cultures of Lake Titicaca. All 18 airy, stylish rooms have lake views and heated floors; the suites have spa bathrooms with overflow tubs. The hotel is not only a welcoming lodge, it offers cycling, kayaking, star-gazing, hikes to Titilaka Arch and visits to the amazing Uros Floating Islands.

The Colca Valley, located in Arequipa, south of Lima, has one of the deepest canyons in the world. Las Casitas del Colca is located in this peaceful setting. It is the perfect retreat to get in touch with nature whether you ride a Peruvian Paso horse, swim in the pool, feed the alpacas or take a walk through the vegetable gardens. The 20 simple, comfortable guest rooms have fireplaces, soaking bathtubs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi Built from local materials, the solar-powered eco-lodge sits below flower-covered terraces on a 106-acre private island in Lake Titicaca. Many bird species, rare vicunas and vizcachas live on this magical island. Guests can hike, paddle, or visit the massage room and sauna. All 24 cosy rooms and the private Andean Cottage have panoramic lake views. Cuisine fuses Andean ingredients with modern techniques.

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Casa Andina Private Collection Puno - A privileged lakeside location with extraordinary vistas 1. Titilaka Hotel 2. Casa Andina Private

Collection Puno 3. Las Casitas del Colca 4. Casa Andina Private

Collection Isla Suasi

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At 3,800-metres above sea level, Casa Andina Private Collection Puno is perched on the water's edge of Lake Titicaca. A majority of the hotel's 46-rooms boast unparalleled lake views. The hotel's restaurant is enclosed by a glass wall framing the lake and gardens. A large, sunny terrace invites guests to relax and to contemplate Lake Titicaca's seemingly endless expanse... and the twinkling lights of Puno in the distance.

The hotel is built from rustic local materials, including stone, wood and clay tiles. Large stone fireplaces warm the lobby lounge and Alm restaurant which serves gourmet Peruvian cuisine. Wi-Fi, buffet breakfast and in-room coffee service are complimentary.

Floating Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca

Hotel Monasterio Cusco city is considered the archaeological capital of Latin America, where it is possible to discover the impressiveness of the Inca and Colonial culture. The renowned Hotel Monasterio is an exceptional 16th century architectural masterpiece. This antique monastery, restored into a hotel, has a distinctive collection of paintings; as well as luxurious personalised service that is reflected in every aspect of your stay.

Inkaterra Itinerary - If you are seeking the sumptuous side of Peru, Inkaterra offers experiences befitting the realm which was once the South American jewel in the Spanish crown Inkaterra itineraries are utterly opulent, absolutely customised and cater to travellers with extraordinary expectations. Featuring the three exclusive properties Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica set in the Southern Amazon jungle, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel on 15-acres of serene gardens across from the Machu Picchu Pueblo, and Inkaterra La Casona on historic Plaza de Armas in Cusco, they create tailored, exclusive trips to connect you with nature, adventure, culture–and with each other. From the Amazon to the Andes this is an amazing adventure to share with friends and family.

Rio Sagrado Hotel Located in a privileged place in the Urubamba Valley, Rio Sagrado Hotel allows its guests to enjoy magnificent views of river Urubamba from all the rooms. It was designed so guests can appreciate the natural surroundings while enjoying a picnic, a barbeque or participating in a mystical ceremony inspired by the ancient Inca. Accommodations are deluxe rooms, spacious suites or three-bedroom villas set in wild-flower gardens.

Cusco Cusco, the ancient Inca capitol, is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Colonial churches and mansions sit atop granite Inca walls and streets are still known by indigenous Quechuan names.

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Inkaterra La Casona - An exquisite 16th century colonial mansion located in the heart of Cusco, the historic Inca capital 1. Inkaterra Itinerary

The first Peruvian hotel to become a member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux, La Casona is the standard-bearer of excellence. Ideally located, just steps from Plaza de Armas with its convents, monuments, shops and great restaurants.

2. Inkaterra La Casona 3. Hotel Monasterio 4. Rio Sagrado Hotel

Lovingly restored to its original splendour for its 2009 debut, the building retains the patina of a bygone era. With only 11 spacious and elegant suites (with modern, dual-sink baths), this luxe boutique hotel exudes the intimacy and romance of a private home. La Casona landed on CondĂŠ Nast Traveller's 2011 Gold List of the world's best hotels and Travel + Leisure's 2009 'It List.

Peruvian Girls and Alpacas, Cusco

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The Amazon Plunge deep into the country's massive tracts of tropical rainforest.

In the pristine wilderness of the Tambopata National Reserve, stay at a rustic eco-lodge, raft rapids and take a pre-dawn hike to the world's largest clay lick to view hundreds of feasting macaws and parrots. Or cruise the great rivers in the utmost luxury to watch monkeys dance overhead and pink dolphins skim the water's surface. Relax in a hot tub out on deck and count the stars in the luminous night sky. In the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, visit an indigenous community or take a night time canoe ride through the jungle.

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Delfin Amazon - Fish for piranhas, swim with river dolphins and enjoy rainforest cuisine on these luxurious riverboat cruises Deep in the Peruvian Upper Amazon, super-luxury vessels–Delfin I and Delfin II–take you into the world's largest protected flooded forest, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. In this bird-watching haven, you will see iridescent macaws, white-necked herons, green kingfishers, short-tailed parrots, blackcollared hawks and hundreds of other rainforest birds. You will also encounter extraordinary creatures like capuchin and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths and the Amazon alligator (caimen). Other rare species of birds and animals can be viewed during the two- to three-daily excursions. Voyages also include visits to native villages to experience traditional life on the river, canoeing in a remote lagoon, swimming near pink river dolphins, fishing, kayaking, canopy walking, daytime hiking and night safaris in the rainforest. Cuisine includes native potatoes, tomatoes and chilli peppers–prepared in haute and other interesting ways. Modern, light, beautifully plated dishes with a bit of a kick from the chilli's.

In the evening, there's live music and a briefing about the next day's adventures.

Each vessel is a floating boutique hotel. Wood-panelled suites are fitted with orthopaedic mattresses, top-of-the-line Peruvian cotton linens, and eco-friendly toiletries. The Delfin I offers only four spacious Suites, which have amazing floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace and two of the rooms are Deluxe Master Suites, each with a private whirlpool. It is the ideal setting for a romantic expedition adventure or for a family-and-friends gathering. The Delfin II boasts ten Standard Suites and four Master Suites with similar amenities, exquisite regional cuisine, and world-class service and comfort. Delfin Amazon Cruises gives you the opportunity to experience the Amazon with authentic style and comfort. Choose from four-day/three-night programmes, five-day/four-night programmes or a private charter for a longer stay.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica - Founded in 1975 by a Peruvian film producer, this luxury all-inclusive eco-resort is adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve in the vast Amazonian rainforest Remote yet accessible, Inkaterra is perfect for families and adventurous honeymooners. Wake to a symphony of tropical birdsong, end the day by lantern light and fall asleep to the gentle night noise of the Peruvian rainforest.

Featuring 35 comfortable, thatched-roof cabañas and a spa located on the banks of the Madre de Dios River, Inkaterra was named Best Jungle Lodge of South America by the Latin American Travel Association. Adventures include a trip to the spectacular canopy walkway and an overnight stay in the Tree House–with a private butler to serve cocktails and dinner.

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Amazon River Cruises - Sail the waters of the mighty Amazon and experience the world as it was at the very beginning of time Every week of the year, award-winning Aqua Expeditions takes passengers deep into Peru’s Amazon wilderness to places only visited by a fortunate few.

Daily excursions on launch boats take guests to see such incredible wonders as pink river dolphins and over one metre wide water lilies, and to visit local communities to meet the people who live deep in the forest.

1. Delfin Amazon 2. Amazon River Cruises 3. Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

The guests aboard the M/V Aqua and the new M/V Aria enjoy the finest wine and haute cuisine and the kind of personalised luxury and comfort you would expect of a luxury boutique hotel. Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s culinary superstars, created both of the vessels’ gourmet menus.

The M/V Aqua is Aqua Expedition's 40-metre flagship. Its 12 luxury suites feature large, outward-facing panoramic windows and en-suite sitting areas. All suites are air-conditioned, and four are interconnected to accommodate families.

The brand new 45-metre long M/V Aria has 16 oversize staterooms featuring en-suite seating areas, sumptuous beds, and wall-to-wall panoramic windows.

Green Amazon Parrots

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Ecuador

Amazonian rainforests, Andean peaks, foggy cloud forests, white-water rafting, the Galapagos Islands and a rich indigenous heritage–all this and more in Ecuador.

Wedged between Colombia and Peru, little Ecuador is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries on the planet. Split by the Andes, a rocky spine of snow-capped volcanoes, the ancient Amazon is to the east. And to the west are misty bird-filled cloud forests, untouched coastline and, of course, the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands.

One day you will pick through hand-woven wool sweaters at a chilly indigenous market in Otavalo; the next day you will sweat all over your binoculars while spying on howler monkeys in the Amazon jungles of the Oriente. For the adrenaline junky, the choices are outrageous. Mountaineering and trekking are world-class (try the Quilatoa Loop); toss in some horseback riding and surfing and you will go home with a happily aching body. For the culture vulture, Ecuador’s indigenous heritage of traditional costumes and highland markets will enchant you.

Ecuador’s exquisite capital Quito is the perfect base. Before jetting off to explore, meander the majesty that is the city’s UNESCO protected old town, the largest and best preserved in South America, drive north to stay at historic colonial haciendas and ride horseback in the countryside past Inca ruins.

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Bogota

Quito

ian

a Hi gh

lands

Otavalo Amazon

Catopaxi

Amazon and Highlands

Gu

A mazon

Baños

Ecuador

– 14 night itinerary Quito – 2 nights Spread across a spectacular Andean valley and flanked by volcanic peaks Quito is located at ‘the centre of the world’! It is also famous for its historical quarter – a maze of colonial splendour that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and a short stroll from Mansion del Angel Hotel overlooking the popular Alameda Park.

Basin

Perú

Amazon – 4 nights

Bolivia

Atacama Desert

The richest biological area anywhere in the world lies east of the Andes in Ecuador’s Amazon region. Butterflies, bats, monkeys, sloths, parrots, macaws and river dolphins reside in this lush jungle. Rain forest walks, canoe journeys and, for adventurous souls, night walks reveal creatures such as caiman seldom seen during daylight. There are also innumerable varieties of flora, including 4,500 species of orchids that may be viewed from the canopy walk at Sacha Jungle Lodge.

Baños – 3 nights In the central Ecuadorian Andes, at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano, lies the remote family owned Hacienda Manteles. Discover Llanganati National Park with its abundance of wild native orchids and explore the surrounding towns of Patate, known as the ‘Valley of Eternal Spring’, Puyo home to a rehabilitation centre for threatened species such as caiman and tapirs and nearby Baños, considered the gateway to the Amazon and renowned for adventure sports, hot spring pools and breathtaking waterfalls.

Paraguay

Pampas

Cotopaxi – 3 nights

Otavalo – 2 nights Otavalo has been an Andean crossroads since pre-Inca times and is home to undoubtedly one of the most famous outdoor markets in Latin America. The unique Hacienda Pinsaquí makes an ideal base. Whether you are looking for outdoor pursuits such as horse riding and walking or a visit to the lakes of San Pablo, Cuicocha and Mojanda or a foray for antiques or handicrafts in the markets this 17th century hacienda allows effortless access to all of the regions attractions.

Uruguay

Pacific Ocean

Argentina Chile

Andes

The colonial Hacienda of San Agustín de Callo was built on the site of an Inca palace, one of the two most important archaeological Inca sites in Ecuador.

Located in Cotopaxi National Park you will be surrounded by pristine lagoons and untouched archaeological ruins. Explore on horseback, on foot and by bicycle, or for those seeking a challenge climb to the top of Cotopaxi Volcano.

At 5897m it is the highest active volcano in the world and a mere two metres higher than Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Brazil

Atlantic Ocean

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Quito and Beyond Nothing prepares you for the approach into Quito. Cradled in a ring of snow-capped volcanoes, this stunning high-altitude Andean capital is breathtaking. And after a 250 million-dollar investment, its numerous colonial churches, convents and monasteries have been scrubbed and polished to perfection. Walk the cobblestone streets; stop for coffee and freshly squeezed tropical fruit juice. Travel the northern highlands on horseback and stay at romantic centuries-old haciendas. In Otavalo, shop South America's largest handicraft market.

Explore pre-Incan burial mounds and view more than 400 bird species in the Mindo cloud forest.

Plaza Grande

Hacienda San Augustin de Callo

- Historic and majestic, The Hotel Plaza Grande rises above Quito's central square

- Ancient Inca history and luxurious lodging just over an hour south of Quito

The Hotel Plaza Grande is located in what was originally the home of Juan Díaz de Hidalgo, one of the Spanish conquerors who founded the city of Quito in the 16th century. The hotel's unique location is convenient to other emblematic buildings of the colonial era. You will find Quito's history in the spectacular buildings nearby; La Compañía church, the Cathedral, the churches of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, the City Museum (Museo de la Ciudad)–to name just a few. Furnished with stately pieces inspired by the Spanish colonial era, the 15 spacious suites combine the flavour of long-ago times with every detail that a modern deluxe hotel requires.

Built on the site of an important Inca palace, this farm offers knowledgeable travellers an unsurpassed glance of the rich and diverse history of Ecuador. The perfectly carved volcanic stone walls are a reminder of long-gone indigenous workmanship and are part of one of the most important archaeological sites in Ecuador. The only two Inca-built rooms which have survived the passing centuries have been converted into the Chapel (popular for weddings) and the dining room–with large windows looking out on Mt. Cotopaxi–which offers high-Andean gastronomy. Activities include horse riding and trekking along old Inca paths, mountain biking and stream fishing.

Casa Gangotena This fabulous 31-suite boutique hotel occupies a grand 1640 mansion on the corner of Plaza San Francisco–in the geographical and spiritual heart of Quito's Old Town. Classified as Historic Heritage by UNESCO, its sophisticated interior includes painted tin ceilings and woodwork lovingly and painstakingly restored–combined with chic contemporary touches. The nowfamous rooftop terrace has wrap-around views of the city.

Mashpi Lodge

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The graceful, modern Mashpi Lodge provides the perfect base for exploring the hugely biodiverse tropical forests on the western slopes of the Andes. Located inside its own ecological reserve, the 22-suite Mashpi (opened in 2011) is two and a half hours' northwest of Quito. Powered by its own hydroelectricity, the intimate eco-friendly hotel is made almost entirely of glass, allowing for maximum views of spectacular nature.

Huaorani Ecolodge Ecuador - A remote ecolodge run by the Huaorani people and reached only by air and canoe The award-winning Huaorani Ecolodge is right at the headwaters of the Amazon and owned by the Huaorani people (until recently one of the most isolated ethnic groups on earth). You will hike to sacred waterfalls, kayak while listening to ancient Huaorani tales and learn to use a blowgun and spear. Accommodations are five comfortable, traditionally built, palm-thatched cabins.

Experience the Shiripuno River–a two-day adventure in kayaks or dugout canoes, watching monkeys, tropical birds (more than 600 species) and listening to an indigenous leader relate his people’s fight against the oil exploration. It is an authentic and inspirational travel experience.

Hacienda Zuleta

Hacienda Pinsaqui

Dating from the late 16th century, Hacienda Zuleta sits in the spectacular Andes just two hours' north of Quito. Zuleta is a 4,000-acre colonial working farm chosen as one of the world’s Top Ten Finds by Outside magazine and one of the Best Ecuador Hotels by National Geographic Traveller. Guest rooms are decorated with antiques and hand-embroidered linens. Explore the area on horseback, mountain bike or horse-drawn carriage.

- An elegant and romantic hacienda in the heart of Ecuador's lake district Hacienda Pinsaqui is ideally situated at the base of the Imbabura Volcano, just north of the world-famous Otavalo indigenous market and only two hours' from Quito. Its location allows easy access to the region's many attractions such as the lakes of San Pablo, Cuicocha and Mojanda, the colonial town of San Antonio de Ibarra and the village of Cotacachi.

The Hacienda, built in 1790, has been in the same horse-loving family for five generations. Guests can ride (with an experienced guide) on trails that wind through the hills as far as the Imbabura Volcano. The 20 en-suite guest rooms are furnished with antiques, have comfortable beds, and most rooms have fireplaces.

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1. Plaza Grande

La Mirage

2. Casa Gangotena

- An elegant and luxurious resort with beautiful views of mountains and gardens

3. Mashpi Lodge 4. Hacienda San Augustin de Callo 5. Huaorani Ecolodge Ecuador

Perched on an Andean hillside less than three hours' from Quito, La Mirage is a contemporary resort built on the grounds of a 200-year-old Hacienda.

Gourmet food is served in a classy restaurant, enjoy the lush and fragrant gardens, a pampering spa and 23 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites with large, modern bathrooms complete the La Mirage experience. Enjoy breakfast and lunch in the hotel's glass pavilions on the lawn while watching peacocks stroll–and hummingbirds flit–in the gardens. Attention to detail secures this resort's position in the esteemed Relais & Chateaux Association, which stand for the Five C's: Calm, Charm, Character, Courtesy and Cuisine.

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6. Hacienda Pinsaqui 7. La Mirage 8. Hacienda Zuleta

The middle of the world

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Yacht La Pinta La Pinta offers luxurious adventure in the Galapagos Islands. The stylish 63-metre yacht accommodates 48 guests for full-week Friday-to-Friday expeditions. After days filled with intense wildlife exploration and aquatic activities, you return to the haven of relaxation and tranquillity of the ship. Tastefully appointed accommodations and facilities–and gourmet cuisine–add an air of Old-World romance and sophistication.

Luxury Cruising, Galapagos Although Charles Darwin was one of history’s great minds, he probably didn’t imagine the day when luxury ships carrying groups–armed with binoculars and enjoying perfectly shaken cocktails–would cruise his favourite archipelago. But it’s because of him and his inspired theories we all dream of visiting Galapagos. Sailing on these glorious vessels is as smooth as honey and the luxe amenities make this type of adventure a multi-layered treat. In between island jaunts, relax in the on-board pool, view sea creatures from a glass-bottom boat, feast on luxury cuisine or read up on bluefooted boobies in the ship’s library.

M/V Santa Cruz Metropolitan Touring's flagship passenger vessel, the 90 guest M/V Santa Cruz, was built exclusively for exploring the iconic Galapagos Islands. With three spacious decks and a length of over 72-metres, this family-friendly, air-conditioned ship offers both Master Suites and Standard Cabins for expeditions lasting three-, four- and seven-nights. Both classes come with the same high-quality standards of comfort and cuisine.

Galapagos Cruising - Experience up-close, 360-degree adventures with incredible wildlife A Lindblad–National Geographic Galapagos expedition goes well beyond the limits of the typical cruise, enabling you to fully experience all that these remarkable islands have to offer. With two agile expedition ships and a fleet of Zodiac inflatable boats, the weekly tours allow you to go almost anywhere you desire any time of year.

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Marine Iguana, Galapagos Islands

Uniquely populated with animals lacking a natural fear of man, makes it possible for you to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures up-close. Giant tortoises still wander the islands and blue-footed boobies perform elaborate courtship dances. Flightless cormorants, swimming iguanas and tropical penguins are all part of the astonishing array of life here. Travelling with an inspiring team of expert naturalists and a Lindblad National Geographic certified photo instructor, you will learn about the history of the islands and the lives of the animals. The professional photographer will give you pointers on how best to capture your adventure on film. Also included in this unforgettable experience are hikes, kayaking, and snorkelling.

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M.V. Eclipse - Ocean Adventures

M.C. Athala II - Ocean Adventures

- M.V. Eclipse is a Conde Nast Top Small Cruise Ship and a 2012 Andrew Harper Signature Tour of the Galapagos Islands

- Experience the unique wonders of the Galapagos Islands in the exclusive comfort of a 16 passenger catamaran

Considered the finest Galapagos expedition vessel, the M.V. Eclipse offers unrivalled cabin space and ample social areas while preserving the atmosphere and exclusivity of a smaller yacht. Over two decks, 26-rooms accommodate 48 passengers. Fully air-conditioned, the cabins have either a queen or twin bed arrangement and all feature gracious sea views. A well-equipped lounge hosts nightly briefings and the library allows you to research any flora and fauna that piques your interest. In addition to the elegant indoor dining room, there is an alfresco dining area where you can enjoy the islands' spectacular scenery over a delicious lunch. One of the most popular areas on board is the sun deck, ideal for whale watching or simply relaxing in the jacuzzi. For all expeditions, passengers are divided into groups of a maximum of 12 people, each with its own naturalist guide. During the main holiday seasons, the ship runs special family departures, during which specialist guides are assigned to educate and entertain the children.

The M.C. Athala II features eight stylish double staterooms (located on two decks) with well-appointed private bathrooms, air-conditioning and ocean views through large portrait windows. Because the archipelago is such a dream destination for outdoor and nature enthusiasts, there is also plenty of outside space including a sun deck for relaxing and enjoying the whirlpool spa, a wellstocked open-air bar and an alfresco dining area where you can take in the islands’ spectacular scenery while enjoying a delicious meal. The large sun deck is great for whale and dolphin watching or to simply soak up the sun between island excursions. In the evenings there is no better place for star gazing. The ship has an experienced crew of ten and a naturalist guide.

Itineraries stop at many of the archipelago’s most sought-after sites and are tailored to provide an up-close view of the Galapagos Islands with opportunities to hike, swim and kayak. The M.C. Athala II offers two seven-night itineraries, with five-night options available for both.

1. Yacht La Pinta 2. M/V Santa Cruz 3. Galápagos Cruising 4. M.V. Eclipse Ocean Adventures 5. M.C. Athala II Ocean Adventures

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Small Ship Cruising An intimate way to explore these enchanted islands is aboard a small luxury ship. With only 16 passengers, these cruises offer a more customised experience and in-depth interaction with naturalist guides.

Though smaller, the ships do not lack for sumptuous amenities, such as cabins with balconies, world-class cuisine and common areas with jacuzzis and solaria. Landlubbers might prefer an eco-friendly hotel or glamping in a tented safari, both of which afford the rare privilege of living amongst the island wildlife.

The tents are luxurious and fun, with custom-made furnishings, exquisite bedding and unsurpassed views.

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Sea Lion, Galapagos Islands

M/Y Galapagos Odyssey - Explore the Galapagos aboard a small, elegant vessel with all the comforts of a first-class hotel The 16 passenger M/Y Galapagos Odyssey offers a high level of comfort and a stylish ambience while exploring the Galapagos Islands. The yacht's conscious design reduces the impact on the fragile Galapagos ecosystem.

The cabins and social areas offer comfortable space for relaxation and leisure.

Each accommodation features a private bathroom with a hot/cold water shower, desk to write in your journal, couch for reading, mini-fridge, closet and large windows that open individually. The sun deck area is spacious and offers a shade terrace to enjoy incredible Galapagos views whilst relaxing on the comfortable lounges or in the jacuzzi.

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M/Y Galapagos Grand Odyssey - Combining privacy and comfort in a marvellous yacht that cruises the Galapagos Islands

M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey - A first-class expedition catamaran yacht cruises the Galapagos Islands in luxury and style M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey features eight double cabins, with six twin cabins on main deck and the remaining two matrimonial cabins located on upper deck. There's also a great bar lounge area. M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey combines the space and comfort of a large ship with the privacy and cosiness of a small vessel. Cruises in the Galapagos offer different itineraries that include land tours and hikes on most of the Galapagos Islands. Guests encounter many species like giant tortoises, penguins, marine and land iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Other activities include snorkelling, kayaking and surfing.

The luxurious M/Y Galapagos Grand Odyssey has a capacity for only 16 passengers and features eight spacious, outside-facing suites (25-square-metres) and one Odyssey Suite (35-square-metres). All cabins have panoramic windows to enjoy the landscapes of the famed Galapagos Islands, the cabins are called suites because of their large size. All contain private bathrooms, hot/cold water, air-conditioning with independent controls to regulate the temperature, minifridge, and a TV/DVD. Connected cabins is a feature that is useful for families with kids. During family departures, a play zone for kids includes Nintendo Wii, board games, movies and other entertainment. Local dishes with an international flair are designed by the chef and served in the elegant dining room.

Facilities on-board include upper deck solarium with shade and uncovered areas, two jacuzzi's, comfortable sun lounges and cosy social areas for naturalhistory talks and for an evening of star gazing. Spa services upon-request.

Snorkelling and kayaking are also available.

1. M/Y Galapagos Odyssey 2. M/C Galapagos

Seaman Journey 3. M/Y Galapagos Grand Odyssey

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Colombia

Ecuador Brazil

Perú Lake Titicaca & La Paz

Bolivia Sucre

Salar De Uyuni

Potosi

From high mountains to steaming jungles to preserved colonial cities – Bolivia is a land of contrasts.

Uruguay

Argentina Chile

Bolivia Bolivia encompasses towering mountain peaks, surreal salt flats, dense rainforests, wildlife-rich grasslands, Inca ruins, nine UNESCO Heritage-listed sites and Biosphere Reserves, and borders legendary Lake Titicaca.

Best of Bolivia – 12 nights Sucre – 3 nights Fly from Santa Cruz to Sucre, Bolivia’s most beautiful city and the symbolic heart of the nation. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, visitors are impressed by its historic charm, wealth of colonial architecture, indigenous roots and pleasant atmosphere. Sucre is the perfect place to ease into the Bolivian way of life. Explore the narrow streets, whitewashed buildings sheltering pretty patios and visit the House of Liberty and Bolivar Park.

Potosi – 2 nights Drive to Potosi, one of the highest cities in the world standing at nearly 4,100 metres and built on the wealth of the silver mines. Wander around this lovely colonial city, visit the Mint House, colonial churches and silver mine where you can see the remains of the silver production in the famous Silver Mountain.

Salar De Uyuni – 2 nights Drive across the Altiplano to the Salar de Uyuni. Spend 2 nights in the comfort of your Deluxe Airstream Camper with private driver and chef as you explore the world’s largest salt lake, Isla Pescado, Red Lagoon and other natural wonders that form this surreal landscape.

Lake Titicaca – 2 nights Fly to La Paz and transfer to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Explore the ‘Sacred Lake of the Incas’ on a Titicaca Hydrofoil Cruise and visit the Sun & Moon Islands, the cradle of the Inca Empire. Visit the ‘Andean Roots Eco Village’ and meet the Limachi family, builders of the historical Totora-Reed Boats.

La Paz – 3 nights

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Built in a canyon and surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano sits Bolivia’s capital, La Paz. This fascinating city is filled with impressive colonial buildings, steep, cobbled streets, bewitching markets and captivating sites. The presence of indigenous communities is strong as is the traditional dress with distinctive black bowler hats. Explore the Tiwanaku ruins, Valley of the Moon and witches markets.

Isla de Pescadores, Salt lake Uyuni in Bolivia

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Parque Tayrona & Cartagena

Colombia

Medellin Bogota

Ecuador Brazil

Perú Bolivia

Uruguay Argentina

Chile

Colombia Modern cities with skyscrapers and nightclubs, 300 beaches on two oceans, archaeological ruins, high-mountain trekking, coffee plantations and 50 golf courses in exotic surroundings.

Soak up colonial history in the old town of Cartagena where pastel stucco buildings with delicate, wrought-iron balconies overlook narrow streets and lively plazas. In the capital city of Bogota, take in the Gold Museum with its immense wealth of pre-Columbian artefacts. Challenge yourself on a jungle course designed by Robert Trent Jones or Mark Mahannah. Trek wild mountain terrain to spot some of the 1,850 species of native birds. Take your afternoon siesta on a white-sand beach–there are literally hundreds to choose from.

Jewels of Colombia – 11 night itinerary Bogota – 2 nights Explore the cosmopolitan streets of Bogota where you will discover fascinating museums, colonial churches and charming cafes. Wander through the colourful laneways of La Candelaria, known for its colonial and baroque architecture. For breathtaking views of the capital, take the cable car to the top of Monserrate and relax in a mountain-top café before walking downhill to the Gold Museum and Bolivar Square.

Medellin – 2 nights Fly to Medellin, known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, due to its year-round mild temperatures. Colombia’s second largest city, Medellin has seen a remarkable turnaround from its former days as the headquarters for Colombia’s cocaine cartels. The city now brims with modernist architecture, excellent museums, parks and a lively cultural scene making it one of South America’s most exciting cities.

Parque Tayrona – 4 nights Fly to Santa Marta where you will be transferred to Parque Tayrona on the jungle-covered Caribbean coast, one of Colombia’s most popular national parks.

Spend your day’s bird watching, trekking to ancient ruins of Tayrona tribes and relaxing on the palm fringed beaches.

Cartagena – 3 nights

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Fly to Cartagena, the picturesque colonial town perched alongside the sparkling Caribbean. In recognition of its cultural and architectural riches, the fortified city, with its castles and bastions, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Wander the maze of cobbled alleys in the Old Town or escape on a day cruise to the nearby Islas del Rosario, an archipelago of small coral islands.

Tcherassi Hotel + Spa After an extensive two year restoration, this 250year old colonial mansion came to life. With seven unique rooms and suites, the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa recreates the magical setting of a bygone era while delivering all of the modern amenities and comforts. The hotel has a full service spa, Italian restaurant and chic lounge overlooking a vertical garden, four pools and a roof deck with views of both the city and the sea.

Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia Located north of Bogota in the exclusive area of La Cabrera (Zona T), the hotel offers easy access to the city's best art galleries, restaurants and designer boutiques. The décor is classically inspired, from the sumptuous lobby to the charming restaurants and every guest room's details. The atmosphere of sophistication is enhanced by delicate Colombian flower arrangements, this hotel exemplifies the luxe Sofitel style.

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Hotel Deep Blue Located on the beautiful Colombian island of Providencia within stunning turquoise waters, Hotel Deep Blue offers guests the experience of a lifetime. The hotel is surrounded by verdant tropical forest with a splendid view of Crab Caye and the Caribbean sea. The restaurant, deck and pool are a perfect place to unwind or you can chose from a variety of activities including use of sea kayaks to explore the alluring waters.

Merecumbe Hotel With minimalist architecture and design, the rooms of Merecumbe Hotel are an eco-type.

Built bio-climatically with palm-and-wood roofs, they ensure cool nights lulled by songs of crickets, frogs and cicadas. An intimate and secluded beach is the ideal place to get a relaxing massage, take in the sun or enjoy a delicious cocktail while gazing at the blue Caribbean. Meals are included in the room rate and complimentary Wi-Fi is in public areas.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena - Built as a convent in 1621, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is an architectural gem and legendary landmark in the heart of Colombia´s UNESCO listed walled city Famed Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez set his novel 'Of Love and Other Demons' in this convent. The walls and roofs preserve the ancient magic of the colonial area. There are 123-rooms, most with balconies or private terraces offering views of the interior cloisters of the hotel or the Great Wall next to the Caribbean Sea. Emphasising both luxury and comfort, each room has a flatscreen TV with digital channels, complimentary Wi-Fi and, in the bathrooms– monsoon showers, deep soaking tubs and Hermes amenities. The Botero Suite is a place where guests can get to know the legendary Colombian artist Fernando Botero through a series of photographs (donated by his daughter Lina Botero) showing different stages of his life.

Savour French cuisine in El Claustro and Restaurant 1621, sip cocktails in El Coro, the monastery´s former choir, and indulge in pampering services in the So Spa. Enjoy casual meals–breakfast, lunch and dinner–whilst relaxing by the pool.

1. Tcherassi Hotel + Spa 2. Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia 3. Hotel Deep Blue 4. Merecumbe Hotel 5. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

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Mexico

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From Mexico City with its world-class museums and trendy restaurants to the traditional mountain villages and white sand beach resorts—this vast, colourful country makes you feel welcome.

Ever since Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortez scoured the land for golden treasures in 1519, curious travellers have come in search of enriching experiences.

Mexico’s ancient myths and romantic tales are as alluring as the landscape – majestic mountains, tropical forests, sandy deserts and dreamy beaches along two coastlines. A patchwork of enormously different native-American cultures– from the Aztec and Mayan empires to the Spanish colonial era and the current multitude of regional identities—make the country a dynamic and constantly surprising place to travel. Mexico City–vast and cosmopolitan–is packed with notable Baroque, Art Nouveau and Modern architecture, contemporary art galleries and hot restaurants where a fashionable late lunch can last well past dinner. Acapulco, Cancun and Los Cabos offer yachting, fishing and other water sports. Dive to the Maya Reef, the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.

Explore ancient temples in Chichen Itza and Palenque. Get a modern take on traditional Mayan massage in romantic Tulum. Famous for mescal and tequila, the Aztecs and Maya, Frida and Diego, and beach resorts in both Pacific and Caribbean, Mexico offers something for everyone.

United States

Colours & Flavours of Mexico – 13 night itinerary Mexico City – 3 nights Discover Mexico, the land of the Aztec and Mayans whilst traversing incredible scenery. Despite the fall of these mighty empires its descendants and cultural traditions are kept alive in the modern world. A journey to this beautiful country takes you into the heart of a vibrant and passionate nation full of colour, music, art and history. From the elegant Four Seasons Resort in Mexico City you will have the best introduction to this wonderful culture, with many archaeological sites remaining intact. The Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon in Teotihuacan are the best examples and cannot be missed!

Mexico

Merida

Oaxaca – 3 nights Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the economic, cultural, and political centre of one of the most fascinating areas in Mexico. The region is host to 16 ethnic groups including the mighty Zapotecs and Mixtecs who once ruled this region. These vibrant cultures still maintain many of their centuries-old traditions providing incredible opportunities to look back into Mexico’s colourful past. With its hidden jungles, high mountains, some of the deepest caverns in the world and its virgin beaches Oaxaca has much to offer.

Enjoy your stay in the charming Casa Oaxaca Boutique Hotel.

Uxmal – 2 nights Uxmal is one of the most magnificent and best restored ruins in Yucatan and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy this wonderful area visiting The Loltun Caves, the largest and most studied caves on the peninsula.

Spend two nights in Hacienda Temozon, a restored 16th Century hacienda encircled by majestic natural reserves and archaeological jewels.

Mexico City

Uxmal

Riveiera Maya

Oaxaca

Guatemala

Costa Rica

Merida – 3 nights Merida’s remote Mayan roots, superb colonial monuments and the splendour of its XIX century architecture make it a captivating mixture of cultural influences.

Visit Izamal, the “City of three cultures”, one of the oldest cities in Yucatan that brings together elements of the prehispanic, colonial and contemporary eras. Discover Ek Balam (black jaguar) archaeological site located inside the Mayan jungle; refresh at the Mayan Cenote, once the only resource for fresh, sweet water in the Yucatecan jungle. Spend two nights in the cradle of Mayan culture in Hacienda San Jose.

Riviera Maya – 3 nights Discover Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan temple city and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! Spend three days in the Mexican Caribbean with its long white sandy beaches, visit the Tulum archaeological site considered one of the most beautiful Mayan ruins sitting high on the cliffs above the sea and swim in the deep underground world of Cenotes. Spend the last three nights in luxury at the exclusive Esencia Private Estate.

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Mexico City Soak up the sights, tastes and sounds from over 1,000 years' of culture—pre-historic peoples, Aztec, Spanish colonisers, Art Deco architects and modern artists—in this vibrant, colourful capital city.

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico - Surrounding a beautifully landscaped fountain courtyard near Chapultepec Park and the exclusive Polanco district in Mexico City Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, the only AAA Five Diamond Awarded hotel for 16 consecutive years in Mexico City, is a blend of classical European and Mexicanstyle architecture. Most of the 240 guest rooms and suites face the peaceful central courtyard. Others have views of the tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma. All guest rooms feature LCD screens, DVD players, i-Home docking stations and luxurious marble bathrooms with tub and separate shower. El Bar, offers an American breakfast buffet and a variety of light options for lunch and dinner.

Reforma 500, the main restaurant, serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.

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Casa de Sierra Nevada - Like having your own beautiful, luxurious and historic apartment in magical San Miguel de Allende

Las Alcobas

1. Four Seasons Hotel Mexico 2. Las Alcobas 3. Casa de Sierra Nevada

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- An aesthetic marvel designed by the iconic international firm Yabu Pushelberg and located in Mexico City's fashionable Polanco district The masterfully designed hotel, a former private residence, has been ingeniously crafted into a series of private home-away-from-homes. The 35 guest rooms invite you to rest on sumptuous goose down bedding and to bathe in sunken marble baths. The two- and three-bedroom suites and penthouses feature personal steam rooms and wrap-around terraces overlooking the city.

This property provides premier in-room spa amenities and personalised services for guests making any stay both comfortable and artfully enthralling. Its central location gives easy access to the chic districts of Reforma, Condesa, Roma.

The boutique Casa de Sierra Nevada is a collection of perfectly restored Spanish colonial buildings, located one-and-a-half blocks from the main city square and cathedral of San Miguel de Allende. It is an Orient-Express property and boasts that brand's signature amenities and quality service.

The 37-rooms and suites are spread amongst six mansions, including Casa del Parque, a 17th century fort and customs house catering to the silver trade, and Casa Principal, a 16th century historic landmark that used to be the residence of San Miguel de Allende's archbishop. Each casona, or mansion, features five to seven guest rooms or suites, and is completely unique. Many feature outdoor courtyards with fountains, small gardens and alfresco corridors.

Staying here allows you to immerse yourself into the town itself, forgetting that you are actually staying at a hotel. In the centre of each building, there is an inner courtyard where guests sit and enjoy the afternoon sun or the balmy evenings when lighted candles create a romantic ambience.

Pacific Coast, Mexico

Guaycura Boutique Hotel & Spa - A chic boutique hotel in the centre of Todos Santos, a small Baja fishing town and artists colony

Oozing the glamour of a bygone era, the Pacific Coast boasts legendary Acapulco, palm-fringed beaches of Puerto Vallarta, world-class resort towns Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo and epic surfing at Troncones.

Encircled by charming colonial buildings, romantic Guaycura is part of the fabric of the village's history. Its former lives (spanning 150-years') include incarnations as the police station, the post office and the art academy. Now its 14 luxe and lovely rooms are decorated with dark wood furnishings, rustic tile floors, wrought-iron railings and comfortable canopy beds. See modern art by local artists throughout the hotel. Make time to relax in the spa's marble steam room.

Guests linger over dinner in the romantic restaurant and gather for a night-cap on the sky deck for incredible views of the ancient town and the Sea of Cortez.

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Baja's Whale Bounty - From snorkelling with sea lions to anchoring in hidden coves–untouched and pristine Baja beckons

Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués - Experience charm, romance, breathtaking sunsets and the beautiful beaches of Acapulco at Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués Located in the exclusive residential development of Cabo Marqués in Acapulco Diamante, the resort offers 45 luxury private-pool villas with generous living areas–each perched on stilts on a dramatic cliff with wide views of the Pacific Ocean. The architecture of the resort is inspired by Acapulco's history as a seaport–trading with the Far East and China. The Oriental influence extends to the spa where treatments start with a soothing foot bath and a glass of herb tea.

Wake up to an ocean-view breakfast, enjoy a poolside lunch, take in the sea breeze at sunset cocktails and indulge in sweet endings under the stars.

Go island hopping in a world of breathtaking natural beauty on a seven-night Un-Cruise Adventure in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés. Explore this World Heritagelisted site and Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy a full day gray whale watching excursion at Bahia Magdalena. Enjoy a barbeque ashore and hikes along cactusclad rims. Visit local rancheros and go burro riding in craggy canyons. Snorkel with playful sea lion pups, watch dolphins and whales, kayak, paddle board, and explore by skiff in wildlife-rich waters. Marvel at the turquoise water and white sand beaches. At night, drop anchor in a hidden cove.

Round-trip from Cabo San Lucas, set sail aboard the 64 guest Safari Voyager.

Everything is included from the activities and equipment, a complimentary massage and daily insights from your on-board expedition leader and guides.

The executive chef prepares gourmet meals using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Premium spirits, fine wine and micro-brews are also included. As are transfers and baggage handling between airport/yacht, and port fees and taxes.

1. Guaycura Boutique Hotel & Spa 2. Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués 3. Baja’s Whale Bounty

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Central America

Secluded beaches, mysterious Mayan ruins, world-class diving, surfing, rafting and kayaking and other adventures await in the seven countries of Central America.

Bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east, this is a verdant and bountiful isthmus of profound natural beauty, remnants of mysterious ancient civilisations, mountains abundant with coffee and bananas and a mind-boggling array of flora and fauna. Whether you are in search of Mayan pyramids and 16th century colonial architecture or hankering to explore offshore coral reefs, thick jungles and volcanic peaks or you are simply looking for the perfect white-sand beach on which to relax, Central America satisfies all agendas with diverse tastes and possibilities.

Skip from country to country on open-boats over chocolaty waters, witness colourful modern Mayan life where not much has changed over the centuries, kick back in a tiny coastal Garífuna village, the home to African-Carib culture, overnight at a coffee plantation in Boquete or enjoy the museums, restaurants and night life of Panama City. Central America–Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and parts of southern Mexico–is less touristy than its bigger, more well-known American neighbours. It remains a mystery to so many and that makes your trip all the more rewarding.

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Cuba Belize

Mexico

Orange Walk

Ambergris Caye

Cayo District

Belize Highlights – 10 night itinerary The Orange Walk – 3 nights In the north of Belize towards the Mexican border, the Orange Walk district is well known for its great variety of wildlife and the Mayan site of Lamanai. From your base in Chan Chich Lodge, surrounded by pristine rainforest in the heart of “La Selva Maya”, you will experience unforgettable wildlife encounters with large populations of the five cat species – jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay and jaguarondi. Jaguars have been seen once a week, a record that is unmatched elsewhere. This is also one of the world’s top birding destinations with over 350 bird species. Wildlife, bird watching, horse riding and canoeing are just a few of the many activities that can be enjoyed in this region.

The Cayo District – 3 nights

Honduras

Guatemala San Salvador

El Salvador

Jamaica

Tegucigalpa

Nicaragua Managua San Jose Panama

Costa Rica Panama

The largest district in Belize also known as the “Highlands of Belize” is probably the most visited of the inland areas with clear, meandering rivers, lush jungles, green hillsides, thundering waterfalls, huge cave systems, two of Belize’s most important Mayan ruins and a pine ridge forest. Cayo District includes the national capital of Belmopan, the tourist town of San Ignacio and Mennonite communities such as Spanish Lookout. Hike along the key archaeology sites of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol, canoe through the Macal and Mopan rivers, visit Barton Creek, Chechem Ha and Aktun Tunichil Muknal caves, and horse ride through Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and Chiquibal National Park. Stay in Chaa Creek Lodge, a true jungle experience with an exquisite blend of natural beauty and man-made comforts.

Ambergris Caye – 4 nights This is the most northerly and by far the largest of the Belize Cayes (islands) running parallel to the magnificent barrier reef. A quick 20 minute flight from Belize City across the azure waters of the Caribbean lies San Pedro, the only town on the island, renowned for snorkelling and diving, sailing, fishing, windsurfing or merely relaxing and enjoying the beautiful blue waters. Stay in the award winning Victoria House, a luxurious ten acre resort of white sand beaches, lush tropical gardens and stunning coral reefs.

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San Jose, Costa Rica Cruising and Beyond Stay a day or two in sprawling San Jose to wander the labyrinthine streets of Barrio Amón, browsing arty boutiques and sipping café con leche amidst the wonderfully restored coffee barons' mansions.

Raft the Pacuare River through the rainforest to luxurious thatchedroof bungalows where, after naturalist-guided jungle hikes, meals are served on china. Explore the narrow canals of Tortuguero (with binoculars) to spot herons, monkeys, three-toed sloths and even the elusive caiman. Cruise the Pacific Coast, anchoring at secluded islands for nature treks and dips in the clear waters before transiting the legendary Panama Canal.

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Pacuare Lodge - A magical place of tropical beauty and authentic Costa Rican hospitality Nestled between a private 840-acre rainforest reserve and the spectacular Pacuare River, the retreats 19 eco-chic bungalows and suites offer river views, garden views or jungle views and private outdoor showers. Colourful birds and butterflies flit through exuberant foliage and the songs of toucans complement the soothing sound of flowing water. Overlooking the river, the lodge's openair restaurant offers gourmet candlelight meals with fresh-baked, whole-grain breads, home-made desserts amid the tantalising sights, sounds and scents of the tropical rainforest.

Excursions like white-water rafting, visiting waterfalls, hiking through the jungle, and visiting local villages ensure adventure and a unique cultural immersion.

You will notice the hotel's dedication to the environment and local communities, ensuring guests have a positive impact on–-and impression of–-this magical area.

The two- to six-day packages include transfers from San Jose, an optional rafting trip on the Pacuare River, professional guides, equipment, accommodations and three delicious meals per day.

La Paz Waterfall, Costa Rica

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Horseback riding in Costa Rican cloud forest

Manatus Hotel Manatus Hotel is an boutique hotel set in lush tropical gardens and offers romantic vacations, family escapes, sports and adventure. The 12 luxurious rooms have air-conditioning, two queen-sized beds and an outdoor private patio.

The restaurant, surrounded by the exotic and romantic jungle of Tortuguero, serves Caribbean fusion food. Amenities include an outdoor pool, full-service spa, wildlife waterway tours and complimentary Wi-Fi.

El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steakhouse is located ten-minutes' drive from Juan Santamara International Airport-SJO and 20-minutes' drive to downtown San Jose. Rooms have airconditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi, while balconies offer mountain or courtyard views.

Amenities include an outdoor pool and tennis court, children's pool and playground, fitness centre, sauna and free breakfast.

Costa Rica and Panama, Lindblad Expeditions - Costa Rica and Panama divide oceans, unite continents and are home to some of the most beautiful and diverse natural regions in the world Lindblad's 62 guest National Geographic Sea Lion is the perfect platform for exploring the long coastlines and vast swaths of protected marine areas, as well as the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. The active, engaging and casual style of expedition travel means Lindblad's have the resources and knowledge to immerse you in this wild and scenic landscape, enabling you to become an active explorer.

In the company of the world’s leading naturalists and a Lindblad National Geographic certified photo instructor, you will voyage into remote wildlife sanctuaries and explore Costa Rica's wild Osa Peninsula. When you want to go even deeper, Lindblad has kayaks to explore the cool azure waters where the rainforest meets the sea and a fleet of Zodiac inflatable boats to cruise through mangrove swamps. The proper gear is available for snorkelling over coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. Return to the ship for dinner served on the open-air sun deck and to sleep in your comfortable, outside-facing cabin.

1. Pacuare Lodge 2. Manatus Hotel 3. El Rodeo Estancia Boutique

Hotel & Steakhouse 4. Costa Rica and Panama,

Lindblad Expeditions

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Pacific Coast, Costa Rica Welcome to the Pacific Coast, the most popular holiday destination in the country. Marked by creamy white beaches stretching hundreds of kilometres, the lovely Guanacaste region is a testament to Costa Rica’s stellar eco-conscious efforts, allowing so much of this coastline to remain pristine for hiking, swimming and fishing. Just north is the stunning, yet so far out-of-the-limelight Nicoya Peninsula, where nearly deserted beaches have ocean, river and mountain views, and charming fishing villages have a cool, boho ex-pat community. Join (or watch) expert surfers catch epic waves at Nosara, one of the country’s top breaks.

Hotel Punto Islita - Built in the 1990s, Hotel Punta Islita is on a Pacific cove with views of the ocean and the tropical rainforest This attentively run Guanacaste mainstay is the granddaddy of Costa Rica's luxury eco-resorts. It shares the crescent-shaped stretch of beach with a neighbouring village, Islita, a thriving outdoor community art project by Costa Rican artists.

Spread in tiers down a hill above the Pacific are the hotel's 23 private bungalows and thatched-roof villas–including enormous casita suites and their private plunge pools. At sea level, guests laze between the beach, the pool and landscaped gardens at Borrancho Beach Club. The main restaurant, 1492, serves dishes with Costa Rican influences. Harry's Bar serves a signature Kahlúa and ice-cream cocktail.

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The hotel offers activities like zip-line tours through the rainforest canopy, golf, hiking, bird-watching and kayaking. The more eco-conscious activities include leather back sea turtle encounters and cultural visits to the surrounding communities. Afterwards, retreat into the spa for a hot-volcanic-stone massage before retiring to a hammock to watch the sun set over the Pacific.

Oropendola Waterfall, Costa Rica

Hotel Tropica Latino Tropico Latino is located in Santa Teresa, a breathtaking white sand beach on the Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Stay in tropical bungalows and suites on fouracres of unspoiled beach. Swim in blue waters and relax in natural tidal pools. Unwind at the full-service spa and yoga centre. Enjoy an all-organic menu at the beach-front restaurant. Accommodations include Wi-Fi, airconditioning and a coffee maker.

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Sunset, Costa Rica

El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge This Osa Peninsula retreat offers wildlife viewing from the deck of your rainforest cabin and the most breathtaking beach dotted with tidal pools, waterfalls and a lagoon. Outside the comfort of your tree-top retreat, enjoy waterfall rappelling, hiking, bird-watching, memorable tropical cuisine or even a relaxing massage. This lodge is suited for couples, families, naturalists, photographers and nature lovers.

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Stay in Costa Rica - Stay in Costa Rica provides high-quality accommodations for perfect Costa Rican vacations Combining the luxury and space of a magnificent private residence with the services of a hotel, including a 24-hour bilingual concierge service. Breakfast is included in rentals of three-nights' or more.

This exquisite 1,100-acres ocean-front resort is located at the heart of the Central Pacific Coast. Choose spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums or three- to eight-bedroom private homes. All have views of the ocean, rainforest or the resort's 18-hole championship golf course. And are near swimming pools, sun decks with shade palapas, the air-conditioned fitness facility and Marina Beach Club. For security, a 24-hour guarded gate entry.

L'acqua Viva Resort & Spa

1. Hotel Punto Islita 2. El Remanso Rainforest

Wildlife Lodge 3. L’acqua Viva Resort & Spa 4. Hotel Tropica Latino

L´acqua Viva Resort & Spa is idyllically located within the Nosara Coastal Forest Preserve and Wildlife Refuge along Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

The white sand beaches of Pelada and Guiones, the area's best surfing spots, are minutes' away.

The hotel's 35 Balinese-style bungalows are surrounded by pools of water, giving guests the relaxing feeling of floating. Have breakfast in the dining room or on your private balcony.

5. Stay in Costa Rica

Leatherback Sea Turtle

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Rainforest and Volcanoes, Costa Rica Discovering the volcanic beauties in the lush Central Valley is part of the fun. Drive through pristine rainforest, past picturesque towns, looking out for Rincón de la Vieja with its steaming geysers and fumaroles; Arenal, rising above the forest in perfect conical symmetry; Irazú, whose approachable summit spies both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; and Tenorio, looming over the breathtaking sky-blue waters of the Celeste River. Trek through the Osa Peninsula forest, one of the planet’s most biologically diverse places, before going south to Ballena Marine National Park to dive and snorkel the thriving coastal reefs.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa Located on 500-acres, punctuated by hidden waterfalls and a tropical cloud forest, the all-inclusive El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a cutting-edge eco-retreat. The 16 stand-alone suites are tucked away in the rainforest and feature amenities such as a viewing deck and an outdoor whirlpool. Ideal for honeymoons, relaxation getaways and wellness travel, the secluded hideaway releases the stress and tension of everyday living.

Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens - A romantic, tranquil, lush retreat with great volcano views

Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa On a 12,000-acre ranch overlooking the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, this resort offers rustic elegance in villas, bungalows and junior suite accommodations. At the spa, volcanic mud baths, hot springs, and a wooden sauna heated by steam from a fumarole, allow you to experience the curative properties attributed to this mineralrich area. In addition enjoy horse rides, zip-line through the jungle and take nature walks.

Set amongst 15-acres of lush gardens and verdant Costa Rican rainforest, the 44 free-standing bungalows overlook the imposing Arenal Volcano. Each ecoluxurious casita has a private terrace with a jacuzzi tub and an outdoor shower– the perfect escapist setting for vacationing couples. Sneak off to a wooden-barrel jacuzzi hidden in the gardens, relish a private candlelit dinner for two, soak in a rose petal hot tub or rejuvenate in the spa. At the spa, choose face and body treatments that use local ingredients like volcanic mud, coffee and chocolate.

Enjoy gourmet Costa Rican cuisine alfresco at Altamira restaurant, then sip a glass of classic vintage at Nostalgia Wine Bar.

Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort & Spa Within walking distance to Ballena National Marine Park on Costa Rica's rugged west coast, the 18-suite Cristal Ballena sits within a 29-acre private tropical garden. Each airy suite has a four-poster bed, air-conditioning and a private balcony with ocean views. Enjoy a casual poolside lunch or dinner in the 'Salon Cristal.'

A pampering spa offers facials, massages, body wraps and steam baths.

El Establo Mountain Hotel - Cloud forest views and canopy tours at this family-owned, family-friendly hotel Nestled in the misty cloud forest of Monteverde, El Establo offers 155 spacious guest rooms with spectacular views. Featuring heated indoor pools, a full-service spa, restaurants, cafés, Internet access, souvenirs shop, tennis/basketball/minisoccer courts, hiking trails and a canopy tour. Take the night walk to see frogs, tarantulas and other nocturnal critters with the hotel's flash-lights.

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Monarch, Monteverde Cloud Forest

This half Costa Rican-half Quaker, family-owned hotel allows you to share the best of both cultures. They also have a serious commitment with the environment and promote sustainable practices that ensure the minimum impact to our most valuable resource–nature.

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Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Rio Celeste Hideaway

- An exceedingly private retreat surrounded by pristine rainforest

- Set in the lush rainforest on the edge of Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste Hideaway is a luxurious getaway

Dramatic views of mountains and the tranquillity of a private bay welcome you to the lodge as you approach by boat from Golfito or Puerto Jimenez. Once you arrive, you relax to the sights and sounds of this tropical paradise. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is called Selva y Mar (Jungle and Sea) because the front yard is Golfo Dulce where dolphin play and the back yard is thousands of acres of pristine tropical rainforest.

The five private cabins and four cosy rooms in the guest house have overhead fans, wrap-around windows, private terraces and fresh flowers everywhere.

There are resident naturalist guides and yoga and aromatherapy specialists.

The lodge embraces conservation and offers a perfect blend of comfort and environmental preservation. This lodge is sensitively designed and constructed from naturally fallen trees, recycled materials and harnesses solar energy to provide electricity. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is located in a biologically diverse area that is home to many of the country's rare and endangered animals such as harpy eagles and scarlet macaws.

Amidst this dramatic natural beauty, the property offers guests a high level of sophistication, comfort, and style. The Hideaway's exotic and secluded locale is ideal for a romantic vacation and also perfect for families wanting time to relax and reconnect.

With large windows and private balconies, the 26 spacious casitas offer great views of the rainforest. Each casita features air-conditioning, luxury linens, TV, outdoor shower and jacuzzi. Enjoy fresh, local Costa Rican cuisine alfresco at Kantala Restaurant. Umbrella drinks are served at the swim-up bar and after dinner cocktails at the stylish Cantina Delirio. This entire area is incredibly diverse and the hotel offers guided activities such as bird-watching, rafting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, excursions to the rustic village of Ca単o Negro and a boat trip through Palo Verde National Park to spot sloths and monkeys.

Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the brilliant sky blue waters of Rio Celeste, is only two-kilometres away.

1. El Silencio Lodge & Spa 2. Borinquen Mountain

Resort & Spa 3. Cristal Ballena Hotel

Resort & Spa 4. Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens 5. El Establo Mountain Hotel 6. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge 7. Rio Celeste Hideaway

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Belize Tiny as a postage stamp, Belize has an out-sized beauty. Mountains and Mayan temples are swaddled in jungle, and underneath the sea, the Belize Barrier Reef (second longest in the world). The reef is home to more than 100 different kinds of corals and 500 species of fish. Placencia is an increasingly popular eco-destination.

Outdoor adventurers head to the Stann Creek region for rainforest hiking, deep-sea fishing and exploring Mayan ruins. Ambergris Caye has top amenities and attracts an international crowd. San Pedro, made famous by Madonna, is a tourist mecca but has plenty of quiet beaches to enjoy sun, sand and sea.

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Blancaneaux Lodge - Blancaneaux Lodge offers modern comforts in a jungle sanctuary Tucked away in a tranquil pocket of the Maya Mountains with Privassion Creek flowing throughout the grounds, the lodge features tumbling waterfalls that create refreshing swimming holes. The prime location also allows guests to explore the ancient civilisation of the Maya, which still endures in the sacred sites throughout this magical region, including Tikal and Caracoal.

Offering two distinctive restaurants (Guatemalan and classic Italian), an on-site spa, horse stables and luxurious private villa or cabana accommodations, the lodge is ideally suited for guests with a variety of adventure interests or those who just need a restorative getaway in an exotic environment.

Mayan ruin

Ka'ana Belize Resort - Surrounded by papaya and avocado trees and decorated with art by locals, this inland refuge is near ruins, rivers and waterfalls Ka'ana Resort (15 suites and two villas) provides guests with personalised service, modern luxuries and up-to-date design that pays homage the country's culturally rich past. La Ceiba, the resort's restaurant, serves dishes made with local ingredients–such as spiny lobster and freshly caught reef snapper.

After dark, romantic torches line the walk ways between restaurant and accommodations. Enjoy completely customised tour excursions. Explore a major Mayan ceremonial site at Xunantunich. Go cave tubing on the Cave Branch River. Zip-line through the jungle canopy. Canoe down the Macal River.

Turtle Inn at Placencia - The perfect refuge and a stress-relieving getaway This 25-room ocean-front hideaway combines natural wonders with luxurious style. The Inn is romantic but also family-friendly. Accommodations are individual thatched cottages, decorated with handmade Balinese furnishings and naturally cooled by sea breezes.

With three restaurants, two infinity swimming pools, rejuvenating spa and idyllic white-sand beach-front setting, Turtle Inn provides a wealth of exciting activities. The coral reef just offshore offers some of the best diving and scuba in the world, inland hikes to hidden lagoons, canoe trips up the Monkey River and the short bicycle ride into the local, typically Belizean town enriches guests’ experience of this magical country.

Hidden Valley Inn & Reserve - A luxury vacation in a private nature sanctuary Hidden Valley Inn is situated on a 7,200-acre private reserve bordering the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo District in Belize. This 12-room eco-resort offers quality accommodation, gourmet food, locally grown coffee, attentive service and guided tours to discover the unique birds, flora and wildlife of the area.

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Guests enjoy private access to over 144-kilometres of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as many hidden crystal pools and waterfalls. Enjoy a romantic champagne lunch at your private waterfall–exclusively yours for the day. Experience ancient Maya ruins, explore mystical caves by canoe, tube or on foot. Explore the rainforest by horse or zip-line across its canopy.

Victoria House - The ambience of this ten-acre beach-front resort is one of relaxation, privacy and barefoot elegance

The Lodge at Chaa Creek - Relax in comfort while experiencing one of the world’s most vibrant rainforest environments Set within a pristine 365-acre nature rainforest reserve bordered by the tranquil Macal River and the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Gorgeous garden paths connect 23 cottages, an excellent restaurant, a jungle lounge which leads to the pool, the Hilltop Spa, Natural History Centre, Butterfly Farm, Maya Medicinal Plant Trail and the secluded Macal River Camp.

Accommodation options include lovely thatched cottage rooms, suites and villas, all with indoor or outdoor private jacuzzi and sun decks surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Kilometres of rainforest trails are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and guided nature walks.

Victoria House, a luxury 42-room award-winning resort, is on Amberbris Caye and just over three-kilometres south of picturesque San Pedro Town, Belize (to which you can drive in a golf cart in 15 minutes'). Guest room options are charming thatch-roof casitas, plantation-style rooms and suites as well as beachfront and beach-view villas. There are two resort pools and two of the villas have private pools. Enjoy locally sourced meals like conch ceviche and cashewencrusted grouper at Palmilla Restaurant.

You can fish, dive and snorkel with nurse sharks and sting rays on the world's second largest coral reef–just off-shore. An on-site PADI dive shop with professional scuba instructors can make all the arrangements. Trips to Mayan ruins, floating down jungle rivers and exploring natural caves can also be arranged. Or you can simply relax in a two-person Mayan hammock strung between palm trees on the beach. With its white sand shoreline, azure Caribbean water and swaying palms, Victoria House is a postcard perfect location for a beach wedding.

1. Blancaneaux Lodge 2. Ka’ana Belize Resort 3. Turtle Inn at Placencia 4. Hidden Valley Inn & Reserve 5. The Lodge at Chaa Creek 6. Victoria House

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Guatemala Tourist attractions in Guatemala range from picturesque Mayan ruins and steaming volcanoes, to lush jungles and under-crowded beaches.

Guatemala City has two museums that display Maya artefacts and other museums showing indigenous and modern art. Shop for local handicrafts in Mercado Central, an underground market. Stroll the cobblestone streets in Antigua Guatemala, one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in Central America. Hike up to one of the now-dormant volcanoes for 360-degree views of the city.

Explore Lake Atitlan (and surrounding villages), the deepest lake in Central America and one of the prettiest.

Ni'tun Private Reserve and Retreat - Ni'tun Private Reserve is nestled within the Mayan Biosphere rainforest, just over an hour from Tikal National Park The four comfortable, private, en-suite casitas are built in vernacular style and decorated with local hand crafts. All overlook beautiful Lake Petén Itzá. Enjoy a panoramic view of the lake from the main dock. Kayaking, bird watching, jungle treks and visiting Mayan ruins are some of the many activities in the area. Taste delicious home-made bread, fresh fruits, family-grown Sierra de las Minas cloud forest coffee and gourmet signature cuisine adapted to special diets. All this while observing amazing hummingbirds that visit the gardens. Candlelight dinners alfresco shared with other travellers are always unforgettable.

Tikal

Casa Palopó - Eco-friendly activities and fine dining in a luxe, stunning lake-side setting Originally built as a private home, Casa Palopó was transformed (in 2000) into an intimate luxury hotel. Located in the Guatemalan Highlands and perched above Lake Atitlan with a view of three majestic volcanoes, Casa Palopó offers two distinct brands of romantic relaxation for the sophisticated traveller.

Choose from charming and colourful accommodations in the main building, which features seven spacious rooms decorated with contemporary and indigenous artwork. Or choose a contemporary-style villa just 150-steps above the main hotel. Activities include horseback riding, swimming, visits to Mayan villages and relaxing massages on your private terrace.

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La Lancha Hotel - An intimate and romantic retreat beside a magical lake Set in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá is La Lancha– decorated with artwork and furniture from Bali, complemented by fabrics and carvings from Guatemala. Choose from Rainforest or Lakeview Casitas. All have bathrobes, Wi-Fi, organic toiletries and a fridge stocked with water, wine, soft drinks and Belikin beer. The open-air restaurant features Guatemalan dishes.

Beyond the clear water of the lake is Tikal, the epicenter of Mayan spirituality.

Buried deep within the rainforest, the ruins include more than 3,000 structures, ancient temples and plazas. La Lancha is the ideal destination for enjoying a languid pace and for exploring the Petén region.

Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve Perched on the shore of legendary Lake Atitlan and nestled in its own nature reserve, this award-winning boutique hotel is only reached by boat. Suites are naturally luxurious with indigenous antiques and sweeping lake views to a trio of dramatic volcanoes. Guests can relax at the lakefront patios and infinity pool while enjoying fine wines and gourmet vegetarian cuisine in a romantic and adventurous setting.

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El Convento Boutique Hotel - A luxe contemporary, colonial hotel in the heart of Antigua Located in the city of Antigua, on a cobblestone street across from the romantic ruins of an 18th century convent, El Convento is a contemporary boutique hotel with a tasteful colonial feel.

It sits just blocks from the city’s central plaza (a great starting point for walking tours of Antigua) and offers 25 individually decorated suites with large, plush king-sized beds. Stone, cedar, and brick architecture combines with eclectic antiques and a muted colour palette to create a peaceful environment that's perfect for relaxing or settling in with a good book. Some rooms feature private terraces or gardens while others have skylights, fireplaces, spa-like bathrooms or hot tubs. The rooftop lounge has an outdoor fireplace and offers city and volcano views. The chef crafts modern dishes with a Guatemalan flair, paired with vintages from a well-stocked wine cellar.

El Convento is a favourite with couples (particularly honeymooners) and small groups looking for luxe accommodations in a central location. The hotel is just 50 minutes from Guatemala City's international airport.

San Pedro village at the lake Atitlan

1. Ni’tun Private Reserve

and Retreat 2. Casa Palopó 3. La Lancha Hotel 4. Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort

& Nature Reserve 5. El Convento Boutique Hotel

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Honduras Crowds have yet to come, so hike, bird watch, raft, dive and take pleasure in untracked jungles, clean rivers, coral reefs and cobblestone villages clinging to leafy hillsides, in near solitude.

The Lodge at Pico Bonito - Set in 400-acres of tropical wilderness and lush gardens at the foot of Pico Bonito National Park Situated in one of Central America's largest unexplored rainforests, Pico Bonito lies between two roaring rivers with many kilometres of private hiking trails that lead to sparkling waterfalls, private swimming holes and amazing views of the jungle canopy–especially from the four-story observation tower. Take a hike with the naturalist who can help identify sounds, exotic plants and spot wildlife.

This luxury eco-lodge has 14 cabins, each one with its own private verandah enveloped by the sights and sounds of the forest. When not on exciting excursions, guests relax by the pool, get pampered in the spa and enjoy gourmet cuisine.

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Las Verandas Hotel & Villas - Roatan, the 'Island Jewel of the Western Caribbean' is now the home of the exclusive yet casual Las Verandas Hotel & Villas at Pristine Bay

Barefoot Cay - Azure blue waters, white sand beaches, privacy, seclusion and an unhurried pace–Barefoot Cay is a world apart 1. The Lodge at Pico Bonito 2. Barefoot Cay 3. Las Verandas Hotel & Villas

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With just nine luxury accommodations, this boutique resort on Roatan's south shore features beach-front bungalows and villas, as well as airy ocean-view studio and two-bedroom lofts. The waves lull you to sleep every night. In the morning, relax in a picture-perfect hammock under palm trees. All accommodations have 'Heavenly' beds, high-quality linens, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV/DVD and a courtesy cell phone.

Resort amenities include gourmet dining, spa services, pool, beach, kayaks and on-site dive centre, Barefoot Divers. The centre offers valet diving, with dive boats departing three times daily and every level of instruction.

Located on the north shore of the island and just 15-minutes' from the international airport, Las Verandas embodies the essence of Roatan with its deep blue skies, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and breathtaking views.

Las Verandas Hotel & Villas is the luxury destination on the island in a village setting of architecturally romantic facilities. Accommodations range from oversized hotel rooms and suites to luxury two-bedroom villas with full gourmet kitchens, large patios and infinity pools overlooking the ocean. The architecture, inspired by the indigenous Maya culture, includes clay tiles, bamboo pergolas and teak wood walls. The airy interiors are white, accented with hot purples and reds. You can enjoy sea views from every room. Activities range from worldclass diving, snorkelling, fishing, tennis, zip-line canopy tours, sunset cruises, golf on the new championship Pete Dye course, the Black Pearl, adjacent to Las Verandas, or enjoying sand and sea on the hotel's private beach.

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