Latin America's Wild Beauty: Tango, Peaks, and Endless Adventures!
Torres del Paine, Chile
Lima, Peru
Dear Friends and Fellow Travellers,
Latin America has long been a favorite of our travellers who are averse to huge time changes, love direct flights, and want to experience towering mountains, massive wide-open spaces, and great food. Whether it is Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, funky Buenos Aires, towering mountain spires in Patagonia, or the rainbow deserts of the Atacama Desert, there is something for absolutely everyone. Often, more than one country or region is included in one journey—Peru and the Galapagos are popular; Chile and Argentina go easily arm in arm; the Atacama Desert and Patagonia are 2,625 miles/4,225 km apart but all in Chile! Efficient domestic flights make it all possible, but somehow everyone runs out of days before they run out of places they want to go.
Let's begin with Peru
The capital of Lima has multiple direct flights and is well worth a couple of nights for the food, the funky neighbourhoods and eclectic hotels. We love Hotel B in Barranco, the city’s bohemian neighbourhood with its Belle Époque houses, galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and the Pacific Coast just a steep set of stairs away. Atemporal, Miraflores: Where old-school service in a restored villa puts you in the middle of the action but with the sense of a private home, a garden, evening cocktails, and a place to regroup before onward travels.
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are a short flight from Lima and a world away. The focus is the great outdoors of the Andes and the rich culture of the valleys and villages of the Inca. Hiking, kayaking, horse riding, picnics, weaving centres, and the terraced wonder of the Maras salt mines with its ancient pink salt—and of course, the magnificence of Machu Picchu. Do not miss experiencing a Pachamanca, the ancient tradition of a meal cooked underground. Take the beautiful Belmond train to Puno and visit the “Reed Villages” on Lake Titicaca—before continuing south to Arequipa with its whitewashed buildings, churches, and the nearby Colca Canyon. Stay in a converted monastery at CIRQA Hotel.
Chile & Argentina
Many journeys begin in Buenos Aires, the lively capital of Argentina, with great restaurants, colorful neighbourhoods, and rich history—plus excellent shopping. From here, there are direct flights to the south and the wide-open spaces of Patagonia, along with the glaciers that border Chile. We love the estancia stays, and of course, a must-do is the famous Torres del Paine National Park. The Atacama Desert, just two hours north of Santiago, can also be added—featuring surreal landscapes and salt flats perfect for hiking, biking, and contemplation.
Just Visited: Nicaragua's Hidden Treasures with Madelyn
Madelyn has just returned from Nicaragua. Starting at Jicaro Island, an eco-luxury retreat of just nine casitas, she experienced sustainable living with stunning volcano views. At Rancho Santana: whilst enjoying the rugged beachfront location and villas she was horseback riding, surfing, mountain biking, and hiking. The property also boasts a golf course and a fantastic spa. She also went on to the lovely Morgan’s Rock, with its treehouses, secluded beach, farm-to-table food and great family activities. Nicaragua is a great off-the-beaten winter destination for culture, volcanoes, beaches and plenty of activity.
Testimonials
We are back and had a fantastic trip. All of it was great, but the absolute highlight was the Estancia Cerro Guido in Chile. The ranch is not to be missed and was an awesome place for us to get outside and experience Patagonia. Thanks for all your help and support, we appreciate it!
J & S M, Toronto – Chile & Argentina
We had an incredible trip. Thank you for all your work planning it. All the guides, hotels and boat were great. Montemar was amazing. We feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to experience this adventure. Thank you for all your help and expertise.
SB & Family – Toronto – Galapagos
No news is good news! We all had a fabulous time. The Evolution was wonderful and our guide in the Amazon, Luis was spectacular! He had great stories about being David Attenborough's guide and also lived with a tribe in the Amazon for 4 months! He should write a book. Thank you once again for recommending and organizing a flawless trip.
DL & Friends – Toronto – Galapagos & the Amazon
Thank you for being a part of our travel community. Enjoy the fall and please do reach out for future adventures.
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Best regards from all of us at Askari Travel,
Muriel