Spending the day investigating the outstanding beauty of the Iguazu Falls is certainly a fantastic experience, but its location in the heart of the Iguazu National Park means that finding a place to stay should be tricky, right? Think again! Here are some of the hotel highlights of the area. Das Cataratas This is surely one of the most show-stopping and luxurious hotels in all of South America. Das Cataratas is a beautiful Portuguese Colonial residence located incredibly close to the Iguazu Falls themselves, on the Brazilian side of the border. With 193 beautiful, well-equipped rooms, fantastic facilities and a stunning outdoor pool, this hotel is designed to afford you the ultimate relaxation experience. Featuring a state-of-the-art Spa with a wide range of treatments, a plethora of exciting outdoor experiences and some incredible wildlife inhabiting the surrounding jungle, your holiday to Brazil will surely be an unforgettable one. The hotel’s unique location is a standout feature – guests staying at Das…
Located on the border of Argentina, Brazil and neighbouring Paraguay, this astonishing piece of natural beauty is surely a candidate for the eighth wonder of the natural world. The Area There are a number of different ways to get a good look at the falls themselves. If you’re looking for a full day out then the Argentinian side holds a real treat – with over 5km of walkways to explore, guides on offer and a viewing platform that extends over the falls, this is a great opportunity to take in the sights from as many angles as possible. The Brazilian side offers a different perspective – a single viewing platform offers a picture-perfect panorama of the falls as a whole, and with 4km of waterfall to be seen, this is no mean feat. Stretched in a horseshoe shape across the Iguazu River, 275 separate waterfalls make up this astonishing vista. From the smallest waterfalls to the mighty Devil’s Gorge, the Iguazu Falls is one…
Earlier this week we looked at some amazing, secluded beaches located just outside the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro. However, we can’t forget the secret gems that these places have to offer in terms of accommodation. Here are a few options that deserve a second thought. Pousada Abracadabra, Buzios An absolute gem of a hotel located in the stunning area of Buzios on the Costa Verde, just up from Rio de Janeiro itself. This particular hotel features breath-taking views across the famous Bay of Buzios from its infinity pool, located on the sun terrace so you can make the most of the stunning weather that Brazil is famous for. Aptly named, the Pousada Abracadabra is a magical hotel in a magical setting – the attention to detail is a standout feature, from stylish rooms to an exquisite restaurant serving freshly-caught seafood along with other traditional Brazilian speciality dishes. Friendly staff, along with first class facilities and…
We know that Rio is a serious hotspot for some of the world’s best beaches. However, some of the more well-known ones – the world-famous Copacabana in particular – can often get busy in the summer months. So, with this in mind we bring you some of the lesser-known sandy gems of beautiful Brazil! Buzios The closest of these to Rio itself is Buzios, located just up the coast along the Costa Verde. Home to a magnificent town, relaxed atmosphere and some stunning beaches, Buzios is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for ultimate relaxation. With over 20 beaches to choose from – each with crystal clear waters and beautiful white – there is far less of a risk of crowding, allowing you space to recline and enjoy your holiday to Brazil. After soaking in the sun, check out the ‘Rua das Pedras’. This cobblestoned road is at the heart of the city, offering everything from nightlife…
After investigating the beautiful highlights that the Atacama Desert has to offer, such as the Moon Valley, the Atacama Salt Lake and El Tatio Geysers, this week will focus on the hotels on offer during your holiday to Chile. With such a spectacular and unique location come hotels built for purpose. Here are three that are guaranteed to make your stay just that little bit more memorable. The three hotels all offer something slightly different, depending on what you want out of your Atacama adventure. The Awasi Lodge is a show-stopping extravaganza, the Tierra Atacama is a boutique hotel with great facilities and the Altiplanico is a rural hotel that gives you an authentic taste of the local culture. Awasi Lodge The Awasi Lodge has been ranked among South America’s best retreats. A first class hotel with first class service, this 5* experience promises luxury at every step. To ensure the privacy and comfort…
Located in Northern Chile, the Atacama Desert is, meteorologically, the driest place on Earth. Magnificent, otherworldly and utterly unique, the Atacama is like nowhere else on the planet. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then this is certainly for you. Dramatic, rocky landscapes, deep valleys and glistening salt lakes are all in a day’s work as you cruise around the vast expanses of the desert in a 4×4 on a day tour. The best thing about the Atacama is that there is no bad time to visit! Bear in mind that temperatures can reach highs of 25-30 degrees Celsius so pack your sun cream! Today we’ll be having a look at some of the more outstanding highlights of this beautiful place. The Moon Valley One of the most striking locations available to visit on your holiday to Chile, the Moon Valley is covered by a beautiful white mantle. Escarpments composed of a variety of colours stand out against…
Having had a look at what’s on offer in the city itself, today we’ll be investigating those hidden hotel gems that will take your holiday to Argentina from special to extra-special. With such a wealth of sights, sounds and places to explore, Buenos Aires is well-equipped to keep you busy during the day. However, you will inevitably need somewhere to kick back and relax after a long day spent taking in the best Buenos Aires has to offer. Here’s where Latin Routes can help. Here are a few options you might consider, each suited to a different style of holiday! Faena Hotel, Puerto Madero A show-stopping, luxurious 5* hotel located in the heart of Buenos Aires’ fashionable Faena Art District, theFaena Hotel is an exercise in opulence. Built in 1902 as a grain warehouse with bricks from right here in the UK, the hotel itself is as vast as it is stylish. Every last detail of the interior is…
One of the most vibrant and exciting cities in South America, Buenos Aires is a bustling hub of activity. Restaurants, bars and hundreds of years of culture blend perfectly together – Buenos Aires will not fail to keep you coming back for more! The City Founded in 1580, Buenos Aires is the largest city in Argentina, home to over a third of the population! Known for its stunning architecture, thriving markets and rich history, the city is as diverse as it is exciting. Don’t miss the atmosphere at the famous Sunday market in San Telmo, packed with market stalls selling food, drink and a vast array of beautiful hand-crafted goods. Afterwards, why not visit one of the 57 museums dotted around the city, each one housing a different portion of the continent’s rich artistic history. Recoleta Cemetery is another highlight – a network of Gothic tombs housing hundreds of famous Argentines, including the hugely influential…
The excitement is building in the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, as the world-famous Carnival is just a few days away! Beginning on the 28th February, the celebrations will continue for 4 days including the Monday and Tuesday, which are national holidays in Brazil. Today we’ll be running you through a few hotels you might want to consider if you’re planning on joining the party. Since the seasons are reversed in South America, February is one of the hottest times of the years. With temperatures set to reach 32 degrees on Friday, proximity to Brazil’s famous beaches is a priority. With so many to choose from, this is no easy task! Pousada La Chimere, Buzios Located in the heart of Buzios well within walking distance of Bones, Azeda and Armacao beaches, this traditional, stylish hotel is a rustic alternative well worth considering. However, this certainly doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise on comfort. The interior is…
It’s that time of year again! Brazil’s finest dancers, costumes and partygoers will come together over one spectacular weekend to celebrate before the beginning of lent. The Party The festivities have grown enormously over the years, having started with just a small street parade in 1823. It is now known universally as the biggest carnival in the world, with upwards of a two million people expected to hit the streets of Rio de Janeiro over the 4 day celebration between 28th February and 4th March. With a number of celebrities, including YouTube sensation PSY rumoured to be attending this year, 2014 looks to be bigger and better than ever. Interestingly, of the total 5 million of so people that will be present over the 4 day weekend, around 500,000 will be tourists. This number has been steadily increasing for years, since the inception of the ‘Sambadrome’. This stadium-like construction is formed of two…
