…with Product Executive, Hannah In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our product executive Hannah Finch takes us on a tour of the mysterious Maya archaeological site of Uxmal, colonial city of Mérida, the charming pueblos mágicos of Izamal and Valladolid, and discusses the many culinary delights she sampled on her trip through the Yucatán Peninsula. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Mérida, Izamal, Uxmal and Valladolid. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with AeroMexico from Heathrow, via Mexico City to Mérida. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? It was my first time, but I’m looking forward to going back to discover more of this amazing country! FAVOURITE LOCATION? I was based in Mérida, which I loved, but Izamal was also stunning. Izamal was designated a pueblo mágico (magical village) for preserving its original architecture, traditions, and history. MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Seeing Uxmal Mayan pyramid. We went late in the…
The Latin Routes team takes you through the sites of the mystical Maya empire The Maya civilisation was one of the most influential Mesoamerican cultures, and their territory spanned present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Mayas had the only known fully developed written language in pre-Columbian America and constructed fascinating stepped pyramids and palaces built for Maya rulers. Though the Maya southern lowlands declined around the 9th century and were abandoned for reasons still debated among scholars, the Northern Maya cities continued to flourish until the Spanish conquest in 1520. Their legacy remains strong in the cultural heritage of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, where Maya roots and influence can be admired in these regions’ architecture, art, and traditions. Many of our travel experts were lucky enough to have visited this incredible part of the world, taking in centuries of history and taking on big climbs to the…
…with Senior Product Manager, Cat In the latest instalment of the popular Our Routes series, our senior product manager Cat Davies explains how her trip to this Caribbean gem included an all-time highlight in travel after discovering Belize’s Great Blue Hole, plus what other wonders await those lucky enough to take a trip to this magical country. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? San Ignacio/Cayo District, Placencia, Ambergris Caye. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew with United Airlines via Houston – an overnight stay on the outbound journey is usually necessary but the timings work very well with an early morning flight to Belize City the following day, so no time is really lost from the itinerary in Belize. Sleeping in a proper bed also actually means you are already starting to adjust to a new body clock, and you arrive in Belize feeling much more refreshed! FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?…
…with Travel Specialist, Julia In the next instalment of Our Routes series, our travel specialist Julia Ross walks us through a fantastic trip through Costa Rica, focusing on her favourite area, Manuel Antonio, with its wildlife-abundant national park backing onto glorious sandy shores and a stunning array of quality hotels set in gorgeous grounds. WHERE DID YOU GO & WHY IS THIS PLACE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS IN COSTA RICA? Manuel Antonio is by far one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! This is due to its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a range of activities and attractions. The combination of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush greenery creates a picturesque and scenic environment make Manuel Antonio a MUST in your itinerary. Whether you’re hiking through the rainforest, enjoying a sunset on the beach, or admiring the panoramic views from elevated viewpoints, the natural beauty…
…with Head of Trade Sales, Gaynor With its i-conical volcano, forest canopies, thundering waterfall, and thermal springs, Arenal was a true adventure for our team as they hiked through its pathways and crossed the lake by boat through the region. Our Head of Trade Sales Gaynor Atherton shared with us why this was her favourite part of the trip to Costa Rica. YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION IN COSTA RICA? Arenal – the hotels and town of La Fortuna, sit under the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano with stunning scenery all around this area and lots to see and do. We had a mix of wildlife which is in abundance in Costa Rica, so no area disappoints with this. It really is a beautiful area with lots of Hot Springs to choose from, stunning scenery, hikes and lots of amazing activities to suit the whole family with the added bonus of…
Easter, or ‘Holy Week’, has profound religious significance in Latin America, along with famous, vibrant cultural celebrations. Each country boasts its own unique traditions and customs, from solemn processions to joyful feasts, let’s delve into these diverse Easter traditions in five Latin American countries, take your pick on which of these you would like to experience for yourself, on your next holiday to Latin America… Argentina Semana Santa or Holy Week in Argentina is a time for both celebration and relaxation. Many Argentinians will attend church services and participate in processions throughout the week. One of the most famous Easter traditions in Argentina is the “Vía Crucis” ceremony. During this event, the procession works its way through 14 stations of the cross towards the cathedral, and participants are encouraged to bring candles. Peru As in Argentina, in Peru, Holy Week usually begins on Palm Sunday, a week before Easter Sunday….
…with Senior Product Manager, Catrin In the next instalment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, Senior Product Manager, Catrin Davies describes her unforgettable escapade in Argentina. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the pristine wilderness of Patagonia, her adventure is a captivating tale of culture, nature, and the unmissable experiences that define this beautiful corner of the world. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Puerto Madryn, Gaiman, El Calafate, El Chalten HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I took the direct flight from London to Buenos Aires with British Airways, and domestic flights with Aerolineas Argentinas. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? (IF REPEAT, WHAT WAS DIFFERENT THIS TIME?) A repeat trip to Buenos Aires and Iguazu, but my first time to everywhere else. FAVOURITE LOCATION? This is a really hard question to answer as everywhere was so different! Even though…
Estancia Los Potreros in Cordoba, Argentina is a beautiful, remote ranch offering guests the opportunity to experience rural life in Argentina, enjoying horseback riding, fabulous home cooking and amazing local wine. We recently spoke to Georgia Beech who works at the Estancia to find out what life is like for her… How does a typical day at the estancia start for you? My mornings vary depending on the time of year but usually, in the summer months, my days start when the sun rises. I take the dogs out for a stroll in the early morning – usually along one of the tracks. We often pass the burrowing owls, who are beginning their days sitting on the posts watching over the estancias herd of Aberdeen Angus. The dawn or ‘madrugada’ is really the best and most beautiful time of the day; it is warm but not too hot and the…
As one of the world’s top 10 largest countries, the diversity of landscapes in Argentina is vast and whilst the big cities and urban regions relay the country’s rhythmic culture, the true beauty of the country lies within its many natural wonders. Below we guide you through some of our favourite Argentinian natural wonders. Iguazu Falls It would simply be impossible to not include Iguazu Falls on this list. The sheer force of water thundering over the basalt cliffs to the backdrop of jungle terrain is a true assault of the senses, and undeniably one of Argentina’s most spectacular sights. Whilst the falls straddle both Brazil and Argentinian borders, the Argentinian side affords a closer experience of the aptly named ‘Devil’s Throat’, best observed from elevated aluminium walkways. Perito Moreno Glacier There are few places on earth that can demonstrate the fragility and the constant movement of our natural world…
Latin America has no shortage of exceptional beaches. From secluded tropical paradises with sweeping golden sand to some of the most world’s most iconic beaches such as the Copacabana. Here we list five of our must-visit beaches, although with coastlines stretching across the Atlantic & Pacific oceans plus the Caribbean Sea, there are so many fantastic beach holiday destinations across this diverse continent… Jericoacoara, Brazil Getting here isn’t easy, but a journey where part of the route needs to be navigated by dune buggies must surely prick up the ears of the more adventurous traveller. Those who do make it to this beach in the northeast of Brazil are well rewarded with some of the continents most spectacular natural diversity. ‘Jeri’, as it is affectionally known as by the friendly locals, is much more than just a picturesque beach town, it is a national park, a mangrove swamp, a vast…
