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…
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…
If our previous suggestions weren’t enough to make you drop everything and book the Valentine’s holiday of a lifetime, then these surely will! With February 14th looming large in the minds of many, Latin Routes are here to clear the air and help you on your way to an unforgettable day. So you’ve decided on a romantic trip for you and your significant other? Well South America is certainly the place to do it. Earlier this week, we had a look at the spectacular views of the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and the peaceful serenity of the Chilean Winelands. However, there are a couple of other places to bear in mind if you really want to impress… Peninsula Valdes, Argentina A wildlife hotspot like no other, Peninsula Valdes is the place to visit if you’re looking for some of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful animals. Although home to a wide variety of species, including the rare Argentinian Grey Fox,…
Valentine’s Day. The words strike fear into the hearts of men around the world. Gifts, cards, flowers – they’ve all been done before. However, here at Latin Routes, we have the answer. A romantic trip is guaranteed to do the trick, and where better than the beautiful continent of South America? So without further ado, here are some destinations that are bound to set your significant other’s heart a-fluttering. Everyone’s different, so we’ve taken the liberty of suggesting two routes you might take – a show-stopping, all-out luxury extravaganza or an intimate, romantic trip for two. Iguazu Falls, Argentina A spectacular trip like no other, the eighth wonder of the world simply does not disappoint. An astonishing volume of water flows over the basalt cap of the Devil’s Throat, a vast chasm that stands at just over 82 metres high and around 150m wide. If you’re looking for show-stopping, you’ve come to the…
Since we’re spending the week appreciating the fantastic natural beauty that South America has to offer, today we’ll be focusing on one of our favourite destinations – the Ibera Wetlands. A wildlife paradise in central Argentina, this huge collection of swamps and bogs doesn’t sound too appealing at first. However, once you delve deeper you find one of the largest nature reserves on Earth, second only to the Pantanal in Brazil. A protected area, access to the Ibera Wetlands is limited because of the strong focus on preserving the fantastic biodiversity. Home to over 300 species of bird, the Ibera Wetlands are a haven for rare wildlife and a paradise for birdwatchers and nature-lovers alike. And where better to stay than the Irupe Lodge – located in the heart of the nature reserve in a town called Carlos Pelligrini, the lodge is beautifully isolated – perfect for escaping the trials and tribulation of city life. Offering two…
Continuing this week’s focus on traditional Tango in South America, today we’ll be looking at some of the best hotels to stay in if you’re looking for an authentic taste of what this fantastic tradition has to offer. Buenos Aires is arguably the heart of Tango in South America – having started in the slums of this diverse city in the 19th Century. Today, San Telmo offers its visitors a small insight into genuine Argentinian culture. Most hotels will be able to give you a good idea of the best places to investigate when looking for somewhere to jump straight into a milonga. Not only this, but Latin Routes can offer you the opportunity to book lessons in advance. With prices starting for £85 for the lesson (including transfers), you’ll be able to dive right in and become an expert in no time. Not only is this an unmissable experience, but…
Tango, as both a pastime and as a way of life, has begun to spread all over the world, culminating in national and international tournaments held year round. With a few of the more important ones looming, we thought we’d take you back to Tango’s Latin Routes to see what’s changed. Tango began as an informal dance in the late 1800s and early 1900s in less affluent neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. Characterised by themes of nostalgia and lamentation, classic 4-bar Tango records have become immensely popular in their own right, with some gaining universal critical acclaim. Tango has always been South American at heart – Argentina retains a very strong tradition, with milongas often held in the street or in bars in the evening. These are fantastic fun and we would highly recommend finding your local dance studio or informal milonga when you visit Argentina. In terms of styles of Tango, there…
We’ll be at the Conde Naste Luxury Travel Show from the 7th to the 10th of November, why not come along and check us out! With this in mind, we thought we’d take you through some of the more luxurious experiences we have to offer. Today we’ll be having a look at one of South America’s most diverse and spectacular countries, Argentina. In terms of luxury, you can’t go far wrong with what Argentina has to offer. Not only does it have some of most beautiful natural wonders on Earth, but it doesn’t compromise on comfort either. A perfect example of this is the Sheraton Hotel near the Iguazu Falls. Since it is the only hotel located inside the Iguazu Falls national park, it gives you exclusive access to the falls and the surrounding jungle. There is nothing quite like waking up to the quiet roar of the falls, looking out of your window and…
Last week, we investigated one aspect of Chilean culture that may have left you baffled – the food. This time, we’ll be having a look at some finer points of etiquette – use this knowledge to avoid being kicked out of a restaurant for inadvertently insulting the manager’s hair (among other things). As with the majority of South American cultures, Chileans are friendly, open and inviting. You should expect physical contact (hugging, kissing) which may take some getting used to if you are the kind of person to avoid eye contact on public transport at all costs (I.e. British). After a few awkward handshakes, the Chilean way of life will become second nature to you. Other than this, Chile is a very religious and traditional culture. If you are likely to come into contact with local Chileans, be aware that they are not necessarily as liberal as some Western countries….
Continuing with our ‘Latin Routes Guide to…’, we now focus on the incredible country of Chile. Vast deserts, stunning mountain ranges and beautiful cities waiting to be explored – these are all great reasons to book yourself a trip. If you’ve already realised what wonders Chile has to offer, then you’ll perhaps be wondering what to expect from the locals – whether it be the food, currency or certain secret handshakes that will make your Chilean holiday a breeze, Latin Routes is here to help. The first thing to consider is, of course, the food. Unless you’re planning on booking an extra seat on the plane to transport vast quantities of pasta and tea, you’re most likely going to encounter some Chilean delicacies you may not have tried before. Much like its neighbour Argentina, Chileans have a penchant for anything meaty. Asado is widespread in both Northern and Central regions of Chile and families will often have their own…
