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…
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…
Tango This sensual, energetic dance is an integral part of Latin America’s cultural identity and with a growing Latin American population residing in London, it’s now relatively easy to find in and around London. Depending on your age and your prior experience, you can take beginners lessons or hop right into a Milonga if you’re a seasoned Tango veteran. Lessons are available at ‘DanceTango’ in Hammersmith, W6 9DH. Argentine Street Food Borough Market is a bustling, diverse place where there’s something for everyone – fan of Argentina included. Portena on Southwark Street sells authentic Argentine food including Empanadas (small pastries which can be filled with beef, vegetables, egg, onion and more). It has a great reputation and a favourite with the locals. Horse Riding From the rustic farms where riding holds pride of place for the Gauchos to the polished, professional riding of the Argentina polo team, Latin America certainly…
The beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier
The Alvear Art hotel is the newer, younger brother of the Alvear Palace Hotel – a hotel with a sterling reputation. However, despite the pressure to meet the standard of its predecessor, it has already lived up to expectations. Latin Routes’ own Jessica Bain, having visited this hotel, commented on the elegant way the hotel manages to combine the traditional reputation of the Alvear brand with modern, high-tech touches that really enhance your stay. In a fantastic location in Buenos Aires, the Plaza San Martin (on the renowned Santa Fe Avenue), this hotel not only features 24 hour room service, Valet parking and a Spa, Sauna and Gym, but also has a business centre for those looking to conduct important business deals in style. The range of services really have all your needs as a guest covered. Jess, whilst staying there, commented on the way the service was always personal…
One night whilst staying at the brand new Palacio de Astoreca in Valparaiso, Chile we were feeling a bit lazy so for dinner booked into their restaurant which was simply called Alegre. We sat down at our table completely unaware of the culinary delight that we were about to receive. Our very nice waiter handed us our menus and in his best English said that he would recommend the chefs taster menu. 7 courses of whatever the chef feels like cooking, based on the ingredients that are fresh at the time and each menu is individual to the table. Rather mysterious but we thought we would give it a go. Before we even had the first course we were treated to 2 amuse bouches. We immediately realised this wasn’t going to be a normal dining experience! What followed were 7 of the best courses of food we had both ever…
Many travel from Santiago to Valparaiso, and along the road between the two you will find a turn-off sign posted Vina Matetic in the Casablanca Wine Valley. Take the turn and in minutes you will arrive at a luxury, retreat where tranquility and wine await. The guesthouse is a beautiful 7 room boutique hotel in the heart of the vineyards, built in a traditional colonial style with galleried walkways and period touches, surrounded by extensive, perfectly-manicured gardens. Within minutes the hustle and bustle of the cities will be a distant memory. Find yourself at the end of the garden and you will find a lovely pool area complete with cabana style beds that are perfect for easing away a few hours in the sun. Of course all this relaxing is thirsty work, and the best thing about staying on a vineyard is refreshment is not far away. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc…
In the bustling heart of Buenos Aires where Tango was born, between the 14th and the 27th of August, Tango BA once again graces the Argentinian streets. The festival, which takes place annually, is set to include qualification rounds for the Dance World Cup alongside more informal Milongas (places where Tango is danced). Lessons for beginners are available, and the festival will also have a product fair to cater for all your Tango needs. Highlights include a Special Production to honour the late Gerardo Gandini, the concert for which will be headed by trumpeter Pedro Casis and well-known pianist Ernesto Jodos. The festival main will be held at the Centro de Exposiciones in Buenos Aires. The closing milonga on Sunday, August 25 will be hosted by Omar Viola will be marathon of orchestral music. A must for Tango fanatics! To start booking your Argentinian holiday – Click Here If…
Latin Routes own Chris Camps went down to the Latin American Art Exhibition at the David Roberts Foundation This exhibition was buried deep in the heart of Camden, down a side alley off Camden High Street. However, aside from its mildly insalubrious location, stepping into the gallery was like stepping into a whole other world. Whitewashed walls and silence, punctuated by a wide variety of pieces from prominent Argentine, Chilean and Mexican artists, greet you as you enter. Although the exhibition itself isn’t huge (just four rooms), the diversity on show is something that really stands out. From TVs displaying men and women reading philosophical writings aloud, to a room consisting of just a pool table, you certainly need a good hour so you can return to things that struck you earlier. Just past the entrance, you enter the ‘Acclimation Room’, featuring works from artists such as Sergio de Camargo,…
