Although we are unable to travel at the moment, it’s still possible to discover the joys of Latin America – from the comfort of your home! Each week we are giving you inspiration from a different destination in Latin America, sharing movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest, and this weeks destination is the largest, and undoubtedly the most rhythmic, country in Latin America – Brazil. From vibrant and pulsating metropolises to wild rainforests, thundering waterfalls and tropical palm-fringed beaches, this is a country with so much to offer. Travel to Brazil with our favourite inspiring read, film, food and music below. Watch: Casa Grande (2014) Brazil’s film industry has produced a number of successful films over the years, and one of our favourite picks is Casa Grande, from 2014. This film by Felipe Barbosa is set in iconic Rio de Janeiro and is a coming-of-age tale about a privileged high-school student who is…
In the Atacama Desert, it’s not hard to imagine that you’re on another planet. With the flat, crystal whiteness of the salt flats stretching into the distance, and bizarre, rocky outcrops towering overhead, this is Planet Earth like you’ve never seen it before. But what is there to do in this other-worldly landscape? Here are our top 5 activities in the Atacama Desert… Stargazing Few of us have seen a night sky untouched by light pollution, and yet in the Atacama Desert in Chile, it’s as simple as stepping outside and looking up. A deep, velvety blackness stretches and rolls around you, heavy on the horizon but lifting into miles of brilliant, bright shards. The stars here aren’t just dim lights, but stud out shapes and constellations for you to admire. We recommend taking a night-time walk when the moon is full, to enjoy ghostly views of the incredible landscape…
Although we are unable to travel at the moment, it’s still possible to discover the joys of Latin America – from the comfort of your home! Each week we are giving you inspiration from a different destination in Latin America, sharing movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest, and this weeks destination is the intense and seductive land of Argentina. From crackling glaciers to sun-scorched deserts, snow-capped mountains, emerald-green lakes and wildlife-rich wetlands, the spectacular variety of Argentina’s landscapes gives just a hint of the exhilarating variety of adventures that await in this wildly intoxicating country. Delve deeper into the wonders of Argentina with our favourite inspiring read, film, food and music below. Watch: El Hijo de la Novia (The Son of the Bride (2001) This comedy drama was released at the peak of the economic crisis in Argentina, and no doubt brought a much-needed lighthearted release! It follows the story of Rafael, a restaurant owner from…
The isolated Rapa Nui – or Easter Island, as it is perhaps better known – is an island located deep in the South Pacific, and one that is simply teeming with outstanding nature, surprising secrets and a remarkable history that make it oh so worth a visit. Here are 5 interesting facts about this mystifying corner of the world. It was the first Pacific island to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.. The enormous stone statues that call Easter Island home remain – to this day – as one of the world’s greatest mysteries. Estimated to have been built somewhere between the 10th and 16th centuries, no-one knows exactly why, when or how these incredible statues were built, nor the details behind the mysterious rise and fall of a clearly advanced and prosperous civilization. The entire island was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. It is home to…
Although we are unable to travel at the moment, you can still discover the joys of Latin America from the comfort of your home. Each week we’ll be posting inspiration from a different destination in Latin America, sharing movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest, and, this weeks destination is the vast, varied and utterly stunning – Chile. Stretching almost half the length of South America, Chile is home to both the driest desert in the world and to endless, spectacular glacier fields. A land of diverse landscapes, its a country framed by the epic Andes mountain range and the dramatic Pacific coastline, and it has something to offer every taste and budget. Delve deeper into Chile’s wonders with our favourite inspiring read, film and recipe below. Watch:#IDreamOfChile video from Chile Tourist Board Now is a time to pause, but those landscapes you’ve been longing to visit will still be here, more beautiful than ever, waiting…
Although we are unable to travel at the moment, you can still discover the joys of Latin America from the comfort of your home, with movies, music, books and recipes to pique your interest in this diverse region of the world. Our team have chosen some of their favourite Latin American ‘things’. We hope they inspire you! Watch: The Motorcycle Diaries This famous biopic is about Che Guevara’s journey around Latin America, and follows him, with his friend in tow, along an ambitious route through Argentina, the Andes, Chile, the Peruvian Amazon and and Machu Picchu. Gael García Berna plays Guevara in this brilliant movie about the revolutionary’s early life. Read: Cien años de soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude) Mixing myths, dreams and reality, this novel immediately became a best seller, amazing its readers with a new form of expression that critics called realismo magico (magical realism). Its Colombian author,…
Latin America hosts some of the most vibrant, colourful and exciting carnivals in the world, showcasing amazing costumes, delicious food, traditional dance and of course, Latin America’s famously lively and infectious enjoyment of life, so it’s no wonder the festivities draw visitors from all around the world, every year. Rio’s incredible carnival, which is drawing to a close this week, is undoubtedly the most famous, but in a continent as lively as this you can rest assured there are plenty of other opportunities to experience the unparalleled buzz of a Latin America fiesta! Here a few of our favourite carnivals across Latin America… Rio Carnival, Brazil Considered the biggest carnival in the world, this is the ultimate way to party in Rio! Ready to join in the fun next year? Speak to our Travel Specialists to feel the rhythm in Rio for yourself in 2021, with one of our Tailor-Made Holidays…
Latin America is a fascinating continent with a truly mind-boggling number of places to visit and experiences to enjoy. From the natural wonders of Iguazu Falls to the mysteries of the ancient Inca civilisation, there is something to thrill every type of traveller. Here are our top five reasons to visit Latin America. Wonderful Wildlife Wildlife is everywhere in Latin America, and there are outstanding options for getting up close and personal – from spotting jaguars in the Brazilian Pantanal to following in the footsteps of Darwin and getting to know the local giant tortoises in the Galapagos. Delectable Dishes Ceviche, Aberdeen Angus beef, Empanadas … and that’s just a sample of the great local cuisine to be found across Latin America, not to mention the famed wines and punchy cocktails! Beautiful Beaches Brazil is synonymous with the word beaches, from the most well-known (Copacabana and Ipanema) to the pretty…
A Latin Routes Travel Specialist shares their experiences from Costa Rica’s famous wildlife trail. The principal attraction of Costa Rica was the sheer variety of wildlife and eco-systems packed into such a tiny country. This short trip was focused on three main areas Tortuguero, San Gerardo and the Osa Peninsula, all very different from each other, but united in their abundance of wildlife including jaguars, tapirs, hummingbirds, quetzals and sea turtles. After a night in the Central Valley to rest after the 10-hour flight from London, it was an early rise on the first morning heading north to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast. After a couple of hours on the bus and a typical Tico breakfast of rice and beans, it was time to leave the roads behind and speed along the rivers and canals into Tortuguero. Soon after boarding the boat, the amazing wildlife began popping up…
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…
