…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….
From ancient Incan citadels to a rich gastronomy scene, it’s easy to forget amidst the pisco sours that Peru is known for its incredibly abundant and diverse wildlife. Did you know that an incredible 1 in 10 of the planet’s species is found in Peru’s Amazon Rainforest? Having spent two years discovering the far less varied wildlife of the UK’s own more urban jungles; it’s now time to start treating ourselves to the experiences we deserve. So, to get you started with your planning, we’ve broken down some of the top wildlife experiences you should look to include on your big trip to Peru… Alpacas The smaller, fluffier cousin of a llama, alpacas can be distinguished by their shorter faces and are highly prized for their fine fleece. You’ll find clothing made from Alpaca Wool at shops throughout your stay in Peru, keeping you warm for your time in the…
Whilst Machu Picchu remains the most iconic and most significant archaeological destination in Peru and is likely to go unmissed on any first-timer itinerary, it can sometimes overshadow some of Peru’s other remarkable destinations. Below we look at five worthy contenders for you to consider when planning a trip to Peru… The Peruvian Amazon Despite covering more than 60% of the country’s total landmass, the Amazonian rainforest is largely ignored by the majority of those who visit Peru. The reason for this is not entirely clear – accessibility is not a major issue and there is no shortage of accommodation options available in the region. Those who do make it here, therefore, are greeted with pristine rainforest, an abundance of exotic wildlife and opportunities to meet indigenous communities, all away from the masses. The northern region is possibly the easiest way to experience the rainforest, reached via Iquitos. Characterised by…
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic attractions in South America – and the world! and is a must-do if you’re heading to Peru. Located in the Cusco region, the mountain on which it stands is an impressive 2430m above sea level. These magnificent Incan ruins were built around 1450 as an estate for the Incan emperor Pachacuti. The site features more than 200 buildings arranged on wide parallel terraces around a vast central square. It is regarded as one of the world’s most famous man-made wonders. The journey up to Machu Picchu is an experience in itself and there are a number of options available whether you are seeking an adventurous challenge or perhaps a more leisurely day just seeing the highlights. Here are some of the best routes to Machu Picchu… Inca Trail One of the most popular options for visiting Machu Picchu is the famous Inka…
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 regions most-visited country, Peru. Home to ancient cultures, rich traditions, spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, lively cities and some of the friendliest people in Latin America. Delve deeper into fascinating Peru with our favourite inspiring read, film, food and music below. Read: The Time of the Hero by Mario Vargas Llosa Mario Vargas Llosa is Peru’s most famous writer. Born in Arequipa in 1935, he’s one of the leading writers of his generation, known for the use of sophisticated literary techniques. Our favourite of his novels is his first book, The Time of the Hero. A story based on his own experiences in a military…
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…
For a fusion of flavours, Latin America is the destination that dreams are made of! From capital cities bursting with gastronomic gems to world-renowned coffee plantations and vineyards, there is no end to the dazzling delights ready to tantalise your taste buds. From ceviche in Peru to steak in Argentina and salteñas in Bolivia, Latin America’s ancient traditions, indigenous communities and a vast array of homegrown ingredients have shaped the region into one of the most interesting destinations for food and wine lovers the world over. Here’s just a few of some of the tastiest foods to sample when visiting Latin America… Ceviche in Peru This delicious dish formed of fresh fish in lime juice with peppers is famous throughout Peru, with some of the best found in Lima, which is fast becoming a centre of gastronomy. In Peru, there is even a National Ceviche Day to celebrate this dish which is a huge part of the country’s heritage. Cazuela in Chile The Chilean equivalent to a hearty soup to…
