It’s that time of year again! Brazil’s finest dancers, costumes and partygoers will come together over one spectacular weekend to celebrate before the beginning of lent. The Party The festivities have grown enormously over the years, having started with just a small street parade in 1823. It is now known universally as the biggest carnival in the world, with upwards of a two million people expected to hit the streets of Rio de Janeiro over the 4 day celebration between 28th February and 4th March. With a number of celebrities, including YouTube sensation PSY rumoured to be attending this year, 2014 looks to be bigger and better than ever. Interestingly, of the total 5 million of so people that will be present over the 4 day weekend, around 500,000 will be tourists. This number has been steadily increasing for years, since the inception of the ‘Sambadrome’. This stadium-like construction is formed of two…
Earlier this week we had a look at why booking your Antarctic Cruise with Latin Routes is the best decision you’ll ever make! While our Cruise Operators are certainly fantastic, today we’ll be going into more depth about what to expect from your Antarctic Cruise. We’ll give you a clue – you certainly won’t be disappointed. The Antarctic Classic If you’re looking for the real Antarctic Experience, then the Antarctic Classic is the way forward. One of our best-selling Antarctic Cruises, this package gives you the opportunity to take in the highlights of the area (and there are many) in just 11 days. Choose the Cruise Operator that suits you and get ready to meet your fellow passengers for the experience of a lifetime! The Itinerary So how will your 11 days in the icy water of Antarctica pan out? Expect snowy mountains, clear waters and some beautiful and unique wildlife! Day 1: Ushuaia,…
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…
It’s that time of year again, and the biggest party on Earth is set to kick off on Feburary 28th. Dancing, samba, fireworks, music and excitement are all integral parts of what makes Carnival in Rio de Janeiroone of the most spectacular events on the planet. Earlier in the week we investigated what Carnival is and how it works. Today we’ll be looking at the setting for this monster party – Rio de Janeiro itself. The City As one of the most-visited places in the Southern Hemisphere, you would be forgiven for wanting to spend more than just a few days in this beautiful city. A bustling metropolis, Rio is famed for both its diversity and its energy – from the many bars and restaurants that line the Copacabana to the samba schools packed with locals and visitors alike, there is never a dull moment in this thriving city. The Corcovado Rio’s skyline is likely…
Continuing with our Brazilian investigation this week, we’re here to give you the best inside tips and tricks on negotiating the bustling streets of Brazil. Travel. There are a couple of ways to get around the city other than hot-footing it. Taxis are a quick and easy way to get around. There are the equivalent of taxi ranks on most street corners, and often your hotel can provide you with numbers to book cabs that can pick you up from your door. Try and stick with registered taxi companies, but in general this shouldn’t be an issue. However, be aware of taxi drivers ‘taking you for a ride’ – it’s best to have an idea of where you’re going and how to get there. If taxis don’t sound appealing, then why not opt for the Metro. Fast, cheap and reliable, tickets should cost the equivalent of around $1.50. Rio can be a very busy…
Brazil is a country full of surprises. Loud, passionate and colourful – Brazil is home to some of the world’s most enthusiastic and exciting people. However, South America can be a confusing place, full of seemingly impenetrable social mores. Here at Latin Routes, we’re experts in this area. Here are just a few words of advice to help your South American adventure go as smoothly as possible! As with much of South America, Brazilians are not shy – they have a real enthusiasm for life and aren’t afraid to express their opinions. This can sometimes mean you being interrupted, slapped on the back or given a friendly hug. To British people especially, this can seem daunting. However, once you relax and get into the swing of things, you won’t be disappointed. Brazilians are known for their hospitality – expect lunch to last two hours or more if you’re taken out by any locals. Furthermore,…
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…
With the temperature dropping and Christmas closing in, the team at Latin Routes are reminded of the wonders of the Antarctic. Snowy peaks, icy waters and some of the best wildlife on Earth – these are just a few of things you might imagine a cruise to the Antarctic would entail. However, with the Antarctic season just starting, the dream can now become a reality. With reductions as low as 15% off early bookings with selected cruise companies, Latin Routes can take you to the magic of the Antarctic without it costing the earth. Choose from one of our 5 trusted cruise companies – each offering something different to suit your needs exactly. If you’re looking for a luxury, 5* experience then Silversea is certainly the option for you. Offering an exclusive, all-inclusive experience, Silversea is one of the only Antarctic operators to offer a nearly 1:1 crew to passenger ratio. Staff are always on hand to help out, whatever your needs may…
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…
