When the first wave of Chinese immigrants first came to Peru in the late 1800s, they were considered part of the lowest working class, seeking work in mines and sugar plantations after the country outlawed slavery. The nature of the work meant that more than 95% of these incoming groups were male, … [Read more...]
Perhaps nothing is so obviously Spanish influenced in South America than the “White Cities” structures left behind from the colonial eras. When the first Spanish conquistadors first arrived to the New World in the mid 1500’s, they brought with them the European preferences that they knew. In … [Read more...]
Although South America consists of 13 unique countries, the behemoth Brazil geographically comprises about half of the land area. That’s a large destination! For your next trip to see some of the most famous landscapes, festivals and beaches in the world, take note of these helpful tips to get you … [Read more...]
Itinerary Overview Suggested dates of travel: Year-round This 8-day private, customizable adventure tour features the capital city of San José, a canopy tour over the rainforest, a national park rich in flora and fauna on the northern Caribbean coast, and the exquisitely beautiful beaches of … [Read more...]
Itinerary Overview Suggested dates of travel: Year-round, except for September and October This 10-day private, customizable adventure tour features the capital city of San José, the tropical cloud forest of Bajosdel Toro, the towering Arenal Volcano, the pristine Osa Peninsula, and the Pacuare … [Read more...]
Sometimes it is nice to feel at home when so far away from home. Yet while in a new country and culture, it is always refreshing to seek out unique culinary experiences to keep our stomachs as satisfied as our souls. Enter “puertas cerradas.” “Puertas Cerradas,” which literally translates … [Read more...]
Explora’s properties are located in some of the most photographable places in the world, so it is no wonder why this Chile luxury travel pioneer has teamed up with Nikon to provide monthly photographic expeditions. These five-day, four-night programs are available at Explora Patagonia and Explora … [Read more...]
Latin Excursions is offering a special Explora promotion for travel between April 14th and October 14th, 2013. To celebrate Explora’s 20th anniversary, anyone who reserves a 4-night program at Explora Patagonia, Explora Rapa Nui or Explora Atacama for travel between April 14th and October 14th, … [Read more...]
There is perhaps no other name more synonymous with the Galapagos Islands than Charles Darwin. The author of the 1859 book On the Origin of Species, Darwin ignited what would turn out to be a forever debate about the merits of evolutions against the traditional ideas of creation based on … [Read more...]
Sometimes, it is necessary to take a vacation from vacation. Whether you are looking for some time off from bouncing between numerous destinations in South America or need a break from the roar and rumble of Rio in June and July 2013 due to the World Cup, Brazil’s Corumbau is perhaps … [Read more...]
Most people come to the Galapagos for its fearless wildlife, hardened lava landscapes, pristine beaches and underwater wonders. However, there are increasingly more and more interesting ways to visit the Galapagos Islands, which allow for even more enriching experiences. Galapagos Safari Camp, a set … [Read more...]
Glamorous is usually not the first word used to describe Amazonian cuisine, but at ámaZ in Lima, Peru, Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino has found a way combine the tastes of the Peruvian Amazon jungle with the quality, innovation and service of a top-notch restaurant. While Peru’s coastal cuisine has … [Read more...]
1) When at least two people book a 5-day, 4-night package at La Selva, they will receive 1 free night in Swissotel or Casona de La Ronda in Quito. 2) In March, April and June, when at least two people book a 4-day, 3-night package at La Selva, they will receive one extra night stay at La Selva … [Read more...]
Special packages are being offered at Finch Bay Eco-Hotel this December and January, making it a good choice for holiday travelers looking for a land-based Galapagos experience or a land extension to a Galapagos cruise. The Finch Bay Eco-Hotel is an oceanfront property and has a private outdoor … [Read more...]
Will your trip to Chile be your first, or a return to an old favorite? Whichever the case, be sure to keep these top 3 Chile travel tips in mind for an unforgettable and well-prepared vacation! Learn Chileno – Standard Spanish might be the official language, but colloquially, Chilenan Spanish … [Read more...]
Even though it is the world’s second largest desert city, Lima is a bustling metropolis with many beautiful sites to offer. In fact, there are so many green parks and beaches that many times, it takes some reminding to realize that giant sand dunes are only a few kilometers … [Read more...]
If you are already in the southern United States, it can be incredibly tempting not to want to hop the border into colorful South America! Making it easier than ever to quickly reach the ancient Inca lands, American Airlines has announced that starting April 1, 2013, it will start running direct … [Read more...]
Whenever timing and schedules permit, it is a good idea to arrive into the Galapagos Islands at least 1 day before your cruise begins, allowing some flexibility in case are any travel complications along the way. This is particularly recommended if you are flying in from faraway international … [Read more...]
Perhaps no annual holiday gets Peruvians as excited as Semana Santa, or Saint’s Week. In the 8 days leading up to Easter Sunday all throughout the country, the young and old gather to dance and celebrate on the streets while wearing colorful traditional garbs, religious Catholic processions held … [Read more...]
Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire in Peru, is steeped in history and there is perhaps no more traditional festival still celebrated since ancient times than the Inti Raymi Solstice Festival every June. Since Peru is located below the equator in the Southern Hemisphere, Inti Raymi actually … [Read more...]
A visit to South America would not be complete without trying some of the myriad of fruits not found elsewhere in the world. Each country has different produce depending on its geographies, making it quite the fun scavenger hunt to try new ones as you move throughout the continent. On your next trip … [Read more...]
Flying into Cartagena from Bogota, I made sure to sit on the left side of the plane so I could get some first glimpses of Colombia’s Caribbean jewel from the air. I couldn’t wait to see the old colonial port with my own eyes, a place many had told me was one of the most beautiful places in South … [Read more...]
When it comes to South America, there is perhaps no country with larger geographic and cultural extremes within itself than Peru. Too be found are environs such as desert, high mountains, beaches, the Amazon Rainforest, and dozens of microclimates in the closest of vicinities. Culturally, Peru is an … [Read more...]
Travel between Germany and Peru just might be getting much, much easier. Lufthansa, Germany and all of Europe’s largest commercial airline, has announced that it is seriously considering the logistics and details of establishing direct routes between Frankfurt and Lima. Officials in both … [Read more...]
Having had such a tumultuous history in the 80’s and the 90’s due to violence arising from drug and revolutionary political groups, it is no secret that Colombia earned itself a reputation of being one of the more dangerous places in the world. However, the country has since truly renovated … [Read more...]
One doesn't typically associate Panama with cooler mountain weather but it is not a secret that one of the most ecological and activity diverse areas in this small tropical country is the Boquete region. Situated at 1500 meters (or 5ooo feet) of altitude and in the western Chiriqui Province … [Read more...]
Tango originated in Rio de la Plata (on the border between Argentina and Uruguay) and has quickly spread over the rest of the world as one of the most popular dance styles. There are many milongas (event or place to dance Tango) in Argentina where you can enjoy this dance in the company of friends … [Read more...]
Arepas: A Venezuelan Breakfast Staple My name is Sarah Cassedy, and I am a Travel Consultant for Latin Excursions. Having been to Venezuela a couple of times, with my Venezuelan beau, I can attest to the fact that their arepas rank as one of the best breakfast bites around the world. I like to … [Read more...]
Whatever kind of beach activity you’re looking for – surfing, kite surfing, sunbathing, beach sports or snorkeling, you’ll find the perfect beach in Brazil. With so many beaches to choose from, it’s not an easy choice. Our travel specialist in Brazil gives you her personal favorites: … [Read more...]
Antarctica, The White Continent, is the last great wilderness left on earth. This amazing continent is a land of extremes: icy storms, vast frozen deserts, immense icebergs, endless days during summer and endless nights during winter. This other-worldly destination, not for the faint of heart, is … [Read more...]
Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro has easily become one of the most prominent and iconic cities in the world, and it’s no surprise that it has produced a gamut of top restaurants. From traditional Portuguese fare to creative Italian cuisine, there are plenty of choices for food aficionados and … [Read more...]
Although Cali is known as the ‘Capital de la Salsa’, Cartagena offers some great venues to immerse yourself in Colombia’s Salsa culture. Cartagena has a pulsating rhythm to it as a city and this is reflected in its night spots. Here are our 3 favorite spots to enjoy Salsa in Cartagena: … [Read more...]
Lima is becoming an increasingly popular destination for foreign travelers, finally breaking from the misconception that it is merely a logistical stopover. Taking much of the credit for this is the capital city’s prominent culinary scene, now visited and revered by foodies from around the globe. … [Read more...]
The beaches of the Galapagos are not the stereotypical beaches you will find in other parts of the world; here, you can find white sand beaches surrounded by mangroves, black lava beaches and hidden coves, all abundant with wildlife like the friendly sea lions, pelicans, iguanas and so many more. … [Read more...]
Eric Sheets, founder of Latin Excursions, has been named as one of Wendy Perrin’s Top Travel Specialists in Condé Nast Traveler – a distinction that only 133 consultants from around the world have been awarded this year. Sheets is being recognized specifically for his expertise in Ecuador and … [Read more...]
Recently, Eric Sheets, our Galapagos specialist was asked to share some insights in an interview for Conde Nast Traveler magazine. We thought we would share them here as we are sure they will help anybody planning to visit the magic archipelago off the coast of Ecuador: … [Read more...]
Itinerary Overview – The energized capital of Panama – with an impressive infrastructure of hotels and restaurants, parks and museums, and with a juxtaposition of colonial heritage and international commerce – will serve as the hub for your journey. From there, explore the Chiriqui Highlands, … [Read more...]
This family adventure begins in Panama City – the perfect base for exploring the country. The city offers Spanish-colonial ruins, an ornate cathedral and the lovely Presidential Palace, verdant parks, a canal museum and a natural history museum, a breathtaking skyline, and an impressive … [Read more...]
We are sure that when you think of Rio de Janeiro the first thing that comes in to your mind are the beautiful beaches, the diverse wildlife and some key city highlights as Corcovado and th Sugar Loaf. But… Did you know that Rio de Janeiro has and exciting artistic movement and cultural life … [Read more...]
It’s a well known fact that Rio de Janeiro is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and of course its' nightlife lives up to this premise as the contagious rhythms of the samba and the bossa nova takes over. Lapa is definitively the place to go if you’re looking for a fun night in the … [Read more...]
Salvador, a city of unique characteristics, is one of Brazil’s most fascinating areas of this vast country. Famous for its history, the cultural mix, the legacy left by cultures from all over the world and the welcoming locals, make the capital of Bahia, one of most beautiful places to visit in … [Read more...]
Areas Visited: Santiago, Valparaiso, Lake District, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio de Janeiro Travel through some of South America’s most beautiful landscapes – the Lake District of Chile & Argentina, and also experience some of the continent’s most exciting cities. Ideal … [Read more...]
Areas Visited: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Amazon Riverboat Cruise & Machu Picchu This trip combines cosmopolitan city life, with two of South America’s natural highlights – the Amazon jungle & Iguazu Falls, and the cultural & historical sites around Machu Picchu. Ideal for … [Read more...]
Areas Visited:Buenos Aires, Pampas, Ibera Wetlands, Iguazu Falls, Salta & Jujuy, Bariloche, Amazon Riverboat Cruise, Machu Picchu, Galapagos Cruise, Andes Highlands For those with plenty of time to travel, and a spirit of adventure, this trip is for you! You’ll travel to some of South … [Read more...]
Always wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands in private and exclusive way? A charter is ideal for a family reunion or group of friends. We have some available dates to charter some of Galapagos most exclusive cruises where you'll be able to explore these magical islands with really exciting … [Read more...]
Itinerary Overview Day 1 Welcome to Quito: Arrival to Quito and meet and greet; transfer to hotel, either a boutique luxury option in the colonial section of the city, or a large luxury property in the modern area of Quito. Meals not included. Day 2 Middle of the World: You’ll have a panoramic … [Read more...]
There is a many options of cruises and lodging options for visitors to the Galapagos these days, but none are as unique and personalized to a visitors experience than the Galapagos Safari Camp. It is a perfect option for those looking to supplement a cruise, avoid a cruise, or for those … [Read more...]
Los Roques is magical paradise where the sound of the waves, the noise of birds, white sand and colorful corals merge to create a beautiful landscape. One of the most beautiful places in Venezuela and one of the most extraordinary places in the world to relax among beautiful keys, lagoons with … [Read more...]
Founded by Colonel José Gervasio Artigas on February 12, 1816 Carmelo is just 6 kilometres (4 miles) from the Four Seasons Resort. Carmelo is an authentic South American town (population 22,000) that has yet to be touched by commercialism. In the South American summer, many Argentinians dock their … [Read more...]
Jose Ignacio is undoubtedly, the place to be. This area around the hotspot, Punta del Este, is hidden, remote, and awesome. One hour from Punta del Este, on a sandy peninsula on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, this quiet, laid back retreat boasting beautiful calm and rough sea beaches has become a … [Read more...]
