Buenos Aires: Tigre Cycling and Kayaking Tour

Take a Buenos Aires tour with a difference, enjoying the “Paris of South America” by bike and kayak along the Tigre River Delta.

Just north of the thriving bustle of the Argentine capital lies the tranquil town of Tigre nestled on the banks of the Tigre River Delta. The summer home for Buenos Aires’s Porteñean elite in the 19^th century, Tigre retains its posh flair. Stately mansions decorate the delta, many of them only accessible by boat.

The tranquil waters of Tigre, near Buenos Aires. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2010

Take the train from the heart of Buenos Aires to its northern outskirts. From there you can cycle along the backroads and suburbs to the town of Tigre, just north of the capital. Along the peaceful and relaxing biking trail, you will pass the Tigre River’s lush islands and beautiful landscapes. When you reach the town of Tigre, you will hop in a kayak and take a guided tour past the mansions, palaces, and other landmarks.

This full day tour lasts about eight hours total. The guided tour includes all biking and kayaking equipment, train tickets and traveler’s insurance, plus lunch, snacks, and bottled water.

Iguazu Falls: Full Moon Waterfall Excursion

Enjoy a night-time Iguazu tour and enjoy the majestic falls by moonlight.

The thundering Iguazu Falls, Argentina

When the full moon is out, the Iguazu Falls – one of the world’s most impressive set of waterfalls – appears even more striking and powerful than ever. Some 270 waterfalls, a few over 250 feet tall, merge together to cascade down the Iguazu River’s deepest cataracts.  The national parks surrounding the falls, in both Argentina and Brazil, are quiet, and it seems as though you are alone with a mighty wall of water.

During this tour, which runs every evening of the full moon, you meet your guide at the park entrance to take a train ride to the Devil’s Throat, the most impressive face of the falls. At the Garganta do Diabo, or Devil’s Throat, water plunges over a 490 by 2300 feet U-shaped catarata, and observers can get close enough to be surrounded by 260° of water thundering with unimaginable power. In the moonlight, toast this remarkable force of nature with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail.

Mendoza: Cooking & Wine Tasting Class

For wine and cuisine fanatics, look no further than this Mendoza tour.

Mendoza’s gorgeous wineries and breathtaking landscapes are not to be missed, but if you want to experience Mendoza wine country in a unique way, take a Mendoza cooking and wine tasting class.

Begin your class by traveling from Mendoz to the Uco Valley, a high-altitude vineyard-rich region backed by the snowy Andes. Here the restaurant Bistro La Tupiña is situated in the midst of the Altus vineyards. This world-class restaurant serves delicious, simple Argentine meals – with some ingredients straight from the farm out back. The chef uses a tupiña, a cast iron kettle for which the restaurant is named, to marinate sausage, carmelized onions, potato wedges, and other appetizers in wines from the vineyard. A wine tasting expert will spill the secrets about the ins and outs of a good glass of wine, and a professional chef will teach you how to prepare – and pair – gourmet Argentine dishes with the best Argentine wines. Recipes may include goat in lemon sauce, barbeque lamb, along with dulce de leche and pastries.

El Calafate: Upsala Glacier Boat Cruise to Estancia Cristina

Cruise across glacial lakes on this Calafate tour to the most remote estancia in the region, perhaps in all of Patagonia.

The rugged landscape of Argentina’s Patagonia attracted rough gauchos who raised their cattle on vast stretches of land. Of all the estancias in Argentina, from the ranches on the eastern pampas near Buenos Aires, to those on the southern steppe, Estancia Cristina near El Calafate is perhaps the most remote.

Walls of ice and glacial lakes in Calafate, Patagonia. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2010

Estancia Cristina is only accessible by boat or by a several day trek. The trip is worth it though, as this 85,000 acre ranch is set on a meadow that glows green in the spring and summer, with the breathtaking Upsala Glacier as its backdrop. The ranch was founded in 1914 by an intrepid Englishman. Now it offers lodging, delicious homemade Patagonian cuisine, guided walks and horseback riding.

From El Calafate, the trekking town accessible by airport or by bus, you will head out on a boat cruise to reach Estancia Cristina. From Puerto Banderas on Lago Argentino, you will cruise north towards the Upsala Glacier. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you weave along the glacial lake to the ranch. You will be greeted by a full lunch cooked in the traditional Patagonia style, and afterwards, you can roam the vast ranch, taking a horseback ride or hike to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. In the evening, tuck into bed in a rustic cabin on the ranch, or return along the lake to El Calafate.

Ushuaia: Tierra Mayor Dog Sled and Snowshoe Trek

Mush Patagonia Huskies on a dog sled and snowshoe Ushuaia tour.

Experience the thrill and chill of the rugged terrain near Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of Argentina, on a full day dog sled and snowshoe trek. From Ushuaia, the picturesque capital of Tierra del Fuego, travel to Tierra Mayor, a trailhead that leads through snowy hills to the breathtaking Tierra Mayor valley. At the trailhead, you will meet your guide, who will introduce you to your dog sled team and explain the art of mushing. Then you will get outfitted with your sled, and take off on a seven kilometer sledding adventure along old logging trails in the snowy forests of Tierra Mayor.

When you reach the woodcutter’s shelter, a small log cabin with a cozy fireplace, you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or “woodsmen’s coffee.” Then gear up for the next part of the adventure, a one and a half hour snowshoe trek through the snowy hills of Tierra Mayor. Gliding across snow a meter deep, you will arrive at the Alvear icefalls and enjoy terrific views of the Tierra Mayor valley. Return to the shelter, warm up with more hot chocolate, then strap on the snowshoes and descend down the logging trails to the Tierra Mayor trailhead.

The above excursions are just five of the many tours offered by Argentina For Less. Visit us online for many more Argentina travel ideas, or contact a travel advisor at travel@argentinaforless.com for more details.

The best time to hit the water is during the rainy season, from late August to November. At this time of year, the rivers are swollen and fast flowing, offering a bigger variety of options for all levels.

White water rafting on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica

One of Costa Rica’s most popular rafting spots is the Pacuare River, widely recognized as one of the top rafting rivers in the world thanks to a perfect combination of jaw-droppingly beautiful natural scenery and fast-flowing waters.

The waters are warm, the cascades are stunning and the river meanders through the dense tropical Costa Rican rainforest, surrounded by a huge diversity of wildlife. The river is generally Class III to IV, which means unpredictable waves, narrow waterways and long patches of white water, getting wet out here is a certainty!

Exploring the Pacuare River is all the more enjoyable on rafting trips departing from the Rio Tropicales Lodge, who has partnered with Costa Rica For Less to offer an adventurer’s dream trip; rafting down whitewater rapids, zip lining through the tree tops, and exploring deep into the jungle to get up close and personal with the rainforest’s countless inhabitants.

The lodge, built from ecologically sourced local materials, is set amid a large reserve of tropical gardens and untouched jungle, complete with swaying hammocks and viewing platforms from which the local colony of toucans can be spotted. A vast network of trails are perfect for exploring, while a series of freshwater pools stemming from the Pacuare River itself allow blissful and relaxing bathing.

Costa Rica For Less’ exclusive Rafting Odyssey travel deal allows visitors to arrive at this splendid lodge by raft, spend two full days exploring the rainforest reserve before leaving for another full day on the water. Visit the Costa Rica For Less site for more information.

With the first match on Friday (11^th June) the eyes of the world are going to be on South Africa, and with the final on the 11^th July it is a month of football madness.

Football fans in Peru will be watching every match, despite the fact that Peru didn't quality

Sadly Peru wasn’t able to qualify; but the South American nations of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and of course Brazil will all be fighting for the title.

One thing that I have learnt during my time in South America is that everybody loves football; it runs in the blood with many South American towns almost deserted during key cup matches.

Trying to get a taxi while Boca Juniors play River in Buenos Aires is not a good idea.

So while you’re here on your Peru vacation why not get into the spirit of the continent, find a bar, a big screen and enjoy the show.

Where to go:

In Lima there are a number of options. Many hotels, bars and casinos will be showing the match.

The well known places for a good crowd are The Corner Bar in Miraflores and the El Estadio bar near to San Martin square in the centre.

The Corner Bar, a typical American sports bar, is home away from home for sports fans. But with one of the first matches being England v the USA on the 12^th June, there should be a good vibe.

El Estado is in the city centre and is for serious sports fans. With 50″ HD screens and a range of Peruvian food this could be a place to spend a long afternoon.

The Fiesta Casino on Av Benevides in Miraflores is also counting down the days to the world cup, boasting food and drinks to keep you going during the match.

In the rest of Peru as well as Lima, Casa Andina Hotels will be showing matches in all of its bars. Casa Andina are have a special promotion where you can try some of the national food from each and have a beer for only 25 Soles.

This means ‘Cheeseburgers‘ and ‘Fish & Chips‘ for the USA v England match on Saturday and Nachos on sale for the Mexico v France match.

Being a writer, I’m not supposed to be overly biased. However, being a Brit living in Peru I have to say – come on ENGLAND!

But this isn’t any party. San Pedrans celebrate the Catholic feast day, Festival de San Pedro y San Pablo, with a distinctive blend of lively folk dancing, a thrilling rodeo, and solemn processions that infuse their Atacameño heritage into hispanic Catholic traditions.

The week-long religious festival culminates on June 29, known as Festival de San Pedro y San Pablo all over Catholic Latin America.

The otherworldly Salar de Talar, just outside of Chile’s northern desert town, San Pedro de Atacama. Courtesy of Wiki-Media.

Similar religious festivals are found in Costa Rica and elsewhere in Latin America, but San Pedro de Atacama goes to dramatic lengths to celebrate their namesake and patron Saint Peter.

On June 29, the major festival begins with mass in the Church of San Pedro – a white brick adobe relic from 1641. A procession of musicians, dancers, and onlookers heads to the main plaza.

Locals, visitors, and clergy all join in, carrying the image of Saint Peter through the streets. The procession returns to the church, and the clergy gives communion to the masses.

At an elevation of 2440 meters in the highlands near Chile’s Bolivian border, San Pedro de Atacama was an Inca – and later, Spanish – outpost on the way to the coast, later a mining center, then became a waystation during cattle drives from Argentina to the the desert.

Once a waystation, it is now a destination. The town relies on tourism, although some locals still farm on terraces from before the Inca era. The tourist high season is October to February, but during the offseason there is still much to see and do.

The crumbling dirt streets – lined with menu restaurants, sandboarding tour offices, and views of nearby volcanoes – are picturesque.

The Iglesia de San Pedro with its roof of cactus and pepperwood supports, is exquisitely preserved in the thin desert air. The Museo Arquelógico includes an interesting collection of artifacts left by the Belgian missionary Padre Gustave Paige.

Nearby, the salt flats of Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, create weird lunar landscapes dotted with gushing geyers. The valley is 12 km outside of town, walkable in three hours, or you can take a car. It’s best to make it for sunset – otherworldly on a clear day.

There are also remants from the pre-Inca era, such as the Pukará de Quitor fortress that was restored in 1981, or the ruins at Catarpe and Tulor. The El Tatio geyer and the Salar de Atacama, a 741316 acre salt lake inhabited by pink flamingoes, are both worth a trek as they show off Chile’s North Country at its most strange – and beautiful.

A few days or week-long skiing vacation after catching a tour on a Chile Travel Deal is a great way to see all Chile has to offer.

Three of the most popular ski resorts, Valle Nevado, La Parva, and Colorado, are known collectively as the Tres Valles.

The Valle Nevado slopes, along with Valle Colorado and La Purva, make for some of the widest-ranging skiable snow in all of South America.

These mountains huddle together in the Andes just 1.5 hours outside of Chile’s capital – Santiago.

Strung together like Christmas lights by an interconnected lift system, the Tres Valles combine to offer enough runs to keep an advanced skier busy for a week. The peaks range 2800-3700 meters (9186-12139 ft), and during the high season (July-Aug), get a generous dusting of crisp dry powder.

Valle Nevado is the most elegant of the three, with a resort that offers a luxurious touch to its rugged slopes. With 22.9 miles of ski runs open year-round to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, plus heliskiers, this park offers an all-inclusive stay for snow-sport lovers.

El Colorado, the next peak over, is the largest of the three parks, with 16 lifts, 25 trails, and a view over Santiago. This is an excellent park to take the kids, with several beginners’ slopes and a lift designed specifically for little ones.

Colorado slides into La Parva, and boasts untrekked trails that stretch over 66 miles. It’s known for its advanced skiers’ slopes, and great backcountry bowls of completely untouched snow. Together with the borders of Valles Colorado and Nevado, La Parva makes for some of the widest-ranging skiable snow in all of South America.

When to go:

Ski season begins mid-June and high season begins in July. If you plan for late June, you’ll beat the crowds and hit the virgin snow. But if you have to wait, wait until late August to September, when the high season is winding down. Season ends October.

Where to stay:

The Valle Nevado Resort is every skiers dream come true – guests wake up to the best views of the mountains, the La Fourchette D’or restaurant is known for its terrific French cuisine, rooms are fully renovated, and the sauna, massages, and yoga classes will be sure to get out all the knots after a long day of hitting the slopes.

Tres Puntas Hotel, also in the Valle Nevado ski center, is an affordable alternative; great for groups that still provides comfort for the weather-weary skier. It’s within walking distance of the Ski Center, and offers many amenities such as a pub with karaoke and live music, a fitness center, swimming pool, games rooms, and child care center. The Sur restaurant serves from a traditional Chilean menu.

Hotel Posada de Farellones, the charming Swiss ski lodge in Farenolles, 10 minutes from the peaks, was one of the first lodges in the area. Outfitted with modern amenties, it offers a cozy fireplace in the living room, satellite TV, games, Jacuzzi, and shuttles to and from the ski resorts.

Where to eat:

Most hotels include breakfast and dinner in their accommodation prices, and lunches can be purchased in the ski centers. Still, the Tres Valles resorts are known not only for their slopes, they’re also famous for good food and wine.

Valle Nevado Ski Resort has the most eateries. Besides the aforementioned restaurants, there’s the Swiss Le Montagnard and the Italian La Trattoria in the Puerto del Sol Hotel, plus barbeque, sushi, and other options.
Farellones has a decent nightlife, with bars El Montanes and the Blue Tambo Lodge.

Free travel insurance now offered by Latin America For Less

The campaign has been launched to protect travelers from some of the rare complications that may occur during an international trip. Even minor flight delays and missed transfers can have a financial impact and cause unnecessary hassle. On the other end of the spectrum, natural disasters and severe weather can disrupt an entire vacation.

The Go Covered! campaign provides another layer of security for Latin America For Less’ clients and ensures that, in the unlikely event that something does go wrong, the financial cost and inconvenience will be minimal.

Over the first half of 2010, many of Latin America For Less’ clients were affected by unforeseeable situations and events, such as flooding near Machu Picchu, an earthquake in Chile and the European ash cloud that grounded international flights for a week.

In each instance, clients who had booked their vacation without travel insurance found themselves dealing with significant financial costs, as well as the challenge of rearranging their travel plans.

According to Richard Leon, Director at Latin America For Less, travelers who don’t take insurance to cover their trip are leaving themselves open to unnecessary risks: “It’s not only rare natural disasters and extreme weather that pose a problem to peoples’ trips. Smaller events like delays or minor health problems can also have a financial impact.

“If anything goes wrong during our clients’ trips, we always do everything in our power to help rectify the problem but the client is financially responsible for their unforeseen costs. With our free travel insurance campaign, travelers will be able to claim a reimbursement should anything go wrong during their vacation.

“Go Covered! is just the latest step in our mission of offering the best quality, most reliable and highest value travel services to our clients.”

Two policies are being offered for free as part of Latin America For Less’ Go Covered! campaign: The Picture Perfect policy covers all travelers up to 49 years old and includes full coverage, including trip cancelation and health insurance. The Single Trip Lite policy is valid for 50-69 year olds and provides cancelation coverage.

The offer is valid for clients choosing to pay for their trip via Direct Debit, wire transfer or check.

Coverage is provided by the insurer iTravelInsured and Latin America For Less is not responsible for the contents of any policy, or the nature coverage provided.

For more details, view the Go Covered! page online.

Ilha Grande, the grand island just off the coast of Brazil between Rio de Janerio and São Paulo, is for you. Escape the busy citylife to experience a Brazil hotel you can almost call your own.

The main town on tropical Ilha Grande, Brazil

Surrounded by pristine beaches and a crisp blue ocean, the island and the surrounding ocean are part of the Ilha Grande National Park. The center of the island is filled with a rich range of wildlife and some of Brazil’s last remaining Atlantic rainforest.

The island is only accessible by boat and, except for the local ambulance, no cars are allowed. The best way to get around is to hike: there are over 150km of hiking trails snaking through jungle vegetation, deserted beaches, freshwater pools, and spectacular waterfalls.

The eastern coastline is exposed to the Atlantic, and its waves are popular with surfers and body boarders. The rough seas have also claimed a number of vessels in the years since colonization; these wrecks are now visited by many scuba diving schools. A yacht tour is another excellent way to explore the beaches surrounding this beautiful island.

The town of Abraão faces the port of Angra dos Reis on the Brazilian mainland, and the majority of ferries between the mainland and the island dock in this port.

In Abraão you will find some excellent restaurants and bars that are great to explore as the sun sets on this pristine island. You will also find posadas, a type of Brazilian hotel room. It is essentially an en suite room in a family-styled home.

For visitors looking for more luxury it is possible to stay in one of the many luxury eco-hotels outside of town. These are only accessible by private boat from the hotel.

Abraão has almost the typical tourist services, but be warned, internet connectivity is limited and credit cards are not widely accepted.

Visitors to Ilha Grande are privileged to experience such a unique environment. Be prepared to relax, explore and experience one of the best places that Brazil has to offer.

And then, total darkness. The birds – ibis, condors, flamingoes, parakeets – flock confusedly to their nests. Guanaco, hares, foxes, and pumas scurry to their burrows. The temperature drops as the day turns to night in a matter of seconds.

The next total eclipse is due on 11 July 2010, with a Black Sunset over Chile

You have just witnessed the Black Sunset. This rare natural phenomenon, a total solar eclipse, will pass over a tiny sliver of Chile’s breathtaking Southern Patagonia just as the sun sets this July 11.

Viewing a total solar eclipse is rare, but viewing a black sunset is even more so – it involves being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. The eclipse will begin at 18.15.15 GMT in the Pacific Ocean, and will end as the Sun touches the horizon at 20:51:42 GMT in southeastern Chilean Patagonia. The next total solar eclipse will not occur until November 13, 2012.

The moment of “totality,” when the moon totally obscures the sun, will last 2 minutes and 45 seconds. At this breathtaking moment, the solar corona surrounds the dark orb of the moon like a lion´s mane. “Bailey’s Beads,” or bright spots of sunlight passing over the uneven surface of the moon, are visible, and sometimes even solar flares.

At the Hotel Remota, located in the fishing town of Puerto Natales in Southern Chile, you can witness the Black Sunset on a Chile Travel Deal with all the luxury of this beautiful glacial paradise.

All experiences include delicious full meals, guided tours to the surrounding city and glacier fields, and all transfers to and from the airport. Plus, during the eclipse, Dr. René Méndez, a well known Chilean astronomer will offer his expertise, eclipse-viewing sunglasses will be available, and a traditional Patagonian BBQ and cocktails will be served. Accommodations are limited and selling fast, so it is recommended that you book now for a chance to experience this rare natural phenomenon in this beautiful part of the world.

The landscape of Puerto Natales is awe-inspiring in itself. This tranquil town inhabited by fishermen in tin houses – is situated on the quiet waters of the Canal Señoret fjord and surrounded by mountains dusted with snow. Temperatures at sea level are relatively mild, and the days are clear and sunny.

The town makes a terrific launch point for ice hiking and camping through the glacier fields of the Balmaceda and Torres del Paine national parks. The Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is 700 acres with 15 peaks over 6561 feet. There are over 150 miles of well-marked trails. The parks are home to over 100 species of birds, including black-necked swans, flightless steamer ducks, condors, ibis, and flamingoes, as well as 25 species of mammals such as the guanaco and pumas.

Travelers wanting to witness this astonishing sight should explore Chile For Less’ special travel deal, Witness the Black Sunset.