welcome to latin america
Unlike Eastern Europe which has a small landmass but multiple countries, Latin America has a large mass but very few countries. As such, countries like Brazil are more like mini-continents than political entities. In addition to scale there is also diversity of climate and culture ranging from the high deserts of Chile and Argentina to the wonders of Patagonia, gateway to Antarctica. There are ancient cities like Cusco and modern metropolis like Sao Paulo, Santiago and Montevideo. There are rain forests including the world’s largest, the Amazon, high altitude scenery from Salta to Lake Titicaca. There is dancing from the Tango to the Samba and a Joie de Vivre rarely matched by any other continent not to mention the beach at Ipanema.
Argentina
They came by the thousands in the last quarter of the 19th Century and the first Quarter of the 20th. From Hungary, Wales, Italy, Germany and England they came, all looking to escape hardship and to find prosperity. Some went north to Ellis Island but some went south to Buenos Aires where they joined the relatively small but strong-willed indigenous people and the Spanish speaking descendants of the Spanish settlers. They created Argentina, the second largest country in South America best known for the Tango, Gauchos, Steak and Eva Peron. The country is diverse in its geography stretching from the high desert in the north, the rainforest of Misiones close to Iguassu Falls to the northern reaches of Antarctica in the south. Let us show you it all, the sophistication of Buenos Aires, the expanse of the Pampas, the Malbec vineyards of Mendoza and the scenic lakes around Bariloche.
Brazil
Brazil is big, bigger than Europe, bigger than the Continental United States. Much of the area, however, is made up of rain forest particularly in the Amazon Region. A visit to Brazil, especially on one of our hand-crafted journeys allows you to discover a place touched by warm tropical sun and 5,000 miles of white-sand beaches. It is a land of mango trees, music, dance and baroque colonial towns and villages living in harmony with 21st Century cities offering opulence and sophistication. We have been sending clients to Brazil since the 1980’s and we have used that experience to create some suggested holidays, covering all areas and aspects of the country. With your input we will create the perfect trip just for you.
Chile
From the arid desert in the north and the glacier-crowded south, Chile is an awe-inspiring example of nature’s splendor and power. A realm of startling contrasts and breathtaking beauty, Chile’s attractions range from the towering volcanic peaks of the Andes to the ancient forests of the Lake District. Not only famous for the spectacular Torres Del Paine, considered by many to be one of nature’s finest creations, Chile offers many other unusual and extraordinary places like Polynesian Easter Island and the secluded pre-Hispanic villages of the Andean Highlands.
Ecuador/Galapagos
As its name suggests, Ecuador sits on the Equator with Latitude 0 running right through Quito - it's capital. Once a major Inca city, it was destroyed by the Incas so that its territory would not fall into Spanish hands. Therefore the city is a combination of Colonial Charm and contemporary vivacity. Although small when compared with some other South American countries, it offers Colonial cities like Cuenca, Hacienda, Cloud Forest, the Amazon and far out in the seas, the Galapagos Islands. While many people use Ecuador as a starting point on their journey to the Galapagos Islands, we feel that exploring the mainland in depth would too be well worth it.
Peru
Peru is known for being the last bastion of the Incas against the conquistadores with Cusco and Machu Picchu playing key roles. Peru has other attractions, however, most notably Lima, the cosmopolitan city located at sea level and offering fine food and fusion cuisine. If you are going to Machu Picchu (as you definitely should), do it in style on the Hiram Bingham train with “Orient Express” service between Cusco and Machu Picchu. You can also choose an elegant contemporary train across the Andean plateau to Lake Titicaca the highest navigable lake in the world. Peru also encompasses a very attractive piece of the Amazon, which you can cruise in sybaritic luxury. All of these experiences can be yours.