Latin America

Wild at Heart

Wild at Heart Alex Robinson discovers how forces of nature have made Costa Rica possibly the world's top ecotourism destination. There were rustles and snorts in the bushes. Then a rattle like the sound of castanets – bone castanets – and the air was filled with a pungent, acrid smell. “We are lucky,” whispered ...
Posted on October 11 2008 Read More...

Quito high & mighty

Quito high & mighty   History is part of everyday life in Ecuador’s vibrant capital. Explore the Andean city where ancient traditions and colonial architecture are equally cherished When Simón Bolívar, the great liberator of South America, first marched in with his victorious troops, he called San Francisco de Quito “a monastery” – before, in characteristic ...
Posted on September 3 2008 Read More...

New Latin America brochure

New Latin America brochure Our new 2009/10 Latin America brochure is out now! We have introduced El Salvador as well as a host of new itinerary and accommodation options throughout this vast continent. In addition, the Falkland Islands have been reintroduced as a holiday extension option. There is an increased emphasis on tailor made ...
Posted on September 2 2008 Read More...

No more lonely days for Lonesome George

No more lonely days for Lonesome George Lonesome George, conservation icon of the Galápagos islands, the rarest living creature on Earth, may soon be a father. The 80-year-old giant tortoise was discovered in 1972 among the foliage of Pinta island in the archipelago. He has since been cared for as the sole survivor of his species. The Galapagos National ...
Posted on August 21 2008 Read More...

The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail I knew a long time ago that I wanted to do the Inca trail, but I also knew that I didn’t want to camp. I was so thrilled to learn that a company has created an adventure experience in style. Mountain Lodges of Peru have built 4 lodges along the ...
Posted on August 19 2008 Read More...

Cruising Special

Cruising Special What floats your boat in Latin America? Discover the best aquatic experiences Travelling by water can get you up close and personal with a variety of wildlife and environments, and it’s a relaxing way to travel – so it’s no wonder so many people are choosing cruise holidays. We’ve pulled together ...
Posted on August 5 2008 Read More...

Patagonia’s Glacial Beauty

Patagonia’s Glacial Beauty Of all the images I had expected to lay eyes on at Torres del Paine – snowcapped mountains, mirror-like lakes, barren wilderness – a puma was not one of them. Yet here it was, casually striding across the road in front of our vehicle. Such was my surprise that by ...
Posted on July 28 2008 Read More...

Pole Positions

Pole Positions Sailing to Antarctica, with its unique wildlife and landscapes, is a dream ticket. But there’s more diversity than you might imagine – so what can you experience where? Falkland Islands A little bit of Britain in the South Seas, the Falklands is a fascinating mix of familiar pubs and friendly community spirit, ...
Posted on June 28 2008 Read More...

Relaxing in Rio

Relaxing in Rio Rio de Janeiro is fairly unique in its make up. It is an urban metropolis with fantastic beaches set to a background of lush rainforest, hills and mountains. You can really appreciate the beauty of this rare mix by making a visit to the summit of Corcovado where the iconic ...
Posted on May 28 2008 Read More...

Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort, Brazil

Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort, Brazil Kiaroa is a sophisticated and unique resort set in an ecological sanctuary surrounded by the Atlantic Forest, one of the largest biodiversities on the planet. The region is an Environmental Preservation Area and is protected by severe laws. And the result – pristine surroundings and natural beauty. You are just steps ...
Posted on May 10 2008 Read More...

What a Wonderful World

What a Wonderful World Peru has long been our best-selling Latin American destination – and that’s not all down to Machu Picchu. The Incas left an impressive mark, but Peru’s natural treasures – from steamy rainforests to plunging gorges – have always astonished. Here’s why the landscapes give the famous ruins a run for ...
Posted on April 3 2008 Read More...

Capturing the Heart of our Marketing Manage...

Capturing the Heart of our Marketing Manager   As we entered the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ it was as if someone said “the Bales Group is here, take the covers off” and as if by magic, the clouds lifted and there it was... Machu Picchu in all its glory. The purpose of my recent journey to Peru was ...
Posted on January 28 2008 Read More...

The Best of Brazil

The Best of Brazil The vibrant city of Rio exceeded all expectations. Our first stop was Corcovado Mountain. We took a jeep through Tijuca Forest and arrived at a spectacular viewpoint. From the top of the mountain, you can see the true beauty of this city - the mountains, skyscrapers, beaches, the lakes… I thought ...
Posted on November 28 2007 Read More...

Natural Wonders of Brazil

Natural Wonders of Brazil Brazil, the very name conjures up a host of fantasies and as the fifth largest country in the world an awe inspiring variety of landscapes, architecture, wildlife species and experiences are on offer. The tour I was leading, Natural Wonders of Brazil, was to focus on the natural highlights of ...
Posted on November 28 2007 Read More...

A nature lover’s paradise

A nature lover’s paradise Richard Godden, Latin America Specialist, swims with sea lions on the Galapagos Islands... The Galapagos Islands - a once in a lifetime destination. This magical collection of volcanic islands, lying about 800 km to the east of the Ecuadorian mainland, is somewhere that most people will never get to see with ...
Posted on October 28 2007 Read More...

Guyana ‘The Land of Many Rivers’

Guyana ‘The Land of Many Rivers’ Pristine Rainforest – Stunning Savannah – Majestic Waterfalls – Tree Covered Mountains – Afro Guyanese culture – Guyanese Amerindian Communities – The Jaguar, the national animal -– The intelligent Giant River Otters – The cute but ugly Manatees - Multi Coloured Flora – Giant Amazonica Lilies – Black Caiman – ...
Posted on August 17 2007 Read More...

Amazon: Bruce Parry explores the greatest r...

Amazon: Bruce Parry explores the greatest river on earth on BBC2 Don't miss the first episode of Amazon on BBC2, Monday 15th September at 9pm. Bruce Parry reports on his seven month odyssey travelling down the Amazon, travelling from its glacial source in the high Andes to its mouth at the Atlantic. Bruce travels over 6,000 kms by foot, light aircraft and ...
Posted on July 28 2007 Read More...

Clumping along in crampons

Clumping along in crampons After a hurried rush to get ready in the morning (oops, I had forgotten to set the alarm the night before...), and a quick cup of café con leche, we were all set to begin our trip to Perito Moreno Glacier. The visit is offered as a full day excursion ...
Posted on April 28 2007 Read More...