Your journey begins in Santiago, where you will tour some of the hidden gems of the metropolis, with the majestic Andean Mountain Range in the background. From there you will continue on to the Atacama region for  a four or five day stay. During that time, you’ll be able to hike and  explore some of the dramatic beauty of this arid region.  The magic of the Atacama region includes both volcanos and saltlakes; You’ll be awed by the natural beauty of the changing landscapes.

The next stop is one of the most magnificent natural gems of our planet, Patagonia. On the flight down, we will stop in the colorful town of Valaparaíso. Here you will be able to safely wander the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, visit the famous poet’s Pablo Neruda’s home, and take a ride up the steep hillsides on the funiculars to enjoy the views. End your day by enjoying a pisco sour on your terrace while watching one of the region’s incomparable sunsets.

Torres del Paine National Park will be another highlight of the trip.  Words can’t describe the beauty of waterfalls and rivers, granite peaks and immense glaciers. Suggested day excursions provide you with the opportunity for hiking (for the serious trekker) or horseback riding through the park to get up-close and personal with the guanacos — wild Chilean llamas — that roam the park.

Depending on your personal preference, accommodations can range from romantic camping to staying in a luxury lodge where you can be pampered in the spa.  Feeling adventurous?  Stay at a working Estancia to get the real gaucho cultural experience!

Your travel excursion will then bring you to the shores of Last Hope Sound, where you will stay in the charming town of Puerto Natales. Here you’ll unwind after exhilarating and fun-filled days of exploration.  Take a little time to relax before heading back to Santiago.

Whether you are looking to explore the outdoors or just unwind in serene natural beauty of Chile, this is a unique travel experience, custom-tailored to provide just the right combinations for everyone.

For futher information,  please contact one of our travel specialists at: Latin Excursions

A trip to Antarctica is a trip of a lifetime for all ages.  Witness firsthand this amazing place of breathtaking, untouched landscapes!  Latin Excursions is offering a new expedition concept for visitors to this land of endless ice, fascinating wildlife, dramatic mountains, and glaciers. This excursion is geared toward activity-minded people who have a passion for exploring unknown terrain.

“Basecamp Plancius” will be your vessel as you sail the Antarctic, and serve as your base-camp, the starting point from which all major expeditions will begin. Time spent aboard the Plancius is kept brief,  allowing you to take advantage of as many shore expeditions as possible. The vessel stops for 2-3 days at each location, serving as a comfortable center from which to explore the many wonders of the Antarctic.

The unique approach of this excursion is that it includes amazing activities like hiking, kayaking, glacier walking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, camping and photography expeditions.  This is ideal for adventurous travelers looking for the most in-depth, extreme way to experience Antarctica.  Worried about the budget?  Don’t be!  All these extra activities are already included in the cruise rate. Guests are able to modify the type of experiences they wish to have by choosing the activities that appeal to them most.  While some may prefer the mountaineering, others in your group might enjoy kayaking amongst dramatic glaciers instead, while some may simply want to take in the serenity of those surroundings.  With a travel program such as this, there is something enjoyable for all ages and activity levels!

The excursions are led by expert guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with guests.  The guides really want each of the guests to get the most out of their Antarctic experience.  Each guide is prepared, qualified, and trained in every activity.

What most distinguishes this new expedition from others is that the voyages are supplemented with entertaining lectures, briefings and field descriptions.  Some of these informative sessions cover marine biology, geography, and glaciology, for example. The briefings give guests a better understanding of the unique environment they are discovering, creating a magical connection between man and nature. Guests are free to take part in any or all workshops, as they like.  For instance, those guests who are interested in photography, whether beginners or experienced shutterbugs, are encouraged to join in on a photo workshop that teaches lessons on composition and gives a greater insight on how to get that elusive perfect shot.

This amazing Antarctic voyage begins in March of 2011. Contact Latin Excursions for more details at our Trip Planner page.

Heading to the Galapagos Islands on you next holiday? Why not extend your holiday by a few days and stay at a mainland hacienda (estate)?  The Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, just over an hour’s drive from Quito, Equador, will give you a fantastic opportunity to take in some of the Ecuadorian culture. You will get the chance to see the beauty and charm of Ecuador.  Breathtakingly beautiful land,  delicious food, a rich culture and history.  A stay at the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo is a very memorable experience!  It makes sense to add this to your package while you’re already in Equador.  What an awesome way to begin or end your Galapagos tour!

The location of the hacienda is both unique and awe-inspiring.  The estate sits right next to Ecuadors most beautiful volcano – the Cotopaxi. The structure itself is an archaeological wonder, built on the site of an Inca Palace. Architectural styles from the Inca (the dining room is surrounded by ancient inca walls!), Spanish Colonial and 19^th Century Republican, reveal the influences and great the history. The interiors are colorful yet cozy and all bedrooms have look out towards the Tungurahua and Chimborazo volcanoes. Fireplaces throughout the hacienda create a warm atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and take in the charm of the location.

During the day there are many activities to take in within the immediate area. Go horseback riding on old Inca trails through Andean villages.  Ride through a forest path that leads you to magnificent views of Antisana Volcano.  You can also visit the surrounding local villages and their market places to collect local crafts and goods such as pottery and exotic textiles.

After a full and eventful day, enjoy an authentic Ecuadorian dinner that highlights the flavors and palate of the country. Some of the tasty dishes include llapingachos (potato cakes,) tamales and quinoa croquets. Be sure to try their famous “locro,” a hearty soup that combines cheese and fresh avocado. Dinner will be served in the Inca Dining room, itself a journey back through time.

You really should consider extending your Galapagos experience to mainland Ecuador.  A stay at the Hacienda San Agustin de Callo will serve as an authentic retreat before or after you journey to the Galapagos.  Enjoy learning about Ecuador’s rich history while spending some time with her warm people and colorful culture.

Latin Excursions for more details for your next excursion – Contact Us Now

During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the nearby islands at your own pace in a private yacht with a guide just for your group, relax by the villa’s infinity pool, and have the flexibility to include a mixture of relaxation and adventure. You won’t miss a moment of the action, since your private speedboat will allow you the flexibility to hop from island to island and take you to wherever you desire. Stop to swim with a school of dolphins or visit with the giant tortoises at your own pace and return to the Villa in the afternoon, where a massage has been arranged for you.  During the evening, you can enjoy a gourmet meal on your terrace created by your private chef underneath the stars.  Villa Galapagos is truly the best option for experiencing the Galapagos if you wish to explore the captivating islands in the most comfortable way and according to your own schedule.

For futher information on this unique and exclusive Galapagos experience, please go to http://latinexcursions.com/forms/contact_us.asp

In addition to the railway restoration, trains to Machu Picchu have also been renovated. Starting July 1^st, the popular Vistadome and Expedition service carriages now have many new improvements such as amazing panoramic windows, allowing guests to take in all the vistas and incredible views leading up to the ruins. New upholstered seating and state of the art sound equipment make the train ride leisurely, comfortable and enjoyable.

No visit to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. Please visit our Machu Picchu Tours page for more information.

On July 11, large areas of Patagonia will be cast into darkness just before sunset due to a solar eclipse starting in French Polynesia and passing over Easter Island before dropping through the southern reaches of the South American Continent. Most, if not all hotels on Chile’s remote Easter Island long since full for the key date, but we do have space in both the Chilean and Argentina Patagonia, which would serve as an ideal alternative for the solar eclipse event.

For lodging, tour, and hotel arrangements visit the Latin Excursions South America Tours page.

On your next romantic holiday, reunion, or family getaway, the new La Pinta luxury yacht is an excellent choice for those who would like to travel the Galapagos in comfort and style.

Designed to accommodate only 48 guests, the atmosphere on board is luxurious and stylish yet relaxed and personable. The friendly staff of 27 individuals provide a great deal of attention and support to all of your needs to make your expedition around the Galapagos Islands a wonderful experience. It is a classic cruise that that will be a great sanctuary to unwind in after vigorous hikes and exciting encounters with wildlife on the islands.

On board guests can find everything they need to make your trip a memorable experience. Some of the amenities include the Natural History Library and Internet Station, spacious cabins, several dining rooms, a souvenir shop, several bars and lounges, jacuzzzi and sundecks.

The luxury La Pinta yacht offers a variety of different itineraries such as 4, 5 and 8 day travel expeditions, making different island stops each day.

Explore Galapagos Islands Cruises

A new eco-chic lodge on the island takes advantage of the wild beauty of the Pacific with its privileged location on a hillside overlooking the sea on the southeastern coast of Rapa Nui. The 30 rooms all have views of the Pacific, with foundations built from native stones. Rooms are spacious, peaceful places to relax after a day full of excursions, with sitting areas, hydromassage baths and no television.

Stay for four or five days on Easter Island to explore the moai – the giant statues erected around the island and carved from huge blocks of stone – boat rides to nearby islets, trekking, horseback riding, biking, SCUBA, fishing and surfing.

Contact us for more information on planning a trip to Easter Island, or combining Easter Island with the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine National Park – both year round destinations in Chile ideal for nature and outdoor lovers.

Discover More Chile Travel Tours from Latin Excursions

Combine 2 or 3 Explora destinations from June to September

Travelers who combine two or more Explora destinations, with a minimum of 4 nights in Patagonia and 3 nights in Atacama or Rapa Nui, will receive a special rate of $600 USD per person per night when traveling between June 1st and September 30th, 2010.

Choose the Explora destination that you prefer during the month of September

For September only, we are offering a unique rate of $600 USD per person per night, with a 4 night minimum in any Explora destination, with no need to combine destinations.

Combine Easter Island with Atacama, or Atacama with Patagonia, or Easter Island with Patagonia!

Contact Latin Excursions for this exciting special.

About explora: explora travel offers lodge-based journeys in which an explora lodge is the central point for exploring the natural and cultural surroundings. Lodge bases include explora Atacama, explora Patagonia and explora Rapa Nui.

Francesco Galli-Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions, has revealed that the company expects to launch another cruise ship to service visitors to the Peruvian Amazon during the month of April, 2011.  The M/V Aria will offer 16 air conditioned cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling picture windows, providing guests with an unparalleled vista of the wonders of the jungle.  Other accommodations include an air-conditioned top deck, observation lounge, exercise room, jacuzzi, a sun deck.  Of course, the vessel will also enjoy Aqua Expedition’s signature restaurant, with delicious meals prepared by the award-winning executive chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.  The Aria will follow different itineraries than the Aqua Cruise, providing guests with an increased set of choices.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the world’s second five-star luxury expedition vessel to sail the Amazon,” the CEO exclaimed.  “The M/V Aria will provide the ever-growing number of travelers who wish to explore one of the world’s last great wilderness areas with a one-of-a-kind travel experience.”  No hyperbole there.  The Peruvian Amazon is one of the most beautiful areas of the world’s rainforests, and the Aria promises to be an extraordinary means of viewing and visiting those natural wonders.

The Aria’s sister ship, the M/V Aqua, is already in service, and has been providing guests with a dozen grand air conditioned guest suites boasting 230+ square feet and floor-to-ceiling picture windows.  Four Master suites are located at the bow and include a sitting area in which to view those incredible sights as the Aqua makes her way through the Amazon River.  Her 24-member crew includes 4 world-class naturalists which act as guides for the vessel’s guests.  Amongst the planned pluses is an Amazon Wildlife reference library to help people identify and better appreciate what they’re seeing, and a multimedia room, complete with air conditioning!

Here are some recent reviews from guests who traveled aboard the Aqua recently:

“We loved the guides’ enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed returning after each adventure to a cool and clean ship with great crew members, good food and drinks. We suggest that you continue giving back to the locals. The Aqua is an excellent ambassador.” — Mr. & Mrs. Fuehrer, March 2010

“My wife had asked me years ago to take her on a cruise of the Amazon, but until I saw the photos and description of the Aqua I never really considered it. The cruise became our 36th wedding anniversary gift to ourselves and was perfect. The ship is even better than we expected. In particular, the wide picture windows of the staterooms that allowed us to lie in bed with coffee and watch the river traffic flow past, and the fast, stable skiffs that enabled your naturalist guides to take us up winding tributaries to visit isolated villages and experience spectacular sunsets really made us smile.” — C. Perleberg, Travel Specialist, September, 2009

“We boarded the Aqua in Iquitos, Peru, for seven days on the Amazon & its tributaries. Most of our time was spent on 8-passenger skiffs exploring the rain forest, but when we returned to the Aqua, we were pampered in air-conditioned comfort. Yummy Peruvian food. So what was it like? It was magical. Hundreds of pink dolphin & lots of gray ones. We held baby caimen, caught piranhas, fed baby manatees with a milk bottle. Monkeys — five different kinds — entertained us each day and sloths slept high in cecropia trees. The rare sighting of an Amazon porcupine (they have prehensile tails!) even surprised our guides. Birds there are incredible. Splashes of primary colors and sounds that defy imagination. Some of us identified over 140 different species and even I had well over 100. We spent a few hours in a random village along a river. Impossibly simple lives. We brought gifts to hand out to the children. They sang and we did a rousing “You are my sunshine…” in return. When you are together for a week, you expect a little mediocrity to emerge. Absolutely none here. In the end, I told the crew in my shaky Spanish that the river lives in our hearts. It certainly does.” –  Mr. & Mrs. Churcher, February 2010

The Aqua Expeditions vessels and excursions are a rare treat in the Amazon.  This combination of luxurious accommodations and adventurous exploration makes for an incomparable journey.  Peru tours take people to remote, untouched regions within the Pacaya-Samiria reserve, ferretting out the unseen within the upper Amazon and her tributaries.  Those who take this path less chosen are richly rewarded every moment of each day.  You’ll see the unusual and decidedly beautiful birds, animals, plants, and lush vistas, perhaps even discover something no one has ever seen before!  What’s more, you’ll take the journey in comfort and style, aboard the Aqua or Aria.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Amazon with your own eyes, smelling and feeling and tasting, taking it all in with your own senses, there’s no better way to experience this unique natural treasure than aboard the Aria or Aqua.  The Peruvian Amazon is a truly life-changing experience!  Contact Latin Excursions to find out how you can gain passage aboard this extraordinary fleet.