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Argentina: Best Value in 2011

Jan 5

Posted by dillon in South American Tours | 1 Comment

Argentina has made into Lonely Planet’s Best Value 2011 – which documents the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year.

7. Argentina

The Argentine peso is the currency that keeps on giving. In the middle of the last decade, incredulous visitors regularly queried bills for being too cheap after feasting on fine steak and red wine. While not quite the bargain it was during those years, Argentina still offers a terrific deal. Characterful mid-range hotels start at around AR$180 (US$46) per

La Boca in Buenos Aires

La Boca in Buenos Aires

night in Buenos Aires and Patagonia, and half that in other places. Argentina’s gourmet eating houses usually won’t charge more than US$30 a head and you can enjoy wonderful meals on much less. Best of all, you get great quality food, wine, lodging and transport throughout Argentina for your money.

Bounce up and down with some of Buenos Aires’ more raucous citizens at a fútbol (soccer) match. Terrace tickets for Boca Juniors, River Plate and others cost from AR$14 (US$3.60).

To find out more in Argentina, please visit our Website.

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Argentina the Most Popular in South America?

Oct 19

Posted by dillon in South American Tours | No Comments

Recent reports have confirmed that Argentina has doubled its influence on the global tourism market since 2003.

In the last decade, Argentina has been trying to move away from being a relatively unknown South American giant with good beef, horsemeat and footballers. It is fast becoming the leader in South American tourism. Not only are many Argentineans traveling abroad, but a large number of tourists have been visiting Argentina itself.

The figure actually prove it as total of 2 million tourists arrived to Argentina last year, leaving revenue in the region

Buenos Aires - The capital of Argentina

Buenos Aires - The capital of Argentina

of $2.7 billion. Many of the visitors have been coming from neighboring Brazil, with the big spenders arriving also from North America. People are starting to realize that Argentina has the best educated population in South America, thus leaving them most prepared for the influx of new tourists. Argentina is also relatively safe, in comparison to many countries nearby.

The airline industry has reacted to the surge in Argentinean tourism by arranging more flights to and from the South American country. For example, there are going to be non-stop flights between London and Buenos Aires starting in 2011. Also the direct services between Sydney and Buenos Aires has had a significant impact on arrival numbers. As Argentina becomes more popular, other cities are certain to come into play throughout the country.

To find out more on Chimu Adventures’ Argentina tours, visit our website.

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Nazca Lines, Peru: Who, what and why?

Sep 27

Posted by michelle in South American Tours | No Comments

Ancient religion? Aliens from outer space? Ancient astronomers? A megalomaniac artist? Water sources?nazca

Since discovery by American scientist Paul Kosok in 1939, the lines on the rocky Peruvuan Pampa San Jose near the small desert town of Nazca have perplexed scholars. Originally thought to be the remains of irrigation lines beyond the verdant Nazca valley, it wasn’t until they were seen from the air that the lines were recognizable as figures.

The lines are a variety of geometrical figures, trapezoids, triangles and lines, plus marine, animal and bird figures of hummingbirds, a whale, a monkey, a spider, a bird likened to a pelican, another like a condor, and one called the astronaut. They range in size up to 1000 ft (300m) across and are about 2000 years old.

The lines are thought to have been etched on the Pampa Colorada sands by three different groups: the Paracas people 900-200 BC, Nazcas 200 BC-AD 600 and the settlers from Ayacucho at about 630 AD. The Nazca were potters, like the Moche, and their pottery shows their daily life.

The drawings drew the attention of German mathematician Maria Reiche, who worked as Kosok’s translator. She studied the lines from the 1940’s to her death in 1998 and developed the theory that the ancient Peruvians drew the lines to please the gods and secure their good will. She called the desert an astronomical calendar to remind the gods that the desert was dry and needed water; that crops needed blessings; that the seas needed fish. There are theories that the figures correspond to constellations and the annual change of the seasons. Other theories contend that the figures represent a pantheon of gods and goddesses and were the site of religious ceremonies.

naz2Other theories, such as Erich von Daniken who argued in “Chariots of the Gods?” that they are the remains of a giant extraterrestrial airport, brought a flurry of students of the paranormal to the area. Though they have survived 2000 years of wind and occasional rain, the lines on the desert floor cannot withstand pedestrians, horses and vehicles. The Nazca Lines are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru.

You can see the lizard, hands and the tree figures from the Mirador, a viewing platform along the side of the Pan American highway, but the best overall sight is from a small airplane, early in the morning.

The lines aren’t the only things to see around Nazca. The museum in town has archaeological artifacts. Maria Reiche’s house, in the nearby village of San Pedro, now also a museum, is filled with her personal belongings, her maps, photos, camera, and hand-drawn sketches. She is buried in the garden. The museum charges admission and is closed on Sunday.

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New Bullet Train for Brazil

Sep 20

Posted by michelle in South American Tours | 1 Comment

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will soon start a bullet train and combrazil trainpanies from Japan, South Korea, China, France, Austria, Spain and Germany have expressed interest to build and operate it for 40 years.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva launched the bidding for the construction of the high-speed rail service between the country’s two biggest cities – Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro – a project expected to cost 33 billion reais ($18.75 billion).

The rights for construction, operation and maintenance of the rail line for 40 years will be granted to the firm that commits itself to charging the lowest fare for the service, the president said.

The trains will run at speeds of up to 350 kph along the 510.8-km route. The trip between the two cities would take 97 minutes. Nine stations are to be built on the line, including stops at the Rio and Sao Paulo international airports.

The corridor for the proposed train is home to some 40 million people – 20 percent of the Brazilian population – and to firms and industries that generate a third of the country’s gross domestic product.

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Talking the South American Lingo

Sep 20

Posted by michelle in Chile, Galapagos Islands Tours, Inca Trail Tours, South American Tours | No Comments

All countries antalkd cultures have their conversational idiosyncrasies, the culturally approved dos and don’ts of people speaking together. Countries with a common heritage, such as the Hispanic countries of South America share some common traditions, but each has its specific customs.

As an example, many South Americans like to talk in close proximity to each other. To North Americans, and others, this may seem like an invasion of personal space, but to Latin Americans, it’s the norm. Stepping back, an unconscious gesture to reclaim that space is seen as a rebuff, a rudeness, whilst keeping eye contact while speaking is an asset.

Latin Americans are also more effusive, flowery and more formal in their speech. While other nationalities pride themselves on being bluntly honest, a South American tends to be more diplomatic and tactful. The honorific Don or Doña, used with the first name in a friendly or family relationship, or with the surname, is a token of respect. Even though informality in conversation is more common now, particularly among younger people, it’s still worthwhile to maintain a polite distance until you are better acquainted.

Some specific tips:talk 2

  • Argentineans aren’t thrilled to discuss the Peron years and past human rights issues. They are also sensitive to the Falklands War, and call the islands the Islas Malvinas
  • Bolivians are sensitive to the loss of territory to Chile.
  • Brazilians are not Hispanic. They are proud of their Portuguese heritage. They are also exuberant, talkative, but sensitive to discussions about the rainforest destruction. Marital status is not a good conversational topic.
  • Chileans love to talk about their country, but avoid politics and the Allende/Pinochet years. Human rights are an ultra-sensitive topic.
  • Colombians like bullfighting, so negative comments aren’t welcome. Don’t discuss drugs, political situations, or terrorist activity. Interest in emeralds and coffee are welcome.
  • Ecuadorians like to talk about their families and their jobs. Discuss their country in favourable terms, but avoid politics, sexual or personal topics.
  • Paraguayans are tremendously proud of their hydroelectric dams. Discuss family. sports, touring, but avoid any political talk. Conflict between the liberales and the colorados is still tense.
  • Peruvians enjoy talking about families and jobs. They’ll ask about your country, and welcome discussions of their own, but avoid politics, money and government.
  • Uruguayans enjoy talking about their country – what to see and do, where to eat – but are more reticent about personal matters. You can discuss international politics.
  • Venezuelans are sensitive about politics, government and family matters. If you are asked, be prepared to discuss the economy.

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Isla Grande de Chiloé – Island of Mystery

Sep 13

Posted by michelle in Chile, South American Tours | No Comments

chiloe

Chiloe Island, Chile's second largest Island

The Chiloé archipelago is considered part of the Northern Patagonia area of Chile as well as the southernmost reaches of the Lake District, or Region X, Los Lagos. The Isla Grande, or Big Island, is a verdant, forested island of great natural beauty. It is the second largest Chilean island,(after Tierra del Fuego) and the only one settled

The home of the Huilliche Indian tribe, the island was settled by the Spaniards who thought it a hardship post as supply ships from the Viceroyalty of Peru arrived only once a year. The Indians lived by farming and fishing, as the current residents still do. The eastern side of the island, facing the mainland of Chile across the Golfo de Ancud in the north and Golfo de Corcovado in the south, is broken up into a myriad of coves and inlets. The offshore islands are a haven for wildlife. The western side of the island, facing the Pacific Ocean is remote, with only two roads leading to it. The interior is heavily forested.

Part of the attraction of Chiloe is the wealth of mystery and folkloric legenda and myths that permeate the misty, foggy reaches of forest and remote beaches. The mythical lore results from the cultural mix of ethnic beliefs and the Catholic faith brought to the island. There are ghost ships, goblins and witches who dine on recently interred corpses. Two popular legends are the beatufiul nude mermaid, La Pincoya who lures men to the sea, and a short, squat ugly troll, El Trauco, who lures women to the forest and impregnates them. It’s a handy explanation, with no questions asked, for men coming back from the sea.

chiloe 2Isolated for many years, the residents, called Chilotes, developed self-reliance, but many have left the island for a more secure lifestyle. Those remaining continue their traditions and are slowly building up a tourist infrastucture. Chiloe is becoming an increasingly popular destination for walking, biking, fishing, paddling and birding.

Chiloe’s three main towns, the new capital Ancud is in the north, Castro, the former capital, on the east, and Quellón on the southern tip, offer most of the island’s tourism amenities, but a visit to the smaller communities, particularly to visit the islands many churches, built first by the Jesuits and then the Franciscans, is worth your time. There are several hundred wooden churches, using pegs instead of nails, and many are listed by UNESCO as cultural heritage sites.

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South America’s Last Frontier: The Gran Chaco

Sep 13

Posted by michelle in South American Tours | No Comments

Ask someone where the last expanse of unexplored wilderness in South America is and chances are they’ll mention the Amazon.

Wrong. It’s the Gran Chaco.chaco

When the Spaniards trudged across the great plains of the Chaco in South America they found no gold or silver or fabled cities and moved on. In the years since their arrival little has changed in the enormous area where few inhabitants struggle with the environment to make a living.

The Chaco stretches through the south-eastern corner of Bolivia portions of Argentina Paraguay and Brazil. It is a vast (647,500 sq km) parched lowland plain supporting grasslands thorny forests and cactus. The weather is hot, one of the hottest places in South America and flood seasons alternate with drought. The hard clay soil makes agriculture difficult.

In Bolivia the Chaco is all but ignored. An almost impenetrable area of thorn and cactus makes this area is inhospitable to Bolivians and uninviting to tourism. In Brazil the Chaco is known as the Mato Grosso and until the late 1970’s was one large state. Now divided into Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul this area of Brazil also blends into the Pantanal the huge wetlands area. In the Mato Grosso there is a concerted effort at development with road construction and agricultural development eating away at the native environment.

chacooThe Chaco can be reached by boat or highway on the Trans-Chaco route. Nature lovers can enjoy excursions and ride or horseback through almost unexplored areas both in Alto Chaco where rainfall is minimal and in Bajo Chaco an area of big swamps and forests of quebracho and palo santo (holy wood).

The drive from Asunción leads through the Low Chaco a land of palm forests and marshes and reaches the Middle Chaco with its capital Filadelfia. Here Mennonites of German descent have set up farms and other agricultural outlets as well as their own schools and are considered to be the only organised community in the whole of the Chaco region.

Even though areas of the Chaco are largely unexplored Paraguay has managed to “tame” some of it for cattle raising agriculture and the lumber industry. The terrain includes palm reeds scrub forest grassy savannah and dense growths of spiny brush.

So even though three of the four countries that share the Gran Chaco have been able to put some of the land to use the Chaco remains under-inhabited and unused which makes it a wonderful destination for travellers hardy enough to withstand the climate the lack of amenities and the difficulties of getting therg chacoe in order to enjoy the wildlife.

But how long will it be that the Gran Chaco can retain the title of the Last Frontier in South America?

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American Airlines: New Flights to Rio

Sep 13

Posted by michelle in South American Tours | No Comments

American Airlines 767-300ER on approach to LaGuardia Aplaneirport in New York.

American Airlines on Tuesday announced that the airline will begin three days a week service between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Brazil starting next December 16.

The airline previously announced that it had applied for authority to operate the route on July 8th.

“These new flights offer a wonderful opportunity for people from Texas, the Southwest, West Coast and Midwest to fly via our largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Brazil’s most popular cultural and tourism destination, Rio de Janeiro,” American’s Senior Vice President Peter Dolara said.

The seasonal service will run through April 4, 2011 and will resume for the summer season between June 9 and August 22, 2011. The flights will be made using Boeing 767-300 aircraft that offer two-class service with 28 business class seats and 191 economy class seats.

“We believe seasonal service via DFW is a perfect complement to our upcoming new daily flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York that begins Nov. 18 and our existing daily flight from Miami International Airport. We also will begin four days a week nonstop service between Miami and Brasilia starting Nov. 18,” Dolara added.

Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup and Rio de Janeiro will be home of the 2016 Olympic Games. The region is a preferred destination for leisure and business travellers alike and American Airlines has expressed its interest in better serving Brazil with more flights and more destinations.

“We are confident this new service will be successful and will provide yet another link between our community and our neighbors in South America.”

Currently, American Airlines offers daily nonstop service from DFW and New York’s JFK International Airport to Sao Paulo, in addition to the multiple flights to and from Brazil through the Miami International Airport.

With this latest addition, the airline operator will offer 77 weekly flights to Brazil including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Recife, and Salvador.

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Unexpected Nightlife

Sep 10

Posted by laura in South American Tours | No Comments

Looking for a great place to party in South America but unsure where to go? Well look no further, here are a couple of options for you that won’t break the bank or have the crowds of carnival.

LA PAZ, BOLIVIA

Don’t forget that liquor goes to the head quickly in the Bolivian capital, well over 3000 m above sea level. Get hot and sweaty in one of many slick nightclubs, which cater to chic locals and the foreign contingent. The natives are friendly and, with a steady stream of travellers, it’s a town of many tongues. World-class bars, swank cafes and restaurants serenading with traditional music round out the offerings. Buy traditional Aymara herbs at the Witches’ Market (Mercado de Brujas) to ward off hangovers and bothersome spirits.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

With its unique mix of European and South American cultures, and a native passion for dance, the Argentine capital

Buenos Aires by night

Buenos Aires by night

provides fertile ground for lively nightlife. There’s an emphasis on fashion and a diverse range of entertainment offerings in Buenos Aires’ barrios. Relax at a swinging jazz club or dance all night by the waterfront; some clubs and cultural centres offer classes so you can learn to tango or salsa like a local. There’s everything from Irish pubs and local folk to house parties.

Looking to learn tango or share a drink with a local in South America? Contact Chimu Adventures today to start planning your South American getaway.

Source www.smh.com.au

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Relaxing in the mud

Sep 10

Posted by laura in South American Tours | No Comments

After trekking through the Amazon and spending hours on buses sometimes all you need to do is relax. For those looking for a spa treatment without having to hand over their wallet, Colombia has the answer.

Spa treatments in Colombia

Spa treatments in Colombia

Just an hour’s drive from the historic port city of Cartagena in Colombia you will find Volcan de Lodo el Totumo. It is part of a chain of more than 50 volcanoes along the Caribbean Coast between Colombia and Venezuela. The 15-metre volcano has become a popular attraction for day-trippers, giving birth to a new kind of attraction: volcano dipping.

The crater is filled with rich volcanic mud, the type you’d normally hand over a few hundred dollars to stew in at an expensive health resort. Here in northern Colombia, the locals will happily let you bathe in the mud for the equivalent of a few dollars.

Comfortably warm and with the consistency of thick cake batter, the mud is the colour of ash and is flecked with sediment. It’s icky, sure, but it’s good fun.

The therapeutic effects of such mud have yet to be proven but that hasn’t stopped a unique cottage industry growing around the volcano. There are men who will massage you, women who will wash you (and your swimmers) while you shiver naked in the nearby swamp and, if you’re feeling trustworthy, you can hand your camera to a bunch of local kids who will take blurry pictures of you in the crater.

And the verdict on the beauty benefits of volcano dipping? Although you will continue to find mud on your body no matter how many times you wash and scrub for the next few days, it actually leaves your hair is silky smooth, your skin glows; complexion is clear and it leaves face wrinkle-free.

Looking to escape to South America? Talk to Chimu Adventures today to help plan your trip.

Source www.smh.com.au

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