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Posts Tagged South American Tours

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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Talking the South American Lingo

Sep 20

Posted by michelle in Chile, Galapagos Islands Tours, Inca Trail Tours, South American Tours | 1 Comment

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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The People of Lake Titicaca

Sep 20

Posted by michelle in South American Tours | No Comments

To visitors to Lake Titicaca, a boat trip to the floating islands, a unique tourist titcacadestination, is a must. These islands are made and re-made from the totora reeds which provide home, sustenance and transportation for their residents. About a two hour boat ride from Puno, on the Peruvian side of the lake, the largest of about 40 islands and the main destination is the island of Santa María.

These floating islands are the home of the Uros tribe, one which pre-dates the Incan civilization. According to their legends, they existed before the sun, when the earth was still dark and cold. They were impervious to drowning or being struck by lightning. They lost their status as super beings when they disobeyed universal order and mixed with humans, making them susceptible to contempt. They scattered, losing their identity, language, and customs. They became the Uro-Aymaras, and now speak Aymara. Because of their simple and precarious lifestyle, the Incas thought them worth little and accordingly taxed them very little. Yet the Uros, with their basic reed homes outlasted the mighty Incas with their huge stone temples and mountain-top enclaves.

The totora is a cattail type rush growing native in the lake. Its dense roots support the top layer, which rots and must be replaced regularly by stacking more reeds on top of the layer beneath. The islands change in size, and more are created as the need arises. The largest island is currently Tribuna. The surface of the islands is uneven, thin, and some liken walking on it to walking on a waterbed. The unwary might not notice a thin spot and sink a leg or more into the frigid waters of the lake.

t2The floating islands are protected within the Bay of Puno and are home to 2000 or so Uros, who claim to have “black blood” are consequently immune to the cold. They call themselves be kot-suña, or people of the lake, and consider themselves the owners of the lake and its waters. They continue living by fishing, weaving and now, tourism. They catch fish for themselves and to sell on the mainland. They also catch shore birds and ducks for eggs and food. Occasionally, if the level of the lake decreases, they may plant potatoes in soil created by the decaying reeds, but as a norm, they are not agricultural.

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The Pantanal, Paraguay’s Amazon

Sep 13

Posted by michelle in South American Tours | No Comments

para

Pantanel Wetlands

If you’re headed to South America to see wildlife, you must go to the Pantanal , a huge wilderness region of swamps and marshes – wetlands created by the seasonal flooding of the river Paraguai and its many tributaries. Though it extends into the border areas of Bolivia and Paraguay, the bulk of the area is in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.

The rivers rise in the rainy season, October to March, flooding the area which was once an inland sea called Xaraés by the first Europeans to come across it. In the dry season, April to late September, the land dries out, leaving only a few waterholes where a fantastic array of wildlife gather.

The Pantanal appeals any time of year, but is during the dry season that most birders, ecologists, and other wildlife fans come to see birds such as the hyacinth blue macaw, jabiru woodstork, toucans, rhea, river otters, iguanas, anacondass, cougars, tapirs, crocodiles called caimans, deer, anteaters, dourado, jau and piranha fish, howler monkeys, capybaras (large rodents) and jaguar.

There are few towns, roads and people living in the Pantanal. It is an area of large fazendas, farms or ranches which may offer guest housing. They may also offer horseback riding or boat tours. Other accommodation choices are pousadas, pesqueiros and hotels. Pesqueiros are fishing camps which usually have fishing equipment and boats to rent. Fishing at Pantanel basin is a major attraction. There are also the botels, a floating hotel which travelers like for the convenience of being right on the water, but are expensive. You will need reservations at any of these, and they are on the pricey side, but the rates do include meals and transport by boat or plane from towns on the skirts of the Pantanal.

Getting to the Pantanal is most easily accomplished on the Brazilian side. Linhas Aéreas Pantanal, TAM, Vasp, Varig and Transbrasil flights from most major cities to Cuiaba, capital of Mato Grosso, on the northern edge of the Pantanal, or to Campo Grande, Capital of Mato, Grosso de Sul on the southern side. Campo Grande is 1041 km from São Paulo. From Campo Grande, take the bus or drive to Corumbá, the southern gateway to the Pantanal. The railroad from Santa Cruz, Bolivia crosses the border at Quijarro, near Corumbá on the rio Paraguai, and goes on to Campo Grande and other points east.

pan bird

Sunset in the Pantanel

Be aware that Corumbá has a rough reputation for drug traffic, poaching and other criminal activities. Be very cautious if you hire a local guide. From Paraguay, you cross the border at Pedr

o Juan Caballero into Ponta Poré and then drive to Campo Grande. You may also be able to arrange passage on a river boat from Asunción to Corumbá.

From Cuiaba, you have a choice of routes, Caceres to the west, Barão de Melgaço to the southeast and Poconé to the southwest. The majority of lodgings cluster around the Transpantaneira highway which begins at Poconé, about 100 km from Cuiaba, and runs south to Porto Jofre.

Depending on youtucanr choice of tour and/or accommodations, you’ll go budget to luxury. You may drive yourself, but gas stations are far apart. Hitchhiking is an accepted means of transportation but get an early start, so you can see the dawn and the animals gathering for an early morning drink.

The Parque Nacional Pantanal Matogrossense is near Porto Jofre. Here you’ll see land and wetlands described as Water Continent and the Pantanel which has a particularly fine overview. This site also discusses the environmental concerns about the Pantanal.

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Travelling to Argentina just got easier

Sep 3

Posted by laura in South American Tours | 1 Comment

Good news for those wanting to travel to Argentina and South America, there are now even more options to get there from Australia with Aerolineas Argentinas.

aerolineas planeArgentine flag carrier Aerolineas Argentinas is planning direct non-stop services from Sydney to Buenos Aires as it insisted it was winning the battle to restore confidence in the airline. The carrier is preparing to operate the non-stop services with Airbus A340-600s, with flights expected to start early next year.

A three-class configuration is being considered – business, premium economy and economy.  Aerolineas Argentinas currently offers four weekly flights via Auckland, using 15-year-old A340-200s. Approval is currently being sought from the Australian Government although it is regarded almost as a formality. Aerolineas regional manager Oscar Cilli admitted to Travel Today last night the airline has endured a difficult period over the past three years amid a dismal financial performance, with its on time figures also plummeting.

Only one in five flights departed on time in 2008, a dire showing which has since improved to around 80% to 85%, he said. The state-owned carrier was targeting a breakeven performance in 2012 before moving into modest profit in 2013.

Despite the difficulties, Cilli insisted the airline has never stopped supporting agents, and was continuing to pay 13% commission to retailers and 15% to consolidators. Rates of 25% are being offered on sales of business class tickets during August and September, he added. Cilli was frank in his assessment of how to retain business.

“It has been difficult but we are recovering,” he said. “Our on time performance, which was very poor, has improved considerably and we have restored confidence. We offer the lowest fares to Buenos Aires in the market and pay the highest commission and this is the way to keep people with us.”

-      Source Travel Today

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Top 10 Bars in Buenos Aires

Jun 1

Posted by dillon in South American Tours | No Comments

1. Ocho7Ocho

Away from the main drag of the ever-sprawling Palermo district and on the edge of up-and-coming Villa Crespo, this former speakeasy has recently gone above board. By night, burly doormen give the only indication of what lies behind the heavy wooden door, and yet even an out-of-towner can’t fail to find it (Ocho7Ocho – ie 878 – is its street number). Inside, exposed bricks form part of a stylishly “unfinished” décor that is typical of many of the city’s recent renovation projects. The main attraction, however, is the dazzling back-lit bar, offering an already legendary collection of whiskys.

· Thames 878 (between Loyola and Aguirre), Villa Crespo; +54 11 4773 1098

2. Milion

Home to gentrified houses, designer boutiques and the grandest cemetery known to man, Recoleta is one of the Buenos Aires‘ most affluent areas. For a taste of the highlife, make a beeline for this romantic, converted mansion. There’s little better than sweeping down its grand, marble staircase with a cocktail in hand. Although many of the city’s bars only warm up in the early hours, this place manages to draw a select crowd throughout the afternoon and early evening, with happy hour running until 9pm.

3. Congo

There’s no need for something as frightfully tacky as a sign when you have a reputation like Congo’s. Tucked away beside the railway tracks and in the shadows of a garish nightclub, this venue is distinguishable solely by the legions of devotees queuing outside its plain, brown door. However, in typical Buenos Aires style, the modest frontage leads to an expansive interior with enormous outside space. Retaining original features (including an old tree protruding through the roof), it is one of the best spots in town on a sticky summer’s evening.

4. Carnal

“Arrive early” is the often-heard advice for this similarly popular watering hole in Palermo. However, it’s quite possible you’ll arrive through its hallowed doors to find the street-level bar practically empty. Don’t be fooled: in summer, it’s all

Buenos Aires - The City that never sleeps

Buenos Aires - The City that never sleeps

about the rooftop terrace, which is consistently packed with style-conscious locals. When it’s time to move on, either take the easy option (the Niceto nightclub, directly opposite), or get some recommendations from Carnal’s fingers-on-the-pulse crowd. With so little room to manoeuvre on the terrace, intimacy is unavoidable and you’re bound to have made friends.

5. La Cigale

La Cigale is a reassuringly down-to-earth antidote to the new breed of design bars cropping up all over the city. With simple fairy lights decorating its black walls and a notable lack of pretension, it has become something of a Buenos Aires institution. Alongside hosting local DJs and live bands, it’s best known for its mid-week parties, when you’ll find it packed with an over-sexed crowd of locals, expats and travellers. Be prepared to queue for the renowned French night on Tuesday.

6. Bar Seddon

When the crowds of Sunday bargain hunters at San Telmo’s popular antiques market prove too much, duck in here to hide out among the cabinets of old china, wax-covered candlesticks and portraits of old tango crooners. Seddon makes a good daytime stop for a cheeky beer or glass of Malbec. Or, if you’re suffering from the night before, start by lining your stomach with a submarino (a chocolate baton stirred into a tall glass of warm milk). A must on an Argentina highlights tour.

· Defensa 695 (and Chile), San Telmo; +54 11 4342 3700

7. Miloca

If you want to enjoy BA nightlife to the full, your body clock will need to adapt – quickly. This is a city where people think nothing of dining just before midnight, where bars don’t get going until the early hours and where clubs often run until 7am and beyond. If you can handle the pace, join the locals for sunrise (or a post-dawn nightcap) at Miloca. If you’ve come this far on your BA baptism of fire, then bypass the darkened interiors and head straight up the skinny spiral staircase to the fully exposed rooftop bar, where you can end your night in the full glare of the Argentinian sun.

8. Los Cardones

There aren’t many places that make you feel a long way from home and completely welcome at the same time, but this seems to strike the right balance. In the spirit of folk revival, patrons are encouraged to help themselves to a collection of instruments kept behind the bar and burst into song as they please. Naturally, the results are varying, with no night ending up the same. On some occasions the bar will be filled with understated little groups, strumming guitars quietly to themselves; at others times, a particularly talented performer might command the attention of the whole room. Either way, a campfire-style singalong in the middle of a busy metropolis is something you don’t find every day.

· Borges 2180, Palermo Viejo; +54 11 4777 1112

9. El Federal

This old-fashioned joint in San Telmo is ideal for an afternoon cerveza and a picada (a plate of cheese and cold meats served on a wooden board). Inside, you’ll find walls lined with dusty old bottles, an enviable antique coffee machine and old wooden tables with initials carved into the surface. It’s been pulling in the punters since 1864 and is still going strong.

· Carlos Calvo 599 (and Peru), San Telmo; +54 11 4300 4313

10. Acabar

Imagine a whole place decorated with acrylic flowery wallpaper in clashing colours, and you’re halfway there. This massive bar, with rows upon rows of kitschly decorated tables, is hugely popular at weekends. You’ll find an innocent, fun-loving and very social vibe here, plus a whole bookcase of oversized boardgames. Quirky touches include bathroom washbasins standing on old sewing machines and a menu presented on colourful cue cards. The food itself definitely needs some help, but you can’t knock the atmosphere.

· Honduras 5733 (between Bonpland and Carranza), Palermo Hollywood; +54 11 4772 0845

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Chullpas of Sillustani – Peru

Apr 27

Posted by dillon in South American Tours | No Comments

The chullpas, an Andean mausoleum, stand out in the horizon at the archaeological site of Sillustani. These funerary constructions constantly remind visitors of the respect that the leaders of the ancient Andean civilizations awoke. They are located near Lake Titicaca and are a must on a highlights of Peru tour.

This cemetery in the Highlands not only contrasts the world of the living with the world of the dead, but it also is a tribute that revives the hegemonic class of cultures like Pucara, Colla, Tiahuanaco and Inca from centuries ago.

Lake Umayo adorns the entrance to the archaeological site. While walking along the path that leads to Sillustani, you will notice the importance of water within the pre-Hispanic cultural activities.

The cultivating system organized in successive plots of land and water (the latter of about 25 to 30 centimeters deep) is worth noting.

Sillustani

Sillustani

You can also see small handmade stone channels of stone, which go from the shore of the lake to the top of the mountain where the cemetery is located. Know that these aqueducts had basically two functions: preventing stagnation of water in the upper parts to prevent damage to the shrines of the leaders and also serving as a channel for the blood of the sacrifices to reach the Umayo Lake.

Higher up it is possible to see what remains of a ceremonial spot in Sillustani. It consists of two circles: the larger one represents the sun and the smaller one, the moon. The solstices, for example, were ideal dates, due to their energy, to make payments to Earth.

An icon that goes unnoticed along the way are some standing stones about 1.70 meters tall, rectangular and about 35 centimeters thick. According to Julio Suaña, Titilaka hotel guide, “these had the religious significance that has the cross in Catholicism has today.”

The Towers
When traveling Sillustani several questions arise: did those that lie within the highest and most imposing chullpas occupy the most important posts? Not necessarily.

As Suaña says, the whole place is sacred because it is occupied by the nobility of several pre-Inca and Inca cultures. Whether the stone tower that served as the tombstone was located higher or lower was not a significant factor, because what was important was that they were facing the sun and the lake.

However, the so-called Twin Towers prove that there was some hierarchy. In both cases, the stones that were placed at the entrance of the chullpa have twelve angles, which, according to Suaña, “represent the twelve months of the year and the number of important families in the area.”

Another one of the chullpas that is most recognized is that of the lizard, which is twelve meters high. It is named like that due to the reptile image that is engraved on the top.

Also pay attention to the rocks with small circular excavations in the interior. These highlight the gear method used by the Incas to build the most modern chullpas (smooth texture on the outside) in Sillustani.

Once on top, do not miss the breathtaking view of the Hualloc Plateau, surrounded by the Umayo and the typical landscapes of the Altiplano which runs from Cusco to Puno.

At the exit you should pay attention to the puma-shaped rocks that guard either side of the stairs to the cemetery (that used to be the entrance).

After the Lake Titicaca tour take the opportunity to buy souvenirs such as Andean knit hats or sweaters in the various crafts stands, visit the site museum or have something hot in the simple little café, located just outside the archaeological center.

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The best of Bolivia

Apr 21

Posted by dillon in South American Tours | No Comments

Here are some of the top 6 features of the fascinating country that is Bolivia. Chimu Adventures offers tours to every pary of this amazing country – visit our website for more details:

1) Madidi National Park

Rurrenabaque - The Bolivian Amazon

Rurrenabaque - The Bolivian Amazon

With its enormous natural diversity of indigenous flora and fauna, Madidi is a haven for wildlife fans and fast becoming one of Bolivia’s biggest tourist attractions. Access is via the backpacker hub of Rurrenabaque, a chilled-out jungle town, from where boats make the three-hour trip up the River Beni to the heart of the National Park. There are various ecolodges to overnight in along the route, the best of which is Chalalan, one Bolivia’s most successful ecotourism projects.

2) Samaipata

Packed on weekends and public holidays, Samaipata is the favourite weekending resort of well-to-do residents of Bolivia’s economic powerhouse city, Santa Cruz, located two hours away. There’s a strong European influence with lots of German and Swiss-run places to stay and eat, hence excellent Kaffee und Kuchen, and lots of infrastructure for a sunny weekend retreat. Nature fans use Samaipata as a base to explore the southern side of the Amboro National Park, while the archaeological ruins at El Fuerte are within easy striking distance.

3) The Jesuit Missions

To step back in time with a glimpse of colonial-era frontier towns straight out of the film The Mission, Bolivia’s Jesuit Missions are a must. The nine settlements, strung out along a rough trail in the country’s southwest towards the Brazilian border, were designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 1990 and now host world-class music and theatre festivals. The Missions remain remarkably well preserved since the Jesuits first arrived toward the end of the seventeenth century and colonised the indigenous Indians with religion and music.

4) Lake Titicaca

Sacred Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake and straddles the Bolivian-Peruvian borders at an altitude of 3,820m. The lake is regarded as the birthplace of the Inca civilisation and remains home to a handful of serene, mystic islands best visited by boat tours from the region’s transport hub, Copacabana. The latter is now a bustling town and plays host to the festival of the Virgin of Copacabana, coinciding with Bolivia’s national day celebrations in August.

5) La Paz

Bolivia’s bustling, administrative capital, home to the world’s highest airport, blends big-city living with a generous dose of indigenous culture. Indeed, everywhere you look you’ll find people in traditional dress of bowler hats and layered skirts. Take the city’s pulse at street level by exploring the market area around Plaza San Francisco, or visit the compelling Coca Museum for a fresh perspective on the legendary leaf. There are also several day treks around La Paz, notably to the Valle de la Luna, to escape the bustle.

La Paz - Bolivia

La Paz - Bolivia

6) Coroico

If you survive the white-knuckle bus journey or high-octane mountain bike ride, this sleepy oasis is the ultimate tropical hideaway. The capital of the North Yungas, Coroico is located 119km from La Paz, making it a favourite weekend destination for Paceños, the residents of La Paz. It’s a gloriously sleepy place with some of the best mountain scenery in Bolivia and, if you want something more active, there are some great trekking options close by, most notably the pre-Incan Choro Trail.

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Aerolineas Announces Possible New Buenos Aires – Cusco Flight

Apr 1

Posted by dillon in Antarctica Cruises | No Comments

Argentine airline Aerolineas Argentinas announced that by the end of this year it would begin flying from Buenos Aires to Cusco, with a stopover in an Argentine province that has yet to be determined.

The state-run airline, the largest domestic and international airline in Argentina, expressed its interest in covering this route at Expo Perú in December 2009.

Machu Picchu - Cusco's biggest attraction

Machu Picchu - Cusco's biggest attraction

Aerolineas Argentinas official Jorge Lopez said the company’s interest has not changed due to the recent adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy rains in many Cusco areas.

“We are still keen to fly to Cusco because it is a favourite destination for Argentine citizens and a major attraction in world tourism,” he told Andina.

“The progress of this project will depend on the company’s future performance and its criteria for prioritizing investment projects, including that of Cusco,” he added.

The project would be great news for Long – haul visitors to South America from Australia and New Zealand in particular. Greg Carter of Chimu Adventures says this would give a chance for tourists visiting Argentina to have a quick stop over in Cusco to see the world famous Machu Picchu ruins – “Usually, visitors flying into Buenos Aires that want to see Machu Picchu, have to endure another  flight to Cusco via Lima which can be quite long and not always have desirable connections. However, with this new flight from Aerolineas Argentinas, travellers have the opportunity to fly to Cusco in a lot shorter time giving greater access to the ancient ruins.”

Cruise passengers on the popular Buenos Aires – Santiago route are also set to benefit as Chimu Adventures will be unveiling a promotional Machu Picchu side trip package, including return Buenos Aires to Cusco flights, when the flight becomes operational.

Chimu Adventures offers Buenos Aires stopover tours as well as Cusco and Machu Picchu tours, the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu and longer Andes & Amazon tours. Visit www.chimuadventures.com for more details.

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