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Posts Tagged travel routes in south america

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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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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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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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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Uros Islands – Lake Titicaca

Mar 30

Posted by dillon in South American Tours | No Comments

Removed from political turmoil, Lake Titicaca provides with an undisturbed bubble of bliss. Along with hypnotising cobalt blue skies, ancient rituals and a damn fine fiesta to boot.

Historically, Titicaca has offered such sanctuary. In the 15th century, the Incan Empire swept south to conquer what is now Peru and Bolivia, enslaving indigenous tribes in subjugated territories. Straddling the border between the two countries, Titicaca was a strategic fulcrum. But the Uros Indians rebelled against the Incan regime. They took to the water and created a series of islands built upon beds of packed reeds. The world’s first man-made archipelago! To this day, the islands survive, as do their resilient Indian custodians. The Incas simply couldn’t be bothered flushing out the refugees.

The islands are named after their creators: Los Uros, “the Floating Islands” and are a must see on a Lake Titicaca tour. The inhabitants eke out a livelihood from fishing and tourism: upon touching shore, a cavalcade of indigenous women appear in gloriously vibrant garments and pelt-brown bowler hats, peddling local handicrafts on colourful mats.

Stepping onto this “terra non-firma” is an acutely bizarre experience. Like walking on a futon, the ground beneath you sinks slightly with each step. Each week packs of new reeds are sewn onto the ground to replace those submerged and disintegrating underneath.

Abruptly, we’re whisked away aboard one of Uros’s trademark reed boats; made of the same tortora reeds that constitute the islands’ foundations, roofs and walls of its dwellings. Our oarsman is a traditionally-clad local who looks straight out of an Andean pipe quartet. After the obligatory photo opportunities, we hop back into our motorcraft. Destination: Amantani. Accommodation: Titicaca farmhouse.

Amantani is the largest of Titicaca’s natural, non-floating islands, and home to some 5000 Aymara Indians. The inhabitants have proudly maintained their cultural distinction and autonomous control over tourism. No Hyatts or Mercures here: the only accommodation is a traditional Amantani farming homestead.

We dock on the foreshore and are met by a throng of farm women. One by one, our tour group is paired off, as our prospective hosts giggle among themselves. We locate our landlady, who promptly disappears up the island’s steep hills, forcing us to follow.

At 3870 metres above sea level, Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake. Clambering up Amantani’s precipitous ridges, one feels every wisp of diminishing oxygen. Each step is a breathless endeavour, mollified only by the area’s stunning natural beauty and the perfect symmetry of surrounding agricultural terraces. Even today, the ancient Incan systems of agriculture and stonemasonry are proudly preserved.

Our homestead is a basic whitewashed building, with chest-high doorways. Luckily we’re hardly Harlem Globetrotter-height, yet somehow we feel like Gandalf crouching down in a hobbit hovel.

Amantani residents are vegetarian, since raising animals for meat is impractical. Host families are paid a nominal fee by tour agents, but you’re recommended to bring a gift of rice, flour, sugar or other basic necessities.

In return we’re treated to a delightful spread of quinua soup (a Peruvian grain), rice, chips, eggs, and delicious herbal tea. I attempt to make small-talk with our matronly host, but she ducks out giggling. My fiancee notes that she may not speak Spanish, as Aymara Indians are self-sufficient and isolated.

We rejoin the Peru tour group and trek to Amantani’s crest, and the twin temples of Patchamama (Mother Earth) and Patchatata (Father Earth). Set on opposite hills, the ruins are guardians of the respective gods of fertility and the afterlife. In February, the islanders run a race between them, to determine how fortunes will fall for the forthcoming harvest.

Floating Islands of Uros - Lake Titicaca

Floating Islands of Uros - Lake Titicaca

We climb to the Patchamama temple, where we customarily orbit the shrine three times: for luck, health and a bountiful crop. As if responding, the gods bless us with the most dazzling sunset over the frosty currents of Titicaca. The moment is profoundly spiritual, or would have been, were it not for the torturous strains of pan-pipes played by children, busking for donations.

That night, a pea (dance) is organised for our group. The sole requirement is that we attend in local costume. The male uniform is a simple woollen poncho and woven beanie, while the women’s is a complex tangle of multilayered skirting that takes 30 minutes to don and transforms the most shapely female figure into a pepperpot.

A traditional Andean band entertains us in the village community hall. The Aymara women pluck out tourists for a strange circular dance in which participants drag each other violently in opposing directions. The women are surprisingly strong, and cackle at what pushovers we Western males are.

The true survivors of the night, however, are the local six-year-old girls. They select their favourite tourist partners, whom they thoroughly exhaust with an incessant display of youthful energy and curious skirt twirling.

While our stamina fades, our smiles do not. Titicaca and Amantani stamp us with a carefree happiness that, unlike de Botton’s ephemeral 10-minute joy, lasts the entire tour and beyond.

Chimu Adventures offers a Lake Titicaca Dreaming tour as well as a highlights of Peru tour including the great lake. Visit our website for more details.

Source: SMH

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South America Consultant of the Year

Mar 26

Posted by dillon in South American Tours | No Comments

Chimu Adventures staff member, Chad Carey was awarded a High Commendation in the prestigious Annual Travel Weekly awards. Chad was nominated in the best performing South American travel consultant category. It’s the latest addition to the Chimu Adventures trophy cabinet that includes finalist status in the Telstra national business awards and the Commonwealth bank small business awards. He was nominated for his exceptional customer service, destination knowledge as well as sales figures.

Chad has travelled extensively in South America and has also travelled to the Antarctic Peninsula. His destination knowledge is excellent, and this award is further evidence of the hard work Chad puts in – week in and week out to his Chimu Adventures clients. This again illustrates the effort and pride that Chimu Adventures puts into its customer services from your initial enquiry right up until you return home. Contact Chimu Adventures on 1300 678 909 to speak to any of our well travelled consultants – and plan your dream South America Tour today!

Well done Chad!

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