South America

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For Kiwis, “Latin” America is usually viewed as two quite separate destinations – ‘South’ – ie South of Panama, and ‘Central’ – North of Panama.

Flying into ‘South’ America is currently possible with just LATAM and Qantas.

There are daily flights from Auckland directly into Santiago (Chile) with LATAM Airlines, then their huge network offers good connections to popular destinations like Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina.

First-timers to South America tend to explore the popular Andean countries of Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador first in search of Incan & pre-Colombian adventures, usually in the drier months of April to October with the star attractions undoubtedly Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands & Amazon Rainforest lodges, Peru’s Cuzco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas & Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, astride the Peru/Bolivia border..

On the way to or returning from these Andean nations you may wish to enjoy a city break in the ‘heartland’ of South America – the three capital cities of Santiago, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro are very different but each are buzzy and cosmopolitan and the most iconic scenic highlight of South America – mighty Iguassu Falls – sits astride the Brazil & Argentinean border and is a very popular stopover.

In the Deep South you have Patagonia (think our Fiordland on serious steroids) – and this magnificent trekking region of Southern Chile and Argentina is best explored in our Summer – from November to March when the weather is warmer and more settled (slightly less windy than winter!)

Recently emerging destinations in South America are Colombia – Ian visited and was very impressed, especially by the beautiful Spanish colonial coastal city of Cartagena, but the national parks, Caribbean beaches and coffee plantations all offer a ‘wow’ factor. Also the emergence of Brazil – with her impressive Pantanal wetlands region, the beaches of Paraty & Buzios either side of Rio and the African-influenced North-East – Recife & Salvador are encouraging travellers to venture past Rio & Iguassu.

 

Experiences in this area


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NEW! World Voyage I

180 Days From NZD $136,000 pp twinshare
 Cruise
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180 Days | 83 Guided Tours | 37 Countries  Circumnavigate the world Traverse the globe on an unforgettable voyage across vast oceans to destinations on six continents. From Ft. Lauderdale, discover faraway lands in the South Pacific and Asia. Witness … Continue reading →

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The Salkantay Trek

14 Days From NZD $4,949 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

Trek amidst Peru’s Cordillera Vilcabamba, then join the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu This trek spends a few days deep in the bewildering majesty of the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the classic Inca Trail for the approach to Machu Picchu. … Continue reading →