Brazil have been a great host for two big events that I am sure a lot of you enjoyed (at least we did!) Soccer World Cup in 2014 and great Summer Olympics last August. Now it is time to enjoy RIO de JANEIRO with plenty of new hotel options, amazing Olympic boulevard, new restaurants options etc! So, what a better excuse than than the famous Carnival? Carnival has been a big event that typically occur during February or early Mach. It involves…
Mendoza Airport Closed Mendoza Airport will be closed for three months from the 7th of September until the 7th of December 2016 for resurfacing. Due to this situation and as an alternative, the airlines will offer to make the trip to/from the nearest airports: San Juan (UAQ), San Luis (LUQ) and San Rafael (AFA). If you have already booked a flight, it is most likely you will be flown to San Juan, 2 hours north of Mendoza and transferred by…
When sometimes people as me why should they use a travel agent in the digital age of book it and do it yourself online sites I have a favorite response. But before I give the example I want to be objective and say that using a travel agent is not for everyone and may not be necessary for some travel arrangements. If I just need the rental car locally (I mean in the US) when I arrive in the airport,…
AFIP, the Argentine equivalent of the IRS in the US has issued a special application required to obtain a permit to have a BBQ. The form requires filling out information regarding the quantity and the variety of meat planned for BBQ as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Should the participants also desire to drink mate during the party, additional form needs to be filled out. Prior consumption of appetizers must be reported on a separate form. In case of music…
In the recent NRDC newsletter a brief report was published that two companies (Colbun and Endesa Chile) involved in the controversial project of damming Baker and Pascua Rivers in the Aysen region of south Patagonia have backed out. Chilean government have long looked at the possibility of exploring that region for hydroelectric power. Chile, with its growing economy and rising standard of living as well as intensive mining industry is power starved. We have personally witnessed a huge power blackout while visiting…
Lonesome George, famed Galapagos tortoise, dies – latimes.com. Although this famed tortoise has passed away there are plenty of others to see on the beautiful Galapagos Islands. Please see our earlier blog entries about our trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. If you are thinking about a visit to Galapagos see our trips to the Enchanted Islands on our website.
In the recent article in Travel Agent Central, the industry publication, Joe Pike quotes Analia on the effects of Chile’s LAN Airlines expanded routes in South America. Here is the excerpt from the article: Agent Perspectives “Our world is definitely ‘shrinking,’” says Carole-Anne Hughs of Valerie Wilson Travel. “More passengers are traveling to Asia every day due in part to the larger flight capacity on the newer aircraft. It really isn’t a big deal anymore to hop over to Japan or Singapore. With options like Singapore…
Analia has been quite busy during this year’s LA Times Travel Show. She had a privilege to be invited as a guest panelist for one of the sessions on the topic of specialization. The panel discussion was moderated by John Peters, the founder and ex-CEO of Tripology, a travel site promoting matching travelers with destination experts. Analia had a chance to share with the audience her experiences with South American travel specialty. Today she is devoting her time to promoting Southern…
New direct flight brings relief to Bariloche – BuenosAiresHerald.com.
This legendary yearly adventure rally which originally started in 1978 with a route from Paris to Dakar is in its 33rd edition and for the third time in South America. The adrenaline packed race through remote desert regions takes place over 14 stages with participants from 50 countries and is viewed by over one billion people from all over the planet. The participants test their endurance and navigational skills while riding on motorcycles, in trucks, cars and quads in hopes…