Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, so it’s no wonder that a warm welcome is often extended with a cup of cafezhino. Served in tiny demitasse cups, it is not uncommon for a Brazilian to consume more than a dozen of these diminutive sips of java a day. So whether you are soaking in Ipanema to Copacabana in Rio De Janerio, or spending time in Sao Paolo, you are sure to smell the aroma of coffee just around the corner. Enjoy!
Archive for the ‘South America Travel’ Category
Brazil is a Must for Coffee Aficionados
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Tauck Tours South America
Sunday, December 13th, 2009| Explore South America with a name you can trust: Tauck Tours
Essence of South America |
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Visit our website dedicated to South America vacations. |
Carnival Rio de Janeiro
Monday, December 7th, 2009
Revel in the sensual rhythms and riveting spectacle of Carnival in Rio. The streets are wild with color, dance, music and parties during Carnival. Virtually everywhere become a site for celebration when people take to the streets in their costumed best. Make plans to attend the Samba Parade, Carnival Balls or Sambas School Nights. Join the revelers when approximately 300 bands are expected to take to the streets for impromptu parties and dances in this unforgettable annual event.
Featured Package: Carnival in Rio
5 nights in your choice of hotel: Windsor Martinique, Astoria Palace or upgrade to the Sofitel Rio
Priced from just $1,969 pp Please note that a Brazil visa is required for US Citizens & is not included in the rate.
Interesting travel fact: Rio will be the host city for the 2016 Olympics.
Sizzling Sounds, Tantalizing Tastes and Colorful Sights
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Salsa, bossa nova, tango, merengue, marimba…Central America & South America are a region of music, movements and laughter. High up in the Andes, the low tone of Peruvian pipes envelopes the magnificent Inca fortress of Machu Picchu. Down by the sea, the checky residents of Brazil’s Rio de Janiero samba late into the night. The tango is more the taste in sophisticated Argentina, even on the plains of the Pampa. In Chile, home to both beautiful lakes and Atacama, the oldest and driest dessert on earth, the locals dance a mean merengue. And in the strange and wonderful Galapagos Islands, living testament to the world of Charles Darwin, the lapping of the sea make music all of its own. Let us show you the fiesta that is Central and South America.
Galapagos Trips
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
The wildlife in the Galapagos is extreme. Giant tortoises whose saddle-shaped carpaces inspired the name Galapagos. Marine iguanas who have adapted to an ocean-going existence by grazing on seaweed and developing a special gland to rid them of excess salt. The world’s only Equatorial penguin, which has learned to hold its flippers out to cool off and protect its feet from sunburn. Species never developed a fear of man, so they’re unusually easy to approach and observe.
Even though the archipelago has been studied extensively, new species continue to emerge. A new species of giant tortoise was recently discovered not far from the Charles Darwin Station. A hefty pink iguana with black stripes was discovered in 1986 and only announced in 2009. You never know what new wonder you might discover in this UNESCO World Heritage site – a place that has become a “must see” for those who long to continue evolving their own knowledge of the world around them.
Interested in planning a Galapagos trip? You can either tour or cruise the Galapagos Islands. Our travel consultants can help you find the perfect Galapagos vacation.
South America Engaging Wonders
Sunday, September 27th, 2009
Diverse and dazzling, South America has been inspiring explorers for centuries with her sun-kissed beaches, stunning glacier fjords, lush tropical rainforests and remote indigenous villages. Travel in the week of Magellan around Cape Horn and through the strait named in his honor, and encounter the breathtaking scenery of Antarctica. From the towering mountains of the Andes to the mighty Amazon River, discover a continent that takes your breathe way and leaves awe in its place.
Click for more on Escorted South America Tours and Cruises
Rio de Janerio & Corcovado Mountain
Monday, August 31st, 2009
Rio was, in its heyday, one of the most glamorous cities in the world. It’s still beautiful with Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches still shining and it will always have Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 ett from the bay below. Named one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, it is truly awesome. Located in the lush Tijuca Forest, you climb Corcovado Hill on an electrified train. It’s over 120 years old and slow but all the more exciting when you get to the top. Christ the Redeemer Statue, the symbol of Rio, is found by either climbing stairs, escalator or an elevator. The statue stands at 100 feet, arms outstretched, and one can see it from almost anywhere in the city. When looking down from Corcovado there are absolutely incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain, the city itself, and the famous beaches. Due to their typical weather conditions, there is usually a cloud cover. This only adds to the mystique and beauty of Rio and makes for some great photos.
Places to Visit in Brazil
Friday, August 21st, 2009Brazil offers the world’s largest rainforest, the mightiest river, an amazing waterfall, as well as amazing history, culture and cuisine. For those that want to attend the wildest street party, book your stay during the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil is vibrant and exciting country full of contrasts…from the simple subsistence of the Amazon to the deep rhythms of Rio de Janeiro, the incredible coastline and the fascinating interior. Brazil will entice you to look for more.
The Amazon Rainforest: With over 6000 known plant species and a variety of unique wildlife, you can explore the rainforest from an Amazon ecolodge.
The Pantanal: An enormous ecologically diverse wetland rich with wildlife as the Pantanal is one of the best places to see jaguars, rare blue macaws, armadillos and anacondas. There are over 600 species of birds in the area.
Iguassu Falls: A series of spectacular cascading waterfalls surrounded by subtropical forest in the south of Brazil. There are 275 cataracts stretching 2 miles with a height of over 300 feet. Each second, 450,000 gallons of water comes tumbling down the waterfall. You can take a stroll along raised walkways, take a boat that goes to the base of the falls, or fly over them via helicopter. If you can, spend the night at the falls, that way you can shoot photographs at different times of the day. Many clients like to spend one night on the Argentinian side of the falls and one night on the Brazilian side. On the Brazilian side, the Tropical dos Catarats Hotel offers amazing views of the falls.
Rio de Janeiro: One of the world’s most exciting cities, Rio is spectacularly set between jungle-covered mountains and beach-lined bays. Sights include the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and the famous beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. We suggest spending 3 nights in Rio if you have the time.
Sao Paulo: This is the largest city in South America and the thrid largest in the world. Sao Paulo is known of it’s international restaurants, upscale shopping and active nightlife. A must see is the Sao Paulo Museum of Art. which offers one of the largest collections of impressionist paintings in the world. March through November are the best months to travel for most of the country, however if visiting the Amazon, we recommend July and August.
Places to Visit in Chile
Thursday, August 20th, 2009Chile is incredibly diverse…from the cool southern tip, to the dry northern regions, this country is stunning. From Colonial towns and lush thriving vineyards to the deep, formidable fjords. Chile is waiting to be discovered. Here are just a few of the areas you might visit while on a tour of Chile.
Santiago: Santiago de Chile is a modern, sophisticated city with impressive infrastructure, world-class dining and shopping within easy proximity to neighboring regions well known for wine and impressive scenery. Take the funicular to see the Statue of the Virgin atop Cerro San Cristobal. It is a great photo opportunity, as it provides a great view of the city. Other sights include the Museum of Natural History, Santa Lucia Hill and a cathedral which has a painting of the Last Supper.
Valparaiso: This is Chile’s oldest and largest port city. It offers both a rich cultural and architectural legacy, with an intricately woven tapestry of streets and alleyways. Valparaiso is one of Latin America’s most interesting urban areas. Visit Victoria Square, the Naval Maritime Museum and the Church of La Matriz. Ride on the cable cars, also known as ascensores.
Torres del Paine National Park: Found in remote Patagonia to the south, these soaring granite peaks are surrounded by glaciers, wilderness and lakes. You will see amazing scenery and lots of wildlife, including everything from pink flamingos, to herds of sheep and guanacos.
Easter Island: These mysterious and exotic Pacific islands are home to friendly indigenous Polynesians and the famous ancient stone faces. Some of the ancient sites you can see are Ahu Tahai, Orongo, Ahu Vaihu and Rano Kau.
Puerto Montt: The scenery in this area is amazing. You would not expect to see Alpine houses in Chile, but in fact this area was settled by Germany’s in the 1800’s, so you see the influence still today. Puerto Montt is excellent for trout fishing and skiing in the winter.
Punta Arenas: This is know as the gateway to Antarctica, and is the southernmost city in the world. It is a small area that can be toured in about an hour. See the monument to Hernando de Magallanes in the main square, the bell tower and cathedral.
October through March are the best months for travel to Chile. Like in many European cities, dinner is normally eaten after 8 p.m. so make sure you eat a late lunch or have a snack. If you are interested in shopping, the most popular items are blankets, wool rugs, pottery, Easter Island statues, hand made jewelry and local wines.
Globus Tours 2010
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
Released today – Globus 2010 Vacations to Asia, the South Pacific, South & Central America & Hawaii. Book early & save!
Save $600 per couple on air-inclusive 2010 Globus family of brands South & Central America vacations booked between August 12 and October 13, 2009.*
Booking window: August 12 – October 13, 2009
*Book a 2010 Globus, Monograms or Avalon South America air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 12 and October 13, 2009 for travel commencing through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2010 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Save $400 per couple on air-inclusive 2010 Globus family of brands Asia and South Pacific vacations booked between August 12 and October 13, 2009.*
Booking window: August 12 – October 13, 2009
*Book a 2010 Globus, Monograms or Avalon Asia or South Pacific air-inclusive vacation. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 12 and October 13, 2009 for travel commencing through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2010 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
Save $500 per couple on air-inclusive 2010 Globus family of brands Hawaii vacations booked between August 12 and October 13, 2009.*
Booking window: August 12 – October 13, 2009
*Book a 2010 Globus or Monograms Hawaii air-inclusive vacation to receive the $250 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 12 and October 13, 2009 for travel commencing through December 31, 2010. Offers not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club and applies to new 2010 Hawaii bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.
