Dear Travel Partner,

part of our quality management is the regular training of our SAT guides in South America! For 6 of our offices (Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Uruguay) we could recently renew the Tintko quality seal, while we now also successfully completed the Tintko quality trainings for our Galapagos and the Colombia office. The German Willy Scharnow-Foundation's traditional award stands for outstanding, high standard quality of tour guides and professional tour guide management as well as excellent customer orientation. The award is valid for 3 years and will officially be handed over to us at the International Tourism Convention (ITB) in March 2017 in Berlin / Germany.

We would like to thank our amazing teams and guides in all local offices, who made that possible!

We - the SAT team and our guides - are very much looking forward to welcoming you and your guests soon to beautiful South America! Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy our October newsletter and get inspired by the latest news and travel ideas! More news and updates can be found on our website and on Facebook!

Happy reading and - by the way - Happy Halloween ;)!

All the best,
Your SAT Team

With an incredible 5 gold awards and 1 silver award, Colombia proved to be a real chocolate virtuoso at this year´s International Chocolate Awards held in London (October 6-12). Ecuador took home 10 awards, Peru 4 awards and Brazil 3 awards. But who wonders about Colombia´s success, seeing that the sweet treat goes perfectly with another of the country´s awarded specialty? Coffee and chocolate - a match made in heaven! Our SAT culinary journey throughout Colombia allows guests to explore the famous coffee triangle as well as the cocoa plantations near the Caribbean coast, all the while savoring their coffee with a piece of delicious chocolate. Please contact us!

Researchers have identified two previously unknown species of opossum in Colombia. Despite their mousey appearance, the animals found at the banks of Rio Magdalena are non-rodents. In fact, they have much more in common with the Australian kangaroo, e.g. a small bag on the belly to carry around their new-borns. The cuties have been named Marmosops chucha and Marmosops magdalenae. Keen on finding an unknown species yourself? Explore Colombia and contact us!

Located right in the center of picturesque Paraty, Casa Turquesa is not just a common hotel but a real gem, a perfect combination of comfort, elegance and art. SAT offers a lovely new package for Brazil explorers: Our guests spend a few nights at Casa Turquesa and then board a catamaran for either 2 or 3 nights (from Mon to Wed or Mon to Thu). The 75 feet "Live Aboard" features 8 cabins, a restaurant and a sundeck, and brings our guests right to the beautiful beaches of Ilha Grande Bay. Activities include trekking tours, kayaking and snorkeling, and Scuba diving is also available at an additional charge. Contact us for further information!

The colonial-style Great Brazil Express, with wood panelling, leather armchairs and exotic bird print provides 2 different journeys: One route runs from Curitiba in Brazil's south-east to the Iguazu Falls on the Argentine border. The other route goes to coastal Paranaguá through the Serra do Mar. Guests travel through spectacular natural landscapes such as the Guartela Canyon. There are no sleeper cars; guests stay in hotels. Please contact us for further details!

On October 07th, Peru celebrated the “ Day of the Marinera”. The Marinera is one of Peru´s most beloved and iconic dances - it was even declared a Cultural Patrimony. The dance showcases the courtship between a man and a woman. The man is dressed impeccably with a wide sombrero hat, whereas the lady wears a local gown and is barefoot; both use white handkerchiefs as props (check out this cute video). The Marinera originates in the city of Trujillo, located at the north coast. The city is also known as the cultural capital of Peru and is a gateway for explorations of the mysterious North. Famous archaeological excavations like Chan Chan, the world´s biggest adobe city, the ceremonial complex El Brujo and the tomb of the Lord of Sipan are waiting to be discovered. For more information about Peru´s fascinating North, please contact us.

The Peruvian Tropical Sea was acknowledged as one of the fourteen new ‘Hope Spots’ during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 held in Hawaii. The effort was led by marine biologist Yuri Hooker, Eduardo Salcedo and Nina Pardo, who provided scientific studies on the area’s high rate in species diversity. Aiming to promote the declaration of marine protected areas, the ‘Hope Spots’ initiative was conceived by Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue, one of the world’s most influential organizations committed to ocean conservation. Combine your visit to the Peruvian Tropical Sea with a stay in Tumbes, e.g. when booking our new SIC extension at the Casa Andina Select! When going between August and September, guest also have the chance to observe Humpback whales along the coast! Please  contact us for more details & bookings!

The Lonely Planet recently listed Aysén in its Best for Travel 2017 list. Guests can't help but wonder at the untouched nature of this area in the heart of Patagonia, with its evergreen forests and lengthy Carretera Austral, which will captivate you with beautiful views. With SAT, travelers visit the Queulat National Park, where trees seem to disappear among fjords and channels. The protected area is a great hiking spot, with trails surrounded by water and forests. Other activities include kayaking and rafting, or relaxing at the hot springs in this area. Be charmed by the perfection of the glaciers, lagoons, and waterfalls, and enjoy the peacefulness of these landscapes. Our accommodation pick in Aysén: the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa! Contact us for more details on our Aysén travel packages!

Choquequirao has topped Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2017 list! The list portrays Choquequirao as an Inca treasure where you can "live out your Indiana Jones fantasies," according to travel writer Mark Johanson. Despite being three times the size of its sister city Machu Picchu, so far it only sees a few tourists, due to the tough 4-day hike required to access the ruins. Lonely Planet reviews Choquequirao as a place to sit peacefully on your own and appreciate the mountains, flying condors and the Apurimac river. Please  contact us for further information!

In Ecuador, the day of November 2 is a big deal. This day marks El Día de los Difuntos, which is celebrated with a diversity of indigineous and Catholic traditions. All Souls Day is a day of remembrance of those who died. The living are supposed to pray for the dead’s souls in an effort to release them from Purgatory so they can go to Heaven. People go to the cemetery and spend the day with their passed away relatives, becoming a family event. Families bring prayers, flowers and food to the deceased, and share some Colada Morada, a beverage prepared with black corn flour and fruits, and Guaguas de Pan, sweet bread figures shaped like dolls. The tradition lives on in all villages and cities throughout the country. Can't wait to see that?  Contact us for great cultural packages including the best of Ecuador, its people and traditions. Picture courtesy: Jorge Caisabanda, Comunidad Salasaka

The Galapgaos islands were recognized for the 3rd consecutive year by @TravelLeisure as " Best Island of Central and South America". For more than a decade, the Galápagos have dominated our World’s Best survey. The volcanic archipelago continues to draw visitors with exotic wildlife unique to the island. The archipelago is also known for excellent diving in sparkling blue waters and features white-, black-, and pink-sand beaches. What most sets this destination apart is, undoubtedly, the magical, stuck-in-time feel afforded by the wildlife and untouched beaches. Book here!

Bolivia´s Madidi National Park is home to an extraordinary flora and fauna. 44% of all mammals living on the American continent as well as 38% of the amphibians and more than 1.000 types of birds can be found here. Come and join us on a multi-day trekking through this remarkable region! If you need any more convincing to explore this beautiful place, how about a rafting tour on a homemade raft? For more information on tours to the Madidi National Park, please contact us!

Montevideo’s International Airport has been named the Best Airport of South America by the portal sleepinginairports.net. The airport makes sure that your airport experience is, above all else, friendly and efficient. Wi-Fi, charging ports, decent food options, and comfortable couches combine to put Carrasco a tier above the others in the region.

The Los Glaciares National Park has been declared World Heritage in 1981 for its breathtaking beauty, glaciological interest and fauna. SAT offers fabulous journeys to the Southern Icefield. How about a hike beneath the iconic Fitz Roy Massif? Or getting close to the Perito Moreno glacier, observing its powerful calving? Guests might also visit an authentic working estancia, meet gauchos and learn about their everyday life. New tours include a full day trek (11h) to the glaciers Mayo Hill and Negro Hill, or the Glaciar Sur Pioneros journey, designed for those who would like to add some history to their Patagonia adventure. Guests visit the Estancia Nibepo Aike, learn about sheep shearing and enjoy a typical BBQ lunch. Book here!

While excavating in the Argentinean province of Mendoza, archaeologists found an indigineous cemetery that is supposed to be more than 1.200 years old. They found the remains of 14 people, including a mother with her baby. The skeletons are in good condition and belonged to a group of hunters and collectors. The cemetery was discovered close to the city of El Sosneado, where various remains of this antique culture have been unearthed in the past years.

Jacqueline is a long-time member of the SAT family - she has started her job as a Product Development & Sales Executive in our office in Rio de Janeiro back in 1990. She is passionate about her work in tourism and about welcoming travelers from all over the world in her home country. One of her favorite places in Brazil is the Amazon. Manaus offers a variety of nature and culture and the lush vegetation of the Amazonian jungle is best explored during a lodge stay or a river tour. If you are interested in more tips about travelling in Brazil, please don´t hesitate to contact Jacqueline!

The charming Casa de Uco, Vineyards & Wine Hotel is located in the Uco Valley southwest of Mendoza, Argentina! The resort is bordered by extensive vineyards and features 16 rooms, a pool, a pond, a spa and an organic garden.

The 4* Jose Antonio Deluxe opened on October 17th in Lima, Peru! Located in the exclusive district of Miraflores, the hotel offers 157 rooms and 9 suites, two restaurants, a bar and an outdoor swimming pool.

Hacienda Vira Vira – Relais & Châteaux is set in a native park close to Pucón, Chile. The property is home to an own farm and a modern cheese dairy. Their "all-in" concept includes daily tailored activities (such as kayaking, snow shoe hikes or yoga) and organic food from the farm.

Mountain Lodges of Peru opens a new hotel in Cusco, Peru! The 3* El Retablo is a charming property featuring 17 rooms (all decorated in authentic Peruvian "retablo" style) right in the center of Cusco. The hotel will open its doors for guests in December 2016.

The small Charco Hotel is a lovely boutique property right in the heart of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay! The hotel is made up of original 1680 Portuguese houses which form the 8 guest rooms and a restaurant.

3* Casa Andina Classic San Antonio in Lima, Peru, has renovated its 49 rooms! The hotel is conveniently located in Miraflores, a 10-minute walk from Parque Central and Miraflores' abundant restaurants and shops.

New Océano Patagonia is located on the beach of Puerto Pirámides, Península Valdés’ only village (Argentina). The wild coast residence offers 11 rooms, only a few sandy footsteps away from the ocean,  home to the Southern Right Whale, orcas and sea lions.

Spotlight on Slow Food: Beautiful Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of Peru features a 10-acre organic plantation where guests are welcome to pick their own produce. Crops include quinoa, colored potatoes, broccoli and traditional medicinal herbs.