All the best,
Your SAT Team


*** The following SAT offices will be closed for the upcoming national holidays ***

March 04: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay
March 05: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay
March 06: Brazil (until 13:00hrs)
March 25: Colombia

Now that you know where to book our Seat-in-Coach tours, we want to share a few tips on how to get the best out of them. First off, our SAT SIC programs are guaranteed with a minimum of only 2 or 4 participants and have a maximum capacity of 12 or 16 people.  
There are two product lines to choose from. The "Best of" line builds the base for our SAT SIC portfolio. These compact itineraries cover the most iconic highlights of a destination and are perfect for those who have little time on their hands or individual travelers on a budget. Why not explore the must-sees in a group and top off your travel experience with a tailor-made extension created exclusively for you? For example, explore Lima, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca with our 9-day Best of Peru tour and then venture into Peru's exciting northern regions with a bespoke 10-day extension including Trujillo, Chiclayo and Kuelap - the best of both worlds!
If you plan to join a longer group tour, our "Explorer" line is just what you are looking for. Using the "Best of" programs as a base, the itineraries are extended by popular destinations to build compelling travel adventures. For example, by adding Santiago de Chile and Mendoza to our 8-day Best of Argentina & Brazil tour (Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Rio de Janeiro), we created the 12-day Scenic South America tour. Add to that a detour to the Atacama Desert and you have our 16-day Atacama to Sugar Loaf program. Want to know more? Then contact our SAT SIC team here! 

On December 14th 2020, you will be able to observe a spectacular astronomical experience in Patagonia - a total solar eclipse! Why not combine this breathtaking experience with an equally fantastic journey to Argentina? Enjoy the metropolitan flair of Buenos Aires and the views of the majestic Iguazu Waterfalls before making your way to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world. From there, you venture to El Calafate for an unforgettable ice-trekking on the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Your adventure culminates in Bariloche, a picturesque city in Argentina's lake region, which is conveniently located along the central axis of the eclipse. Here, you will join an astronomical event at an exclusive observatory camp. You can lounge in the Bedouin tent or relax at the outdoor fireplace. Indulge your taste-buds with a gourmet picnic lunch accompanied by premium Argentine wines, surrounded by the beautiful nature of Patagonia. Cuddle up in your personal polar fleece blanket while marveling at the solar eclipse. Contact our SAT Argentina Team for more information and create your own Solar Eclipse Experience!
Picture credit: ESO/P. Horálek/Solar Wind Sherpas project

Earlier this year, National Geographic published an article naming Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires "the world's most beautiful bookstore". It is located in a former 1920s theater and features a stunning fresco at the domed ceiling as well as beautiful stucco works. The balconies have been converted into sitting areas and the stage which is framed by a crimson curtain now holds the tables and chairs of the store's café. 

On January 10th, Brazil's „Parque Nacional do Iguaçu“ celebrated its 80th anniversary! Since its foundation in 1939, visitors from all over the world have marveled at the sight of the impressive waterfalls surrounded by lush forest. Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, both sides offer different viewpoints on the waterfalls. The Brazilian side is one of the most iconic pictures taken of South America: a walkway over the river that is surrounded by the Devil's Throat, a giant waterfall with a length of 150m and a height of 80m. The entire system is nearly 3km long and, depending on the river's water level, consists of 150 to 300 individual waterfalls. One of the park's main goals is conservation and many rare animals and plants can be found here, including jaguars, giant otters and giant anteaters. Since its foundation, the park has been expanded twice and today covers an area of 169,695.88ha. In 1986, the park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Together with its Argentinean sister park, the Iguaçu National Park is truly one of the most spectacular sights South America has to offer. Please contact us for more information and travel ideas!

Carnival is just around the corner and Rio de Janeiro is busy prepping for its biggest celebration of the year. The city's samba schools are ready to hit the streets and get people excited to join the festivities. During the parades at the Sambadrome, every school has eighty minutes to demonstrate their skills and convince the judges of their talents. Points are granted for several categories such as costumes, samba song and theme. Ash Wednesday is the day when the results are announced, and the best six schools make their ultimate performance the next Saturday ( Winner's Parade). Do you want to enjoy the spirit of the Brazilian Carnival? Then contact us for more information and start planning your adventure for 2020!

In the light of the upcoming solar eclipse on July 2nd, the tourist board of Santiago de Chile launched the official "Astrotouristic Route of Santiago" last month. It includes 10 sites dedicated to Astronomy that will leave nothing to be desired for those interested in the night sky. The Universal Tunnel at the Interactive Museum Mirador (MIM) for example, features more than 40 modules and games about the solar system, galaxies, the Big Bang and black holes, which are suitable for all ages. The Chile Planetarium offers its visitors fantastic 360° audiovisual projections in one of the world's largest full domes as well as regular exhibitions, talks and other events. Additionally, there are eight observatories in the region which have something to offer for everyone. The Pailalén Observatory completes its astronomic offer by serving excellent Chilean wines and food at its Observatory Restaurant as well as trekkings in the beautiful landscape of the Maipo Canyon outside of Santiago. If you want to see a different side of Santiago and are interested to incorporate the city's Astrotouristic Route in your programs, please contact us!
Picture credit: Sernatur

Colombia has lots to offer for outdoor aficionados: diverse landscapes, hiking, trekking, horseback riding and a lot more. It is also a paradise for cyclists and mountain bikers! Did you know that Bogotá is actually known as one of the most cyclist friendly cities in the world? In the 1970s, the city introduced the "ciclovia" where every Sunday around 120km of roads are closed for cars between 7:00hs and 14:00hs so cyclists can explore the city undisturbed. The project "BiciRegión" now launched seven new cycling routes in the Central Region (Bogotá and surroundings). The routes have different lengths, the shortest being 31km and the longest 70km. Some can be done in one day while others include an overnight stay along the way. The difficulty levels range from easy to intermediate-high, offering options for both beginners and advanced cyclists. All routes comply with the standards set by the "International Mountain Bicycling Association"; additionally they are supervised by the Public Forces and carefully demarcated. If you want to bring some activity and nature into your Colombia programs, contact us now for suggestions! 

Every year on the first fortnight of February, the city of Puno, located at the shore of the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, celebrates one of its biggest events: the Festival of the Virgen of Candelaria (Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria). The Virgen of Candelaria is the patron saint of Puno and the celebrations in her honor are some of the biggest Peru has to offer. They merge Catholic and Andean traditions and have even been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. The participants are mainly members of the regions Quechua and Aymara communities who organize more than 150 dance sets in different parts of the city. In total, around 200 performances are shown, including thousands of dancers and musicians, elaborate costumes and processions. The main dance is called "Diablada" (Dance of the Devils) which is said to have its origins in a legend of miners who were trapped underground after a collapse. When demons showed up to take the miners to hell, the Virgen of Candelaria protected them until they were rescued. For more information and programs visiting next year's festival, please contact us!

The Amazon cruise M/V Zafiro launched a special deal for bookings until May 31st. For selected departures of 3, 4 or 7 nights you will receive a USD 400 discount, a free night at El Pardo Double Tree by Hilton in Lima before or after the cruise as well as free domestic flights! 
Aqua Expeditions launched a special promotion for solo travelers. The single supplement (25% of standard rates) is waived for all departures of their Amazon cruises until June 2019!
Click here to request rates and availability for both promotions! 

Our team in Ecuador joined our friends from Equator Face for an entire day of cultural activities in a community at the San Pablo Lake, located 20min from Otavalo. While visiting a local family of weavers in their workshop, they learned a lot about wool production and the weaving process. After watching the professionals do their work while explaining every step involved in the weaving, everybody was excited to give it a go. The wool had to be spooled unto a roll and the different threads everybody selected for their work had to be prepared for the loom before it was time to weave their very own bracelets. Though not as effortless as it had looked before, it was a lovely and fun experience nonetheless! Equator Face specializes on tourism activities that promote and support sustainability as well as social responsibility. Besides meeting local families and getting a glimpse into their daily lives, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful nature that can be found in the Andean mountains. A walk to the Peguche waterfall, a hike through the ecological reserve Cotacachi Cayapas or a detour to the stunning Cuicocha lagoon, this breathtaking region has lots to offer! Go ahead and contact us for itinerary ideas!
Picture credit: www.equatorface.com

After being presumed extinct for more than 100 years, a female Fernandina Giant Tortoise, known under its scientific name as Chelonoidis phantasticus, was rediscovered earlier this month on the island Fernandina in Galapagos. The female was relocated to a breeding center on the island of Santa Cruz. The last sighting of the species was in 1906 but due to other tracks found in remote parts of the small island after that, specialists believe that there might be more members of the species still alive.

This year, two new luxury cruise ships will start operation in the Galapagos Archipelago. 
In March 2019, Ecoventura will launch the MV Theory, a sister ship of their MV Origin. The luxury expedition yacht has been designed to minimize environmental impact and has a capacity for 20 passengers in 10 cabins. Departures will be every Sunday for a comprehensive 7-day program. 
In July 2019, Golden Galapagos Cruises will launch the motor catamaran Galapagos Elite. The vessel features 10 cabins for a maximum of 16 passengers. Guests can choose between itineraries of 3, 4 and 7 nights.
For more information and rates, please contact us!

When you think of Uruguay, Carnival might not be the first thing on your mind. But did you know that South America's smallest country actually celebrates one of the longest Carnival festivities in the world? For 40 days between late January and early March there are parades, concerts, events and parties combining European and Afro-Uruguayan traditions. One of the most beloved parts of the Uruguayan Carnival is the contest of the "murgas". Murgas are bands of musicians, usually in costume, who satirize current political and social situations as well everyday-life situations of common people. Another highlight of Uruguayan Carnival is the "Desfile de Llamadas" in Montevideo, a colorful parade of around 40 carnival groups performing the Afro-Uruguayan music and dance Candombe.  There are also performances of Samba schools that originated from the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro and became a fixture of the festivities in Uruguay. Montevideo even has a Carnival Museum dedicated to the history of the festival which can be visited all year round for a small dose of Carnival spirit. Contact us now for program ideas to visit next year's celebrations!

On January 28th, the 19th annual Wine Star Awards were held in Miami Beach to celebrate traditions and innovations in the wine industry. We are proud to announce that the acclaimed Uruguayan vineyard Bodega Garzón won the award for New World Winery of the Year - congratulations! Bodega Garzón is also working to be the first sustainable winery outside North America, complying with the requirements set by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). How about a trip to Garzón to taste the award winning wine right at its origins? Contact us for travel ideas and more information.

Cecilia joined the team of SAT Uruguay in June 2010 and has been with us since we opened our office in Montevideo. As an Account Executive, she has been in charge of our Seat-in-Coach tours ever since.

Cecilia is an Uruguay native and was born in Colonia Suiza, a small town 60km from Colonia del Sacramento. The town was founded by Swiss immigrants so Cecilia grew up speaking German and Spanish.

She has a knack for learning new languages and is currently studying Modern Greek and Japanese. She also loves photography and relaxes by getting her hands dirty in the garden.

Her passion for travel is what made Cecilia choose a career in tourism and she is always planning her next tour. Some of her favorite experiences in South America include visiting Ouro Preto in Brazil, the lake crossing between Puerto Varas (Chile) and Bariloche (Argentina) and the Peruvian cuisine. 
If you would like any assistance for your next trip or have any enquiries about our Seat-in-Coach programs, feel free to contact Cecilia!

The Hotel Tequendama in Bogotá announced that it will become part of Sheraton as of 2021 and will be rebranded as Four Points By Sheraton Tequendama Bogotá.

The hotel Palacio de Sal in Uyuni has officially opened its new Concept Spa and now offers relaxing and revitalizing treatments with a view of the Uyuni Salt Lake.

Meliá Hotels International announced that the hotel Tryp Lima Miraflores is now part of INNSIDE by Meliá and has been rebranded as INNSIDE Lima Miraflores.

Marriott will open the AC Hotel Lima Miraflores next month. Located next to the famous shopping center Larcomar, it features 150 rooms, 2 restaurants, a bar and fitness center.

LATAM announced a new direct connection between Cusco and La Paz starting July 01st with 5 departures per week. Sales started on February 25th.

LATAM also announced a new connection between Sao Paulo and Munich starting June 25th with 4 weekly departures.

On December 12th, LATAM launched their new route Tel Aviv - Sao Paulo - Santiago de Chile with 3 weekly departures.

Starting March 06th, Tame will cancel their daily direct flights between Quito and Lima as well as Quito and Bogotá.

Iberia announced the launch of a daily direct flight between Madrid and Rio de Janeiro, starting on July 01st.

Air Europa will launch new connections from Madrid to Foz do Iguaçu (twice per week) and Medellín (three times per week) on June 01st.