SAT NEWS - AUGUST 2019



Dear Travel Partner,

the TravelMart LatinAmerica 2019 will take place in Quito, from September 18th-20th. If you visit the show, please meet us at our SAT desk; just contact us to arrange your appointment!

Very sadly, the fires in the Amazon still continue. The worldwide media coverage will hopefully increase the pressure internationally to use all necessary actions to end the fires quickly and in a sustainable manner. So far, the touristic attractions around Manaus are not affected. We will of course contact you immediately in case the situation changes.

In other news, Lima hosted this year's Pan American Games that took place between July 16th and August 11th. More than 6,500 athletes competed in 39 sports and 61 disciplines, 22 of which are qualifiers for the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo. Our countries did incredibly well, with Brazil taking the 2nd place with 171 medals (55x gold).

From August 23rd to September 01st, Lima will also host the Parapan American Games for athletes with disabilities. It is expected to be the biggest edition yet, with 1,850 athletes competing in 17 sports.

Also check out our Website, Facebook & Instagram for latest updates!

All the best,
Your SAT Team


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

September 18 - 20: Chile

What is better than celebrating your eternal love amongst Peru´s most intimate treasures of the past? SAT offers this dream honeymoon especially for you, filled with extraordinary moments. Our romantic escape programme covers Peru´s most significant sights by adding a touch of romance to every excursion. Besides the usual travel highlights, many loving details are added along the route. The exciting journey begins in Lima, where a visit to the Park of Love at Miraflores´promenade and dinner with sea view is included. It further continues to the Sacred Valley, where the couple learns about the famous Andean weavers at the community of Awanacancha. Additionally, you enjoy an intimate champagne picnic at Laguna de Piuray as well as a relaxing massage at the hotel spa. After exploring Machu Picchu, you enjoy a delicious breakfast in your room in Cusco. Besides the wildlife at  the Ballestas Islands outside Paracas, you watch a romantic sunset on the dunes of Ica with tasty wine and snacks. Before heading back home, a flight over the Nazca lines is organised. Did we convince you of choosing Peru as your honeymoon location? For more information, just contact us!

Exciting news from the coastal area of Arequipa! In Pampas de Majes the archaeological team of Luis Villegas has recently discovered around 34 new geoglyphs (figures that are drawn into grasslands or hillsides) reminding of the Nazca lines. It is believed that these geoglyphs are the work of pre-Hispanic cultures with the purpose of worshipping water, yet it is not certainly identified. At present, there are around 200 archaeological sites known in the Pampa area besides those geoglyphs. Therefore, it is the perfect spot for all history and archeology lovers! Just contact us and we gladly assist you with all the details.

Rio presents a fabulous opportunity for an alternative wildlife encounter! Soon the metropole’s zoo changes from a usual zoo experience to a trendy and authentic bio park. This precisely means larger and more natural compounds without bars for its 950 animals and an exclusive visitor experience via boats, overpasses or tunnels. This kind of zoo is spreading on a global level right now, taking into account the well-being of the animals in order to create an environment as real as possible. Plus, it generates a totally new experience to go to the zoo. Since constructions are already in progress, the zoo is only partly open to visitors at the moment. The project is aimed to be finalised in 2020 with an estimated annual visitor number of 1.3 million. Themed areas representing several ecological systems, such as the Atlantic Ocean or the African Savannah, will combine different species in one territory with adventurous accesses such as boat safaris or a tree climbing circuit, making the visitors feel as being amidst the rainforest. Do you want to be part of this new zoo experience? SAT is looking forward to assist you with your travel plans!

Pssst, have you heard of Estancia Bahia Esperanza, our new favourite secret where the unique Patagonian spirit can be truly experienced? Just outside Puerto Natales with a property size of 5600 hectares, this remarkable Estancia is located on a secluded and remote peninsula. It is only accessible by a short boat ride across the peaceful Ultima Esperanza fjord. We of course don´t want to hide this pearl from you any longer - fulfill your dream of an authentic Patagonian experience with a stay at this exclusive place which is connected to the mainland only by the Southern Ice Field! Vast, deserted landscapes around the lodge invite you to explore this untouched territory, either on your own or with a guided tour. Various interesting activities are offered here, including horseback riding, trekking and hiking, birdwatching or farming tours. It represents a beautiful opportunity to recharge your batteries and simultaenously obtain a close insight into the local atmosphere. If you seek a fantastic time and complete relaxation during your Chile holiday in Patagonia, just contact us for more information!

If you are looking for a memorable cruise experience in the shores of Tierra del Fuego, look no further! Australis currently has some great offers with 25% discount on selected departures in September, October and December. This is the ultimate chance to explore the world´s best preserved ecosystem at a convenient price. The offer is valid for 10 all-inclusive cruises with 4 nights each, departing either from Punta Arenas or Ushuaia, and valid only for bookings until 16th September. Don´t miss your chance for a fantastic offer and contact us!

Already done with the usual Gaucho tours and classic Tango nights? How about spicing up your Argentinian holiday with a totally different experience, namely our exciting Polo Night Tours! Alongside culinary delicatessens of Argentina, you enjoy a great nocturnal polo match under the stars, located 50 minutes outside Buenos Aires. A bilingual guide accompanies you through a fabulous evening while telling you all about the game itself as well as  Argentina´s polo history. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening, as you witness the fascinating and thrilling game of polo, up close and personal. The informal, yet professional 4 chukka polo match will last until midnight at the only illuminated polo field in the world. Besides Argentina´s famous wine and local dishes, you enjoy an unforgettable experience including a visit to the pony lines and shot techniques practice. The gastronomic experience embraces several Argentinian finger food dishes such as empanadas, picada argentina and gourmet sandwiches, accompanied with local beers and wine. This tour operates on a daily basis and can be organised with shared or private transportation services. Don´t hesitate to plan your next exciting holiday with us and contact our wonderful team in Buenos Aires!

In times of climate change and conservation, SAT would like to emphasise on a very exemplary lodge this month. When in Ecuador and looking for a true unique experience while supporting the local community, we recommend a visit to the lovely mountain lodge Chilcabamba in the Cotopaxi area, just 2 hours away from Quito. With a rustic design and atmosphere as well as its remote location amidst nature between impressive volcanoes of the "Avenues of Volcanoes", this is definitely the place to be for pure relaxation. The lodge is situated on 3480m height and only 6km away from the astonishing Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi volcano is known as the highest active volcano in Ecuador and hence represents a popular touristic attraction in South America. Coming back to the ecolodge, each room contains a private bathroom, hot water, a stove as well as ponchos. Your stay is accompanied by delicious regional food, daily treats of the local drink canelazo and tranquil spots all over the lodge. Don´t forget to reserve your dinner in advance! Bookable tours supporting the local community include horseback riding, hikes or mountain biking. Interested? We are more than happy to help you with your booking! Just contact us for more information.

Good news from the Galapagos archipelago: UNESCO now officially approved the extension of the protected Galapagos biosphere reserve, meaning that the conservation area of 770,000 hectares as created in 1984 now increased to 14.6 million hectares. This signifies that the Galapagos Islands are now one of the largest-important marine reserves worldwide. It furthermore represents a great chance for the Ministry of Environment to spread education and sustainable development of the area as well as continuously strengthen its vital preservation. Thumbs up for Charles Darwin´s islands! Contact us for your next adventure to the Galapagos islands.

Joining the support of women´s rights all over the world, Uruguay announced the opening of a  historic museum in Cerro Chato, located 250km from Montevideo on Ruta 7. The museum is of great importance due to its historic value: it has been the exact place where the first South American woman voted on 3rd July, 1927. Even though this remarkable event took place in Uruguay, the first woman that registered for the vote was Brazilian. The reason for this vote was deciding to which department Cerro Chato should belong as a village, however, the final results have never been acknowledged. From the 356 people that participated in this election, more than 100 were female. The Public Affairs Minister at that time, Carlos Maria Prando, was known for his emancipated approach towards politics and was highly in favour of including women into that specific plebiscite. Isn´t this a great place to commemorate the polcitical emancipation of women? Regarding this topic, we would like to highlight our Woman Travel Segment, which focuses on journeys inspired by the individual stories of women across South America. Contact us to complete your next holiday with a touch of powerful female stories!

Fancy a special night out in Cartagena? SAT has the best restaurant insider tip for you! Enjoy an exquisite dinner at the world´s first female prison restaurant “Interno” in the heart of the city. Its hipster and modern design partly hides its interesting core at first sight. Most staff members represent inmates of the San Diego prison. Their valuable working experience at the restaurant supports them to simplify their way back to daily life after their release. In fact, the majority of lately released inmates working at Interno now works in high class restaurants around town or even started their own. Here your holiday budget is well spent, making a positive social contribution to the foundation Accion Interna, which supports inmates´ training, rehabilitation patterns and living conditions! Exchanges between visitors and inmates take place on a daily basis, even leading to personal connections via selfies and urging the guests to see the human beings behind bars that deserve a second chance. For more information about this exceptional place please contact us.

Regine Volland joined our SAT office in Ecuador in March 2013 as an Account Executive and is now the Operations Supervisor. She moved to Quito 12 years ago and has been working in tourism since then.

Regine never gets tired of traveling and loves to explore hidden places, hike in the mountains and always discover new treasures of one of the smallest Andean countries. Her favorite places in Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, the colonial city of Cuenca, the village of Vilcabamba in the South of Ecuador, the Quilotoa Crater Lake surrounded by plenty of volcanoes and the Ecuadorian jungle. She had the opportunity to hike the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2015.
Regine temporarily assisted the SAT Uruguay office and had the opportunity to celebrate the Carnival of Uruguay and visited beautiful places like Punta del Este and Colonia de Sacramento. She enjoys arranging tailor made programs, including newly discovered locations and products. Click here if you would like Regine to share her experiences with you!

New update about the middle class Hotel Principado Express in Santiago, Chile: now it has been renamed to Hotel Principado Lastarria. 

The hotel chain Panamericano recently signed a franchise contract with Marriott International which agreed to run the Buenos Aires Hotel Panamericano under the name of Marriott Hotels. Hence, from June 2020 onwards the hotel will be known as a Marriott Buenos Aires.

Another hotel that is changing its name represents the Libertador Lake Titicaca Hotel in Puno. Effective from September 4th onwards, it will be part of the GHL Group which is operating the Sonesta Hotels throughout Peru. Reservations and rates will be the same as agreed previously. Regarding the hotel´s name, GHL will temporarily change this to GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca, until they get the official authorization to use the Sonesta brand which is the plan, yet can take up to two months until finalisation. 

Avianca announces to reduce 26 weekly flight connections between Lima and Cusco from December on. Currently, the airline operates 5 daily flights between the two cities. Additionally, the airline seeks to close direct flights from Lima to La Habana, Santa Cruz,

Cali and Medellin. Those changes aim to help the company focusing on and expanding more profitable flight connections. Passengers are still able to fly with Avianca to the mentioned destinations with a stopover in Bogota or San Salvador.