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South American Tours
South American Tours
SAT NEWS - BOUTIQUE TRAVEL
March 2024


Dear Travel Partner,

Easter is around the corner and we are sure that some will be using the days off to plan their next holiday. With this March newsletter, we provide some inspiration for boutique travel experiences, topped off with exceptional accommodation and unique moments.

In South America, Semana Santa (Holy Week) is all about tradition and celebration. We have put together some lesser known Easter fun facts from our destinations for you to discover the cultural tapestry of the region.

Don't forget to support SAT in the World Travel Awards! We're honoured to be nominated as Leading Destination Management Company in Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, and Leading Tour Operator in Uruguay. Your vote means the world to us. Remember, voting closes on 7 April, so be sure to register and cast your vote here.

We wish you a happy Easter season full of inspiration and wanderlust.

All the best,
Your SAT Team

Also check out our WebsiteFacebook & Instagram for latest updates!

Picture credit: Narbona Wine Lodge
BRAZIL - Jewels of the Costa Verde
Picture credit: O Sítio Ilha Grande (2-3)
In Brazil, you don't always have to travel long distances for a well-rounded travel experience. Start your 8-day boutique tour at the luxurious Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, located on the famous Ipanema Beach. Soak up Rio's vibrant energy, explore the historic centre with its art galleries and modern museums or visit the beautiful Botanic Garden, dine at top restaurants and experience Rio's nightlife in Lapa. Travel along the lush coast to Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial charm and stunning scenery. Stay at the intimate 26-room Sandi Hotel Boutique, set in a historic 18th-century building. Hike the Gold Trail in the Serra da Bocaina National Park, visit waterfalls and learn about cachaça production, followed by a caipirinha-making demonstration and cooking class. Spend the last few days of your holiday on Ilha Grande, accessible by speedboat from Angra dos Reis. Known for its more than 100 beaches, the island is hailed as a natural gem, offering 193km² of biodiverse beauty and stunning coastline. Nestled between the Atlantic Forest and the tranquil bay of Abraãozinho,  O Sítio Ilha Grande offers an exclusive experience immersed in nature. This eco-friendly bed and breakfast with 8 comfortable suites is an oasis for those seeking peace and comfort away from the crowds, yet only a short boat ride from Vila do Abraão. Relax on the secluded beaches of Ilha Grande before returning to Rio de Janeiro.
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ECUADOR - Haciendas and Volcanoes
Explore the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes on our 8-day itinerary, packed with cultural immersion, outdoor adventure and luxury accommodation. Arrive in Quito and settle into the charming boutique Hotel Mama Cuchara. Discover the splendour of Quito's colonial past with its concentration of churches and convents with beautiful patios. Travel on to Otavalo and spend the next few days at the historic Hacienda Zuleta, once the home of Ecuadorian President Galo Plaza Lasso. The Hacienda welcomes its guests with a natural warmth and hospitality, beautiful antique rooms and suites, delicious home-grown Andean cuisine and a range of activities, from exploring a cheese factory and dairy farm to engaging with the local Zuleta community and delving into archaeology. Choose from a variety of options including trekking, cycling and horse riding. Continue your adventure and head to Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge, nestled in the stunning Andean paramo on the slopes of the Sincholagua volcano at an altitude of 3,600 metres. The main house accommodates four suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Cotopaxi volcano and the nearby national park. In addition, the lodge offers four separate luxury domes that provide a unique overnight experience. Enjoy included activities in the natural surroundings such as horseback riding, fishing and hiking, or opt for additional services such as 4x4 excursions and massages. If you have some time left, extend your stay with a visit to the Galapagos Islands.
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Picture credit: Hacienda Zuleta (2)
CHILE – Central Coast and Atacama Desert
Picture credit: SERNATUR (1), Casa Solcor (3)
Explore the perfect blend of coast and desert with our suggested year-round itinerary for a week's adventure. Start your journey in Santiago with a city tour and stay at the historic Hotel Magnolia Boutique in the Bellas Artes district. Head to the Pacific coast, stopping at Matetic Winery for a guided tour and delicious wine tasting. Explore the charming coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, visit Pablo Neruda's home, La Sebastiana, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive in Zapallar and discover the charm of its small bay, beach and sea. Stay at the picturesque Hotel Boutique Casa Zapallar in the heart of the town. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastal promenade and indulge in delicious seafood. Transfer back to Santiago for your flight to Calama and drive to San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy a stunning sunset in the Moon Valley and settle into "your home in the desert", Casa Solcor. This unique B&B concept offers accommodation in fully equipped houses with hotel-like comfort. Embark on a full-day excursion to the Atacama Salt Flat and the highland lagoons. Experience the mesmerising beauty of the desert on a night stargazing tour. Explore the geothermal wonders of Geyser del Tatio and spend the afternoon exploring the town or going on a bike ride, available at Casa Solcor. Finish your trip with a flight back to Santiago for your departure.
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COLOMBIA - Coffee Experience Deluxe
Experience Colombia's coffee region in all its splendour on our curated 5-day escape to Armenia. On arrival, you will be transferred to the beautiful Hacienda Bambusa. Surrounded by the majestic Central Andes, century-old trees, gardens and farms, this place is an oasis of peace and natural beauty. Preserving the traditional architecture of the region, the house within the hacienda is built of bamboo and adobe and offers 8 individually designed rooms with pool and garden views. Explore the hacienda's cacao, banana and tangerine plantations, as well as the nearby bamboo forest, home to many exotic birds. Far from the typical coffee tours, you will visit the Andean village of Pijao. Accompanied by a sociologist and local coffee experts, you will learn first-hand about the coffee growing process, walk through the plantation and listen to the stories of a farmer's life and culture over lunch. The next day you head to Salento, a charming town known for its narrow streets, colourful houses and picturesque balconies. A jeep drive takes you to the Cocora Valley, where you can enjoy a scenic hike through the cloud forest and contribute to local conservation efforts by planting a Quindío wax palm, Colombia's national tree. During your leisurely day at the hacienda, you can relax by the pool or go on personalised excursions such as hiking, mountain biking or birdwatching. Take part in a cocoa-tasting tour or cooking class, or enjoy a special wellness treatment such as a coffee or passion fruit ritual or chocolate therapy. But the highlight of the trip will be an unforgettable hot air balloon ride with breathtaking views over the coffee-growing countryside - the perfect end to your short trip.
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Picture credit: Hacienda Bambusa (2,4)
URUGUAY - Boutique Hideaways in the Countryside
Picture credit: Narbona (1); Playa/Estancia Vik (2,4)
Embark on a relaxing 11-day tour of Uruguay's highlights, spiced up with carefully selected boutique hotels and upscale properties, most hidden away in the countryside. Start in the vibrant cultural capital of Montevideo at the Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel in the old town. Travel by road to Colonia del Sacramento and stay at the Boutique Hotel Charco, housed in a 1680 Portuguese mansion, and immerse yourself in the town's rich history and colonial charm. In Carmelo, taste wine at El Legado Winery before retiring to the exclusive Narbona Wine Lodge. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the scenic surroundings at your own pace and experience a sunset cruise among the isles of the Uruguayan and Argentine Littoral. Drive to Minas in Lavalleja, one of Uruguay's most beautiful provinces, and relax at the intimate 8-room Posada Campo Balcón del Abra, set in a natural landscape of Ombue woods, endless fields and bubbling streams. Head to the coast to José Ignacio, enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting at Bodega Garzón en route and relax at Hotel Estancia Vik, a traditional Spanish-style estate surrounded by green hills. Activities at the hacienda range from horse riding and hiking to water sports and golf. Continue to its sister property, Playa Vik, an avant-garde retreat on Mansa Beach with panoramic views of the ocean beyond. Explore the bohemian-chic village of José Ignacio, the pristine white beaches and local sea lion colony of Cabo Polonio, and Uruguay's glamorous beach resort lifestyle in Punta del Este. Visit Punta Ballena for stunning coastal views and explore the famous Casapueblo, a monumental creation by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, before concluding your trip with a farewell dinner and tango show in Montevideo.
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ARGENTINA - Hidden Treasures of the North
Northwest Argentina is home to some of the country's most majestic and impressive sites. The perfect base for exploring the region is the idyllic Finca Valentina, just outside Salta at the foot of the Andes, where you can enjoy horse riding, hiking, cycling, cooking classes or simply relaxing by the pool or in the gardens. From here, embark on a 2-day 4x4 excursion through the highlands (puna), characterised by canyons and gorges, panoramic serpentine roads and authentic colonial towns. Cross the Quebrada del Toro and Route 52, reminiscent of the famous Train to the Clouds route (the train is currently not in full operation). Passing the town of San Antonio de los Cobres and the famous La Polvorilla Viaduct, the route continues through the salt flats of Salinas Grandes and the serpentine Cuesta del Lipán to Purmamarca. Stay at La Comarca Hotel at the foot of the impressive Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colours Hill). Its unique range of colours is the result of a complex geological history, including marine sediments, lake and river movements that have been uplifted by the movement of tectonic plates. Waking up to the mountain views and photographing the vibrant colours in the morning light is a unique experience. Continue through the Quebrada de Humahuaca and stop in the town of Humahuaca to visit the local handicraft market before returning to Salta. Another 2-day tour takes you through the Calchaquí and Lerma valleys to Cafayate, where you will visit some of Cafayate's finest wineries, followed by an overnight stay at the beautiful Patios de Cafayate Wine Hotel, set amidst the vineyards. To get there, drive through the picturesque Quebrada de Escoipe and climb the winding road Cuesta del Obispo to reach the summit of Piedra del Molino (3,384m), which promises stunning panoramic views. Explore the historic villages of Cachi, Seclantás, Molinos and Angastaco on Route 40, which winds along the Calchaquí River. On the return journey, marvel at the natural wonders of Quebrada de las Conchas before finishing the tour in Salta.
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Picture credit: Finca Valentina (1)
PERU - Beach extension in Máncora
Picture credit: Arennas Máncora
After exploring Peru's cultural sights, what better way to round off your trip than with a few relaxing days on the beach? Located on the Pacific coast, Máncora attracts travellers with its long stretches of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant coastal atmosphere. Once a quaint fishing village, Máncora is now a paradise for surfers, sun seekers and adventurers alike. The mild climate and unspoilt beaches are best enjoyed from December to April. If you choose to stay in a hotel away from the bustling town and its exciting nightlife, you will find pure relaxation. The luxurious beachfront Arennas Mancora Hotel is located on Las Pocitas Beach and offers chic accommodation ranging from stylish rooms with garden or ocean views to private pool villas with panoramic terraces. Spend your day on the beach or by the outdoor pool, enjoy a spa treatment or dine on delicious fresh seafood in the restaurant. How about a ceviche cooking class or a romantic sunset dinner on the private beach? For the more active, Mancora offers a variety of water sports including kite surfing, paddle boarding, SUP, snorkelling and diving. Explore the 15 kilometres of beautiful beaches or visit the Cerros de Amotape National Park, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Finally, don't miss whale watching from August to November or the chance to swim with sea turtles at El Ñuro beach.
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HOTEL NEWS SOUTH AMERICA
Casa Ilayaku, Quito
Casa Ilayaku is a boutique hotel located close to Quito's airport (25 minutes by car) and surrounded by nature. Opening in January 2020, it offers a peaceful atmosphere with mountain views, ideal for starting or ending a roundtrip of Ecuador.
MGallery Manto Hotel Lima
Part of the Accor MGallery Collection, the Manto Hotel Lima is a boutique city hotel in the San Isidro neighbourhood. Inspired by Lima's viceroyalty, the 64 elegant rooms and suites invite guests to explore the "City of Kings".
Amukan Lodge, Panguipulli
The Amukan Lodge in Panguipulli is the first hotel in Chile to be awarded SERNATUR Level 3 certification for sustainable tourism. It offers comfortable cabins in a prime location in the southern Chilean region of Los Rios.
FLIGHT NEWS SOUTH AMERICA
New Colombia-Brazil flights
Avianca increases the number of flights between Brazil and Colombia. From April 1st, AV offers 2 extra flights a week on the Belo Horizonte-Bogotá route and 1 extra flight on the Rio de Janeiro-Bogotá route.
New Panama-Manta flights
COPA Airlines has increased its weekly frequencies between Panama and Manta on the Ecuadorian coast. From March 6th there are 4 return flights per week (Tue, Wed, Fri and Sun).
Santiago-Salvador flights
SKY Airline launches direct flights between Santiago and Salvador de Bahía on July 1st, strengthening its existing offer with a stopover in Montevideo. This new route will operate twice a week (Mon, Fri).
EASTER FUN FACTS SOUTH AMERICA
Uruguay celebrates „Tourism Week“ instead of Easter, reflecting its long-standing separation of church and state. At the beginning of the 20th century, all religious holidays were secularised and Easter became "la Semana de turismo". It's also the time of Montevideo's Easter Gaucho Festival, or "la Semana Criolla", celebrated with traditional food, live music, handmade crafts and gauchos showing off their riding skills, known as jineteadas.
During Holy Week in Ecuador, the streets in Quito come alive with a parade of men dressed as "cucuruchos" in purple robes and cone-shaped hoods, reminiscent of colonial-era penitents. They march barefoot, carrying crosses that symbolise the repentance of sins. The Women, known as "Veronicas", wear purple robes in honour of the woman who wiped Jesus' face.
In Colombia, Easter brings tranquil colonial towns to life with centuries-old traditions, dating back to the 1560s! In Mompox, families gather at the cemetery on Holy Wednesday for the Serenade of the Dead, decorating graves with flowers and candles and celebrating the lives of their loved ones with music. In Popayan, the "White City", candlelit masses and processions light up the streets, earning it UNESCO recognition for its cultural significance.
On Holy Thursday in Peru, it is common to see crowds of the faithful walking to seven different churches, symbolising the seven stations of Jesus carrying the cross. They also attend a special mass where the priests wash the feet of twelve elders to commemorate Jesus washing the feet of the twelve apostles.
Experience a unique Easter in Puerto Madryn, Argentina with the world's only submarine Via Crucis. Starting from land, the procession passes through the city to the pier and ends underwater, where a submerged cross is carried by professional divers while a priest leads the spiritual journey through a hydrophone. It's an extraordinary way to commemorate the Easter story 500 metres under the sea.
Since the 1960s, Nova Jerusalém, located in the city of Brejo de Deus, approximately 180km (110m) from Recife in Northeastern Brazil, has hosted an Easter pageant depicting the Passion of Christ, said to be the largest open-air theatre show in the world. A replica of Jerusalem with 4-metre-high walls and towers, the city attracts thousands of visitors every year, with around 550 actors and animals performing on 9 stages, from Herod's palace to Golgotha.
Ever wondered why Easter Island is called Easter Island? It's because, on Easter Sunday 1722, Dutch sailors first arrived at this remote island in the middle of the South Pacific, thousands of miles from today's Chile. They called it "Paaschen", or "Easter Island" in English, to commemorate the day of their discovery.
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