Experience the future of eco-friendly travel in Northwest Argentina aboard the Tren Solar de La Quebrada, Latin America's first 100% solar-powered train. This scenic 42km (26mi) journey takes its passengers through the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, passing through traditional pre-Hispanic towns such as Volcán, Tumbaya, Purmamarca, Maimará and Tilcara. During the journey, local guides provide fascinating insights into the region's rich history, landscapes and traditions, while the train's innovative solar technology ensures a sustainable, low carbon footprint. Highlights include panoramic views of the Cerro de los Siete Colores (Seven Colours Hill)  in Purmamarca, the pre-Inca Pucará ruins in Tilcara and the impressive Paleta del Pintor Hill in Maimará. Full day tours are available from Salta. 

Discover an authentic culinary journey at the Yabuticaba Forest Market, a unique restaurant and market in Puerto Iguazú that blends nature with modern design surrounded by tropical rainforest. With a glass ceiling and colourful stained glass inspired by the local Guarani culture, this eco-friendly space is a feast for the senses. Enjoy gourmet dishes made with local organic ingredients, with options including Argentinean barbecue, mate and wine tastings, and creative plates of fish, meat, pasta and vegetarian dishes. Four 3-course menus are available, along with two 'tapeo' options to try a bit of everything!

Explore the best of Buenos Aires with a city tour and a scenic boat ride along the Río de la Plata. Start the tour along Avenida 9 de Julio, passing historic landmarks such as the Colon Theatre and Plaza de Mayo. Then visit the modern Puerto Madero district and board a premium boat for a 40-minute cruise with breathtaking views of the city skyline and lush ecological reserve. Sail past the historic Nicolás Avellaneda Ferry Bridge and through the Riachuelo, where the industrial landscape meets the vibrant colours of La Boca neighbourhood. Disembark near Caminito Street for a stroll through La Boca's lively streets of tango dancers and souvenir shops. Continue through Palermo's beautiful parks and green spaces to elegant Recoleta, home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Argentina's most prominent figures, including Eva Perón.

Explore La Bodega Organica, a small family farm in Cahuasquí in the Andean highlands, just 30 minutes from Otavalo. Specialising in the cultivation of medicinal plants, this farm produces high quality organic and artisanal products. During her visit, Andrea Fierro, our General Manager in Ecuador, discovered the richness of the Andean soil and experienced the aromas and flavours of plants such as verbena, rue, lavender, chamomile, chilli pepper and marigold. The tour also shows their artisanal production processes and concludes with a traditional limpias - an energy cleansing ritual using the medicinal plants that align with one's personal energetic needs. 

Experience the dramatic beauty of Isabela Island with a visit to the sulphur mines of the Sierra Negra volcano. A 50-minute drive takes the travellers to the volcano where, on a clear day, they can enjoy breathtaking views of Sierra Negra's immense crater. The sulphur mines are located on the slopes of the volcano's collapsed crater. Start with a 4km (2,5mi) round trip descent into the caldera - a 2-hour hike through diverse environments and microclimates. The bright green sulphur deposits against the dark lava rocks create a unique Jurassic-like landscape that will captivate both the eye and the camera lens.

No trip to Floreana is complete without getting to know its people. The island's small community of around 150 people live a unique and fascinating lifestyle that seems to have been stopped in time. Discover the island's charm by visiting the Cruz family farm in the Floreana highlands. Claudio and Maria de Lourdes, one of the island's pioneering families, welcome you to their home. Learn about their sustainable coffee plantation and fruit and vegetable production during a tour of their farm, and hear fascinating stories about their life in Floreana's smallest and most remote community.

Explore Francisco Coloane Marine Park and its scientific station on Carlos III Island, near Punta Arenas. This unique experience lets you witness marine conservation in action while enjoying Patagonia’s incredible wildlife. At the scientific station, researchers monitor whale migrations, study marine habitats and assess the effects of climate change. Highlights for visitors include whale watching - especially humpback and southern right whales during migration season - kayaking around Carlos III Island and snorkelling in its pristine waters. For a unique overnight experience, guests can stay at nearby scientific facilities, glamping eco-domes or on a yatch under the stars. The ideal time to visit is between October and March, when wildlife activity peaks.

Guests at Explora Lodge in Patagonia National Park now have the exclusive opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field by helicopter. Soar above Laguna San Rafael National Park and see glaciers, mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes from a whole new perspective. Designed for up to 4 travellers, this private trip offers 1-2 hour flights for an intimate and unforgettable experience. This region is home to the vast glaciers of the Patagonian Andes and one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world.
For those looking to explore multiple Patagonian destinations, Explora also offers private charter flights or van transfers between Patagonia National Park, El Chaltén and Torres del Paine. Travel seamlessly between these iconic locations while enjoying breathtaking aerial views of some of the world's most spectacular landscapes.

Once the city's municipal landfill, Moravia, Medellín's most densely populated neighbourhood, has undergone an incredible transformation into a thriving centre of art, culture and unity. Led by local social leaders, this tour showcases Moravia's inspiring journey from poverty to creativity and empowerment. Located close to the city centre, visitors can immerse themselves in the district's vibrant street art and innovative community projects, and for a more interactive experience, participate in a cooking workshop. As part of a community nutrition initiative, local women guide through the preparation of healthy dishes, sharing their mission to promote well-being in Moravia.

Immerse yourself in the indigenous community of Katanzama on this enriching full-day tour. After a scenic 90-minute drive from Santa Marta to Perico Aguao, meet the Mamo, the community's spiritual leader, who will introduce you to their ancestral customs and present you with an "aseguranza" bracelet for access to the community. Discover the agricultural practices, with a focus on cocoa cultivation and processing, as the community build their own cocoa brand. Enjoy a traditional lunch of local specialities such as fish, manioc and malanga, and take time to relax by the sea.

Discover Colombia's rich culture and craftsmanship. Start in the La Ceja region, where the ideal climate supports a vibrant floral culture and the locals are proud of their colourful gardens. Visit a local flower farm, immerse yourself in the beautiful blooms and learn about the cultivation and export of Colombia's famous flowers. Continue to Carmen de Viboral, a charming town famous for its unique pottery traditions. Generations of skilled artisans have perfected a distinctive style that sets the region apart. Visit the ceramics museum, explore the history of this craft and create your own piece in a private, hands-on pottery workshop.

Get ready for Rio's newest luxury entertainment experience - The Roxy Dinner Show, opening on 18 October 2024, with tickets now on sale. Located in the beautifully restored Art Deco Roxy Cinema in the heart of Copacabana, the venue is set to redefine the city's nightlife by combining gourmet dining with immersive cultural performances. Guests will enjoy a menu curated by Chef Danilo Parah, featuring international cuisine infused with Brazilian flavours, accompanied by live Bossa Nova from Pretinho da Serrinha's "Roxy Band". The evening culminates with 'Aquele Abraço', a spectacular show celebrating Brazil's diverse heritage through music, dance, poetry and visual arts, brought to life on a dazzling 4K LED screen. With audience participation adding to the energy, this 700-seat venue promises an unforgettable, sophisticated night.

SAT is proud to support Reffetorio Gastromotiva, a pioneering initiative in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, that combines gastronomy with social impact. This innovative project tackles food waste while offering essential training and job opportunities to vulnerable communities. It also includes a social kitchen that provides meals to underserved groups. 

Reffetorio Gastromotiva is the perfect venue for group lunches or events, offering customisable menus in a warm and welcoming setting. By dining here, guests not only enjoy delicious meals prepared by the trainees, but also contribute to a sustainable model that supports those in need. In addition, Reffetorio Gastromotiva will soon be offering tours, tastings and workshops on sustainability and cooking skills.

Enjoy an exclusive painting workshop with Florencia Itzaina, Uruguayan artist and teacher. Florencia began her career in muralism in 2009 and over the past decade has painted both in dupla with Colectivo Licuado and solo with her personal work in more than 20 countries around the world. Travelling is a fundamental pillar of her artistic work and daily life. She has had 3 solo exhibitions in Montevideo and Madrid, where she has worked on the theme of being a woman, the gesture as action and the power of the collective, using materials such as canvas, paper and translucent fabrics. Nowadays Florencia is in a meticulous and poetic search for images, the intimate and the aqueous. The dyes as a possibility, the superimposed stroke with glazes, the accumulated layers and the notebook as a witness of the processes. The emotions that emerge as streams are transformed and represented by the body. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a truly global artist!

Cuyo Chico is a community project near Pisaq, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, that welcomes vistors to  experience traditional pottery, including handmade beads used to create bracelets and necklaces - a craft passed down through generations that is now threatened by mass-produced plastic from China. Cuyo Chico can host up to 20 visitors and offers a variety of activities tailored to guests, ranging from one-hour sessions to full-day workshops. Longer sessions allow guests to participate in the entire pottery process, from collecting clay to soaking and forming. As our CEO, Diana Spehn, can attest, the locals are incredibly welcoming and the activities are both engaging and varied.

With Latam's new direct flights from Lima to Huaraz (Anta), we are delighted to introduce the Cuesta Serena Boutique Hotel in Anta-Huaraz. This exclusive retreat offers a variety of tailor-made packages for stays from 2 to 5 nights, allowing you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the high Andes. Each room in this intimate hotel has its own personality, decorated with Peruvian textiles and offering stunning mountain views. The Cordillera Blanca offers exceptional landscapes to explore. El Callejón de Huaylas immerses you in a world of natural and cultural wonders. With majestic peaks such as Huascarán, you can enjoy breathtaking views and exciting hiking trails. Capture the essence of the Andes with stunning scenery and countless photo opportunities. For the full experience, don't miss the charming villages, lagoons and historic sites of the region.

Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain near Cusco, is one of the most popular destinations, attracting up to 3,000 visitors a day. However, there are several lesser known rainbow mountains with Palcoyo gaining popularity as a more accessible alternative. Which one to visit? Here's a quick comparison from our recent visit on spot:

Distance: Both mountains are about the same distance from Cusco, taking about 12 hours for a full day trip (from about 5am to 5pm). The drive to Palcoyo is longer, but the hike to the summit is shorter. Both excursions include breakfast and lunch.
Altitude: Vinicunca sits at around 5,200m (17,000ft), while Palcoyo is slightly lower at 4,900m (16,000ft). It's best to acclimatise in Cusco or nearby high altitude areas before visiting.
Difficulty: Vinicunca has a longer and steeper trail, and due to the difficulty of the walk, the locals have made it their business to take people up the mountain on horseback, quads or even motorbikes, so the trail can get quite busy. Palcoyo, on the other hand, is a relatively easy trek with no transportation options required nor available.
Scenery: The surrounding countryside is spectacular in both cases. Vinicunca offers views of snow-capped peaks, while Palcoyo has a unique valley with smaller rainbow mountains, deep red hills and an intriguing "stone forest" - oddly shaped rock formations -  promising great photos.
Crowds: A strong point in favour of Palcoyo, which is a quieter option, attracting only around 200 daily visitors compared to Vinicunca's bustling 2,000-3,000.
The Mountain itself: Vinicunca's dramatic angles and size provide a more striking backdrop and wow factor, while Palcoyo, although smaller and at an angle that makes photography a little more difficult, offers fewer crowds for a more peaceful experience.

Best time to visit:  May to October.

Grand Mercure

Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

After a complete renovation, the Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana has reopened its doors - a fresh and modern boutique-style hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms right on Copacabana Beach. Guests can relax at the VIZTA Rooftop Bar or by the rooftop pool, with breathtaking views of Copacabana's coastline, and enjoy delicious meals at CAZA Alimo Restaurant.

Illampu Art Boutique Hotel,
La Paz

Illampu Art Boutique Hotel is located in downtown La Paz, near the Witches' Market, and offers stunning views of the La Paz skyline, dominated by the Illimani Mountain. It offers 60 comfortable rooms on four themed floors - Tiwanaku, Amazon, Lake Titicaca & the Uyuni Salt Flat - showcasing Bolivia's diverse regions through thoughtful décor and amenities.

Ayca La Flora,

Valparaíso

Located in a mid-20th century building with a modern extension and surrounded by lush gardens, Ayca La Flora, a boutique hotel in Valparaíso, blends industrial design with the city's historic charm. With 11 individually decorated rooms, each with its own bathroom and delicious breakfast included, German-Chilean owners Anne and Alex offer a peaceful oasis.

New: Istanbul - São Paulo - Santiago de Chile

Turkish Airlines is further expanding its network in the Americas with the launch of a new route to Santiago de Chile from 18 December 2024. The airline will operate four weekly flights between Istanbul, Turkey and Santiago, with a stopover in São Paulo, Brazil.

New: São Paulo - Aruba

 

GOL Linhas Aéreas launches direct flights between São Paulo & Aruba. This new route from Brazil to the Caribbean will offer three weekly flights during the high summer season (Dec 2024 - Mar 2025 & Jun - Aug 2025) and one to two weekly flights during the low season.

New: Medellín - Guayaquil and Medellín - São Paulo

The Colombian airline Avianca is launching new routes from Medellín to Guayaquil from 16 Dec 2024, and to São Paulo from 3 Dec 2024. Both flights will operate three times a week, strengthening Colombia's connectivity with Ecuador and Brazil.