Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the world's most iconic Carnival celebration! This 5-day experience in Rio de Janeiro offers the perfect mix of vibrant street parties, historical exploration and VIP access to the city's legendary samba parades.

Start your time in the 'Marvelous City' with an essential Rio tradition - Carnival Feijoada. Enjoy a welcome party with a lavish buffet of Brazil's most popular dish - feijoada - along with traditional appetisers and caipirinhas. Discover Rio's rich history and culture with a guided tour of the city's diverse neighbourhoods and sights. In the evening, experience the Roxy Dinner Show - an immersive spectacle that combines Brazil's music, dance and culinary heritage for a sophisticated night out. Then it's time to dive into the heart of Rio's Carnival. Join your guide for one of the vibrant bloco parades and street parties that take place throughout the city. These informal, open-air celebrations bring locals and visitors together for an authentic experience, filling the streets of Rio with music, dancing and a contagious energy that is uniquely Brazilian. At night, witness the grandeur of the Samba School Parade at the Sambadrome. Marvel at the elaborate floats, extravagant costumes and mesmerising performances of Brazil's best samba schools. Start the next day with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - Christ the Redeemer at the top of Corcovado Mountain. In the evening, experience the ultimate in Carnival luxury with VIP access to a Camarote (exclusive box) at the Sambadrome. Enjoy gourmet dining, an open bar and world-class entertainment as you watch the electrifying parades from the best vantage point. Finish your Carnival experience with a visit to the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. Two cable cars take you to the top, where you can take in panoramic views of Rio, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. After soaking up the breathtaking scenery, say goodbye to Rio and travel on to your next destination with unforgettable memories of Rio's Carnival magic.

Join us on this 14-day journey through Peru and Bolivia to experience two of the most significant Andean celebrations in June: Inti Raymi, the Incan Sun Festival in Peru, and the Aymara New Year, an ancient solstice ritual celebrated by the Aymara people of Bolivia. 

Starting in Lima, travellers explore the colonial and modern highlights of Peru's capital before flying to Arequipa, the 'White City', with its stunning volcanic architecture. A breathtaking excursion through the Colca Canyon follows, where Andean condors soar over one of the deepest canyons in the world. From here, the adventure continues to Lake Titicaca, where travellers board an eco-catamaran to Sun Island for an authentic Aymara ceremony led by a traditional healer. The highlight of Bolivia is the Aymara New Year celebration at the sacred ruins of Tiwanaku on the southeastern shore of the lake. Known as Willkakuti or 'Return of the Sun', the festival marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle and is a time of renewal and gratitude. As dawn breaks on  June 21, travellers witness ancient rituals performed by Andean priests, welcoming the first rays of the sun in a powerful spiritual ceremony. After exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tiwanku, the journey returns to Peru, crossing the highlands by train from Puno to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. On June 24, travellers step back in time as they witness the great Inca festival of Inti Raymi. This festival honours Inti, the sun god, and marks the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. The celebration begins at Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, and moves through Cusco's historic streets before culminating in an awe-inspiring reenactment at the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuamán. Dressed in elaborate traditional costumes, hundreds of performers bring the ancient rituals to life with processions, music and dramatic ceremonies. The journey continues to the Sacred Valley, with its colourful markets and impressive Inca terraces, before culminating in a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu. Throughout this unforgettable journey, travellers will gain a deep insight into Andean cosmology, indigenous traditions and the enduring spirit of the region's people.

Embark on an adventure to remote and mystical Easter Island, where every February the Tapati Rapa Nui Festival brings Polynesian culture to life. For two weeks, the islanders honour their heritage with exciting competitions, mesmerising dances and intricate body painting against the breathtaking backdrop of ancient Moai statues and the endless Pacific Ocean.

Your journey begins in Santiago, Chile's cosmopolitan capital, before flying to Easter Island and settling into the luxurious Nayara Hangaroa Hotel. Your 5-nights stay includes guided excursions to iconic archaeological sites such as Rano Raraku, the quarry where hundreds of unfinished moai lie, and Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial platform with 15 majestic statues. But the real highlight is witnessing the Tapati Festival, an intense competition between the clans to crown their king and queen. Participants demonstrate their strength, endurance and skill in extraordinary contests that link them to their ancestors. One of the most exhilarating challenges is Haka Pei, where brave competitors slide down a steep hill on banana tree trunks, reaching speeds of up to 80km/h. Tau'a Rapa Nui is a unique triathlon that involves paddling a canoe, swimming in a traditional reed float and running while carrying 20kg of bananas. A'ati Hoi features thrilling horse sprints over 500m and 1000m, while Takona highlights the art of body painting, where participants use natural pigments to tell stories of their ancestors. The artistic soul of the festival comes alive in Ori Rapa Nui, spectacular dance performances where locals in handmade costumes recreate legends through hypnotic movements and rhythmic drumming. Another highlight is the Nari-Nari Parade, a grand procession through Hanga Roa with music, floats and traditional performances, inviting visitors to join in the island's joyous celebrations. The festival culminates with the Tapati Coronation, where the winning clan's king and queen are crowned in a grand ceremony of music, dance and fireworks - a fitting finale to this incredible cultural immersion.

Beyond the festival, the island offers countless opportunities to dive deeper into its traditions. Take part in a traditional craft workshop and learn how to carve wood or weave with mahute bark. Sample authentic Rapa Nui cuisine, from underground Umu Tahu feasts to freshly caught seafood. And end your day with a sunset cocktail at Tahai, where the silhouette of the moai against the Pacific creates an unforgettable spectacle. After the festival, return home with memories of one of the world's most fascinating cultures, or extend your trip to mainland Chile.

Did you know that Uruguay has one of the world's longest carnivals? For 40 days between late January and early March, Montevideo comes alive with an explosion of music, dance and theatre that blends European and Afro-Uruguayan traditions. The carnival celebrations begin with an inaugural street parade and end with a closing event on an open-air stage, where the various carnival disciplines are awarded. In between, there are a number of other events and activities - many of which are unique to Uruguay - that you can experience first-hand on this 5-day Carnival package.

On arrival, settle into your boutique hotel before diving into Montevideo's rich cultural scene. A guided tour takes you through the capital's historic landmarks, charming colonial streets and the Carnival Museum, where you'll discover the fascinating history behind Murga and Candombe - the heart and soul of Uruguayan Carnival. In the evening, experience the energy of a Tablado, an open-air stage where Murga ensembles perform their satirical, opera-inspired songs that mock politics and society. Dressed in elaborate costumes, they blend music, theatre and humour into a lively performance, which your guide will summarise for you. The next day, dive deeper into the city's cultural fabric with a visit to the studio of Lobo Nuñez, where the Afro-Uruguayan percussionist shares his expertise in making the traditional drums that give Candombe its heartbeat. In the evening, enjoy a dinner show at El Milongón, a dazzling celebration of tango, milonga and candombe. One of the highlights of this tour is the famous Desfile de Llamadas, a spectacular parade where over 40 groups of drummers and dancers fill the streets with pulsating rhythms and colourful costumes - a true expression of Montevideo's soul. 

After this unique Carnival experience, you can enhance your trip with an extension to Uruguay's stunning beaches, a visit to its renowned vineyards or a ferry ride to Buenos Aires for an memorable continuation of your South American adventure.

Argentina's premier wine region offers an unforgettable experience for wine and culture lovers. This 5-day tour invites travellers to immerse themselves in Vendimia, Mendoza's famous grape harvest festival, while exploring the region's rich traditions, stunning landscapes and exquisite wines.
Framed by the majestic Andes, Mendoza welcomes you with a gourmet dinner at Chef Francis Mallmann's exclusive 1884 Restaurant, located in the historic Escorihuela Winery. Over the next few days, explore the prestigious wine regions of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, home to Argentina's iconic Malbec wine. At selected wineries, expert sommeliers lead tastings of bold reds and elegant whites, offering insights into the region's winemaking process. The tour also includes a visit to the olive groves and mills of Maipú, where you can sample premium olive oil and learn about sustainable agricultural practices. Beyond the culinary experience, Mendoza's charm extends to its history and culture. A city tour reveals the Spanish colonial roots of this four-century-old city. From the Hill of Glory, enjoy panoramic views of the city framed by vineyards and the snow-capped Andes. The highlight of the tour is the Vendimia Festival, a celebration of music, dance and local traditions. The streets of Mendoza come alive as thousands gather for La Vía Blanca de las Reinas, a vibrant parade of regional beauty queens representing each of Mendoza's wine-producing districts. The festivities culminate in a spectacular open-air show with traditional folklore performances and the crowning of the National Harvest Queen.
The Vendimia Festival is a vibrant celebration of Mendoza's winemaking heritage and culture. To deepen your South American wine adventure, you can cross the Andes to Santiago de Chile, where world-class Chilean wineries offer another unforgettable tasting experience.

Every August, Medellín, the 'City of Eternal Spring', bursts with colour when it hosts the renowned Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival). Declared an Intangible Heritage of the Nation, this annual celebration pays tribute to Antioquia's flower-growing heritage and the tradition of the farmers, known as silleteros, who once carried flowers in silletas on their backs to Medellín to sell.

Our 5-day sample immerses you in the heart of this floral spectacle. On arrival, settle into the charming Boutique Hotel Quinta Ladera and explore Medellín's history and cultural transformation on a guided city tour. Don't miss a visit to the Medellín Botanical Garden, home to over 4,500 species of plants, including an exquisite collection of orchids, Colombia's national flower. During the Festival, the garden hosts special floral exhibitions, often enhanced by enchanting light displays. The next day, drive to nearby Santa Elena, a picturesque village in the Antioquia mountains, where you will visit one of the many traditional flower farms and meet a silletero. Learn about the centuries-old tradition of making silletas using time-honoured techniques and discover the cultural heritage behind these living masterpieces. Enjoy the scents and colours of native Colombian flowers before returning to Medellín. During the festival season, the city is filled with musical performances, gastronomic exhibitions and the Festival Nacional de la Trova, which highlights the region's improvisational folk music. The main event of the festival is the Silleteros Parade. Hundreds of silleteros parade through the streets of Medellín, proudly carrying their meticulously designed silletas, made from the flowers they grow throughout the year. This tradition embodies the spirit and pride of the Antioquian people and offers an authentic cultural immersion. So if you are planning a trip in August, the Medellín Flower Festival is a great addition to any Colombia round trip.

During Holy Week, Ecuador's UNESCO-listed capital is transformed into a city of deep spirituality and cultural vibrancy. This special 8-day itinerary immerses you in Quito's historic processions, sacred rituals and rich traditions.
Begin your journey with a stay at the elegant Casa Gangotena Hotel, located in the heart of Quito's old town. Explore the city's rich history on a guided walking tour of its colonial streets, including a visit to the Museo del Carmen Alto, with its great collection of colonial religious art and early 20th-century modernist paintings by renowned Quito artists, and the Church of San Francisco, where Palm Sunday celebrations mark the start of Holy Week. Watch local artisans create intricate palm weavings, a unique tradition deeply rooted in Ecuadorian culture. The next day, venture beyond the city to Otavalo and discover Ecuador's famous rose plantations, visit a local Kichwa family for a hands-on cooking experience and learn how to make the Andean Fanesca soup, a staple of Easter celebrations. A full day excursion to Cotopaxi National Park offers a breathtaking contrast to the city's festivities. Hike near the Limpiopungo Lagoon and enjoy views of one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Back in Quito, experience the solemn ceremony of Arrastre de Caudas (The Drag of the Tails) at the Metropolitan Cathedral, a unique ritual symbolising the death and resurrection of Jesus. Six senior clerics, "Los Primados", dressed in white with long black capes, are received by the Archbishop of Quito, adorned in gold, purple and white. Accompanied by two canons in white and purple, signifying penance, the ceremony represents the washing away of sins. On Holy Thursday, take in panoramic views of Quito from the Pichincha cable car before joining the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, an ancient tradition that retraces Jesus' path to Calvary through seven beautifully decorated churches in the colonial heart of the city. On Good Friday, witness the impressive Jesús del Gran Poder procession, a profound display of devotion in which thousands of believers dressed as "cucuruchos" in purple robes and conical hoods re-enact the Passion of Christ. Watch this solemn event from your hotel's rooftop terrace, one of the best vantage points for this powerful tradition. End the day with a special fanesca meal, a cherished Ecuadorian Easter tradition, before departing for your next destination.

New flights:

Fernando de Noronha

Large aircraft operations return to Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. From March 19, 2025 LATAM launches 3 weekly flights from Recife, with a new daily service from São Paulo (Guarulhos) planned for May. Azul Airlines will resume jet flights on May 7 with 18 weekly flights. GOL will resume flights to the island in April.

New flights:

Manaus - Bogotá

GOL is launching a new international route between Manaus (MAO), the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, and Bogotá (BOG), the capital of Colombia, with 2 weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays from April 2, 2025: BOG-MAO at 13:25-17:30 and MAO-BOG at 19:45-21:35 (local times).

New codeshare flights:

Prague - Madrid

Air Europa and Czech airline Smartwings will begin codeshare flights between Madrid (MAD) and Prague (PRG) on March 30, 2025. The daily flights will improve connectivity between Spain and Central Europe, while offering seamless connections to Air Europa's extensive network to the Americas.