ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE: UNIQUE BALLOONING JOURNEY LAUNCHED!
Balloons Over Atacama was launched in August 2016 now offering visitors a unique journey high above the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile. This is the first trip of its kind, an unforgettable way to soak up the drama of the desert. The daily flights take place at sunrise and last 45 minutes to an hour. With a vista of stark desert, stunning rock formations, all framed by a range of distant snow-capped volcanoes, passengers are in awe. Eastern safaris, the company behind Balloons Over Atacama, aims to bring an environmentally friendly form of travel to a unique, and fragile area. Classic and premium packages are available, and we’ll be happy to cater to greater groups as well. Can’t wait to get high up in the air?
PUERTO IGUAZU, ARGENTINA: THE REAL ARGENTINE EXPERIENCE
There is a new sensation in Puerto Iguazu besides the legendary Iguazu Falls! It is called “The Argentine Experience” and represents a lively restaurant in which one obtains interactive cooking classes such as learning how to make an empanada, prepare local desserts or trying local ingredients as well as the notorious Argentinian drink Mate. The first branch of this popular company is operated successfully in Buenos Aires where it teaches visitors all the must-knows of Argentinian culture and food. This great and fun dining alternative which reminds of a vibrant dinner party makes your Iguazu experience even better and richer!
ECUADOR: REOPENING OF THE COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
The stunning Cotopaxi National Park, located 60km from Quito, finally reopened for visitors. The total closure was announced in August 2015 due to increased volcanic activity. The Geophysical Institute confirmed last month that the National Park can be visited again, and 90 % of the protected areas have been reopened accordingly. Climbing the summit of Cotopaxi volcano is the only activity that will remain restricted until further notice. Activities like camping, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed in authorized areas only. The park can be visited daily between 8am and 5pm.
ANCIENT CARAL CIVILIZATION, PERU: 4,500-YEAR-OLD MUMMY FOUND
Archaeologists have discovered a 4,500 year-old mummy in the ancient fishing village of Aspero, Peru. The discovery provides new insights into the ancient Caral civilization. Along with the mummy of the middle-aged woman, they also found artifacts, such as carved objects of birds and monkeys. The items suggest possible trade between Aspero and the city of Caral, the most ancient civilization of its kind of the Americas. Caral is situated on a dry desert terrace overlooking the lush valley of the Supe River. Exceptionally well-preserved, the site is impressive in terms of its design and the complexity of its architecture. Would you like to visit the oldest known city in the Americas? SAT will be happy to bring you there!
SALKANTAY LODGE-TO-LODGE TREK, PERU: SOLITUDE AND QUIET CONTEMPLATION
The Salkantay Trek was named among the 25 best Treks in the World by National Geographic. It is a remote footpath located in the same region as the Inca Trail where massive snowcapped mountains collide with lush tropical rain forests. The Salkantay Lodge-to-Lodge trek by Mountain Lodges of Peru combines the exhilaration of a 63 km trek in the towering Peruvian Andes with the comfort and delights of lovely mountain lodge accommodation. In small groups and covering 4 to 6 hours a day, walkers are rewarded with rarely seen views of Machu Picchu. In contrast to the traditional Inca trail, guests are pampered at their overnight stops by attentive local staff, with excellent cuisine, comfortable rooms and hot showers. Off the beaten path, this is a cutting edge experience for adventure travelers looking for a little more privacy and authenticity.
CURITIBA, BRAZIL: NEW HIKING TOUR AT GUARTELÁ CANYON
Approximately 215km away from Curitiba, the Guartelá State Park including the world’s sixth largest canyon can be found. Guartelá Canyon shares a length of 32km and is situated amidst a very special nature taking into account woods, rivers, natural pools called panelões and ancient Indian paintings. The tour from Curitiba takes 12 hours and consists of a 5-hour hike at moderate level, bathing as well as snacking opportunities. Furthermore, the tour is offered from Wednesday to Sunday and can be booked along with a local guide.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF URUGUAY!
This journey combines the must-sees of Uruguay with remote beaches, small villages, charming hotels and culinary treats. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the Unesco-listed Colonia de Sacramento, explore wineries around quaint Carmelo and then head on to buzzy Montevideo. The journey further leads to the seaside resort of Piriapolis and Punta del Este, with a day trip to the cozy culinary village of Garzon, and concludes at the off-radar natural highlight Sierras de Rocha. The itinerary is spiced with premium hotels and authentic countryside accommodation, with wine, mate and cheese tastings. Did we miss something to make this your perfect trip? Well, our tours are 100% tailor-made and can be fully adjusted to your preferences!