As Latin America heads into its summer season, and tour operators begin to release their new programmes for 2025, we are pleased to share news from across the LATA membership. As always, if we can help with any stories or input into features, please do not hesitate to contact us.
LATA’S NEWS
LATA has recently begun the sixth cohort of the sustainability training programme. This popular scheme has already seen 75 members complete the three-month course, which is offered complimentary as part of the LATA membership. Read more about LATA’s sustainability programme here.
As part of the LATA Safety Scheme, LATA has also recently partnered with the Safer Tourism Foundation and the TRIP Group. The Safer Tourism Foundation is an independent charity, dedicated to saving lives and preventing serious harm or injury to travellers, both at home and abroad. Its aim is to help ensure everyone who travels on holiday, at home in the UK or abroad, stays safe and well. Read more about the partnership here.
The Travel Risk & Incident Prevention (TRIP) Group specialises in travel risk management and delivers high-quality, educational events, consultancy and training courses, focussing on those operating or travelling overseas. LATA members are able to attend TRIP Group events and webinars free of charge. The alliance allows LATA members to prepare effectively for the risks associated with travel. Read more about the partnership here.
ANTARCTICA
Albatros Expeditions offers first Halal cruise worldwide to Antarctica
Albatros Expeditions is proud to present the very first Halal-certified cruise to visit Antarctica. This is the first time that an expedition vessel will operate a fully Halal-certified kitchen in Antarctica – a milestone in the history of expedition cruising. For the very first time in Antarctic history, Muslim guests who require a halal-certified kitchen will be able to enjoy the complete Antarctic experience, including fully halal menus, alongside all other guests. The Ocean Albatros vessel offers Muslim-friendly amenities, an alcohol-free environment, and Halal-certified dining on an adventure like no other. The cruise will also offer ladies-only hours each day to enjoy the onboard sauna.
Find out more here
Poseidon Expeditions and South Georgia Heritage Trust partner to preserve unique ecosystem
Poseidon Expeditions is contributing to the preservation of South Georgia’s unique ecosystem through a partnership with the South Georgia Heritage Trust. From 1 July 1 to 31 December 2024, Poseidon will donate £100 (or equivalent) for every passenger booking on its Antarctic Wildlife Adventure cruises featuring South Georgia.
These donations will support essential conservation projects, scientific research, and the upkeep of the South Georgia Museum. Additional initiatives include preserving Shackleton’s heritage at Stromness, installing a whale memorial at Grytviken, and developing a digital Whalers’ Memory Bank.
Travelers are invited to join this meaningful journey, helping to protect one of the world’s most extraordinary environments. Embark on an adventure with Poseidon Expeditions and make a difference.
Find out more here
Images here
ARGENTINA
New estancia opening March 2025
Estancia Vigil, by the acclaimed Mendoza brand Casa Vigil, will open a 55-minute drive from central Buenos Aires to cater to the rising demand for premium wine tourism and gastronomic experiences. Visitors will be able to embark on an extraordinary journey that combines the passion of wine, world-class cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, all with a strong ecological commitment. Each dish, crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients, will be paired with award-winning wines from Alejandro Vigil’s Winery El Enemigo, promising an unforgettable sensory experience. Inspired by grand European mansions, Estancia Vigil will offer an immersive experience where sustainability meets sophistication. The venue will feature versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, private tasting cellars, a charming country store, and a Chef’s Table Experience with Chef Diego Irato.
Find out more here
Route 40: five destinations to see in Santa Cruz
Few people know that Santa Cruz is the second largest province in terms of land area in Argentina. That is why distances are usually long and perhaps it is in this territory where the authenticity of Patagonia is mostly felt. From the capital of Santa Cruz, Río Gallegos, to the Cave of Hands, passing through El Calafate, El Chaltén and Lake Posadas, the remoteness, the steppe and the endless routes are very typical features of both Santa Cruz and the southernmost region of the country. Take a tour along the legendary 3,100-mile National Route N°40, the longest in the country, through deepest Argentinian Patagonia in Argentina.
Find out more here
Image here
Whale watching in Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn, in the province of Chubut, is the epicentre of one of Argentina’s most impressive natural spectacles: whale watching. From June to December, southern right whales arrive at the Valdés Peninsula to mate and give birth. September and October are ideal months to enjoy this phenomenon, as the season is in full swing, and the chances of sightings are optimal.
In addition to whale watching, Puerto Madryn offers crystal-clear beaches, ideal for diving and snorkelling, and serves as the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique biodiversity.
Find out more here
New air routes now connect Chile and Argentina beyond their capitals.
Starting December 6, 2024, LATAM Airlines Group will offer three weekly frequencies on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Bariloche, Argentina and Santiago, Chile.
This expansion facilitates the creation of more diverse and attractive Patagonian itineraries. Discover the magic of iconic glaciers like Perito Moreno and the beautiful lakes of Bariloche in one trip.
Concurrently, Sky Airlines has announced a new seasonal route from Santiago, Chile, to El Calafate, Argentina, for the summer period. This addition is particularly significant as it marks the first regular international flight to El Calafate, providing direct access to the famous Perito Moreno glacier.
Initially, Sky will operate two weekly frequencies on this route, with potential for future increase. This expansion complements Sky’s existing flights to Bariloche, as well as regular itineraries to Buenos Aires and Mendoza from the Chilean capital.
Find out more here
Cavas Wine Lodge celebrates 20 years in 2025
To celebrate this special milestone, Cavas Wine Lodge is hosting a year-long series of events for guests. Kick off the festivities with the March harvest, where you can join us in the vineyards to hand-pick grapes and participate in the traditional grape stomping. Later in the year, indulge in a vertical tasting of our wines, culminating in the release of their anniversary vintage. Get ready for unforgettable celebrations including outdoor cinema nights, tree planting ceremonies, and the launch of a commemorative book filled with cherished memories.
Drinkers and non-drinkers alike can also enjoy activities such as harvesting olives (May and June), white water rafting, cooking classes, tango & traditional asado barbecues.
Find out more here
Electric bike tours in Buenos Aires
Maximise your time in Buenos Aires but skip the sweating with an electric bike tour. Pedal easily through the city on your own e-bike with pedal assist, while listening to your guide’s commentary. Cruise leisurely past famous landmarks such as Puerto Madero and May Square; learn about local history and culture in Recoleta with its ornate mansions and cemetery, and explore Palermo’s green parks, Rose Garden and iconic Floralis Generica, Visit San Telmo and La Boca neighbourhoods famous for their colonial architecture, tango, Caminito and lively street markets; check out urban art in Palermo Soho or cycle through beautiful Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve. The fresh air and flexibility of frequent photo stops without the strenuous effort of traditional biking, makes this an excellent option to explore the city.
Find out more here
BRAZIL
To coincide with the launch of the new Air France route in October from Paris to Salvador da Bahia, Humboldt Travel has launched a new holiday to Brazil.
Salvador da Bahia, commonly known simply as Salvador, is a vibrant and culturally rich city located on the northeastern coast of Brazil. As the capital of the state of Bahia, it is renowned for its Afro-Brazilian culture, historic architecture, and lively festivals. Founded in 1549, Salvador was Brazil’s first capital and remains one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. The city is famous for its historic Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, characterized by its cobblestone streets, colourful colonial buildings, and baroque churches. Salvador is also a cultural hub, celebrated for its music, dance, and cuisine, which reflect a unique blend of African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences. The city’s annual Carnival is one of the largest and most energetic in the world, drawing millions of visitors with its electrifying atmosphere, samba rhythms, and street parades. Salvador’s coastal location also offers stunning beaches and a warm tropical climate, making it a popular destination for both cultural exploration and relaxation.
The Best of Bahia is a new 14-night luxury itinerary showcases the best of the vibrant state of Bahia. Start your trip with flights to Salvador, with its huge African influences. Stay for 3 nights at the 5-star Fasano in Salvador and enjoy a guided tour of the city before driving to the Chapada Diamantina National Park for 4 nights at the hotel Canto das Aguas with 3 full days of park exploration. Finish your trip with a flight to Porto Seguro and 7 nights on the beach in trendy Trancoso at the fabulous UXUA Casa, one of the top boutique hotels in the world.
The trip is priced from £6,295 per person and includes accommodation on a B&B basis with a number of private guided tours, private transfers as well as all internal flights and international flights with Air France, in economy.
Find out more here
CHILE
Tierra Atacama will reopen to guests on 1st April 2025.
The eco design hotel is currently undergoing a transformation, marking a new chapter in Tierra Atacama’s story. The hotel has been closed since April 2024 for a full renovation of all the facilities and services. The project is being led by Tierra Hotels founder Miguel Purcell, along with renowned architects Rodrigo Searle and Matías González, the creative minds behind the original design, whose immersive interpretation of the environment is the core of the project.
The redesign of the hotel involves an investment of more than 12 million dollars, and will focus on local labour, using native materials to renew Tierra Atacama’s commitment and collaboration with the local community. More than 40 artisans and designers are creating distinctive pieces for every corner, adding quality, beauty, and a sense of cultural belonging to the hotel’s narrative.
From architecture to decorative details, every aspect of the remodelling is being carried out with care and attention to detail, to ensure an authentic experience with the destination. The hotel will offer personalized experiences and an enriching and memorable connection with the driest desert in the world.
Find out more here.
The Other Side of Patagonia
Patagonia is a bucket list destination but rather than just visit the best known spots, Tropic Travel will introduce you to the ‘Other Side of Patagonia.’ This is a journey that goes deeper, where travellers really get to know a place, in this case in Aysén, along Carretera Austral and Lago General Carrera, aka ‘Chelenko.’ Aysén is a nature lover’s paradise offering majestic landscapes where travellers will find themselves amidst sprawling glaciers and tranquil lakes. Chelenko is South America’s second-largest lake where guests will immerse in local life and culture; enjoy activities including kayaking and hiking; and spot wildlife – from endangered huemul deer and guanacos to Patagonian hare and perhaps elusive pumas – all while gaining insight into the traditional way of life. Contact us for the full itinerary.
Find out more here.
New: W Trek Brush, a variant of the iconic W Trek in Torres del Paine, Chile
EcoCamp Patagonia has created the 7-day W Trek Brush. This multi-day hike begins with a boat journey past the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers, followed by a forest hike to Brush Lake, eventually joining the classic W Trek route.
Designed for adventurous travellers, this 100 km trek offers a unique way to enter Torres del Paine via a remote, less-travelled path, showcasing the park’s lakes, glaciers, forests, fauna, and flora. Accommodation options range from huts and tents to hotels, including EcoCamp.
Find out more here.
COLOMBIA
Barranquilla’s Carnival: Colombia’s biggest celebration
Barranquilla’s Carnival, one of the largest celebrations in Colombia and Latin America, will be held from 1-4 March 2025. For these four days, the city transforms into a vibrant display of joy and colour with parades, traditional dances, and musical rhythms such as cumbia, salsa, champeta, and mapalé. Its slogan, “Quien lo vive es quien lo goza” (“He who lives it, enjoys it”), reflects the festival’s spirit. Recognized by UNESCO in 2008 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it showcases over three centuries of cultural heritage and historical resistance. The Carnival celebrates the identity of Barranquilla, the Colombian Caribbean, and the Magdalena River region with traditional dances such as El Garabato and La Danza del Caimán
Find out more here.
COSTA RICA
Discover the World launches new Costa Rica holiday collection
Discover the World has launched a Costa Rica programme, featuring a range of exciting new holidays. Home to 30 national parks, over 60 volcanoes, 800 miles of coastline and lush rainforests and cloud forests, here you’ll find 5% of the world’s biodiversity and a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered – including sloths, sea turtles and dazzling birdlife!
Discover the World’s new Costa Rica holiday collection includes a selection of immersive self-drive itineraries, guided wildlife experiences, hiking holidays and jungle retreats, plus luxury escapes, family adventures, and beach stays. We also offer a fully tailor-made service.
Find out more here
ECUADOR
New Private Tour to Antisana Volcano from Quito
Experience Ecuador’s stunning highlands on a private tour to Antisana Volcano near to Quito. Venture through the breathtaking landscapes of the Chakana Reserve with panoramic views of the Antisana Volcano. Wildlife enthusiasts will have the chance to spot the majestic Andean condor soaring through the gorges of Antisanilla.
Learn how to make traditional tea to help you adjust to the altitude and enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant, with the option to try cuy (guinea pig), a popular Andean dish.
End the day with a visit to the studio of painter Daniel Reinoso, where you’ll learn about his artistic process and techniques. With private transportation and a dedicated guide, this tour offers a unique and personalized way to connect with nature and culture, perfect for those looking for a special day in the Andes.
Find out more here Photos can be viewed here.
Sacha Lodge announces new private birding itineraries
Sacha Lodge, one of the premiere jungle lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon, is thrilled to announce a NEW series of private birding itineraries, ranging from four to eight days. Of the 1,600 bird species registered in Ecuador, 600 have been seen at Sacha Lodge. For avid birdwatchers, Sacha Lodge will provide specialist birding and nature guides who know the best spots for hard-to-find species and can help identify them by sight and sound. Highlights of the new birding itineraries include the Canopy Exploration Crane, night expeditions, the Yasuni Parrot Clay Lick, the Canopy Walk, the Kapok Tower, and more. The lodge’s location in upper Amazonia among various habitats makes it an ideal environment for even the rarest birds. Plus, the comfort and accessibility of Sacha Lodge make for an unparalleled Amazon birding experience. Itineraries can be found here.
Find out more here Photos can be viewed here.
Golden Experiences & Travel offers new bespoke tours of Galapagos and the Amazon
The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest are two of the world’s most iconic destinations, renowned for their natural beauty. Golden Experiences & Travel introduces a bespoke tour for 2025 that seamlessly blends these magical destinations. Begin your journey in the heart of the Amazon at La Selva Eco-lodge, where you’ll experience Kichwa culture, discover incredible wildlife, and enjoy holistic wellness activities. Then, continue with a luxurious exploration of the Galapagos aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran, encountering unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.
This customisable tour, ranging from seven to fourteen nights, allows you to create the ideal itinerary, balancing adventure and relaxation. Designed with sustainability at its core, explore the wonders of Ecuador according to your preferences.
Prices start at £4,750, including local flights.
Find out more here
MEXICO
New developments and connections in Riviera Nayarit
With improvements in infrastructure, the Pacific coast of Mexico is becoming easier to visit. Tepic Airport in Nayarit is being expanded to offer increased international connections, as well as a new highway linking Guadalajara with Riviera Nayarit. There is also a newly opened highway connecting Oaxaca City with Puerto Escondido on the coast. Alongside these improvements, many new hotels have already opened with more planned, as well as other tourist infrastructure.
Find out more here
New tour to San Miguel de Allende taking travellers beyond the tourist track
Voted best city in the world by Travel + Leisure for 2024, and named a trending destination by American Express, San Miguel de Allende is a firm favourite for visitors to Mexico. The town’s timeless historic center hosts iconic architecture, winding cobbled streets and thousands of old-world doorways, each with their own secrets to tell. Journey Mexico has launched a collection of new adventures in the city allowing guest to delve deeper and experience the city as a local.
Find out more here.
New tour to discover the wonderful world of the agave
Agave is a genus of flowering plants native to Mexico’s desert, central, and southern areas as well as some regions of Mesoamerica. Out of over 200 types of agaves worldwide, Mexico is the guardian of a whopping 70% of endemic species, and well known for its production of agave spirits like tequila and mezcal. Agave culture in Mexico goes way back – we’re talking over 3,000 years ago. Through centuries of cultivation and craftsmanship, agave has evolved into more than just a plant; it stands as a symbol of Mexican identity, resilience, and ingenuity. Join us on one of our curated adventures to connect with this magnificent plant and reveal why it’s been at the heart of Mexican culinary culture for thousands of years.
Find out more here.
Experience Mexico’s Day of the Dead
Discover the fascinating world of the Day of the Dead, a colourful and often misunderstood Mexican celebration, marked on 1 and 2 November. Immerse in the rich cultural heritage as travellers can explore the intricately decorated altars, visit colorful cemeteries, and engage with local communities and families in Oaxaca, Mexico City, Chiapas, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Uncover the beauty and significance behind this heartfelt celebration as a firsthand witness of the deep connection between life and death in Mexican culture.
Find out more here.
PERU
New routes to Rainbow Mountain
Access to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain via the Cusipata community has been suspended since November 2023 due to conflicts among the local communities. However, an alternative route via the Pitumarca community remains available. This route continues to be open and free from conflicts, despite recent communication from Cusco authorities suggesting that this access might also be affected. The Pitumarca community is requesting that Cusco authorities correct this information.
Find out more here
Adventurous Side of Peru: kayak and paddle board on the world’s highest navigable lake
Lake Titicaca, located on the border between Peru and Bolivia, offers a unique experience for kayaking and paddle boarding enthusiasts. At 3,812 meters above sea level, the highest navigable lake in the world provides stunning views and calm waters ideal for adventure. Visitors can paddle among floating reed islands and discover the rich culture of local communities. Whether for a peaceful getaway or an exciting adventure, Lake Titicaca is the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts.
Find out more here.