Recommendation of the Month

Baru, Colombia

Surrounded by white sand and turquoise water, this paradise island is a perfect place to embrace the sound of
the Caribbean Sea and the wind hitting the palm trees. Baru is located just 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena, nearby there are mangrove swamps and underwater gardens. Perfect for kayaking, kitesurfing, snorkeling or riding a jet ski. Baru has various beaches, but the most outstanding are Playa Blanca, Cholón, Agua Azul, and Agua Tranquila. We recommend staying at the beautiful Sofitel Baru Calablanca Beach Resort or at Las Islas Hotel. A dreamy destination that your clients will be amazed by!

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Travel + Leisure’s Most Beautiful Cities in the World

Renowned travel-specialized magazine Travel+Leisure has recently released their list of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World and, of course, South America is on it. This year, they have chosen three of our favorite destinations in the region:

• Cartagena: colorful, fun and historic, this is one of our favorite destinations in Colombia. We recommend this itinerary to enjoy Cartagena and combine it with other star destinations in the country.
  Rio de Janeiro: possibly one of the world’s most epic destinations, the “Cidade Maravilhosa” isn’t just a must see in Brazil, but a must-be on every discerning traveler’s bucket list. This program that we have designed will surely allow you to take in the Carioca spirit, while helping to explore this country of great proportions.
  Buenos Aires: Cosmopolitan and exuberant, Buenos Aires is a city like no other, where the most beautiful elements of European cultures blended with South American magic. This program will allow you to enjoy and take in some of the most beautiful elements that bring to life this magical city!

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Our Expert Advice on Patagonia

Mauricio Vergara

“I am Mauricio Vergara, North American Market Sales Manager for A&K South America. I recently celebrated 30 years living back in Santiago de Chile, after 8 years in Switzerland where I was “a kid from South America” because my classmates didn’t know what or where was Chile. I accepted the challenge and made my career promoting my country and all things South America. I am in love with the diversity you can find in our region: call it food, drinks, wildlife or funny words; there is an endless list of places I want to go and come back to!”

My Favorite Local Thing to Do in the Chilean Patagonia:
In Punta Arenas, time allowing, have fresh sea-urchins, if available, or fresh king-crab; In Puerto Natales, try the locally brewed beer and distilled gin, and don't miss lunch or dinner at the Singular Hotel’s restaurant. In Torres del Paine National Park or surroundings, have a hot “mate” tea after horseback riding with a gaucho, overlooking the jaw-dropping landscape. If self-driving, stop at every look-out point for more pictures of the horns and towers made of granite stone, from every possible angle.

Top 5 Things to Do in the Chilean Patagonia:
1. The W Trek Circuit or at least one of the legs! Hiking to the Base of the Towers is a classic and nice challenge.
2. Wildlife photo safari looking for endemic fauna such as condors and pumas.
3. Meet real “Patagonia” cowboys at a working estancia and find out about the conservation project to preserve wildlife and protect the cultural traditions of the magic Patagonia.
4. Visit the Penguin Colony at Magdalena Island by the Strait of Magellan near Punta Arenas.
5. Enjoy a classic Patagonian BBQ and a Calafate Sour (local cocktail), or just eat a Calafate Berry to return to Patagonia – according to a local myth.

My Favorite Hotel to Stay at?
Explora Patagonia, Tierra Patagonia, The Singular Patagonia and Patagonia Camp.

What to Bring on Your Trip:
A camera with plenty of memory space and spare batteries, or make sure your smartphone has enough gigas available and a portable charger. Patagonia offers endless opportunities for amazing pictures and videos, instagramable spots and active wildlife which could appear spontaneously to offer an incredible nature spectacle!

My Local Advice:
Dress in layers, as it can get pretty windy here but, most of all, always say yes! Be it when you are asked to go horseback riding, biking, hiking or enjoying a delicious Patagonian lamb, always say yes, as you will be taking in the essence of this corner of Earth and making them part of you! Not every day one gets to set foot on barren Patagonia, so embracing as many experiences as possible and enjoying from every perspective will create some of your happiest memories.

Visit the Chilean Patagonia
Wild, authentic and beautiful, Patagonia is a destination perfect for all the adventure hearted, no matter the age! For this, I’d like to recommend this beautiful program in Patagonia, focused on families. Click here to see it.

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