About Sunvil

A little background on a specialist holiday company that remains fiercely independent...

O

riginally, we sold villas and apartments in Cyprus – but, in 1973, we decided to organise self-catering holidays, giving property owners an income as well as their own holiday home. Well ahead of the current building boom, Sunvil created the self - catering villa market in Cyprus. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus and we lost everything in the north of the island. We had to diversify, and Sunvil’s first Greek brochure was published in 1975. A brochure to Italy followed in 1979 and to Portugal in 1984; both destinations offer a lot in terms of scenery, culture and wonderful food and wine. The Atlantic archipelago of the Azores followed in 1990; Sunvil is the leading UK holiday company to these beautiful islands. Greek Islands Club was added to the family in 1998, making Sunvil the leading specialist operator to Greece and her islands. Long-haul holidays came in 1992 with Namibia and, in 1995, with Costa Rica, the central American enclave with amazing plants, bird life and butterflies. Our Latin American portfolio now includes all the major central/south American countries and sister company Expert Africa features most of southern Africa and many of the Indian Ocean islands. Unusual destinations include Armenia (from 1997), and Romania (2007). Both suit the open-minded and more adventurous traveller. Sweden and Norway followed (2008) – and also (2009) the Faroe Islands, part of Denmark. In April 2012 Sunvil purchased the leading overseas wedding specialist – Planet Holidays.The two companies have previously worked together over many years.

Sunvil has pioneered many specialist destinations. The original directors still play an active part in the day-to-day running of the company and we are all proud that repeat and recommended holidaymakers make up 70% of our customers - due testament to our expertise and dedication to quality. Everyone in the team visits our specialist destinations many times; they know them and our properties, selfcatering or hotel, extremely well. Unusually, in this web-based travel age, we take full responsibility for our holidays, too, putting us in the very top echelon of companies that you can really trust to look after your holiday plans. Sunvil is proud, over 40 years, to have gained many accolades and awards, both from the travel industry itself and from the national press and leading consumer publications such as Holiday Which? and Wanderlust magazine. We’ve been at the forefront of environmental initiatives and good practice for 25 years. Yes, it’s enlightened self-interest and, yes, it’s also good business practice – but we believe in it passionately. You can be rest assured that your money is 100% safe, guaranteed by our bond with the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 9280) for air inclusive holidays and by our bond with AITO trust for ground arrangements only. Sunvil Traveller (real latin america) is part of the Sunvil Group.

Front cover: Green and blue iguana, Mexico © Mike Paterson/National Geographic Society/Corbis

2 Real Latin America Introduction

The air holidays in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 9280.

5125

1131

AITO Quality Statement Sunvil Traveller is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Sunvil Traveller abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www. aito.com. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.

ABTA No.Y1595

PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITs A considerable number of the photographs in this brochure have been taken by the Sunvil Traveller team whilst researching in Latin America. For other images we would like to thank the following: Astrid Harrisson Photography, Galápagos Safari Camp, Orient Express, Becky Harris/Viaventure, Fiona Martin, Embratur, Ion David/Travessia, Sue Cunningham Photographic, Coltur, Simon Heyes (Senderos) INGUAT, IPAT, AndesConexion, Delfino, Condor Verde, Ecocircuitos, ATP, Argentine Embassy in London, Dimitris Josephides, Crillon Tours, Prom Peru, Rainforest Expeditions, CATA, Mexico Tourist Board, Beth Cartwright, Metropolitan Touring, Candelaria Tours, Hacienda Zuleta, Kia Roa Eco Luxury, Anavilhanus, MV Tucano, Sibella Argüello, Brian Ellis, Jasci Carvalho, Marie-Odile Lehmann, Casa Higueras, Quito Visitors Bureau, Radius Images/Corbis, Dordo Brnobic/National Geographic Society/Corbis, Protours Chile, Blumar Brazil, Peter Adams Photography/Alamy, Blend Images/ Alamy, Beren Patterson/Alamy and various hotels, ground handlers and suppliers involved in this brochure.

Contents Introduction 2-9 Country combinations 10-13 Central America introduction 14-15 Costa Rica 16-29 Panama 30-31 Guatemala 32-33 Mexico 34-35 South America introduction 36-37 Ecuador 38-47 Galápagos 48-57 Peru 58-71 Bolivia 72-73 Chile 74-85 Argentina 86-97 Antarctica 98 Brazil 100-115 Venezuela 116-117 Booking conditions 118-119 Other Sunvil programmes 120 Booking form 121-122 General information 123 Cruises Galápagos Amazon (Peru) Patagonia cruises Antarctica Amazon (Brazil)

48-57 69 81 98 107

Sunvil House, Upper Square, Old Isleworth Middlesex, TW7 7BJ, England Opening hours Monday to Friday Saturday

9am – 5.30 pm 9am – 4.30 pm

T: 020 8758 4774 F: 020 8758 4711 E: [email protected] W: www.sunvil.co.uk

Contents Real Latin America 3

Welcome to our new-style real Latin America brochure

I

n the past, we have provided a great deal of concentrated information in our brochures – perhaps, with the benefit of hindsight, an overwhelming amount. We hope that you will find our new format a more user-friendly guide to help you to make the right decisions about your trip to Latin America. As always, we’ve tried to capture the mood and spirit of this fascinating region. We believe that you’ll find both the ideas that we suggest and our approach to tour operating rather refreshing. We have close relationships with our key and highly reliable suppliers, and we travel to the region regularly, both to monitor standards and, of course, to seek out new experiences and to develop new itineraries to give you the very best options available. We first ventured into Costa Rica in 1995; since then, we have steadily expanded our range of destinations. This brochure is now brimming with tailor-made ideas to eleven countries across Central and South America, perfect for the more independent and free-spirited traveller. There’s adventure a-plenty, but also a good insight into what makes these far-flung countries such a fulfilling travel experience. We pride ourselves on being specialists who delve deep into the real country – the wildlife, culture, traditions, local people and history.

remote jungle lodges. All will delight, for a variety of reasons – their location, the knowledge and care shown by those who run them, and the unexpected little touches even in remote regions. Added to that are the sights, the flora and fauna and, of course, meeting the people who live there and interacting with them, whether it’s a simple smile or buying some hand-made crafts. If you are interested in combining different countries, please see pages 10-13 for some suggested extended itineraries. We also include itineraries and guideline prices in the final pages of each country section. Nothing is fixed – these outline trips are simply examples of what is feasible within different timeframes. All importantly, they give a realistic idea of the cost of each suggestion. Our environmentally-minded approach to what we do, both in the UK office and overseas, has, we’re delighted to report, been recognised by the maximum score of five Sustainable Tourism stars from the Association of Independent Tour Operators. It doesn’t mean a less comfortable trip – it simply means that we aim to protect the destinations that we promote for future travellers. We’re also proud to support the LATA Foundation, which helps to fund community and environmental projects throughout Latin America and Casa Alianza who provide care and rehabilitation to street children in Central America.

Our expert team has in total explored Latin America for well over 40 years. We have an enviably intimate knowledge of all the countries we feature; we enjoy nothing better than the challenge of creating individual trips of a lifetime for each of our travellers and providing honest and sensible advice. Our experienced guides, will inspire and enlighten. We learn new and interesting snippets of information every time we return; it’s part of the exciting nature of this enormous continent that it still springs surprises on each and every one of us.

Our prices are 100% guaranteed once a booking is made, as we purchase our currency requirements in advance. Other important boxes that we’re glad to tick for our customers include the fact that your money is 100% safe with us under the consumer financial protection schemes operated by ATOL and ABTA and that we take full responsibility for the actions of all our suppliers in Latin America, a key consideration when travelling to far-flung climes without the protection of British rules and regulations.

The accommodation that we’ve selected ranges from character-filled beach-side boutique hotels to

We hope very much that we can tempt you to explore part of this wonderful and diverse continent with us.

4 Real Latin America Introduction

Tailor-made adventure trips for the more independent and free-spirited traveller...

de Noronha Natal

CUBA Recife

G U L F

Mérida

O F

Playa del Carmen

M E X I C O Campeche

JAMAICA

C A R I B B E A N

M E X I C O

S E A

Ambergris Caye

EL SALVADOR

Mexico City

BELIZE

Oaxaca

Latin America Diverse, friendly, fascinating…

San Cristóbal

Peten (Tikal)

Livingston

Lake Atitlan

GUATEMALA Guatemala City

G U AT E M A L A

P A C I F I C

A matchless kaleidoscope of cultures, history, panoramas and biosystems, the continent is sure to stimulate, astonish and enthrall. Thanks to its tropical or sub-tropical climate, it is open for visits all year round.

Copan

HONDURAS

NICARAGUA EL SALVADOR

O C E A N

Arenal

C O S T A

San Blas

Tortuguero

San Jose

Nicoya Peninsula

R I C A Osa Peninsula (Corcovado)

Bocas Del Toro Boquete

Panama City El Valle

Azuero Peninsula

P A N A M A

Central America

– compact and diverse, the region embraces coral-fringed beaches, cloud forests and haunting remains of Maya pyramids.

Costa Rica

Perfect for self-drive trips, excellent wildlife, jungle lodges, beaches and activities. Ideal for families and honeymooners. See pages 16 - 29

Panama

The Panama Canal, fascinating indigenous communities, untouched islands and rainforest. Simple accommodation with some exceptions. See pages 30-31

Guatemala

Stunning archaeological sites, colonial towns, lakes, indigenous population and charming boutique hotels. Ideal for honeymooners. See pages 32-33

Mexico

Traditional customs, UNESCO World Heritage Cities, towering Maya temples, long sandy beaches and upmarket lodges See pages 34-35

South America

– a living theatre of spectacle and variety, world’s largest river, highest waterfall, driest desert, immense rainforest, unique wildlife and endless beaches.

Ecuador

Self-drive trips through Andes, charming city of Quito, impressive volcanoes and remote jungle lodges in Amazon basin with superb wildlife. See pages 38 - 47

Chile

Variety of landscapes including Atacama desert, volcanoes, lakes and glaciers. Some regions best visited between November and March. See pages 74 - 85 6 Real Latin America Introduction

Galápagos islands

UNESCO World Heritage site, 19 islands, cruises and hotels. Endemic wildlife species. Combine with Ecuador or Peru See pages 48 - 57

Argentina & Antarctica

Stylish Buenos Aires, impressive Iguazu Falls, glaciers, mountains, lakes and wildlife. Self-drive trips. Combine with Chile. See pages 86 - 98

Peru

Bolivia

Brazil

Venezuela

Impressive archaeological sites, upmarket hotels and good wildlife. Combine with Chile, Ecuador or Bolivia See pages 58 – 71

Vast rainforests and wetlands, deserted beaches, rich in wildlife, interesting cities and activities. Year round destination See pages 100 - 115

Salt flats, stunning Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforests, crystal lakes, culture and traditions. Rustic accommodation. See pages 72 - 73

Excellent wildlife, unspoilt beaches, national parks, breathtaking waterfalls. Rustic accommodation with some exceptions. See pages 116-117

Darién National Park

CUBA

HAITI

PUERTO RICO

DOMINICAN

REPUBLIC JAMAICA

CUBA JAMAICA

Martinique

PUERTO RICO

HAITI

Martinique

C A R I B B E A N

Dutch Caribbean

C A R IAruba B BCuracao E A N

Aruba Curacao Bonaire Margarita Barbados Los Roques

P A N A Los M ALlanos

Manta

Quito Otavalo Manta

C O L Canaima OMBIA

EC U A DOR

Coca

FRENCH GUIANA

Quixiba

Manaus

Belèm

Belèm Belèm

Manaus

Fortaleza

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha

Natal Fernando de Noronha

Natal

Natal Recife

Recife

Trujillo

P E R U

Recife

Machu Picchu Madidi Machu Picchu Cusco Lima National Cusco Park Machu Picchu Madidi Lima Lake Titicaca Cusco National Lake Titicaca Park Colca Canyon LaCanyon Paz Colca Lake Titicaca

Madidi National Park

San Pedro de Atacama

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

San Pedro de Atacama

ISLA PINTA

G A L Á P A G O ISLA S IMARCHENA SLANDS ISLA PINTA

CHILE

ISLA GENOVESA ISLA MARCHENA ISLA ISLA PINTA SANTIAGO ISLA GENOVESA ISLA MARCHENA ISLA BALTRA ISLA SANTIAGO C H I L E ISLA GENOVESA ISLA BALTRA ISLA SANTIAGO ISLA SANTAISLA ISLA SAN FERNANDINA CRUZ ISLA BALTRA CRISTÓBAL ISLA ISABELA ISLA ISLA SANTA FERNANDINA ISLA SAN ISLA CRUZ ISLA CRISTÓBAL ESPAÑOLA ISLA ISABELA ISLA SANTA FLOREANA ISLA SAN Viña del Mar CRUZ CRISTÓBAL ISLA ISLA ISABELA ISLA

Salvador

Salvador

Brasilia Pantanal

Brasilia

Pantanal

Brasilia

B O L I V I A Pantanal

Salar de Uyuni

B O L I V I A

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

B R A Z I L Salvador

La Paz

Salar de Uyuni

O C E A N

B R A Z I L B R A Z I L

B O L I V I A O C E Colca A N P A C I F Canyon I C O C E A NLa Paz

P A C I F I C

Fortaleza

Chiclayo

TrujilloLima

P A C I F I C

São Luis

Fortaleza

São Luis

Chiclayo Trujillo

EQUATOR

EQUATO R EQUATO R

São Luis

Cuenca

P E R U

Quixiba

Vila dosQuixiba Reledios

FRENCH GUIANA

Manaus

Máncora

P E R U

Vila dos Reledios Lla da Rata

FRENCH GUIANA SURINAME

Cuenca

Chiclayo

Lla da Rata Vila dos Reledios

SURINAME

E CUAD OR

Guayaquil Máncora Máncora

SURINAME GUYANA

National Park

FERNANDO DE NORONHA Lla da Rata

O C E A N

GUYANA

GUYANA

O C E A N

O C E A N

Coca

E CUAD OR Guayaquil Otavalo Quito Cuenca

A T L A N T I C

Canaima National Park

Otavalo Quito COLOM BIA

Coca

Guayaquil Manta

V E Tobago NEZUELA Trinidad

FERNANDO DE NORONHA

A T L A N T I C

A T L A N T I C

Trinidad

VENEZUELA Caracas

COLOMBIA

Tobago Trinidad

Tobago

Caracas

Merida Canaima Los Llanos V E National N E Z UPark ELA

PANAMA

FERNANDO DE NORONHA

S E A

Bonaire Margarita Los Roques Dutch Caribbean Aruba Curacao Merida Bonaire Margarita Caracas Los Llanos Los Roques Merida

PANAMA

Barbados

S E A

Barbados Martinique S E ADutch Caribbean

C A R I B B E A N

JAMAICA

Salar de Uyuni

San Pedro

PARAGUAY

Salta de Atacama

P A R A G U A Y Sao PauloRio de Janeiro

Iguacu Falls

Salta PARAGU AY

Iguacu Falls Rio de Janeiro

Salta

Sao Paulo

Iguacu Falls

CHILE

Rio de Janeiro Sao Paulo

ISLA FERNANDINA

ISLA ISLA FLOREANA ESPAÑOLA

ESPAÑOLA Santiago FLOREANA

Viña del Mar

Santiago

EASTER ISLAND

ARGENTINA ARGENTINA Mendoza

ARGENTINA URUGUAY

A T L A N T I C

Viña del Mar Buenos AiresMendoza Mendoza Santiago

Buenos Aires

A T L A N T I C

URUGUAY Buenos Aires

O C E A N

A T L A N T I C

O C E A N

O C E A N

URUGUAY

EASTER ISLAND

EASTER ISLAND Ahu Papa Tekena Ovahe Ahu Tepu

San Martin de los Andes

Pucon San Martin de los Andes Ahu Papa Tekena San Bariloche Martin de los Andes Ahu Papa Tekena Ovahe Hanga-Roa Ovahe Ahu Tepu Puerto Montt Ahu Tepu Pucon Pucon Bariloche Punta Baja Bariloche Hanga-Roa Hanga-Roa Puerto Montt Puerto Montt

Orongo

Punta Baja Orongo

C E N T R A L A M E R I C A

Punta Baja

Orongo

P A C I F I C P A C I F I C

FALKLAND ISLANDS

O C E A N

Calafate Torres del Paine FALKLAND ISLANDS Park O C E ANational N P A C I F I C O C E ACalafate N Calafate Punta Arenas Torres del Paine Torres delUshuaia Paine National Park

S O U T H A M E R I C A

FALKLAND ISLANDS

National Park

Punta Arenas D R A K EPunta P AArenas S S A G E Ushuaia

D R A K E

Ushuaia S. ORKNEY IS.

P A S S A GS.ESHETLAND IS.

ANTARCTICA D R A K E

S. ORKNEY P A S S A G E IS.

S. SHETLAND IS.

S. ORKNEY IS.

S. SHETLAND IS.

ANTARCTICA

ANTARCTICA

Introduction Real Latin America 7

Wild Encounters Wildlife observation in Latin America is a memorable experience. It is home to an immense variety of birds, exotic mammals and reptiles, such as caiman, giant anacondas, scarlet ibises, toucans, storks, anteaters, monkeys and capybaras. Comfortable lodges and boats located in national parks and reserves allow you to get to the heart of the action.

Corcovado (Costa Rica)

Peninsula Valdes (Argentina)

■ Corcovado 

■ UNESCO 

■

has been called ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’ by no less an authority than the National Geographic Society. It includes 13 separate ecosystems, almost 1000 species of trees and nearly 400 species of birds. It has the densest population of tapirs, jaguars, monkeys, bats, toucans and scarlet macaws. Please note Jaguars are a rare sight due to the dense vegetation.  Offshore lies Cano island, an ancient Indian burial ground with white sandy beaches and good snorkelling.

World Heritage site. peninsula is a nature reserve and one of the most significant marine reserves on the planet. Whales, penguins, sea lions, elephant seals and an abundant bird life.

■ The 

See page 91

The Pantanal (Brazil) ■ This 

See page 24

Amazon Basin

(Ecuador)

■ This  ■

■

■

beautiful wilderness remains relatively unspoilt populated with indigenous settlements.  is home to over 600 species of birds including It toucans and scarlet macaws. Other wildlife includes butterflys, frogs, caiman, bats, monkeys and sloths.  25 minute flight from Quito brings you to the A port town of Coca which is then followed by a canoe ride to your lodge.  The climate is hot and humid all year round.

See page 43

Galápagos ■ The  ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Galápagos islands offer a unique environment for an amazing wildlife experience.  UNESCO World Heritage site.  volcanic Islands, 600 miles from the coast 19 of Ecuador.  Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, sea-lions and frigate birds.  Cruises and hotels.  Combine with Ecuador or Peru.

See pages 48 - 57 8 Real Latin America Introduction

(Islands near Ecuador)

■

is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This wetland region is a hugely diverse habitat. It is possible to see piranha, macaws, anacondas, giant anteaters, monkeys and armadillos plus much more!  We feature both the northern and southern Pantanal.

See page 106

Family adventures Can be educational, with guides experienced at leading family trips: from volcanoes to Amazon jungle wildlife, tribal culture, zip-wiring, canoeing, turtle-egg laying and the mysteries of evolution to the sheer fun of learning to windsurf, plus beach life Latin-American-style. Latinos love kids and welcome families. Happy, occupied children mean relaxed and happy parents, and memories to cherish forever... We especially recommend the countries of Costa Rica, Brazil, Ecuador and Galápagos for families. We generally do not recommend travelling with young babies or small children to Latin America. Several of the hotels and vessels have inter-connecting rooms and cabins. Private houses and 2 bedroom villas can be ideal for families.

Casa Cairuçu

Napo Wildlife Centre

A delightful bay side residence (3 ensuite bedrooms) with stunning views and private jetty. Only accessible by boat (20 minutes) from the harbour in charming colonial Paraty. Beaches within walking distance of the house. A real hidden gem. See page 111

Just a 35 minute flight from Quito, followed by an exciting journey by motorised and paddle canoe. Located on Anangu lake with incredible views and hosted by the local indigenous community. Guided walks on trails, dugout canoe rides and a visit to a clay lick. An experience the kids will never forget!

(Nr Paraty, Brazil)

(Amazon basin, Ecuador)

See page 43

M/V Santa Cruz

(Galápagos islands) A 90 passenger boat with an observation deck for whale and dolphin watching. Interesting 4 and 5 night itineraries visiting different islands. Daily guided group excursions and activities such as kayaking and snorkelling. See page 55 Combine a cruise with a few days at Finch Bay hotel (see page 55) on Santa Cruz island which has a pool and overlooks a beach – the town of Puerto Ayora with good restaurants is just a short boat ride away. Or alternatively stay at the unique Galápagos Safari Camp (see page 56) in luxury tented camps with daily activities geared to families.

Honeymoons & special occasions Choose from romantic jungle lodges, candle-filled monasteries, tented luxury on the Galápagos, beach-side retreats or views over glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls or lakes. Cruise in luxury on the Amazon or around the Galápagos, book a private butler and guide in the wilds of the Atacama desert, and enjoy special touches: roses, champagne, private dining on moon-lit islands, within bougainvillea-clad ruins, on candle-lit lakeside jetties...

Pacuare Jungle Lodge (Pacuare river, Costa Rica)

Reaching this lodge by an exciting and scenic white water rafting trip is all part of the adventure! Stay in comfortable bungalows (suites with private pools) listening to the sounds of the jungle. Candle-lit at night creating a magical ambience. Activities include a canopy tour through the rainforest, horse-riding or hike to a local Indian community. See page 22

Kia Roa

(Marau peninsula, Brazil) Charming luxury resort on the Marau peninsula - a 30 minute flight from Salvador. Bungalows with private pool and jacuzzi with ocean views. Spa and tennis court. See page 113

Victoria House (Ambergris Caye, Belize)

Just a short flight from Belize mainland. Located right on the beach within walking distance of the town of San Pedro. Lovely gardens and a pool. Thatched bungalows, honeymoon suite and villas. Excellent snorkelling, diving (barrier reef) and various water sports. Visit our website for more details. Introduction Real Latin America 9