Latin America looks to restart it tourism industries

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is restarting its tourism with the development of 16 health protocols. 

The Costa Rica Tourism Board and representatives of the local private sector have unveiled a list of 16 health protocols for the safe reopening of some of the country’s most popular tourism areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 16 protocols were agreed by a committee of professionals from the country’s public and private sectors. Websites: www.visitcostarica.com and www.lata.travel 

Quito, Ecuador 

The Quito Tourism Board has announced a series of new measures to ensure the safe return of domestic and international tourism.

The Quito International Airport has resumed operations with strict sanitary security protocols and the Ecuador Tourism Authority has introduced guidelines and biosafety protocols to be implemented by all restaurants, hotels, attractions and establishments. Websites: www.quitotravel.ec/en and www.lata.travel 

Colombia
Colombia, with the support of the World Tourism Organisation, has launched a tourism biosecurity touristic seal to certify that hotels, bar, restaurants and other operators and tourist attractions comply with protocols established by the national government to combat the spread of coronavirus. Websites: www.procolombia.co and www.lata.travel

Nicaragua 

Nicaragua has announced plans to reactivate tourism (which was growing 25% annually in Jan/Feb) in ways that follow biosecurity protocols. It will start with domestic travel, before moving onto regional and finally long-haul travel. All tourism will take place within the framework of the National Protocol against COVID-19, a tailored approach based on international co-operation. With the restart of tourism comes a number of new investments such as Puerto Salvador Allende, Managua’s dining / entertainment district, which is undergoing improvements and expansion, including 18 new eateries. Websites: www.intur.gob.ni and www.lata.travel 

Panama 

Panama has been recognised by the WHO as one of the countries with the fastest response to its first case of COVID-19. The country has decided to keep its borders closed to avoid further spread and is currently focusing on the revival of its domestic tourism. It aims to welcome international tourists in the second half of 2020 or first half of 2021. Websites: www.visitpanama.com and www.lata.travel 

Mexico 

Mexico’s regional tourism boards have introduced new measures to ensure the safety of prospective visitors. Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific coast has earned the Safe Travel Stamp form the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for adhering to all hygiene protocols to protect the health of visitors. Websites: www.visitmexico.com, www.RivieraNayarit.com and www.lata.travel

Belize
Belize As Belize reopens to international travellers, new travel norms and guidelines have been put in place for the accommodation sector. The Belize Tourist Board’s Tourism Gold Standard Recognition enhances hotel and restaurant cleaning, social interaction, workplace policies, and operating procedures. Websites: www.belizetourismboard.org and www.lata.travel

The Latin American Travel Association is represented by Lotus. Website: 

www.lata.travel

Exodus Travels introduces new Central America cycling tour

Exodus Travels has introduced a new cycling tour through Central America that will take travellers on two wheels through Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

The route takes the cyclists through dense jungle, over towering volcanoes, and along coastlines.

The itinerary includes activities including coffee tours, a hike up volcanoes and a boat tour off the Caribbean coast. The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) is represented by LOTUS

Webpage: www.exodus.co.uk and www.lata.travel
Amber Martin at [email protected]

Five reasons Panama should be your next sailing destination with Star Clippers

Panama is a bustling metropolis well-known for its natural beauty, diverse plant and animal life, and its vibrant music and culture scene. Not to mention, sublime sailing conditions. From deserted island sailing to inland coffee plantations, Panama is a holiday destination for everyone. Need more convincing? Star Clippers have come up with five reasons to make Panama your next sailing destination.

1. Explore the San Blas Islands and say hello to paradise.
The San Blas Islands (traditionally Guna Yala islands) are said to be some of the most beautiful islands in the world. And what’s more, most are uninhabited. Star Clippers can help you live your private island dreams sailing around the San Blas Archipelago. Discover uninterrupted views, pristine sand beaches, and turquoise seas perfect for snorkelling.

2. The Panama Canal
No trip to Panama is complete without crossing the Panama Canal. With Star Clippers, you can enjoy the crossing of the Panama Canal from the luxury and comfort of your Royal Clipper tall ship. Sail between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, take in all the action happening on the canal, and get to know the history of this incredible waterway.

3. Geisha coffee and sip local rum
When it comes to expensive coffee, Panama’s Geisha coffee is at the top of the list (literally). Harvested on Volcán Barú, the tallest mountain in Panama, each coffee cherry is hand-picked with the utmost care. This silky-smooth coffee is more than just a good cup of joe, its magic in a cup.

Geisha coffee isn’t the only delicious drop found in Panama. Those after something with a bit more of a kick should head to a rum distillery. The Zafra rum distillery in Panama produces some of the country’s most exceptional rums. Three decades in bourbon barrels, the Zafra rum takes on a deep, rich hue with notes of vanilla, fruit and oak. In a cocktail or straight up – nothing compares to a Panamanian rum.

4. Explore the Old Town of Casco Viejo
UNESCO Heritage site, Casco Viejo, is Panama City’s most trendy district. With no shortage of stunning colonial mansions, art galleries, bars and restaurants, Casco Viejo is a must-visit for any on-land explorers. Taste the finest chocolate in Panama, listen to jazz music and discover the colour and beauty of hand-made indigenous crafts.

5. Buy a Panama hat
Although the iconic Panama hat was originally made in Ecuador (not Panama), the hat has become an essential buy for travellers visiting Panama. The finest-made Panama hats come from Panama Hats Montecristi. Offering style and sun safety, a Panama hat is the perfect addition to any holiday wardrobe.

From 21st November 2020, set sail for a 14-night journey from Panama to Antigua on-board Star Clippers largest tall ship, Royal Clipper. Starting in Balboa, Panama, sail the Panama Canal toward UNESCO Heritage site Cartagena on Colombia’s north coast before venturing to Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire. After a day at sea, take in the tantalising aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla in Grenada. Find waterfalls on St. Lucia and the beaches and botanical gardens on Guadeloupe before finishing your journey in the epicentre of Caribbean yachting, Antigua on 5th December 2020. Alternately, set sail on 07 November 2020 aboard Royal Clipper from Barbados to Panama for 14 nights.

Star Clippers is one of the top cruise lines in the world. Each tall ship is equipped with first class accommodation, expansive decks, swimming pools and a piano bar. Star Clippers offer exceptional service, attention to detail and specialist knowledge in their sailing destinations.

Panama to Antigua | Royal Clipper | 14-nights | From AUD $5,575 per person, double occupancy, inclusive of 20% Early Booking Discount when you book by 31 January 2020.

https://www.starclippers.com/au/destinations/le-canal-de-panama.html?view=itenary&crid=RC211120&ship=Royal%20Clipper

Viking Announces Exciting New South America Cruise Itineraries

Viking has released four brand-new ocean cruise itineraries that cover all the highlights of South America.

• Journey Along the Pacific Coast — a 27-day ocean cruise from Santiago to Los Angeles, calling into Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and more. Priced from $9,295 per person.
• Exploring the Americas — a 48-day ocean cruise from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles, calling into Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and more. Priced from $21,495 per person.
• Caribbean & South American Shores — a 26-day ocean cruise from San Juan to Buenos Aires, calling into Barbados, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and more. Priced from $9,295 per person.
• West Indies, Amazon & South America — a 47-day ocean cruise from San Juan to Santiago, calling into Barbados, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and more. Priced from $21,495 per person.

“South America is such a fantastic part of the world to visit — there is so much to see and do. Some of Viking's most popular cruises are those that visit South America, so we are excited to be able to add to that list and offer our valued guests even more opportunities to discover this region,” said Lubica Sibikova, Operations and Product Manager at Viking Cruises.

For additional information, contact Viking Cruises at 138 747 (Australia) and 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit vikingcruises.com.au

SWEET BOCAS A PARADISE IN PANAMA BASED ON PERMACULTURE

Sweet Bocas – a luxury refuge in Panama based on permaculture – has revealed new outdoor and adventure experiences, as well as an outline of new developments to reinforce its commitment to the environment.

Permaculture is a philosophy of working with nature to develop agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. Every component performs important tasks, for example: bees helping to pollinate, birds providing pest control and certain plants retrieving nitrogen out of the air and converting into a form that other plants can use.

Sweet Bocas’ commitment to their guests is matched only by their commitment to the natural environment that envelopes every aspect of their stay, from the crystalline water, to the handcrafted teak house, from the farm's hand picked produce to the pure rainwater that fills their glass. Visitors are invited to discover a complete local ecosystem with one of the highest biodiversity rates on the planet.

Sweet Bocas Outdoor Adventures to explore the surroundings

Bastimentos National Park and Zapatilla Keys are part of the natural environment that underpins this paradise. Sweet Bocas has partnered with Origen Escapes to create unforgettable outdoor adventure experiences to discover the indigenous surroundings. These include an Exotic Fruit Harvest adventure, a Rain Forest Tribe Experience, an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Jungle Excursion and a Bat Cave activity. Guests have the opportunity of hiking through primary Caribbean rainforest, learning traditional hunting methods and crafting skills, sailing down the river in a traditional cayuco (handcrafted wooden dugout canoe) and also, travelling deep into the forest for a close encounter with sloths.

NEW: ‘Sleeping Under the Stars’ Bamboo Structure

A true ‘glamping’ experience where camping meets luxury. Bespoke bamboo structures offering the same high levels of comfort as the Sweet Bocas bedrooms (i.e. same linens, same mattresses, Wi-Fi, A/C, etc.) but allow guests to reconnect with nature by counting stars instead of sheep to fall asleep, thanks to a polycarbonate roof. This material reflects the heat of the sun during the day and provides a clear view of the sky at night.

NEW: Floating Pontoon

The new floating pontoon allows guests to drift around the private fresh-water lake, perhaps during a sunrise or sunset salutation yoga class or whilst experiencing a massage from one of Sweet Bocas’ dedicated massage therapists. The pontoon also floats during the evening allowing guests to enjoy a candlelit cocktail during this truly unique experience.

Infinity Pool, For a ‘True Water’ Experience

The Infinity Pool is built within the ocean, and offers the choice of swimming in either fresh or salt water – the Sweet Bocas filtration system allows a fast change from one to the other.

More About Sweet Bocas

Sweet Bocas in Bocas Del Toro, Panama is an innovatively designed villa located within six acres of the Caribbean’s most exotic landscape. A 20,000 square foot, seven bedroom personalised paradise, Sweet Bocas is built on stilts over the Bocas del Toro ecosystem – a home of rest and relaxation as well as adventure, gourmet extravagance and secluded nature.

The House

The majestic two-storey, full-service luxury villa is constructed entirely of Panamanian teak. It is situated on 100 cement stilts that form the platform from which Sweet Bocas overlooks its own corner of the Caribbean Sea. With 360 degree vistas, the villa is fundamental unique in its design and aesthetic: its architecture and decor blend classic local and organic furnishings and fabrics handcrafted by the indigenous women of the Peruvian Andes with hammocks fashioned in Brazil and wood chairs carved in Senegal.

Getting to Sweet Bocas

International flights: international guests arrive via the local airline Air Panama from Panama City (PTY) to Bocas del Toro International Airport in 40 minutes or less.

By sea: make the experience even more memorable by sailing to Sweet Bocas on your yacht and anchoring on the property for your convenience.

For further information about Sweet Bocas, please do get in touch with
Bianca Perna, +44 (0) 208 8334 4003, [email protected]
Alessandro Ferrara, +44 (0) 208 334 4007, [email protected]

Top 10 Food & Wine Destinations in Central & South America

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site has recently  announced the winners of its 2011 Travelers' Choice Food and Wine Destinations awards. Seventy outstanding destinations across the globe have been honored in the inaugural awards, with Top 10 lists named for the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, South Pacific, and India.

The Top !0  Food & Wine Destinations in Central and South America are:-

1 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Meat, meat and more meat are on the menu in Buenos Aires. Argentinean beef is world-famous, and local chefs take advantage of it in many delicious ways. Visit a parrilla restaurant for grilled steaks and, if you’re daring, kidneys, intestines and morcilla (blood sausage). Foodies flock to the city’s many closed-door restaurants, where chefs craft unique menus for small, select groups of diners.

2 Cuyo, Argentina

Most Argentinean wine is produced in the mountainous Cuyo region, and visiting oenophiles rave about their experiences here. Whether you take a packaged tour of vineyards or explore on your own (some TripAdvisor travellers recommend renting a bike!), you’re sure to come home with amazing memories… and probably a new favourite Malbec

3 Lima, Peru

If you like to eat like the locals do—and aren’t afraid of organ meats—the street food in Lima will blow your mind. Among other things, you could sample anticuchos (beef heart kabobs) and pancita (tripe), as well as all kinds of empanadas. Alfajores, cookies sandwiched together with caramel, are a sweet treat, as is the classic combination of hot chocolate and churros.

4 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

What pubs are to Dublin, chocolate shops are to San Carlos de Bariloche. So what better way to spend an afternoon than tasting your way through town in search of the perfect bonbon? And as you might expect in Argentina, many restaurants specialise in meats—try the wild Patagonian game.

5 Santiago, Chile

Santiago’s food scene has gone from virtually nonexistent to vibrant over the past few years, and now is a great time for foodies to visit. Menus often feature fresh seafood—any type of seafood stew is bound to be delicious. Try a pisco sour (the hands-down favourite local cocktail) or a glass of fine Chilean wine with your meal. Wine enthusiasts will also enjoy touring nearby vineyards.

6 Cusco, Peru

Adventurous eaters will have a ball in Cuzco. Visit picanterías and chicherías for the best local dishes and drinks, including chicha, a fermented corn beverage. If you’re visiting during the Feast of Corpus Christi, try chiriuchu, a cold dish made of corn, cheese, eggs, sausage, chicken, seaweed, fish eggs and… wait for it… roasted guinea pig

7 Cartagena, Colombia

This fishing village is becoming an increasingly popular destination for foodie travellers. Local chefs make good use of seafood (ceviche is always a good bet here) and tropical fruits (arroz con coco, rice with coconut milk, is a common side dish that’s uncommonly delicious). Cafes are known for excellent pastries.

8 Bogota, Colombia

If there’s one thing you have to try in Bogota, it’s chocolate santafereño, the local spin on hot chocolate. A steaming cup of hot chocolate is served with a chunk of cheese. You drop the cheese into your drink; it melts; then you eat the cheese with a spoon and drink the chocolate. Another standout local dish: Ajiaco, a creamy chicken, potato and corn soup.

9 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Bring your appetite to Rio de Janeiro! Anyone who likes a great steak will enjoy visiting a churrascaria, a quintessentially Brazilian all-you-can-eat meat and seafood restaurant. Feijoada, black turtle beans cooked with jerk beef, is the national dish of Brazil, and it’s worth seeking out in restaurants (some places only serve it on Saturdays). And after a long day at the beach, nothing beats an ice-cold beer from a tiny boteco.

10 Panama City, Panama

The seafood in Panama City is superb—after all, chefs have their pick of the best from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Try Panamanian ceviche, typically made with corvina fish, lime juice, onions, celery and a touch of hot pepper. Sancocho, chicken stew made with yucca and yams, is another local specialty.