Bales introduces El Salvador for 2009

Bales Worldwide is adding El Salvador as part of its Latin America programme for 2009-10, as well as introducing a host of new itinerary and accommodation options throughout this vast continent. In addition, the Falkland Islands have been reintroduced as a holiday extension option.

There is an increased emphasis on tailor made travel choices, including four itineraries specially designed for families travelling with teenage children, the mountain lodges of Peru and small boat cruising in the Galapagos.

The length and breadth of this great continent is covered from Mexico in the north to Antarctica in the south, with a total of 42 group and independent travel itinerary suggestions. Prices start from £1,750 per person for the ten day Natural Wonders of Costa Rica holiday.

El Salvador – New Mayan World Holiday

For the first time, Bales is including the wonderful country of El Salvador as part of a fascinating 15 day Mayan World holiday which also includes Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. This itinerary tracks the sites of the ancient Mayan civilization, from Mexico across northern Central America, taking in the amazing art and architecture they left behind. Take this exceptional journey, from the lesser known sites of El Salvador, such as the pyramids at San Andres, to the spectacular ruins of Copan in Honduras and Tikal in Guatemala, and the magical setting of Chichen Itza in Mexico.

The tour costs from £3295 per person, based on two sharing, including flights, first class accommodation, the services of a Bales tour manager, English speaking guides, sightseeing and most meals with the first departure on 23 February 2009.

Darwin 200 – Visit the Great Galapagos

2009 sees the bicentenary of Charles Darwin, renowned for his book ‘The Origin of the Species’, much of the research for which was carried out during his time travelling around the Galapagos Islands. To mark this important anniversary, Bales is offering a host of lectures and special activities as part of its Galapagos cruises aboard the MV Santa Cruz, the Isabela II and La Pinta yachts. Expert naturalist guides will be on hand to talk about the highlights of Darwin’s theories, Darwin Movie Nights will feature documentaries about the great man, and there will be fascinating evening lectures on subjects such as ‘The Theory of Evolution’.

Example escorted journeys include the 13 day Galapagos – La Pinta Cruise (from £4,385 per person), and the 13 day Ecuador and Galapagos trip (from £2,475 per person).

In addition Bales has introduced Small Boat Galapagos Cruising option which uses one of three identical motor yachts, Eric, Letty or Flamingo I. The operators of these boats (with a maximum of 20 passengers) are heavily involved in conversation and are the first carbon neutral operation in the area. They have also worked to establish the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund which promotes environmental education amongst local people.

These cruises enable travellers to get closer to wildlife and have clear bottomed kayaks and custom wetsuits for snorkelling. A 13 day holiday is priced from £3175 per person and there are a number of departures specifically aimed at families with teenage children.

Family Friendly Latin America

Bales has devised four holiday itineraries which are ideal for families travelling with teenage children. For example a 14 night option to Costa Rica is priced from £2750 per person and includes two nights at the Tilajari Resort which is just 30 minutes from the Arenal Volcano and lake with great family friendly facilities including tennis, football and eco-adventures into the rainforest as well as kayaking on the Penas Blancas River.

Alternatively opt for a 15 night holiday to Peru and Bolivia which is priced from £3375 per person which includes caiman spotting on the Amazon, a stay in the Sacred Valley where you can horse ride, trek or river raft as well as visits to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca.

Gran Colombia revisited

The old 19th century republic of Gran Colombia, encompassing present day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama, was once one of the most powerful confederations in the Americas. This year Bales is touring this diverse area with its Gran Colombia Revisited escorted journey. Visit the wonderful Angel Falls, explore the fascinating Gold Museum in Bogota, gaze in awe at the incredible Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira, walk around beautiful, colonial Cartagena and experience the remarkable Panama Canal.

This 15 day holiday costs from £3695 per person, including flights, first class accommodation, transportation, a Bales tour manager, English speaking guides, sightseeing and most meals.

Fascinating Falkland Islands

Bales has reintroduced an option of visiting the Falklands Islands as an extension to its 22 day Chile, Land of Contrasts journey. This seven night option is available priced at an addition of £2250 per person (which includes the return flights from Chile, accommodation and a full sightseeing itinerary) and takes in visits to several of the islands such as Pebble Island, Sea Lion and Stanley with accommodation in farmhouses or small hotels. Sightseeing concentrates on the wildlife and diverse countryside.

Active Chile

Experience the Great Outdoors with a fascinating tailor made trip to Chile. The Active Chile itinerary takes in some of the country’s most spectacular and varied scenery – from the snow capped mountains and volcanoes of the Andes, to the waterfalls and lakes of the Torres Del Paine National Park. This trip includes a number of treks and overnight camps that help you get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of this wonderful land. Stay at the new Ecocamp in Torres Del Paine - luxury accommodation in unique dome-shaped tents with wooden floors, private bathrooms and real beds.

Trek the Andean foothills, look out for pumas, condors and flamingos in Torres Del Paine, and take in the incredible vistas that surround you. A 13 day itinerary costs from £3,395 per person, including 2 nights in the Maipo Valley, 2 nights in Santiago, 5 nights in Torres Del Paine National Park and a final night in Santiago.

The Mountain Lodges of Peru

Bales has expanded its tailor made options in Peru, with the introduction of Mountain Lodges of Peru accommodation on route to Machu Picchu. This is the new and comfortable way to reach the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, staying in top quality lodges on route, and offers a great alternative to camping.

Trek along the spectacular Salkantay Trail in the knowledge that at the end of the day you will be relaxing in a stylish retreat, soothing your muscles in a hot tub and enjoying a delicious meal. The suggested 13 day itinerary costs from £3,195, and includes 5 days trekking up to 4,600 metres, a night at Machu Picchu, 2 nights in Lima and a night in Cusco.

The full programme is available as a printed brochure, as well as to read online via Balesworldwide.com.

Bales’ Latin America programme includes tailor made travel and escorted holidays to Peru, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador and the Galapagos islands, El Salvador, Guyana, Antarctica, and the Falkland Islands, Venezuela, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Belize and Cuba.

For a copy of the new brochure or for reservations log on to Balesworldwide.com.