Tailor-made is the trend for Latin America
Travel company Cox & Kings is responding to increased demand for tailor-made travel in Latin America with an expanded brochure for 2010.Cox & Kings has launched its new Latin America brochure for 2010 featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours and private tailor-made travel to the continent, from the rainforest and wildlife of Central America and the Andean peaks of Ecuador and Peru, to the beaches of Brazil and the icy landscapes of Patagonia and Antarctica.
New for 2010 are a private journey combining Guatemala, Honduras and Belize, a comprehensive two- week private journey through Cuba and tailor-made travel ideas for Peru, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Cuba.
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL TRENDS
In the last twelve months, 32% of Cox & Kings’ bookings to Latin America were private and tailor-made tours. Two years ago, this percentage was just 21%.
Cox & Kings’ product manager for Latin America, Marie-Louisa Lowther, says: “People are becoming much more knowledgeable about South America and feel more confident about planning their own itineraries in conjunction with our experts. Cox & Kings works with the best agents throughout the continent, who can organise carefully planned and specially tailored trips to suit each visitor. Cox & Kings has an incredibly knowledgeable team and one of the most comprehensive travel programmes available to Latin America.”
Tailor-Made travel sections introduced by the company for 2010 include Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Central America.
NEW: Tailor-Made Brazil (Pages 58-59): This vast country lends itself well to tailor-made travel and Cox & Kings’ new brochure includes a double page of suggestions for independent visitors. Visit Rio Carnival, in which thundering drums, dancing beauties, spectacular floats and elaborate costumes create a dazzling spectacle in the city.
Cox & Kings can organise your visit, including tickets to the sophisticated gala ball, or special access to take part in a procession for yourselves. Alternatively, visit the Pantanal for some of the greatest wildlife-viewing available in the continent, explore Brazil’s colonial heritage in the gold mining towns of Minas Gerais, or relax on the picturesque Emerald Coast around Paraty, home to beautiful white beaches and fine Portuguese architecture.
NEW: Tailor-Made Chile (Page 42): Cox & Kings’ ideas for tailor-made visits to Chile include the Colchagua Valley, a region of small wineries, country traditions and warm hospitality. Visit vineyards, sample some of the region’s fine wines and learn about the traditions of the Chilean ‘huaso’ cowboy. Alternatively, visit the Chilean ‘Lake District’, a region covered in araucaria and lenga forests and home to the indigenous Mapuche people.
Drive to the active Villarrica volcano to see the volcanic caves and solid lava formations; walk through the native forest to crystal clear waterfalls, or soak in one of the numerous hot springs. Alternatively, a suggested eight-night Patagonia Explorer itinerary combines excursions to the most spectacular national parks in southern Chile and Argentina with a first-class cruise around the southern tip of the continent, and costs from £2,795 per person.
NEW: Tailor-Made Argentina (Pages 48-49): Cox & Kings’ second most popular destination for tailor-made travel is Argentina. Stay in a traditional Argentine estancia in the rolling countryside for an insight into the lives of the gauchos (local cowboys) and explore on foot and on horseback; visit the second largest wetlands in South America, Esteros del Iberá, to discover the area’s wildlife including anaconda, capybara, caiman, freshwater otter and howler monkey; discover Mendoza and the winelands, spectacularly set at the foot of the Andes, and sample some of Argentina’s premium wines; or travel to Salta and the northwest, a region of picturesque colonial towns and deep-rooted culture and traditions.
BEST-SELLERS
Peru continues to be Cox & Kings’ biggest selling destination in Latin America and one of the most popular countries in its entire portfolio, which now includes more than 100 countries worldwide.
The company’s best-selling Train to Machu Picchu group tour is a comprehensive exploration of the country taking in Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu, the 13-night tour costs from £2,895 per person including flights with KLM, accommodation with breakfast and some additional meals, transfers and all excursions.
Meanwhile, the company’s lead-in tour to Peru, Highlights of Peru, which starts at just £1,795 per person (less expensive than in 2009), offers an outstanding value introduction to the country in just seven nights.
For second or third-time visitors to Peru, or those looking to explore the country’s rural attractions, Cox & Kings offers a flexible tailor-made programme (Pages 22-23) and can develop personal itineraries to suit clients’ interests and preferences. Walk the Inca Trail, discover the legacy of the pre-Inca Moche and Chimu cultures in northern Peru or take a culinary tour of Lima, starting at the bustling fish markets before learning to prepare traditional dishes such as ceviche and seafood causa and finally dining at one of the city’s top restaurants.
UP & COMING
While Peru has long been a consistently popular destination for Cox & Kings, the success stories for 2009 are Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala; with bookings up 22%, 32% and 180% respectively in the last twelve months.
The new Mayan Triangle private journey combines the Mayan sites, colonial architecture and indigenous culture of Guatemala with the pristine beaches of Belize and the small towns and Mayan ruins of Honduras.
The 12-night journey begins in picturesque Antigua and continues to Lake Atitlan before visiting Chichecastenango, where the colourful traditions of the Maya live on. Copan’s ruins and the surrounding countryside before returning to Guatemala and the ancient city of Tikal. The journey ends in Belize’s Toledo district, home to archaeological ruins and pristine beaches. From £3,795 per person including flights with British Airways, accommodation with breakfast and some additional meals, transfers and all excursions.
Cox & Kings’ new Tailor-Made Ecuador section (Page 34) includes the charming colonial town of Loja, set in an Andean Valley, from where it is possible to visit the picturesque valley of Vilcabamba, a patchwork of sugar cane and corn fields, cattle pastures and orchards, and Podocarpus National Park, home to spectacular scenery and more than 600 bird species. Travel to Cuenca via Saraguros to see the local indigenous community.
Alternatively, spend some time exploring one of Ecuador’s natural reserves, Mondo Cloudforest, from Sachatamia Rainforest Lodge, or relax on the coast. Stay at El Faro Escandivano to enjoy the sea and sand or choose from a variety of excursions including walks in the cloud forest, the archaeological site of Agua Blanca, and whale watching at Machalilla National Park (June – Sept).
Cuba has been a popular destination for Cox & Kings for many years, but the country is changing fast. Now is a great time to visit, while its exotic and distinctive style remains. Cox & Kings’ new private journey A Journey Through Cuba (Page 90) is a comprehensive 14-night overland trip that travels from east to west, through rolling countryside, captivating mountain scenery and Afro-Caribbean cultures.
Taking in Havana, Vinales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camaguey, Santiago de Cuba, Mayari, Holguin and Santa Clara, the 16 day trip costs from £2,795 per person including flights with Virgin Atlantic, accommodation with breakfast and some additional meals, transfers and all excursions on a private basis.
See coxandkings.co.uk for the full Latin America programme.