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Salvador, Brazil Sensuous & Soulful

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Salvador da Bahia, Brazil—Sensuous & Soulful

Estancia Vic Uruguay

Estancia Vic sure to be The hotel in Uruguay, let alone South America

Chile Tourism getting back to normal

Santiago Airport national and international flights operating:

The airport has started national and international flights again already last Wednesday and is gradually increasing its operations. Special procedures are in place at the moment and travelers are asked to report to the airport 3 hours ahead of their departure flights.

Our transfer services are working as usual with assistance of our guides provided to all clients.

The Airport highway to Santiago as well as the roads of Santiago and surroundings are in good condition.

The country:

Chile is a Country which stretches over 4300 km. It has been divided into 15 regions and only 2 of those (region XII and region XIII) have suffered damages.

These areas happen not to be any tourist destinations.

Tourist areas operating as usual:

The popular Atacama Desert in the North of Chile had not been affected by the earthquake at all and all programs are being offered as usual.

Same counts for the pristine Easter Island, which lies 2,300 miles from the coast as well as for the exciting area of the Lake region, North and South Patagonia with the famous “Torres del Paine National Park”.

Santiago back to normal:

Throughout last week we have been in contact with our main partners (Hotels and Restaurants) and we are happy to share with you that they have not suffered any major damage.

At times small paint jobs and repair works were needed which have either been completed already or in some cases are still underway. Hence we can absolutely continue to offer our services and realize bookings.

City tours of Santiago and to Valparaiso are being offered as usual.

Again we would like to mention that Santiago itself has hardly been affected as the capital is located 330km (205miles) SW of the epicenter.

Please beware that some charming vineyards had to be closed for renovation in the areas of the “Colchagua” and “Maipo Valley”. However, please rest assured that we have alternatives on offer.

Thank you very much for all your kind words and thinking of us in this difficult moment. One week on and we are positively looking into the future again!

Update on Chile's Toursim Infrastructure after 8.8 earthquake

Chile suffered an 8.8 quake in the early morning hours of Saturday February 27, 2010. The cities closest to the epicenter, including Concepcion, Talcahuano and Temuco as well as a number of small towns along Chile’s central coast were most affected by the quake.

The five different tourism regions promoted by Turismo Chile are reporting the following updates:

Desert – The north of Chile was not affected by the quake and has not reported any damage.

Easter Island – Easter Island, which lies 2,300 miles off the cost of mainland Chile, a 5.5 hour flight from Santiago, was not affected by the quake. Initial tsunami warnings have been lifted and all operations are normal.

Santiago and Central Region - Santiago’s airport suffered structural damage to the passenger terminal, however no damage was reported to the runways and the airport is expected to reopen later this week. Electricity and phone lines have been restored in Santiago and the city’s public transportation including its metro is fully operational. Valparaiso and Viña del Mar have also reported damage. The annual Viña del Mar International Music festival which was underway has been suspended.

Lakes and Volcanoes – The northern part of the Lakes and Volcanoes region, around the city of Concepcion and the Bio Bio River, was most affected by the quake. Authorities are still working on assessing the full damage. Basic essential services including water, electricity and telecommunications are gradually being restored. The southern part of the Lakes and Volcanoes region was not affected by the quake. Operations in popular tourist towns including Pucon, Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt are normal.

Patagonia – The far south of the country was not affected by the quake and has not reported any damage.

Chile is a country with a history of seismic activity. The country’s preparedness, including its strict anti-seismic building codes, the rapid emergency response from the government as well as the help from a number of organizations can be credited for managing the situation and help minimize the damage. The country’s tourism infrastructure has, overall, fared well, reporting little damage.

“Our thoughts and sentiments go out to the families who have lost loved ones,” said Pablo Moll, executive director of Turismo Chile. “Chileans are a resilient people and we are hard at work to get the country back on its feet quickly. We look forward to continuing to welcome travelers and are making every effort to making them feel safe and secure.”

New York Times List of 2010 Places to go features a few Latin America Destinations

9. Antarctica
This may be the last year that Antarctica is open to mass tourism — not because the ice is melting too fast (though it is), but because of restrictions that would severely curtail travel around the fragile continent.

Until recently, most vessels passing through Antarctica were limited to scientific expeditions, but an exploding number of tourists now flock to what is arguably the world’s last great wilderness. The tourism boom, scientists argue, poses a major environmental threat. Indeed, several passenger ships have run aground in recent years.

Countries that manage Antarctica are calling for limits on the number of tourist ships, for fortified hulls that can withstand sea ice and for a ban on the use of so-called heavy oils. A ban on heavy oil, which is expected to be adopted by the International Maritime Organization later this year, would effectively block big cruise ships.

With the new rules taking effect within two years, tour operators are promoting 2010 as the last year to visit Antarctica, while, at the same time, procuring lighter vessels that would be permitted. Abercrombie & Kent, for example, is introducing a new ship, Le Boreal (www.abercrombiekent.com), which its public relations firm argues “meets all the environmental regulations, so access to Antarctica via A&K will not be affected.”

Launching this year, the compact luxury ship holds 199 passengers and features an outdoor heated pool, steam rooms and private balconies that offer intimate views of some of the world’s remaining glaciers. — Denny Lee

15. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been on any eco-minded traveler’s radar for years, but with a new birding route in the northeast region of the country, there’s a new reason to pay the country a visit. Opened in early 2009, the Costa Rican Bird Route (www.costaricanbirdroute.com) encompasses 13 far-flung nature reserves with phenomenal avian diversity — the sites are home to more than 500 bird species. Travelers can explore the route on their own with a map ($12.95 when ordered online) or hire a local guide to lead the way. The most popular leg of the route centers on the Sarapiquí-San Carlos region, one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered and prized great green macaw. The landscape along the route runs from wetlands and river explorations to high rain forest canopies and waterfalls; birders can visit renowned tropical biological research stations, stay in newly built eco-lodges and hike or canoe through local family-run reserves in search of rare raptors, herons and kingfishers. — Bonnie Tsui

18. Bahia
All eyes will turn to sultry Rio de Janeiro when it hosts the 2016 Olympic Games, but right now Brazil’s white-hot destination may be the northeastern state of Bahia. With its distinctive African-influenced flavors, cultural diversity, palm-fringed beaches and a new crop of chic hotels, the region is fast emerging as a jet-set playground.

In the village of Trancoso, a hideaway that gets more fashionable by the minute, the Dutch designer Wilbert Das (longtime creative director of the Diesel label) opened Uxua Casa Hotel (www.uxua.com) using recycled materials including old roof tiles and abandoned fishing boats. The hotel’s colorful casas and lush gardens were a canvas for the 2010 Pirelli calendar, shot by the bad-boy photographer Terry Richardson. Speaking of the town’s rising cachet, a luxury Fasano resort — with 30 beachfront villas, a restaurant and a spa — is in the works.

In Salvador, known for its pulsing street carnival and the historic Pelourinho district, head to one of the city’s boutique lodgings. Zank (www.zankhotel.com.br) recently opened in the residential Rio Vermelho section and seamlessly blends modern and classic styles, with exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean just steps away. Nearby is the Pestana Bahia Lodge (www.pestana.com), with a hilltop infinity pool and sunny sea-view rooms. While there, don’t miss “The Kiss” and “The Thinker” by Auguste Rodin, on temporary view at the Palacete das Artes (palacetedasartesrodinbahia.blogspot.com), which opened a gallery devoted to the French sculptor. — Paola Singer

26. Colombia
Unfairly or not, Colombia is still known for its cocaine cartels and street violence, but cool-hunting travelers are calling it Latin America’s next affordable hot spot.

Bogotá, its capital, has emerged as a role model of urban reinvention. Starting in the late 1990s, the city underwent a breathtaking transformation. Sidewalks, once used mainly for parking, are now lined with bicycle paths and tree-shaded cafes. An innovative bus system zips residents across the traffic-congested city. And museums and restaurants have opened in its historic center, including the refurbished Museo del Oro, which houses pre-Columbian treasures.

Getting there is affordable, too. JetBlue recently began nonstop daily service to Bogotá from Orlando, Fla., joining other carriers including Delta.

Meanwhile, the picturesque coastal city of Cartagena, a Unesco World Heritage site, which has been experiencing a tourism surge in recent years, gets even more stylish. The latest addition is the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa (www.tcherassihotels.com), a seven-room boutique hotel designed by Silvia Tcherassi, a Colombian fashion designer. It has even prompted some travel bloggers to call Cartagena the next Buenos Aires. — Denny Lee

Earthquake in Chile, 5th largest

Chile was hit by a large 8.8 Richter scale earthquake on Saturday 27 February at 3:34am. This is the 5^th strongest ever recorded.

The areas most affected are the regions of Maule and Bio-Bio, from the cities of Talca (254km/158 miles south of Santiago) to Concepción (509 km/316 miles South of Santiago) and is where most of the casualties have been registered.

Santiago City, while also affected to a lesser degree, resisted well but some highways and bridges have been partially destroyed. The Government has been working on alternative routes and the city is getting back to normal quickly today.

The airport of Santiago remains closed, due to the building terminal suffering some damage. It is expected that within the next few days it will re-open using a temporary terminal.

The major tourist destinations like Patagonia, Lake District, Easter Island and Atacama did not suffer the most severe effects and communication systems there are slowing recovering;

All clients currently in Chile were contacted on Saturday and are being kept updated of the latest developments and on flight arrangements for the end of their trips.

We of course appreciate the news pictures are dramatic but nevertheless, for those that wish to continue with their travel plans once the airport is re-open, we can confirm that major tourist destinations and highlights of the country were not affected. The only area we are evaluating at the moment is the heart of the Wine Country (Colchagua Valley) that was closer to the regions affected and we will inform any clients with programs to this area of any specific change once the hotels and vineyards are checked.

We also want to thank you for the hundreds of e-mails sent by friends, colleagues and clients from all over the World with their support and kind words.

Rio de Janeiro Christ Statue (Corcovado) is under renovation

The National Park of Tijuca has resumed its restoration work process on the statue of Christ.

This faze the of the operation will involve the inside and outside parts of the statue, and the set up of scaffolds, which is scheduled to take place as of the 22^nd of February.

Visitations to the site will be kept open throughout the restoration period which is estimated to last for 120 days.

We further inform you that the starting date of the project to renovate the embark and disembark area of the railway station, which will certainly also cause some inconvenience, is not yet determined.

If you were expecting a clear shot of the Christ Statue without scaffolding, you may have to buy a postcard.

Machu Picchu closed for two months

Last night, The Peruvian Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade, held a meeting with leaders of Peru's Travel Industry, to report on the evacuation efforts from Machu Picchu - which he oversaw personally in the Cusco area until yesterday, and to reach consensus on the next steps to be taken in re-opening access to the Inca Citadel.

The good news is that everyone who needed to be evacuated - foreign visitors and local inhabitants - from the the town of Aguas Calientes, starting point for the visit to the site located some 900ft/300m above, has been safely transported into Cusco by air and the evacuation efforts have officially concluded. The air-lift will continue for as long as necessary, to insure a supply route for the town and to shuttle personnel and resources that will be needed for the reconstruction efforts. According to the Minister who was there on Saturday, the actual Machu Picchu Archaological Park does not seem to have been damaged at all; this will be confirmed by a team of UNESCO experts who will visit this week. The touring routes in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are "fully operational" and guests presently in the area are visiting without inconveniences.

The bad news, for the local inhabitants, is that there are some 40,000 homes affected by the rains/flooding throughout the Cusco Region and neighbouring areas; and more locals will be affected in the days and weeks to come by the imminent decline in the area's tourism flows, on which many of them depend for their incomes and livelihood.

The bad news, for foreign visitors, is that opening up the road/rail access to Machu Picchu is estimated to take two months, and the consensus reached last nite with the Minister in regards to opening access to the site by air/helicopter, is that this alternative should not be made available during those same months, primarily because: all resources need to be devoted to the reconstruction efforts and the re-establishing of the road/rail access; February and March are rainy months in the Andes and flying is advisable only for emergency cases. The official announcement from the Peruvian Government will be made public later today: MACHU PICCHU VISITS WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE DURING FEBRUARY AND MARCH.

Machu Picchu without Train Service

Today the evacuation work goes on in order to transfer all the tourists from Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes town back to Ollanta and Cuzco, and all tourists must be moved today. Since there is not danger, the helicopter flights may continue but just to provide supplies for the local population.

Regarding the situation of the railway and the immediate future of the visits to Machu Picchu, please note:

The archaeological site of Machu Picchu remains intact, no damage have been caused on the ruins.

The Inca Trail is closed and like every February, will be opened on March 1^st as usual. Depending on the railway conditions to return to Ollanta and Cuzco, authorities may decide to open it later.

The buses on the zig-zag road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu are not working, because the road was completely slippery and with landslides in some areas. There is no regular use since the bridge on the way can’t support any bus. However the cleaning works are in process and the road will be clear very soon, probably just a matter of days.

Yesterday, Feb 28^th, the Engineering department of Ferrocarril Transandino S.A. (FTSA), inspected the 122 kilometers which compose the railway connecting Cusco and Machupicchu.

1.- Due to the strong rains occurred in the last days, the Vilcanota River incremented their volume of flow to no-registered levels (1100 m3/second, when maximum registered was 850 m3/second).

2.- The above caused serious damages on the railroad in, at least, 8 critical areas.

3.- In order to re-establish communication with Machu Picchu town by using the railroad, FTSA has determined to restore the tracks in three stages:

Hydroelectric – Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes): The work will last three weeks, to allow the visitors and residents to use bimodal transportation between the area. In order to achieve this objective it will be necessary to restore the road between Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica.

Piscacucho (town between Ollantaytanmbo and Hydroelectric) – Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes): The work will last seven weeks. This restoration will allow visitors to get to Machu Picchu by using a bimodal transportation also.

Ollantaytambo – Piscacucho (town between Ollantaytanmbo and Hydroelectric): It is panned to archive this work in 8 weeks in order to re-establish the services as regularly known.

4.- It is important to mention that all working plans are subject to weather conditions.

5.- FTSA guaranties to Peruvian authorities, Machu Picchu residents, tour operators, visitors and the community, that FTSA professionals are performing their best efforts to archive the main objectives of the above working plan in order to restore the transportation facilities on the south east railway system.

That means that in the following 8 weeks there will be no train transportation to Machu Picchu. However we are evaluating some other alternatives, like the helicopter system or another alternative routes like Santa Teresa, but we are meeting with local authorities today to see if this alternative is feasible.

In the other hand, because of our commitment to the community, yesterday our Cusco staff and our buses joined the efforts of the City Hall and volunteered to provide transportation and help to some communities around the Cusco area until 10:00 pm.

Heavy Rains Cause Problems for Tourists in Peru

News reports from various agencies are estimating that up to 2,000 tourists are stranded in the town of Machu Picchu as a result of heavy rains which caused mudslides that have covered and taken out sections of the railway that connects the ancient ruins with Cuzco.
The Peruvian Governmen has declared a state of emergency in the region and has evacuated 20 elderly and ill tourists by helicopter. Weather permitting, they are hoping that the train will be able to run late Tuesday or Wednesday morning. PanAmerican is communicating with our contacts and operators in the region and every effort is being made to accommodate tourists whose travel plans have been affected.

Argentina's Chic Sleeps - Travel + Leisure Magazine

The December 2009 edition of Travel + Leisure Magazine featured some updates on what is becoming a popular option for accommodations outside of the city in "Argentina's Chic Sleeps". Rodrigo Perez Rembao listed three estancias that are, "increasing the luxury ante by sprucing up their accommodations."

San Ceferino Hotel de Campo & Spa: recently added 22 country-chic suites with queen size beds, traditional Pampas art, oversized whirlpool tubs, and views of the two-acre laguna from their spacious balconies; www.estanciasanceferino.com.ar

Resort de Campo & Polo: If you are a polo fan, check into this 32-room property and catch a match. Though the rooms aren't much the property's new 3,000 square foot spa is a standout. www.poloresort.com

Finca Maria Cristina: Argentina's first estancia to open as a real boutique hotel - 20 rooms with private decks, blond-wood floors, earth-toned pillows and throws, and a 20-minute helicopter service to and from Buenos Aires. www.fincamariacristina.com.ar

For more information on these properties and other lodging options inside and outside of Buenos Aires, contact us at 800-364-4359 or email info@panam-tours.com.

Is Salta The Next Mendoza?

The September 2009 edition of Travel + Leisure Magazine featured an article titled, "Argentina's New Crop". Writer Bruce Schoenfeld travels through Mendoza, which most wine lovers will recognize as Argentina's premier wine region. This area provides travelers with 5-star wine lodges, great food, and plenty of beautiful scenery. And for those with an adventurous spirit there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.
From there, Bruce continues to the area of Salta (12-hour drive), a much lesser known, but up and coming area that is beginning to produce some the areas best wine. Many people say Salta is what Mendoza was 15-years ago. But that could change rapidly if you look at the way foreign investments have transformed Mendoza.

"The 31 Places to Go in 2010" - The New York Times

On Sunday, January 10th, The New York Times featured an article titled, "The 31 Places to Go in 2010." Of the 31 destinations listed, PanAmerican Travel Services provides customized travel services to 5. Here they are:

#2: Patagonia Wine Country
#9: Antarctica
#15: Costa Rica
#18: Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
#26: Colombia (on our personal "hot" list)

For more information on customized travel plans to any of these destinations or any other destination in Latin America, call us at 800-364-4359 or e-mail us at info@panam-tours.com.

Remota Offering Promotions in January and February

With access to trips inside and outside Torres del Paine National Park, Remota is the new top destination in the Chilean Patagonia. A place where guests can experience the history, the culture and the sheer expanse of Patagonia.

Remota has two special offers for the month of January and February 2010:

PAY 3 NIGHTS / ENJOY 4 NIGHTS: Savings of more than $400.00 per person

PAY 4 NIGHTS / ENJOY 7 NIGHTS: Savings of more than $1000.00 per person

These offers are valid for travel during January and February 2010, limited and subject to availability at time of booking.

For more information on Remota call us at 800-364-4359 or e-mail us at info@panam-tours.com.