Trafalgar unveils 2014 South American tours

MANILA, Philippines - With South America being one of the fastest growing travel destinations of the past few years, Trafalgar, the “insider” of guided vacations, has launched its 2014 South America brochure, which also includes Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama — exciting new destinations and experiences that will also be available locally via partner Pan Pacific Travel Corp.

With an increased growth of 80 percent in the past year, Trafalgar has seen exponential demand for travel to South America. 

“With an increased desire for new aspirational destinations, South America is, without a doubt, the new frontier for Asians,” says Nicholas Lim, regional director of Trafalgar Asia.

“We further anticipate another surge in volume, especially with the 2014 FIFA World Cup round the corner in Brazil. Football fans could do a pre- or post-tournament trip to these surrounding destinations to maximize their time in the region,” Lim says.

Besides taking guests to world renowned locations such as Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio De Janeiro, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Iguassu Falls in Paraguay, for 2014 Trafalgar takes guests on a unique journey through up-and-coming destinations such as the UNESCO site of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina to view 4,400 kms of glaciers, the Colca Canyon in Peru — the world’s deepest canyon — and the Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador, the site of an active volcano.

The 2014 South America brochure includes new itineraries such as Peru’s Andean Explorer, a 13-day guided vacation that takes travelers to some of the most interesting cities and villages in South America, including a couple of nights in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Starting and ending in Lima, guests will also visit Cusco, Puno, Colca Canyon and Arequipa along the way.

Surefire highlights of this itinerary are the authentic accommodations that Trafalgar introduces as a new feature in this year’s brochure. Guests will stay at the five-star Casa Andina Private Collection hotels in Arequipa and Cusco, winners of TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Chosen for its unique significance to the local area, the Arequipa property is a colonial mansion situated in the heart of the city, and inhabits the Mint House, a national historical monument.

The Colorful Trails of Ecuador, another new itinerary, offers a 10-day journey from north to south at one of the world’s hottest travel destinations of the moment. Starting in Quito and ending in Guayaquil, guests also spend nights in Otavalo, Banos, Riobamba and Cuenca, and experience a number of dining highlights along the way in Cayambe and en route to Quito, among others. A special Be My Guest lunch of Ecuadorian specialties also awaits travelers at Hacienda la Compania, a family home situated on a rose plantation.

To kick off the launch of the new brochure, Trafalgar is offering savings of 10 percent off any guided holiday from the 2014 South America that is booked and paid for by Jan. 31, 2014, amounting to up to $1,430 in savings per couple. Additionally, past guests can save up to $840 per couple with their additional Frequent Traveler discount of five percent.