Saturday 21 May 2011

Want to go to but don’t speak Spanish? No problem. Let our tours help


So, you’ve always wanted to go to South America—whether it’s scaling the Andes, exploring the Amazon, seeing Machu Picchu, hanging out on the beaches of Brazil or skiing in Chile—but you’re a little nervous that your lack of Spanish skills could hold you back. If you’re like me, you’re pretty sure your French won’t help you out too much when you’re trying to haggle for a sweater in Peru or discussing the dangers of the jungle with a local in the Amazon. On the scale of things, a language barrier can seem like a pretty silly reason not to venture into these amazing areas of the world. At the same time, however, not knowing the language can make the trip more complicated, logistically more difficult and generally less comforting. If you want to travel to South America and understand your hotel owner’s great story, get good directions and order the best thing on the menu without taking years worth of Spanish class, then traveling with a tour group can be the perfect solution. You’ll still see all the amazing sights, plus you’ll have someone there who speaks Spanish and knows where to go, so you won’t waste time getting lost or ending up frustrated.
So, ok, I know what you are thinking. “A travel tour? Isn’t that what old people do?” The answer is no. The truth is travel tours have come a long way since the days of giant air-conditioned buses and old ladies. Today there are tours designed specifically for the independent, adventure traveler. That’s right—active, interesting and adventurous tours that allow travelers to explore and experience a foreign place. So you’ll be hiking the Inca trail, taking a canoe into the Amazon and exploring Patagonia, not sitting in a bus. The groups are also kept small, usually capping out at 16 people, so you won’t be traveling around with some awkwardly huge group of gawking tourists. These tours also don’t just scratch the surface of the places you visit. In fact, by using a combination of local and experienced guides, you’ll often see and experience MORE than you would on your own. Want to have a guide who can translate an important sign or help you find the best restaurant in town? I certainly do. Because these tours have already been developed to showcase the best of the best, you’ll save yourself from countless hours of potentially pointless research trying to find out where to go and what to eat. Oh, and don’t worry, you definitely won’t be experiencing South America from the window of some bus while sitting next to blue-haired Edna the entire time. These tours have you up and about, courageous exploring these region by foot, hanging out with llamas, biking and canoeing. So, buckle up, book your trip today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Take an in depth look at the best of Peru on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. Explore the country’s lush jungles, expansive lakes and harsh deserts. Enjoy local homestays, hike the famed Inca Trail and be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities. This three-week tour starts and ends in Lima and will take you through the diverse, varied and totally incredible regions of Peru.
A wealth of South American highlights, packed into five weeks. Wind your way down the spine of the Americas, from Lima’s bustling markets to Santiago, set in the shadow of the Andes. Along the way discover marine life at the Peruvian coast, the lost city of Machu Picchu and gleaming salt lakes. Add to that hot springs and geysers, the changing shades of the altiplano’s multicolored lakes and the San Pedro oasis with its moon-like rock formations in the Atacama Desert. You’ll see all the best that this amazing continent has to offer from coastlines to mountains to desert to jungle. What a trip.
Travel overland from Santiago to Buenos Aires, taking in some awesome scenery and opportunities for outdoor sports along the way. Beginning in Chile’s buzzing capital, this trip takes you through the volcanic landscapes of Puerto Varas, into the Lake District around Bariloche and finally ends in flamboyant Buenos Aires, where the party never stops. Get a taste of Patagonia on this action-packed adventure that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Hike through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world on this active foray into Argentinean Patagonia. Be awe-inspired by towering, snowy peaks and breathtakingly beautiful glacial lakes, and watch behemoth ice chunks calving off Perito Moreno in Glacier National Park. Work up a sweat and get ready to be wowed by the power and beauty of Mother Nature on this active and scenic six day tour.
Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Discover the outstanding natural beauty, interesting history and unique wildlife by foot, boat, bike and snorkel on this active adventure. Trace Darwinian evolutionary theories, spot colorful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and experience an archipelago adventure completely out of this world.

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