Why not join in the greatest party on earth, the iconic Carnival in Rio? Held annually in the days leading up to Lent, the carnival sees the whole of Brazil in celebration mode with street parades and parties that culminate in a crescendo of colour in the grand parade. Held over two nights, eight Samba clubs (known locally as ‘schools’) parade each night. In each ‘school’ there are 5000 performers dressed in amazing costumes and accompanied by some incredibly ornate floats. Come and join in – you will not believe how much fun it can be!
Start in Quito before departing on a four-day immersion into the Andean World. Travel along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cuenca, with visits to centuries old haciendas and discover the local culture, history, Andean flavours, traditions and legends of the ancestral people.
Amazon Expedition Cruise: M/Y Tucano By World Journeys
Amazon Expedition Cruise: M/Y Tucano By World Journeys
Travel from the Brazilian city of Manaus into the heart of the Amazonian wilderness, voyaging further than any other boat operator to explore this pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll venture along hidden and uninhabited rivers, journeying deep into the wild forest where the magnificent plants and animals of Amazonia reign supreme. You’ll also visit the Encontro das Aguas, the confluence of the world’s two largest rivers, the Rio Negro and the mighty, magnificent, Amazon River itself.
**Highlights include:** The Anavilhanas Archipelago – the world’s largest river island system, learn about the ecology of the Amazon from expert guides, explore the rainforest by kayak, boat and walks, cultural visit with locals, wildlife spotting by night with nocturnal creatures, and Brazilian Caipirinha Night (cocktails and samba!).
**M/Y Tucano:** While able to travel in comfort, the M/Y Tucano is not insulated from the rainforest and built in an elegant style of a classic modern yacht. The voyage is quite active and days are spent exploring the forest on foot, by kayak, or in the boat’s launches. The yacht is fully air conditioned for 18 guests with outside staterooms including full private bathroom facilities. The M/Y Tucano is comfortable, sophisticated, and well suited to exploring the Amazon wilderness.
Discover the wilderness of Patagonia from the luxurious Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa. Perfectly positioned to offer magnificent views of the Torres del Paine National Park with its soaring mountains, electric-blue icebergs and golden lowlands. Spend your days in the National Park hiking, biking, horse riding, or sightseeing led by expert guides.
Luxury Amazon Cruises: Aria Amazon & Aqua Nera By World Journeys
Luxury Amazon Cruises: Aria Amazon & Aqua Nera By World Journeys
Explore an area of unspoilt wilderness. Two and a half million hectares of protected, Amazonian jungle offering an abundance of natural wonders, dramatic scenery, indigenous cultural history and extraordinary flora and fauna including the endangered Amazon River dolphin and manatee.
These 3, 4 and 7 night journeys offer guests a rare insight into the very heart of Amazonia.
**Aria Amazon:** Spacious and indulgent, yet private enough to feel entirely exclusive, the 45 metre Aria Amazon accommodates a maximum of 32 guests in 16 air-conditioned luxury Design Suites, each with generous picture windows offering superb river views from the 23 square metre cabin. Outstanding cuisine, expert naturalist guides and great excursions from the vessel ensure a world class experience. At the end of the day enjoy a sundowner drink on the Observation Deck or perhaps a dip in the jacuzzi as life on the Amazon gently glides by.
**Aqua Nera:** This brand-new river cruise ship is the epitome of luxury cruising on the Amazon. Aqua Nera draws design inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon’s mystical blackwater lagoons and bears hallmarks of contemporary style and generous interiors. Aboard the Aqua Nera, every space has been crafted to perfection. The vessel’s 20 spacious Design Suites, which accommodate up to 40 guests convey a sense of tranquility, while the social spaces showcase refined elegance with a touch of drama. Tastefully woven into the design are accents and details from the rubber boom era and the colourful cultures of Portugal, Spain and Peru. The cruise features cuisine by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s finest chefs who is celebrated for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce. Every day, expert naturalist guides conduct small group excursions that reward guests with up-close wildlife encounters in the world’s most biodiverse rainforest.
**Watch a great video on the experiences from past passengers on board the Aria Amazon**
4 Days / 3 Nights or longer from $5,950 Price Per Person
Whether your interests lie in observing the natural wildlife of the Galapagos, enjoying world-class diving, exploring lava fields, relaxing on the beach or just a bit of everything, why not consider staying in this multi-award winning Eco-hotel. Located a 5 minute water taxi ride from the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, it is the ideal spot to relax at either end of a cruise or if you prefer to be land based and take day excursions to nearby islands. Relaxed style and great accommodation along with wonderful food and some superb day excursions are what make this hotel, considered one of the best in the Galapagos, so popular.