TRAVEL NEWS

LONDON WELCOMES EXHIBITION OF BRAZIL'S WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES

An exhibition showcasing the wonders of Brazil is coming to the Brazilian Embassy in London in April and May. The exhibition will showcase Brazil's most important World Cultural Heritage Sites, including the mining city of Ouro Preto, the historic centre of Salvador, Bahia, the pilot plan of the country's capital, Brasilia, and the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro.

The exhibition aims to promote the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites and show Brazil as a country that possesses unique cultural beauty and diverse appeal to tourists across the globe. Brazil has 19 UNESCO cultural sites, 12 of which are presented at the exhibition. The interactive exhibition will inform visitors about the history of Brazil, from the country's pre-historical period and colonisation until today. The exhibition will take place at the Brazilian Embassy in London from April 20 - May 11 and will be open from 10am -7pm from Monday to Friday. visitbrasil.com

EXTRA PERMITS RELEASED TO HIKE THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICHU, PERU

Amazonas Explorer has launched two new weekly departures allowing travellers to hike the Inca Trail through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu and to take advantage of the 250 extra permits allocated each day for the 104 kilometre Inca Trail. It is the first time ever that extra permits have been made available with hiking to the ancient city through the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail, previously requiring booking months in advance.

Amazonas Explorer has also opened up another option for travellers to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience without having to worry about lack of permits with the Ultimate Lares Trek. The nine day Lares Trek package combines acclimatisation hikes in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to give travellers real insight into rural Peru before walking the 104 kilometres through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. The package is priced from £1,049 per person and includes meals, tours, transport, accommodation and entrances as per the itinerary. www.amazonas-explorer.com/tours/ultimate-lares-trek

NEW AIRPORT ON THE ISLAND OF ST HELENA PREPARES FOR FIRST EVER FLIGHTS

British Airways (operated by Comair) has conducted an implementation flight to St Helena in a Boeing 737-800 aircraft (Monday 18 April), in preparation for the start of the scheduled air services.

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, will be a guest of honour at the official opening of the airport on St Helena Day on 21 May 2016. Flights to St Helena are available via Johannesburg, South Africa. www.sthelenatourism.com

HOTEL NEWS

CRISTALINO JUNGLE LODGE IN BRAZIL TURNS TO SOLAR ENERGY

The 'Cristalino Jungle Lodge' has introduced 60 new solar panels onto its lodges, allowing its eco-friendly accommodation to be 100 per cent powered by solar energy. The lodge is located deep in the heart of the rainforest in the Mato Grosso region in Brazil and produces all of its own energy. The installation of the solar panels means that lights in the lodge no longer have to be turned off at 10pm and guests can enjoy the bar, outdoor deck and all communal area throughout the evening.

'Cristalino Jungle Loge' is a haven for biodiversity lovers offering 30 kilometres of trails and two observation towers that provide guests with stunning lookout points over the rainforest and ideal locations to spot the local wildlife.

One night at Cristalino Lodge is priced from £275 per person based on sharing a standard double. The price includes accommodation on a full board basis, non-alcoholic drinks, daily exploration trips with a local guide and transfers. The lodge also charges an extra £60 'Cristalino Foundation Fee' per person. www.cristalinolodge.com.br/en

GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA HOTELIN MEXICO OFFERS TRADITIONAL MEXICAN TREATMENTS AT AWARD WINNING SPA

The internationally recognised spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is offering guests a new full body treatment: - the Uumbal Shawl Massage. This is a full body treatment that uses lemons to apply pressure and authentic Mexican shawls for stretching, aiming to align the body's posture and clean energy channels from head to toe. The treatment is the latest addition to the spa's Flavors and Traditions of Mexico Path, which also features the Bacal Massage, the Mayan Jade Facial and both the Coffee and Cocoas Experience. The 80 minute Uumbal Shawl Massage treatment costs £165. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya Hotel is a five diamond luxury resort located in an oasis of calm and tranquillity along the white sandy beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

NEW HONEYMOON EXPERIENCE AT LOS CAUQUENES RESORT IN ARGENTINA

Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa in Argentina has launched a new exclusive, specially designed honeymoon programme. Los Cauquenes is the only high-end resort and spa on the Beagle Channel Beach. Located just seven kilometres from the city of Ushuaia and with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes mountain range; it is the ideal location for newlyweds to enjoy a romantic getaway. The hotel boasts 54 rooms, private access to the beach and outstanding views from all rooms and hotel areas.

The honeymoon offer is available from £275 per person and includes three nights' accommodation, a 30 minute massage per person, dinner on board the Akawaia boat, Champagne and chocolates and transport to and from the airport. www.loscauquenes.com/en/experiences/honey-moon

HOTEL LUCIANO K IN SANTIAGO, CHILE OPENS FOR BUSINESS

Hotel Lucian K located in Santiago's trendy Barrio Lastarria has opened for business. The 38 room hotel is named after the cult Chilean architect Lucian Kulczewski who designed the building. The building was originally contructed as an art deco style apartment block, with a locally loved gargoyle leaning down from the roof.

Luciano K appeals to a discerning clientele who love high design, great style, arresting architecture and service that comes with remarkable attention to detail. A blend of old character and new design the hotel will have a lobby, bar and restaurant on the first floor with a terrace overlooking the park, a spa center, a heated lap pool on the top floor and a rooftop terrace and bar and amazing views to the park and Plaza Italia.

One night in a standard double room is priced from £130 and £262 for a suite based on two people sharing including breakfast and free wifi access. www.lucianokhotel.com

TOUR OPERATOR NEWS

KE ADVENTURES LAUNCHES BRAND NEW TEENAGE INCA TRAIL TREK

KE Adventures has launched a brand new four day teenage trek on the Inca Trail along a 82 kilometre trail all the way to the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu. This once in a lifetime family experience has been tailored to enable keen and fit teenagers to experience the Inca trail with their family.

The holiday includes a couple of days to acclimatise to the high altitudes of the Peruvian Andes, a white-water rafting adventure on the Urubamba River, bike riding in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and a visit to the colourful handcrafts market in the town of Pisac, before beginning the hike up to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The tour includes three nights of camping at a maximum altitude of 3680m overlooking glacial lakes and cloud forests to name a few. Following the trek, travellers will have a full day to explore Machu Picchu.

The trek departs on 25 June until 05 July and on 13 August until 23 August 2016 and is priced from £2,945 per adult (aged 11+) including international flights and £2,655 per child (aged 11) including international flights. Children under the age of 11 cannot take part in the trek. The price includes a guide, six nights stay in a hotel, three nights camping, trail permits, Machu Picchu guided tour and fees. www.keadventure.com/holidays/Peru-teenage-inca-trail-trek      

NEW BOLIVIA EXPRESS ITINERARY WITH HIGHLIVES TRAVEL

Highlives Travel has launched a new Bolivia Express Itinerary as an alternative to their Bolivian Odyssey tour. The package offers travellers a whistle-stop journey through the heart of Bolivia where they will enjoy authentic experiences and the chance to truly travel like a local.

The ten day itinerary is for the adventurous traveller with guests travelling on local transport for a more authentic journey through Bolivia, accompanied by local guides who provide insight in to the history and culture of the country.

The Bolivia Express tour starts from £1,400 per person and is available on both a private basis at any time of the year and as a group tour departing on set dates. Price is based on two people sharing a double room, including land transfers and the services of a guide. The price excludes international flights. www.highlives.co.uk/culture-history/bolivia-express

EXPLORA OFFERS COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION TO EL CALAFATE IN ARGENTINA

South American travel expert Explora is offering complementary transport between Patagonia and El Calafate, Argentina, a drive that covers 374 kilometres through majestic glaciers and staggering landscapes.  

The exclusive offer is available for guests staying in Explora's unique property in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park between 15 November 2016 and 15 March 2017. Three all-inclusive nights at the Explora Patagonia property based on two people sharing a room are priced from £5,737 excluding international flights. www.explora.com

TRIBES TRAVEL BEGINS WORKING WITH TRAVEL AGENTS

Tribes Travel, an owner-run tour operator offering high quality tailor made holidays in Ecuador, the Galapagos, Peru, Brazil and Costa Rica, has started working with travel agents for the first time ever.

The tour operator offers specialised packages with holidays ranging from beach to adventure holidays. www.tribes.co.uk

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The Latin America Travel Association (LATA) – is represented by Lotus.  For editorial and marketing enquiries, please contact Jules Ugo, Kate McWilliams or Lucy Keenan at Lotus– LATAPR@wearelotus.co.uk  0207 953 7470