With its rich mystical history and breathtaking landscapes, Latin America is a stunning destination. Discover this beautiful continent on our Treasures of the Incas and Classic South America luxury guided tours, or combine the two for the ultimate Latin American voyage, the 23-Day Grand South America. As a taster of what’s in store, here are 7 Latin America experiences guaranteed to stir your soul.
An intimate history of Peru
Enjoy an exclusive invitation from Dr. Francisco Diez-Canseco Távara, distinguished politician and philanthropist, to step into his home and share in tales of his family’s history. Travel to Peru on a Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection departure and enjoy a private lunch at his charming villa in Lima.
As you dine, learn all about Dr. Canseco’s family’s long heritage in Peru, which includes former presidents, politicians and Spanish nobility. Hear also about his farming activities in the highland of Peru, supporting Indigenous farmers. Come away with a deep and personal insight into the history of this fascinating country, one of the great Latin America experiences that will certainly stir your soul.
Read more: Exclusive encounters – The Chairman’s Collection
A once-in-a-lifetime journey to Machu Picchu
Standing 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a lush tropical mountain forest, lies Machu Picchu. one of the most sought-after destinations on earth. The enigmatic Lost City of the Incas was rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911 after being forgotten for centuries. Now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, much of its history and purpose of still remains a mystery even to historians. This makes a visit to Machu Picchu one of the most mystical and intriguing Latin America experiences a traveler can enjoy.
Some of the most famous sites of this sprawling ancient citadel are the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, the Sun Gate and the Intihuatana rock, believed to be an ancient sun clock. Easily accessed by train, your first-class seats and panoramic windows make for sublime views en route to Machu Picchu village. Arrive before the day trippers and join your expert guide for an exclusive and fascinating journey back in time.
Help keep traditional textiles alive in Cusco
The colorful traditional textiles of Peru and Latin America have lured visitors for centuries. Their origins stretch back thousands of years, and in the bustling community of Cusco, Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez is dedicated to preserving this ancient craft. Each fabric possesses intricate techniques and extraordinarily rich colors and patterns, with textiles considered rare and special enough for many museums to hold fragments of surviving archaeological examples.
Join a Luxury Gold MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and be fortunate to meet Nilda, Quechua scholar and director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, and learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques. Established in 1996, the Center has been appraising textile techniques, educating the youth and working with university programs for two decades. Through this VIP experience, relish the joy of Latin America travel as you get deep into the history of your destination.
Read more: Keeping the old ways alive: Center for traditional tiles in Cusco
Admire exotic birds at Iguazu falls
Embrace a world of color, sound and beauty at Parque das Aves, the only institution in the world focused on the conservation of the beautiful and exuberant birds of the Atlantic Rainforest. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, step into the forest and walk among the birds, and discover the fascinating work at the heart of this important park. Providing shelter for over a thousand birds, butterflies and reptiles from across South America, learn how they are helping reverse the conservation crisis facing these birds and the Atlantic rainforest.
A VIP invitation on Lake Titicaca
Set on the border of Peru and Bolivia, the sublime Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable body of water, at 3’812m above sea level. Over forty islands are sprinkled throughout Lake Titicaca, hosting a mix of rolling hills, various populations and ancient ruins waiting to be explored.
Receive a VIP invitation for an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet a local family on Amantani Island, one of the largest islands on Lake Titicaca. Machines are not used on Amantani, so you’ll enjoy a unique insight into how this culture maintains the traditions of their ancestors. Join members of the community for a farm-to-table lunch of regional specialties, admire their textiles and handicrafts before exploring the terraced hillsides for superb views and ancient ruins. One of our authentic Latin America experiences that you’ll be talking about for evermore.
Savour traditional flavors and meet a Shaman in the Sacred Valley
Peruvian cuisine tempts with its rich aromas and fusion of local and international flavors. Dine the local way as you feast on a typical Peruvian meal, a caja china lunch of fresh vegetables and slow-roasted meats, all cooked in a wooden box. A communal rite in the Sacred Valley, this his traditional way of slow cooking using hot stones and clay pots underground. Dating back to pre-historic times, it is a way to celebrate and show gratitude to Pachamama, the only goddess revered by the Indigenous people of the Andes.
Take up one of our once-in-a-lifetime Latin America experiences and join a local Shaman. They will who perform this age-old ceremony in which an offering is made to Pachamama, representing Mother Earth, fertility, planting and harvesting. Of great importance, it is believed that Pachamama harvests the land and brings the rain so that farmers can grow their local crops.
Read more: Experience a Pachamama ceremony in the Scared Valley
Enjoy the magic of Tango in Buenos Aires
The Tango evokes feelings of passion, drama and desire and is synonymous with Argentina. At Rojo Tango prepare to be enthralled and captivated by the finest tango dancers and musicians in Argentina. Savor a delicious meal and enjoy live music, solo singers and a breathtaking tango display, brimming with love, passion and glamour.
First introduced in the 1880’s, Tango is included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The steps originated in the poor neighborhoods of the largest cities in Argentina and Uruguay, to become one of the most iconic dance styles in the world. An authentic night immersed in this intoxicating world is the ultimate way to enjoy one of the best Latin America experiences.
An exclusive appointment with traditional art
When traveling through Argentina, you can’t fail to notice the distinctive colorful, artistic drawings and lettering of fileteado, adorning all kinds of beloved objects: signs, taxis, lorries and even the old colectivos, Buenos Aires’s buses. So distinctive and culturally important, this art form is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Enjoy an exclusive VIP experience with Luxury Gold and meet acclaimed artist Alfredo Genovese at his Fileteado workshop. When a student at the National Fine Arts School in 1984, Alfredo discovered that the fileteado was missing in the school’s curricula. He then made it his mission to study to become a fileteador. Learn direct from a master about this traditional artwork, its history and applications, a truly unique thing to do in Latin America.
Discover these soul stirring experiences and more on our Treasures of the Incas, Classic South America and Grand South America luxury guided tours.
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