Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012, A&K has perfected the art of delivering seamless and inspiring travel experiences the world over. Each journey is personally tailored to suit the individual and enhanced by unique Insider Access opportunities. The company's evolution from its early days outfitting safaris in the African bush to today's sophisticated global travel business confirms a level of experience rarely seen. With it comes excellence and reliability, which means peace of mind and security for guests -A&K's most important commodity. All of this is made possible by the wealth of knowledge and experience that the company's collective network brings with it - a handpicked staff of over 2,200 and 60 offices worldwide.
The most recent region to be targeted by A&K, Latin America is now a thriving facet the company's operations. Its first office there opened in Lima, Peru just over 10 years ago and today there are a further four offices and some 80 staff members across the continent.
For diversity, Latin America is hard to beat and as A&K Managing Director Sujata Raman cites, "two of the recently voted 7 Wonders of Nature (the Amazon and Iguassu Falls) plus three of the New Seven Wonders (Machu Picchu, Statue of Christ the Redeemer and Chichen Itza) are in Latin America. It has dramatic scenery, rich cultural attractions, awe-inspiring monuments, unique wildlife and wilderness and world class hotels. For that reason it is our fastest growing destination."
New Journeys
This year A&K has identified multi-generational travel as an increasingly dominant trend. There are many family favourites recommended by A&K in Latin America including the explora wilderness lodges where there's plenty of activity on offer for young and old alike, and the ultimate educational cruise destination – the Galapagos Islands. A&K's 12 day 'Sail the Enchanted Isles' from $10,385 per person based on twin share.
Another new product stream for A&K in 2012 is its collection of small group journeys, all designed with the customary hallmarks of an A&K private journey, but gather like-minded travellers together for the experience. Leading local guides bring the destinations to life and group sizes are limited to between 14 and 18 guests. New for this year and featured on A&K's Hot List for 2012 is Cuba. The itinerary combines the nostalgia of Havana, Hemingway's heritage, classic cars and cigars, the colonial attractions down south and white sand beaches of Cayo Santa Maria. A&K's 10 day 'Captivating Cuba' departs 15 October 2012 and is priced from $4,595. Solo travellers pay just $790 more.
Recently launched in the Galapagos is the newly refurbished MC Athala II, a luxury catamaran accommodating just 16 guests, with personalised service a key focus. Staterooms feature every creature comfort and a naturalist guide accompanies all shore excursions. There are two itineraries of different duration and opportunities for hiking, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, bird watching and wildlife photography. A 5 night cruise aboard MC Athala II from US$4,380 per person based on twin share.
The Chile and Argentina combination now offers a chance to explore Patagonia from both sides of the Andes. On the Chilean side the brand new Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa on the eastern border of the famous Torres del Paine National Park contrasts nicely with the smaller and more intimate Eolo in Argentinian Patagonia. Each has breathtaking scenery and a good choice of daily activity. A&K's 14 day 'Best of Chile & Argentina' from $11,515 per person based on twin share.
Those guests seeking a short add-on to the remarkable Iguazu Falls can do it in a stylish combination with Buenos Aires. Combine an overnight stay at Hotel das Cataratas from Orient-Express, which gazes out over the Falls with a stay in the Argentine capital's Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt, one of the city's leading hotels. A&K's 5 day 'Iguazu Extension' from $3,115 per person based on twin share.
New hotels & experiences
A number of new boutique hotels have been handpicked by A&K for inclusion in its South American portfolio. These include some city stand-outs: the stylish Legado Mitico in Buenos Aires; the cosy and well located Le Reve in Santiago; Guayaquil's Mansion del Rio next to the Guayas River in the heart of the old town and the discreetly situated and exclusive La Casona Inkaterra in Cusco.
In the Salta province of north-west Argentina A&K introduces the charming colonial style La Merced del Alto and the elegant House of Jasmines.
A&K Philanthropy has added its support to the St Mary of the Angels project in Ecuador. This initiative was established to provide a home, food, education, health care and a family atmosphere for orphans and abandoned children living with HIV/AIDS. Guests are welcomed with open arms as the children proudly show off their home!
To book or enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 851 800 or www.abercrombiekent.com.au
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