High Style on the Amazon 15 - Aqua Expeditions · ¶ Galapagos Safari Camp: Fifty islands of...

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Centro Y Sur magazine ¡EXPLORA! Camping Goes Glam Evolution of the All-Inclusive Panama's Growing Skyline PASAPORTE Latin America's High Cost of Living Luxurious Golf Courses Oct-Nov 2011, no. 4 A LUXURIANT NEW WAY TO TRAVEL DOWN SOUTH AMERICA'S FAMOUS RIVER High Style on the Amazon High Style on the Amazon High Style on the Amazon High Style on the Amazon THE ISSUE THE ISSUE LUXURY 15 10 OVER-THE-TOP SPA TREATMENTS THROUGHOUT LATIN AMERICA

Transcript of High Style on the Amazon 15 - Aqua Expeditions · ¶ Galapagos Safari Camp: Fifty islands of...

Page 1: High Style on the Amazon 15 - Aqua Expeditions · ¶ Galapagos Safari Camp: Fifty islands of volcanic origin comprise the Galápagos archipelago, located 800 kilometers west of Ecuador’s

Centro Y Sur magazine

¡EXPLORA!Camping Goes GlamEvolution of the All-InclusivePanama's Growing Skyline

PASAPORTELatin America's High Cost of Living

Luxurious Golf Courses

Oct-Nov 2011, no. 4

A LUXURIANT NEW WAY TO TRAVEL DOWN SOUTH AMERICA'S FAMOUS RIVER

High Style on the Amazon

High Style on the Amazon

High Style on the Amazon

High Style on the Amazon

THEISSUE

THEISSUELUXURY

1510 OVER-THE-TOP SPA TREATMENTS

THROUGHOUT LATIN AMERICA

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Nicholas Gill takes a luxurious trip down Latin America’s watery behemoth.

HIGH STYLE ONTHE AMAZON

p54

SWEAT ANDREPOSE

p60

Becca Hensley travels down to Patagonia to indulge in the culture, food, art and, of course, the inspiring landscape.

Oct-Nov 2011 / Centro Y Sur 07

It’s all about over-the-top indulgence at these 15 Latin American spas.

FOLLOW YOUR BLISS

p34CONTENTS

PASAPORTEInsider p65

Contributors p68

Signposts p70

Last Look p74

¡EXPLORA!Word of Mouth p11

A Traveler’s Tale p28

Profile p30

Picture This p32

WATCHWatch this time-

lapsed coverage of the Copacabana

Reveillon 2011 p74

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Why Centro Y Sur?

Trees.Latin American inspiration, one home and office at a time.

Subscribe for free.

Merriam-Webster defines luxury as a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort; something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely

necessary; an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction or ease. I’d like to think Centro Y Sur’s interpretation fits all of the above. While it’s my personal belief that a vacation in itself—any amount of time away from the daily grind—is a luxury, this issue is all about over-the-top indulgence, a price-is-no-object approach to travel. Whether your idea of luxury is a decadent spa day or 18 holes of pristine golf, this is a guide to finding your bliss. We’ve also included some luxurious new twists on old vacation staples: glamping (glamorous camping) and high-end, all-inclusive hotels (no longer an oxymoron). And while the purse strings may be tightening for many of us, it’s always nice to take a break and indulge in fanciful daydreams—shopping wish lists, dream vacations, fancy dinners, penthouse suites—which is itself a tiny luxury.

Enjoy,

Jennifer Segelke, Editor-in-Chief

Founder & PublisherJason Z. Guest

[email protected]

Editor-in-ChiefJennifer Segelke

[email protected]

Creative DirectorTorquil Dewar

Art DirectorShelley Lai

Contributing EditorBecca Hensley

Advertising [email protected]

Copy EditorJennifer McCutchen

Contributing WritersNicholas Gill, Becca Hensley, Karen Loftus, Lisa Loverro, Christia Madacsi, Jennifer McCutchen,

Lisa Marie Mercer, Melanie Nayer, Larry Olmsted, Doug Wallace

Contributing PhotographersMarcio da Mata

InternsMegan Zagger

Guéstico, LLC3700 Ranch Road 620 South

Austin, Texas 78738Toll Free 1-855-JOIN-CYS (5646-297)

512-703-0426

Send feedback or story ideas to: [email protected]

Centro Y Sur / Oct-Nov 201108

WELCOME / no. 4, Oct-Nov 2011

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Oct-Nov 2011 / Centro Y Sur 11

¡EXPLORA!Word of Mouth p11 / A Traveler’s Tale p28 / Profile p30 / Picture This p32

Glamping ThroughSouth America

By Lisa Marie Mercer

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¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

Glamping is an idea whose time came, went and returned. The concept of luxurious camping began during the Victorian era, when the travel writings of literary celebrities inspired wanderlust in wealthy Europeans and Americans. Unwilling to subject themselves to crude pop-up tents and sleeping bags, they stayed in canvas tents bedecked with elevated platforms, comfortable beds and an attentive service staff. ¶ Today, South American glamping breathes new life into the glamorous camping experience, with semi-rustic lodging that features beds with linens, private bathrooms and gourmet meals. So if you wish to stray from the beaten path while still enjoying some basic luxuries, this glamorous camping alternative might be right for you.

¶ EcoCamp Patagonia: This glamping haven sits in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, an eye-catching collection of dome-shaped yurts inspired by the nomadic lifestyles of the native Kawésqar people. These guest houses have ceiling windows that let in natural sunlight and enable views of the starlit skies at night. Wooden walkways, which lead to the lounge and dining area, connect the camp’s many yurts. EcoCamp’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and if you decide to take a kayaking, hiking or horseback-riding day trip, you can prepare your own box lunch. If eco-friendly travel is a priority for you, this is the place to be: EcoCamp Patagonia is the

first hospitality company in Chile to receive the prestigious ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certificate. ¶ Galapagos Safari Camp: Fifty islands of volcanic origin comprise the Galápagos archipelago, located 800 kilometers west of Ecuador’s coastline. Inspired by the African safari tradition, which features canvas tents on raised platforms, Galapagos Safari Camp offers travelers an enticing way to experience this inspiring region. Indulge in scuba diving and local hikes, or splurge on multi-day land and cruise safaris that leave from the camp. If you stay at Galapagos Safari Camp, you will enjoy the company of doves, owls and an extensive variety of exotic creatures. ¶ Pueblo Barrancas: Uruguay has a secret. Its name is La Pedrera, and it’s home to some of the best surfing in South America. This laid-back section of Uruguay attracts the laid-back camping and hostel crowd, but those wanting a dose of luxury with a back-to-nature experience will find it at Pueblo Barrancas. This glamping venue offers a choice of military tents or yurts, some of which include bunk beds. Whale watching, surfing, kitesurfing and bird watching are among the many activities at Pueblo Barrancas.

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Centro Y Sur / Oct-Nov 201114

daily excursions and all the necessary equipment, transport throughout your stay and a string of life-changing experiences. Also included in a four-night stay: a fifth night free of charge.

Iberostar Hotels and Resorts Since 1986, Iberostar has succeeded on a global level in creating the ultimate all-inclusive experience. With more than 100 hotels in 15 countries, the Spanish brand has carved out its own level of luxury.

Iberostar’s sumptuous, adults-only Grand Collection of beach resorts can be found in Riviera Maya (Mexico), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Trinidad (Cuba) and the Amazon (Brazil). The $82-million, Greco-Roman–inspired Grand Hotel Bavaro in Punta Cana is luxury personified and is the ideal setting for those well-heeled travelers looking to wiggle their toes in the sand.

The property includes: a breathtaking view of the beach, a two-story beachfront spa, an endless array of gourmet options, 24-hour butler service, personal bath butlers, stocked premium liquors and a serene and sophisticated silence that surrounds the pool.

THE LUXURIOUS EVOLUTION OF THE ALL-INCLUSIVE

¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

By Karen Loftus

From Patagonia to Riviera Maya to the Amazon and back, these all-inclusives have stepped it up an indulgent notch.

All-inclusive hotels have carried a reputation similar to the once pervasive Vegas buffet: an over-abundance of all you can have, not necessarily meaning all that you want, and rarely including any luxury offerings. That has since changed, which also happens to be true of the Vegas buffet. One spin into Cosmopolitan’s buffet on Sin City’s Strip will forever change your Vegas vision.

Many of today’s all-inclusive hotels are designed with the discerning and savvy traveler in mind—someone who wants more for less yet still expects nothing but the best. Here are a few that offer over-the-top indulgence for a flat, all-inclusive fee. The bar has been set and the standard raised. Once you check in, leave your wallet, purse and worries behind, and begin to make those endless requests.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya The Grand Velas all suites resort in Riviera Maya is a study in the luxurious all-inclusive. With 491 suites set in three varying ambiances (Grand Class, Ambassador and Zen Grand), eight restaurants, a world-renowned, 89,000 square-foot spa, three magnificent pools, aqua bars, gym facilities and more, everything you need is at your fingertips—or it can be after a quick call down to the concierge.

For the ultimate luxury, go all out, and opt for one of the two presidential suites in the Grand Class. These nearly 3,000-square-foot suites have two bedrooms, an outdoor shower, an indoor Jacuzzi, a private pool, a dining room for eight, a living room and two and a half bathrooms. Those who stay in the presidential suite also enjoy private butler service, poolside private butler service, private maid service and in-room, 50-minute massages daily. This is pampering perfection.

Tip: Upon entering your room, don’t fear the welcoming bottle of tequila (served with shot glasses, limes and salt)—it’s included, as is the fully stocked minibar. If you happen to polish off all the snacks and bottles of wine, you’ll find them replenished the next day.

ExploraIn today’s market, you have to offer more than a high thread count to get a rise out of seasoned luxury travelers. They are looking for far more. Many have a craving for authentic, bespoke, Hemingway-styled experiences in remote and beautiful places.

Long ahead of the travel curve, Explora has been sating travelers’ South American appetites with hotels in some of Chile’s more otherworldly locales: San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

As its name suggests, Explora is all about exploring the region’s bountiful beauty and taking advantage of its myriad offerings. The luxury is in the locations. Whether you visit Atacama’s pink flamingos, bob effortlessly in the local salt beds, trek through Patagonia or simply feast your eyes on the wonders of Easter Island, Explora offers exclusive excursions to suit every interest and fitness level with half- or full–day trips.

Your stay in the chic, sleek, minimalist accommodations include three freshly prepared meals daily, bilingual guides,

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¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

Some years ago, Alex Atala removed truffles and foie gras from the menu at São Paulo’s D.O.M.

He would instead concentrate on Brazilian ingredients. What followed has been a steady climb on S.Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, of which D.O.M. was ranked No. 7 in 2011. While fish and beef appear in Atala’s nightly tasting menus, much of his success is due to his utilization of wild and indigenous plants. The chef regularly seeks out the country’s remote reaches of the Amazon and has turned once seldom-mentioned ingredients—such as baru nuts, a fatty acid–rich nut that

recalls toasted cashews, or jambu, an herb that numbs the mouth—into restaurant mainstays. In his seven-course Menu do Reino Vegetal, or Vegetable Kingdom Menu, he weaves pupunha, a cultivated heart of palm (the wild version is threatened), into fettuccine-like noodles that are tossed with butter, sage, Parmesan and popcorn powder. Limes and bananas become jellified ravioli perked up with priprioca, an Amazonian root that hints of a deliciously edible perfume. An option to pair with the meal is not wine, but rather natural juices and scented waters. Rodízio this is not. — Nicholas Gill

SOUTH AMERICA’S TASTIEST VEGETARIAN TASTING MENU

Centro Y Sur / Oct-Nov 201116

A High Roller’s HotelIt’s no secret that luxury comes at a price, but how about a hefty $9,500 a night?

Argentina’s Faena Hotel + Universe in Buenos Aires boasts the most expensive suite in Latin America, complete with breathtaking city views, two large flat-screen televisions and a Jacuzzi. But that’s not all: Residents of the Faena suite also enjoy the personal 24-hour service of a dedicated experience manager, and guests of the big-spenders have their own residential entrance. Decked out by French design superstar Philippe Starck, along with Alan Faena, no luxurious detail was overlooked. A beautiful glass chandelier dangles in the reception area, oil paintings of General and Eva Perón hang on the walls, and red velvet curtains adorn the windows. It’s high-end accommodation at its finest—and priciest. — Megan Zagger

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¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

TRUMP DOES IT AGAINThe Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower is

Panama’s newest luxury hotel. Touted as the tallest and largest building in Latin America, the 70-story building takes on an elegant sail silhouette and overlooks the Panama Bay. With a total of 1,004 rooms—including private residences and 369 hotel rooms—the Trump Ocean Club brings a new kind of luxury to Latin America. The five-star hotel includes an oversized infinity pool, outdoor entertainment deck, retail boutiques, a sky lobby, casino and private beach. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness spa for you to experience the ultimate indulgence. In true Trump fashion, the Ocean Club has its own catamaran and yacht club, where guests can sip cocktails and take in the breathtaking views of Panama Bay. So whether you’re looking for a luxe new place to live or just a swanky vacation spot, Trump, as always, has created a destination where indulgence reigns supreme. — Melanie Nayer

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PANAMA WELCOMES THE WESTIN Mixing business with pleasure just got a whole lot better, thanks to the new Westin Hotel & Resorts Playa Bonita Panama. Unveiling in October 2011 with 65,000 square feet of versatile space, this $100 million luxury destination now delivers the largest collective meeting and banquet space in the country. The upscale experience of tropical paradise abounds. Choose between lush jungle and serene ocean views. Dine within an epicurean enclave of haute cuisine. Three freshwater infinity pools, a separate children's pool and on-site spa and gym facilities provide a slice of rejuvenation for all types of travelers. So unplug your laptop, take advantage of the room-to-beach Wi-Fi, and do your work poolside or along the surf. Your business trip is starting to feel a lot more like a vacation. — Jason Z. Guest

Panama’s Ever-Changing Skyline

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¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

Oct-Nov 2011 / Centro Y Sur 21

LUXE LINKS

The economic slowdown in the United States has been a blessing in disguise for the golf industry in Latin America. While almost no new courses are being built in the States, there are projects underway all over Central and South America and the Caribbean, with big-name architects, such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Kite, turning their attention south. While the next few years will see several high-profile courses and resorts opening, there is already an abundance of great golf at luxurious destinations, old and new, throughout the region. These are some of the best golf courses and resorts you can visit right now.

By Larry Olmsted

PUNTA MITA, MEXICOThis luxury resort community on the Riviera Nayarit

has two great hotels (the Four Seasons and St. Regis) and two great golf courses (the Bahia and Pacifico), both of which are Jack Nicklaus Signature designs. It is also home to the only natural offshore island green on earth, a stunning par 3 played from the beach on to a green built on a coral atoll and reached by amphibious golf carts.

Latin America’s 10 Most Luxurious Golf Destinations

CASA DE CAMPO / LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLICThe Dominican Republic is the top island for golf in the Caribbean, and

Casa de Campo is its top resort, home to three courses. The famous Teeth of the Dog has been the No. 1–ranked course in the Caribbean since it opened in 1971, with an unparalleled stretch of oceanfront holes set at the level of the crashing surf. The newest addition, Dye Fore, is almost equally spectacular.

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¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

JOCKEY CLUB / BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Always the top-rated course in all of South America, the Red Course (Concha

Colorado) was designed by the greatest architect in golf history, Dr. Alister Mackenzie. The nearly as fantastic Blue Course was also designed by him, and both are very reminiscent of the Old Course in Scotland’s St. Andrews. The Jockey Club is private, but foreign visitors can usually arrange access by either having their home club pro call ahead of time or through luxury hotel concierges or top golf tour operators.

FOUR SEASONS / PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA This Arnold Palmer design is as environmentally

friendly as it is beautiful, with every single tree GPS-mapped and lovingly cared for. While Costa Rica is famed for its lush rainforest, Guanacaste province is home to 98 percent of the world’s much, much rarer dry tropical forest. You can see all kinds of wildlife, from monkeys to anteaters, around the course—all the while enjoying white-glove service.

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¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

FOUR SEASONS / CARMELO, URUGUAY

Considered Uruguay’s top luxury resort, the Four Seasons also has the nation’s best course, the Carmelo Golf Club, winding around several lakes through the resort’s rolling countryside. Impeccably maintained and managed by the Four Seasons, it has a reputation for always offering guests perfect playing conditions.

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MAYAKOBA, MEXICOHome to the only PGA Tour event in

Mexico, Greg Norman’s masterpiece, El Camaleón, is the best course in the Yucatán. It is named for its frequent changes of appearance— from holes in rocky canyons to mangrove forests to beachfront—and the Mayakoba resort includes three luxury hotel choices, the Fairmont,,Rosewood and Banyan Tree.

LLAO LLAO RESORT & SPA / BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA

Set amongst the dramatic landscape of Patagonia, this classic luxury resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, sits within a stunning national park. The resort boasts a wonderful course routed around cypress trees and a high-altitude lake, jaw-dropping mountain views in every direction and one of the finest spas on the continent.

CABO DEL SOL / LOS CABOS, MEXICO Not only is the Jack Nicklaus–

designed Ocean Course always the top-ranked course in all of Mexico, it was the course that put golf in Mexico on the global map and spurred future development. A second excellent course by Tom Weiskopf was added more recently, and this remains the top facility in golf-rich Los Cabos, which also offers an amazing slate of luxury resorts like Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Esperanza and Palmilla, which has its own 27-hole Nicklaus layout.

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¡EXPLORA! / Word of Mouth

PUNTA CANA RESORT & CLUB / DOMINICAN REPUBLICThe original P.B. Dye–designed course at this luxury resort has long been

considered one of the best courses in the Caribbean. The club recently opened a second course by Tom Fazio, arguably the greatest living designer, and plans to unveil a third course by P.B. Dye in spring 2012, giving it an impressive 54 holes. Guests can stay in rental homes, the original lodge or the new Tortuga Bay boutique hotel designed by Oscar de la Renta, which quickly earned AAA’s Five-Diamond rating.

THE RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE / DORADO BEACH, PUERTO RICO

This is only the second “Reserve,” a new style of luxury boutique resorts from the famed Ritz-Carlton brand, and it will open in late 2012. But the four venerable Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses here, formerly part of the Cerromar and Dorado Beach resorts, are open and recently renovated, comprising the largest golf complex in Latin America.

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Click on the "Back issues" tab to the left.

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¡EXPLORA! / A Traveler’s Tale

Tequila SunsetLisa Loverro, Centro Y Sur’s intrepid travel guru, indulges in Mexico’s favorite libation.

While traveling, I’ve had my fair share of luxurious experiences.

There was the first-class cabin on Emirates Airlines (complete with onboard shower) and the over-the-top tented Safari lodge in South Africa. But when it comes to restaurants and bars, there are so many fine dining options and swanky lounges out there, I now find it difficult for one to really “wow” me ...

Until now. I’ve finally discovered a unique lounge/restaurant at the Rosewood Mayakobá Resort on the Riviera Maya that puts other tequila bars to shame. The Agave Azul Raw Bar & Tequila Library is most certainly like no other tequila bar I have come across. This just might be the “Margaritaville” I have long been searching for, the Shangri-la of “Mexican firewater.”

As I peruse the 96 different tequila labels housed in this mouthwatering “library” of sorts, I am overwhelmed and captivated by not only the extensive premium brands, but also by the unique displays in which they are showcased. Endless shelves of premium tequilas in beautifully crafted bottles … I am in heaven.

Even though the Agave Azul serves fresh ceviches, homemade guacamole and a wide selection of Mexican antojitos (tapas) plates, my plan is to stay for one cocktail and then have dinner at Casa del Lago, Rosewood’s fine dining restaurant. But once I’m seated at a comfortable table, indulging in my perfect view of the vast, Mexican starlit sky and glistening resort pool, the old saying “best-laid plans” kicks into full swing. The next thing I know, I’m sampling, sipping and shooting back blancos, reposados and añejos, finishing off the night with a chilled tequila liqueur. I hate to admit it, but I never did make it to my planned dinner.Ph

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¡EXPLORA! / Profile

How did you begin modeling? At the age of 16, I was discovered by the former director of Elite Models in Lisbon while on the beach in Cascais, Portugal, where I lived for five years. I was then invited to work in Paris where my international career was launched. I’ve worked on campaigns and fashion shows for top national and international designers, such as Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Inès de la Fressange, La Perla, H. Stern, Rosa Chá, Nivea and many other famous brands. Currently I do ad campaigns for banks and fashion shows for jewelry.

You started riding horses at the age of 5 with your father and later began show jumping. What attracted you to polo? My fondest memories from childhood always revolved around horses. In 2006, a friend of mine invited me to go to a polo club in Rio. He gave me a polo mallet and a polo horse, and in the first minute, I felt all the adrenaline and excitement of the sport. In show jumping, you’re always controlling the horse. You can’t run too fast, but in polo, the faster you go—that’s the way to make goals.

What are your greatest strengths as a player?My riding skills and my courage. I play position No. 1, which is the most offense-oriented position on the field. I often play on women’s-only teams in international events, but I usually practice with men, and that’s why I’m an aggressive player.

Are you currently in training for a match?I concentrate my professional activities on international tournaments. I’m now training for the Chicago Beach Polo World Cup.

In 2007, you founded Brazil’s first all-women’s polo team. How do you hope to develop a wider audience for the sport?My efforts are focused on the popularization of the sport in Brazil. Polo is very elitist here in my country, but, for example, in Chile, the polo community elected me as the ambassador of Polo Chile magazine because they recognize all the good I’m doing for polo in my country and abroad. I truly hope that one day I will be recognized by my polo mallet and not only for my beauty. One of my dreams is to find a major sponsor who can help me make the first-ever beach polo school here in Rio. That would be really beautiful.

Chermont will compete at the Chicago Beach Polo World Cup Oct. 1–2, 2011. Learn more at chicagobeachpolo.com.

Modeling to Mallets: Paula ChermontBy Christia Madacsi

Paula Chermont’s modeling career was launched at the age of 16 when she was discovered on a beach in Portugal; she went on to walk the runways for Giorgio Armani and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. At the age of 30, Chermont, a lifelong rider, began her second career as a professional polo player and passionate advocate of the sport in her home country of Brazil.

Play interview audio

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¡EXPLORA! / Picture This

Not too long ago, a few friends and I gathered to have a relaxing “homemade mojitos night.” Because it was my first visit to the

apartment, I immediately went to the balcony to check out the view. When I saw this, I quickly got out my camera and tripod and started taking pictures. I wanted to capture the new Trump hotel—the tallest building in the picture—while taking full advantage of the cloudy night, which allowed me to catch the lightning. The lights in the foreground are part of Panama’s famous causeway, “Calzada de Amador.”

THE LIGHTS OF PANAMA

Photo by Marcio da Mata

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IT’S ALL ABOUT OVER-THE-TOP INDULGENCE AT THESE 15 LATIN AMERICAN SPAS.

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YHI SPA / PARADISUS PALMA REAL / PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLICThe top spa in the Dominican Republic is the gorgeous, Eastern-inspired YHI Spa at the Paradisus Palma Real. This health- and energy–restoring sanctuary is noted for its full-on water ritual area and spacious woodland-like resting areas. Indulge in the tranquil outdoor showers, Zen garden and the mega list of world-class treatments performed by very capable hands. Try the 50-minute signature Orchid Reverie. — Doug Wallace

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SPA FASANO BY RENATA DE ABREU / HOTEL FASANO LAS PIEDRAS / LA BARRA, URUGUAYMingle with the celebs and glitterati at the sexy Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, before sneaking off to a sublime treatment at the hotel’s spa by renowned Brazilian therapist Renata de Abreu. While the architecture is sleek and minimal, the spa menu is pure indulgence. Opt for the rejuvenating Olive Therapy treatment, which lasts a decadent 150 minutes and incorporates extra-virgin olive oil produced at a local farm. — Jennifer Segelke

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JW MARRIOTT CANCUN RESORT AND SPA / CANCUN, MEXICOWhat’s not to love about Cancun? Mayan culture, powdery-white sand beaches, blue waters and the JW Marriott Resort and Spa. The spa is Mayan-inspired, and most treatments are reflective of their surroundings. Opt for the Mexican Sand Buffer body treatment or a Mayan Purity Facial. Each will leave your skin glowing like the Mexican sunshine. — Lisa Loverro

THE RITZ-CARLTON / SANTIAGO, CHILEEnjoy the ultimate wine experience with a Carménère Wine Bath at The Ritz-Carlton. Step into a bath mixture of Carménère wine, mineral water and oats, designed to exfoliate and hydrate your skin while soothing you into complete serenity. The best part: You can have this treatment in your own guest room, courtesy of the hotel’s “bath butler.” — Melanie Nayer

SPA MATILDA / HOTEL MATILDA / SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICOA luxe boutique hotel set in a colonial landscape, Hotel Matilda offers patrons two spa options: Spa Matilda (inside the hotel) and Spa en Vivo (living spa), located 10 minutes outside of the city. The bucolic setting boasts pools of thermal water and a contemporary temazcal (sweat lodge). The signature Spa en Vivo treatment includes 30 minutes of bodywork in thermal mineral springs and a 90-minute Thai massage. — JS

REMÈDE SPA / THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT / RIO GRANDE, PUERTO RICOEach treatment at the Remède Spa is influenced by Puerto Rico’s rich and colorful culture and incorporates organic native ingredients, such as coconut and sugar cane. While the entire spa menu pays homage to the Taino Indian chief, Queen Loiza, the Royal Treatment is an experience like no other. This 90-minute spa service includes a golden sugar scrub, Vichy shower massage and a 24-karat gold shimmer oil massage. — JS

LA MIRAGE GARDEN HOTEL & SPA / COTACACHI, ECUADORA contemporary hotel built on the grounds of a 200-year-old hacienda on the Andean hillside, La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa is a study in elegant luxury, and it’s the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in the country. With a full menu of indulgent treatments, the spa’s most unique feature is the on-staff female shaman, blessed with healing powers inherited from her shaman father. The Purification Treatment is ideal for those spa-goers looking to embrace the region’s indigenous healing practices for the body, soul and spirit. — JS

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HEAVENLY SPA / THE WESTIN / LIMA, PERUThe new Heavenly Spa at The Westin Lima is South America’s largest spa. The Peruvian Sigh Signature Treatment is a 180-minute indulgent trip through Peru’s three regions: the coast, highlands and jungle. The treatment starts with 30 minutes of thermal circuits and is followed by a deep exfoliation using quinoa and salt from the ancient Maras Salt Flats. Next comes the heated Cusco mud wrap, a tropical shower, a camu-camu and passion fruit massage, and a bath in coca leaves. — JS

TCHERASSI HOTEL + SPA / CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIAStyle abounds at the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa, and the decadent spa treatments here are as elegant as the hotel’s décor. The energizing Deluxe Colombian Coffee Wrap uses an exquisite blend of coffee to pacify the senses and firm the body, leaving your spirit relaxed and your body toned and smooth. — JS

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TAMBO DEL INKA RESORT & SPA / VALLE SAGRADO, PERUThe 24K Gold from the Gods Facial at Tambo del Inka is a 90-minute ritual that combines gold, essential rose hip, jojoba and green tea oils, vitamins, minerals, nutrients and extracts from native Peruvian plants. Not only the pinnacle of pampering, this treatment will also give you improved skin tone, fewer wrinkles, increased hydration and radiant skin. — JS

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NAYARA HOTEL, SPA & GARDENS / COSTA RICAAn oasis of tranquility can be found on the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano at Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens. This peaceful setting—enhanced with the sounds of tropical birds and flowing water—is pure bliss when combined with a relaxing spa treatment. Embrace your proximity to an active volcano by indulging in the Earth Journey volcanic mud massage and mask. — JS

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PONTA DOS GANCHOS EXCLUSIVE RESORT / BRAZIL Set amid a lush private peninsula off Brazil’s Emerald Coast, Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is an idyllic setting perfect for relaxation and romance. The spa’s three secluded, open-air pavilions (treatment rooms) overlooking the peninsula’s serene landscape only add to the intimacy of the resort. Try the Exfoliation and Corporal Hydration treatment, which might sound more medicinal than indulgent, but the finishing milk bath is nothing short of luxurious. — JS

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ONE&ONLY / PALMILLA, MEXICOThe Palmilla Chocolate Synergy Signature Ritual at the One&Only in Los Cabos is a deliciously decadent experience not to be missed. This treatment combines shiatsu, quenviquido, lymphatic drainage and sports massage techniques to help you reach optimum relaxation. The addition of a Mexican herbal compress and warm chocolate oil help release muscle tension and enhance mood—precisely what you need to truly indulge. — JS

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GEM SPA / FIESTA AMERICANA GRAND CORAL BEACH / CANCUN, MEXICOWhat’s more luxurious than diamonds? How about spa treatments that incorporate these decadent gemstones? The Diamond Magnetic Ritual at Coral Beach Gem Spa combines shiatsu and bioenergetic lifting to first relax you. Diamond dust is then applied through massage using magnets, which helps to amplify energy and release tension. The massage is followed by the Diamond Perfection Facial. — JS

FAENA HOTEL + UNIVERSE / BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINAOutfitted with sultry red hues, black leather and rich, dark wood, the Faena Hotel + Universe is one super sexy hotel. And as you would expect, the Faena Spa is just as enticing. If vacationing with your sweetheart, indulge in the Lovers’ Bath. This decadent treatment starts with a sensual soak in the Jacuzzi amid candles and petals and is followed by a massage for two, manicures and pedicures. To fully relax and unwind, plan on spending some time in the spa’s gorgeous hammam. — JS

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Oct-Nov 2011 / Centro Y Sur 55

The first time I took a long boat journey through the Amazon Rainforest, I slept in a hammock, packed into a single deck with hundreds of others, one directly underneath me. When the boat stopped to pick up pigs and cows, which was frequently, sand flies attacked my skin from every angle. The rice, fish and bananas—cooked in dirty river water three times a day—were inedible. It was a five-day trip that felt like 30. That was then ...

High Style on the Amazon

NICHOLAS GILL DISCOVERS A LUXURIANT NEW WAY TO TRAVEL DOWN SOUTH AMERICA'S FAMOUS RIVER.

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The last time I journeyed down the Amazon by boat was aboard the M/V Aqua. The trip proved to be vastly different. Amazonian lodges and cruises often claim

luxury, which (for them) generally means solar-heated showers and flush toilets. However, the M/V Aqua and new sister ship, the M/V Aria, based in Iquitos, Peru, are more like floating W Hotels.

My Aqua cabin doesn’t house a hammock open to the elements, but rather a comfortable bed with 280-thread-count sheets made from 100 percent Peruvian cotton, dark wood floors and sepia-toned canvas photos of the Amazon shot by French photographer Jean Claude Constant. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the vast waters and wild green earth.

The air-conditioned rooms (12 in the Aqua, 16 in the Aria) start at 230 square feet each. The ship’s upper deck is home to a glass-enclosed bar and an always-on-duty bartender happily passing out cocona juice or passion fruit sours. There is also a library fully stocked with glossy photography books, and the Aria even has a Jacuzzi. The two ships were designed by famed Peruvian hospitality architect Jordi Puig (who also designed the DCO Suites in Máncora and the restaurant Picas in Barranco) and are unlike anything yet to ply Amazonian waters—and not just in design.

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Of particular interest is the food served on board. Few guests realize just how sophisticated it actually is. Pedro Miguel Schiaffino—of Lima’s Malabar, widely considered Peru’s best restaurant—designed the five-course, Amazonian-influenced dinner menus, which pair local ingredients with South American wines from Luigi Bosca and Escorihuela Gascón. The dishes —cold palm heart soup with puréed avocado or palate-cleansing granitas flavored with fruits like carambola or aguaje—are as revealing of the environment as seeing a pink river dolphin, of which you’ll likely see many.

The ships’ itineraries also help set them apart from other river tours. In Peru’s northern Amazon, the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve is the most appropriate destination for nature lovers, having the greatest number of naturally occurring fruits and freshwater fish on earth. However, it’s quite remote. A few towns surrounding the park offer rustic backpacker accommodations, but they involve a considerable amount of effort to reach.

Most jungle lodges in the region cannot afford the gasoline for more than a three- or four-hour boat ride, so the majority sit close to Iquitos and within the realm of the growing number of mestizo communities, which are cutting down primary forest like it’s going out of style. However, with a river cruise, you can be deep within the reserve by the time you wake up, and that’s just where I find myself.

A leisurely breakfast is followed by orientation to the mother ship’s smaller motorized vessels, which are used to explore the more shallow tributaries that

the Aqua and Aria cannot. The sun is low. Egrets and herons are silhouetted against the soft Amazonian backdrop. Within 10 minutes, gray dolphins appear. The two boats cut the engines, and we watch the dolphins swim so far into the distance that we lose interest, particularly when a few of the pink variety make an appearance. They pop in and out of the water, toying with us for so long that the guides tell us we need to stop taking photos and go find some other wildlife. We’ll see plenty more dolphins they assure us. And we do two days later. A sunset performance, their bodies exposed above the water’s surface at the confluence

of the Ucayali and Marañón, where the official Amazon River begins.

Pacaya-Samiria National Park, one small yet brilliant piece of the Amazon Rainforest, opens up. Sloths hang lazily from tree branches, and monkeys noisily scatter as we pass. We fish for red-bellied piranhas and hold them in our hands. At night, we enter pitch-black tributaries to search for glowing eyes and listen to the wild sounds of Amazonian nightlife. We see schools of fish, caimans and owls.

Because this is the Amazon, you still sweat, your hands still get dirty and the mosquitoes still bite. Many of the most enchanting moments that occur while on a trip with Aqua Expeditions could happen on a sand fly–infested local boat or in a rustic jungle lodge; however, there is a difference. Aboard the Aqua or Aria, the sweat, dirt and bites don’t become lingering problems. At night, I go to sleep neither aching nor worried about being bitten, but with a belly full of delicious food and wine and the chance to dream peacefully.

THE SWEAT, DIRT AND BITES DON’T BECOME

LINGERING PROBLEMS. AT NIGHT, I GO TO SLEEP

NOT ACHING NOR WORRIED ABOUT BEING

BITTEN, BUT WITH A BELLY FULL OF WINE AND THE CHANCE TO DREAM

PEACEFULLY.

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BECCA HENSLEY GOES BEYOND THE HIKE IN PATAGONIAMuscular trail guide Juan Carlos Queirolo plays mother—that is, he pours us freshly brewed tea from a delicate porcelain pot and passes out scones and triangle-shaped sandwiches. We’re not in an English tea parlor, tucked into chintz-covered chairs, as the delectable meal would suggest. Instead, we’re hunkered down on sturdy rocks on the banks of Argentina’s dazzling Nahuel Huapi Lake. Our well-deserved feast, neatly arranged on blue tablecloths, contrasts with the coal-colored pebbles that dot the beach. Beyond, the lake rolls into the horizon like an infinity pool, its water so clear it reflects our soil-smeared hiking shorts and lopsided sun hats with mirror-like precision. Averting our eyes from our visages, we’re mesmerized by the grandeur and largesse of the seemingly endless view. Entranced, we stare into the sunset, speechless, moving only to sip from impossibly dainty teacups or wipe bits of clotted cream from our lips.

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Centro Y Sur / Oct-Nov 201162

Lured to Patagonia for its jaw-dropping national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, I choose Blue Parallel, an outfitter that describes itself as a “bespoke travel boutique,” to show me the ropes, so to speak. And while we do use some ropes as we rappel above Los Palotinos, an unforgettable lookout point over the Tristeza arm of the lake, we also delve into this windswept land of glaciers and fairy-tale forests culturally. A given destination for fitness and nature enthusiasts, this wild landscape of snowcapped peaks, rushing rivers and dense forests has historically brought visitors most intent on conquering it physically. River rafting, hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking and fly-fishing are requisite modes to experience the immense park. However, the dramatic haven is also home to well-known artists and craftsmen who find inspiration in the scenery and quietude. Their presence sets a tone of aesthetic élan that draws nearly as many intellectuals as athletes—not to mention the myriad folks who want to do it all. Capitalizing on this, Blue Parallel offers personalized programs that fuse exertion with meditation, outdoors with indoors, sweat with repose.

I begin my trip with a whirlwind stay in Buenos Aires. Blue Parallel guides set up a city tour, make sure I shop just long enough in Palermo and take me to dinner at Fervor, an elegant Recoleta eatery beloved by locals for its charcoal-grilled meats. The highlight of my day, though, is a private visit to the atelier of artist Ernesto Bertani in the San Cristóbal neighborhood. He spends nearly three hours with me, pulling paintings from beneath tables, behind cabinets and from inside closets—some dating back three decades. Patiently, he discusses his motivations and explains his motifs. His colorful works, awash with metaphor and social criticism, pose questions about fear, passion, prejudice and social mores. Ironic, political and beautiful at once, they do much to explain the evolution and political climate of modern-day Buenos Aires.

The next day, I hop on an early flight to Bariloche and check into El Casco, an intimate lakeside hotel owned by Ignacio Gutierrez Zaldivar, founder of Buenos Aires’ Zurbaran Gallery and one of the most prominent art

collectors in Argentina. A veritable showcase, the 33-room hotel abounds with artwork. Forty sculptures by local artists define the lawn, circle the pool and fill the halls; 475 paintings and other works are deftly hung within. Bedrooms and suites thematically honor various artists; their work adorns the walls, and books about them sit on bedside tables. Panoramic windows frame lake and mountain views so eerily beautiful they might have come from a painter’s brush.

But it wouldn’t be Patagonia without a foray or two into the outdoors. I hike on Isla Victoria and bike the Llao Llao peninsula—all under the tutelage of able Blue Parallel guides, who point out unique flora and fauna and relate snippets of history along the way. One day I kayak across a lucid lake, then scramble up a rocky ledge only to be surprised by a chef with a toque and makeshift kitchen. Pots and pans hang from trees, a fire blazes beneath a grill and large birds—condors?—circle the sky. Wine is poured, and we settle atop a cliff to munch on canapés and swoon over the view. But my favorite morning is when I meet self-taught and deeply revered painter Juan Lascano and linger in his log cabin, a Swiss chalet of a studio. He serves me espresso and cookies and speaks demurely of the region’s grandeur. Near a window, an easel rests, its canvas a half-completed rendition of the view. “Here,” he says, “I find the tranquility and landscape I need.” I believe him.

SWEAT AND REPOSE

Author and artist Juan Lascano.

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South America may be synonymous with budget travel, but for expats hoping to call the Southern Cone home, the livelihood may not be so economical. As the largest city in the Southern and Western hemispheres, São Paulo, Brazil, is now also billed as the 10th most expensive city on the globe to live, according to this year’s annual cost of living survey

released by business consulting firm Mercer. Roughly 280 miles to the east, Rio de Janeiro ranks as the 12th most expensive. Both Brazilian cities surpass—drum roll, please—New York City, the priciest city in North America, which clocks in globally at No. 32. Other South American cities that may break the bank include Brasilia, Brazil’s capital

Lifestyles of the Rich and Foreign

Insider

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By Jennifer McCutchen

Levis 501 jeans

$112São Paulo

Levis 501 jeans

$50New York City

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MountainLeaders@MountainLeaders

GirlontheGoJan@Jan Butsch Schroder

Calila@Calila

Lavanya Sunkara@LavanyaSun

Jack Skelley@Jack Skelley

Mountain Leaders News is out! bit.ly/jcCWX0 Top stories today via @familie_oberman @cen-troysur @robertokath @gorilla_tours

Off to Monkey Island in Panama with #wpbsneakpeek crew,@WestinPBonita, @karamelgrl, @centroysur, @LavanyaSun. Insert monkey joke here. #fb

@centroysur "Café Sello Rojo" or "Juan Valdez" :)

@centroysur awesome magazine you got there!

LaPaz, The World's Aquarium, gorgeous story in @CentroySur mag@TheMexicoReport @AnaLTable @Travelated @PeterSGreenberghttp://ow.ly/6peDk

Tweet your Latin America news and views @centroysur and you could end up in our Tweet Spotlight

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city, at No. 33 (just one spot behind New York City) and Caracas, Venezuela, at No. 51. Luanda, Angola, in Africa takes the cake as the priciest city on the planet.

The annual report covers 214 cities worldwide and compares the price tag of more than 200 items, such as housing, transportation, entertainment and food, to the price of those same items in New York City. A pair of Levis 501 jeans, for example, will set you back $112 greenbacks in São Paulo and $91 in Rio de Janeiro. But in New York City, one of the four fashion behemoths in the world? $50. The asking price of a 40-inch, flat-screen TV is $1,127 in São Paulo and $1,027 in Rio de Janeiro, compared with $675 in the Big Apple. Order a Big Mac in the United States, and you’ll shell out $4.07, but that same greasy meatwad will cost you $6.16 in Brazil.

Surprised? Don’t be. Given the fact the Brazilian real has strengthened against the U.S. dollar, coupled with the high tax rate and booming real estate market, it’s no wonder the two largest cities in Brazil outrank any other American city in terms of dough. In fact, rental prices for

prime office space in downtown Rio de Janeiro increased by 47 percent in 2010, eclipsing that of New York City, Mumbai, Milan and Paris. To put that in perspective, New Yorkers pay $1,260

per square meter for space in midtown Manhattan, while those in Rio de Janeiro pay $1,321.

Petroleum is also contributing to the country’s economic prosperity, and some would say Brazil hit a goldmine when energy companies discovered a very

plentiful offshore oil field not too long ago. And you can bet that as the host of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, the country is receiving beaucoup money in the form of foreign investments. Add to that Brazil’s heavy exportation of soy, iron ore and coffee, among other things, and

it’s easy to see why it’s attracting the lion’s share of global Benjamins.

But the abundance of cash has made living in Brazil’s metropolitan areas almost unaffordable for expats, and sadly, the high cost of living can sometimes come at the expense of an enjoyable quality of life. For many parsimonious transplants, the Mercer report only reaffirms the financial strains felt for some time. Heck, even the price of an all-you-can-eat meal at Fogo de Chão, the renowned Brazilian churrascaria chain, is cheaper in the U.S. than it is in its headquartered motherland.

That said, don’t go counting your pennies just yet. Brazil may be the most expensive country in the Americas, but other parts of the continent remain relatively wallet-friendly. Out of 214 cities surveyed, Mercer identified La Paz, Bolivia, and Managua, Nicaragua, as the least expensive for expats, giving each a ranking of No. 212 and 213 respectively.

Oct-Nov 2011 / Centro Y Sur 67$1,127

Brazil

40" tv 40" tv

$675New York City

Big Mac

$6.16Brazil

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$4.07New York City

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PASAPORTE / Contributors

69

LARRY OLMSTEDLarry Olmsted in an award-winning journalist specializing in golf and luxury travel. A member of both the Society of American Travel Writers and the Golf Writers Association of America, he has written on golf in nearly 30 countries, played on every inhabited continent and is a columnist for USAToday.com and Forbes.com. He is the contributing travel editor for Cigar Aficionado magazine and is the author of Golf Travel By Design. His other claim to fame: breaking the Guinness World Record for golf travel.

NICHOLAS GILLNicholas Gill is a Lima, Peru- and Brooklyn, New York-based writer and photographer specializing in Latin America. His work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Afar, National Geographic Traveler, the Los Angeles Times and Frommer’s. He also publishes the ezine New World Review, which covers Latin American food, drink and travel.

JENNIFER MCCUTCHENA recent Austin transplant, Jennifer McCutchen is a freelance writer and editor. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Austin Monthly, Filter, Celeb Life and Texas Parks & Wildlife magazines. A self-proclaimed grammar maniac, she currently serves as a content manager for an online media company. When she’s not writing or diagramming sentences, you can find her wandering the streets of L.A., though to be frank, she’ll always consider herself a tried-and-true Austinite.

Oct-Nov 2011 / Centro Y Sur

BECCA HENSLEY Taking a tip from Hans Christian Andersen, who quipped, “To live is to travel,” bon vivant Becca Hensley never bothers to unpack her suitcase. With more than a thousand articles in hundreds of outlets, Becca has penned stories for magazines such as National Geographic Traveler, Washington Flyer and American Way. Conceding that she has never met a stranger, Becca enjoys a good guffaw with a new friend and can’t resist an unexplored alleyway, a glass of champagne in an unknown bar or taking the train beyond her planned stop.

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MEXICOTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Mexico City, MexicoCIA World FactbookTourismVisit MexicoMexico Travel BanksBanco de MexicoMapsWorld AtlasInteractive Map Newspapers/Internet NewsDario Oficial de la FederacionLa Cronica de Hoy Criterios NotimexTelevisionNoticieros

BELIZETravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Belmopan, BelizeCIA World FactbookTourismBelize Tourism Board BanksBelize Bank Central Bank of Belize MapsWorld Atlas Newspapers/Internet NewsThe Belize Times The Reporter Belize NewsRadio Love FM TelevisionNews 5 7 News Belize

COSTA RICATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: San Jose, Costa RicaCIA World FactbookTourismCosta Rica TourismVisit Costa Rica BanksBanco Central de Costa Rica MapsWorld Atlas Travel Map NewspapersLa Nacion Al Dia La Republica RadioMonumental Aquiii ColumbiaTelevisionRepretel Teletica

EL SALVADORTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: San Salvador, El SalvadorCIA World FactbookTourismEl Salvador Ministry of Tourism BanksBanco Central de Reserva de El SalvadorMapsWorld AtlasNewspapersEl Salvador El MundoLa Prensa Grafica TelevisionCanal 12 ESMI TVMega Vision

GUATEMALATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Guatemala City, GuatemalaCIA World FactbookTourismGuatemalan Ministry of Tourism BankBanco de Guatemala MapsWorld Atlas NewspapersEl Periodico La Hora Prensa Libre Siglo 21TelevisionTele Dario Noti 7

HONDURASTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Tegucigalpa, HondurasCIA World FactbookTourismHonduras Ministry of Tourism BanksBanco Central de Honduras MapsWorld Atlas Newspapers El Heraldo La Prensa La Tribuna Tiempo RadioHRN Radio America TelevisionCanal 6 TVC

NICARAGUATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Managua, NicaraguaCIA World FactbookTourismNicaragua Ministry of Tourism BanksBanco Central de Nicaragua MapsWorld Atlas Newspapers/Internet NewsEl Nuevo DiarioLa Prensa Terra TelevisionCanal 12 Canal 10

PANAMATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Panama, PanamaCIA World FactbookTourismPanama Ministry of TourismBanksBanco Nacional de Panama MapsWorld Atlas NewspapersLa Prensa CriticaPanama AmericaEl SigloRadioKW Continente RPC Radio Panama FM Television RPC TV Telemetro TVN Panama

ARGENTINATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaCIA World FactbookTourismArgentina Ministry of Tourism Banks Banco Central de la Republica Argentina MapsWorld Atlas NewspapersLa Nacion El Cronista Cronica RadioRadio Nacional Television26 Noticias C5N Todos Nosotros Telefe Noticias

BOLIVIATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: La Paz, BoliviaCIA World FactbookTourismTurismo Bolivia BanksBanco Union Banco Central de BoliviaMapsWorld AtlasNewspapersLa PrensaLa RazonRadioRadio Fides

BRAZILTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Brasilia, BrazilCIA World FactbookTourism Brazil Ministry of TourismBanks Bradesco Unibanco Banco Central do Brasil MapsWorld Atlas Newspapers O DiaJornal do Brasil O Globo RadioCBNJovem Pan TelevisionJornal da BandGlobo

NORTH AMERICA

CENTRAL AMERICA

SOUTH AMERICA

To better help you find inspiration and gather information on Latin America, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of resources and arranged them by country — everything you need is just a click away.

SIGNPOSTS

CHILETravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Santiago, ChileCIA World FactbookTourismChile Ministry of Tourism BanksBanco Central de Chile MapsWorld Atlas NewspapersDiario Oficial La NacionRadioInfinita Bio-Bio Cooperativa TelevisionCanal 13 CNN Chile Chilevision24 Horas

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COLOMBIATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Bogota, ColombiaCIA World FactbookTourismEmbassy of Colombia Tourism BanksBanco de la Republica Colombia MapsWorld Atlas Newspapers El ColombianoEl Espectador El Tiempo RadioCaracol Radio RCN Radio Cadena Super TelevisionCM& Online RCN Telebision Caracol TV

ECUADORTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Quito, EcuadorCIA World FactbookTourismEcuador Ministry of TourismTourism BoardBanksBanco Central Del EcuadorMapsWorld Atlas NewspapersEl Comercio El UniversoRadioCRE Satelital Ecuador Radio SucreTelevisionRTU Telerama Dale + RTS

FALKLAND ISLANDS (UK)Major State Department PublicationsCIA World FactbookMapsWorld Atlas NewspapersFalkland News Penguin News

FRENCH GUIANATravel InformationTourism French Guiana Ministry of Tourism

GUYANATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Georgetown, GuyanaCIA World FactbookMapsWorld AtlasNewspaper/Internet NewsGuyana Chronicle Stabroke News Guyana Times Radio & Television NCN Radio and Television

PARAGUAYTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Asunsion, ParaguayCIA World FactbookTourismParaguayan Ministry of External Relations BanksBanco Central Del Paraguay Banco Nacional de Fomento MapsWorld AtlasNewspapersLa Nacion Diario ABCUltima HoraRadioCardinal TelevisionCanal 13 Red Guarani

PERUTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Lima, PeruCIA World FactbookTourismPeru Tourism Bureau Peru Tourism Peru Travel BanksInterbank MapsWorld Atlas NewspapersEl Peruano El Comercio La Republica RadioRadio Nacional RPP Noticias TelevisionTuteve 24 Horas Frecuencia Latina America TV

SOUTH GEORGIA AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS (UK) (ISLAS MALVINAS)Major State Department PublicationsCIA World FactbookMapsMapperyInternet NewsSARTMA

SURINAMETravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Paramaribo, SurinameCIA World FactbookTourism Suriname TourismMapsWorld AtlasNewsDe West DWT

URUGUAYTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Montevideo, UruguayCIA World FactbookTourismMinistry of Tourism Tourism Board Banks Banco Comercial MapsWorld Atlas Newspapers IMPOEl Observador El Pais La Republica Ultimas Noticias Radio3.1410amlibre carve850espectadorTelevisionCanal 10 Canal 14Teledoce

VENEZUELATravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Caracas, VenezuelaCIA World FactbookTourism Venezuela Conventions and Visitors BureauBanksBanco Central de Venezuela MapsWorld AtlasNewsEl Nacional El UniversalUltimas Noticias El MundoRadioRNV Actualidad Union Radio TelevisionGloboVision TelevenVTV Noticiero Venevision

CUBATravel InformationTourism Cuba Travel BanksBanco Central de Cuba MapsWorld AtlasRadioCuba FM

PUERTO RICOTourism Welcome to Puerto Rico See Puerto RicoBanksPopular First Bank MapsWorld AtlasNewsTerra El Nuevo Dia Vocero Primera Hora TelevisionWAPA Univision

SIGNPOSTS

CARIBBEAN

DOMINICAN REPUBLICTravel InformationU.S. Embassy: Santo Domingo, D.R.CIA World FactbookTourismDominican Republic Ministry of Tourism MapsWorld Atlas Newspapers/Internet News Hoy Dario Libre El Nacional 7 Dias Dominican Today TelevisionEl Caribe

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Centro Y Sur / Oct-Nov 201174

In a beautiful sequence of 4,320 tilt-shift photographs, Rio's sumptuous Copacabana Beach radiates in celebration. Here, Brazilians ring in the New Year with joy of The Golden Decade and by their securing of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

LAST LOOK

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