LatinFlyer.com • Latin America Travel Intelligence

Carlos Melia's Most Romantic Buenos Aires Travel Tips

2012-02-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

Love and luxury: The Mio Buenos Aires ranks as one of the city's most romantic hotels.

His eponymous blog highlights his travels around the world, but travel expert, bespoke travel agent and consultant Carlos Melia is a bona fide expert on Buenos Aires travel, where he has lived off and on for years. So when I asked him for some of his favorite romantic options for Buenos Aires hotels, restaurants and nightlife, he had no problem coming up with some wonderful options.

Romantic choices in Buenos Aires can easily fit couples of all types, thanks to the city’s cosmopolitan style and open-minded attitude. “At CarlosMeliaBlog, I speak Gay, but I am also fluent in Straight,” Carlos explains on his site. Here are a few of his favorite choices for romantic vacation experiences, for couples of any orientation.

Romantic Buenos Aires Hotels
• Mio Buenos Aires
• Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Romantic Buenos Aires Restaurants
• Chez Nous (at the Algodon Mansion Hotel )
• La Vineria Gualterio Bolivar
• Rojo Tango Show and Dinner (not a restaurant, but a tango show... intimate and sexy)
• Tegui

Romantic Buenos Aires Nightlife
• Isabel
• The Library (at the FAENA Hotel + Universe)

Carlos Melia is a travel expert, bespoke travel agent and industry consultant.

For more information about Carlos Melia's travels: www.carlosmeliablog.com

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VIDEO HOTEL REVIEW: Hilton Bogota, One of Colombia's Newest Luxury Hotels

2012-02-22T06:20:00.000-08:00

Towering presence: The Hilton Bogota is one of the newest luxury hotels in Colombia.

BY MARK CHESNUT

The Hilton name had been absent from Bogota for about two decades, making its return all that more symbolic of Colombia's fast-growing economy and improved safety. Hilton's return is one of several examples of the potential of this capital city; indeed, there are more Bogota hotels in the five-star, luxury category than ever before, providing ever-more luxurious choices for anyone planning their own Colombia travel itinerary.

The Hilton Bogota opened its doors in a brand-new high-rise building in late 2011; I recently stayed as a guest to check out the ambiance. Here is my report and my EXCLUSIVE VIDEO REVIEW.

Grand welcome: The lobby at the Hilton Bogota hotel.

THE ARRIVAL: A two-story lobby with lots of natural light makes for an attractive welcome area. Handsome, contemporary-yet-warm décor with dark shades of brown create a soothing ambiance throughout the property. Original contemporary artwork by Colombian artists grace the walls throughout.

Rest stop: The Hilton Bogota hotel's king deluxe rooms feature comfy beds.

THE ROOMS: I stayed in a king suite, which was nicely sized with a separate living room, two large flat-screen TVs (one in the bedroom and one in the living room), and a lovely little outdoor garden that I could view from both rooms. Vintage photo prints of Bogota help to provide a sense of place in all of the guest rooms. The bed, which has Hilton's branded "Suite Dreams" mattress, was especially comfortable, and I loved the generous number of pillows they provided.

The walk-through closet in the king suite leads to a beautiful bathroom; I especially like the stone shower with rainforest showerhead. In-room amenities are many, including minibar, cordless telephones, safe deposit box, hair dryer and an impressive set of bathroom amenities from Peter Thomas Roth.

I also had access to the second-floor Executive Lounge, a tranquil getaway with great service and free hot breakfast, drinks and hot evening snacks like beef, seafood and cold snacks including ceviche and cheeses (which were actually substantial enough to constitute a meal for me on more than one evening).

Ready to celebrate: The VIP room at the Hilton Bogota hotel's restaurant.

ENTERTAINMENT & SERVICES: On-site dining options include La Ventana Restaurant, which serves cuisine with flavors from around Latin America and the Mediterranean. Its VIP Lounge is an impressive spot for private business meetings or special occasions. Café Devotion specializes in Colombian coffee and light meals.

On the hotel’s lower level is a sizeable health club and gym, which opens onto the heated outdoor pool (which is an especially nice feature, since it’s open until 10pm). Also opening onto the pool is Levels Bar, which serves Asian and Mediterranean cuisine and on some evenings has a live DJ who provides a decidedly hip vibe.

Cabrestero, the lobby gift shop, is a lovely little store with museum-quality pre-Hispanic Colombian reproductions in statue and jewelry form; they also stock a nice selection of leather clothing and Colombian coffee table books.

The property also has some 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including eight meeting rooms and a ballroom.

BEST FOR: Located in the financial district, the Hilton Bogota is ideal for business travelers but is also in a central location for upscale leisure travelers looking for reliable luxury, within walking distance of some shopping, dining and offices, and just a few minutes by car from the ever-popular Zona Rosa district.

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Unique Peruvian Cuisine: Foods You Can Only Eat in the Andes

2012-02-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

Berry good: Sauco is among the fruit used in Peruvian cuisine. Photo: Mrdoctorwil

Any savvy traveler will tell you: One of the best ways to get to know a culture is to try its favorite foods. With so many unique ingredients and a history of creativity in the kitchen, Peruvian cuisine is diverse and delicious. In Cusco and the Andean highlands, where you will pass on your way to Machu Picchu, your inner foodie will rejoice if you try a few of the following delicacies.

First and foremost, you will find the humble spud. The Andes are the birthplace of the potato and each variety of Peruvian papa has a unique flavor and texture. One of the most common kinds is huayro, or "eye" in Quechua. It is named for the deep eyes that dot its surface and prized for being soft and fluffy. Golden-fleshed papas amarillas — yellow potatoes — are found on many menus. The favorite, though, is the peruanita, or little Peruvian, which sports beautiful red and white skin like the colors of the Peruvian flag.

In the vegetable aisle, one will find several native varieties of peppers. The rocoto is riotously spicy and often served stuffed, breaded and fried. Aji is the name used for several skinny and less spicy varieties. Aji amarillo is actually orange and is an important ingredient in the typical Huancaina sauce. Another veggie you won’t find at home is the caiwa. These cucumber relatives are light green and pointed at each end like a yam. Their hollow interior makes them perfect for stuffing.

For a sweet snack, there are several fruits found only in the mountains of Peru. Sauco is a native variety of elderberry with fat, juicy berries and crunchy seeds. Only in season for a brief time, it’s popular in marmalades and syrups. During rainy season you may get to try capuli. This cherry-like stone fruit has a unique, savory-sweet flavor best enjoyed right off the tree. Lastly, don’t miss awaymanto, a sweet relative of the tomato. These small fruits come in a lantern-shaped husks which you peel back to find the tangy treasure inside.

Some of the most interesting flavors found in Peruvian cooking come from native herbs that are sold in mountainous green piles on the street. Huacatay is a very popular flavoring for many dishes. The leafy plant is blended in soups and a popular creamy green sauce. The molle tree produces hard, pink berries which closely mimic the flavor of black pepper. Though it is not actually related, molle is delicious and spicy with red meats especially. Finally, you can wash your meal down with a cup of soothing muña tea. Muña is a native Andean mint with a mild, sweet flavor. Said to be good for digestion, muña can be bought fresh or in teabags to take home with you.

All these foods and many more can be sampled in the restaurants of Cusco and the Sacred Valley or enjoyed at the local open-air markets, like the sprawling San Pedro market in Cusco. Your taste buds will thank you.

This is a sponsored post.

Peru’s gastronomy is becoming a tourist attraction in its own right, and culinary tours of the country can be arranged through a good Peru travel agent. If you have specific interests or would like to learn more about Peru’s culinary heritage, consider asking a specialist in tailor made Peru trips to customize a tour for you.

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Ciclovia: Bogota's Bicycle Day Provides a Fun Way to Tour

2012-02-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hot wheels: Ciclovía is the weekly event in Bogota that brings bicycles to the street.

BY MARK CHESNUT

When I looked out of the expansive window from my room at the luxurious new Hilton Bogota hotel this Sunday morning, it appeared that cyclists had taken over the city. To a certain extent, they had — as they do every week, during a wonderfully eco-friendly event called Ciclovía. It's a refreshing concept for a big city, and it's also an interesting opportunity for a unique Bogota travel experience.

From 7am until 2pm every Sunday, several major thoroughfares around the city of Bogota are closed to motor vehicle traffic, opening up lanes for cyclists, roller bladders, joggers and local residents walking their dogs. You'll see adults of every age and families out and about.

According to statistics, as many as two million people make use of the Ciclovía, a 35-year-old tradition that has become a symbol of Bogota’s increasingly eco-friendly attitude as well as its increased safety. The idea has gone over so well that it’s been introduced in cities elsewhere in Colombia and abroad.

Wheel-less visitors can rent bicycles from companies like Bogota Bike Tours, which also offers guided recorridos of the city.

Fast lane: Cyclists take to the streets in Bogota, Colombia during Ciclovía.

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FLIGHT REVIEW: Avianca Business Class (Airbus A330)

2012-02-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

Avianca's Airbus A330. Photo: Pabolo Andrés Ortega Chávez

BY MARK CHESNUT

THE TRIP: New York Bogota Avianca — Flight 21, New York/John F. Kennedy International Airport to Bogota/El Dorado, flying Clase Ejecutiva (Business Class).

Access to The Lounge, a VIP lounge at JFK Airport's Terminal 4, is free for Avianca's business class passengers. Photo: LatinFlyer.com

THE DEPARTURE: Check-in was fast and efficient at JFK's Terminal 4. Clase Ejecutiva passengers have free access to The Lounge, a cheerily colored, independently operated VIP lounge that was uncrowded and stocked with free snacks and drinks during my morning visit. Especially nice is the free WiFi and the custom-order free breakfast menu that includes waffles, yogurt, cereals, fruit salad and a "baker's basket" with toasted bagel, croissant and muffin. (If you're not flying business class, you can still get in by paying $40 per person, or by joining a program such as Priority Pass.)

Business-class seating on Avianca's A330 aircraft. Photo: LatinFlyer.com

THE PLANE: Avianca's wide-body Airbus A330 is soothingly decorated with blue and gray tones. This is definitely an international-caliber business class, with lots of leg room and a 2-2-2 seating configuration. A generously sized comforter and pillow were provided on each seat, and an amenity kit tucked in between the seats contains toothbrush and toothpaste, L'Occitane hand cream, lip balm, tissues and a sticker to place on the seat if you want to be woken up for meals.

The seats are particularly comfortable, with lots of adjustments and a near-flat bed setting that I found ideal for sleeping. Easily accessible power outlets and USB ports between each seating pair are ideal for travelers looking to stay productive or use their own entertainment items.

Control panel for business-class seats on the Avianca A330 aircraft. Photo: LatinFlyer.com

THE ENTERTAINMENT: The individual seat-back video screens are quite large (I estimate somewhere between 12 and 15 inches), with a variety of music, television and movie options. Business travelers might be especially interested in the system's SkyOffice section, which, with a USB, allows the use of TextMaker (which creates, edits and saves word processing documents), PlanMaker (same idea, but for spreadsheets) and Presentations (for PowerPoint).

Individual video screens on the Avianca A330 aircraft. Photo: LatinFlyer.com

THE SERVICE: Before leaving the gate, we were offered water and orange juice (it was an early morning flight), as well as the menu for the flight, which includes a variety of breakfast items and a later snack (sandwich and chips) served about an hour before landing in Bogotá. Overall, service was efficient and cordial, and the amenities and comfort of the seats definitely place Avianca's business-class product on a competitive level with other airlines to Latin America.

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HOTEL REVIEW: Grand Oasis Palm and Oasis Palm — All-inclusive Cancun Hotels

2012-02-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

All wet: The swimming pool at the Grand Oasis Palm in Cancun, Mexico.

BY MARK CHESNUT

Cancun is known as a family-friendly destination, thanks to its array of activities and hotels that offer children’s programs. But not all hotels are created equal. So when I set out to research a family vacation for the 50th wedding anniversary of my in-laws, I was especially interested in checking out the Grand Oasis Palm and Oasis Palm resorts, two all-inclusive Cancun hotels with similar names, but different price points and features.

This is the third of a three-part series of reviews of the Oasis Hotels & Resorts located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. To read my review of the Grand Oasis Cancun Hotel and Resort, click here. To read my review of the Oasis Sens Resort, click here.

Palms at the pool: Swimming at the Oasis Palm in Cancun.

THE STYLE: These two all-inclusive hotels, which sit side by side, offer different price ranges and levels of service, but both are aimed primarily at families. The lobbies of both are contemporary and handsome (at the more upscale Grand Oasis Palm, the lobby is slightly larger), and the swimming pools at both are nicely landscaped (the pool at the Grand Oasis was a bit quieter during my site inspection). Guest rooms are similar in décor to the larger Grand Oasis Cancun, with conservative but attractive furnishings; there are no balconies, but the views from all angles are better than at some hotels.

Submarine sleep: One of the children's rooms at the Oasis Palm Resort in Cancun.

THE AMENITIES: Families looking for extra space might want to consider a junior suite, which has a living room with bed, or one of the special children’s rooms, which are delightfully decorated accommodations painted with either sea or jungle themes.

Guests at the Grand Oasis Palm pay a bit more for a few additional amenities and upgrades that aren’t available at the Oasis Palm. They’ll have access to a quieter, less crowded pool (but can also use the busier but still pleasant pool at the Oasis Palm). Guests at the Grand Oasis Palm also have room service included in their room rate, a wider array of alcoholic beverage brands and access to restaurants at both their hotel and the Oasis Palm next door (guests at the Oasis Palm are limited to restaurants within their property).

Guests at both properties can make use of the impressively large kids’ club, which is free for children age four to 12 and features a separate dining area, an outdoor pool with waterslide, playground, computer room, a bunkroom for overnight stays and even a dance club with karaoke. The hotel beach — located on the northern stretch of the Hotel Zone, away from the larger waves — has shallow, calm water and is ideal for families.

All in the family: The kids' club at the Oasis Palm has its own pool and water slide.

BEST FOR: Families looking for a value-priced all-inclusive resort will do well at the Oasis Palm, which has prices starting as low as $69 per person, per night, double occupancy. Families looking for more amenities (for example, access to a quieter pool area and more restaurants) should opt for the Grand Oasis Palm, which is still a bargain at prices that start at $99 per person, per night, double.

(Personal note: After inspecting the Grand Oasis Palm in person and comparing prices at other family-friendly all-inclusives in Cancun, I’m convinced that this is such a good deal that I just booked my in-laws’ reunion vacation there for July, which will include seven adults and two children. Stay tuned for the report on how that goes!)

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New Flights, New Airlines: The Changing Skies Over Latin America

2012-02-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

Growth mode: Copa is among the airlines adding new routes in Latin America.

BY MARK CHESNUT

Whether it's Mexico travel, Central America travel or South America travel, globetrotters flying to and around Latin America will notice a bunch of new options when they book this year, thanks to a slew of new flights, new alliances and freshly named Latin American airlines. And even more changes are in the works, so fasten your seat belt.

What's behind all the changes and growth? Consider the recent events that have changed air travel in Latin America within the past couple of years: Mexicana Airlines stopped flying. Avianca merged with TACA. Copa Airlines rebranded its Colombian affiliate as Copa Airlines Colombia. And, more recently, LAN Airlines took over Aires of Colombia and renamed it LAN Colombia. Meanwhile, American Airlines is fighting to maintain its dominance in the region as it proceeds through bankruptcy proceedings, while LAN and TAM put the finishing touches on their planned merger, which will create the largest airline in Latin America (I reported about some of this a few days ago in an article for Latin Business Chronicle, "American Airlines' Latin America Strategy").

So what does all this mean to you as a traveler? It's too early to report on what changes to expect from the LAN-TAM merger. But here are a few of the new flights and growth plans that await:

• Latin America-bound travelers flying from Sin City will have a new option this summer. Copa Airlines announced that it will begin non-stop service in June from its Panama City hub to four new destinations: Las Vegas, Recife, Liberia (Costa Rica) and Curacao. In addition, Copa will add 10 new Boeing 737-800s Next Generation aircraft this year, for a total of 83 aircraft.

• American Airlines has increased service from JFK to Caracas from two to five times a week, and has upped service to daily frequencies to both Brasilia and Belo Horizonte. The carrier's daily flight to Montevideo, which operates traditionally only through February during the high season, has been extended through April this year. And American is planning to launch new service to Manaus later this year.

• LAN Airlines' freshly renamed affiliate LAN Colombia (formerly Aires) launched Miami-Bogota service on February 1. The airline operates four flights per week on Airbus A320 aircraft.

• AviancaTaca, the parent company of Avianca, Taca and AeroGal, last month signed a purchase agreement for 33 Airbus A320neo aircraft, so expect new routes and flights to appear on its route networks in the coming months.

• Volaris is also positioning for growth, and claims to have placed the largest order of a single-aisle aircraft in Mexican aviation history, following an announcement last month that it would acquire 44 new Airbus A320 aircraft, 30 of which will be the more fuel-efficient, longer range A320neo.

• AirTran will begin service from San Antonio to Mexico City and Cancun in May, and parent/partner Southwest will debut flights from California's John Wayne Airport in Orange County to Mexico City and Cabo San Lucas in June.

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HOTEL REVIEW: Oasis Sens Resort, the Cancun All-inclusive Choice for Couples

2012-01-31T06:14:00.000-08:00

Dramatic entry: The lobby at the Oasis Sens resort in Cancun.

BY MARK CHESNUT

When it comes to planning Mexico vacations, Cancun's allure is hard to deny. But with so many all-inclusive hotels vying for your attention, it can be hard to figure out which Cancun hotel is right for you. This is the second of a three-part series of reviews of the Oasis Hotels & Resorts located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. To read my review of the Grand Oasis Cancun Hotel and Resort, click here.

THE STYLE: You can tell that the Oasis Sens is the smaller, trendier sibling to the Grand Oasis Cancun hotel from the moment you walk into the sleek lobby. This is, after all, the adults-oriented all-inclusive property in the Oasis family. Children are allowed, but since there is no children's program or special children's rates, the Sens logically maintains a more adults-oriented vibe, which is great for couples and singles.

The Oasis Sens — which was formerly called the Sens del Mar — reopened in December 2011 following a $7 million renovation, and while I can't compare the current incarnation to its pre-renovation look (I hadn't visited the property before), I can say that this beachfront resort is attractive and decidedly cool.

The 388 guest rooms — nearly all of which have king-size beds — are bathed in clean white décor, stylishly executed with mood lighting that allows you to choose the color that fits your mindset (I liked the option that makes the colors constantly change, but I'm probably a more hyper traveler than most). Artfully folded bath towels create unique decorations on the top of every bed.

Night lights: Cool lighting and creative towel creatures in a guest room at the Oasis Sens hotel in Cancun.

THE AMENITIES: The Oasis Sens has a variety of interesting features for adults, including, most notably, a fleet of Smart Cars, which are free for guests to use (all the guest needs to do is reserve the car, present a valid driver's license and pay for insurance). Guests looking for extra indulgence should splurge on the VIP corner rooms, which are not larger than other guest rooms, but have a sun deck with private plunge pool, as well as Bulgari amenities and free WiFi.

The new second-floor Sunset Bar, above the lobby, is ideally situated to watch the — you guessed it — sun set over the lagoon, with an outdoor terrace as well as gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows that face the lagoon. Dining options include a variety of buffet and a-la-carte venues; among the most interesting is Benazuza, which offers a 16-course tasting menu for dinner. The on-site Kin Ha Spa offers an array of treatments for single visitors and couples.

BEST FOR: Adults and couples looking for a quiet and perhaps romantic all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive room rates, which start as low as $120 per person, per night, are certainly a good deal compared with other hotels in Cancun, and an upgrade to the VIP category can be as low as $15 extra per person, per night.

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Hotel Deals: Valentine's Day Specials at Mexico and Puerto Rico Hotels

2012-01-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

History with heart: Hotel El Convento is offering a Valentine's Day special.

BY MARK CHESNUT

February is just around the corner, so it's only natural that some couples are starting to think about romantic Caribbean vacations and memorable Mexico vacations. Thankfully, a variety of Puerto Rico hotels and Mexico hotels have stepped in with some interesting proposals of their own to create a heartfelt getaway. Here are just a few to get those hearts beating in new ways.

Puerto Rico Hotels

• La Concha, a Renaissance Resort in San Juan's chic Condado district, is offering a "Discover Romance" package from February 9 to February 15, with prices starting at $289 per night, that includes:
—Ocean-view accommodations
—Bottle of champagne
—Godiva chocolates

—Breakfast for two

—Late checkout

• Isla Verde Beach Resort, in San Juan's popular beachfront Isla Verde district, is offering a "Romance Under the Stars" package, with prices starting at $410 per night. Included in the deal:

—Ocean-view accommodations

—Dinner for two with personal chef

—Breakfast for two, served in-room

—A "special amenity" (you'll have to ask what that means)

—30-minute couple's massage

• Hotel El Convento, the lovely historic hotel set in a former convent in Old San Juan, has cooked up a "Valentine's Day Romantic" package, available February 14-16, with prices starting at $450 for two nights. Included are:

—One dinner for two, including one glass of champagne at Patio del Nispero restaurant

—Upgrade to deluxe accommodations

—Flower arrangement in guest room

—Chocolate truffles

—Rose petal turndown

—Daily wine and cheese reception from 6 to 7pm at La Veranda Terrace

—El Convento signature tote bag

The look of love: The Hilton Los Cabos offers romance packages.

Mexico Hotels

• The St. Regis Mexico City is offering two special deals. The St. Valentine Package, with prices starting at $489 and availability from February 11 through February 19, includes the following:

—Valentine's decorations

—Private in-room three-course dinner

—Bottle of champagne

The St. Regis Mexico City's "Valentine Spa" package, meanwhile, has prices starting at $629 with a deluxe room. It includes all of the same amenities, with the addition of a couple's 60-minute massage at the Remede Spa and an aromatic bath in your room (with three different scents available to choose).

• Travelers who can't quite make it in time for Valentine's Day but who would still like a decent romantic deal might consider the Oasis Sens, the recently renovated, adults-oriented all-inclusive hotel where couples can toast the end of the day at the stylish new Sunset Bar, enjoy a multi-course dinner in one of the a-la-carte restaurants and then retire to a comfy guest room complete with mood lighting — all for a price starting at about $120 per person, per night, all inclusive. Oh, and they can also use a nifty little two-person Smart Car, free of charge.

• The Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort is another good choice for couples who might not make it in time for Valentine's Day. Their "Bed & Breakfast" package is available through December 31 and is priced at $239 per night. Included is breakfast for two, all weekend long.

And don't forget: If you're headed to Brazil soon, Dia dos Namorados, Brazil's version of Valentine's Day, is June 12.

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HOTEL REVIEW: Grand Oasis Cancun Offers Entertainment by the Sea

2012-01-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

The beach at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort.

BY MARK CHESNUT

I have to admit that before my recent visit as a guest at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort, I was a bit confused about what was the difference between the various Oasis Hotels & Resorts properties in Cancun. After all, isn’t one all-inclusive Cancun hotel the same as any other?

The answer, of course, is no, and following some lengthy site inspections, I can say that I now understand what makes each Oasis property unique, and the types of traveler that each is best suited for. So before you click “reserve” on that travel site, you might want to check out my series of reviews of the four Oasis hotels in Cancun's main hotel zone.

Mayan influence: The pyramid-shaped main building at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort.

THE GRAND OASIS CANCUN

THE STYLE: This is the type of architecture that you might picture when you think of Cancun hotels: Mayan-inspired angled structures, centered around a gigantic, pyramid-style main building with a central atrium overflowing with greenery. A large entertainment staff is often lurking in the main reception area, greeting new guests with song (one of my fellow travelers was greeted by a very friendly “vampire”). This lively atmosphere extends to parts of the large swimming pool areas as well; during my visit one section was used mostly by college-age students (enjoying a live DJ and chatty MC with a microphone), while another large pool area was quieter, with families and couples.

Time for bed: My guest room at the Grand Oasis Cancun resort.

THE AMENITIES: Rooms are conservatively decorated but tidy and bright. The pool complex is beautifully landscaped, and the beachfront is quite attractive (the small gym has an especially good beach view). Included is access to a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and 18 restaurants and bars (the a-la-carte restaurants had the best food during my visit). If you can fit it into your budget, I recommend upgrading to the Oasis Plus level, which includes VIP check-in and access to a VIP lounge that’s comfortable and relaxing, with great WiFi.

The Grand Oasis Cancun is the lively, entertainment-oriented property in the Oasis family. Name-brand performers are often on the stage here (I saw a fun performance by Kool and the Gang during my visit). Not to be missed is the performance by the Birdmen, a Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic dance show that takes place after dark in the atrium and is truly worth seeing (check out the video here).

BEST FOR: The Grand Oasis Cancun is ideal for vacationers looking for lots of entertainment options. Budget-conscious travelers will find good deals, with lots of restaurant choices and activities included. Young adults (i.e., college kids) will find spirited fun with people their own age.

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New Airport Terminal Opens in Liberia, Costa Rica

2012-01-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

Now boarding: The new terminal at Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica.

Anyone planning a Costa Rica vacation to the country's most popular resort area will have a new facility to welcome them.

The new terminal at Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica began operations on January 12, 2012, according to an announcement by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and the country’s vice president. The terminal has the capacity to service 1,500 passengers per hour and features 28 check-in counters, art and souvenir shops, restaurants, car rental counters, a VIP lounge, currency exchange counters and a convenience store, among other offerings. Tourism officials are confident that the new terminal will not only improve travel conditions and services, both for tourists and airline carriers that have chosen to fly into Costa Rica, but will encourage airlines to continue investing in the country.

“The construction of this new terminal will certainly boost national tourism development in Costa Rica, increasing the frequency of flights and attracting new airlines to the country, ensuring the competitiveness of the destination and its sustainability over time,” said Costa Rica's minister of tourism Allan Flores.

The new, larger facilities are probably timed well, considering the increasing visitor numbers in this part of the nation. In November 2011, Daniel Oduber International Airport showed an increase of some 29 percent in arriving passengers over the same period last year. Several airlines, such as JetBlue and Frontier Airlines, have already invested in the terminal by offering new flight routes into Liberia. On November 17, 2011, JetBlue began offering four non-stop weekly flights from New York’s JFK Airport into Daniel Oduber, while Frontier Airlines began servicing Liberia on January 30, 2011 From Denver.

Nonstop flights are available into Liberia from several North American cities, including New York, Chicago, Toronto, Atlanta, Houston, Montreal, Dallas, Denver, Miami and Charlotte. With the opening of the new terminal, the Costa Rica Tourism Board hopes to increase the number of airlines and flights traveling into the country.

From January to November 2011, Daniel Oduber International Airport recorded an estimated 15.4 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The airport is one of the major points of entry for visitors traveling into Costa Rica, serving as a gateway to Guanacaste and the surrounding areas of Monteverde, La Fortuna, Tortugero and the Central Pacific. Named after the national tree of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is one of the country’s most popular vacation and ecotourism destinations, with several biological reserves, national parks and wildlife refuges.

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Sweet Rides: 3 Cool Ways to Travel Around Cancun

2012-01-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hot wheels: The Oasis Sens resort has a big fleet of little Smart Cars, which guests can use for free.

BY MARK CHESNUT

One of the pleasures of a Cancun vacation is the ease of getting around; the layout of the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is essentially one long boulevard, making it hard to get lost. And the public bus, which costs just 8.50 Mexican pesos (less than U.S.$1) is an efficient and safe way to move around. But if you're looking for a bit of personal liberty as you sightsee, consider these three unique transportation options — one of which was recently introduced by the popular chain Oasis Hotels & Resorts, and each of which offers a memorable way to see Mexico's top vacation destination.

1. Go Small: Oasis Hotels & Resorts — which runs the the stylish, adults-oriented Oasis Sens, the family-focused Oasis Palm and Grand Oasis Palm and the big-scale Grand Oasis Cancun — recently introduced a big fleet of cute little Smart Cars, which guests can use for free. It's a great — and affordable — way to zip around the hotel zone or even make day trips (guests just need to have a driver's license and pay for insurance). This is clearly one of the best — and most interesting — transportation deals available at any Cancun hotel.

2. Go Wild: For those looking to sit in the back seat and make a splash, check out Cancun Inclusive VIP, which has 12-person Cadillac Escalade and Chrysler 300 limousines, both of which come complete with mirrored ceiling, LCD TV and strobe lights. Or opt for one of the luxury classics at Platinum Car Rental — perhaps a Mercedes Benz SLS and S-500 or an attention-getting 1959 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith.

3. Go Greener: Cancun Scooters Rental has a fleet of automatic, GPS-equipped scooters, with rental rates of just $35 per day — providing an open-air option that allows those warm Caribbean breezes to caress your face as you tour the sunny coastline.

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VIDEO: The Birdmen bring Soaring Talent to the Grand Oasis Cancun Resort

2012-01-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

Vibrantly painted "birdmen" and women perform a Cirque du Soleil-style show at the Grand Oasis Cancun Resort.

The Grand Oasis Cancun resort is one of the most easily recognizable Cancun hotels, thanks to its pyramid-inspired main building, centered around a dramatic atrium with overflowing greenery. At night, that atrium looks even more dramatic when the birdmen take to the air, and the show is so impressive that it sets video cameras (including mine) whirring for the entire performance.

This very talented group of acrobatic dancer/performers, who are part of an aerial dance troupe called Humanicorp, performs stunning, Cirque du Soleil-style shows accompanied by music that might make you feel like you're in a movie, and it's free for hotel guests. This VIDEO shows highlights of their amazing show, as well as behind-the-scenes footage from their rehearsals.

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Where to Stay Next: The Top 5 New Latin America Hotels in 2012

2012-01-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

Luxury in the making: a rendering of the Panamera, a Waldorf Astoria hotel in Panama.

It's a new year, and new Latin America hotels are popping up around the hemisphere, with the hope of swaying you away from your long-time favorites. With so many options, how can you decide if a new Buenos Aires hotel or Mexico City hotel is worth your attention? Here are five new properties that should be on your short list.

Downtown (Mexico City)
Grupo Habita is already known as the company that brought chic boutique style to Mexico, so it's no surprise that their new hotel, Downtown, is attracting attention. Set in a restored 17th-century building in Mexico City's historic center, the 17-room oasis of cool brings an attractive new option for anyone looking to stay in the heart of North America's largest city.

Alvear Art Hotel (Buenos Aires)
The Alvear Palace is famous for its opulent decor and traditional style; its new sister property, which opens this year in Buenos Aires, is geared for a more contemporary ambiance, with sleeker lines and decor.

The Panamera, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel (Panama City)
Located near the nightlife of Calle Uruguay and just a block from the waterfront boulevard, Central America's first Waldorf Astoria hotel (it's the first one anywhere south of Mexico, actually) is sure to bring some healthy competition to Panama City's already-booming hotel industry when it opens in June 2012. (Hilton Worldwide, the Waldorf Astoria parent company, is also trumpeting the new Hilton Bogota in Colombia, which looks pretty cool in the photos.)

The Condado Vanderbilt (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Set partly on a property developed in 1919 by Frederick William Vanderbilt, the spot that was the first luxury resort in San Juan's Condado district is bound to attract upscale travelers yet again when it opens its doors (the ballroom is already hosting some pretty swanky looking private events, but I guess my invitation got lost in the mail).

Tierra Patagonia (Torres del Paine, Chile)
The wildfires that raged in parts of Torres del Paine, one of Chile's most beautiful destinations for nature lovers, happily did not affect Tierra Patatonia, a luxury hotel where weary explorers can pamper themselves with time in the outdoor Jacuzzi, indoor pool and stylish lounge areas.

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Chile Travel Update: Torres del Paine National Park May Re-open this Week

2012-01-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

The explora hotel in Torres del Paine is closed, but may reopen soon as the park reopens.

A massive fire in Torres del Paine National Park, a major Chile vacation destination, has disrupted travel plans for thousands as it affects more than 12,500 acres. But Chilean authorities are likely to reopen parts of the park this week, probably starting on January 4.

This is peak tourism season for the park, which is a haven for nature lovers.

Hotel Salto Chico, the explora Patagonia property located inside the park, stopped accepting reservations, but — according to a company spokesperson today — the property was waiting for the official announcement from Chile's president about the park's reopening, and expects to begin receiving visitors again as of January 10 (the hotel blog notes that no damage was done to the property itself). Reservations are not yet being accepted for other lodging within the park, including Vertice Patagonia.

Chile hotels and lodging located outside the park, in many cases, remain open. Both Hotel Rio Serrano and Cabañas del Paine, for example, are operating normally and accepting guests — so they could be a good option for Patagonia-bound travelers in need of accommodations.

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Argentina Tours for 2012, from Metropolitan Touring and Borello Travel

2012-01-02T20:27:00.000-08:00

Teatro Colón is one of the top visitor sites in Buenos Aires.

Two tour operators that specialize in Argentina are offering an array of Argentina travel options for 2012.

Metropolitan Touring
Metropolitan Touring has announced its schedule of escorted, "fixed departure" Argentina tours for 2012, making it easy for travelers to visit a variety of Argentina vacation destinations in one nine-night trip.

Among the highlights of Metropolitan Touring's escorted Argentina tours are the capital city of Buenos Aires, Ushuaia — the capital city of Tierra del Fuego — and El Calafate, the "city of the glaciers."

Prices range from $941 to $1,071 for 10 days/nine nights. Departure dates are February 4, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, August 25, September 15, October 13 and November 10. (Personal note: I've taken a personalized tour with Metropolitan Touring in the city of Córdoba, Argentina, and found the service to be excellent and the guides very knowledgable.)

For more information, visit www.metropolitan-touring.com.

Borello Travel & Tours
With Argentina-born Sandra Borello as its president, its no surprise that Borello Travel & Tours is expert in putting together Argentina vacation experiences. The company offers individual and group excursions with daily departures possible for many programs — such as the five-day "Tango Experience" in Buenos Aires and five-day Iguazú Falls ecological tour.

Borello also offers soft adventure tours including horseback riding holidays, Darwin range trek and sailing trips and treks along the Andes Range. (Another personal note: I've joined Borello Travel & Tours on a trip to both Buenos Aires and Uruguay, and they really know their product and the destinations. They have great insight into the best that each of their destinations has to offer.)

For details about Borello's Argentina tour offerings, visit http://www.borellotravel.com/tours.argentina.htm.

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Easter Island Experience: Celebrating Tapati at Posada de Mike Rapu

2011-12-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Tapati Festival — an annual celebration on Easter Island that's something like a cross between a carnival, a sporting event and arts gathering — is so popular that the population of the legendary destination nearly doubles, as visitors are invited to join in the competitions. Posada de Mike Rapu / explora Rapa Nui is one possible base for spirited travelers to enjoy the many activities planned for Tapati 2012, with explora staff and guests taking part in the celebration, which starts on February 3.

Opened in December 2007, Posada de Mike Rapu is the first LEED silver certified "green hotel" in Latin America. Overlooking the roaring Pacific and the Rana Raraku Volcano where the solemn moai were born, the lodge has 30 rooms as well as a relaxation area with pool, jacuzzi, sauna and massage room. Dining is a cultural experience in its own right, with cuisine rich in seafood created from typical Rapa Nui ingredients.

In addition to participating in the festival activities, explora Rapa Nui offers daily excursions on foot, by bicycle and in the ocean (boat trips, snorkeling, fishing and surfing), all with different levels of intensity and duration.

Rates start at $2,385 for a three-night stay, including transfers, accommodations, full board, bar and daily explorations with bilingual guides and equipment; boats, vehicles and bicycles. For more information or to make reservations, visit the website at www.explora.com.

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Danny Fornaris: Puerto Rico's Rising Star Talks Family, Travel and Music

2011-12-26T19:13:00.000-08:00

One to watch: singer/songwriter Danny Fornaris is bound for glory on the Latin music scene.

BY MARK CHESNUT

Born and raised in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Danny Fornaris is a rising star in the Latin music scene. As a producer, singer and songwriter, he's worked with some of the biggest names in urban Latin music — including Calle 13 and Don Omar. As a solo artist, his catchy single "Estoy Enamorado" has reached the top of the charts in nations throughout Latin America. And his forthcoming solo debut album, scheduled for release in 2012, is bound to be a hit as well, combining musical elements that range from Afro-Caribbean to British rock and pop.

In this exclusive interview, this 27-year-old creative master shares his thoughts about working with family, traveling in Latin America and listening to music on airplanes. He also shares advice on where to go shopping for the cool clothes he wears in his video (for even more about Danny Fornaris, check out the interview I did with Fornaris for Société Perrier).

As an artist, you work with both your brother and your girlfriend. How does that affect your work?
It’s the best thing. The music that I’m making, every song on the album, is based on an experience, and most of them are with my girlfriend. I have some that are about my childhood and things that I’ve learned growing up with my brother. It keeps me down to earth, with my feet firm. It gives me more security.

I’ve sung alone, but when I’m with them, it’s a different kind of magic on stage, because I’m with my brother, you know, I’m with my girlfriend. The first song was a song that I wrote in front of her with my guitar and a notebook.

Let's talk about Puerto Rico. What are your favorite places to hang out on the "Isla del Encanto"?
To be honest, I don’t hang out much. I’m a homey person. I just go into the supermarket and buy a cheap bottle of wine, and stay home with my girl.

Do you ever buy Gasolina [the cheap pre-packaged mixed drinks made in Puerto Rico]?
No, no, no. That’s too strong for me. I don’t even drink a lot. If I’m not at home, I’m at the studio. If not, I’m at the radio station where I work. If not, I’m playing somewhere else. If not, I’m at my parent’s home. That’s where I grew up, and that’s like my spiritual center.

Where did you get your cool wardrobe for the video of “Estoy Enamorado”?
That was me and my girlfriend going to Plaza Las Americas.

You’ve toured a lot. Are there places in Latin America where you especially enjoyed performing?
Yeah man, Chile. I went to the Viña del Mar festival. That was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had — first of all, because of the prestige that the festival has, and Chile is beautiful. It’s a very beautiful place.

I also like Colombia, I like Venezuela. It’s a very enriching experience to see other cultures and to feel those culture shocks. You kind of get awakened with other perspectives. That’s the good thing about traveling.

I really like every place I’ve gone, because every place is different. You get different influences from every place. That’s why [in my music] I emphasize the cumbia style so much. That’s a rhythm that works really well around the Americas as well as Europe and the United States. It’s a rhythm that’s closest to a normal heart rate. It’s between 80 and 90-something beats per minute. I read that, and I thought I need to do something with that. It’s something you can listen to any time. For example, the drum and bass beat gets you hyper. And the ballad gets you to chill out. But the cumbia beat is in the middle, it’s for the every day moment.

Are there places you've gone while touring that you'd like to go back on vacation?
Damn, I don’t know. I don’t really have much time to do things like a tourist. You get to the place, you have to do the sound check, go back to the hotel, get changed, do the show, then the next day at 5am you have to leave.

What do you think about the music on board planes?
I don’t really connect my headphones to the jack. They may have good music, but the sound quality is not good. I prefer to listen to my iPod. And usually what I listen to is Sigur Ros, which is an Icelandic group that I love, and a lot of Coldplay, Oasis, U2, a lot of chill out music.

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Happy Holidays from LatinFlyer (and from Puerto Rico)

2011-12-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Plaza Colon, lit up for the holidays in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

PHOTOS BY MARK CHESNUT

I may not be in Puerto Rico for the actual holidays, but I had the good fortune to be visiting just a couple weeks ago, which was perfect timing to enjoy the colorful Christmas decorations that dot the San Juan metropolitan area. Here are a few of my favorite shots. Wishing you a very happy holiday season, wherever you might be!

The historic Dr. Bailey Ashford home in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Cheers: a Medalla Light beer can graces a Christmas tree at Orozco's restaurant in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Check out the ebook version of my first travel book, "Prepare for Departure,"

ebook just $5.99 — immediate delivery for iPad and iPhone!

Prepare for Departure by Mark Chesnut | Make Your Own Book

LAN Airlines Debuts Website for LGBT South America Travel

2011-12-20T06:36:00.000-08:00

Gay travelers heading to South America now have a new source of destination information. LAN Airlines this week announced the launch of its new LGBT travel Website, focused on providing information about South America travel. The airline’s new dedicated LGBT site aims to showcase the diversity found throughout South America, and to be a one-stop-shop resource for LGBT travel to South America (oh, and they probably wouldn't mind if you proceed through the site to book with LAN, of course).

LAN’s new LGBT microsite features detailed descriptions of key South American destinations with information of interest to gay and lesbian travelers. The site also features recent LGBT-related news pertaining to countries throughout South America, as well as events of interest to gay and lesbian travelers to South America, including trips from leading LGBT tour operators.

“If you’re traveling to Buenos Aires, not only can you purchase your ticket from the online booking engine, but you can read current news relating to LGBT topics in that region, view dates for the Buenos Aires International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival or Buenos Aires Pride, and find restaurants and hotels in the city that are popular among gay and lesbian travelers,” said Katitiza Mandakovic, leisure director for LAN Airlines North America. “Our goal was to make LANdiversity.com a trusted source for news and information on LGBT travel to South America and we are so proud to be able to offer such a unique resource to travelers all over the world.”

The new LGBT microsite also features interactive Facebook and Twitter feeds to enable visitors to share their comments and connect with other like-minded travelers. Through the microsite, LAN will also offer periodic deals, specials and sweepstakes for travel to South America on LAN Airlines and its affiliate carriers.

In 2009, LAN laid claim to being the first Latin American airline to develop an advertising campaign specifically targeting the LGBT community. The campaign highlighted the importance of diversity and showcased South America’s diversity.

LAN has also been a sponsor of organizations such as the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and San Francisco Pride, as well as a Gold-level Global Partner with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, IGLTA.

LAN was nominated “Best Airline” in LOGO’s 2010 TripOut Gay Travel Awards and “Favorite International Airline” in 2011 by Edge Publications, the largest network of local LGBT news portals in the world.

“LAN is proud to be a supporter of the gay and lesbian community and is honored to be recognized as a valued partner,” added Mandakovic. “We pride ourselves on being South America’s premier airline and the best choice for LGBT travelers to the region. Our new LGBT travel site is a way to create an even better travel experience for gay and lesbian travelers and our hope is that more people will be able to discover the many wonders found only in South America.”

To view LAN’s new LGBT microsite, visit www.LANDiversity.com.

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Award Winners: The 5 Best Hotels in Central and South America

2011-12-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

Award-winner: The Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, in Costa Rica.

My recent listing of some of the most award-winning Mexico hotels got so many hits that I decided it's time to cast our admiring gaze toward Central and South America. After scouring the lists of hotels that have consistently won awards from the likes of the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List, Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards and other noteworthy ratings, I've put together this summary of the top five best hotels.

Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Alvear Palace is decidedly traditional in style, with sumptuous Empire, Louis XV and Louis XVI style running throughout the property. Travelers looking for a contemporary approach, but with the same Alvear attention to detail, should stay tuned for the 2012 opening of the Alvear Art Hotel.

Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Graced with two beaches, a spa, championship golf and lots of scenic vistas, this luxury resort is set in Costa Rica’s hottest destination for upscale travel.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru
This 85-bungalow hotel is set on 12 acres criss-crossed with stone pathways, conveniently close to the Machu Picchu Pueblo and, of course, the famed ruins.

Llao Llao Luxury Hotel & Resort, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Located on one of the lower mountains within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, this Patagonian prize is scenic and indulgent, with an 18-hole golf course, marina, beach and spa.

Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
The Recoleta district is home to more than its share of upscale attractions, and the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt is one of them. Hyatt aims to unite belle-epoque elegance with tech-savvy modernity and comfort — and, in the opinion of most reviewers, succeeds.

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Prepare for Departure by Mark Chesnut | Make Your Own Book

'Tis the Season: Great Latin America Gift Ideas

2011-12-09T14:12:00.001-08:00

Prepare for Departure by Mark Chesnut | Make Your Own Book

Time is running out to get those last-minute holiday gifts. So for those of you who are looking for a few Latin America-infused ideas for friends, colleagues and family, I'd like to suggest the following:

• Photo Books: My new photo book, Prepare for Departure," is an offbeat compilation that documents the bizarre visuals I've encountered during several months of traveling around the Americas. It's up to you go guess where I am — with shots from Argentina, Puerto Rico, the USA and beyond, this is a travelogue like no other. Check out a sample at the top of this post, then order on my new bookstore on Blurb. (Also available as an ebook for iPad and iPhone!)

• Latin America Photo Gifts: Visit my online gift shop, mundera, for unique gift items featuring Latin America photo art. You'll find shots from Mexico and China, with more destinations to come, and items including posters, framed artwork, coffee mugs, iPad cases and greeting cards. One of my favorite items (which I initially made for myself) is the cell phone case that features some very cool modern architecture I photographed in Santiago de Chile. Check it out:

Cool architecture cell phone case by mundera
See more Architecture Casemate Cases

• A Healthy Dose of Caffeine. Cafe Britt, the gourmet coffee from Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru, has a variety of specials for the holidays. Click below to check out what's available:

• Travel Inspiration. Planning that next trip is always exciting. Consider giving a gift of travel books from Lonely Planet, one of the best guidebook series, and you'll likely get free shipping. Click below for details:

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In Busy San Juan, Condado Lagoon Offers a Laid-back Puerto Rico Travel Experience

2011-12-02T06:12:00.001-08:00

Grab a paddle: renting sea kayaks on Condado Lagoon in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

BY MARK CHESNUT

San Juan is a sprawling city with a hectic pace. But Puerto Rico vacations spent here can be as relaxing as a day in the country, when you know where to go. When my partner and I are staying at our condo in the upscale beachfront neighborhood called Condado, one of our favorite ways to enjoy the natural site of the island is by kayaking on Condado Lagoon.

A calm body of water that divides the Condado and Miramar districts, the Condado Lagoon empties into the Atlantic Ocean underneath the Dos Hermanos Bridge, which is currently being rebuilt and beautified. At a stand across the street from the Conrad Condado Plaza hotel, you can rent sea kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards (a two-person kayak rents for $38 for an hour, but you might be able to bargain a bit). You'll get wet, so bring your waterproof camera and snap some photos of the scenic city views — and keep your eyes open for large iguanas and other wildlife. The lagoon is also great for swimming, so feel free to hop in.

Local resident: Puerto Rico's Condado Lagoon is home to a surprising amount of wildlife.

Urban views: Be sure to bring your waterproof camera when kayaking on Puerto Rico's Condado Lagoon.

Swimming in San Juan's Condado Lagoon, with the Conrad Condado Plaza in the background.

The new Dos Hermanos Bridge spans the Condado Lagoon in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Pisco: How to Pour the Nectar of the Peruvian Gods into your Peru Vacation

2011-11-29T11:09:00.001-08:00

Peru is the ideal spot to sample Pisco in all its forms. Photo: Manuel González Olaechea y Franco

BY MAUREEN SANTUCCI

Although pisco is referred to as a brandy, it has more of the feel of tequila to me than any brandy I've tasted. Made from grapes, it is the national liquor of Peru — and can be a tasty part of any Peru vacation or Lima travel experience. There are three varieties of Pisco, which are categorized according to the grape that is used: Pisco Puro, Acholado and Mosto Verde.

Pisco Puro
Pisco Puro is one that is made with just one variety of grape. This can be further broken down into those that are aromatic and those that are not. The non-aromatic Pisco Puro is made from a single non-aromatic grape such as the Quebranta, the Mollar, the Negra Criolla or the Uvina. Pisco Puro that is aromatic is made from a single variety of grape such as the Italia, the Moscotel or the Torontel. These grapes produce different aromas and flavors, depending on the grape and the region in which it is grown.

Pisco Acholado
Pisco Acholado is the probably the most popular type of pisco and is formulated by using two or more types of grapes. Of these, there will be at least one aromatic and one non-aromatic variety. The grapes can be mixed before or after the fermenting process but it is considered to be better to mix them after, thereby offering a greater amount of control over the result. To achieve the proper blending of the different grapes, the overall process to produce this type of Pisco takes longer than the Pisco Puro type.

Pisco Mosto Verde
Pisco Mosto Verde also uses different types of grapes. In addition, the fermentation process will be interrupted so that distillation can occur while there is still some sugar present. This produces a smoother variety of pisco with intense aromas and flavors.

Where to Taste It
The best place to do your pisco tasting is to visit Ica, where most of the country's Pisco is produced. However, if you don't have the time to go there, you can find good places to get a bit of history and sample some of the different varieties in other cities.

For example, when visiting Cusco, you can pay a visit to El Pisquerito. The bar is owned by Hans Hilburg and Rachel Lujan. Pisco is Hilburg's passion and he is a walking encyclopedia on it. Well-known in the world of pisco, he is a legend for the many pisco cocktails he has developed. With so many places giving away free but substandard pisco sours, it's worth going just to make sure you know what one should really taste like.

In Arequipa, you can visit the Biondi store where you can also get a lesson about varieties of pisco, sample them and purchase some great gifts to take home with you. The store is located just across the street from the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. If you want to bring home something for your friends and family that is quintessially Peruvian, pisco is hard to beat.

This is a sponsored post.

It is possible to tour some of Peru’s finest vineyards for some Pisco-tasting during your Peru vacation package. Contact a Peru travel agency for more details.

INTERVIEW: Michael Luongo on the Perfect Buenos Aires Travel Experience

2011-11-29T10:31:00.001-08:00

If you want to really know a destination, ask someone who's lived there. I've visited Argentina's capital many times, but to get the real inside scoop about Buenos Aires travel, I always talk to Michael Luongo, an award-winning journalist and the author of the Frommer’s Buenos Aires guidebook, the top selling U.S published guidebook to the Argentine capital. His favorite "only-in-Buenos Aires" experience was riding on top of Juan Perón’s coffin through the streets of Buenos Aires during the late President’s 2006 reburial and getting accidentally locked inside his new tomb.

In this exclusive interview, Michael shares his deep knowledge about the allure of Argentina's capital.

You've been spending time in Buenos Aires — and writing about it — for several years. What originally attracted you to the destination, and what do you enjoy most about it now?
I began writing on Argentina before the big tourist boom and the peso crisis, back in 2000 as part of a backpacking and writing trip I was making spending a few months in South America. At the time, there were virtually no tourists in Buenos Aires – almost no one spoke English – and it was simply magical. People were amazingly welcoming in so many ways – and to top it all off – in one of the hotels I stayed at, there was a group of American tango teachers on tour, and they took me to all these secret, magical, tango milongas – real salons where locals danced the tango.

I still love the friendliness of Argentina, how even if you just have a quick question – where is such and such a place – someone will engage you in conversation, sometimes that leads to coffee, etc. I don’t always have the time I had on my earlier trips to indulge in all of this, but these interactions are really what makes a trip to Buenos Aires. There is also the lingering sense of what was and is lost – the sense of Argentina once being among the world’s wealthiest countries – and the architecture from a hundred years ago that still remains – and seems to not fit with the culture of today in some ways. This is another contrast, and the sense of melancholy that accompanies it, which I also find so compelling.

How has Buenos Aires evolved in the years since you've been writing about it?
It has indeed become more touristy, and there are many more ex-pats living there, particularly Americans and Brits. When I did the first Frommers Buenos Aires in 2004-2005, I described it as the new Prague, meaning so many young ex-pats were moving there because it was cheap, and also easy to indulge in artistic pursuits. This also created a fantastic energy and this subculture of ex-pats, which mixes with the creative and internationally thinking locals, and so this is exciting. The fact of the matter is English is also easier as a result of this. In fact, I use Spanish less and less each time I do the Frommer’s book. I was amazed for example at a hardware store in my building in the downtown. I did not expect that there in all places, where there is nothing touristy, that every worker spoke English. Granted, they were all young, but it was unexpected.

I also believe that Buenos Aires has become more pedestrian and tourist friendly over the years. Calle Florida and Calle Lavalle have been pedestrianized for years, but recently so has Calle Reconquista, which is famous for its mix of bars, particularly Irish ones, and other restaurants and this brought new life to the downtown. Suipacha has also been closed to traffic, and bicycle lanes were added there, as well as many other places. The Ecological Reserve, just off Puerto Madero, has become easier to use for jogging, bicycling, all kinds of activities, so you see the city become greener to a degree, even if traffic and air quality could use a lot more efforts! The explosion of places in Palermo Viejo – divided into Palermo Soho in its southern en d and Palermo Hollywood in its northern end, is really amazing too. In some ways, it might be too successful and you’re seeing cookie cutter places that mimic one another, from boutiques to hotels to restaurants, but it has become a very fashionable place, where the creative energy of the city is most present.

Argentina has gone through some interesting and challenging times over the decades. How would you describe the current situation in terms of how it affects travelers?
Buenos Aires right after the peso crisis was a bargain, but that is just not the case anymore. I think it was around 2007 when you saw prices really go back up, and some hotel prices are shockingly high. Restaurants remain relatively good in terms of pricing, but really few bargains. Overall however, all things considered, you’re still better off economically in Argentina as a travel destination than much of North America, and Europe especially.
I think a traveler who has not been there in many years would notice the explosion of tango venues of all forms of variety and quality, the tango on the streets everywhere – and the expansion of urban markets throughout the city, from San Telmo to Plaza Francia in front of Recoleta Cemetery and so many others.

There are also so many more boutique hotels, again, of varying quality and services, and throughout almost every neighborhood. It’s become a more liberal city and country – most famously the passing of the same-sex marriage law, the first nationally in all of Latin America and President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner herself considered that a beacon for other countries, including our own, which has yet to pass such a law.

I think the city is cleaner and safer in certain areas – though some people will dispute this who live there – you see more lighting, gentrification and other development particularly in Monserrat which was a sort of dead area between downtown and historic San Telmo. Development is pushing into new areas, like Barracas, which also borders San Telmo and La Boca. It’s a combination of gentrification by locals, foreigners buying in the city, and I think, urban improvements throughout various zones. You have seen this of course for the past 15-20 years in Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. I just wish they would do something about fixing more of the sidewalks and enforcing the rumored pooper-scooper law which I have heard exists!

What are a couple of the lesser-known aspects of Buenos Aires do you address in your book, that perhaps most travelers don't know about the city?
One of the most surprising things – and I have never met an Argentine who knew this – it was pointed out to me by a Brit who has lived there for more than 30 years – is that the 1580 second, though technically the third, founding of the city had a woman, Ana Diaz, on the boat. Her land grant was where the Burger King at Calle Florida and Avenida Corrientes now stands, and there is a plaque about her on the outside wall. Who knows if without a woman around we’d actually have a Buenos Aires.

I [also] write a lot about the animals in Buenos Aires – from the special saved elephant in the zoo which was rescued from abuse in a circus, to the cats in Recoleta Cemetery. What was important to me in doing the book over the years was how do you engage children in an atmosphere that maybe appeals more to adults. So in the case of Recoleta Cemetery – where Evita was buried – you have this fabulous architecture and intense history – and all these cats that local wealthy ladies come and feed and take care of twice a day. It makes the place fun for kids and adult animal lovers.

There is also I think — in looking at the grandeur of what was in Buenos Aires, in terms of its almost imperial sensibility in its architecture, especially downtown and along Avenida de Mayo, or on Avenida Callao — the notion that the United States was not the only important power a hundred years ago in the Western hemisphere, and Argentina, and Brazil, were once very wealthy and powerful. I point this out also in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Everyone wants to look at the European art there, but it is the Argentine art that tells the history of the country, from gauchos, to paintings of the Italian immigrants, to the vast panoramas of the Pampas painted as propaganda in the late 1800’s during the horrific wars where unfortunately many natives were slaughtered. It’s also interesting to look at paintings from the time period when Buenos Aires was almost a black majority city in the mid-1800’s. All of this history seems lost in many other touristic accounts of the city. And so I like to have that come alive for my readers, the history behind the experiences of today.

You live in Buenos Aires for extended periods of time on a regular basis. How would you describe a "perfect" day for you personally when you're living in BA?
One of my absolutely favorite things to do in Buenos Aires is to wander the Avenida Libertador park system. Buenos Aires does not have a Central Park, or a Hyde Park. Instead, it has this linear and elaborate miles long park system strewn along Avenida Libertador stretching from the downtown through Palermo and Recoleta. It’s full of parks, statues, the Zoo, museums, embassies, including our own and the UK’s just off of it, and so many other beautiful things. It’s largely from the turn of the last century and reflects this Beaux-Arts, Belle Epoque, City Beautiful mentality, when French style was at its height. In good weather, people play soccer, read books, lounge, fall in love, suntan, skateboard. I could spend hours watching people.

I love also to get an ice cream, a gelado, whether a gelato or an ice pop as I walk around. It’s easy to also just talk to people. Nine times out of ten, there is also some kind of protest – and I like to find out what it is about – whether it is unions, students, something ethnic, and photograph it and talk to those involved to see if it might be useful for a story or just to learn more socially and economically about the country, but I don’t always recommend that for tourists.

If I can catch something cultural – and, well, there is tons of that in Buenos Aires – I will [go to] a show at the Centro Cultural Recoleta, next to the cemetery, or a gallery where a friend is having an exhibit. I am always busy working, but if there is time, I go to dinner with someone, usually in Palermo Hollywood, try a new restaurant, maybe not necessarily steak, but something where the chef is engaged in a form of fusion, or there is an elaborate tasting menu. After that, maybe a local pre-bar, or resto bar. A particularly beautiful one is Milion in Barrio Norte, built into a mansion, and you can have dinner there too, but it’s the bar that makes the place.

I also love to go to see tango, in a real milonga, or tango salon. I cannot tango – I have learned God did not put me on this earth for that purpose – but I am a night owl – remember Buenos Aires is a city for insomniacs, and many of my friends tango. I love to watch, photograph, talk to tangueros and tangueras, and the music takes you back to another era. I think for tourists, I would recommend Salon Canning. It’s authentic, but large enough that you won’t be self-conscious if you don’t know anyone or don’t know tango. At one point I used to live near there and loved coming home at 5 or 6 in the morning after being out and seeing tango friends. If you have a perfect day in Buenos Aires, remember it’s going to become a perfect night too!

For more on Michael Luongo, to to www.michaelluongo.com and www.misterbuenosaires.com.

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