06
Oct
Easter in Antigua
There are few places in the world that celebrate Easter quite like Guatemala’s colonial city of Antigua....
Central America
Tailor-Made Tours
Introduction
The countries of Central America (e.g. Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala & Panama) pack in more diversity, excitement and adventure than can be imagined in such a compact area. Their attractions and cultures are quite distinct, there are amazing remnants of Mayan civilisation, and incredible rainforests growing right down to the shores of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. A visit to any of these colourful countries will not only delight and surprise but is bound to leave you with a desire to return.
We do not currently offer El Salvador, Honduras or Nicaragua.
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HIGHLIGHTS
OVERVIEW:
Evidence of original settlement dates back to around 700BC and Tikal’s first complex of significant buildings was established by 200BC. This magnificent site, deep in the jungle, now contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Mayan civilisation whose empire held sway between 200-900AD. There are more than 3,000 pre-Hispanic constructions of temples, plazas, sanctuaries and ceremonial platforms, along with countless sculptures, altars and steles, while much more still remains to be excavated. Immerse yourself in Mayan history and explore the Gran Plaza, the towering temples and pyramids, North, South and Central Acropolises, and the “Lost World” complex.
OVERVIEW:
One of the world’s greatest engineering and scenic marvels – a major shipping canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, obviating the need for the long and treacherous voyage via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America.
The Panama Canal Railway, built between 1850-1855, was the world’s first transcontinental railroad. It stretches across the isthmus of Panama from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The train ride will take you alongside the magnificent waterway to the west, flanked by the exuberant rainforests of Soberania National Park to the east.
OVERVIEW:
Monteverde is mainly a dairy farming area, with a small community of Quakers who live in the little village of Santa Elena, at the entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This is one of the richest and most diverse cloud forests in the New World. It is perhaps best known as the home of the Resplendent Quetzal but also shelters hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species, as well as reptiles, amphibians and insects.
A SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION
Luxury
America Trade Hotel
Panama City, Panama
Top class design and the finest facilities. Usually located in a spectacular setting it may be an exclusive hotel in a meticulously restored historic building, or recognised as the leading property of an international chain.
Boutique
El Convento Boutique Hotel
Antigua, Guatemala
A perfect alternative to the big brand hotels:
exclusive and independently-owned properties with a smaller number of rooms and highly personalised services.
First Class
Posada Del Angel
Antigua, Guatemala
High quality with an excellent room standard, a full range of facilities and first-rate service; may be a new property or regularly refurbished with attention to ongoing maintenance.
Luxury
Grano de Oro
San Jose, Costa Rica
Haciendas ‘estates’ are found across much of South America and may have been plantations, cattle or sheep ranches. Most date from the 18th & 19th centuries and offer guests an opportunity to glimpse the world of the land barons and their famed horsemen. These beautiful colonial residences, set in extensive gardens or on wide farmland, retain their original style and ambiance, with high beamed ceilings, open fireplaces, and spacious rooms filled with antique furnishings.
Lodges
Lapa Rios
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
In the rainforests and jungles of Costa Rica & Guatemala there are a small number of quality eco-lodges – from a comparatively luxurious retreat among the forest, to a complex of thatched cabañas in a lakeside location on a private reserve, to remote and rustic cottages offering a truly authentic experience. All lodges are eco-conscious and dedicated to conservation management and preservation of their environment.
Lodges
Laguna Lodge
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
In the rainforests and jungles of Costa Rica & Guatemala there are a small number of quality eco-lodges – from a comparatively luxurious retreat among the forest, to a complex of thatched cabañas in a lakeside location on a private reserve, to remote and rustic cottages offering a truly authentic experience. All lodges are eco-conscious and dedicated to conservation management and preservation of their environment.
Tourist-superior and tourist class accommodation is also available. For more information on the accommodation we offer, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@satc.com.au.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Planning Your Trip
The Booking Process
South America Travel Centre can look after all aspects of your holiday, including flights and travel insurance.
We start by asking you what your interests are and where you are interested in, when, for how long, what standard and style of accommodation. Once we have a good understanding of just what you’re looking for, we can begin to create a holiday to meet your time and budget requirements. We then provide you with a quote and a detailed itinerary, once you are happy we collect a 10% deposit. The final balance can be due between 120 (Antarctica) and 60 (standard trips) days depending on the itinerary.
Please book early. Many of the hotels, lodges and cruise vessels we recommend are relatively small, this exclusivity combined with high demand means they can be booked out up to 6-8 months in advance.
If you’re thinking of travelling during any major holidays like Christmas, New Year and Easter, or during any festivals, our advice is simply to book as early as you can, even 12 months or more, and we can add flights as soon as they become available.
Visa and Health Information
Australian citizens require a visa to enter Brazil and Reciprocity fees are paid to enter Chile (at port of entry) and Argentine (online prior to departure). Cuba requires a Tourist Card to be completed prior to arrival. We will help you with any visa requirements.
You will need to hold a valid passport.
We advise you to consult a Travel Doctor specialist prior to departure to assess any health risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans. Vaccinations are advised for common diseases like hepatitis A and B, typhoid as well as influenza and for some countries yellow fever. There are no compulsory vaccinations.
Flight Information
We have access to a wide range of airfares and have excellent relationships with our key airline partners. Our two main airline partners in Latin America are LATAM Airlines, QANTAS Airlines and Air New Zealand. We can also arrange internal flights for you within Latin America.
Irrespective of whether you book directly with us or with your preferred travel agent, we’ll request the details of all of your fights to ensure if there are any changes your transfers and other arrangements are adjusted accordingly.
The Best Time to Go
In very simple terms you can visit year round.
Please visit individual country pages with regards to the best time to visit each country.
Inspiration
Client Reviews
Now back in Sydney after a wonderful holiday. The EcoCamp was also fantastic! The whole holiday was co-ordinated beautifully – everything just flowed from one adventure to the next without a single problem. We now have 100’s and 100’s of absolutely spectacular photos to sort through. Interestedly we had 8 different flights whilst we were away and each one of them was either full or nearly full – people are obviously travelling again. Thank you so much for all your assistance in co-ordinating our Patagonia experience. With Kindest regards Joe & Judy
Now back in Sydney after a wonderful holiday. The EcoCamp was also fantastic! The whole holiday was co-ordinated beautifully – everything just flowed from one adventure to the next without a single problem. We now have 100’s and 100’s of absolutely spectacular photos to sort through. Interestedly we had 8 different flights whilst we were away and each one of them was either full or nearly full – people are obviously travelling again. Thank you so much for all your assistance in co-ordinating our Patagonia experience. With Kindest regards, Joe & Judy
We cannot recommend Hayley from South America Travel Centre (SATC) more highly. Our entire trip was planned perfectly from the second we left Sydney. Not only did she incorporate all of our preferred destinations, Hayley also made suggestions on additional places based on our preferences and some of these turned out to be the highlights of our trip! We tend to be more independent travellers and Hayley was able to create the perfect mix of seamless travel with the flexibility for us throughout the journey to take advantage of any unexpected opportunities that arose. The guides at every location were extremely knowledgeable and offered excellent suggestions on everything from safety through to restaurants and laundry locations. I absolutely cannot fault the services provided both locally and in Australia from the SATC team.