Category Archives: Central and South America

Visiting the Uro Indians in Puno, Peru

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While major destinations can be a great centerpiece to any vacation, the surrounding towns in some areas of the world can be overpopulated with tourists and less-than-authentic experiences. As a result, when booking tours in Peru, travellers may want to look to a town like Puno, which has been nicknamed the "Capital folklorica del Puru" due its cultural and artistic heritage.

Once a part of the Incan empire – a fact that is reflected in the region's statues and archetecture – Puno is best known as the nearest major city to Lake Titicaca – the largest lake in South America. One of the top attractions near the lake are the Uros Indians, a population of people who live on artificial islands made from reeds. Today, more than 40 of these islands dot the area's calm blue waters.

Back in town, lodging and dining opportunities abound. Visitors are sure to want to spend some of their time simply walking the streets on their vacations in Peru, as the locals are known for their colorful dress and bustling street markets. Keen shoppers should be on the lookout for the area's textiles, which are often handwoven by Peruvians whose ancestors were using similar practices thousands of years ago. As such, visitors looking for some relaxation after extended tours of Central America and South America have their pick of either tranquility or excitement in Puno, depending on their preference.

Since Puno lies in the southeastern region of the country, individuals looking to extend their once-in-a-lifetime vacations to include stops in other South American countries may find that the city makes for the perfect last stop in Peru. From here, a custom tour provider can arrange for transportation to other area destinations in Chile and Boliva, so that the vacation doesn't have to end after a magnificent experience in Puno. 

Tours in Chile can include stops at its oldest wineries

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To experience the best wines that Chile has to offer, many travellers embark on quick excursions that only give them the opportunity to pass by the region's signature offerings. Due to the shortcomings of these shorter trips, true wine aficionados may want to book their vacations in Chile with a custom tour provider that can allow them the chance to stop at each of the area's notable vineyards for an extended tasting and tour.

One place visitors may not want to miss is Cousino Macul – the oldest winery in the country to still be owned by the original founding family. Located in Maipo – one of Chile's top wine-producing areas – Cousino Macul's first vines were planted as far back as 1863. To this day, all of the vineyard's reserve wines are grown, vinted and bottled on the premises, ensuring quality from start to finish.

Here, visitors can try Cousino Macul's Antiguas Reserva Cabernet, a wine made from the grapes of ungrafted vines and aged for roughly a year in oak barrels. For a fruitier taste, its Sauvignon Gris incorporates flavours that will remind tasters of grapefruit and mango.

According to Frommer's, the estate itself is also worth the visit. Tours are affordable and include complementary tastings and a souvenir wine galss. Once visitors taste the wines of Chile, they may be tempted to venture to other nearby nations such as those offered by Argentina's Mendoza, Cordoba and Salta regions.

As such, ambitious travellers may be best advised to book larger tours of Central America and South America so they are able to truly taste the many varieties this region of the world has to offer. 

Visiting Chile’s “best-known winery” on vacations in Chile

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World travellers looking to put some excitement into their winter schedule may want to consult a custom tour provider about extended tours of Central America and South America for a welcome getaway. Wine tours in Chile can offer visitors the chance to embark on an experience their taste buds won't soon forget.

According to the renowned travel website Frommer's, Chile's biggest and arguably best winery is Concha y Toro, which lies in the region of Maipo. Offering English tours four times a day, Monday through Sunday, Concha y Toro gives travellers a chance to taste high-end cabernet sauvignons along with delicious red table wines.

Don Melchor – the vineyard's signature cabernet sauvignon – has even been named the "best wine in Chile" by Wine Spectator in the past. Still, there is more to enjoy than the wine on tours of this famous vineyard. For example, the grounds of Concha y Toro are big enough to require eight full-time gardeners and are dotted with picturesque scenes that may be perfect for a romantic stroll after a tall glass of wine.

Tours may even include mentions of ghost stories. But, travellers don't need to worry, as this rumor was circulated by the original owners as a way to keep workers from tapping into the stores after hours. Still, the area offers a number of other wineries that are capable of giving Concha y Toro a run for its money, even in the Maipo area.

For example, travel experts say comprehensive wine tours should include stops at Cousino-Macul, Odfjell Vineyards and Vina Almaviva, all of which can be part of a custom tour, provided individuals work with the right provider.