Category: Latin America

If one place in all of Colombia symbolizes how far the country has come since its founding, it is The Vaults in the gorgeous Caribbean city of Cartagena. These age-old archways once housed armaments and, later, prisoners. Today, they brim with color and vibrant energy, a thriving artisans’ center overflowing with creativity, life and handicrafts lovingly made by locals so that their culture can endure.

Wandering the colorful shops and stalls of the The Vaults, it’s easy to see how a long and sometimes tumultuous history has given way to life everlasting, how past civil unrest has blossomed into creative freedom. Such is life in all of Colombia. We’ll come back to Cartagena in a moment; it is, after all, the perfect place to begin and end any discussion about this remarkable, phoenix-like country. But first, join us in this edition of Connections as we delve more deeply into this South American success story.

Bogota: Athens of South America

“Mi casa es su casa.”  It’s a greeting you’re likely to hear wherever you go in Colombia with Gate 1 Travel. Indeed, surrounded by warm and welcoming people, you’ll quickly feel at home here. The truth is, it’s a place that surpasses all travelers’ expectations – full of eye-opening surprises and lush, emerald green valleys and mountains. These days, locals and visitors alike are fond of saying that there is only one risk in traveling to Colombia, and that’s the risk of wanting to stay.

The bustling capital city of Bogota provides a great introduction to Colombian traditions and culture. Often called “The Athens of South America,” it boasts many universities and libraries and more than 60 museums and galleries. Its heady mix of old and modern make it one of the most dynamic and engaging cities in the world.

The historic La Candelaria colonial district is a great place to peer into its rich past. Spanish Colonial, baroque and Art Deco architecture span the centuries here. Home to half a dozen universities, it is also the proud host of the Botero Museum, dedicated to the work of Fernando Botero, who made a name for himself by creating humorous political critiques. The Gold Museum is also here, a collection of more than 36,000 pre-Columbian pieces, one of the largest of its kind. One of its highlights is the diminutive Muisca Raft, believed to have ties to the legendary lost city of El Dorado.

To mingle with Bogotanos, take a walk around the Bolivar Square, or step into a game of Tejo, the national pastime that you’re likely to witness throughout the city. The game originated with the ancient Chibcha people and involves throwing a metal disc across a 60-foot-long playing space at a target that’s been marked on a board.

Zona Cafetera: Land of Coffee and Incredible Beauty

Colombia is a country of breathtaking beauty, and few places prove this like the Cocora Valley. Soaring mountains, sweeping valleys and vast swathes of coffee plants dominate the landscape of Los Nevados National Park here, supporting a rich array of bird life from tiny hummingbirds to yellow-eared parrots. But one feature in the valley stands tall above all others: the towering wax palm trees. These are the tallest palms in the world, reaching up to 200 feet.

The town of Salento is nearby and visiting here is like stepping back in time. There was a time when the main route to Bogota passed right through here. But when the road was diverted elsewhere, development stopped, leaving Salento to make a name for itself around its untouched architecture and its relaxed way of life. It beautiful buildings and colorful balconies invite you to linger a little while.

Once you arrive in Manizales, you’ll want to linger a long while … over its perfectly roasted coffee. Here, in the heart of Colombia’s Zona Cafetera, you’ll learn that there’s more to java than what you drip into your pot. Our tour of a coffee plantation reveals the subtle aromas and flavors that go into the perfect cup. It may be no surprise that Manizales produces so many coffee beans; this is a dramatically fertile place, a verdant patchwork of green parks, mountain views and flowing rivers. During your visit, you can visit the massive Cathedral of Manizales and admire its elaborate gold canopy and huge stained-glass windows.

Medellin: City of Eternal Spring

Earlier, we mentioned Cartagena’s Vaults as a symbol of Colombia’s turnaround from its darker days. But nestled in the Aburra Valley, surrounded by steep-sloped mountains, the city of Medellin is the true success story. It has not only rid itself of undesirable factions; it has re-imagined itself into an innovative city that serves all its citizens amidst a landscape of green parks, public art and contemporary architecture. Its most distinct feature is the public transit system, part below ground and part above. Look upward, and you’ll see gondolas – locally known as the “metrocable” – floating in the mountain air, conveying commuters between their mountainside homes and the city below. Without them, it would take hours for many people to get to work on zig-zagging byways and congested, exhaust-filled streets. This lofty transportation system has been heralded by the United Nations as an example of smart adaptation to growing populations. You can experience the metrocable for yourself when you ascend into the hills to visit two of its small colonial towns: Santo Domingo, home to an ultra-modern library complex, and St. Elena, where the city’s rich Silleteros tradition endures in its still-thriving flower production.

It is a fascinating city that’s worth a closer look, made all the more pleasant by its temperate climate that has earned it the nickname “The City of Eternal Spring.” Its main plaza, the Parque de Bolivar, is anchored by the Metropolitan Cathedral, a vision of Romanesque wonder. Botero Plaza celebrates the city’s native son, adorned with the artist’s huge metal sculptures. And in the upscale Poblado district, known locally as Las Manzanas de Oro, or the Golden Apples, you can explore tiny shops and green parks.

Cartagena: Colonial Caribbean Treasure

Cartagena is quite distinct from the rest of Colombia, with its scenic setting on the Caribbean Sea. It is arguably one of the continent’s cultural treasures, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its intact historic walled city and maze of cobbled alleys. Tropical and colorful and full of life, it is rich with incredible architecture. Its sprawling fortifications that once protected it from marauding pirates are the most extensive in South America. The city’s colonial district is graced by colorful balconied buildings, the Santo Domingo Church (with its unusually wide central nave and stunning baroque altar) and the Plaza de Bolivar, a haven of large shade trees. The city’s Gold Museum boasts a significant collection from the pre-Hispanic period.

Then there are The Vaults, known locally as Las Bovedas. The history of these arcaded dungeons dates back 200 years, when Spaniards built them as storage units for munitions and supplies, only to have them converted to prisons. At high tide, prisoners had sea water up to their knees. They embody a fascinating story of Colombia, reflecting a country that was founded by conquest, bolstered by coffee, tarnished by conflict, only to rise up as one of the world’s most intriguing destinations, rich with a welcoming and vibrant culture, magnificent architecture and spectacular beauty.

Our Tour Managers Know Colombia Because They ARE Colombian

There’s nothing like a local to show you around. When you join Gate 1 Travel in Colombia, you’re in the good hands of some of the most welcoming and knowledgeable Tour Managers in the world. Simply spend an hour with any of our experts onsite and you’ll quickly see that the only thing they love more than their country is introducing Gate 1 travelers to it. They know their cities and towns inside out, and will lead you to the most fascinating corners where Colombian culture comes to life.

And of course, you’ll enjoy the signature Gate 1 value as you settle in to comfortable, centrally located accommodations, savor delicious Colombian cuisine and participate in a generous array of included activities.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Colombia and experience its colorful culture, genuine hospitality and rich history firsthand!

There is something at once familiar and foreign about the southern reaches of South America. From the magnificent beachside Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, southward to Patagonian Argentina and beautiful Chile, a fascinating and intoxicating blend of cultures and vistas are both recognizable and exotic. Wide-open plains and a gaucho culture echo the American west. Soaring snow-capped Andean peaks might make you think you’ve landed in the Colorado Rockies. And while the sophistication and bustle of its cities might remind you of a large U.S. capital, the samba-stepping street performers and European-style architecture with Spanish colonial accents quickly remind you that you’re not in Kansas anymore.

This is South America through and through, where the civility of fine wines meets untamed Patagonia, where the controlled passion of the tango collides with the unbridled torrent of Iguassu Falls, where Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue peers down upon scantily-clad Ipanema beach-goers. Reverential and wild, it all must be seen to be believed.

Brazil: Sultry City, Fantastic Falls

Brazil was named for brazilwood, a tree that once grew up and down its shores. The timber from this tree produced a red dye, and so it became a valued commodity to supplement the 16^th-century European cloth trade. Once the indigenous Tupi people caught on to the overseas demand, they put the trees up for sale in exchange for European goods.

Brazil went on to become the largest Portuguese-speaking nation in the world, and the only one in the Americas. Surrounded by Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountains and brimming with big-city energy, Rio de Janeiro—the unofficial cultural capital—wears its largesse on its sleeve.

From atop its monolithic hills, Rio’s beauty unfolds before you in magnificent splendor: crescent beaches (including the famous Ipanema and Copacabana), glittering skyscrapers, and densely forested mountains form an intoxicating hive of activity. Corcovado is topped by the famed Christ the Redeemer, a 124-foot statue of Christ, with his arms outstretched as if embracing the city below. A steep passenger train ride gets you to the summit. On the other side of the city, all-glass cable cars bring you to the top of Sugar Loaf.

Rio certainly leaves the impression that Brazil embraces its natural beauty, even in its largest cities. Along the Argentinean border, another spectacular site awaits. Iguazu Falls—a thundering cascade of 275 cataracts that stretch two and half miles in a horseshoe shape—straddles the two countries. These incredible falls are wider than Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and higher than Niagara. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is said to have exclaimed, upon seeing this natural wonder, “Poor Niagara!” They are a stunning sight to behold, and that’s just from the Brazilian side.

Argentina: Refined Culture, Untouched Wilderness

About 80% of Iguazu Falls lie on Argentina’s side of the river and few are more impressive than Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat. This U-shaped torrent plummets 270 feet over a half mile stretch. A rail car offers spectacular views from the top of the falls.

Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires offers another type of thrill. This is the city of Eva Peron, of “Evita” fame. The outspoken First Lady was wildly popular here, speaking out for those without a voice. She is buried in the Recoleta Cemetery, a fantastic miniature city of above-ground tombs and memorials. It is admittedly odd to see such an elaborate burial place in the middle of city that is so full of life. Indeed, Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of South America” for good reason: its wide, tree-lined boulevards pass elegant architecture, soaring cathedrals and beautifully manicured green parks. More intimate views of the city can be had in any of the working class barrios, such as La Boca or San Telmo, each with its own distinct and colorful personality.

Far from the city, in the eastern shadow of the Andes, lies Mendoza. Founded in the 16^th century by Spanish settlers, this is today one of the world’s great wine regions. Vines here are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world and yield Malbecs, Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Gate 1 travelers have the chance to sample award-winning vintages at the Bodega Achaval-Ferrer winery, and to create their own blends at Norton vineyards. But Mendoza is known for more than its wine. It also draws adventurers gearing up to climb Mt. Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the world outside the Himalayas, at 23,000 feet.

In this region of South America, stunning natural beauty—soaring mountains, pristine lakes, babbling streams—seems to beckon from every direction. Visiting the town of Bariloche, you just might wonder how much more beauty could possibly be in store. Nestled at the foot of the Andes, surrounded by forest, and hugging the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Bariloche’s setting feels more Swiss than Argentinean, right down to the chocolate shops on every corner and the sweet scent of cocoa kissing the clean mountain air.

Yet there is more beauty in store—plenty of it—in Argentine Patagonia. The old wool-trading town of El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glacieres National Park, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the Perito Moreno Glacier stands high above the waters of Lake Argentino, a massive ice wall three miles wide and 240 feet tall. Remarkably, this is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is expanding. It is the largest ice cap outside Antarctica and Greenland and controls the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water.

Chile: Colonial Charms, Splendid Vistas and a Historic Capital

Patagonia leaves any traveler feeling in awe at nature’s design. Surely, the charming lakeside village of Puerto Varas will have the same effect. Its setting is spectacular, resting on the shore of the scenic Llanquihue Lake, one of the largest in South America, and overseen by the symmetrical, snow-capped cone of the Osorno Volcano. But the town itself is also a sight to behold, rich in the German-style wood-shingled architecture of its European colonists.

Those colonists couldn’t have imagined the breathtaking rock spires and fjord wilderness that stretched to the south. Indeed, they are hard to imagine until you set your eyes on them, which you’ll do as you travel from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park by way of Puerto Natales. An astonishing canvas unfolds here. Chile’s Patagonian steppe thrives with wildlife: Andean condors and eagles soar overhead, keeping watch over farmland grazed by sheep and a vast network of waterways once explored by the likes of Magellan, Drake, and Darwin. A full-day expedition cruise brings you face to face with sea lions, abundant birdlife, and spectacular glaciers. In Torres del Paine, you’ll have the chance to hike into the untouched Patagonian forest, where massive granite pillars pierce the sky—a dramatic backdrop to thundering waterfalls, massive glaciers and wild guanacos.

Back in civilization—more specifically, in Santiago—it’s a city’s design that may amaze you. Over the past few decades, Chile’s booming capital has grown tremendously, even hosting the tallest building in Latin America, the Gran Torre, or Grand Tower, and boasting a sunken freeway system. For a glimpse at its more historic side, head to the Plaza de Armas, center of the Old City’s grid pattern. The impressive neoclassical cathedral is here, with its twin bell towers, as are the grand colonial Central Post Office Building and the 1808 Royal Court Palace.

Easter Island: Mysterious Totems, Stunning Island Landscapes

One of the planet’s most remote islands, Chile’s Easter Island is located 1,200 miles from its nearest populated neighbor. The remarkable corner of the world lures archaeology buffs and nature lovers alike. Remnants of an ancient Polynesian people dot the emerald hilly landscape in the form or 800 massive and enigmatic stone figures, known as moai. Their mystery is twofold: Scholars can only guess at their purpose, and no one knows exactly how the stone was quarried from the island’s soft volcanic tufa stone and how the carved figures, weighing some ten tons each, were placed strategically around the island. Gate 1 takes you here for two nights so you can perhaps unravel the mysteries for yourself.

Add Peru to Your South America Journey

There’s so much of South America to see, so many cultures to experience. Farther north along the Andes range, Peru’s fascinating colonial cities, Incan ruins, and Quechua people provide an extraordinary glimpse of the continent’s early civilizations. You can complement your exploration of Brazil and Argentina with a visit to this remarkable country.

Explore the Peruvian capital of Lima, a unique and thrilling melting pot of European, Andean, African and Asian cultures and home to a remarkably preserved historic center. Explore Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan “Lost City” straddling a magnificent Andean plateau. Stroll the cobbled streets of Cuzco, the Incan capital turned Spanish colonial gem. And marvel at the floating Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca, each one woven out of reeds pulled from the waters.

Take Advantage of the Best Value

Incredible discoveries like these tell only part of the Gate 1 story. Our unmatched value in the industry tells the rest. Throughout your South American itinerary, you can sit back and relax knowing that you’ve attained the very best travel experience for your dollar. Excellent accommodations, delicious meals, unique cultural experiences and top-rated local guides add up to the most rewarding journey your travel dollar can buy.

Costa Rica lays claim as the greenest country on earth. And it wears the title – conferred on it by the Happy Planet Index, a measure devised by the new Economics Foundation –with enormous pride. Its varied terrain is blanketed in lush rainforest, towering mountains, sizzling volcanoes, and pristine plains and coastlines. This small country (just a quarter of a percent of the earth’s surface, a bit larger than Vermont and New Hampshire combined) boasts a full 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. This is not a natural phenomenon alone; it is the result of the efforts of local ticos to keep their country unspoiled. Consider that 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected as national parks and conservation areas, and you’ll quickly understand why this tiny country is indeed a model for a happy planet. And Gate 1 Travel introduces you to its most magnificently preserved corners.

San Jose: Gateway to Breathtaking Beauty

All journeys in Costa Rica begin in San Jose, the capital built by coffee barons. As their wealth grew, they imported the talent of European architects and artisans to create a graceful cityscape of plazas and stately buildings. Affectionately called “Chepe” by locals (after the nickname for “Jose”), San Jose boasts a lovely mountain setting. La Sabana Park makes for delightful strolls along green pathways. The city’s finest historic buildings are the National Museum, housed in a butter-yellow 19^th-century fortress, and the neo-baroque National Theater.

Into the Highlands: A Magical Forest and a Soaring Volcano

North of San Jose, emerald hillsides undulate over soaring mountains and fertile plateaus fed by rivers and streams. Living is simple here, as a stop in the village of Sarchi shows. In this artisan town set among coffee fields, workshops produce wooden furniture and ox carts (carretas) painted with colorful floral scenes or geometric designs. Sarchi’s pastel-hued church in the town square is a sight to behold.

In these highlands, it’s easy to get a sense of how fully Costa Ricans respect their land. Endless sugarcane nurtured by rich volcanic soil covers the countryside as farmers tend their fields. The pace is slow and patient and tuned to the cycle of crops. And in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a soft mist casts a mystical aura. These hills are often engulfed in clouds, the result of humid trade winds rolling up from the Caribbean Sea. The moisture supports a huge array of flora – more than 3,000 species! – and more than 500 species of birds, including the elusive resplendent quetzal. Over 130 mammals, like the booming howler monkey, also roam the forest. We stop at a local finca, or coffee farm, we meet a farmer who makes a living from the ubiquitous bean that’s so central to Costa Rica’s economy. Optional walkway tours amidst the forest canopy and along hanging bridges let you peer into a world you never knew existed – the thriving life in the treetops.

North of Monteverde, a wonderland of lakes, forest, thermal-fed springs, and lunar landscapes awaits in the beautiful Arenal region. This outdoor lover’s paradise has been sculpted over thousands of years by the Arenal Volcano, whose towering conical form seems to stand watch over the eponymous lake, dense forest, and lava-strewn terrain. Hiking opportunities abound here, and Gate 1 travelers can explore along the Las Coladas trail whose route snakes around the volcano’s base and passes otherworldly lava flows from past eruptions. You’ll also have the option to soak in some of the region’s famed hot springs and explore the shores of Lake Arenal on a boat tour.

Comb Costa Rica’s Caribbean & Pacific Coasts

Some of the most rewarding explorations of Costa Rica’s natural world unfold closer to its coasts. This is certainly true in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Sea. The park was established to protect the nesting ground of the green turtle and covers 14 miles of tropical shores. The only roads here are canals and inlets, so we explore this watery wonderland by boat, stopping along the way for up-close views of caimans, otters, and white-faced monkeys. We meet some locals at a Tortuguero village and learn more about turtles – greens, leatherbacks, and loggerheads.

On the northern Pacific coast, Guanacaste Province is home to more diversity. Volcanoes reach to the skies, rivers course through valleys, dramatic beaches with pounding waves draw a surfing culture, and lush rainforests share the stage with arid woodlands and plains. It’s a region ripe for exploring, and Gate 1 helps you do just that with options for sailing and snorkeling along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, or just relaxing on the beach.

Farther south, Manuel Antonio National Park unfurls its rainforest splendor along the Pacific. Though it only comprises about six square miles, it boasts an amazing biodiversity of flora and wildlife. Sightings of macaws, sloths, monkeys, and others are virtually guaranteed here; we’ll keep our eyes peeled along its trails. Our option to explore by horseback promises even more of a thrill. En route to Manuel Antonio, we discover that there’s more to the breathtaking coast than its natural beauty as we visit the small town of Jaco, a national surfing center.

Explore Costa Rica Your Way with Gate 1 Travel

Costa Rica is such a diverse country, it calls for a diversity of travel styles. That’s why Gate 1 Travel offers so many ways to explore its natural wonders. If some destinations interest you more than others, you’re sure to find the perfect combination among our fully escorted itineraries, lasting as little as 7 days or as long as 15. Each trip includes accommodations, many meals, services of a Tour Manager, and a full array of tours and features.

If you prefer the flexibility of arranging your own itinerary but still want to take advantage of Gate 1’s buying power, then choose one of our Fly & Drive options, lasting from 5 to 12 days. These unregimented trips include airfare and car rental. Then you’re free to explore independently and reserve your own accommodations.

No matter which trip you choose, you can reserve our land-only option or allow Gate 1 Travel to arrange your flights for you.

Explore More of Central America

A visit to Central America isn’t complete without an exploration of Panama. The famed canal shaped much of 20^th century history in the region. Gate 1 travelers will visit the remarkable Miraflores Locks and take in the “three cities” of Panama City: Old Panama, where the original city was founded; Casco Antiguo, with its rich mix of architectural styles from Caribbean to Art Deco to Colonial; and Modern Panama, a pulsing district of waterside skyscrapers and commerce.

If Guatemala is on your travel to-do list, you can combine your Costa Rica adventure with an exploration of its rich colonial culture and breathtaking beauty. Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua. In Chichicastenango, browse the colorful crafts and wares at the Indian Market and visit the beautiful Church of Santo Tomas. And see the deepest lake in Central America, Lake Atitlan.

We Invite You to Gate 1’s Costa Rica

With so much spellbinding beauty to explore, and so many ways to explore it at the most affordable price you’ll find anywhere, Gate 1 Travel’s Costa Rica is your clear choice! Join us!