Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Updated January 2009
Current time in Venezuela:
Venezuela lies at the top of South America, nestled between Colombia, Brazil and Guyana – with the Atlantic Ocean above it. One of our favourite destinations, Venezuela offers some truly unforgettable scenery such as South America’s largest lake and third longest river, the highest waterfall in the world (Angel Falls) and breathtaking landscapes.
The Orinoco Delta is a vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a simmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco to the Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco branches off into over 60 caños (waterways) and 40 rivers which diffuse through 41,000 square kilometers of forested islands, swamps and lagoons. Between the rainforest of the Amazon Basin and the watershed of the Orinoco River is a rugged wall of remote mountains and deep, heavily forested canyons protected by the Canaima National Park. Many of the mountains have precipitous rock walls that rise to over 1800 meters (6000 feet) where they end in an almost perfectly flat top. These formations are known by their Indian name: Tepuis. The most famous of these tepuis is the Auyan-tepui, from which plummets the world’s highest waterfall – Angel Falls. The waterfall is more than twice as high as the Empire State Building and three times higher than the Eiffel Tower. The eastern part of Canaima National Park is known as the Gran Sabana, a special landscape of clear rivers, waterfalls and endless Tepuys which tower above rolling Savannah and forest
The Llanos are an incredible place to see wildlife. Apart from more than 300 species of birds (including scarlet ibis, hoatzin, screamers, soldier storks, spoonbills and many more) you may be lucky enough to spot jaguars, ocelots, anteaters, honey-bears, capybaras and alligators, in an environment still relatively undisturbed by man. The caribbean islands off the coast of Venezuela include Los Roques and Margarita – two beautiful destinations offering sandy beaches and turquoise waters, with great nightlife for the younger travelers.
When to go
Venezuela has two seasons – wet and dry. The dry season is better for traveling, although if your main attraction is the waterfalls they are most impressive just after the rains, and are sometimes impossible to get to by boat during the dry season. The dry season runs from late November to early May, and the wet season runs through the rest of the year. Peak season is over Christmas, Carnaval (February – lots of fun!) and Easter (March), and over these times you have to book accommodation early to avoid disappointment.
Notable Events in Venezuela for 2009
| February |
Carnival (40 days before Good Friday) |
| April |
19th: Filma del Acta de Indepndencia (Declaration of Independence)
5-12th: Easter (Holy Week) |
| May |
1st: Dia del Trabajo (Labor Day)
3rd: La Cruz de Mayo (The Cross of May – annual) |
| June |
11th: Devil dancers of Venezuela (annual)
23-25th: Fiesta de San Juan Bautista (Spring festival for St John the Baptist)
24th: Aniversario de la Batalla de Carabobo |
| July |
5th: Dia de la Independencia (Indepence Day)
24th: Natalicio de Simon Bolivar (Birthday of Venezuela’s Independence hero) |
| August |
15th: Fiesta de la Virgen Maria (Festivities of the Virgin Mary on Margarita Island) |
| September |
8-15th: Fiesta de Nuestra Senora del Valle (Festivities of the Lady of the Valley – Margarita Island) |
| October |
12th: Dia de la Raza (Colombus Day) |
| November |
18th: Feria de la Chinita (Virgin Lady of Rosario of Chiquinquira or ‘La Chinita’ – Maracaibo) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Venezuela
Visa – none required for South African passport holders when going on holiday, but you must apply for a DEX 2 card at the airport you fly to Venezuela from. The DEX 2 card allows you to stay in Venezuela for 90 days.
Vaccination – Yellow fever is compulsory if coming from/stopping over in an infected area; Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Current time in Ecuador (Quito):
Situated in the jagged Andes, this tiny country is a great base to explore the colourful culture of the local people, world-famous tropical beaches, eye-opening wildlife reserves, ancient sites, and also the Amazonian jungle. In fact, some of our favourite eco-lodges are based in the Ecuadorian Amazon rather than in Brazil. Ecuador is also the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, so we suggest combining the Amazon and the Galapagos for a truly memorable trip.
The high seasons for visiting are December to January and June to August, but the weather is pretty fine all year round and there is no need to put yourself through the crowded tourist season unless you have to.
Contact us today for a personalised itinerary and quote
When to go
Ecuador changes between just two seasons – wet and dry, but the when and where do vary depending on how high you are! In the highlands it’s dry from June to September and over December, but the wet season is not unpleasant as it is usually sunny until late afternoon before a rainstorm. It is rainy all year in the Oriente, July and August being the wettest and September to December the driest – canoeing is great in the wet season. On the coast it’s wet from January to May, but again with sunny mornings. December, January, June and August are the most popular months for beach-goers, and accommodation is booked up fast.
Notable events in Ecuador for 2009
| February |
Guaranda Carnival (annual – one of the best in Ecuador!)
14-24th: Fruit and Flower festival (annual – Ambato) |
| April |
5-12th: Easter Week in Quito (annual) |
| May |
1st – Labor Day
24th – Battle of Pichincha |
| July |
24th – Simon Bolivar’s Birthday |
| August |
10th – Quito Independence Day |
| October |
9th – Guayaquil Independence Day
12th – Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) |
| November |
1st – All Saints’ Day
2nd – Day of The Dead (All Souls’ Day)
3rd – Cuenca Independence Day
Provincial Folklore Festival (annual – Ambato)
Nocturnal Flamenco Bullfighting Festival (annual – Quito) |
| December |
Nov-Dec: Street Art Festival (annual – Quito)
Nov-Dec: Bullfighting Fair (annual – Quito) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Ecuador
Visa – none required for South African passport holders for holidays up to 3 months long. However, they must be in possession of a 6-month valid passport and onward ticket.
Vaccination – Yellow Fever is compulsory; Cholera, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, Rabies and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.
Updated January 2009
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Current time in Chile (Santiago):
Stretching down alongside Argentina, and wedged between the Andes mountains and the Pacific ocean, Chile offers over 6,000 miles of coastline, crystaline lakes, and towering mountain ranges. The unusually long shape of the country results in a large range of climates, from the world’s driest desert in the north, Mediterranean weather in the centre, to a snowy Alpine climate in the south, with glaciers, fjords and lakes.
Currently, Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations and makes for a wonderful holiday – be it a self-drive, skiing package, or a fishing trip through the beautiful lake district.
Contact us for a personalised itinerary and quote
When to go
Starting at the top of Chile the rainy season is in summer (December through March). Santiago and the middle of Chile are best seen in Spring (September to November) or autumn (March and April). Traveling further south the lake district is lovely in summer, and the Atacama Desert is great year-round (although temperatures are extreme, as with most deserts!). Winter is a snowy wonderland for skiers and the resorts are buzzing from July to September.
Notable events in Chile for 2009
| February |
Iquiqui Carnival (annual – Playa Brava beach)
Feast of the Virgin of 40 hours (annual – Limache) |
| April |
19th: Fiesta de Cuasimodo |
| June |
29th: Fiesta de San Pedro de Atacama |
| July |
Festival of the Virgin of the Song (annual – La Tirana) |
| September |
FIS Snowboarding World Cup (annual – Valle Nevado)
Fiestas Patrias (annual – Santiago de Chile) |
| October |
Columbus Day (annual – Santiago de Chile) |
| December |
Virgen de lo Vasquez Pilgrimage (annual – pilgrimage to Valparaiso)
La Fiesta Grande (annual – Andacollo’s big festival) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Chile
Visa – none required for South African and British passport holders for holidays up to 3 months long. However, you must be in possession of a 6-month valid passport and onward ticket.
Vaccination – none required
Updated January 2009
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Updated January 2009
Current time in Peru (Lima):
For the more adventurous holiday-maker who enjoys hiking, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a must. Beginning in Cusco you will take a 3 night walking journey through the mountains above the Urubamba river, following the route of an old Inca road leading to the city of Machu Picchu. This journey will take you through some of the most spectacular sceneries of natural beauty, surrounded by mystery and filled with a rich history, all ending in one of the new wonders of the world – Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail routes range between easy 2 day hikes and some more challenging 7 day treks.
Contact us today for a personalised itinerary and quote
When to go
The best time to do the Inca Trail is when the weather is mostly dry and sunny – from May to September. The winter months of June, July and August are particuarly cold at night (dropping to -1°C), so bring that extra-warm sleeping bag with you!
Notable events in Peru for 2009
| January |
Festival de la Marinera (annual – Trujillo festival) |
| February |
1-10th: La Virgen de la Candelaria (annual – Candlemas festival)
21-28 Feb: Carnival (annual – Cajamarca) |
| April |
5-12th: Holy Week (Semana Santa – annual)
19-26th: National Horse Competition (annual – Lima) |
| May |
1st: Labor Day (official holiday)
3rd: Festival of the Crosses
May/June: Q’oyoriti (Ausangate festival) |
| June |
11th: Corpus Christi (annual festival – Cusco)
24th: Inti Raymi (annual Festival of the Sun – Cusco)
29th: San Pedro Y San Pablo (Feast of St Peter & St Paul – offical holiday) |
| July |
16-29th: La Virgen Del Carmen (festival)
28-29th: Fiestas Patrias (National Independence Days – Lima) |
| August |
30th: Feast of Santa Rosa De Lima (official holiday) |
| September |
El Festival Internacional de la Primavera (International Spring Festival in Trujilo) |
| October |
4th – Virgen Del Rosario (annual 10-day festival – Cajabamba)
8th – Battle of Angamos Day (official holiday)
18th – El Senor de los Milagros (Lord of the Miracles festival in Lima) |
| November |
Puno Day (annual winter festival)
1st – Todos Santos (All Saints Day – official holiday)
2nd – Dia de los Muertos (All Souls Day – festival) |
| December |
8th – Fiesta de la Purisima Concepcion (Feast of the Immaculate Conception – official holiday)
25th – Christmas Day (official holiday)
27th – Virgen del carmen de Chinca (El Carmen festival) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Peru
Visa – none required for South African passport holders on holiday for up to 90 days. However, visitors must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Peru.
Vaccination – Yellow Fever compulsory; Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Updated January 2009
Click here to view Brazil tours on offer
Click here to view Amazon tours on offer
Current time in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro):
Currently, Brazil is one of the most accessible countries in South America when travelling from South Africa – but this is definitely not the only attraction! Sun, sea, and sand kaleidoscope together as Brazil. It is South America’s largest country and is, perhaps, its most mythical.
Brazil ignites the imagination like no other destination. With a coast pushing out into the Atlantic, Brazil stretches to contain all within: rainforests and mountains, remote villages and pulsing cities, legends and myths, music and dance. It is the land of capoeira and Carnaval; it houses the world’s largest rainforest (the Amazon) and one of its largest cities. Brazil is a land of extremes: beauty, poverty, wealth, and heat. It is not for the faint-hearted. For those who are passionate, clever, and eager to live each day with an appetite for adventure, pleasure, and intoxicating beauty, Brazil is not to be missed. You must travel here at least once in your life!
Flying in directly to Sao Paulo, it’s just a short flight or bus ride to Rio de Janeiro, the bustling, samba-ing, partying, ocean-edge city! Rio is also the doorway to two of our favourite little island getaways – Ilha Grande and Paraty.
Perhaps in a completely different trip to Brazil, you have to visit the Amazon Jungle, and spend some time travelling up the east coast.
When to go
The Amazon region experiences heavy rain between January and May, making it near impossible to get around. The same goes for the Pantanal, travel is always best in the dry season. December to February (summer) is when most Brazilians travel, so prices soar and availability can be tough to get. However, it does mean that the atmosphere is very festive! Brazil’s low season months are May, June and August, the cheapest and least-crowded times to visit.
What to do:
- Dance and experience the urban pulses of São Paulo and Rio
- See the big city sites: cable car, trams, favelas, and winding streets
- Explore the atmospheric cities of Salvador and Recife in the secret Northeast
- Visit Amazonia – cruise through the rainforest and fish for piranhas
- Lounge on the world-famous beaches along Costa Verde and Ilha Grande
- Take a boat-ride beneath the magnificent Iguazu Falls
- Taste Brazil’s famous rum at a Cachaça distillery
- Dance samba in Carnaval
Where to go in Brazil
Notable events
| February |
21-24th: Carnival |
| May |
Dia del Trabajador (Labor Day) |
| June |
13, 24 & 29th: June Bonfire Festivals (Rio) |
| Late June/August |
Bumba Meu Boi (Sao Luis & across the Northeast) – A wild, amazing folk festival combining African, Indian and Portuguese influences. An exhilierating mix of dance, music, parades and theatrical performances. |
| End of August |
Folklore Nordestino – a highly recommended festival in Olinda, with a great mix of dance, music and folklore from all over the Northeast of Brazil. |
| September |
7th – Independence Day |
| October |
Oktoberfest (Blumenau, Santa Catarina)
Rio Jazz Festival
12th – Day of Nossa Senhora de Aparecida |
| November |
15th – Proclamation of the Republic Day |
| December |
1st Week – Carnaval (Natal) – a highly acclaimed out-of-season Carnaval |
Visa and Health Requirements for Brazil
Visa – none required for South African or British passport holders on holiday. However, visitors must have a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Brazil. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months when entering Brazil.
Vaccination – Yellow Fever compulsory; Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended.
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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Updated January 2009
Click here to view the Argentina Tours on offer
Current time in Argentina (Buenos Aires):
Being the second biggest country in South America (the first being Brazil), Argentina has a lot to offer and is one of the most loved destinations in the world. It’s a country you can keep visiting, as there are so many varied things to do and no way to do them all in just one trip.
The fertile plains of the Pampas spread over the center of the country, providing Argentina’s agricultural wealth. The serene Patagonia area in the bottom half of the country is a truly beautiful destination, offering glassy lakes and top-notch fishing in summer and world-class skiing in winter. The subtropical flats of the Gran Chaco lie in the north, and the rugged Andes mountain range run along the western border (behind which you’ll find Chile).
Whether you’re after the sultry tango, an exciting local soccer match, or a quiet retreat to the country, Argentina is a fantastic destination and has something to offer everyone.
When to visit Argentina
As Argentina offers such a variety of climates from top to bottom, it is possible to visit during any season. It does get fairly hot and sticky during the summer, so it is usually more pleasant in spring and autumn (September to November and March to May). If you’re after a skiing holiday the peak months are July and August (August is more preferable to couples traveling without kids).
Notable Argentina events in 2009
| January |
24 Jan-1 Feb: National Folklore Festival (Cosquin) |
| February |
21st: Humahuaca Carnival |
| March |
1-9th: National Grape Festival (Mendoza)
Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival |
| May |
1st: Dia del Trabajador (Labor Day)
8th: Feast of the Virgin of Lujan (Lujan)
25th: Revolution Day (May Revolution of 1810) |
| June |
20th: Dia de la Bandera (Flag Day) |
| July |
9th: Dia de la Independencia (Indepence Day) |
| August |
17th: Dia de San Martin (Anniversary of San Martin’s Death)
Buenos Aires Tango Festival |
| October |
12th: Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day)
Oct-Nov: Personal Fest (International bands and DJs)
Oct-Nov: Folklore Buenos Aires (annual music festival) |
| November |
Gaucho Festival (Las Pampas) |
| December |
8th: Dia de la Conception Immaculada (Immaculate Conception Day) |
Visa and Health Requirements for Argentina
Visa – none required for South Africans when going on holiday. Travelers do, however, require a passport valid for 6 months from date of entry and a return air ticket. Passengers on emergency or temporary travel documents do require a visa.
Vaccination – none required
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