Make your appointments for ITB 2024

We cordially invite you to send your meeting requests centrally to Katrin Schmitz ( ). Of course, each DMC-partner is also available to make appointments.

At the Latinconnect booth 121 in Hall 22.B you can meet the following colleagues from March 5th - 7th, 2024:

• Latventure Argentina/Chile: Daniela Bartel and Victoria Gonzalez
• Latventure Peru: Jorge Hirose and Lima Schweitzer
• Latventure Ecuador: Kai Single and Naylan Zurita
• Promotora Neptuno Colombia: Stephan Stober and Camila Gaviria
• GAPA Travel Panama: André Goatham and Nicolas Frühling
• ARA Tours Costa Rica: Christine Pohnitzer, Christina Hermann and Daniel Küng
• Expedición Panamundo Guatemala: Roger Brenner
• Caribbean Tours Mexico/Belize: Oliver Lang
• Caribbean Tours Cuba: Yahicet Montalvo Cuesta and Francisco Delgado Dominguez
• Caribbean Tours Dominican Republic: Angelo Rodriguez and Philip Bresinsky
• and Andreas Blass (CEO Caribbean Tours AG)

Registration for the Bonus Program 2024

After the pandemic years, we will return to a combined loyalty and growth bonus from 2024. If you meet the conditions listed here, you can receive a loyalty bonus of up to 1.8%. The registration deadline is March 31, 2024.

Here you can find the conditions and the registration form for the Latinconnect Bonus Program 2024.

Latventure Peru introduces itself

You can soon meet Jorge Hirose and Lima Schweitzer from Latventure Peru in Berlin! Our new DMC-partner from South America introduces itself here:

"We have been serving the English-speaking market for 18 years now and therefore not only know your needs, but also those of your customers inside out. A 25-person, multicultural team awaits you at our locations in Arequipa and Cusco not only offers professional support in all matters, but also serves us with Peruvian warmth. It is particularly important to us that you see yourself and your company philosophy reflected in our service. Together with you, we would like to tailor your products individually. Our expertise extends to both Group and individual trips.

Long-term and reliable partnerships are important to us not only with our customers, but also with everyone involved in our service chain - from the friendly hotel staff to reliable drivers and our well-trained guides. Tour guides in particular are considered a crucial success factor for the success of a trip. We are proud to point out that we have a large pool of experienced and, of course, German-speaking guides.

One of our specialties is the popular Inca Trail tour as well as numerous trekking opportunities around Machu Picchu. Our Cusco office has been a licensed Inca Trail operator for almost 15 years and puts together all services around Cusco first hand. This is the only way we can guarantee our high quality of service in the most important tourist center in Peru.

In addition to high quality standards, responsible travel is one of the cornerstones of our company philosophy. This starts with treating all of our employees fairly, choosing charming family-run hotels, and supporting communities. For example, we maintain close relationships with the families of our porters on the Inca Trail and have successfully led an indigenous community project in Llachón on Lake Titicaca over the years.

We are aware that fine words must be followed by actions and that these are combined with an optimized price-performance ratio for you. Give us a try – we look forward to a lively exchange with you!”

Katrin Schmitz ( ) will be happy to accept your request for a date for ITB 2024 or you can contact Jorge Hirose ( ) or Lima Schweitzer ( ) in advance. in connection. 

Private Initiative on the Edge of the Amanzonas Basin

General Manager Kai Single from Latventure Ecuador reports on the successful 2023 reforestation campaign at Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge:

"The reforestation campaign at our rainforest lodge represents an impressive collaborative project between the lodge and Latventure Ecuador in Quito. This ambitious undertaking covered an area of 10,000 square meters within the lodge's generous 120 hectares, which lies at the beginning of the impressive Amazon basin.

The main goal of these reforestation efforts was to make a sustainable contribution to the preservation of biodiversity. Through close cooperation between the two companies involved, 1,000 seedlings of native plants such as cocoa, papaya, chuncho and arazá were carefully selected and successfully planted. These plants were selected after careful examination of their ability to adapt to local environmental conditions, including soil conditions, climate and altitude of around 650 meters above sea level. This ensures that the species planted can thrive and help create a sustainable ecosystem.

The implementation of the project was carried out in strict accordance with local laws and regulations as it took place on private property. This minimized the bureaucratic effort and enabled the project to be implemented smoothly.

Latventure Ecuador's 2023 reforestation campaign is not only a living example of commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, but also helps create a balanced habitat for local fauna and flora. Regular evaluations ensure that the project achieves its intended goals and allow adjustments to strategies if necessary."

Hakuna Matata Lodge is part of Latventure Ecuador's portfolio. You can find a description here or (with prices and images) on Latinconnect.

Trekking zur Ciudad Perdida

Promotora Neptuno offers several trekking packages in the spectacular Ciudad Perdida region in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta:

The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), lies at an altitude of between 900 and 1,300 meters above sea level in the middle of the jungle of the world's highest coastal mountain, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The indigenous people of Tayrona, who flourished between the 13th and 14th centuries, constructed this archaeological wonder, which still plays an important role in their spiritual ceremonies today. The Lost City, with its terraced complexes, bridges, paths and aqueducts, is as extraordinary as the path that leads to it - a multi-day hike through diverse and impressive landscapes and climates.

The temperature varies depending on the altitude and is between 22-35°C during the day and around 13-20°C at night. Since the hike leads through tropical rainforest, there is constantly high humidity. The rainiest months are April and May as well as October and November. The weather in this zone is very difficult to predict and sun and rain usually alternate.

The tours require a good physical condition and can be completed in 4 or 5 days:

News from GAPA Travel Panama

Advance of our products on Latinconnect

At the moment we continue to work diligently on updating the prices and descriptions of our product range on Latinconnect and adding individual products, such as missing transfers or domestic excursions. Our additional booking trips with the new dates for 2024 as well as some modules and packages are also already online.

A large proportion of the prices for individual services (hotels, transfers, domestic flights, excursions) can already be found with current prices on Latinconnect. Our building blocks and packages will be gradually updated throughout December. There are also some exciting new products, such as high-quality inland hotels and new excursions, that we are currently working on and would like to feature in our newsletters.

Review and current situation in Panama

In recent weeks, tours in Panama have been severely affected by protests. The reason for this was a law passed on October 20th to extend and expand mining concessions to the Canadian company First Quantum Minerals. The rejection of this law by a broad majority of society then led to nationwide protests and demonstrations. In order to build up further pressure, road blockades were set up, especially along the Pan-American Highway and inland, which significantly restricted mobility and supplies (fruits, vegetables, gasoline, gas) in various regions of Panama.

Our main task in the last few weeks has been to get as complete a picture as possible of the day-to-day situation. Demonstrations in Panama are not registered and road blockades are set up at short notice. But we were well informed thanks to our drivers and tour guides in Germany and, above all, social media.

During this time, we checked all programs and routes for our shared guests on site daily and, if necessary, changed them at short notice in consultation with the customers. Of course, we covered any additional costs incurred. However, it was often enough to adjust the transfer times or, in the case of rental car trips, to set off early to the next location or to provide information on how to avoid the roadblock.

On November 28th - also an important holiday in Panama (independence from Spain) - the country's Supreme Court (Corte Surprema) announced its verdict on various lawsuits against the law passed by Parliament and signed by the President. The law was declared unconstitutional and is therefore no longer valid. After another law was passed in advance due to pressure from the people and the protests, which prohibits future awarding of mining concessions, the verdict de facto means the end of industrial mineral mining in Panama.

With a view to the future and Panama's position as a sustainable travel destination, this is certainly good news for us. The topic of ecology and sustainability has received a lot of attention in the last few weeks and will also be an important topic in the upcoming 2024 election campaign.

After the verdict, the situation has now relaxed and normalized. The majority of the roadblocks were immediately cleared. All tourist activities are possible again without restrictions. There are still a few groups domestically that continue to set up barriers and counter-protests by miners or other groups directly affected by the mine closure. But these are selective and shorter demonstrations. We are of course continuing to monitor the situation closely. At the moment there is above all great joy and satisfaction among the population.

André Goatham and Nicolas Frühling look forward to meeting you soon at ITB 2024!

Recommendations from Caribbean Tours Cuba

For almost 24 years, Caribbean Tours has been offering Cuba trips for customers who focus on authentic experiences and encounters with people. Added to this are our intensive efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the destination areas in the Caribbean and to allow local residents to directly benefit from the positive economic impact of the trips. As of today, Caribbean Tours is the first travel agency in Cuba that, together with the Travelife organization, is trying to certify this constant commitment as core values.

Caribbean Tours is creative, active and fun! These day and half-day trips can either be booked individually or incorporated into individual tour programs. Here is a small selection of our diverse offerings:

Creative

Unique Women in Havana - Visit the projects of Havana's business women. Here you will get to know ecological products, the most beautiful craftsmanship and a passion for detail.

Farándula - Havana's art at night - Experience an unforgettable evening! The half-day trip begins with a panoramic drive in a vintage car through Havana at night and takes you past several sights such as the Plaza de la Revolución and the Malecón, Havana's famous waterfront street... End the night with music and impressive art.

Active

Havana by E-bike - the various districts of Havana are visited on its most beautiful routes. A trip along the sea or through the city forest is a must.

Live the E-Bike & Climbing Experience - The world is a place full of beauty, charm and adventure just waiting to be discovered! With the e-bike you can climb a meter-high rock formation.

Enjoy

Aroma Havana - The Aroma Havana Tour is perfect for travelers who want to explore the famous flavors and smells of Cuba using all of their senses.

Havana Sky - Above the roofs of Havana - Above the roofs of Havana there is a wonderful panoramic view of the colonial old town of Havana. In addition to excellent photo opportunities, there are insights into the history of the colonial era and the Cuban way of life. In addition to fantastic views of the old town, every roof terrace hides something special such as a beautiful salsa dance class. A truly unforgettable tour!

Appointment requests for all Caribbean Tours DMCs can also be sent centrally to Michaela Stöber ( ).

Tren Maya

The once-in-a-century project "Tren Maya" (Mayan Railway) is about to open the first section from Campeche to Mérida on December 15, 2023.

"With over 1,500 km of rail, the Tren Maya is probably the largest construction project in Mexico since the construction of the pyramids. The train is intended to transport both the local population and goods as well as tourists. The track system completely circumnavigates the Yucatan Peninsula and extends in the southwest to Palenque with its impressive Mayan site.

We will certainly be able to provide first impressions of the new attraction by the ITB and will be working on the first products with the train by then and look forward to presenting them to you in Berlin!"

If you have any questions, please contact the Destination Manager of Caribbean Tours Mexico & Belize, Oliver Lang ( ).

Appointment requests for all Caribbean Tours DMCs can also be sent centrally to Michaela Stöber ( ).

Dominican Republic

Angelo Rodriguez and Philip Bresinsky will introduce you to unique travel experiences and give you the best insider tips in Berlin:

New travel offers

Barahona and Pedernales are emerging tourist hotspots that delight with their unique mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage. In Barahona, visitors experience the successful integration of sustainable tourism in a breathtaking mountain landscape and the enchanting Lake Enriquillo. Pedernales, on the other hand, is committed to developing its beautiful beaches and creating modern infrastructure to attract travelers with unforgettable experiences. Caribbean Tours has been committed to the region for years and offers its guests experiences away from mass tourism. In 2023, we have significantly expanded our product offer in the region and are now offering our guests two completely redesigned tours: a 10-day variant in which travelers get to know all the highlights and a 7-day variant for price- and environmentally conscious customers.

Socially responsible & sustainable travel

Learn more about our community-based approach, our eco-friendly initiatives and how you can help preserve the Caribbean's natural beauty. Community Based Tourism plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable travel experiences by actively involving local communities in the tourism process. Through direct participation, communities not only benefit economically but also maintain their cultural integrity. Caribbean Tours pursues this approach through targeted partnerships with local actors and projects. Caribbean Tours enables its guests to have authentic travel experiences that also have a positive impact on the local situation.

Appointment requests for all Caribbean Tours DMCs can also be sent centrally to Michaela Stöber ( ).

Our DMC Partners in South America

With this newsletter edition we introduce you to our DMC partners in South America in more detail.

In 2018, our first new partner in South America - Promotora Neptuno from Colombia - joined Latinconnect, which was "geographically" the closest to the so far countries. A crossnational roundtrip was designed that connects Colombia with Panama. The German managing director Stephan Stober counts on a large team of highly committed and experienced travel advisors who know their way to the most remote corners of the country. Promotora Neptuno has just updated its website.

www.neptunocolombia.travel

From 2021, we welcomed Kai Single (Latventure Ecuador) and Daniela Bartel (Latventure Argentina) as new members. Thanks to the use of the back office software Tourplan, Latventure also has the prerequisites to present its products on Latinconnect and successfully serves the European market with a large team at various locations, such as Peru and Chile as well. Just like Promotora Neptuno, Latventure is certified by TourCert for its sustainability policy.

www.latventure.com

For us, these agencies have become valued and indispensable partners and friends who support each other, regularly seek exchange and meet once a year in one of the countries for a week-long Latinconnect meeting (picture above from left to right: Kai Single , Daniela Bartel, Daniel Küng, Roland Ayer, Andreas Blass, André Goatham, Hanspeter Walliser and Stephan Stober).

If you would like to be activated for the products of Latventure Ecuador, Latventure Argentina or Promotora Neptuno on Latinconnect, just send a short email to .

Team Building at Latventure Ecuador

Tobias Erler from Latventure Ecuador reports on their bicycle fam trip through the Ecuadorian cloud forest, which was supported by Biking Dutchman.

"Inside the bustling world of business, it's easy to forget the simple pleasures of life. But for our team, a recent company outing reminded us about the importance of balance, teamwork, the beauty of the great outdoors and last but no least allowed us to break free from the daily grind and connect on a different level.

Early one Saturday morning, we gathered at our office car park with our bikes, helmets, and a sense of excitement. When the initial car drive began, passing by the northern neighbourhood of Quito, we would never have imagined what lied ahead! We drove for a while on an old road from Quito toward the highest point of the trip (3.200 m) where we switch to man power. A couple of minutes later we descend on bike 10 kilometers on a paved yet quiet road, surrounded by Andino flora until we reach the village of Nono, located at 2.900 meters. From this point the ride continues on a pretty dirt road until Tandayapa (located at 1.800 m) for 26 kilometers.

Sometimes it was really tricky to keep an eye on the road and the other peeled on the sky. We encountered steep hills that tested our stamina and tricky trails that demanded precise control of our bikes. But with each challenge, we grew stronger as a team. Overcoming obstacles together forged a sense of unity that we could never achieve within the confines of the office.

The exuberant cloud forest was full of bromeliads, palm trees and orchids. On your right there was a mountain stream which soothing sounds accompany us. And quite often small waterfalls bedazzled us. Every once and then, we simply must stop taking pictures or breathe deeply. After a tasty lunch box some of us headed towards Quito another decided to stay in Mindo on their own.

Our Bike adventure was more than just a day of cycling; it was a great opportunity to strengthen our team, reconnect with nature, and recharge our batteries. It served as a reminder that sometimes the best solutions and ideas emerge when we step outside the office and explore the world around us. We're already looking forward to our next adventure, whatever form it may take, as we continue to prioritize the well-being and camaraderie of our team."

New Excursions in Cartagena and Bogota

Promotora Neptuno from Colombia presents three new day trips on Latinconnect that focus on cultural identity and exchange, nature expericence or exercise.

Full Day Cultural Exchange and Nature Experience (Cartagena) - direct link to Latinconnect

This is a full day activity in Montes de María, a rural region in the outskirts of Cartagena.

At the arrival you will be able to contemplate the nature of the Maco hill with a hike, you will use the traditional vehicle of the area for a short trip, you will visit a farm with coffee plantations, you will taste the local gastronomy and you will visit a workshop where the traditional hammocks and backpacks of San Jacinto are woven. In other words, you will experience the natural space and the culture of a population that is committed to life, art, culture and positive thinking.

Mountain Bike Tour on Tierra Bomba Island (Cartagena) - direct link to Latinconnect

A sport day in Cartagena is healthy and funny as long as we protect ourselves from the sun! This full day tour offers us the opportunity to ride our bikes around Tierra Bomba, an island located very close to the mainland in front of Cartagena Bay.

We will start early in the morning, take a 15 minute boat ride to the island and ride for 3 hours on different trails including the seashore. At the end we will receive some food to recharge energies and we will enjoy the sea before our boat takes us back to Cartagena.

Half day Breaking Borders (Bogotá) - direct link to Latinconnect

Learn about the impressive history of a group of locals from the Egipto neighborhood in Bogotá. Deciding to leave their criminal past behind they have started the initiative Breaking Borders, showing tourists around their streets filled with artwork that tells the neighborhood’s history. In this way, tourism has formed a real alternative for their personal and professional development and opened the doors for a brighter future.

For further questions please contact or .

Breathtaking landscapes and authentic villages

Our colleague Maruja Seithe from Latventure Argentina recently explored an unknown part of the Jujuy province (north of Salta) that few tourists get to: the Yungas of Jujuy.

"Due to the wide range of microclimates and different vegetation levels, unique green landscapes emerge, which form a strong contrast to other tourist regions of the province Jujuy - like the Quebrada de Humahuaca with its colorful rock formations as well as the extensive and dry Puna.

The rainforest here is considered one of the most beautiful in Argentina. In the Calilegua National Park, adventure lovers will find a variety of trails to explore the unique rainforest landscapes. From Calilegua National Park, you can continue up the valley along Ruta 83 and after a drive with spectacular views of the forest-covered mountains, you will arrive at the first and biggest village in the valley - San Fransisco, the starting point for various trekking tours, including the trek to Termas de Jordan, which impresses with its turquoise lagoon.

The water of these hot springs is highly mineralized and can be very beneficial for rheumatic and skin diseases. Continuing further along the valley you will be surprised by smaller and more original villages, which are characterized by their warm-hearted inhabitants and their original culture. There are few family accommodations where you can easily get in touch with locals.

The last village of the valley, Valle Colorado, is hidden among the mountains at an altitude of 2.700 meters and surprises with its peaceful charm. The community of Valle Colorado stands out for keeping the Inca heritage alive. This is evident in the agricultural activities, lifestyle and handicrafts, especially in the cuntern embroidered cloths that are made and worn by the women from a young age. From Valle Colorado you can reach "Qhapaq Ñan", an ancient Inca path that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Our recommendation is to reach Qhapaq Ñan in the early morning to admire the sunrise over the mountain range."

For more informationen please contact .

Latinconnect launches BAKU travel app

Under the name BAKU our travel app can now be downloaded for free in the following app stores

How does BAKU work? Learn more here.

Customers can call up everything they need to know for their trip conveniently and centrally on their smartphone: travel itinerary, hotel information, information about excursions, rental cars, transfers, maps, navigation in the destination, and of course a lot of information about the country.

Please contact us for any questions you may have!

New sustainability section

As a certified coach, our representative Katrin Schmitz accompanies five of our DMC partners in the certification process through Travelife and will keep you up to date on the topic of sustainability at Latinconnect in the future in this section.

Katrin, what do you think about sustainability in tourism?

I would say it used to look better. Shortly before the pandemic, I had the impression that the various actors were starting to pull together more and more and were simply making the issue a requirement. According to the motto, a clear (and ideally underpinned by certification) sustainability policy is no longer a "nice to have", but a "must have". Surveys also showed that customers were more willing to base their travel decisions on sustainable criteria. Due to the need to catch up on trips that can finally be realized again and to sell them, the topic seems to have receded into the background on both sides.

What about sustainability certifications at Latinconnect?

We all come from countries that thrive on tourism from their diverse flora and fauna and from tourism as a source of income for open-minded, well-trained and fairly integrated local employees. This may give us an even clearer picture of how important it is to actively protect this wealth. We are positioned differently. Our partners from Costa Rica, Ecuador and Colombia dealt with the topic early on and, in the case of ARA Tours, have the highest award within the framework of Costa Rica's local sustainability seal CST (https://www.ict.go.cr/en /sustainability/cst.html) and in the case of Latventure Ecuador and Promotora Neptuno Colombia about current recertifications of the TourCert standard (https://www.tourcert.org).

Who are the latest contenders for certification among the Latinconnect DMCs?

After the pandemic, Caribbean Tours Cuba, Caribbean Tours Mexico and GAPA Travel Panama joined Travelife's 3-tier certification model (https://www.travelife.info). Latventure Argentina and Caribbean Tours Dominican Republic have joined this year. It was important to us that the certificate, like the CST and TourCert, is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) (https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-criteria/gstc-recognized-standards-for-tour-operators) . We expect the first questionnaires, action plans and sustainability policies to be completed by the end of August, which will lead to the Travelife Partner Stage if the test is positive (and the latter is then visible to all of you). After that, we strive for the Travelife Certified Stage.

Anyone who would like more insight is welcome to contact at any time.

Visit of the colorful Caño Cristales

The time has come, soon Caño Cristales will shine again in all its colorful splendor!

As every year, the Sierra de la Macarena National Park offers a unique natural spectacle that your customers should not miss: Between July and November the river Caño Cristales glistens in different colors (from light red to green), due to the aquatic plant Macarenia Clavijera that is in full colorful bloom at this time of the year. Walking along the river you can admire its crystal clear water, its waterfalls and pools. In some places you can also go for a refreshing dip in the pleasantly cool water.

For a trip to the Sierra de la Macarena we recommend at least 2 nights in La Macarena. This small town in the department of La Meta is the starting point for the excursions to the Caño Cristales, which is an about 20 minutes boat ride followed by a 2 hour hike away.

Two newcomers are now strengthening the GAPA Travel team:

With Alejandra Rodríguez we welcome a new system administrator to our team. Little by little, our products are currently being updated in Latinconnect and interesting new products are being uploaded.

Some hotel and transfer prices for the 2023/2024 season are already online, and all other products and packages will follow in the next few weeks. If you urgently need prices that have not yet been updated in Latinconnect, please contact our sales team (contact details see below).

And here's a little "hello" from our new employee:

Hello, my name is Alejandra Rodríguez and I'm "Tica" (Costa Rican). I have been working in the tourism industry for around 20 years and specialize in system administration and data analysis. I like challenges, teamwork and sharing knowledge and experiences with my colleagues. In my free time, I enjoy hiking in the mountains of my country with my husband and our three Alaskan Malamute dogs. I also enjoy reading, a good meal or a great cup of coffee!

With Shaury Duffis, another person strengthens our sales team.

Hello! My name is Shaury Duffis. I am passionate about history and also enjoy reading. I love to get in contact with other people and through my work I am very happy to enable tourists to get to know my beautiful country. It will be my pleasure to work with all of you to provide incredible experiences for those who choose to visit us.

After her induction, she will mainly deal with inquiries in English. All in all, we are now five colleagues in sales who are at your side with words and deeds if you have any questions or are preparing an offer:

Cristina (German, Spanish):
Sofia (German, English, Spanish, French, Italian):
Shaury (English, Spanish):
Michael (German, English, Spanish):
Nicolas (German, English, Spanish):

ARA Tours Nicaragua becomes Veranera Tours

In January 2020, Clemens Danninger (photo above) founded the incoming agency ARA Tours Nicaragua together with ARA Tours Costa Rica. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the company could not be activated until now. This is now to change, but under the new name Veranera Tours.

ARA Tours Costa Rica withdraws from the engagement and Clemens Danninger takes over the company together with private investors. The reconstruction will take place step by step. As of now, the Veranera Tours office in Managua is accepting inquiries and bookings for group tours, as well as specific ad hoc inquiries for individual tours. Catalog programs for FITs can be offered again from 2024 on.

Veranera Tours will not become a member of the Latinconnect group for the time being, but will be the partner agency for all country combinations in Nicaragua. Country combinations can still be requested and booked through ARA Tours Costa Rica. In this case, Nicaragua sales count for the Latinconnect bonus and are billed through ARA Tours Costa Rica. Pure Nicaragua programs must be booked directly with Veranera Tours. In this case the sales do not count for the Latinconnect bonus.

Further information and contact at or .

"Colombia Authentic"

Camila Gaviria (Head of Incoming Department of Promotora Neptuno) invites your guests to the 15-day seat-in tour "Colombia Authentic":

We start in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, afterwards you explore the hot, sleepy city of Neiva and then San Agustín, where you will get to see ancient volcanic statues. From there on, you will travel to Popayán, a small colonial town, and further to the Coffee Region, where you will enjoy a caffeine fueled, coffee tasting adventure. The journey will then take you to Medellín, which is famous for its stylish restaurants and legendary nightlife, and last but not least to the beautifully preserved colonial old town of Cartagena.

The Tatacoa Desert is located very close to Neiva in the department of Huila. It is a striking landscape of eroded cliffs and gullies, sculpted by the infrequent rain. Because of the dry, clear conditions, lack of light pollution and location near the equator, Tatacoa is a great spot for stargazing – the skies above both the Northern and Southern hemispheres are spread out for all to see. Tatacoa isn't really a desert, although the thermometer states otherwise – it can hit 50°C at times. It's technically a semi-arid dry tropical forest.

San Agustín is a village in the southern department of Huila, which is located 227 km from Neiva and counts a population of around 30,000. The village was originally founded in 1752 by Alejo Astudillo, but attacks by indigenous people destroyed it. In 1790, Lucas de Herazo y Mendigaña founded the present village. The temperature averages 18 °C year-round. The area is very well
known for its pre-Columbian archaeological sites, known as the San Agustín Archaeological Park, which generates significant revenue to the economy due to the high volume of tourists, both Colombian and foreigners. In 1995, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Popayán is the capital of the Cauca department. Founded by Sebastian de Belalcazar in 1537, Popayán is in the Valley of Pubenza between the Western and Central Cordillera in the southwest of the country. The old and historic centre of Popayán is considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Colombia as well as in all Latin America.

Medellín, the capital of the department of Antioquia, is located in north western Colombia and lies cradled in the Aburra Valley, bisected by the Medellín River which runs north to south. With its year-round warm temperatures, it is also known as the "City of Eternal Spring". It' s population is about 3 million, which makes it the second largest city of the country. In addition, the city stands out as one of the major cultural centres in Colombia: It hosts numerous nationally and internationally recognized events such as the Flower Fair and the International Poetry Festival.

In Cartagena de Indias colonial chic meets Caribbean flair, old city walls and fortresses bear witness to gold treasures and pirates, and pebbled alleys, green plazas and colourfully painted facades carry us away and right into the novels of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The perfectly restored historic town, an UNESCO world heritage site, is best explored on foot, by horse carriage or by bicycle – in any case slowly and delightfully. Enjoying a sundowner on the historic city walls we let our gaze wander over the sea of terracotta roofs and over the Caribbean Sea. The nearby Rosario Islands seem to come straight from a postcard. Their white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean Sea offer the picture-perfect backdrop to relax.

For further questions please contact .

"Cultures at the Equator" and "Natural Paradise Galapagos"

Feli Gassner (photo above) is the responsable Product Manager for the seat-in tours of Latventure Ecuador and informs:

Our Ecuador tour "Cultures at the Equator" is one of the classics among our seat-in tours and offers a comprehensive exploration of mainland Ecuador. The itinerary impresses with a varied mix of sightseeing, hiking, animal watching, and cultural experiences, making it ideal for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Andes, life in the jungle, the culture of indigenous communities, and the wildlife of the Amazon.

We carefully select the highlights of our Ecuador tour to ensure that our customers can experience the best of Ecuador. These include, for example, the Cotopaxi, the Chimborazo, and our Hakuna Matata Lodge in the Amazon. In addition, the tour also includes a few activities off the beaten path, such as a visit to a Shuar community in the rainforest.

For those who want to experience even more after this adventure, they can seamlessly connect to our seat-in tour "Natural Paradise Galapagos" after the Ecuador tour. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and combine the major highlights of a trip to Ecuador! It is particularly characterized by exciting boat trips to uninhabited islands, providing insight into the unique flora and fauna of an untouched world far away from our civilization. For example, you have the chance to observe many wild animals on the island of Española and get even closer to them during snorkeling excursions.

We are particularly convinced of the harmonious itinerary of the tour because it includes versatile land and water excursions and is thus perfect for travelers who want to experience an adventurous and exciting journey on the Galapagos Islands. Our accommodation on the island of Cristóbal, the "Galapagos Eco Friendly Lodge," is particularly distinguished by its ecological approach to hotel management, which we strongly support.

Both of our seat-in tours have recently been optimized and now offer two hotel categories: the standard and the comfort variant. The standard variant includes accommodations in carefully selected mid-range hotels with good service, while the comfort variant offers accommodations in the upscale class with a higher level of comfort and additional amenities. All accommodations during the tour are characterized by their excellent location, high service, and authentic atmosphere, providing travelers with a unique experience.

We are delighted to inform you that we can offer a special discount for our seat-in tours in May. For all incoming bookings, we grant a one-time special discount of 3%. Please note that the discount can only be granted if the booking explicitly refers to the offer using the keyword "Latinconnect".

For further information please get back to .

A lo Cubano, La Vida Cubana o La Vida Real - by "Frank"

Francisco Delgado Dominguez (Head of Seat-In Group Tours) - nickname Frank - describes three classic seat-in tours from Caribbean Tours Cuba in a special way.

"With my experience in tourism and the passion to make vacation dreams come true, I am not the only one here at Caribbean Tours in Cuba. Our seat-in tours are particularly popular with our travel guests. They come in groups, like a colorful bouquet of flowers, with many different people from all over the world and have the opportunity to discover Cuba in its beauty and uniqueness and to share the experiences with others. Often something very special develops on this journey together - strangers become friends. I like to highlight here some of our seat-in tours. See you soon in Cuba!"

A lo Cubano (typically Cuban)

Cubans (constantly) need to find ingenious and authentic solutions to the challenges of everyday life. So here we have created a tour where you can see firsthand the talent of Cubans, e.g. overcoming the lack of resources. Daily life of local people is difficult but full of joy and beauty at the same time. On the streets you can admire the beautiful vintage cars and the remarkable personal effort that goes into keeping them running. There is also art, culture, a lot of history or just untouched nature to be discovered everywhere on this journey and places like the Bay of Pigs, charming cities like Trinidad and Cienfuegos. At the end of the tour, your guests will have a thousand stories to tell... Cuban style!

La Vida Cubana (The Cuban Life)

No trip will bring your guests closer to the real Cuban life than this one. It will be 9 days full of unforgettable experiences, in which the participants take part in the life of a people full of kindness. And what better way to enjoy this friendliness than to sleep every day in a charming casa particular away from the big hotels?

Our guests love this trip because it offers unique and unforgettable moments. And even in Havana, emotions often run high right from the start. Two of the most popular Cuban means of transport will transport you through the old streets, they are the bici taxi and the so-called coco taxi (tuks tuks). Among many discoveries in the interior of Cuba, a very special experience awaits your guests, the "El Nicho" waterfall, embedded in wild nature in an incomparable natural park.

At the end of this trip, guests will have the opportunity to extend their stay on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Varadero.

La Vida Real (Real Life)

Many Cuba fans write to us and ask what tour they can do that shows them all of Cuba? Well, if you really want to get to know this beautiful island steeped in history, you absolutely must do this 14-day tour. Many customs characterize this country and are part of the daily life of the people. On this island-wide journey, you will see how these customs vary from place to place, highlighting the differences between eastern and western Cuba. At the same time, you will also feel the deep pride of Cubans. Everyone has their own story to tell.

On the journey to the east of Cuba, guests learn more and more about Cuban history and the origins of the villas. Arriving in Santiago de Cuba, you cannot miss the heroes of the War of Independence and you can pay tribute to them in the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the final resting place of numerous personalities, including Fidel Castro. You will discover much more than just history in the charming city of Santiago de Cuba. The legendary city is the birthplace of the best Cuban rum, popular rhythms like the son and Cuba's patron saint: the Virgin of Charity.

On this more than 1,000 km long journey, guests also have the option of a fantastic beach extension here: Guardalavaca.

If you have any questions, please contact .

Highlights Dominican Republic

Philip Bresinsky (Head of Product & Travel Design) presents the round trip that no guest should miss when visiting the Dominican Republic!

Recommend your guests to discover the Dominican Republic with this round trip as Christopher Columbus once described it: as "the most beautiful country that the human eye has ever seen".

Our seat-in tour "Highlights Dominican Republic" leads to the most important sights of the country. In Santo Domingo, travelers can expect the first colonial old town in the New World. Off the beaten track, we will get to know a less privileged part of the city and thus be able to make a small contribution to improving the conditions of the poorer population. Another highlight is the cable car ride, which offers a unique perspective of the capital.

In the further course, the participants will learn everything about coffee cultivation in the Dominican Alps and visit a cocoa plantation and a cigar factory. Authentic Caribbean magic awaits us on the Samaná peninsula with secluded dream beaches and lush tropical landscapes. An optional bathing extension can be the crowning glory of this trip.

The feedback we have received from our customers about this round trip has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests are amazed by the rich culture and history of the Dominican Republic, as well as the breathtaking landscapes, beaches and the various activities and sights visited during the round trip.

For the last five departure dates of the 2022/2023 season (June - October) there is a special offer of USD 990.00 (per person in a double room) for our seat-in tour "Highlights Dominican Republic". We look forward to showing your guests the Dominican Republic and creating unforgettable memories.

As an alternative to this classic, we offer another optional trip. The "Adventure Expedition North Coast" is aimed at active travelers who are looking for a special adventure and spectacular nature and coastal landscapes.

Philip Bresinsky ( ) is always available to answer any questions you may have.

Passport to Mexico

In his new position as Destination Manager of Caribbean Tours Mexico, Oliver Lang takes your guests on the 7-day seat-in tour "Passport to Mexico".

Visit the well-known and interesting colonial cities Puebla, Campeche and Merida and also the most visited archaeological sites: Palenque which is in the middle of the jungle, Uxmal where you have a impressively round view from the top and the most known Chichen Itza.

But you will also visit the east coast which is not so touristic. Visit Xalapa with the Anthropological Museum explaining various hundered of years old Mexican cultures and traditions. You will have access to the ex-hacienda which was the former residence of the former president. Move your body with the rhythm of the Folklore dances in the port city of Veracruz and enjoy the picturesque town of Tlacotalpan. Another highlight is the boat trip on Lake Catemaco to the eco-reserve Nanciyaga.

The route of our seat-in tour "Passport to Mexico" will take your guests from Mexico City via Chiapas and Yucatan to the Caribbean coast to Cancun/Riviera Maya. For further information please contact .

Latinconnect at ITB 2023

After a three-year break, we look forward to welcoming you back to Berlin at the Latinconnect booth 104 in hall 22.A from March 7th to 9th, 2023. During the pandemic we have continued to expand into South America and the following Latinconnect DMC-partners will be represented:

• Latventure Argentina & Chile (Daniela Bartel),
• Latventure Ecuador (Kai Single),
• Promotora Neptuno Colombia (Stephan Stober, Camila Gaviria),
• GAPA Travel Panama (André Goatham, Nicolas Frühling),
• ARA Tours Costa Rica (Daniel Küng, Sandra Haun, Christine Pohnitzer),
• Expedición Panamundo Guatemala (Roger Brenner),
• Caribbean Tours Mexico & Belize operated by Tierra Maya Tours (Oliver Lang, Hanspeter Walliser),
• Caribbean Tours Cuba (Wiebke Vicet, Andreas Blass),
• Caribbean Tours Dominican Republic (Angelo Rodriguez, Philip Bresinsky),
  
  

You can send your appointment requests for all agencies you would like to meet to any of the above e-mail addresses (stating a suitable time slot), as each partner will also provide you with appointments for other partners. Alternatively, you can write to our representative Katrin Schmitz ( ).

Latinconnect Bonus Program 2023

With our bonus program, we have been rewarding the tour operator partners who work with several Latinconnect DMC partners and achieve certain turnover levels for many years. For 2022, a total of around USD 150,000.00 in kickback will be given back in this context.

Below you will find the conditions and the registration form for the bonus program 2023, the registration deadline is February 28th, 2023.

Latinconnect Bonus Program 2023 (English)

Latinconnect Programa de Bonificación 2023 (Spanish)

Cooking Class & Chocolate

Latventure Ecuador is now offering its guests a very special gourmet experience

In cooperation with our Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge, we would like to introduce an exciting new product: our Cooking & Chocolate Class. A culinary highlight of a special kind.

The staff of the lodge, which is located in the province of Napo and belongs to the indigenous Kichwa, will present our guests one of the most popular and delicious dishes of the exotic cuisine of the Amazon region: Maito. A kind of "wrap" from the grill, made of Bijao leaves, filled with different ingredients like fish, palmitos (palm hearts) & yucca. A regional and sustainable dish that never disappoints. And the best part is that you can learn to prepare it yourself.

Of course, no dessert should be missing to a delicious main course. After there were many interesting & exciting facts about the cultivation of cacao and the processing from the fruit to the chocolate, you can try yourself to make your own chocolate creation.

For further questions please contact .

Cuban Experiences by Caribbean Tours

In addition to our diverse products, this time we are happy to present our unique, authentic Cuban experiences - to name just a few of our selection:

Cuba Linda Boutique - a short round trip with the most beautiful cities, the most spectacular landscapes and the most breathtaking beaches in the new Mystique Boutique Hotels that meet the highest standards. More here on Latinconnect.

Farándula - Havana's art at night - the most beautiful sights and encounters show a very special face in the illuminated darkness. Our guests enjoy an evening with many artistic surprises in a unique atmosphere. More here on Latinconnect.

Aroma Havana – here our guests come into contact with the aromas and smells of Cuba with all their senses. Enjoy coffee, rum and the famous cigars. More here on Latinconnect.

We look forward to meeting you and inspiring conversations!
We are happy to take appointment requests via: .

Fully immersed in Nature in el Guaviare

Promotora Neptuno has designed for you a new 5-day tour that visits the region of El Guaviare - located on the border between the eastern plains and the Amazon.

Lush green landscapes, abundant flora and fauna and crystal clear waters everywhere - live with us a magical experience in El Guaviare, on the border between the great plains and the Amazon region.

During our 5-day-program in El Guaviare your clients dive right in to the local (indigenous) culture, walk through impressive landscapes marked by distinct rock formations, savannah, jungle and rivers. Below the highlights of this tour, recommended in particular for nature lovers.

- Ciudad de Piedra (stone town)
- Natural pools
- Cave paintings in Cerro Azul
- Orion Gate
- River of Colours
- Pink river dolphins
- Encounter with indigenous people

For further information, please contact your local Neptuno travel agent or .

New features for our Seat-in Tours

Our english-guided roundtrips on seat-in basis have always been one of the greatest strengths of our DMC-alliance. Designed and well planned by us, they are available in every country usually from two passengers on guaranteed at fixed departure dates.

You now have the following new options for obtaining information:

On the public part of our website under the menu item "Seat-in Trips" and after selecting the country

- we have extended the colors (which indicate the status of our tours) from 3 to 5, in order that you can see at a glance whether the trip is already open and you can book individual travelers, or 2 travelers are required to open the tour, or the allotments have already expired and you need to request, or there are only 4 places left or the trip is closed for sale.
- in addition to the selection by month, you can now also filter by the name of the tour.

On our Latinconnect product platform (personal login required). You can jump directly from the above mentioned overview by clicking the desired tour and entering your login details to the description.

- on the right hand side of the travel description and below the map you will find a calendar module with the marked departure date and next to it the specific occupancy (how many places booked, how many are still free).
- you can now activate a green button below and be automatically notified of a change in the booking status. You can deactivate this function at any time by clicking the button again.

The maximum number of participants advertised for the trips is rarely reached, which is why we can speak of real small groups with renowned guides from the respective agency. As always, the booking request is made by email to the relevant sales team.

Tierra Maya Tours becomes Caribbean Tours Mexico

Hanspeter Walliser (owner and Managing Director of our DMC-partner from Mexico) informs about the news:

My agency Tierra Maya Tours will have a new owner from January 1st, 2023. Since I turned 65 this year, I decided to look for a good solution for my incoming-agency Tierra Maya Tours. And I am happy to announce that Tierra Maya Tours will be taken over by Caribbean Tours on January 1st, 2023. Please find the official press release on behalf of Caribbean Tours with all important details.

Reto D. Rüfenacht, President of Caribbean Tours, was also the founder of Tierra Maya Tours in 1996, so continuity is assured. In addition, I will be available to Tierra Maya Tours as a consultant until the end of 2023. The new Destination Manager will be Oliver Lang, a long-time friend of mine who has profound knowledge of tourism, which he acquired in Germany and Latin America. I look forward to preparing him for the new challenge. He will officially start working on January 1, 2023.

Caribbean Tours Mexico remains a member of the DMC-alliance Latinconnect.

Thank you for many years of excellent cooperation, I look forward to welcoming you at the next ITB for the last time!

Your Hanspeter

Latventure Ecuador visiting the Intag Valley

Our colleagues of Latventure Ecuador took part in a 3-day FAM trip to the Intag Valley and La Calera at invitation of Quichua Native Travel and report their experience.

Crossing the paramo highlands in the Northeast of Quito, we arrived in a traditional area of the country. Thanks to Quichua Native Travel, inviting members of Latventure and further travel agencies to a 3-days FAM Trip to the valley of Intag and the Kichwa community La Calera, we could explore much more than nearby Otavalo known for its indigenous market and the Cuicocha lagoon. Leaving Cotacachi behind us, crossing one the highest local peaks, we drive down into the Valley of Intag – a surprisingly subtropical zone.

Here, cultivations of coffee, sugar cane, and green-grown hills are maintained by communities and family projects, offering their services to tourists. For instance, Campo Colibri provides activities, such as Canopy to get a new view on the countryside while floating on the cables over it. Besides, we experienced how Cabuya handycrafts are made by a group of local women, and took a bath in the forest to refresh our senses in nature. Furthermore, we learned some facts about the local coffee Kinty Mayu, sweetened with panela, also produced by a local family in an artisan way. The visit of these places included to taste the variety of delicious sweets in the production chains and like a visit of the Nangulvi hot spring thermes at night, these activities entangle with the knowledge and traditions of the local community.

In La Calera, the activities were organized along with local host families with private and shared facilities, so that visitors can have privacy or share with their hosts. After our arrival, we walked to the restaurant La Tullpa to enjoy a delicious dinner, prepared with typical Andean ingredients like mote and beans. To enable a deep insight in Andean customs, Young members of the community presented their music and dancing skills, while we were enjoying a glass of warming canelazo – a drink prepared with naranjillas heated with sugarcane schnapps. After we had observed the dancing girls, they invited us to join their circle and we continued until leaving to our hosts.

The next day, we could experience even more of the Kichwa traditions presented by the community, taking us to a public space after breakfast. Next to some houses, there was a hole in the soil – our today ?s kitchen, as for the Pachamanca, all previously cut food wrapped in banana leaves soon was put above the hot stones on the ground of the hole. Next, we dumbed earth on the filled hole to ensure the concentration of the heat that cooked out lunch, while we were walking around the village of La Calera with its botanical garden, artisan activities, and llamas accompaining us during our walk. After some hours of walkinga round and waiting, we enjoyed the traditional dish with its diverse ingredients, cooked in their own juice, hence being very tasteful.

New private roundtrip

For travel enthusiasts, Caribbean Tours has created the "Dom Rep Cocktail" roundtrip, which combines the most exquisite ingredients into something unique.

The 8-day private round trip in one of the most varied countries in the Caribbean offers much more than white beaches with tropical island flair: natural treasures, colonial history, rum, tobacco, cocoa, and coffee are the ingredients for a cocktail of unforgettable impressions. The Dominican Republic is one of the most diverse countries in the Caribbean and offers much more than white beaches with tropical island flair. The tour takes you to UNESCO world heritage sites, to hip neighborhoods with street art and street food as well as to producers of typical products of the country. You will experience the different landscapes of the island from the dream beach and paradise island to the Dominican Alps, wonder caves and an artists' village.

Anyone who loves variety and authentic experiences will experience it on this roundtrip. Connoisseurs conclude their stay with an extension on a dream beach of their choice. The complete program, all departure dates and prices are available on Latinconnect.

4* Hotel Isla Mucura on the Rosario Islands

Promotora Neptuno has discovered a great hotel choice on the "Islas del Rosario" (Colombian Caribbean) for you:

The San Bernardo archipelago, north of the Gulf of Morrosquillo, has been part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park since 1996, one of the most visited natural reserves, and is considered by many to be paradise on earth.

This island complex consists of 10 white sand paradise islands: Santa Cruz del islote, Mangle, Boquerón, Ceycen, Cabruna, Maravilla, Panda, Palma, Tintipán and Isla Múcura.

On the latter is the Hotel Isla Mucura, which has 55 rooms that offer your customers a relaxing and harmonious setting for their well-deserved vacation. The 4-star hotel has a restaurant with typical Colombian and international dishes and a bar that serves the best tropical fruit juices and a wide range of cocktails and michelada beers.

There is also a variety of activities to suit all tastes, from walks on the beach (day or night under the stars) to snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding. Customers are accompanied by highly qualified personnel.

You will soon find the Hotel Isla Mucura on Latinconnect.

Corona Update calendar week 49/2022

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 49/2022)

Latinconnect partners meet in Ecuador

The eight Latinconnect partner DMCs finally met again last week after a break of more than two years to jointly plan the strategy for the future. They were hosted by the new partner member Latventure in Ecuador.

In addition to two intensive meeting days and several informal talks, the partners actively discovered the Andean Region. The highlight was the ascent to the refuge at 4,864 meters above sea level on the Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 m). The challenge was emblematic of the tremendous effort made by all agencies to get through the past two years. All companies have survived the crisis and are now looking forward to an optimistic and positive future.

In addition to the further technical development of the platform www.latinconnect.com, the popular multi-destination roundtrips will move back into focus. The partners of Latinconnect will provide detailed information at the next ITB in Berlin (March 7th - 9th, 2023), where the alliance will again be present with its own booth.

Our DMC-partners at World Travel Market

From November 7th to 9th 2022, ARA Tours Costa Rica and Promotora Neptuno Colombia will be present at the World Travel Market in London. Please arrange your appointments directly with each partner:

November Holiday Deals

Successful PURE Lifeexperiences in Marrakech

"Welcome back" was the motto at this year's PURE Life Experiences trade fair in Marrakech for Caribbean Tours in the XO-Private Zone. We look back on successful and creative conversations in which the topics of sustainability in tourism and luxury travel in Cuba were the favorites.

Get a great start into the winter season with Caribbean Tours' "November Holiday Deals"

Leave the wet and cold weather behind and come out into the Caribbean sun. Our island attracts with pleasant temperatures and unique experiences. Enjoy a 10% discount on limited departures on our Seat-In tours from 1st to 30th November 2022 with the following code: November Holiday Deals_SPO2

In addition, we have also adjusted our cancellation policy for these deals. More information is available here:

November Holiday Deals

All about Cacao in the Coffee Region

Although the best known industry in Quindío is coffee, thanks to its special coffee varieties and its high-quality processing, chocolate, or rather the cultivation of cacao, is gaining more and more importance in the region.

Just as with coffee, we do not want to deprive you and your customers of the cultivation and processing of the beans, which is why we recently embarked on a search for the best cacao tours. The tours we offer in Quindío convey the history, cultivation, processing and culture of cacao in an authentic way, which gives a whole new value to a seemingly simple bar of chocolate.

In the following our current cacao-tours:

Finca Evelyza
- Focus: history, cultivation and traditional processing of cacao.
- Special: charming finca run by a very hospitable and at the same time entrepreneurial and innovative family of farmers.
- During the tour of the finca we will learn everything about the cultivation and history of cacao in Colombia. In the house, Jesus´s (the owner and guide) wife shows us how to roast and ground the cacao the traditional way. Jesus is an agronomist and has a vast knowledge of cacao. He has planned his cultivation from the beginning in a visitor-friendly way, so that nowadays he can offer a "ruta del cacao" (path of the cacao).
 
Casa Rivera del Cacao
- Focus: the processing of cacao with the refined chocolate as the final result.
- Specials: very good knowledge about Colombian gastronomy and international chocolate production; one of the partners is among the best chocolatiers in France.
- During the tour of the finca we learn more about the history and cultivation of cacao, but especially about the process from bean to bar. The cacao is roasted, ground and refined. While the cacao beans are being processed we can chose from alternative activities or simply relax in the finca. Afterwards we enjoy a dessert with the freshly made chocolate at the finca.

Hacienda Bambusa
- Focus: the cultivation and processing of cacao.
- Visit the (large) finca, where we learn all about the cultivation and history of cacao and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Our guide knows a lot about the plants and birds of the area, that we cross paths with on our walk through the pretty grounds.

The Sanctuary of the Mindo Waterfalls

In between tropical rainforest and the Andean region of Ecuador, the town of Mindo is set in the cloud forest. Compared with other regions in Ecuador, this one has a level of biodiversity that can be compared with the Amazon rainforest.

Not only butterflies and different bird species feel attracted by this rich place, furthermore they play role in attracting visitors, passing to this cozy place hidden in cloudy, mountainous forests. Walking through the dense vegetation means to see quite creative forms of bushes and how liana, mosses, and lichens make their way to the top of trees.

Before touristic activities started in Mindo, coffee production palyed a great role, what is now replaced by other eye-catching aspects of the local village. Leaving the center and crossing a bridge over a river where people also do tubing and rafting, tourists can head to the Tarabita to cross the 530-meter wide canyon to the opposite mountain. Arriving at the other side and walking to one or the other of the waterfalls, visitors enter the forest and are embraced by green, moistly plants stretching towards, with their branches hidden by moss and fungi.

As there is one path that soon divides into several ones, a sign indicates which one of three ways to take, but it is though important to take the advice of those ones informing about the fitness required for each path. For families with children, the twenty minutes away Nambillo waterfall is the best option, but there are also paths to five different waterfalls. Another option would have been to walk a further route to the highest waterfall called Reina (queen). For the visit, not only comfortable shoes and drinks are essential, but also, a swim suite/ trunks may be helpful for the ones who like to refresh themselves, entering one of the fresh-water pools below waterfalls.

This trip is possible without a guide and people can arrive by car/ taxi or walking to the entrance of the cable car to go across the valley. An experience like this or at other sites like the butterfly farm or the bird-watching place Bellavista marks the consciousness for sustainable tourism and the promotion of nature-compatible activities that enable touch to such a diverse, calm, and relaxing nest in the middle of protected areas in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.

Corona Update calendar week 40/2022

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 40/2022)

Latinconnect and its Sustainability Commitment

Dear sales partners,

the call for solid sustainable actions and behaviour (whether private or entrepreneurial) could not be more alarming in these days. The tourism industry in particular is suffering the negative effects on its most important asset - intact vacation areas. However, we also have the opportunity to become active and act consistently with regard to economic, social and ecological criteria. Today and in the future, we invite you to accompany us on our path towards sustainability in tourism.

Latinconnect - our commitment
First of all: Latinconnect as a marketing alliance is not an entity for which it would make sense to be certified as such. However, as the umbrella organization of several DMCs from Latin America, we would like all Latinconnect DMC-partners to be certified by a certification model recognized by the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council).

Our pioneers
Our longest certified agency is ARA Tours in Costa Rica. The criteria catalog of the local label CST (Certificación de Turismo Sostenible), which has existed for over 20 years, is one of the most extensive in the world and considered a model example. The process and the achievable levels were updated in 2018 (CST 2.0) and ARA Tours has received the highest award, the "Elite" level, in May 2021.
 
Our partners Latventure Ecuador (in 2014) and Promotora Neptuno Colombia (in 2017) are among the first destination agencies in Latin America to be certified by TourCert from Stuttgart. Both recently received the attestation of their recertification. TourCert advises and accompanies tour operators, accommodation, destinations and other tourism companies in the implementation of sustainable management and qualifies interested parties with seminars and online training courses.

Our recently practicing agencies
Our DMC-partners from Panama (GAPA Travel), Mexico (Tierra Maya Tours) and Cuba (Caribbean Tours) are holding the Travelife Engaged Status since July 1st. Travelife is a 3-level certification program for Tour Operators & Travel Agents and in order to reach the second level (Travelife Partner), over 100 sustainability criteria must be checked and their standard demonstrably complied with. The third and highest level to be reached is the Travelife Certified Status.

Our marketing executive (and colleague who is trained in sustainability) Katrin Schmitz ensures that the respective sustainability managers in our group regularly exchange ideas in order to mutually benefit from the "best practices" of all agencies and certification models.

She is available as your contact person at . In the following PDF we offer you an overview of the contact details of all sustainability managers per agency so that you can get in touch with them if you have any questions.

We look forward to a lively exchange and invite all interested parties to take a look at the concepts of the various certification organizations or to have apply an access for you.

News from Latventure Argentina

New office and reorganization of our team
In August, we moved to our new and bigger office which has a great location in the center of Buenos Aires close by to many hotels where our guests stay. In our rooms we have plenty of space for our new colleagues, who will join our team in the next few months. We are very happy about this positive change and look forward to a successful upcoming season in our new office!

Whale season in Peninsula Valdes
Puerto Madryn and the Peninsula Valdes are famous for its great spots for Whale Watching! In June, the Southern Right Whale reaches the Argentine Atlantic coast where it finds perfect breeding conditions in the calm waters of the bays. Until September, you can marvel the giant mammals from the coast or take an even closer look during a navigation. Besides traditional boat trips or excursions with kayaks, a great alternative is the "Yellow Submarine" - a special boat where you get an unforgettable gaze of the whales through its windows under water. Observing the up to 20 meters long and 50 tons heavy animals is a unique experience.

Glamping in breathtaking locations
Argentina is one of the countries with the greatest diversity of landscapes worldwide! How better to enjoy our landscapes than while staying in comfortable accommodations that are located right in the middle of these unique natural beauties? "Glamping" is becoming more and more popular in Argentina. You are as close to nature like as if you were sleeping in a tent while enjoying high comfort at the same time. No matter if in the middle of the Patagonian forest in the Domos Huemules, at the Pristine Camp on the salt lake Salinas Grandes or in the Patagonia Eco Domes near El Chalten with a unique view of the Fitz Roy massif, an unforgettable experience awaits your guests!

Please contact Maruja Seithe ( ) from our DMC-partner Latventure Argentina for more information or any questions.

Summer Special and New Products for 2022/2023

Caribbean Tours Cuba offers a "Summer Special" price reduction of 15% on the following trips and departures. Please send your booking request to , stating the promotional code "Summer Holiday Deals_SPO1".

Cuba Tradicional (7 Days/6 Nights)
08/09/2022, 22/09/2022, 06/10/2022, 27/10/2022
 
La Vida Real (14 days/13 nights)
08/09/2022, 20/10/2022
 
Grand Tour of Cuba (15 Days/14 Nights)
12/09/2022
 
La Vida Cubana (9 Days/8 Nights)
01/10/2022, 15/10/2022, 22/10/2022, 29/10/2022
 
A lo Cubano (8 days/7 nights)
17/10/2022
 
Portrait of an Island (11 Days/10 Nights)
17/10/2022
 
Caribbean Tours with fresh ideas for the next high season

Our Caribbean Tours product team has put the focus on individuality and activity in this year's production of excursions and programs during a stay in Havana. These great new products were created through intensive cooperation with local service providers. With whim and mood and according to the "cuban way of life" everyone can live out their thirst for adventure with climbing, dance to rousing music in a salsa course or prove their creativity to model and paint their own pottery work of art. We are happy to present these special activities to you and are already looking forward to unforgettable moments for our guests!
 
Ceramicarte (duration approx. 4 hours)

Live the Experience! E-Bike & Climbing (duration approx. 4 hours)

Viva la Salsa (program over 3 days, accommodation not included)

If you have any questions about other fantastic excursions, please contact our Sales & Travel Design Team at .

New Active Seat-in Tour at the North Coast

Wild and adventurous, sometimes rocky, rough, rugged, but above all beautiful - this is the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Join us on the new 8-days "Adventure Expedition North Coast" and discover the beauty of this magical stretch of coast.

Get an idea of our new tour by this video!

Our seat-in tour for 2022/2023 offers all adventure seekers a colorful bouquet of extraordinary experiences. Canyoning, buggy riding and ziplining provide adrenaline and thrills. A feeling of deep connection with nature spreads during a trip through the mangroves to Paradise Island, a swim in the lagoon or a cave expedition in the national park.

The program is complemented by cultural highlights such as a street art walk, a visit to the world's most bizarre museum and the most prestigious tobacco factory in the world capital of cigars. In between: spectacular views of palm-covered hills and green valleys, picturesque bays and gorgeous beaches. If you are looking for adventure, natural spectacle and diversity, the north coast of the Dominican Republic is not to be missed!

The Caribbean Tours team will be happy to personally guide you through the program in a webinar. If you are interested, please contact us at .

Corona Update calendar week 34/2022

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 34/2022)

Corona Update calendar week 23/2022

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 23/2022)

Neptuno remains the exclusive Latinconnect partner in Colombia

Communication by Stephan Stober (new Managing Director of Neptuno Travel Colombia)

Dear partners and friends,
 
On May 31, 2022, Torsten Krempin left Neptuno as managing director and partner for personal reasons, which we - and probably you too - very much regret. We would like to thank Torsten for the many successful years together, wish him all the best for his new project and say goodbye in friendship. I will therefore take over the position as the new managing director of Neptuno with immediate effect and will be available to you as a contact person at any time.
 
The pandemic has presented us with major challenges, which we have mastered well thanks to our solid foundations and stable structures - in every crisis there is also an opportunity. Over the last two years many of us have realized how unique, how fragile and how valuable life on our planet is. Sustainability is our focus here, which is why we will take the ecological and social compatibility of our trips into account even more than before when planning our trips.
 
Together with our great team, reliable service providers and our national and international alliances, we are now looking to the future with confidence. Let's do what is most important to us together: inspire your customers with the diverse flora and fauna as well as the unique culture and way of life of the Colombians.
 
Greetings from Bogota,
Stephen

Communication by Daniel Küng (CEO Latinconnect)

Dear partners,

As you may have already learned directly from Neptuno Travel, the managing director and co-owner Torsten Krempin left the company at the end of May and is going his own way. We wish Torsten all the best with his new projects and thank him for his contribution to the success of the Latinconnect DMC-Group.

The management of Neptuno Travel will be taken over by the previous head of the incoming department, Stephan Stober, who is already well known to most of you. Latinconnect is still 100% behind Neptuno Travel and wishes Stephan every success in his new role.

Tour operator customers of Neptuno Travel continue to benefit fully from the advantages of working with the Latinconnect agencies:

• Detailed, structured content on our product platform www.latinconnect.com
• Seat-in tours
• Bonus program
• Destination training
• Regular newsletters
• Representative office in Cologne
• Joint booth at the ITB

We look forward to continuing our good cooperation!

Your Latinconnect team

News from Cuba!

Caribbean Tours brings 22 years of experience to IMEX

Our CEO Andreas Blass and his MICE Expert Team (Victoria Fernandez Cavada de la Serna - Head of MICE, Cecile Auvernet - MICE Expert Representative for France and Anibal Garcia - MICE Expert Representative for Spain & Portugal) were represented at the IMEX in Frankfurt with their own stand. There were a lot of interesting conversations at the most important trade fair in Europe for meetings, exhibitions, events and incentive trips. We were able to convince new and existing customers with fresh ideas and new MICE projects. Your direct contact for inquiries and offers of unique MICE concepts is Victoria Fernandez Cavada de la Serna ( ).

The first hotel in Cuba - Heterofriendly

Axel Hotels is a hotel chain that caters to the LGTBIQ+ audience. The goal is "a cosmopolitan and tolerant environment where atmosphere, diversity and respect are valued."

The Telégrafo Axel Hotel La Habana, whose name was inspired by the country's first telegraph station, is the oldest hotel in Cuba and first opened its doors to guests from all over the world in 1860. In 2021 it was completely renovated and reopened. Not only do they welcome travelers of all nationalities, but it is also the first hotel in Cuba to call itself "heterofriendly". The renovation also related to the expansion of the roof terrace, where, in addition to a fantastic view, you can enjoy refreshing drinks in the new Sky Bar or relax in the pool. Welcome!

Private round trip - A Cuban Vintage ride

As a special highlight, we would like to recommend our vintage car tour from our "Special Interest" series: "A Cuban Vintage Ride". Here the heart of all car lovers beats faster - 8 days/7 nights in a classic car through Cuba! On this classic car tour, we would like to bring our guests closer to the fascination for these moving treasures so that they can take unique memories home with them.

Half Day Tour Silk, made in Colombia!

Nowadays, the village of Timbío is one of the few places where the silk production, which was initiated by the state about 40 years ago, still persist. Here, the entire production process - from cultivating the mulberry leaves to the production of the silk threads - is entirely in women’s hands.

Transfer from Popayán to Timbío, where the welcoming and strong women show and tell us everything about their daily work on a tour through the mulberry fields, the nursery and pupating stations of the silk worms, as well as the final processing of the raw silk. After a delicious local snack and a visit of the local silk craft store, we head back to Popayán.

Duration: about 4 hours

Included:
-    English speaking local guide
-    Transfers
-    Entrance fees

Not included:
-    Tips and personal expenses

Soon to be published on Latinconnect. For furhter questions please contact Verena Grötzner de Marquez ( ).

Expertise from Mexico

Discovered for you "Pueblo Mágico" Tlaxco

In the smallest state of Mexico, Tlaxcala, lies the "magical place" Tlaxco. Between forested mountains, agave-covered plains and a large lagoon, Tlaxco emerges. The streets of the center are overlooked by the towers of the Church of San Agustín and guarded by the pink chapel of Santo Calvario. For centuries, Tlaxcala's economy was based on the production of "pulque" (fermented juice from agaves). Together, their haciendas produced thousands of liters of this drink, which was shipped to Mexico-City in kegs.

Hotel Hacienda Santa Maria Xalostoc

Hotel Hacienda Xalostoc is a 16th-century hacienda in Tlaxco that was restored by the Baer Lara family and opened its doors in 2008. You can imagine the life of bygone times here, the hacienda is surrounded by beautiful gardens and stone walls. During the conversion excavations a stone was found with the inscription "Hacienda Xalostoc Noviembre 1549", at that time it had more than 3,500 hectares used agriculturally for the production of pulque.

Pulque Hacienda Xochuca
                               
Currently, Hacienda Xochuca is the only hacienda in the Tlaxco area where maguey (agaves) are grown and used for pulque production. If you want to get to know the production of this special juice, you have come to the right place. Afterwards, enjoy a meal in a cozy and traditional atmosphere. The specialty is the "Pollo Xochuca": chicken with vegetables wrapped in mixiote and cooked in maguey penca, you will not find that anywhere else. We recommend homemade natural pulque.

Please contact Tierra Maya Tours ( ) for further inquiries.

Highlights Dominican Republic

Update of our top seat-in tour and departure dates 2022/23

Caribbean Tours Hispaniola has completely revised its popular seat-in tour "Highlights Dominican Republic". In 8 days, travelers experience the Dominican way of life - personal, emotional and authentic.

The seat-in tour has received a complete update and the departure dates for the 2022/23 season are set (arriving in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo). The World Heritage Old Town, music and cuisine are on the program in the capital Santo Domingo, but also a visit to a less privileged area off the beaten track. Then we continue to the Dominican Alps to the producers of the typical products coffee, tobacco and cocoa. The journey ends on the Samaná peninsula with its enchanting bays and palm-fringed beaches. The focus of the stay is always new experiences, human encounters and positive emotions. The optional excursions round off the program and offer something for every taste. A bath extension can be the crowning glory. The program is just right for everyone who wants to experience a round trip in the Caribbean away from mass tourism.

The Caribbean Tours team will be happy to personally guide you through the program in a webinar. If you are interested, please contact us at .

Totora Handicraft in the North of Ecuador

For thousands of years, natural fibres such as cotton, abaca, cabuya and totora have played an extremely important role in human coexistence.

In Ecuador, totora reeds can be found in the lagoon of Yahuarcocha and in Lake Imbakucha in the province of Imbabura, in the lagoon of Salado in the province of Carchi and in the lagoon of Colta and around the city of Cuenca in the province of Chimborazo.

In the province of Imbabura, there are about 3,000 families that can support their livelihoods with the income generated from the totora reed, but only by the production of mats. Using the totora reed for alternative products such as tableware, decoration, furniture, basketry, rugs, etc. offers artisans the opportunity to improve their economic situation.

On our tour near Otavalo, we meet Martha Gonza, a Kicwa Kayambi artisan, who welcomes us to the totora reed areas of the Huaycopungo community and informs us about the importance of preserving these ecosystems for their ecological benefits. We participate in the cutting of the totora reed and learn about the ways of processing and drying as well as the classification of the natural fibre. We then visit the Totora Wasi company to learn a little more about the history of this company, which was founded with the aim of producing art with natural and dyed totora, promoting the production of handicrafts from this fibre and achieving fair marketing of their products for the benefit of the indigenous artisans of the Kichwa Otavalo-Cayampi people.

We can also test our own skills and create a totora reed alpaca with our own hands, a beautiful experience that we take with us when we end the day with a round trip on Lake San Pablo on a boat built with totora reed.

Especially in today's world, it is important to focus on renewable natural resources and to make these possibilities known: "More natural fibres, less plastic".

For further questions please contact Andreas Senkel ( ).

Corona Update calendar week 16/2022

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 16/2022)

Cuba recommendations

Beach relaxation at the highest level!
 
The Caribbean Tours Management Team has visited Cayo Coco, Cayo Cruz and Cayo Guillermo for you to take a close look at the newly and reopened 4 to 5 star hotels.
 
The houses differ in category and price and overall offer a very wide range (for every taste and every budget) for a few days relaxation at the beach. The beaches are all world-class and the water is a dreamlike turquoise blue!
 
The Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski is an absolute highlight for beach lovers and one of the few houses that does not offer an "all-inclusive" model but offers individual service. An excellent hotel for particularly discerning guests. It is located directly on Playa Pilar, which insiders believe is one of the best and finest sandy beaches in Cuba.
 
The classics on the Cayos, such as the Meliá Cayo Coco or the Pullman Cayo Coco, should not be missing from our hotel recommendation list, but the new Iberostar Coral Level Esmeralda on Cayo Cruz is also definitely worth mentioning.
 
Means of payment in Cuba - current tip!

Due to the inflation of the national currency (CUP), the EUR is now a very good means of payment in cafés and restaurants, which change at a very attractive rate. Therefore, it makes sense to have enough cash in EUR (in small notes) ready for the trip. In hotels, on the other hand, you can only pay by credit card (bank exchange rate), as well as in the so-called "MLC shops" (Moneda Libremente Convertible).

News from Mexico

Opening of new Airport in Mexico-City: Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Angeles AIFA

On March 21, the Felipe Ángeles International Airport was inaugurated, which will be part of the airport network of the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico City to reduce air saturation. It is located in the municipality of Zumpango in the State of Mexico, 45 kilometers away from the Mexico-City International Airport.

The airport will have a connection through the a suburban train that It will be ready in the third bimester of 2023. As of March 21, the AIFA begun to operate with flights of three Mexican airlines: Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Aeroméxico for flights to Cancun, Tijuana, Monterrey and Guadalajara. For time being only international departure is with Airline Conviasa flying to Caracas/Venezuela.

Transfer time from Mexico-City center to the new aiport is approximately 1.5 hours, during rush hour until 3 hours!

Discovered for you: Hacienda Sacnicte Izamal

Sacnicte means "white flower" in Maya. The hacienda has 10 rooms in three buildings. The hacienda is a fascinating mix between modern luxury and colonial architecture from the 16th century.

The hotel has a chapel that has been converted into a restaurant and is surrounded by an exotic garden. In front of the main building there is an Arabic-style swimming pool with sun loungers and parasols. Parking spaces are available for guests.

Please find more information and rates on our Latinconnect platform.

Staff changes at Tierra Maya Tours

Our long-time employee Sylvia Dueñas, head of the reservations department, will officially retire on April 15, 2022. However, she will still help us for a few more weeks to train new staff in the reservations department.

The following colleagues are at your disposal:

Samara Gutierrez (FIT’s and Groups):
Mariana Nolasco Quiroz (FIT’s and Seat-in Groups):
Priscila Gutierrez Potrero (Groups):
Montserrat Jaimes Zarate (FIT’s):

On April 19, 2022 a new employee will start with us: Cynthia Anahi Degollado Aguayo. Please do not send any more e-mails to Sylvia Dueñas, but to one of her colleagues.

Corona Update calendar week 9/2022

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 9/2022)

6 new Latinconnect Tutorials

Dear sales partners,

Fortunately, bookings are raising up again! In order to ensure the survival of our agencies during Corona, our staff had to be massively reduced temporarily (there was no "short-time allowance" in our countries) and is now being gradually increased again. In addition, there is a significantly higher support effort during operations in our countries.

We have invested a lot of time and energy in the development of our digital product platform Latinconnect in recent years and we would like to invite you to use its extensive content and functionalities, especially now, to make the process from the inquiry through the quotation to the booking clearer, more effective and faster, for you as well.

At the buttom of the homepage of this website you will find six new tutorials that are only a few minutes long. Long-standing users may also find one or the other update here for optimal use.

Thank you for your support - we are always available for your questions!

Open further countries on Latinconnect

Dear sales partners,

we are actually counting 800 companies worldwide among the users of our Latinconnect product platform. The registration process at the beginning ensures that the user is clearly identified as a reseller of tourism services and ensures that they accept our terms and conditions. Here they are also initially asked to the products of which DMCs they would like to have access to.

This first query is not static and can be updated in our system at any time by sending a brief message to or to the respective DMC. In particular, the content of our DMC partners from Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina is still hidden from many of you until we receive a short request from you to activate it.

As the product selection from Ecuador and Argentina is only just beginning to be complete, Kai Single from Latventure Ecuador is reaching out to you with these tips:

Our product selection on Latinconnect

First of all, we would like to thank you for all the requests over the last few weeks to open our product to you and for the interest in Latventure!

The following content is already available for Ecuador:

- Some excursions that we particularly recommend and that our customers feel very happy to offer
- Our most popular hotels with different categories
- A small compilation of exclusive hotel packages in the Amazon Rainforest, as well as our own programs at the "Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge" (see picture above)

During March our Seat-in Tours for Ecuador & Galapagos will also be available. In the meantime, you can find information about the itineraries and dates on our website.

We are working hard to get more content online over the next few weeks. You can of course contact us directly at any time if you have not found what you are looking for on the platform or have any specific request.

Sunny greetings from the middle of the world!

Excursion: The World Of Tobacco

The famous North American writer Mark Twain once said: "If I can't smoke cigars in heaven, I'm not going" - which means something like: Smoking a Cuban cigar is a pleasure
of a very special kind, a pleasure from the perfect mixture of earth, water, wind and fire.
 
Our Caribbean Tours Cuba CEO Andreas Blass and the Head of Sales & Travel Design employee Wiebke Vicet set out to experience and review our one-day excursion "The World of Tobacco" to the beautiful Viñales Valley for themselves.
 
The meetings with our personal contacts (including Hector Luis, who received the "Hombre Habano Award" as the best tobacco producer) or the visit to "La Finca Agroecológica", a sustainable project that has been transformed into a restaurant, were very cordial and informative at the same time.
 
Through our individual and selected contacts, our guests experience the journey into the world of tobacco in a particularly authentic way and with unique impressions. All of our excursions can be included as a module in a program as desired.
 
Our Sales & Travel Design Team looks forward to your inquiry at .

Corona Update calendar week 3/2022

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 3/2022)

Safe group travel in the pandemic year 2021

Kai Single (Managing Director of Latventure) reports from Ecuador:

Another extraordinary year of travel is behind us! The last year has presented us all with new challenges. Although for a long time only individual tourists traveled to Ecuador, we have proven that our small group trips are possible with a suitable hygiene concept in Corona times. That is why we are again planning our group dates with great confidence despite the Corona pandemic and would be happy to be able to carry out your group trip in the new year.
 
Our hygiene concept on group trips
In addition to the generally applicable hygiene regulations in Ecuador (mask requirement, keeping your distance, temperature control & hand disinfection), we have developed an additional safety protocol for our group trips, so that the travel programs and activities for groups in particular can also take place safely and smoothly during the Corona period. Of course, both our tour guides and drivers are tested for the Corona virus before each trip - despite the general vaccination requirement for employees in tourism. The tours are also conducted in private vehicles, with as little contact with third parties as possible. The buses are also disinfected after each journey and regularly aired. Incidentally, in our booked accommodations, a room area away from other hotel guests and a separate seating area in the restaurant are provided for each group. We guarantee a relaxed trip for all group participants!
 
What do our guests say about this?
Although the Corona pandemic has made traveling complicated, many of our travel guests were amazed at how well it was possible to travel in Ecuador in the year of the pandemic. Even we were a little surprised that everything went so well. With good preparation and clever planning, our trips succeed perfectly even in turbulent times and with our highly motivated guides we ensure a high sense of security in the group during the tour, as well as a guaranteed smooth process. To the delight of our customers and everyone who helps shape our trips, the last tours have almost felt "normal" again after almost two years of the pandemic.
 
The following feedback from a customer also puts us in a positive mood for the new travel year 2022:
"We saw, did and experienced a lot. A strenuous, but very well organized and accompanied time with wonderful experiences and impressions. Under Corona conditions, it was an optimal, safe route without major restrictions and with a great tour guide. We found the hotels to be ideal, that we mostly had the accommodations for our group. Thank you for that!" (Feedback on group tour Ecuador & Galapagos in December 2021)
 
We would also be happy to plan your group trip this year - according to your individual wishes. Please contact Andreas Senkel ( ).

With courage and confidence into 2022

Daniel Kueng (Managing Director of ARA Tours) reports from Costa Rica:

Thanks to a stable and reliable Corona policy, Costa Rica has set out on the road to recovery against all odds. For the 2021 calendar year, ARA Tours was again allowed to invoice 33% of pre-Covid sales. It is still very difficult to make a forecast for 2022. However, we are currently adjusting our company to 60-70% compared to 2019 and planning our resources accordingly.

There are reasons for this optimism:
1. All flight connections are back to pre-crisis levels and report good occupancy.
2. Non-stop flights: to SJO from ZRH, FRA, AMS, CDG, MAD and LGW.
3. Costa Rica manages the health crisis in a tourism-friendly, pragmatic, reliable and successful manner. That gives you a certain planning security.
4. The 1G rule for hotels, restaurants and activities creates safety for guests.
5. The product is very trendy: lots of nature, outdoor activities, wellness and lots of space are the trumps.
6. The tourism infrastructure is intact and operational. There are hardly any bankruptcies to complain about.

The short-term bookings and reduced staff are the challenges
The short-term bookings remains a major challenge. The most complex bookings are received less than 1 month before arrival and then have to be operated on and looked after immediately. This double burden is currently leading to unusually long response times. Many good employees could not be kept during the crisis due to a lack of state aid and found a job outside of tourism, which they do not want to give up so quickly given the still uncertain situation. New employees therefore have to be trained, which puts an additional strain on the existing team, at least in the short term.

Relaxation in sight
On January 3rd, ARA Tours was able to hire 7 new employees in sales and operations. After the training period of 6-8 weeks, they will now increasingly ensure the long-awaited relaxation. ARA Tours currently employs 65% of the staff as before the crisis. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers and partners again for their understanding during this difficult time.

New 18-day round trip "A Journey Into Nature"

A tour far off the big city bustle, right into pure nature

Your clients would like to visit some of the prettiest corners of Colombia but at the same time stay away from possible crowds of people? No problem at all!

Colombia is the perfect place to enjoy wonderful, varied roundtrips away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities.
Our 18 day tour A Journey Into Nature includes activities and accommodations in scenic landscapes and charming villages, located outside the big cities. This way the clients can enjoy their time exclusively in nature and the little towns, but also visit the bigger cities if they wish to.

During this roundtrip we immerse ourselves into the divine nature of one of the most diverse countries on earth. The tour takes us through spectacular Andean landscapes, the colonial village Honda, the surroundings of the metropolis Medellin and right in to the gorgeous coffee region. Leaving the Andean mountain ranges, we continue to the vibrant Caribbean coast, more precisely to Santa Marta and afterwards to Cartagena, which undoubtedly is one of the most fascinating cities of Latin America. To finish our journey with a grand finale, enjoy Caribbean feeling at its best at the lonely beaches on Island San Bernardo.

The full description and the tariffs can be requested from Verena Groetzner-Marquez ( ).
 

Western and Central Cuba by E-Bike

Today we recommend one of our very special adventure trips, which let our guests experience the colorful life of the Cubans, music, dance, history and many traditions of Cuba up close. An active journey through the wonderful nature and with many unique encounters.

Western and Central Cuba by E-Bike (Seat In, 13 days/12 nights)

We guarantee departures from 2 people to small groups with a maximum of 12 participants. The trip can also be booked on a private basis.

Create fantastic memories on this 13-day e-bike tour through western and central Cuba. Pedal through impressive natural sceneries, along rural roads, past countryside towns and the stunning Caribbean southern shore.

Meet fantastic people and learn about their everyday life on your way across charming Havana, the ecological reserve of Las Terrazas, the tobacco mecca in Vueltabajo, the spectacular mogotes of Viñales, the beautiful coastal area of Bay of Pigs, the peninsula of Punta Gorda in maritime Cienfuegos and the colonial cities of Sancti Spíritus and Trinidad. Your tour ends at the idyllic Cayo Las Brujas, an unforgettable beach.

Special about this tours:
· Get to know Cuba at a slower pace from an e-bike, with plenty of time to take in the surroundings
· Get an insight into the landscape and culture off the beaten track
· Bathing opportunities on partly unexplored beaches such as: Cayo Jutías, Playa Larga, Trinidad and on Cayo Santa María
· Drive through the Cuban national parks of Viñales, la Guira and Ciénaga de Zapata
· An escort vehicle will be with you at all times. If you don't want to continue cycling at times, you can accompany the route from the vehicle

Images on Latinconnect

Where can I find images per region or location?
Each product result when searching on the Latinconnect plattform is assigned a path (country - region - location) in orange writing at the bottom left. If you now click on Panama City in the example shown above (below the photo of the hotel The Bristol), you will find a selection of images only for the capital of Panama under photos. Or taking the example of the product result on the right: under Chiriquí there are photos of the Chiriquí region and under Boca Chica there are photos of Boca Chica accordingly.

In what context may I use the image material?
With your registration on Latinconnect you agree to our general terms and conditions, which include the following passage regarding the use of our image material:

2. Copyright

All contents of www.latinconnect.com are under copyright and from the moment you receive your code to access the confidential information of Latinconnect AG you are in the right to use all information such as texts, prices, photos and videos during the time of your active cooperation with Latinconnect AG under the following conditions:

A. Design customer catalogues in a pdf format
B. Use of its contents for catalogue production, flyers as well as web pages with the intention to activate sales of the included products and services.
C. Presentation of its contents during the selling process to clients, non-commercial presentations of the destination or events with the only purpose to trigger sales of the included services and products.

It is strictly forbidden to use contents of www.latinconnect.com in any kind if the resulting bookings are not handled with Latinconnect and/or any of its partners as shown under point 1. If you are carrying out a business activity with an incoming agency other than the Latinconnect partner in this destination, the use of contents related to this country in www.latinconnect .com is not allowed under any circumstances.

It is strictly forbidden to modify or change photos and videos of www.latinconnect.com in any way.

Any other use of our content is absolutely forbidden without a written permission from Latinconnect AG.

The right of using our content and material will automatically expire in the moment your business relationship with Latinconnect AG or with any of its partners ends, or after having received a written notification by Latinconnect AG.

Corona Update calendar week 50/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 50/2021)

Latinconnect Bonus Program 2022

Our Bonus Program goes into the next edition and this time we kindly ask you to register by January 31, 2022. By registering, you accept the conditions and your sales will be taken into account in our evaluation at the beginning of 2023 and communicated to you.

You can expect a loyalty bonus of up to 1,6%! Due to the pandemic, the growth reward will not be available for the calendar
year 2022, but the loyalty bonus is increased. The exact conditions and the registration form can be found here:

Latinconnect Bonus Program 2022 (English)

Latinconnect Programa de Bonificación 2022 (Español)

Please fill in the registration form and send it back to .

Boutique Hotel Mystique Casa Perla

Caribbean Tours is looking forward to further common guests visting Cuba again since November 15, 2021!

We would like to recommend the small boutique hotel Mystique Casa Perla, a new jewel in Varadero, as a beach extension starting this summer. The former private house has been fabulously restored and, unlike all other all-inclusive hotels in the area, is run as a bed & breakfast. The hotel itself has an à-la-carte restaurant, as well as a beautiful terrace on the top floor overlooking the beach and sea. Each room has its own Balinese bed on the hotel's own beach, and there is also a small pool, a fitness center and a fully equipped spa.

We would also like to remind you of our Seat-In Tours with a special discount of 10% on the price in a double room (min. 2 pax) for bookings from today until December 20, 2021 (for all arrivals until October 31st, 2022). Guarantee of implementation already from 2 pax.

Cuba Tradicional (our bestseller from the "Best of" series), departure weekly on Thursday

La Vida Real (our insider tip from the "Insight" series), departure fortnightly on Thursday

And our highlight from the "Insight" series La Vida Cubana, departing weekly on Saturday

Our Sales & Travel Design team is looking forward to your enquiries: .

Daily flight Cancun - Flores - Cancun

Corona Update calendar week 45/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 45/2021)

The countdown is on!

On 15.11.2021, Cuba reopens to international tourism and looks forward to welcoming back its guests from all over the world!

Hotels, restaurants and bars have been spruced up and are already opened, as well as tourist hotspots all over the island.
The airports are ready too, and everybody is on the lookout for the first Edelweiss and Condor planes.

Walking through Havana's streets, one feels again the music coming from every angle. It is as if the musicians have awaken from a long lethargy and are back to make the hearts of the visitors beat faster with their live sessions in the many different venues of the city. The Cuban rhythms invite you to dance and enjoy - just let yourself be carried away!

We especially recommend our Seat-In Tours, with performance guarantee with only 2 pax. Now, with a special discount of 10% off the price in a double room (min 2 pax) for bookings made through 20.12.2021 for all travel dates until 31.10.2022.

Cuba Tradicional (our bestseller from the "Best of" series), departure weekly Thursday

La Vida Real (our insider tip from the "Insight" series), departure fortnightly Thursday
(Departure day Thursday, ideal for Edelweiss flights departing on 18.11. or in combination with other flights with pre-nights in Havana and optional beach extension)

And our highlight from the "Insight" series, La Vida Cubana, departing weekly on Saturdays.

Our Sales & Travel Design team is looking forward to your enquiries and will be happy to assist you as always: .

Latinconnect removes the travel planner from the platform

Unfortunately, the travel planner on the Latinconnect product platform could not prevail and was therefore taken offline. Despite numerous trainings, the instrument was only used by very few tour-operators and the cost-intensive maintenance is therefore no longer worthwhile. Practice has shown that for the vast majority of users it is easier to request a quote directly from the DMC than to familiarize with the travel planner and quote themselves.

Latinconnect continues to provide all content via the product platform. Price lists and product manuals can be created, or the content can be exported to third-party systems via an interface.

We are currently checking the connection to systems established on the market for quoting, processing and booking more complex package products.

EUROPCAR Mexico increases tariffs

A few days ago, Europcar Mexico informed us at short notice that they will increase their rental car prices from October 1st, 2021. The reason given is the Covid pandemic, Europcar had to massively reduce its fleet of vehicles and cope with large losses, like many service providers in tourism. The price increase is around 24% on the current prices. Europcar has assured us that they will respect the previous prices for services that have already been reserved.

Unfortunately, we feel compelled to increase our prices for future bookings from October 1st, 2021. The new prices have already been uploaded to our Latinconnect sales platform. The prices of our self-drive tours and all programs specially calculated for you, which include Europcar rental cars, also increase accordingly. Please contact our sales team, which is already in the process of updating all affected tours.

Tierra Maya Tours, Playa del Carmen

Corona Update calendar week 40/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 40/2021)

Cuba opens on 15th of november

The Malecón, also called "the longest sofa in the world", awaits you again!

The legendary seaside promenade invites you to stroll along it or to take a seat and enjoy the views. The local guitarists play their most beautiful Cuban songs with a passion like never before. Cuba is back on the world travel map and opens up to international tourism on 15.11.2021.

This is a huge achievement by the state, as by then up to 90% of the population, including children over the age of 2, will be vaccinated with the country's own Soberana or Abdala vaccines. 

Entry for vaccinated persons (with an internationally recognized vaccination certificate) will be possible from this date. Non-vaccinated travelers can also enter but will need a valid PCR test from their home country. After the entry formalities, our guests can start their holiday directly and enjoy and experience the beautiful Caribbean island.

Flight information
Edelweiss will resume flights to Holguin from 18.11.2021 and Condor from 19.12.2021. Flights to Havana  will resume on 20.12.2021 and from 21.12.2021to Varadero. There are also regular flights via Spain with Iberia, Air Europa, Evelop and World2fly and via France with Air France.

Especially now we would like to recommend our following round trips:

Cuba Tradicional (our bestseller from the series "Best of"), weekly departures on Thursdays

La Vida Real (our insider tip from the "Insight" series), fortnightly departures on Thursdays

(Departure day Thursday, ideal for Edelweiss flights departing on 18.11. or in combination with other flight connections with prenights in Havana and optional beach extension)

And our highlight from the "Insight" series, La Vida Cubana, departing weekly on Saturdays.

Our Sales & Travel Design Team is looking forward to your enquiries and will inform you about further details!

Update Costa Rica - Ready for Winter!

Costa Rica is increasingly recovering from the crisis. From November onwards, flight connections will be at a similar level as before the pandemic. Here is an update on the current situation and the prospect of the high season. You can also find updated information on our website.

Stable Corona Policy
The government has a tourism-friendly and reliable corona policy. Open borders and minimal entry barriers create planning security. Short-term surprises do not have to be expected.

Easy entry
Fully vaccinated persons and children under 18 years of age: fill in a health form no earlier than 72 hours before departure. The vaccination certificate must be uploaded. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated persons: Fill in a health form 72 hours before departure at the earliest. Proof of insurance must be uploaded. Amounts insured: USD 50,000 for medical costs (including Covid) and USD 2,000 for any eventual quarantine costs. You can find details here.

NO test is required to enter Costa Rica.

Current Covid situation
Costa Rica is at the peak of the 3rd wave at the end of September. The health authorities assume a rapid decline in the number of cases in the next few weeks and a stabilization of the situation for the high season. This is also thanks to the positive vaccination progress. Details on the forecasts can be found here (in Spanish only).

Vaccination progress
At the end of September 2021, 65% of the population had received at least the first dose. 40% are already fully vaccinated. At the moment there is a big vaccination campaign going on. The government expects 75-80% of the population to be vaccinated by the end of November.

Hygiene protocols
Costa Rica as a country, as well as many service providers and of course ARA Tours have the Safe Travels seal of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This confirms that hygiene protocols are consistently implemented. On our Latinconnect product platform, you can filter for service providers who have the Safe Travels seal.

Flexible cancellation and rebooking fees
As before, ARA Tours offers free cancellation or rebooking of trips up to 14 days before the start of the trip. We report the few exceptions with the request. In all cases we show maximum goodwill.

Hardly any restrictions in the country
All national parks, reserves, museums, sights, hotels, restaurants and shops are open and you can move freely anywhere in the country. In the event of a critical epidemiological situation, the government imposes driving bans on the local population from 9 or 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. However, this does not apply to tourists.

Solid healthcare system
Costa Rica has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, complemented by private hospitals on a European level. ARA Tours also works directly with doctors. Health care is thus guaranteed.

Test infrastructure across the country
Some countries require a test before returning home. Costa Rica has an excellent testing infrastructure across the country and the required results are delivered on time and reliably. ARA Tours is happy to organize test appointments for its guests.

We wish you a lot of sales success!
Your ARA Tours team

Corona Update calendar week 34/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Updage (calendar week 34/2021)

Museo del Cacao

New tourist attraction in Guayaquil

The aroma of cocoa takes on Guayaquil, which just opened the Cocoa Museum. The new tourist attraction in the Guayaquil city center seeks to rescue the history, culture and tradition of the so-called "Pepa de Oro", the cocoa bean.

Located in the center of the city, on Imbabura and Panama streets, this space highlights the cocoa activity that once prevailed in the area. It has fifteen rooms where you can see samples of ancient cultures, recreations of buccaneers and pirates, archaeological remains and various contents that are exhibited in this heritage house.

Visitors can learn about the process, from planting, cultivation, harvesting and even the preparation of the chocolate bar. All this adds to the opportunity that the city will have to recover its identity and reaffirm that the origin of cocoa is Ecuadorian, for more than 4 thousand years.

The Cocoa Museum is located in the Guzman Aspiazu House, a building built between 1927 and 1929 and considered one of the most luxurious of its time. Today, its architectural design, balconies and details, such as the colorful floral arrangements in relief, located on the facade, welcome and captivate locals and visitors alike.

Exploring this space, which has become a tourist attraction, will take us on a journey full of aromas and unique flavors, linked to the best cocoa in the world, giving us the opportunity to appreciate the agro-tourism potential of the city, the province and Ecuador.

For further information please contact .

Corona Update calendar week 26/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 26/2021)

Seat-In Tours Argentina

Brand new Seat-In Trips in Argentina

To discover Argentina, a country so big and rich in contrasts, Latventure Argentina developed two short and very different Seat-In Trips, that can ideally be combined with each other to offer a very complete tour of the country. The highlights of Argentina are visited in a unique way in small groups accompanied throughout by a German- or English-speaking tour leader, depending on the date. This will allow travelers not only to be dazzled by breathtaking landscapes, but also to dive into the culture and customs with the help of a local who will always be there to make the trip an experience.

The route of southern Patagonia of 11 days combines impressive glaciers with mountains of bizarre formations, and includes absolute highlights such as Perito Moreno Glacier, hiking-capital El Chaltén and Tierra del Fuego National Park at the End of the World. The route of northern Argentina of the same duration brings travelers closer to the Andean culture, colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca, the incredibly diverse marshlands of Iberá, and the imposing Iguazú Falls.

Ideally, the two routes are combined to an itinerary of three weeks. However, each route can also be booked separately to be combined with an individual program according to the interests of the clients, such as a cruise around Cape Hoorn, an exclusive stay at Torres del Paine National Park or a vineyard in Mendoza, or a visit to Peninsula Valdés, to name just a few options.

These routes will be available starting in December and will operate in the Argentine summer from October to March. More Seat-In Trips in combination with neighboring countries, as well as active and more exclusive itineraries are in the making.

Patagonia Argentina (11 days/10 nights)

Northern Argentina (11 days/10 nights)

Argentina Completo (20 days/19 nights)

Seat-in Tours Colombia

Seat-in Tours Ecuador

Latventure Ecuador offers the below indicated tours. In 2022, 20 departures will be advertised each, of which 12 in Ecuador will be in English and 8 in German. On the Galapagos, only English-language deapartues are offered.

Since these trips are not yet set on Latinconnect, we link to the descpriptions on the Latventure website. Please contact for conditions and prices.

SIC Tour Ecuador (12 days)

SIC Tour Galapagos (5 days)

Both trips can of course be combined with each other.

The trips differ from classic add-on trips. The tours are specially designed for travelers who are looking for a combination between the highlights and places off the usual routes. For example, on the trip to Ecuador, a Shuar community is visited near Macas in the rainforest - a unique experience!

Latventure Goes Online

Our partner Latventure is working flat out to prepare its content for our Latinconnect product platform. The first basic products will soon be available on Latinconnect! These are the planned dates:

Latventure Ecuador: First week of July, from July 5th, 2021
Latventure Argentina: mid/end of July, from July 15th, 2021
 
If you are not yet activated for Ecuador or Argentina, we can adjust this for you at any time.

Money Exchange Cuba

With immediate effect, due to the tightened embargo situation in Cuba, cash US dollars can no longer be exchanged for the local currency.

Other currencies - especially Euros, Swiss Francs or Canadian Dollars - can be exchanged without any problems. Please inform your guests accordingly.

Quarantine Certificate Only Until October 31, 2021

In addition to the online form, Costa Rica continues to require proof of insurance to cover medical costs for Covid-19 (min. USD 50,000) and any quarantine costs (USD 2,000) for entry. Most insurance companies have so far covered medical costs, but not quarantine costs. Therefore, ARA Tours issues a certificate on request and with a minimum turnover of USD 500 and guarantees to the Costa Rican authorities that the customers will pay any quarantine costs themselves.

In the meantime, numerous insurance companies now also cover the quarantine costs, which is why the certificate is not required anymore. ARA Tours therefore only issues certificates for arrivals up to and including October 31, 2021 on request.

Our website lists insurances which, to the best of our knowledge, cover the quarantine costs.

A good and inexpensive insurance solution is Trawick International. It covers all the requirements for Costa Rica if the customer's insurance does not meet them.

We will reassess the situation in October and, if necessary, extend the issuing of the certificates.

Corona Update calendar week 22/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 22/2021)

Kai Single (Latventure) reports from Ecuador

Tourism in Ecuador is slowly starting up again

Since June 1, 2020, tourists have been allowed to enter Ecuador again. Despite the relatively quick opening of the borders, the number of international tourists has remained at a very low level over the past year. For a few weeks now, however, we have felt an increased demand for trips to our country. We ask ourselves: have we now reached a turning point in coping with the corona crisis? We can certainly not yet fully answer this question. However, we can say that we are currently doing better than last year. Of course, that doesn't mean the all-clear, but we can see a faint light at the end of the tunnel.

What is the Covid-19 situation in Ecuador at the moment?

We still have relatively high numbers of infections, especially in cities. For many Ecuadorians, life goes on almost normally. Tourism also has a special status and runs almost parallel to daily life. Therefore, many of the restrictions do not apply to tourists. Entry into the country is now even possible with a valid vaccination certificate, which of course makes a trip to Ecuador much easier (otherwise a negative PCR test, not older than 72 hours, is required).

Is there already tourism in Ecuador again?

In addition to many local tourists in recent months, the country has been receiving more and more tourists from abroad since May, mainly from North America. Last month, for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, we received two large tour groups from the USA in our jungle lodge Hakuna Matata. I estimate that we will be able to welcome more tourists from Europe to Ecuador again in the second half of the year.

Which trips are in particular demand?

The demand for private travel has risen sharply in the pandemic. In addition, a new trend for rental car travel appears to be emerging. For a few weeks now, we have been receiving more and more requests for self-drive tours, especially from families. We also have the feeling that the demand for sustainable travel and intense nature experiences, e.g. Galapagos, have continued to increase.

Are all tourist attractions in Ecuador open again?

Yes, we can offer unlimited travel again, just as we did before the pandemic. Only one major tourist attraction in Ecuador has been removed: the popular train journeys in the Andes, e.g. also the train route to the devil's nose. However, we assume that the railway company will be put back into operation in the near future. We'll have to be patient until then.

Is a trip to Ecuador recommended for this year?

I don't see any obstacles to travel to Ecuador this year. The population of the Galapagos Islands is already fully vaccinated. At the moment, the employees in the tourism industry on the mainland are being vaccinated, that is, our guides, drivers and our office staff. The newly elected President of Ecuador has also promised to vaccinate 10 million Ecuadorians in the first 100 days of his term in office. Therefore, the burden on the health system should also be significantly relieved in the next six months. We suspect that the "rush" on the country in the next year will certainly be great, so that a trip to Ecuador is worthwhile for this year.

Kai Single,

Recertifications ARA Tours und Promotora Neptuno

Neptuno's sustainability certified again

We (Promotora Neptuno) may continue to officially call ourselves a sustainable company!

Last month we renewed our Colombian sustainability certificate "Certificado de Calidad Turistica", which, in addition to our international certificate from TourCert, underlines our efforts to act as sustainably as possible in all aspects of our business.

Find out more here. Anyone who would like to actively support our projects can contact our colleague Lena Bartelt ( ) for more information.

ARA Tours achieves CST recertification

Good news! Despite all the adversities, we have just achieved recertification with ARA Tours with the renewed sustainability program CST 2.0 in the highest possible category "Elite".

The new start in tourism is just around the corner and we all have to ask ourselves: do we really just want to go back to old patterns? Or is it now time to proactively integrate sustainability into our daily activities and actively involve our customers? With the recertification, ARA Tours is sending a clear signal that we have chosen this path.

In the following video, our CEO Daniel Küng gives you five tips on how you can proactively incorporate sustainability into your consultations and programs:

Video

Let's go to Calakmul

Travel report by Hanspeter Walliser (Tierra Maya Tours)

And how do you avoid all this hysteria about the corona virus? Right, you go to Calakmul! So we pack our seven things and drive to Calakmul.

But wait, what is Calakmul? Now primarily Calakmul is an archaeological site in the south of the Mexican state of Campeche, far from civilization. There the Mayans built one of the most important cities, only comparable to Tikal and El Mirador. But Calakmul is much more: The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, with an area of more than 7200 km2 in Mexico, is the second largest nature reserve in the world after the Amazon region and borders Guatemala in the south. 86 different mammals live here, including 5 out of 6 wild cats that exist in Mexico. And of course the sacred animal of the Mayans: the jaguar!

After a 5 hour drive we reach the jungle lodge Puerta Calakmul, which is located at the entrance of the Calakmul National Park. In the middle of the rainforest there are bungalows made of local materials, comfortably furnished, each with a terrace and hammock so that you can rock yourself to sleep. But before that, a natural spectacle of a special class awaits us. In the vicinity of the lodge is the "volcano of the bats", a cave over 50m deep, home to 7 different species of bats. All visitors have to register at the parking lot and after a short hike through the jungle we reach the mouth of the cave. Darkness slowly falls, it becomes more and more quiet and the tension rises. Then suddenly the time has come: as if on a silent command, thousands of bats rise from the cave and form a column that is getting higher and higher. The eerie sound of thousands of flapping wings rising out of this black hole into the dark night sky. The famous Meat Loaf song spontaneously comes to mind: Bat out of Hell! One thought later, my brain tells me that the corona virus was transmitted from bats to humans. Not easy to escape this topic... Over 3 million of these beasts are said to live in this cave and every day at sunset you can experience this unbelievable spectacle, which takes about 2 hours until all vampires are out and looking for food. Back in our bungalow, soon we fall asleep.

A concert of birds wakes us up early in the morning and it is pleasantly cool in the jungle. On the way to the restaurant we feel like we're being watched and indeed, curious black guys accompany us in the treetops: howler monkeys are having breakfast! At 8 a.m. Jacobo, a local guide who will accompany us today, picks us up. At the entrance to the Calakmul National Park we pay the entrance fee of $ 150 pesos per person (approx. USD 7.50) and drive on a two-lane paved road into the rainforest. After about 30 km we reach the visitor center, where our car is registered before we enter the jungle on a narrow road that is now only one lane. Here only 30 km/h are allowed to protect the animal world and in fact a colorful bird, more precisely a peacock turkey with its red, green, blue and purple plumage, is soon strutting on the street. Jacobo tells us about many encounters with wild animals, from tapirs to foxes to the shy jaguar! The road gets narrower and narrower, the vegetation thicker until we finally reach Calakmul. Here we have to pay another $ 80 pesos per person for the maintenance of the excavation site and finally we hike on winding jungle trails to the sacred site of the Mayas hidden deep in the rainforest.

Calakmul extended over an area of about 30 square kilometers and had over 100 colossal buildings; a total of more than 5,000 buildings are known. The so-called "structures" or pyramids I and II are dominant here. The latter has a height of approx. 45 meters. Most of Calakmul, however, has not yet been excavated or further explored. One can only speculate about the number of inhabitants. For the city center, for example, a population of around 50,000 is assumed. The enormous dimensions of the main pyramid called Structure II are impressive, with a side of 120 m and a height of 45 m, it is one of the largest buildings ever built by the Mayans. Fascinating stucco friezes and royal tombs have been found inside this massive monument. For the strenuous ascent, you will be rewarded from its top platform with an unforgettable view over the seemingly endless jungle.

Continue past residential and administrative buildings to pyramid structure I, which appears to be even higher than the main pyramid. In the forecourt there are weathered stelae, upright stones, on some of which you can still see mighty kings with their quetzal feather headdresses as well as texts in glyph language carved into stone. Slowly we feel the heat of the hot May day, but this does not prevent us from climbing this almost 50 m high pyramid. At the very top you have a sensational panoramic view deep into Guatemala. Jacobo points to an elevation in the endless green jungle, where the Mayan site El Mirador is said to be located, only 38 kilometers away as the crow flies, but no road leads there. On the way back to the parking lot we spot spider monkeys, toucans and colorful Mot Mot birds. You feel like you are in the garden of Eden.

Calakmul impresses with a spectacular location in the middle of the rainforest, away from any civilization. As isolated as Calakmul is today, it was just as important in the time of the Mayas. Calakmul was considered one of the most important and largest Mayan sites. But how long will this deep sleep last? The current government is planning a rapid transit system (Tren Maya) that will circumnavigate the entire Yucatan Peninsula and work is proceeding quickly. A train station is also planned in Xpujil, which is only 50 km from Calakmul National Park.

In order to give you this Calakmul experience, we are now offering two new programs on Latinconnect:

Client's travelogue Colombia

In the following we (Promotora Neptuno) would like to share with you a travelogue by customers, whom we have recently organized a round trip through Colombia for, and who talk in detail about their travel experiences in times of Corona.

"We would like to share with you what traveling in Colombia in times of Corona can be like. The entry regulations of the country were that we are only allowed to enter with a negative PCR test, which must not be older than 72 hours.  Therefore, we had to get tested in Germany before departure. In addition, Colombia also requires the registration of the Check-Mig before departure. In only a few minutes we were able to fill out all the information about us & the trip, as well as our state of health. We then had to show the confirmation to the airline when boarding. During the flight we had to wear a medical mask. However, we were allowed to take this off when eating and drinking.

Once we arrived in Bogota, we had to disinfect our hands after leaving the plane. Before the immigration control, we were asked for our negative PCR test result which was checked against our travel documents. Afterwards we were picked up by our private driver and brought to the hotel. There, disinfectant was again on hand at the entrance. Throughout Colombia, people are asked to wear masks, and it is mandatory in restaurants, hotels and retail stores. Uniform hygiene measures were implemented in all our hotels and at the airports. In addition to disinfectants, sinks for washing your hands were available in some cases, and your body temperature was measured. Before entering the airports, the travel documents were always checked and the temperature was measured.

Throughout the trip, we actually experienced hardly any restrictions. Restaurants were open for the most part, even without prior reservations. Our local guides always made sure that we regularly disinfected our hands. In addition, we always wore the mask. In the cabs there was usually a transparent partition to the driver.

Our trip was planned out in detail beforehand, so eerything went really smooth. However, if you didn't pre-book or have a private driver, traveling by yourself throughout the country also seemed to be manageable as usual. There are public buses that you can book tickets for. The frequency of domestic flights is reduced, but flights do take place. Some travelers we met were getting around in a rental car. There were basically few tourists on the road, but we saw that more as an advantage. The otherwise very crowded sights were thus empty. There were mainly locals on the road.

Our highlight was the trekking to Ciudad Perdida. Instead of the usually over 100 people per camp, we were only about 15 travelers per camp due to the situation. There were only three groups of 3-5 people per group who were at the sites at the same time. Therefore, we were able to keep our distance at all times. Because everyone had to present a negative test before the trekking, we could also move very freely among each other and exchange information. We only had to wear masks when we came into contact with the natives. Otherwise we could voluntarily leave the mask off. All camps were also equipped with disinfectants. Another advantage was that we were also with only 15 people in the Lost City and thus could enjoy the view.

During the period of our trip, Colombia was considered a high risk area. Despite the low 7-day incidence, this meant that travelers returning to Germany had to present a negative test result before departing Colombia and then go into domestic quarantine. A quarantine reduction was possible after 5 days.

All around it was a great trip and we always felt well protected due to the high hygiene standards."

Corona Update calendar week 16/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are highlighted in red colour.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation!

Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 16/2021)

Roundtrip La Vida Cubana

Caribbean Tours Cuba has reissued our bestseller from our category INSIGHT with some optimizations in the program schedule!

This authentic roundtrip is available as an group tour in a bus or as a private roundtrip, either in a standard taxi or in a vintage car. For those customers who prefer to conquer the country on their own, we can also offer "La Vida Cubana" as a rental car tour.

Highlights include:

• Become familiar with the everyday life of Cubans by staying at casas particulares
• Discover the colonial past of Havana and Trinidad strolling the old alleys
• Admire unique landscapes in Viñales and Cienfuegos
• Sunbathe and sail in Cayo Iguana – a small Caribbean island
• Guaranteed departures from a minimum of 2 pax to a maximum of 12 pax (see dates)
• Exclusive tour option (see applicable rates for private tours)
• Transfer to Varadero included at the end of the tour

Recording of the 2nd Latinconnect Virtual Market Place

Dear partners,

please find the recording of our destination presentations within our 2nd Latinconnect Virtual Market Place under the following link:

Thursday, 4th of March 2021

For any further questions or meeting wishes, please get in direct touch with the accordingly DMC.

Corona Update calendar week 9/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are now highlighted in color.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation! Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 9/2021)

2nd Latinconnect Virtual Market Place 2nd - 4th of March 2021

Due to the positive experience with our 1st Latinconnect Virtual Market Place in November 2020 (for our german-speaking customers), we decided to repeat the event at the beginning of March.

As Latinconnect we will not participate in the digital format of the ITB, but would like to be available to you on 2nd - 4th of March 2021 in the afternoon for pre-scheduled online meetings "under one roof". On March 4th we invite you to general presentations with all relevant news and information about our countries.

Please find here our invitation and all details.

Corona Update calendar week 5/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are now highlighted in color.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation! Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 5/2021)

Infrastructure for PCR-Tests before returning from Costa Rica

Dear Partners:

More and more countries are deciding that air travelers must submit a negative PCR test to board their flight back home.  We are therefore informing you about the test infrastructure with this newsletter.

Costa Rica has a wide network of private laboratories that offer PCR tests with test results within 48 hours. The tests cost between USD 80-100 per person and up to USD 150 in laboratories in remote areas. Some hotels offer home delivery, but at much higher prices of USD 200-300 per person. ARA Tours is currently working in collaboration with a laboratory chain on a concept for a test offer directly in the most important hotels with a target price of 150 USD / person. We will inform you as soon as the time comes. Please note that antigen tests are currently not available, but will be introduced by the middle of February 2021. Until then, customers can take PCR-tests in the following locations:

Caribbean Coast:
• Limón
• Puerto Viejo

South Pacific:
• San Isidro / Pérez Zeledón
• Puerto Jiménez

Central Pacific:
• Quepos / Manuel Antonio
• Jacó

Guanacaste:
• Huacas / Villareal (near Tamarindo / Flamingo / Potrero)
• Liberia
• Coco
• Nosara
• Nicoya

Northern zone
• Ciudad Quesada / San Carlos

Central Valley
• San José
• Alajuela
• Heredia
• Cartago

You can download a list of addresses and telephone numbers here. ARA Tours naturally helps all customers with the organization.

If you follow the hygiene and safety protocols in Costa Rica, it is highly unlikely that a guest gets infected. However, if the test is positive, the Ministry of Health imposes a 14-day quarantine. In this case, ARA Tours will help the customer to find suitable accommodation. The costs for the quarantine are borne by the customer, or his insurance. This rule is not new and has been the case with an illness with covid up to now.

We would like to take the opportunity to inform you about the current status of the corona pandemic in Costa Rica:

Good news!!! The daily number of cases is falling continuously. The 7-day incidence per 100,000 inhabitants in Costa Rica was 89 cases as of January 27. This means that Costa Rica is close to disappear from the lists as a risk country. Hospitalizations and deaths are also falling and the health system is no longer under pressure. The tourist infrastructure is largely open and there are hardly any restrictions.

Corona Update calendar week 2/2021

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are now highlighted in color.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation! Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 2/2021)

2. Virtual Market Place from 2nd - 4th of March 2021

In November of last year, we were able to gain very positive experience with our own Virtual Market Place for our German-speaking customers for the first time.

The absence of the ITB means that we haven't seen each other for a long time. We will therefore repeat the event from 2nd - 4th of March 2021 and reserve March 4th (Thursday) for our English-speaking customers.

You can look forward to general presentations with news from our countries and the opportunity to arrange individual face-to-face meetings with our DMC-partners.

In the next newsletter edition we will provide you with all the details about the second Latinconnet Virtual Market Place. We look forward to meeting you again soon in this way!

Corona Update calendar week 51/2020

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country). The changes to the previous edition are now highlighted in color.

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation! Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (calendar week 51/2020)

Latinconnect Bonus Program 2021

For many years, Latinconnect has rewarded its most loyal sales partners with a kickback on the annual sales volume and growth achieved within the bonus program.

In 2020, the bonus program had to be canceled due to Corona. The slightly modified conditions for the 2021 bonus program can be found in the following document, together with the registration form (deadline December 31, 2020).

Latinconnect Bonus Program 2021

Corona Update calendar week 47/2020

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country).

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation! Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (CW 47/2020)

Corona Update calendar week 41/2020

The following overview for download should make it easier for you to find out at a glance which of our destinations can be visited under which conditions (on behalf of the visited country).

Important note: We assume no liability for the information due to the constantly changing situation! Please also note that we do not provide any information here about how the country to be visited is currently classified by the country of origin of your guest and what official measures the guest can expect upon return.

Latinconnect Corona Update (CW 41/2020)

Latventure introduces itself as new DMC partner

User Tip: Broshure with prices

Our new User Tip shows how a brochure (Word Document of a product downloaded from our platform, e.g. to give customers a choice of hotels) is also provided with prices and tariff regulations.

Please find brief instructions here.

Corona Update COLOMBIA

Our DMC partner Promotora Neptuno reports from Colombia:

General
- Currently 345.714 identified COVID-19 cases in Colombia, including 186.317 fully regenerated and 11.624 resulting in death (as of August 6, 2020).
- There is more testing.
- The Colombian government has extended the general exit restrictions, which have been imposed across the country since the end of March, until August 30, 2020 (current status).
- Supermarkets, pharmacies and hospitals, as well as most small businesses, museums and libraries are open. The operation is subject to strict infection control protocols. Educational institutions will remain closed until further notice.

Tourism
- The Colombian airports are preparing for the resumption of domestic and international air traffic in accordance with international infection control standards.
- In compliance with the required infection protection protocols, various hotels have been open again since July.
- International air traffic will be completely suspended by August 31, 2020 *. From September 1st, 2020 there will be a few international flights again. Flight tickets can be purchased again since June.
(* Currently the only exceptions are food and medicine transports and flights for humanitarian reasons)
- The national air traffic is currently still largely suspended. As soon as possible, there should be more flights to cities that are not too badly affected (current status). Further information on frequencies, etc. is not yet known.
- Otherwise, it has not yet been announced when and under what conditions the country should reopen to tourism.

Promotora Neptuno
- We are still available for you from the home office on our mobile phone numbers, by email or on our emergency number (+57) 3202240871.
- We actively use this visitor break imposed on us and work hard on the following points:
Internal trainings
Development of new products
Optimization of internal processes
Update of our homepage
Creation of the price catalog 2021
Organizing trainings (talk to us at any time if you are interested)
- We remain flexible and of course we continue to offer our guests flexible cancellation conditions, up to 15 days before arrival it is possible to cancel free of charge.

Corona Update PANAMA

Corona Update COSTA RICA

Corona Update GUATEMALA

Corona Update MEXICO & BELIZE

Corona Update CUBA & DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Latinconnect at ITB 2020

Arrange from now on and centrally via our representative Katrin Schmitz ( ) your appointments at the Latinconnect booth 121 in hall 22a with our this year's DMC partners at ITB:

Baku – The New Offer Tool Of Latinconnect

Latinconnect is launching the new offer tool "Baku" at ITB 2020. Daniel Kueng, CEO of Latinconnect, answers the most important questions about this innovation here:

What is Baku about?
Baku is a further development of our online platform www.latinconnect.com. Everybody who actively uses our product tool knows that there is an enormous amount of content available from the partner agencies of Latinconnect. Baku now enables us to use this content efficiently for attractive offers and to generate a tailor-made personal website for the customer’s trip.
In a second phase, Baku will also become an online travel companion. With Latinconnect, we want to cover all phases of the provision of tourism services with one system: content and product management, quotations, offers, reservations, travel preparation, travel arrangements and post-processing.

Who are you targeting with Baku?
With the new offer instrument, we of course targeting all of our tour operator customers. However, the specialists and smaller tour operators, who focus on the FIT segment and do not already operate their own offer systems, will particularly benefit.

What are the advantages for tour operators?
We expect that the tailor-made and appealing website will result in an increase in selling rate. Secondly, the partner agencies relieve the tour operator of their work by delivering the offer completely and ready. And third, the use is free of charge. The next advantage comes in a second phase when Baku becomes an online travel companion and upselling tool. 

How exactly does the offer process work?
From March 2020, every tour operator partners will find a new menu item "Baku list". All offers will be listed here with the corresponding link. The personal website for the customers includes images, travel itinerary, descriptions of hotels, excursions and transport, as well as maps with travel routes, but not the prices and conditions. The tour operator can upload these separately in Word or PDF format and assign them to the link.

Where can I get to know Baku?
At ITB 2020 we will be giving regular presentations at the Latinconnect booth. You will find out the dates shortly via our colleague Katrin Schmitz in Germany.

When will Baku be available?
The launch takes place at ITB 2020.

PLEASE remember to schedule half an hour for one of our BAKU presentations when planning your appointments in order to use the many advantages of our new offer instrument straight away!
 
Our colleague Julia Herrnleben will give this presentation on
Wednesday at 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm
Thursday at 1 pm and 3 pm
Friday at 1 pm and 3 pm
at our central meeting table. Get registered for the right slot when you make your appointments!

Improved Search Function on Latinconnect

Beach Escape by E-bike

Caribbean Tours' new daytrip offers a beach experience and a journey through different districts of Havana, which could not be more different. A cycle through the Vedado district and along the sea promenade, Malecón, to the small ferry terminal to cross the bay of Havana to Casablanca. Casablanca enchants with a fantastic view from the Christ statue over the old town. At Hemingway's favorite place, Cojimar, the participants experience Cuban nostalgia at the lively promenade and its dreamy bay.

The huge housing complexes of Alamar reveal a controversial contrast as a former socialist urbanization project and is considered as the birthplace of Cuban rap music. In Alamar, visit an artist who is enriching the stark district with his museum where he lends forgotten objects a new glance. Experience many insights into the everyday life of Cubans as the journey continues to one of the most beautiful beaches in Havana. Enjoy this Caribbean dream under a beach umbrella, lounging on beach seating.

Please find further information and rates on Latinconnect:

Improved Customer Service at ARA Tours Costa Rica

New opened Hotel Casa Carolina on the Lagoon of the Seven Colors in Bacalar

Cycling Tour in the Island Paradise

Dominican Republic – Biking, nature spectacle and beach holidays in the Caribbean paradise! The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is famous for its beautiful hotel resorts on white Caribbean beaches. But it offers much more than "all inclusive" holidays. It is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts who do not want to do without a high hotel standard. You bike on beautiful nature trails in the highlands, dominated by the Pico Duarte (3’075 m).

You hike to crystal-clear waterfalls, thumb through impassable jungle in the national park "Los Haitises", cycle through the sugar cane fields in the impressive hinterland and take a boat trip to the "Isla Saona". There is also plenty of time to enjoy the dream beaches and the palm feeling to the full. Our cycle tour lets you discover the many unknown faces of the island in a spicy mixture. A trip for active Caribbean lovers who appreciate authentic experiences away from mass tourism!

Cycling tour in the island paradise Dominican Republic (Private), 15 days/14 nights

Hotel Villa F&B setted in nature

The charming eco-boutique hotel Villa F&B is located on Isla Solarte/Bocas del Toro, surrounded by mangroves and nature. The small villa, with its French owners Fabienne and Benoit, offers a very personal and personalized service during your stay. Relax in the midst of a tranquil natural paradise away from the hustle and bustle of Bocas Town. Let your taste buds be enchanted by the tasty dishes of the two owners. Villa F & B is an absolute insider tip for peace seekers and connoisseurs!

Hotel Villa F&B on Latinconnect

Photo Contest "Birds in Flight" in Cuba

The sixth edition of the photo contest "Birds in Flight" will be held from February 17th to 22nd, 2020 in the Ciénaga de Zapata (Cuba), the largest wetland in the insular Caribbean, which has been declared a Biosphere Reserve.

The event is dedicated to professional and semiprofessional photo enthusiasts as well as nature lovers. The contest includes three categories: Birds in Flight, Birds Endemic and Birds in their habitat.

The Birds in Flight program also includes activities that allow to enjoy different products of the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, located in the province of Matanzas, while discovering the cultural and agrarian traditions of that region.

Photo Contest "Birds in flight" 2020 (Seat In), 6 days/5 nights

New Opening: Hotel Itz'ana Resorts & Residences

Chepe Express and Packages

Product line Release: ARA Xperience

Daniel Küng (Managing Director of ARA Tours) introduces the new product line ARA Xperience, which emerged from the growing customer desire to experience authentic experiences away from the big tourist flows. All new trips are also shown on Latinconnect via short videos.

- San José: Walk at the Rhythm of our capital

- Turrialba: Discover the Flavour of a Coffee Village

- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Cook Caribbean Style

- Guanacaste: Live the Chorotega Culture

- Talamanca: Get inmersed in the Bribri Culture

- Monteverde: Convert into a farmer for one day

- Sarapiquí: Stay with a local family

- Southern Region: Share with the Boruca tribe

- Arenal Region: Play with local children

Full-day excursion Cacao & Cigars

Full-day excursion (10 hours), seat-in based, guaranteed departure from 2 person on, from/to Santo Domingo: Cacao & Cigars (english)

The tour goes to San Francisco de Macoris where you will visit the "Sendero de Cacao". In the cacao plantation "Hacienda La Esmeralda" which supplies world-famous chocolate factories, you will have the unique opportunity to experience everything from the cacao bean to the chocolate processing. Of course, a cacao and chocolate tasting are part of the program. A typical lunch will be served during the tour. Afterwards, the tour continues to Tamboril, where you will visit a cigar factory and learn all about tobacco processing. For years, the Dominican Republic has been one of the world's best producers of cigars.

Panama City by E-Bike

Half-day excurison on private basis: E-Bike Metropolis Tour (english)

On this tour, your guests will experience a special city tour. Together with our tour guide they are going to discover Panama City on an E-bike. Next to various scenic stops a total of 25-30 km is covered.

During your ride you will see many unique colonial buildings some of which are still largely original and others are nicely and colourfully restored. The historic Casco Antiguo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become a centre of art, design and cultural development. Many new cafes, bars with roof top terraces, restaurants and hotels have opened here. Later on you cycle past the central fish market and the skyscrapers along the Cinta Costera towards Paitilla. The ride back takes you along the Cinta Costera 3 which goes around the old town from where you can once again enjoy a fantastic view of the city skyline.

Belize Unkown

Discover the unknown south of Belize with its remote Gariguna villages like Barranco or the Creole village of Punta Negra, which you can reach by boat and where you can enjoy a delicious Creole cuisine lunch. Finally, you'll walk the Cacao Trail in the Mayan heartland and learn that cacao is much more than just an everyday drink for the Mayan people.

Please find all details and prices on Latinconnect Unknown Belize (private/english), 5 days/4 nights.

Cuba for Connoisseurs

Our premium round trip for connoisseurs: lifestyle and nostalgia – relax with delicious meals, a fine cigar and a glass of first class rum. Experience a changing country: on the one hand the traditional Cuba with its touristic highlights and diversified culture and on the other its unimagined, surprising and hidden secrets. Experience pulsating Havana with its unique ambiance including horse carriages, American classic cars, art, music and architecture. Discover the world famous countryside of Viñales with its imposing Mogotes, Cienfuegos, the pearl of the south and Trinidad – UNESCO world heritage site with its unique colonial architecture.

Visit the interior of the island: Ché Guevara’s Santa Clara and Remedios, an idyllic colonial town hardly touched by tourism, continue on to the island paradise of Cayo Santa María. Eat at selected restaurants with a special ambiance and stay at best available hotels e.g. at the resorts of the well-known Spanish hotel chain Meliá, where you can enjoy all the conveniences of their Royal Service.

Please find all details and prices on Latinconnect Cuba for Connoisseurs (private/english), 8 days/7 nights.

New day trip: Bocas Culture Pure

Immerse yourself in the original Bocas del Toro and be impressed by the traditional Indians!

First visit the indigenous village of Ngobé. Here you will be shown how to make coconut bread - a tasting may not be missing - and the typical for the Ngobé Chacara bags. You see which plants are used for this, how the fibers are extracted and which natural products are used to dye the fibers. Of course you can also buy the bags locally. They are a great souvenir and at the same time you support the local women and their families. Later you have lunch in a restaurant on Isla Carenero (not included.). Here you can also sip a cocktail, enjoy the beach and go swimming.

In the afternoon you visit a typical African-Caribbean village on Isla Bastimentos (this does not always mean a picture book scenery but also loud music and sometimes garbage). The island can be reached only by boat. Later on you return to the main island Isla Colón.

Bocas Culture Pure (private english), from/to Bocas Town Hotel

Pilot project: Sales Department on weekends

In order to provide you with better service and support, ARA Tours will make available its Sales Department during weekends from July 1st, 2019 on.
 
We will make a pilot project for the next 3 months in which 2 colleagues of our Sales Department will create offers and confirm reservations on Saturdays from 8:00 to 16:00 in our office in San José. During the most visited months, July and August, there will be two colleagues on Sundays from 8:00 to 16:00, as well.
 
Our main objectives for this change are:
1. Improve our response time.
2. Process very important files with priority.
3. Give better and faster advise to your customers on the spot.
 
How does it work?
 1. Your mails to our Sales Teams (sales@, sales1@, sales2@, sales3@, groups@) will be read and, if possible, processed during weekends. 
2. Please highlight requests that we should process with priority.
3. Our Sales Teams will rotate during weekends so you might receive answers from ARA Tours teammates that you don’t know yet.
4. The weekend services will be processed with the e-mail address , from which you might receive our replies. We will always send a copy to your regular Sales Team, which will follow up on all weekend files on Monday.
 
We are looking forward to your weekend requests!

Cuba - Let's Incentive!

Cuba – more than 30 MICE experts from 8 countries around the world got an up-close personal impression of this island as a unique incentive destination during Caribbean Tours’ spectacular Mega Fam Trip "Let’s Incentive" from May 31st thru June 6th 2019 to Havana and Varadero.

Extraordinary experiences were the focus. Luxurious accommodations and locations for all kinds of events were visited and evaluated. The participants were amazed repeatedly by everything Caribbean Tours was able to make possible on this Caribbean island: A private dinner party with a live band, the best dancers of Cuba on a historic square in the middle of bustling Old Town Havana exclusively for our participants? Of course, this swept along the residents of the surrounding buildings and the evening turned into a “fiesta Cubana” for the entire neighborhood. The residents of the otherwise rather quaint square danced and celebrated with us into the wee hours passionately and made the old balconies of the surrounding colonial buildings vibrate.
Music and dance were omnipresent everywhere the MICE experts went and inspired them throughout the trip.

Coco taxis, American vintage cars, bicycle taxis, e-bikes and horse-drawn carriages chauffeured our guests through the narrow streets of old town and the elegant avenues of modern Havana. Private restaurants that spearhead the culinary Cuba with innovative cuisine and lush interiors, thoroughly convinced our guests.
Naturally, after an extensive program in Havana a relaxing stay on the Caribbean beach in Varadero was not amiss, rounded up by an exclusive beach party as another highlight.
Overwhelmed by land and people and grateful for the excellent organization by Caribbean Tours and its partners, our guests unanimously went home with the same conclusion: We will be back to Cuba!

To the press article (german).

Missed your chance? A let’s incentive revival is not out of the question – stay tuned!

AirEuropa flies to Panama-City

Since June, AirEuropa is operating the Madrid - Panama City route 4 times a week. Together with Lufthansa, Iberia, KLM and Air France, a total of five European airlines fly to Panama now.

Registration for Bonus Program 2019

For 15 years now, we've been rewarding our best distribution partners with a marketing kickback on their cumulated sales volume. The main rules are almost unchanged: you work with at least four of our DMC partner countries and your total sales are over USD 100,000.

Please find here the conditions and at the end of the document the application form which you should send back to until 31st May 2019.

Create your Sales Manual: Extended Features

Colombia: New tour to Antioquia

New Experience-Label ARA Xperience in Costa Rica

Traveling close to the pulse of the country; this is the wish of a lot of guests, that decide to travel to a country far away, and book this trip with classic dirstribution channels. They want to experience something special, something, they cannot organize themselfs: 

New seat-in programs in Baja California

1. Seat-in tour All of Baja from North to South or South to North

This 11-day sightseeing tour of the entire peninsula is a tour showing you all the cultural and natural highlights at an unbeatable price. This extraordinary trip operates both from north to south and from south to north with a minimum of 2 participants. With German and English speaking tourguide.

Diving Tours in Cuba

Several newly created tours from our DMC partner Caribbean Tours make the hearts of diving enthusiasts beat faster for Cuba! Here are two highlights:

Special event for passionate underwater photographers
From July 9th - 13th, the IMASUB 2019 event will be held in the UNESCO biosphere reserve Maria La Gorda, which is designed to meet the needs of your diver clients. This open international underwater photography contest is being held for the ninth time. The best photos are rewarded with a weeklong diving vacation in "Jardines de la Reina" worth USD 4,500. We have put together a special 5-day IMASUB trip for your customers.

We have put together a special 5-day seat-in tour IMASUB 2019 Underwater Photography & Dive Contest for your customers on Latinconnect.

Exclusive 8-day diving experience: Jardines de la Reina
Diving safari around the Jardines de la Reina archipelago, which includes 660 coral islands and is one of the best-protected dive sites in the world. Seclusion and tranquillity, romantic sunsets, the family life on board, freshly caught culinary delights and above all fascinating dives in the fully intact coral world, characterize this unique dive trip. Highlight: the brand new houseboat New Tortuga is bookable from June 2020 on.

Please find further information, prices and pictures of the package Dive Safari Jardines de la Reina directly on Latinconnect.

New Hotel on Bocas del Toro

The small resort "Aqui Hoy" is located on the Isla Solarte and is only about five minutes by boat from the bustling Bocas Town. It offers a peaceful, refreshing and memorable holiday experience in the north of Panama.

Perfect for travelers who want to spend one or more nights in one of the cabañas built above the water. The glorious view of a huge lagoon facing west, the great variety of fish that swim by, and the stunning sunset around 6pm provide a memorable stay.

The Aqui Hoy is now available with prices and pictures on Latinconnect.

New cross country roundtrips Colombia & Panama

Bogotá to Bocas Colombia & Panama
On this combined trip, you will experience everything: lively metropolitan, picture-perfect colonial cities, coffee plantations and mountains, blooming landscapes and last but not least Caribbean beaches. In fascinating Colombia, start your journey in the capital city Bogota, at over 2600 meters, which is surprisingly beautiful with its old colonial houses and squares, before visiting the colonial town of Villa de Leyva and the "Pearl of Colombia", Cartagena.
From here you fly to the neighboring Panama. Let yourself be fascinated by the vibrant and colorful capital Panama City, where skyscrapers, old forgotten villas and green hills coexist. Later on enjoy pure nature in Boquete: you hike, visit a coffee farm and walk on hanging bridges! At the end we take you to the Caribbean sea of Bocas del Toro, where more adventures and breathtaking beaches await you.

More details on Latinconnect: Bogotá to Bocas (Private, English, 12 days/11 nights)

Canal Coffee Coast Panama & Colombia
Discover the highlights of the fascinating countries of Panama and Colombia on this combined trip! First, discover all the "must-sees" and the most interesting places in and around Panama City. You will be enchanted by the diversity of the small country which has something for every taste. From the vibrant and colorful capital to the ruins of the San Lorenzo fortress and the indigenous culture of the Emberá to the very highlight of your stay in Panama: the partial crossing of the world-famous Panama Canal - one highlight chasing the next! After that, Colombia, which is like a continent on the surface of a country awaits you. There is everything here: jungles and mountains, Caribbean beach and blossoming landscapes, lively metropolitan and picturesque colonial cities. The colonial cities of Villa de Leyva and Cartagena will captivate you. A hike in the Valle de Cocora, home to the Colombian national tree, the wax palm, is one of the tallest palm species in the world and truly an unforgettable experience. In addition to the coffee zone, the Tayrona National Park awaits you with perhaps the most breathtaking beaches on the South American continent. A journey that could hardly be more varied!

More details on Latinconnect: Canal Coffee Coast (Private, English, 19 days/18 nights)

For requests and bookings please contact: .

New Product by ARA Tours

What is Costa Rica Birding Contest?
The Costa Rica Birding Contest is an excellent opportunity for all amateur and passionate birders to add more bird species to their lists in one of the most wonderful places in the world. The country is home to more than 900 species of birds of which about 600 species are resident and the rest migrate from North America during winter, stop in Costa Rica before continuing their journey to South America. The Costa Rica Birding Contest takes place from September 24 to October 3, 2019, right during the great bird migration period.

How does it work?
Each team of maximum 6 birdwatchers will be accompanied by one of our specialist guides, who will assist you to spot and identify the highest possible amount of species. The teams will travel the same itinerary but in different order along the birding hotspots of Costa Rica and compete with each other in spotting more species of birds. The team that achieves the highest number during this contest will be the winner.

Please find more information on the new Costa Rica Birding Contest website and apply for special and attractive conditions for intermediaries at .

Latinconnect at ITB 2019

Arrange from now on and centrally via our representative Katrin Schmitz ( ) your appointments at the Latinconnect booth 107 in hall 22a with our this year's DMC representatives at ITB:

• Torsten Krempin (President)
• Stephan Stober (Vice President)

• André Goatham (General Manager)
• Barbara Burger (Sales Department)

• Daniel Kueng (President)
• Christine Pohnitzer (Assistent Sales & Product Director)
• Caroline Aulich (Groups Coordinator)

• Clemens Danninger (Co-Owner)

• Hanspeter Walliser (General Manager)
• Martin Munger (Sales Manager)

• Roger Brenner (Managing Director)

• Andreas Blass (CEO)
• Claudia Schwab (Director of Sales & Travel Design Cuba)
• Christin Rohlf (Head of Sales & Travel Design Cuba)
• Darinka Cirkovic (Sales & Travel Design Dominican Republic)
• Javier Gonzalez (Director Marketing & Business Development)
• Barbara Eichinger-Ariosa (Director of Business Development & Sales Europe)

New video Yucatan Haciendas

A new video from Tierra Maya Tours captures the highlights of the 5-day tour "Yucatan Haciendas" in beautiful and colorful pictures! You will find the video on the right hand side of the main description page on Latinconnect:

Yucatan Haciendas (Private, English, 5 days/4 nights)

A varied roundtrip for the whole family to get to know the main attractions in northern Yucatan!

Update Nicaragua

By the end of 2018, the foreign ministries of Germany and Switzerland have adapted the travel advice for Nicaragua and the advice now is less strict. Hotels and restaurants are gradually reopening and the main attractions are open. One should still apply increased caution. Police and armed paramilitaries are tasked with immediately disbanding any demonstration, if necessary by force. It is important to keep yourself informed about the current situation at any time and to consequently stay away from crowds of people.

In our estimation guided tours in combination with Costa Rica can be offered again from January 2019 onwards. At the moment we still advise against individual non-guided programs.

The organization and operation of guided tours is initially undertaken by ARA Tours Costa Rica with operational support in Nicaragua. Andamos Tours remains inactive until the situation has improved sustainably and individual programs can be offered without hesitation. Your contact for reactivating the programs is .
 
Coming plans:

Short term (from January 2019)
•    Activate guided group tours in combination with Costa Rica. Please contact if you would like to reactivate your announced group tours.
•    From February, our Seat-In Tour Mundo Verde will be operated normally with Nicaragua.
•    Booking, operation and billing is handled via ARA Tours.
 
Medium term (from November 2019)
•    Activate private guided tours
•    Further programs can be discussed at the ITB 2019 (or anytime via )
 
Long term (from 2020, depending on the situation)
•    Reactivate Andamos Tours and cover all segments
 
Nicaragua is heavily dependent on tourism and with the many highlights is a real enrichment to a trip to Central America. The country needs our support without risking the safety of the guests. We are convinced that we can gradually rebuild the destination with this approach.

Colombian Safari - Excursion to Los Llanos

A travel report of our partner Promotora Neptuno/Colombia:

In October 2018, we undertook a trip to Casanare, a so far not very frequently visited region, where we were impressed by what flora and fauna had to offer.

Located only about 350 km southeast of Bogota, Yopal, the capital of Casanare, can easily reached either by plane or car. It is either a 1 hour flight or 7.5 hour ride to get there. Casanare is quite a contrast to the bustling big city life and climate of Bogota – it is very laid back, and the climate is warm and pleasant.

First stop for us is our hotel, Hotel Lisseth, which is only a short ride out of town but however surrounded by pure nature already. The multitude of birds we see upon arrival impresses us, and this is only the start...

Next item on our agenda: Safari. One might not necessarily think about Safari, when talking about Colombia, but once you see the backcountry of Casanare, you understand that Safari is just the right word to describe what we are about to do. The Safari tour takes us through the private reserve around Hato Matepalma (hato = local term for finca), a beautiful rustic accommodation where tourist can enjoy the tranquillity of nature and delicious regional food. Here we also learn about rural life in Los Llanos, which means lots of cattle, horses and Cowboys. Los llanos are enormous planes, which allows us to see far and spot lots of animals – rare birds, capybaras, deer, ant-eaters, caymans, even an anaconda – and in the evening a breath-taking sunset.

The next day we go by boat down a river and visited a small finca with a little on site museum. Its owners cultivate cacao which we got to taste after a delicious lunch prepared from freshly caught fish.

Our last activity is horse back riding which, to be honest, we are not too excited about at the beginning. However, after rounding up the horses, catching them with a lasso and saddling them ourselves we realize that this might me more fun than expected. Not only the setting is amazing - beautiful hato surrounded by lush green meadows and forests, but also the ride is fun. We cross creeks, see lots of birds, and learn a lot about the ecosystem, flora and fauna.

Back in Yopal we couldn´t help but buying beautiful souvenirs like typical hats, sandals and other leather products, which are typical for the region. In Yopal and its surroundings there are a couple more hotels and Hatos, i.e. various options to accommodate your clients, according to their needs.

Our trip to Los Llanos reminded us that this area, although not very touristic yet (or precisely for that reason), offers fun and interesting activities and we would love to send more clients there.

We are more than happy to provide you with more information about the area and to design an individual itinerary for your clients (contact: ).

Ready for our webinars?

For a year now, we are having great success with our professional webinar program in the German-speaking market. Starting next month, we will implement the concept for our English-speaking distributors and count on your participation!

Please find the dates and times of our Basic Webinars in May here and get registered!

• You must have personal or company access to Latinconnect to participate in our webinars.
• We divide our webinars into User Webinars that explain the functionalities of Latinconnect and Destination Webinars that teach country and product knowledge.
• The webinars range from the level Basic, over Advanced to Expert in order to reach each participant at his personal level of knowledge.
• Our webinars take between 40 - 60 minutes and are held live from the destinations.
• The Basic Webinars will be held in May, the Advanced Webinars in November 2018 and the Expert Webinars in January 2019.
• Shortly, we will inform you about how to earn points by participating in our webinars and thereby achieve discounts on your own trips.

Register for the Bonus Program 2018!

We kindy ask you, to register for the Latinconnect Bonus Program 2018 by May, 31st, as in previous years.

You realize business with at least 4 of our 8 DMC partners? Take a closer look at the Latinconnect Bonus Program 2018 conditions and benefits and fill in the registration form at the end of the document.

ARA Tours participates in Andamos Tours

ARA Tours Costa Rica acquires the majority shareholding of Andamos Tours Nicaragua by March 1st, 2018. The participation takes place for strategic reasons and aims to accelerate the positioning of the still young incoming-agency in the fast growing market. The use of synergies in the areas of sales, marketing and IT are also in focus. The former partner Thomas Kilchör leaves the company for personal reasons. ARA Tours and Andamos Tours are already working together successfully today, and both will continue to be members of Latinconnect, the leading network of DMCs in Latin America.

Focussing on high quality handling of FITs and small groups, the incoming agency Andamos Tours, founded in 2016, was able to profit well from the rising demand in the first year and shows a high level of customer satisfaction. In the areas of purchasing, sales, marketing and IT, however, there were still big challenges that brought the small team to its limits.

Daniel Küng, CEO of ARA Tours, states: "We bring about 25 years of experience into Andamos Tours and can actively support and accelerate the development of the young company in many areas. However, it is very important to us that Andamos Tours maintains its own identity and is not operated from Costa Rica as an 'appendage'. It needs the presence on site and the proximity to the product. This is also the main reason for the withdrawal of Thomas Kilchör, who refused to move to Nicaragua ".

Hans Danninger, partner of Andamos Tours, is pleased about the entry of ARA Tours: "In the areas of transport, sales and marketing we still need investments and know how to reach our goals faster. We are already well on the road in terms of product and operating, especially thanks to many years of experience of our third partner Carlos Mejía Kornfeld, who will continue as partner".

Panama: The Resort at Isla Palenque

The Resort at Isla Palenque is an exclusive private island resort set amidst 400 acres of enchanting jungle in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama. A luxury haven to those seeking the tranquility and relaxation of nature in the raw.

Please find more fotos, information, location and prices of the new Beachfront Casitas or the whole Beachfront Villa on Latinconnect.

The Resort belongs next to seven other Hotels in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to the Cayuga Collection.

Pedernales: Beaches, Mountains & Deserts

Discover the untapped natural wealth of the province of Pedernales. Our tour begins with a visit to one of the fabulous beaches of the Jaragua Park "Bahia de las Aguilas" where you can snorkel in the beautiful coral reefs. The second day is dedicated to exploring the mountains and especially the Mencía gorge with its crystal-clear river, a natural wonder. To conclude, we take you to the desert surroundings of the Jaragua Park in the middle of the cactus, to the incredible "Pozos ecologicos" and their transparent waters. Discover real oases in an environment with extreme dryness.

Please find the complete description, fotos and prices of this 2 days trip from/to Barahona/Paraiso on Latinconnect.

New Selected Moments package

Everybody is talking about sustainable luxury travelling in Costa Rica. Curious what it is all about? Come and find out about stunning jungle lodges, thrilling eco adventure, amazing wildlife observation and golden sand beaches at the exclusive Papagayo Peninsula. Our brand new Selected Moments package "Dream Destination Costa Rica" was designed to show you the best our country has to offer in a 2-weeks period of time, travelling individually by local land and air transfers. Enjoy this premier tropical holiday in couple, family or with friends! Click here to find our detailed travel itinerary on Latinconnect or contact us on .

Special Price for 2 Four Seasons Hotels in Bogota

Until December 16th, our partner Promotora Neptuno from Colombia will be able to offer you a special rate when booking a 3-night stay at the Four Seasons Casa Medina Hotel or the Four Seasons Bogota Hotel. For more information please contact Stephan Stober at  .

Both hotels are located in the modern northern parts of Bogota. The Hotel Four Seasons Casa Medina is next to the business district and the 'Zona G', the Gourmet zone of Bogota. There you can find the best restaurants of the city. The Four Seasons Hotel Bogota is located a little bit futher north in the 'Zona Rosa' or 'Zona T'. It is the prime nightclub district of Bogotá, and also home to plenty of upscale restaurants, other nice hotels, and shopping centers.

Find more information, prices and fotos of the 5-star Hotel Four Seasons Casa Medina on Latinconnect.

Appointments at ITB 2018

Please direct your appointment requests at any time by e-mail ( ) or by phone (+49-221-7597715) to our colleague Katrin Schmitz.

At the Latinconnect booth 107 in Hall 22 you can meet the following colleagues this year:

Latinconnect Presentations at ITB

At our booth, Julia Herrnleben will once again introduce you to the functionalities of Latinconnect on the basis of a particular country in a 30-minute presentation. On provided laptops you can then enter by yourself on our product and quotation platform and ask any question which may occur.

Wednesday, 7th of March 2018

What a year!

To start the year off right, we launched our new website and unveiled a fresh concept for our booth at the ITB. Since then, we have welcomed over 100 new Latinconnect users and given them intensive training in 20 webinars (with Ø 10 participants). That’s amazing!

A big thanks goes out to you, our distribution partners, for trusting us daily to bring you custom-fit tours to Latin America. We wish you, your teams, and your families a merry and reflective Christmas!

Our meeting - Pura Vida!

In October, 18 colleagues from all Latinconnect partner countries came together in San José for our annual meet-up. And there was a lot to talk about in our small panels and large plenum: What do our customers currently need from Latinconnect? How might we effectively share knowledge about destinations and products with one another? When can the first services be booked directly?

We were once again surprised how well we manage to work together as five independent DMCs to bring Latinconnect a step forward! A huge thanks goes out to all employees, some of which couldn’t be featured on this foto, and of course of our distribution partners who trust us each and every day to provide custom-fit tours to Latin America.

Two new partners in 2018

We are excited to present you with selected services from our two new partners on Latinconnect – Guatemala and Columbia – as early as the ITB 2018: Expedición Panamundo (Guatemala) and Promotora Neptuno (Columbia) are working overtime to join our product platform. Of course they will be part of our shared booth 208 in hall 22 and welcome you to a personal meet and greet.

Many of you already know Roger Brenner from Expedición Panamundo, an agency with over 40 years of experience in first-class travel arrangements in Guatemala and our partner for crossnational tours in our Latincoming network. Torsten Krempin, Stephan Schober, and their incoming division from Promotora Neptuno in Columbia are a promising addition to our Latinconnect portfolio and our first partners on the South American continent.

Continuation of our webinars in February

We will continue in February 2018!

After the successful launch of our destination and operator webinars directly from the destinations, we have decided to update our offers in 2018. We have evaluated countless feedback from all participants in order to better cater to the differing expectations regarding content (basic, intermediary and expert knowledge).

Expect the next round of dates for our webinars shortly!

Create a manual for a certain period of time

You need a manual for a certain period of time, but you do not want to see all the date ranges of a whole year?

To implement this and to offer you the possibility to create an even more specific manual, we have created a new function in which the desired date range for the respective manual can be selected individually. Thus, the price list can now be displayed more clearly.

How you can use this new feature optimally, we will be explaining in a few steps.

Noche Panameña

To end your trip to Panama (City) on the right note, GAPA Travel has developed a new guided evening tour. At hand-picked spots, participants have the chance to taste local dishes and drinks and gather some last impressions of this multifaceted capital. The tour takes place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

In the first restaurant, guests are treated to the popular local appetizer "Ceviche" (fish marinated in lemon juice). Afterwards, they will enjoy a breathtaking view from a rooftop terrace of the beautifully renovated old city and the imposing skyline of the city’s modern downtown area. A short walk will take guests through the old city back to the vehicle. In the quarter Costa del Este, they will be served a variety of local delicacies and will top off the evening with the chance to create their own cocktail.

More information and prices on Latinconnect:

Noche Panameña - Seat-in

Noche Panameña - Private

Video Yucatan Highlights

The round-trip "Yucatan Highlights" is the perfect way for guests to discover the history and sights of the Maya and the Yucatan peninsula. Over the course of 7 days and 6 nights, our guests will see spellbinding pyramids, beautiful colonial cities and Mexico’s most breathtaking beaches.

A new 3 minute presentation video is the ideal tool to get your customers excited. Here you can find the full description and video on Latinconnect.

Best roads in Central America

Nicaragua features the best roads in Central America and ranks fifth in Latin America in this area, according to the latest WEF World Competitiveness Report. The well-developed and maintained road network allows comfortable driving and short legs, both in a tour bus or a rental car. The tourism regions on the Pacific side of the country and in the highlands are better developed in terms of road infrastructure, whereas the Atlantic/Caribbean side is currently under development.

Andamos Tours currently offers four self-drive tours on Latinconnect: The Tour to the South, the Nicaragua Colonial and sizzling volcanoes tour, the Northern Discovery tour, and the Pinolero total tour which combines the most important highlights of the country.

A self-drive tour in Nicaragua is an exciting vacation experience and the general security situation in the country is favorable.

Las Terrazas by E-bike

Cruising down Cuba’s almost traffic-free streets on an e-bike surrounded by green landscapes – let your guests experience Cuban life up close and personal on a 3-day trip to Las Terrazas and Soroa. Enjoy the peace and quite of nature and the beautiful Sierra del Rosario on this excursion around the biosphere-reserve Las Terrazas.

Discover a wide variety of endemic animals and plants, fly through the sky on a canopy tour, refresh yourself with a dip in a crystal-clear river and savor breathtaking views across Cuba’s green landscapes. The ideal tour for nature enthusiasts and exercise aficionados.

More information and prices on Latinconnect:

Las Terrazas by E-Bike

"Don Connector" takes you on a journey

You always wanted to know, what Latinconnect is exactly about? May we take you to a 4 minutes long journey into the already begun future of travel distribution? Learn here, how you can benefit from Latinconnect as a tour-operator or a travel agency selling customized trips to latinamerican destinations.

Latinconnect Basic Webinars

We will be repeating our Latinconnect user trainings by two webinars in September 2017. You will learn about the basic functions of Latinconnect and how to use the Latinconnect Travel Planner and be able to send specific quotations to your clients in no time.

Tuesday, 19th of September 2017, at 05:00 PM CEST
Basic Functions Of Latinconnect
You will learn about the basic functions of Latinconnect, based on the destination Costa Rica.
Instructor: Sandra Haun (ARA Tours Costa Rica)
Register here

Tuesday, 26th of September 2017, at 05:00 PM CEST
Using the Travel Planner
You will learn how to use the Latinconnect Travel Planner and be able to send specific quotations to your clients in no time.
Instructor: Sandra Haun (ARA Tours Costa Rica)
Register here

Filter function for creating an individual manual

To create an individual manual even more quickly, we integrated a new search filter that makes the specific product search much easier. In the following steps, we will explain in detail how to use this filter optimally.

Costa Rica and Cuba by E-bike

Our partners from Costa Rica (ARA Tours) and Cuba (Caribbean Tours) are focusing on the growing demand for e-bike tours by active travellers and have set up their own high-quality e-mountain bike fleets.

Since July 2017, ARA Tours has been offering the English guided, 10-day Pura Vida E-Bike Seat-in Bicycle Tour through Costa Rica's natural paradise with weekly departures from two persons guaranteed. The trip often leads away from the traditional tourist routes, via Orosi, Turrialba, Boca Tapada and La Fortuna to Sámara on the Pacific coast. The daily stages of about 40 km are technically not very demanding and can be mastered by a wide audience thanks to the electronic support. You can find out more about the e-bikes here.

From October 2017, Caribbean Tours Cuba will be running its most popular biketours "Westcuba by bike" (8 days) and "Central Cuba by bike" (8 days) also in the comfortable e-bike version, bookable from now on. Needless to say, that the e-bikes are powerful, top-maintained and "easy to handle". The departure of these private, english guided tours is possible every day. More active tours from Caribbean Tours for Cuba can be found here.

Panama: Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Lodge

From November 2017, GAPA Travel Panama offers a new 3 day package to Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Lodge from/to David.

Off the beaten track connected with nature and away from civilization! Escape to one of the highest and most remote places of the province of Chiriquí. Enjoy comfortable accommodation and guaranteed seclusion with breathtaking views, hikes, hot springs, bird watching, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

The lodge - the highest Eco Lodge in Panama - is only accessible from Volcán via a rough 4x4-only mountain road. It is located in a secluded position, at 1.900 meters above sea level, in the midst of nature, but still has many amenities such as electricity, hot water, Wifi and even a coffee plantation. The meals as well as filtered water, coffee and tea are already included. The large window front and a deck are perfect for bird watching and a view of the nightly starry sky.

Please find the full description, photos and rates on Latinconnect:

Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Lodge - Standard Room

Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Lodge - Suite

Find your hotels for the season 2017/2018

In order to quickly find all hotels for the new season 2017/2018 at a glance, without searching for a long time, we have a new filter function, which allows filtering according to currently valid prices.

Step 1: Select the service type "Accommodation"
Step 2: Choose the date you would like to see prices for under "Price date"
Step 3: Click on search, then all the hotels which have valid pricing for the selected date will be displayed.

Costa Rica: Attractive self-drive tours during high season

Travelling free and flexible throughout Costa Rica – a bestseller even in times of high visitation numbers, at least during almost 9 months of the year and more recommendable than ever! What to advise during the remaining high season months?

Create your favorite Costa Rica itinerary and take advantage of the possibility to pre-reserve 60 hotels around the most beautiful regions of the country at an attractive package rate. Daily breakfast is included!

Find all the details on our FlexiVoucher program during high season in our product information on Latinconnect.
 

Gibara the Gem: Three beautiful Hotels

Dreamy, away from the regular flow of tourists and close to the dream beaches of Guardalavaca, Gibara is situated in the province Holguín. Once a year this place awakes from its deep sleep, namely when the international film festival "Cine Pobre" takes place. 

We recently added three beautiful hotels to our program, all under management of the Spanish hotel group Iberostar: the classic Hotel Arsenitawith twelve rooms, the colonial Hotel Ordoñowith 27 rooms and the small and fine Plaza Colón with 14 rooms. It pays off to book early!

Got to the overview.

Punta Cana Outback: Right in the Middle and yet untouched

The short program "The Unknown East" will guide travelers to the outback of the famous region of Punta Cana. The region is characterized by versatile landscapes, the wondrous nature of Los Haitises and mystical stalactite caves. Pleasurable moments when visiting a cigar factory will round the day off.

Consistent with this authentic experience is the overnight stay in the eco lodge "Paraiso Caño Hondo", whose architecture stands out through esthetical accents with wood, stones, tropical green and water.

Details can be found here.

New roundtrip

Experience the big city - explore nature - relax on the beach!

Be fascinated by the vivid and eclectic capital, where skyscrapers, old forgotten mansions and green hills all co-exist. Afterwards enjoy pure nature in Boquete: you will hike, visit a coffee farm and walk on hanging bridges! At the end we will take you to the Caribbean Sea of Bocas del Toro where more adventures and breathtaking beaches await you.

Find all details of the new 7D/6N lasting private tour with english-speaking guide here.

Paradise on the Northern Pacific – stay longer!

What could be nicer than relaxing at the spectacular Lagarta Lodge in Nosara after an exciting round trip through Costa Rica? Stay 5 nights or more and get 1 night per week free. Stay longer!

For all new bookings for stays between 04.01.2018 to 19.12.2018 the following reductions apply:

5 nights for the price of 4
7 nights for the price of 6
14 nights for the price of 12
21 nights for the price of 18

Find more information about the Lagarta Lodge in the ARA Tours Blog or on Latinconnect.

Latinconnect User Webinars

How can I change my settings after my first log-in? How can I best search for different products? How can I use the tour planer to quickly turn customer requests into offers?

Due to the great resonance we received for our Latinconnect user tutorials at this year's ITB, we have bundled our content into two compact webinars. Register now to tap the full potential of Latinconnect for you and your clients!

1. Webinar "Basic functions of Latinconnect", 23th of May 2017, 17.00 - 17.40 h, Register here
2. Webinar "Using the Latinconnect travel planner", 8th of June 2017, 17.00 - 17.40 h, Register here

Our new Bonus Program

We are happy to fulfill the wish of numerous clients by continuing to offer our distribution partners a joint bonus program under the umbrella brand Latinconnect. If you cooperate with at least four of our seven DMC partners from Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, you’re already half-way there!

Here you can find all the detailed criteria and the application form at the bottom of the page. Please send the form to by May 31st, 2017 at the latest.

Create a Brochure

Create brochure pages in a word format including texts, pictures and your company logo of each and every product available on Latinconnect. This tools allows you to create tailor-made travel catalogs with extensive descriptions for your clients.

Just click the "brochure" index tab of each product. You can then choose which services you want to include and what format you would like to produce. The word document may also be manually changed or completed if you wish so.

By the way, you can upload your company logo in the settings under "information".

Less sweat - more fun: Discover Costa Rica by E-Bike

The e-bike boom continues steadily. Hundreds of thousand new e-Bikes are being sold in Europe every year and more and more people are interested in electronically supported activity in free nature. The e-bike is also particularly attractive on holiday. With little effort you can discover trails, villages and natural beauties, which are hidden if you travel by car or bus.

Costa Rica’s DMC ARA Tours is now meeting this growing demand and is presenting its new 10-day Pura Vida E-Bike Tour through Costa Rica’s natural paradise. The trip often leads away from the traditional tourist routes, via Orosi, Turrialba, Boca Tapada and La Fortuna to Sámara on the Pacific coast. The daily stages of about 40 km are technically not very demanding and can be mastered by a wide audience thanks to the electronic support. There is plenty of time for authentic experiences with the locals.

High-quality e-mountain bikes (AVE XH5 and XH7) of various sizes and imported from Switzerland, are being used. They come with a Bosch electric motor and high-quality components. The engine supports up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h, selectable in 4 levels, depending on the physical condition of the driver. With the highest possible support, even steep gradients are relatively easy to master.

The tour includes an English speaking guide and starts at fixed departure dates. The pioneer tour starts on July 11th, 2017 and is offered with a USD 200,- discount. ARA Tours also works out tailor-made e-bike tours for FITs or groups.

On Latinconnect registered sales partners can find detailed information about this new e-bike tour here. For further questions, please contact

New KLM nonstop flight from Amsterdam to San José

From October 31st, 2017 to the end of March 2018, KLM will fly nonstop from Amsterdam to San José. Flights with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner leave every Tuesday and Friday. The flight times allow for connecting flights to many European airports. KLM now joins Iberia (MAD), British Airways (LGW), Air France (CDG) and Edelweiss (ZRH) as the fifth airline to fly nonstop to San José from Europe.

Latinconnect CEO Daniel Küng in an Interview

Who is behind Latinconnect?

Latinconnect is a joint venture of different incoming tour operators from Central America and the Caribbean, and was developed from the need to provide our product contents in a standardized, contemporary, and detailed way. We set on one exclusive DMC partner per country, which is specialized in the high quality FIT business. Today, the products of ARA Tours (Costa Rica), Andamos Tours (Nicaragua), Gapa Travel (Panama), Tierra Maya Tours (Mexico, Belize), and Caribbean Tours (Cuba, Dom. Rep.) are online. Furthermore, it is planned to expand to South America.

Why is it so important to you to have a uniform appearance?

As DMCs we are producers of contents, which we have to provide online for the travel distributers in our source markets. Many of our destinations are and will remain niches with rather low demand. It is hard to get enough attention on your own in the markets, let alone enforce an own product platform. But when I have access to a platform that offers products of all countries from Mexico to Argentina in the same way, then we reach a size where we will be perceived.

Aren’t there already enough online portals on the market?

Most of the existing platforms were developed from the perspective of tour operators where you particularly search for solutions for products at mainstream destinations instead of the complicated and complex product of Latin America which often does not fit in. Other portals focus on a certain product such as hotels, rental cars or excursions. Latinconnect is a different approach and was developed from the point of view of incoming tour operators for travel distributors. With only one platform we transport all available products for distribution - thus hotels, transfers, excursions, rental cars, packages, and round trips, and combine the whole thing with personal service and know-how directly from the destination. Individual tours are and will remain a personal matterthat will never be fully automated, and with Latinconnect tour operators and travel agents have a powerful tool in their hands.

What are the advantages for the users?

Travel agents have access to detailed contents for each product with text, image, video, and price. As a result, you can create a PDF brochure for each product, which is provided with the user’s logo, with just one click and send it to the clients. So sort of a customized PDF catalog. In addition, you can show videos to the client during the sales talk. The online travel planner allows to prepare a quote within a very short time, thanks to the integrated calculation and conversion tool with the final price and in the sales currency. Tour operators on the other hand can drag the contents manually or per interface into their systems or use Latinconnect as B2B2B concept for their distribution.

Does the user need a large knowledge in order to use Latinconnect?

Latinconnect is intuitively structured and one quickly gets the idea. However, it is always an advantage to attend a training for the use of the different functions, and some destination knowledge is also required in order to use the platform efficiently. The great advantage of Latinconnect is the fact that the product is processed for every level of knowledge. Sellers with little destination knowledge can access to fixed round trips and packages where they may not change anything. Users who know the destination a bit better can work with templates provided by the DMCs or create their own ones. And professionals, finally, have access to a thousand of individual services and can arrange them in a completely flexible manner. We strongly focus on trainings and offer our users an appropriate training at exhibitions, road shows, in personal appointments or through webinars. In addition, there are several tutorials on the website.

Where do you see the opportunities for the travel industry in the future with respect to Latin America?

Latin America requires extensive consulting, it is complex and relatively expensive. This offers a great opportunity for travel agents to stand out with know-how and personal service, and to establish a nice profit margin. But for this, you have to consciously decide, invest time and actively engage with the destinations. We as DMCs are happy to help and train those who are willing to do so wherever we can. I guess Latin America will be able to benefit in the current environment in medium and long term, although the current exchange rate development puts obstacles in our way.

You also address yourself with Latinconnect to travel agencies and mobile travel agents. Don’t your tour operator partners mind?

First, I have to point out that we are open for travel agencies which decided to give up their pure intermediary status and assume the risk to be a tour operator. We as DMCs can’t ignore this development but at the same time we protect our traditional tour operator partners with better rates and many opportunities to use the advantages of Latinconnect. For example, by interfaces with their own systems or, as already mentioned, by using the platform as a B2B2B concept for direct and affiliate marketing.

Does Latinconnect have a tour operator status in Europe?

No, Latinconnect is a pure marketplace that connects DMCs directly with the travel distributors. The tour operator’s risks are responsibility of the travel agencies, and the business relationship takes place directly with the incoming tour operator.

Are you also planning to get directly to end consumers with Latinconnect?

No, that is not our intention and that emphasizes exactly our slogan “Enabling Travel Business”.

Latinconnect just presented its new appearance. What do you expect from the new website?

With the new website we want to mark the entry into a new era as DMC network and bring our appearance closer to the digital age. In addition, we want to remove unnecessary bells and whistles from the platform to make more efficient use of space. Our ITB appearance will be completely new as well and puts Latinconnect as a platform in the center of attention.

New ITB exhibition concept

At the ITB, you can meet the Latinconnect partners as part of our new exhibition concept. Please arrange your fixed meetings with the desired DMCs as usual via our central office in Cologne. This year, you will also have the opportunity to join our 30-minute Latinconnect presentations in our "training plaza". Afterwards, you are invited to try out the functionalities of our platform for yourself.

During this year's ITB, you can arrange meetings at our joint booth number 209 in hall 22 from WED - FRI with the following DMCs:

• GAPA Travel (Panama), André Goatham and Anja Phillips
• ARA Tours (Costa Rica), Daniel Küng, Sandra Haun and Christine Pohnitzer
• Andamos Tours (Nicaragua), Thomas Kilchör
• Tierra Maya Tours (Mexiko/Belize), Hanspeter Walliser
• Caribbean Tours (Cuba), Sandra Neu and Claudia Schwab
• Caribbean Tours (Hispaniola), Annika Vierrether and Angelo Rodriguez

As of now, Ms. Schmitz ( ) will take your requests for appointments.

The Latinconnect presentations featuring different countries as examples will take place in our "training plaza" from WED - FRI as follows. Please register for these events as well.

We are looking forward to your visit!

Finding hotels the easy way

In this section, we will keep you up to date on all our operator news. Did you know that we’ve added filter options to our hotel search? Are you looking for a boutique hotel, a special family hotel, a golf resort or an all-inclusive get-away? With one click, Latinconnect will find the best option for you in a sea of offers. You can also determine the price range or search by number of stars. Either way, you will always find the perfect product for your clients.

Nicaragua will soon be online!

Andamos Tours based in Managua is our new Latinconnect partner for Nicaragua. The agency with Swiss-Austrian management is specialized in the FIT and small group segments. We are already excited about adding this product to our portfolio in March. Executive Director Thomas Kilchör is looking forward to personally getting to know you at the ITB and will introduce Nicaragua as part of our Latinconnect presentations.

Hier stellt sich Andamos Tours vor.

Latinconnect presentations using Nicaragua as an example in our “Training-Plaza“:

• Wednesday, 08,03.2017 17.00 h
• Friday, 10.03.2017 13.00 h