Building on the success of Contiki’s (www.contiki.com.au) inaugural South America program, the world’s leading travel company for 18 to 35 year olds is excited to announce the addition of Costa Rica and Ecuador to its 2012/13 Latin America brochure. With tantalising gourmet delights, mysterious architectural feats and the vibrant and varied cultures of Latin America enticing many Aussie travellers to its shores, Contiki is now offering 11 itineraries across six countries taking your clients on a mind-blowing adventure of South America, Mexico and Costa Rica. Fiona Hunt, Managing Director, Contiki, said: “Contiki has experienced overwhelming demand to its 2011/12 South American based tours and is excited to offer adventurous young Aussies a chance to discover more of Latin America with our newest brochure. “As the leading travel brand for 18 to 35s, Contiki has its finger firmly on the pulse with the latest program taking small groups of travellers to many of the must-see destinations of this region, including the breathtakingly beautiful Galapagos Islands, the mighty Amazon River and the jungle-clad rainforests of Tortuguero.” With increased departures offered across its entire Latin program, Contiki expects the 2012/13 brochure to be equally, if not more popular than the inaugural brochure which sold out months ahead of its first departure. Each Contiki tour includes the essential combination of; exclusive inclusions for less, amazing places to stay, cool ways to get around, authentic local food and more time to explore each destination – all of which helps to create the ultimate trip of a lifetime for your clients. New for the 2012/13 brochure is the 11-day Galapagos & Ecuador tour from $2,685 (per person, twin share) which is ideal for those who have a taste for the great outdoors. From the heights of volcanoes to the unexplored waters of the Galapagos, travellers can start day dreaming about the wide range of exhilarating activities included in this tour. Included in this epic adventure are internal flights and transfers to get holiday-makers quickly to and from particular destinations helping make the most of their time. Peel back the many layers of Central America and uncover the gems of this region on a 12-day Costa Rica Unplugged tour from $2,049 (per person, twin share). From jungles and rainforests to beaches and coffee plantations, travellers will relish in this tour which also features two overnight Contiki Special Stays at a Jungle Lodge in Tortuguero and a Rainforest Lodge in Sarapiqui. With Contiki’s Explore More optional activities, travellers can also get active going canyoneering, coastal kayaking or canopy zipline through the rainforests. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first time traveller, Contiki is the ideal way to travel through Latin America as each tour provides a great mix of many unique experiences, giving 18-35s a chance to travel affordably with fun, like-minded people making lasting friendships and cementing unforgettable memories. Your clients can be assured when booking Contiki that they will make the most of their time by participating in a wide selection of Only Contiki activities, which includes a private snorkeling trip of the Galapagos, riding catamarans in Brazil and ‘trajineras’ (canoeing) in Mexico.
Legendary for a reason, Contiki takes travellers to all the best events with the Latin America brochure featuring an amazing 6-day Rio Carnival tour from $1,559 (per person, twin share) which sees travellers salsa into the heart of the festivities to witness or participate in the infamous Samba parades. Included in each itinerary is also plenty of free time allowing holiday-makers to immerse themselves in the Latin way of life, mingling with the locals, sampling Peruvian delicacies or visiting traditional markets and hot spots. Contiki also knows that the best way to experience a new culture is to ‘do it like the locals do.’ That’s why each of its tours include an English speaking local guide who will show your clients the best places to eat, things to see and places to go sharing with them their priceless knowledge to help make their trip an even more authentic and memorable experience. Contiki boasts some amazing accommodation for when travellers’ wish to kick-back, offering a mix of charming and well located hotels, lodges and three Special Stays including the Colca Canyon lodge in the Sacred Valley of the Inca territory. Your clients will be treated to all the home comforts and excellent facilities at these good quality accommodations with many featuring FREE WiFi. When it comes to getting around, say ‘adios’ to dreary commutes as Contiki has a host of transport options which includes internal flights between some destinations to help get travellers where they need to be, fast. For shorter journeys, Contiki uses locally run, privately chartered transportation complemented by an eclectic mix of ‘triciclo’ (tricycle) rides, motorised canoes, trains and even cable cars. Hunt added: “With Contiki set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this April, we continue to evolve as a brand and remain truly dynamic adapting each of our tours to fit the style of the destination, thus providing fun and authentic experiences to young travellers – all at great value for money.” Each Contiki tour averages 30 passengers, perfectly-sized for an intimate and real Latin experience, yet large enough to meet plenty of other travellers. Every itinerary includes land only transportation and internal flights, accommodation, breakfast daily and many other meals, sightseeing tours of all major areas, the services of the experienced Contiki crew and professional driver, plus an English speaking local guide. Travellers can book these trips immediately, with the first tours running from November 2012. For further information on Contiki’s new Latin America program, visit www.contiki.com.au or contact your local sales manager.