Latin America News & Notes

Avanti Showcases FITs for Belize and Other Countries

Avanti Destinations (www.avantidestinations.com) presents a wide choice for independent travelers to Belize in the company's 2008 "Essence of Latin America" brochure. These include rainforest, tubing and ziplining day trips from Belize City; nearly a dozen hotels in the Ambergris Caye/San Pedro area, located along a 180-mile reef; and destinations in southern Belize. According to Susan Buchanan, Latin product manager, the "Cayo Caving & Ambergris Caye" package addresses the soft adventure niche by combining beaches and watersports with visits to Mayan ruins and jungle exploration. After a jungle lodge stay, clients get a chance to relax on the beautiful beaches of Ambergris Caye, where they can participate in an array of watersports. Prices for the seven-day package range from $829 to $1,290 per person double, depending on accommodations selected. Avanti's brochure also features independent vacation packages and components in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Call the tour operator at 800-442-5053 or Buchanan directly at 503-821-9405.

American Flying Daily to Buenos Aires from O'Hare

American Airlines (www.aa.com) launched daily service between Chicago O'Hare and Buenos Aires just in time for Argentina's summer season. The flights represent a step toward increasing the tourism traffic between the U.S. and Argentina, according to Eduardo Piva, director of the Argentinean tourism board for the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The flight from Chicago departs at 8:10 p.m. and arrives the next morning at 11:20. From Buenos Aires (right), the flight leaves at 9:45 p.m. for arrival the next morning at O'Hare at 5:05. Fares, which are lower during the week, range from around $1,025 to $2,500 roundtrip. For more about travel to Argentina, see www.turismo.gov.ar.