With hype around the 2014 FIFA World Cup starting to build and Australia lining up for its qualifying matches next month, now is the time to start planning your trip to South America. The event takes place 12 June-30 July 2014 when weather right across the continent is generally comfortable, though cooler in the far south, and there are attractions aplenty to be explored.
 
With matches taking place all over Brazil you can choose to stay close to the action and see more of the host nation or head further afield to its near neighbours. This is A&K's South America for football fans and discerning travellers alike.

Best of Brazil
Whether you're attending matches in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador or Manaus A&K can tailor a comprehensive journey around this vast country to suit your needs. Covering the major highlights its nine day 'Best of Brazil' fires up in flamboyant Rio, surely one of the world's most spectacularly situated metropolises, taking in its stunning beaches and iconic sights before heading north to Salvador, the country's oldest and one of its most beautiful cities. There's time spent exploring the World Heritage listed Old Town as well as the nearby farming hinterland. The itinerary ends at Iguassu Falls where your stylish colonial hotel is just steps from the waterfalls. The famous Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio is your city base and an elegant converted monastery in Salvador. Prices from $5,975 per person for a full privately arranged tour.

For nature lovers
There's plenty right across the continent to satisfy wildlife and nature enthusiasts. From the depths of the Amazonian jungle where sloths and pink dolphins reside and where exotic birds fill the trees. There are the wide open expanses of the high altiplano where the air is thin, the landscapes dramatic and llamas, vicuñas and guanacos in abundance. In the far south are the glaciers, fjords and crystal clear lakes of Patagonia plus the world's driest desert near the central western seaboard. 900km off the coast of Ecuador are the world famous Galapagos Islands where the wildlife has evolved in isolation and is impervious to human presence.
A&K's 18 day 'Best of Peru & Ecuador' is priced from $12,440 per person and includes a Galapagos cruise plus Machu Picchu or A&K's five day 'Ibera Wetlands', an Argentinian nature experience from US$2,835.
 
Habitual Urbanites
Travellers with a hankering for urban experiences will be dazzled by the glamorous cities of South America. Cosmopolitan and exotic Buenos Aires is round the clock excitement with its exquisite blend of European style and Latin flair. In neighbouring Chile, Santiago is traditional and sophisticated with the breathtaking Andes as its backdrop. Cusco in Peru's Sacred Valley is a charming city bursting with remnants of the Inca Empire and grand colonial architecture. It has fabulous shops, galleries, museums and boutique lodgings and is the jumping off point for all visits to Machu Picchu.
A&K's nine day 'Glimpse of Peru' is priced from $5,425 per person and includes two nights in Cusco.
 
Family
If you're taking the whole family to the World Cup then there are great opportunities for a clan experience in South America. A cruise on board MV Eclipse in the Galapagos Islands is the ultimate in educational travel and there are dedicated family cruises where specialist guides are on hand to tailor the shore excursions to suit youngsters and devise entertainment to keep all ages occupied. A cruise on the Amazon is also an appealing family option with jungle outings and delicious food each day and secure, comfortable cabin accommodation by night.
A&K's five day cruise on board Aqua Amazon from USD3,580 per person.
 
Adventure
For adventurers in South America there's action aplenty. Challenging hikes along ancient Inca paths and high terraces in Peru are a favourite. Plus aerial bike trips and canopy walks through Ecuadorian cloud forest and snorkelling with sea lions and turtles in the Galapagos. Horse riding in the Atacama Desert or on an Argentinian estancia are also exciting options and fishing off Easter Island a rare and unique experience.
A&K's 10 day 'Inside Chile' is priced from $7,095 per person and includes adventure options in the Atacama Desert and Patagonia.
 
Food & Wine
South American cuisine is the latest trend to hit Aussie diners so when visiting Brazil for football foodie fanatics can head straight to the source. Lima is fast becoming the culinary capital of the region with celebrity chefs sharing their culinary secrets, glamorous eateries opening with increasing frequency and exotic indigenous ingredients gracing many local menus. While Argentinian cuisine is also in vogue its wines too rate amongst the world's best with two important regions there boasting old vines and fine blends.
A&K's four day 'Wines of Argentina' is priced from $2,125 per person and explores the vineyards and wines of Mendoza.
 

For further media information, please contact:

Celeste Oehme
spice & soul PR & Marketing
Ph: +61 3 9533 6171 or
celeste@spiceandsoul.com.au


To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 851 800 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au


Abercrombie & Kent is the world's leading luxury travel business.  Founded as a luxury safari company in Africa in 1962, A&K has grown into a respected international travel company employing over 3000 staff in more than 100 countries. A&K organises private, tailored and escorted travel to every corner of the globe and has a wholly owned portfolio of cruise boats, luxury lodges, tented camps, hotels, and all-terrain vehicles. As part of its global commitment, A&K Australia brings a wealth of expertise, experience and attention to detail to any travel arrangements. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, with a family or in an escorted group, A&K is expert in providing luxury, experiential and memorable travel experiences. Abercrombie & Kent. Inspiring Experiences.