Chimu Adventures, in collaboration with LATAM Airlines and Sernatur, the national tourism board for Chile, are launching a campaign to encourage Australians to visit South America in an effort to invigorate tourism in the region. 

Unlike other key international destinations like Europe and North America, which are bursting from overtourism, South American visitation hasn't rebounded post-pandemic. Major highlights like Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Rio's Christ the Redeemer, normally packed with tourists, can currently be explored with fewer crowds, allowing for more immersive and memorable experiences.

In Brazil, Australian visitor numbers are down 60%, in comparison to 2019 visitor numbers, meaning many keen overseas travellers are missing out on the energy and unique experiences of the country's highlights, including Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, and Amazon River cruising. 

Peru is experiencing similar downturns - Juan Jose Mendoza Arredondo, Chimu's Manager in Peru, says, “Up to June we have only received 1,065,542 international tourists and the expectation is to have a number close to 2.2 million tourists by the end of this year. This is almost 50% fewer guests, compared to 2019”. 

This means now is the best possible time for Australians to visit. LATAM Airlines is offering daily service between Australia and Chile, an ideal starting point for exploring safe and welcoming destinations like Patagonia, Argentina, and Peru. With their recent launch of a direct flight between Melbourne and Santiago, LATAM Airlines will be transporting over 45,000 passengers a year (each way) to an impressive 144 destinations in under 13 hours.

Latin American specialists Chimu Adventures wants to inspire and encourage Australians to return to South America by launching a national campaign to promote the continent, focusing on its 'Big 5'. Like Africa, currently enjoying a boom in safari tourism, South America also has its own Big 5 for travellers to experience - world-class cuisine, majestic landscapes, captivating history, unique wildlife and vibrant culture. 

Travel advisors can also register for Chimu's online South America Trade Event and have the chance to win a trip for two! Select one of the dates below and at the conclusion of the event, you'll receive a question to answer. The best answer will win an adventure for two travelling to Chile and Bolivia in 2024, flights with LATAM Airlines included!

• Tues 24th October 8:45 - 9:10 am (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time)
• Tues 24th October 3.45 - 4.10 pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time)

The Discover South America's Big Five campaign will run until November, featuring television ads, print and digital advertising in consumer and travel trade publications, and educational webinars for both travel consultants and travellers. 

Image link:  South America Big 5 press release images 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Meg Hall

PH: 02 94581211

E: meghall@chimuadventures.com

CHIMU ADVENTURES

Founded in 2004, Chimu Adventures are The Latin America and Polar Travel Specialists. Australian owned, we are the go-to for all Latin America, Antarctica and Arctic travel requirements, from small ship expedition cruises and small group tours, plus all international and domestic flight and transfer arrangements. Our specialist knowledge means we can offer the best options for everything. We use our own operations on the ground to access to an immense range of accommodation and activities and work personally with our traveller's style and budget, tailoring to their individual needs. 

Our team is committed to the destinations which we operate in and are proud members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) Adventure Travel Trade Association and Latin America Travel Association. For more information visit www.chimuadventures.com.