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Book a qualifying Delta Airlines itinerary and enter promotion code DL25 at Checkout.

By Phone: Contact an agent, and mention the the “DL25″ promotion. Call:

800 655 4053

By Email: Send a detailed quote request to info@exitotravel.com. An agent will reply promptly.

Some Restrictions and Exclusions Apply:
Discount applies solely on new bookings on select Delta Airlines itineraries, booked with Exito Travel by phone or from exitotravel.com. Discount does not apply to itineraries with a base fare of less than $500 before taxes have been added, or to itineraries involving multiple airlines or codeshare flights. Discount does not summarily apply to blocked space group reservations of 10 or more passengers. Travel must originate in the continental United States. Discount is not combinable with other discounts, promotions, or vouchers. Ask an agent for details.

The manioc plant, also known as cassava or yuca (no relation to the cactus), is a woody shrub that is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It is native to, among other places, South America, where many inhabitants utilize it for its edible starchy root. It is the third largest source of carbohydrates for human food in the world and can be used in countless ways, one of which I learned when visiting a Siona community in the Ecuadorian rainforest this past September.

The Sionas are a group of indigenous people living in the “Oriente”, or eastern portion of Ecuador, sharing territory with the Secoya people along the Aguarico, Shushufindi, and Cuyabeno Rivers. They cultivate many crops, among which is manioc, or “cassava” as they refer to it. Manioc is probably one of the most effortlessly grown crops, if grown in the right climate. To start a new plant all one has to do is take a branch from another plant and stick it in the ground. This is how Berta, one of the Sionas that I met during my visit, taught me.

The edible portion of the plant is the root, which can range in length and is covered in a rough, brown, waxy skin. One of the Sionas’ main uses for the plant is a tortilla-like food that they simply refer to as “cassava”. Berta was kind enough to show me and the rest of the group how to make this food having all of us join in on the preparation. Here is a step-by-step list of how to prepare your own manioc tortilla.

1. Gather and skin manioc root.
2. Grate skinned root over container.
3. Remove excess moisture from root. You will want to leave it somewhat moist, as that is how it binds together.
4. Depending on the size that you desire for your manioc tortilla you can spread it evenly on a pizza sheet or in a pan. The residual moisture should ensure that it does not stick to any surface so grease or oil is not necessary.
5. Cook it at a medium heat being sure that both sides reach a light brownness in color. (Berta cooked hers on a piece of metal similar to a pizza sheet over an open fire.)
6. Let it cool and enjoy.

In my mind the uses for the manioc tortilla are limitless. At first taste I thought of pizza dough, but one could obviously use it for any kind of wrap as well. The only recommendation that I have would be to add salt because it is a bit bland on its own. The root should be available in most grocery stores and may range in price depending upon how far from the tropics you are. The finished product is not quite as pliable as the corn and flour tortillas that most are accustomed to, but it can provide for a fun and interesting variation on many everyday meals. Buen provecho!

Thousands of years ago, a list of “7 Wonders of the World” was first complied, and included sites such as the pyramids in Giza, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Wonderful as they were, the fact that the cites were centered mainly around the Mediterranean rim, and that, except for one, they are now long gone from the face of the Earth, makes the list rather out of date and not so “worldly”.

Fast forward to 2007, when 100 million votes were collected by internet, SMS and phone, as part of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” campaign, culminating in a list of seven monuments valued for their significance to the globe’s diverse cultural heritage. The goal: bring awareness and appreciation to these treasures, in hopes of conserving them.  Among the “winners” are the awe-inspiring sites of of Machu Picchu in Peru, and the pyramids of Chichenitza in Mexico.

The same non-profit group is behind the current “New 7 Wonders of Nature” campaign. The world is now being called upon to nominate and vote on the most treasured natural, rather than man-made, sites of the globe. Hundreds of places, from the Amazon Basin to K2 Mountain to the Red Sea, have been nominated, and the voting will continue through mid 2009. (Yes, YOU can vote! Check out: http://www.new7wonders.com )

Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, the newspaper La Nacion, perhaps as a kind of marketing ploy and hopefully at least out of curiosity, has already conducted a similar project of it’s own, collecting almost 30,000 votes to arrive at what it calls the “Seven Wonders of Costa Rica”. With so many stunning natural sites to choose from, it wasn’t difficult to come up with an impressive list:

* Isla del Coco, a Unesco World Heritage site known for clear waters and abundant marine life
* Arenal Volcano , providing amazement with an almost daily pyroclastic show, at close-enough range.
* Cerro Chirripo, a 3820 meter peak containing incredible biodiversity, and even a bit of snow.
* Rio Celeste, a clear-turned-bright-blue river containing waterfalls and hot springs, winding through the rainforest
* Tortuguero, a network of dense waterways, including the coastal nesting grounds of several sea turtle species.
* Poas Volcano, the largest active crater in the world with molten sulfur bubbling under huge crater lakes.
* Monteverde,  a cloud forest and wildlife refuge, housing hundreds of species, including the colorful Quetzal

Consider that many of these diverse, breathtakingly gorgeous, and often remote places are still located within a day’s drive of Costa Rica’s international airport, and of each other, albeit on a sometimes rough and windy road. No need to buy an around the world ticket or take the summer off to see all seven of these “wonders”. Technically, one could see all seven of them in seven days, but to really do them justice it would be better to (at least) double that.

Regardless of exactly who voted, or whether these are all really “wonders” or just wonderful places, the value of these sites is hard to question. Bringing attention to them can serve as a source of inspiration to learn a bit more, perhaps enough more to warrant exploring them in person. Hopefully if we can all manange to do so responsibly, we can hope to keep them around for a while, and let them disappear like the ones from the first list.

So you find yourself in Cuzco, Peru, and for whatever reason you are not going to traverse the famed Inca Trail, be it because you didn’t reserve your space far enough in advance or you simply don’t want to battle the throngs that are already on it. Rest assured, there are alternatives, and great ones at that.

Maukallacta is a relatively newer find that is located close enough to Cuzco that it makes for an ideal day trip. Travel to the base of the site is about two hours in automobile along a dirt road most of the way, though they are in the process of paving it. From the base it is roughly a 1-2 hour intermediate hike through the rich red and green Andean countryside.

Mario Canessa and Rudi Winsberg, owners of Andean Origins, make it their job to be experts on the road less traveled, and they were kind enough to show me this marvelous and virtually untouched gem of Quechua history. One of the beauties of this excursion is that you will, most likely, be the only people there besides the locals. There is a sort of caretaker that works near a makeshift entrance that will most likely ask you to sign the guest book. He will not, however, ask you for any sort of entrance fee. Maukallacta at this point is free to any who visit, and those, according to the caretaker, number about 2-5 a week (unlike the 500 daily spaces allotted for entrance to the Inca Trail).

A visit to Maukallacta involves two parts: exploring the ruins themselves and also exploring Puma Orqo (Puma Mount in the regional Quechua dialect) which served as a place of ritual and worship and houses various caves, altars, and pumas carved into the stone. And if you are as lucky as we were, you may even catch the locals who still reside in the area on break from working the cornfields drinking their homemade chicha (a fermented type of corn beer), which they undoubtedly will be more than generous in offering you some. We drank ours out of a bull’s horn and then washed it down with some Anis that they distill themselves.

From Puma Orqo the ruins of Maukallacta are about a one-mile walk. As Puma Orqo was considered a sacred place the dwellings were constructed across the way on a separate hill facing it, an act demonstrating the great importance this geographic formation held. The ruins were constructed in a mixture of the imperial or ashlar style (rocks ground and shaped to fit together with each other perfectly without mortar) and the regular style where rocks were placed together and the cracks were filled with mortar. Many of the ‘regular style’ walls were then covered with a layer of mud a few inches thick, though very little of this mud covering still remains.

Maukallacta was unearthed in recent years and excavation efforts are still in the works, though funding has been cut so an enormous portion of this site still remains mostly covered. You may even see where archeologists have closed off certain sections and covered their work with blue tarps to keep it protected from the elements, while other sections, completely open to exploration, contain some magnificent relics of ceramic works painted in the local style. These sections have been left in a natural state, but thatched roofs have been built to keep the rain out.

According to the caretaker it is thought that Maukallacta was home to some 5,000-10,000 inhabitants, which would qualify it as one of the largest sites of Quechua civilization found to date. As it was built on the side of a mountain, climbing up to a higher vantage point, sitting back and imagining how life was here when it was a thriving community can be quite entertaining. Where did the children play? Where, besides the areas already discovered, was work done? Besides ceramics, what other products were created here? Where were the sleeping quarters? There are endless questions for a community that itself came to an end. Possibly though, those that still live and work in the area are direct descendants of those children who once ran through the fields of Maukallacta.

So put on your hiking boots, pack a lunch (or if you happen to befriend the locals they will most likely invite you to join them for their almuerzo), prepare to save money, avoid the hordes, and go visit history being exhumed.

Additional Pictures:

Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
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Picture 5

Photos courtesy of Rudi Winsberg.

As of Monday, Nov. 17th, the international departure tax from Quito will increase from USD $40.30 to USD $44.30.  This fee must be paid in cash, in either US dollars or Euros.  All international travelers must pay the departure fee, so be sure to save some cash for the airport.

For domestic flights (including the Galapagos), the departure tax is included in the ticket price - no additional payments are needed at the airport.

Aeroparque, one of the two airports of Buenos Aires, will be closed from noon on Saturday, Oct 25, until 1 am on Monday, Oct. 27th.  The 36-hour closure is to allow “preventative maintenance”.  Aeroparque is used primarily for domestic flights.  Flights to and from the United States operate from Ezeiza airport, which is will remain open.

During the closure, most carriers will reroute flights to Ezeiza airport.   Passengers traveling on Aerolineas Argentinas flights that usually depart from Aeroparque should check in at Ezeiza terminal A, counters 104 through 113.  All travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their flight.

Luckily, when it comes to travel to Latin America, some recent airfare and flight changes make it one of the best times to get up, and out of town.

Select “fall sale” fares have completely eliminated fuel surcharges.
Save an average of $300 per ticket by booking right now. Sales end soon.

SAMPLE ROUND TRIP FARES, TOTAL COST, INCLUDING ALL TAXES

At these rates, spending a week abroad could cost less than a holiday weekend flight in the US!  Subject to change. Restrictions apply. Availability is limited.

Groups of 10+:  Call : 800 655 4054, or complete a Group Request Form
1-9 passengers: Book Online or call 800 655 4053

For travelers, particularly groups, added flight service equates to better itinerary choices, and more lower-fare seats available to more destinations

Featured Changes For Latin America:

• Delta adds service to Tegucigalpa, Honduras
• TAM Brazilian Airlines adds direct service from Orlando to Sao Paolo
• TACA adds connection service to Paraguay
• Delta adds direct service from New York to Buenos Aires
• American and Delta add new flights to Brazil, to such popular destinations as Salvador, Manaus, and Fortaleza.

American Airlines is offering double Aadvantage miles on flights to Salvador de Bahia, or Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Date and registration restrictions apply. Book an applicable flight with Exito and find out how to earn double miles when flying round-trip between Nov 4th 2008 and Feb 15th 2009.  PLUS, ask an Exito Group Specialist about how to save over $50 off of the lowest, published fare for groups of 10+ traveling to these Brazil destinations, and more.

As of January 1, 2009, Argentina will begin collecting a “reciprocity fee” upon entry for citizens of 22 countries.  US citizens can expect to pay about $130 for entry to Argentina.

The amount of the fee varies by citizenship.  As the US charges Argentinian citizens $130 for a visa, a similar fee will apply for US citizens entering Argentina.  Citizens of Australia, Canada, the UK, or other nations will pay slightly different amounts.

The fee will be payable upon arrival.   At this point, there are no details regarding what forms of payment will be accepted.

Once paid, the fee will be valid for 10 years or the lifetime of the passport (whichever comes first).  This means that travelers who leave to visit another country, then return a month later,  will not have to pay the fee a second time.

The program and fee structure is similar that that used by Chile.  Chile also charges a reciprocity fee, of about $100 for US citizens, based on the fees the US charges Chileans for entry to the US.

New!   Fortaleza • Manaus • Recife • Salvador • Belo Horizonte

More direct flights from the US to Brazil is especially good news for groups

Cities in Northeastern Brazil are best known as the gateways to beautiful beaches, treasured World Heritage sites, and the lush expanse of the Amazon rainforest. Delta and American Airlines are adding direct service from their respective hubs in Atlanta and Miami to these diverse destinations, making them easier to reach, and harder to resist.

Previously, flying from North America to Northern Brazil involved at least 2 airlines and multiple plane changes. Most routings required flying to a southern city like Rio or Sao Paolo before changing to a local airline going north. Itineraries involving two airlines can obviously add travel time and inconvenience to anyone’s trip. For groups of 10 or more people, working with two airlines to make one trip requires double the number of bookings, deposits and payments, while doubling the potential pitfalls.

Direct flight options will now make arranging a group as simple as booking a flight across the nearest border.

Benefits for groups traveling on a single-airline:

• Fare: One fare from home to your destination, guaranteed in advance
• Routing: One connection, even no connection when traveling via Hubs in Atlanta or Miami
• Deposit: One deposit per person cuts the initial outlay in half
• Reservation: One booking keeps schedules and reservations synchronized
• Ticket: One ticket minimizes service fees and effort related changes or cancellation
• Baggage: One international ticket minimizes baggage fees, as well as avoids confusion if a bag is lost
• Service: One airline, one network means simpler solutions to unexpected delays or cancellations

Whether it’s for recreation or research, now is the time to make plans for your group to travel to Brazil.

CALL NOW FOR YOUR GROUP AIRFARE QUOTE:

1-800-655-4054

or CLICK HERE to submit your request online

Many countries in Latin America require a payment at the airport prior to departure. Often times you have to pay this amount in cash (usually either local currency or US Dollars).

Argentina: (Buenos Aires EZE) $18 to be paid in USD upon checking in for international flight from Argentina.

• El Calafate: $18 to be paid in USD at local airport for domestic flights.
• Trelew: $6.05 to be paid in USD at local airport for domestic flights.
• Ushuaia: $15 to be paid in USD at local airport for domestic flights.

Belize: (Belize City BZE) $20 Paid in cash at the airport prior to departure.

Bolivia: (La Paz LPB) and (Santa Cruz VVI) $16 airport toll plus $25 traveler tax. ($100 USD reciprocal VISA fee now required for US citizens… check before you fly)

Brazil: (Rio de Janeiro GIG) or (Sao Paulo GRU) None (Included in ticket price). Visa required in advance including $100 reciprocal fee for US citizens.

Chile: (Santiago SCL) $100 to be paid in USD, Visa, Master Card or American Express upon arrival at customs. (This is actually a reciprocal Visa fee)

Costa Rica: (San Jose SJO) and (Liberia LIR) $26 to be paid in USD or local currency prior to checking in with the ticketing booth. Costa Rica now accepts credit cards… however a cash advance fee may apply. Use your debit card to avoid the fee.

Ecuador: (Quito UIO) and (Guayaquil GYE)

• Guayaquil: $27.15 to be paid in USD upon checking in for international flight.n (Cash only)
• Quito: $40.80 to be paid in USD upon checking in for international flight. (Cash only)
• Shell: $3 to be paid in USD upon checking in for domestic flight to & from Kapawi.
• Galapagos: $10 to be paid in USD for Galapagos Transit Control Card upon checking in for domestic flight to Galapagos. National park fee currently USD 80 per person

Guatemala: (Guatemala City GUA) $30 for international departure, plus $5 per domestic flight, plus $5 fuel surcharge per domestic flight.

Mexico; (Mexico City MEX) Included in ticket price (but over $70… paid when you buy your ticket). The same tax applies to all airports in Mexico

Panama: (Panama City PTY) $20 paid at airport upon departure

Peru: (Lima LIM) $30.25 for international departures, $6.05 for each domestic flight to be paid in USD or local currency after check-in before entering gate area. (cash only)

Uruguay: (Montevideo MVD) $29 to be paid in USD after check-in, before entering gate area.

This information is estimated and is subject to change. Check with the appropriate embassy prior to confirm accuracy prior to departure