The world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Latin America brochure for 2010 featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours and private tailor-made travel to the continent, from the rainforest and wildlife of Central America and the Andean peaks of Ecuador and Peru, to the beaches of Brazil and the icy landscapes of Patagonia and Antarctica. New for 2010 are a private journey combining Guatemala, Honduras and Belize, a comprehensive two- week private journey through Cuba and tailor-made travel ideas for Peru, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Cuba.

In the last twelve months, 32% of Cox & Kings’ bookings to Latin America were private and tailor-made tours. Two years ago, this percentage was just 21%. Cox & Kings’ product manager for Latin America, Marie-Louisa Lowther, says: “People are becoming much more knowledgeable about South America and feel more confident about planning their own itineraries in conjunction with our experts. Cox & Kings works with the best agents throughout the continent, who can organise carefully planned and specially tailored trips to suit each visitor. Cox & Kings has an incredibly knowledgeable team and one of the most comprehensive travel programmes available to Latin America.” Tailor-Made travel sections introduced by the company for 2010 include Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Central America.

Peru continues to be Cox & Kings’ biggest selling destination in Latin America and one of the most popular countries in its entire portfolio, which now includes more than 100 countries worldwide. The company’s best-selling Train to Machu Picchu group tour is a comprehensive exploration of the country taking in Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu, the 13-night tour costs from £2,895 per person including flights with KLM, accommodation with breakfast and some additional meals, transfers and all excursions.

Meanwhile, the company’s lead-in tour to Peru, Highlights of Peru, which starts at just £1,795 per person (less expensive than in 2009), offers an outstanding value introduction to the country in just seven nights.

For second or third-time visitors to Peru, or those looking to explore the country’s rural attractions, Cox & Kings offers a flexible tailor-made programme (Pages 22-23) and can develop personal itineraries to suit clients’ interests and preferences. Walk the Inca Trail, discover the legacy of the pre-Inca Moche and Chimu cultures in northern Peru or take a culinary tour of Lima, starting at the bustling fish markets before learning to prepare traditional dishes such as ceviche and seafood causa and finally dining at one of the city’s top restaurants.

While Peru has long been a consistently popular destination for Cox & Kings, the success stories for 2009 are Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala; with bookings up 22%, 32% and 180% respectively in the last twelve months.