TravelManagers’ Camilla Manson, based in Kingscliff in northern NSW, recently experienced Atacama and Bolivia as part of a 13-day famil hosted by Chimu Adventures.
“I absolutely loved the entire experience and cannot wait to start spreading the word to my clients – especially Bolivia as I think this is a destination that many people would not otherwise consider,” Manson said.
Although the main focus of the famil was on Bolivia and the Atacama Desert, the group, who were hosted by Chimu Adventures’ General Manager of Sales and Product, Sarah Baxter, began their journey in Chile’s capital, Santiago, with time to explore this vibrant city before heading west via the famed Casablanca Valley wine region to the Pacific Coast and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Valparaiso.
“I loved seeing all the colourful houses that seems to hang from the hills and seeking out its hidden treasures – especially the art galleries and little coffee shops,” said Manson.
Bolivia’s stunning Salar de Uyuni provided PTM Camilla Manson with the opportunity to ride a llama – or so it would seem, thanks to a very patient guide/photographer
From Valparaiso, they flew to Bolivia’s capital city, La Paz, which sits in a spectacular natural bowl, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Altiplano, where they spent the night before continuing to the town of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
“We spent an unforgettable night in an eco-lodge on the Island of the Sun,” says Manson, “in adobe-brick cabins with thatched roofs. It was incredible to spend time in an environment that has changed little since the time of the Incas, both here and on the nearby Island of the Moon.”
Manson said she has returned from the famil with plenty of confidence in selling the destination.
“We were able to experience services across all budgets, which gave me wonderful insight into exactly what my clients can expect, depending on their budget. Some of the hotels were of a superior standard, while other nights were spent in more basic accommodation, plus I now have lots of local tips – good restaurants, how much money is needed for tips, where to find ATMs and bottled water, and much more.”
The final destination on the itinerary was Chile’s vast and beautiful Atacama Desert, where their luxury accommodation was set beneath the ruins of a twelfth-century fortress in a beautiful and remote valley.
“It was an amazing way to finish the famil and experience the magic of the Atacama. We had two and a half days here in which to choose from a range of activities, from visiting museums to volcano-climbing.”
TOP IMAGE: Camilla Manson amid the bizarre formations of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) near La Paz in Bolivia.
