40 | T HE B AR OSSA M AG // TR AV EL
WORDS BY MEGAN HERMANN
PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL BAROSSA VALLEY
South America is a such a diverse
destination and Megan Hermann from
PHT Barossa was lucky enough to be
given the opportunity to experience
some of its many highlights recently. decorated bedrooms, all with their own
fireplace; spectacular antique gardens
along with cosy living and reading
rooms all combine to create a truly
peaceful atmosphere.
Flying into Santiago from Melbourne
with Latin America we hit the ground
running with a short amount of time in
the continent, but so much to see! While there we enjoyed hikes, cooking
classes, and horse riding to Condor
Sanctuary, all the time enjoying locally
home made food.
After a restful night from our first pisco
sour, we experienced a winery lunch and
tour at Santa Rita Winery followed by a
walking city tour of Santiago with our
local guide. A short flight from Quito to Guayaquil
Airport took us to a once in a life time
Galapagos experience onboard La Pinta.
We flew Quito and drove to our unique
stay at Hacienda Zuleta.
Zuleta is a colonial working farm of
4,000 acres that belongs to the family
of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso - a former
president of Ecuador.
The
hacienda
has
14
beautifully
La Pinta carries a maximum of 48 guests
- small ship cruising at its finest. We had
morning and afternoon zodiac landings
on our five day / four night cruise where
we got to discover the highlights of this
incredible part of the world.
We visited South Plaza Island, Santa Fe
Island and Cerro Colorado, Punta Pitt
and Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal Island,
So much to see in
South America
and Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay on
Española Island. better...but it did with a two night stay at
National Geographic Mashpi Lodge.
Never in my life would I have thought
I would be standing just metres from
a Galapagos iguana, snorkelling with
sea lions and watching the blue-footed
booby do their mating dance. Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve,
which extends across the surrounding
1,300 hectares, is a haven for wildlife
and biodiversity.
My favourite moment though – spotting
a sea turtle.
Back to Quito to stay at the stunning
Casa Gangotena Hotel - not that we had
much time in them but they had some
of the most comfortable beds, and it was
a joy to have dinner served with locals
dressed in traditional embroidered
clothing.
High Tea here is a must in the beautiful
atrium or just have an afternoon drink -
not to be missed.
To this point the trip was amazing so I
couldn’t imagine how it could get any
You meet the naturalist guides for a short
briefing about the upcoming activities
during your stay. If you are a twitcher
(bird watcher) this is your place.
Early morning, day and evening
activities depending on your level of
fitness will allow you to maximise you
stay and experiences.
It was back to Lima for the conclusion of
our trip with a cocktail making session at
the iconic Hotel B.
If you would like to find out how you can
experience South America for yourself,
please contact myself or the team at
PHT Barossa Valley.
HEALTHY SMOOTHIES // HEALTHY BITES
// EXCLUSIVE FASHION
57A Murray Street, Nuriootpa
OPEN Monday - Saturday
0414 628 306 E Q