This month's news from our partner community takes us from the wetlands of Brazil to the glaciers of southern Chile, and from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast of Panama. Here's what's new, and a few ideas for the months ahead.
Brazil – with Gondwana Brasil
Featured in Brazil's Tourism ESG Guide
Responsible tourism takes more than good intentions. It takes action, accountability and a commitment to keep improving. That approach has earned Gondwana Brasil a place as a case study in Embratur's Guia ESG do Turismo Brasileiro (Brazilian Tourism ESG Guide), which highlights practical approaches to environmental, social and governance responsibility across Brazil's tourism sector.
For Gondwana, that commitment means concrete practices: a publicly available Sustainability Policy, annual Impact Reports, long-term partnerships with local businesses and communities, gender equity and ongoing support for biodiversity conservation.
In November 2025 Gondwana achieved Travelife Partner status, after two years of documented work on its sustainability management. As the company celebrates 25 years of creating experiences across Brazil in 2026, its place in the guide marks another step in making responsible tourism part of how it operates and how it contributes to the places it works in.
Chile – with Turavion
A new season in Patagonia
The navigation season is underway in southern Chile. The spectacular Glacier Route (Ruta de los Glaciares) now sails every Saturday, and there's a chance to see the remarkable wildlife of Magdalena and Marta Islands in the Strait of Magellan.
What's new at the hotels
Hotel Río Serrano (Torres del Paine): renovated rooms and a new restaurant, Cocina de Humo.
Nayara Alto Atacama (San Pedro de Atacama): renovated Tilo Suites and new Catarpe Premium Rooms.
Remota Patagonia Lodge (Puerto Natales): complimentary transfers via Punta Arenas.
Getting there: new flight options
From late May 2027, British Airways' Santiago–London Heathrow service will stop in Buenos Aires, and the airline will add a daily nonstop London–Buenos Aires flight continuing to Santiago.
Air France is increasing its Santiago–Paris service from 7 to 10 flights a week between 15 December 2026 and 4 March 2027, with extra departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays on its Airbus A350. That means more ways to connect through Paris from across Europe.
Colombia – with The Colombian Trip
Joining Serandipians and Takumians by Traveller Made
The Colombian Trip is now part of Serandipians and Takumians by Traveller Made, an exciting milestone for our partner. It recognises the dedication and care behind the journeys the team creates, and the trust of the people they work with.
As a locally rooted company, The Colombian Trip is committed to showing the heart and soul of Colombia through meaningful travel experiences and warm hospitality. Congratulations to the whole team.
Costa Rica – with Horizontes
London to San José, now all year round
Exciting news for anyone dreaming of Costa Rica: British Airways' non-stop flight between London Heathrow and San José (SJO) will operate all year round, from October 2026 to September 2027. What was once a seasonal route is now part of the airline's regular schedule.
More flights: five a week from October 2026 to March 2027, and three a week from April to September 2027.
From Heathrow: the route moves from Gatwick to British Airways' main hub, making connections from across the UK much easier.
Convenient timings (winter schedule): leave London at 11:10 and arrive in San José at 16:40 the same day. The return leaves San José at 18:40 and lands at Heathrow at 10:50 the next morning.
Choice of cabins: the Boeing 787 offers Club (Business), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) and World Traveller (Economy).
In practical terms, you can leave London after breakfast and be settling into your lodge, or watching the sunset, the very same day.
Ideas for your journey
Nature and wildlife: Tortuguero, Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula, ideal for birdwatching and unforgettable encounters.
Volcanoes and adventure: hike, soak in natural hot springs and explore the Arenal region.
Cloud forests and coffee: walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde and enjoy farm-to-cup coffee experiences.
Beaches and relaxation: unwind on the Pacific coast, from Guanacaste to Manuel Antonio.
Local flavours: discover Costa Rican cuisine, from market tastings to farm-to-table meals.
Dominican Republic – with FFV
Swap winter for the Caribbean this New Year
Say goodbye to 2026 beneath tropical skies and begin 2027 among idyllic beaches, Dominican rhythms, mountains, waterfalls and crystal-clear waters. FFV has prepared two New Year journeys:
Dominican Republic: Naturally Lush (11 days / 9 nights). From Santo Domingo to Samaná, through the Caribbean at its most lush: Saona Island, Los Haitises, hidden beaches, mangroves and waterfalls. New Year's Eve is spent overlooking Samaná Bay, and 2027 begins at Playa El Valle, El Limón Waterfall and the rhythms of Las Terrenas.
Dominican Republic: Endless Horizons (11 days / 9 nights). From the blue waters of Saona Island to the green mountains of Jarabacoa, ending by the sea in Cabarete and Cabrera. Celebrate New Year's Eve Dominican-style in coffee country, then welcome 2027 among golden beaches, mangroves, lagoons and cenotes.
Panama – with Hover Tours
Christmas under a tropical sky
This festive season, Panama City celebrates Christmas with a tropical twist at the "City of Stars 2026" International Christmas Festival: festive lights, cultural traditions, colourful parades and entertainment along the Pacific coast. From late November to early January, more than 30 activities and 35 illuminated public spaces transform the city.
29 November: Christmas celebrations in the historic streets of Casco Antiguo.
6 December: Christmas tree lighting at Mirador del Pacífico, overlooking the Pacific.
12 December: the Grand Christmas Parade along the Cinta Costera.
31 December: New Year's Eve celebrations at Mirador del Pacífico.
Beyond the festivities, a Christmas getaway can easily become a longer journey: the Panama Canal, the charming streets of Casco Antiguo, lush rainforest, and beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. It's a refreshing alternative to a traditional European Christmas.
Thinking about Latin America? Our partners design every journey with their own teams on the ground. Get in touch and tell us what you'd like to experience.