“Palo Seco: Life Lessons from Leprosy” is a new book that explores U.S.-operated leprosy settlements, through photos and interviews with residents and former patients who’ve been forced to live there for decades. BY MARK CHESNUT Until about ten years ago, I had always thought of leprosy as an affliction from centuries past. But my work…
Category: Panama
New Flights, New Airlines: The Changing Skies Over Latin America
Growth mode: Copa is among the airlines adding new routes in Latin America. BY MARK CHESNUT Whether it’s Mexico travel, Central America travel or South America travel, globetrotters flying to and around Latin America will notice a bunch of new options when they book this year, thanks to a slew of new flights, new alliances…
Where to Stay Next: The Top 5 New Latin America Hotels in 2012
Luxury in the making: a rendering of the Panamera, a Waldorf Astoria hotel in Panama. It’s a new year, and new Latin America hotels are popping up around the hemisphere, with the hope of swaying you away from your long-time favorites. With so many options, how can you decide if a new Buenos Aires hotel…
The 5 Best Airports in Latin America
Landing with a view: Santos Dumont airport in Rio de Janeiro. BY MARK CHESNUTFor many jet setters, spending time in the airport is the least pleasant part of travel. From the Mexico City airport to the Rio de Janeiro airport, here are some terminals that make Latin America travel just a bit more pleasant. Panama City…
Destination Doubles: Do You Know Where These Movies Were Filmed?
Think you know where these movies were filmed? Think again!
Latin America’s 5 Hottest Boutique Hotels: Traveling in Style
Sleep stylishly: The Condesa DF is one of Latin America’s best boutique hotels. BY MARK CHESNUTWhether your idea of a Latin America vacation is rubbing shoulders with rock stars, indulging in gourmet cuisine or being pampered at every step, there is most likely a boutique hotel to cater to you. I’ve sampled quite a few…
With Multiple Hotels Opening in Latin America, Hilton is in Growth Mode
Historic proportions: The new Hampton Inn & Suites in Mexico City. BY MARK CHESNUTHilton Worldwide, which owns a variety of hotel brands beyond its familiar Hilton moniker, is in growth mode — and that means more options for Mexico travel and beyond. In my Orbitz business travel blog, I recently wrote about Hilton’s global growth…
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Panama City, Panama
BY MARK CHESNUTThe Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower Panama has made some headlines since opening its doors this past week in Panama City, Panama (the 70-story building is being labeled as the tallest building in Latin America, although the Gran Torre Costanera in Santiago de Chile will match or beat that title when…
Cocktails With a View: 5 Great Rooftop Hotel Bars in Latin America
Rooftop bars and other hotel venues are among the best places to enjoy the view while sipping cocktails. Here are a few places to soak it all in.
Act Fast for All-inclusive Savings at Latin America Resorts
All-inclusive: The Westin in Costa Rica is among the resorts offering summer deals. BY MARK CHESNUTOn the Orbitz business travel blog, I recently wrote about how all-inclusive resorts around the hemisphere are serving the needs of business travelers. Now, I’ve rounded up a few sample vacation resort packages in Latin America, for those gearing up…
SNEAK PEEK: Trump Ocean Club Promises Luxury with a View in Panama
The Trump Ocean Club has an attention-getting architectural style that stands out in Panama City’s skyline. During my recent trip to Panama City, I enjoyed a hard-hat tour of the construction site at the Trump Ocean Club. Now, the developers have released a set of photos that give a glimpse of what the hotel rooms…
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Westin Playa Bonita Resort, Panama
One of the newest luxury resorts in Panama is the Westin Playa Bonita Resort, which opens in October 2011. Opening in October 2011, the Westin Playa Bonita is one of the newest luxury resort hotels in Panama. In this EXCLUSIVE VIDEO, I’ll take you on an insider’s tour of the construction site, showing a glimpse…
VIDEO: The Last Days of the Diablo Rojo, Panama City’s Legendary Bus
The Diablo Rojo, Panama City’s legendary bus system, is in its final days. Panama City is a fast-growing Central American metropolis where skyscrapers seem to rise in the blink of an eye. And as this Central American hotspot continues to modernize, it’s about to say goodbye to its most colorful form of mass transit: The…
HOTEL REVIEW: Riu Panama Plaza — Panama City, Panama
The Riu Panama Plaza is the hotel chain’s first foray into the urban hospitality concept, set in the heart of Panama City. THE ARRIVAL: With 645 rooms, the Riu Panama Plaza is largest hotel in Panama City, Panama (for now, that is; this fast-growing metropolis has larger properties in the pipeline). It also marks…