Euro 0.71 - Argentina 3.08 - Bolivia 7.04 - Brasil 1.78 Chile 530.75- Colombia 2,071.24 - México 10.38 - Paraguay 3.960 - Perú 2.96 - Uruguay 19.35 - Venezuela 2.14

Beginning October 30, Lufthansa will add a sixth frequency to its flights between Buenos Aires and Frankfurt, representing a 20% increase in its offer. Approximately one year ago, the management of the German airline scheduled direct flights between both cities for the first time.

Next summer, the government of Uruguay will implement a tax refund for foreign tourists and discounts for Uruguayan tourists in order to promote sales during the summer season. The program will include discounts of 9 VAT points for hotel and restaurant purchases and for car rentals made with credit cards, although the “tax free” system will only include foreign tourists, the Minister of Tourism explained.

TAM announced that as of November, they will fly the Sao Paulo-Milan-Sao Paulo route exclusively with A-340 aircraft, after having operated the route since August with a Boeing 767. The transition up to November will be gradual - beginning September 19 they will fly with 767 or A-330 aircraft, and as of October, with A-340.

Air France-KLM announced yesterday that as of December 1st it will increase the number of weekly flights between Amsterdam and Panama from three to five.

In a plaza of the archaeological complex of Chavin, an underground passage where offerings were made was discovered. Three weeks ago, it was discovered that the circular plaza did not have an even surface, and on one of the sides an opening was discovered that connected to an underground path which measures 2 by 3 meters and has a stairway made up of five stone steps that descends down to a depth of 2 meters. The path connects to the Mosna river and is approximately 400 meters long. A large amount of broken ceremonial ceramics have been discovered, as well as animal and human remains and a small sampling of metals.

Last week “Travel Mart Latin America” ended in Quito with the participation of more than 850 touristic businesspeople from all over the world. The organizers estimated that during the fair approximately US$ 40 million in foreign currency was generated for the country for the next 15 months.

Faced with the crisis caused by the increase in fuel costs, the North American airline will close 15 destinations, among them the Cali-Houston route. However, the company arranged to open a direct flight from the Colombian capital to the United States.

Cruise ship passengers arriving at Mexican ports will begin paying the US$ 5 tax beginning on October 1st. This tax will be paid to the municipalities which receive cruise ships, who will receive 90% of the income, while the remaining 10% will go to the National Institute of Migration.

Known as the “Wonderful City”, Rio de Janeiro offers attractions that have rendered the city international fame. Who has never heard about carnival in Rio, the most amazing popular party in the world? Or who has never heard about Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ Redeemer? Or about the beautiful beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, that have inspired musicians from all over the world? Or, also, who has never heard about the Tijuca National Park – the largest urban area natural preservation area in the Country? Rio is all that. And much more. The city was the Brazilian capital until 1960 – when Brasilia, the current capital, was inaugurated. Because it was the capital, concentrating much power, the city’s architectonic traces include luxurious and imposing constructions – that sheltered the nobility and other important personages of those times. Since the city’s weather is hot and pleasant all through the year, Rio does not depend on seasons to attract visitors. Its attractions can be appreciated any time of the year. Read more…