PHOTO: Guestroom at Casa Palopo in San Antonio Palopo, Guatemala. (courtesy Marriott Hotels & Resorts)

Central and South America are distinguished not only by stunning natural landscapes and amazing archaeological sites, but an emerging generation of upscale hotel and resort properties, some set in historic structures. Several of these properties are offering special winter travel packages.

Nayara Springs, a boutique hotel featuring 16 luxury villas, opened in December as a sister resort to Costa Rica’s Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens. Located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica on mountainside in the Arenal rainforest, the property’s landscape features creeks, natural hot springs and views of the Arenal volcano.

Pools fed by mineral hot springs are built into every villa, and accommodations feature full butler service, a private garden with an open-air shower, indoor and outdoor lounging areas and complimentary mini-bars. The resort also offers a spa, yoga pavilion, pool, and piano bar. Guests can also book hiking, zip-line and rafting excursions to the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park.

Double occupancy rates start at $590 per night and include daily breakfast, Internet access and international telephone calls.

Casa Palopo is an exclusive boutique hotel located on the picturesque shores of Lake Atitlan in the highlands of Guatemala. The resort features brightly colored stucco walls, original Guatemalan paintings and artifacts and panoramic views of the vast lake, the deepest in Central America, and the three towering volcanoes that surround the site.

Casa Palopo is offering a travel package featuring one night at the company’s hotel in the nearby colonial town of Antigua, plus six nights at Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan, a welcome cocktail party on the main terrace featuring Guatemalan fare; private car transportation to and from Guatemala City; an excursion to the market at Chichicastenango and boat tours to the towns of Santiago and San Antonio Palopo. Double occupancy rates start at $370 for a minimum seven-night stay.

The JW Marriott Cusco luxury hotel is built on the site of a 16th century San Agustin convent in the city that is widely recognized as the launch point for excursions to Machu Picchu, Peru’s signature natural wonder. The meticulously restored hotel features original pre-Inca walls in some guest rooms as well as archeological exhibition areas around the property. The hotel is located two blocks from the historic Plaza de Armas, and is a three-hour train ride from Machu Picchu.

The JW Marrriott Cusco is offering an advanced purchase rate starting at $225 per night including daily breakfast for two at Pirqa, the hotel’s restaurant. The early booking rate represents a 15 percent off the standard rate. 

The Westin Playa Bonita luxury resort is located outside the metropolitan capital of Panama City and features three freshwater infinity swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa and six dining options featuring international cuisine. The resort is offering a package featuring a 45-minute spa treatment for two, a Panama Canal kayak tour for two and a “Chunga Chagres” tour of the Gamboa rainforest. The package is prices at $225 per night for a minimum four-night stay. 

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