El Dorado Lives!

EL DORADO LIVES!

Just like the mythical Gilded Man, Latin America is at once an ancient land of mystery and intrigue and a continent of thriving contemporary culture. From the empty stone corridors of the vast ghost cities of Tiahuanaco, Teotihuacan and Machu Picchu, to the modern, pulsating metropolises of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago, Latin America has captivated and seduced both visitors and invaders alike.

Adventure Associates is delighted to announce the release of the all-new 'Latin America', a comprehensive guide to travel and adventure opportunities throughout Mexico, Central and South America.

"As Australia' first and longest established tour and travel operator to South America, we've distilled over thirty years experience into our latest publication," says Stewart Campbell, CEO of Adventure Associates.

The new brochure contains Adventure Associates' evergreen Rhumba', and 'Inca Mysteries' as well as the ecologically-focused "Galapagos and Amazon Adventure".

These core itineraries can be enhanced with tours to virtually any region between Mexico and Tierra del Fuego and to outlying destinations such as the Galapagos, Easter Island and the Falklands.

Latin America and the Caribbean are currently enjoying a healthy resurgence as adventure hungry travellers seek new, exciting destinations to satisfy their cravings. For example, LAN (formerly LanChile) are reporting increases up to 26% in Australians travelling to South America*.

Quest for the Furthest South by Ship

26 August 2005

For Immediate Release

THE QUEST FOR THE FARTHEST SOUTH BY SHIP

Adventure Associates' newest icebreaker expedition to deepest Antarctica will attempt to better the 90-year-old record held by the famous Norwegian, Fridtjof Nansen aboard the Fram.

The year 1911 was the apex of Antarctic exploration. The famous Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, pipped Scott to the South Pole and the 'heroic' Englishman and his crew perished on their return.

When Amundsen's supply ship, the Fram, captained by Nansen, moored in the Bay of Whales on 14 January 1911, she immediately set a new record for furthest south by any ship. Numerous attempts and claims were made since then, but Fram's record stands undisputed. Almost 90 years to the day, Kapitan Khlebnikov made an attempt in unusually favourable ice conditions, but fell tantalisingly short.

Current Records:

Fram - 14 Jan to 15 Feb 1911 - 78°41'S

Kapitan Khlebnikov - 11 Jan 2001 - 78°37'S

The Great Antarctic Explorers - Search for the Far South:

21 January - 14 February 2006 (25 days):

Lyttelton, New Zealand to Hobart, Tasmania

In early February 2006, Kapitan Khlebnikov will again attempt to better this enduring feat at the Bay of Whales during her expedition cruise, "The Great Antarctic Explorers". Apart from a rare opportunity to be part of history, passengers will also visit the fabled Ross Sea region, the sub-Antarctic Islands, Cape Royds and Cape Adare as well as McMurdo Sound and the newly remodelled Drygalski Ice Tongue - thanks to its collision with the world's largest iceberg - B15a.

Wonders of the Ross Sea - In the Footsteps of Shackleton & Scott:

29 December 2005 - 21 January 2006 (24 days):

Hobart, Tasmania to Lyttelton, New Zealand

The Kapitan Khlebnikov will also make an earlier voyage "Wonders of the Ross Sea" which will focus on exploring the, ice-choked Ross Sea with special New Year's celebrations en route to the Antarctic continent. A special highlight is exploration of the seldom-visited Dry Valleys by helicopter. This remote area is a remarkable landscape of wind-eroded rocks and desert scenery more reminiscent of Mars than Earth.

Both Kapitan Khlebnikov voyages visit the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Macquarie Island en route and cruise prices start from US$13,900 per person triple share.

For further information contact Adventure Associates on 1800 222 141, email on mail@adventureassociates.com or visit www.adventureassociates.com/antarctica/

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Media Enquiries:

For brochures, images or further details, please contact Brenda Milanes, Adventure Associates on 02 9389 7466 or email: brenda@adventureassociates.com