Novel set on the West coast of South America (and top tips from Tucan Travel!)

2nd August 2019

Villa Pacifica by Kapka Kassabova, novel set on the West coast of South America (and top tips from Tucan Travel).

My review opens with a comment from the Villa Pacifica guestbook: “Everyone who stays here writes something down. Those who don’t, either never arrived, or never left”

I had been eyeing this title up for a little while but there seem to be only a few copies on sale. Anyway, suffice it to say, I did eventually track one down and it is quite an unusual novel.

Ute is a travel writer (Lonely Planet, no less) and arrives at the fairly luxurious Villa Pacifica with her husband Jerry. She is writing a travel guide and that is her main reason for being in the area. Jerry starts to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and settles into a writing routine. She, on the other hand, is ready to explore and make her notes. Yet, she feels, something is not quite right.

She wanders along the shore to Puerto Seco (meaning dry port), the local village which is dead, save for the local Cafe El Fin del Mundo – the end of the earth. Arid, end of the world it certainly is…. these names all filter into her subconscious and underline her unease about the area.

At Villa Pacifica on the other side of the estuary is an animal sanctuary, where wild animals are given a home after being trafficked. It almost feels like a metaphor, the caged animals are almost like the caged people at the Villa Pacifica. Predator Max, from the USA, is someone who is larger than life and soon has the residents side stepping and avoiding him. His japes drag others into life-threatening situations.

Ute suffers from outbreaks of eczema, it seems that this affliction is an outward expression of her internal emotional turmoil. Finally, El Niño hits and this is a storm that is well known for affecting the mental equilibrium of the people caught in its path….

This is a novel that certainly has something about it. The author’s observational skills are good and she captures nuances. The story keeps a good pace and takes the reader on a journey through South America but also through Ute’s psyche where reality and dreamland cross over.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

Over to our friends at Tucan Travel (small group tours) who are going to tempt you with some of their tours to South America!

Villa Pacifica centres around a Lonely Planet guidebook writer who has been sent to South America. Although the location she visits is unknown, South America specialists, Tucan Travel have compiled a list of their favourite destinations which are a mecca for adventure-seekers and those with a taste for the unknown. 

Salento, Colombia

Nestled in the coffee region of Colombia, Salento is a tiny colourful town which is the gateway for hiking through the beautiful Cocora Valley. Known for the iconic wax palms which are unique to the region, get away from it all trekking across lush green valleys. In the evening head back to Salento for a boisterous game of ‘Tejo’ with the locals. 

Discover group trips and private holidays to Colombia here (or click on the image below)

Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Ever wanted to escape from it all and get lost in a completely new city? Buenos Aires, Argentina’s romantic, vibrant capital is the perfect destination for you. Head to a milonga and lose yourself dancing the tango. Take a walking tour through the colourful La Boca neighbourhood where the corrugated buildings are a staple of all photographs from Argentina. The architecture in Buenos Aires is spectacular, discover historic buildings that still showcase their faded opulence. Finally, get lost in the labyrinth that is Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Peron is buried. 

Fall in love with Buenos Aires on an Argentina trip (or click on the image below!)

The Amazon Jungle

The largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon Jungle spans several countries in South America. Head deep into the jungle and spend the night in an Eco-lodge, falling asleep to the sounds of the nocturnal. Take a walk and discover mother nature in all her glory – from curious spider monkeys spanning the trees, to huge tarantulas waiting for their prey. 

Tucan Travel offer trips to Peru which include staying 2 nights in the Amazon Jungle. Alternatively you can design your own trip, with a cruise down the Amazon River or seeing the Amazon from Brazil or Colombia with their Tailor-made team. 

Catch Kapka on Twitter and find out more about Tucan Travel and the Tours they offer. They are also on Twitter and Facebook

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