At the five-star Hotel Fasano in Sao Paulo, visitors this year can get reduced rates and packages that include a massage, session with a personal trainer and a guaranteed upgrade -- all items that weren't offered last year.

In this time of economic difficulty, suppliers are dangling all kinds of incentives, and savvy travelers to Central and South America are latching on to them.

''Callers are looking for more value -- specials, last-minute deals, free breakfasts, free concerts, upgrades,'' says Amelia Cachaldora, president of MK Travelplan in Miami.

While travel to Europe is down, says Steve Born of major tour operator Globus, his company has seen 30 percent growth to South America yearly for three years, and other tour companies say interest in Latin America remains high.

Indeed, a TraveLeaders survey of all international bookings for 2009 made by its 541 travel agencies shows San Jose (Costa Rica) went from a ranking of No. 32 in 2008 to No. 21. Buenos Aires (Argentina) went from No. 40 to No. 34, the Galapagos Islands from No. 58 to No. 51.

But it's not just the new travel perks that are spiking interest in Central and South America. ''Well-seasoned travelers want to try more exotic destinations. Latin culture is hot. And South America is insulated from high costs [as opposed to Europe],'' explained Globus' Born.

Costa Rica's natural wonders -- rainforests, volcanoes and coasts on two oceans -- are its main appeal. Argentina's Buenos Aires offers Parisian-like ambience and sophistication, Peru the mysteries of Machu Picchu, Ecuador the amazing creatures of the Galapagos Islands, and Chile the scenic grandeur of Patagonia.

Here's a sampling of travel packages to the region. Prices are starting rates per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability, restrictions and change without notice. Taxes and surcharges may be extra.

BRAZIL: In Sao Paolo, the Hotel Fasano offers promotional rates from $450 (regular rate is $640); added-value amenities vary with the package and rate. www.lhw.com.

CHILE: Future Vacations offers a four-night visit to Santiago priced $1,579 per person, including round-trip air from Miami. Taxes and government fees additional. Book by Feb. 15 for travel in March. 800-456-2323, www.futurevacations.com.

South American Vacations is offering a five-night tour to Santiago and the Atecama Desert including air from Miami for $2,999 person, double occupancy. www.savacations.com; 888-268-9753.

PERU: MK Travelplan offers a six-night Sunrise at Machu Picchu tour to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu starting at $758 per person. Travel between Lima and Cusco is by motorcoach. Airfare to/from Peru is extra. 305 648-7285 or 888-441-7600, www.mktravelplan.com.

COSTA RICA: Globus' eight-night Natural Wonders of Costa Rica tour includes stops at plantations, visits to hot springs, waterfalls and a volcano, and many meals. Price starts at $1,689. Airfare is extra. 866-755-8581, www.globusjourneys.com.

ARGENTINA: Marcia Travel's package to Buenos Aires includes round-trip air from Miami, four nights at the De Las Americas hotel in the Ricoleta area, breakfast and city tour, $998. Good through March. 305-225-3788,

www.marciatravel.com.

ECUADOR: A four-night Amazon rainforest touroffered by Miami's Tara Tours for $1,870 per person, including roundtrip air, air-conditioned cabin on the Manatee Amazon Explorer, and arrival night and departure eve in Quito. 305-278-4464 or 800-327-0800, www.taratours.com.

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