(MIAMI, Fla., February 2012) "“ In an effort to meet travelers' growing desire for authentic vacation experiences, a selection of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America today announced the "Authentically Local" package – an exciting new program that introduces travelers to local culture and language.
Available now through Dec. 31, 2012, the "Authentically Local" package features accommodations and a number of local touches including:
·        Local culture consultants who provide can't-miss authentic destination suggestions, such as snorkeling the crystal waters at Hilton Curaçao and hiking through a natural forest when visiting Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa
·        A hands-on cultural experience specific to each hotel and destination including a choice of dance lessons, cooking classes, cocktail tastings, boat tours and more
·        Traditional dinner with local flair, featuring everything from empanada appetizers at Hilton Buenos Aires and mole enchiladas at Hilton Mexico City Reforma to sancocho at Hilton Santo Domingo and conch at  British Colonial Hilton Nassau
For guests who want to expand their cultural engagement and give the local language a try, hotels will provide a language immersion pin identifying the guest as an "Authentically Local" participant. Team members will then speak to the guest only in the local language. An English/Spanish/Portuguese/Papiamentu dictionary and a list of language schools in the area, should guests want to return for a formal language course, complete the package.
From tango teachings in Buenos Aires and rumba lessons in Cartagena, to traditional caipirinha-making class in São Paulo and rum tasting in Bogota, the program offers culturally-rich learning experiences to "get local" at each of the following hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America: Hilton Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hilton São Paulo Morumbi, Brazil; Hilton Belem, Brazil; Hilton Bogota, Colombia; Hilton Cartagena, Colombia; Hilton Garden Inn Santiago Airport, Chile; Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort; Hilton Mexico City Reforma; Hilton Villahermosa & Conference Center, Mexico; Hilton Garden Inn Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico; Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa; DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Central Pacific "“ Costa Rica; DoubleTree Cariari by Hilton San Jose, Costa Rica;  British Colonial Hilton Nassau, The Bahamas; Hilton Barbados Resort; Hilton Curaçao; Hilton Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre.
Guests booking "Authentically Local" should check with culture consultants at each property to learn about the most celebrated experiences known to the destination.
For example, Chrystian De La Barrera, culture consultant for Hilton Cartagena, shared, "When visiting Hilton Cartagena, guest should not miss out on the opportunity to discover Colombia's rich history. The best cultural experience is offered during an ancient-walled city tour to get a glimpse of 18th century architecture and learn how the city has evolved."
Other culture consultants had tips of their own. Food lovers visiting Hilton São Paulo Morumbi in Brazil should visit the city's Mercado Municipal, São Paulo's first grocery market built in 1928. When staying at Hilton Santo Domingo, not-to-be-missed local sites include the Colonial Zone and Los Tres Ojos Cave, an open-air limestone cave with beautiful blue, green, and yellow reflections considered one of the nation's most visited attractions.  Guests of Hilton Buenos Aires should stop for a snack at Cafe Tortoni – established in 1858, or visit with local artisans at Recoleta's arts and craft fair.
For reservations, guests should call 1-800-HILTONS, contact the participating hotel directly, or call a local Hilton Reservations and Customer Care office, and request the Authentically Local package.
