A festive welcome to our December newsletter with the very latest from our partners in South America
Simon, Gareth and ALL our partners in South America wish you a very Happy Christmas - health, happiness & success in the coming year!
We have a new Online Image Library with high resolution images available to download. Please contact us for log in details.
We're delighted and proud to begin working with Thierry and Lilliana at Hotel La Passion in beautiful Cartagena (see introduction below).
We've been busy travelling in the past 3 months with inspections to Argentina and Chile, fam trips in Ecuador, and travel shows in Cartagena, London and Cannes.
Senderos Partners are:
Hotel La Passion, Colombia (www.lapassionhotel.com)
Estancia Huechahue, Argentina (www.huechahue.com)
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru (www.perunature.com)
Casa Andina Private Collection - Suasi Island, Peru (www.casa-andina.com)
Casa Andina Private Collection - Sacred Valley, Peru (www.casa-andina.com)
Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Brazil (www.vidasolemar.com.br)
Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa, Chile (www.patagonia-connection.com)
Ecoventura, Galapagos Islands (www.ecoventura.com)
The Antarctic Dream (www.antarctic.cl)
Experience Patagonia, Argentina (www.experiencepatagonia.com)
Quincho Country Home, Chile (www.quinchocountryhome.cl)
Hotel Manary Praia, Brazil (www.manary.com.br)
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil (www.picinguaba.com)
Awasi, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (www.awasi.cl)
Galapagos Island Walking Tours & the Huaorani Indigenous Eco Lodge, Ecuador (www.tropiceco.com)
Vila d’este, Buzios, Brazil (www.viladeste.com.br)
Hotel La Passion, Colombia (www.lapassionhotel.com)
Set by the azure waters of the Caribbean, walled Cartagena de Indias is steeped in centuries of history and surely one of Latin America’s most beautiful, vibrant, and romantic cities. Now there is a gem of a small hotel to use as a base for discovering its charms!
In this lovingly restored 19th century colonial mansion, only 8 rooms means personalised service. Guests are assured of a warm welcome by the owners Thierry and Lilliana, and their friendly staff.
Tradition, authenticity, and attention to detail exist hand in hand with stylish modern design and amenities. The hotel has its own speedboat to whisk you to islands off the coast and, the icing on the cake, a roof top pool with stunning views.
Estancia Huechahue, Argentina (www.huechahue.com)
We are in the midst of a busy high season! Our news in brief:-
- New nature and birdwatching walks with Florencia every Tuesday and Friday morning are proving very popular (US$20 pp).
- The Spa - sauna, hot tub and masseuse - is up and running and used to capacity every evening!
- We have new Across the Andes programmes for December 2008. Available and bookable now.
- Estancia to Estancia itineraries for October and November 2008 are also available.
- Airlines schedule changes are making life rather complicated. Please enquire directly as we are doing our best to coordinate arrivals and provide transfers from Bariloche.
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru (www.perunature.com)
At Posada we have just had a visit from 8 Mapuche from Southern Chile to learn about the secrets of involving a Native Community in Tourism and running a remote eco-lodge. A coordinator from WWF Chile joined the delegation. Plenty of activities during the day such as visiting the community; and after dinner we gave presentations on Marketing and Sales, Operations, Human Resources and how to successfully train naturalist guides.
Please note that in 2008 Posada Amazonas will have a surcharge for programmes at the Tambopata Research Centre. Normal TRC itineraries and prices use Refugio Amazonas on the first and last nights.
The long awaited Birds of Peru by John O´Neill is on the shelves!
From the time I was met at the airport in Puerto Maldonado until I left there again five days later EVERYTHING was perfectly arranged and executed...all my expectations were exceeded! All of the RE staff that I encountered were top-notch. My guide Sally was extremely knowledgable and skilled at spotting and identifying, but also possessed a deeper intuition that makes a good guide great.
The lodges themselves are beautifully done and it was a pleasure to spend time there. I found the rooms to be clean and comfortable. I appreciate your organization's sustainable practices at the lodges. I thoroughly enjoyed each of the activities that were planned for me. RE's partnership with the local community was a highlight to witness as it closely mirrors our own projects. It will be with great enthusiasm that I will prepare future clients for a visit to your lodges. Your entire program is truly exceptional. US Operator
Casa Andina Private Collection - Suasi Island, Peru (www.casa-andina.com)
Antonio Garate, Suasi's resident manager tied the knot on the island earlier this year - see photo right of the wedding. We wish Antonio and Cati the very best in their new life together!
- We have a new resident guide, Maritza Aldecoa. Fluent in English and French, 23 years old Maritza is the new environmental interpreter at CAPC Suasi Island. She takes care of guiding the passengers in the various experiences that the island has to offer -Andean traditions & spirituality, canoes, bird watching, walks and star gazing.
- Casa Andina continues its popular fixed departures to Suasi Island in 2008 (with savings of up to 50%!). These are by motor boat, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and between May and November also on Sundays.
Casa Andina Private Collection - Sacred Valley, Peru (www.casa-andina.com)
Recent guide book reviews for the CAPC Sacred Valley
Cocktails in the bar, the early show at the planetarium and then the leisurely dinner of Chef Teddy Bouroncle's creative novoandino cuisine...a light dinner, a passion-fruit spa treatment and then straight to bed underneath a cozy down comforter. There is so much to do, you'll have to make sure you don't spend all your energy sightseeing! Moon Handbooks Peru
The Sacred Valley is exploding with new upscale accommodations and this is one of the best...Its lovely setting has great mountain views and is complimented by gardens and spa. Frommers, Best Hotel Bets
Casa Andina Private Collection news
- CAPC Miraflores to open in Jan 08
- CAPC Arequipa has its soft opening this Dec (officially in Jan)
- In Cusco an exciting new show has opened, Kusikay, in the Garcilaso Theatre. It tells a story based on Peruvian culture and folklore using elements of theatre, dance, circus and magic.
Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Brazil (www.vidasolemar.com.br)
This was an excellent whale watching season, beating all records in the number of Right whales seen off the Santa Catarina coast.
- Enrique was hoping whales would wait to say goodbye on his return from WTM in London, but the last left on their long journey just before his return in mid November.
- Pousada Vida Sol e Mar has a popular and successful Surf School run by Enrique's son Rodrigo. Praia do Rosa is a famous surf spot for Brazilians and Argentines.
- The photo below right shows the Litman family with 8 time world Champion surfer Kelly Slater, who was visiting the area for the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro championship in late October.
Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa, Chile (www.patagonia-connection.com)
The hotel is lovely and the location is like a fairytale especially when you arrive in the evening with all the lights. I loved the spa! Food and service were great - BS Oct 07
We worked hard over the winter months and Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa now has 29 Superior Rooms and 1 Captain’s Chamber, all with views of Dorita Bay.
- This photo (right) of a leopard seal was taken by Anne Wildmann at San Rafael Glacier on November 5th earlier this year.
- Last week we were honoured with the visit from the famous jazz musician Jean-Luc Ponti.
- Our sales team is working (and travelling!) hard looking to position Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa and Chile's Northern Patagonia as one of the Chile's top destinations. In the last few weeks we've been present at WTM in London, EIBTM in Barcelona, and MITM in Brazil!
Ecoventura, Galapagos Islands (www.ecoventura.com)
- Ecoventura featured in an article in the December issue of ISLANDS magazine - 100 leaders in responsible tourism who ensure their islands remain environmentally sound for future generations
- Ecoventura offsets 1108 tons of CO2 in 2007. Through Native Energy's carbon offset programme to fight global warming and climate change, we have helped to build two new renewable energy projects.
- Tui de Roy Photography Trip scheduled for 8-15 June 08.
- All visitors to Galapagos now required to purchase a “Tarjeta de Control de Transito” or TCT card for $10.00. Passengers traveling in December 2007 will pay the fee at the airport. For passengers already invoiced, you add it to your invoice and advise us that you want it prepaid. New invoices will include the fee.
- Aerogal now offers service from Miami to Ecuador. From December the only Ecuadorian airline to fly into the US and to offer welcome champagne, warm meals, digestives, snacks and individual TVs. Aerogal flies all Ecoventura passengers to Galapagos and is also certified by SmartVoyager.
- Airport in San Cristobal remains closed www.ecoventura.com/news_detail.aspx?a=120
The Antarctic Dream (www.antarctic.cl)
Thanks to everyone who has made the 2007-2008 a great success so far and we are happy to be running each departure at full capacity.
- We still have availability for our February 27th and March 9th departures.
- Please visit our website www.antarcticdream.com for updated pricing and departure information for 2008-2009, which is already underway with many reservations.
- We have begun inviting passengers to send us their best photos, which we are adding to our photo gallery online.
- In light of the recent accident of the m/v Explorer, you can see our full ship specs under the drop down menu on the "Our Vessel" tab, as we know safety is of increased concern for everyone.
- As you know, expedition cruises to the Antarctic are very popular and it's not easy to find cabin space. Please be aware that when booking the Antarctic Dream it is vital that you keep to the payment deadlines for both the deposit and balance due. Failure to do so will result in your booking being cancelled automatically.
Experience Patagonia, Argentina (www.experiencepatagonia.com)
Hotel Los Notros (www.losnotros.com), overlooking Perito Moreno glacier is the only hotel within the national park.
A new rupture of the Perito Moreno Glacier (top right) is announced as imminent. The glacier’s ice mass could produce another spectacular show when the dam formed over the Canal de los Témpanos collapses. According to the National Park’s administrator there is now a three-meter difference in water level between the lake’s two arms.
Hotel Los Cerros www.loscerrosdelchalten.com
To the north, Viedma glacier (second photo) also within Los Glaciares National Park is the largest glacier in Argentina. The picture shows minitrekking on the glacier, a wonderful day out suitable for anyone active.
The village of El Chaltén is the perfect base for lovers of Nature and simply breathaking landscapes of forests, lakes and ice. Also the place for adrenaline and adventure junkies, with endless options in the area incl trekking, climbing and horse-riding.
Quincho Country Home, Chile (www.quinchocountryhome.cl)
Silja and Cecilia – Thank you so much for a wonderful stay. We spent 2 relaxing days looking at wonderful sunsets! Thanks for making us feel so at home and comfortable. This is a beautiful place. Mk & TB, Los Angeles
- Our chef Claudio Ubeda has received the Golden medal in the most important culinary competition in Chile
- Quincho rates include delicious home cooked meals. Guests can also choose to eat in some of Puerto Varas' best restaurants.
- All Quincho activities are on a private basis (one vehicle per reservation) except Rafting, and Full Day Peulla
A lovely and peaceful sojourn for us. Wish we could have stayed longer…forever! SR and DP
Hotel Manary Praia, Brazil (www.manary.com.br)
- Manary, which is a member of the exclusive Roteiros de Charme group of hotels, has recently received the association’s top award, the Prêmio Qualidade 2007. The accolade honours the Manary’s excellent services, its preservation of the local environment and its social involvement in the region. The prestigious award is given each year to the hotel that receives the most votes from guests and scores highest in the association’s internal audits.
- The latest craze to hit Brazil’s stunning beaches is kitesurfing, which involves the surfer being pulled through the water using a power kite. There are a number of suitable spots that can be reached from Natal, such as São Miguel do Gostoso, Galinhos and Pipa. The best kitesurf point in Natal is directly in front of the Hotel Manary, at Ponta Negra beach.
- The photo top right show the beautiful Genipabu's dunes, within easy reach of the Manary Praia.
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil (www.picinguaba.com)
What a fantastic place! We have had the most amazing time, absolutely loving every minute. Thank you all so much for everything you have done to make our stay special. Not only are the views, beaches and Pousada beautiful, but the staff have made it all even better. Always helpful, smiling and friendly. We will have very fond memories and really hope to return one day. Hugo and Serene - London Nov 07
- Our annual White Party on 1st December for friends of Picinguaba was in the honour of Emmanuel and Filipa's wedding earlier this year - great fun! Familiar faces from all over the world, as well as the village.
- Every full moon, dolphins invade the bay of Picinguaba - we watch them from the deck, then go see them close up with our new boat.
- Our local NGO for Environmental Education in Vila Picinguaba - APIS (Acao Picinguaba Sustentavel) is officially up and running and we are currently organising to fund and recruit it.
- Emmanuel will be in Europe from January 15 till late March, and London the last week of January.
Great end to a superb Brasilian adventure. Food very good and hospitality warm and friendly. Sad to leave this place of forgotten Heaven. Will be back some day. Alex and Jo - Bristol Dec 07
Awasi, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (www.awasi.cl)
Thanks to your support we've had an excellent first year. Here are some of our latest developments:-
- Personal Butler. We offer guests the option of having a personal butler unpack their belongings upon arrival
- Pillow Menu. Another addition to our questionnaire, where guests are given the option of selecting their pillow type
- New Vehicles. We have updated our fleet of vehicles to the latest 2007 models - Jeep Wrangler 4 Door, Dodge Dakota, and Dodge Durango
- Tatler Awards. Awasi was included in the Tatler 101 best hotels of the world
- Corporate programmes for 2008. We are contacting International companies and offering special promotions to entice incentive and corporate travel to Awasi. We have recently added the technology to host meetings onsite
Galapagos Island Walking Tours & the Huaorani Indigenous Eco Lodge, Ecuador (www.tropiceco.com)
Thank you very much for organising a phenomenal trip to Isabela in the Galapagos and the Huaorani Ecolodge ahead of Travel Mart. Without question, this was a trip of a lifetime and truly memorable Stuart Whittington - UK Oct 07
Isabela Walking tours - Originally designed as private journeys, Set Departures encourage clients that are flexible on dates and wish to save money (single travellers!). They're guaranteed with 2 pax for the price for 4, & if successful we'll put more on. For details on dates, rates & commission sales@tropiceco.com
Huaorani Ecolodge - Our solar energy system is operating. Independent systems in each cabin supply light & create awareness amongst our clients encouraging them to ration energy. Also supplied are the restaurant, kitchen's solar freezer & refrigerator. The Sun's energy powers our water pump and filters water to supply the whole lodge.
A training course was held at the lodge for 15 Huaorani, and Diego is helping us establish the base for a green certification in the near future.
New equipment! 5 new tents for the Campsite in Nenkepare, portable chairs for the dugout canoes and a beautiful dugout canoe made by Bai at the community of Apaika.
Piers Moore Ede travelled with us in September. Read his excellent article in the Guardian at www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/oct/27/saturday.green
Thanks everybody that visited our stand in London during WTM - we are waiting for you here in Ecuador!
The Huaorani experience was one that exceeded my expectations and a three days I’ll never forget David Bray - UK Oct 07
Vila d’este, Buzios, Brazil (www.viladeste.com.br)
Vila d’este is a very special small hotel with 15 rooms where charm and elegant touches combine to create an atmosphere inspiring relaxation.
Meet a few of the staff that help make Vila d’este so special
- In the first photo is Adriano, the Barman of our restaurant. Ristorantino Vila d´este serves the famous Brazilian breakfast and in the evening sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine - always with a view to die for!
- Then below we have Jose Rocha (Commercial Manager), Thiago (Guest Relations) and Renato (Operational Manager).
Email
info@senderos.co.uk for more
information.
Telephone: +44 (0)208 1448335