Spring News

Welcome to our Spring newsletter with the latest news and developments from across South America.

Including a number of brand new Special Offers and Early Bird discounts!

We both attended ITB this year in Berlin, another successful event and great to see many of you there. 6 of our partners were present - Antarctic Dream, Awasi, Casa Andina, Puyuhuapi Lodge, Rainforest Expeditions and Vida Sol e Mar.

Any questions at all just let us know! Warm wishes

Simon and Gareth

Senderos Partners are:
Antarctic Dream www.antarctic.cl
Argentina - Estancia Huechahue, www.huechahue.com
Argentina - Experience Patagonia www.experiencepatagonia.com
Brazilian Beach House Company www.brazilianbeachhouse.com
Brazil - Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Praia do Rosa, Brazil
Brazil - Pousada Picinguaba, Costa Verde www.picinguaba.com
Chile - Awasi, Atacama www.awasi.cl
Chile - Casa Higueras, Valparaiso www.casahigueras.cl
Chile - Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, Aysén www.patagonia-connection.com
Chile - Quincho Country Home, Lake District www.quinchocountryhome.cl
Colombia - Hotel La Passion, Cartagena www.lapassionhotel.com
Ecuador - Huaorani Ecolodge www.huaorani.com
Ecuador - Galapagos Walking Tours www.walkingalapagos.com
Ecuador and Galapagos - Ecoventura www.ecoventura.com
Peru - Rainforest Expeditions, Tambopata www.perunature.com
Peru - Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi Island, Lake Titicaca

Antarctic Dream www.antarctic.cl

In March we finished another successful season in the far south and want to thank all of you for your support! Our news:-

• Early bird discount – 10% discount for next season bookings made before 31st May 2009.  Non-refundable deposit or normal conditions with full payment.
• Willing share scheme - for single passengers willing to share a cabin we'll guarantee the rate on a double basis. ie no single supplement and we'll find someone to share.
• We're pleased to announce that the amazing kayak expedition carried out by Cristian Donoso and his team was completed successfully on Feb 27th in Ushuaia.
• Fuel surcharge – we are currently not charging but reserve the right to do so at US$25 pp per night if oil prices go above $70 a barrel. NB applies unless clients have already paid in full.
• Please note for next season we are asking passengers to bring their own jackets and wellington boots. The same stock as last season will be available on board as a backup.
• Our Arctic season starts soon from Spitsbergen, and meanwhile we are already preparing for the 09/10 Antarctic season. Please enquire for availability.

I would like to express our thanks to the Captain of the Antarctic Dream Captain Ernesto Barria and all his staff. My husband and I were on the voyage from 18th -28th January, from the time we went on board until we had to disembark at the end of the journey we enjoyed a wonderful time. Captain Barria was always helpful and courteous to all his passengers. He went to great lengths to make sure all passengers were aware when whales or anything of interest was to be seen. The Expedition Leader Mr. Rene Preller ensured that everyone was kept fully informed of lectures and expeditions ashore. He was always ready to answer any questions we had. His team gave interesting and informed lectures and they too were always willing to answer questions. The dining staff and all members of the crew were helpful and polite at all times. We would like to express our thanks and congratulate the company for everything that was done to ensure the trip was a success for everyone. AB Jan 09

Argentina - Estancia Huechahue, www.huechahue.com

This has been the trip of a lifetime. I have laughed so much and learnt so much. The hospitality has been amazing. Holiday of a lifetime!

We have a few changes for next season:- 

• We have wonderful horses and lots to do on horseback. Our riding is best suited to those who have experience. Those with no experience are welcome but must be keen to try and not be frightened to do so!
• We are proud of the meat we produce and whilst there are always plenty of non meat options at meals we do not provide specific vegetarian menus.
• We are no longer setting dates for pack trips – we can still organize trips for groups of 4 or more – and if a pack trip is happening and has room for more clients we will let everyone know.
• Our rack rates will be US$ 356 per guest per night until the end of December 2009 and US$ 375 per guest per night from the beginning of January 2010. This is inclusive of transfers from San Martin, all meals, beverages (incl wine, beer and spirits) and activities. Excl tips.
• There is a single person supplement of 25%. However this only applies if you are not prepared to share with another appropriate single guest.
• All the fishing on the Estancia is included, however if guests want the services of a professional guide or wish to fish some of the other local rivers there are substantial extra charges.

Please contact us for for information on the 2009/10 Huechahue season, including of course the Chile trip.

When you think you have seen it all, the next day is even better. Had a wonderful time and you made it feel like a home away from home. Thank you so much. I really hope I will be able to come back some day

Really relaxing place, good surefooted horses with fantastic scenery. Worked really well for riding wife and fisherman husband. Excellent vegetarian food.

Argentina - Experience Patagonia www.experiencepatagonia.com

Hosteria Los Notros and Hotel Los Cerros, Patagonia

As our Austral season draws to a close, we're pleased to share our news and thank you for another year's support.

Hosteria Los Notros closes on Friday (17 April) and will open again on the 21st September.

Hotel Los Cerros closes tomorrow (15 April) and opens again on the 9th October.

New Photos of Los Notros and Los Cerros - please contact us or Senderos if you would like us receive.

Sales Manager Lelia will be visiting the UK in May & attending the Americas seminar 19 - 21 May at the RGS. Looking forward to meeting many of you then. 

The National Park Los Glaciares has beens working on new walkways. Some areas are already complete affording an excellent, improved view of the Perito Moreno Glacier. 870 meters of walkways have been opened to the public.

New rates for the 2009-2010 season in Hotel Los Cerros and Hosteria Los Notros are now available:

http://www.experiencepatagonia.com/archivos/ln-programs&conditions2009-20101233341472.pdf

http://www.experiencepatagonia.com/archivos/lc-programs&conditions2009-20101233340500.pdf

We stayed for three nights at the Los Cerros in El Chalten and it is one of the best places we have stayed at because of its unique location, excellent services, comfortable room & public space. The outdoor activities offered are quite comprehensive and vary by degrees of difficulty and interests, from an easy horseback riding, to a sail on Lake Viedma & 3hr glacier trekking, to a grueling 30km hike / glacier trekking. The guides are all excellent. (Take a look at their website for a sample of activities). You decide what you want to do for the next day, and everything is taken care of, including a small backpack with water and your lunch choice for the hike. The food at the hotel is top-notch. The restaurant has beautiful views as well. One of the best things I love about this place is the professional, but warm and friendly service across the board. There is no better place to base yourself in El Chalten for exploring the natural wonders of the Patagonia.

Brazilian Beach House Company www.brazilianbeachhouse.com

It may seem a little premature to start talking Christmas and New Year availability, but now is the time! International and domestic flights are still available at realistic prices and we have wide availability in all types of properties from 8 bedroom beach-front mansions in Trancoso to beautifully restored colonial houses in the heart of old Paraty.

Private house rental is the ultimate luxury in travel; enjoy the privacy and freedom of your own property, staff, pool and, in some cases your own beach.

Prices do increase in Brazil - as they do in most beach destinations worldwide - but we still have many properties that offer great value for money. With an enticing blend of service, comfortable accommodation, location and privacy renting a house or island in Brazil over the Christmas holidays is one of the best ways for a family to get together away from home.

More than ever we have been able to negotiate excellent commissionable rates that compare well with other top Villa destinations around the world, such as the Caribbean, Thailand and South Africa. Add to this the fun and warmth of Brazil and that fact it is still - rightly - perceived as a hip, authentic destination as yet unexplored by many means it is a very good option to push to clients looking for one big get away this year.

Here is a quick look at some of what we have available:

• CASA BEIJA FLOR, Canavieras, Southern Bahia (nearest airport is Ilheus) - One of the best beach houses available to rent in Brazil; a stylish modern house with 5 en-suite bedrooms set right on the beach just a short distance from the forgotten cacao village of Canavieras. Great beach, swimming pool shaded by coconut palms. Sleeps 10
• CASARAO AMARELO, Paraty - A fabulous family house set right on the water a short walk from the colonial centre of Paraty. Wonderful tropical gardens, sea kayaks and a large swimming pool make this one of the most popular houses in our portfolio. Sleeps 10
• CASA DAS BRISAS, Trancoso - Described by Harpers Magazine as one of the 15 best beach houses available to rent on the planet... A super-stylish beach-house of local hard woods and thatch, decorated with canvas and natural fibres and set right on one of the most private parts of the beach. The bars, restaurants and shops in the Quadrado are a 5 minute drive away. Sleeps 4
• CASA DO MORRO - A great 4 bedroom family house with a good sized swimming, wi-fi, cable TV and DVD and big garden, a short walk to the beach and 5 minutes by car to Trancoso's famous Quadrado. Sleeps 8-10 guests

All of our houses are fully staffed and come with the services of an English speaking concierge for part of or all of the day (please request specifics as the level of servce depends on category). All houses are stocked with drinks, household essentails and snacks ready for the guests' arrival.

This is just a small selection of what we have available. Please request the CD of images, rates and conditions and word document descriptions for all properties in the Brazilian Beach House Company's exclusive portfolio of Brazil's best beach houses and private islands.

Brazil - Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Praia do Rosa, Brazil

We're pleased to share 3 guest comments from March this year...

Dear Friends, to feel at home when you are far from it, is something rare and unforgettable. I felt at home here, thank you so much.

To All, had such a great time here!! Everything is beautiful. Relaxation, enjoyment, peace. Thank you, I'll be back!!!

Vida Sol e Mar has great rooms, wonderful views. Praia do Rosa is a very beautiful beach. If you demand comfort, beautiful beaches and contact with nature this is your place.

Its been a busy summer, especially so February, and right now we're at full stretch again with the Easter break. Its a lovely time of year, still warm and sunny during the day, cooler at night and some great waves for surfers.

We have built 2 beautiful new villas in our grounds, Golfinho and Baleia Franca, bringing the total to 14. Please contact us or Senderos for more information, prices and images.

As ever at this time we're looking forward to our winter months, bigger waves and sometime in June or early July the arrival of the whales!

Brazil - Pousada Picinguaba, Costa Verde www.picinguaba.com

Special Offer - between 1 May & 15 Dec 09 guests pay for 5 nights and stay for 6!

May, June, July - the so-called Brazilian winter is no longer a secret! Its actually the best time of the year to visit with fantastic light, clear blue skies almost every day, hardly any rain, plus it’s not too hot, and there is just this certain je ne sais quoi in the morning. Perfect for a walk on the beach, a longer trek, or simply just to sit back, relax, and enjoy a superb meal, and generally take it easy. It is warm (25 deg air and sea) and the evenings tend to be cooler when guests appreciate a sauna, massage or reading by the fire. Airfares from Europe are a lot cheaper than the rest of the year.

We're delighted that in the last year 95% of our guests have rated their stay as Very Good to Excellent. See below for three of March's comments from our Guest Book.

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay with you at Pousada Picinguaba. It is the perfect retreat for resting, discovering and enjoying life. We loved it!

After 35 years of marriage we felt we were still on honeymoon at such a lovely place with the most friendly, welcomy and helpful staff. A little paradise on earth and a wonderful way to end a 3 week holiday in Brazil. We will tell everyone to come here…

Thank you for making our honeymoon so wonderful and such a memorable holiday. This is a very very special place with lovely people and a beautiful setting. It is good to know that a place like this still exists on the earth.

APIS (Acao Picinguaba Sustentavel) is an NGO we helped set up dedicated to the sustainable future of the village of Picinguaba and the protection of its exceptional natural setting and local community. You can find more information at http://www.apis-brasil.org/apis/our-actions.html. Any help or donations would be greatly appreciated, please contact Ana Maria or Emmanuel. 

Finally a sad note. For those of you that have stayed with us you'll remember our free-spirited canine friend PegaLeve ('Takeiteasy'). Pega passed away earlier this year & he is sorely missed. As a tribute see this short video Emmanuel took some years ago running in the surf at Praia Fazenda http://www.senderos.co.uk/movie/fazenda_060.avi

Chile - Awasi, Atacama www.awasi.cl

Our stay here was unforgettable. We loved the design and style of this hotel. Our room was spacious and beautifully designed. As was the other areas in the hotel with areas, again superbly decorated, in which to sit and relax, either by the pool, bar or dining area. Our tours each day was with our excellent and very knowledgeable guide. Our guide and the staff in the hotel were very professional and caring and really wanted us to enjoy our stay. The food was outstanding. March 09

Special Offer with the new W Hotel Santiago - for any 3, 4 or 5 night programs between 1 July and 30 September 09 we include a free night at the spectacular W Hotel. 

'Giving Back' - As part of our commitment with sustainable tourism and motivated by our passion for the culture and nature of the Atacama Desert, we have run a number of local projects (see our website for more information) and respectfully maintained the cultural traditions of neighboring populations minimizing any impact that tourism might have on the local environment. All the materials used while constructing Awasi were obtained from the area and the techniques employed where the same as those used in the Altiplano highlands for thousands of years. The Hotel was built with the assistance of local workers who contributed the knowledge that has been passed on for many generations.

Please see http://www.awasi.cl/awasicd/ for more detailed information than our main site.

Chile - Casa Higueras, Valparaiso www.casahigueras.cl

We loved Casa Higueras. The rooms were well-appointed and comfortable. The walk down to the swimming pool was lovely, and the pool area was relaxing. We enjoyed our breakfasts at the hotel, and the one dinner we ate there too. When we arrived (having just got off a 10-hour plane ride, followed directly by a drive to Valparaiso) we were greeted with such a welcoming response that we immediately felt comfortable. March 09

A Great Hotel. Loved this place. Wonderful location with a great view over the city to the harbor. Rooms are spacious, clean and unique. Staff is super attentive, to the point of providing a cell phone when we went out at night just in case we had any problems. Food is good. Would highly recommend. March 09
 

Travel Mart Latin America is in Chile this September.  We're looking forward to seeing many of you visiting us in Valparaiso, whether before or after the show. Please contact Simon and Gareth at Senderos if you are interested to do so.  

Chile - Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, Aysén www.patagonia-connection.com

My whole trip to Aisén in northern Patagonia was magical, but I was really surprised to find a hotel/spa of this calibre hidden in the forest bordering a fjord. The lodges' rustic chic accomodations offer guests a top-notch dining experience including delicious Chilean wines and the best cuisine I tasted in the region. Another surprise is soaking in the spa's thermal hot springs while enjoying a spectacular view of the Andes across the bay. The staff was most helpful and took me on hikes in the Queulat Park to see the glaciers. Knowing I was interested in the history of the region, they even organized a meeting with a relative of one of the early settlers in the area. The catamaran trip to San Rafael Lagoon was a wonderful complement to my stay at Puyuhuapi. I highly recommend this hotel/spa for people who want to combine active tourism options and relaxing spa treatments all inside the picturesque Andes Mountains.

We're delighted to announce early booking discounts!

• Option 1 - 20% discount on published programme rates for reservations at least 8 months in advance. Special cancellation fees apply. Reservations confirmed with a 30% deposit. If the booking is cancelled between the date of the reservation until 61 days before the start of the programme, the deposit will not be refundable. The balance of 70% to be paid 60 days prior to departure. No refund for subsequent cancellation. 
• Option 2 - 5% discount on published programme rates for reservations made and fully paid within 3 months of departure. Normal cancellation charges apply.

Manuel will be visiting the UK (amongst other countries) in May and attending the Americas seminar 19 - 21 May at the Royal Geographical Soceity. He is looking forward to seeing many of you on this trip.

We are running a great new 8 day programme with our friends at Isla Jechica and the boat Noctiluca, a truly amazing, different way to discover this amazing region. More info on request.

Chile - Quincho Country Home, Lake District www.quinchocountryhome.cl

A wonderful place, with wonderful people. I hesitate to call them staff as while we were there, and hopefully long after, they were our friends. Our stay there will be forever in our hearts and minds as will the friends we made. March 09

Thank you for all your hospitality at the beautiful Quincho Country Home. We have so enjoyed our 4 days here, and feel we have made many friends. Everything has been perfect. Excellent food and those pisco sours!

Our warmest thanks for such a lovely time with you at Quincho! It has been a home away from home for us, and we take away only the fondest memories...A wonderful house, gorgeous weather, and a terrific team, what more could we want!!!

• Special winter rates with slightly changed activities - for example skiing on volcano Osorno!
• For 2009/2010 rates will maintain the same as 2008/9.
• Please enquire with your local ground handlers or us.
• Our team stays the same during the winter season – Chef Claudio, Hosts Elizabeth and Cecilia, and Manuel and Lincoyan as our guides.

Colombia - Hotel La Passion, Cartagena www.lapassionhotel.com

One of Cartagena's true hidden gems, La Passion is an oasis in the heart of the colonial old town. With a totally unique style of its own which works perfectly in harmony with the surroundings, each room is individual and the friendly owners make you feel like a privileged guest in their own home. Sunbathing by the rooftop pool and sipping cocktails with views of classical church towers beyond, we really didn't want to go home! March 09

The hotel was fantastic! Set in an old colonial house within the walled city of Cartagena, it was an ideal place to explore the old city and surrounding buildings. The hotel was decorated in a very unique fashion with every room having unique colours and features. The roof terrace had a lovely place to sit or bathe and a fantastic swimming pool. The views of the city were great. Breakfast was served on the roof terrace and was a delicious mixture of local fruits in a continental style. The staff were extremely helpful and attentive at all times. Jan 09

Beautiful Inn with luxury eclectic decor and 5 star service. My room was gigantic..with all the comforts. Roof top pool was fantastic, we felt like it was our own private retreat. We had a wonderful stay, we will be back! March 09

Ecuador - Huaorani Ecolodge www.huaorani.com

Staying here was the highlight of our 4½ weeks in Ecuador. Not even The Galápagos could compare! Poling in a canoe along the Shiripuno River, the only sounds the gurgle of water, the call of birds and the swish of paddles – heaven! Everything we did, from walking through the jungle to meeting local people was very special, very personal. IT WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF OUR LIVES. GO!!! March 09

We have plenty of good news to share:

• New Manager - The lodge has a new manager now working with Pato, his name is Eduardo a former Kapawi Ecolodge manager. He is already reviewing all our procedures and will be in charge of the Best Practice process we will undergo in the next 6 months. During this period our intention is to integrate a Huaorani manager to work with our team at the lodge. Waponi!
• ECORAE - our foundation signed a contract with ECORAE (Instituto para el Ecodesarrollo regional Amazonico). With this joint venture we'll be able to continue improving services, like a complete management and H&S system, and infrastructure at the lodge.
• Kayaks! We all agree that the Huaorani ecolodge experience is all about the wildlife and culture, but we believe that you can attract different market niches. We are producing a fleet of 8 Kayaks (4 singles and 4 doubles) for our departure expeditions downriver. We are sure your active clients will be very excited to be part of this! We will have this option available from September and for the last 3 months of the year this alternative won’t have any additional cost.
• Interpretation center - It’s been a necessity for us to have a better presence and better services for our clients leaving the Huaorani territory at the Shiripuno bridge. ECOARE helped us with the seeds of this and now we have Unesco, WTO and the Ecuadorian ministry of environment interested in helping us developing the project.
• In the local news - during this month we were very happy to share our beautiful project locally in two of the major magazines America Economia and Vistazo (http://www.vistazo.com/impresa/reportaje/?id=2458
• More awards: We were ranked as the Best Adventure Travel Company from Ecuador by National Geographic Adventure!
• We are delighted to share our first Trip Advisor review.

Ecuador - Galapagos Walking Tours www.walkingalapagos.com

I  just want to say thank you to everyone for making my trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos so memorable. My guides were great - extremely friendly and also very knowledgeable - and I really appreciated the welcome. I will definitely be recommending you and my itinerary to family and friends.

Pescado Azul , a women’s cooperative based in Isabela is providing jobs for unemployed women and sustainable economic alternatives for fishermen. Traditionally, the fishermen have relied on declining coastal sea cucumber, lobster, and shark populations for their livelihood. The Mujeres de Isabela association provides an alternative by creating a market for tuna, a migratory species, which is processed, smoked and distributed locally, on the mainland and now with plans to export. The project also contributes to the conservation of the Galapagos by using guava wood, a destructive invasive species, to smoke the fish. This small-scale business is decreasing pressure on the already overexploited fishery by focusing on added value rather than scale in its production of smoked fish delicacies. The Association have approached us and asked us to help them identifying funding for them to build a new plant. We hope to help them to get funding and include a visit and chat with these entrepreneurs in the near future.

The association won a prestigious award called the Equator Prize, more info here: http://www.geocities.com/pescadoazul_isa Please let us know if you have any ideas for them!

Jasci walked with journalist Rebecca Newman in February, check out her recent article from the Financial Times. When Herman Melville arrived on the Galapagos, he thought it an “evilly enchanted ground … looking as the world might after a penal conflagration”. After a five-mile hike to the highest point of the westerly island of Isabela, the landscape seems to me more like a furnace-baked work of surrealist art, its black lava fields rising into volcanic cones, yellow sulphur hissing around the rims. Read more...

Please contact us for details on our Special Bonus scheme. As you sell our Walking Tours you earn extra $s over & above normal commission levels.  

Ecuador and Galapagos - Ecoventura www.ecoventura.com

We just returned from a week on the Eric. It was wonderful! The ship is well maintained and very comfortable; the food is good; the staff is outstanding! I can't say enough about the service staff - the crew was truly exceptional, very experienced and knocked themselves out to help you. It was great having the two guides on the ship. We also felt the itinerary was a big plus. We saw Genovesa, Fernadina and Isabella. Every day we saw new animals and lots of them. You'll love it! It's truly a trip of a lifetime. March 09

2010 cruise rates for Eric, Flamingo & Letty are available: http://www.ecoventura.com/expeditionyachts/2010rates.aspx

There is no additional fuel tax fee as charges have been incorporated into the cruise rate.

Ecoventura has standardised commission, levels for FIT bookings in 2010 will be based on sales volume from 2009; please enquire with Galapagos Network for details.

We welcome charter requests on the Eric, Flamingo or Letty for 2010. As an added incentive, we offer 25% commission on all charters in 2010 (excluding holiday weeks).

Sky Dancer has left Galapagos and will be in dry dock until April 26. We have cabins available on three departures this fall that are in prime whale shark season so they will not last long: Aug 2-9, Aug 30-6 Sep, Sep 6-13. Otherwise, just three departures remain with some spaces available: Dec 13-20, Dec 20-27 & Dec 27-03 Jan 2010

Aerogal airfares to San Cristobal have increased by $3-4 due to an increase in the airport taxes for service and security. For all passengers paid in full, Ecoventura will absorb the increase. For all other confirmed bookings, please add the additional amount to the balance due.

Ecoventura works very closely with the Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, and we have been able to lower our room rates for the remainder of 2009 to $150 double, $140 single and $200 triple.

Updated - Sales Promotions for 2009

• Spring Fling: April 26-03 May, May 3-10, May 10-17, May 24-31, June 7-14.Take an additional 5% commission + fuel tax ($125) will be waived. Applicable on new bookings only & subject to change.
• Summer Family departures from June 14 to Aug 23. Apply 15% discount for teens from 12 to 17 (previously was 12 to 14). Applicable on new FIT bookings only and subject to change at any time.
• Low season: Aug 30-06 Sep, Sep 6-13, Sep 13-20, Sep 20-27 & Sep 27-04 Oct. Take an additional 10% commission + the fuel tax ($125) will be waived. Applicable on new FIT bookings only, subject to change at any time.
• Early Bird: Oct 4-11, Oct 11-18, Oct 18-25, Oct 25-01 Nov, Nov 1-8, Nov 8-15, Nov 15-22, Nov 22-29 Nov 29-06 Dec, Dec 6-13, Dec 13-20. Take an additional 5% commission + the fuel tax ($125) will be waived. Applicable on new FIT bookings only confirmed with deposit by 180 days prior to departure.

Peru - Rainforest Expeditions, Tambopata www.perunature.com

[Refugio Amazonas] was our favorite part of the Peru trip next to Macchu Pichu. We had our family of 4 (two girls, 9 and 12) and my 78 year-old dad. Lots of great food and attention to detail. They work hard to make sure you have a good experience and seem to be constantly striving to improve. We picked this location because it seemed to offer the most variety of activities and it did! Lots of bird life, natural history, looking for otters on the lake, spot-lighting caimans, river habitat, medicinal plants, jungle tower, local farm, etc. Plenty of great food. Very nice, but not too fancy so you remember that you are in the jungle with boat access. I am a wildlife biologist and was very impressed with the knowledge of our guide, William. This was a big bird-life area. Dec 09

Refugio Amazonas will add 8 new rooms (a new wing) to its existing 24 rooms in May.

Harpy Eagle caught by camera-trap at a mammal (!) claylick in Refugio Amazonas. An amazing sight as that was on the ground in the middle of of the forest, and this is the world´s most powerful bird of prey!

Japanese NHK film crew stayed at the Tambopata Research Centre for a month to film the chicks in the nest and adult macaws on the claylick.

Martin spoke at an ARGE forum at ITB, and Rainforest Expeditions were also represented at the Rainforest Alliance Panel on Certification in the tourism industry.

Rainforest Expeditions is proud to be sponsoring a National Geographic Kids trip in May to Tambopata. 

The lodge is absolutely amazing, the views are beautiful and there are so many interesting things to see April 09

Peru - Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi Island, Lake Titicaca

This is a gem! Far away from maddening crowds, this enclave of rest and relaxation is the perfect getaway and a tribute to sustainability in this age of consumption. The sunsets are magnificent, the staff warm and friendly and there is nothing they wouldn't do for you. Whether canoeing around the island, hiking to the top of the hill to watch the sunset over the clear lake, it is a haven of relaxation. Wonderful boat ride from Puno visited the Islas Uros and Taquile, both a step back in time and inspiring to see. A perfect honeymoon spot was the Andean Cottage (NB see photo), right on the lake with breakfast and dinner served there in front of the fireplace. We definitely will be back.

Casa Andina have approval to buy a new speed boat. This will enable us to provide the full Lake Titicaca experience, redesign packages to be all inclusive from airport to airport and we hope bring rates down! We're expecting this for August, more information as soon as we have it.

Other Casa Andina news:-

• New LINK promotion! Link your Casa Andina reservations and double your discount (depending on the amount of destinations). For example, link 2 destinations and get 4% discount, 3 destinations 6%, etc. With 17 hotels in 7 destinations there are lots of potential benefits!
• Chincha - as of early 2010, after being totally renovated, Hacienda San Jose will become Casa Andina's 7th Private Collection property in the chain. The hotel will have 50 rooms and 15 suites, a gourmet restaurant, bar, lecture room, 2 pools, a spa and chapel (and famous catacombs) amongst its extensive facilities.
• Alma is the new name for all our Private Collection restaurants
• Our new website will be ready on the 16th of April!

Email info@senderos.co.uk for more information.

Telephone: +44 (0)208 1448335

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