Great Summer destinations:

Our summer months coincide with Peru's dry season. From about May through September is an excellent time to visit this amazing country. Peru is huge and offers a kaleidoscopic cultural and natural landscape. Best known of course for the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the legendary Inca Trail and for the rainforest of the Amazon Basin that stretches for hundreds of miles of green wilderness.

But there is much more to Peru than these spectacular attractions. Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is no 'secret' destination. Puno is the 'folk-capital' of Peru and has the biggest artisan crafts markets, which is a big attraction for tourists. However, as the reputation grows, so do the rip-offs. Lake Titicaca still remains an incredible destination though, deeply magical, if you can escape the crowds in Puno.

We offer two special hide-away lodges here: Suasi Lodge, located on Suasi island is unsurpassed for its rustic, comfortable ambience. This special place combines a truly unique location with excellent service. Built with local materials such as stone, adobe and totora reed, the hotel is located in the small private island of Suasi, one of the most beautiful and special islands of the entire Lake Titicaca. The island has 106 acres and is home to the four South American camelids.

Another option for Lake Titicaca is 'Titilaka' Lodge, so named after the nearby indigenous community of the same name. This lodge may not display the same charm as Suasi island lodge on the outside - but on the inside it is every bit as cosy and elegant. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable with views of lake Titicaca to die for. The rooms face either east or west to offer the best views of sunrise or sunset across the lake. An interesting range of quarter-, half- or full day excursions are available, including visits to nearby indigenous communities on the islands, bird watching, hiking or visiting archaeological sites.

Peru is becoming so multifaceted as a destination that it is hard to know where to start. The Andes mountains offer a hiking paradise of unparalleled beauty that has long been cherished by serious trekkers and climbers. The Huaraz National Park is a particular favorite, though it remains quite off the beaten track among 'regular' visitors to Peru.

Everybody knows about the Inca trail - the famous 4 day hike to the citadel of Machu Picchu. It is still one of the worlds greatest hikes, but by no means the only trek worth considering in this area. Asaungate is simply incredible and can now be done with the logistical support of charming mountain lodges along the way (operated by local communities). Or there is Choquequirao, another fabulous, and as yet little visited Inca Site.

Also so far still a secret tip - the beautiful and rugged north of the country with its magical cloud forest and ancient cultures that have left an amazing collection of remnants - ancient fortresses, graves, artifacts, mummies, temples - all of which merely let us guess at the complexities of these lost civilizations.

Read more about some of Peru's highlights
Browse Peru Adventures
Enquire about customizing a trip to Peru

While it is certainly true that the travel industry around the world has felt the pinch of the recent economic turmoil, this does have some good sides for savvy travelers.

Firstly, hotels and resorts that are usually fully booked months in advance might still have spaces, even at prime holiday periods. On the other hand - domestic tourism is likely to increase, as many people will try to save money by staying in their home countries. So, if you want to get away from the crowds look a little further afield - it is likely to be less busy, even in some otherwise popular spots, and on top of it, you may well get some pretty good deals for hotels and tours as operators are trying to fill their spaces. However, the best bargains are most likely to be found in the classier establishments. Budget hotels will not cut their rates because of the recession, but many of the more luxurious hotels may be running specials, which will make their allures even more attractive.

Galapagos - Special Deals - Letty, Flamingo and Eric

Find out more about our preferred cruise partner and their yachts and cruises

Available from this October!

Patagonia from both sides - visit the most spectacular sights of Patagonia on both sides of the border. Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park

This tour is designed for those who want to experience the best of southern Patagonia in one great adventure, yet without making any compromises as regards those creature comforts. Enjoy fabulous scenery, fantastic hikes and wildlife watching and then come back to your cosy base where a great meal and a comfortable bed are waiting for you. No roughing it - though the style of accommodation is certainly out of the ordinary. At Torres del Paine you'll be lodging in one of the luxury suite domes at the Eco Camp, (see: Suite Domes) while in Argentina, you will be lodged at the exquisite Los Cerros Lodge in El Chalten. Superb views, superb facilities, excellent international standard cuisine, and a comfortable room to relax after a hard day's hike.
Patagonia United - 8 days/7 nights

Suite Domes are now also available for Patagonian Wildlife Safaris - great family specials available!

After mid-April many of the most famous regions of Chile close down for the winter - far down south in the southern hemisphere thick snow makes many roads impassable once winter is knocking on the door. But elsewhere in Chile, ski-resorts are opening for the season, the most accessible of which is but a mere 44km from Santiago! Valle Nevado and its neighboring resorts of La Parva and El Colorado, constitute the biggest ski region in South America. Amenities are modern and there are 39 trails for every level of ability, from beginners to expert skiiers. For apres-ski there are also plenty of activities - fine dining, a range of entertainment options as well as spa and gym facilities.

Portillo is the oldest and arguably the most beautiful ski resort as far as the setting is concerned with its majestic Andean backdrop and Laguna del Inca in the middle of it. Portillo is is particularly famous for its powder snow, but even if you are not an avid skiier, this resort is an oasis for body, mind and spirit.

Chillan, 480 km south of Santiago is famous not only because it offers opportunities for just about every conceivable means of having fun in the snow - from heliskiing to Randoneé skiing, but it also features the unique attraction of a thermal hotspring amidst all this snow. A wide range of spa options is available at this resort.

For more information on skiing in Chile please contact us.

But for those who are not so keen on snow during the summer month - is there any point of visiting Chile between June and September? There sure is - Chile, being the long thin country stretches across many latitudes and the far north, the altiplano and the atacama desert does not see any snow during these months. It does get cold during the night of course (down to about 4°C), but you would expect that anywhere and at any time at such altitudes - San Pedro de Atacama, the famous desert oasis town that serves as a gateway to the Atacama desert is situated at about 2450m above sea level.

During the day though temperatures are very pleasant indeed, around 20°C, perfect temperatures for excursions and hikes. And there is plenty to do here, in the back of the beyond. The scenery never ceases to amaze with its changing colours and formations and the high altitude lagoons are wildlife hotspots and especially interesting for birders.

You can visit geysirs and hotsprings, go mountain biking or hiking, visit the salar de Atacama or the valley of the moon. Nowhere else on the planet will you be able to see the stars as closely as here in the clear desert night air, devoid of almost all moisture. There is a reason why the biggest telescopes in the world are all situated in northern Chile. In San Pedro de Atacama you can also do stargazing tours at night. But, lest you think its all down to basics in such a remote region, let me tell assure you that you will be more than surprised in this respect as well. Some of the best 5star eco-luxury lodges in Chile are to be found in San Pedro de Atacama.

The most intimate one with the most personalized service is Awasi Inn, which offers beautiful, spacious rooms, very tastefully furnished and exquisite fine dining. There are only 8 bungalows at Awasi, so it is highly advisable to book well in advance if you want to be sure of a space. Awasi is the only lodge that offers private excurisons that can be individually adapted. The very personal service leaves nothing to be desired.

Tierra Atacama operates a similar type of hotel, though their design is more modern and they place more of an emphasis on their spa facilities. This hotel has 32 simple but stylish rooms (plus two family rooms) and the food is is delicious. Tours are organized in groups, so are not quite as flexible. But they have a wide range of activities on offer. Special intrests should be mentioned at the time of booking.

Another excellent hotel is Alto Atacama which is located on the outskirts of town (about 30 min walk). Constructed in tradtional Adobe style it tries to echo the ambience of a traditional highland settlement, complete with llamas and fields. It has managed to fit quite well into the surrounding countryside - an important aspect considering its close proximity to the Pukara de Quitor ruins. Nevertheless the interior design reflects simply earthy elegance with many materials and decor items sourced from the immediate area. The hotel also features great spa facilities and six pools. A wide range of excursions ensure that noone will get bored. Excursions are operated in groups.

Read more about some of Chile's highlights
Browse Chile Adventures
Enquire about customizing a trip to Chile

Central America offers some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world. Granted - it might not be as spectacular as some well-known sites in Asia, but Central America combines a number of factors that make it a great destination for any water rat.

The second longest barrier reef of the world stretches from the Yucatan right down along the coast of Honduras, creating a chain of Cayes and Atolls, which are used for small scale tourism in the form of little dive resorts, tent camps, and some upscale, yet relatively low key developments that make for a great base for diving and snorkeling vacations - eliminating the need to stay on a liveaboard for the duration of your diving trip. Yet, the mainland is never far away, which means that if you want to take a break one day there are plenty of land based activities that should keep you occupied.

It is important to realize that the Caribbean developed in isolation from other oceans and thus has a relatively low number of fish or coral species compared to the Pacific, but the conditions are easy, which makes it an especially good destination for beginners.

The Caribbean waters are rich with great snorkeling sites close to the main dive spots, so if you want to go with a friend who does not dive or is not certified they will not get bored! It is possible to become PADI certified at relatively cheap rates, depending on where you go - and have a fantastic diving playground as your practice field. Non-divers can also take 'sniffer courses' that allow you to get a 'feel' for the real experience, but in a safe and controlled set up.

The Caribbean is a very warm ocean, as oceans go, which also makes it much more pleasant to stay in the water, even for long periods of time. There are not only fantastic reefs to explore, but also scarcely investigated ship wrecks that bear witness to a turbulent history of colonial wars and piracy.

The easy going ambiance at Central American beach resorts and plentiful options for accommodations at every budget level make this destination a paradise for diving and snorkeling trips.

And finally - especially on the islands along the Caribbean coast, English is commonly spoken. During the colonial wars many islands were important strategic strongholds of the British and some of that legacy is still reflected in the demographic make up of these islands today.

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SCUBA DIVING in OSA PENINSULA

Caño Island and selected Osa Peninsula coastal sites provide 'unequaled parades of pelagic fish' (Skin Diver Magazine): clouds of fish literally block the sun's rays in the clear waters as divers penetrate the fish schools. Brightly colored tropical fish, snapper, tuna, grouper, mackerel, jack, shark, trigger fish, barracuda (typically in schools), manta rays, eels, porcupine fish, sea urchins, octopus, lobster, sponges, sea cucumbers, and other marine species are seen.

There are 15 or more types of stony coral species as well as the attendant coral eaters (starfish, mollusks, and hermit crabs). The terrain varies widely and includes 20' reefs, 50' underwater pinnacles, canyons, walls and caves. Visibility is good to excellent all year round; often marine life can be viewed 70' below the surface. Surface sightings include porpoises, Olive Ridley sea turtles, whale sharks, sea snakes and humpback whales.

Caño Island and the Osa Peninsula coast are a part of a mammoth (Rio Sierpe, Rio Terraba, Caño Island) marine ecosystem. More than one hundred thousand acres of mangrove wetlands and one thousand miles of fresh and salt water rivers, estuaries and tributaries interact with the Pacific ocean through tides which provide for an incredible abundance of marine life. This area of the Pacific is south of the trade winds and therefore characterized by gentle swells and breezes.

Dive Packages available with:

Aguila de Osa

This beautiful lodge offers an exquisite and very comfortable setting for Osa adventures of any kind. Exciting dining is a trademark at Aguila de Osa Inn with freshly prepared seafood, pasta, tasty vegetables and tropical fruits. Eleven standard rooms are spread within a tropical garden in blocks of 1 - 3 rooms on different levels. They are spacious with high ceilings and a natural air circulation system, fan, minibar, hand crafted decor, Italian-tiled bathrooms, 24 hours electricity and a beautiful view to Drake Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Even more comfort is provided by the Junior and Master suite.
Aguila de Osa - Dive Package Rates

Marenco Beach and Rainforest Resort

Marenco Beach & Rainforest Lodge is a Costa Rica Hotel with a privately-owned nature reserve and lodge located in what is probably Costa Rica's greatest natural endowment, the rain forest and scenic coastal regions and beaches of Osa Peninsula. Built on a hillside overlooking the Pacific coast, you will need to climb many steps from the beach to the main building. The rooms are quite rustic, but comfortable and offer a private bathroom and a terrace. The restaurant serves local and international dishes. Marenco Rainforest and Beach Resort offers a wide range of excursions as well as a full range of diving packages, including certification.
Marenco Beach and Rainforest Resort - Dive Package Rates

Jinetes de Osa

This simple little hotel fits naturally into life at Drake Bay. The resort consists of three buildings located on the beach and 20 acres of rain forest. The resort has 14 rooms in two of the three building and a dining room and kitchen in the third. During the months of December to May you can eat your breakfast on the deck of the dining room while watching the humpback whales migrate across the bay. The rooms are simple, comfortable and clean.
Jinetes de Osa Dive Package Rates

Pirate Cove

This small and cozy lodge ist under Swiss management. It is located near the village of Drake and close to the estuary of Río Drake where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The simple hotel offers 7 rooms, 2 of which are made out of strong canvass and offer space for 1 - 3 people, while the other 5 rooms are big ennough to accommodate up to 5 people each and constructed with solid walls. All rooms feature a private bathroom with hot water and a terrace with hammock and partial view of the Pacific. The meals are served in an open restaurant. Homemade bread and cookies as well as warm meals (prepared with love) are on the menu. A hotel that offers basic comfortable accommodations without any frills. Clients receive a lot of personal attention. The hotel has its own dive shop - Caño Divers is member of PIRA (Padi International Assiciation). All equipment is less than two years old, and experienced dive masters accompany the dives.
Pirate Cove

Coral reefs are fragile and endangered environments. They harbor an immense diversity of life. Although they occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, about 25% of all marine species live in this habitat or depend on it. Reefs play an important role as nursery grounds for fish populations, and have close interactions with other marine environments, such as mangroves. They are an integral and vitally important part of marine ecology.

The threats facing coral reefs today are manifold: environmental pollution from toxins that are dumped at sea, run off from coastal areas, over-fishing, global warming, destructive development such as coastal tourism which discharges effluents and garbage at sea or constructs docks for cruise ships in reef areas, exploitation for souvenirs etc.

Diving and snorkelling are inherently low impact activities, but as with any fragile environment, it is important to follow certain ethics and guidelines in order to protect the reefs and not add to the stress they are already under.

• Choose responsible marine tourism operators and hotels
• Pack out all garbage and never dump waste at sea. Get involved in voluntary beach clean up/ or underwater cleanup initiatives
• Choose your points of entry carefully to avoid direct contact with corals
• Look - don't touch! The oils on your skin, or those contained in your sunscreen can be very damaging to corals, destroying their protective film and exposing them to harmful pathogens or other contaminants, which can lead to coral decline.
• Never stand or rest on corals
• Dive without gloves - it is too easy to just reach out and touch corals or other sea creatures without thinking when you know you won't get stung.
• Be very aware of your flippers - it is easy to inadvertently touch or break off corals with your flippers. If you feel confident, wear dive shoes rather than flippers.
• Don't buy souvenirs made from corals or other marine wildlife
• Spread the word among your peers about the green code of ethics for divers.
• Support marine conservation initiative

When thinking about eco-travel most people immediately dream of exotic and far off lands, mostly developing countries. But there are eco-travel opportunities in every country, whether that label is used officially or not. In developed countries 'eco'-travel has mostly been associated with low budget, energetic pursuits, such as biking, hiking, sailing, or kayaking. 'Farm-stays', popularized as 'Agritourism', is perhaps one of the oldest forms of rural tourism and it is recently experiencing a come-back with new marketing strategies.

In Europe, hiking is a very popular pursuit. Hiking organizations exist in every country, trails are generally well maintained and sign-posted, there are B & B's, farms, 'gites', and small hotels, hiker's and youth hostels that particularly focus on this type of tourism. Likewise, cycling holidays fall into the same category. What characterizes both types of travelers is the fact that they rely on their own muscle power to get from one place to the next and they enjoy 'close to nature' experiences.

Trails are everywhere - some tend to be busier than others, and popular ones don't offer quite the same natural experience as trails in more remote locations. On the other hand, they tend to be closer to 'civilization', providing more of an insight into the history and heritage and offer opportunities to interact with the locals. Also, the choice of accommodations tends to be greater - in more remote areas camping or basic shelter might be the only options available.

Europe is an incredibly diverse and culturally rich part of the planet. It is well worth exploring beyond the trodden paths. Some of the best eco-travel destinations in Europe are places that are off the usual tourist radars - Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland (especially the northern parts, known as Lappland) and Eastern Europe - which is still virgin turf as far as tourism goes. The lack of facilities makes traveling in these parts still an adventure. But even the better known places - Britain, France and Italy are worth exploring beyond their famous capitals.

Every country is special and offers many opportunities for low impact, responsible travel. In the following issues I will shine a spotlight on each country and discuss its green travel merits and opportunities. Gradually we will also start to incorporate some special European destinations into our travel offerings. If you are interested, drop me a line.