Unchanged Beauty

It has been hundreds of years since the European discovery of Patagonia by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, yet the words used to describe this loosely-defined region made up of both Chile and Argentina have changed very little. Patagonia is remote, infinitely beautiful, exotic, vast, wild and untamable.

Those who have visited will undoubtedly tell you that it is a destination of sharp contrast where, in a region the size of Texas, there are rolling hills, towering snow-capped mountains, untouched coastlines, expansive desert, dense forests, massive ice fields, pristine turquoise lakes, majestic ice-blue glaciers, mazes of dramatic fjords, and peaceful rivers. All of which is home to some of the most unique wildlife on the planet, like the Patagonian puma, elephant seal, Andean Condor, and guanacos (a relative of the llama). Patagonia is perhaps best appreciated through active exploration, as its stunning scenery provides the perfect backdrop for a diverse array of outdoor activities, including fly-fishing, trekking, cycling, mountain climbing, rafting, kayaking and horseback riding.

Mother Nature’s grand finale

While the northern region of Patagonia is known for its vast, mostly untouched wilderness expanse, it is the southern region of Chilean Patagonia that has captured our hearts. One visit and you’ll understand the meaning of the word “remote.” It is here where Chile’s natural border with Argentina, the Andes mountain range, eventually plunges into the waters of the Pacific at the southernmost point of South America, breaking apart into fjords, canals, hundreds of islands and where the polar climate begins. Southern Patagonia is also where you’ll find two of our favorite destinations for exploration: Torres del Paine National Park and Tierra del Fuego.

Torres del Paine lies between the Andes Mountains and the Patagonian Steppe in Chilean Patagonia, and is designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The 698 square-mile park features glaciers, lakes rivers, and is populated with exotic plants and animals, such as the puma and guanaco. Torres del Paine is also known for its three Torres (Towers) which give the park its name. These massive granite towers—which reach 10,000 ft in height—were formed by the forces of glacial ice. A stay in the park will allow for trekking to the three Torres, as well as horseback riding, sailing, kayaking, climbing and fishing.

Move south and you will eventually run into a waterway that separates mainland South America with a cluster of islands known as Tierra del Fuego (meaning “Land of Fire”). More than 500 years have passed since Ferdinand Magellan sailed his fleet into the straight that now bears his name. The islands—named after the fires created by the indigenous inhabitants of Tierra del Fuego that Magellan witnessed as he passed through the Strait—are truly Mother Nature’s grand finale.

It is here where the Andes disappear into the sea, and where you’ll find the last outpost on the South American continent. The magnificence of these islands is as captivating as their rich history. Roughly 300 years after Magellan sailed through the Strait en route to the Spice Islands (present day Indonesia), 23-year-old Charles Darwin began his expedition aboard the HMS Beagle. His journey resulted in geographic and wildlife observations that changed the way many modern people see the world.

One of the primary missions of the Beagle during its time sailing throughout Tierra del Fuego was to survey the area, including the hundreds of islands and channels that were unknown to sailors at the time. These islands included Cape Horn, which is now commonly referred to as “the end of the Earth” due to its location as the most southern point of South America and the north edge of the Drake Passage—the strait between South America and Antarctica. The waters around the Cape are particularly hazardous due to strong winds and currents, large waves, and icebergs; these dangers made it notorious as a sailors’ graveyard. However, thanks to the work of the Beagle, today the trip around Cape Horn can be made safely by cruise ships exploring the region.

Exploring the end of the Earth

To see the most of what southern Patagonia has to offer, and to follow in the footsteps of these most famous explorers, we recommend the southern Patagonia luxury expedition cruises offered by Cruceros Australis. Exploration with Cruceros Australis means adventure without the need to “rough it” in some of nature’s wildest terrain.

From trekking through the Darwin Mountain Range to photographing one of South America’s largest penguin colonies on the archipelagos of Tierra del Fuego, guests are presented with the adventure of a lifetime. Cruceros Australis’s sleek ships take visitors deeper into the pristine channels of southern Patagonia and further inside Tierra del Fuego than any other expedition ship can. Daily wilderness excursions with local guides take guests up close to massive glaciers, through majestic fjords and to the mythical Cape Horn where they have the rare and special opportunity to visit historical sites like Cape Horn National Park and the Cape Horn Memorial, which is dedicated to the sailors who lost their lives exploring the dangerous waters.

Whether hiking to a lookout point for the perfect vacation photograph, following Magellan’s path through pristine the waters of the Strait of Magellan, or bearing witness to the precious wildlife that calls Patagonia home, guests will journey through a region that is anything but ordinary. From start to finish, Cruceros Australis blends the best of Patagonia with fascinating exploration for those who dare to discover the rich secrets of the end of the Earth.

For More Information

Learn more about Patagonia or contact us to plan your trip to the “End of the Earth.”

Some destinations are better suited for family travel than others, and the moms and dads on our staff were eager to share their favorite places to travel with their own kids.

Craig’s Pick: The Galapagos Islands

“Kids really love the Galapagos in the summertime. Not only do the Islands offer a unique wildlife experience on par with an African safari, but the routine makes for good family fun. The Islands are on the Equator, and the ships cross it numerous times during the cruise so the weather is the same year round. But in the summer the ships are loaded with mature, well-traveled kids, typically age 7-17. The early morning and late afternoon activities keep everyone in the family engaged and the timing of the activities and life on the ship keeps everyone on the same sleeping and eating schedule. With other kids onboard the parents can really enjoy some downtime during the siesta (10am-2pm) while the kids have fun and make new friends. This seems to be a perfect balance of family time, activities, kids’ time, and parents’ time.”

Jim’s Pick: Hawaii

“Hawaii is often thought of as a romantic destination for couples. But what most people outside of the West Coast don’t realize is the islands are one of the best family destinations in the world. Hawaii offers a worry-free environment that is safe and comfortable. Plus, you can drink the water! Some of my favorite family activities include: watching whales from a boat off the coast of Maui, kayaking to the Mokulua twin islands on Oahu, hiking through ancient lava tubes on the Big Island, riding mules down the Pacific’s highest sea cliffs on Molokai and taking a helicopter tour to see the stunning beauty of Kauai.”

Sande’s Pick: South Africa

“South Africa is an incredible experience for kids. Not only does it have game viewing but also so many other options. In Cape Town, the waterfront area is fun for kids to walk around with parents to go shopping and exploring. Take the kids on a tour to the Cape of Good Hope where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet with picturesque crashing waves, and on the return stop by Simons Town and see the Jackass Penguins whose loud bark sounds like a donkey.

Want more adult activities with the kids? Take them to a winery for a tour–still very interesting no matter what the age. There are also wineries that have many other kid friendly activities, like one that also houses a Cheetah sanctuary.

The Eastern Cape is an excellent area for game viewing with young kids because it is located in a malaria-free zone and still has the Big 5. Kruger and the Sabi Sands have some of the most incredible game activity in the country and the most beautiful family lodges. The information kids learn from the game rangers is amazing, and they soak up the information like sponges. The lodges also give you time to connect to your kids because they really have to unconnect to the world of Facebook and the internet and have some fun time just being with parents. There aren’t many places anymore that can still offer this.”

Debbie’s Pick: Egypt

“Kids can’t help but be impressed by Egypt’s rich history when they can take pictures in front of ancient pyramids, explore royal tombs and discover colorful artifacts and treasures. From viewing mummies to riding camels, a trip to Egypt is an unforgettable vacation for kids. The Egyptologists at the Valleys of the Kings and Queens are especially great at keeping kids of all ages engaged. Older kids can appreciate Egypt’s history and culture, and younger kids will be impressed by the majesty of it all. After taking my son to Egypt a few years ago, it’s one of my favorite travel destinations.”

Note: Egypt is on the road to recovery. U.S. travel warnings have been eased and elections are scheduled for Fall 2011. We anticipate family travel to Egypt will be safe and very popular in the years ahead.

Facebook Fan Pick

We recently asked our Facebook fans about the best place they’ve taken their kids. Here’s Travel Beyond client Kathy Klofft’s pick: “Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. We did a real “jungle cruise,” slept in a treehouse and listened to crickets all night and howler monkeys in the morning.”

Do you have a favorite spot for kids that wasn’t covered? Let us know in the comment section below!

Enrich their lives through travel

Let us know if you’re looking for new destinations to explore with your kids. Looking to enrich your children’s lives through travel? Learn more about Travel Trust®, which allows parents and grandparents to place tax-exempt gifts into a family trust.

In many ways, the small country of Belize is much like Minnesota in the spring. I make this comparison not because of the weather (average highs are in the upper 80s in Belize in May), but rather because Belize and springtime in Minnesota have something big in common: potential. Just as the Twins are emerging from baseball’s winter hibernation and tulips are emerging from the thawing ground, Belize is emerging as one of Mother Nature’s best kept secrets and an incredible travel destination.

Southern Belize in particular offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else in the world, where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy three very unique destinations (and an abundance of activities) in one visit. Mountains? Check. Rainforest? Check. Beach? Check. Southern Belize has it all. Here’s why…

Vast Private Reserves & Protected Wilderness

Imagine spending your vacation exploring pockets of a 60,000 acre private reserve which is itself surrounded by 1.2 million acres of nationally protected wilderness. Deep within are the ruins of ancient Maya civilizations, lush tropical rainforests, flowing rivers, vast mountain ranges, immense cave systems, and the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. All of which provides a home for some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, including the elusive jaguar whose last refuge in the Americas is this protected land. So when we say that Belize is Mother Nature’s best kept secret, we mean it.

To make the most of your visit, we recommend an all-inclusive Trans Habitat Experience, which affords visitors the opportunity to explore all that southern Belize has to offer.

Ancient Maya Civilizations

The foothills of the Maya Mountains in southern Belize were once home to ancient Maya civilizations, some of which date back as far as 2,000 B.C. As part of the Trans Habitat Experience, guests will journey into these foothills with a local Maya guide. During their exploration, guests will not only tour remote archaeological sites, but also learn about the culture and history of the Maya people. A visit to one of the many thriving Maya villages in the area will also provide a rare opportunity to see the interaction between modern life and ancient culture, language and tradition.

Lush Tropical Rainforest

Linking the foothills of the Maya Mountains to the clear waters of the Caribbean is a lush tropical rainforest. Flowing through the heart of the rainforest is the Golden Stream. A canoe or kayak trip down the stream affords visitors with an opportunity to glide peacefully through the jungle while enjoying the sites of colorful flora and the sounds of tropical birds and monkeys swinging from tree to tree.

Island Paradise

Let’s face it, part of the reason most of us vacation to exotic locales is to disconnect from the “real world” and simply relax. While there are plenty of opportunities for just that during the first leg of a Trans Habitat Experience, nothing says vacation and relaxation like a quiet beach, endless sunshine and the sound of gentle waves lulling you to sleep.

Compared to the many busy tourism hubs scattered throughout the Caribbean, the Trans Habitat Experience in southern Belize offers a one-of-a-kind beach getaway without the crowds. In fact, the experience ends with a three-night stay on the private island of Moho Cay. With an entirely new ecosystem to explore, visitors to Moho Cay Island can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving during full-day expeditions to the Great Belize Barrier Reef. Or, if you’re like me and prefer a more leisurely beach experience, spend your days lounging on the beach in your own private paradise.

For more information

Whether you’re interested in adventure, exploration or relaxation, southern Belize has it all. Contact us to learn more about Belize and the Trans Habitat Experience, which starts at just $3150 per person.

Top Five Reasons to Visit Belize

1. Unique experiences: Diverse wildlife, unique cultural experiences, and unparalleled adventure abound in Belize.

2. Diverse Flora and Fauna: Belize’s wide range of climates and habitats, low human population and vast areas of undistributed land provide an ideal home for more than 5,000 plant species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals.

3. Mouth-watering cuisine: The unique mix of Maya, Kriol, Garinagu, Mestizo and British influences in Belize have inspired mouth-watering cuisine that is a “must try” experience in itself.

4. Customizable Adventure: Whether you’re looking to plan your next family get-away, intergenerational trip or your honeymoon, the Trans Habitat Experience in southern Belize can be customized to fit your unique tastes and travel preferences.

5. The happiest people on Earth: Known as one of the happiest and peaceful countries in the world, travelers to Belize are greeted by friendly faces at every turn.

About Flip Nicklin

National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin is regarded as the world’s premier whale photographer. In this presentation, Flip shares stories from his intimate whale experiences, talks about his trips with Lindblad Expeditions and explains the National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions partnership.

Interested in joining Flip’s next expedition?

Flip is leading two expeditions called “Baja California: Among the Great Whales” during March 2011. Let us know if you’re interested, as space is likely to run out.

Your winters don’t have to be cold. And they certainly shouldn’t go without adventure. Come, experience small-ship expedition cruises on the wild side in Costa Rica and Panama with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. Travel with Lindblad’s expert Expedition Team to a world complete with rain forests, cloud forests and volcanoes. Plentiful and varied wildlife. And an engineering marvel that changed the world. Kayak, swim, snorkel and explore. By exclusive arrangement, Lindblad is the only passenger ship permitted to overnight during their Panama Canal transit to explore Barro Colorado Nature Monument. They will also share with you the snorkeler’s nirvana of Isla Coiba, the most untouched of Panama’s national parks, during this special adventure travel experience.

Join us for these intimate expedition cruises in Costa Rica and Panama and step into pure wildness with the experts who know it best.

Learn More from an Expert Expedition Team You will travel with 1 expert for every 15 guests on Lindblad’s intimate and comfortable 60-guest expedition cruise ship, and while exploring the Central America’s magnificent rain forests. Lindblad National Geographic’s expert Naturalists and an Expedition Leader are always there when you need them. You’ll be amazed at how fun and engagingly the Expedition Team (Naturalists, Historians and) can convey even the most detailed of information.

Benefit from Lindblad’s Expedition Experience

Lindblad’s vast expedition cruising experience in Costa Rica and Panama enables them to reveal the essence of the region in a distinct way. They were the first ship-based company to offer adventure travel in Central America. And for the last 30 years they’ve always found something new to be inspired about. We guarantee you will too.

See More with Countless Options for Exploration

When you find yourself among the pristine beauty of Central America, you’ll want to explore to the fullest. From Lindblad’s expedition ship, National Geographic Sea Lion, you’ll snorkel (we provide the mask, fins and a wetsuit), kayak, hike, and cruise through some of Central America’s most exclusive landscapes. Encounter birds and animals literally everywhere, from the treetops to the reefs.

A Note on Conservation
Lindblad’s Central American partner in conservation is MarViva, an organization safeguarding and creating marine protected areas in oceanic and coastal areas of Latin America and the Caribbean. Donations support community education initiatives, enforcement of regulations in National Parks, and buoys to protect coral reefs in Granita De Oro, Panama.

To learn how you can experience your own Lindblad Expedition for the same pricing as booking direct, contact us.

Expedition Cruises in The Land of Darwin
Small ship expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands are your opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind wildlife in a spectacular setting with a top-tier Expedition Team. We’re proud to have been the first in the Galapagos Islands. That’s over 40 years of experience with our Galapagos cruises in the Land of Darwin. And thanks to our long history of expedition cruises in the Galapagos Islands, you’ll do so much more than observe this precious ecosystem. You’ll interact with it. Grab a snorkel. Hop in a kayak. And discover up close the wonders that make the Galapagos Islands one of the world’s most unparalleled adventure travel destinations.

Join our hand-picked Naturalists and engaging Expedition Team on our year-round exploration of the Land of Darwin. It could be the most exciting educational travel experience you’ll ever have.

Learn More from Our Hand-picked Expedition Team
Expeditions to the Galapagos Islands are fascinating, informative and fun. And our veteran Expedition Team will help you to indulge in wildlife that remarkably shows no fear of humans. This makes each expedition cruise in the Galapagos Islands a travel photography hotspot. The leadership of these passionate experts will help you see more, learn more, and gain the fullest possible understanding off the remarkable wildlife that surrounds you.

Discover More with Unmatched Sea Exploration
Feel the freedom that comes with kayaking under your own power amid spectacular scenery. Take part in extensive undersea exploration complete with snorkeling (we provide the mask, fins and wetsuit), underwater video, glass-bottom boat, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. This technology, along with expert guidance, provides unparalleled insights into the underwater wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Year-round Expeditions, Consistently Astounding Quality
It’s important to note that we own both of our expedition ships cruising the Galapagos Islands. This distinction means we can ensure the quality of every aspect of your experience. It’s this level of oversight that most in the region simply don’t have. And offering year-round, week-long expedition cruises in the Galapagos Islands has enabled us to collaborate with the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station based there.

A Note on Conservation
Since 1997, Lindblad Expeditions has demonstrated a commitment to the Galapagos Islands, working with guests to support the conservation of the islands. As of September 2008, more than $4.5 million has been raised for projects such as the removal of invasive species on Santiago and the support of National Park Marine Reserve patrol boats. Funds are contributed entirely to local projects, as determined by an independent board and implemented by the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station.

 To learn more contact Craig Beal at CraigB@TravelBeyond.com or call us at (800) 823-6063.

Baja Cruise with Whales, Wildlife & Wonder
Perhaps nowhere else on earth can you observe gray whales and dolphins as closely as in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. But this Baja California expedition cruise is far from your ordinary whale watching Baja cruise. With over 20 years exploring Baja California, Lindlad has the most experience revealing the remarkable magic of “Mexico’s Galapagos.” From our comfortable and intimate 62-guest expedition Baja cruise ship, you’ll explore further in Zodiacs and by kayaking the azure waters. Join an expert Expedition Team of Naturalists and an Undersea Specialist. Their leadership will ensure you have the best possible adventure travel experience in Baja California and beyond.

Join us where the desert meets the sea. And where every winter we help turn curious vacation-goers into lifelong explorers.

Learn More with Expert Staff Leadership
You’ll travel with a generous 1 expert for every 12 guests aboard our intimate 62-guest expedition cruise ships and when exploring on land. You’ll be amazed at how easily our Expedition Team (Naturalists, Historians and experts from National Geographic) can convey even the most detailed of information. They’re always there when you need them.

Gain a Fresh Perspective from an Undersea Specialist
In Baja California’s blue waters live some of the world’s most interesting creatures. Our Undersea Specialist will help you while you’re snorkeling and share vivid underwater video and photos throughout your Baja California expedition cruise. Watch the exclusive Cousteau-like video footage in the comfort of the ship’s lounge.

Discover More with Unparalleled Exploration Technology
Our style of educational travel helps you not only to see the wildlife of Baja California, but to interact with it in a highly informed way. Our fleet of nimble Zodiacs and sea kayaks put you right in the heart of the action. Microscopes and underwater video cameras let us inspect what most never see. And hydrophones let you listen in on friendly whales and dolphins.

See More with Flexible Itineraries
Our small ship expedition cruises explore both the pacific side of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. We can linger on the pacific side, known for its quiet lagoons that act as a safe nursery for gray whale calves. Or we’ll change course to follow dolphins frolicking in the Sea of Cortez. And you won’t miss any of the action by exploring on flexible itineraries.

A Note on Conservation
Working with Mexican and international partners, we helped start the Gulf of California Conservation Fund (GCCF). Together with our guests and international partners, LEX has contributed more than $1.64 million (as of October 2008) to support urgent projects in the Gulf of California. Projects directly benefiting include sea lion disentanglement, the restoration of Santa Catalina Island, and radar surveillance of illegal fishing in the Bahia Loreto Marine Reserve.

To learn more contact Craig Beal at CraigB@TravelBeyond.com or call us at (800) 823-6063.

Photograph: Bob Strong/Reuters

Lonesome George, the last remaining Galápagos giant tortoise, may soon be a father after years of efforts by scientists trying to get him to mate.

Ecuadorian officials are keeping their fingers crossed for Lonesome George, aged between 90 and 100 and described by the Guinness book of world records as the “rarest living creature”, after one of the two female tortoises kept with him laid five eggs.

George, said to be at his sexual peak, is the only known living Geochelone abigdoni tortoise. His companions are of a similar but different species. Scientists at the Galápagos national park have been trying for years to get George to avail himself of his female companions to ensure that his line does not peter out.

Lonesome George, weighing 90kg (14st 2lb) was a native of Pinta, an isolated northern island of the Galápagos. By the late 1960s, it was noted that the tortoise population on the rarely visited island had dwindled close to extinction. George, discovered in 1972, was immediately brought into captivity at the Charles Darwin research station on the island of Santa Cruz .

Scientists have been trying to get George to mate since 1993, when they introduced two female tortoises of a different subspecies from the neighbouring island of Isabela into his pen, but he has been in no hurry to procreate.

George astounded conservationists last year by mating for the first time in the 36 years he has been in captivity. But the eggs laid by one of his female companions turned out to be infertile.

The national park has said that the latest eggs, described as being in perfect condition, are being cared for in an incubation centre. It will be November before scientists know whether they are viable .

“Now we have to wait for the incubation period of 120 days to find out whether they are fertile,” it has said..

Tortoises on the Galápagos have been hunted for their meat by sailors and fishermen to the point of extinction. Charles Darwin, when he arrived in the Galápagos in 1835, described how he and the crew of the Beagle lived entirely on tortoise meat. Also, the habitat of the tortoises has been eaten away by goats introduced from the mainland.

Mark Tran guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 22 July 2009 10.51 BST Article

Many, many thanks for a GREAT trip!  I don’t know where to start in telling you about it, but I’ll try…

The Galapagos… well, simply incredible!  We could not have been happier with Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic.  The boat was wonderful and we loved our very comfortable little room on a lower deck… (much less rocky than the more expensive cabins!).  The staff did everything possible to make us feel comfortable and at home while on board.  And the naturalists were simply outstanding.  As a part time tour leader myself, I was tremendously impressed by their breath of knowledge about the islands AND their skill in challenging/encouraging us to take full advantage of the experience.  After being told over and over that the wildlife would be amazing, we could not believe how close we could come to a wide range of animals.  We never imagined that we would go snorkeling, that we would enjoy it so much, and that we would find ourselves swimming along with sea lions while watching boobies dive for lunch.  It was just an amazing week…  Oh, and BTW, we both read a biography on Darwin and Kurt Vonnegut’s book Galapagos before we left and we highly recommend both to Galapagos travelers. 

 As for Peru… Also wonderful, but I’ll give you the bad news first.  It was a very difficult trip for us both, physically speaking, in part because of the schedule we have been on and in part because of the altitude.  We were VERY tired by the time we hit Machu Picchu, and while we had a great time, we were really beat.  I spent much of our Cusco time on Oxygen, and Sara picked up a bug somewhere, but we still had a great time.

Our hotels in Peru were fabulous!  The Casa Andina Private Collection chain is excellent and we especially liked their hotel in Arequipa.  They were all wonderful however, and we were quite pleased with our choices.  The hotel in Aquas Caliente was a nice place to stay, but nothing special.  I would probably stay there again, but…  Well, the only reason to stay there is to get yourself to Machu Picchu early the second morning…

The Ramada Inn at the Lima airport was comfortable the first time we were there…  But we stayed there a second time as well.  The day we left Peru Sara became very ill.  We went to the airport Ramada to let her rest for our six hour layover, and they did some emergency laundry for us AND got a doctor in to see her.  Without their service we’d still be there.  They were a lifesaver for us.

Ceiba Tops was a great experience.  While not as luxurious as we might have been expecting, it was very professionally managed and our stay there was an experience of a lifetime.  We will never forget the canopy walk, and the birdwatching there was also great.  We loved traveling on the river, fishing and the hikes we took.  Thanks for recommending this spot.

This is of course where we got in trouble with the airlines…  We had booked a 9 PM flight from Iquitos to Lima, and we left the lodge at 3 to start the journey.  Explorama had very professionally booked us into a hotel in town for our four hour wait for a flight, but they helped us change our flight to depart around 5:30 instead.  That’s why we were listed as “no-shows” for the original flight, and why we had trouble the rest of the way.  In fact, for the rest of our flights we had trouble with check in everytime, and we never got the seats we expected to have, although they did get us sitting together each time.  (Otherwise, LAN was really quite good and we would recommend them.)

Condor/Avanti Tours were great.  The tour guides were terrific and we always knew we were in good hands as they met us every step of the way.  If there was any problem with them, it was that they were SO good that we didn’t have to speak Spanish very much!  As tired as we were for much of the time in Peru, we were very grateful to have booked them and would highly recommend them to anyone traveling in the region.

We would highly recommend the Colca Canyon tour to anyone going to Peru.  Arequipa is a great little city, not nearly as commercial as Cusco, and we would have liked to have had more time there.  The two day tour to the canyon (the deepest canyon in the world!) was very difficult, as we went up to 15,000 feet just getting to our overnight in Chivay.  The next morning at the canyon was extraordinary as we saw 18 condors in flight, making the trip well worth our time.  Another day in Arequipa would have helped us adjust to the altitude and given us a day to rest a bit more too. 

Machu Picchu was all that was advertised.  A great way to end the trip.  Our tour of the site was excellent, but the second morning when we got there before the “day-trippers” was the highlight.  Just a spectacular site…

The whole trip was spectacular and it is difficult to describe without overusing superlatives.  You made it possible for us and for that we are both extremely grateful.  Your assistance in planning, your knowledge of the region and the opportunities, your helping us to keep to our budget (more or less!) and your help with the airlines during our trip, all made this experience as easy as possible for us. Thank you VERY much for all of your help.