|
NEW SOUTHWIND
WEBSITE
Along with
an updated look, the comprehensive site has been designed
to provide useful information that will help travelers select
the destination and journey that best aligns with their desires
and expectations. In addition, it offers a wealth of information
and tools for Southwind travelers to prepare for their adventure.
The new site features:
- 39 distinctive journeys searchable by destination, activity
or season
- 11 maps and over 1000 images
- Downloadable detailed Trip Profiles & extension summaries
- Travel Planner showing groups forming
- Secure online booking & travelers forms
- Suggested reading lists, travel insurance info & useful
web links
- Photos & Tales from alumni
- And more....
Suggestions
and feedback are always appreciated as we continue to improve
and update your most valuable resource for planning a journey
to South America (www.southwindadventures.com).
SOUTHWIND
CELEBRATES ITS 15th ANNIVERSARY
2005 marks
fifteen years of continuous service to discerning travelers
to the Andes, Amazon, & Galápagos. Founded in 1990, Southwind
has become the leading US based tour operator specializing
in and exclusively promoting responsible adventure travel
to South America. The rich, varied landscapes and cultures
of this continent are still to be discovered by most North
American travelers. Many of our alumni have been so taken
with the beauty and people of South America that they return
and travel with Southwind multiple times. Special recognition
and thanks goes to William Meade, who holds the record with
11 trips and counting. With great appreciation we extend our
gratitude to all our alumni, friends, and associates for their
continuous support and referrals. Be on the lookout for upcoming
Anniversary Specials in a future announcement.
MUCHAS GRACIAS
SUZIE!
Southwind's
co-founder, Suzie Shride, has retired as President. She now
serves in an advisory role on the board of directors as she
pursues her masters degree in outdoor education. We wish her
all the best as she shares her passion for nature and the
outdoors with future generations. Tom Damon, one of Southwind's
first staff members and an adventure travel specialist with
eleven years of experience has taken over as President. Tom
has a BA in Environmental Science from the University of Denver
and a MS in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch
University and joined the Southwind team in 1994.
PERU,
ONE OF THE BEST VALUES IN SOUTH AMERICA!
Peru continues
to be one of the region's safest and most welcoming destinations.
The US dollar goes a long way making Peru more affordable
than ever. A country with strong historical roots, diverse
culture, and magnificent archeological sites, it also boasts
84 of the 104 life zones that exist on our planet. The result
is geography of mega-diversity, cultural wealth, impressive
landscapes, amazing contrast, and unique wildlife. Whether
you desire a classic visit to Machu Picchu, an exploration
of the waterways of the Amazon basin, or an opportunity to
discover new ecotourism destinations such as the northern
coast and Chachapoyas, Peru is Southwind's forté.
AUGUST 13-28,
2005 HUAYHUASH EXPLORATORY TREK!
Almost every
year, we design a remote, interesting, high altitude trek
to appeal to hardcore Southwind alumni hikers. This year's
trek returns, by popular demand, to Peru's Huayhuash. One
of the least traveled Andean ranges, the Huayhuash contains
eight peaks over 19,000' in elevation making it the second
highest range in the country after the Cordillera Blanca.
The rugged 12-day circuit crosses 7 passes, all over 15,000'
in elevation with the highest reaching 16,400'. Of course,
the rewards are worth the effort - spectacular mountain views,
a dozen azure, emerald or turquoise-colored lakes, Andean
wildlife such as the vizcacha and condor, typical villages,
wildflowers, and some of the few remaining queñual forests!
Join us on what is indisputably one of the most spectacular,
and physically demanding treks in South America, Hiking
the Incredible Huayhuash!
JOIN A
GROUP OF FELLOW ADVENTURE TRAVELERS
Southwind
has departures on some of our classic adventures, like the
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey or Inca Trail Trek, that are guaranteed
to operate or have groups forming for 2005/2006. In addition
there are special Inti Raymi Festival departures in Peru this
June as well as travelers taking advantage of Early Sign-up
Discounts for the next season in Patagonia. Review our Online
Travel Planner to find upcoming adventures.
What's a Chaski?
"Chaski" refers to the messengers of the Inca who would run
along the kingdom's vast network of trails delivering vital
information. News, intricate communication, quipus - knotted
strings conveying regional statistics or perhaps exotic foods
were relayed between Chaskis as they made their way towards
the Incan capital of Cusco.
|
