|
Best wishes for a prosperous, healthy and well-traveled 2006!
BRAZIL-
AN UNDISCOVERED JEWEL
PANTANAL, WORLD'S LARGEST WETLAND
 The Pantanal is one of the most immense,
pristine and biologically rich environments on the planet.
The world's largest flood plain extends through 89,000 square
miles of central-western Brazil, eastern Bolivia and eastern
Paraguay. An area of unparalleled wildlife diversity and spectacular
beauty, the region contains over 650 species of birds including
the nearly 4 ft tall Jabiru stork and the increasingly rare
Hyacinth macaw. More than a 1,000 varieties of butterflies,
50 reptiles, 80 mammal species, and shoals of fish are found
within an area the size of Florida. Capuchin and howler monkeys,
capybaras, toucans, anacondas, caimans, tapirs, and the endangered
jaguar and giant river otters, all make their home in the
Pantanal. Brazil's constitution calls it a national treasure
and it was recently featured in the August 2005 National Geographic.
 Our
Pantanal
Nature Safari is offered on request any week during
the season for a minimum of 2 travelers or choose one of our
departures already forming: April 07-17 or May 14-24, 2006.
Join Southwind President, Tom Damon, on the April departure.
Tom was recently recognized by Condé Nast Traveler
magazine as a Top Travel Specialist (Aug 2005 issue).
Travel
Facts: A study by the organization Ethical Traveler mentions
Brazil as a top developing world destination. Argentina, Brazil,
Ecuador and Peru all rank high in the "Best Ethical Travel
Destinations" category. Source: Sustainable Travel International
NEW INCA
TRAIL REGULATIONS
Over the past few years the Peruvian government has implemented
and enforced new restrictions designed to preserve the Inca
Trail and Machu Picchu. The objective is to reduce the number
of trekkers on the trail, improve the quality of tour operators,
and create a first come-first served reservation system for
trekkers. Key measures include:
- no more
than 500 people (including support staff) per day are allowed
on the trail
- only professionally
qualified and licensed guides are allowed to lead groups
- trekking
companies must be approved and have an operating license
- improving
porter working conditions with maximum loads and increased
wages
The new local
reservation system is based on demand, so to guarantee your
trail permit, we advise that you book our our Inca
Trail to Machu Picchu or Sacred
Valley Trek 4-6 months in advance. Plan further out
for departures coinciding with the popular Inti Raymi Festival
in June or anytime during the high season (June-September).
Planning ahead has an added benefit of Early
Sign-up Discounts.
Travel
Facts: Southwind's Sacred Valley route is featured in
the Men's Journal (Feb 2006) Adventure Planner which suggests
April as an ideal month to trek.
VILCABAMBA
TREK, JUNE 19 - JULY 4, 2006
 Selected as one of the World's
Top 25 Trips by National Geographic Adventure Magazine (Nov
03), this fantastic off-the-beaten-path trek, ventures into
a remote corner of the Andes, away from the crowds. Descend
into one of the deepest canyons in South America, the Apurimac,
and then ascend to some of the most pristine Inca sites, mostly
unexcavated and untouched - Choquequirao and recently uncovered,
Cerro Victoria. The mystery surrounding these sites was featured
in the February 2004 issue of National Geographic Magazine.
Back in 2006 by popular demand, join us on this exciting hiking
adventure.
SINGLE TRAVELERS SAVE ON ACCOMMODATIONS
If you are
willing to share accommodations with a same gender roommate,
but end up in a forced single, Southwind will only charge
you 50% of the regular single supplement fee (unless otherwise
noted on Trip Profiles). You must sign-up at least 4 months
prior to departure. This new policy is not valid for Galápagos
or Amazon cruises, custom trips, extensions and upgrades.
Valid for new reservations only. Visit our Travel
Planner to view trips forming.
SUBMIT YOUR 2005 TRAVEL STORIES!
Send us a short story and a few pictures from your 2005 trip with Southwind for the "Photos & Tales" section of our website. If we publish your story online, you will receive a TravelSmith gift certificate. Deadline for submissions: February 28, 2006.
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.
|
