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Trip Categories
Ranked according to interests, Southwind trips fit
into one of the following five categories or a combination of
these:
Tours
The most comfortable
style in which to appreciate the cultural and natural attractions of South
America, tours are non-camping adventures focused on the learning experience.
Guests stay in first-class hotels, lodges or inns, and most itineraries include
discretionary walking tours, wildlife observation or photo sessions, overland
drives, chartered flights, boat or motorized canoe travel, and/or other easy to
moderate outdoor activities.
Cruises
Nature and wildlife
oriented, cruises are an ideal way to discover the rivers, lakes and seas of
South America. Travel and accommodations are aboard well-appointed, comfortable
vessels (yachts, sailing boats, river boats or catamarans), with side trips and
stops for guided walks, wildlife observation, birding, diving, snorkeling,
and/or canoe excursions.
Treks
Focused on exploring
less accessible regions by foot, trekking programs always include some camping
(sleeping in four-season tents on air mattresses) as well as some nights spent
in distinctive hotels, local inns or mountain huts. Tasty, nutritious meals are
prepared by a camp cook and are served by candlelight in an enclosed dining
tent or mountain refuge. An experienced guide leads the way, explaining sights
as well as the traditions and natural history of the area, and a local staff
handles the camp chores. Trekkers typically walk with a daypack containing
their camera, water bottle and smaller personal items while pack animals or
porters carry camping gear, food and guests' luggage.
Mountain Bike Tours
Most
Andean backroads are still unpaved so we use 18- or 21-speed, all-terrain
mountain bikes to make the going more enjoyable for bikers of all abilities -
with the added attraction of sampling a few single track options! All mountain
bike tours include a support vehicle to carry gear and repair kits as well as
water, snacks, bicycles, and on occasion, riders. Some programs are inn-to-inn
featuring the pleasures of a cozy room, hot shower and great meal at the end of
the day while others incorporate a few nights of tent camping with a cook and
assistant serving the group.
Active Adventures
These are
activity-oriented trips where the means of travel may be by foot, horse, 4x4
vehicle, raft, sea kayak, motorized canoe or a combination of conveyances. They
may be more physically demanding than other programs depending on the pursuit
and the trip rating. Multisport trips that include stays in rustic
accommodations or camping, all jungle programs (except cruises), mountaineering
expeditions and rafting trips fit into this category.
Trip Ratings
These ratings will assist you in choosing the right adventure
for your abilities or experience. Each successive level
incorporates conditions outlined in the previous grade(s).
Grade I —
Easy/Moderate
Could involve travel over rough roads and
visits to regions where modern medical facilities may not be readily available.
Easy, slow-paced activities such as walking tours of 1-4 hours duration or
motorized boat or canoe excursions are optional. Elevations are generally below
11,000'. Good health is necessary.
Grade II —
Moderate
Might include extensive overland travel on dirt
roads, boat or motorized canoe excursions, moderate day hikes, river rafting
(class II-III rapids) or other outdoor pursuits of 3-6 hours duration.
Occasional trips may include 1-3 nights camping. Elevations up to 13,000' can
be reached. Average fitness is required.
Grade III —
Moderate/Strenuous
Indicates an activity-oriented program
involving up to 6 nights camping. Treks average 6-8 miles per day over diverse
terrain; rafting is class III-IV rapids; biking averages 20-30 miles per day.
Altitudes near 13,000' are common while elevations as high as 15,000' may be
reached. Good fitness is required.
Grade IV —
Strenuous
Signifies a challenging adventure with
activities including up to 14 nights camping. Treks average up to 10 miles per
day; whitewater rafting through class IV-V rapids; biking averages 30-40 miles
per day. Altitudes up to 17,000' are frequent in trekking programs. Requires
very good fitness and stamina. Some prior experience is recommended. Very
Strenuous Trips (Grade IV+) are typically technical climbing expeditions or
remote backcountry trips that require excellent fitness and a degree of
experience.
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