Awasi: Setting the Table for Reopening
What have the staff at Awasi been up to during the pandemic? Setting the table for a spectacular reopening.
Awasi: Setting the Table for Reopening
Everyone who works in the travel and hospitality industry has been in a constant state of flux since March 2020. We find ourselves faced with a situation we don’t have immediate control over, the desire to get back to work in delivering outstanding experiences to international travelers. Until the borders are open and flights resume again, all we have is time on our hands. How have the top properties in Latin America been using this time besides fine tuning “health and safety protocols” which is just a given at this point, for every player in worldwide tourism and hospitality, and frankly should have been a matter of major importance even before this global pandemic.
Tomas and Chris - Guides at Awasi Patagonia
I wanted to share an inspiring story about some things that Awasi has been doing.
Awasi has made it a priority to retain all of their staff for as long as financially possible. No amount of beautiful hotel infrastructure is ever going to replace the talent and special energy brought by the hard working people behind the experience. You take away the people, you take away the soul of a property. So what do you do with such a large staff during such slow times? You take the opportunity to make them even better.
There is nothing more motivating than seeing and hearing an individual talking passionately about what they love to do. We seldom get a chance to really take a peek behind the scenes into professions that differ from our own. But running a top tier luxury hotel draws on so many diverse talents, and they all must come together perfectly, in order to deliver a seamless guest experience.
In that spirit, “Awasi Talks - For and By Us”, was created as an internal exercise to share knowledge between different sectors of staff and build company cohesion. The idea was simple enough, allow staff members from the three different geographic properties in the Atacama, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls - working in different sections of the hotel operation, to create and carry out a presentation for the whole company, via zoom. This was not mandatory, but put out there to staff if they wanted to share. The topics turned out to be fascinating, here are just a few of them that have already been completed:
“History of the Jesuit Missions” - by guide, Jimmy McCormick
“A Cup, A Story” - by sommelier, Dana Cordoba
“How to Make Churros” - by pastry chef, Valentina Marambio
“Electrical Installation” - by maintenance staff, Nicolas Arman
“How to Speak in Public” - by excursion manager, Paula Bertotto
“Excursions We Offer” - by excursion manager, Tomas Navarette
Nicolas Arman, maintenance at Awasi Iguazu, presenting on electrical installation.
The Awasi Talks have been a fantastic way for employees of Awasi to get to know one another on a personal level, and for each to deeply understand the small part they play in the big picture. The Chef and Sommelier probably don’t think much about what the guests and the guides are doing out on excursions every day, but after learning how strenuous certain excursions may be, it could just make them think about throwing in a few extra energy bars or picking a wine warmer on the palate for the picnic supplies when they know Tomas is hiking to the Base of the Towers with his guests today - and likewise, Diego might be more on top of his time management when he knows that the Chef has prepared a special asado for the guests that will begin promptly at 7pm. This creates a cross pollination of awareness and appreciation for the team and the role everyone plays in it. How great is it that the head of maintenance offered to do a presentation on electrical installations?! Again, every single part of the hotel operation has to be seamless, and these Awasi talks have allowed for the staff to deeply understand and appreciate this fact.
Matias de Cristobal, Managing Director
These talks have been capped by leadership webinars for all staff by Matias de Cristobal, Managing Director of Awasi on “The Awasi Concept” - exposing all staff to the concept and methodology behind what Awasi does and how Awasi does hospitality and tourism differently. My favorite analogy that Matias uses to describe the Awasi Concept is a round table, sitting outside in a natural setting - on which the guest experience sits. The natural setting, i.e The Atacama, Patagonia and Iguazu Falls cannot be improved upon and were carefully selected as a place to set down that table. However, that table, which holds up the guest experience, is only supported by three legs. Those three legs are; 1) The Physical Hotel 2) The Excursions 3) The Gastronomy. If any one of those three legs is shorter or not as strong as the other ones, the table will wobble and not be solid. The Awasi Talks play right into this analogy, the role of every employee at Awasi is vital in keeping their leg of the table strong, so the guest experience is phenomenal.
The Awasi table is set, the legs are stronger than ever, and we look forward to inviting you to pull up a chair to it very soon.
Explore the Awasi Properties:
Awasi Atacama Travel Trade Page
Our Recommended Reading List for Latin America
Want to dive into a country beyond a guidebook? Pick up one of our favorite books and it will have you planning your next trip to Latin America. We have recommendations for Chile, Colombia, Panama, and beyond.
Our Recommended Reading List for Latin America
Want to dive into a country beyond a guidebook? Pick up one of these and it will have you planning your next trip to Latin America.
Chile:
Life and Death in the Andes: On the Trail of Bandits, Heroes and Revolutionaries by Kim Macquarrie consists of short stories along the spine of the Andes from Tierra del Fuego to Colombia. The author’s ability to share so much knowledge and detail on cultural, historical, anthropological, geographical, environmental, aspects but in a way that leaves you not wanting to put the book down and as if you are along on a great adventure story.
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende – The saga of a family across four generations that also traces the turbulent history of an unnamed Latin American country (which pointed similarity to Chile.)
Poetry of Pablo Neruda – Chile’s Noble prize winning poet and later politician. Favorites include Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair, The Captain’s Verses , Odes to Common Things and The Book of Questions
Colombia:
One River by Wade Davis is a rollicking adventure story that crisscrosses the Andes from Colombia down to Peru, that touches on so many topics it’s hard to summarize in a paragraph. Tie together botany, ethnobotany, natural history, indigenous tribes, world history, culture and conquest and you have a book that will leave your head spinning and ready to jump on your next flight to the Andes.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Young and passionate lovers, Fermina and Florentino are separated by social class and grow apart to live separate lives throughout decades. After 50 years of marriage Fermina’s husband finally dies falling out of a mango tree (trying to retrieve his pet parrot) and Florentino confesses his undying love to her once again at the funeral, claiming to maintain a pure heart over the years despite hundreds of affairs and trysts with other women. (also a film)
The General In His Labyrinth by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Fictional recollection of the last days of Simon Bolivar as he faces death and cynically reflects on his life. Darker than his other books.
Ecuador:
Huaoroni woman of Ecuador.
Savages by Joe Kane takes readers deep and intimately into the Ecuadorian Amazon to tell the tale of the Huaorani Tribe and their fragile tightrope walk between defending their ancestral traditions and history against the onslaught of missionaries, oil companies and the government. A fantastic book about Ecuador.
The Panama Hat Trail by Tom Miller. Most people don’t realize that “Panama” Hats are actually made in Ecuador. This book not only tells you this but uses the Panama Hat as a literary focus to tell the tale of Ecuador from a unique angle.
Nicaragua:
The Jaguar Smile: Salman Rushdie’s first nonfiction book about his travels in Nicaragua in 1986, in the midst of America’s behind-the-scenes war against the Sandinistas. Great story telling about the people, politics, land and poetry of Nicaragua from a perspective that isn’t told in the United States.
Panama:
The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough. Thorough by engrossing epic that traces the creation of the Panama Canal and packs a ton of historical detail that provides the traveler with context for understanding Panama today.
Folks from the Pacific Northwest probably know Stevens Pass, named for railroad engineer John Stevens. But did you know that he was also Chief Engineer on the Panama Canal project from 1905-1907? His experience was instrumental in rebuilding the Panama Railway to serve as a tool to aid the Canal construction and he also convinced Theodore Roosevelt to pursue a plan of locks & dams rather than a sea-level Canal like the French had proposed.
Peru:
Last Days of the Incas by Kim Macquarrie is the definitive historical narrative of the discovery and conquest of the Incan Empire by the Spanish. This is the one book to read if you are going to Peru.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams is a great adventure book about exploring the true “lost cities of the Incas” in modern times. Part travelogue and part historical narrative, this book will get you excited about adventuring in the Incan heartland and introduce many characters still involved in the tourism landscape of Peru today.
Death in the Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa. Thriller, mystery & political allegory. Three male laborers go missing in the Andes and two Peruvian Army officers are sent to live among a remote village while they search for them. Weaves the modern terror of the Shining Path with ancient about monsters (pishtacos – a pale vampire) and black magic in the high Andes and the mistrust of people from different worlds.
Miscellaneous:
A Neotropical Companion by John Kricher is the definitive handbook for anyone traveling to the tropical rainforests of Central or South America. Any biologist or naturalist has this in their travel library and uses it until it falls apart apart and they are sent looking for a new one.
The Motorcycle Diaries – Ernesto Guevara’s Memoirs of nine months on the road in Latin America that shaped the future revolutionaries’ beliefs that the only way to correct institutionalized inequalities was to enable the poor to rise up in armed revolution.
The War for Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts by Louis De Berniers – Hilarious parody on magical realism and many of the themes common to Latin American literature. The first of a trilogy. Highly recommend all three if you enjoy the first one.
The Book of Embraces by Eduardo Galeano – Poems, short stories, illustrations and prose by the Uruguayan author – a mix of autobiography, political commentary and magical realism.
Did we omit a book that should be on this list? Leave a comment and let us know!
Awasi Atacama : New Rooms, Property Layout and Images
Awasi has made two major changes to their Atacama property that will be hugely beneficial to both travel professionals and guests.
A unified property layout and five new rooms which brings the total number of rooms from 9 to 12.
Awasi Atacama :
New Rooms, Property Layout and Images
The new unified property layout at Awasi Atacama
Awasi has made two major changes to their Atacama property that will be hugely beneficial to both travel professionals and guests.
A unified property layout and five new rooms which brings the total number of rooms from 9 to 12.
Previously, the property was bisected by a road, with five suites and the common areas on one side, and the remaining four rectangular suites on the other side. Awasi managed to purchase a large plot of land adjacent to the main portion of the property and have built five new superior circular suites. This layout has unified the property all onto one piece of land, with the guest rooms all located around the pool and common areas. The room categories are simplified with only two options; Round Rooms (430 sq ft) and Superior Round Rooms (750 sq ft) - the Rectangular Suite category no longer exists.
The additional room total being brought from 9 up to 12 should help with the always difficult availability issues at this most sought after property in the Atacama.
The Atacama Desert in Chile is a year round destination, with high season running from October through April. The high season in the Atacama does not have to do with this being a particularly better time to visit the Atacama weather wise, there are simply more visitors to Chile over these months because national parks further south in Patagonia close during the Austral winter months of May through September, and therefore there is less demand in the Atacama as a result. Awasi Atacama has a fantastic promotion over their low season (May-September) offering an additional night free for any booking of three nights or longer. There are also discounts in combining Awasi Atacama, Awasi Patagonia and Awasi Iguazu in the same itinerary.
All sales and marketing links for Awasi Atacama can be found on the property page. All current promotions can be found on the promotions section of the website.
Enjoy some new images of the five new suites at Awasi Atacama and the stunning scenery from photographer Luciano Bacchi below.
The Everyday Actions of Earth Day Heroes Across Latin America
Earth Day serves as a fantastic annual reminder to recycle more, plant a tree, and turn off the water when brushing one’s teeth. But what about the other 364 days of the year? We are lucky to partner with some of the boldest thought leaders and action takers in Latin America when it comes to protecting & bettering the planet.
The Everyday Actions of Earth Day Heroes Across Latin America
Every year, Earth Day serves as a fantastic annual reminder to recycle more, plant a tree and turn off the water when brushing one’s teeth. But what about the other 364 days of the year? When the crazy news cycle immediately pulls our attention in 10 million other directions, who is still prioritizing our planet’s wellbeing and keeping conservation & sustainability top of mind as daily guiding principles for operation?
In many ways, the travel industry has taken up this mantle, being uniquely poised to expose people with the means to travel to our seemingly dim global reality of pollution, habitat destruction and climate change. But it also shines a strong light on practices that prioritize environmental conservation, sustainable operations and projects that preserve local culture while also providing employment in impoverished areas.
We are lucky to partner with some of the boldest thought leaders and action takers in Latin America when it comes to protecting & bettering the planet. Changing people’s mindsets, taking real action against plastic and waste managements, creating protected wildlife corridors and creating jobs while preserving unique local culture. Here’s a roundup of some of the most impactful sustainability initiatives that your guests can experience at our hotels & lodges in Latin America:
1.) Promoting Appropriate Luxury at Galapagos Safari Camp
When Galapagos Safari Camp founders Stephanie Bonham-Carter and Michael Mesdag first climbed a tree and took in the mesmerizing view of the Santa Cruz highlands, they knew they wanted to create a low-impact hospitality experience connects guests with the fragile nature of the Galapagos Islands rather than another predictable hotel. Their philosophy of “Appropriate Luxury” applies to every decision they make in operating the Galapagos Safari Camp, from relying on rainwater collection to growing their own food and utilizing solar power whenever possible. Questions like “Why don’t the safari tents have AC?” or “Why doesn’t your lodge have Jacuzzi tubs or televisions?” are an opportunity to engage potential guests in a dialogue about the environmental costs of importing the resources (diesel generators and fresh water) to provide these “expected luxuries.” And begs the question that, as visitors to this natural sanctuary, why do we feel entitled to certain amenities that the resident population has learned to adapt without?
“Consider for a moment that the animals on land have adapted to the lack of freshwater. Giant tortoises can go for months without a reliable source of water, sea lions depend on the fish they eat for their daily intake and Darwin’s finches wait until the wet season to mate.”
GSC invites guests to adjust their own vision and expectations of what “should” be available and considered luxury, setting aside notions of ordinary opulence in exchange for truly engaging with a different and unique environment. Visit their website for a deeper dive into the concept of Appropriate Luxury.
2.) Waging War Against Waste at Machu Picchu: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
What happens when an isolated archeological wonder without overland highway access attracts nearly 1.6 million visitors a year? A massive amount of waste is created and left behind, so much so that in 2016 the waste management crisis at Machu Picchu contributed to the Inca citadel being evaluated for UNESCO’s list of ‘World Heritage in Danger.’
To manage the impact of trash left behind by visitors, Inkaterra & beverage manufacturer AJE group have partnered to launch an organic waste treatment plant in Machu Picchu Pueblo. This will make the area the first in Latin America to manage 100 percent of its solid waste through pyrolysis, which decomposes the waste at high temperatures without oxygen. The plant has the capacity to process seven tons of waste per day to generate bio-coal, a natural fertilizer that will help with the reforestation of the Andean cloud forest and contribute to agricultural productivity in Machu Picchu.
This is in addition to other initiatives that the Inkaterra Association has already spearheaded in the region. To address the plastic waste left by tourists, they already operate a compacting and recycling center that processes a staggering average of 14 tons of plastic daily. And to discourage local communities, hotels and restaurants from disposing their used cooking oil into the Vilcanota River, Inkaterra helped build a biodiesel production plant to process used oil. The plant produces 20 gallons of biodiesel daily from nearly 6,000 liters of used oil a month.
Inkaterra — with properties in the heart of the Machu Picchu cloud forest, deep in the Amazon rainforest, in the city of Cusco and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas — creates authentic travel experiences, while preserving biodiversity and local cultures in Peru.
3.) Protecting Pumas Beyond the National Park: Awasi Patagonia
Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is considered the best place on the planet on see the elusive puma thanks to an abundance of juicy guanacos to feed on and protection from hunters within park boundaries since 1972. An estimated 50 cats currently live within the park and studies indicate that their numbers are on the rise.
But what happens to the big cats when they roam beyond the borders or TDP where they are not protected? Close to 100 pumas are killed each year in Chilean Patagonia, mostly by sheep ranchers offering a bounty payout on puma skins. And as the puma population grows, along with the annual number of visitors to Torres del Paine, these solitude-seeking predators are more likely to wander beyond their invisible safety net.
To counteract this issue, Awasi Patagonia and the Awasi Puma Foundation have created a 11,000 acre protected corridor adjacent to the park, turning a former sheep farming estancia into a private reserve. Native grasslands and shrubs have been allowed to regrow after years of overgrazing and the private status of the reserve keeps human visitors to a minimum, allowing free and safe reign to its rightful inhabitants: guanacos, pumas, condors and other species.
While the Awasi Puma Foundation is relatively new, its impact is already measurable. Earlier this month, a guide at Awasi Patagonia spotted two rare Geoffroy’s Cats kittens on the private reserve, indicating that this seldom seen feline is thriving in the protected corridor adjacent to the park. Guests of Awasi can join a biologist researcher and guide on a special puma tracking excursion in the private reserve.
4.) Preserving Cultural Heritage: El Otro Lado & Bahia Portobelo Foundation
Portobelo was once the busiest city in the New World and the point for all trade between Europe and of South America, including the inhuman trade of enslaved Africans. A small group of slaves – the Cimarrones - won their freedom and established their own communities in and around Portobelo where they preserved and celebrated their African heritage.
With the creation of the Panama Railroad and Panama Canal, Portobelo’s usefulness as a trade port was eliminated. While economic opportunities flourished in Panama City and along the Canal Zone, the gap between the country’s rich and poor widened, aided by racism and little government support for infrastructure and education in remote areas. Along the Caribbean Coast, areas with indigenous or minority populations such as Portobelo were cut off from the prosperity of the other side of the country. Panama today is one of great contrasts and an income inequality comparable to Brazil and South Africa.
Founded in 1993 as the Portobelo Workshop, today’s Fundación Bahía de Portobleo, supported in part by El Otro Lado, works to improve the local quality of life by promoting socioeconomic projects within the community that also preserve & celebrate the community’s African identity. Guests at El Otro Lado are invited to discover the soul of Portobelo’s Congo Culture through drumming lessons or cultural dance performances with local students at the Escuelita del Ritmo (Little School of Rhythm) or art and woodcarving workshops at the art studio. Today, the foundation supports over 100 local students with free classes in music, dance, art and educational support. The facilities house five music rooms, a dance room, workshops, study halls, English and computer labs, a recording studio and a multi-use room for recitals, concerts and cinema. Much of the support comes through tourism, and the two hotels and restaurants fully run by the foundation, as well as El Otro Lado, account for the employment of over 100 local people.
Three New Experiences at Awasi
Awasi is proud to introduce a new offering at each of their three intimate properties for guests in 2019: a new stargazing experience in Chile’s Atacama Desert, an exclusive look at endangered puma in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, and early access for guests to Iguazú Falls National Park in Argentina.
Three New Experiences at Awasi
Awasi continues to innovate and is proud to introduce a new offering at each of their three intimate properties for guests in 2019: a new stargazing experience in Chile’s Atacama Desert, an exclusive look at endangered puma in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, and early access for guests to Iguazú Falls National Park in Argentina.
Awasi Atacama has launched their new private stargazing excursion based near the pre-Inca ruins of Tulor, just outside the town of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the night sky with Awasi’s astronomers while reveling in one of the world’s darkest skies and using powerful telescopes to identify deep space objects like nebulae and star clusters—bringing the ancient myths of constellations to life right before their eyes.
Awasi Patagonia, located beneath the peaks of the world-famous Torres del Paine in Chile, is turning the spotlight onto local wildlife with their Puma Foundation. Equal parts wildlife tourism and research endeavor, the foundation allows guests the opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at resident pumas while learning from experts about their habitat, behavior, and future here in this remote part of Chile, with hopes of protecting these magnificent predators for generations to come.
Awasi Iguazú is entering the new year celebrating early access permission for its guests to Iguazú Falls National Park. With a unique location in Argentina, tucked into the jungle just 15 minutes away from Iguazú Falls, this early access allows Awasi guests to visit the falls before official park opening hours, which solidifies Awasi Iguazú as the most bespoke way to experience this iconic South American destination.
About Awasi
Awasi is the only hotel company in South America that provides a 100% tailor-made experience for visitors, with a private guide and 4x4 vehicle allocated to each guest room. Their three Relais & Chateaux properties are located in South America’s most iconic destinations: the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, and Iguazu Falls in Argentina.
Latest News from the Properties - December 2018
Here is a roundup of the latest news and happenings from each of the properties, from faster boats and room improvements at Titilaka to the opening of a new spa at Hacienda Urubamba. In addition to updates from our existing properties, we also welcome UNESCO recognized El Otro Lado Private Retreat in Panama to the portfolio this year!
Latest News from the Properties
PERU
After a decade of innovation and setting the bar for exclusive & immersive luxury experiences on Lake Titicaca, Titilaka is in the midst of several renovation & expansion projects. These are being conducted in such a way as to not affect guests staying at the lodge and are set to conclude by mid 2019.
Chief among the improvements are:
Titilaka Corner Rooms
Outdoor hot tub and new-state-of-art motors for faster boats will be available (completed in November 2018)
All rooms, common and social areas as well as terraces are being redecorated while corner rooms are revamped with additional amenities
New services are being implemented including complimentary access to airport VIP lounge for all guest, Wi-Fi in all the hotel's vehicles and boats and enhanced culinary experiences are being put in place.
Titilaka is also adjusting their rates next year, the first increase since 2014. For clients desiring the utmost in privacy and flexibility, this is a great thing as the Titilaka Experience can now be booked on an all-inclusive, private basis. The traditional Titilaka Experience will also remain available for guests who want to participate in set excursions on a shared basis.
Lastly, the team behind Titilaka has announced plans to expand, with new lodges planned for Arequipa (2019) and Cusco (TBD). You can view a full presentation on Titilaka’s upgrades & changes here.
Inkaterra’s Hacienda Urubamba, a Virtuoso Property, recently celebrated the opening of Mayu Spa (“River” in Quechua) in August. With a rustic chic design inspired by traditional Andean architecture, Mayu Spa is located on a low hill between I Hacienda Urubamba’s organic orchard and an enchanting pepper tree forest. Treatments are based in 100% natural products derived from native medicinal herbs; the new wellness center has a plunge pool, four private therapy rooms and a dry sauna and offers a variety of massages, therapies, reflexology and facials. For more details, check out their blog post on Mayu Spa.
Some say that you hear the best stories while sitting at the bar. Axel Romero at Hotel B, the cocktail wizard who was recently awarded the Best Peruvian Bartender 2018 at the Summum 2018 Awards, knows the value of a good bar yarn and uses these as inspiration behind his cocktails. For this experienced bartender, each drink is a chance to write an exquisite and stimulating story in which spirits, juices and spices are cast in the leading roles. He is passionate about his career: after previously working at Astrid & Gastón for several years, he is now at Hotel B where he is committed to making each one of his drinks an experience. Read more about Axel and other winners of the Summum Awards (like the James Beard awards for Peru) here.
COLOMBIA
The team at Hacienda Bambusa has been busy in 2018, creating new activities & excursions and elevating the details of the 8 en suite bedrooms within the Hacienda. New photos are available via dropbox in the Hacienda Bambusa image library and the Activities Book can be easily shared with guests to help them select their desired excursions in advance. Choose the Best of Bambusa option for an all-inclusive experience and a great value for your guests.
COSTA RICA
To cope with increasing tourism in Manuel Antonio, Arenas Del Mar continues to pioneer new experiences for their guests to enjoy in the area. Coming soon are early morning visits to a private nature reserve with great wildlife viewing and mountain biking in the hills above Quepos.
Latitude 10 Resort in Santa Teresa closed for part of October & November to undergo renovations and has reopened looking better than ever! New king-size canopy beds in each suite, soft upgrades & in-room amenities, a completely revamped menu and on-site experiences (like complimentary on-site cooking classes and beachfront yoga) have completely elevated the Latitude 10 experience.
Kurà recently welcomed a new Spa Director (formerly of Hacienda Alta Gracia) and has completely revamped the menu at Spa Shà in addition to creating new breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Ask about full board options for guests, available for booking on request.
Lapa Rios Lodge has added themed dinner nights to their menus - including BBQ, Dock to Dish Night (make your own ceviche) and “Comida Tipica” to showcase local foods enjoyed in Costa Rica. This gives guests staying 3 or 4 nights an excellent variety in meal choice and is also fun & interactive for families.
Lastly, the Cayuga Collection team has been hard at work opening Senda Monteverde, a new boutique lodge just a short walk from town and adjacent to a private Cloud Forest Nature Reserve. Senda officially opens on December 15 and to celebrate, is offering 10% when booked in conjunction with another Cayuga property. Details and restrictions are found via the link.
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
If you have any clients looking for a last minute "festive season" option, we just had some unforeseen prime date cancellations at Hacienda Zuleta in Ecuador. Couldn't think of a more welcoming place to be than with the Galo-Plaza family over the holidays - hiking and horseback riding during the day and feasting on farm fresh cheese and wine by the fireplace in the evening. You can either contact your DMC or email mariafernanda@haciendazuleta.com for updated availability over Christmas, New Years and into January.
If you are unfamiliar with Hacienda Zuleta, check out the video below for an overview on this gem of a property. If you would like a copy branded with your own logo as an intro, please send Clark your logo and he can provide it to you.
Mashpi Lodge has always maintained a great blog, but recent posts are particularly helpful for travel advisors from a sales perspective.
Seasonal Weather, Birds & Animals at Mashpi
What’s the Ride to Mashpi Lodge Like? (Good hour by hour breakdown of the journey from Quito to Mashpi)
Family Friendly Activities at Mashpi Lodge (Divided into younger children, older children and teens)
Galapagos Safari Camp owner Stephanie Bonham-Carter recently wrote a great blog post about “Appropriate Luxury”, a concept we applaud and support across all of our properties that operate in remote and fragile environments. Creating a luxury guest experience that is equally respectful of the natural world is a balancing act, and there’s a good reason you won’t find imported fish or out of season produce on the menu or air conditioning in your tented suites.
Check out the full post here: Appropriate Luxury in the Galapagos - The Safari Camp Approach and share this with your clients.
Galapagos Safari Camp also recently become of the Traveller Made consortia in November.
Do you have travelers staying at Casa Gangotena who like to get out and explore on their own?
Share these “Three Recommended Walks Through Quito’s Old Town” for suggestions on great self-guided walking tours to local markets, churches, down interesting side streets and to beautiful vista points. Quito’s Historic Center is best explored on foot and the staff at Casa Gangotena are always happy to suggest activities tailored to your client’s interests.
CHILE & ARGENTINA
Due to last minute cancellations, Awasi Atacama has space in January, which was previously 100% full. Here are the available dates for Awasi Atacama in January 2019.
6-10 January
10-15 January
14-17 January
18-23 January
25-28 January
28-31 January
Contact your DMC or info@awasi.cl to book. Additionally, Awasi Atacama welcomed new General Manager, Nicolás García to the lodge this month.
Need a moment of calm during the always busy month of December? Transport yourself into nature with this video from Awasi Iguazu.
Juan Pablo Culasso was born blind. He taught himself how to identify birds by listening to their song. He has become one of the world’s most respected bird experts; using just his ears, not his eyes. Listen to some of his recordings in Awasi Iguazú:
NICARAGUA
It was a hard year for Nicaragua & for Jicaro Island Lodge. After enjoying a hugely successful year in 2017, tourism in Nicaragua came to a standstill following political protests & violence that began in April of 2018. Jicaro Island was forced to suspend guest operations for a few months, though as many staff as possible remained employed throughout the temporary closure. Laying people off in a time of crisis only contributes to a desperate spiral and owner Karen Emmanuel used her personal resources to keep staff on the payroll through six months of closure.
With a quiet but emotional celebration on November 15, Jicaro Island Lodge officially reopened their doors to guests and Karen was there to share in the experience. In the video below, Karen shares her love for Nicaragua, especially the people who make Jicaro Lodge and the country so enchanting. Special reopening rates are available - contact your local DMC or reservations@jicarolodge.com.
PANAMA
We’re thrilled to welcome El Otro Lado Private Retreat into our portfolio. Located across the bay from Portobelo (which just received UNESCO recognition for the significance of the local Congo Culture), this colorful hideaway is an ideal base for exploring the Caribbean reefs, beaches and rainforests of Portobelo National Park, learning the fascinating legends of the likes of Sir Francis Drake and the pirate Henry Morgan, and immersing oneself in the colors, rhythms and flavors of the Congo Culture. Cozy details in the rooms and public spaces and a new wellness program also make it a perfect retreat to relax & recharge.
New in 2019, El Otro Lado will offer all-inclusive rates (full board, excursions, on-site activities & wellness experiences) and we’ll be hosting an extensive webinar on all of the changes and updates soon. In the meantime, enjoy this short video highlighting the best of Portobelo & El Otro Lado.
Panama is hot right now and Isla Palenque has been enjoying a fair amount of press. Check out the latest Town & Country issue for their guide on Where to Travel in 2019, featuring Panama and Isla Palenque.
Isla Palenque also recently announced their Dock to Dish program, making it the first hotel to Panama offer certifiably sustainable, community-sourced seafood through the award-winning program out of Montauk, NY. Learn more about the mission of Dock to Dish via the link to their website.
Summer Trips that Transform - Soak in the Stark Beauty of the Atacama Desert & Save in "Shoulder Season"
Home to the world’s highest and driest desert, the far northern region of Chile has increased in popularity over the past several years. A visit to Awasi Atacama during the “shoulder season” will give you volcanic peaks and geyser basins all to yourself—true desert solitude.
Soak in the Stark Beauty of the Atacama Desert & Save in "Shoulder Season"
Great For: Families, Photographers, Birders & Active Travelers
June-August is typically unbearably hot in the southwest of the United States. For travelers called to red rock deserts, stunning canyons, fascinating geology and a rich indigenous culture, consider venturing to Chile’s Atacama Desert during these months. Home to the world’s highest and driest desert, the far northern region of Chile has increased in popularity over the past several years, but a visit during the “shoulder season” will give you volcanic peaks and geyser basins all to yourself - true desert solitude.
Serenity and solitude at the Tatio Geysers
With a stay at Awasi Atacama, the original jewel of the Awasi trio of properties, you’ll have your own dedicated private guide & driver to structure your stay according to your interests and weather conditions. If peak bagging calls to you, consider 4 or more nights to acclimate to the altitude and then go for the summit of Sairecabur Volcano at over 19,000’ A.S.L. Or enjoy shorter outings to focus on your landscape photography skills in the Valley of the Moon, decipher ancient Petroglyphs or hike to wild hot springs.
While not often thought of for families, children 5 and over are welcome at Awasi Atacama and the convenience of having a private guide makes it easy to customize excursions into the desert for younger explorers. Children can try their hand at creating local crafts and art, keep a journal of the flora and fauna spotted during their adventures and see Saturn's rings through a powerful telescope during an evening astronomy session. Older and more active children can embark on mountain bike and horseback riding excursions, or challenge themselves with a trek to the top of a volcano after properly acclimating. Round and Superior Round suites can be combined to accommodate a family of 4 sharing an outdoor private patio and children are eligible for discounted rates when sharing a room with two adults.
The Awasi Atacama experience is especially affordable during the summer school holidays in North America. From May 1-October 31, guests enjoy an additional night free when they book a minimum of three nights in a double occupancy room. A great stand-alone trip for a week – you cant contact Awasi directly or work with your preferred local DMC.
Summer Trips that Transform, Inspire & Enlighten
For today’s traveler, the summer holiday season isn’t just about relaxing on a beach with a frozen cocktail or soaking up sunshine somewhere. Increasingly, travelers want to utilize their vacation time to learn a new skill, pursue personal development, or tackle a physical challenge that leave them transformed. These destinations offer just that.
Summer Trips that Transform, Inspire & Enlighten
For today’s traveler, the summer holiday season isn’t just about relaxing on a beach with a
frozen cocktail or soaking up sunshine somewhere. Increasingly, travelers want to utilize their
vacation time to learn a new skill, pursue personal development or tackle a physical challenge that leave them transformed, with lasting habits and a changed outlook on life and the world around them.
If you have clients – both families and adults – that are in search of something immersive, educational or somewhat off the grid over the North America summer months, look no further than Latin America. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite picks for experiences that will challenge & enlighten while also offering extra value due to the off-peak time frame for each destination.
Use the links below to access the individual posts about each destination and experience.
