Why Should You Visit Nicaragua Now
Nicaragua is a beautiful country to visit, and now is the time! Learn why the properties that we represent in Nicaragua combine for an amazing, fun-filled itinerary perfect for multi-gen families, groups of friends, honeymooners, and more!
Nicaragua: Why You Should Visit Now
Last year during March 2022 I made my way back to Costa Rica, but instead of visiting the lodges there this time, I would immediately make my way to Nicaragua from Liberia, CR for a site inspection of Jicaro Island Lodge, one of the properties under the Cayuga Collection sustainable hotels brand. After arriving in Liberia, CR the Sales & Ops team from Cayuga Collection picked me up in order to cross the border at Peñas Blancas into Nicaragua. I had never been to Nicaragua before this, so I was eager to learn more.
Turning the Page
At this point in time, no flights from the United States or Costa Rica were arriving in Nicaragua. Pretty much the only way to visit was via border crossing from Peñas Blancas, and I quickly learned that it was a long journey. This was my first time visiting Nicaragua, but I had heard stories of the resiliency of Nicaraguan local people, continuously working hard to keep tourism open and welcome to travelers far and wide. Before the 2018 political uprising in Nicaragua, ecotourism was booming and things were looking up for the country of lakes and volcanos. After the dust from political rallies settled, tourism once again began to rise, only to be shut down by a brutal hurricane. Once again, Nicaraguans found themselves cleaning up a mess to bring back tourism, and that is when the COVID-19 pandemic happened.
Just when it seemed like everything was going back to normal, in March of 2020 a complete economic & travel shutdown occurred with no flights entering the country occurred. This was devastating news for the locals who had already been dealt so much adversity. Once again, Nicaraguans remained resilient and did not give up hope.
Photo taken from the lookout tower on Jicaro Island Lodge, March 2022.
Introducing… Rancho Santana!
When we arrived at Peñas Blancas, we waited our turn to get through customs & immigration. The only other people there were some backpackers who were either trying to go surfing, or visiting Nicaragua in hopes that it would be less expensive than Costa Rica. We got through the border crossing, found our driver and made our way to Jicaro with hopes of arriving in time to catch a sunset. In Granada, it was very quiet with hardly any tourists walking around, if any.
After several discussions and non-stop brainstorming among our team, it seemed like there was only one truly viable answer to this solution. That word was patience. We knew flights would eventually reopen, but the question was when… And to remember what the Nicaraguans taught us, to remain optimistic and resilient.
Several months went by after returning home and nothing had changed in regards to flights reopening. However, things began to start feeling different in August of 2022. Clark and I spoke briefly with Rancho Santana who was interested in possibly working with us. However, flights were still not available to Nicaragua. We decided to keep in touch, and told them once flights reopen, we would talk about coming down for a site inspection. Fast forward to November, I remember waking up one morning and seeing news from our team at Jicaro Island Lodge mentioning that American and United were both reopening a daily route to Managua. America from Miami and United from Houston.
So, long story short, Clark and I made our way to Rancho Santana shortly after in January of 2023 on the direct flight with United from Houston. We arrived in Managua, got right through a short customs line, found our driver and were on the way. We couldn’t believe how smooth this process was! Beautiful drive through the countryside with views of lakes and volcanoes along the route, only to end at paradise overlooking the beautiful Emerald Coast. This was way less exhausting and more fun than the border crossing.
Once we pulled up to Rancho Santana (2.5 - 3 hrs driving from Managua Airport), I could instantly tell this was a special place and perhaps the missing piece to a big puzzle that we were trying to solve. Within the Clark Kotula Representation portfolio of hotels, most properties that we work with are small boutique properties, typically with 8-20 rooms at each hotel. However, Rancho Santana has 27 houses to rent from, a 17-bedroom hotel, 6 two-bedroom Garden Casitas, and 30 three-bedroom Beachside Condos. At first thought, it wouldn’t be a good fit due to its size, but as Clark Kotula will tell you, we quickly realized that Rancho Santana is “SO WORTH IT!”
Rancho Santana: Family-Friendly & Eco-Friendly
An Eco-Friendly & Family-Friendly Adventure Resort along the Emerald Coast of Nicaragua, sounds too good to be true, right? Well at Rancho Santana, they have cracked the code and managed to make this dream into a reality. When Vera, the Director of Sales for Rancho Santana, took us around the entire property for a site inspection I was instantly shocked with their operation. Instead of importing a bunch of things such as food, cement, steel, and energy, they create it on the ranch. They have a fully functioning solar farm, steel factory, and construction company all employed by local Nicaraguans. Beyond that, they operate and manage an organic garden & farm. Among the hotel and construction company, over 450 local Nicaraguans are employed here. One thing that amazed me the most was the quality of the hiking and biking trails. Guests are able to immerse in the authenticity of this place because of the friendly and passionate staff members who make it all possible.
Programs such as helping out in Rancho Santana’s Organic Garden are types of activities children can participate in, while parents enjoy much-deserved time to themselves.
Solar Field at Rancho Santana… Learn more here https://ranchosantana.com/sustainability/solar-energy/
Putting All of the Pieces Together
As Clark headed out, I returned to Jicaro Island Lodge for a few nights to see how everything was going. To start, Howard the GM of Jicaro who we call “The Mayor of Granada” took me around the town to see how it has changed. There were travelers all over the place! We got lunch in a wonderful courtyard restaurant downtown Granada and I was jazzed up to see so many people out and about. When I got to Jicaro afterwards, I came to find out that almost every casita for the night was booked. There were people from Colorado, Asia, Europe, and Nicaragua staying there. The staff was thrilled!
Adding Rancho Santana was an exciting addition for us because it combines really nicely with Jicaro Island Lodge. For most travelers, there is a “no-brainer decision” when it comes to stopping by Jicaro Island Lodge before or after going to Rancho Santana. Since Jicaro is only 45-minutes to Managua airport, the drive from Jicaro to Rancho Santana is only about 2 hours. By staying at Jicaro beforehand, it provides the opportunity to visit Mombacho & Masaya Volcano, and to explore the vibrant colorful town of Granada. That way, guests can really enjoy everything that Rancho Santana has to offer.
Also, as someone who has been honored to meet many local Nicaraguan people, and to be invited into their country, helping travelers return is something that I will be forever passionate about. Their resiliency to keep eco-travel alive by showing off the natural beauty of their country is one of the most special things I’ve witnessed in this world. We invite you to come experience it for yourself!
Feel free to email Clark or myself with any questions:
Guest Feedback
Now that all the pieces of the puzzle seemed together, we began sending different travel agencies and groups to experience Jicaro and Rancho Santana in Nicaragua. They had an amazing time, and don’t take my word for it! Check out what they had to say and enjoy the photos. When you’re ready visit Nicaragua and begin sending clients there, do let us know!
Also, don’t forget to check out our Sample Itinerary of Nicaragua featuring Rancho Santana and Jicaro Island Lodge.
“I loved starting our trip by staying in Granada. Jicaro Island Retreat is such a special property -- you have to take a boat to get there as it is an island retreat. The food was exquisite and it was so relaxing. You get the benefit of a quiet island oasis with the culture and activity of colonial Granada, just a quick boat and car ride away. From there, I recommend going to Rancho Santana where you can do everything or nothing. From surfing to horseback riding to spa to a cooking class, there is so much to do! The beaches are stunning and it is one of the most untouched, beautiful places I have ever seen. Jicaro Island Retreat and Rancho Santana make a great combination and a wonderful way to experience Nicaragua.”
— Natalie Kurtzman, FORA Travel
FORA Travel Advisors loving the views of Mombacho Volcano.
“I would absolutely recommend for anyone to visit Nicaragua- in fact I have already told all my friends and will be planning a trip with my family to Rancho Santana whirred there is literally an activity to please all. Jicaro Island is such a magical special place it is hard to describe in words. Some of the highlights were simply waking up In my gorgeous casita tree house listening to the waves lapping against the shore of the lake. Coffee on the front porch and yoga on the lakefront were the perfect ways to start the morning. Hiking mombachu, zip lining and staring into the crater of (insert name I forgot of active volcano) at night were also highlights. And the food, the food! A 5 star menu, the fresh juices and fruit and the sheer variety of menu items were out of this world. And lastly the staff…wonderful kind thoughtful knowledgeable- we were sad to say goodbye when the time came. A truly magical and restorative retreat.
Also the highlights for me at Rancho Santana was surfing Panga drops sat that pristine stretch of beach Perros. Then signing up the rest of the girls for a surf lesson there which was truly joyful. The instructors were so fun and amazing. And then of course having tacos, sublime ceviche and table side guacamole afterwards. And our e-mountain bike ride (guided) was beyond fun. And the yoga, amazing and the spa…the hot and cold plunge pools - now I’m obsessed and doing it everyday at home
Oh and I almost forgot- felt beyond safe traveling there. Safer than other nearby countries”— Alison Van Dis, Friends of Jacqui Kotula
“CLARO QUE SI!!! I absolutely would and have! What an ecologically robust and culturally vibrant country with a ton to offer an adventure traveler! Highlights for me were the day that included - a boat ride, volcano hike, and zip lining was incredible! Also, the day that included mountain biking and surfing! Regarding safety… Yes, absolutely felt safe at all times. There is a sense of safety in a country without blasting volumes of tourism. You feel seen, watched over, appreciated and cared for in a unique way. It's hard to explain if you have not been to less-traveled destinations. Being one of only a spattering of tourists offers a charming sense of community and is a privilege as a tourist.”
— Casey Binstadt, Friends of Jacqui Kotula
“Both properties are 1000x better than they look in the pictures. Jicaro was such a unique travel destination. The level of service there was above and beyond anything I've ever experienced and the food was delicious. Our time there was the perfect mix of activity, adventure and relaxation. The natural beauty of the area and the kindness of the people definitely added to the experience.
Rancho Santana was, of course, incredible. It was nice to have all the amenities of a larger resort without any of the crowds. It felt like we had the place to ourselves at times. It was great for our group to be able to do things on their own or together as a group. The trail system for biking and hiking was incredible and very unexpected.
I've been spreading the word about traveling in Nicaragua and hopefully some others will jump on board soon too.”— Alison Bricker, Friends of Jacqui Kotula
Is Costa Rica a Year Round Destination?
Did you know that Costa Rica is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round and offers a variety of different activities to experience in the Green or Dry Season? We share some tips and advice for arranging trips there now.
Talks with Turney: Is Costa Rica a Year Round Destination?
Costa Rica, the land of “Pura Vida” meaning pure life and all that encompasses it. To me, that saying means enjoying what Costa Rica has to offer from surfing, hiking to waterfalls, dancing to reggaeton at a beach bar with an Imperial in-hand, or adventuring among sloths and monkeys at a National Park. It seems as though a big rumor has spread that Costa Rica is only a 6-month destination to visit. Therefore, I took a deep dive into learning about different things to do throughout the calendar year in various destinations of CR.
Costa Rica Enjoyable All Year
For the past year and a half, I have been traveling to CR regularly. Throughout that time, I’ve been fortunate to make friends with many locals from the hotels that we work with. They have welcomed me into their country and helped me uncover the best-known experiences that we can offer to all of you.
After speaking with several of these local experts, I was quickly reminded that the answer is absolutely yes. Costa Rica is a fantastic country to visit year-round. With 12 different climatic zones scattered throughout the country, there are windows of months where some regions are better than others. That is why it’s important to plan a Costa Rica journey with an expert.
You’ll see in the following text that from December – April Costa Rica is known as the “Dry Season” where the entire country is mostly sunny and dry. May – November is known as “Green Season.”
When I learned that it is possible to watch sea turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park, or scuba dive/snorkel in sunny Puerto Viejo at Aguas Claras, both during the month of September – I was quite surprised. Meanwhile, at the same time of year, it is likely to be raining on the Pacific! I remember seeing online that parts of Jaco were flooding, meanwhile people at Aguas Claras were sending me pictures of sunshine and calm Caribbean waters.
So in this case, you truly need to know before you go.
Sample Itineraries
Before I reveal all of these hidden gems, I’ve created 2 sample itineraries — one of them highlighting the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and the other focusing on the Pacific. Remember, both of these itineraries are great choices for the Dry Season, but they are slightly different for Green Season.
*Feel free to save and share this itinerary with your clients, you can replace the logo and contact details with your own in the header and footer. You can have this itinerary quoted by your DMC or Tour Operator of choice, or work with the properties direct. If you need help with this document or how to book, please email me.
Weather in Costa Rica (Pacific Vs. Caribbean)
In Costa Rica, weather conditions around the country during Dry Season tends to be mostly the same. Sunny and dry. However, did you know that climate varies quite significantly between the west (Pacific) side of CR compared to the east (Caribbean) during Green Season? There are some major differences that I will help clear up. Use the table below to serve as a guide for navigating through each month.
Costa Rica Dry Season (December – May)
PROS
Sunniest and driest time of year
Epic sunsets
Great surfing early in the dry season
Livelier scene, everyone is out and about
Less intense white-water rafting
Great for snorkeling and swimming on the Pacific
Still an abundance of wildlife at most National Parks besides Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula
CONS
More crowds and tourists
Pricier accommodations
Limited availability; better to book in advance
Pricier; less available flight options
More traffic on the roads
Longer customs lines at SJO
Dusty and dry
December – JanuarySunny & still a bit humid from Green Season
Still an abundance of wildlife
Good time for surfing beginner to advanced waves on Pacific & Caribbean
February – April
Sunny and dry; least amount of rainfall throughout the country
Less wildlife and flora & fauna in certain areas
Smaller waves for surfing
May
The month of May is technically the start of rainy season, this time of year is typically coined “shoulder season” where it is transitioning from months of dry weather to more rainfall. This is a great time of year to visit because you have the opportunity to get the best of both seasons.
Costa Rica Green Season (June – November)
PROS
Less tourists
Better rates at hotels and villas (more deals, too)
Less lines for customs at SJO
More flight availability
Best time of year to catch bigger waves
An abundance of wildlife on land and sea
Flora and fauna blooming
Rain cools things off
CONS
Need a rain coat!
Some regions get more rain than others during certain months
Takes more knowledge and expertise to plan an itinerary
Still hot and humid when not raining
June – August
Great time to visit the Pacific — “Sunny mornings and rainy evenings” is the motto
Abundance of wildlife on land and sea
Biggest waves for surfing
Whitewater rafting is more intense
High season rates apply from July 1st – Aug 15th most places (summer vacation)
*The Caribbean side of Costa Rica — Tortuga Lodge, Pacuare Lodge, and Hotel Aguas Claras typically receive more rainfall during these months than the Pacific.
September – October
This time of year is the best hidden secret in Costa Rica. The country remains in Rainy Season, but the Caribbean receives a mysterious break from heavy rainfall during this window.
At Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo, high season rates actually apply from Sep 21 – Dec 21; different from the rest of the country
Small waves, calm ocean
Best time to watch sea turtles nest and hatch in Tortuguero National Park
Excellent conditions for whitewater rafting to Pacuare Lodge
November
Similar to May, this is a great time of year to visit because it is the shoulder season, transition from Green to Dry. Again, opportunity to get best of both worlds.
Why You Should Visit Costa Rica During Wildlife Season
Recently, the Cayuga Collection Executive Marketing team decided to create their own catchy phrase for “Rainy Season” to what they now call “Wildlife Season.” I was curious of what exactly that meant, so I reached out to Hans to see what his interpretation was.
“The idea sparked after I talked to Mauricio, one of the guides at Arenas del Mar. I asked him the best time of year to see wildlife and he told me ‘The best time is when the rain stops. This is because all of the animals come out of their shelter to go looking for food and they become active.’ So, what happens in the wildlife season is that you have rain, but of course it doesn’t rain all the time. It just rains for a few hours and often it rains at night. Therefore, especially in the morning, the forest is just bustling with wildlife. At the same time there are turtles hatching, whales migrating, animals with their babies and much more. It is really a magical moment, not to talk about just the wildlife animals, but the flora and fauna how everything is coming back to life.
- Hans Pfister, Co-Founder of Cayuga Collection
Of course, there are many advantages to visiting Costa Rica in the dry season. In my opinion, seeing otherworldly sunsets during that time is worth the extra money, especially while many parts of the United States, Europe, and Canada are absolutely freezing cold/snowing. That alone can be a major factor on deciding on when to visit CR. Can’t blame people for wanting to escape the cold, especially when paradise is waiting for you.
However, for nature lovers and those looking to travel at a more tranquil pace with less crowds, the Green Season is perfect. The best part is that you have the opportunity to spend less, but experience something different. Local guides and hotel staff aren’t as busy during this time.
Wildlife season on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Guests at Arenas del Mar enjoying a tour of Manuel Antonio National with one of ADM’s local expert guides.
Advice from the Locals –
“Visit Costa Rica During Green Season”
In this section, hear from the experts on the ground as they provide their take on why visiting Costa Rica during the Green Season is actually a great idea.
Tortuga Lodge —
Tortuguero National Park; northwest Caribbean
Juan introducing our group to the local family at Laguna 4. Shortly after, we feasted on local favorite foods, played soccer with the kids, and drank fresh coconut water!
Juan Molina Guadamuz is a certified naturalist guide at Tortuga Lodge who moved from Limon to Tortuguero at the young age of 2 and has been there ever since. The first time I met Juan was last June when I led a FAM Trip to Tortuga Lodge with a group of travel advisors. Juan led many of our tours and even took us kayaking through the less-traveled canals of Tortuguero National Park where we ended at a village. He introduced us to a family that lived on “Laguna 4” and they served us some local traditional favorite foods. It was a day to remember, and the entire group (myself included) was moved by how much tradition and culture is to be found in this Amazonia-like nook of Costa Rica.
Juan told us that he worked at Tortuga Lodge prior to when it was purchased by Böëna Wilderness Lodges. When Roberto and Luz created Böëna Wilderness Lodges and purchased Tortuga Lodge, they reached out to him because they wanted to make sure that the naturalist guides and staff members were local people from Tortuguero in order to maintain the authenticity of the experience. Meanwhile updating the accommodations to a Virtuoso-caliber level. A job well done!
So, I got in touch with Juan and asked him when his favorite time in Tortuguero National Park is, and what different months of the year bring to the destination? This is what he had to say:
“Look, I'm going to be very honest. For me, the most beautiful time to enjoy Tortuguero, a very diverse area… an area where there is a great variety of flora and fauna, the most diverse area in the country, right, but one of my favorites is from mid-September to mid-October. This is when there is less precipitation in the rainy season, it is also the time of the green turtle season. A time when you can see hatching of baby turtles, and possibly the mother’s laying eggs as well. Since this time is still the rainy season when the forest blooms the most, it’s very active time of year for bird migration and to see other species.
However, at Tortuga Lodge any time of the year you have possibilities of seeing animals. For example, from December to April there are possibilities of seeing three species of monkeys and two species of sloths. At the end of March through April is a nice time to see dolphins or even manatees. 50% of the birds in Costa Rica can be seen at Tortuguero National Park throughout the year. Other species include iguanas, many frogs, anteaters, sometimes jaguars and panthers. Great place year round”
- Juan Molina Guadamuz, Expert Naturalist Guide at Tortuga Lodge
Kayaking the canals of Tortuguero National Park in June 2022.
Pacuare Lodge — Turrialba; Central Caribbean
I took a moment to speak with Natalia Fernandez from Turrialba. Natalia is the Director of Sales and her father is Roberto Fernandez, the owner of Pacuare Lodge. Therefore, she has essentially been visiting the lodge every year for her entire life. Since Pacuare is located in the central region of Costa Rica, but more towards the Caribbean, I was curious if the rainy season weather pattern was more similar to the Caribbean or Pacific conditions? This is what she had to say:
“We are influenced by the Caribbean weather, so September and October are great months to travel to Pacuare. It is very likely visitors will have sunny days, the color of the river is amazing, so it’s a great time! And the best prices!”
- Natalia Fernandez, Director of Sales for Böëna Wilderness Lodges
What Natalia means by “the color of the river” is that when there is a lot of rainfall in the nearby mountains, the river appears murky because of all the rain runoff going through the river, making its way to empty out to the Caribbean. Since rain holds off for a bit in September and October, the rafting conditions are favorable.
*Please keep in mind, that in order to whitewater raft into Pacuare Lodge, children must be age 9 or up. To whitewater raft out of Pacuare Lodge, children have to be 12 +
Rafting Conditions at Pacuare Lodge by Month:
December – January: Best conditions for rafting; sunny, emerald green water. River is still running quickly from Green Season rains, still lots of wildlife
February – April: Sunny conditions, emerald green water, river is running more slowly. Best time for beginners
May: Due to shoulder season, this month can be a lot of fun. Expect sunny mornings and rainy evenings, the river will begin to run faster and get murkier later in the month.
June – August: This is the time period that receives the most rainfall at Pacuare Lodge. During these months, you risk not being able to paddle out of Pacuare Lodge. If the river is flowing too fast and the water is too high, they will cancel the rafting (typically only happens about 5 times per year). However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck, you just have to take a land transfer out rather than rafting.
September – October: Hidden secret of Costa Rica! You get low season rates, but the Caribbean receives a brief break from rain during this time. Expect great river flow, emerald green water, and sunshine while the Pacific side of CR receives the most rainfall.
November: Same with May, shoulder season conditions. Later in November you’re more likely to get less rain and slower river flow.
Quick video I made of the activities included with your stay at Pacuare Lodge.
Lapa Rios — Osa Peninsula; southwest Pacific
Visiting Lapa Rios is like taking a leap into “the Jungle Book” where you will feel like Mowgli living amongst beautiful wild animals. At the moment you arrive at the Puerto Jimenez airport, it’s possible to see macaws feeding on an almond tree over the airport office of Lapa Rios. From there, a driver takes you through the Osa wilderness until arriving at Lapa Rios in Matapalo.
Something that is so astounding about Lapa Rios is that it located near primary forests, meaning that it has been untouched for centuries, so it is possible to see trees that are over 500 years old! It is also located on Golfo Dolce, one of the only Tropical Fjord’s in the America’s. Combine these two factors and you get a literal wildlife viewing wonderland. So, it is important to understand that you will be able to see plenty of wildlife year-round at Lapa Rios, but when is the best time of year to see certain animals and get the best weather conditions? We spoke to Osa-native Frank Barquero, who is also a certified volunteer Park Ranger, to learn more about when the best time to visit is.
“As a naturalist guide and a native of the Osa Peninsula, I can affirm that there are two times of the year that are my favorites. The first is the months of May to August. It is a time of transition, from the dry season to the rainy season. The first rains can occur between April and May, then it continues to rain intermittently. Even for the last decade August has been a month with relatively little rain. May is usually the last month we get to see North American migratory birds. It is incredible to see the males wearing their best clothes, with their colorful plumage, ready for the mating that will take place in the north of our continent. The forests turn a deeper and more intense green color due to the effect of the rains, and new plants and trees are born and grow at the beginning of the rainy season. Also, at the end of July and during August is when we can see humpback whales in the Golfo Dulce. This is not to mention the dolphins that usually inhabit this beautiful fjord. The months of September, October and part of November are almost always very rainy. It is very difficult to spot wildlife because it rains too much.
And the second season, my favorite, usually starts at the end of November and beginning of December. Since September and October we have, once again, the presence of migratory birds from North America. To this we add that the heavy rains begin to diminish and the days begin to become warmer and sunnier. Even January and February can be added to this second favorite season. Nature tourism is increasing admirably, and it is an incredible time for bird watching and wildlife in general.”
- Frank Chaves Barquero, Expert Local Naturalist Guide at Lapa Rios
One of the many wonderful photos that Frank shares with our team while he is leading tours at Lapa Rios! A smiling 3-toed sloth taking a nap in a tree.
The Osa Peninsula also provides critical nesting habitat for four species of sea turtles - olive ridleys, green turtles, hawskbills and leatherbacks. Visiting during nesting season gives guests a good chance to witness a hatching or participate in sea turtle research and protection with Osa Conservation, a partner of Lapa Rios.
Olive Ridleys - Nest from June-December
Green Turtles - Nest from July-October
Hawksbills - Nest from July-October
Leatherbacks - Nest from March-September
Aguas Claras — Puerto Viejo, southwestern Caribbean
Puerto Viejo is an interesting Caribbean town for many reasons. In a sense, it operates by its own rules in terms of weather. In September and October while almost every Caribbean Island and beach town are threatened by hurricanes (and now seaweed), Puerto Viejo enjoys its most sunny and calm time of year.
Therefore, I took a moment to speak with Marvin Solorzano, a naturalist guide at Aguas Claras, about his favorite time of year in Puerto Viejo and what makes snorkeling during this time so special:
“For me, I think September or October because I love to enjoy snorkeling buddy. For that reason, I prefer those months. During this time, the sea is so flat which makes it perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. It is like Summer here, and that is what makes it so special. Cahuita National Park is the best place to snorkel because it is the most protected and has the most reefs. You can also try behind Aguas Claras, Punta Uva beach maybe, but Cahuita National Park is definitely the best.”
- Marvin Solorzano, Expert Local Guide at Hotel Aguas Claras
Last June’s FAM Trip to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. This is after snorkeling at Cahuita National Park with Marvin, our guide at Aguas Claras. Exploring Puerto Viejo the Cayuga way!
“We do recommend people to visit Monteverde during Green Season because during these months is when you can see the real Monteverde, the most authentic, misty and rainy days of the year. During this time the town is less crowded, which allows visitors to see more wildlife on the reserves. The overall views are much nicer as everything is greener.”
Overlooking the Nicoya Peninsula from Monteverde.
If you do happen to visit Senda Monteverde during the Dry Season, make sure you go E-Biking to Cerro Pinoccho, it is also an option to hike or horseback ride here. It is the best sunset in Monteverde! See so in the video below. Also, a pro-tip is to bring a rain jacket and sweater any time you visit Monteverde; it can get quite cold at night!
Arenas del Mar —
Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific Coast
If you’re looking for a true “Costa Rica 101” experience where you get a little bit of everything that the green country has to offer, then Arenas del Mar is the answer. There are so many activities to choose from while staying at ADM in Manuel Antonio, it can be difficult to decide which ones. Therefore, I spoke with Elaine Solano, the Experience and Sustainability Manager at Arenas del Mar to see if there are certain activities that are better to do in the Green Season.
Are there any experiences that you can do at Arenas del Mar during the Green Season that you are unable to do in the Dry Season?
There are 2 key tours that you must do during a specific time (covering green season):
Naranjo river rafting class III. Open from May to November
Whale watching tour: Open from July to October
What is the best time of year to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?
All seasons are good, however we suggest avoiding going during festive dates that are usually very crowded, such as Easter and Christmas.
During these dates we recommend going during the afternoon, and during green season dates, is better to visit it in the morning.
When is the best time of year to surf at Arenas del Mar?
From May to November more less
No matter what time of year you visit Arenas del Mar or any of the Costa Rica properties in our portfolio, expected to. be greeted with a welcome smile! The staff members are truly what make the difference.
There simply is no bad time to visit Kurá, but if you’re looking for a honeymoon or romantic getaway with your loved ones, I would suggest to go during the Dry Season to guarantee an amazing sunset from the deck of your room or from the main lobby.
However, if you’re more adventurous, then Green Season is a great time to visit Kura because of the experiences that you can do. During the months from June – August is the best time to visit Nauyaca Waterfall when the falls are moving with sheer force from all of the rain. Meanwhile, this is the time when humpback whales migrate through Marino Ballena National Park. Sometimes you can see the whales from Kurá with binoculars, but my insider tip is to book a boat ride for the day to Caño Island. In August, I’ve seen humpbacks with their babies!
PASHA — Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast
Pasha, the only standalone private-buyout villa in our portfolio, has many benefits of visiting during the Green Season. Clark and I were lucky enough to be some of the first guests to stay there towards the end of January 2022 during Dry Season. We quickly realized how fortunate we were to be visiting during that time of year. Sunshine all day, great waves to surf, direct views of the ocean from Pasha’s porch, unreal sunsets, and best of all it was not too dry yet.
View of the pool and ocean from Pasha
All that being said, it can be tough to inspire yourself to leave paradise at Pasha and explore the surrounding area. This 10-bedroom villa is located in Playa Hermosa, which is about 5 miles north of Santa Teresa town. Being away from the town is a total advantage because there isn’t as much noise or traffic. On the beach you will see surfers with their dogs, some photographers, or families hanging out. With all of this at your fingertips, it is hard to imagine why someone would want to leave, but the Nicoya Peninsula is teeming with wildlife to explore. I wanted to see what was outside of Pasha and Santa Teresa, so I went on a tour with Douglas Morales, Owner of Manakin Tours who helps manage excursions and activities for our guests at Pasha. Here is what he taught me:
“The Nicoya Peninsula is unique because we are in a transitional forest. Meaning we are located right in between the driest forest in Costa Rica which is the Guanacaste province, and the wettest area in the rain forest around Manuel Antonio region. 60% of the forest here is deciduous, which means they will usually lose their leaves when the rain stops in December. The leaves fall and cover all the ground to avoid evaporation and preserve more water underground near the roots. This is also when they will start blooming temporarily because birds migrate from North America to escape winter time and help pollinate the area. The other 40% of the trees are green and never lose their foliage. In May, when Green Season arrives, the deciduous trees grow their leaves again and you can see more wildlife.
This region is also awarded as one of our planet’s Blue Zones. Some of the reasons being that our diet is very helpful and our low-stress farming lifestyle. The good relationships among families and friends within the community help to increase the age of people. Exercise, good diet, and good relationships are things that we take pride of and the region that we live in allows for us to live this lifestyle. For that reason we need to protect this region and ecotourism is a big help.”
— Douglas Morales, Owner of Manakin Tours
If there is no availability for Pasha during festive or you aren’t interested in paying high season rates, you should definitely consider staying at Pasha from May – September during Green Season. During this time, the town of Santa Teresa is not as busy with tourism, meaning the road is far less dusty. Expect to wear a bandana and sunglasses in March or April while going through town.
Also, our rates are much better in Green Season and wildlife is teeming! This is the best time to visit Montezuma waterfalls or any of the nearby National Parks. Another perk is the sea life – on a boat tour in one day you can see Humpback whales, schools of dolphins, sea turtles, bioluminescent waters, birds, and more! Check out this video of dolphins swimming in front of our boat during the month of September, this is right off the coast of Montezuma, about a 45-minute drive from Pasha.
Come to Costa Rica, but make sure to use this as your guide for the best time to visit each destination.
Pura Vida!!
Ecuador & Galapagos: Where and How to Travel Now
Whats the current state of travel in Ecuador in October 2020? We share some tips and advice for arranging trips there now.
Ecuador & Galapagos: Where and How to Travel Now
Ecuador was one of the first and hardest hit countries in South America by Coronavirus at the beginning of the pandemic. The terrible months of March and April resulted in some of the most severe lockdown measures of any country on earth, the results of which have continued to trend positive until today, the curve flattened in May and has stayed that way. The US Department of State dropped the travel warning for Ecuador to Level 3: “Reconsider Travel” - one of only 5 countries in South America.
Reality Check: Just to put statistics in perspective, since the majority of readers of this blog will be US based travel industry professionals referencing destinations to pitch to their clients: The entire country of Ecuador with a population of 18 million has recorded 141k total cases of Coronavirus since March 17th - while Los Angeles County, with 11 million inhabitants, has recorded 275k case in the same period. (Ecuador shows a 0.007% infection rate vs LA County at .025%)
Since May, Ecuador has cautiously opened their economy, bit by bit, and by July 1st the hotels which we represent on mainland Ecuador (Casa Gangotena, Mashpi Lodge, Hacienda Zuleta) reopened, but in a limited capacity and only to local Ecuadorian guests as the international borders remained closed. This move however, of allowing the hotels to welcome Ecuadorian guests proved to be great, allowing the hoteliers a limited stream of income, but more importantly, the ability to retain key staff and refine their operations and sanitary protocols over time, in preparation for welcoming international visitors back. They have not gone from zero to sixty overnight, they have been looking after guests safely for three months now, they are running solid operations and their staff are accustomed to the new reality of travel.
On July 1st, Ecuador reopened its borders to international visitors and the frequency of commercial flight routes and frequencies has continued to grow. Currently, as of October 7th, the following list of major airline carriers have multiple direct flights weekly to both Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE), the principal international gateways.
United from Houston to Quito
American Airlines from Miami to Quito and Guayaquil
JetBlue from New York to Quito and Guayaquil
JetBlue from Fort Lauderdale to Quito
Copa Airlines from Panama City to Quito
AeroMexico from Mexico City to Quito
KLM from Amsterdam to Quito and Guayaquil
AirEuropa from Madrid to Quito
Iberia from Madrid to Quito
So what are the entry requirements? Visitors from any nation are allowed into mainland Ecuador by showing a negative PCR Covid test taken within 10 days of flight arrival (not needed for children under 18). A basic heath questionnaire needs to be filled out and temperature checks are given upon arrival. Once you have satisfied these requirements, you are free to circulate around the 23 provinces of mainland Ecuador. With the variance in how quickly test results are being returned (in the United States) this 10 day window makes it very easy to prepare for departure, and the flights to/from Ecuador have been operating normally.
You notice that I keep referring to “mainland Ecuador”? That is because the #1 tourist attraction in Ecuador is the Galapagos Islands, which are just one of the 24 Provinces of Ecuador, but sit 800 miles off the Pacific Coast - and they have their own separate entry requirements. In order to visit the Galapagos Island, visitors must show a negative PCR test taken within 4 days (96 hours) of arrival in the islands (not needed for children under 12), show proof of travel insurance which includes medical coverage, and a safe-conduct permit from your cruise or tour company.
So all in all, Ecuador and the Galapagos is open. But with mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos being two very different travel experiences, with different requirements, how best to go about organizing a trip there? Below, I’ll break it down for you and provide some ideas, suggestions and things to consider in planning trips there at the moment.
Time to contemplate. Deep in the Mashpi Reserve in the Cloud forest of Ecuador
1) Mainland Ecuador is good to go. The requirements for entry are easy, flights are abundant and stable, and there is so much to see and offer on mainland Ecuador that it is deserving of its own trip, without the Galapagos. Most visitors to Ecuador don’t even spend much time on mainland Ecuador in their rush to the Galapagos and back; but the country has Amazon Rainforest, High Andes, Cloud Forests, Tropical Coast paired with an incredible Cultural and Historical diversity, all easily reached in this small compact country. The visitor experiences that mainland Ecuador offer are naturally socially distanced - this isn’t a destination for museums or group touring, it is about nature, wildlife and open space - enjoyed on private customized itineraries. To give you an example, below is a fantastic 10 day, door to door itinerary, that may interest your clients which includes Casa Gangotena in Quito, Mashpi Lodge in the Cloud Forest and Hacienda Zuleta in the Andes.
*Feel free to save and share this itinerary with your clients, you can replace the logo and contact details with your own in the header and footer. You can have this itinerary quoted by your DMC or Tour Operator of choice, or work with the properties direct. f you need help with this document or how to book, please email me.
2) If you have a couple or family looking to go somewhere to work or school remote for an extended period, there couldn’t be a more ideal place for this than Hacienda Zuleta. The historic Hacienda building dates back to 1619 covers a whopping 150,000 square feet of space, with the most delightful areas to work from tucked throughout the charming hacienda - and rock solid wifi. When work or school is done, you have a 4,000 acre private farm and wildlife conservation area to explore by foot, bike or horseback - and you don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning! Weekends can be spent exploring other parts of Ecuador. Zuleta has been a home away from home for my family and children for many years, it’s the place they always want to go back to, always feeling at home and well looked after by Fernando and the local Zuleta community. Zuleta is offering up to 35% discounts on stays of a week or more with additional discounts for children. If you have clients interested in this, please email Gabriela at Zuleta, who handles international reservations.
Two women from the community, enjoying some sunshine in the courtyard of Hacienda Zuleta, doing embroidery and catching up on news.
3) Now on to the Galapagos….which is primarily known as a cruising destination. It’s should be easy enough to get clients from your home to the Galapagos within the 96 hour testing window. But make sure you can count on the PCR test turnaround times, calculate the flight connection times from their home to Guayaquil or Quito, calculate an overnight in Quito or Guayaquil prior to the Galapagos flight the next day, and of course factor in some buffer time should there be a flight delay or missed connection. The alternative to this is to have clients enter mainland Ecuador on the 10 day test, arrange another test for them upon arrival and then go stay somewhere for a few nights while they await test results and then fly to the Galapagos. The reality is that there are fewer people coming to the Galapagos right now than to mainland Ecuador due to these more stringent measures and the added logistical complexities of getting to the Galapagos. Add to this the inherent public concern about being on a cruise ship for multiple days in close contact with other passengers and crew, and a greatly reduced number of available flights between Mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos - plus the reality that some (not all) cruise ships, due to lack of demand, are forming pools with other vessels where travelers may end up on a different vessel and itinerary than what they booked, if the occupancy for the ship and itinerary your clients booked is very low. All of these factors understandably combine to make travelers uneasy about booking a Galapagos trip at the moment, the Galapagos is one of those once in a lifetime bucket list trips, and consumers are anxious to shell out for such an expensive trip under such uncertainty. But for the intrepid who want to go now, I couldn’t imagine a better time to be in the Galapagos with so few visitors, and how incredible the wildlife viewing must be since they have been left alone by tourists for six solid months. The experience would be akin to those advisors traveling to Africa at the moment witnessing the great migration all to themselves. My real concern is that since operating in the Galapagos is such an expensive business, and the industry has been decimated since March, there are some tour operators that are willing to do whatever it takes to make bookings right now - they desperately need the income (well, we all do). So combine the inherent group travel nature of the Galapagos, a lack of healthcare capacity in these remote islands, and a small number of reckless players in the industry - the situation is ripe for an outbreak, which if happens now, is only going to damage the Galapagos tourism industry even more (and Ecuador as a whole) through viral press coverage. So be sure to work with established, well run and responsible operators - I sincerely want to encourage people to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos now, but sensibly.
The Galapagos Safari Camp, remote and private in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island
3) What about the Galapagos Safari Camp which you represent? The Galapagos Safari Camp has always served as an amazing alternative option in the Galapagos for those looking for more a more private and customized Galapagos experience, ideal for those travelers that are not keen on joining a group tour on a cruise ship. The small size of the property, located in a remote portion of the highlands with the luxury tented accommodation and private villa were virtually made with social distancing in mind, before it became part of our global lexicon in 2020. The owners, Michael and Stephanie, are in no rush to open due to the concerns I’ve outlined above - but are offering completely private takeovers of the 3 bedroom family villa on property or the 9 luxury tents. Those groups would have their own private guide and private chartered day yacht vessels to explore the outer islands just with their own group, no mixing with other visitors. During normal times at Galapagos Safari Camp, as an example pre-COVID, we may have 6 different bookings at a time, each doing their own customized itinerary but potentially mixing together for the day yacht excursions to outer islands - as well as having guests that are staying with us post cruise. They are not willing to offer these sort of semi-shared excursions at the moment nor are they accepting guests that are disembarking from cruise ships. So if you have a group or family from 4 up to 16 people in total, we have completely private programs to offer them beginning in November - and on top of that, we have key holiday season dates available. Please email the owner, Stephanie Bonham-Carter directly to receive the details of these programs.
Sundowners at Galapagos Safari Camp, in Private
Please remember that I am here to assist and guide you should you have any inquiries for Ecuador & the Galapagos, just email me. And this website has great tools full of marketing materials, PDFs, Videos, Images and Sample Itineraries.
I will personally be traveling to Ecuador in the next few weeks, and will be producing a daily video blog of the experience to share with you and your clients, of the current reality of traveling there. I’ll send more details on that when my dates are set.
Sending you positive energy-
Clark
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.
Latest News from the Properties
Here is a roundup of the latest news and happenings from each of the properties.
Latest News from the Properties
COLOMBIA
Coffee Region, Colombia
Tourism to Colombia is booming. Hacienda Bambusa is essentially already full for January and February of 2018. Remember to take advantage of the special 25% discount at Bambusa from mid April through the end of June. An updated 2018 Rates Sheet can be downloaded here, which includes details on this discount.
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
Hacienda Zuleta - Ecuador
Construction of the new dining room at Hacienda Zuleta is complete and guests are now enjoying more space and seating options. Guests can choose to dine family style with others or select individual more private tables, even outdoor patio seating.
Have a look at the new dining room below and then read about options to visit Zuleta for the day, for those that can't swing an overnight.
If you have travelers who will just be in Quito for a night or two but want to venture out of the city, consider Hacienda Zuleta's new "dine & learn" option. Designed for travelers who can't stay at the Hacienda but want to have lunch and learn about the property's rich history, the experience lasts four hours and includes a homemade three-course lunch. Optional add-ons include a bike or horseback ride in the surrounding region or a guided visit of the cheese factory and embroidery workshop. A great option for travelers just stopping over in Quito on either end of a Galapagos trip - we bet they'll want to return to Zuleta! Net rates start at $90 per person and can be booked via your Ecuador Tour Operator or DMC.
Cloudforest, Ecuador
You can now venture behind the scenes of Mashpi Lodge on Netflix. The BBC series "Amazing Hotels" is newly available for Netflix subscribers.
You can also delve behind the scenes with "The Mashpi Project", the title of a photography book due for publication in 2018 that showcases the unique and often difficult to spot members of the Choco Ecosystem. The project brings together both Mashpi staff and award-winning photographers and graphic designers and 50% of all sales proceeds will go towards funding conservation efforts at Mashpi. For a sample of the stunning wildlife photography and more about the project, read The Mashpi Project post on Mashpi Lodge's blog or search #themashpiproject on Instagram.
Our annual Ecuador and Galapagos FAM trip is now set for May 4th-13th, 2018. This trip stays at Casa Gangotena, Mashpi Lodge, Galapagos Safari Camp and Hacienda Zuleta. If you are interested in being considered for this trip, please express your interest via email and also provide a bit of history on your current and prospective Galapagos and Ecuador bookings.
Enjoy this short new promotional video from Galapagos Safari Camp.
December 6th is Quito's official day of founding but the city devotes the whole first week of December to celebrating the "Fiestas de Quito." If you'll be in Quito during this celebratory period, be sure to check out Casa Gangotena's blog post on the "Top Things to Enjoy During Fiestas de Quito." From drinking hot canelazo to riding a chiva to learning how to play cuarenta, these tips will have you partying like a local.
CHILE & ARGENTINA
As most of you know by now, Awasi Iguazu will open its doors for public bookings beginning February 5th, 2018. Rates and booking details are available for download via this link. An extensive Fact Sheet and a presentation of the property with information on the common areas + blueprints of the villa layout can be found by clicking on the respective imbedded links. I'm heading down to experience the property in late January and will send a full update + schedule of webinar trainings after my return.
Award-winning National Geographic photographer Keith Ladzinski is currently at Awasi Patagonia documenting the wildlife and landscapes. Follow their facebook page for the latest photos from Keith and check out his awesome time-lapse of a windy morning in Torres del Paine, shared via Instagram.
PERU
Titilaka will take care of your guests in Lima!
Guests booked for stays at Titilaka occurring from January 15th till March 15th of 2018 will receive complimentary hotel nights in Lima. Three nights in Titilaka equals 2 complimentary nights in Lima or book 2 nights Titilaka and receive 1 complimentary night in Lima.
Titilaka also has availability over Christmas and Easter Week 2018 as of this writing.
Two rooms are available from December 20-27th, 2017 and four rooms are available from March 25th to the 31st. Easter Week is an excellent time for guests interested in cultural traditions as nearby Puno is renowned for its Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivals and parades, which present a colorful blend of Christian and Andean customs and symbolism.
Considering Titilaka and Lake Titicaca as part of a family trip to Peru? Tara Cannon of Pint Size Pilot wrote about her family's recent stay at Titilaka on her blog.
Hotel B has curated a series of excellent experiences that highlight the world-class culinary scene of Lima. Read the full blog post for details on their market visits & cooking class or shorter craft cocktail lessons, a fun way to kick off or end a trip to Peru.
December marks the return of Hotel B's beloved 'Christmas Tea' available daily from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Think full High Tea service with a festive twist. If you have guests staying at Hotel B in December, make sure they are aware of this offer as reservations are suggested due to the popularity. It's an excellent experience to return to after a day of exploring Lima.
To reserve, please email: recepcion@hotelb.pe (Price: S/59 Adults; S/35 children) (About $18 USD for adults and $11 USD for children.)
Tara Cannon of Pint Sized Pilot recently traveled to the Peruvian Amazon and stayed at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica as part of their family trip to Peru. Read Tara's take on exploring the Amazon with children on her recent blog post.
For our "The People Behind the Experience" series, we recently interviewed Luisella Garmendia, General Manager at Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco. Learn more about Luisella and the fascinating history of the La Casona building on the CK blog.