FAM Trip to Panama, June 3-9, 2019

FAM to El Otro Lado & Isla Palenque in June

Bahia Portobelo viewed from above lives up to its name, bestowed by Christopher Colombus

A space just opened on our FAM trip to Panama from June 3-9, 2019. Kirsten is escorting the trip, which spends three nights each at El Otro Lado in Bahia Portobelo on Panama’s Caribbean Coast and  Isla Palenque in the Gulf of Chiriquí on the Pacific side.  You can view the itinerary here.

Accommodations are single occupancy throughout, with meals, activities and transfers included as noted in the itinerary. The pace allows participants experience the properties and locations as a guest might, but still leaves room for site inspections & individually arranged meetings with DMCs in Panama City pre- and post- trip.

Cost is $400 per participant + airfare. Do you want to experience the best properties in Panama firsthand AND travel with a fun group of people? Email Kirsten kirsten@clarkkotula.com with inquires or to confirm the last spot!

Paddle boarding off the coast of Isla Palenque

Congo Dance performance at El Otro Lado

Three New Experiences at Awasi

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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: 

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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.

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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.

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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.

Private Excursions at Titilaka

Private Excursions at Titilaka

When Titilaka first opened in 2008, it immediately provided visitors to Lake Titicaca with a more authentic and immersive way to experience the second most visited site in Peru. Rather than joining the masses in Puno on contrived and cheaply operated boat trips to the Uros Islands, Titilaka's location gives guests direct exposure to the surrounding local communities and by proxy, keener insight into their culture and traditions which date back thousands of years. 

Titilaka Boathouse with all of the toys. Instructors are on hand to help guests learn the ropes of various craft.

But Ignacio Masias, owner of Titilaka, and his team don't like to rest on their laurels. They are constantly inventing experiences that are unique, tasteful, have a positive impact on the local community and allow guests a high degree of personalization and flexibility.  A few years ago they debuted the Titilaka Boathouse, home to a fleet of kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and sunfish sailboats that guests can use to explore the lake at their leisure. More recently they worked with a few families on Taquile Island to develop an elevated lunch experience on the popular "Islands of Lake Titicaca" day tour that was a better complement to the dining guests experience at Titilaka.  And in 2018,  Titilaka debuted "private excursions", giving guests the ultimate ability to design their Lake Titicaca experience with their own private guide. 

Biking, lunch and views - just for two with the Titilaka Private Excursions option

The private Titilaka Experience includes a designated guide, vehicle or boat for a group of up to 6 travelers.   For questions or more information, please contact reservations@titilaka.pe or Enrique Petit at  enrique@aeco.pe .

Private weaving demonstration on Amantani Island. In contrast to nearby Taquile, where men do the weaving, women are head of the communities and handle to weaving on Amantani.

Ten Reasons to Choose Kurà Design Villas

Ten Reasons to Choose Kurà Design Villas

In June 2018, Kurà Design Villas joined Virtuoso, becoming the first designer boutique hotel within Costa Rica to join the Virtuoso Consortium.   We know that your Virtuoso travelers will love the adults-only experience on this property, but the location in Uvita always elicits questions. Specifically, why would I go to Uvita (and where is it) and what is there to do at Kurà?  Following are just 10 of the reasons to choose Kurà Design Villas for your clients.

1.) Because of These Views

Kurà is situated above Uvita on Costa Rica's Southern Pacific Coast, overlooking Marino Ballena National Park below.  When the tide retreats, a huge sand bar in the shape of a whale's tail is revealed. Fittingly, this waters surrounding the whale's tail offer some of the best Humpback whale watching on the planet.

2.) Whales Galore

People always think of Alaska, Baja and Antarctica when it comes to whales, but Costa Rica and Marino Ballena National Park in particular offers the longest Humpback whale watching season in the world.  For 8 months out of the year, both Southern hemisphere humpbacks traveling from Antarctica and Northern hemisphere humpbacks traveling from Alaska frequent this segment of Costa Rica's Pacific coast where they mate, give birth and raise their calves. The best time to visit for whale-watching is mid-July to October and December to March. Dolphins, orcas and sea turtles are also visible here year round. 

3.) Because You Love Design That is Clean, Beautiful and Sustainable  

Costa Rica has a plethora of hotels with ocean views and beautiful rooms, but there is nothing like Kurà.  The passion project of biologist Alejandra Umaña and architect Martin Wells, both Costa Rican, Kurà is a locally owned property that was crafted from local and sustainable materials and operates with minimal environmental impact. Design elements are modern and minimalist (instead of cluttered and palm thatched) and immerse guests the nature surrounding them through the floor to ceiling glass walls.  The hotel operates almost entirely "off the grid"; solar panels provide electricity and heat, water is sourced from a nearby spring (and then recycled for garden needs) and a greenhouse supplies produce and herbs for the kitchen. 

4.) Experience the Wild Osa Peninsula - For the Day

For those who want to sample the wild & pristine rainforests of the Osa Peninsula & Corcovado National Park by day, but return to a world of pampering and creature comforts at night, Kurà is for you. The Osa Peninsula has been hailed as one of the "most biologically intense place on the planet" by National Geographic, and accounts for an astounding 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity in just 0.001% of its surface area. 

Guests at Kurà can either travel by boat (1.5 hours) as part of a small group to the San Pedrillo Ranger station for a day of hiking along an array of the Corcovado's trails or charter a small plane or helicopter to explore the park with a private guide. Either way you're sure to see some of Corcovado's legendary wildlife - macaws, sloths, tapirs, all four species of monkey and more!

(For travelers who want more rainforest immersion, send them to Lapa Rios or combine Lapa Rios with Kura for the best of southern Costa Rica.) 

5.) Because The Pool is Super Cool

Where else can you perch on submerged benches to gather around a "bonfire" that is floating on top of the water, listen to your favorite tunes while you swim laps underwater or lose track of the separation between the ocean and the sky? Kurà's infinity pool (chemical free and designed by Wells) is both out of this world and totally instagrammable.

6.) No Kids Allowed

Whether you are leaving the kids at home to rediscover and reconnect on a romantic trip with just your partner, or because you elected to not have children and don't want to spend your vacation being surrounded by them. Even adults need their own clubhouse, and at Kurà, the only rule is No Kids Allowed. (Unless of course you do a private takeover of the entire hotel. Then they'll let you write your own rules.)  

Does anyone actually hang out like this?

Silvia Solis - General Manager at Kura

7.) Staff Who Makes You Feel at Home

From salsa dancing siblings (three siblings from the Leiva family) to sweet Lalo who carefully shuttles guests between Kurà and the beaches of Uvita, Kurà employs nearly 40 staff directly from the local community.  They are a tight knit group, and when you stay at Kurà, you're part of the family.  Expect friendly and anticipatory service, strong and delicious drinks delivered poolside, insight into Costa Rican customs and indigenous culture and plenty of sincere pura vidas!  You'll may initially go for Kurà's views and style but you'll return for the staff. 

(Kurà Design Villas and all of the hotels within the Cayuga Collection recently collected a prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow Award in the People Category, an honor that recognizes outstanding achievement in sustainable hospitality. It's an extremely tough award to win...within our portfolio of hotels, only Inkaterra has one as well.) 

8.) Daily Beach Access is a Breeze

While Kurà isn't a beachfront property, they do offer daily complimentary shuttle service to the wild and un-manicured beaches of Marino Ballena National Park. Rent a board in Uvita and surf the easier beach breaks, walk out to the tip of the Whale's Tail formation at low tide or scan the ocean for surfacing cetaceans. Just don't expect lounge chairs and beach service - this is a National Park and feels more like the set for 'Castaway' than a Sandals resort. 

Remote beaches revealed at the Whale's Tail during low tide

9.) Because you Can Go Birding From Bed. 

Or practice your Spanish. Learn about the native Boruca indigenous group, carvers of the gigantic wooden masks that adorn Kurà's walls and Diablitos Bar. Try your hand at preparing ceviche, craft cocktails and patacones. Take a yoga class.  Or relax and enjoy a deep tissue massage at Spa Shà...all without leaving Kurà. 

And if you do want to head out and explore your surroundings, the staff is happy to arrange a multitude of vetted excursions with local guides.  Check out the Tour Book to learn more about what is available in the area. 

Discover the canopy and its winged occupants right outside your bedroom with bedside field guides and high quality binoculars.

10.) Because You Don't Even Need to Leave Your Room to Have Fun

Huge double showers with 'creative' lighting features. Hammocks built for two. Seclusion and privacy. Kurà Design Villas was made for romance. Use your imagination... 

For 2018-2019 Virtuoso Exclusive Amenities at Kurà include:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily a la carte breakfast for two

• One complimentary 3-course lunch or dinner for two people, excluding alcohol, tax and gratuituy

• Poolside "Mini Massages" (20 minutes) for two people

• Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability

To include Kurà in your clients' next trip to Costa Rica, work with the hotel directly at reservations@kuracostarica.com or contact your preferred On-Site or Tour Operator and let them know that you are a Virtuoso agent. 

Updates & Enhancements at Arenas Del Mar

Updates & Enhancements at Arenas Del Mar

Arenas Del Mar, the only luxury beachfront resort in Manuel Antonio, celebrated ten years in
November 2017. To commemorate a decade of creating exceptional holiday memories in one
of Costa Rica’s most sought after destinations, the resort further elevated the guest experience
with refurbishments and improvements both small and large. Read on for a complete review of
what’s new and not-to-miss the next time you book Arenas Del Mar for your clients.

El Mirador Lobby & Lounge

The Mirador Lobby and Lounge has a whole new look. Teak replaced bamboo in the public spaces, creating an open-concept floor plan that is lighter and brighter, with more areas carved out for relaxing and lounging. There’s also a new tienda highlighting locally made products and a welcoming Concierge Desk where the dedicated team is at the ready to arrange tours in and around Manuel Antonio or confirm dinner reservations.

In the lounge, you’ll find a fully redesigned bar where friendly bartenders will mix your
favorite cocktails, or encourage you to step behind the counter and master the art of mixology
for yourself. Within view of the bar is a glassed-in entertainment room, perfect for weekly screenings of kid-friendly movies, or reserving for private events such as a family-reunion screening or a small meeting.

The pool overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park has been expanded, with an infinity edge
and comfortable teak loungers across the deck for more refined relaxation. And while it may appear that traditional palm thatch still makes up the roof of El Mirador, look closer and you’ll see that this palm-frond look-alike is actually a recycled plastic material. Manufactured by Palmex, a Canadian company that repurposes the plastic used in fruit shipments, this plastic roofing does not contribute to deforestation, is fully recyclable, lasts 20 years and doesn’t break down or attract bugs like traditional palm thatch. 

Swanky teak loungers...

And sustainable recycled Palmex thatching.

Restaurants and Menus Revamped

El Mirador, the fine-dining option with views over Playa Espadilla and Manual Antonio, has reopened with a new menu, a rotating true catch-of-the-day selection courtesy of the Dock to Dish program and a continually evolving list of International Guest Chefs. This culinary program invites top talent from around the world to come to Arenas Del Mar, use their imaginations and put their hallmark twists on local Costa Rican ingredients. Past participants include Tory McPhail & Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Commander’s Palace), Chip Roman (Blackfish), and Jennifer Carrol (Requin & Bravo’s Top Chef Season 6 Finalist) among others.

Chef Pablo Bonilla recently visited Arenas del Mar to highlight the gastronomy of Costa Rica's indigenous Bribrí, Cabécar and Boruca tribes

Beachfront dining continues at Playitas, which has introduced themed dining evenings such as “Costa Rican Street Food” or Beach BBQ for a greater variety of casual and kid-friendly options that will still please foodie parents. A revamped regular menu is also in the works and will be released soon.

 

Room Soft Refurbishments

All Ocean View & Ocean Breeze Superior Guest Rooms and Suites now have teak furniture inside and on decks – the darker wicker and bamboo is gone. A complimentary mini-bar stocked daily with assorted typical “Tico Snacks” as well as local beverages is standard, and thankfully close at hand when a sudden 'snack attack' happens after a day of swimming and playing on the beach. 

While all rooms are fully air-conditioned, guests can fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore; sliding screen doors feature interior locks to allow the breeze in but keep the rainforest critters out. In the Suite Categories, living rooms adjacent now feature trundle beds in lieu of pull out sofa beds. This means that two children can comfortably sleep on separate mattresses in the living room while adults can share a king bed. Remember, kids 11 and under are FOC when sharing a suite with adults.  Throughout 2018, Arenas Del Mar will continue to update their rooms. Plans include replacing veranda railings with ‘infinity glass’ and installing new bathroom fixtures.

Activities & Wellness

Manuel Antonio is adventure central on Costa Rica's Pacific coast and Arenas Del Mar provides
more in-house activities than anywhere else. New kid-friendly programs are implemented weekly, including movie nights, mask painting, themed food evenings, beachfront soccer and volleyball games, trivia and other interactive experiences led by the amazing staff, giving parents a quick break to enjoy a quiet cocktail or meal together.

Arenas Del Mar recently debuted their new Surf and SUP school. Two enthusiastic instructors
from the local community teach surfing basics on soft and sandy Espadilla Beach where guests have access to a whole fleet of new soft top boards in a variety of sizes.  Book a private lesson or learn with a small group in the gentle waves on this sandy and soft stretch of beach. Kayak and snorkeling tours, led by in-house naturalist guides are also under developments and will debut soon.

Lastly, weekly yoga and fitness classes are now available on a complimentary basis. Join one of the on-site instructors for a morning cardio burn on the beach or stretch it out next to El Mirador Pool. Complimentary Group Yoga is offered 5x/week during peak season and 3x/week during the Green Season. Private instruction is always available for an additional fee.  A schedule of classes is posted in El Mirador Lobby or guests can just inquire with any of the staff to learn more. 

Summer Trips that Transform - Inkaterra Guides Field Station

Immerse Yourself in Amazon of Southern Peru at Inkaterra Guides Field Station

Many visitors are happily surprised, if not shocked, when they check into one of Inkaterra’s luxury properties in Peru like the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel to discover it contains the world’s largest collection of native orchid species (372) in the world and an Andean Spectacle Bear Rescue Project.  Or to learn that they are sleeping in one of Cusco’s most historic and meticulously restored XVIth century mansions, the same very place Simon Bolivar once called home, when arriving to Inkaterra La Casona. 

Most guests learn, only upon arrival, that their Inkaterra luxury hotel (usually chosen due to rave reviews, luxury hotel association affiliations and glossy travel literature or awards) is actually integral to the broader aims of the non-profit Inkaterra Association (ITA).  The Inkaterra Association is self-funded through ecotourism profits and is committed to scientific research as a basis for biodiversity conservation, education and the preservation of Peruvian culture and history.

Guests staying at Inkaterra properties not only support ITA by funding this vital work through their hotel choice, but in turn, their experiences staying at these properties are enhanced by learning about the rich cultural and natural heritage that Peru contains, the threats facing its well-being, and the steps ITA is taking to confront them.  It’s the “ah-ha” moment where luxury travelers turn into eco-tourists and begin to seek out, on future travels, properties and experiences that are not just extremely well appointed, but are also educational, interactive and focused on giving back.

Understanding that today’s travelers, or those turned on to this style of travel from previous stays, are now, at the outset seeking out a more experiential style in their hotel choices, as opposed to solely tangible luxury amenities – Inkaterra has opened the doors of its Inkaterra Guides Field Station, deep in the Southern Peruvian Amazon, to guests.

Less refined in infrastructure and amenities than Inkaterra’s other two, well-heeled, neighboring Amazon Lodges, Hacienda Concepcion and Reserva Amazonica – The Inkaterra Guides Field Station was built and still functions as an educational and scientific field station for visiting scientists, volunteers and students.  And as the name implies, it is where Inkaterra’s own explorer guides are trained in managing ecological projects, gain knowledge of the different Peruvian ecosystems and in guiding skills to be applied in work at any of Inkaterra’s properties throughout Peru.

Although still able to experience the popular tourist excursions provided by the other two Inkaterra Lodges in the area, such as the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway or the numerous trail networks – guests at the Inkaterra Guides Field Station get special behind the scenes access and the opportunity to participate in and learn of the ongoing projects at the field station such as the maintenance and creation of the bio-orchard of native edible plants, the “palmetum” which conserves a diverse sample of native palms, bird monitoring through techniques such as banding for codification of species and the monitoring and identification of fauna through a network of digital trap cameras around the property.

Through recently opening the Inkaterra Guides Field Station to regular eco-concious guests in search of a hands-on experience, Inkaterra has come full circle in their mantra of spreading “conservation through tourism”.  The educational aspect of staying at their other more well-known luxury properties around Peru is not just an enhancement here, it is a fully integrated experience for those seeking out a transformational travel experience.
 

How to Book
Stays at the Inkaterra Guides Field Station can be booked via any travel agent, tour operator or directly via Inkaterra by emailing sales@inkaterra.com

Accommodation is provided in either 2 or 4 person cabanas or in one of two shared dormitory style pavilions.  All meals and choice of guided excursions with a bilingual explorer guide, as well as motorized dugout canoe transfers to and from Puerto Maldonado airport (PEM) are included in the rates.  (Other optional excursions are available at additional cost) Puerto Maldonado is serviced by numerous daily direct flights from both Lima and Cusco. 

Location
The Tambopata National Reserve is one of the last easily accessible virgin tropical rainforests in the world. The Reserve, a 768,774 acre area, offers a wealth of biodiversity, as well as magnificent natural landscapes. Puerto Maldonado, known as the “Capital of Biodiversity,” is the largest city of the Tambopata region. Overlooking the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre de Dios Rivers, Puerto Maldonado is 1,312 feet above sea level, 404 miles from Cusco, and 9 miles upriver from the Inkaterra lodges.

Summer Trips that Transform - Soak in the Stark Beauty of the Atacama Desert & Save in "Shoulder Season"

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 - Experience the Cacao Harvest at Hacienda Bambusa, Armenia, Colombia

Experience the Cacao Harvest at Hacienda Bambusa, Armenia, Colombia

Great For: Great For: Foodies, Families, The Culturally Curious, Adventure Seekers

While Hacienda Bambusa may be located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, the owners are truly passionate about cultivating cacao to produce fine, artisanal chocolates.  Cacao is harvested in two seasons, and the main harvest occurs from April to June and guests staying over these dates have the opportunity to get in on the action.

Together with Bambusa’s Chef, explore the hacienda's cacao fields to harvest pods while will be used to make your own hot chocolate. Experience the step by step process that goes into making a cup of hot chocolate; obtain and dry the cocoa seed, grind your own cocoa, and prepareg a delicious cup of chocolate to enjoy with fresh farm cheese or with an arepa.  The bitterness of the chocolate drink might surprise you, and highlights how much extra sugar and cocoa butter goes into the sweet mass-produced chocolates more commonly found in grocery stores!

Experiencing the cacao harvest is just one facet of a stay at Hacienda Bambusa; guests can also explore colorful Salento, hike through the wax palms of the stunning Cocora Valley, explore the surrounding countryside on horseback and of course visit a coffee plantation.   From April 17th-June 30th, enjoy a 25% discount on the “Highlights of Bambusa” package (half board + a welcome hike of the property) and add-on the Cacao Experience.

Summer Trips that Transform - Get Comfortable in the Saddle at Hacienda Zuleta

Get Comfortable in the Saddle at Hacienda Zuleta

Great For: Families, Active Travelers, Honeymooners, Equestrian Enthusiasts

The quality of Zuleta’s horses and the expertise of their local riding guides and cowboys is reflected in the yearly return of guests for whom a week of riding through the Andes above Hacienda Zuleta is an annual experience.  But you don’t have to be an equestrian expert to experience the 4,000 acre historical working farm and surrounding countryside on horseback. With a herd of nearly 100 horses, the Hacienda is known for its beautiful Zuleteño horses - a unique mixture between the Spanish-Andalusian, Thoroughbred and American Quarter horse. The outcome of this crossbreeding is a robust and noble Andean horse with the perfect disposition for trail-riding.

If a riding vacation is of interest, be sure to read through the detailed description of “Horseback Riding Excursions”  Within you will find dozens of options ranging from short intro rides around the immediate property to half and full days rides which take more advanced riders to remote panorama points overlooking the snowy Andean mountains.  Particularly fun for families (and accessible to children as young as 6) is the early morning “La Manada” in which participants assist the Hacienda cowboys in moving the herd from their overnight pasture to the hacienda, returning to Zuleta’s grounds among the thundering of hundreds of hooves!

Horseback riding at Hacienda Zuleta is an additional cost, but their sales team is happy to create a custom package with flexible options for your guests. Longer stays are eligible for additional discounts and value - Book 3 nights and get 1 short ride free of cost. Stays of 4 - 5 nights receive a 5% discount.  Stays of 6+ nights receive a 10% discount.