Ecuador is known worldwide for its huge variety of bird species, there are 1,680 species of birds in the country across four regions. Each region in Ecuador has its own climate and therefore houses a different variety of bird species. Due to its topography, Ecuador is considered to be incredibly diverse and compact, allowing for the enjoyment of a range of different biomes within your short stay. This country is a paradise for birders and those that love to explore the natural world.
The varied Highland region offers high-altitude cold grasslands to mid-range altitude tropical cloud forests. There are many birds in this area, home to many iconic species. Mindo Cloud Forest is the Ecuadorian mecca for birders due to its warm climate and vast diversity. Most of its forests are protected and are a great place to observe the Chock of the Rock, different species of Hummingbirds, such as the Green Crowned Brilliant Hummingbird, the Western Emerald Hummingbird, and other birds like the Chestnut-Mandible Toucan, Toucan Barbet, White Necked Jacobin, among others. In 2017 the Northwest area of Ecuador (The Choco Andino) was declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The high-altitude grasslands are also home to many species of birds that will interest even the most experienced birder, such as the Andean and Peregrine Falcons, and the most emblematic bird in the country, the Andean Condor. In the southern Andes of Ecuador, with its various ecological reserves and lodges specializing in birdwatching, there are a couple of Reserves that protect more than 900 species of birds (more than 100 of them are regional endemic).
The Amazon region has a great variety of birds as well; due to its tropical climate and relative isolation, the Amazon is a fantastic place to observe bird life. In this region, there is the Yasuni National Park, which accommodates over 600 bird species. Here, you may be able to see the Harpy Eagle, many types of macaws and the ancient Hoatzin.
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La Base Lamay, with Vipac Travel in Peru
Anyone who is fascinated by the beautiful nature of our planet should definitely add Peru to their bucket list. Your desire to see pristine places will surely be fulfilled because Peru has it all: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
When you visit a new country, it’s not just about adding a new stamp to your passport. It’s about making the most of your time abroad and leaving a positive impact. That is why we suggest you plan an excursion with Base Lamay, a Peruvian company that has a partnership with the local community of Lamay, where they get to show you their culture.
Their main purpose is conservation and sustainable development in Lamay through responsible tourism. We really believe that responsible tourism contributes positively to enhancing traditional agriculture and native products. Likewise, motivate cultural and environmental conservation. Their headquarters are located in Lamay, a small village in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco. Lamay is a paradise of nature and outdoor activities with strong cultural and ancient traditions. They offer hikes in the mountains and experiences in local communities. They also organise other outdoor adventures such as fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, farming, culinary activities and interactive experiences in the village including visits to sustainable projects in Lamay.
If you join any activity with La Base Lamay you will be directly contributing to the sustainable and economic development of the village and the mountain communities, supporting the conservation of the environment and ecosystems. Every activity includes a fee per visitor, which is given to the communities for their direct management. You can go from spending a whole day with a family of the highlands communities, soaking up their culture, learning about their ancient techniques and tools of traditional farming and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal cooked by them. Visitors can hike off the beaten path with incredible views of the Apus and lakes in the altitudes accompanied by local muleteers and llamas. They also have the “Lamay Verde” Project (Green Lamay Project) which consists in regenerating the mountain ecosystems by providing maintenance to the forests, organising fire prevention teams and reforesting communal and private areas with native trees and plants. At the request of the residents of Lamay, visitors can help to plant fruit trees for consumption, which provides income generation for families in Lamay.
For more information, please contact Mariela Jara at Vipac Travel: mjara@vipac.travel
Colombia’s eighteen picturesque villages
Our DMC partner Colombian Journeys invites you to visit Colombia to discover the many quaint and beautiful villages.
Visit Choachí Cundinamarca, a village awarded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization with the title of “Best Tourism Village”, here tourism contributes to the development and generation of opportunities, employment and preservation of the resources and values of the community. As well as the villages of Barichara and San Vicente de Chucurí that are part of the “Upgrade Best Tourism Village” programme. There are 18 heritage villages recognised for their distinctive architecture, indigenous culture, local gastronomy, natural environment and historical significance where you will be transported back to Colombia in colonial times.
• Aguadas, Caldas. Considered the “Capital of the Hat” for its traditional weavings in Iraca.
• Barichara, Santander. Town of colonial houses built in rammed earth and cobblestone streets.
• Ciénaga, Magdalena. Capital of Magical Realism that inspired Gabriel García Márquez.
• Jardín, Antioquia. A colourful Paisa town with beautiful waterfalls.
• Guadalajara de Buga, Valle del Cauca. Home to the Basilica of the Lord of Miracles.
• Jerico, Antioquia. Recognised as the “most beautiful town in Antioquia” for its topography, republican style and coffee-growing landscape.
• Monguí, Boyacá. Producer of the most beautiful handmade footballs.
• Honda, Tolima. “The city of bridges” and beautiful architectural attractions.
• Belén Beach, Norte de Santander. Home to Los Estoraques Natural Park and its eroded rock columns.
• Salamina, Caldas. The birthplace of many poets, musicians, actors and writers.
• San Juan de Girón, Santander. A colonial town of cobbled streets, houses with clay tile roofs, white walls and large dark brown doors.
• Guaduas, Cundinamarca. Birthplace of Policarpa Salabarrieta “La Pola”, the heroine of Colombian independence.
• Santa Cruz de Lorica, Córdoba. The “old and stately town”, with Republican-Lebanese architecture.
• Santa Cruz de Mompox, Bolívar. World Heritage Municipality is renowned for its goldsmith techniques. “Filigrana”, to experience the art of weaving unique and unrepeatable figures with gold and silver threads.
• Santa Fe de Antioquia. Home to churches, houses and national monuments from the colonial era of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
• Villa de Leyva, Boyacá. A town that is renowned for its huge cobblestone main square and old colonial buildings.
• El Socorro, Santander. The historic town where Colombia’s first act of independence was signed.
• Pore, Casanare. A national historical and cultural heritage site, renowned for its colonial walled prisons.
https://www.unwto.org/tourism-villages/es/villages/choachi/
https://redturisticadepueblospatrimonio.com.co/es
For more information please contact Carolina at marketing@colombianjourneys.com
Escape to Chile’s Atacama Desert & The Central Valley Wineries
ADSMundo/Sportstour offers the perfect combination of immersion into the endless landscapes of the Atacama Desert for a 4 to 5 nights program in a deluxe hotel, coupled with a stay in a luxury winery of the Central Valley for 2 or more nights.
San Pedro de Atacama is the archaeological capital of Chile and the main cultural centre of the Atacama region. The village is known as an oasis in the middle of the driest desert in the world, with narrow alleys and traditional adobe houses. It is the point of departure for excursions to destinations such as the Moon Valley, famous for its striking similarity to a lunar landscape, the Atacama Salt Flat, the Tatio Geysers and the Puritama Hot Springs. Visitors can also visit archaeological sites such as Pucará de Quitor and Tulor, the altiplanic lagoon’s natural habitat of pink flamingos and the villages of the Altiplano, home of Atacameños – also known as Licanantay or Kunzas.
There is a wide range of activities on offer, such as bike tours, hikes, day trips in a 4×4, and horseback riding – all while enjoying luxury hospitality, spas and delicious local cuisine served by the local high-end lodges.
A must-see is stargazing, Atacama is the home of the clearest skies in the world, allowing enchanting evenings of observation together with astronomers.
Flying back to Santiago, ADSMundo will bring you to one of the boutique wineries of the Central Valley to just relax, or if wished, to wander, horseback ride, cycle and of course experience excellent gastronomy accompanied by the finest Chilean wines. Each wine is based on iconic grape varieties such as Carmenere, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir for red wine and Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier for white. Wine tastings are on offer and organised with some of the best oenologists and sommeliers in the region.
Why not also send clients to escape from there for an experience in the colourful hills of Valparaiso discovering the ancient city, declared cultural Patrimony by UNESCO. Here clients can go walking, use the local funiculars, or enjoy sailing on the Pacific Ocean.
For more information, please contact Cristina Cáceres: ccaceres@grupoandinadelsud.cl
“It’s A Wonderful Life” with Camino Travel in Costa Rica
Do your clients seek out luxurious escapes that harmonize wellness, with thrilling adventure? Camino Travel’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” itinerary delivers just that and curates a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travellers in Costa Rica.
The itinerary features the famed Arenal Volcano, the secluded Osa Peninsula, and the adventurous Pacuare River for 11 unforgettable days. Tours include white water rafting, zip-lining through the rainforest, soaking in natural hot springs, and a wide variety of nature hikes. Hotels and resorts are chosen, that not only provide personal care for guests but create a unique experience while being strictly environmentally friendly.
Here are some of the highlights of the “It’s a Wonderful Life” package:
Pacuare Lodge: A luxury, eco-resort on the banks of one of the world’s most scenic white-water wonders, the Pacuare River. This unique retreat is accessible by river, providing guests with an exhilarating introduction and conclusion to their stay.
Arenal Volcano: This perfectly shaped conical volcano hovers in the background of everything in this area, from the verdant rainforests to the naturally occurring hot springs sprinkled around the land.
Lapa Rios: Enjoy nature in its purest form on a visit to this immersive destination. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, where the forests stretch tall bordering pristine beaches and luxury is found in the sound of undisturbed bird song and complete peace.
Camino Travel’s local travel designers can also help travellers customize this experience to their tastes, choosing the destinations, lodging, and activities that they will most enjoy.
Explore this Costa Rican experience at: https://www.caminotravel.com/luxury-nature-romance-vacation-package-itinerary/ .
For more information contact Ana Cristina at Camino Travel today: acmurillo@caminotravel.com
Panama’s Private Island Escape
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all” — Oscar Wilde
This luxury hotel offers three luxurious accommodation options. The first is the Private Pool Villa which is positioned to take full advantage of the steady, warm breeze of the Bocas Del Toro Archipelago. Your clients can relax sipping cocktails in their private pool as dolphins pass by, or enjoy stepping into the inviting Caribbean water, eternally warm and crystal clear. But what makes this spectacular luxury escape perfect can be found in the small details, such as the Romantic Balinese tumpang sari canopy over the bed.
The second luxurious accommodation option features a water window villa. A very special feature in the villa includes a glass floor inlay to view the sealife below from the inside of the villa. At this villa, your clients are also able to walk out directly into the sea via a private staircase and enjoy a leisurely swim or snorkel to see amazing marine life. Once retreating to their villa, they may like to read a book on the comfy deck sofa while cosying up to the warmth from a romantic firepit.
Finally on offer, will be the IBUKU Island Treehouses which are coming later in 2022. These stunning bamboo tree houses and their whimsical ground-breaking designs are truly breathtaking and transport you to another realm. Your clients will be able to enjoy the interior from a beautifully comfortable king-sized bed. Another amazing feature, which contrasts with the wooden and bamboo design living spaces is a Javanese hand-hammered copper bathtub.
Included in the 1,100 square feet of alfresco living lies the world’s first-ever over-the-water beach on stilts. The beach is 90 feet long with velvety white sand and a row of palm trees. Here your clients can relax on a deck chair while sipping on a cocktail and snacking on some delicious food from The Tipsy Bar which lies in the centre of the beach. When ready for a dip in the sea, they simply walk down the green quartz-tiled stairs from the elevated beach, directly into the crystalline waters.
“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.” – Alan D. Wolfelt
One of the highlights and perks of the Bocas Bali experience is the all-inclusive food and premium beverages which come with the luxury escape package. With their great belief that food brings people together, special attention is put into meticulously crafting a menu and daily specials. The food is made with the finest hand-selected meats, fresh seafood and handpicked fresh organic vegetables and ingredients.
The delicious food can be enjoyed both at The Elephant House over-the-water restaurant and The Coral Café. The elegant setting of the one-hundred-year-old Elephant House restaurant with its majestic wooden beams and constant sea breezes will transport your clients to another world. The poolside Coral Café is a cheerful alfresco setting for a leisurely breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
At Bocas Bali, your clients will not get bored! There are a huge variety of activities for them to make the most of during your stay. Out at sea, they can enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling trips, as well as inshore and offshore fishing trips. On land, there are also many exciting activities such as indigenous and eco chocolate farm tours. Furthermore, they can explore the monkey islands and reach secluded islands and an array of other restaurants when renting ATVs or quad bikes.
All in all this private island luxury escape is a very special opportunity for your clients to experience service and leisure at its finest. Not to mention the delicious food and fine beverages. It is a real privilege to be able to enjoy a stay in Bocas with such unique architectural design while maintaining the pure elements of nature all around and with a huge focus on sustainability.
For more information on tours in Panama from Panama Journeys please contact Gabriela at marketing@panamajourneys.com
Luxury in the Coffee Region of Colombia
Colombian Journeys present you with a charming property that is included in their portfolio of “Luxury Houses for rent in Colombia“, which includes different villas, chalets, boutique houses and remote properties where your clients can enjoy their privacy staying in a luxury environment with all the comforts and exclusive services of a hotel. Casa Las Nubes, is a private lodge located in the Coffee Region, where modern spaces blend with the traditional details of the coffee farms.
Las Nubes is surrounded by natural spaces and has an amazing view from the Cocora Valley, passing through Salento, Filandia and Armenia, until it disappears towards the horizon to the south. It is located only 5 minutes by car from the town of Salento and 50 minutes from the city of Armenia (AXM).
One house is available to rent. It has 4 rooms distributed in 1 Master Suite with a private bathroom, a terrace with a jacuzzi and a view of the Cocora Valley, 2 Standard rooms and 1 Independent Cottage for 2 people. Each room has Wi-Fi, a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Maximum capacity for 8 people. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
The price includes:
- Bilingual host available 24/7
- Half board meal plan:
- Typical “Quindiano” breakfast: the essence of the farms and homes of the coffee region is brought to the table with eggs in any style accompanied by natural juices and fresh fruits, the famous Colombian cheese “arepas” and the best coffee.
- Dinner at home: to keep the comfort, exclusivity and service at home, your guests will have a private Chef who will cook different dishes every night. The menu will be previously agreed upon with the guests, who will be delighted with a starter, main course and dessert. Some of the chef’s specialities are Squash soup; Baked chicken stuffed with ricotta, spinach and basil, accompanied by sautéed vegetables; Chateaubriand in a red wine and blackberry reduction, accompanied by Creole mashed potatoes and chocolate mousse.
- Fruit tasting experience: Colombia is known for its great variety of fruits, due to the climate. During this experience, guests will taste typical seasonal fruits, with exotic shapes, colours and strange flavours that will surprise them in a different and exclusive tasting.
For more details and rates, please contact Carolina from Colombian Journeys: marketing@colombianjourneys.net
Comuna do Ibitipoca – The best eco escape in Brazil
Brazil is defiantly an eco-retreat within itself. Travelling from the North to the South offers many options and different destinations for visitors – it is hard to pinpoint just one place.
Today we will travel to a special and unique destination – The Ibiti Project (formerly called Reserva do Ibitipoca and later Comuna do Ibitipoca). The Ibiti project began in 1984 with the purchase of Fazenda do Engenho. Today, the area covers approximately 6,000 hectares, of which 98% of the area is undergoing a process of rewilding native species.
Ibitipoca is much more than accommodation. It is an experimental project focused on human beings and the environment, with initiatives aimed at organic food production, environmental preservation, reconnection with nature, contact with local culture, full integration of the community and exchange of experiences.
What is magical and unique about a visit to Ibitipoca is that your senses become sharpened. It’s the smell of wood, the sound of birds, the flavours of the kitchen, the ambient music, the natural light from dawn to dusk, the warm bed, the landscapes, the affection, and the hug – you feel as though you are being hugged all the time. It’s as if everyone is part of the project: the guests, the guides, the chefs and those responsible for cleaning and maintenance. Everyone working there is very qualified, but more importantly, they have a keen eye on every small detail to ensure each guest enjoys their stay.
Guests experience various special touches: a sweet left in the room as a treat, a sign in the middle of the trail with an inspiring message, a friendly good morning smile always accompanied by care and attention to guests’ needs- it is easy to feel at home!
Close to the city of Lima Duarte (Minas Gerais state), around four hours from Rio de Janeiro, the Ibiti Project brings the nostalgia of the old farms, with a wood oven for baking delicious cakes, fresh minas cheese and delicious cheese bread served straight from the oven.
How do you get there?
A four-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro (3 hrs of road and 1 hr on a dirt road), but in a country as gigantic as Brazil it is not so bad (and you can helicopter in if time is tight). There are also flights from São Paulo to Juiz de Fora and then a little over an hour from Juiz de Fora to Ibiti.
What can you experience?
The following experiences are on offer for guests to enjoy: trails, spectacular views, riding beautiful Mangalarga horses, bike tours, gastronomic experiences, massages, yoga and meditation, cultural programs such as indoor and outdoor cinemas, birdwatching, and contemplation of art are some of the experiences that the project has on offer.
Initiatives from the project that you can visit:
1 – Refauna project: The Ibiti Projeto obtained government licenses for reintroducing several species of fauna, such as Jacutinga, Macuco, Tapir, and Red Macaw, as a strategy to restore the ecosystem itself and reverse the loss of biodiversity. The program is in progress.
In addition, there is also the ASAS Project (Area for Release of Wild Animals) and the São Francisco de Assis Sanctuary, a large and fenced space to receive Brazilian wildlife, which is in the licensing process.
2 – Muriqui project: Initiative that seeks to increase and protect the population of northern muriquis. At Muriqui’s House, a forest with a spring and a reforested area, there are leaves that the muriquis prefer to feed on, trunks, branches, bridges, and vines for them to exercise, in addition to direct communication with the fenced forest.
3 – Eco Print: Action to neutralize the carbon footprint (greenhouse gas emissions) through adopting areas of the Ibiti Projeto that are in the process of natural regeneration. The project started with Mata dos Comuneros, which occupies one hectare and neutralizes the environmental footprint of employees and collaborators.
For more information on a Brazil tour including some eco-focused escapes, please contact Anna Nagy, Founder and Owner of Be Brazil – annanagy@bebrazildmc.com.br
Ecuador: A paradise for bird enthusiasts
Ecuador is known worldwide for its huge variety of bird species, there are 1,680 species of birds in the country across four regions. Each region in Ecuador has its own climate and therefore houses a different variety of bird species. Due to its topography, Ecuador is considered to be incredibly diverse and compact, allowing for the enjoyment of a range of different biomes within your short stay. This country is a paradise for birders and those that love to explore the natural world.
The varied Highland region offers high-altitude cold grasslands to mid-range altitude tropical cloud forests. There are many birds in this area, home to many iconic species. Mindo Cloud Forest is the Ecuadorian mecca for birders due to its warm climate and vast diversity. Most of its forests are protected and are a great place to observe the Chock of the Rock, different species of Hummingbirds, such as the Green Crowned Brilliant Hummingbird, the Western Emerald Hummingbird, and other birds like the Chestnut-Mandible Toucan, Toucan Barbet, White Necked Jacobin, among others. In 2017 the Northwest area of Ecuador (The Choco Andino) was declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The high-altitude grasslands are also home to many species of birds that will interest even the most experienced birder, such as the Andean and Peregrine Falcons, and the most emblematic bird in the country, the Andean Condor. In the southern Andes of Ecuador, with its various ecological reserves and lodges specializing in birdwatching, there are a couple of Reserves that protect more than 900 species of birds (more than 100 of them are regional endemic).
The Amazon region has a great variety of birds as well; due to its tropical climate and relative isolation, the Amazon is a fantastic place to observe bird life. In this region, there is the Yasuni National Park, which accommodates over 600 bird species. Here, you may be able to see the Harpy Eagle, many types of macaws and the ancient Hoatzin.
The Amazon region has a great variety of birds as well; due to its tropical climate and relative isolation, the Amazon is a fantastic place to observe bird life. In this region, there is the Yasuni National Park, which accommodates over 600 bird species. Here, you may be able to see the Harpy Eagle, many types of macaws and the ancient Hoatzin.
The coastal region is also a wonderful place for birders; the marshy areas and hot climate make it perfect for finding many bird species that you can’t find anywhere else. In this region, we have the Machalilla National Park, which is home to many species such as the Whooping Momot, the Peruvian Screech Owl, Blue-Footed boobies, and Frigate Birds, as well as other water-loving birds.
The Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 and is a great place for seeing unique animals. According to the Galapagos Conservancy, this region offers some of the highest levels of endemism on the planet. Over 80% of the land birds occur nowhere else on earth. It lodges 13 species of finches, the lava gull, Blue-footed, Red-footed and Masked Boobies, Flightless Cormorant, Albatross, the Galapagos Penguins and Galapagos Haw, amongst others.
Send your clients to experience these regions and their biodiversity with Geo Boutique Travel Designers and their specialised guides who will give you the best chances of observing the highest number of birds. Even if you are not a specialised birdwatcher, you will thoroughly enjoy this experience!
Please contact fernanda@georeisen-ecuador.com for more information on a tours in Ecuador of The Galapagos Islands.
