Aqua Expeditions Robbed Again in Peru

STATEMENT FROM AQUA EXPEDITIONS: August 6, 2009


While cruising on the Amazon early Tuesday morning, August 4, the m/v Aqua was boarded by six unknown persons who robbed the passengers of valuables. Neither passengers nor crew were harmed. A similar incident occurred on July 26.

CEO of Aqua Expeditions Francesco Galli Zugaro has been meeting this week with senior government officials, including the Minister of Tourism, Head of Police, and Department of Defense, all of whom have pledged to take all necessary actions to guarantee the safety of the Peruvian tourism industry and visitors to the country.

"This incident is of national importance as tourism is a vital activity in the region," commented Martin Perez, the Peruvian Minister of Tourism, who has pledged his full support in resolving this issue. "The Amazon region of Peru is safe for travelers and we cannot allow these incidents to deter their holidays and affect the integrity of the tourism sector," he added.

As a result of this, both the Coast Guard and National Police have confirmed that the Aqua and other vessels in the region will have permanent escorts for a period of time until a long term plan is implemented to have more presence along the boat's route. In addition, the Aqua and other vessels will have security personnel on board.

The Coast Guard has also committed to immediately implement a mobile patrol station half way through the itinerary with several additional patrol boats. This additional presence will further guarantee security of the area.

As an additional and extended measure of security the Aqua as of this Saturday will change its itinerary to avoid the area of the past incident. "This second attack has truly shocked and saddened us," said Galli-Zugaro. "We want to reassure our guests and clients that all measures are being taken by the government to ensure the safety and security of the region. We are thankful for their proactive measures and continue to work closely with them to avoid any such future incidents. Our operations are continuing as normal, with our first priority being the safety of our passengers and crew."


Francesco Galli Zugaro
Chief Executive Officer
Aqua Expeditions

Choosing an alternative trek to Machu Picchu

For one reason or another, you're not hiking THE Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; maybe the permits sold out, your travel dates aren't flexible enough, or you want to do something a little more interesting. While the good news is that there are a lot of options for alternative treks in the area, that's also the bad news because it can be so tough to make a decision on the right trek. Here are four choices that should help you figure out which trip is best designed for you.


APU SALKANTAY

The Apu Salkantay trek is the most popular alternative trek to the Inca Trail trek. Mt. Salkantay was one of the most sacred mountains to the Incas and this trek takes you up close to the celebrated peak. Great for getting into the heart of the Andes, witnessing dramatic landscapes, and reaching the highest altitude of all the Machu Picchu treks. This is a moderately difficult trek in which you'll hike for three to six hours a day. Most treks will include a one-day visit to Machu Picchu after the hiking.

Detour Picks:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Apu_Salkantay_Trek_16256.html

This is a slightly more "upscale" operator for the same trek.
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Backcountry_Trek_to_Machu_Picchu_16380.html


CHOQUEQUIRAO

Perched on a saddle between stunning Andean peaks, Choquequirao (or “Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister”) is the type of trip your guides really want to do. The ruins are accessible only by foot which limits traffic and enhances the mystique of this amazing site. You'll most likely find yourself the only tourists exploring the vast complex of ruins and camping beside the site. It's very easy, and recommended, to add a one or two-day visit to Machu Picchu after the Choquequirao trek. This is a fairly difficult trek mostly due to the elevation gain and stairs (much like the traditional Inca Trail) and you'll be hiking about 7 hours each trekking day:

Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Choquequirau__the_Cradle_of_the_Gods_16364.html


LARES VALLEY TREK (or the "Weaver's Way" trek)

The Lares Valley joins up with the Sacred Valley, but is not overrun with tourists rushing through on one-day trips by bus. Any trek in the Lares Valley will take you through a number of small, traditional weaving communities whose textiles are reknowned for their quality and beauty. The trek also features sweeping views of the Vilcanota mountain range, a dip in the Lares hotsprings and a visit to the well-preserved Inca ruins of Pumamarca. Most treks in the area are moderately difficult with the tougher ones considered on par with the traditional Inca Trail (the trek even follows an ancient Inca Trail for much of the hiking). One of the best options is one that combines a one-day visit to Machu Picchu after the trek.

Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Lares_Valley_Trek__Peru_s_Other_Inca_Trail__16247.html


MACHU PICCHU AND SACRED VALLEY TREKKING

This is a fairly easy trek that takes you through the most popular villages and ruins in the Sacred Valley. Some of these stops include Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, and Chinceros. This combination of trekking, Sacred Valley highlights, and a visit to Machu Picchu makes for a classic Peru experience. Staying in local lodges ensures a more comfortable trip than a typical camping trek in the area. If you choose a private departure, your guide can customize a bit of the hiking for you to make it more challenging if you wish. Hikes last for a couple hours at a time on fairly unchallenging terrain:

Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Machu_Picchu_and_Sacred_Valley_Trekking_16388.html

Snorkeling: Do I need a wetsuit on a Galapagos Islands Tour?

There's more to the Galapagos Islands than finches and tortoises found on land; the animals you find underwater are likely to be some of your trip favorites. Snorkeling is usually a big part of any Galapagos Islands tour, and having the proper stuff can really help you enjoy this aspect of your trip.




Most Galapagos tours will provide wetsuits for snorkeling, either for free or for a small fee (~$30 per person, per week). The water is pleasant, but this isn't the Caribbean. You will probably feel more comfortable with a wetsuit on after a leisurely snorkeling hour, no matter which season it is.

In the colder season (July - December), you'll definitely want a wetsuit. It is recommended that you use a "shortie" 3mm wetsuit and these are typically the type of rental wetsuits on your Galapagos tour. If you have your own, and you have room in your bag, it may be wise to bring it on your trip. There are typically a wide selection of sizes available, but your own is usually better.


Seasonal Water Temperatures

The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist or Garua season (cool, dry weather) from late May/June to December. In La Nina conditions, the water temperature can be approximately 5°F cooler.

• Surface Water Temp. June - December: 70°F - 74°F (21°C- 23.3°C)

• Air Temp. Highs June - December: 75°F - 80°F (18°C- 23°C)
• Air Temp. Lows June - December: 66°F - 70°F (19°C- 23.3°C)

The warm season (occasionally rainy, hot weather) is during the months of January through May. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains.

• Surface Water Temp. December - May: 73°F - 78°F (23°C- 25.5°C)

• Air Temp. Highs December - May: 80°F - 87°F (26.7°C- 30.6°C)
• Air Temp. Lows December - May: 70°F - 76°F (21°C- 24.4°C)

There's more than Machu Picchu

Want to get off the beaten-path in Peru? Don't worry, you can always squeeze in a quick visit to Machu Picchu (really, it can be done in just a day). When there's so much to see in Peru, you'll wonder why most people don't venture stray far from the Inca Trail. Here are five trips to get you dreaming . . .

1. Choquequirao- Perched on a saddle between stunning Andean peaks, Choquequirao (or “Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister”) is the type of trip your guides really want to do. The ruins are accessible only by foot which limits traffic and enhances the mystique of this amazing site. You'll most likely find yourself the only tourists exploring the vast complex of ruins and camping beside the site (can't do that at Machu Picchu).

2. Cordillera Blanca / Huarez- Where true trekkers get their kicks in Peru. The breathtaking peaks are reminiscent of the Himalayas. Mountaineers and inexperienced trekkers can both find a variety of challenges.

3. Manu- This national park boasts the highest bird, mammal and plant diversity of any park on earth. A spot for people who can forgo a few comforts for one the finest rainforest experiences anywhere.

4. Apurimac River- Considered one of the world’s top ten rafting rivers, the Apurimac cuts through canyon walls twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers exciting rapids. A great choice for a shorter rafting trip.

5. Kuelap and Chachapoyas - Kuelap is just one of the many astounding archaeological testaments to a mysterious pre-Incan civilization in northern Peru. The site’s vine draped, towering walls rival the grandeur of even Machu Picchu. The surounding area is dotted with charming Andean towns like Chachapoyas and is criss-crossed by ancient footpaths you can still trek today.

Why it's smart to travel during a recession

Recently, when I tell people I work in the travel industry, they give me a pat on the back and ask if I've applied for unemployment yet. What I tell them surprises them as much as it's been surprising me: people are still traveling, even during a recession. After all, there are some really excellent reasons to travel-- even if the economic news is disheartening or scary. Here are the reasons I give for why international travel hasn't completely dried up, and why more people should travel during a recession:

1. More Deals Than You Can Shake a Stick At: Once out-of-reach destinations may be more reasonable with reduced airfares, hotel rooms and tours. Also, you can feel a little bolder asking for deals, even if they're not advertised. Keep in mind that you shouldn't push for an unreasonably low price; after all, the tour guides still need to feed their families too.

2. No More Lines: If you've been avoiding traditional destinations for fear of the Disneyland crowds, this is your year to travel. It's easier than ever to find a deserted beach in Costa Rica or hike the Inca Trail without seeing another group of hikers for days.

3. Supporting Local Economies, securing jobs: According to world tourism experts (specifically the World Travel and Tourism Council), the international tourism industry is expected to shrink 3.5% by the end of 2009 and 10 million jobs related to tourism will be lost worldwide by December 2010. If you think taking a vacation is selfish, remind yourself that you'll be providing work for folks that need it. If you want to make sure your valuable travel dollars are going to the right places, make sure your trip is being provided by a reputable local operator that pays a fair wage to all its employees.

4. We're Rethinking Value: When money starts to get tight, we begin considering what's truly important and spend a little more wisely. We're looking for things give us real value, like more time with family or memorable experiences. I don't think most people cherish the memory of using a spiffy new iphone, but we remember that surfing trip we took with our best friend or that unexpectedly beautiful hike in a new country.

So while the global economic outlook isn't sunny, there are still many good reasons to travel and it may even be the best time to do so.

Peruvian Amazon spared from environmental destruction

The Peruvian Amazon has been spared this month from massive environmental damage, thanks to the public outcry and protests of brave Peruvians.

From the New York Times:
"Peru’s Congress on Thursday overturned two decrees by President Alan García that were aimed at opening large areas of the Peruvian Amazon to logging, dams and oil drilling but set off protests by indigenous groups this month in which dozens died.

Tomas Munita for The New York Times-- An Ashaninka indigenous woman cooked in the main road linking the central jungle to Lima.

The move appeared to ease tensions with the indigenous groups, which had continued with their protests and road blockades in parts of Peru despite Congress’s decision to suspend the decrees last month. After the vote on Thursday, however, some indigenous leaders said they would lift the scattered blockades and halt the protests.

“Today is a historic day for all indigenous people and for the nation of Peru,” said Daysi Zapata, a leader of the Peruvian Jungle Inter-Ethnic Development Association, a group representing more than 300,000 people from Peru’s indigenous groups.

The apparent end to the impasse came after at least 24 police officers and 10 civilians were killed in clashes and acts of retaliation in northern Bagua Province, some of Peru’s bloodiest political violence since a two-decade war ended in 2000.

The decrees, issued by Mr. García as part of a regulatory overhaul for a trade deal with the United States, were intended to open parts of jungle to investment and allow companies to bypass indigenous communities to attain permits for petroleum, biofuels and hydroelectric projects.

Other disputed decrees by Mr. García remain in effect, raising the prospect of new protests. Still, Mr. García acknowledged in a speech late Wednesday that his government had made a crucial mistake by not including native groups in discussions over the decrees before he issued them.

The repeal of the decrees and the apology by Mr. García open a new phase of uncertainty in Peru, where economic growth is sharply declining amid a decline in commodities prices."

Written by Simon Romero

Published on June 18, 2009

Tips on choosing your South American trek

With summer here, you're probably breaking in your new hiking boots and dreaming about where to take your next adventure. Of course, planning any international trekking adventure takes a bit of perseverance but it shouldn't be harder than the hike itself. Make it a bit easier for yourself by following these tips from Detour:

1. Make sure you have a local guide. Naturally, a trained local guide is usually your best bet for any international trek; after all, who better to explain the intricacies of Peruvian culture, history, geography, and politics. Also, if you're paying a local, it means that the revenue generated from your trek stays in the community you're visiting. Many international outfitters use guides from the US or the EU, so be sure to ask about this one.

2. Figure out what you want. This tip may seem obvious, but a lot of people sign up the most famous trek in the area without considering if it truly suits them. The first step for planning a trek is honestly assessing what you really need, be it uncrowded trails or support horses in case the kids poop out. After you suss out these details, it's much easier to sift through your trek options.

3. Find out what treks the local guides or operators prefer. Guides generally enjoy treks for the same reason travelers do: beautiful scenery, good itinerary, and trails free of human waste. While this may mean you're going off the beaten path, keep in mind that most famous sites (Machu Picchu or Torres del Paine peaks) can be visited with a quick day-trip afterwards. The easiest way to find these recommendations is by contacting a Detour specialist who can give you insights into what the local guides prefer.

4. Want a budget trip? To get a good rate on a trek, try thinking outside the box. Think about traveling during the shoulder season, which is the time between the busy and the off-season. Consider a shorter version of your ideal trek. Importantly, be flexible about your travel dates. If you want to join a group departure (one of the best ways to save money), you may have to reorganize your dates to join-up with a group.

5. . . . But don't go for a price that seems too good to be true. Once you get a sense for the price range of a specific trek, don't try to drive the price down further or purchase a trip that's half the price of the others. Treks cost money to operate well so a super-cheap operation will be cutting corners they probably shouldn't. Before booking that $100 Ausangate trek, consider how you'd feel if there wasn't enough food one day or if your porter were working for slave wages.

More tips coming soon, so keep checking back while you plan your trek.

Riots in Peru's Amazon

Rioting broke out in northern Peru on Friday after two months of fuel and transport blockades, and at least 30 indigenous protesters and 24 police officers have been killed. The indigenous tribes want to force Congress to repeal laws that encourage foreign mining in the rainforest.

According to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8088350.stm): "The violence erupted on Friday after 2,500 Indians - many of them carrying spears and machetes - protested over government plans to drill for gas and oil in what they consider their ancestral lands."

While the situation remains serious in this region, it is not affecting other regions of Peru and tourism has not been disrupted in any way.

We'll try to follow up with more information on the issues behind this violence as we learn more.

Chevron VS Indigenous Peoples in Ecuador

60 Minutes had a great piece this past Sunday on the $27 billion dollar lawsuit facing Chevron for environmental degradation in the Amazon Basin. NPR had a radio story on this last week as well. This is the largest environmental damage suit in history, and it is being decided by a single judge in Lago Agrio, Ecuador, sometime this year.

In the 1960's Texaco started to drill for oil in one of the largest oil reserves in the America's, in Ecuador's Amazon Basin. Texaco, along with partner PetroEcuador (Ecuador's national oil company), pumped out 1.5 nillion barrels of oil from the jungle. But with each well came roads, pipelines, and pits filled with toxic oil waste. When Texaco finished drilling they abandoned the pits, causing oil to contaminate groundwater and to seep into the Amazon Basin's streams.

This region of Ecuador, the upper Amazon Basin, besides being one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, is also home to numerous indigenous tribes who rely on the clean water in the rivers and streams for drinking water, food, etc.

Chevron bought Texaco in 2001, and now they may be held responsible for the environmental mess left behind by Texaco in Ecuador. While who is responsible is at debate in the lawsuit, the environmental degradation isn't really debatable. Of course there are disagreements on how many pits there are, or the cost to clean up the mess, but no one argues there is no mess at all.

I experienced this environmental degradation first hand in 2007 when I visited the Huaorani Ecolodge, a community-based tourism project in the Amazon. The Huaorani Ecolodge was created, in part, to provide jobs and income for the Huaorani so that they don't need to take jobs with the oil companies to help destroy their homeland.

Oil was discovered on Huao territory decades ago, and today vast portions of their previous land have been cleared for wells, roads, and pipelines. On our trip, one moment we were floating down a placid, wild, river, listening to Huao origination legends as told by Moi, the Huao member who has become famous due to Joe Kane's book "Savages," and the next we rounded a bend and encountered denuded forest and rusty pipelines. On our way back to town and the airport, we stopped along the road put in by the oil companies to see some of the oil waste pits; they are, frankly, disgusting. I'm quite sure we would never allow open oil pits that seep into rivers and groundwater in the United States.

While I don't know the answer to who ultimately is at fault in a contractual or legal sense, and thus who should pay, it is quite clear that someone needs to be held accountable and must pay both to clean up the oil, and to compensate families for pollution-caused health issues and the loss of their traditional lifestyle caused by this pollution. This will be an interesting trial to watch.

FERNANDINA VOLCANO IN THE GALAPAGOS ERUPTS

"The Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute informs that La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos has started a new eruptive process. The island-volcano - 1476 meters high- is not inhabited and located 90 Kms. to the northwest of Puerto Villamil the closest village on Isabela Island, so there is no danger for the human population.

The current eruptive process started during the night of April 10 and was reported by the park wardens and by a tour boat which was in the vicinity. Lava flows have been observed, coming from a lateral fissure located 500 meters below the crater at the southwest side of the island, close to Cape Hammond. This is a radial fissure 200 meters long and 10 meters wide that reaches up to 15 meters high. There is also a large column of smoke.

The volcano of Fernandina Island erupted five years ago, without causing major damage to the flora and fauna of the area.

Tour excursions to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island have not been suspended; authorities of the Galapagos National Park are closely monitoring the developments to determine that it is safe to continue with them."

- from Metropolitan Touring

Inca Trail Permits Sold Out Through June 2009

Inca Trail Permits are selling quickly again this year (although a little slower than last year), and permits are now sold out through June 2009. There are still permits available for most any date at the end of the year, September to January. Check out permit availability on our Inca Trail Permits page.

July 2009

Date: Permits Remaining

11: 88
12: 24
14: 52
15: 94
16: 69
17: 137
18: 73
19: 29
20: 0
21: 175
22: 23
23: 84
24: 0
25: 161
26: 0
27: 103
28: 233
29: 230
30: 5
31: 40

August 2008

Date: Permits Remaining
1: 402
2: 304
3: 0
4: 267
5: 224
6: 369
7: 296
8: 346
9: 23
10: 35
11: 367
12: 22
13: 398
14: 223
15: 354
16: 113
17: 183
18: 11
19: 152
20: 469
21: 355
22: 402
23: 409
24: 377
25: 433
26: 414
27: 418
28: 369
29: 443
30: 417
31: 404

Heavy Rains in Ecuador Cause Landslides

From Detour Partner Metropolitan Touring:

ROAD CONDITIONS IN ECUADOR

The rainy season in Ecuador has been particularly intense this year, and the main roads that descend from the highlands to the coast have experienced landslides that affect the normal traffic between these two regions.

The road Calacalí/Los Bancos that leads to Tulipe and Mindo has been particularly affected, and works are under way to repair the road, so until March 15 tours to the area of Mindo and Tulipe have been suspended in order to guarantee the safety and well being of our guests.
Alternate programs will be provided to affected guests.

The roads in the highlands of Ecuador are fully operative, and all tours in and around Quito, Otavalo, the Avenue of the Volcanoes and south to Cuenca are operating normally.

Pacuare River Obtains Ecological Blue Flag

Detour has received a great update from Adventuras Naturales in Costa Rica about their latest achievement in sustainability. Adventuras Naturales is a Costan Rican company which has received international recognition for its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism:

"We are very proud to announce that the Pacuare River recently received the highest rating from the Costa Rican government’s Ecological Blue Flag Program for River Watersheds. Rafting and Kayaking experts have long considered the Pacuare to be one of the world’s top white water rivers, primarily due to the quality of its environment and rainforest scenery, and this Blue Flag rating confirms that it is an exemplary natural wonder.

Aventuras Naturales and the Pacuare Lodge leaded the process to get the Ecological Blue Flag Program to recognize the Pacuare River’s healthy environment and clean water. This has included working with local communities to involved them in the river’s protection. The company has always taken great care to ensure that the Pacuare Lodge has no negative impact on the river and together with local farmers and guests, is planting trees in the Pacuare watershed. This designation by the Ecological Blue Flag Program for River Watersheds – a pioneer project on a global level – is yet another recognition that the Pacuare is one of Costa Rica’s natural jewels.

Our commitment to the environment: concrete steps for sustainability!"


- From Adventuras Naturales

Trip Report: Manizales, the coffee region, Colombia

February 23: We arrived in Manizales yesterday and everyone quickly piled on their layers as soon as we hit the tarmac. It´s obvious that we´ve become accustomed to the warm climate of Colombia because the `coldest place in the country´ has us shivering- despite being a normally comfortable 60 F. This is part of the coffee growing region in Colombia. The microclimate here is a perfect balance of rain and sun, situated at just the right altitude. Additionally, many of the dramatic and steep hills are actually inactive volcanoes, now carpeted in thick green vegetation. The volcanic ash also adds richness to the soil to grow some of the best beans worldwide.

I took a tour of a small coffee plantation which features mostly shade grown coffee. We walked through the entire process, from the berry picking to the drying and roasting stages. Our guide , Ceider, was passionate about coffee like a sommelier; he paused with every sip to determine subtle distinctions in the smell and taste. His warm-hearted demeanor was touching, especially when he interrupted the tour, responding to a dog´s whimper, to carry his very old companion from the porch to the grass for some sun. The morning stroll through the grounds was finished with shared coffee, of course, and blackberry juice which is an apparent staple in Colombia. My appreciation of coffee has always verged on fanatic, but this tour certainly shed light on the many items I consume without acknowledging its origin.

Tomorrow, it´s on to Rio Blanco which is one of Manizales´ nine (!) nature preserves. We´re promised many hummingbirds and beautiful hikes- we´re all crossing that the sun perks up and the rain lets up a bit.

Trip Report: Santa Marta, Colombia

Februaray 20, 2009: Medellín, Colombia

I arrived in Colombia for a birdwatching tour and knowing the names of only a dozen or so species back home, I knew I had a lot to learn. In three days, I´ve at least quadrupled that number. I have some top quality birding guides leading the way which makes it all much easier. But even without the guides, it would be impossible not to notice the amazing avian diversity and density in Colombia. The country actually ranks first in the world for number of species (barely beating Brazil and Peru) with close to 1,900.

That number is growing too, I learned as we watched an owl swoop overhead by moonlight in the El Dorado Nature Reserve. The owl, like a few other species around Santa Marta, has been recently ¨rediscovered.¨ This means that one specimen had been discovered in the early 1900´s, but never seen or recorded since. When it was discovered again in the region, research showed it had been described before but forgotten because it so rarely appeared. At this point, the owl is in the process of receiving its official scientific name so it remains unnamed for the time being.

The new owl is just one example of why Santa Marta, and specially the El Dorado reserve, is such an attraction to birders. Of the over 100 species found in the area, 16 are endemic (meaning they aren´t found anywhere else on earth). Not being a birder I know that I can´t fully appreciate such a destination; for instance, I don´t share the same long face as my fellow travelers when the Tapaculo wasn´t spotted yesterday, despite hearing its calls for 15 minutes. Nevertheless, this is a stunning spot and the biodiversity will charm even the casual naturalist. The Santa Marta Sierra Nevada stands apart from any other mountain chain, rising thousands of meters straight from the ocean. Its most famous area, Tayrona National Park, is finally safe for tourists to explore. After such a tumultuous period in which more than one-third of the area was controlled by guerillas, I´ve found people speak freely of the relief they feel now and embrace tourism to the region.

Tomorrow, flying from Medellín to Bahía Solano on the Pacific coast- a place you can´t find anywhere on google earth. More birding and hopefully some time to surf . . . .

New Eruption on Chaiten Volcano, Chile

Volcan Chaiten, in Southern Chile, has started to show increased activity again, according to Detour travel partner TravelArt Chile.

The activity started on Thursday, February 19th. The volcano, which lies south of Pumalin Park at the northern part of the Carretera Austral, and near the Futaleufu River, erupted in May 2008 causing a great deal of damage in the area, including in Chaiten.

According the Chilean Emergency Management Office, there is a high possibility for the crate to collapse, which woulc cause new pyroclastic bursts and dangerous ash precipitations. A complete evacuation of Chaiten has been arranged, and it is forbidden to enter the town.

Read more about the eruption here:

Chile's Chaiten volcano spews molten rock, ash

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin!

Charles Robert Darwin was born February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England, the fifth of six children. He is among the most influential scientists who ever lived. His visit to the Galapagos Islands was very influential in helping him form his theory of evolution.

2009, the 200th anniversary of his birth will be celebrated throughout the Galapagos to honor the man and the island chain he made famous.

Trip Report Peru: Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria

Puno, Peru is known as the folkloric capitol of the Andes and for good reason. The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria is celebrated here in style with days of raucous parades, elaborate costumes, and dancing.

Andean Adventures, a local tour operator, was in Puno this year to attend the festivities and photograph this colorful event.

Puno is right on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, which is dotted with islands. Indigenous people still live on these islands, carrying on ancient traditions of weaving, dress, farming, and agriculture. Lake Titicaca is noted as a top destination to visit in the world, not least because of the amazing cultural highlights. You can find out more about Andean Adventures and their tours here: http://www.detourdestinations.com/provider_info.php?provider=andeanadventures

GALAPAGOS YACHT LA PINTA RECEIVES THE SMART VOYAGER CERTIFICATION

FROM METROPOLITAN TOURING:

METROPOLITAN TOURING’S GALAPAGOS YACHT LA PINTA RECEIVES
THE SMART VOYAGER CERTIFICATION

The SmartVoyager sustainable tourism certification was created in order to improve environmental, social and safety measures, and to reduce the environmental footprint that a tour operation could cause.

We are happy to announce that Metropolitan’s expedition vessel La Pinta has just completed the audit to obtain its SmartVoyager Certification granted by Conservation and Development, member of America’s Sustainable Certification Network. Rainforest Alliance developed SmartVoyager in collaboration with their Ecuador-based partner group Conservación y Desarrollo (C&D). The program awards its green seal of approval to tour operators in the Galapagos Islands who meet a set of strict conservation standards. This achievement is part of our action plan as per stated in the company’s Environmental Policy.

Our commitment towards achieving sustainable development motivates us to continually search for the best environmental practices available; permanently train our staff on how sustainability works and convey the message to our guests regarding environment and wildlife conservation, natural resources management, and the wellbeing of workers and local communities.

Currently, all of Metropolitan Touring’s expeditions vessels --Yacht La Pinta, MV SANTA CRUZ, Yacht ISABELA II and Yacht SEA FINCH--, as well as Finch Bay Eco Hotel, bear the SmartVoyager Certification, which is a guarantee for our clients and guests of environmentally-oriented operations, community support and the best sustainable practices.

Official Statement from Quasar About the Unfortunate Accident on the Parranda

We are sad to learn that the Parranda did catch fire and sink, but are at least glad that no one was hurt in the accident. We wish Quasar the very best as they deal with this loss.

Here is the official statement from Dolores Gangotena de Diez, Commercial Vice-president of
Quasar Expeditions :

We wish to inform you, our valued client, of an unfortunate event that took place earlier this week. During the very early hours of Tuesday, January 14, 2009, the MY Parranda experienced a serious fire and was lost. Captain and crew took swift action to follow established procedures, and thankfully all on board were safely evacuated without injury and are well and in good spirits. Unfortunately, the fire spread very quickly and efforts to contain it failed, resulting in the loss of the Parranda.

We know you will have questions about this incident. Our intention is to keep you thoroughly informed on all aspects of what took place from the cause of the accident, to the environmental impact. We also plan to continue to provide updates as events unfold including the response of the Galapagos National Park and actions we plan to take to address this event. We invite you to read the official incident report by clicking on the following links:

Click here to read the official incident report in English
Click here to read the official incident report in Spanish

Parranda’s Recent Refurbishment
The Parranda has been one of the flagships of the Enchanted Islands. When we sent her into dry dock this fall our intention was to upgrade all her equipment and cosmetics. Our aim was to provide you and your passengers with an unparalleled Galapagos tour product. We fully committed our valuable resources to bringing the Parranda and other yachts of our fleet to this high standard. When the Parranda emerged with new engines and completely refurbished we were more than pleased with the result and so were our passengers. We are therefore shocked at this great loss, not only to us, but to so many who loved the spirit of the Parranda. The actual cause for the fire is yet to be determined and we do not want to speculate until we get an official report from the surveying company designated by the Insurance company. We will keep you posted on this matter.

What Will Happen to Guests Currently Booked on the Parranda for 2009?
If you have passengers booked on the Parranda for the remainder of 2009, we have already reserved space for them aboard other yachts in our fleet. We fully intend to review these changes with you as soon as possible. If we have not yet been in touch with you personally, we apologize for the delay and kindly ask for your patience. We’ve spent the last 24 hours preoccupied with sorting out the most pressing matters related to this incident and assure you that addressing your passengers booked on the Parranda is a high priority. We kindly ask you to please discontinue any promotional efforts for the Parranda on your websites or printed materials. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Safety Aboard All Our Galapagos Vessels
All our Galapagos yachts, including M/Y Parranda undergo strict safety inspections every year and after each dry dock period. Our yachts are certified to operate by numerous overarching national and international regulations which include the Galapagos National Park, DIGMER and ISM (International, Classification Society and Port State Inspections etc.). In addition, our crew members and guides are very well trained in safety and evacuation procedures, which is why the crew onboard Parranda was able to evacuate all guests to safety and carry out the most important job of any crew member and captain, which is to preserve life at sea above all else. Material loss, including the loss of a prized yacht, necessarily takes a back seat to the preservation of life and the well being of both passengers and crew.

Among the inspections and inspection reports is a very detailed Conditions Survey, required by Insurers Marsh Ltd. and Shipowners, which covers our fleet. In addition, inspection certifications are required by DIGMER (Ecuador’s Marine Merchant Entity). We can assure all our clients that the Alta and Evolution (and soon the Grace), currently operating in Galapagos, meet all of these safety regulations.

In face of the loss of the Parranda, we have contracted a detailed “condition survey” that solely relates to safety. This survey will be carried out in our fleet starting this Saturday, January 17, and the report will be ready and sent to all of you late next week. The Institute that has been hired for this survey is the International Institute of Marine Surveying (England) Website: www.iims.org.uk, which is the most recognized (and largest) association of Marine Surveyors around the world. They are surveyors for various Galapagos cruise operators. These reports will be sent out to all our clients so as to reassure each of you that there are no safety concerns with our other Galapagos vessels. If there is even a hint of a problem it will be addressed immediately. This is our top priority.

Next Steps
The year 2009 already promises to be a difficult one for all of us in the travel industry. It just became more challenging for Quasar Expeditions in light of this week’s unfortunate event of the loss of the Parranda. As you may know, Quasar has another yacht, which will be more upscale than the Parranda, waiting in the wings. This vessel has a long and distinguished history including one of surviving adversity; she took part in what Winston Churchill termed “the miracle of deliverance” of the British Army from the beaches of Dunkirk in WWII and was later decorated for her actions in the Royal Navy. We’ve rechristened her the Grace in honor of Grace Kelly, who spent her honeymoon with Prince Rainier aboard her and was the Royal yacht of Monaco for over a decade.

But now we perceive that her name has another message for us. It will be through hard work, trust, a positive attitude and a little grace that all of us can look forward to making it through to better times ahead. We recognize that even in this adversity we have much to be thankful for including the well being of our passengers and crew who were aboard the Parranda, that we still offer one of the finest fleets in the Galapagos and that we operate daily in an environment that is something of a miracle on Earth. We are most thankful for your ongoing support and that of your passengers. We look forward to making it through these tough times together.

Please let us know if we can help you in any way and feel free to contact me, our President Francisco Diez (fdiez@quasarex.com) or our Sales Manager Eduardo Diez Jr. (eduardod@quasarex.com) if you have questions or if we can be of assistance in any way. Many thanks for your ever continuous support.

Bad News: Galapagos Yacht Parranda Reportedly Catches Fire and Sinks!

According to sources in Quito, the Parranda yacht caught fire and sank this morning near Bartolome in the Galapagos Islands. Fortunately it appears that no one was hurt, and everyone was rescued by one of the Coral Yachts. Preliminary reports say that the Parranda is a complete loss, although this is not confirmed.

El Nacional newspaper also reports that the boat full of a group of British tourists caught fire in the night. No word yet from Quasar Nautica, as they are no doubt a bit busy dealing with matters at the moment.

We'll have more information as soon as we can.

New Galapagos Species of Pink Land Iguana

According to Galapagos Tour Operator Metropolitan Touring, a team of Ecuadorian and Italian researchers have discovered a unique species of pink land iguanas living on the Galapagos Islands. Researchers at first thought that the iguanas, which are pink with black spots, simply had skin pigmentation deficiencies.

Pink iguanas have been identified as a new species 150 years after Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution in The Origin of Species. “It is surprising to have made a find of this magnitude in the 21st century,” said Washington Tapia, head of research at the Galapagos National Park. Analysis of the DNA of the pink iguana showed it probably branched away from the two other land iguanas about 5.7 million years ago. Further studies will clarify more genetic evidence on how these unique reptiles evolved in such high isolation.

The population of these lizards seems to be limited to fewer than 250 individuals, all found on Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island. The specimens studied measured up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) long and weighed up to 7 kilograms (15 pounds).

The findings, published in this week’s edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shed new light on the divergence of species in the Galapagos Archipelago 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of Ecuador, where Darwin collected finches that led to his theory that species evolve by natural selection. Official designation of the new species needs to be approved by the London-based International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, to whom an application has been sent.

Wolf Volcano is the highest volcano of the largest island in the archipelago. This volcano has no visitor sites, and is categorized under the management plan of the national park as "primitive-scientific zone". Ninety-five percent of the Galapagos’ territory 8,000 sq. kilometers (a little over 3,000 sq. miles) constitutes a protected area that is home to more than 50 species of animals and birds found nowhere else on the planet.

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