Our approach to travel offers the opportunity to slow down and take part in something that is authentic, meaningful and real. We avoid what has become a part of modern tourism and instead seek out experiences that resonate with authentic local life carried on according to its own natural rhythm. We avoid the boredom of programs with tourist guides and focus instead on the genuine passion of local characters who bring alive their world through their stories. Today luxury travel goes beyond staying at a five-star resort, and the recommendations that so often make a trip memorable cannot easily be found online or in travel guides.
Last week the Machu Picchu area of Peru was hit by intense rainstorms, which caused severe flooding of the Urubamba River and damage to the train tracks.
We wanted to keep everyone updated on the situation for future travels to the area. As of now, the rain has stopped and the river has returned to its banks. Machu Picchu is undamaged, and the road to the citadel is passable. Although the train tracks are still damaged, the government will have trains to and from the town of Machu Picchu (formerly Aguas Calientes) running by the end of March, at the latest. In the meantime, there are other methods of reaching the ruins for those interested in traveling in February and March.
Travelers after March should not experience any issues, particularly since the rainy season ends in late April.
Please contact us if you have any questions about future travel to Machu Picchu and other areas of Peru. We work with high quality private tours to Lima, Machu Picchu and the Cusco area, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon.
Your destination: the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, an enormous nature reserve spanning more than five million acres, deep in the Amazon rainforest at the headwaters of the Amazon River basin. This is one of the best preserved destinations for wildlife, plants and birding – and it’s only accessible by water. The reserve is home to millions of butterflies, hawks, herons, colorful birds, monkeys, pink dolphins, the three-toed sloth, jaguars, alligators, boa constrictors, and more. The area is reached with a flight from Lima, Peru to Iquitos, Peru, and then by boarding the luxury M/V Aqua riverboat for an exciting cruise experience of four, five or eight days.
The Aqua is a 130-foot boat with space for 24 guests in 12 spacious suites, all with air conditioning and panoramic views of the jungle and river as you cruise along. Daily morning and afternoon excursions – and even nighttime adventures to spot giant caimans – are led by local and English-speaking guides to give you an in-depth look at the flora, fauna and local cultures of the region.
Begin your journey in Lima, Peru, and then take a short flight to Iquitos to board your cruise. Each day you’ll explore tributaries, hidden lakes, take jungle walks and watch for the myriad of wildlife that lives in the forest and along the river. Some highlights include fishing for piranha, spotting pink dolphins, groups of noisy monkeys, giant caimans at night, flocks of parrots and macaws, the tallest trees in the rainforest, the Amazon headwaters, and local villages that still preserve traditions.
Contact us for more information on the Aqua cruise, other rainforest options, and combining this trip with other explorations and adventure travel in Peru.
Patagonia Argentina might not seem like the most likely area for a flourishing, cutting edge wine region to you, but in the past 10 years the San Patricio del Chanar Valley has become known for top malbecs and pinot noirs. Don’t take our word for it – the New York Times recently named the valley one of its top 31 destinations for 2010.
For travelers looking for luxury off the well-trod wine routes of Mendoza, the San Patricio Valley is the ideal destination. Combined with outdoor adventure in Bariloche or San Martin de los Andes, its an ideal mix of the area’s natural beauty with various activities centered around the famed Argentine vino. For true wine enthusiasts, a combination of Patagonia wineries, Mendoza, and the high altitude vineyards of Cafayate in the Salta Province in Northwest Argentina, is an in depth exploration of the top Argentine wine producers. We can put together a custom wine adventure, you will find nowhere else!
Valle Perdido Wine Resort offers the valley’s best lodging alternative, with modern design, art and architecture. Guests have the chance to get involved in vineyard and winemaking processes at the vineyard, relax at the spa with wine and grape-based treatments. A wine and tapas bar and gourmet restaurant pair regional delicacies with local vintages. All rooms have vineyard views, and two grand suites have private balconies; all rooms have modern amenities.
Ask us about planning a wine and cuisine trip in Argentina, or combining Patagonia outdoor adventure with vine tasting in San Patricio del Chanar Valley.
Argentina is a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of exciting places to visit and activities perfect for all ages.
Patagonia Argentina spans the lake district, glacier district, coast and Tierra del Fuego. This Argentina family adventure tour takes you to two of Patagonia’s top areas – El Calafate to experience a working ranch where kids can participate in daily activities and adults can enjoy top service, and Peninsula Valdes for amazing wildlife where kids can get up close to curious penguins and baby seals.
Begin your trip in Buenos Aires, where you’ll have a chance to explore the city, and kayak on the Tigre River Delta just outside the city. Continue south to El Calafate, home to the famed Perito Moreno Glacier. You’ll stay at a working estancia where you can enjoy endless vistas, participate in daily ranch activities, horseback ride, hike, and even go trekking on the glacier!
After a few days in El Calafate, head to the Atlantic coast, to the Peninsula Valdes area. Here you’ll stay at Estancia Pedral, on Punta Ninfas. This historic home was brought over from France in the 1920s, and has a prime location for wildlife viewing and other activities. The ranch offers boat expeditions to see whales, 4-wheeling, hiking and more! On your last day you’ll visit Punta Tombo, the largest Magellanic penguin colony in the world, where you can get up close and personal with charming penguins.
Ask us about the best time of year for this itinerary, and extensions to Iguazu or the lake region of Patagonia.
Argentina is a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of exciting places to visit and activities perfect for all ages. This 10-day vacation is an extension on our shorter Patagonia Family trip, with an extension to Iguazu Waterfalls and Bariloche in the lake region of Patagonia.
Begin your trip in Buenos Aires, where you’ll have a chance to explore the city, and kayak on the Tigre River Delta just outside the city.
Continue north to Iguazu Falls, at the border with Brazil in the Misiones Province. These impressive falls span 1.6 miles and comprise 160-250 falls, depending on the season. Activities like jungle walks and an exciting boat ride right up to the falls are popular with all ages.
On the next day, head south to San Carlos de Bariloche, to an estancia on the shores of Lake Gutierrez. Here you’ll be in the middle of pristine nature, with the chance to hike, ride, kayak and just relax.
Then, continue south to El Calafate, home to the famed Perito Moreno Glacier. You’ll stay at a working estancia where you can enjoy endless vistas, participate in daily ranch activities, horseback ride, hike, and even go trekking on the glacier!
After a few days in El Calafate, head to the Atlantic coast, to the Peninsula Valdes area. Here you’ll stay at Estancia Pedral, on Punta Ninfas. This historic home was brought over from France in the 1920s, and has a prime location for wildlife viewing and other activities. The ranch offers boat expeditions to see whales, 4-wheeling, hiking and more! On your last day you’ll visit Punta Tombo, the largest Magellanic penguin colony in the world, where you can get up close and personal with charming penguins.
Ask us about the best time of year for this itinerary. We customize the experience specifically for your family.
Explore two of Ecuador’s beautiful regions: the Andean Highlands and the Galapagos Islands in this wonderful two-week itinerary that showcases Ecuadorian culture and natural wonders.
This family-friendly adventure begins in Quito, the capital city, and winds through the Andes with stops at traditional haciendas, villages, markets and other sites en route. Then, continue on to your Galapagos cruise on a yacht specially chosen to welcome families!
We start in Quito, with a city tour of this historic city and visit to the famed Equator Monument. Then continue on to Antisana Ecological Reserve and Volcano, where you’ll have a chance to hike or horseback ride and enjoy a picnic lunch in this pristine natural reserve. Overnight at Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, a beautiful hacienda with plenty of history. You’ll have the chance to ride around the hacienda, before continuing on to Baños, on the edge of the cloud forest. This small town is known for its handicraft markets and waterfalls – perfect of hikes for energetic travelers of all ages.
Continue on to Riobamba, a lively colonial city with cobbled streets and pastel buildings. After an overnight you’ll have an early day on the exciting Devil’s Nose Train, which takes you in a traditional train carriage on the switchbacks of the Devil’s Nose and down a 45-degree gradient, and through several climate zones.
Explore the Ingapirca Inca ruins after this ride, and on to the charming colonial town of Cuenca. Spend the day exploring Cuenca with your guide – the town is home to lovely architecture, art galleries, a lively produce and flower market, and handicrafts market.
After a night in Cuenca, visit El Cajas National Park to hike and enjoy a picnic before continuing on to Guayaquil, on the coast. From here you’ll take your flight to the Galapagos Islands for your exciting cruise or land-based adventure. Programs range from four to eight days, and we work with plenty of yachts that welcome families for all budgets and travel styles. We also work with land based and villa based programs. So we can help you plan the perfect Andes of Ecuador and Galapagos combo vacation.
Contact us for more information on customizing this exciting trip for your family!
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