A warm welcome to Senderos' August 2007 newsletter with the very latest from our partners.

Please also let us know if you’d like our updated CD, and as always for high resolution images, questions, presentations and training.

Simon will be attending Travel Mart in Cartagena 12-14 September and looks forward to seeing many of you there.

If you can't see this email please go to: http://www.senderos.co.uk/news/aug07.htm

Senderos Partners are:-
Vila d’este, Buzios, Brazil – introducing the hotel & staff
Tropic, Ecuador – Huaorani Ecolodge opens shortly
Estancia Huechahue, Argentina – Guillermina, Carrie and new trips
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru – news from our 3 Tambopata lodges
Casa Andina Private Collection, Suasi and Sacred Valley, Peru
Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Brazil – muitas baleias (lots of whales)!
Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa, Chile – finishing touches to new rooms
Ecoventura, Galapagos – special offers Sept & Oct, new website
The Antarctic Dream – latest availability, IAATO & Live Earth
Experience Patagonia, Argentina – opening dates, our managers
Hotel Manary Praia, Natal, Brazil – new room decor
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil – an unexpected visitor to the bay
Awasi, Atacama Chile – private jet + press success

Vila d'este, Buzios, Brazil (www.viladeste.com.br)

“Many thanks for a fantastic time here at Vila d´este made all the more special by Thiago and his wonderful, helpful and attentive staff. We hope to get the opportunity to come back some day.” C & JM Jun 07

Vila d’este is a special small hotel with just 15 rooms where charm, genuine hospitality and elegant touches combine to create an atmosphere inspiring relaxation. The swimming pool, heated pool, jacuzzi and steam sauna enjoy stunning views overlooking the harbour, and the hotel is within easy walking distance of the chic bars, restaurants and shops of Buzios’ Rua das Pedras main street.

Meet some of the staff (photos right) that help make Vila d’este so special: Soledad and Paulo work on reception, always ready to recommend the very best of Búzios for guests.

In the final photo is Lucimar, responsible for our delicious ocean view breakfast buffet.

We now have wi fi in the lobby and restaurant.

“This is a truly lovely hotel with warm and friendly staff. Many Thanks - and I hope to visit again one day!" R, London Jun 07

“Thank You very much for a beautiful holiday!!! We enjoyed our stay, especially the magnificent views and the warm hospitality. We will be back!!!" G, New York, May 07

Galapagos Island Walking Tours & the Huaorani Indigenous Eco Lodge, Ecuador (www.tropiceco.com)

Opening in September, Huaorani Ecolodge www.huaorani.com is a carefully planned and executed venture setting new standards for community-based tourism in South America. The carefully chosen site is near the Huaorani village of Quehueri’ono in northeastern Ecuador on the scenic Shiripuno River, a tributary of the Napo and ultimately of the Amazon. “This project is unique in both its planning and level of community involvement and control; it provides an intense experience for the culturally and environmentally conscious traveler and a lifeline for a threatened culture.”

Did you spot us mentioned in Saturday’s Guardian? See the section on Bruce Parry with the Matis in Brazil - http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/aug/25/saturday.adventure?page=all

Galapagos Walking Tours (www.walkingalapagos.com) is an innovative new land-based expedition, developed in participation with the local community. Isabela, four times the size of the next largest island, contains over 60% of the flora and fauna of the archipelago. Explore and experience 5 active volcanoes, extensive wetlands, and a 3 km beach. Trek with giant tortoises, swim with white-tipped sharks, snorkel with marine turtles, and kayak amongst flamingos.

Our clients now use the Royal Palm’s VIP lounge in the airport at Baltra. No more queuing to pay the National Park entrance fee or get your bags - go from the landing strip to the lounge until you fly to Villamil.

Tropic’s Quito offices moved to La Niña e7-46 y Diego de Almagro, next to Sinchi Sacha Foundation’s new Mindalae Indigenous Crafts Museum - a fitting and more convenient location (& mucho mas tranquilo!). Tropic and Sinchi Sacha are excited about creating a “Cultural Corner” - do drop by!

Estancia Huechahue, Argentina (www.huechahue.com)

“I wish we could have stayed longer. This was a new experience and I shall never forget herding the horses in the sunset in a cloud of galloping hooves and dust. Thank you for a wonderful time. ” H & JV, Warwickshire

Guillermina (see May newsletter) arrives full time in September to finish upgrading the accommodation as we take more and more non-riding guests.

Carrie Murphy is joining us to take charge of all non-riding activities such as walking, river trips, rest and relaxation. Carrie is 30, fluent in Spanish and English and speaks some French and Italian. She was born and brought up on an estancia in the Pampa and has been visiting Huechahue since she was small so knows the history and wildlife of the area well. Whilst she can ride she prefers to be off a horse!

We are running one extra estancia to estancia trip because the others have filled up and we have had lots of requests. 16th to 24th October 07 – space available.

Special New program - Across the Andes to Chile in a week, 9th to 16th February, 2008 - planned for 2 teachers who had to fit into half term week - but open to everyone. Please ask for the full program.

Our sauna is now finished.

“Wonderful time. Like visiting distant relatives. Perfect balance between making the guests feel casual and at home and great organization. Thank you all - both animals and humans!” S & K, NYC

Rainforest Expeditions, Peru (www.perunature.com)

“Absolutely wonderful! Quiet and serene, long winding trails, packed with wildlife of all kinds, researchers with great stories, excellent delicious food, comfortable beds, great rooms! Hiking not enough? Then go fishing for pirahna, swim in the Amazon, kayak in the Amazon, head to the canopy tower and bird/monkey/everything else watch!”

Sightings of tamandua anteaters are up to 10% at Refugio Amazonas.

Kayak, biking and canopy climbing programs have been a big hit at Refugio Amazonas. We have been having one or two a week throughout the high season and guests love it. The Children’s Rainforest Trail has also been very popular.

Family programs were recently featured in the Boston Globe (click here to read)

Manuel, who previously managed Konchukos Tambo, is now Refugio Amazonas’s manager. He replaces Ursula who guided with us for five years, afterwards managing TRC and then Refugio. She has just left for Ireland with her husband – we’ll all miss her!

Posada Amazonas has just published an ecotourism picture and colouring book for the Community of Infierno primary school. Produced with funding from the Inter American Foundation these help children become acquainted with the activities and natural resources guests visit during their stay with us. They are also sold at the gift shop.

Tambopata Research Centre in National Geographic Traveler - http://www.abbiekozolchyk.com/ARTICLES/nat_geo.pdf

Check out our website www.perunature.com for new images of all three Tambopata lodges.

“We spent 5 days at Refugio Amazonas the newest of the RFE lodges…3 hours up river from Puerto Maldonado. We loved the fact that our room was open to the jungle elements...a big picture window with no glass or screening. Our guide, Gilbert, was amazing...he would sense/hear something while walking through the jungle and bring our attention to the wildlife. Enjoyed the activities - walking through the jungle, piranha fishing, bird watching… An experience that we will remember for a long time!”

Casa Andina Private Collection - Suasi Island and Sacred Valley, Peru (www.casa-andina.com)

“Suasi - I loved it! It gave me just what I was looking for, I could easily spend a month there! It is the perfect place to disconnect from it all. I just couldn’t get enough of staring at the lake; it simply has magic powers come rain, sunshine or hale (and it did hale!). The stars, the moon, the smells of eucalyptus coming out of the Andean Sauna, the noise of the waves, it is a perfect place to reconnect with nature. I like the way the excursions are organised. People are free to join or opt out and take it easy. The staff was as always in Casa Andina, super friendly. Congratulations to CA for keeping the original charm of Marta’s house, they have done a great job on improving the facilities, keeping the style of the island intact and making a real effort to protect the environment.” Isabelle, JLA Jul 07

In May, 6 new wood burning heaters were installed in the first-floor rooms of Suasi to keep guests warm during the island nights. + Casa Andina recently purchased a new 16-passenger Zodiac MKV with a 60 HP outboard motor, to transport guests between Cambria & Suasi.

Regular fixed departures to Suasi continue on Wednesdays and Saturdays until December 1st 07 and restart at the beginning of March 08. From May 08 we additionally operate Sundays, coinciding with the arrival of the Cusco train. We’ll be closed in Feb 08 for remodeling.

Teddy Bouroncle is Casa Andina’s executive chef inspiring mouth watering dishes at all of Casa Andina’s Private Collection properties. See picture right with his team in Cusco - Teddy Bouroncle, Francisco Pua, Lujan Vigo, Angel Aroste Nolberto Espinoza

Since July, Casa Andina is equipped with 4x4 vehicles to transport guests to and from their hotels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Puno.

Available at TMLA in Cartagena, Casa Andina has recently released a new CD-ROM with up-to-date information on their 17 hotels.

Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Brazil (www.vidasolemar.com.br)

We’re having a very active whale watching season this year, with sailings nearly every day. This photo (right) comes from a series of beautiful images taken by Enrique on the 18th August.

We’re expecting a record year. Already by the end of July a helicopter flight for the Right Whale Project showed 56 whales between Torres & Imbituba, indicating that there will probably be more whales than last year (200!).

September 15th – 22nd the 3rd International Whale Watching meeting of operators will be held at our Pousada. Coincides with the National Festival of the Right Whale.

From 4 - 9 Oct 07 Vida Sol e Mar hosts the annual congress of Club Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde (UNESCO).

Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa, Chile (www.patagonia-connection.com)

We are working through our Patagonian winter on the final details of the construction of the new rooms. On the photo (right) you can see the new building.

The forthcoming season begins on October 13th & the new Double Superior Rooms will be ready with gorgeous bay views for all our guests.

We highly recommend our 5 night program PC4, allowing guests enough time to enjoy the facilities and excursions in Queulat National Park.

Coming soon - 3 new trails: La Cumbre, Los Cipreses and Laguna Los Pumas. All 3 trails require very good physical condition.
We will also operate an Eco Camp for children on Isla Grande, an island in front of the Lodge.

Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa will be at WTM this year & look forward to seeing you there!

Ecoventura, Galapagos Islands (www.ecoventura.com)

Our newly redesigned web site www.ecoventura.com is now live, featuring new images and design to compliment our award winning brochure.

The airport in San Cristobal is still closed for repairs and currently scheduled to reopen by the end of September (exact date unknown). All Ecoventura yachts operate from Baltra airport until the airport has reopened.

Passengers who have purchased the scuba diving package dive on Thursdays from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz (North Seymour) and on Saturdays from San Cristobal (Isla Lobos and Leon Dormido). The last dive ends at 12pm and therefore meets the requirement to wait 12 hours before flying.

Net promotional rates (starting from only $1,700 pp Iguana deck) are still available for all new FIT bookings the weeks of Sep 23-30, Sep 30-06 Oct, Oct 14-21, Oct 28-04 Nov 2007

Due to rescheduling, the week of SEP 9-16 is available on a charter basis (only) for 7 nights (or less) – rate is negotiable, please inquire.

Our latest photo images at http://www.cruise-galapagos.com

The Antarctic Dream (www.antarctic.cl)

Antarctic Shipping S.A. has been busy preparing for the upcoming season.

We are proud to announce the launch of our new website, with a user-friendly atmosphere and outstanding photos. www.antarctic.cl or www.antarcticdream.com. We also added a Toll Free Number for the US and Canada to improve our communication with you - the number is 1-877- AD TRIPS (238-7477).

The company recently participated in the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) 18th annual general meeting in Hobart, Australia. Antarctic Shipping is a full member of IAATO and complies with all environmental and safety measures. The meeting, June 25-29th, aimed to confront issues such as the growth of tourism, its management and the increased number of vessels and activities.

The musical group Nunatak performed live from the Rothera Research Station on July 7th, as part of the Live Earth concerts. The concerts, featuring an act on all seven of the world’s continents, were designed to raise awareness about climate change. The band had just 17 live audience members in the twilight as Antarctic temperatures in July drop to -15ºF!

We have 2008/09 departures dates and prices.

There is still plenty of availability for November and December. Please see below as a guideline and contact Maria Teresa (mtgeisse@antarctic.cl) for the very latest.

Availability 2007-08

T - twin beds (2)
Q - queen bed (1)
Cape Horn suites only have queen beds

Experience Patagonia, Argentina (www.experiencepatagonia.com)

We’re very much looking forward to our new season in Patagonia! Opening dates are:

• Los Notros www.losnotros.com September 13th
• Estancia Cristina www.estanciacristina.com September 21st
• Los Cerros www.loscerrosdelchalten.com October 8th

Introducing our valued Hotel Managers:
Los Notros - Guillermo Ferreira is from Cordoba, Argentina. He’s worked in tourism in Mexico, at Estancia Cristina, and in Estancia El Colibrí in Córdoba.

Estancia Cristina - Fabiana D’Ippolito is from Buenos Aires and has been working for Estancia Cristina since 2000, General Manager since 2005. She has lived in Calafate for 20 years, working as a tourist guide and travel agent before joining us.

Los Cerros - Eduardo Conalbi is from Mendoza, Argentina, and worked for over 17 years managing hotels: in Las Leñas, Mendoza, and in Ushuaia, Calafate, Salta, Mendoza and Bariloche. He has been Los Cerros’ manager with great success for 1 year now.

Hotel Manary Praia, Brazil (www.manary.com.br)

Eduardo’s exhibition of photographs at Galeria de Arte Cesar Revoredo in Natal in June proved a great success. Future possible venues include galleries in Sao Paulo and New York.

His powerful images of the Northeast are the fruit of 22 years of exploration in, and a profound love for, the region. They will form part of a book currently in progress.

All Manary’s rooms (see photo right) have been redecorated with new bedspreads, pillows and rugs. Eduardo’s beautiful framed black and white images form part of this new décor, and are for sale. In only a few weeks 20 copies have been sold, and are decorating restaurants, offices and houses in Italy, Peru, Argentina (& Bristol).

The Manary Praia Hotel: Charm – Romance – Cuisine - Professionalism and Friendliness!

Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil (www.picinguaba.com)

"Thank you so much for a wonderful stay, we have enjoyed every moment! You have created a magical place with a very special vibe + your staff are so friendly and welcoming. We have appreciated the magic of Brazil and relaxed into a state of perfect bliss. We will never forget our stay, it has been the perfect honeymoon. We leave for London knowing that we will return one day!" G & V, Aug 07.

The pousada hired Sergio Lepratti from Uruguay as an intern for 6 months during his studies in Paris at HEC, the French business school. Sergio helps taking care of guests (in Spanish, English and French), as well as giving a hand with bookings. His core mission is to work on Sustainable Development issues related to the pousada and Picinguaba - to compile a plan for minimising our environmental impact and educating the local community.

Vila Picinguaba in the press - we are delighted to be featured (14 pages) in the current August issue of AIR FRANCE’s inflight magazine.

August has been 85% full at the pousada but we have plenty of space in September.

Earlier this month we had a (very welcome) surprise visitor - A Right Whale and her calf entered the bay looking for calm, warm water. See photos right.

Since many people could not make it to the wedding in Portugal (last Saturday in Sintra) Emmanuel and Filipa will have a big party to celebrate again in Picinguaba, on the 1st of December. Please let us know if you can make it.

“Extraordinary: team, food, beaches, forests, caipirinhas, weather, music, sea, palmitos, breakfasts, and so much more, we will come back!! ” X & V, Aug 07

“Simply magical. Thank you.” L & R, UK, Jul 07

Awasi, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (www.awasi.cl)

“Personal attention remained constant throughout the whole sojourn and this by every single staff member we had to deal with. The ensuing result: we felt at home. One also has to mention the exceptional lodging architecture and comfort. Special appreciation has to be devoted to the chefs: their menus were properly balanced and sufficiently varied without betraying their Chilean roots. The extensive Chilean wine choice was a real revelation. Last but not least let us congratulate the different house guides devotion and quality who lead us throughout the countryside to reveal all of the altiplano’s splendor.” S & T, Belgium, April 07

In our quest to offer highly personalised service Awasi’s guests now have the option of arriving by private jet. Travel in a Hawker 400XP, a modern aircraft with a 6 passenger capacity offering the utmost comfort and personalised attention. The aircraft is equipped with the latest technology, with a flying time of just 1:50 hrs from Santiago to Calama. Pls consult for prices.

Awasi in the press - Since June we’re delighted to have been featured in, amongst others, the following publications in Europe and the US… Travel & Leisure en Español (June 07), Conde Nast Traveller (UK, Sept 07), Financial Times (UK, Aug 07), BMW Magazine (Jul 07), In-Lan (LAN’s Flight Magazine, Jun 07), In Flight newspaper of Iberia Airlines (Jul 07), Travel + Leisure (Turkey, Aug 07)

Plus coming up soon…
Town & Country Travel (US, Fall), Capitol File (US, Sept 07), Forbes (US, Oct 07), Swiss Airlines In flight magazine), Tatler (UK)

Email simon@senderos.co.uk for more information 
Telephone: +44 (0)117 9467 547

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