A warm welcome to Senderos' May 2007 newsletter.

Please let us know if you’d like a copy of our brochure and updated CD with details of all partners, current rates, photos and info in general.

Senderos Partners are:-
Awasi, Atacama Chile – Conde Nast + new locations planned
Tropic, Ecuador – Huaorani lodge to open officially July 07
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil – new website (& soon a wedding!)
Estancia Huechahue, Argentina – new hostess and photos
Rainforest Expeditions, Peru – TRC Areas Project and Fair Travel
Casa Andina Private Collection, Suasi and Sacred Valley, Peru – new resident guide
Pousada Vida Sol e Mar, Brazil – new season approaches
Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa, Chile – All bay view rooms, Blue Whales
Ecoventura, Galapagos – San Cristobal, Aerogal & WWF
The Antarctic Dream – extra departures & latest availability
Hotel Manary Praia, Natal, Brazil – new website
Experience Patagonia, Argentina – Christabelle Dilks visits
Quincho Country Home, Chile – a fabulous first season

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

“Stayed here for three nights and loved every minute of it. The rooms are beautifully decorated and have their own patios. Completely private, great atmosphere and beautiful dining and bar area. The staff are very friendly and offer all kinds of excursions but if you want to do nothing it’s a great place to do that too.” London May 07

In San Pedro de Atacama, Awasi with only 8 stunning suites is a spectacular new addition (open Nov 06). Please let Simon know if you require high res images.

Conde Nast Traveller, May 2007 – Awasi honoured as one of the Worlds Top New 138 Hotels

Awasi featured last Friday on the Today Show on NBC. The editor from Travel and Leisure was interviewed and featured AWASI as one of the “IT” hotels of the world. http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/the-it-list-june-2007/?page=4

Other press highlights for May include the in-flight magazine for Tam (Brazil) Airlines, and the fashion magazine Telva (Spain).

Awasi has recently been awarded http://www.stardiamondaward.com

We are opening new excursion routes, amongst which are Catarpe and Talabre.

General Manager Matías de Cristóbal is currently travelling around South America researching sites for more exciting Awasi projects.

“When you go to San Pedro stay at Awasi. We loved every minute of it. Our room was private, tranquil and perfect in every way. The food service was way beyond our expectations. The chef is up to date, inventive and really competent. A nice selection of Chilean wines is perfect for each meal…the perfect thing after a day in the desert. I could go on and on about the food and the table settings, the gracious dining room, the hip music at the right volume, the shawls at each table in the evening for your warming comfort and the many fire places to relax in front of after the meal. It is all just right. The most essential thing amongst all of the nice things about Awasi is that you have a guide and your guide takes you on private excursions to some amazing places that you would be hard pressed to find on your own.“ N, New York, April 07

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

“Isabela was fantastic and so were Tropic!” Laura, Journey Latin America, April 07

In Ecuador, Tropic – Journeys in Nature (www.tropiceco.com) is a leading light in Eco and Community tourism. Senderos works to promote walking tours on Isabela Island (Galapagos), and the Huaorani Indigenous Ecolodge (summer 07), where the discerning and socially aware traveller interacts with this fascinating culture.

Temporary website for the Huaroani Ecolodge now online - CLICK HERE

Latest news at the lodge - the hammock house is almost ready, we have chairs and tables already there and this week beds. Our bio-filter for dirty water is ready. The official opening to be in July 07 - fam and press trips to follow.

We were delighted that in April two members of staff at Journey Latin America visited Isabela Island in the Galapagos with us. We saw the island’s highlights, and participated in a very positive town hall meeting with the locals in Puerto Villamil. Tropic strongly promotes best practice, and supports the Isabela Tourism Association. Together we are all working towards a responsible, sensitive, sustainable program for the Galapagos. More info at http://www.tropiceco.com/journeys/galapagos/isabela-galapagos-tour.html

Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil (www.picinguaba.com)

“We wanted to be sure to write and say again how much we absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed our PERFECT stay with you in Picinguaba. What a wonderful treat to have landed there in your attentive care; we really appreciated all the many many memorable details you’ve put in place there to make the experience such a fine one ---especially the passion, alegria, care and skill you give to your delicious food and wine. And what a pleasure getting to know you, of course - and the rest of your lovely staff! Thank you for offering us such a warm welcome, and for presenting Brazilian culture and nature with such rare intelligence and sparkle. I know we’ll be seeing you again soon, as soon as we can!” California, G & B, April 07

Picinguaba has a new website –www.picinguaba.com

We’re delighted to announce (August) the marriage of Emmanuel and Filipa. The couple are very happy and working together on lots of exciting projects (in addition to the wedding!).

We have hired someone for 6 months for the 2nd half of 07 to work exclusively on Sustainable Development issues related to the pousada and Picinguaba.

Agencies: - please copy both Emmanuel and Priscila for bookings, one of us should answer within 24 hours. Priscila@picinguaba.com& Emmanuel@picinguaba.com

“Thank you for a lovely stay at Picinguaba. I knew that we would find Picinguaba lovely but it was much better than I even expected. And thank you to all the staff at the pousada for a very friendly welcome, not to forget the delicious food. I look forward to working with you more and sending many more of our discerning clients.” MC, Cox & Kings UK, May 07

Estancia Huechahue, Argentina (www.huechahue.com)

“Jane and everyone at Huechahue - thank you so, so much for a truly wonderful stay. This place is such a find - thank you for making me feel so totally “at home”, for the tireless and incredible attention to detail, for the fabulous rides and for the excellent food and wine. I would love to come back - you have something very special.” JH, London

We closed for the winter with a final afternoon of “gaucho games”. A program which has developed itself over the summer through the enthusiasm of both guests and gauchos. Games on horseback for all levels and ages - from riding steers to egg and spoon - afternoons of fun, friendship and hot competition followed by an asado, guitars and dancing the chamame under the stars.

Next season we welcome Guillermina Ruibal who will be hostessing the house. Guille was brought up on an estancia in the north of the province, studied hotel management and runs a restaurant on the ski slopes in the winter. She was with us for the last 2 weeks of the season and rapidly took control of everything domestic leaving Jane free to guide the guests on horseback and on foot.

A photographer’s visit has resulted in great new photos - coming very soon.

“Estancia Huechahue was a definite highlight of our seven week trip in Argentina. Jane Williams, owner and manager of Estancia Huechahue was fun, gracious and professional. We felt as if we were family guests. We were particularly lucky to be there when her two sons were there and they were as gracious and welcoming as Jane. The riding on this 15,000 acre ranch is superb with amazing scenery and wonderful horses. Although my husband and I are novices we felt totally comfortable with the horses and the wranglers. This Estancia is totally self sufficient. Every fruit was grown and preserved on the ranch; the venison was hunted on the ranch; the beef was raised on the estancia; the eggs, vegetables etc were all from the ranch. Needless to say, the food was excellent including the wonderful lunch that was left by a riverside for us on our ride. The accommodations were charming and we would not return to Argentina without including a visit to this estancia in our itinerary.” NV, New Hampshire

Rainforest Expeditions, Peru (www.perunature.com)

“Our family had a fantastic trip – one we will remember for a very long time! We can not say enough about the quality of Refugio Amazonas – it is truly beautiful. We loved the accommodations, all the food was excellent…fresh, flavourful and beautifully presented every meal. We can’t say enough about the staff working at the Refugio, extremely professional, helpful, friendly and courteous. There was a consistent feeling that the staff was proud of the Refugio and happy to be working with Rainforest Expeditions.” HS, Canada, Jan 07

Rainforest Expeditions (est. 1989) operates three award winning Amazon lodges: Posada Amazonas (30 rooms), Refugio Amazonas (24 rooms), and Tambopata Research Center (18 rooms). In 2006, Rainforest Expeditions expanded to the Andes with Konchukos Tambo, an excellent base for the renowned treks of Huascaran National Park and the Cordillera Blanca.

In the Areas Project at the Tambopata Research Centre, scientists are studying jaguar (trying to capture one for radio telemetry) and studying fruit tree phenology to identify food availability for macaws and peccaries. What do these three species have in common? They have the largest territories in the Amazon so we’re studying what size territories these species need and what size populations they have to be to establish protected areas or corridors that are large enough for their conservation.

See the following link for an excellent video on the Callejón de Conchucos by Peruvian cinematographer Humberto Saco - www.humbertosaco.blogspot.com

APTAE (www.aptae.org) is launching Fair Travel (www.fair-travel.net) representation in Peru. Operators pledge 1 Euro per traveller and funds go to a Fair Travel project south of Cusco. The project is a reforestation effort with native species in the lands of communities in the Cerro Pachatusan near Oropesa, state of Cusco.

“Gerson, is one of the best birders I have ever seen anywhere. He found amazing birds for us, and knew everything by sight and ear. We also saw peccaries, capybaras and jaguar tracks plus great spiders and frogs. Gerson has a wonderful way with people and endless enthusiasm and energy, as well as a great sense of humor. We wanted you to know how much we enjoyed our time in the rainforest, and we will recommend your company to all our friends. Gerson is a wonderful asset to your company!” J & DC, California, April 07

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

“To visit Suasi Island is a dream for us, we hope we can come back. Congratulations for this beautiful place!” DJ & ME, Belgium/Peru

“Wonderful location, perfectly appointed. Enjoyed the sauna and hammocks very much and the service was exceptional. Thank you for a very relaxing stay.” Chicago

Suasi Island has a new resident guide, Óscar Tramontana. Oscar speaks excellent English, is an author and journalist. He devotes his time to myriad activities such as environmental interpretation walks, canoe excursions, visits to Martha’s museum and library, observation and explanation of the stars and constellations, adventures to the more inaccessible parts of the island, and talks on the altiplano. When he has a spare moment he can be found working on his latest novel.

Regular fixed departures to Suasi on Wednesdays and Saturdays – by speedboat, return by land. Single travellers save approx 50% on the package, and 2 passengers about 30%. Fixed deps run until December 1st 07 and restart at the beginning of March 08. In August there will be an extra fixed departure on Sundays.

Suasi will be closed in Feb 08 for remodeling.

Private Collection Sacred Valley – Exciting new programs for canoeing the Urubamba!

Access to the hotel from the main Valley road has been much improved by the local authorities, allowing a more comfortable arrival!

Other Private Collection news…
2008 rates for all Casa Andina hotels are now available.
360 degree virtual photo tours are available now on the Casa Andina website.
Enlargement of the Casa Andina Private Collection Puno - 14 additional rooms will be built by June 15, bringing the total number of rooms to 46.
Enlargement of the Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco - 30 additional rooms will be built by November, bringing the total number of rooms to 100.

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

We have had a successful summer here at Praia do Rosa and are now eagerly awaiting the return of the Right Whales, sometime between late June and mid July…we’ll be sure to let you know when they arrive. Last season was the best since we started in 1998 so we have great hopes for 2007.

In September from the 15th – 22nd the 3rd International Whale Watching meeting of operators will be held at our Pousada, aiming to create a stamp as a symbol of quality and preservation, with certified services. 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).

A big thank you as always to all the agencies in Brazil and abroad that support and sell us.

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

“We are very impressed with Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa. The service was excellent. Travel was on a top quality Catamaran with a very qualified staff. All the members of the staff incl the Captain were dedicated to delivering the best service. We were very pleased with the Lodge and Spa, where we spent two evenings. The rooms, service and food were excellent …highly recommended.” BC, Miami, March 07

Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa staff want to thank all Tour Operators for their confidence and support. We end our season with very good results, noting in particular that the UK market has a strong preference for our longer programs (PC1 and PC4).

For the forthcoming season that begins on October 1st we have the new Double Superior Rooms ready. Bay views for all our guests!!

For this season we are promoting 2 excursions that must not be missed!

Blue Whale Watching (see photo) - A special highlight in the 07/08 season. Every Sunday Jan 20th to Feb 17th our luxury catamaran departs from the lodge at 8.30 am to watch rare blue whales, recently discovered on our Patagonian coast. After two hours we reach the majestic marine mammals and have time to observe and listen to their beautiful singing, before returning to the lodge. High probability of encountering Whales, but always weather dependent. Rate US$ 170 pp.

For self drives, we confirm that our full day excursion to San Rafael Lagoon is back, aboard our luxury catamaran Patagonia Express. The route south to the monumental glacier (photo) is a sheer delight to the senses: transparent waters, the majesty of the Andes wrapped in lush forests, interwoven light, and sometimes encounters with playful dolphins. Deps from Puerto Chacabuco on Fridays in Jan / Feb 08. Contact us to confirm dates. Rate US$ 299 pp incl full board and open bar.

“Puyuhuapi was a slice of heaven. I felt like royalty. They had natural hot springs that left my skin soft and glowing- the service was incredible! The food was AMAZING and Daniel the guide was very knowledgeable and funny. When we arrived everyone greeted us and the mist rolling over the water was so beautiful and calming. The scenery is breathtaking. I highly recommend Puyuhuapi to everyone, esp couples looking for a romantic getaway and the desire to lose yourself in a place of such overwhelming beauty.”

Ecoventura, Galapagos Islands (www.ecoventura.com)

“The Eric was wonderful and the crew and naturalist guides were second to none. Their knowledge of the Islands was excellent and we had some wonderful moments - close encounters with sea lions, sharks, iguanas, birds of all descriptions, penguins and many more. There were other children on the boat so our grandchildren had some younger company and they all got on really well together. The crew and guides made them all feel very welcome.” Family B, UK, April 07

“Just a note to say how much my wife and I enjoyed our holiday in the Galapagos.
We stayed aboard the Flamingo, excellently captained by Victor, supported by two very knowledgeable naturalists Orlando and John. The whole crew of 11, including the captain were really hospitable and made up an excellent team. Our party of 20, all of whom got on very well together, consisted of 12 from the UK, 5 from USA and 3 from Canada. The wildlife was also so special with our favourites being the Blue Footed Boobies, especially when they danced.” MC, UK, May 07

San Cristobal airport is closed for repairs, scheduled to reopen on June 30th. Meanwhile our yachts operate from Baltra. Please note itinerary has changed and is subject to future changes until the airport reopens. Also, flights depart two hours earlier than our regular schedule so its very important to inform your clients, and that we have your ground operator and hotel contact information so that we may coordinate any further changes. Check in for flights 1 ½ hours prior to departure.

Aerogal has increased rates for flights to Galapagos by US$12 pp.

The Eric has a new propeller shaft and is visiting the western islands. The Flamingo has a new generator and is scheduled for dry dock end of August.

Ecoventura passengers can help protect the islands’ natural wonders through donations to a new Galapagos fund administered by the World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org). A local representative from WWF meets with passengers and offers a briefing. Through education and marine conservation, GMBF puts funds to work on the ground, addressing critical issues, and reversing ecological damage. Your client’s efforts, along with others, help ensure that this global treasure remains prosperous and thriving with life.

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

The Antarctic Dream (www.antarctic.cl)

“Have just returned from Antarctica on ANTARCTIC DREAM - and it was fabulous beyond my wildest dreams. My experience was nothing but pure travel comfort and joy. EVERYTHING was in pristine condition. The food was 4-5 star hotel level and wine served with all meals. Hotel staff spoke English. Tour leaders, lecturers etc totally involved with all of us - sharing time, meals, expertise, friendship at every opportunity. The lectures were delivered with passion for the topic - and movie channels ran a wonderful selection of appropriate Antarctica wildlife and history movies. Logistics of getting us on and off the Zodiacs for landings was handled speedily, safely and professionally. Ashore - We were given a good balance of leadership/controlled activities and/or choice of exploring (within safety limits) individually. I can discern great value for money, and believe I hit the jackpot in taking my first Antarctic trip on the Antarctic Dream. ....and fully intend going again with them next year.”

It is our pleasure to announce that Antarctic Shipping has added two Antarctic Expeditions to our 2007-08 calendar to provide more flexibility for your upcoming travels. Antarctica is an unforgettable destination and you’ll enjoy the trip of a lifetime to the end of the world aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream. Please don’t hesitate to contact us through Simon, or directly with questions and reservations by phone (56-2) 481 6910 or by visiting our website www.antarcticdream.com

We now have 2008/09 departures dates and prices.

See the Antarctic Dream on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biVHGrP2KWA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeEWtkET9i8

Availability as of 24/5/07. Please use only as a guideline and contact Maria Teresa (mtgeisse@antarctic.cl) for the very latest and for holding options.

Availability 2007-08

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

Experience Patagonia, Argentina (www.experiencepatagonia.com)

Experience Patagonia is a style of travelling that combines luxury, comfort, fine cuisine and all inclusive programs. Professional staff, personalised attention and the best outdoor activities ensure a superb experience of the stunning Los Glaciares National Park - 700,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, glaciers and forests.
Featuring Hosteria Los Notros, Hotel Los Cerros & Estancia Cristina (photo).

“Just a short note with a big thank you for a truly marvellous trip in the safe hands of Experience Patagonia! I so enjoyed my stay at Los Notros, and Los Cerros, with a fabulous hike to Laguna de los Tres and perfect views of Fitz Roy, with Laura from the excellent Fitz Roy Expediciones. And - best of all - Estancia Cristina - which has to be one of the best places on earth for escaping civilisation in peace and luxury. We had a marvellous guide in Francisco Bosso, who gave us a fantastic day, hiking from that spectacular viewpoint over Upsala Glacier down through the Canyon de los Fosiles, and then even endured our company over dinner! He is a credit to the company - hope you can hang on to him for many seasons to come. Overall, it was a great trip….I shall be writing glowing reviews. With warmest best wishes, and thanks to all the staff who made us so welcome.” Christabelle Dilks, April 07

Quincho Country Home, Chile (www.quinchocountryhome.cl)

“Silja and Cecilia, thank you so much for your hospitality. You have made a little piece of “Lake District Perfection” here. I can’t think of any other place where you can sit by an open fire and look across the lake at Volcán Osorno – probably the best view in the region. Add to that the immaculate and comfortable accommodation, the great food and the warmest hospitality. A wonderful place to stay!” AC, March 07

We have had a fabulous first season with a lot of clients from the US and UK, as well as other countries in Europe. Thank you to all of you for your support.

A few small changes for next season 07/08:-
• All activities will be private (one vehicle per reservation) except Rafting, and Full Day Peulla
• Oscar Rodriguez will be the new director of the hotel, while Cecilia continues as host. Silja continues as General Manager. In October Claudio Ubeda joins the team again as chef.
• We close in June and July. Reservations on special request only.

“Magnificent!!!! The facilities, tours, guides, available information, and the quality of furnishings and food deserve to earn success. Will you please accept our sincere gratitude for a marvellous stay!” EB, Wales, January 07

“What a wonderful surprise it was to arrive here with the fire lit, the stunning views and the luxurious bedrooms. We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and we wish it had been longer.” FJ & AB, London, February 07

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

“Eduardo, I just wanted to write to say thank you very much for the exceptional dinner we had with you and Rafaela at Manary Praia, the food was delicious and my mother and I are both still reminiscing about the chocolate pudding!! That was amazing! It was lovely to see the hotel, it’s in such a great location and the attention to detail is excellent. The hotel has a very friendly, relaxing feel and it is definitely somewhere our clients would love, so now I’m back in the UK I will be focusing all my efforts on selling Brazil!” CH, Tim Best Travel, April 07

We invite you to browse our new website - www.manary.com.br

Ponta Negra beach recently promoted on London’s Tube (see photo right)!

The black and white photograph (right) belongs to the book Eduardo is currently preparing on the Northeast, revealing its beauty, hidden secrets and culture. These and others will be in an exhibition in June at Natal’s finest art gallery (Cesar Revoredo). Two other exhibitions are expected in São Paulo next year, and the beautiful framed images are also making an appearance in Manary’s rooms.

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

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

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