Rural Community-based Tourism Latin American Catalogue Experience Latin America alongside organized rural communities
investigació i comunicació per al desenvolupament © Alba Sud, 2015 © Alba Sud Editorial [email protected] www.albasud.org First Edition: Barcelona, September 2015 Arrangement: Ernest Cañada (Alba Sud) English Translation: Noelia Acosta Photos included as part of the description of each tour- Legend operator are owned by each operator respectively, with the »» Itinerary Description Icons exception of Alba Sud’s photographs, which are indicated correspondingly. ISBN: 978-84-608-1857-1 Landscapes Cover Design and Layout: José Montalvá | Estudio Ja This publication is part of the “Community-Based Tourism Capacity Building” project managed by Alba Trekking / Physical Activity Sud with the support of the Barcelona Provincial Council 2014 Convocation of Technical Assistance in the Field of Development Cooperation. Water Activities Legal Disclaimer: Any travel agency, tour company or individual interested in any of the travel proposals contained in this Rural Community-Based Tourism Catalog for Latin America should directly contact the tour operators who are providing the offer. Alba Sud is a nonprofit entity Art / Culture and therefore does not act as a trading intermediary; any operation of this nature must be made directly with the tour operator concerned. Alba Sud also assumes no liability for »» Symbol Meanings the business dealings of third parties with any tour operator B = Breakfast / L = Lunch/ P = Picnic-Style Lunch / D = Dinner / R = Refreshment present in this catalog.
With the support of
investigación y comunicación para el desarrollo Introduction »» Ernest Cañada | Alba Sud Coordinator [email protected] A Catalog for Experiencing Latin America alongside Organized Rural Communities
Rural community-based tourism is a reality on the rise in Latin America. More and more rural communities have been organizing to offer visitors the opportunity to get to know their landscapes and natural resources, their different cultural expressions, forms of organization and traditional productive activities related to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, craft production or management of forests. Cooperatives, peasant families, communities of indigenous peoples, women’s groups and all kinds of community organizations have collectively organized to complement and diversify their revenue by offering new tourist activities. Through these forms of organization, communities are ultimately responsible of deciding, in a sovereign way, how tourism is organized in their territories.
Thanks to rural community-based tourism, visitors can learn about the realities of the places visited through the eyes of the locals. The journey thus becomes a chance to share experiences with people who do not live exclusively off tourism or for tourism. This allows each proposal to be unique and special, and so much richer in experiences and learning. Especially, because rural community-based tourism is an opportunity to reassess the culture of rural communities and get closer to their wisdom built over many years. What better way to get to know a place than being guided by those who experience it daily!
Rural community-based tourism in Latin America is very diverse, as are its communities. That is why each country’s offering can seem very different. There will be places where you can learn about the processes of preparation of coffee or cocoa, and others where you will discover unique natural environments (lakes, volcanoes, deserts, ...). You can discover the traditions and culture of indigenous peoples, or share time with peasant families. Regardless, every place is unique and particular.
Latin American Catalogue | 3 Accommodation infrastructures in this type of offer have been adapted so that visitors can have the greatest possible comfort and safety, without disconnecting from the rural environment where they are located. In some places, you can stay at community-managed lodgings; in others, family homes are adapted to receive the visitor. Nonetheless, accommodation providers always strive to offer the client a comfortable, pleasant and safe stay, while still living in simplicity.
In this catalog, we have compiled offerings from different tour operators distributed amongst fifteen Latin American countries. Some of these tour operators are born directly from the coordination of community initiatives through networks or associations, others are companies committed to rural community-based tourism and to improving the living conditions of rural communities. These tour operators can arrange travel to the extent requested by the client, taking care to ensure you have everything you need for your trip in each country. Hence, this catalog is only a sample of the different proposals and activities that each operator can offer, organized through different programs.
Some of these itineraries also include more traditional activities and resources that are not community-based, but that the visitor will surely want to get to know as well. In such cases, operators seek local family-owned accommodations with socially and environmentally conscious practices. The tour-operators included in the catalog can provide you with a complete service throughout the country visited.
We have also included all contact details for each operator. If you are interested in learning more about a program or want to request a modified schedule, you may contact the tour operators directly and they will help you set up the best deal. Prices should also be consulted directly with each tour operator.
By publishing this catalogue, we wish to show the world the richness and quality of rural community-based tourism offers in Latin America, while also promoting the commercialization of a tourism offer that is growing in demand: one where rural communities have full ownership and control, not just over their resources and territories, but over their location’s tourist offer as well. Tourism organized by the community for the benefit of its people. Tourism that will make your tourist experience much more rich, interesting and meaningful.
Experience Latin America alongside organized rural communities!
4 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Introduction Suggestions for Travelers and Rural Community-Based Tourism Marketers
»» Ramiro Ragno | Territorial Technitian. Family Agriculture Secretariat Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Nation. Salta Delegation. Republic of Argentina
Rural community-based tourism is an associative management But for rural community-based tourism to be a friendly meeting method lead by peasant and indigenous communities who of cultures and a real construction tool, we must also be aware decide to consciously open up their territories to provide of its potential negative impacts. Therefore, we have taken tourism services. Tourism offerings are as varied as are the the liberty to put together some recommendations for those customs of each region of each country in this great American traveling to communities and for private companies that seek to continent. Some communities provide experiences focused market these community proposals: on their cultural expressions, while others are more oriented »» Organizing and confirming the trip in advance allows towards the enjoyment of nature or adventure, but all have a communities to better organize. Each reservation is an act of transversal axis: the service provider is always the community trade confirmation between the traveler and the communities itself, through its own entrepreneurs, heirs to their land and their but, in turn, it is also an act of mutual recognition, a moment ancestral cultures. of joy for every actor in this chain of promotion. »» Learn about the community that you are visiting; learn Thus, when an experienced tourist or a conscious citizen of their customs, their services, as well as their needs, thus the world chooses to participate in rural community-based foreseeing a respectful coexistence during the trip. More tourism, he or she becomes a slow-walking traveler, an ally of informed travelers reduce unwanted and unexpected self-determination and the good livelihoods of communities, a surprises and ensure a better living experience both for responsible and sustainable consumer, a friend of the Earth and travelers and villagers. its people, a link that drives a more inclusive chain. So much »» Find out if the community has its own set of tips and meaning is attached to just one trip. recommendations drafted by way of an ethical code
Latin American Catalogue | 5 of conduct. In any case, it is requested in their territories allow; preserve their culture to read carefully and respectfully accept and heritage as part of their identity, beyond every recommendation that the community its tourism appeal; generate equity within their establishes. The aim of this is to ensure a positive communities; maintain a transparent relationship and respectful experience for all. with its trading partners; and, respect the fair »» Some general guidelines that most communities price. recommend include: respecting the indications and the authority of the community leader; moving Behind the many community experiences that we can only by authorized paths; leaving no trace in the now visualize, there are invisible actors who have put archaeological sites or in ceremonies; consulting in their effort and resources to improve the conditions before taking pictures; wearing permitted of these communities. We would like to express clothing; avoiding drug use during the stay; not our gratitude to the following facilitators of these taking stones or plants as souvenirs or feeding wild processes: federal, local and national governments’ animals; respecting the community’s silence and favorable public policies, NGOs, universities, schedule; accepting the established prices; and, international donors, solidary private companies and throwing waste in the appropriate waste even independent citizens. baskets. Thank you for doing so! »» We ask travel agencies that decide to market rural Let’s promote a tourism that is respectful, informed, community-based tourism to please: respect conscious, planned, and friendly. Let’s practice a the community’s established communication responsible economy that generates opportunities channels by avoiding individual communication without having to depend on large corporations. Let’s with entrepreneurs; respect the agreed travel without contaminating. Let’s experience the upon prices and fees that promote fair and many worlds possible in this one same world. responsible trade; be patient toward community schedules; ensure that travelers are informed to Thank you for choosing rural community-based prevent avoidable awkward moments; generate a tourism, where each experience will definitely be trading equity with communities by avoiding any different. In each meeting, there will be something attempt at ranking; avoid any negative impacts lovely that changes in you and in them, in all of us. that tourism may have on communities; encourage solidarity investments in favor of the community collective; and, promote transparent and sustainable relationships between the parties. »» Meanwhile, communities commit to: provide the services agreed upon with the highest quality possible; respond as quickly as the conditions
6 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Introduction
Travel Agencies Recommend Rural Community-Based Tourism
»» Felipe Zalamea | Manager, Sumak Sustainable Travel. London. »» Alexandre Poirier | Director, Culture Contact. www.sumak-travel.org Gignac, France. www.culturecontact.org More and more, travelers are becoming interested in having authentic contact with the culture and nature of the countries they visit. In addition to the main attractions, they are looking for For ten years, Culture Contact has allowed Francophone destinations and activities that allow them to live more personalized, high quality, unique travelers to immerse themselves within South American experiences. Community-based tourism is one of the best answers to this growing demand. communities. From the Caribbean to Cape Horn, our In Latin America, local communities are creating programs that are not only authentic, but limited group size of six people allows for true encounters also contribute to preserving ancient cultures, their traditions and the environment. In many with the local population, while it also minimizes cases, community-based tourism is also an effective strategy to mitigate and adapt to climate imbalances usually generated by the tourism industry. change, and a mechanism used in defending lands and ecosystems. It is the equivalent of ‘the Pure bliss for travelers on the one hand, who are looking good life’ in the world of tourism: the good trip. for a real exchange with the locals (without putting aside the architectural treasures of the visited territories), and Sumak Travel, based in London, operates in 12 countries in Latin America and has customers for communities on the other hand, who benefit from the worldwide. We work directly with community operators under a model of social enterprise proceeds from this activity..., as it is their own project. and fair trade. Although we specialize in community tourism, our programs also include conventional destinations and attractions, offering our travelers the ability to choose the balance that suits them, and ensuring that all suppliers adhere to our policy of responsible tourism. After several years in the market, we are convinced that the potential of community- based tourism is huge. With the right tools, it can continue to grow exponentially, increasing the offer for travelers and ensuring a better future for thousands of communities. For these reasons, we are delighted to be part of the first Latin American Rural Community-Based Tourism Catalog.
Latin American Catalogue | 7 Traveling can be described as seeing, contemplating and enjoying ..., but it can also be, in addition, experiencing, participating, learning, sharing and respecting.
»» Susana Conde | Director, Agrotravel Turismo »» Pere Isern | Director, Èxode Viatges. »» Mark Willuhn | Executive Director. Alianza Responsable. Vitoria-Gasteiz. Barcelona. www.exode.es Mesoamericana de Ecoturismo. Boulder, www.turismoresponsable.es Colorado, USA. www.exploremesoamerica.com For Agrotravel Turismo Responsable, Community- Traveling can be described as seeing, Based Tourism is an excellent opportunity to travel contemplating and enjoying ..., but it can also be, Our overarching mission is using sustainable while also generating fair and equitable economic in addition, experiencing, participating, learning, tourism as a long-term conservation strategy. As development in local communities. sharing and respecting. These are the ingredients the complexities have become better understood, involved in rural community-based tourism; a type we’ve expanded our work toward creating We strive to work with as many projects as possible, of tourism which creates, plans, develops and healthy & resilient communities. The key word is offering our travelers authentic initiatives that implements all activities for the benefit of its own “communities”. We realized that without engaging are not only developed and managed by local territory. It involves real people that are unrelated and improving livelihoods of local community communities, but that also directly benefit and to and uninterested in the circles of great economic members, most if not all long-term conservation support their socio-economic development and interest. strategies would fail. From a visitor’s perspective, promote their empowerment, as well as that of probably the most import factor is a welcoming other groups that risk exclusion, such as women, Travelers, with their presence, can cooperate and community. A welcoming community is created youth, people with disabilities .... participate in this sense, while also experiencing a by sharing the benefits of tourism to as many close-up and completely original natural approach community members as possible, and ensuring to travel. For these reasons, Èxode bets on rural those community members that are not interested community-based tourism for a fair and balanced in tourism that their lives are not disrupted. tourist experience.
Bet on it too! Have a great journey!
8 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM »» Saskia Griep | Founder and Manager of Better »» Stefanie Lange | Tour Operator, Napur tours »» Émilie Couillard | Peru Country Leader. New Places. Leiden, Holland. GmbH . Kevelaer, Germany. York, USA. www.betterplaces.nl www.napurtours.de www.visit.org
Community Based Tourism (CBT) is a way to let Feel at home in the country you visit and experience Community Based Tourism(CBT) is a branch of local people benefit from tourism in their area. In personal contacts and interactions with the local sustainable tourism in which either part or the this way local people do not only receive the charges communities. Community-based rural tourism is entirety of a community works together to develop (crowds, pollution, use of facilities like water and an experience all participants can benefit from. and provide a tourism product. The economic electricity) but also the benefits (employment You meet people up close and get to know their impact from the tourism product benefits all the and development). Small-scale accommodations culture and way of living. Often you can also take members of said community. Community based and restaurants give you the opportunity to get to part in their daily lives if you want. As you learn tourism represents an incredible opportunity to both know local life. To really meet the local people and from them they learn from you as well. What you gain insights of a local culture and develop human understand more about each other’s world. And pay for your trip can influence directly the people relationships. The activities and services managed isn’t this precisely the reason why you make that you meet. It is often invested in projects that offer by the community itself are focused on things long journey in the first place? It is certainly the kind jobs or in educational programs for the kids so the that people from the community are specialized of travel that makes us happy. community can prosper. Community-based rural in that specifically highlight their traditions and “Better places for people to live in, and better tourism is firsthand experience in a welcoming culture. These can range from cooking classes to places to visit” environment at eye level. We only have this one hiking. One of the great things about CBT is that world. Let’s interact and enjoy each other’s this type of touristic activity provides an alternative company! to the classical touristic products and is more widely available in the world. Since CBT is virtually untapped, one of the missions of visit.org is to popularize this type of tourism.
Latin American Catalogue | 9 Browse the catalog from the index, click on the country you want to visit and access the section directly
index –12– Argentina, with Origins –26– Chile, with Travolution –36– Uruguay, with Retos al Sur –44– Bolivia, with TUSOCO –54– Peru, with Pachamama - Turismo Alternativo –66– Peru, with Coclatours –72– Ecuador, with Runa Tupari –82– Brazil, with Red Tucum y Estaçao Gabiraba
10 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Browse the catalog from the index, click on the country you want to visit and access the section directly
–90– Panama, with Panama al Natural –104– Costa Rica, with ACTUAR
–116– Nicaragua, with Matagalpa Tours –128– El Salvador, with TouRuralES –140– Honduras, with Reservaciones La Ceiba –150– Guatemala, with Viva Atitlán –160– Mexico, with TOTONAL –172– Puerto Rico, with Jurutungo
Latin American Catalogue | 11 Argentina Argentina Argentina Travel with Origins
Origins is a travel and tourism company authorized by Argentina’s Ministry of Tourism. Since its inception in 2011, we’ve had the goals of working communally with the Contact information locals, who are the best hosts at welcoming visitors, while also respecting the principles of fair trade. We envision Origins – Tourism and Travel Company travelers discovering and enjoying the beauties of our Docket No. 14858 country, while also exploring the tremendous knowledge Address: Pasaje Zorrilla 171 – A4400AVC Salta, and ways of adapting to the natural environment employed Argentina by the people who populate these hidden and varied nooks, Phone: (54) 431 38 91 from Argentina’s north to south. Due to our commitment Mobile: (54) (9) 387 4 130 545 / 128 811 to the practice of responsible tourism, we have signed the Email: [email protected] first Code of Ethics in Mutual Cooperation between rural Website: http://www.originsargentina.com/ community-based tourism ventures and travel agencies. Facebook: Origins Argentina Travels
»»Get to know an Argentina »»Experience the life »»Ride, walk or take »»Accompany an Community-Based as diverse in its landscapes of the Argentine a boat ride with endogenous local as it is different in its gaucho, spend people who live in development that Tourism Highlights people, from the Andean time with the rural their homeland really benefits local and colorful north to the people and learn and fight for its people. in Argentina green jungle of the Coast, from the ancient preservation. and across the Patagonian cultures of native vastness with its Mapuche populations. culture. Latin American Catalogue | 13 “The more moderate spring and early fall are ideal”
Recommendations and Observations The north can be visited all year long; but one must take into account that winters are dry and sunny, while summer rains can become intense. It is recommended to avoid visiting the Patagonia during the winter time, unless one is interested in participating in snow activities. If one wants to When to visit several regions, the more moderate spring and early fall are ideal. travel to Observation The Rural Community-Based Tourism programs are described for information purposes and may vary depending on time of year and Argentina? the host family. Host family assignments are determined by the rural community-based tourism organization’s system of internal rotation and not by the travel agency.
Services included Nights in lodges indicated or similar ones; daily breakfast; transfers from / to the airport (or bus terminal) and all transfers as indicated in the program (private or bus line); lunch, picnic and dinner as indicated in Program activities; activities and encounters as indicated in the program; local guide; participation in a common fund for community-based tourism stays, + 1% to a fund established by the Origins agency to support and / or carry out socio-environmental activities that benefit the community.
Services not included Services not mentioned, food not mentioned, drinks, optional activities, tips, etc.
14 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Buenos Aires Program 1 Discover the Other Side of Argentina’s Capital City argentina
Itinerary: 1 day Day 1: Sustainable Tourism Network at the Heart of Buenos Aires
Reception in Buenos Aires and guided tour of its central districts. After exploring the Plaza de Mayo and the historic district of San Telmo, your guide will take you to the Sustainable Tourism Network of Boca and Barrancas: neighbors, merchants, social organizations and artists decided to recover and contribute to the socio-economic development of these neighborhoods. Today, they welcome visitors by showing them what they do and what they produce in the context of authentic neighborhood life, always with the aim of improving the quality of life of its inhabitants. Lunch in a traditional restaurant. Transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Bohemia, private room, San Telmo District, garden. Meals: (- / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 15 The Calchaqui Valleys Program 2 Strong Cultural Identity and Breathtaking Landscapes argentina
Itinerary: 5 days Day 1: Salta Day 2: Rise to the Calchaquí Valleys
Arrival in Salta. Known as ‘’ Salta La Linda,’’ (or ‘Salta,The Beautiful’) it is Tour around the Calchaquí Valleys: long one of the Argentine cities that has trip with a great diversity of landscapes. most retained its colonial architectural From the jungle gorge of Los Laureles heritage. Reception and guided tour of to the arid Los Cardones National the city that played an important role Park, to the highest point of the trail at in the history of Argentina. The High 3,457 meters, we will finally arrive at Mountain Archaeological Museum the high valleys and the picturesque (Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña) town of Cachi. In the afternoon, we go is an excellent introduction to Andean through the spectacular Las Flechas culture. From the summit of Cerro San gorge sculpted by earth movements Bernardo, you can contemplate the best and erosion. Meet your host family, view of the Lerma Valley where Salta is members of the Rural Tourism located. Network (Red de Turismo Campesino), a cooperative of small producers spread Accommodation: Casa de Borgoña, over 12 communities in the heart of the private room, centric, garden. Calchaquíi Valleys. Meals: (- / - / -) Accommodation: Family homestay, private room, shared bathroom. Meals: (B / L / D)
16 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Suggestions for Further Travel from Salta... 1. Humahuaca Gorge, Puna Argentina and Bolivia with the Tusoco Network. Day 3: Spend time with the Day 4: Rural Tourism Day 5: The Imposing Las 2. Misiones Region and Iguazu Calchaquí Valleys’s Rural Network and Cafayate Conchas Gorge Falls, Yriapú community Tourism Network (connection from Salta by plane or bus line). Day of coexistence with our hosts. We continue the journey towards Last moments to enjoy the 3. Mendoza and Huarpe Paula Depending on the host family, the Cafayate, a charming village located Calchaquí Valleys and spend time Guaquinchay community. time of year, and the interests of the in the middle of the vineyards. Meet with its people before heading back 4.Chile and San Pedro de visitor, shared activities may vary with the hosts. Visitors will have to Salta through the majestic Las Atacama Desert with Travolution from agriculture, handicraft, and/ the opportunity to explore the wine Conchas Gorge with its striking and (connection from Salta by bus or culinary activities ... Regardless production processes of small colorful rock formations. Photo line). of what we decide, visitors are producers belonging to the Rural stops along the way to appreciate guaranteed an opportunity to Tourism Network and how their this amazing landscape. Our agency can arrange these learn about the way of life in the particularities compare to large travel connections. Calchaquí Valleys. Time to walk wineries. Wine tasting. Meals: (B / - / -) around and, after, to participate in the preparation of a regional Accommodation: Family homestay, traditional lunch. Visitors can learn private room, shared bathroom. to prepare typical dishes such as Meals: (B / L / D) pies (‘empanadas’) baked in clay ovens, locro, humita, etc.
Accommodation: Family homestay, private room, shared bathroom. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 17 The Argentine Andean World Program 3 Puna and Humahuaca Gorge (Trekking Optional) argentina
Itinerary: 5 days Day 1: The White Immensity of Salinas Grandes Day 2: From Community to Community
We depart from the fertile valley of Salta towards the On this day, visitors make a trip to picturesque Humahuaca Gorge, declared a World Heritage the village of Alfarcito, either by Site. Here, as well as in the Hill of the Seven Colors of walking (6 to 8 hours) or by car. Purmamarca, you will be able to appreciate the mountains’ Enjoy a spectacular view of the different shades of colors. The path continues winding through Guayatayoc plateau lagoon before the Cuesta de Lipan to reach 4,170 meters. By now, we are reaching this village known for already in the Puna region, and the Argentine ‘Altiplano’ (i.e. its very traditional architecture. highlands) reveals the white immensity of Salinas Grandes Those who prefer not to trek will where we will meet our local guide. He or she will be a be able to visit other communities member of one of the 32 indigenous families that comprise along the way. Most of the locals the Espejo de Sal community, all of which have been trained work as either animal breeders or to welcome visitors. After some explanations regarding the producers of wool from sheep and salt business, we proceed to the Barrancas community, llamas. where visitors will spend the afternoon and evening. This town is known for being an archaeological reserve of important Accommodation: Family petroglyphs and rock paintings from the Argentine north and it homestay, private room (or is with pride that your local guide will take you to discover the shared in case of groups), shared cultural legacy of the community’s ancestors. bathroom. Meals: (B / P / D). Accommodation: Family homestay, private room (or shared, in case of groups), shared bathroom. Meals: (- / L / D).
18 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM The Argentine Andean World Puna and Humahuaca Gorge (Trekking Optional)
Day 3: Welcome to the Ocumazo Day 4: A Day in a Hidden Valley Day 5: Saying Goodbye Community of the Humahuaca Gorge
Visitors go down to the Humahuaca A community guide takes visitors for Visitors say goodbye to their hosts and Gorge and cross part of it to arrive at a walk (the length of which depends continue their journey. the Aboriginal community of Ocumazo, on the visitor’s preference) to see the where lunch will be served. Locals are surroundings. You will be able to see Meals: (B/-/-). mostly farmers, cultivating Andean the ancient water mill locals are so products such as corn, a variety of proud of and/or various archaeological Andean potatoes, ‘ollucos’, beans sites where their ancestors lived. You etc. They organize an Annual Seed will also have time to share in some Suggestions Exchange Fair to try to preserve their daily activity with the community. This for Further Travel variety of Andean products. They also can vary, depending on time of year, raise animals, like goats, in a very from: planting, harvesting, making from Humahuaca beautiful and peaceful valley hidden cheese, typical food, handling goats, 1. La Quiaca and Bolivia with Tusoco Network. among multicolored hills. etc. 2. Chile: San Pedro de Atacama Desert and Lickan Antay network with Travolution (bus Accommodation: Family homestay, Accommodation: Family homestay, connection from Purmamarca). private room (or shared in case of private room (or shared in case of 3. Salta and the Calchaquí Valleys. groups), shared bathroom. groups), shared bathroom. Meals: (B / L / D). Meals: (B / L / D). Our agency can arrange these travel connections.
Latin American Catalogue | 19 Bariloche Program 4 Amongst Lakes, Forests and Andean Patagonian Steppes argentina
Itinerary: 4 days Day 1: Bariloche and the Patagonian Day 2: Patagonian Experience Rural Culture Network
On this day, visitors can enjoy a day in the Reception in Bariloche. Transfer through countryside while riding horses alongside steppes and mountains. Visitors will be their hosts and wading across rivers and greeted by one of the fifteen families from forests to reach a viewpoint. Visitors also the Patagonian Rural Culture Network. have the option of doing walking tour These families are spread out between four instead. Upon return, they will be able to visit different rural sites located west of the city. neighboring rural artisans or participate in By creating this network, they have been daily rural tasks. able to pool their energies and provide opportunities for their young within their own Accommodation: Family homestay, private land. During your stay in the community, room (or shared in case of groups), shared you will be able to meet small farmers bathroom. and artisans, share mate tea and ‘asados’ Meals: (B / L / D). (Argentine BBQ) and experience life in the Patagonian countryside.
Accommodation: Family homestay, private room (or shared in case of groups), shared bathroom. Meals: (- / L / D)
20 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Suggestions for Further Travel Bariloche from Bariloche
1. Chile and Chiloe with Travolution (connection from Bariloche by Crossing of the Lakes or bus line). 2. Mapuche communities in the Day 3: Pilcaniyeu Day 4: Return to Bariloche Neuquen neighboring province. 3. Mendoza and Huarpe Paula Guaquinchay Community. Transfer to Pilcaniyeu, a village nestled in a Transfer to the city of Bariloche; rest of the day 4. Salta and Calchaquí Valleys valley rich in fauna and surrounded by charming free to enjoy the shores of the majestic Lake community (bus line connection or estates. It is characterized for having sheep Nahuel or go exploring. aerial connection on certain days). farming as its main rural activity. Visitors 5. El Calafate (conventional tourism will be guided through a tour of the town, Meals: (B/-/-). - aerial connection or bus in high discovering its oldest buildings, its historical season). and archaeological museum and its native plant nursery. Our agency can arrange these travel connections. Accommodation: Family homestay, private room (or shared in case of groups), shared bathroom. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 21 Peoples of the Rivers Program 5 “Litoral” Coastal Region and Iguazu. argentina
Itinerary: 5 days Day 1: Puerto Nuevo Paraná Day 2: Along the Paraná River
Arrival in Puerto Nuevo, Paraná city, Second day to navigate the Paraná river, capital of the province of Entre Rios tour its islands and enjoy its beaches. and located next to the river that gives Participate in bird and flora watching. the province its name. Reception and Fish with a local guide and enjoy a typical meeting with the ‘Baqueanos del Río’ cuisine based on your catch of the day. (i.e. river guides), a group of artisanal At the end of the afternoon, transfer to fishermen offering alternative and bus station and depart towards Puerto cultural ecotourism circuits. Paraná Iguazu. is the second largest basin in South America, the Amazon river being the Accomodation: Overnight on board the first. Visitors, during their boat rides and bus. conversations, will be able to get to know, Meals: (B / L / -). from within, the life of the locals.
Accommodation: Posada del Rosedal, private room, garden, located close to the river. Meals: (- / L / D).
22 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM 1. Northern Argentina’s Communities: Calchaqui Valleys and Suggestions Humahuaca Gorge (connection to Salta by plane or bus line) for Further Travel 2. Brazil, Rio, Costa Verde and Its Inhabitants from Iguazú Our agency can arrange these travel connections.
Day 3: Puerto Iguazu and Yriapú Day 4: Argentina’s Iguazu Day 5: Brazil’s Iguazu Falls Community Falls
Half-day excursion in Reception at Iguazú terminal and transfer to Day tour in conventional tourist conventional tourist group your hotel. In the afternoon, a visit to the Mbya group service to discover the service to discover the other Guarani Yryapú Community where travelers Argentinean side of the falls, side of the falls. From the will share a dinner with its members in the enjoying several different Brazilian side, you can enjoy a Visitors Center. The community retains its viewpoints, all of which are panoramic view of the waterfalls language, as well as traditional practices, amazing. There will be upper cascading amid lush vegetation. such as hunting, fishing and gathering fruit. and lower walkways, as well as In the afternoon, transfer to the The reduction of their territory, as a result of an hour-long walking tour to airport or bus terminal. unplanned urbanization around it, has been arrive at the impressive “Devil’s forcing them to diversify into agriculture, Throat”. Meals: (B / - / -) handicrafts and tourism. The traveler has the opportunity to share in Yriapú knowledge Accommodation: Hotel while touring an interpretive trail through the 21Oranges, private room, jungle accompanied by a young person from garden, swimming pool. the community. Meals: (B / - / -)
Accommodation: Hotel 21Oranges, private room, garden, swimming pool. Meals: (- / - / D).
Latin American Catalogue | 23 Mendoza Program 6 Vineyards and High Andean peaks. argentina
Itinerary: 4 days Day 1: Mendoza Day 2: Bike Ride amid the Vineyards
Reception in Mendoza city, located at the foot Activity that allows you to enjoy the outdoors of the highest mountain range of the Andes. and its landscapes framed by the Andes Mendoza is a “city-oasis’ where man left his Mountains. Learn about viticulture, the region’s mark through a system of irrigation canals and main industry, by visiting two wineries and tree-lined avenues visitors will love. Guided tasting their wines (conventional tourist tour, tour of the historic center and the San Martin departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Park, one of the most beautiful in the country Saturdays). (conventional tourist tour). Accommodation: Alamo Hostel, private room, Accommodation: Alamo Hostel, private room, garden. garden. Meals: (B / L /-) Meals: (- / - / -).
“Taste wines while visiting model
24 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM wineries from this exceptional region” 1.- Chile, Valparaiso with Travolution. Suggestions 2.- Northern Argentina Communities: Calchaqui Valleys and for Further Travel Humahuaca Gorge (connection to Salta by plane or bus line) from Mendoza Our agency can arrange these travel connections.
Day 3: Huarpe Paula Guaquinchay Day 4: Telteca Forest Nature Community Reserve “Altos Limpios”
Transfer to the small town of Asuncion, Half-day hike with a community local located 90km northeast of Mendoza in a guide to reach the Telteca reserve. The quiet valley where biodiversity surprises reserve’s flora is of high value, as it is the semi-arid environment. You will home to some meagerly distributed meet with members of this indigenous species and a sweet carob forest whose community, dedicated to livestock ancestral human use is confirmed by its production and handicrafts in leather and presence in archaeological sites. The wool. They aim to diversify through rural tree’s pods are very nutritious and are community-based tourism. Travelers can used to make syrup, bread and drinks. share in the knowledge of artisans by After lunch, return to the city of Mendoza, participating in craft workshops, taking where visitors can extend their stay for goats out to pasture and/or horseback some optional activities like trekking, riding. Upon return, visitors will learn to horseback riding or rafting if they like. prepare fried cakes to accompany the small meal provided. Meals: (B / L / -)
Accommodation: Family homestay, private room (or shared in case of groups), shared bathroom. Click here to Meals: (B / - / D) return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 25 Chile Chilewith Travolution. Travolution is an organization that seeks to promote the sustainable development of communities through four work areas: advice for the development of tourism projects; building and strengthening of networks; research Contact information and dissemination of knowledge; and a tour-operator specializing in community-based tourism. Travolution.org Phone: (569) 9162 6579 The tour-operator seeks to generate life-changing Fax: (5602) 2233 3522 experiences for our visitors and provide an opportunity to Address: Joan of Arc 2012, office 44. Santiago, Chile connect communities with tourists from around the world. Email: [email protected] In Travolution, we want to change the world, one meeting Website: www.travolution.org at a time. Facebook: Travolution.org
Travolution: Life-Changing Experiences
»» Interact with local »» Meet the world’s »»Observe the endemic »»Participate in deep Community-Based entrepreneurs driest desert in all flora and fauna of the cultural encounters throughout the its vastness, guided desert and the Pacific that will change the Tourism Highlights whole trip. They will by those who have Ocean coast. your life. in Chile guide you through inhabited it for various activities and thousands of years. receive you at their accommodations in Chile San Pedro and Totoral. Latin American Catalogue | 27 Mapuche Experience Program 1 Nature, Adventure &Trekking chile
Itinerary: 11 days Day 1: Welcome to Chile, Day 2: History and Life in Cultures and Mountains at the Santiago Included Services: End of the World 10 nights in accommodation In the morning, our guide will pick indicated, transfers Arrival at the international airport visitors up at the hotel at 10:00 from / to the airport and all transfers of Santiago de Chile. A guide from to enjoy a second day in the city. according to the the Travolution team will welcome We will visit one of the oldest program, meals as visitors and accompany them on their neighborhoods in the city, crossing indicated, programs, activities and transfer to the Hotel Vegas , located the Quinta Normal Park and visiting meetings indicated, in the city center. the Museum of Memory (Museo de tickets according la Memoria), learning from the harsh to the program, After checking in, we will enjoy a tour history of dictatorship in Chile. In the naturalist guide, welcome kit, etc. of the city, starting with the Bellavista afternoon, visitors enjoy a pleasant neighborhood where visitors can tasting of Chilean wines, famous for Services Not taste traditional Chilean food. Then, their quality. Included: services we will tour the historic center of not mentioned, food not mentioned, the city and end the evening with Accommodation: Hotel Vegas. drinks, optional beautiful views of the city from the Meals: (B / L / D / R) activities, tips, Cerro Santa Lucia. travel or medical insurance. Accommodation: Hotel Vegas. Double rooms with private bathroom. Located in the heart of Santiago. Meals: (- / L / -)
28 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM MapucheNature, Adventure &Trekking Experience
Day 3: Valparaiso, Port of Legends Day 4: Mapuche Culture amid the Day 5: History and Mapuche Wisdom and Poets Valleys and Lakes
10:30 a.m. departure towards Cañete City. At 8:30 our guide will pick visitors up from Arriving at 7:30 a.m. to the town of Upon arrival, we visit the Mapuche Museum the hotel and head to the port. Bring all Contulmo, visitors are welcomed by Manuel and Cultural Center and learn the history your things. Once there, visitors will walk Maribur, the Mapuche local guide who will of these wonderful people who have fought its endless stairs and viewpoints. They will lead them to the cabins where they will for years for recognition and rights. In the visit the house of Pablo Neruda and enjoy stay. You will enjoy a delicious breakfast afternoon, visit the Longko Miguel ruka, the a delicious lunch of Andean fusion cuisine. and then tour the local community, visiting traditional local authority, from which we In the afternoon, we will enjoy a stroll by artisans, farmers and experts in the most will learn about the Mapuche wisdom and boat on the bay and enjoy the sunset on the exquisite traditional cuisine. Lunch in a way of life. At night, we light the fire and Cerro Alegre. At night, transfer to the bus ruka (traditional Mapuche dwelling), talking enjoy a wonderful evening of chants and station to set course towards the south, in a in-depth about the stories and wisdom music. bus with semi-beds. of this culture. In the afternoon, visitors hike the Contulmo Natural Monument, Accommodation: Cabins, with rooms for Accommodation: Accommodation in semi- experiencing it in the way the Mapuche 2 or 3 people. Shared bathroom for up to 5 bed bus bound for Contulmo. people understand and behave in the forest. people. Optional: Flight from Santiago to Meals: (B / L / D / R) Concepcion, and then transfer to Contulmo Accommodation: Cabins, with rooms for 2 by shuttle. Transfers take up half a day. or 3 people. Bathroom shared between up Meals: (B / L / D) to 5 people. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 29 Day 6: Hiking in the Mountains of Day 7: Towards the Andes Mountains Day 8: Pehuenche Experience Nahuelbuta
After breakfast, 10:00 a.m. departure towards Early breakfast with ‘mate’, drink heavily used The Nahuelbuta mountain range is a unique the mountains. Along with Manuel, we cross by the Pehuenche. Then, we will go into the haven for one of the most impressive species the central valleys of Chile ascending over a deep valleys of the community and begin a of trees in the Southern Cone: Araucaria thousand meters to the village of Lonquimay, tour of its ancient forests. While learning and Araucana. Reaching more than 50 meters where we will meet our Pehuenches guides, enjoying nature, we will also get to know more high, these ancient watchmen stand on the Mapuches of the deep valleys of the Andes. about this communities’ history of having to Nahuelbuta mountains. Departing at 8:30 a.m. We enjoy a nice lunch with them and continue defend the forest from outsiders almost two , we will enjoy a guided mountain and forest towards the community of Quinquen. Upon decades ago. Back in the valley, we enjoy a walk and, if we are lucky , we’ll be able to see arrival, we settle in with our host family and nice lunch with products prepared from pine more than 7 volcanoes in the distance. Upon enjoy the incredible mountain scenery. nuts, fruit of the Araucaria. In the afternoon, return, nothing better than a comforting hot we will talk with local authorities about the water bath with medicinal herbs. The perfect Accommodation: Family homestay, with rooms history of the community and enjoy the freedom seal. for 2 or 3 people. Shared bathroom for up to 5 offered by the mountains. Dinner with our host people. families. Accommodation: Cabins, with rooms for 2 or 3 Meals: (B / L / D) people. Shared bathroom for up to 5 people. Accommodation: Family homestay, with rooms Meals: (B / L / D) for 2 or 3 people. Shared bathroom for up to 5 people. Meals: (B / L / D)
30 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM General Indications: Travel to Chile Chile is a very large country and its climates are varied. Clothing should be considered for sun, rain and cold weather. Ultraviolet radiation is strong in the South and sunscreen must be worn at all times, Day 9: Lakes and Day 10: Pehuenche Day 11: Back in the city as well as sunglasses and a hat. Mountains Crafts In many places of the places visited, there are After breakfast, we will take In the morning, we will learn Early arrival to hotel in no ATM machines. One should consider bringing a nice hike to the viewpoint of the craft of Quinquen wool Santiago and time to rest around $ 10,000 a day per person, not including the Condor (Manque, in the artisans. We will learn how until midmorning. At the money for purchasing crafts. ATM locations: San Mapuche language), enjoying to spin, dye and weave with appointed time, a shuttle will Pedro de Atacama, Vallenar, and Santiago. the incredible view of Lake natural wool. After a nice take you to the airport. End of Galletué. If the weather closing lunch, we will go services. Important Exit Process Information: permits, we will go down to to Lonquimay to board the the beach and enjoy the cool, bus that will take us back to Meals: (B / - / -) International regulations require passengers pure waters of the lake. To Santiago. to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before crown the day, we enjoy a departure. delicious goat or lamb roast Accomodation: Bus, semi- (vegetarian option exists). bed category. Free afternoon. Optional: Transfer to Temuco and then flight to Accommodation: Family Santiago. The trip takes half homestay, with rooms a day. for 2 or 3 people. Shared Meals: (B / L / R) bathroom for up to 5 people.. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 31 Atacama Colors and History Program 2 chile
Itinerary: 11 days Day 1: Welcome to Chile, Day 2: Lickan Antay Culture. Cultures and Mountains at the The Ancient Inhabitants of the Included Services: End of the World Desert 10 nights in accommodation Arrival at the international airport At 10:00 a.m., we will meet with our indicated, transfers of Santiago de Chile and connection guide, Leonel, who will lead us to from / to the airport and all transfers flight to Calama. Once there, transfer the Coyo community, where Wildo according to the to accommodation (comfortable and will talk to us about Lickan Antay program, meals rustic option). For starters, we enjoy agriculture and traditions. The Lickan as indicated, programs, activities a tasting of Atacama delicacies. In Antay have inhabited the desert for and meetings the afternoon, tour of the Valley of millennia and learned to adapt to it. indicated, tickets Death to appreciate panoramic views We enjoy a nice lunch to later cross according to the of the Salar de Atacama’s basin and the desert in the ‘Ancestral Caravan’, program, naturalist guide, welcome kit, all the splendor of the desert. where Sandra will tell us how ancient etc. Andean traders guided their llama Accommodation: Hotel Ckamur caravans through the desert. Services Not Atacama (double room with private Included: services not bathroom) or Haramaksi Family Accommodation: Hotel Ckamur mentioned, food Accommodation (double room with Atacama (double room with private not mentioned, shared bathroom). bathroom) or in Haramaksi Family drinks, optional activities, tips, Meals: (- / L / -) Accommodation (double room with travel or medical shared bathroom). insurance. Meals: (- / L / -)
32 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Petroglyphs in the Rio Grande Day 4: Altiplano Lakes (Highlands) Day 5: Tatio Geysers and Heading South Valley and Astronomy
At 8:30 a.m., we start our incredible journey to This morning, we head south, bordering the 4:30 a.m. departure to visit the geysers; a truly the Rio Grande Valley. Remotely hidden between majestic Salar de Atacama, and visiting the small unique experience. The cold air is mixed with stone walls over a hundred meters high, the valley towns that have sprung up around it, blessed by the nostalgia of the rise of the new sun, and the is home to a farming community with thousands water coming down from the mountains. Then, fumaroles of this geothermal field startle us with of years of history. On the way, we will see ancient we ascend to 4,000m and visit the highland lakes their beauty. Vapors, which reach more than 20 petroglyphs and tour the Rainbow Valley, famous of Miñiques and Miscanty. Located in the midst of meters, are everywhere, and hot springs are a for the incredible colors of its rocks. After, we will volcanoes and mountains, these lakes are a source great prize for having woken up so early. We return enjoy lunch with Mrs. Lucia, who will share with of life and health for the entire local ecosystem. to San Pedro at noon to enjoy a delicious lunch us the ancient stories of the desert. Back in San We return to the village in the evening to enjoy a in Ana Ramos’s restaurant ‘Sabores de Solor’. Pedro, we enjoy a pleasant evening, and, at 8:45 pleasant sunset. In the afternoon, at about 5:00 p.m., we start our p.m., we head towards an observatory to learn overnight journey towards the coastal desert. about and enjoy the stunning Atacama night sky. Optional: Watch the sunset on the Salar de Atacama. Optional: Visit the Puritama Thermals Accommodation: Hotel Ckamur Atacama (double before returning to San Pedro. room with private bathroom) or in Haramaksi Accommodation: Hotel Ckamur Atacama Family Accommodation (double room with shared (double room with private bathroom) or Family Accommodation: Hotel Ckamur Atacama bathroom). Accommodation Haramaksi (double room with (double room with private bathroom) or Family Meals: (B/ L / -) shared bathroom). Accommodation Haramaksi (double room with Meals: (B / L / -) shared bathroom). Meals: (B / L / R)
Latin American Catalogue | 33 Day 6: Coastal Desert in Chañaral de Day 7: Dolphins and Whales Day 8: Cactus and Desert Flowers Aceituno
At 10:00 a.m., we head toward the creek and After breakfast, we will head north. After a Early in the morning, we will meet Jorge. take one of the boat tours around Bay Chañaral couple of hours, we will enter the Llanos del He will take us from Vallenar to Chañaral de de Aceituno to visit the nearby island. We will Challe National Park, where we will see over Aceituno. In this creek, we will encounter the observe dolphins, sea lions, dozens of species 30 species of cactus and, during the spring, sea and all the splendor that is generated of birds and, during the summer, whales! Back enjoy a breathtaking spectacle: the flowering when it meets the desert. We will enjoy a free on shore, a delicious local fish for lunch. We desert. Desert Flowers are simply amazing. afternoon, walking around with our guide. enjoy the afternoon in the creek. Lunch in the cove of Carrizal Bajo, famous as the planned landing point for weapons in Accommodation: Refugio Chañaral de Aceituno Accommodation: Refugio Chañaral de Aceituno resistance to the dictatorship in Chile. Then, we (double room with private bathroom). (double room with private bathroom). will come to rest at the town of Totoral, where Meals: (B / L / -) Meals: (B / L / -) we will taste exquisite olive oils and local fruits.
Accommodation: Hostal Alicia (double or triple rooms, shared bathroom). Meals: (B / L / D)
34 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 9: Rest by the Sea Day 10: Santiago in Colors Day 11: Return Home
In the morning, we ride horses or walk through After a morning of relaxation by the sea, we In the morning, we visit the Museum of Memory, the town of Totoral to the Perales estate, where transfer to the airport to begin our return to which portrays the situations experienced by we enjoy a nice lunch under the trees, learning the Santiago. Once in the city, we will enjoy a nice wine thousands of people who resisted the military history of this miraculous oasis in the driest desert tasting at the city center and then watch the sunset dictatorship of Chile. Then, lunch in a typical in the world. In the afternoon, we drive along from a vantage point, where we can relive the Chilean food restaurant in Santiago. Later in the the coast to Bahia Inglesa, passing by beautiful adventures of the trip. afternoon, shuttle to the airport to say goodbye beaches (suitable for swimming). after this incredible journey. Accommodation: Hotel Vegas (double rooms with Accommodation: Hostal Coral Bay (double rooms private bathroom). Meals: (B / L / -) with private bathroom). Meals: (B / - / R) Meals: (B / L / -)
Click here to return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 35 Uruguay Uruguaywith Retos al Sur.
Retos al Sur is a nonprofit civil networking experiences, solidarity association established in early 2006 economy and responsible tourism. in Montevideo with the purpose of In the area of tourism, we follow the influencing both a reflection and criteria of sustainability, cultural Contact information a construction of an alternative revaluation, conservation and development model, based on values awareness of natural areas through Retos al Sur such as social justice, democratic promoting tourism development in Address: Pérez Castellano 1424, participation, environmental care local communities. Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay and the satisfaction of human needs Phone: (+ 598) 2916 8353 from a community-oriented paradigm Come live a genuine, rich and Email: [email protected] oriented towards the common good. seamless tourist experience with Website: http://retosalsur.org/ Retos al Sur! Since then, we have worked in promoting and supporting social
»»Contact with »»Guides trained »»Opportunity to »»Opportunity to »»Contact with the Community-Based nature and its in responsible experience various spend time with culture of places inhabitants, tourism. world heritage local communities not frequently Tourism Highlights touring places sites through and share in their visited by tourists. in Uruguay where the an alternative daily activities. landscape and perspective to its inhabitants that commonly experience a provided by mass unique encounter. tourism. Latin American Catalogue | 37 Genuine Experiences Program 1 Urban and Nature Trekking uruguay
Itinerary: 15 days Day 1: Welcome to Uruguay Day 2: Colonia to Montevideo
Included Services: 14 nights’ Arrival at Colonia’s port. Your Breakfast in Colonia. Transfer by bus accommodation in guide will be there to welcome you. to Montevideo (2 hrs 30 min.). Lunch lodges indicated, Transfer to your accommodation. for two is included at La Fonda, including daily breakfast, transfers where an open kitchen allows you as indicated in the Walking tour through the historic to see the chefs prepare your food, program (private), center of Colonia (Historical made to order with organic products 6 lunches, guided tours, activities World Heritage Site), visiting in an in an innovative concept of culinary and encounters as alternative way and experiencing the art. indicated by program, rich cultural heritage of this place guide-interpreter, through a different lens. We will visit Accommodation: Posada al Sur. welcome kit with maps and booklets, points of interest and interact with Double rooms with a shared recommendations, etc. local producers. bathroom, in a sustainable accommodation governed by the Services Not Accommodation: South Hostel. criteria of responsible tourism. A Included: services not Double rooms with shared bathroom colonial house renovated with artisan mentioned, food not in a renovated colonial house in work. It employs renewable energy mentioned, drinks, the historic center of Colonia del and supports local producers by optional activities, tips, departure tax, etc. Sacramento. Its interior decoration using their products to deliver a tasty and character makes it unique for breakfast. greater enjoyment during your stay in Meals: (B / L / -) Colonia. Meals: (- / - / -)
38 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Montevideo’s Story Day 4: Montevideo, South of Day 5: Visiting the from Another Perspective the South Neighborhood that Gives Montevideo its Name
We will explore Montevideo’s We will partake in the most frequented neighborhood Community-Based Tourism Visit the namesake neighborhood with a local’s attitude, in an Circuit of Barrio Sur and Palermo, of Montevideo alongside tourist effort to discover and internalize Montevideo’s neighborhoods guides from the Cerro Cultural Montevideans’ daily life and with the most Afro-Uruguayan Cooperative. how they organize in social influence. People here almost entrepreneurship, enabling a breathe Candomble (Intangible The highest point in the capital greater understanding of their Cultural Heritage of Humanity) city. From here you will enjoy past and present . and the social fabric is a fabulous panoramic view of strengthened every day through the city and we will visit places Accommodation: Posada al Sur cultural endeavors that benefit relevant to the country’s founding, Meals: (B / - / -) local people. We will also visit such as La Fortaleza del Cerro, cultural centers and witness a as well as those closely linked demonstration of the famous to its recent history, such as the Candomble! Memorial of the Disappeared.
Accommodation: Posada al Sur Accommodation: Posada al Sur Meals: (B / - / -) Meals: (B / - / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 39 General Information on Places Visited:
Colonia del Sacramento is one of the most important tourist models in Uruguay, receiving thousands of tourists all year long. This is a small city with a large concentration of history, art and culture.
Montevideo, the capital, with its 67 kilometers of coastline, offers a range of beautiful beaches and panoramic views. It is a must on your visit to Uruguay.
Rocha is a region located in the east of the country bordering Brazil. The charm of this region is due to the particular coexistence between the Atlantic Ocean and one of the largest “wetlands” of the country.
In the Treinta y Tres (Thirty Three) Department we find the Quebrada de Los Cuervos (Los Cuervos Gorge), defined as “a hidden paradise”, because it is, in fact, a geographical feature that has been opened over time by the Yerbal Chico stream amid one of the most rugged and lush mountains present in Uruguay. La Quebrada de Los Cuervos is part of the National System of Protected Areas.
Tacuerembó is Uruguay’s largest department. It is located in what is known as the “Deep Uruguay.” There, traditions and customs are preserved and time seems to go by more slowly than in other places.
40 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 6: Montevideo to Rocha Day 7: The Other Side of Rocha Day 8: Sierras de Rocha
Breakfast in Montevideo and departure to Rocha (4 Breakfast and departure towards Rocha Lagoon After breakfast at La Casa Rosada, we will go to the hours). Check-in at the Posada de la Luna Hostel, a Nature Reserve. We will take a boat trip on the lake Sierras de Rocha, where Lucy and James await us warm house, near the beach and served by its own that coexists with a wonderful fauna. Lunch will be in their wonderful place “Caballos de Luz”, where owner, tour guide and hostess who makes guests prepared by fishermen who cook everything with they will prepare lunch with products from Lucy’s feel at home in an atmosphere of cordiality and natural ingredients from the lake. In the afternoon, organic garden and we can admire the landscape joy. Lunch. In the afternoon we trek through the we will go to Cabo Polonio, at the end of the big of the gentle rolling hills. In the afternoon, we ride thousand-year old gullies of Punta Rubia, an original dunes, where artificial light is not present, allowing horses into the Natal Forest with our local guides, and strange geological formation at the edge of the visitors to forget the sense of time and admire the who will explain the fauna and flora while we enjoy coastal strip. beautiful small white houses on the Cape. In Cabo the wonderful atmosphere of the place. Polonio, there is one of the largest reserves of sea Accommodation: Posada de la Luna Hostel lions in the world. Accommodations: Caballos de Luz, in a dome, a clay Meals: (B / L / -) and wood structure that integrates seamlessly into Accommodation: Casa Rosada, a rustic the environment. It is a solid and friendly structure accommodation that coexists harmoniously with the that allows an atmosphere of relaxation and environment. It has traditional decoration, family tranquility. atmosphere and a large library (multilingual texts) to Meals: (B / L / -) enjoy reading to the sound of the sea. Meals: (B / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 41 Day 9: Rocha to Quebrada Day 10: The Trails at Quebrada Day 11: From Quebrada de Los Day 12: Los Furtados de Los Cuervos (Los Cuervos de Los Cuervos Cuervos towards Tacuarembó Gorge)
Breakfast and departure towards We will practice several ecotourism We will visit communities in the Food and accommodation with Quebrada de Los Cuervos. This gorge activities: trekking through various heart of Uruguay, where nature can a family from the Los Furtado is within the System of Protected trails and interpreting different agro- be enjoyed in every little happening. community. We will share a day in Areas for its richness in flora, fauna ecological production processes Here, you can spend time with their daily lives. We will be immersed and landscape in general. It has along with a local interpreter guide. families in a small rural town where in their rural activities; cooking many water bodies, rock formations Lunch at El Capricho, restaurant and the bonds of solidarity are present in and performing other tasks as it is and microclimates worth exploring. store, with homemade and native every moment. done in the “deep Uruguay”. We will Incredibly beautiful places ideal for products. In the afternoon, we pause stay in the family’s house, feeling achieving relaxation and leisure to contemplate the full extent of the Visit and lunch at the Rincón del the warmth of home and enjoying activities. Free afternoon. landscape and the various gifts that it Bonete Village. We will also pay a a much richer cultural exchange offers us. In the evening, we will learn visit to San Gregorio, Latin America’s experience than any other type of Accommodation: Cabaña del how to prepare and drink mate (an first visual arts open museum, accommodation can offer . Brujo. A former rural school, now Uruguayan typical infusion). located on top of a plateau from reconstructed to welcome everyone where one can contemplate the Río Accommodation: Family homestay. who wants to enjoy natural sites. Accommodation: Cabaña del Brujo Negro (Black River). Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / - / -) Meals: (B / L / -) Accommodation: Los Robles, a local, cozy accommodation, characterized by the friendliness and warmth of those who work there. Meals: (B / L / -)
42 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Important Exit Process Information: International regulations require passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
Day 12: Immersing Ourselves in the Day 13: From Tacuarembó to Flores Day 14: From Flores to Montevideo Natural and Human Landscape.
Flores has a valuable geological heritage, part Breakfast at hotel and departure to Montevideo. By staying with the family that welcomed us to Los of the natural wealth of Uruguay. Las Grutas End of our services! Furtado, we will be more aware of their conception del Palacio (The Palace Caves) were home to and way of understanding relationships, as well as indigenous peoples and some legends associated Meals: (B / - / -) their worldview. We will enjoy a typical ‘asado’ for with these inhabitants are related to the site. Other lunch. In addition to being a culinary experience, we indigenous vestiges in the territory include the cave get to experience typical customs that take place paintings in Chamangá. We will link the attractions before and after the roast. in Flores, beyond their geological wealth, to the In the afternoon, we ride horses, touring the presence of indigenous peoples in the area. gentle rolling meadows with the horizon as our unconditional and unreachable partner. Accommodation: Hotel Potenza Giordano, a family Click here to return to index and traditional hotel in the center of the Flores Accommodation: Family homestay. capital, Trinidad. Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / - / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 43 Bolivia Boliviawith TUSOCO. The TUSOCO Network is a responsible, sustainable tourism that nonprofit organization working respects natural, social and cultural with solidarity tourism community environments. organizations in Bolivia since 2005. Each trip organized with Tusoco Contact information We work to represent and support Travel is a guarantee that you will the development and marketing help communities, as 100 percent of Tusoco Travel of tourist routes through our own the revenues are used for sustainable Address: Sagarnaga Street No. 227 entre tour operator, Tusoco Travel, which community development, improving Murillo y Linares offers innovative programs providing their quality of life and maintaining Galeria Paraixo PB of 1. La Paz - Bolivia opportunities for genuine cultural our culture and traditions alive. Phone: (591) 22140653 encounters and exchange experiences Cell: (591) 7207682 that are 100 percent authentic in Tusoco Travel: The People Beyond Email: [email protected] combining culture, adventure and the Landscape! Website: www.tusoco.com nature within Bolivia and offering Facebook: Tusoco Viajes SRL
»»We invite you to live a genuine »»Surprise yourself and let yourself »»Each day, you will experience Community-Based adventure, exploring the culture be carried away by the magic that an adventure full of traditions, and traditions of the Bolivian surrounds you when you visit our history, nature and, especially, the Tourism Highlights highlands in its purest expression, Bolivian jungle; the sounds of opportunity to spend time getting in Bolivia while sharing it with the local the animals and the smell of the to know the local people who open people jungle in its maximum expression their doors to share with you a will take you to an unknown world little bit of their life. where you will enjoy the realness Bolivia of it all. Latin American Catalogue | 45 Altiplano Adventures Program 1 bolivia
Itinerary: 9 days Day 1: Welcome to La Paz – Day 2: City Tour and Moon Bolivia Valley - Trip to Uyuni Included Services: »» Private Airport Transfer Service(to and from). Arrival at the El Alto International After breakfast at 8:30 a.m., we » » Private Transfer service in the bus station. Airport. Your tour guide will meet you pick you up at the hostel for a city »» Private transportation for city tour and Moon Valley. and welcome you. Transfer to Hostal tour. At 11:00 a.m., we will visit the »» Tourist Bus Transport La Paz - Uyuni. Naira, located in the center of La Paz, Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna). At »» Private transfer from Uyuni - La Paz. a few steps from the San Francisco 1:00 p.m., we head towards the »» Accommodations as indicated. »» Meals as mentioned in the program. Church. The hostel has comfortable Achocalla Municipality, where we »» Entry fees to the different attractions. rooms with private bathrooms, some have lunch and visit Centro Armonia. »» Local guide of which are inside the room and Here, we will learn about the agro- »» Guide-interpreter in Spanish, English or some outside. It offers single, double ecological production of vegetables French. and triple rooms. and legumes. We end our tour in the Services not Included: cheese factory Flor de Leche. We »» Meals during the first day of the itinerary. Accommodation: Hotel Sajama or return to Hostal Naira to collect our » » Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks. Hostal Naira in La Paz, according to bags and, at 8:15 p.m., we will be at »» Souvenirs. »» National or International Airport fees. availability. the bus terminal to board the tour »» Tips. Meals: (- / - / -) bus “Todo Turismo” that will take us »» Anything not mentioned in “Services to the town of Uyuni (dinner on the Included” bus).
Accommodation: Tourist Bus. Meals: (B / L / D)
46 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Uyuni - Tunupa Volcano Day 4: Alcaya Community Day 5: Alcaya – Sacabaya Day 6: Sacabaya - Rio Lauca – Viewpoint - Alcaya Community Tomarapi
Upon arrival in Uyuni, the guide will After breakfast, we visit the After breakfast, we continue our After breakfast, we will tour the take you to have breakfast and then archaeological site, where the local journey by crossing the Salar de community and then undertake to meet with our driver, who will be guide will explain the life of the Coipasa, where we will stop for lunch, our journey towards Rio Lauca, the in charge of showing you around Chullpas, their ancestors. There, you and then continue our journey to archaeological site where one can Colchani, Incahuasi Island and the can learn about their lifestyle, history, Sacabaya, a small town which is part see and learn about the Chullpas Tunupa Volcano viewpoint, where tools and textiles. In the afternoon, of Rio Lauca, where we will spend the de Colores, pre-Inca tombs of the you will be able to appreciate the after lunch, we visit the small night. twelfth century. We will continue to immensity of the Salar de Uyuni and museum of the community and then the lake to watch the three species of the Salar Coipasa. In the evening, get ready for dinner and our overnight Accommodation: Community Lodge flamingos. At noon, we arrive at Playa we arrive at the hostel in the Alcaya stay. in Sacabaya Community. Verde for lunch. Then we continue Community (rustic with private Meals: (B / L / D) our journey to reach the Tomarapi bathroom and hot water). Dinner and Accommodation: Lodge in Alcaya community enterprise . After a long overnight stay. Community. journey, we have dinner and spend Meals: (B / L / D) the night there in comfortable lodges Accommodation: Lodge in Alcaya with private bathrooms and hot water. Community. Meals: (B / L / D) Accommodation: Lodge in Tomarapi Community. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 47 Day 7: Tomarapi Day 8: Tomarapi - Curahuara Day 9: Transfer to the El Alto Carangas - La Paz International Airport
After breakfast, we will visit Huaña In the morning, after breakfast, we Depending on your flight schedule, Khota lake to observe the vicunas walk through the wetlands, where breakfast will be either at the hotel and venture between geysers. We the community’s families raise or at the airport. We will help you will have a picnic lunch and take llamas and alpacas. After lunch, we with your check in at the airport, a nice afternoon dip in the warm will leave Tomarapi and head to the say our goodbyes, and wish that you thermal waters of Manasaya. city of La Paz. On the way, we will have a safe return home and that Dinner and overnight stay at stop at Curahuara Carangas to visit you enjoyed your stay in Bolivia. Tomarapi. its colonial church known as the “Sistine Chapel” of the Altiplano. Meals: (B / - / -) Accommodation: Lodge in We reach the city of La Paz and the Tomarapi Community. hostel, where our tour ends. Meals: (B / L / D) Accommodation: Hotel Sajama or Hostal Naira in La Paz, according to availability Meals: (B / L / D)
48 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM General Information on Program 1:
»»“Todo Turismo” buses feature semi-bed seats and include tea services with hot and cold drinks, a snack (or dinner), hostess service throughout the journey and toilets.
»»Private transport for travel from Uyuni, Alcaya, Rio Lauca, Tomarapi and La Paz will be in a Land Cruiser SUV, fitting up to 6 people, a guide-interpreter and a driver.
»»The accommodation covered by community-based organizations are basic, safe and hygienic. They have single beds, electric light, bedside tables or shelves to keep your clothing, private bathrooms and toilets.
»»The excursions suggested in the itinerary may be modified due to the season and/or road conditions.
»»It is recommended to carry warm clothing, walking shoes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen throughout the whole trip. Magic and Natural Charm Program 2 BOLIVIA
Itinerary: 15 days Day 1: Welcome to La Paz, Day 2: : Rurrenabaque - TES Bolivia (Eco-Social Tourism) Included Services: »» Private Airport Transfer Service(to and from). Upon arrival at El Alto International After breakfast, the local “TES” » » Private Transfer service Sucre- Airport, your guide will be waiting guide will pick you up at the hotel Potosi »» Airfares La Paz - Rurrenabaque. for you to take the ongoing flight to enjoy hiking through the jungle »» Airfares La Paz - Sucre. towards the town of Rurrenabaque. in an area of rich biodiversity, »» Private transportation Uyuni - This trip takes about 40 minutes. the protection of which is made Alcaya - La Paz »» Accommodations as indicated. From Rurrenabaque Airport, we possible by the action of the local »» Meals as mentioned in the will transfer you to Hotel Oriental, a communities. During the day, you program. hotel with comfortable rooms and will visit different communities where »» Entry fees to the different private bathrooms. The hotel offers you will be able to learn about their attractions. »» Local guide single, double and triple rooms. After work in the alternative processing of »» Guide-interpreter in Spanish, some time to settle down, we will raw materials such as exotic fruits English or French. go to lunch and have the rest of the and handicrafts; giving you a new afternoon free to walk around and opportunity to learn and experience Not included: »» Dinner on Day 5 and Day 8 get to know this tourist town a little sustainable development. Dinner and »» Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks more. Dinner and overnight stay. overnight stay. »» Souvenirs »» National or International Airport fees. Accommodation: Hotel Oriental in Accommodation: Oriental Hotel in »» Tips. Rurrenabaque. Rurrenabaque. »» Anything not mentioned in Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / L / D) “Services Included”
50 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Rurrenabaque - Madidi Day 4: San Miguel del Bala Day 5: San Miguel del Bala - Day 6: La Paz - Copacabana National Park - San Miguel del Rurrenabaque - La Paz Bala After a good breakfast, we move on to Our last morning starts with breakfast, At 7:30 a.m., the tourist bus will pick After breakfast, we will take a the Madidi National Park, about one getting you ready for the day’s you up from your hotel to take you 45-minute tour through the “Beni” and a half hours by boat on the Beni activities and for the journey back to to Copacabana. We should arrive at River to arrive at the lodge, you will and Tuichi River, where you will be Rurrenabaque. After lunch, we leave noon. We will be staying at a hotel learn about the Tacana tribe and their able to see many animals and birds. for Rurrenabaque. We will be able to with comfortable single, double and medicinal plants. Lunch at the lodge. observe macaws on the cliffs along triple rooms with private bathrooms. In the afternoon, we will visit the San Accommodation: San Miguel del Bala the river Tuichi on the way there. The After lunch, we will visit the Church of Miguel del Bala community. After, we Community Initiative Cabins. transfer will be waiting at the La Paz Copacabana, museums and cultural will enjoy our dinner and rest for the Meals: (B / L / D) International Airport to take us to the centers, as well as trek along the remainder of the night in our cabins. hotel or hostel where we will rest. shores of Lake Titicaca, enjoying the vastness, energy and charm of the Accommodation: San Miguel del Bala Accommodation: Hotel Sajama or place. We have dinner and spend the Community Initiative Cabins. Hostal Naira in La Paz (subject to night. Meals: (B / L / D) availability) Meals: (B / L / -) Accommodation: Hotel Perla del Lago in Copacabana. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 51 General Information on Program 2:
»»Transport in the Tourist Bus Company Diana Tours will be conducted in comfortable buses.
»»Private transportation for Potosi, Uyuni, Alcaya, La Paz route will be in a Land Cruiser SUV fitting up to 6 people, an Day 7: Copacabana - Day 8: ACTUSOL - Day 9: La Paz - Sucre Day 10: Sucre - Potosi interpreter-guide and a driver. Sun Island Copacabana
»»The accommodation covered by community-based After breakfast, we take After breakfast, we say After breakfast, we drive to Breakfast and departure organizations are basic, safe a shared boat towards goodbye to the ACTUSOL El Alto International Airport, to the city of Potosi, only 2 and hygienic. They have single Isla del Sol, Challa community, then take a where we board our flight and a half hours away. We beds, electric light, bedside community, where the walk to the southern part of to the city of Sucre. Upon arrive at Hotel Colonial, tables or shelves to keep your members of ACTUSOL the “Isla del Sol - Yumani” arrival, we drive to the where we have lunch and clothing, private bathrooms will be waiting for us. We where you can see the hotel. After some time to get ready to get to know the and toilets. settle in basic lodges and Escalinata del Inca (Inca settle down, we will take a city of Potosi with its major then have lunch in the Steps) and the Orca del walking tour of the city until cultural centers. Dinner community’s restaurant. In Inca. We will have lunch evening. Dinner (place of and overnight stay. the afternoon, we visit the and then take the shared choice) and overnight stay. Chincana. In the evening, boat back to Copacabana. Accommodation: Hotel we have dinner and spend Tourist bus back to the city Accommodation: Hotel Colonial in Potosi the night. of La Paz. Samary in Sucre Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / L / D) Accommodation: Actusol Accommodation: Hotel Community Lodging Sajama or Hostal Naira Meals: (B / L / D) in La Paz, according to availability. Meals: (B / L / -) 52 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Exit Process Information: International airport tax for travelers on international flights is US $ 25 (twenty five 00/100 US dollars). It can be paid in dollars or Bolivianos. This amount is paid after you check in at the airline. Depending on the airline, passengers are requested arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before flight departure.
Day 11: Potosi - Uyuni Day 12: Uyuni - Alcaya Day 13: Alcaya Day 14: Alcaya - Salinas Day 15: La Paz - El Alto Garci Mendoza - Oruro - International Airport La Paz transfer
Breakfast and start of After breakfast, we begin Breakfast and visit to the After breakfast, departure Depending on your flight the mine tour, visiting the the journey to the Alcaya community’s archaeological to the city of La Paz, passing schedule, breakfast will be “Tunnel” (“Socavón”) and community, passing through site. In the afternoon, arrive at through the city of Oruro, either at the hotel or at the mineral market, return to the the cemetery of trains, the lodge, where we will have where we will stop for lunch. airport. We will help you with city for lunch. Then, we will Colchani, Inca Huasi island. lunch. After some time off, After a short break, we your check in at the airport, move to Uyuni, gateway to the There, we will have a “box we will go visit the community continue the journey, arriving say our goodbyes and wish majestic Salar de Uyuni, the lunch” and then continue the museum. At night, fire, flame at La Paz during the late that you have a safe return world’s largest salt desert. trip towards “Alcaya,” located grilled llama meat, ponche afternoon. Register at Hostal home and that you enjoyed Arriving in Uyuni, we will just 15 minutes away from the (hot drink) and evening get- Naira and rest. In the evening, your stay in Bolivia check-in, rest in the hotel and town “Salinas Garci Mendoza”. together with the community. farewell dinner and brief city then go out to dinner with the In the evening, we will have tour. Meals: (B / - / -) guide. dinner and spend the night at Accommodation: Alcaya the community’s lodge. Community Lodge. Accommodation: Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Magia Meals: (B / L / D) Sajama or Hostal Naira in La de Uyuni in Uyuni Accommodation: Alcaya Paz, according to availability. Meals: (B / L / D) Community Lodge Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / L / D) Click here to return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 53 Peru Peruwith Pachamama. Pachamama Alternative Tourism biodiversity and livelihoods. We encourage you to be a part of Contact information is a Peruvian agency sponsored responsible tourism! by the Peruvian Artisans Our travel offer seeks to provide Pachamama Alternative Tourism Interregional Central Association authentic experiences in a Traveling with Pachamama Address: Av. Dominicos Mz. C Lt. 11 (or CIAP, for its Spanish Acronym), megadiverse Peru, combining Alternative Tourism means Urb. Las Praderas del Sol San Martín de Latin American Marketing traditional circuits with alternative supporting the sustainable Porres – Lima 31 - Peru Network (or RELACC for its routes, including visits to rural development of artisans and Phone: (51) 1 575-1851 Spanish Acronym) and 14 artisan communities, where visitors their natural and cultural Cell: (51) 1 962 671 297 groups. Since 2001, we have will be able to get to know the environments. Email: [email protected] / proposed travel programs with local people and discover their [email protected] important awareness activities environments and eco-friendly With Pachamama Alternative Website: www.pachamamaturismo.org and a more real and profound projects. We invite you to discover Tourism: Add humanity to your Facebook: Pachamama Turismo vision of the tourist destination, Peru in a spirit of sharing, respect adventure! Alternativo Peru respecting cultural integrity, for human values and solidarity.
»»We are part of the Peruvian »»Over 10 years of tourism »»We invite you to visit our Community-Based Artisans Interregional industry experience in Peru, website and explore our Central Association (or CIAP, involving local people in the travel options in the north Tourism Highlights for its Spanish Acronym), sustainable development of and mountains of Peru, as in Peru promoter of fair trade and their communities. well as our tour “Peru and solidarity economy. Bolivia: Discovering the Andes and Altiplano”.
Latin American Catalogue | 55 Along the Incan Trails Program 1 Encounters and Discoveries Peru
Itinerary: 16 days Day 1: Arrival at Lima Day 2: Lima Prices in Euro or USD. Arrival at Lima. Our Visit the modern part of Lima Includes: representative will welcome with a panoramic view of 15 nights’ accomodation (depending you at the airport. Transfer to the Pacific Ocean and the on your lodging preference); private transfers; private transportation route your hotel. bohemian district of Barranco. in Arequipa - Colca - Puno and Puno Then, we will visit colonial - Cusco; train tickets (Ollantaytambo- Lima: the Plaza Mayor, the Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo), airfare (Lima- Arequipa and Cusco-Lima); Accomodation: Option to Cathedral and the Catacombs private tours, meals as specified in the choose from different hotel of the San Francisco Convent. program, entrance fees, guide in chosen categories or family lodging. In the afternoon, lunch in language (Spanish, French or English) Meals: (-/-/-) artisan’s home. We will visit and permanent assistance. Moreover, the rate includes 10 € per person, the craft workshops, where to participate in offsetting carbon you will be able to participate in emissions, which will be used for the the process of making ceramic reforestation project and / or local pieces and ‘retablos’ (Andean development. folk art altarpieces). Not included: international flights; airport fees; Accomodation: Option to Bank fees; travel insurance; optional activities; Additional expenses due to choose from different hotel flight cancellations, weather or social categories or family lodging. manifestations; entry fees and transfers Meals: (B/L/-) to sites not listed in the program, tips and other personal expenses. 56 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Along the Incan Trails
Day 3: Lima - Arequipa Day 4: Arequipa - Culinary Adventure Day 5: Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Canocota Community
Early flight to Arequipa. We will visit the Yanahuará Accompanied by our chef, we will purchase Travel by private car towards the Colca Canyon and Rinconada Alta viewpoints; the Plaza de Armas traditional Peruvian products for preparing the (165 km). On the way, we will be able to see (central square) built in ashlar; the ‘Iglesia de recipes from this culinary adventure. Then we will exceptional landscapes until we reach the top of la Compañía’ Church, built by the Jesuits in the go to our facilities’ kitchen, where, before you start Patapampa, 4,900m above sea level, from where seventeenth century; the famous Santa Catalina cooking, you will receive a lecture on Peruvian you can appreciate the different volcanoes and convent; and, the Andean Sanctuaries Museum cuisine. Enjoy dishes like ceviche, causa, lomo mountains of the Central Andes. Then, we continue where you will see the mummy “Juanita,” known saltado and stuffed hot pepper; all set against the our journey to the charming village of Canocota, as the “Lady of Ampato”. In the afternoon, return to inevitable Pisco sour. Bon Appetite! Transfer to where we will stay in a family’s home. The hosts the hotel and free time. hotel and free time. will share their food and everyday activities, among other customs. Accommodation: Options to choose from different Accommodation: Option to choose from different hotel categories or family lodging. hotel categories or family lodging. Accommodation: Family homestay at the Canocota Meals: (B / - / -) Meals: (B / L / -) community, dedicated to raising camelids. Basic facilities (no showers). Meals: (B / - / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 57 Day 6: Canocota - Chivay - Puno Day 7: Puno - Chucuito - North Day 8: Taquile - Amantani Day 9: Amantani - Ccotos - Uros Perka - Taquile - Puno
Early departure by private car to After breakfast, transfer to the village After breakfast, we board a boat to Travel by boat to the Santa Maria the Cruz del Condor where you can of Chucuito (19km), near Puno, continue our journey on Lake Titicaca, community, Kapachica peninsula. We appreciate the majestic flight of the where we will visit an association of towards the Amantani Island. Arrival sail around the peninsula guided by Andean Condor from a viewpoint. artisans specializing in alpaca wool and installation in family home. In the locals distinguished by their traditional On the way, we will go through the fabric. We will continue our journey afternoon, we can take a hike up to dress. On our tour, we will find people traditional villages of the left bank of until reaching Perka North, where the temple of Pachatata to appreciate working in the fields, grazing their the canyon: Yanque, Achoma, Maca, we will take a short 15 minute walk the panorama of the lake’s Peruvian cattle ... After lunch, we visit the island and Pinchollo. In the afternoon, we to the pier. From there, we will take a and Bolivian sides and maybe enjoy a of Uros, where we will appreciate the journey to the city of Puno (355km). We boat to the island of Taquile. We will beautiful sunset. peculiar lifestyle of its people and their will appreciate a great variety of birds get settled with a host family in the customs. In the afternoon, return to and small lakes along the way. In the community of Awayllano. After lunch, Puno and transfer to hotel. evening, arrival and transfer to your we will share cultural activities with Accommodation: Family homestay. hotel. them. Basic facilities (no showers). Accommodation: Option to choose Meals: (B / L / D) from different hotel categories or Accommodation: Option to choose Accommodation: Family homestay. family lodging. from different hotel categories or Basic facilities (no showers). Meals: (B / L / -) family lodging. Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / P/ -)
58 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 10: Puno - Cusco Day 11: Cusco Day 12: Cusco - Pisac - Day 13: Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Patacancha Ollantaytambo - Aguas Community Calientes
Travel by private car to Cusco (10 Tour around the city’s surroundings, Transfer to the ‘Sacred Valley’ Visit to recognize and appreciate hours approx.); visit the city of Lampa such as Tambomachay, known (Valle Sagrado). On the way, we visit the farmland while participating and the temple where the replica of as Tambo de la Caverna; Kenko; Awanakancha, where you will be able in its activities, accompanied by a the ‘Pietà’ by Michelangelo is located. Puka Pukara with its constructions to see the South Americans camelids community guide who will explain On the way, we will see beautiful containing rooms, fountains, canals, and appreciate the traditional weaving the organizational system of the landscapes, such as the forest of aqueducts and finally a visit to techniques of the local population. community and how its economy ‘queñuales’ and Puyas de Raimondi. the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an We will continue our journey to the works. After lunch with our hosts, visit We will also visit the Tinajani canyon, imposing Inca building. Then, a visit to town of Pisac and walk around its the alpaca wool weaving workshops. often called the stone forest (bosque the Plaza de Armas (central square), impressive platforms (Andenes de Return to Ollantaytambo to board the de piedras). Then, we will stop at the the Cathedral, the magnificent temple Pisac). We continue with a visit to train to Aguas Calientes, a village at border line between Puno and Cusco of Koricancha, and the sacred precinct the fortress of Ollantaytambo, Inca the foot of Machu Picchu, arrival and at over 4335 m. In the afternoon, dedicated to Inti, Inca deity, known building used as a strategic military, transfer to hotel. arrival in Cusco and transfer to Hotel. for its impressive buildings. In the religious and agricultural center. afternoon, free time. Then we head to the Community of Accommodation: Option to choose Accommodation: Option to choose Patacancha, arrival and installation in from different hotel categories or from different hotel categories or Accommodation: Option to choose family home. family lodging. family lodging. from different hotel categories or Meals: (D / L / -) Meals: (B / P / -) family lodging. Accommodation: Homestay with Meals: (B / - / -) Quechua-speaking family. Basic facilities (no showers). Meals: (B / - / D) Latin American Catalogue | 59
Day 14: Aguas Calientes - Machu Day 15: Ollantaytambo - Maras - Day 16: Cusco - Lima - Picchu - Ollantaytambo Chinchero - Cusco Departure
Important Exit Process Information: Early rise to explore the flagship site Visit to the Maras salt mines, where In the morning, transfer to airport and of the Incas, Machu Picchu, with its people perform natural salt extraction flight to Lima. As time permits, visit The departure tax is currently squares, its platforms, aqueducts, processes; the Moray circular the National Museum of Archaeology, US $ 30.74 per person; You can watchtowers, warehouses and more. terraces, that constitute a whole Anthropology and History, which pay in soles or US dollars. In After the tour, free time to walk Incan agricultural experimental has an excellent overview of all pre- some cases it is already included around the citadel. Optional activity complex; and, the Chinchero village. Columbian civilizations in Peru. At the in your international ticket; in by the customer: ascension to Huayna In the afternoon, arrival to the city of according time, transfer to the airport any case, we suggest you consult Picchu. In the afternoon, travel by train Cuzco and transfer to hotel. for your international flight. End of our with your airline. to Ollantaytambo. Arrival and transfer services, we hope you return soon! to your hotel. Accommodation: Option to choose International regulations require from different hotel categories or Meals: (B / - / -) passengers to arrive at the Accommodation: Option to choose family lodging. airport 2 to 3 hours before flight from different hotel categories or Meals: (B / - / -) departure. family lodging. Meals: (B / - / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 61 Ecotourism in the Amazon Program 2 Peru
Itinerary: 5 days Day 1: Puerto Maldonado Day 2: Baltimore Community - Baltimore Community- - Tambopata Prices in Euro or USD. Tambopata
Includes: Flight options to Puerto Maldonado Early rise to visit a bird collpa, Accommodation; domestic from Lima or Cusco. Reception then return to the lodge for flight; private transfers; community guide in at the airport by the community breakfast. We set up our fishing Spanish and / or English; guide and transfer to Km. 37 tools and, at noon, we will go to Full board as specified of the Interoceanic Highway, the Cat waterfall (Cascada del in the program and permanent assistance. where we start a walk of about Gato). In the afternoon,we visit Moreover, the rate 3 hours through the jungle to the Rafaele family’s organic farm, includes 10 € per person, reach the Tambopata River. Then, tasting seasonal fruits such as to participate in offsetting boat transfer to the Baltimore oranges, lemons, copozu, starfruit, carbon emissions, which will be used for the Community. Arrival and installation sugarcane, cotton, coconuts, arazá, reforestation project and / in family home. Tour of the and bananas. At night, we look for or local development. surroundings. Optional night walk. alligators along the Tambopata River. Not included: International flights; Accommodation: Family homestay. airport fees; bank fees; Farming community, chestnut and Accommodation: Family homestay. travel insurance; optional cocoa producers (basic services). Farming community, chestnut and activities; additional expenses due to flight Meals: (- / - / D) cocoa producers (basic services). cancellations, weather or Meals: (B / L / D) social manifestations; entry fees and transfers to sites not listed in the program, tips and other personal expenses. 62 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Indications
For visits to the Amazon, it is Ecotourism in the Amazon recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever.
Day 3: Baltimore Day 4: Baltimore Day 5: Baltimore Community - Tambopata Community - Tambopata Community – Tambopata - Puerto Maldonado
In the morning, we take a tour We will collect palm leaves After breakfast, return to around the community and to learn to make the fabric Puerto Maldonado and transfer visit a villager to observe cocoa used for the cabin’s rags. to the airport for your flight processing and chocolate We will also collect seeds to to Lima or Cusco. End of our making. In the afternoon, we make necklaces, rings, and services. Come back soon! will take a canoe to paddle ornaments for our host family. down the Tambopata river, We can help with the planting Meals: B / - / - learning its stories and local and harvesting of products legends. such as corn and bananas. Also, we will learn to prepare a Accommodation: Family typical drink. homestay. Farming community, chestnut and cocoa producers Accommodation: Host family (basic services). accommodation. Farming Meals: (B / L / D) community, chestnut and cocoa producers (basic services). Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 63 The Coffee Route Program 3 in the Heart of Peru’s Central Peru Jungle: Ashaninka Community
Itinerary: 3 days Day 1: Lima - La Merced
Prices in Euro or USD. In the morning, departure eastbound from Lima. We will take the main Includes: Accommodation; road to the city of La Merced - domestic flight; private transfers; community guide in Spanish Chanchamayo, gateway to the and / or English; Full board as Peruvian jungle, located at an specified in the program and altitude of about 750 m with a warm permanent assistance. Moreover, the rate includes 10 € per person, and temperate climate. On the way, to participate in offsetting carbon we pass the Ticlio summit at 4800 emissions, which will be used for m, a journey of about 8 hours, where the reforestation project and / or you will cross from the coast to the local development. mountains and jungle in one day. Not included: International flights; Arrival and transfer to hotel. airport fees; bank fees; travel insurance; optional activities; Accommodation: Option to choose additional expenses due to flight cancellations, weather or social from different hotel categories or manifestations; entry fees and family lodging. transfers to sites not listed in the Meals: (B / - / -) program, tips and other personal expenses.
64 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM The Coffee Route
Day 2:La Merced - Ashaninka Day 3: Coffee Route - Valley Perené Native Community San Miguel de General Indications Mariankari
Transfer to Perene Valley, visiting the After breakfast, we say goodbye to this You must bring the following: Bayoz waterfall and continuing to the native friendly community to begin our coffee Sunscreen, hat, good mosquito repellent, personal hygiene community of San Miguel. Accompanied adventure in the Perene Valley. We will kit, hiking shoes. Basic exchange item for donation to the by a community guide, we will visit their meet with a representative of the Perene community (stationery, old books, white tocuyos fabrics). projects and appreciate the craftsmanship Cooperative who will join us on our visit to with seeds ... After lunch, we will take coffee farms and processing plants and Remember: a hike to the Ashivantsi “Golondrina” will explain the coffee process. After lunch, Respect the customs of the locals. You should not give viewpoint, located 1,420 meters above sea we will do a tasting of different varieties of money, gifts or candy to the children. Consume bottled or level, and enjoy a beautiful panorama of coffee in the Perene Cooperative, savoring boiled water. the valley. Dinner with folkloric dances. the delicious aroma of Puma Coffee. At Optional activities: bow and arrow shooting night, travel to Lima or extra night in La Important: competition; leaf-based vaporous traditional Merced. It is strictly forbidden to collect plants, seeds and/or jungle medicine. animals. It is also prohibited to expropriate or patent Meals: (B / - / -) plants or seeds. You are not allowed to give tips within the Accommodation: Community lodging (basic communities. services). Meals: (B / L / D) Click here to return to index Latin American Catalogue | 65 Peru Peru Peruwith COCLATOURS. “Coffee-Scented Routes to Machu Picchu”: Coclatours is owned by all cooperatives united in COCLA Small coffee producers offering unique expe- (the Central Cooperative) and makes decisions democra- riences on your trip to Machu Picchu “ tically, regardless of individual financial contributions. We Contact information participate in economically, socially and environmentally Coclatours is a Cooperative Tourism Organization and local responsible tourism. We are part of and contribute to fair tour operator in Cusco. We are a nonprofit social enterprise, trade. Coclatours Cooperativa Ltda. united with the cooperative financial group COCLA, working Address: Av. Edgar de la torre 1353 – to provide opportunities for our partners to improve their Travel with us through the “Coffee-Scented Routes to Ma- Quillabamba, Cusco, Perú quality of life. We have organized and supported coffee, co- chu Picchu,” the Inca citadel. Visit organic coffee, cocoa and Phone: + 51-984394583 coa and tea producing families to provide tourist services tea producers along the way, and prepare your own coffee. Website: www.coclatours.com in their homes, making them comfortable for visitors and Join the families of small producers. Hike the Inca Trail, the Primary Contact: [email protected] sharing with them their life experiences and the work of our Salkantay, and the Inka jungle, visit Cusco, Puno and other Facebook: COCLATOURS organization. destinations in Peru that we can arrange with our partner agencies. Coffee-scented travel to Cusco and Machu Pic- chu.
»» We are small »» We offer a different »» Learn about the »» Prepare your own »» Meet tea and cocoa Community-Based producers and unique travel, coffee process, coffee, roast it by producers, their organized in experiences from the producer hand and enjoy it farms and their Tourism Highlights cooperatives, we with families of to the consumer. fresh work. in Peru offer coffee tours coffee producers on the path to and Andean Machu Picchu and communities. Cusco Latin American Catalogue | 67 Coffee-Scented Cusco Program 4 Peru and Machu Picchu
Itinerary: 7 days Day 1: Lima – Cusco Day 2: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo Services included: transportation, In the morning, arrival at the airport In the morning, the tour takes us to accommodation, in Cusco and transfer to the hotel see the beautiful Sacred Valley of breakfast, entry fees, (Inkarri hostel). At 2 p.m., a city tour the Incas, surrounded by beautiful professional guides, constant assistance and to get to know and enjoy the city, mountain scenery. We will visit Inca activities. this service is available privately or ruins and Andean villages like Pisac and with a group. The tour takes us to Ollantaytambo. Buffet lunch on the way. Not included: services not mentioned, see Inca ruins, such as the temple of In the afternoon, get settled in our hostel food and drinks not Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and and free afternoon to enjoy the beautiful mentioned, optional Tambomachay, and colonial buildings like village of Ollantaytambo, which still activities, tips.. the Cathedral of Cusco, which holds a maintains the Inca urban design. Other tours offered by wealth of colonial Cusquenian paintings. COCLATOURS: Free night. Services include: Tour through the »» The Salkantay Trek + A Sacred Valley in private or shared service (guide + vehicle), tourism entry fees, Coffee on the Way Services included: Shuttle, city tour » hostel accommodation or other category » Inca Trail to Machu in private or shared service (guide + lodging as requested, and a buffet lunch in Picchu (4days / 3 nights) transport), tourism entry fees, hostel » Urubamba. » Inka Jungle Tour to accommodation or other category lodging Machu Picchu as requested. »» Tours in Lima, Arequipa Not included: food, except breakfast at the and Puno hostel.
68 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Ollantaytambo - Huayopata Optional Spend a day and a night in the Andean community After breakfast, our journey continues to Julia’s Services included: Transportation to the farm, double or triple occupancy lodging in a farm, Hatun Cuyo, coffee farm. The route allows us to ascend to breakfast and dinner, farm activities, local or 4300m and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of professional guide. getting to know its activities as the high Andean forest. After arrival at the farm: a community, its ancestral Inca accommodation in double rooms (the family agriculture, and its potato park, has two rooms that can accommodate up to 3 Another option for this day: where you can find a representative people with private bathroom and hot water). sample of native potato varieties in In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity The cooperative coffee route to Machu Picchu. Peru. The community has a hostel to see the work of the family, organic coffee Make the trip to the town of Quillabamba to accommodate tourists with basic production. We get to know a little bit about (1000m), about 1 hour away from the family’s service, providing food based on local their cooperative and the COCLA organization. home, stopping along the road, visiting products from the area. We will learn about how to tell if it’s coffee producers of tea, cocoa and coffee, night in a . season, the whole process coffee undergoes, hostel, the next day, a coffee tasting session and we will prepare our own coffee, enjoying in the COCLA plant facilities, our parent its freshly roasted taste, ground in the old organization. This alternative will allow you to traditional way. learn about the whole coffee process, from producer to processing and / or export.
Latin American Catalogue | 69 Day 4: Huayopata - Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)
After a nice breakfast with the family, Another option for this day the journey will continue to the small village of Santa Teresa, where we will have lunch and enjoy the landscape. On this day, you can hike a rural Inca After a lunch, the trip continues to the trail with lunch at a farm, leaving hydroelectric station, from which the early for an approx. 40min drive to group has two options, continue on then begin walking up the mountain, foot for a period of 3hrs. or take the the path is for the resident’s use and train for a period of 50min. We will connects, in the highlands, to an Inca spend the night in a hostel in Aguas trail made of stone and crosses the Calientes, arriving at approximately 4: edge of the mountains, this tour is not 30 p.m. suitable for people suffering vertigo. We will arrive at Alejandro Perez ‘s Services included: Transportation farm for lunch and then descend to to the train station, guide, train ticket catch a ride back to the train station. (optional), lunch in Santa Teresa, hostel accommodation.
Not included: food, except breakfast at hostel.
70 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cusco Day 6: Cusco Day 7: Cusco - Lima
In the morning, visit to the citadel of Free day in Cusco to visit museums, Transfer to the airport or terminal for Machu Picchu, where you will explore walk the streets, enjoy the world’s the trip back to Lima or connection to with a guide who will explain the “navel city”. Night at Inkarri hostel. Puno, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado or mysteries of this wonder world for a destination requested. We can also period of 2hrs. Then, you will be able Services included: Accommodation in arrange tours in other cities. A highly to explore on your own, take photos hostel and breakfast. recommended tour is to visit Puno, Lake or, if you previously requested to buy Not included: food, except breakfast at Titicaca. an admission ticket to the Wayna hostel. Picchu mountain, make the trek to the Services included: Transfer to the airport top of the mountain to see the citadel or bus station. and the surrounding landscape from Not included: food, except breakfast at a different perspective . This hike is hostel. highly recommended. In the afternoon, we are scheduled to return to Cusco by train and bus. Night at Inkarri hostel. Click here to return to index Services included: Bus ticket to Machu Picchu, professional guide, entry ticket to Machu Picchu, train ticket, bus to Cusco from Ollantaytambo, accommodation in Cusco. Important Exit Process Information: Peru airports taxes are included in the final price. Not included: food, except breakfast at hostel. International regulations require passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
Latin American Catalogue | 71 Ecuador Ecuadorwith Runa Tupari. Runa Tupari Native Travel is a rural community- All proceeds from Runa Tupari are reinvested to based tourism operator formed in 2001 by the improve living conditions in rural communities, Contact information Union of Peasant and Indigenous Organizations either directly by the councils or through of Cotacachi (UNORCAC, for its acronym in UNORCAC and its projects. Runa Tupari’s work Runa Tupari Native Travel LC Spanish) and four indigenous communities of has been celebrated through several awards, Christian Garzón (manager) Cotacachi - Ecuador. Runa Tupari, in the Kichwa including the Merit Recognition by Ecuador’s Office: Sucre 14-15, entre Quiroga y Quito language, means “Indigenous Encounter” and Ministry of Tourism (2008), and the Pachamama Otavalo, Ecuador expresses our goal of facilitating a cultural Seal of Quality (2012). For more information on Fax: (00 593) 06 2 922 320 / Cell: 0999 590 646 exchange between visitors and the region’s the organization and its work, visit the website: E-mail: [email protected]; population. This encounter allows guests to www.unorcac.org. Website: http://www.runatupari.com/ experience direct contact with nature and, above Skype: runatupari all, a rich intercultural coexistence. Facebook: runatupari
»»Meet the country at the center of travel, with modern, safe roads in privileged climate and the most Community-Based the world, where, in relatively short excellent conditions, comfortable breathtaking scenery, the essence Tourism Highlights distances, you can experience the tourist transport and bilingual of Latin America merges to create Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific specialized country guides. an unforgettable and unique in Ecuador Coast and the Galapagos Islands. »»Visit the city of Quito, with a historic destination. »»Ecuador’s live indigenous cultures center declared a World Heritage »»Islands, Amazon, Andes and the with traditions, customs and Site by UNESCO, now one of the 7 Pacific Coast, four worlds await authentic, unique cuisine will new city wonders of the world. you. allow you to live an intercultural »»The largest mega biodiversity of experience. the planet has its home in Ecuador, »»Ecuador is a perfect place to the center of the world. With a Latin American Catalogue | 73 The Andes and the Pacific Coast Program 1 Roam the Northern Andes and the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast, ECUADOR enjoy its natural diversity and cultural richness.
Itinerary: 13 days Day 1: Quito Day 3: Cotacachi
Included: Route guide and local Airport-hotel transfer, city tour Departure to Otavalo, ‘masapan’ guides, private transport in Quito’s historic center with its shops in Calderon, San Pablo throughout the trip, famous squares and churches, Lake viewpoint, reed handicrafts in meals (12 breakfasts, Tianguéz Cultural Center. Overnight San Rafael, and, in the afternoon, 13 lunches, 12 dinners), 12 nights lodging with in Quito. transfer to communities of Cotacachi private bath (2n Quito, and overnight stay in family lodge. 4n Cotacachi, 1n Mindo, 1n Santo Domingo, 3n Puerto Lopez, 1n Guayaquil), tickets for all Day 2: Quito Day 4: Cotacachi activities in the itinerary. Visit the Equator monument Mitad City tour of Otavalo and visit to Not included: Not included: services del Mundo and site museums, the Plaza de Ponchos craft market, not mentioned, food Intiñan Museum, and free afternoon afternoon visit to microenterprises not mentioned, drinks, to visit Quito’s attractions. Overnight and community projects in the area. optional activities, tips, in Quito. Overnight family homestay. departure tax, etc.
Level of difficulty: Easy.
74 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM General Indications:
»» No visa is required to visit Ecuador, for a maximum period of 90 days within one Day 5: Cotacachi Day 8: Santo Domingo Day 11: Puerto Lopez year. »» Currency: US dollar. A network of ATMs Walk along the Cuicocha Lagoon, Morning free for activities in Mindo, Whale watching, if in season (June in all cities. Many stores accept Visa, Cotacachi City tour and leather departure to Santo Domingo, visit to September), Isla de la Plata Master Card, American Express, Diners workshops, free afternoon for host the community-based tourism walking tour around the island, Club family activities, cultural evening. project Tólon Pelé, Tsáchila culture. birdwatching. Overnight in Puerto »» International airports in the cities of Overnight family homestay. Overnight stay in Santo Domingo. Lopez. Quito and Guayaquil. »» Plugs / Voltages: 110V and 60Hz, single Day 12: Guayaquil phase outlets of two threads. You can get Day 6: Cotacachi Day 9: Puerto Lopez adapters in any hardware store. Departure to Guayaquil, Ruta del »» Bring appropriate clothing for each Freedom Train (Tren de la Departure to Puerto Lopez, stops Sol, stops at places of interest region and season visited. Libertad) from Otavalo to Salinas, along the way at places of interest, along the way. In the afternoon, • Andes: Warm clothes. Sun hats. Afro-Ecuadorian culture, organic Montecristi and Ciudad Alfaro Guayaquil city tour, Malecón 2000. coffee and fruit farm, return museum. In the afternoon, arrival Overnight stay in Guayaquil. • Pacífico Coast: Light clothing. Swimwear. Raincoat. Insect repellent. to accommodation in private at Puerto Lopez. Overnight stay in transport. Overnight family Puerto Lopez. • Amazon: Light clothing with long homestay. Day 13: Guayaquil sleeves. Raincoat. Insect repellent. • Galápagos: Comfortable shoes. Day 10: Puerto Lopez Free time in Guayaquil, airport Swimwear. Day 7: Mindo transfer. End of Tour. Visit Guale school, Machalilla Departure to Mindo with stops at National Park, walk to the Playa places of interest, afternoon walk de los Frailes beach, Agua Blanca to several waterfalls in the cloud archaeological museum. Overnight forest, birdwatching, evening frogs stay in Puerto Lopez. concert. Overnight in Mindo.
Latin American Catalogue | 75 Pacific Coast, Andes, and Amazon
Program 2 Enjoy Ecuador´s natural and cultural diversity in its three ECUADOR regions: the Pacific Coast, the Northern Andes and the Amazon.
Itinerary: 18 days Day 1: Quito Day 3: Shayari
Included: Transfer airport-hotel, city tour of Guayusa ceremony at sunrise Route guide and local the historic center of Quito with (optional), visit to animal rescue guides, private transport its famous squares and churches, center, afternoon hike along the throughout the trip, meals Tiánguez Cultural Centre. Overnight “waterfall trail”, swimming in (17 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 17 dinners), 17 nights lodging stay in Quito. waterfall. Overnight stay in Shayari. with private bath (2n Quito, 3n Shayari, 1n Papallacta, 5n Cotacachi, 1n Lita, 1n Same, 2n Pedernales, Day 4: Shayari 2n Mindo), tickets for all Day 2: Shayari activities in the itinerary. Hike along the “lake trail”, boat Departure to Lago Agrio, visit to tour on the lake and fishing, return Not included: Not included: services San Rafael Waterfall along the to village in private transport, not mentioned, food not way, afternoon arrival in Shayari, demonstration of handicrafts mentioned, drinks, optional welcome and explanations about the production, cultural night. Overnight activities, tips, departure tax, community. Overnight stay in Shayari stay in Shayari. etc. community lodge.
Level of difficulty: Easy- Moderate.
76 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 5: Papallacta Day 7: Cotacachi Day 9: Cotacachi Day 11: Lita
El Cedro community, travel to Tour of four indigenous Visit to communal micro- Liberty Train (Tren de la Libertad) Papallacta with stopovers at communities, visit to Peguche enterprises in Cotacachi, ethno- from Ibarra to Salinas, afro- places of interests along the way, Waterfall and handicrafts botanical garden, free afternoon Ecuadorian culture, Salt Museum free afternoon for Papallacta workshops, Plaza de Ponchos to relax or for activities with your and ethnographic showroom, hot springs. Overnight stay in handicrafts market in Otavalo. host family. Overnight family organic fruit and coffee farm. Papallacta. Overnight family homestay. homestay. Overnight Stay in the Lita area.
Day 8: Cotacachi Day 12: Same Day 6: Cotacachi Day 10: Cotacachi Hike around Lake Cuicocha, Travel to Esmeraldas beaches, Walk to environmental city tour of Cotacachi and local Visit to Mojanda Lakes, stops along the way at several interpretation center, visit to leather workshops, return to climb of Volcano Fuya Fuya places of interest, fishing village Equator monument Quitsato the community, cultural night. (4.265m/14.000ft), return to of Súa, free afternoon at the near Cayambe, afternoon arrival Overnight family homestay. community and free time to relax, beach in Same. Overnight stay in in indigenous communities of cultural night. Overnight family Same. Cotacachi. Overnight family homestay. homestay.
Latin American Catalogue | 77
Day 13: Pedernales Day 16: Mindo
Travel to Pedernales, afro- Optional morning activities Ecuadorian community of (birdwatching, butterfly Important Exit Process Muisne, boat tour through farm, orchid garden, Information: Muisne mangroves, visit ziplining, tubing, and to fishermen and mussel others), afternoon hike The departure tax is currently US $ 59.00 per person; You collectors. Overnight stay through cloud forest can pay in US dollars or with in Pedernales. to several waterfalls. a credit card. It must be paid Overnight stay in Mindo. at the airport before starting the check-in process with the Day 14: Pedernales Day 17: Quito airline. International regulations Travel to beaches of Birdwatching, travel to require passengers to arrive Cojimies, fishing villages, Quito, Equator monument at the airport at least 3 hours coastal culture, free Mitad del Mundo and before departure. afternoon at the beach, site museums, Museum return to Pedernales. Intiñan, free afternoon in Overnight stay in Quito. Overnight stay in Pedernales. Quito.
Day 15: Mindo Day 18: Quito Travel to Santo Domingo, visit community-based Free morning for activities tourism project Tolón Pelé, in Quito, transfer to airport. Tsáchila culture, travel End of tour. to Mindo, nocturnal frog concert. Overnight stay in Click here to Mindo. return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 79
Optional Program ECUADOR Santa Cruz Island See this world heritage site and enjoy the globally unique wildlife and vegetation.
Itinerary: 18 days Day 1: Santa Cruz Day 3: Santa Cruz
Included: Reception at Baltra airport, transfer Bay tour, visit to Lobería (Sea lion Galapagos National Park guide, to accommodation in Puerto Ayora beach), Canal de Tiburones (Shark private transportation, meals (3 on Santa Cruz Island, afternoon Channel), Canal de Amor (Love breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners), visit to the Charles Darwin Channel) and Las Grietas, nature 3 nights’ accommodation in Puerto Ayora with private Foundation’s scientific research observation, hiking, snorkeling, bathroom, tickets for all station. afternoon visit to fish market. activities of the itinerary (National Park entrance NOT included). Day 2: Santa Cruz Day 4: Santa Cruz and Departure Not included: Hike to Tortuga Bay beach, Not included: services not optional activities like snorkeling or Transfer to Baltra airport. End of mentioned, food not mentioned, drinks, optional activities, tips, kayaking, afternoon tour to Santa tour. departure tax, etc. Cruz highlands with wild giant tortoises, lava tunnels and twin craters. Level of difficulty: Easy
Latin American Catalogue | 81 Brazil Brazilwith Red Tucum and Estaçao Gabiraba Estação Gabiraba is an ecotour operator which, together with local communities, seeks to develop Contact information and establish an alternative model of tourism that values traditions and nature while generating Estação Gabiraba revenue for communities’ social initiatives. Website: http://estacaogabiraba.com.br/site/ Email: [email protected] The Cearense Community Tourism Network- Phone: +55 91 982 264 169/996 174 612 Red Tucum, formed in 2008, is a joint venture by Facebook: Estação Gabiraba communities in the State of Ceara in northeastern Twiter: https://twitter.com/EstacaoGabiraba Brazil that intend to participate in community- based tourism. Red Tucum Website: www.tucum.org Live the experience! Email: [email protected] Phone: +55 85 3226 2476 / +55 85 3226 4154
»» Adopting a perspective that »» Experiencing shared moments with environmental justice between Community-Based seeks to create dialogues based communities, promoting cultural society, culture and nature. Tourism Highlights on principles that guide and exchanges between visitors and »» Contributing to continuity efforts for strengthen solidarity bonds local populations in their living and economic activities (such as fishing in Brazil between the men and women who working environments. and agriculture), giving visibility are creating societies committed »» Your hosts and guides are locals to the participating communities’ to sustainability in its political, from the place you are visiting. social struggles for recognition. cultural, environmental and »» Community-Based Tourism economic aspects. seeks to build relationships and Latin American Catalogue | 83 Inspiration from Nature and its Colorful Sands
Program 1 Brazil
Itinerary: 6 days Day 1: Welcome to Ponta Day 2: Nature, Adventure Grossa and Tranquility
Services included in the package: Arrival in Fortaleza and transfer Breakfast. Buggy departure to »» Visits to communities, implementation of activities to Ponta Grossa-Icapuí. visit the environmental station and meals as described in the Accommodation in lodges with and the project “Women: Body travel plan. single rooms, fan, television and and Algae” in Icapuí. Next, lunch » » Four nights’ accommodation private bathroom (there are some at the lodge and Tremembé with the Red Tucum Network: single rooms, with breakfast rooms with minibars). Dinner at restaurant. Afternoon return to and meals mentioned. the restaurant and beach kiosks. Ponta Grossa and sunset on the »» Transfers in air-conditioned dunes. Dinner at the restaurant vehicle and accompanied by local guides. Accommodation:Lodge and beach kiosks. At night, beach Meals: (-/-/D) bonfire with music. Services not included in the package: Accommodation: Lodge Flight tickets. »» Travel insurance. Meals: (B/L/D) »» Alcoholic beverages. »» Personal expenses or extras. »» Tips. »» Meals not mentioned in this Travel Plan. »» Activities or services not mentioned in this Travel Plan .
84 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Optional Trips to visit family farming projects and production processes.
Notes Schedules may change due to natural phenomena rarely always predictable (high tide, moving dunes, rain and similar factors).
Please note Transportation prices are for ONE person. A minimum of two people is required for all transfers. Day 3: Community Day 4: Prainha do Canto Verde Day 5: Fortaleza, Capital of Day 6: Farewell Organization, Collective Ceara Power, Rights and Conquered Territories Breakfast. Early rise for a walk on Breakfast. Departure to Fortaleza. Departure for the airport (depending Breakfast, departure to Prainha do the Laguna Córrego do Sal, learning Lodging at Frei Humberto on the time of departure). Canto Verde, passing by La Bodega its local history and traditions. Center(MST): single room with (Solidarity Economy and Fair Trade Lunch. Free afternoon to enjoy the private bathroom. Afternoon city tour Meals: (B / - / -) shop) in Aracati. Lunch at the Vila da beach and unspoiled nature while to explore cultural attractions like Volta community. Accommodation in getting to know local lifestyles. the Dragão do Mar Cultural Center, lodges: single rooms, fan, television the craft market and sunset in Beira and private bathroom (there are Accommodation: Lodge Mar (Fortaleza boardwalk). some rooms with minibars). Dinner Meals: (B/L/D) at the Posada Sol y Mar restaurant. Accommodation: Lodge Guest reception. Meals: (B/L/-)
Accommodation: Lodge Meals: (B/L/D) Travelling with Red Tucum is an opportunity to live a shared experience with a preserved nature, while getting to know the lifestyles of traditional communities and participating in cultural exchanges.
86 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Simplicity, Hospitality and Music of the Wind and the Sea
Program 2 Brazil
Itinerary 7 days Day 1: Welcome to Day 2: Culture, History Day 3: Sunset at the Fortaleza! and Beauty of Curral Dunes Velho Services included in the package: »» Visits to communities, implementation of Arrival in Fortaleza Breakfast. Departure to Breakfast. Buggy departure activities and meals as described in the travel plan. and transfer to Frei visit Tatajuba, Camocim. from Tatajuba to the Island »» Seven nights’ accommodation with the Red Humberto Center (MST). Lunch at the Center for of Love (Isla del Amor). Tucum Network: single rooms, with breakfast Accommodation: single Environmental Education Free for lunch. Walk in the and meals mentioned. room with fan and private and Community-Based Enchanted Dune to enjoy »» Transfers in air-conditioned vehicle and accompanied by local guides. bathroom. Tourism Encante do the sunset. Dinner at the Mangue. Accommodation Associação dos Moradores Services not included in the package: Accommodation: Lodging in villa: single room with Tatajuba (ACOMOTA) »» Flight tickets. »» Travel insurance. at Frei Humberto Center private bathroom. Dinner facilities. »» Alcoholic beverages. Meals: (- / - / -) at the Associação dos »» Personal expenses or extras. Moradores Tatajuba Accommodation: Villa »» Tips. (ACOMOTA) facilities. Meals: (B / - / D) »» Meals not mentioned in this Travel Plan. »» Activities or services not mentioned in this Travel Plan Accommodation: Villa Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 87 Optional: Notes Please note: Trips to visit family Schedules may change Transportation prices farming projects and due to rarely predictable are for ONE person. production processes. natural phenomena A minimum of two (high tide, moving dunes, people is required for all rain and similar factors) transfers. Day 4: Hiking the Four Day 5: Reception in Day 6: Getting to Know Day 7: Enjoy Nature Day 8: Farewells Towns Caetanos de Cima the Assentamento Maceio
Breakfast. Early morning Breakfast. Departure Breakfast. Departure to Breakfast. Free morning to Departure for the airport hike to meet the four towns for Caetanos de Cima. Assentamento Maceio to enjoy the beach and get to (depending on the time of in the region: Baixa Tatajuba, Accommodation in villa: learn about its history of know the local way of life. departure). Vila de São Francisco, Nova single room, fan and private struggle for territory. Sea Lunch. In the afternoon, Tatajuba, and Vila Nova. bathroom. Lunch. Break bathing and lunch at the transfer to Fortaleza. Meals: (B / - / -) Free for lunch. Return at the by the seashore. Dinner in restaurant Barracão da Lodging at Frei Humberto end of the day. Dinner at the Barraca das Mulheres. Praia. Return to Caetanos Center (MST): single room Associação dos Moradores de Cima. Suggestion: late with private bathroom. Tatajuba (ACOMOTA) Accommodation: Villa afternoon walk in the dunes facilities. Meals: (B / L / D) to see the sunset and the full Accommodation: Frei moon (if there is one). Dinner Humberto Center. Accommodation: Villa at the villa. Meals: (B / L / -) Meals: (B / - / D) Accommodation: Accommodation in a chalet. Click here to Meals: (B / L / D) return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 89 Panama Panama Panamawith Panama al natural Panama al Natural Destinations and Quality Tourist Consulting, a new proposal for tourism, duly registered Contact information with the Tourism Authority of Panama as a travel agency and tour operator, with License No. 433-AV. Panama al Natural Destinos y Consultorías Turísticas de Calidad As specialists in Rural Community-Based Tourism, we Address: Lobby Hotel Mykonos, Via Panamericana, propose a wonderful experience of enjoying contact with Santiago de Veraguas, República de Panama rural dwellers and their environment, culture and folklore Cell: +507 6676-4583 of ‘deep Panama.’ An offer generating emotions and real Phone: +507 395-3515 experiences which aim to bring travelers to the most Email: [email protected] authentic roots and traditions of our people. Webpage: www.panamanatural.com.pa Twitter: @panamaalnatural Panama al Natural, what’s natural is to be surprised. Facebook: facebook.com/tourspanamaalnatural YouTube: www.youtube.com/panamaalnatural
»» We promote participative tourism, »» Living with peasant families, as product. Community-Based where you can enjoy beautiful well as various indigenous groups »» Aimed at travelers in search Tourism Highlights natural areas as well as the in the country. of enriching experiences while everyday life of people in rural »» Opportunity to enjoy the natural learning, participating and living in Panama areas of our country. and cultural wealth that reinforce what it means to be Panamanian. »» Opportunity to actively participate Panama’s pride. in agricultural activities in varied »» Enjoy a different, more authentic agritourism farms. and emotionally rich tourism
Latin American Catalogue | 91 The Perfect Blend: Coffee with Milk in the Chiriquí Province + Caribbean Cocoa + Bocas Calypso
Program 1 PANAMA
Itinerary 8 days Day 1: Panama - Sortova - farm, we will also enjoy a delicious Volcán, Chiriqui snack with fresh local products and of Season: December to May course seasonal natural juices. Difficulty: Accessible- Easy Departure from Panama City to the At the end of our visit, we will head Services Included: province of Chiriqui, located 485 towards Volcán, located 30 minutes »» Transfers airport-hotel-airport »» Private road transport. kilometers away, on private ground from Sortová, at an altitude between »» Lodging in double rooms transportation. We stop in Santiago de 1300 and 3475 meters above sea level. (medium category hotels and Veraguas, to stretch our legs and have Their minimum temperatures are 0 rural cabins) »» Breakfast at hotels and cabins a traditional dish of the region for lunch. ° C (on top of the Baru Volcano) and »» Refreshments and lunch during Later, we will continue our journey to maximum of 26 ° C. We will stay in a tours the Chiriqui province. Once we arrive, beautiful and comfortable community »» Spanish language tour guide we will visit an interesting farm in the lodge, surrounded by many green areas »» Entry fees to places visited community of Sortová, just 15 minutes and natural water currents. Not included: from David, capital of Chiriqui. This »» Travel Insurance farm has a Grade A dairy production, Accommodation: Hotel in Volcán » » Visas where livestock is managed in a Meals: (B/L/-) »» Environmental Authority Tax on tours in Bocas del Toro sustainable way, having silvopastoral »» Tips and personal expenses. systems. It also has an integrated »» Airline and airport taxes. organic waste management activity. »» Any other item not mentioned as included We will have the opportunity to learn to milk cows and we feed them in order to learn what they eat and why. On this
92 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 5: Silico Creek, Bocas del Toro
On our fourth day, we head towards Silico Creek, in the province of Bocas del Toro located 2 hours from the city of David. Indigenous community of about 500 people, which borders part of Ngobe Bugle. Upon arrival, we will have the opportunity to spend time with the people, learn about their customs and history. For sure, we will live an unforgettable experience in a natural and ecological environment, appreciating the natural attractions and culture, as well as the Day 2: Volcán - Renacimiento - Cerro Day 3: Volcán - Cerro Punta – Volcán traditional knowledge. Punta - Volcán Cocoa is one of the most important products for the After a delicious breakfast on our second day After breakfast, we visit the community of Cerro economy of the community. On our first day, we will of travel, we will visit beautiful farms dedicated Punta, located 20 minutes from downtown Volcán. have the opportunity to see the entire process in the to producing the best coffee, such as the This community of very fertile land sees a large preparation of chocolate, from planting a seed to Catuaí, Caturra and the Geisha, which has won agricultural activity. We will go to an agro tourist making your own chocolate bar in a traditional style. international awards as the best gourmet coffee. farm that is dedicated to the production of various In the evening, we enjoy a nice presentation of the We visit a farm in the Coto community, where we herbs and vegetables. We will have the opportunity Ngobe traditional dance, where the community’s men can interact with the activities of a ranch dedicated to learn about and participate in planting, watering and women will exhibit different types of their dances to genetic improvement, breeding of European and harvesting, depending on the season when wearing their traditional dresses. They will explain the cattle, Quarter Horses and Dutch Friesian horses, the visit. We will enjoy typical dishes of the area history of the dance and the meaning of the symbols pioneer of this breed in Panama. In the afternoon, for lunch and then on to visit a farm specialized in and colors in their clothes. to finish our tour, we return to the lodge. We will orchids and heliconias. We will learn about a very have the rest of the night off to rest. exotic orchid called Dracula. In the afternoon, to Accommodation: Ecological cabin of Ngobe typical finish our tour, we return to the lodge. We will have design. Made of traditional materials from the region, Accommodation: Hotel in Volcán the rest of the night off to rest. and located in the highest part of the community Meals: (B/L/-) overlooking beautiful magical mountains, in a natural Accommodation: Hotel in Volcán and ecological environment, surrounded by the sounds Meals: (B / L / -) of nature. Meals: (B / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 93
Day 6: Silico Creek - Norteño - Day 7: Isla Colón, Bocas del Day 8: Isla Colón, Bocas del Day 9: Farewell Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro Toro Toro - Panama City
In our fifth day of this interesting Breakfast at the hotel, surrounded On the seventh day of travel, we will On our last day, we will have circuit, we visit the Norteño by clear waters and large marine have breakfast at the hotel and head breakfast at the hotel and visit the community, where we will learn biodiversity. Today, we will visit back to Panama City. Again, we take Panama Canal. Transfer to the airport about Ngöbe traditional dresses various natural attractions such as a boat to return the port of Almirante and farewell. and accessories from the women Dolphin Bay, Coral Cay and Zapatilla and then our private transportation members of the Meri Sribire Guaire Cay. During the tour, we will stop for to the city of Panama. The trip will Meals: (B / - / -) Craft Association. After a traditional lunch and taste delicious seafood be approximately nine hours, we lunch, we bid farewell to this group and fresh fish. Upon completion of will stop in Santiago de Veraguas for and depart towards the famous Isla this adventurous day, we return to lunch and again continue our journey Colón. We reach the port of Almirante Isla Colón Island. We will have the to Panama City. and take a 30-minute speedboat ride afternoon and evening free to relax Upon arrival, we will stay in a hotel to the island. Once we get to Isla and enjoy our stay in this beautiful located in the center of the city. Colón, we will settle in a beautiful Caribbean location. beachfront hotel with a traditional Optional: Afro-Caribbean design. We will Accommodation: Hotel in Isla Colón 1 night accommodation in Santiago. have the afternoon and evening free Meals: (B / L / -) See optional tours in Annexes to relax and enjoy our stay in this beautiful Caribbean location. Accommodation: Hotel in Panama City Accommodation: Hotel in Isla Colón Meals: (B / L / -) Meals: (B / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 95 The Biggest Island along Central America’s Pacific Coast + Sugar Cane Route and Azuero Folklore
Program 2 PANAMa
Itinerary 8 days Day 1: Panama - Santiago, Veraguas
Season: December to May Difficulty: Accessible- Easy Departure from Panama City to the province of Services Included: Veraguas in private transportation. We will travel »» Transfers airport-hotel-airport. about 3 hours by road to the city of Santiago, »» Private road transport. »» Lodging in double rooms (medium Veraguas province. Arriving in the province, we category hotels and rural cabins) will stop in a beautiful farm which raises cattle »» Breakfast at hotels and cabins for grade A milk production. The farm is located »» Refreshments and lunch during in a pleasant natural environment where we will tours »» Spanish language tour guide spend the night and enjoy a country style dinner »» Entry fees to places visited with local products from the farm and surrounding area. We will be able to restore depleted energies Not included: from the flight to Panama and get ready for our »» Travel Insurance »» Visas next adventure to Coiba National Park. »» Environmental Authority Tax on tours in Bocas del Toro Accommodation: Rural Hotel »» Tips and personal expenses. »» Airline and airport taxes. Meals: (- / - / D) »» Any other item not mentioned as included
96 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 2: Santiago - Coiba National Park, Day 3: Coiba National Park, Veraguas Province of Veraguas Upon returning to the ANAM station, we will settle Province in their simple but comfortable cabins, which have private bathrooms and air conditioning. At night, we Early rise for breakfast and departure to Playa have dinner with fish, seafood or chicken, according After breakfast, we start our day with a bit of walking Banco beach. Hour-long journey to reach the port, to your tastes. Then, enjoy the beautiful starry sky of through the paths of the main island of Coiba and, and, from there, approximately a 1.5 hour boat the Panamanian summer... if nature permits, observe species such as howler ride to start our unforgettable adventure in Coiba monkeys, various birds and a variety of flora. We will National Park, where we will have the opportunity to Accommodation: Cabins in Coiba Island have lunch and later take our boat to visit the old get to know the rich biodiversity of the largest island Meals: (B / L / -) prison that was on the other side of the island. Upon in Central America’s Pacific coast, “Coiba”, declared returning to the cabins, we will have the opportunity World Heritage in 2005. to take the rest of the afternoon and evening off, dine on ANAM premises and then take our well-deserved Upon reaching the island, we will register in the rest. National Environmental Authority (ANAM). They will take care of our bags, so we can immediately return Accommodation: Cabins in Coiba Island to the sea and take advantage of this first day of Meals: (B / L / -) adventure by visiting Granito de Oro Island, where you can snorkel and admire its diverse marine fauna. Here, we will enjoy a refreshment and its crystalline waters. Then we will take a small walk in Rancheria Island and will tour the Outside channels (Canales de Afuera).
Latin American Catalogue | 97 Day 4: Coiba National Day 5: Chitre - Pese - Ocu - accompanied by a fruit drink of Park - Chitre, Herrera Chitre, Herrera Province the season. Province Later, we visit the community After breakfast at the hotel, we of Ocu, where we will learn Very early rise for a light begin this portion of the circuit to make clay tiles and breakfast and departure to the by visiting an cobblestones with which the city of Santiago, to then drive interesting estate located in traditional houses of the region to the Azuero region, which Pese, where two Panamanian are built, understanding the is composed of the provinces flagship products are made: value of our fresh earth. Then, of Herrera and Los Santos. Ron Abuelo rum, which has we visit seamstresses who will This region is a reservoir of won international medals for teach us the technique used for our customs and traditions excellence and also the well- making traditional costumes that have been passed down known national drink called and hats, as a token of our from generation to generation. Seco Herrerano. Here, we will folklore. Upon completion of Arriving in the city of Chitre, we learn about the entire process this day of interesting cultural will settle in the hotel where we of preparing these famous knowledge, we return to our will stay for the next two nights. drinks. We will learn about hotel in the city of Chitre. We We will have the afternoon and the whole sugar cane process will have the afternoon and evening free to relax. from sowing to harvest. We will evening free to relax. tour the facilities for grinding, Accommodation: Hotel in fermentation, distillation, aging Accommodation: Hotel in Chitre in oak barrels and the long Chitre Meals: (B / L / -) awaited and magic moment Meals: (B / L / -) of learning how to taste it. From tasting the rums, you will earn a Certificate of Catado, accrediting us as members of an exclusive group of Ron Abuelo connoisseurs. In the farm, we will have a delicious lunch with typical regional dishes such as rice with pigeon peas, roast pig and salad,
98 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 6: Chitre, Herrera Province - Las Tablas, Los Day 7: Las Tablas, Los Santos Province - La Arena - Day 8: Farewell Santos Province Parita, Herrera Province - Panama
After having breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and return On our last day of travel, we leave Las Tablas after breakfast, On our last day, we will to this beautiful tour. We drive to Las Tablas in the province of toward La Arena in Chitre, where we will get our hands dirty, have breakfast at the Los Santos, about an hour away. We will visit skilled craftsmen become artisans, learn by doing, and create some colorful crafts hotel and visit the Panama who handmake beautiful Panamanian peasant sandals called with clay in a style well recognized throughout the country. Canal. Transfer to the ‘cutarras.’ We will also learn about the technique used to We will also get to know the famous and delicious bread from airport and farewell. produce different types of drums, which are part of the musical La Arena. After lunch we visit the authentic community of wealth of the region. Parita. Here, we participate in the unforgettable experience of Meals: (B / - / -) learning by doing and creating masks of clean and dirty little After our lunch with delicious regional cuisines, we will visit the devils, an interesting folk piece depicting devils or animals that community of San Jose de Las Tablas, where skilled artisans is used in traditional dances from different regions of Panama. will delight us with the most beautiful works in the art of sewing: The journey through the streets of Parita, one of the oldest the Pollera, recognized as a national typical dress, an expensive hispanic-indigenous towns in the region of Azuero, will transfer textile jewel made with specialized techniques that have been us to colonial times full of ethnic customs and wealth that its passed on from generation to generation. We then return to Las inhabitants very jealously maintain. Their homes and their Tablas to check into the hotel and stay overnight. We will have the historic bullring preserve the colonial style of Azuero’s towns. night off to rest. After completing these lovely activities, we depart back to Accommodation: Hotel in Las Tablas Panama City. Upon reaching the city, we will stay in a hotel in a Meals: (B / L / -) very central location of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel in Panama City Meals: (B / L / -) Latin American Catalogue | 99
Panama Optional Tours La Colorada, Land of Colorful Rolls Coffee Tour in Santa Fe de Veraguas
Location: Santiago - La Colorada - Santiago Location: Santa Fe Duration: 5 hours Duration: 6 hours
Description: La Colorada, land of men and women workers who Description: Santa Fe de Veraguas is a beautiful community located keep the traditional and indigenous hue of its people. Located 10 56 kms from Santiago, surrounded by mountains, colorful flowers km from the center of the city of Santiago de Veraguas. Here, you and a pleasant climate with temperatures reaching 16 degrees will learn about the process of making handicrafts in leather, known Celsius, beautiful scenery and the ease of obtaining fruits and many as ‘talabartería’ (‘cutarras,’ saddles, shoes, belts, wallets, etc.), as vegetables. We will visit the farm and factory of Café Tute, an organic well as making the shaft, the shell of the horse saddle. When visiting high-elevation coffee with an excellent aroma and flavor. On our tour, La Colorada, you can’t miss learning about its delicious traditional we will also have the opportunity to visit the community’s farmers cuisine such as tasty wood fire-roasted pork, the colorful bread rolls market and craft market. or and its sweet varieties. We will visit the Church of St. Peter the Apostle, and its lovely portals that still retain the traditional designs Package Includes: of ancient houses, dating from early last century. »» Roundtrip transfer from Santiago. »» Coffee tour “Café El Tute”. »» Visit the Café El Tute’s factory and organic farm. Package Includes: »» Visit an orchid nursery. »» • Roundtrip transfer from Santiago. »» Creole lunch in Santa Fe. »» • Folk and craft activities. »» Visit to the Mirador (sale of region’s cheeses and sweets). »» • Snack with traditional dishes of the region. »» Guide. »» • Tours of La Colorada community. »» Bottled wáter. »» • Specialized tour guide. »» • Bottled water.
Latin American Catalogue | 101
A Picturesque Agro-Adventure Day Tour to Iguana Island, Pedasi
Destination: Cocle Province and northern part of the Colón province Location: Pedasi, Los Santos Province Location: Penonomé – La Pintada- Coclesito - Colón Duration: 6 hours Duration: 3 days Availability: Monday thru Sunday, with reservation
Description: Tour where we combine adventure with field activities Description: Iguana Island is a great place for families to enjoy between the valleys and mountains. We can enjoy the culture and swimming in crystal clear waters surrounded by coral reefs for warmth of a town as picturesque as its name, La Pintada, where the snorkeling, fishing or whale watching, among other activities. famous Panamanian typical hat known as “Sombrero Pintao” (Painted Hat) originated. Package Includes: »» Round trip ground transportation A self-sustaining farm becomes the complement to our tour in the »» Boat transfer El Arenal Beach– Iguana Island- El Arenal Beach » north of the Coclesan mountains, crossing the natural border between » Iguana Island Tours »» Lunch the province of Cocle and Colón province. This farm produces and »» Guide grows various types of foods such as freshwater shrimp, tilapia, black »» Bottled Water shell, ‘naranjilla’ oranges, papayas, bananas, ‘nonis’, peppers, ‘borojos’, sheep and others. An exciting range of activities like agribusiness craft The maximum capacity allowed per boat is 7 people including the guide workshops: ‘naranjillas’ orange jam and ‘spicy fireball’ ensure an unforgettable experience full of authentic emotions.
Package Includes: »» Roundtrip transfers. »» Travel in the community of La Pintada. »» Folk and craft presentations. »» 2 nights in an agro tourism farm in the community of Coclesito. »» Agro tourism farm activities. »» Agribusiness craft workshops. »» Meals with fresh produce from the farm. Click here to »» Bottled water and granola. return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 103 Costa Rica Costa Rica Costawith ACTUAR Rica ACTUAR is a nonprofit organization promoting a harmonious relationship with the highest level of sustainability between conservation, rural development Contact information certification (five leaves). Ever since 2003, and ecotourism. we have offered innovative programs ACTUAR – Rural Adventures that seek to include authentic Costa Those who travel with ACT, support local Phone: (506) 2290 7514 Rican cultural experiences. We combine communities and indigenous territories Fax: (506) 2290 7514 +1 traditional ecotourism with rural in developing a sustainable source of Address: 250 m norte del Parque La Amistad, community-based tourism destinations income and conserving their natural Rohrmoser, San José, Costa Rica where visitors can learn how Costa Rica resources. Email: [email protected] preserves its forests and rivers and Website: www.actuarcostarica.com implements sustainable agriculture. We With ACTUAR: Explore, have fun and Facebook: ACTUAR Costa Rica plan fun and educational trips, taking make a difference! into account sustainability criteria and
»» Opportunities to get to know experience, with the option to »» The opportunity to participate and Community-Based indigenous and Afro-Caribbean participate in the daily activities of contribute to local conservation Tourism Highlights peoples, as well as the rural rural life. efforts. culture. »» Family atmosphere. »» Community organizations and in Costa Rica »» Contact with nature in places »» A cultural exchange without conservationists are directly that are not frequently visited by barriers. involved and benefit from tourist tourists. »» Your hosts and guides are locals activities. »» An authentic and enriching from the places you are visiting.
Latin American Catalogue | 105 Costa Rican Authentic Flavors Nature, Culture and Flavor
Program 1 costa rica
Itinerary 15 days Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica Day 2: On the coffee producers trail
Package includes: Transfer from the airport to your We will visit Don Manuel and Doña 14 nights’ charming hotel in San Jose. If arriving Mery in Pachimal de Acosta. They have accommodation, private early, you can take a walk through the a small coffee plantation and will talk transportation to / from the airport, private center of the capital. to us about the farming lifestyle and transfer by minibus, how coffee is planted and harvested. bilingual guide (Spanish Accommodation: Hotel Rinwith de San We share a cup of fresh coffee and we / English) for groups of less than 6 people, Jose or similar. prepare delicious tortillas with Doña bilingual guide / driver, Meals: (- / - / -) Mery. For lunch, we prepare “tamales” travel program and and later visit the Palmichal Mill, which meals according to the receives the area’s coffee to process description, admission tickets accordingly. and prepare it for export.
Not included: Accommodation: Hotel Rinwith de San alcoholic beverages, Jose or similar. optional activities, transfers not mentioned Meals: (B / L / D) or public buses, tips or taxes to leave the country.
106 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Costa Rica, a savory experience! An authentic trip where you will discover local flavors that will delight your senses.
Day 3: Poás Volcano and Hot Day 4: Arenal Volcano and the Day 5: Enjoy Country Life in Day 6: Traditional Agriculture Springs Maleku Kitchen Juanilama
We will visit the Poás Volcano and its Morning visit to the Arenal Volcano Juanilama is characterized by its Morning visit a local dairy producer, turquoise crater at 2,700 meters, to National Park, we will walk along friendly inhabitants. Visitors enjoy a where we will learn to milk cows and then continue to La Fortuna, home of the base of the volcano on well- day in the small town’s traditional life. to prepare traditional cheese. Then, the Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, we maintained trails with the possibility We visit a small farm where you can we continue the trip to Sarapiqui, can relax in the thermal waters of the to observe cold lava rocks of past try refreshing fruits and sugarcane! where we visit a small palm farm, Hidalgo family, who have five natural eruptions. Then, we will travel to Typical lunch with a family from the where Dona Maria will share her pools surrounded by lush nature. the Maleku Indian Territory to learn community and, in the late afternoon, world with us and invite us to delight about the Croku clan’s traditions, we meet with the village women to our palate with a delicious palm- Accommodation: Catarata Eco Lodge legends and typical food such as the prepare dinner with recipes from based dinner. or similar. “Mafurisejeca,” a dish made from fish their grandmothers. Meals: (B/-/D) wrapped in leaves, cooked in the heat Accommodation: La Tirimbina of a wood fire and accompanied by Accommodation: Juanilama family Rainforest Lodge or similar. tubers. homestay. Meals: (B / - / D) Meals: (B / L / D)
Accommodation: Catarata Eco Lodge or similar. Meals: (B / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 107 Day 7: Towards the Tortuguero Day 8: Tortuguero National Park Canals
Tortuguero is famous for the arrival of Early morning departure by boat to sea turtles. Early drive to Costa Rica’s explore the channels and observe a Caribbean side. We will arrive at a port great variety of local fauna and flora. to board a boat that will take us on Back at the hotel, we enjoy breakfast a journey through exotic freshwater and free time to explore the hotel’s canals all the way to Tortuguero. Once private nature trails. If you prefer, you in the hotel, we will have time to visit can use the kayaks or relax by the the sea turtles museum, get to know poolside. During the turtle season (July the small town of Tortuguero and take to September), turtle-watching night a walk on the beach. tours are available.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge or Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge or similar. similar. Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / L / D)
108 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 9: To the Southern Day 10: Cahuita National Park Day 11: Experience the Bribri Day 12: Panama Bribri Caribbean Paradise!
After breakfast, we leave by boat. A free day to enjoy the Cahuita Canoe trip down the Yorkin River. After a walk through the woods and Arriving on the mainland, we drive National Park and its white sand Once in the indigenous community crossing the Skui River, we get to the to the South Caribbean, to Casa beaches, where you can find Bribri, we walk toward the lodge, “Arakupa Kakonu” women’s group Calateas, near Cahuita. Here, you monkeys, sloths, iguanas and tropical observing plantations of cocoa and in Panama, who are responsible can enjoy Caribbean food and learn birds among its paths. Optional organic bananas along the way. for forest protection. They will tell from the community’s environmental snorkeling tour. Then, we discover the Skui River us some stories, and we will enjoy efforts. We prepare to share a typical and the natural pools invite us to a delicious banana cream! Arriving Caribbean dinner with our hosts. Accommodation: Casa Calateas take a refreshing swim in them. We at Casa de las Mujeres, we will Rural Lodge will enjoy a typical lunch and learn have lunch and, after such a unique Accommodation: Casa Calateas Meals: (B / - / D) about the efforts and projects of the experience, we will travel back in Rural Lodge indigenous association. After dinner, canoes to Bambú to return to the Meals: (B / L / D) we hear the old stories of the Bribri Caribbean coast, Playa Cocles. culture around the campfire. Accommodation: Bungalows Azania Accommodation: Casa de las Mujeres or similar. Rural Lodge Meals: (B / L / -) Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 109 Day 13: Leisure and Caribbean Cooking Day 14: Irazu Volcano Day 15: See You Soon, Costa Rica! Class
During the day, we will have free time to enjoy the Back to the Central Valley, we visit the Irazu At the convenient time, we will transfer you to the beach. In the afternoon, the secrets of Caribbean Volcano, the most active in the country. On a clear Juan Santamaria Airport to take your flight back cuisine will be revealed to us and we will prepare day, you can see its beautiful crater, the impressive home, hoping you can take the flavors and colors of our own dinner in a cooking class with an Afro- surrounding mountains and the two oceans. For our the ‘Land of the Ticos’ with you. Caribbean chef: Fish on a Caribbean sauce, “rice farewell dinner, we will visit the town of San Antonio and beans” flavored with coconut, crisp fried de Escazu, a picturesque village with stunning views Meals: (B / - / -) plantains and a fresh fruit smoothie. of San José, where we will enjoy a delicious Costa Rican dinner and marimba music. Accommodation: Bungalows Azania or similar. Indications: Meals: (B / - / D) Accommodation: Hotel Rinwith de San Jose or similar. Meals: (B / - / D)
110 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM
Costa Rican Cultural and Forest, Culture and Tradition. Natural Emotions Program 2 costa rica
Itinerary 15 days Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica Day 2: Travel to the Central Pacific One of our drivers will be waiting for Servicios incluidos: 14 noches de hospedaje, you at the Juan Santamaría Airport to Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio. traslados de conexión, take you to a charming hotel in San Enjoy the beach, relax by the poolside alimentación y José. or book some optional activities like actividades según descripción, entradas a kayaking, horseback riding on the Parques Nacionales y Accommodation: Hotel Rincón de San beach, a catamaran tour or a canopy algunos guías locales. José or similar. tour. Meals: (-/-/-) Servicios no incluidos: Bebidas alcohólicas, Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Yara or actividades opcionales, similar. traslados no Meals: (B / - / -) mencionados ni buses públicos, propinas e impuestos de salida (actualmente $29 por persona).
112 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Costa Rican Cultural and Natural Emotions
Day 3: Manuel Antonio Day 4: Adventure in the Day 5: Los Campesinos Reserve Day 6: Playa Hermosa Reserve National Park Hanging Bridges of Los and Playa Uvita beach Campesinos We hike the Pacific Viewpoint trail Optional visit to Manuel Antonio (Mirador El Pacífico), board cable cars Walk through the Playa Hermosa National Park, which is famous for Transfer to the Los Campesinos to cross through a forested canyon reserve (approx. 4 hours), then enjoy its beautiful white sand beaches and nature reserve, in the small town and enjoy a beautiful view of the a picnic lunch in the middle of the crystal clear waters. From the Punta of Quebrada Arroyo. Discover the Savegre Valley. Upon returning to our tropical jungle with a beautiful view Catedral viewpoint, we will see the history of vanilla farmers and enjoy a lodge, breakfast will be served and of the ocean. In the afternoon, enjoy entrancing bay and, with a little luck, delicious cuisine prepared in wood- the rest of the morning will be free to your day at the beach and relax with we will see squirrels, capuchins and oven for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy the place. a beautiful sunset. You can visit Playa marmosets, which are endemic to the walk the Poza Olivo path, crossing a Uvita, Playa Dominical or any other area, along with sloths and raccoons. 40-meters long bridge, suspended In the afternoon, transfer to the small of the beautiful beaches that exist in beside the Los Chorros waterfall, community of Playa Hermosa. For the destination. In the evening, share Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Yara or where you can bathe in a natural pool. dinner, you will meet Dona Aida, who dinner with a family from the Playa similar. will offer us a cooking class where we Hermosa community. Meals: (B / - / -) Accommodation: Los Campesinos will discover the secrets of the local Rural Lodge cuisine and enjoy the taste of 100% Accommodation: Family homestay in Meals: (B / L / D) natural ingredients. Playa Hermosa. Meals: (B / P / D) Accommodation: Family homestay at Playa Hermosa. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 113 Day 7: Osa’s Day 8: Observe Day 9: Caño Island, Day 10: Meeting Tropical Paradise the Wildlife in Snorkeling Day with the Indigenous Corcovado National Bribri Park
Transfer to the Visit the Corcovado Boat ride to Caño Island Boat ride back to Southern Pacific. Upon National Park, where where you can swim Sierpe, to be transferred arrival at Sierpe, we will you can walk along the and snorkel in crystal to Salitre. Bribripa take a boat alongside beaches of golden sand clear waters. Picnic- Kaneblö is one of the mangroves to arrive at and tropical rainforest style lunch today. best places to learn Drake Bay in the Osa with its many birds and about the indigenous Peninsula. An original mammals. Corcovado Accommodation: culture of Costa Rica. setting, with kilometers is called a “green jewel” Poorman’s Paradise or Enjoy a traditional of uninhabited beaches, for having eight different similar. lunch and learn about scarlet macaws and ecosystems. Picnic Meals: (B / P / D) medicinal plants and the seductive beauty along the way. Bribri traditions such of the rain that bathes as grinding corn and the dense forest. In Accommodation: rice milling. In the Ú the evening, you can Poorman’s Paradise or Sule or Casa Cónica, walk to the beach of similar. you will learn details San Josecito, relax and Meals: (B / L / D) about the Bribri’s watch the sunset. worldview. Participate in a small introductory Accommodation: Bribri language class Poorman’s Paradise or and enjoy the traditional similar. dances at night. Meals: (B / L / D) Accommodation: Bribripa Kaneblö Rural Lodge Meals: (B / L / D)
114 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 11: A Day in the Life Day 12: Explore the San Day 13: In Search of the Day 14: Central Valley Day 15: See You Soon, of the Bribri Gerardo Cloud Forest! Quetzal Costa Rica!
Transfer to the city of San Transfer to the airport for Participate alongside the Transfer to San Gerardo de Early rise to search for the Jose. In the afternoon, you your flight back home. Bribri in their morning Dota, a picturesque town magnificent Quetzal, you can can choose to perform some harvest. In the afternoon, you in the valley of the Savegre distinguish it by its feathers activities in the Central Valley Meals: (B / - / -) can visit the river and bathe River. In the afternoon, you with flashes of green, its long, like visits to museums, parks, in it. can take an optional hike to elegant tail and bright red or touring the historic sites. the waterfall (about 2 hours). chest. Back at the lodge, we Accommodation: Bribripa enjoy a delicious breakfast Accommodation: Hotel Kaneblö Rural Lodge Accommodation: Dreams with the Chawith family. The Rinwith de San Jose or Meals: (B / L / D) Forest Lodge or similar. rest of the day is free for similar. Meals: (B / L / D) optional activities. Meals: (B / - / -)
Accommodation: Dreams Forest Lodge or similar. Meals: (B / L / D) Click here to return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 115 Nicaragua Nicaraguawith Matagalpa Tours
Matagalpa Tours take In each one of our tours you can enjoy the you to the most special incredible nature of Nicaragua, you will travel Contact information and unexplored places with highly trained and passionate guides and of Nicaragua. After a meet hospitable and friendly people. Matagalpa Tours decade devoted to outdoor Address: Banpro ½ cuadra al Este, Matagalpa, activities and the development of new routes in In this catalog, we present some examples of Nicaragua uncharted destinations, Matagalpa Tours has our rural community-based tourism trips, but Office Phones: (+505) 2772 0108 / 2772 5379 become a reference when it comes to hiking, please contact us if you want to visit other places Cell Phones: (+505) 8647 – 4680 / 8286 – 9650 rural community-based tourism, agro tourism, in Nicaragua or partake in different activities. Email: [email protected] mountain biking, rafting and expeditions into the Together we can create your perfect trip in a Website: www.matagalpatours.com jungles of northern Nicaragua. personalized way.
We also specialize in creating complete themed packages with a focus on socio-cultural and economic aspects, with visits to social »» Authentic and unexplored destinations. organizations focusing on workers, women, Community-Based »» Specialized and passionate guides fair trade and cooperatives. Matagalpa Tours »» Real interaction with local people. combines your special interest or incentive Tourism Highlights »» Slide off an active volcano. program with visits to craft markets, colonial in Nicaragua »» Colonial cities. cities, volcanoes, islands, nature reserves and »» Contact with nature. tropical beaches. »» Swimming in rivers and waterfalls. Nicaragua Latin American Catalogue | 117 Walking Nicaragua’s Northern Mountains
Program 1 and Meeting its People NICARAGUA
Itinerary: 6 days This is a package for those Day 1: The Northern who enjoy walks full of Mountains This tour includes: culture and abundant »» Private transportation to and nature. During this tour, we from Matagalpa. will walk through nature On our first day, you will be »» Expert bilingual reserves, production fields, greeted by our guide with whom guide. waterfalls, coffee plantations, you will travel to the city of »» 4 nights’ Matagalpa, where we will start accommodation. and organic farms. We will »» Food (as described in also meet families who will our tour. Depending on the time the itinerary) allow us to experience their of arrival, you can participate in »» Entrance fees to all lifestyle and the joy of the some activities to better get to sites. know the city. »» All the above people in the Nicaraguan activities. countryside. »» Taxes. Accommodation: Hotel in Matagalpa. It does not include: Meals: (B / - / D) »» Tips »» Activities not described in the program. »» Airport taxes.
118 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM and Meeting its People
Day 2: El Chile Indigenous Community Day 3: San Ramon - La Corona Hike
We will visit the weavers’ workshop in the indigenous community The second day starts with a 4-hour hike to get to La Corona, a of El Chile, where a group of indigenous women have become community of small farmers, rich in natural beauty. Here, we ambassadors for one of the most representative traditions of this enjoy the friendliness and joy of local families and learn about the community. Here, we will learn about their history and will be able production of coffee, cocoa, vegetables and other topics of interest to see the process of developing products like wallets, purses and such as certifications and sustainable production. backpacks. On this tour, you can buy crafts directly from the women who produce them. During our stay in La Corona, we will eat and stay with families from the community. Families in La Corona community have simple We will later hike to the viewpoint of Cerro El Chile, where we will rooms that still provide the necessary privacy for visitors. The have a 360 degree view of all the surrounding mountains. Finally, we bathroom is shared with the family and every host family is very enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, who will give us an inside well-prepared to provide a varied traditional diet, characterized by look into their lifestyle. fresh vegetables, juices and other products obtained from the farms themselves. The community has the capacity to accommodate up to 15 people. Accommodation: Hotel Dream Bell in San Ramon. Meals: (B / L / D) Accommodation: Family Homestay Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 119
Day 5: Adventure in Peñas Blancas Massif
Early rise to prepare for an intense 5-6 hour hike to the top and center of the reserve, home to the magnificent Quetzal and giant tree ferns, where the virgin forest offers an incredible variety of wildlife and panoramic views. If you do not wish to walk for so long, you may participate in shorter walks or alternative community activities.
Return to Matagalpa in the afternoon, where we stay the last night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Matagalpa Day 4: A True Nature’s Sanctuary Meals: (B / L / D)
Early morning 2-hour hike along the Yasika Accommodation at the Forest Guardians lodge Day 6: Returning Home River, where we will find some waterfalls ideal or CEN lodge. Both lodges can accommodate for swimming. A vehicle will pick us up to more than 30 people. They are very clean On day 6, you will have a private transfer to the airport for take us to the Peñas Blancas Nature Reserve, and provide basic services such as water, your flight back home with many stories to tell about your part of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve. sanitation, mosquito nets and food. unforgettable experience in Nicaragua. The transfer time There, we will visit the Rainbow Waterfall depends on the time of your flight. End of tour. (Cascada Arcoíris), 90 meters high and giant Accommodation: Forest Guardians lodge or trees’ sanctuary, in one of the country’s most CEN lodge Meals: (B / - / -) beautiful forests. Before nightfall, we pay a Meals: (B / L / D) visit to a local family, where we will make our own tortillas, participate in country- style cooking and enjoy a typical dinner with traditional country music.
Latin American Catalogue | 121 Amongst Mountains, Lakes and Volcanoes
Program 2 This tour is a community-based experience, touring some of Nicaragua’s most NICARAGUA emblematic sites, including Granada, Leon, Ometepe Island and the northern mountains.
Itinerary: 13 days Day 1: Towards the Day 2: El Chile Indigenous Community Northern Mountains This tour includes: »» Private transportation to and Upon arrival in Nicaragua, Travel to El Chile Indigenous community, to visit the weaving from Matagalpa. our guide will be waiting workshop where women make backpacks, wallets, purses »» Expert bilingual guide. for you to board our direct and many other products that are famous for their quality and »» 12 nights’ transfer shuttle to the heart beauty. You will have the opportunity to knit and talk with this accommodation. of the northern mountains. group of women artisans. Furthermore, we enjoy a delicious »» Food (as described in the Itinerary) Depending on the time of traditional rural lunch and the beautiful panoramic view from the »» Entrance fees to all arrival, activities can be natural viewpoint of the Cerro El Chile. Afterwards, we continue sites. organized to get to know the towards La Corona, a community of small farmers, where we »» All the activities city of Matagalpa, where we can learn about coffee, cocoa and other crops. mentioned. »» Taxes. will spend the first night. Hotel accommodation in the city. Accommodation with local families. In the community of La It does not include: Corona, we are able to accommodate visitors in a private room » » Tips Accommodation: Hotel in within a house, sharing the bathroom with the family. Mosquito »» Activities not described in the Matagalpa nets and filtered water of excellent quality are also guaranteed in program. Meals: (- / L / D) every house. »» Airport taxes. Accommodation: Family Homestay Meals: (B / L / D)
122 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Amongst Mountains, Lakes and Volcanoes
Day 3: Living with Farmers Day 4: Yasika River and Selva Negra Day 5: Leon Colonial City (Black Jungle) Hike
We start the day touring the coffee and After a delicious breakfast, we will start Morning tour to learn about sustainable cocoa plantations. In addition to learning walking along the Yasika river, where agriculture in the La Hammonia farm. and participating in the activities of the farm, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and Afterwards, we will continue towards the we will also learn about other crops such waterfalls ideal for swimming, surrounded colonial city of Leon. After a three-hour trip, as vegetables and fruits. We will partake by pure nature. Afterwards, a vehicle will you will have free time to relax and walk in an afternoon workshop on typical food, drive us to Selva Negra (Black Forest), through the quiet streets of this beautiful where you can prepare your own typical where you will have free time to enjoy the city. Accommodation in the city of Leon. The Nicaraguan dinner. enchanting natural surroundings of this city has a wide range of accommodations, mountain. Hotel accommodation in Selva from simple inns to luxury hotels. Accommodation: Family Homestay Negra will be in a mountain hotel and a Meals: (B / L / D) private wildlife reserve, where you can Accommodation: Hotel in Leon engage in nature walks, diversified farm Meals: (B / L / -) tours, horseback riding and many other activities. This hotel has normal hotel rooms, bungalows and family cabins.
Accommodation: Hotel Selva Negra Meals: (B / - / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 123 General information
»» Nicaragua is the second safest country in Central America. »» Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada and Latin America do not need a visa to enter the country. »» Nicaragua has an entry tax of $10 and a $32 exit tax. Day 6: Sandboarding at Cerro Day 7: Agro Tourism and Day 8: A Colonial Architectural Day 9: Towards Ometepe Island Negro Volcano Crafts in the Nicaragua Libre Jewel Cooperative
Looking for adventure, we will climb The Nicaragua Libre Cooperative is After participating in some more A visit to Ometepe Island is a great the Cerro Negro volcano, famous mainly engaged in the production of activities with the Nicaragua Libre community experience. On this day, for being the only volcano in the basic grains. It has also developed Cooperative, we will go to the colonial we travel to the island and stay at world where it is possible to do as a major destination for rural city of Granada. This city is an iwith Finca Magdalena, a community hostel sandboarding. We will climb to the community-based tourism due to its of colonial architecture in Central owned by a cooperative of 24 families. active crater and, after enjoying the location in an area full of nature and America. In Granada, we will take a The big hacienda where the small amazing view, we will slide down the enchanting landscapes. This country tour of the most emblematic places hostel is located invites you to relax steep slope using a special board. For lodge is built in the old property of of the city and, of course, take a boat and breathe fresh, clean air. those who do not want to slide down an estate house, keeping its original tour of the over 300 islands located in the volcano, there is the option to walk architecture. We will visit different Lake Nicaragua. Accommodation: Finca Magdalena, down. types of plantations and surrounding which has cabins and private rooms communities, and participate in Accommodation: Hotel with as well as dorms and a camping site. Accommodation: Hotel in Leon horseback riding and the elaboration Corazón, owned by a foundation that Meals: (B / L / -) Meals: (B / L / -) of crafts made from seeds. supports primary schools in the rural communities of Granada. Accommodation: Nicaragua Libre Meals: (B / L / -) Rural Lodge, with capacity for 22 people, in 3 shared bedrooms. Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 125 Day 10: Exploring Day 11: Laguna de Day 12: Towards Ometepe Island Apoyo. Swimming International in a Volcanic Airport Crater
There is so much After so many On our last day of to explore on this activities, a good rest the trip, depending Island. We will in a wonderful place on the time of visit petroglyph is very well deserved. your flight, we can sites, museums, a We will enjoy our last arrange activities waterfall and walk night in this lagoon on the way to through the forest. where the water is Managua’s airport. We will also go down warm at any time. End of service to the beach to enjoy There, we will have the warm waters of the opportunity to Meals: (B / - / -) Nicaragua’s Great swim, walk in the Lake. woods or just relax and enjoy the idyllic Accommodation: atmosphere of the Finca Magdalena place. Meals: (B / L / -) Accommodation: San Simian Lodge, Laguna de Apoyo. Meals: (B / L / -)
126 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Program 3 This package is a NICARAGUA combination of adventure and rural community-based tourism in Northern Nicaragua.
Day 1: Adventure from above Day 2: La Fundadora Day 3: Return to A Hidden Community Matagalpa We start our adventure and cultural We start the morning In the morning, we will learn Paradise in immersion from Matagalpa, traveling with a light hike in the about the coffee process, on one of the roads with the best Los Números interpretive from seed to delicious drink. A landscapes of the country. We reach San trail, located within a pine process that is very traditional Rafael del Norte, a small town steeped forest. We continue with an and typical for these coffee- the Jinotega in history and tradition. We continue exploration of the community producing communities. We our journey by rocking the swing in the on horseback or on foot, return to Matagalpa after Brellera Canopy tour and then we kayak discovering the history and lunch, where we will finish Mountains in the great lake of Apanás. We visit traditions of this beautiful our cultural adventure. the Las Cureñas women’s cooperative, area, which has also been which works hard to maintain an almost a favorite of presidents and Meals: (B / L / -) extinct craft culture: Black Pottery important figures in our Itinerary: 3 days history. Overnight at La Fundadora Eco-Lodge, To celebrate and share Includes: located in the mountains of Jinotega, an evening in the best of »» Accommodation. surrounded by places steeped in history, climates, we will have a »» Food described. culture and nature; its climate’s charm campfire with local music and »» Bilingual guide. is special for a good rest after a fun and a delicious typical dinner. »» Transportation. long day’s journey. »» Activities and tickets. Accommodation: La Fundadora Eco-Lodge Click here to Accommodation: La Fundadora Eco- Meals: (B / L / D) return to index Lodge Meals: (- / L / D) Latin American Catalogue | 127 El Salvador El withSalvador TouRuralES TouRuralES is a small enterprise with the Bureau and its community providing tourism experiences that initiatives. The National Bureau of seek respectful exchanges with nature Rural Community-Based Tourism is Contact information and local people. We invite visitors an effort by institutions and providers to get to know the local customs and of tourist experiences to articulate and TouRuralES daily routines, enjoying a warm and strengthen Rural Community-Based Address: Carretera El Litoral, Km. 42 1/2 , genuine facet of El Salvador through Tourism in El Salvador. Developed in Playa El Tunco the different rural tours we offer. September 2009, it is comprised of Calle principal, local Xaltenco, Tamanique, cooperatives, ADESCOS (Community La Libertad, El Salvador We have been members of the El Development Associations), indigenous Phone: (503) 2389 6322 Salvador National Bureau of Rural communities, government and Email: [email protected] Community-Based Tourism (MTRC, educational institutions, NGOs and Website: www.toururales.com for its Spanish acronym) since family businesses. Facebook and Twitter: TouRuralES 2012, maintaining a stable alliance
»» Spaces to experience encounters traditional handicraft methods destination visited, joined by rural Community-Based with Salvadoran communities: and language of the Nahuatl Pipil guides and / or naturalists. Tourism Highlights farmers, fishermen, indigenous ethnicity. »» Visit one of the ten best beaches for peoples. »» Visits to protected areas, surfing worldwide. in El Salvador »» Opportunity to learn about plant volcanoes, waterfalls, crater lakes use in traditional medicine. and beaches. »» Contact with the pre-Hispanic »» Warmth and hospitality in each
Latin American Catalogue | 129 Impressive Rurality Program 1 Native Peoples, History and Volcanoes el salvador
Itinerary: 12 days Day 1: Welcome to El Salvador Day 2: Chocolate-Scented Nature Tour
Arrival and assistance at the We head towards the west of the country, to the pre- Comalapa International Airport to Hispanic city of Caluco in the department of Sonsonate, greet and welcome you to El Salvador. where we will visit the Plan de Amayo Natural Protected Transfer to the Tunco Lodge Hotel in Area, accompanied by nature guides. We will take a Playa El Tunco. Day off. cocoa tour, where we will learn about the crop and the processes it undergoes from the cacao fruit all the way Accommodation: Hotel Surf lodge. to becoming a delicious cup of chocolate. Later, we Types of Rooms: Mini suite; double enjoy a visit to the tourist center Shutecath, where we rooms with a/c and private bathroom will have a refreshing swim in its delicious waters. In the or with fan and shared bathroom; afternoon, we visit the San Pedro Caluco ruins. triple rooms. Accommodation includes: use of swimming pool, Accommodation: Rural cabins, doubles with private lounge with cable TV, wired or bath and fan, in the Los Pinos Cooperative, located in the wireless Internet, use of sunbeds and municipality of El Congo (Santa Ana). Overlooking Lake playground. Available: restaurant & Coatepeque. Access to restaurant service. bar service. Meals: (B/-/-) Meals: (-/-/-)
130 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Lake Coatepeque and Los Volcanes National Park Day 4: Visit the “Place of Houses and Oak Trees,” Ahuachapán
Our morning begins with a majestic view of the volcanic Lake Coatepeque, from Ahuachapán means “place of houses and oak trees” in the Nahuatl Pipil the Los Pinos Cooperative. A delicious cup of coffee, grown and processed indigenous language. This city is known for being a place that preserves its here, will bid us “good morning”. Afterwards, we will walk a trail down to the architectural and natural wealth. It is also a historical and cultural center for lake for a boat tour. In the afternoon, we visit the Los Volcanes National Park, the country. The accommodation for these days will be at the cozy hotel “La a protected natural area in El Salvador. Three of the country’s 14 “youth” Casa de Mamapán”, known for its colorful murals, the work of Salvadoran volcanos from the Apaneca-Ilamatepec, mountain range can be found here: the artists Bruno and Fabio Jimenez. It is a place where you will be served Santa Ana volcano, Izalco Volcano (also called Central America’s lighthouse) extraordinarily well and feel at home. “La Casa de Mamapán” also features and Cerro Verde. The park is immersed in what is now known as the Apaneca- a variety of local cuisine. In the afternoon, we tour the Historical and Cultural Ilamatepec Biosphere Reserve, as designated by UNESCO in 2007. During the Center of Ahuachapán, where we see the colonial churches, parks, squares and tour, we will visit some interpretive trails and viewpoints from where we will be the municipal cemetery of Ahuachapán. Places full of history and traditions. able to see spectacular views and learn about the area’s flora and fauna. Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Mamapán, one of the first houses built in the Accommodation: Cabins at Los Pinos Cooperative nineteenth century in the cultural center of the city of Ahuachapán in western Meals: (B / - / -) El Salvador and now converted into Guest House-Museum. Availability of single, double, and triple rooms, Jr. Suites and Family Suites. They have air conditioning, ceiling fan, private bath with hot water, cable TV and WiFi. Meals: (B / - / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 131 Day 5: Diverse Ahuachapán Day 6: Santo Domingo, Experience with the Nahuatl Pipil Indigenous Community Accommodation: Eco Hotel Árbol de Fuego, San Salvador. Available rooms: singles, doubles and Breakfast in “La Casa de Mamapán”. This day you After breakfast at La Casa de Mamapán, we head triples with private bathrooms and hot water, air can enjoy different activities (not included) in the towards the Santo Domingo community, whose conditioning, ceiling fan, telephone and cable TV. area: a hiking tour in the Mamapán Coffee Tropical original name is ‘Witzapan,’ which means river of Meals: (B / - / -) Forest, located at 900 meters above sea level, or a thorns. It is a municipality located in the department tour of the geothermal capital of Central America, of Sonsonate. Santo Domingo is one of the few towns where you can see the “Ausoles” (fumaroles). in El Salvador where some pre-Hispanic traditions still remain. We will be greeted by members of the Afternoon street art tour (included) where you can community who will tell us about their efforts to take pictures of El Salvador’s largest “themed” rescue their language and customs, and to develop street, starting from “La Casa de Mamapán” to rural community-based tourism. the different murals in Ahuachapán. A painting or embossing class is included. Share magical During the tour, you will be able to visit a pottery moments with artisans. workshop, where you can also have the experience of creating a piece. In this place, you will learn about Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Mamapán the “saving stoves,” an object created to reduce the Meals: (B / - / -) consumption of firewood. Then, we will go to the Escuco “jump,” a waterfall that forms a pond where visitors can take a dip. The walk to the waterfall from the village is about 20 minutes. We will have a lunch box there (included) and we will enjoy the magic of the place.
132 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 7: Free Day in San Salvador, the Capital Day 8: Santa Adelaida Cooperative. Export- also walk the forest trails to the waterfalls (not Grade Coffee and Rural Community-Based included). Level of difficulty = Intermediate. Along the Tourism way, you can observe the diversity of flora and fauna We will spend the day in the city of San Salvador. You that surrounds the place. can choose to relax in your hotel or easily coordinate Breakfast at Eco Hotel Árbol de Fuego. Departure for with reception or TouRuralES to visit museums, Santa Adelaida farm, located in the Comasagua, 30 Accommodation: Eco Hotel Árbol de Fuego, San malls, handicraft markets, participate in some minutes from the capital. The farm is 1,237 meters Salvador. cultural activity or visit somewhere of interest (not above sea level, which allows for a pleasant climate Meals: (B / - / -) included). all year round. Santa Adelaida’s main attraction is teaching visitors the production processes of Accommodation: Eco Hotel Árbol de Fuego, San organic coffee, which is one of the main exports of El Salvador. Salvador. We will visit plant nurseries, drying patios Meals: (B / - / -) and a coffee mill, where you can see the members of the cooperative selecting the grain, roasting it and packaging it. At the end of the tour, visitors can relax and re-energize by drinking a cup of coffee at the local restaurant. Lunch at Santa Adelaida (included). If you are an adventure and nature lover, you can
Latin American Catalogue | 133 Practical information
»» Transfers from and to the airport do not include tips for baggage handlers at the airport or in the hotel, unless arrangements are made in advance by specifying otherwise. »» General tips are not included unless specified in the program. »» Check-in time at hotels is usually 1 to 2 pm and check out 10 am - 12 pm, depending on the hotel. »» Breakfast may or may not be included in the price, depending on the hotel. Days 9, 10 and 11: Optional Activities Day 12: Goodbye, El Salvador!
The following days are reserved for tourists • Experience Local Fishing. Walk along the Transfer to the Comalapa to relax and take a break in El Tunco beach or shore with a guide to participate in a fishing tour, International Airport. Have a good trip its surroundings: Tamanique, El Sunzal or La enjoy the environment and enter into contact with and come back soon! Libertad. Customers may choose from various the force of nature. A local fisherman will teach optional activities (one activity is included per day), you the locals’ traditional methods of fishing. among which are: Catch and release fishing. Duration: 2 hours.
• Surfing Lesson with a Local Teacher. The Feel free to ask us about these or other beaches of La Libertad and Tamanique are TouRuralES options. considered among the top 10 beaches in the world for surfing. Duration: 1-hour class. Accommodation: Tunco Lodge Hotel in Playa El • Visit the Tamanique Waterfalls. Beautiful walk Tunco. Surf lodge. Types of Rooms: Mini suite; along a leafy path that provides a magnificent double rooms with a/c and private bathroom view of the Pacific Ocean to reach a complex of 7 or with fan and shared bathroom; triple rooms. jumps of different heights and pools of cold water Accommodation includes: use of swimming pool, to cool off after the walk. (Available in non-rainy lounge with cable TV, wired or wireless Internet, season). Level of difficulty: Difficult. Duration: half use of sunbeds and playground. Available: day. restaurant & bar service.
• Volunteer Experience with Youth in School’s Green Laboratory. Duration: half day.
• Releasing Sea Turtles in San Diego beach. Depending on seasonal availability. Duration: 2 hours. Latin American Catalogue | 135 Historical Memory, Adventure & Peoples Program 2 El Salvador’s East: Peace Route. el salvador
Itinerary: 12 days Day 1: Welcome to El Salvador Day 2: Bailadero del Diablo - El Perol Waterfall
Arrival and assistance at the Early morning departure to Perkin, Morazan, in El Comalapa International Airport to Salvador’s eastern side. Here, we will stay in a mountain greet and welcome you to El Salvador. lodge, located in a natural environment full of peace and Transfer to the Tunco Lodge Hotel in tranquility. Afternoon visit to the Bailadero del Diablo Playa El Tunco. Day off. area and El Perol waterfall.
Accommodation: Hotel Surf lodge. Accommodation: Rural cabins (double or family rooms) Types of Rooms: Mini suite; double with private or shared bathrooms. Access to restaurant rooms with a/c and private bathroom service. or with fan and shared bathroom; Meals: (B / - / -) triple rooms. Accommodation includes: use of swimming pool, lounge with cable TV, wired or wireless Internet, use of sunbeds and playground. Available: restaurant & bar service. Meals: (-/-/-)
136 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Historical Memory, Adventure & Peoples
Day 3: Visit El Mozote Historic Site and the Day 4: City of Perkin. Museum of the Day 5: From Morazán to Suchitoto, the Rio Sapo Natural Protected Area Revolution and Butterfly Nursery Zoo “Flower Bird City”
Early rise in a natural environment. We will visit We will start our day with murals, historic buildings Transfer to Suchitoto. We stay at Hotel Las Puertas the historic site “El Mozote nunca más” (El Mozote and stories of the war to peace process. We will de Suchitoto, located opposite the central park never again), accompanied by a local guide. Then, visit the Museum of the Revolution and a former and the Church of Santa Lucia, a beautiful colonial we go to the Rio Sapo Natural Protected Area, guerrilla camp, where their survival system has building dating from the nineteenth century. where we will have a rural style lunch on the banks been recreated, from basic needs to the activities After lunch, we will take a city tour led by a local of the river and finish with an interpretive tour of the they implemented as part of the revolutionary guide. Besides being a colonial town with great area’s biodiversity. formation (literacy, weapon manufacturing architectural beauty, this magical place also holds workshops, religion, production organization, etc.). great cultural wealth. Throughout the year, there is Accommodation: Rural cabins (double or family In the afternoon, we head towards the Segundo at least one festival event per month performed at rooms) with private or shared bathrooms. Access to Montes community, where the butterfly nursery zoo the Ruins Theatre (Teatro de las Ruinas). Also, there restaurant service. is located. are always a series of activities going on, including Meals: (B / - / -) music, dance, art, theater, and poetry readings, Accommodation: Rural cabins (doubles) with happening in different parts of the city, such as private bath and fan, overlooking Lake Coatepeque. portals, parks, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Access to restaurant service. Meals: (B / - / -) Accommodation: Hotel Las Puertas. Doubles and singles with private bath, air conditioning or fan. Meals: (- / - / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 137 Day 8: Santa Adelaida Cooperative. Export-Grade Coffee and Rural Community-Based Tourism
Day 6: Diverse Suchitoto Day 7: Free Day in San Breakfast at Eco Hotel Árbol de Fuego. Salvador, the Capital Departure for Santa Adelaida farm, located in Comasagua, 30 minutes from the capital. The farm is 1,237 meters above sea level, Suchitoto offers different We will spend the day in the which allows for a pleasant climate all year options. This day, we will city of San Salvador. You can round. Santa Adelaida’s main attraction enjoy various activities, choose to relax in your hotel is teaching visitors about the production starting with a tour of Lake or easily coordinate with processes of organic coffee, which is one of Suchitoto in the morning, reception or TouRuralES the main exports of El Salvador. We will visit ideal for birdwatching. In to visit museums, malls, plant nurseries, drying patios and a coffee the afternoon, we will visit handicraft markets, mill, where you can see the members of the Los Tercios waterfall. participate in some cultural the cooperative selecting the grain, roasting Accommodation in Hotel Las activity or visit somewhere of it and packaging it. At the end of the tour, Puertas. interest (not included). visitors can relax and re-energize by drinking a cup of coffee at the local restaurant. Lunch Accommodation: Hotel Las Accommodation: Eco at Santa Adelaida (included). Puertas Hotel Árbol de Fuego, San Meals: (- / - / -) Salvador. If you are an adventure and nature lover, Meals: (B / - / -) you can also walk the forest trails to the waterfalls (not included). Level of difficulty = Intermediate. Along the way, you can observe the diversity of flora and fauna that surrounds the place.
Accommodation: Eco Hotel Árbol de Fuego, San Salvador. Meals: (B / - / -)
138 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Days 9, 10 and 11: Optional Activities Day 12: Goodbye, El Salvador! Click here to return to index The following days are reserved for tourists to relax and take a break Transfer to the Comalapa International Airport. Have a in El Tunco beach or its surroundings: Tamanique, El Sunzal or La good trip and come back soon! Libertad. Customers may choose from various optional activities (one activity is included per day), among which are:
• Surfing Lesson with a Local Teacher. The beaches of La Libertad and Tamanique are considered among the top 10 beaches in the General Indications: Each TouRuralES program offers: world for surfing. Duration: 1-hour class. • Visit the Tamanique Waterfalls. Beautiful walk along a leafy path • Assist card (International Travel Assistance) purchased, and the number and quality that provides a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean to reach a of amenities that will be added to the complex of 7 jumps of different heights and pools of cold water • Nights in selected accommodation program. to cool off after the walk. (Available in non-rainy season). Level of according to your preference and difficulty: Difficult. Duration: half day. destination • Each program shall describe what is included. Taxes and / or expenses are • Volunteer Experience with Youth in School’s Green Laboratory. • Air-conditioned vehicles in accordance with generally included unless otherwise Duration: half day. the number of people in the group specified. Our packages and programs • Releasing Sea Turtles in San Diego beach. Depending on seasonal • Meals as described in the program (see do not include visas payments, tourist availability. Duration: 2 hours. included). cards, border crossing payments or • Experience Local Fishing. Walk along the shore with a guide to • Transfers airport / hotel / airport. airport departure taxes. We do not include participate in a fishing tour, enjoy the environment and enter into personal expenses such as laundry, contact with the force of nature. A local fisherman will teach you • Special and chosen events for each telephone calls, fax or Internet services, the locals’ traditional methods of fishing. Catch and release fishing. program depending on the theme and spa and / or gym services, or meals not Duration: 2 hours. requirements specified in the itinerary, etc. • Local guides and TouRuralES guide. • We care about the environment and Feel free to ask us about these or other TouRuralES options. • Entry fees according to the itinerary. our communities. We participate in the process of revitalization of our culture and Accommodation: Tunco Lodge Hotel in Playa El Tunco. Hotel Surf • The rainy season is from May to October traditions, which we proudly introduce to lodge. Types of Rooms: Mini suite; double rooms with a/c and and the dry season is from November to our visitors. private bathroom or with fan and shared bathroom; triple rooms. April. However, rain events may occur in November and December. • We provide the best care and comfort from Accommodation includes: use of swimming pool, lounge with cable arrival to departure. TV, wired or wireless Internet, use of sunbeds and playground. • All programs can vary depending on Available: restaurant & bar service. weather conditions. • Please see our terms and conditions and our reservation-cancellation policies. • Prices per person depend on planned activities, places to visit, the number of people, the kind of hotel or service
Latin American Catalogue | 139 Honduras Honduras Honduraswith Reservaciones La Ceiba
Reservaciones La Ceiba (RLC) is the Cangrejal River; live unforgettable moments operator for the Association for Tourist in the beautiful and idyllic beaches of the Contact information Communities of Honduras (LARECOTURH, Caribbean and nourish yourself with culture, for its acronym in Spanish), allowing us to cuisine and lifestyle. All of this makes every Reservaciones La Ceiba offer the possibility of discovering Atlántida trip an authentic experience, marked by the Phone: (504) 2443-6118 in a unique and special way. hospitality of each service provider. RLC also Cell: (504) 9489-6058 has a social responsibility program: each Address: Col. El Sauce, 4ta etapa, bloque Our offer is mostly operated by community trip contributes to the socio-environmental W, casa 16. La Ceiba, Atlántida, Honduras residents who accompany you on the fund that invests in LARECOTURH affiliated Email: [email protected] adventure of discovering the flora and fauna communities. Website: www.reservacioneslaceiba.com that Atlántida holds in its forests, mountains, Facebook: Reservaciones Turísticas La wetlands and marine resources. Have fun Get motivated! Travel and explore Atlántida Ceiba fb.com/explorelaceiba enjoying exciting water activities in the with us!
»» Share the authenticity of a with great knowledge of the remain active even during the Community-Based community that provides warmth, surrounding ecosystems. night. Tourism Highlights friendship and very good vibes. »» Getting to know the richness of »» Experience exciting activities in the »» Enjoy the aromas, colors and the tropical night life, activating forests, rivers, wetlands and the in Honduras flavors of Honduran farms and your hearing and sight senses in deep sea. communities located in Atlántida. order to understand how the many »» Service-oriented local guides species that inhabit these forests
Latin American Catalogue | 141 Dive into Forests and Program 1 HONDURAS Coral Reefs. Nature, Adventure and Snorkeling
Itinerary: 7 days Day 1: Welcome to Honduras Day 2: Cangrejal River Basin / Nombre de Dios National Park
Arrival at the San Pedro Sula International Airport. Transport and guide will be Morning visit to Laguna de El Cacao. You available to take you to La Ceiba (200 km) can appreciate nature and experience to the Cabañas del Bosque hotel, located the peace that this magnificent wetland in the basin of the Cangrejal River. This transmits. In the afternoon, we tour the El rural lodge offers three two-bedroom Olvido trail. We cross the river, skipping cottages. Each has a private bathroom, a stones and getting wet along the way. porch with hammocks and either 2 single The hike rewards us with a hidden “pool”, beds (a bunk bed) and 1 double bed or 4 wonderful to enjoy swimming. There is single beds. On the way, we will make a the opportunity to buy handmade fabrics stopover at Tela, for lunch. from an association of local women. Upon return, we will cross the river using an Accommodation: Cabañas del Bosque aerial basket. Meals: (- / L / D) Accommodation: Cabañas del Bosque Meals: (B / P / D)
142 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Cangrejal River Basin / Rafting Day 4: Cangrejal River Basin / Pico Bonito Day 5: East End, Cochinos Cays: Earthly National Park Paradise
Adventure day is here. Rafting, an exciting experience. The white water rapids in the Cangrejal We dive into the tropical forest, through El Bejuco Early breakfast to head to the beach. Visit East River guarantee an unforgettable adventure for trail. We cross a suspension bridge and enjoy the End, a quiet Garifuna-fishing community located in the expert or novice. We are supported by highly breathtaking view of the parks and rapids of the the middle of the warm waters of the Caribbean. qualified personnel, rafts, life jackets, helmets and Cangrejal River. This trail is an extraordinary living Its coral reefs are part of the largest coral reef in all equipment required internationally to practice classroom for the natural sciences: seemingly America, with many colorful species of fish that can this extreme sport. Free afternoon to rest. Optional: impenetrable, but with hundreds of living species. be appreciated while snorkeling. We will have the go listen to and maybe see the nightlife in the basin. The challenge is to reach the beautiful waterfall, opportunity to meet the Boa Rosada, an endemic perfect for a great postcard. Do not forget to bring species, unique worldwide. We will stay in the Accommodation: Cabañas del Bosque a bathing suit; surely you will want to cool off. cabins Laru Beya, with space for up to 9 people Meals: (B / L / -) Free afternoon, opportunity to spend time in the within 3 cabins, one single and one double. It has community. solar panels and a restaurant.
Accommodation: Cabañas del Bosque Accommodation: Cabins Laru Beya. Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 143
Day 6: Paradise Continues ... East Day 7: Happy Return! Come Back End, Cochinos Cays. Soon with More Friends!
The scenic beauty of the sunrise is Early departure from the Cochinos breathtaking. After a delicious breakfast, Cays to transfer you to the international you have time to participate in a fishing airports of San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba. tour. Free afternoon to enjoy the beach. Have a good trip and come back soon! Garifuna cultural evening. Meals: (B / - / -) Accommodation: Cabins Laru Beya. Meals: (B / L / D)
Click here to return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 145 Meet the Authentic Program 2 HONDURAS Atlántida Culture, Rural Community-Based Tourism and Nature
Itinerary: 7 days Day 1: Welcome to Honduras Day 2: Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge
Services included: Arrival at San Pedro Sula International We begin our adventure by boarding a 6 nights’ accommodation Airport. Your guide and transport will small tourist train (motorcycle taxi) at the as indicated, daily be waiting to transfer you to La Ceiba La Union community, heading towards breakfast as indicated (200km). Along the way, we will stop in the Salado Barra community, located (some at the hotel, others at the site being Tela for lunch. in the central zone. At Salado Barrra, visited), transfers accompanied by our local guides, you from/to the airport Accommodation: Hotel in La Ceiba will enjoy a two-hour boat trip through and all transfers (Hostel 1877 or Casa España). Private the channels, appreciating the wildlife according to the program (private), all room, 2 double beds, A/C, private along the way. You will be able to share tours include either a bathroom. Optional (not included): We can a nice lunch with community members traditional lunch or organize a tour of the city. and swim at the beach. In the afternoon, a picnic-style lunch. Meals: (-/L/-) after leaving the wildlife refuge, you will Program, activities and meetings as enjoy the cultural experience of making indicated, entry fees, cassava, a typical Garifuna food. We and naturalist / local guarantee you will have a great adventure! community guide.
Not included: Accommodation: Hotel in La Ceiba Airfare, meals not (Hostel 1877 or Casa España). mentioned, drinks, Meals: (B/L/-) optional activities, tips 146 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM and anything else not mentioned. Meet the Authentic Atlántida
Day 3: Pico Bonito National Park Day 4: Life on the Farms Day 5: Horseback Ride and El Porvenir Beaches
On this day, we will go to the Zacate River Trail; a On this day, we will visit two different farms. At the Enjoy a comfortable horseback ride along the beach pleasant walk through the forest where one can agroforestry farm ‘Finca El Oasis,’ you will have the while feeling the breeze on your skin. The guide will admire the entire ecosystem. After a few hours, opportunity to appreciate timber trees, as well as share the community’s stories and history as you we will arrive at a beautiful waterfall more than 40 fruit, basic grains and vegetable crops. If you want tour different places, such as the Juan Lopez River, meters high. Difficulty: Moderate. leave a trace of your visit, you may plant your own the ‘Barra de los muertos’, the Coloradito River and tree. Later, at ‘Finca El Cayo’, you will kayak easily the El Porvenir Forest. The rest of the afternoon will You will learn about and have the opportunity to buy navigable channels where mangroves predominate, be free for swimming and enjoying the sun and the artifacts made by the talented local youth. You will reaching a hidden natural area where the river area’s beaches. also have the opportunity to create your own. Lunch converges with the sea. The experience provides will be served on location. There will be free time a good opportunity to observe local and migratory Accommodation: Hotel in La Ceiba (Hostel 1877 or available to bathe in the fresh waters of the Zacate birds, as well as wild flora and fauna. Casa España). River. Meals: (B/L/-). Accommodation: Hotel at La Ceiba (Hostel 1877 or Accomodation: Hotel in La Ceiba (Hostel 1877 or Casa España). Casa España). Meals: (B/L/-). Meals: (B/P/-).
Latin American Catalogue | 147 Indications
• Light and comfortable clothing, long sleeves, hat, and bathing suit. Sandals or comfortable shoes that are easy to dry. • Sunblock and insect repellent. Daily medications. • At night, you may choose from a variety of nearby options for having dinner and visiting bars. We can arrange a city tour of La Ceiba. Most businesses accept credit cards, but we recommend carrying cash in low denominations. Taxis currently charge between 25-30 lempiras per trip.
148 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 6: Pineapple and Traditional Cuisine Day 7: ¡Happy Return! Come Back Soon Tour with More Friends
Important Exit-Process Learn about processes and preparations that Our adventure reaches its end. We will transfer Information: take place within the country’s largest pineapple you to the San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba international As a result of new country plantations. You will experience a delicious airports. Have a great trip and come back soon! regulations, all airline tickets ‘mamado de piña,’ the traditional way workers stay We recommend taking afternoon flights. You may should include the departure hydrated. Afterwards, you will learn to cook local consider partaking in Program 1 or visiting the tax. Honduran cuisine dishes. The hostess will share Copan Ruins. International regulations the recipe and procedure for making the famous require passengers to arrive at ‘baleadas’,‘pastelitos’, fish soup, ‘machuca’, among the airport 3 hours before flight others local delicacies. The group should choose a departure. maximum of 2 recipes to learn.
Accommodation: Hotel in La Ceiba (Hostel 1877 or Casa España). Meals: (B/L/-). Click here to return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 149 Guatemala Guatemalawith Viva Atitlán Contact information entertaining environments, making of Solola, it has established your stay an experience full of partnerships with community Viva Atitlán adventure, discovery and sport associations from other regions Manager: Marlon Calderón Barrios along Lake Atitlan, its forests and of the country with the purpose of Office Address: Calle de Los Salpores 0-83 Viva Atitlán is a network of surrounding towns. offering tourists the chance to meet zona 3 Barrio Jucanyá, Panajachel, indigenous associations committed the great natural and cultural wealth Sololá, Guatemala. to the conservation of their natural It was established in 2012 and is of Guatemala, always giving priority Phones: (502) 7762 0159, 7762 0160 and cultural wealth. They offer the first community-based tourism to community initiatives that stand Cell: (502) 4052 5113 visitors the opportunity to share operator in Guatemala. Although its out for their quality in tourist service, Email: [email protected] moments of their lives, their main objective is to strengthen the authenticity and commitment to the Website: www.vivaatitlan.com culture and traditions in safe and Community Ecotourism Network environment. Facebook: Viva Atitlán
»» Viva Atitlán is the first community- five most important civilizations. »» With your visit, you support skill based tour operator in Guatemala. »» Appreciate the living Mayan culture by formation processes for young people »» Our local guides are committed to having the opportunity to interact with it training in sustainable tourism, as well Community-Based the sustainable development of their in an authentic way. as to the conducting of environmental community. »» Visit the most emblematic protected education workshops in rural areas. Tourism Highlights »» Our tours offer a balanced combination areas in Guatemala, including »» You will get to know ancient techniques in Guatemala of culture, nature and adventure. volcanoes, lakes, rivers, caves, used in the manufacture of handicrafts, »» You will get to know, in depth, the archaeological sites, colonial cities and as well as the cultivation and archaeological wealth of the Mayan natural landmarks. processing of one of the best coffees in culture, the most important civilization »» Get to know the most representative the world. in Mesoamerica and one of the world’s cuisine of each region visited.
Latin American Catalogue | 151 Culture, Nature and Adventure Program 1 guatemala
Itinerary: 11 days Day 1: Welcome to Day 2: In the Colonial City (can be extended to 21 Guatemala of Antigua Guatemala days)
Includes: The adventure begins! After The city of Antigua Guatemala Transfers, admissions, your long journey, you will feel will allow you to travel on a guides, lodging comfort in reaching the beautiful journey of more than 450 years (double occupancy) and tranquil city of Antigua into the past; its entire colonial and meals where indicated. Guatemala. Transfer from La atmosphere and the beauty of Aurora International Airport to the volcanic landscape come Antigua Guatemala. together in harmony for you to enjoy this World Heritage Site. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial. Breakfast at Hotel Villa Colonial. Meals: (- / - / -) Historical and Cultural Tour of Antigua Guatemala (Cultural Heritage - UNESCO).
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial Meals: (B / - / -)
152 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Culture, Nature and Adventure
Day 3: Towards Tierras Altas Day 4: A Walk around the Day 5: Back to the Preclassic Day 6: Touring Atitlan, the Most del Occidente (The Western Laguna Sagrada (Holy Lagoon) Maya Period Beautiful Lake in the World Highlands)
At the heart of Guatemala’s western On this day, you will enjoy the natural The Takalik Abaj archeological site is On this day, you will meet Santiago highlands, we find Quetzaltenango, a beauty of the cloud forest. The Laguna very important because it represents Atitlan, the origin of the Maya Tzutuhil; pre-Hispanic city, today the second in de Cicabal is located in the crater of a transition from the Olmec to the a vibrant living culture, surrounded by economic importance for the country. a volcano; the Mayan Mam people Mayan culture; it is a journey of more majestic volcanoes and the shores of consider it a sacred place for ritual than 3,000 years into the past. Lake Atitlan. Breakfast at Hotel Villa Colonial, ceremonies. transfer to Quetzaltenango and Tour in Breakfast at Hotel S&J Bella Luna and Breakfast in Takalik Maya Lodge and the historic city center. Breakfast at Hotel S&J Bella Luna and then transfer to Retalhuleu, where we transfer to Santiago Atitlan. Lunch at transfer to San Martin Sacatepequez. will visit the archaeological site Takalik the Restaurant Buen Apetito (typical Accommodation: Hotel S&J Bella Once there, visit the Volcano and Abaj. dish: chicken or beef churrasco). Luna Laguna Sagrada Chikabal (managed Later, a cultural tour in Santiago Meals: (B / - / -) by a community association). Later Accommodation: Takalik Maya Lodge Atitlan (religious syncretism) transfer to Zunil and visit the Fuentes Meals: (B / - / -) Georginas (hot spring). Accommodation: Hotel Bambú Meals: (B / L / -) Accommodation: Hotel S&J Bella Luna Meals: (B / - / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 153 Day 7: Getting to Know the Tzutuhil Maya Culture Day 8: Coffee Tour and Extreme Adventure
On this day, you will appreciate the cultural richness of the Tzutuhil The quality of Guatemalan coffee is world-renown. On this day, we people, several of its most representative art forms and their will take you to meet a community association of organic coffee worldview. producers.
After breakfast at Hotel Bambú, we will take a boat to San Pedro La After breakfast at Posada Maya, we will move to Santa Clara La Laguna to visit the Tzunun Ya Community Museum (geology of Lake Laguna Atitlan) and the Association of Teixchel Women (ecological textiles to visit the Chuiraxamolo Ecological Park (interpretive trails and and Mayan worldview). Then, we will travel by boat to San Juan La 400-meter canopy). We will share lunch with the United for Better Laguna for lunch in the Ixoq Ajkeem Community Diner (typical dish: Living Association (ASUVIM, for its Spanish acronym) (typical dish: chicken Pepián). We end the day with a cultural tour in San Juan La chicken soup). In the afternoon, we participate in ASUVIM’s organic Laguna (primitive painting, textile crafts and medicinal plants). coffee tour. Return to San Juan La Laguna.
Accommodation: Posada Maya (accommodation in double rooms in Accommodation: Posada Maya organized families’ homes. Private room. The bathroom is shared Meals: (B / L / D) with the host family, who also provide food. Meals: (B / L / D)
154 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 9: Mayan spirituality and Atitlan Day 10: Iximché and Tecpan Day 11 (option A): Returning home natural beauty Guatemala
In the morning, breakfast at Posada Maya to Iximche is a Post Classic Maya period Breakfast at Hotel Villa Colonial and transfer then attend a Maya ceremony of gratitude to archaeological site, a historical place to La Aurora Airport. Mother Earth, where, by planting a tree, you where the Colonial era initiated, followed by contribute to environmental education in the miscegenation and the current Guatemala. Meals: (B / - / -) community. Then, we will move to San Marcos La Laguna where we visit the Tzankujil Park Breakfast at Hotel Jardines del Lago. We (trails and springboard platform for diving then visit the Historical Center and Santander into the lake). Lunch at Tul y Sol Restaurant Street (variety of crafts). We will move on to (typical dish: fish fillet). Boat transfer to Tecpan and have lunch at the Cape Paulinos Panajachel. restaurant (typical dish: smoked meat and sausages). We end our tour by visiting the Accommodation: Hotel Jardines del Lago Iximche archaeological site (Post Classic Meals: (B / L / -) Maya). Transfer to Antigua Guatemala.
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial Meals: (B / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 155 Archeology, Nature and Program 2 guatemala Adventure
(10 days or, as an Day 11 (option B): Ascend the Day 12: Heading for the Caribbean extension of Program 1, Pacaya Volcano through Quirigua 21 days)
Includes: Transfers, admissions, Guatemala’s landscapes will forever Quirigua is our second archaeological guides, lodging remain recorded in your mind: the Pacaya World Heritage site; here, you will meet (double occupancy) and meals where volcano is active and its easy access the highest steles of the Mayan world and indicated. allows a unique geological experience. their enigmatic meaning.
Breakfast at the Hotel Villa Colonial. Transfer to El Rancho and breakfast at Pacaya Volcano tour. Lunch in Antigua Restaurante Sarita. From there, we will Guatemala and free afternoon to enjoy the go visit the Quirigua Archaeological Site. Old Town. Transfer to Guatemala City. After the visit, we will move on to the Rio Dulce, where we will have lunch at the Accommodation: Hotel Panamerican Community Restaurant La Cueva del Meals: (B / - / -) Pirata (specializing in seafood). Afternoon visit to Castillo de San Felipe.
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Tijax Meals: (B / - / -)
156 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 13: Livingston and Day 14: In the Wonderful Rio Day 15: In the Heart of the Day 16: At Lake Peten Itza Guatemala’s Caribbean Dulce, Izabal Mayan World
Our portion of the Caribbean, although On the banks of the Rio Dulce is a After breakfast at the Hotel Maya On this day, we visit Yaxha, the last small, has a very particular natural community school with young people International, we will visit Tikal jewel of Mayan archeology in our path. and cultural wealth: its population of from different regions of the country. National Park, our third World It is considered the best kept secret Kekchi Maya and Garifuna origin live One of its specialties is sustainable Heritage site, undoubtedly the most of the Mayan World’s classic period. in harmony and its cuisine is one of tourism, and our visit contributes to emblematic city in the Mayan World. To end the day, nothing better than to its most particular cultural features. their training and development. Its history, monumental architecture see the sunset over the calm waters of After breakfast at the Hotel Hacienda and the surrounding dense vegetation Lake Peten Itza. Tijax, we travel by boat to Livingston Breakfast at the Hotel Villa Caribe. will amaze you. (opportunity for bird watching). There, Then, we will travel by boat to Rio Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de we will visit Siete Altares and Playa Dulce. Afternoon visit to the Café Taitin Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de Don David Blanca. We will have lunch at the in Rio Dulce (Aktenamit community Don David Meals: (B / - / -) Community Restaurant Buga Mama project). Then we will go to El Remate, Meals: (B / - / -) (typical dish: tapado, a fish soup, in Peten. seafood and coconut milk). In the afternoon, we will enjoy a cultural tour Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de of Livingston. Don David Meals: (B / - / -) Accommodation: Hotel Villa Caribe Meals: (B / - / -) Latin American Catalogue | 157 Indicaciones generales
The tour can be adjusted for lower budgets, related to the price of lodging. We have 3 categories according to the preferences and ability to pay of the target market, as follows:
»» Category A: Lodging at a range of $ 60 to $ 80 per person per night in double room. »» Category B: Lodging at a range of $ 40 to $ 60 per person per night in double room. »» Category C: Lodging at a range of $ 20 to $ 40 per person per night in double room. Day 17: Towards Alta Day 18: Exploring Hun Day 19: In the Semuc Day 20: In the Historic Day 21: Farewell. See You Verapaz Nal Ye, the Birth of a Champey Natural Center of Guatemala City Soon! River Monument
After breakfast at Hotel La Back in Guatemala City, with After breakfast at Hotel Casa de Don David, transfer On this day, we visited the The heavenly Semuc Champey time for various activities and Panamerican, transfer to La to the breathtaking Cuevas Hun Nal Ye Ecological Park. pools are the perfect end to a buying colorful Guatemalan Aurora Airport. de Candelaria, considered of Its main attraction is the long route through northern handicrafts to bring back great importance to the Mayan birth of a river of crystal clear Guatemala, their charm and home. Meals: (B / - / -) civilization and nowadays a turquoise waters, surrounded biological richness make it a shelter for diverse flora and by dense vegetation. We will natural monument. We will After breakfast in the Hotel fauna. Later, we will move to travel along a path to reach tour the trails and natural Panamerican, we tour Hun Nal Ye Ecological Park the source of the river. Then, pools. Then we will return to through the historic center (Nature Reserve). we transfer to Coban and Guatemala City. of Guatemala City (relief have lunch at the Ixkape map, central market and Accommodation: Lodge in restaurant (typical dish: Cakik, Accommodation: Hotel metropolitan cathedral). You Hun Nal Ye a turkey and vegetables soup). Panamerican can also visit museums and Meals: (B / - / -) Transfer to Lanquin. Meals: (B / - / -) craft markets.
Accommodation: Hostel El Accommodation: Hotel Portal de Champey Panamerican Meals: (B / L / -) Meals: (B / - / -) Click here to return to index
Latin American Catalogue | 159 Mexico Mexicowith TOTONAL
TOTONAL Viajes que iluminan is a tour important aspects of our commitment operator committed to the promotion to sustainability. Contact information of sustainable tourism in Mexico. We have offered experiences since 2010, Totonal Viajes que Iluminan gives you Totonal Viajes que Iluminan through which we bring together rural the opportunity to discover the real Marisol Herrera Tostado community-based initiatives with local Mexico; a Mexico that lovingly protects Directora general business ventures in urban areas, in our villages’ wealth and wisdom. Teléfono oficina: 52.222.888.5627 order to provide visibility to projects that Celular: 521.229.9006887 highlight the value of deep Mexico’s Email: [email protected] cultural and natural heritage. We offer Dirección: 12 oriente 615-12 San Andrés cultural and ecotourism experiences Cholula, Puebla Mexico where our love and respect for the Website: www.totonal.com Earth and indigenous cultures are very Facebook: Totonal Viajes que Iluminan
»» Sharing experiences with »» Swimming in waterfalls nestled in »» Learning to create local handicrafts Community-Based Indigenous peoples of Central and beautiful landscapes. while spending time with rural Tourism Highlights Southern Mexico. »» Discovering magical towns that cooperatives. »» Enjoying quiet beaches away from keep the charm of deep Mexico’s in Mexico mass tourism. daily life.
Latin American Catalogue | 161 Discover Deep Mexico
Programa1 Mexico Nature, Culture and Indigenous Peoples
On this trip you will have the Day 1: Welcome to Mexico opportunity of discovering the Mexico that is so Itinerary: 15 days On this first day we will be waiting for unknown to many, and that you at the Mexico City airport and we Regions to visit: Mexico City, retains its authentic charm. will take you to your hotel so that you Puebla and Veracruz. Min/Max: 4-14 people During this tour you will can relax and have a rest after such a have the chance of spending long flight. Services included: time with indigenous 14 nights’ accommodation Accommodation: Hotel Patio 77 where indicated, meals communities, walk along specified in each program, (double room). The first sustainable transfers from and to the jungle trails, explore magical Bed & Breakfast of Mexico City. Mexico City airport, ground towns, sail on trajineras Meals: (- / - / -) transportation depending on the program, specified visits (boats decorated with flowers) and activities, admissions to places mentioned, local as the Aztec traders did, and guides, welcome kit. delight your senses with
Services not included: aromas and flavors. Join Food and drinks not us and be seduced by this specified, optional activities, tips and personal expenses. beautiful country.
162 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 2: Traditional Day 3: Northern Highlands Day 4: A Visit to the Agriculture in Xochimilco of Puebla, Zip Line and Magical Town of Cuetzalan and the Bohemian Craftsmanship Experience Neighborhood of Coyoacán
After breakfast, a cultural tour At 7 am, we will move into the After breakfast, we will travel to through the iconic Xochimilco Northern highlands of the state the magical town of Cuetzalan, Discover Deep Mexico Canals awaits us. This is where of Puebla (we will stop to have in the highlands of Puebla. A the Aztecs practiced agriculture the traditional quesadillas with rural, very charming corner of in “chinampas”, one of the best a pot of cinnamon coffee for Mexico, where we will be able experiences that Mexico offers. breakfast along the way). Our to visit an indigenous women’s During this experience, we will first stop will be the San Gabriel organization that works with learn from the peasants who ranch, where we will be able to traditional medicine. quietly guard these organic enjoy a fun zip line tour through farming techniques. the mountains (optional walk Afternoon off. in the woods as an alternative In the afternoon we will enjoy to this adrenaline activity) to Accommodation: Ecotourism the Bohemian neighborhood of later enjoy a typical regional cabins (double room). This Coyoacan and the Frida Kahlo meal made by traditional Nahua accommodation is managed by Museum. cooks. In the afternoon, we will an indigenous cooperative and visit the village of Tlatlahuitepec, has all the amenities (hot water, Accommodation: Hotel Patio 77 a charming spot in the heart of private bathroom). Meals: (- / - / -) the mountains where we have Meals: (B / - / -) the opportunity of interacting with an indigenous women’s cooperative who embroider wool.
Accommodation: Estancia San Jorge (double room). Hotel located in the village of Tlatlahuitepec with panoramic views of the mountains. Managed by a local family. Meals: (- / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 163 Day 5: Totonac Town of Day 6: Archaeological Site of Day 7: Day off at the Beach Day 8: Totonac Cemetery, Zozocolco de Hidalgo Tajin and Council of Indigenous Antigua and Tlacotalpan Grandparents
This morning, we will move to the This morning we will visit the Day off to have a well-deserved After breakfast, we will head to Totonac indigenous town of Zozocolco archaeological site of Tajin in order to rest and gently rock ourselves in a our next cultural stop: the Totonac de Hidalgo, to visit its imposing XVII enjoy the Papantla Flyers ritual, where hammock while feeling the ocean cemetery of Quiahuiztlan. A sacred century church that has a panoramic men become eagles, to later move to breeze. place for the indigenous people of this view of the mountains. We will enjoy the Indigenous Arts Regional Centre, region, it is nestled on top of a small a walk through its streets to visit a where we will be able to interact with Accommodation: Hotel Taboga or mountain. Later, we will make a stop craft workshop and, after enjoying a the grandparents and see the flying Arena (according to availability). in the Antigua village to discover the meal with a cooperative of the region, children’s school. Meal included. Meals: (B / - / -) first chapel of the colonial era. After we will move to the town of Papantla, Tonight we will rest on the quiet beach lunch, we will continue our journey capital of the Totonac region of of Costa Esmeralda. towards Tlacotalpan, World Heritage Veracruz. Site according to UNESCO. Accommodation: Hotel Taboga or Back to the hotel to rest. Accommodation: Hotel Tajin in the Arena (according to availability). 4 central park of Papantla. Local 3 star star hotel on the seaside, with all the Accommodation: Hotel Casa del Río. A hotel, clean and safe. amenities. charming 3-star hotel, managed by a Meals: (B / L / -) Meals: (B / L / -) local family. Meals: (B / - / -)
164 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 9: Waterfalls and Natural Day 10: Trekking through the Day 11: Kayaking through Day 12: Yoga and Fresh Grilled Seeds’ Workshop Jungle, Motorboat Ride and mangroves Fish Temazcal
At 8.30 am we will leave for our next After breakfast, we will enjoy a walk After a peaceful awakening, we will go Today we will relax our body and mind destination South of Veracruz. Today, through trails that will lead us to to a family ranch where an amazing with a relaxing yoga session at dawn. we will enjoy a journey full of nature small waterfalls guided by our local job of reforestation has been done, At 11 am we will take our motorboat in the Tuxtlas biosphere, in Veracruz. host. In the afternoon, we will board a as well as organic food production. to reach an unspoiled beach where We will take a rural transport truck motorboat to cross the volcanic Lake Upon arrival, we will visit this worthy we will be able to enjoy the warm to get into the heart of this protected of Catemaco. In the evening, we will initiative with our hosts, and later we waters of the Gulf of Mexico. To end biological reserve where we will see enjoy a temazcal ritual, a prehispanic will be able to enjoy a relaxing kayak this active morning, we will have lunch beautiful waterfalls. We will have a steam bath. It is a purification ritual trip through mangroves. at a fishermen cooperative, where we meal with a rural cooperative in the that indigenous people practiced will taste a delicious, fresh fish cooked community of Miguel Hidalgo. In regularly to strengthen the spirit and Accommodation: Ecotourism cabins on the grill. Afternoon off to relax and the afternoon, we will learn to make cleanse the body. After the temazcal, with private bathroom (hot water). tortillas workshop. earrings, bracelets and keyrings from you will enjoy a cup of tea and fruit as a Meals: (- / L / D) natural seeds of the region, tutored by light dinner. Accommodation: Ecotourism cabins Mrs. Reyna. with private bathroom (hot water). Accommodation: Local 3-star hotel in Meals: (B / L / D) Accommodation: Ecotourism cabins, the town of Catemaco. managed by the cooperative of the Meals: (B / L / D) Benito Juarez’s Community, with private bathroom (there is no hot water). Meals: (B / L / D) Latin American Catalogue | 165
Indications for Program 1:
For this trip, is very important to bring insect Day 13: Coffee Highlands in Day 14: Palacio de Hierro and repellent, a cap or hat for the sun, comfortable Córdoba Mexico City shoes to walk in, swimsuit, and a light backpack to carry during the walks. We will start our day again with a yoga After breakfast, we will continue our session. After breakfast, we will move journey towards Mexico City. But to our next destination in the Veracruz before that, we will make a cultural Mountains, in Córdoba. Here, we will stop in the mountainous city of Orizaba enjoy a walk through its quiet central where Gustavo Eiffel directed the park and the portals where the first construction of Palacio de Hierro treaty of independence of Mexico from (the Iron Palace), a stunning metallic the Spanish Crown was signed. In the structure that dates back to 1894 and afternoon, we will enjoy an interesting is the finest example of Art Nouveau in coffee tasting session. Mexico, which is also listed as the only metal Art Nouveau palace in the world. Accommodation: 3-star Comfort Inn Visit to the museum of contemporary Hotel. art and transfer to Mexico City after Meals: (B / - / -) lunch.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in the historic center of Mexico City. Meals: (- / - / D)
Day 15: Return home
Transfer to the Mexico City international airport.
Latin American Catalogue | 167 Mayan Culture Encounter under the Caribbean Sun
Program 2 Mexico
This trip offers a perfect melting pot to discover the true wealth of Day 1: Welcome to the the Mayan Riviera. Gone are the Mayan Riviera Itinerary: 12 days all-inclusive resorts that leave out Regions to visit: Mayan Mayan communities and give them Arrival at the Cancun Riviera, Yucatán Peninsula, Mayan communities. a folksy character. We have created International Airport. Transfer Min/Max: 6-14 people this tour to try and balance perfectly to seaside hotel in Tulum. the pleasure of enjoying beautiful Services Included:: Accommodation: green hotel at 12 nights’ at indicated white sand beaches, swimming with accommodations, meals the seaside in Tulum. specified in each program, beautiful sea turtles, taking a dip in Meals: (- / - / - ) transfers from and to the cenotes (sinkholes), learning how Important information Cancun airport, ground for your trip: transportation depending on organic gum is made, witnessing the program, specified visits the wonder of nature in a cave with International Law requires and activities, admissions that passengers be at the to places mentioned, local non-poisonous snakes and listening airport 3 hours before their guides, welcome kit. to Mayan tales. Are you ready? flight. Not included: Food and Prepare to learn and enjoy yourself, drinks not specified, optional activities, tips and personal we will do the rest! expenses.
168 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 2: Tulum Day 3: Visit Mayan Cooperative in Day 4: Chichen Itza and the Magical Day 5: Henequen Hacienda and Ek Balam Town of Izamal Mayan Stories
Day off to enjoy the beach and visit the After breakfast, we will leave for the Ek After breakfast, we will visit the Valladolid Today we will tour the Sotuta de Peon Tulum archaeological Balam ceremonial center in Yucatan, Park to continue our visit to the iconic henequen hacienda, where we will learn site. where we will spend time with a Mayan Mayan ceremonial center of Chichen Itza. about the production of strings made of this cooperative. Day off to enjoy the variety In the afternoon, we will go to Izamal to natural fiber and we will hear stories about Accommodation: of activities available to visitors, from enjoy the rest of the day in this magical the Mayan culture. In the afternoon, we will Tulum. touring bike trails, zip lines or swimming town of Yucatan. go to the Mayan community of Chuhunhub Meals: (B / - / - ) in a sacred cenote. Cenote is a term that to rest. originated from the Mayan word tz’onot Accommodation: Hotel Rinconada del that means well or pit. A cenote is a spring Convento which features all amenities. Accommodation: Fully-serviced water sinkhole with certain depth. For the Meals: (B / - / - ) ecotourism cabins (hot water and private Mayans, these places were sacred. bathroom) Meals: (B / L / D) Accommodation: Ecotourism cabins within the cooperative, with private bathroom and hot water. Cozy and fully serviced. Meals: (B / L / D )
Latin American Catalogue | 169 Day 6: Mayan Community, Day 7: Community Museum and Day 8: Bacalar Lagoon Day 9: Punta Allen Medicinal Use of Plants and the Señor Community Melipona Honey
This morning we will prepare, together After breakfast, we will go to the After enjoying a Yucatecan regional After breakfast, we will leave to visit with members of the cooperative, our Mayan community of Señor, where we breakfast, we will travel to the our little paradise in Punta Allen. regional breakfast using chaya grass, will hear interesting stories about the Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its colors One of the main appeals of this and we will learn about the medicinal Caste War that the Maya suffered at and fresh water, always at warm place is its proximity to the Banco uses of plants and honey from the the beginning of last century. Later, temperatures. Here, we will take a Chinchorro, a coral atoll declared Melipona bees. In the afternoon, we we will move to the community of motorboat trip to discover cenotes a nature reserve, and the second will visit a forest reserve where we will Tihosuco to visit the local museum of connected to the lagoon. If we wish, we largest coral reef in the world (after be able to admire ancient trees sacred Castes. can enjoy an afternoon of kayaking to Australia’s great coral reef). This reef to the Mayans: the ceiba. relax in its calm waters. is situated in the Caribbean Sea off Accommodation: 3-star hotel in the the coast of Quintana Roo and Belize, Accommodation: Cooperative’s town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Accommodation: Rancho Encantado therefore allowing a huge biodiversity, cabins. Meals: (B / L / D/- ) eco-hotel on the edge of the lagoon. very attractive for diving. It is also Meals: (B / L / D) Meals: (B / - / - ) surrounded by large areas of virgin jungle.
Day off to enjoy the beach.
Accommodation: Cuzan cabins at the seaside (mosquito nets, hot water shower, electricity from 7pm). Meals: (B / - / - )
170 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 10: Visit a Women’s Day 11: Sian Kaan Biosphere Day 12: Swimming with Turtles Día 13 Return home Cooperative in Punta Allen Reserve and Gum Collector in Akumal Camp
We will spend time with a group of In the morning, we will say goodbye Today we will visit the little village of “See you soon, Mayan world!” Return 25 women (wives of fishermen) who to our beach paradise to take a boat Akumal and we will have the privilege home from the Cancun airport. have created a cooperative that offers towards Tulum to visit a cooperative of swimming with beautiful sea turtles activities such as hiking, kayaking and where handmade organic gum is with great respect and love. Meals: (- / - / - ) bird watching. Here we will enjoy a made. Later, we will enjoy a hidden relaxing kayaking tour. archaeological site in the jungle to The rest of the day off to enjoy reward our senses while floating on ourselves. Accommodation: Cuzan cabins at the crystal freshwater channels of the the seaside (mosquito nets, hot water Muyil lagoon. Accommodation: Seaside hotel in shower, electricity from 7pm). Tulum (subject to availability). All our Meals: (- / L / - ) Accommodation: Seaside hotel in options guarantee quality services, Tulum (subject to availability). All our including private bathroom and WiFi. options guarantee quality services, Meals: (- / - / - ) including private bathroom and WiFi. Meals: (- / L / - )
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Latin American Catalogue | 171 Puerto Rico Puerto Rico
Puertowith Jurut uRicongo
Jurutungo, Turismo y Viajes Traveling with Jurutungo, you Responsables is a tourism support local communities and platform, based in Puerto Rico, self-managed initiatives to achieve Contact Information specializing in responsible travel economic sustainability in a socially that collaborates with community- and environmentally fair and Jurutungo, Turismo y Viajes Responsables based and/or self-managed balanced way. Phone: (1) 787 326 2088 initiatives, in order to turn your trip Email: [email protected] into one that is, not only enjoyable, Jurutungo, Turismo y Viajes Website: http://jurutungoviajes.weebly.com/ but also beneficial for both visitors Responsables: More than travel! Facebook: Jurutungo Turismo y Viajes and the communities that host Responsables them.
»» Opportunity to share experiences »» Ability to meet areas of great »» Nocturnal kayak trip in one of the Community-Based and knowledge with various local environmental value (caves, few bioluminescent bays in the Tourism Highlights organizations and communities canyons, mangroves, etc.) rarely world. along the tourist route. visited by tourists. »» Interactive experience that brings in Puerto Rico »» Volunteer experience in a »» Access to a network of local guides tourists into the local reality in a community organization with with extensive knowledge and constructively and non-invasive broad social recognition, both passion towards their respective way. nationally and internationally. territories.
Latin American Catalogue | 173 Heading East Program 1 puerto rico Nature, Culture and Communities
Day 1: Welcome to Day 2: Discovering the “Key of the Indies” Puerto Rico Arrival at Luis Munoz At 9:00 a.m., a guided tour of Old San Juan by Itinerary: 8 days Marin International experts in the history and architecture of the Airport. Your guide will second oldest Hispanic city in America, who welcome you. Transfer will reveal how it got its name as the “Key to Services Included: 7 nights’ accommodation to your hotel in Old San the Indies.” For lunch, we will travel by ferry to as indicated, including daily Juan and free night to the municipality of Cataño to eat in a typical and breakfast (3 days), transfers relax. flavorful restaurant, run by a “salsa” family. In the from / to the airport and all afternoon, there will be a bicycle tour through the transfers according to the program (private), 5 lunches, Accommodation: neighborhood of Santurce, exploring both its most 3 dinners, program activities Posada San Francisco traditional and popular side, as well as its most and meetings as indicated, (Old San Juan). Simple innovative side. Evening free to enjoy the city at welcome kit, etc. lodge hostel with double your leisure. Not included: rooms and shared services not mentioned, rooms with bunk beds Accommodation: Posada San Francisco (Old San food not mentioned, drinks, and shared bathrooms. Juan). Simple lodge hostel with double rooms optional activities, tips, etc. Meals: (- / - / -) and shared rooms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Meals: (- / L / -)
174 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: Puerto Rico Afro Day 4: Coast, Flavors and a Magical Night
At 9:00 a.m., the group will head toward Piñones, At 8:00 a.m., the group will head to the Northeast Accommodation: Punta Santiago Holiday Center coastal community of mostly African descent and Ecological Corridor: a protected coastal area of (Humacao Municipality). Camping / publicly-owned very naturally and culturally rich. There, we enjoy high ecological value where we will take a guided villas, for up to six people; both have two bedrooms: a guided kayak and/or bike tour led by members tour with an expert guide. Later, the group will one double and one with two bunk beds (pillows and of a local community organization (Coorporación have lunch at a local restaurant, and continue to blankets are not included). They have a kitchen, a Piñones se Integra). We will then proceed to have the fishing community of Maternillo (municipality fridge and a balcony. lunch in one of the typical kiosks located within the of Fajardo). We will visit the community museum Meals: (- / L / P / D) community. After lunch, the group will head to the and spend time with its members, sharing their town of Loiza to spend time with one of the Puerto experiences and knowledge. Rican families most recognized for its historical cultural work. Here, we will enjoy a ‘bomba’ Early in the evening, the group will head to the workshop (traditional afro-Puerto Rican music and Laguna Grande Nature Reserve of Las Cabezas dance style). de San Juan for a kayak night tour to enjoy, in all its splendor, the natural phenomenon of Accommodation: Posada San Francisco. bioluminescence produced by small aquatic Meals: (- / L / -) organisms when the water moves. After the tour on the lagoon, the group will head to a local restaurant and, afterwards, return to the lodge.
Latin American Catalogue | 175 Day 5: Wetlands, Cassava and Leatherback Turtles
At 9:00 a.m., the group will head to the Humacao Nature Reserve. We will be guided by the community organization that manages the use of the space (INECOH) in collaboration with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico. There, we enjoy a guided kayak tour with a member of the community organization to know the history and the ecological values of the space. After the visit, he will have lunch at a local restaurant and proceed to the Punta Yeguas Natural Reserve (Yabucoa Municipality), where a member of a local community organization will show us their agro-ecological project. We will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop to learn how to make local cassava bread. Upon completion, we will go to dinner at a local restaurant and proceed to an environmental education center aimed at protecting the leatherback turtle (the world’s largest sea turtle) that nests in the nearby beaches. From February to August, we are able to access the beaches and observe the hatching of their nests.
Accommodation: Punta Santiago Holiday Center (Humacao Municipality). Meals: (B / L / D)
176 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 6: Sea and Mountain Day 7: Afro-Cultural Past and Present Day 8: Goodbye, Puerto Rico!!
7:00 a.m. departure towards the south of the island 8:00 a.m. departure towards El Josco Bravo, where Transfer to Luis Muñóz Marin International Airport. to Jobos Bay, where the group will meet with an we will meet an exemplary agro-ecological farm Have a good trip and come back soon! association of artisanal fishermen and talk about worked by enthusiastic young farmers. From there, their way of life on board their ships and the places we will go to Hacienda La Esperanza, a former Meals: (- / - / -) where they work. nineteenth century sugar plantation that, after After the tour, you will enjoy fresh local fish in a years of neglect, has been restored and its rich nearby restaurant. Afterwards, we proceed to the natural environment rehabilitated for the purposes Las Bocas Canyon, in the island’s mountainous of conservation and environmental education. We interior, where we enjoy a guided tour along the will take a tour of the old facilities where sugar canyon by a member of a local community group. was manufactured, while also enjoying the natural Once finished, we will go to a municipally owned surroundings of the coast and the island’s northern hotel in the town of Comerio to dine and unwind karst area. After the visit, return to San Juan for a after a busy day. free last night in the country.
Accommodation: Hotel Media Luna (Comerio). Accommodation: Posada San Francisco (Old San Municipally-owned hotel (unrated, with the facilities Juan). Simple lodge hostel with double rooms of a 3 star hotel). and shared rooms with bunk beds and shared Meals: (B / L / D) bathrooms. Meals: (B / L / -)
Latin American Catalogue | 177 Heading West Program 2 puerto rico Program 2: . Nature, Culture and Communities
Day 1: Welcome to Day 2: Landowners and Tainos on the North Coast Puerto Rico
Itinerary: 8 days Arrival at Luis Muñóz 8:00 a.m. departure towards Hacienda La Esperanza, a former Marin International nineteenth century sugar plantation that, after years of neglect, Airport. Your guide will has been restored and its rich natural environment rehabilitated Services included: 7 nights’ accommodation as welcome you. Transfer for the purposes of conservation and environmental education. indicated, incl. daily breakfast, to your hotel in Old San We will take a tour of the old facilities where sugar was transfers from / to the airport Juan and free night to manufactured, while also enjoying the natural surroundings of and all transfers according relax. the coast and the island’s northern karst area. After the visit to the program (private), five lunches, 1 picnic, 6 to the farm, we will proceed to lunch at a local restaurant and dinners, program activities Accommodation: then to a guided tour of the Cueva del Indio, where you can see and meetings as indicated by Posada San Francisco different prehistoric petroglyphs of Taino origin in a unique program, welcome kit, etc. (Old San Juan). Simple historical and cultural space. We will continue towards the town Services not included: lodge hostel with double of Arecibo, where we will meet a group of local artists who have services not mentioned, rooms and shared self-organized to make several murals as a proposal for urban food not mentioned, drinks, rooms with bunk beds revitalization. optional activities, tips, etc. and shared bathrooms. Meals: (- / - / -) Accommodation: Arecibo Inn (Arecibo municipality). Private Hotel (no rating, with the facilities of a hotel of 2-3 stars) Meals: (B / L / D)
178 | Rural CommunitY-BASED TOURISM Day 3: In the Land of Karst Day 4: In the Caguana Mountains Day 5: Forests and the People’s Crops
7:00 a.m. departure towards the Cambalache Start the day with breakfast to a spectacular Breakfast at Casa Pueblo and guided tour of the Forest, where we will have an ornithological- view of Lake Caonillas and (8:30 a.m.) departure various self-managed initiatives by this organization, type trip led by a member of the Puerto Rico to the Caguana Indian Ceremonial Center. Said which is one of the most important community Ornithological Society (PROS). You will visit a cave Ceremonial Center is of Taino origin and one of the initiatives consolidated in Puerto Rico with over hidden inside the karst area in the northern region most important for the pre-Columbian Antilles, 30 years of history. We will visit the forest they and enjoy its whimsical geological shapes with an retaining important archaeological remains. We will managed to preserve in loom of a mega mining expert caver. During the tour, due to the extension learn the more in-depth history and practical and project. We will also visit the 100% Arabic coffee of the cave, we will provide water and a picnic lunch symbolic elements of this deposit in a guided tour crops, among others. Lunch will take place in the to enjoy inside the cave. After the visit, the group led by specialized personnel. Then, we will have organization’s dining room and, in the afternoon, we will head to the lodge located on the shores of Lake lunch in a nearby local restaurant to later set off on have the opportunity to participate in voluntary work (reservoir) Caonillas, to dine and relax after a busy a hiking trail of about four hours along the rugged together with members of Casa Pueblo on tasks day. and lush bed of the river Tanamá, accompanied by that they deem appropriate. Both dinner and lodging certified local guides. Once finished, the group will will take place on their premises. Accommodation: Lake Caonillas Vacation Center head towards the self-managed community project (Utuado Municipality). Publicly-owned cabins for up Casa Pueblo, where we will spend the night in Accommodation: Casa Pueblo Cabins to six people have one bedroom with a queen bed cabins equipped for visitors. Meals: (B / L / D) and a room with four twin size sofa beds. (Pillows and sheets are not included). It has a kitchen, a Accommodation: Casa Pueblo Cabins. Rustic refrigerator and a balcony with a panoramic view of lodging, with double bunk beds, bathrooms and Lake Caonillas. capacity for 40 people. Meals: (D / P / C) Meals: (B / L / D)
Latin American Catalogue | 179 General Indications:
The aforementioned activities will be conducted with local bilingual guides (Spanish / English) belonging to organizations or community groups that have extensive experience and who do their work with great enthusiasm.
The lodgings and restaurants mentioned are local stores, in some cases publicly owned (resort area of Punta Santiago and Hotel Media Luna), not belonging to large multinational chains and are respectful of fair labor and environmental legislation.
Important information for entry process:
• Puerto Rico, whose political status is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States in borders and customs, must be entered according to US law. It is therefore relevant to know whether or not you need a visa to visit the country. In the case of citizens of the European Union, who don’t need an entry visa, you must complete a travel authorization called ESTA, which can be completed over the Internet and has a duration of two years from issuing.
Important Exit process information: • There are no fees or departure taxes. • International regulations require passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. Click here to return to index
Day 6: Dry Forest and town. After, we will head Day 7: Salt, Sea and in the bioluminescent bay, Day 8: Goodbye, Puerto Colonial Architecture towards our lodging, located Capricious Limestone where you can enjoy the Rico! opposite the Boqueron beach natural phenomenon of Departure to the southwest in Cabo Rojo. Dinner at a Departure to the Cabo Rojo bioluminescence produced by Transfer to Luis Muñóz Marin of the island, where you can local restaurant in the town of Reserve, where we will small aquatic organisms in International Airport. Have watch the change from ever- Boqueron. visit the nineteenth century moving water. a good trip and come back lush vegetation to a semi-arid Accommodation: Boqueron lighthouse, located on top of a Accommodation: Boqueron soon! and thorny one, as is the case Vacation Center (Cabo Rojo limestone plateau that drops Vacation Center. of the Guanica Forest. This Municipality). Camping / steeply into the Caribbean Meals: (B / L / D) forest is the best example of Cabins for up to six people; Sea. Near the lighthouse are a semi-arid area of Puerto both have two bedrooms: one salt mines whose exploitation Rico having rich biodiversity, double and one with two bunk dates back to the early earning it international beds (pillows and blankets sixteenth century, considered recognition as a UNESCO are not included). They have a one of the oldest in America, World Biosphere Reserve kitchen, fridge and balcony. continuously used since then. in 1981. To get to know the Meals: (B / L / D) We will take a tour of the forest more deeply, an expert Salinas Interpretive Center guide will accompany us of Cabo Rojo, managed throughout the whole visit. by a local community The forest has an area of organization. After the visit, coastline with beaches ideal we will have lunch at a local for a refreshing swim under restaurant and move on to the the hot sun. Guaniquilla Nature Reserve, After the visit to the forest, the where we will take a guided group will head to the town of tour of a lagoon with unique San Germán, where we will rock formations. have a lunch stop at a typical To end the day, the group local restaurant to enjoy the will head to La Parguera for architecture and atmosphere dinner at a local restaurant of Puerto Rico’s second oldest and a nighttime kayak route
Latin American Catalogue | 181 Rural Community-based Tourism Latin American Catalogue
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