Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos Islands updates

Hola everyone..

Some updates…

* Peru: Good news for Machu Picchu, the train service will start operations again on the 1st April. Hurray!!

* Ecuador: We have some excellent Galapagos Island cruise offers for this year, which is saving clients up to £750 per person. We only have certain dates available so it really is first come 1st served.

This year & 2011 are going to be big years for the Galapagos Islands as a huge change is due to be implemented from January 2012. The Galapagos National Park has issued a notice to all Galapagos operators informing that, as of January 1st, 2012 all Galapagos vessels must operate with 15-day/14-night itineraries, which can be cut into two 7-night itineraries or as two 6-day/5 night and one 5-day/4-night itinerary. The purpose of this measure is to re-arrange all itineraries in an orderly way, to control the number of persons visiting a determined visitor site at a given time. So basically a boat will only be able to visit a particular visitor site / island once every 2 weeks rather than every week as they currently do.
I urge anyone that is thinking of visiting the Galapagos Islands to do so sooner rather than later. 2011 rates are going to be higher than 2010, by approx 10% & discounts are not likely.

We also have some wonderful specialist Ecuador & Galapagos itineraries for clients interested in Geology & Photography. Here are the PDF details for each programme. Please do let me know if you would like full details.
Ecuador & Galapagos Geology Tour

Ecuador & Galapagos Photography Tour

Short visit to Jordan

Visit to Jordan….

A short haul magical destination, we had a long weekend Thursday – Monday and managed to fit in an amazing amount of this very special, friendly country. With only a 5 hour flight from London this is very doable – I would recommend 6 days though to relax as well or longer to add Wadi Rum, the desert, and stay under the million star hotel. 

From Amman we travelled the Kings Highway, the oldest route in the world. Visiting Mount Nebo the site of the death of Moses.

Crossing Wadi al Mujib, Jordan’s answer to the Grand Canyon – 900 meters dam marking the Roman road. Visiting  Karak Castle where you are free to explore all over. We had a great lunch opposite the castle.

Petra, nothing really prepared you for the ingeniousness of this ancient site.  Water way for water for the animal and another for the citizens’ build over 2000 years ago; really make you wonder about out modern plumbing!  This is a huge site and need the full day to explore and if possible to see at night, with Petra by night – where thousands of candles light your way to The Treasury building. 
 

Enjoy the day with flat shoes and a sun hat and plenty of water – I would not take the donkeys to The Monterey – I think its safer to climb the steps!

The Dead Sea is the strangest place, the lowest place on earth – definitely a must on any visit to Jordan.  It’s disappearing over the decades so I recommend a visit soon.  Try floating on your front it’s impossible. 

We really enjoyed this trip and are really looking forward to a longer visit with the Children soon – they can’t wait to ride a camel in the desert.

Helen

Costa Rica here I come!

My next visit to Costa Rica.

I am planning my holiday / work trip to Costa Rica for May. This time I am going to re-visit Tortuguero as it has been a while since I last went there. I really want to check out Manatus Lodge as it looks beautiful & very comfortable.
Then to Tiskita Lodge for a couple of nights- this is a favourite with my bird watching clients. Next is a stay @ the El Parador to see their fabulous new suites & maybe a few hours to relax- that will be nice!!
Off next to Arenal Volcano, perhaps to check out the new Springs Resort which is creating a lot of attention – so best I check it out.
Then I finish off with the holiday bit- 3 nights @ the Tango Mar. I have not been here for 10 years so am looking forward to seeing the changes – which clients have raved about after their visits. I cannot wait to relax on the gorgeous beach the hotel is on..

My last night will hopefully be spent @ one of my most favourite Hotel- The Xandari Plantation y Spa. A great end to what will be an amazing trip.

This year I am not planning on doing any adventure activities. Last time I did the white water rafting & the zip lines so I really think that once ever 10 years is fine!!.. I will leave these activities to my more adventurous clients!!

Nasca Lines in Peru- National Geographic Society article

Nasca Lines, Peru

I am delighted to share with you a recent article on the Mysterious Nasca Lines, in Peru, published by the National Geographic magazine in their March edition:

Below is the link to view the article.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/03/nasca/hall-text

The Nasca Lines are located in the Ica region, approx 460 km south of Lima. The lines decorate the desert floor & have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. These lines, which were made by the Nasca Civilization between 500 BC and 500 AD, are one of the world’s greatest enigmas because of their quantity, size and natural preservation.

At Worldwide Holidays we tailor-make all of our clients holidays so that your trip perfectly suits your specific interests, priorities & preferences- within the budget you have in mind.

If you would like to discuss a trip to Peru, I would be delighted to hear from you.

See the Indri Lemurs in Madagascar

A brand new offer from Worldwide Holidays……..Discover the incredible, versatile country of Madagascar from as little as £1350pp. This great offer includes spending some time at Andasibe National Park, home of the Indri Indri lemur before relaxing on the beautiful island of St Marie. For more details on this tour or about visiting Madagascar in general, call Sam on 01202 606160.