Olympic Games Spark Interest In Amazon Cruises

Iberostar Amazon Cruise.

Olympics announce soccer matches to be held in Manaus, increasing tourism to the Amazon Region. Rainforest Cruises introduces Olympic Amazon cruise departures during the Olympics in Brazil, offering a two-for-one, accommodation and tours.

 

Rainforest Cruises introduces Olympic Amazon cruises departing from Manaus, the city to host three Olympic soccer matches. These Brazil cruises depart between the opening and closing ceremonies of the games in August 2016 and range from 2-10 days in length, offering an all-inclusive service on board.
 

Jeremy Clubb, owner of Rainforest Cruises, is excited to offer the opportunity to experience both, the thrill of the Olympics and the majesty of the Amazon rainforest.

"Similar to the World Cup, where we experienced a 130% increase in bookings, we forecast another spike in demand for Amazon Cruises during the Olympics. We noticed groups of friends and families would charter vessels as accommodation and to explore the Amazon - essentially a two for one."

- Jeremy Clubb
 

Manaus is the capital and largest city of the state of Amazonas, in Brazil. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Negro and Solimões, known as the Meeting of the Waters, making it the ideal starting point for an Amazon River Cruise. The city's spectacular Arena da Amazônia holds a capacity of 41,000 spectators. It was originally constructed for FIFA's World Cup in 2014.
 

On-board activities include expert talks from naturalists, nightly entertainment with a local flavour and dining on delicious Brazilian cuisine.
 

Some of the expeditions include are trips along the River Negro to a feeding spot of Pink River Dolphins; a visit to the Anavilhanas Archipelago, home to some of most beautiful and wild waterfalls in the whole region and Piranha fishing.
 

On-land adventures include guided jungle walks for wildlife spotting, traditional village visits and the chance to meet locals whose lives revolve around the Amazon River and rainforest.

Types of vessels vary from traditional wooden boats and classical schooners, to modern boats with swimming pools on board. Many cruises are family-friendly and ideal for group chartering.

 

Details:

• Prices range from $539 per person, 2-Day to $2,389 per person, 10-Day.
• Cruises include all accommodation, meals/beverages and bilingual naturalist guides.
• Cruises include daily jungle excursions and activities.
• Manaus Olympic soccer matches to be held in Arena da Amazônia on August 4, 7 and 9.

About Rainforest Cruises: Rainforest Cruises is a travel company specialising in Amazon river cruises and tours, providing the finest collection of cruises, at unbeatable prices in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, the Galapagos Islands and Panama. As South American travel experts, Rainforest Cruises has been featured in Fodor's Best Cruises for 2015, as well as many other top news sources: USA Today, NY Times, Travel & Leisure, Bloomberg, among others.

Contact Us for more information. 

Ultimate Ecuador: Plan Your Perfect Adventure

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When it comes to adventure, you can’t go wrong in Ecuador. There are towering Andean peaks and volcanoes, vast swaths of Amazonian rain forest, chilled-out surf villages, and of course, the iconic and unforgettable Galapagos Islands.

Whether you want to bike down the face of a volcano, trek out to isolated indigenous villages, paddle down rivers or marvel at the monkeys, tortoises and blue-footed boobies of this remarkably diverse ecosystem, this guide will help you plan your perfect trip to one of South America’s top adventure destinations.

Pin this imageQuilotoa volcano's crater lake © Volanthevist / Getty Images

Ecuador at a glance

Currency: US Dollar

Transport: Super cheap (about $1 per hour on buses)

Related articles:

Ecuador’s alternative adventuresEcuador’s top 10 volcanic experiences24 hours in Quito

Visas: Visitors from most countries don’t need a visa for stays less than 90 days

Seasons: High season is June-September

Daily budget: $30 (budget backpacker), $30-$80 (mid-range independent explorer), $100  and higher (high roller and anybody that wants to go to the Galapagos)

Itineraries for every adventurer

Full-circuit voyager

This two-week itinerary takes you to Ecuador’s top sights. Nearly every journey begins in the country’s sophisticated capital, Quito. Spend at least two days acclimatizing to the altitude (2850m), checking out the colonial churches and hopping over to Otavalo, just north of the city, for the country’s best crafts market. Next, head south for an overnight stay in one of the gorgeously restored haciendas just outside of Cotopaxi National Park. Take a day to tour through the park to see wild horses and migrating birds before you head south again for two nights in Cuenca, a gorgeous colonial city with cobblestone streets, arts, markets and excellent food.

Pin this imageGet used to Ecuador's altitude in Quito before heading out to the Andes © Patrick Heagney / Getty Images

From Cuenca, you can either head back by road to Quito, stopping for a few days of tropical relaxation, mountain biking and rafting in the busy backpacker center of Baños, or head straight to the Galapagos Islands for a four-day island-hopping, wildlife-watching cruise. Many choose to end their adventure here, missing out on a trip down to the Amazon Basin. Why not tack on four days to explore the jungle lodges outside of Coca on the Río Napo?

Pin this imageCotopaxi Volcano © Andras Jancsik / Getty Images

Cultural explorer

Ecuador has a remarkable cultural tapestry. It’s a diverse country with over a dozen distinct ethnic groups and some 20 unique languages. In the highlands, you won’t want to miss the small Kichwa villages found on the Quilotoa Loop. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to descend to a crater lake that local legend says has no bottom, meet artists who have propelled naïve art to international levels in Tigua or just get lost on ancient trails as you hike and bike from village to village. There are numerous crafts markets along the way, where you can sample delectable Andean street fare like cuy (guinea pig), and buy local artisan goods, textiles and more.

Pin this imageCooked cuy (guinea pig) in Baños © Piccaya / Getty Images

In the Amazon Basin, you can see wildlife, paddle rivers and learn about the unique cultures of isolated indigenous tribes like the Huaorani and Shuar, while along the North Coast, you’ll find large groups of Afro-Ecuadorians. Largely marginalized by mainstream society, Afro-Ecuadorians serve up delectable seafood dishes, like coconut seafood stew, and make amazing chocolate.

Pin this imageFresh spices for sale in the market of Otavalo © Bartus Hendrikse / Getty Images

In the big cities of Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil, culture is alive. Not only will you wander through the remnants of colonial times in the remarkable churches, walkways and arcaded plazas, but you’ll also find world-class modern art, chart-topping museums (that are mostly free!), suped-up nightclubs and rocking music scenes. There’s also a unique festival going on in this highly religious country nearly every week of the year. Top festivals include Carnaval in February, Semana Santa in March, Inti Raymi in June, Mamá Negra in September and Fiestas de Quito in December.

Active adventurer

Ecuador offers up a truckload of adrenaline-soaked activities that will get your heart pumping and take you to the edge. Topping it all off is a summit of one of the nation’s towering glacier-draped volcanoes. Cotopaxi is a top pick for most, while Chimborazo takes you above the 6000m mark for bragging rights with your fellow andinistas.

Pin this imageWild vicuñas near El Chimborazo volcano © Alejocock / Getty Images

There’s good surf in Ecuador, too. In places like Montañita, Canoa and Mompiche, you can find 2m waves, chill surf scenes and plenty of other fun activities. The waves are best January to March.

Outside the season, you can still fill your need for white water with a rafting adventure down any of the country’s Class III and IV rivers. Tena is your top pick, but there are big runs near Macas, Río Blanco, El Chaco and Baños.

For two-pedaled adventures on terra firma, there’s sick mountain biking down the flanks of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, plus a dusty-bottom ride from the edge of the Andes to the Amazon on the Ruta de Las Cascadas, a 61km ride that takes you past a dozen waterfalls as you descend from Baños to Puyo.

Pin this imageEcuador's cloud forest © Kseniya Ragozina / Getty Images

It seems that everywhere there’s a zip line (ask to go headfirst, Superman-style with arms outstretched), a bridge to jump (or swing from in a local derivation of bungee jumping known as puenteing), or a mountain to climb. For wildlife watching, you have world-class birding in places like Mindo, Amazonian jungle romps for glimpses of monkeys, toucans, river dolphins and caimans along the Río Napo, staggering biodiversity in far-out parks like Parque Nacional Podocarpus and, of course, journeys through the place that revealed The Origin of the Species, the Galapagos Islands.

What to bring

There are a few things you won’t want to forget:

• Vaccinations (for visits to the Amazon)
• Insect repellent
• Travel insurance
• Clothes: hat, warm sweater or jacket, water and windproof jacket, shorts, swimsuits, light long sleeve shirt and trousers
• Ear plugs
• Flashlight
• Utility knife

by Greg Benchwick 

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/travel-tips-and-articles/ultimate-ecuador-plan-your-perfect-adventure#ixzz3xoDVnyFR

Galapagos Small-Ship Cruise Operator, Ecoventura, To Launch the Islands’ Newest Premium Class Vessel

 
 Ecoventura (http://www.ecoventura.com) that operates an environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition yachts in the Galapagos Islands plans to debut the region’s newest ship in early 2016.
 
While construction of the new motor vessel is underway at the shipyard in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Ecoventura is now taking bookings for MV Origin’sinaugural cruise Jan. 3, 2016. When launched she will be the newest and most comfortable 20-passenger yacht operating in Galapagos. The vessel will be owned by Ecoventura, a leader in social and environmental responsibility with over two decades of experience in sustainable tourism.
 
Ecoventura founder and owner Santiago Dunn has a vision for his company’s newest addition.
 
“We are exploring ways to make the Origin the most comfortable and environmentally efficient yacht in Galapagos. Our first goal is to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 45 percent (from 1800 gallons to 1000 gallons per week),” he explains. “This is no simple achievement when you consider our plans to sail at 12 knots on two engines so that guests can spend as much time as possible at each visitor site.”
 
MV Origin, designed for guests with a highly evolved lifestyle, will combine modern sophistication and a high level of comfort and service, with quality guided land excursions in small groups, gastronomical experiences, exciting physical activities and a dose of intellectual science for a life enriching experience. A veteran crew supervised by a master-level captain, two expert naturalist guides and a concierge will be at the beck and call of guests. Social areas offer private moments on board with a library, boutique, computer station, lounge areas, dining room, bar, Jacuzzi, sun deck, recliners and wet bar.  See: http://www.origingalapagos.com/index.php/gallery/social-areas
 
Guests aboard Origin will enjoy locally sourced, healthy, gourmet-style menus designed by top local chefs and creatively prepared by Ecoventura’s culinary school trained chefs. Some lunches will be served al fresco on deck. Passengers will have an open bar policy, including wine and local beer. See: http://www.ecoventura.com/galapagos-yachts/our-cuisine/
 
The vessel will feature 10 deluxe staterooms all located on the main deck with panoramic windows and private bathroom. Each stateroom is 140 square feet, with two twin beds that convert to a king, two connecting cabins, two triples, fine linens, bathrobes, satellite TV, and more.
See: http://www.origingalapagos.com/index.php/gallery/staterooms
 
Guests wishing to stay in shape will enjoy a fitness center with cardio equipment. The services of a professional masseuse can also be arranged at an additional charge on private charters only. Twice daily cabin cleanings are provided. Laundry service is also available. Guide lectures, cooking demonstrations and yoga will be part of the on-ship fun. See:http://www.origingalapagos.com/index.php/decks
 
Ecoventura’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Doris Welsh, explained that MV Origin rates reflecting a premium class vessel will be higher than those on its three existing first class vessels, the Eric, Flamingo and Letty.  A per person double rate for an eight-day all-inclusive cruise will be $6,500. Rates include cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, all beverages including open bar, Captain’s welcome and farewell party, guided shore excursions, services of a concierge, use of wet suits, snorkelling equipment, stand-up paddle boards and sea kayaks, and transfers in the islands between the airport and dock.
See: http://www.origingalapagos.com/index.php/departures
 
There are two distinct itineraries on weekly (Sundays), year-round departures from the island of San Cristobal. The tours visit the most spectacular visitor sites of the archipelago; western/northern and central/southern.
See: http://www.origingalapagos.com/index.php/itineraries
 
About Ecoventura
Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard its fleet of at present three identical, 20-passenger first-class motor yachts, Eric, Flamingo and Letty, and the 16-passenger luxury dive live-aboard the MV Galapagos Sky. Departures are every Sunday from San Cristobal offering two unique seven-night itineraries.
 
To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s catalog please call toll-free 1.800.633.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries log on to http://www.ecoventura.com/.

Celebrity Cruises Launches Immersive Adventures In The Galapagos Including Dining At Family Farm And Joining Reforestation Project

 

Celebrity Cruises unveils authentic dining experience 
with locals and reforestation project in national park 

 Explorers can enjoy new vacation experiences when sailing to the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises. The modern luxury brand, celebrating its 10-year anniversary in the unspoiled region, has launched immersive and inspiring land excursions that range from dining on authentic cuisine prepared by local residents to contributing to the protected islands by giving new life to a native tree species.  

Building on 10 years of involvement in the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity continues its commitment to supporting and empowering the communities of the region with a medical clinic, fishing and agriculture cooperatives, and a partnership with the Galapagos Conservancy, which includes a matching program to double the value of guests’ donations. Now for vacationers, Celebrity has introduced more Galapagos experiences that include:

·        Authentic Dining in the Highlands – Dine on local fare at a family’s farm nestled in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, Galapagos. Arranged exclusively by Celebrity, the immersive cultural experience directly connects vacationers with residents of the local community and the beauty of the island, its farms and even the giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat.

·        Scalesia Reforestation Project – In close collaboration with the Galapagos National Park, in Santa Cruz, guests guided by Celebrity’s naturalists now can join a reforestation project with the goal to plant 5,000 Scalesia trees – an endemic tree that has lost much of its habitat in the Galapagos, adversely impacting wildlife that call the forest home. The Scalesia-saving project is the first-ever of its kind conducted by a cruise line with the Galapagos National Park.

·        Collaborating with Farmers for Onboard Menus – The one-of-a-kind dining menu onboard Celebrity Xpedition reflects Celebrity’s effort to preserve the natural conditions and support local growers and farmers in the Galapagos region. From Ecuadorian ceviche to roasted fish, soups and even desserts such as tres leches – a variety of the locally caught, sustainable fish and seafood, vegetables and fruits served onboard are fresh, organic and sourced from Galapagos fishermen and farmers.

·        Commemorative Book – Each modern explorer onboard Celebrity Xpedition between June 2014 and December 2015 will receive a complimentary coffee table book featuring fun, touching and inspiring stories and photos submitted via Facebook by past guests who have explored the islands with Celebrity Cruises, along with information on the Galapagos Islands environment and community. Vacationers whose stories were featured also will receive a copy of the exclusive book.

The new adventures are included when sailing onboard Celebrity Xpedition, in addition to the immersive Galapagos vacation itinerary that features daily naturalist-led lectures and excursions of the untouched islands, its highlands and beautiful beaches.

Planning a Vacation
Galapagos vacations range from seven to 15 nights aboard the 98-guest Celebrity Xpedition – select packages feature all-inclusive amenities, including adventure gear, chartered luxury air transfers and creature comforts such as gourmet cuisine, in-stateroom dining and cocktails. 

For more information or to book a Galapagos vacation, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or contact a travel agent. 

Five Holiday Trips for Wildlife Lovers And Families with Animal-Crazy Kids

 

 
“A wildlife vacation is inspirational. It can impact how and where people move through life when they return home,” says Josh Cohen, founder of Wild Planet Adventures (http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/), the wildlife-viewing specialist. “International travel is the best possible gift that you can give a child of any age.”
 
For December and early January travel, he underscores that to secure airline tickets and accommodations, travel plans need to be made as soon as possible. The following adventures are priced per person, double occupancy.
 
Thailand - Remote Rainforests & Islands: There are two comprehensive itineraries to choose from. Highlights include excursions seeking elephants, guars, tigers, gibbons, langurs, macaques, barking deer, flying foxes and a plethora of unique birds; wildlife safaris by boat and kayak based from a floating aqua-lodge; jeep and walking safaris in Kaeng Krachan, the largest and least visited national park in Thailand; tracking wild elephants in Pa La-U; and snorkeling the turquoise waters of Ko Tarutau archipelago.
 
Thailand tours are best for couples or families with teens and adult children who will appreciate the peace and joy instilled by the Buddhist culture. Everyone will love the fun and sensuality of the Thai people best experienced through the extravagant Thai cuisine, unique Thai massage and the simple beauty of the Asian aesthetic found at many of the lodges.
 
Hidden Thailand: 14-day (Dec. 15-28, Dec. 22-Jan. 4, $4,898) & 11-day (Dec. 15-25, Dec. 22-Jan. 1, $3,798) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/204/434/
 
Thailand Ultimate Wildlife: 15-day (Dec. 15-29, Dec. 22- Jan. 5, $4,798) & 11-day (Dec. 15-25 or Dec. 22-Jan. 1, $3,798) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/143/384/
 
India – Exotic Wildlife and Rich Culture: Wild Planet guests don’t have to choose between India’s spiritually rich cultural experiences or its classic wildlife safaris. Two in-depth itineraries provide the very best of both. These are the most comprehensive multi-day safaris available in India. They include India's top national parks, wildlife reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites where sightings of wild leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and tigers inspire a lifetime of awe. Included are cultural experiences and safaris in five very different National Parks and wildlife reserves, by jeep, elephant-back and camel-back.
India is best for couples or families with older teens or adult children who want their kids “to have the inescapable spiritual experience of traveling in India, seeing how people with so little can have so much joy, and appreciating how fortunate we are, a message underscored by the privilege of getting to see tigers and other extremely rare animals in their natural habitat,” says Cohen.
 
India Ultimate Wildlife Safari - Leopards, Tigers & Palaces: 19-day (Dec. 17-Jan. 4, $7,398) & 13-day (Dec 17-29, $4,998) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/235/1196/
 
Untamed India & Nepal: 19-day (Dec. 15-Jan. 2, $7,198 - a $500 savings) & 14-day (Dec. 15-28, $5,098) http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/259/661/
 
Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife: Costa Rica has six percent of the world’s biodiversity, but the vast majoriBorneoty of travelers never see more than a fraction of that. To go beyond the norm requires a specially designed itinerary like Wild Planet’s “Ultimate Wildlife” eco-tour that escapes the mainstream and visits a variety of diverse ecosystems. Highly trained naturalist guides with extensive knowledge of localized migrations, nocturnal animal activity and little-known wildlife hot-spots guide travelers through the widest variety of eco-systems to expose travelers to the most possible wildlife. The itinerary includes eight national parks, beaches on both coasts, cloud forest canopy tours, whitewater rafting, volcanoes, hot springs, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence, a scarlet macaw migration, a world-famous sloth sanctuary and a hands-on wildlife rescue center.
 
Cost Rica is best for adults and kids eight years and up (especially for wildlife enthusiasts with limited time, who like to travel closer to home and have highly active kids). “A wildlife-focused trip like ours is especially suited to families with animal-crazy kids who want to take the next step and inspire them to become biologists, work with animals or start a green business,” Cohen notes.
 
Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-tour: 14-day (Dec. 14-27, Dec. 21-Jan. 3, $4,798) & 9-day (Dec. 14-22, Dec. 21-29, $3,198)  http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/12/50/
 
Borneo’s Weird & Wonderful Wildlife:“It may come as a surprise to many that Borneo is an ideal Holiday destination because its most popular season is March through October. However, in Borneo the difference in seasons is minimal since it’s hot, humid and rainy year-round,” Cohen notes. In December there are fewer travelers and some of the best flight availability of the year. The ancient primeval rainforest here harbors an Orang-Utan sanctuary, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys with huge noses, and Bornean gibbons who sing to each other, among countless other rare and endemic species. Highlights include a special expedition to see Borneo’s unique flying and gliding mammals. Night excursions reveal tarsiers and slow loris, two of the world’s smallest and cutest primates. Borneo’s rainforest is disappearing at alarming rates due to palm oil cultivation, making it the world’s #1 “see it while you can” destination.
 
Borneo is best for adventurous or experienced travelers who can appreciate its extraordinary wildlife. Borneo shares a rare commonality with the Galapagos, as its wildlife evolved in highly unusual ways due to its isolation. Think gliding frogs and snakes, flying lemurs and lizards and much more. Snorkelers and scuba divers will also appreciate one of the world’s top five barrier reefs.
 
Borneo Weird & Wonderful Wildlife Safari: 12-day (guests choose their own departure date, $5,998). http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/427/1426
 
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise: “Because most quality, first-class yachts are sold out one to two years in advance for the Holidays, now is the time to start thinking about Holiday 2014 and even 2015; or consider a non-holiday week if you’d like to go sooner,” Cohen advises.  Wild Planet Adventures works with over 30 yachts to offer travelers a wide variety of options.
 
The Galapagos Islands are best for adults and children six and up and provide excellent experiences for travelers who are less adventurous or less active, as the activities aren’t strenuous. “However, it’s not a good fit for those who get seasick easily or small children who would feel cooped up on a small yacht for a week,” notes Cohen.
 
Galapagos Islands Aboard the M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo:  8-day (Sunday departures year-round, rate depends on choice of cabin, from $3,900)  http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/10/219/
 
About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.
 
Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with wildlife and local culture.
 
For a more information and a complimentary 2014 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.