Get More CYS Delivered Straight to Your Inbox
 

Latin Distractions: Escapes, Experiences and Events

Notice: Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week Begins May 15, 2013

May 14th, 2013

Photography © Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has announced that hte 9th annual edition of The Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week wil again take place from May 15 to the 31st. The annual event will feature 35 participating restaurants each offering a special, three-course menu (with three choices per course) at a reduced price of $189 or $299 pesos.

This year, Puerto Vallarta’s Restaurant Week will welcome 7 restaurants that will be participating for the first time in this event – Fusion Gourmet (Amapas), Kabuki (Emiliano Zapata), Zanate Restaurant (Emiliano Zapata), Restaurante y Pizzeria Pinocchio (El Centro), Raixes (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle), Sandzibar (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle) and Nicksan (Nuevo Vallarta).

Puerto Vallarta is one of the finest culinary experiences in Mexico as it is home to a natural beauty,  a source of inspiration for chefs from Mexico and around the world who create an exciting amalgam of flavors that blend traditional Mexican ingredients with contemporary tastes. Food aficionados can delight in the wide array of dining alternatives from family-run taco stands to internationally acclaimed restaurants some of which also impress with their avant-garde designs and many of them Five Star Diamond Award recipients from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.Puerto Vallarta’s gastronomic scene will impress the most sophisticated palates.

Restaurant Week joins other important cultural events that take place in Banderas Bay during the month of May, such as the anniversary of Puerto Vallarta’s foundation both as a city, and as a municipality, and proudly celebrates the many memorable experiences that can be expected by all that visit the destination during this month.

The event was launched by Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group in 2005, inspired by similar festivals that take place in many important destinations around the world, from New York to London. Since its inception, Restaurant Week has captured the hearts and preference of many tourists that choose to visit our destination around RestaurantWeek, and also locals, who use the affordable menus as an opportunity to treat themselves to new dining experiences.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, North America,

No Comments

High On Adventure In the World’s Driest Desert: New “High Mountain Expeditions” From Explora

May 14th, 2013

Scale to the summit of Licancabur volcano in the Atacama and return to tell about it on the latest special offering for adventurous travelers

High On Adventure © explora

Ready to get high and dry? With an eye toward satisfying demand for authentic adventure in the remotest regions of South America, the always-innovative adventure travel company explora has launched a new program of High Mountain Expeditions that will see travelers topping the high peaks of the Andes in an Atacama Desert adventure.

Suited to mountaineering enthusiasts or anyone up for a true test of endurance, High Mountain Expeditions launch with an optional shot at summit of Licancabur volcano, a sacred mountain of the Atacameño who inhabit the Andean portion of the world’s driest desert. With its crater situated at 19,423 feet, Licancabur is not for everyone. But for those travelers ready to give it a go, it’s a challenge not to be missed.

The High Mountain Expedition will keep travelers on the move for six to eight days, with two days of mandatory acclimatization in San Pedro de Atacama and its surroundings – the better to prevent or at least lessen the effects of altitude. The Once underway, travelers will be led on ascents over 14,700 feet accompanied by specialized guides from explora who know their way around – as well as up and down. Those wishing to hit the heights of Licancabur will have to cross into Bolivia first and sleep at base camp to reach the summit the next morning. In other words: There is even more optional adventure and desolate beauty to be experienced on the way to the top.

Regardless of how high travelers go – which is optional for this new expedition – there is special equipment required from headlamp to waterproof trekking shoes and several layers of clothing for warmth. There are special considerations offered as well, including 2 nights at Hotel de Larache in San Pedro, the base of operations for explora Atacama, before departure and upon return. The lodge is the launching point for a wide range of activities from soaking in the Puritama Hotsprings to bicycling to Laguna Cejar.

High Mountain Expeditions are the latest special interest offering from explora, which has launched Horseback Riding and Photographic Expeditions over the past 2 years. South America is a big place, so look forward to more to come. Meantime – see you at the top!

High Mountain Expeditions in the Atacama Desert start at $3,350 per person.
For reservations and more information, please contact explora in the U.S. at 866-750-6699 or visit www.explora.com

About explora
explora is not so much a hotel group as a travel experience. Founded in 1989, it is an enterprise whose principal aim is to encourage a new attitude towards travel for those who have a passion for discovering new places and new people, in remote and relatively unexplored regions of the southern tip of South America. For twenty years, explora has enhanced the travel experience within South America; firstly, at explora Patagonia in the Torres del Paine National Park, then at explora Atacama in an oasis in the heart of the Atacama desert and most recently at explora Rapa Nui on Easter Island. Travesias explora inspired by the ancient ideal of the “journey” and the freedom of discovery it affords, offers more awe-inspiring expeditions that are an indispensable complement to a journey to South America.

Posted in Uncategorized

No Comments

A Machu Picchu Marriage

May 14th, 2013

Llama Expeditions’ Diane Valenti Suggests Popping the Question In Peru’s Mist-Shrouded Ruins

A Machu Picchu marriage? Andean trekking specialist Llama Expeditions suggests that the mist-shrouded ruins of Peru’s mysterious past create romantic settings for popping the age-old question, “will you marry me?”

Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll, Machu Picchu National Park sets the most romantic stage for lovers looking to pop the question in Peru. Following are Valenti’s tips on how and where to create that dramatic moment with the right partner.

“Wait till late afternoon. The park is filled with people in the morning either entering from the Inca Trail or coming up from the train station in Aguas Calientes. The park closes at 5:30 p.m. and the last bus leaves then. I would propose around four o’clock when people are starting to head back,” Valenti says. “I personally would do it at the Sun Gate. The view of Machu Picchu from this vantage point is incredible. You can pretty much look out over the entire lost city.”

Because spirits are prohibited in the park, she suggests tapping into the region’s pervasive mystical energy instead of champagne, for example near the Intihuatana, (or the ‘Hitching Post of the Sun’ in ancient Quechua), a carved rock pillar which stands at the top of the Intihuatana hill.

Another option is to book a room at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel directly adjacent to the ruins.

“The deluxe rooms with mountain views have terraces – perfect for proposing,” she says, noting that this establishment also conducts wedding ceremonies.

“I looked into local jewelry stores,” she says. “It’s probably better to come with the ring.”

Upon request, Llama Expeditions will customize its Machu Picchu Tour by Train tour to raise the romance decibel level. For example, the train could be upgraded to the Hiram Bingham Class. Prior to or after a Machu Picchu visit, guests can be accommodated in high luxury at the El Mercado, a new Boutique hotel in the heart of Cusco opening June 1, 2013.

About Llama Expeditions
Entrepreneur and outdoorswoman Diane Valenti hatched the idea for her company in 2008 over a home-cooked chicken dinner at close to 14,000 feet in the Peruvian Andes. She has been able to apply her over 20 years as a business consultant working with clients such as Genentech, Nike, and Starbucks Coffee Company to her enterprise that goes beyond just ordinary tourism.

Llama Expeditions tours offer full cultural immersion giving guests the opportunity to see how Peruvians live—to talk with them about their dreams and accomplishments and to learn about the challenges they face. Interactions with nonprofit and grassroots organizations are also woven into the itinerary when possible giving participants the chance to experience the difference gifts of healthy food, school supplies, clothing, or sunglasses can make in the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

Llama Expeditions is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and the International Ecotourism Society. For more information email info@llamaexpeditions.com or call (415) 553-7731.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, South America,

No Comments

Tierra Hotels Invite Photographers to Experience “Puma Photo Safari”, Six Day Adventure in Chilean Patagonia in Fall 2013

May 14th, 2013

Chile’s Leading Experts are Brought Together to Guide a Once-In-a-Lifetime Experience to Photograph South America’s Big Five

Photo © Tierra Patagonia

A unique opportunity for photographers to experience wildlife up close with camera-in-hand surrounded by stunning Chilean Patagonian scenery launches at Tierra Patagonia, who have created a unique five-day puma photography safari for Fall 2013.

The photography adventure is led by renowned Chilean wildlife photographer Pia Vergara, a Patagonian flora and fauna expert, who has published several books on photography featuring the animals and landscapes of this vibrant area. Tierra Hotels has brought together a team of puma trackers led by wildlife photographer and marine biologist Rodrigo Moraga Zúñiga and veterinarian Cristina Trugeda Harboe, a professional trekking and horseback riding guide, and nature photographer. The trackers are searching for the evasive puma to help get “that shot” of the South American big cat.

The five-day photography expedition features an itinerary traveling to spectacular sites and landscapes of the Torres del Paine national park. Sites including Laguna Amarga, Cañadon Macho and Laguna Azul, with its breathtaking views of the clear blue water, are just some of the locations where the perfect shot can be taken with the help of the expert guides.

Featuring the majesty and biodiversity of Torres del Paine National Park, the puma photo safari endeavors to help photography enthusiasts achieve not only spectacular landscape shots but also capture the South American ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat. Like its African must-see counterpart, the South American Big Five include guanacos, a camelid native to the Andes; huemules, South American native deer; the condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds; native foxes and, of course, the elusive puma.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, ,

No Comments

Lapathon: Test Your Peak Conditioning In A Costa Rican Jungle Race

April 5th, 2013

An 18 Km race winds through coastal routes and Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest

The LapaRios Yoga Deck, Costa Rica

With just over one month until the fifth annual Lapathon, held May 5, 2013, the countdown is on for runners to register, raise funds and train to their peak condition before racing through the Costa Rican jungle.

Organized by Lapa Rios Ecolodge to benefit the Costa Rican town of Puerto Jiménez, located on the stunning gulf coast of the Osa Peninsula, this year’s race promises to be the largest yet, with 300 runners expected from across the country and the planet. Funds raised will benefit the restoration of the recreation field in the town, which is currently the only area available for hosting sport, recreation and social events.

Lapathons have raised funds to help equip the region’s sole ambulance with supplies, assisted in purchasing classroom equipment for learning-disabled children and the construction of a new dining hall for one local school.

The 18 Km race winds through coastal routes and Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest, where tropical birds and howler monkeys drown out the racers’ mental dialogue. But aside from the once-in-a-lifetime experience, athletes and spectators alike are rewarded for taking part. The participation fee, or minimum donation, for the event is $20 USD; runners are encouraged to make donations as part of their registration fees, with previous participants in years past pledging up to $150 USD.

Besides great deals on local hotels and activities during the Lapathon for visitors and spectators alike, runners win stays and dinners at upscale sustainable hotel properties in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, expertly managed by Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality.

“The Lapathon is a truly immersive Costa Rican experience,” says Hans Pfister, CEO and principle of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, the company behind the Lapa Rios property and Lapathon founder. “Instead of pounding the city pavement, you’re trekking on a dirt road next to dense rainforest and the wild Pacific Ocean.”

For more information, visit www.laparios.com/lapathon.html.

About The Cayuga Collection
The Cayuga Collection consists of nine ecolodges, resorts, and sustainable hotels throughout Costa Rica and Nicaragua. All Cayuga properties specialize in creating the symbiosis of sustainability and luxury, always providing a sense of place by taking into account local culture and customs. To Cayuga, sustainability is about more than reusing your towel twice and passing on plastic. The luxury hospitality group earned a Condé Nast Traveler World Savers award in 2010 and 2012 for its social responsibility, and a Travel + Leisure Global Vision award for Environmental Leadership in 2010. Its properties have earned four and five leaves from the country’s Cámara Nacional de Ecoturismo (CANAECO). Cayuga works with local communities to train and employ local people and improve local living and learning conditions. Each of its properties is involved in conservation and community development, and the company even created a public charity called Equilibrium to further its reach and impact. For more information about all of Cayuga’s properties and experiences, visitwww.cayugaonline.com.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Central America,

1 Comment

Chile and Peru Pilot New Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for Destinations

April 1st, 2013

Lago Llanquihue by © Joe Dunckley

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has selected the Cusco-Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu corridor in Peru, and the shores of Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas, and Frutillar in the Lakes Region of Chile for the second round of its pilot program to test its new Criteria and Indicators for Destinations. These new global, sustainable, tourism early-adopters are the first South American destinations to participate.

Overseen by GSTC’s Destination Working Group and managed by NGO partner Sustainable Travel International, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Criteria for Destinations are designed to orient destination managers, communities, and businesses toward the steps that are needed to sustain their natural and cultural assets, while benefitting local communities. The Destination Criteria complement the existing GSTC Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, which have become the worldwide sustainability standard for tourism businesses.

Joined by a select group of additional destinations to be announced, destination management organizations in Peru and Chile will help to test and provide feedback on the Destination Criteria. Early adoption of baseline sustainable tourism criteria and indicators will also offer these destinations improved decision-making frameworks, providing an increased ability to evaluate progress in the sustainable development of tourism.

“We are pleased to welcome Peru and Chile to the Early Adopter Program,” said GSTC Board Chairperson Kelly S. Bricker, Ph.D. “These two iconic South American destinations are demonstrating true global leadership. We are confident that this second and final round of our pilot program will help us continue to incorporate diverse perspectives and improve the Criteria and Indicators for Destinations for world-wide application through a transparent, collaborative process. “

Sustainable Travel International’s team will visit each of the Early Adopter destinations to meet and consult with key stakeholders, including destination management organizations, the tourism private sector, NGOs, community leaders, and other government agencies.

Peru and Chile were chosen for their positive impact on the environment, their economic and social benefits to communities, and their education of visitors and residents, among other criteria.

“The outcomes of the GSTC Early Adopter Program will help us to prioritize the development of a regional destination sustainability action agenda for Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. This is an important first step for our destination,” said Fernando Santoyo Vargas, Director of Cusco’s Destination Management Organization.

High-altitude Cusco receives roughly 80% of visitors to Peru, and the area includes the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the world-renowned Machu Picchu, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the Wonders of the World. Cultural heritage is a defining characteristic of the region, which features a collection of Inca ruins and archaeological sites. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

Located in south central Chile, the central Lakes Region notably features Lago Llanquihue, the second largest lake in Chile, and the lake resort towns of Frutillar and Puerto Varas. Tourism is economically vital to the region, where visitors partake in outdoor recreation like skiing and hot springs. Tourism is growing steadily across Chile, and the destination has recently initiated a local sustainable tourism committee tasked with ensuring that development happens with preservation of local culture, environment and community needs in mind.
Additional Early Adopter destinations will be announced in the coming weeks. Once feedback has been collected and synthesized, the GSTC will develop and distribute a final version of the Criteria and Indicators for Destinations.

About the GSTC

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC – http://new.gstcouncil.org/) is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism efforts around the world. Housed within the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the GSTC works to expand understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices; helps identify and generate markets for sustainable tourism; and educates about and advocates for a set of universal principles, as defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. The Criteria, a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe, is the cornerstone of our initiative. For more information, visit www.gstcouncil.org.

About the GSTC Destination Criteria

The GSTC’s Destination Criteria were developed by a panel of business owners, academics, government officials, and other experts, who examined the UN World Tourism Organization’s Indicators of Sustainable Development and other such guidelines currently in existence. Because the criteria are intended to describe a globally applicable set of minimum steps needed to approach sustainability, the criteria are seen as a baseline that each destination should add to or adjust as needed.

The GSTC does not aim to certify destinations as sustainable; rather, the Council will review existing certification standards and acknowledge those that meet their criteria. However, any destination will be able to use the new criteria as a guide to becoming environmentally, culturally, and socially sustainable.

About Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International is a non-profit organization with a purpose. We’ve been collaborating with destinations, businesses and travelers to implement innovative sustainable tourism development and conservation solutions since 2002. We combine the mission and transparency of a non-profit NGO with the business acumen and expertise of the private sector, ensuring our partners achieve their desired results and receive a strong return on investment.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, South America, ,

No Comments

A First Ascent of Cerro Fitz Roy, Patagonia

March 23rd, 2013

A gripping video account of two young climbers' first ascent of a most challenging route in Patagonia

 

Welcome adrenaline junkies: here lies the video capture of two young climbers in a first ascent of Cerro Fitz Roy, Patagonia. “This is without a doubt one of the sickest climbs I’ve ever done in my entire life,” states Cheyne Lempe, a self-described transient climber and blogger. Their pursuit takes them to a mountain shadowing Argentina’s El Chaltén village, in the ice fields of southern Patagonia. In Viva Patagonia – First Ascent, climbers Cheyne and co-cameraman/climbing partner Scott Bennett attempt this monster route  — the North West Ridge of Aguja Mermoz into the North Pillar of Cerro Fitz Roy. While not for the faint of heart, this thrilling footage in one of the longest routes in El Chaltén reminds us of the beauty and vastness of Patagonia, and its surrounding landscapes within Chile and Argentina.

Viva Patagonia – First Ascent from Cheyne Lempe on Vimeo.

By: Jason Z. Guest

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, South America, ,

1 Comment

A Quest to Peru for Views of the World’s Smallest Primate

February 28th, 2013

Join Wild Planet Adventures to catch a glimpse of the world's smallest primate deep within the Peruvian Rainforest.

Pygmy Marmoset | © Wild Planet Adventures

Fewer than 3,000 travelers annually access one of the planet’s most bio-diverse regions in Peru’s Amazon rainforest. While getting there is half the fun, the payoffs, for starters, may include sightings of the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy marmoset and the elusive jaguar.

Wild Planet Adventures (http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/) offers 12 departures of its 13 day signature Peru Ultimate Wildlife Adventure from April 3 through Dec. 25, 2013. A shortened nine day version is also offered that shares the same departure days. The per person double rate of $4,798 for 13 days and $3,298 for nine days also includes a tour of Machu Picchu. Private departures are also available for a minimum of only 2 travelers.

Wildlife expert Josh Cohen, Director of Wild Planet Adventures, says “Our Peru trip represents one the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. The protected regions visited on this itinerary are home to up to 30 percent of the world’s species; a single hectare of forest may have more than 480 species of trees alone.”

Manu National Park is the perfect destination for Wild Planet’s wildlife expertise; it is the number one park in the world for biodiversity, and one of two Amazon reserves visited on Wild Planet’s itinerary. Manu’s extreme biodiversity offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see 200 species of mammals and 1,000 species of birds –the highest concentration on earth — plus 13 species of primates including woolly monkeys, monk saki and the extravagantly mustachioed Emperor tamarins. Travelers also enjoy a unique pack-dinner at a wildlife camouflage blind to photograph tapirs at night.

Macaws | © Wild Planet Adventures

The second reserve visited is Tambopata Biosphere Reserve, where travelers venture deep into the remote Reserved Zone – visited by less than 3,000 visitors a year – to witness the spectacle of the world’s largest clay-lick where up to 1,000 vibrantly colored macaws and parrots cluster during peak activity, turning the sky into a rich tapestry.

Wild Planet is known for its exclusive wildlife activities that are designed to see rare animals, with special arrangements for silent approach and intimate habitat access. No other company offers these exclusive wildlife activities. In Manu Wild Planet mounts special excursions to see the pygmy marmosets, the world’s smallest primate, and in Tambopata travelers can enjoy the company’s exclusive sunrise Jaguar Kayak Float looking for jaguar and tapir riverside.

The wildlife portions of the trip are balanced with cultural visits to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, with options to visit Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and Colca canyon.

Accommodations include intimate jungle lodges where guests mingle with staff from nearby indigenous communities and who, in the case of the lodges in Tambopata Reserve, actually own the lodge. Some 170 native and ribereño (second or third generation settlers) families work and profit from the operation of these Amazon lodges, which feature wellness and holistic centers utilizing traditional Amazonian medicinal herbs, massage and aromatherapy. Guests will also meet an authentic Ese’eja Amazonian Shaman, tour his medicinal garden and learn ancient secrets used in healing.

For more details please see Ultimate Wildlife – Amazon & Machu Picchu 13-Day andUltimate Wildlife – Amazon & Machu Picchu 9-Day.

Follow Wild Planet Adventures:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mywildplanet

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, South America,

No Comments

Exploring Lago de Coatepeque in El Salvador

February 21st, 2013

A gemstone of brilliant blue shines high in the volcanic region of El Salvador

Lago Life on Coatepeque | © Jason Z. Guest

Welcome to the first in a series of mobile-photo essays from El Salvador. Once a month, over the course of the next few months, Centro Y Sur’s Fotografía newsletter will introduce a new installment, sharing the exceptional sights, scenes and experiences captured from within this beautiful Pacific gemstone. Today we introduce you to the region of Lago de Coatepeque. Recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, first-time visitors to this volcanic caldera are easily captivated by it’s agreeable temperatures, electric-blue waters, unique landscape and commanding size. Enjoy, and please let us know what you think. Your feedback is always welcome. Join us in exploring Lago de Coatepeque.

Join locals for an afternoon lunch upon the water’s edge at Rancho Alegre Restaurante. Plenty of outside seating makes this the choice spot for lakeside fun. Grab yourself a plate full of ‘mojarra rellena de camaroncillos’ (lightly-fried, savory fish stuffed with shrimp), relax to the tunes of local musicians and admire the clarity of Coatepeque’s water.

Vistas of Lago de Coatepeque | © Jason Z. Guest

Ascend miles of beautiful, winding roads high above Coatepeque. Don’t forget your camera, for there are numerous opportunities to capture commanding views of the water from thousands of feet higher in elevation. Note: most of the ridge-top road systems along this volcanic caldera’s eastern edge are in very good condition, however, poorer conditions along the lake’s perimeter deliver a bit of a bone-jarring experience.

Outdoor Activities upon Lago de Coatepeque | © Jason Z. Guest

Water sports and activities | © Jason Z. Guest

Choose from a selection of family-friendly and water sports activities, including hiking, camping, sailing, boating, fishing, scuba diving and sunbathing. Located between the cities of Santa Ana, El Congo, Santa Lucia and Izalco, this unique, natural wonder is an easily accessible destination. 

Mariachis of Lago de Coatepeque | © Jason Z. Guest

Listen to live music. Salvadoran music stems not only from their own indigenous Pipil, but also by the influence of Spanish, Mayan and African music. And yet Mariachi bands are integral to the music scene. Here, in search of toe-tapping patrons and paying customers, a group of fine musicians serenade us.

Coffee Campesinos | © Jason Z. Guest

Engage with campesinos from surrounding communities. It’s no big secret that coffee has literally shaped the history of El Salvador. Therefore, it’s not a big surprise to recognize varieties of coffee plants growing along the roadside—their coffee “cherries” brightly contrasted against waxy, deep-green leaves. Here, coffee thrives in a unique and favorable microclimate of soil, terrain and elevation. This group of coffee harvesters were kind enough to offer an open dialogue, helping us better understand costs, wages and their role in this commodity market product. For more information on the complexities of coffee, from crop to cup, we recommend this source of information.

Beautiful blue waters of Coatepeque | © Jason Z. Guest

Charter a boat and explore the surroundings of this crater lake, including views of Teopan (Isla Del Cerro), an island within Lago de Coatepeque, thought to have played an important role in ancient Maya civilization. It has been reported that both the island of Teopan and Coatepeque are riddled with stone and ceramic relics from early Mesoamerican civilization. Today, it is considered a playground for wealthier Salvadorans, and available for visit by invitation-only. Many properties along the shore are well guarded, with immaculate landscaping and access to various types of pleasure craft.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Blog, Central America, Fotografía,

No Comments

Quito Launches New International Airport

February 20th, 2013

Ecuador’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced that Quito’s new international airport, Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre

Ecuador's New International Airport | © Quito Turismo

Ecuador’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced that Quito’s new international airport, Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre, will begin operations on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. All operations at Quito’s current airport, which operates under the same name, will cease on February 19th at 7:00 PM and will resume at the new location on Wednesday February 20th at 9:00 AM (-5:00 GMT)

Built over an area of 172,222,567 sq. ft east of Quito in the Tababela valley, the new airport is located 23 miles from the city center and has received IATA’S B category grading. Capable of servicing up to six million passengers annually; the airport’s national and international terminals cover a 409,029 sq ft area and will have a 9,687 sq ft Duty Free store, more than 20 commercial stores and a new shopping center to be inaugurated mid 2013.

Featuring one of the biggest landing strips in South America at 13,451 ft, the airport can service higher capacity aircrafts from destinations all over the world. Tame, one of Ecuador’s national airlines, has announced that it will offer direct flights to Buenos Aires and New York later this year, while KLM will fly nonstop to Amsterdam and Iberia will operate its Airbus 340-600 from Madrid to Quito.

Air Traffic Control Tower of Quito's New Airport | © Quito Turismo

Built at 7,874 ft above sea level and on the city outskirts, Quito’s new international airport will drive passenger influx by providing a modern and safer hub for all incoming flights. Among the highlights of the new facility are: 60 check-in counters, plus a special area for Galápagos check-in, 20 immigration counters for arrivals, 14 immigration counters for departures and 45 parking places for aircraft. Both the new airport infrastructure and its extensive staff will help process departures and arrivals in a more efficient manner, cutting down travel time for both domestic and international passengers.

In order to facilitate access to its new airport and make the city’s transit more fluid, Quito is in the midst of building a new freeway named ‘La Ruta Viva’. Set to open in phases, with portions already operating since last year, this new road is expected to enable travelers to reach downtown Quito from the airport and vice versa within about 30-40 minutes as well as help reduce traffic by 50% in the greater Quito area. With a total investment of $48 million USD the entire highway is projected to be completed by 2014.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in News & Press Releases, South America,

No Comments
Page 1 of 1512345...10...Last »