Heading South For Travel Bargain

Travel south from the border really way south for the very best bargains. Several countries in Central and South America are having a tourism boom for eco-travel in particular many thanks to the number of brand new resorts and affordable package deals. Plus your US dollars goes a great deal further than within the U.S. and European countries.

In Peru, for example, all-inclusive eco-lodges, also called Refugios Amazonas, commonly cost around $500 for four-day lodgings, meals, expeditions within the Amazon and transportation back and forth from the airport. (Air travel, that is separate, will cost about $900.) You may also want to look into these bargain package deals being offered here!

An increasing pattern, particularly for people touring in groups, is to rent a house or condominium, according to Carol Harteveldt, co-founder of the research firm Atmosphere Research Group. It’s usually a more affordable alternative in larger metropolitan areas like Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and San Jose, Costa Rica.

For the active traveler who wants to get the most out of their vacation and still stay within an affordable budget, an adventure tour package  maybe just what the good Doctor prescribe. These packages keeps you moving with plenty of activities and unique adventures that start from the moment you arrive at the airport where you are met by a professional native guide and transferred to your hotel to rest up for day 1 of a six to nine day package tour.

Searching For the Darwin frog Chile’s last lonely wilderness

When the name Darwin is mentioned, the Galapagos is usually the first thing come to most people’s mind. No doubt because most of our knowledge of Darwin is usually related to the Discovery channels series about the Galapagos. However as can be seen from this Globe and Mail article the Author find himself tracing Darwin’s footsteps in Peru while trying to locate a rear frog that was named after Darwin.

In the dark dense rain forest of Chilean Patagonia, I am retracing the steps of Charles Darwin, in a search for the freak of a frog that bears his name.http://condortoursandtravel.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=283&action=edit

The charming quirk of Darwin’s Frog is the male’s proclivity for carrying tadpole eggs in his vocal sac before disgorging the tykes into the world. The frogs come in hues of brown to green, making the tiny creatures almost impossible to see in their swampy habitat.

But Diego Stock, my exuberant Chilean guide, insists that he has spotted one hopping around this squishy bog a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean. It looks like a fluttering brown leaf, but as I bend closer, I catch the outline of one of the world’s most endangered species.

Darwin, the 19th-century father of evolutionary theory, encountered the frog in his voyages around South America in the 1830s. Now, 180 years later, I have come to Patagonia to witness another evolution – not just in this embattled frog, but in the new concept of capitalist conservation.

Read the rest of the article here!

 Are There Bears in South America?

This could be a good trivia question for you. But did you know that the inspiration for Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear

Spectacled bears

came from a real bear (oso andino) in Spanish is a native of Peru.

For many children, former and present, the name Paddington Bear conjures up a happy and very English mental picture of Wellington boots and cocoa. But as readers of Michael Bond’s latest Paddington adventure, Paddington Races Ahead (published this week), should remember, the bear is – not to put too fine a point on it – “not from around here”. Paddington Bear may have been found at a London railway station, but he is, of course, from “deepest, darkest Peru”.

In Bond’s wonderful new book, Paddington shows more South American pride than ever: he attempts to pay his bus fare with a Peruvian centavo, and gets into the Olympic spirit by running (under) hurdles for a “Hometown bear makes good!” documentary for his family and friends in Lima. So charming is Bond’s take on Paddington’s background that on finishing the book families might themselves be hungry for more than a marmalade sandwich. To wit: did Paddington really eat llama pâté when he lived in Peru? Just how good can the alfajor cookies that he remembers be? And – the most pressing question of all – do bears really come from Peru?

Yes, there is a Peruvian bear. In Spanish, its name is the oso andino, or Andean bear, but in English the light markings that distinguish its face from the rest of its black fur have earned it the colorful name of spectacled bear.

Read the full article here!

Whether you’re looking for travel in groups and rent a house, source your accommodation and air travel on the wing or hook up with an adventure tour package Central and South America is without doubt the place to head for to get the most for your vacation dollars.

A Quick Tour of Lima

One of the greatest highlight of any trip to Peru would be a visit to the essential Lima, aka “The City of Kings” including the

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu

most significant architectural icons of the city, like the Main Square, where you can find the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral as well as the Archbishop’s Palace. Then you can pay a visit to the San Francisco Convent, this architectonic jewel dates back to the 16th century. On your way to the modern section of the city, you’ll pass through the exclusive district of San Isidro, the new financial center of the city, to explore pre-Inca Huaca Huallamarca. You may want conclude your tour in Miraflores, where you can stop by the “Parque del Amor” (Love Park) an excellent spot to have an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean.

Machu Picchu “The lost city of the Incas”

Machu Picchu without question is one of the most important energetic centers of the world. Travelling by train will afford you an amazing view of the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes you can board a bus which will take you to the citadel where a specialized tour guide will detail the history surrounding this mysterious and charming place.

After the guided tour, you may want to explore the zone on your own and have the chance to explore hidden places, such as the Intipunku (Gate of the Sun). If have a sense of adventure, you can enjoy a hike full of adrenaline to the top of Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain) to visit the Temple of the Moon and enjoy a spectacular view of the city or you may just want relax and meditate.

Given all that Peru has to offer from its many culinary delights, Machu Picchu and Lima’s Jorge Chavez Airport it should come as no surprise that the “World Travel Awards” have nominated Lima and Machu Picchu as one of South America’s leading destinations, as seen in this article below from “Peru This Week”:

The World Travel Awards have nominated Lima and Machu Picchu as one of South America’s leading destinations.

The two Peruvian cities were nominated alongside Bahia (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santiago and Easter Island (Chile), Galapagos (Ecuador), Sao Paulo, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

Machu Picchu was also nominated for the South America’s Leading Green Destination award, and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, was nominated as one of South America’s leading green hotels.

Peru was also nominated as one of South America’s leading culinary destinations, and Lima’s Jorge Chavez Airport was nominated for an award for South America’s leading airport.

Voting is open until August 24, when winners from South America, Europe, Asia and Africa will be announced. Last year Peru won awards in the leading airport, green destination, and tourist board, categories. Read the full article here!

In addition six more Peruvian cities were nominated for New 7 Wonders Cities campaign a campaign organizes by “New7Wonders”

 Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, Callao, Trujillo and Lima have been announced as nominees for the New 7 Wonders Cities campaign.

The six Peruvian cities were nominated along 1,200 cities from 220 countries.

The next stage of voting ends on March 7, and 300 cities will go on to the next round.

Voting will carry on throughout 2012 and 2013 and the 7 New Wonders Cities will be announced on December 7 2013.

New 7 Wonders Cities is the third campaign organized by New7Wonders, following the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World and the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The Amazon Rainforest was named as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature of the World, on November 11.

The other 6 natural wonders are: Halong Bay, Vietnam; Iguazu Falls, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay; Jeju Island, Korea; Komodo, Indonesia; Puerto Princesa, Philippines; and Table Mountain, South Africa. See the full article here!

There is no better time than now to plan on paying a visit to Peru to see what the buzz is all about. Discover what so many others have experienced. Visit Peru and experience Peru’s capitol as well as Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno and Lake Titicaca. You will be happy you did, your pallet will thank and you will have an unforgettable experience.

Visit us at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. and see our many tour packages we continue to offer some of the most dynamic tour packages that reflex our vast knowledge and experiences with travel to Peru and South America in general. From the very best hotels, dining experiences, the splendid beaches, organized tours of the ancient ruins, museums and points of interests.  We are a full service travel agent specializing in worldwide travel with areas of expertise in Central and South American destinations and tour packages to Europe as well as all types of cruises and tours.

Places contact me at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. for more information on our customized tour packages  and get started on your Peru’s or South American experience.

Buenos Aires and Patagonia Tour

Argentina is located in South America, and it’s the world’s eighth largest country. The highest as well as the lowest points of South America are located in Argentina: At a whopping 6,960m, Cerro Aconcagua is definitely the highest mountain within the Americas whilst Salinas Chicas, at a mere 40m below sea level, is definitely the lowest point in South America.

Buenos Aires – The Capital

In the middle of Argentina is Buenos Aires: the cosmopolitan portal to Latin America, and in several ways, a really breathtaking location. Buenos Aires is split into barrios, or local neighborhoods, each which often possesses a unique persona and spirit. North of Buenos Aires is found the Iguazu Falls considered one of nature’s greatest wonders. There are actually 275 individual cascades that constitute the Iguazu truly spectacular world be known waterfalls.

Further south, you’ll find the amazing region of Patagonia. The amazing Bariloche is the capital of the Patagonia Lake Region featuring awesome mountains and lakes, superb winter skiing, in addition to various warm weather sporting activities the remainder of the year. El Calafate and Peninsula Valdes boast delights such as the Perito Moreno Glacier in addition to incredible nature and wildlife, Whilst Tierra del Fuego is the nearest point to the Antarctic.

A visit to the penguin colonies and glaciers will have you experiencing an awesome selection of wildlife on Patagonia. West of Buenos Aires, the wine region is found close to the vibrant city of Mendoza. Mendoza is also located next to the spectacular Andes Mountains. And also, only an hour or so ferryboat from Buenos Aires will take visitors to the tranquil colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Where you can explore the gorgeous town and relish the surroundings, the food, along with the peaceful beach.

 Buenos Aires and Patagonia

Argentina is presently experiencing a restructuring period. Several destinations and highlights are getting to be far more tourist friendly over the recent years plus the tourism industry is continuing to grow substantially. At Condor Tours and Traveling we have been offering some of the most exciting customized tour packages for more than a decade now. We have been witnessing the tremendous growth in tourism plus the amenities and accommodations that keeps attracting more visitors to the wonders of Argentina year after year.

Our latest customized tour package to Argentina includes tours of Buenos Aires, Palermo, Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia and more.It involves a 7 Day tour of this diverse region of Argentina at a fantastic price as seen from our itinerary:

 Day 1 – Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of South America’. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon we will discover the magic of Buenos Aires in a half day city tour in which you will visit the National Congress, Ancient Council, Metropolitan Cathedral and the Capitol (better known as “Pink House”). The buildings that surround the “Mayo Square” consist of the above mentioned spots.

The tour also includes the magnificent areas of Recoleta and Palermo, with their beautiful parks and buildings, the Colon Theatre, one of the five most important opera theatres of the world and many other buildings and palaces of architectural, historical and cultural interest. We will visit the San Telmo area, one of the most antique districts of the city, as well as the Boca district, with its “caminito”- a picturesque pedestrian street, where you will find its colorful metal sheet tenements.

Finally, the tour will lead us to the recently renovated district of Puerto Madero, old area of the Buenos Aires port. Return to hotel for overnight accommodations.

Breakfast is included.

Day 2 – Buenos Aires / Calafate

We go to the local airport for flight to Calafate. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Free afternoon. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodations.

Breakfast is included.

Day 3 – Calafate.

Guatemala Tour – Experience the Highlands and More!

Guatemala is a Central American country which shares borders together with Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. Like most Central American countries it has coast on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

2012 Guatemala Highlands Tour

A Guatemala tour introduces you to a magical place featuring a rich and exclusive culture as a result of the long mixture of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have produced a destination rich in intriguing and scenic sites. Guatemala is rich in natural splendor and travel options, this is a country that offers a great deal to those ready to step off the beaten track for even a short while.

If you’re enthusiastic about exploring the Maya way of life, see the mountains or shop the marketplaces and connect with the natives, you may be fascinated. Most tourists head to Antigua, the Colonial Spanish capital of Central America, a World Heritage site and a gorgeous picture-perfect Central American town nestled between three volcanoes. (Guatemala has many volcanoes, several of them more than 3,000 meters high) Travelers who prefer a more off-the-beaten-track destinations commonly head to less popular places like Nebai or Lago de Izabal, Maya villages hidden inside a remote fold of the Cuchumatanes Mountains.

Tour Active Volcano

Yet another very popular destination on a Guatemala Tour is Volcán de Pacaya, an active volcano about 30 minutes outside of Antigua It might not be accessible on some days because the volcano might be too active to be safely observed, It’s actually a good idea to bring a coat with you as it will be windy and cold on the top (even though the ground are going to feel warm) and you may want to wear long pants because the volcanic rock has been known to inflict rather nasty little cuts.

Flores is a tourist friendly island in the center of Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala’s wild north. From here you can hitch a bus ride to Tikal, one of the finest preserved Mayan ruins in the Guatemala. The announcement of howler monkeys along with the dense jungle makes walking around the ruins an adventure by itself.

Guatemala’s Maya heritage is everywhere you look, the ruins at Tikal National Park in northern Guatemala, is nearly 3,000 years old. Tikal is flanked by ever-creeping vegetation and screeching wildlife, and since 1996 once again used for rituals by the Mayan people, feels natural and oddly vivid. It is as if when the inhabitants from the city left, the jungle moved in, keeping it alive until the Mayans would return. Tikal has the feel of a living ruin, nearer to its initial energy than perhaps any other deserted city of prior times.

Passport/Visa Requirements:

Everyone except for citizens of Central American nations; regardless of age, requires a valid passport to enter and depart Guatemala. U.S. citizens going back to the United States from Guatemala are not permitted to board their flights without a valid U.S. passport. Because of the high rate of passport theft U.S. residents are advised to carry a photocopy of their passports with them when they travel to Guatemala, leaving the original passport in a safe place. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a stay of Ninety days or less.

Here at Condor Tours and Travel,Inc. we offer many exciting tour packages to Guatemala that you can choose from, starting with our entry level  Guatemala Highlands Tour, a 6 Days/5 Nights which take you on an exciting journey into Guatemala’s authentic Maya Heritage: The living Maya in the Highlands with beautiful lakes and colorful villages. For those looking to see and enjoy more we have the Guatemala Highlands & Tikal Tour an  8 Days/7 Nights package or our    9 Days/8 Nights Guatemala Adventure Tour.

We can also customize a package to suite your personal needs. Be sure to Contact us so we can customize a great getaway cruise or tour package  for you with the perfect mix of leisure time, sightseeing, and exciting activities.

Please be sure to leave your comments or any questions you may have about this article or travelling in general, we would love to hear from you.

Visit Chile and Take Your passion for Good Food and Fine Wine with You!

Most visitors to Chile has great anticipations of experiencing Chile’s great diversity of natural landscapes, from the

Chilean Cuisine

glacier-fed fjords of the Chilean Patagonia to the Mars-like landscapes of the hyperarid Atacama Desert. Your itinerary may also include major attractions like  Easter Island and Juan Fernández Archipelago, including Robinson Crusoe Island, the wine lands back dropped by the Andes of the Central Valley and the old-growth forests of the Lakes District.

However if you’re not aware of Chile’s reputation for great sea food, that Chile produces some of the fine wines of the world, then you are in for a pleasant surprise. As you will learn from this article by Nathan Fong of The Vancouver Sun, as he shares his culinary experiences in Chile

I recently left our cold and damp climate and flew to the sunny, warm temperatures of Santiago, Chile. It was my first time to this country situated on the west coast of South America.

Before my visit, I knew only about the superb seafood and great wines of Chile. I didn’t realize the country was so long and narrow, about 4,300 kilometres in length along the coast and about 175 kilometres in width on average.

Because of the massive length of the country, there’s a variety of climates and soil types, from the Atacama Desert (the driest in the world) to the polar Antarctica.

I flew to Santiago, the capital, and found myself in one of Latin America’s most modern metropolitan cities, with gleaming towers that soared upwards from the valley floor to the heights of the surrounding mountains.

While there, I visited their original brick and iron central market buildings that were filled with a glorious bounty of early summer fruits, from cherries, strawberries and grapes from the south to a cornucopia of mangoes and pineapples from the north.

My favourite was the cherimoya, or custard apple. We get this luscious fruit, which is native to the Andes, when they’re in season here in our Asian markets, but they never have the same flavour intensity as they do there. It’s perfectly ripe, custardy soft, and sweet and aromatic with a flavour blend I can only describe as banana, pineapple, papaya, peach and strawberries — all in one fruit.

The Chileans love eating their cherimoyas simply, often just with a drizzling of fresh-squeezed orange juice.

With the country’s elongated coastline, I wasn’t surprised to see the vast variety of seafood available at their Mercado Central, from the ubiquitous sea bass, tuna, sweet scallops and salmon to the more adventurous gooseneck barnacles and wild abalone. But it was the city’s outlying valleys that were my focus — primarily some of the country’s important wineries.

To read more, click here

As you can see in addition to the many historical ruins and artifacts that Chile have to offer up to its visitors you can also and should stimulate your pallet with their culinary delights. If you let loose your adventurous side you may even discover some hidden gems among the outstanding international quality wines being produced in Chile these days.

Chilean Wine

Plan on visiting Chile soon, be dazzled and amazed by the many sights and scenes. Do the traditional city tour of Santiago and its magnificent surroundings. Call us here at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. so we can customize a great getaway cruise package with the perfect mix of leisure time, sightseeing, and exciting activities. Above all don’t forget to bring your passion for good food and fine wine with you, you’ll be delighted.

Have you had any culinary experiences in Chile that you would love to share? Please leave your comments we would love to hear from you.

Honduras Tours

When most Americans think of a vacations destinations Honduras probably would be one of the last places they’d thinking of. This is partly because there is very little information on Honduras tourism in the news or on the web. To most North Americans Honduras and its tourism industry remain somewhat unknown. This is unfortunate since Honduras do have a great deal to offer.

Honduras is a Central American Country second in size only to Nicaragua in that region. Honduras is bordered by El Salvador to the south, Guatemala on the northwest and Nicaragua to the southeast. The Country features amenities in cities like San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Tela, La Ceiba, Utila, Copan and Roatán. You can find good inexpensive hotels even in small towns.

A Honduras Tours vacation is relatively cheap – Honduras tourism comes with an enormous value for the dollar. Transportation, meals and resort costs are as affordable as anywhere else in the world.

Here at Condor Tours and Travel we offer many Honduras tours packages to travelers who are thinking of getting away from the beaten path and want to do something a bit more exciting compared to the regular tourist routine.

Honduras has a growing eco-tourism sector that offers easily accessible wonderful national parks, national reserves, cloud forests, and botanical gardens all with outstanding scenery. Each park offers various interesting attractions from great birding, hiking, picture taking opportunities, water rafting to kayaking or sightseeing and tour.

Honduras Tours of Mayan Ruins

Maya Sculpture

No trip to Honduras would be complete without a trip to Copan Historical Site. A UNESCO World Culture Site since 1980, Copan was the most southern  of  lowland Mayan society key centers and is also renowned for its creative sculpture. The truly amazing Hieroglyphic Stairway which was dedicated in 755  holds a consistent text in excess of 1250 glyph blocks detailing dates and titles of the city’s Vintage Period kings. Due to the stunning artwork, unparalleled in other Maya city, Copan captures a most unique position in the analysis of the ancient Maya.

You may also visit Copan’s Gallery of Maya Sculpture containing several of the greatest samples of Maya sculpture ever discovered. Dominating the middle of the gallery is a full-scale colorful replica of the Rosalila Temple that was completed in 571. The ball courts are believed to be the playing grounds associated with an extremely critical sporting activity to the Mayans. These games are said to have had religious significance: allegedly the captain of the losing team would be given up as a sacrificed to the gods.

Honduras Water Sports

Honduras possesses some of the very best beaches in all of Central America on Roatan Bay Islands, Guanaja, and Utila where you can take advantage of the great scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming or have a romantic stroll on the beach. The Roatan Bay Islands are fast becoming just about the most popular destinations in Central America. One of our own tour packages to Honduras – is our Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. “Roaton Island Diving/Snorkeling Honeymoon Packages” Below is a part of the itinerary.

Diving or Snorkeling Honeymoon Package

8 Days / 7nights

Packages Include:

 

• 7 night hotel accommodations
• Full American meal plan – 3 meals daily
• Dolphin Show presentation
• Welcome island cocktail and orientation
• Tropical picnic
• Island Fiesta Night on the Key
• Horseback riding
• Kayaking and Canoeing
• Entrance to Roatan Museum
• Airport transfers and airline ticket reconfirmation

Snorkel Packages also include:

•  Fish and coral underwater ID cards
• 2 snorkel trips daily by boat with guide
• 1 dolphin beach encounter
• Reef ecology lecture and fish ID slide show

Dive Packages also include:

•  Air tanks, weight belts and weights
• 3 single tank boat dives per day
• 2 single tank night boat dives
• Buoyancy control workshop
• Unlimited shore diving during dive shop hours

To see the complete itinerary click here!

A vacation to Honduras and in particular to the Roatan Bay Island will likely be an experience like nothing else. Spectacular scenery, fantastic diving experiences and much more awaits you in Honduras…an amazing blend of relaxation and exhilaration.

To start on your journey of discovering why Honduras is fast becoming one of the most popular destination in Central America, contact us  at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. phone  800-783-8847.

Please feel free to leave your comments or questions below we would love to hear from you.

Costa Rica Tours

Costa Rica is a gorgeous country in Central America to the south of Nicaragua and northwest of Panama. Like most Central American countries Costa Rica lies in between 2 oceans with the Pacific Ocean towards the west and the Caribbean Sea towards the east. Almost certainly due to its elegance and tranquility Costa Rica is often labeled as the Switzerland of Central America and is also considered one of the top nature eco-destinations across the world.

Costa Rica Arenal

Costa Rica boasts a fantastic variety of tourist attractions such as secluded beaches, distinctive landscapes, mysterious clouds, numerous national parks, rainforest, hot springs plus steaming volcanoes. All of these points of interest are supported with a fantastic variety of accommodation which range from high-end deluxe resorts,  jungle lodges, to modest boutique-style hotels complimenting all wallets and passions.

Costa Rica’s Climate

Given that Costa Rica lies somewhere between eight and twelve degrees north of the Equator, it experience tropical climate all year round. On the other hand, the country does have several micro-climates which are subject to the elevation, rainfall, topography, and also the geography of the specific region.

Costa Rica’s seasons are based on how much rain falls throughout a specific interval rather than to the 4 traditional Northern Hemisphere seasons. The year can be divided into two periods, the dry period referred to by the residents as summertime, and the rainy period, known locally as wintertime. The “summertime” or dry season goes from December to April, and “winter” or wet season goes through May to November, which in turn pretty much correlates with the Directory of Atlantic hurricane seasons, and throughout this time, it rains constantly in some locations.

Attractions

Whatever your interests; Costa Rica tours, reservations, resort, eco-tourism, jungle, scuba diving, white water rafting, surfing, golfing, canopy, watching birds, swimming with dolphins in crystal-clear ocean waters, sport fishing tours or maybe unwinding on an unspoiled tropical beach, you’ll find all that and more in this tropical and safe heaven.

Costa Rica is globally renowned for possessing an exceptionally high level of bio-diversity throughout its tropical forests (sometimes called rain forests, cloud forests, or dry forests). You will find tropical animals like monkeys, tapirs, sloths, and wild cats as well as an remarkable assortment of insects and various other animals. There are lots of birds (both migratory and resident).

Approximately 20% of Costa Rica’s territory is designated as National Parks or Reserves. Among the most familiar National Parks and Reserves are: Santa Rosa, Chirripo, Cabo Blanco, Arenal, Guanacaste, Cahuita, Corcovado, Totuguero, Poas, Braulio Carrillo, Irazú, Manuel Antonio in Quepos. There are also several protected wetlands as well as the renowned Monteverde Private Reserve. Similar to most places, the deeper you penetrate off the beaten path, the more likely you are to see a wide array of plant life and animals.

Organized Costa Rica Tours

Here at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. We offer many tour packages to Costa Rica including:  “Gluten Free Travel” packages. Among the most popular packages are our 8 days 7 night packages which generally start out with our representative meeting and greeting you at the  SJO Airport and then transferring you to the Grano de Oro Hotel. Below is a sampling of our itinerary for our package.

Day 1 – Arrival to SJO airport.

Meet & greet and transfer to Grano de Oro Hotel (deluxe king room). Grano de Oro is considered one of the nicest boutique hotels in downtown San Jose.

 Day 2

Private transfer to Monteverde visiting Poas Volcano and Sarchi on the way. Poas Volcano, located about 1 ½ hrs away from San José, is an impressive active volcano featuring one of the largest craters in the world. The volcano offers spectacular views of the Central Valley and comfortable trails to hike through the evergreen tropical cloud forest that surrounds it. After the visit, we head to Monteverde stopping in Sarchi on the way, where you will have the opportunity for local crafts shopping. Monteverde, is located on a 4600 ft secluded plateau on Tilaran Mountain Range. This community was founded in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers. The founder’s environmental consciousness, together with help from private organizations, led to the creation of a biological preserve that hosts one of the richest ecological systems in the country. Due to its location at a relatively high altitude, Monteverde’s climate is rather fresh. Temperatures range from 55-75ºF. Clouds, mist, rain and eventual rays of sunshine bring life and enchantment to this beautiful cloud forest and makes it an ideal place to explore the nature and wildlife of this incredible habitat.

Breakfast included. Overnight accommodations at El Establo Hotel (deluxe room). El Establo offers a relaxing upscale atmosphere surrounded by great views of the surrounding cloud forest.  

To see the complete itinerary click here! 

We offer all-inclusive land and air packages or can custom tailor a package for you or a group. Panama and the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Belize, Columbia, Honduras, are our areas of expertise.  If you want timely and personalized service and a caring agent that will personally take care of you from the day you call until the day you return from your own personal trip. Call me at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. Remember if it is travel consult “Condor”

Please leave your comments, let me know if there are any questions you have about Costa Rica or travelling in general, I would be happy to hear from you.

Panama Hottest Travel Destinations of 2012

Throughout the years I’ve been promoting Panama for being among the most exhilarating and adventurous tour destination for the traveler who’s looking to have it all. Because Panama offers one of the widest varieties of adventures that will fulfill any wish on your dream vacation list, it is fast emerging as one of the world’s most appealing tourist destinations.

As a result of Panama’s unique location between North and South America you can go surfing in the Pacific ocean in the morning, then in the afternoon end up Snorkeling within the warm waters of the Caribbean sea on the Atlantic ocean side of the country, discover native cultures, or go exploring the mountains and rain forest

Away from the Amazon Basin Panama has the largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and its jungles are home to a vast amount of animals, birds and tropical plants, many of which are unique to the Panama rainforest. So you can imagine how excited I was to see that  this months version of  Travel and Leisure Magazine has named  Panama as one of the “hottest travel destination of 2012″. Obviously I,m not the only one tooting the horn for Panama as you can see in this section of the article from Travel and  Leisure  Magazine.

Panama

Shedding its reputation as a sunny haven for shady characters, Panama is courting high fliers by giving everything an upgrade—hotels, museums, and even that famous canal.

The Beach Buzz: Solace seekers typically head to Panama’s Caribbean coast, leaving the Pacific beaches to the surfers. But boldface names—Angelina Jolie; Michael Jordan—have been spotted in the remote Pacific village of Pedasí, four hours from the capital. Most visitors stay at the rustic-but-stylish El Sitio Hotel (011-507/832-1010; doubles from $99) or in a beachfront loft at Villa Camilla Hotel & Resort(011-507/232-0171; doubles from $200).

The Passion Project: Frank Gehry’s Biomuseo will finally open this winter on Panama City’s Amador Causeway after a decade of fits and starts. Gehry—whose wife is Panamanian—was aided by industrial designer Bruce Mau and landscape architect Edwina von Gal in the $90 million project, a series of rain-forest-like gardens and biosphere galleries.

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As you have seen the secret about Panama being among the hottest get away places in Latin America is finally out. Most frequent visitor to Panama appreciates its reputation as a heaven both for eco-tourists and water sport fanatics. Have discovered the diversity of the wild life and eco-system and are always fascinated with people of Panama and their culture.

Here at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. we continue to offer some of the most dynamic tour packages that reflex our vast knowledge and experience with Panama and all that it has to offer, from the very best hotels, dining experiences, the splendid beaches, Organized tours of the ancient ruins and museums, exploration of the rainforests to an introduction to the lively lifestyle of Panama City, the main city, which is a modern, stylish metropolis that rivals some US cities with business, shopping, fashion and arts. And no visit to Panama can be complete without a visit to the Panama Canal.

Places contact me at Condor Tours and Travel, Inc for more information on our customized tour packages and get started on your Panamanian experience.

Galapagos Island Tours – Overview

The Galapagos Island Tours covers a group of volcanic islands located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos are famous for its variety of unusual creatures like giant turtles, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.  There are 13 larger islands and many small ones, with “Isabela” being the largest. The provincial capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is located on the island of San Cristobal.

The first geologist to explore the Galapagos was Charles Darwin who made many important observations of Galapagos geology; Darwin drew many conclusions that remain valid until today. It was Darwin’s fascination with the unique ecology of the islands along with his careful biological observations that later led him to propose the theory, of natural selection, which have revolutionized the way scientists think of life.

While the emphasis of the scientific minds may be on the islands geology, it is the biology that often appeals to toady’s visitors to the Galapagos. The wildlife on the Galapagos is difficult to ignore. You’ll end up being closer to

Galapagos Island Tours

the wildlife here compared to anyplace else in the world, the remoteness and delayed discovery by mankind, together with a significant absence of predators provides the stage for an exclusive environmental experimentation that resulted in possibly the greatest showcase for evolution to be observed anywhere.

Galapagos Island Tours – Discovery

Perhaps the most stunning thing for an arriving visitor to the Galapagos is their climate. Do not assume that you’ll be welcomed by the swaying palm trees and lush vegetation of many other tropical isles, as Dawrin observed in the 1st chapter of his book The Voyage of the Beagle “Considering that these islands are place directly under the equator, the climate is far from being excessively hot”.

He further mentioned that although the clouds were typically low hanging, there was extremely little rain. Darwin attributed the unusually dry and moderate conditions to the low temperature of the surrounding water, introduced in because of the great southern Polar current. Modern scientists have added an oceanic condition referred to as “upwelling” as another explanation for the peculiar climate of the Galapagos.

Galapagos Island Tours – Getting There!

Flights to Galapagos are usually on TAME or Aerogal airlines and can be booked with Condor Tours and Travel, Inc. It takes one and a half hours to get to Galapagos from the mainland, but from Quito adds a minimum of one more hour as the aircraft stops in Guayaquil. Visas are not required, but your passport needs to be valid for at minimum six month from your time of entry. Be ready to present your return ticket to custom.

The Galapagos Island Tours – In Action

The Galapagos Island tour starts off in Quito where you will be met and greeted at the airport by a bilingual guide who will transport you to your hotel where you may rest up for a full next day. On the second day you will begin with a fantastic view of Orellana’s way and Guapulo Sanctuary, then followed by visits to the stone carved facade of Ecuador’s House of Congress, a stroll within the old city visiting the Independence Square, the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church, and another of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America, La Compañia de Jesus.

You will also journey 15 Kilometers, north of Quito, towards the Middle of the World where the equatorial line divides the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the Ethnographic Museum, situated inside the Equator Monument, which displays the primary cultures of Ecuador.

Day three will have you visiting the Guayllabamba valley, crossing the Equator Line at Cayambe and sample its renowned salt biscuits with leaf cheese. At the foot of Imbabura Mount you’ll enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador’s biggest lake, San Pablo, and visit the popular Otavalo Indian Market.

On day four you are off to the Galapagos Island Hopping, starting on Santa Cruz Island where you will pay a visit to the Primicias Ranch in the island’s highlands where you will be able to see Giant Turtles in their natural environment. A walk through the dark lava tunnels will help to create a greater understanding of the origins of this island. Soon after, it’s off to Puerto Ayora, have lunch, and in the afternoon visit Tortuga Bay. From there you’ll go on a 40 minutes journey to the beaches. After some swimming and relaxation it back to your hotel.

Day five will see you transferring to Baltra to begin your tour of the Bartolome Island. This tiny island, positioned opposite of Santiago Island, covers a total area of 1.2 km² and a maximum altitude of 14 meters. One of the main points of interest on this island is the “Pinaculo” famous rock. Here you will be able to get in some snorkeling among the island’s coral beaches, where you can observe multi colored fish, submarine turtles, Galapagos penguins, and sea lions .

Day six, you’ll head to North Seymour Island. It’s a smaller island positioned at the north of Baltra, where the main wildlife species of this island are sea lions, land iguanas, blue footed boobies and frigate birds.

Day seven, you will stop by Charles Darwin Station, where we can observe the breeding center of the turtles of the other islands. You may also meet the renowned Lonesome George which is a one of a kind and is from Pinta Island. From here you’ll transfer to the airport to catch your return flight to Quito/Guayaquil.

The itinerary as well as details of the Galapagos island tours might differ depending on the options you select. For further details on visiting the Galapagos click here!

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Machu Picchu Tours – Overview

Machu Picchu Tours

Located 7,000 ft. above sea level upon a modest hilltop in between the Andean Mountain Span, the grand city rises over the Urabamba Valley beneath. This Incan built ruin oftentimes referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas” not known before its somewhat new discovery in 1911. Archaeologists speculate that roughly 1200 individuals may have lived in the city, while quite a few theorize it was most probably a getaway haunts for Incan rulers. Because of its remoteness from the remainder of Peru, residing in the region fulltime would likely require journeying long distances simply to make it to the closest village.

Divided into three areas spiritual, agricultural and urban – the buildings are organized to ensure the functionality of the structures matches the form of their surroundings.  The agricultural terracing and aqueducts make use of the normal slopes; the lower zones feature structures populated by farmers as well as teachers, and the most crucial spiritual areas are situated on the crest of the slope, looking over the lavish Urubamba Valley 1000s of feet beneath.

Backpackers, vacationers, as well as earlier explorers expressed identical sensations while they climb their way over the Inca Trail Countless call the event mystical. Looking out from the Funerary Rock Hut on the many temples, farms, terraces, and baths appears to take you to a different period. Mixing in along with the hillside itself, several individual reports the area generates a smooth and stylish eco-friendly paradise, rendering it a must see for everyone who visits Peru.

Machu Picchu Tours – The Inca Trail

Unquestionably the Inca Trail in Peru is among the world’s most popular hiking trails. Beginning from the Revered Valley of the Urubamba River and terminating at the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, this 45km trail usually takes3 to 5 days to finish. The trail, itself twist and turns throughout a mixture of high altitude mountain spans (the Andes) as well as heavy subtropical forest.

Hiking along the Inca Trail necessitates that an individual get in reasonably good physical condition. Although the hike isn’t by itself very difficult, the elevation, which often goes up more than 12,000 ft. could make it tough for any not prepared hiker. As a rule of thumb, it is commonly accepted that investing 48 hours in Cusco is sufficient time for acclimating oneself to the reduction in oxygen levels.

The optimum time to plan a hiking experience will depend on what you need. Should wonderful, lavish and green landscape  happen to be what you’re after, then May is definitely the right time for you. The rain season should have pretty much concluded leaving in its aftermath breathtaking sights from Machu Picchu and also on the trail. Peru’s dry period starts in May and usually lasts until September. Bear in mind though, that the prime period typically brings along with it the biggest crowds. If you wish to hike in privacy planning during Peru’s wet time of year (October through April) can be your best option, also, you probably will not need to bother about finding water!

Machu Picchu Tours – Temple of the Condor

The Machu Picchu Temple of the Condor is a spectacular demonstration of Inca stonemasonry. A natural rock development started to take form millions of years back, so the Inca masterfully carved the rock into the shape of the outspread wings of a condor during flight.

On the temple floor is a rock chiseled in the form of the condor’s neck and head feathers, |creating the shape of a three-dimensional bird. Researchers theorize that this head of the condor was utilized as a sacrificial altar. Beneath the temple is a small cave which housed a mummy. A prison complex appears right at the rear of the temple, and is comprised of human-sized slots plus a subterranean network of dungeons. Based on historic chronicles which records comparable Inca prison sites, an accused person could be shackled in the niches for as much as 72 hours to wait for the deliberation of his fate. He or she could possibly be put to death for such sins as theft laziness or lust.

To learn more about Machu Picchu tours and hiking the Inca trail, see our special packages by clicking here!