Jetsettersblog

Ecotourism specialist International Expeditions introduced a new tour to Nicaragua for 2012, focusing on wildlife reserves, colonial architecture and culture, and high-end accommodations. “Nicaragua is really a pristine version of Costa Rica before the crowds and five-star resorts moved in,” said Bill Robison, IE’s director of program development.

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the program because our travelers want to explore this former ‘backpacker-only’ destination before it becomes mainstream.”

The nine-day, small-group itinerary will visit Juan Venado Island Reserve, Selva Negra Private Reserve, Montibelli Private Reserve, Chocoyero Reserve, Mombacho Reserve, Masaya Reserve and Lake Nicaragua.

The tour also visits the colonial cities of León and Granada, with locally guided walking tours and time at leisure to take in the architecture, art and history of the atmospheric cities.

Three departures are offered — April 14, 21 and 28.

Group size is limited to 18.

Prices start at $3,198 and include transfers, most meals, bottled water, and tips to porters, wait staff, drivers and local tour guides.

International Expeditions specializes in small-group journeys to exotic destinations. For more information, call 800-633-4734 or email nature@ietravel.com

After opening in 2009 as a rustic backpackers hostel, the owners of El Coco Loco, in northern Nicaragua, have worked hard to transform their place into an all-inclusive Eco-Resort. Now Jamie, Ben and Earl are celebrating the start of their fourth year with the completion of a salt-water pool.

The new pool is located atop the resort’s highest point, directly in front of the restaurant, overlooking the beach volleyball court, charming cabanas and the Pacific Ocean. “We hope the pool will provide guests with a much needed reprieve from the sweltering temperatures that Nicaragua is known for” says Earl.

Less than a year ago, a yoga studio was also built, adding to the variety of activities already available for guests. In addition to offering regular classes, El Coco Loco has also been certified by the Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga School and has already graduated more than 10 new yoga instructors.

Surfing, however, continues to be the main attraction at El Coco Loco. Morning offshore winds make for slow rolling waves at three different breaks that are all within walking distance of the resort. Despite heightened awareness of the area amongst surfers, most breaks still remain quiet compared to those farther south.

El Coco Loco has also achieved great success and recognition through its Waves of Hope Development Program, a not-for-profit organization registered in Canada that strives to improve the quality of life for families living in Northern Nicaragua. In just a few years, Waves of Hope has received more than $30,000 USD in donations, one hundred percent of which has gone directly to helping those in need.

The Nicaraguan Tourism Board (INTUR) launched a new English-language website offering enhanced tour and travel information. Designed for North American travelers, the revamped site offers detailed data on ecotourism, adventure tourism and cultural attractions in Nicaragua. The website also offers links to hotels and flight schedules, discounted rates, and tour options.

The new site comes as Nicaragua reports recent growth in North American travelers, who represent one-fourth of Nicaragua’s visitors. Arrivals were up 29 percent through April 2011, while American Airlines recently increased its daily roundtrip flights from Miami to Managua from two to three. Nicaragua offers colonial architecture and a natural landscape featuring volcanoes, lakes, rainforests and beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Specialist independent tour operator On the Go Tours has just launched brand new Mexico and Central America touring programs.

Its new flexible small group tours, with a maximum of 18 passengers that range from 9 – 22 days, provide an adventurous way to visit the very best that Mexico and Central America offer. From the Mayan sites of Palenque, Chichen Itza and Tiakal to the Colonial cities and towns of San Cristobal, Antigua and Granada the region is awash with history and culture. Added to this all of the countries in Central America and the southern regions of Mexico offer unrivalled natural beauty from lush tropical beaches to untamed rain forests.

Tour can also be combined so that it’s possible to travel from Mexico City to Panama City on a 51 day extravaganza passing through the Mayan Empires countries and onto the nature lover’s paradise of Costa Rica before finishing in the cosmopolitan capital of Panama City.

Each individual group tour has been designed to provide maximum local interaction and a true flavour of the individual countries. Throughout Central America local family run simple hotels and public transport has been selected so that the authenticity and charm of the region can be fully appreciated. All tours are fully escorted by an English speaking tour leader.

On the Go Tours run the following tours in Mexico and Central America:

Cancun to Antigua – 10 days from £610

Costa Rica Calling – 14 days from £1090

Cost Rica to Panama – 14 days from £1,030

Footsteps of the Mayans – 13 days from £740

Mayan Empires 22 – days from £1280

Mexico City to Guatemala – 22 days £1310

The Way to San Jose -15 days from £990

Wild Cost Rica – 9 days from £580

www.onthegotours.com
Tel: 020 7371 1113
ABTA, ATOL & AITO bonded

Guatemala and Honduras with Friendly Planet Travel JENKINTOWN, Pa.-October 24, 2011-Central America’s exquisite culture, picturesque views, and rich history have attracted travelers for ages. Now, thanks to Friendly Planet Travel, a leading tour operator of high-quality, affordable vacation packages to exotic destinations worldwide, travelers can experience the untamed nature and impressive sites of Guatemala and Honduras on the 11-day Best of Guatemala and Honduras tour, visiting four UNESCO World Heritage sites. Guatemala combines the best of colonial Spanish culture with traditional Mayan heritage, and Honduras is the heart of ancient Mayan culture, with impressive Mayan tombs and step-pyramids. Seeing these two historic countries on one value-packed trip will make it the trip of lifetime for any traveler. They’ll get all this for the unbeatable price of $1,999, which includes airfare, superior accommodations, fully escorted tours, and more.

Travelers begin their journey in Guatemala’s capital and largest city, Guatemala City, before heading to the colonial town of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled between three picturesque volcanoes and colonial architecture.

As travelers explore Antigua, they’ll walk the cobblestone streets and discover Antigua’s most famous sites, including Church of San Francisco, La Merced Church, and Antigua’s Jade Factory. Travelers will stop at the bustling, colorful, open-air markets of Chichicastenango and enjoy the unique opportunity for lunch with an indigenous family before heading to the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan for a boat ride to Santiago and Santa Catarina. Later, travelers return to Guatemala City. From there, travelers will cross over the Honduran border through the vast coffee and fruit plantations, and continue to Copan, the most renowned archeological site in Honduras and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abandoned ruins of Copan, dense tropical vegetation, and mystical monuments will round out the sightseeing in Honduras. Travelers continue back to Guatemala, stopping along the ancient trade route of Quirigua, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for intricately carved, giant sculptures, including the massive Zoomorphs. A balanced mix of tour and leisure time continues as travelers enjoy a ride across Rio Dulce, also called the “Sweet River,” and visit an indigenous community development organization, Ak-Tenamit to learn about the indigenous communities of Guatemala and the sustainability of Mayan culture in a modern world. A stop at the Fort of San Felipe and logging village of Sayaxche is sure to inspire the history buffs on the trip. A tour of the twin cities of Yaxhe and Topoxte in the jungles on the shores of Yaxha Lake and later exploration of the islands of the lake will keep travelers enthralled. A final stop at the fourth UNESCO World Heritage of Tikal, located in the heart of the Mayan biosphere, entices travelers with impressive tropical forests and enormous amounts of plant and animal species. A climb to the top of some of Tikal’s tallest pyramids rounds out the best Guatemala and Honduras has to offer. The trip includes round-trip airfare from Miami and all transportation; superior hotel accommodations; 10 full buffet breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner, including lunch with an indigenous family; comprehensive sightseeing with a local, English-speaking expert guide; and a visit to the Ak-Tenamit sustainable development community. “This tour’s combination of the unmatched culture and nature in Guatemala, and impressive temples and terraces in Honduras and Guatemala, will attract even the most experienced traveler,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “Magnificent monuments; exotic, tropical landscapes; dynamic Mayan culture; and stops at four UNESCO World Heritages Sites make for an unforgettable exploration of Central America’s gems.” Friendly Planet’s 11-day Best of Guatemala and Honduras tour has the following departures at the $1,999 rate: Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15, and July. 27. For more information about Friendly Planet Travel’s Best of Guatemala and Honduras tour, please visit the company’s website at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com; the blog at blog.friendlyplanet.com; or contact Jackie Zima at 610-228-2138 (office), 215-534-2973 (mobile), or write to Jackie@GregoryFCA.com. ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL Friendly Planet Travel makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices. Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America-at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare, carefully-selected first-class and superior hotels, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, many meals, and itineraries as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Friendly Planet Travel offers its extensive, economical travel services to private groups including universities, religious institutions, alumni associations, and families. Groups who wish to travel together can count on Friendly Planet Travel’s three decades of experience to operate their group travel program expertly and always at the very best possible prices. Visit us at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com. You can also follow Friendly Planet on Twitter and Facebook.

2012 vacations enhance personal touch, tours and value; Save $300 for a limited time–

Brendan Vacations, the Ireland Specialist, is also a leader in providing unique and memorable guided vacations to Latin America. Brendan is now pleased to announce their 2012-13 South & Central America 2012-13 Brochure highlighting the region’s vibrant culture and vast natural and historical treasures. Brendan knows it’s all about you, the customer– everyone has different travel needs and expectations.

By “taking you personally,” Brendan ensures its highly trained, hands-on team focuses on old fashioned service, taking care of each and every traveler, one by one, detail by detail. With such wonderful and exotic locations, three exciting new itineraries, and four new vacation styles, award-winning Brendan makes “taking you personally” more than just a motto–this is sure to be your most memorable vacation yet!

“We have included many new local tours in our Central and South American Guided Vacations program,” says Nico Zenner, President of Brendan Vacations. “Doing so adds tremendous value and a personal touch to an already great program.

Our guests will enjoy lasting memories and will experience a personal connection to local culture and people. We crafted activities and tours with the assistance and guidance of regional experts so that authenticity is not only assured but is also exciting. “

On the new exciting 11-day Family Vacation, Conquistadors, Sacred Valleys and Inca Mysteries, see the vibrant cultures and unique traditions that make up this fascinating region. You’ll have the chance to touch llamas, alpacas and vicunas at a Sacred Valley ranch.

Priced from $2595 land & intra-tour air, based on double occupancy.

On the new 12 day discovery tour Argentina and Across the Andes to Chile—12 days, you’ll visit Buenos Aires and other local sites and enjoy the inspiring journey across the Andes. With its vast horizons, scenic vistas and expansive lakes, you’ll be in awe at this beautiful part of the world. Priced from $3775 land & intra-tour air, based on double occupancy.

The new relaxed-paced 11-day Leisurely Vacation Glimpse of South America is perfect for anyone looking for an inside view of exotic Brazil and Argentina. Be amazed by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, be inspired by the stunning Iguassu Falls, and have plenty of time to absorb the vibrant culture of Brazil with days off for individual exploration. Priced from $2895 land & intra-tour air.

Exhilarating and exotic destinations like Costa Rica, Peru, Argentina, Chile and Brazil await your discovery—and for a limited time, save up to $300* on all Guided Vacations booked from the new brochure!

Some new features in our 2012/2013 brochure include:

3 New Itineraries:
- Conquistadors, Sacred Valleys and Inca Mysteries
- Argentina and Across the Andes to Chile
- Best of South America
New Vacation Styles:
- Discovery Vacations
- Regional Vacations
- Leisurely Vacations
- Guided Family Vacations

You’re Personally Invited: Guests will be provided genuine local experiences as they dine in family homes, lend a helping hand on a farm, or learn about Peruvian textiles, for example.

Local Experts: The services of local experts ranging from museum curators to anthropologists advise on every sightseeing, natural and culturally relevant stop on every tour.

Audio Headsets: NEW for 2012 these state-of-the-art audio devices are now included on ALL South America itineraries.

To book, contact your local travel agent, call 800 421 8446 or go to www.brendanvacations.com  for a full listing of Guided Vacation itineraries and to take advantage of this limited time savings.

About Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations, the Ireland Specialists, is a leading US tour operator offering a wide selection of Guided, Customized, Locally Hosted and Group travel options.

Established in 1969, and true to its Irish roots and traditions, the company’s portfolio now includes over 800 packages and 10,000 hotels in Ireland, the UK, Europe, Egypt, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Mexico, South and Central America. With high quality products, friendly service and competitive pricing, Brendan Vacations believes in “Taking You Personally” and offers memorable experiences for every client.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Brendan Vacations is a respected brand of The Travel Corporation and employs over 100 travel professionals.

A satellite office in Ireland contracts product and manages inbound traffic for cruise lines, incentive houses, meeting planners and tour operators.

Brendan Vacations is a founding member of USTOA and other professional affiliations include ASTA, PATA, OSSN and NTA. CST#2084503-20.

Terms and Conditions

*Save $300 per couple ($150 per person) on 2012-13 land only Latin America vacations (promo code: BVLATIN150) booked and paid in full by October 31, 2011. Not combinable with other promotions and Mexico Guided Vacations. Combinable with brochure discounts, show coupons and travel agent specific promotions. Valid for groups based on availability and name/full payment by October 31, 2011. Promotion can be booked online. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Other conditions may apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.BrendanVacations.com.

San José, Costa Rica – This summer and fall, leave work and life stresses at home and round up your favourite gal-pal for a Central American girlfriend getaway.

From now through November 15, 2011, Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality is offering new Girlfriend Getaway Packages at five of its Costa Rican and Nicaraguan properties. Known around the world for their highly sustainable and Earth-friendly ways, the hotels and lodges offer a range of outdoor activities for girls on-the-go with on-site amenities for ladies in need of relaxation including: surf lessons, ziplining over a rainforest canopy, rebalancing the sprit with private yoga, learning to make authentic tortillas, and more.

“Our studies show that the dream Girlfriend Getaway often includes an international destination, a long weekend, a pool or beach location, and plenty of fun things to do in the company of their inspirational female buddies,” said Managing Director of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, Andrea Bonilla. “We’ve created our new Girlfriend Getaway Packages specifically around these interests. We set the stage for a fabulous getaway during a time when we can offer great value.”

Perks of the Girlfriend Getaway Packages vary at each of the Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality properties:

Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Costa Rica’s Lapa Rios Ecolodge is set on a private nature reserve spread over 1,000-acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes five nights accommodation for the price of four, three gourmet meals per day, transfers to and from the Puerto Jimenez airport, a sustainability tour of the Lapa Rios property (includes participating in your own Plant a Tree program) and an on-site, guided tour (choices include bird watching at sunrise, a local medicine walk and exploring the rainforest). The five-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $2,175 US. For more information or to book, visit www.laparios.com.

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn

Come stay at the first certified sustainable hotel in Costa Rica, and the only property to achieve a perfect score on the Sustainable Tourism Certification program. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes three nights accommodation, three gourmet meals per day, transfers to and from the airport, a tour of the inn’s organic coffee plantation, a rainforest massage and a head-to-toe massage. The three-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $1,843 US. For more information or to book, visit www.fincarosablanca.com.

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort

Set on two private white sand beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Espadilla and Playitas, the resort is safe, close to a range of nightlife activities and offers a number of activities, tours and adventures. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes five nights accommodation for the price of four, transfers to and from the airport, breakfast each day, two 50-minute massages (one per guest), a tortilla-making class, a sustainability tour, 25 per cent discount at the gift shop and a choice of tour (explore Manuel Antonio National Park, go bird watching, hike the Biezans Beach, go horseback riding, white water raft or take a surfing lesson). The five-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $1,590 US. For more information or to book, visit www.arenasdelmar.com.

Latitude 10 Beach Resort

Stay in one of the private casitas at this private beachfront resort in Costa Rica for the ultimate in gal pal relaxation and fun. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes five nights accommodation for the price of four, gourmet breakfasts, transfers to and from the airport, a surf lesson, dinner prepared by a private chef with a complimentary bottle of wine and the choice of one of four tours (hike the Montezuma Waterfalls, explore the Malpais canopy, go horseback riding or discover local turtles). The five-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $1,587 US. For more information or to book, visit www.latitude10resort.com.

Jicaro Island Ecolodge

Girlfriends will feel good staying on their own private island at Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Nicaragua, a lodge built with minimum impact to the island and with careful planning in terms of water supply, wastewater treatment and electricity usage. This property’s Girlfriend Getaway Package includes three nights accommodation for the price of two, transfers to and from the airport, three gourmet meals per day, two 50-minute massages (one per guest) and a sunrise or sunset kayaking tour. The three-night Girlfriend Getaway Package starts at $1,970 US. For more information or to book, visit www.jicarolodge.com.

About Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality

Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality develops and manages hotels, lodges and other tourism related projects in Latin America and the Caribbean that are committed to the four Ps of sustainability – people, planet, profit and place. It offers solutions and expertise to tourism operators looking to enhance their performance in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Cayuga provides expert responsible travel advice, including full itinerary suggestions for families, adventurers and honeymooners.

For more information, visit www.cayugaonline.com

Nature Air
WEB: http://www.natureair.com

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – The World’s fir st carbon-neutral airline, Nature Air, announces a new scheduled route between San Jose, Costa Rica and Managua, Nicaragua.

The afternoon flight will depart from San Jose’s Tobías Bolaños International Airport with a stop in Liberia before continuing on to Managua, giving passengers the option to connect from most of the regional airline’s other destinations in Costa Rica and Panama.

The route is in the final stages of approval, with the inaugural flight set to depart on March 2, 2011.

This will be the first flight connecting Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste, with Nicaragua.

In 2010, there were a record number of arrivals coming into Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport.

With an airport expansion underway, the airline hopes to cater to both businessmen and tourists, who prefer to avoid the 6-hour journey by land and lengthy waits at the border.

Nature Air is working directly with Nicaragua’s Tourism Board INTUR to offer additional services to visitors including ground transportation and vacation packages to the popular cultural and historic centers of Granada and Leon, as well as natural destinations like Masaya, the islands of Ometepe, and the beach and surf town of San Juan del Sur.

Until Nature Air’s entrance into the Central American airline market in 2000, traveling to such attractive locales in Central America was tedious at best. Unreliable air service, poor road conditions and the subsequent long journey by bus or car made it nearly impossible for visitors to explore some of the most desirable domestic destinations and neighboring countries.

“Costa Rica has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in recent years, and neighboring countries like Nicaragua have seen a significant amount of visitors traveling over the border to visit nearby tourist destinations,” Nature Air Marketing Director Claire Saylor said.

“With increasingly shorter vacations and greater expectations from travelers, Nature Air recognizes the need to offer more flights in Central America,” Saylor added.

“With our recent increase in frequency of flights to Bocas Del Toro, Panama and our newest route addition to Nicaragua, we are allowing people to visit more unique destinations in fewer days.”

In addition, the airline added a new daily route between San Jose and the Nicoya Peninsula departing at 4:30 p.m., and a direct flight between Quepos and Arenal, which they will be releasing promotional deals on later this month.

For pricing, flight schedules, and a complete list of destinations offered by Nature Air, visit www.natureair.com  or call 1-800-235-9272.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, owners of the W, Sheraton, St Regis and Westin hotel chains, has recently announced plans to open two new hotels in Central America, one in Costa Rica and one in Panama, both aimed at business travellers. In San Jose (Costa Rica), the new hotel is expected to open this year and will have 150 rooms in seven floors. Starwood is also investing around US$ 50 million in a new hotel in Panama City with 312 rooms, expected to open in December 2012.

Panama is also attracting the attention of other major international hotel chains such as Hilton, planning to open a new hotel with 213 rooms in Panama City; Ritz-Carlton, also opening a 216 room hotel in the capital, the Ritz Plaza Suites; and the Spanish chain NH Hotels, which will open a 180-room hotel in Panama City.

In El Salvador, the previous Radisson hotel has become a modern Crowne Plaza Hotel with 194 rooms and 23 meeting rooms to suit the most demanding business traveller, following an investment of US$ 3 million by Spanish group Agrisal.

There are currently more than 7000 hotels in Central America, with a total of 108,500 rooms, catering for both leisure and business tourists.

NEW WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
The recently created World Association for Sustainable Tourism, which has Costa Rica as its new vice-president, aims to transform tourism by sharing sustainable initiatives from different countries to learn from their experiences and implement best practice.

The Association is formed by 18 national governments, five United Nations entities, The Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OEDC), 17 international and business organisations, as well as 16 ONGs committed to promote sustainability in the tourism sector.

Under this umbrella, the hotel sector has launched several initiatives aimed at implementing good environmental practice such as the energy efficiency, renewable energy, residual water treatment and use of alternative water sources such as rainwater.

Specific strategies will be devised for places which require special care such as archaeological sites, beaches, forests and marine parks, contributing to offset the impact of visitors. Such initiatives have already been implemented in Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

PANAMA LAUNCHES FIRST MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR TOURISTS
The Panama Tourist Board (ATP) has launched a new Medical Insurance for Tourists to guarantee the wellbeing of visitors to this exotic country. The insurance is applicable to any foreigners or Panamanians living abroad who arrive in the country through Tocumen International Airport, and is valid for 30 days. It can be obtained, at no cost, on arrival at the airport.

The new medical insurance, backed by Generali and Axa, covers travellers in the event of falling ill or having an accident while in Panama, including: hospitalisation, medical expenses, transfer to the nearest hospital or regular place of residence, hotel expenses if they are convalescent for more than 10 days, pharmaceutical expenses, legal assistance, accidental death and repatriation to the country of origin, amongst others.

LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR LAUNCHES TWO CLIPPER SHIP ITINERARIES

Cox & Kings is offering a new way to explore the magnificent Pacific coastlines of Central America, rich in wildlife, culture and buccaneering history. The new itineraries of the Star Flyer Tall Ship focus on Costa Rica, offering access to major and lesser-known national parks, some located on remote islands and bays inaccessible to land-based tourists.

NEW: COSTA RICA AND PANAMA CRUISE
This seven-night cruise begins with a visit to the Panamanian island of Isla del Coiba, which is covered in virgin rainforest and home to howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. Other highlights include visits to the famous national parks of Corcovado, one of the most biologically diverse places on earth, and Manuel Antonio, a tropical lowland forest where the jungle meets the ocean.

NEW: COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA CRUISE
Sailing north, the first port of call on this seven-night cruise is the fishing town of San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua where optional excursions include visiting the colonial town of Granada or the Masaya volcano crater. Returning to Costa Rica’s northern coast, visits are made to Palo Verde National Park, which contains 300 species of bird and Islas Tortugo, whose waters are home to manta ray, whale and dolphin.

Both cruises are priced from £2,995 per person including international flights with Iberia, 1 night accommodation in San Jose, 7 night accommodation on the Star Flyer in a category 4 outside cabin on the Commodore deck, meals as detailed, private transfers and an excursion on Day 2. All excursions on board are optional and payable locally.