Decreasing the Continental Divide:
Some Fresh Looks at South Americas

Tour Hosts Review
by Sheri Leigh - Tour Hosts are in Bold

As the world gets smaller, neighbors previously separated by national, economic or cultural borders are coming together to create a truly integrated global village. The European Union’s adoption of the euro, and NAFTA in the Americas have created an interrelationship and level of unity among countries not previously known. With this newly defined economic association comes the need for deeper cultural awareness, and a dedication to understanding and assisting those less fortunate than ourselves.

Hopefully, this month’s focus on our southern neighbors will inspire us to look beyond our borders and savor the allure of cultures that in some cases are materially simpler than ours and live closer to nature but are richly accommodating of the human spirit.

Southwind Adventures promises to open the eyes of all travelers yearning to discover the majesty of our neighbors in South America. Southwind’s dedication to the continent is unmatched. This month’s Pick offers over 40 different itineraries in seven countries. Whether your dream is exploring the natural splendor of the Galapagos Islands or the remote floating islands of Lake Titicaca high in the Andes, Southwind Adventures can take you there. For the more robust and athletic, Southwind offers hiking, biking and trekking to some of the world most remote locations.

Travelers seeking a scrumptious floating holiday among Darwin’s’ archipelago, should explore Galapagos Network. Offering three signature yachts, an expedition ship and a dive-live-aboard option, this company provides all the necessary elements for an expedition to islands that are as spectacular as Darwin first found them. Galapagos Network’s close association with the Charles Darwin Research Station assures the most experienced naturalists will be your guides.  

For those who want to be closer to terra firma, Andean Treks Inc. offers camping, llama treks, soft-adventure day hikes, horse riding and, for the truly adventurous, whitewater rafting. The company offers fixed group departures, as well as custom itineraries to a number of countries, and can also arrange accommodations at many rainforest lodges.

For those travelers who crave adrenaline and are not afraid to make a splash, Bio Bio Expeditions is the place to call. Cotahuasi Calling details an eight-day, 250-mile river-rafting trip with a lifetime’s worth of adventure. The wonders and thrills of traversing class IV and V rapids through the world’s deepest gorge are recounted in this detailed, finely written chronicle of adventure. This trip is not for the faint of heart, but a great read for the adventurous traveler.

Travelers preferring to give of themselves rather than challenge the elements would be wise to opt for one of Amizade, Ltd's, volunteer programs. Nineteen ninety-five saw the first of Amizade’s programs in the small town of Santarém, Brazil, and from that first step Amizade has created diverse volunteer journeys in a number of Brazilian and Bolivian towns. Giving back to community enriches both parties, and past volunteer Martie Wach shares her experiences in the wonderful article, Building Walls in Bolivia Builds Cultural Bridges. While Amizade’s work is focused primarily in South America, it also provides helping hands to a number of organizations in the U.S.

For the traveler who wants an in-depth view of a particular area in South America, Anglatin, Ltd, designs custom itineraries. Anglatin provides all the necessary assistance in planning a trip to exceed your expectations. Whether you desire to travel independently, prefer a local guide’s assistance or have an affinity group, Anglatin can customize a South American journey to fit your needs. Fred Smith’s recounting of the mystique of Chile’s potent potable, pisco, in Chile’s Elqui Valley, Home of Pisco!, is a good example of the far and interesting places Anglatin ranges.

We can’t cover all the wonderful treats to experience in South America – the Amazon, Patagonia and, of course, Brazil and her sultry beaches, but we hope to open your eyes to our neighbor to the south and a few of the experiences she offers.

Buen viaje en America del Sur!