Patagonia: A Must for Active Explorers

Breaking away from the common aspiration to travel in a warm and tropical destination can be difficult – but Patagonia makes it EASY. Mixing immense natural beauty, rich wildlife and satisfying activities makes Patagonia a must for active travellers.

Patagonia is located at the southern end of South America and spans over parts of Chile and Argentina. Covering roughly one third of Argentina and close to half of Chile, there is a lot of Patagonia to go around. Combine that with its low low population density and you begin to understand the vast uninhabited grandeur of this beautiful region. It is the closest landmass to Antarctica, and shares elements of its spectacular icy landscape.

The name Patagonia was coined by the great explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 to describe the large stature of the Patagonian people. At that time, the native tribesmen of Patagonia (the Tehuelche people) are believed to have been 5’11”, quite large compared to the then average Spaniard male of 5’1”. Magellan thought he had found “giants.”

Today Patagonia is still characterized by “the gigantic” in its larger than life terrain. Traveling throughout Patagonia results in boundless vantage points of ice-tipped mountains, granite cliffs, and icebergs. Turquoise tinted glaciers, river valleys, tangled pine forests, and spongy grassland plains reward all who visit.

If you’re not already convinced, here are some more reasons why Patagonia Is A Must See.

Outdoor Activities

Patagonia is the perfect cold weather playground. With the wide range of terrain offered between Argentina and Chile, your multi-sport options are many. Hike throughout semi-arid plateaus, deep valleys and canyons. Ice trek across expanded ice fields and immense snow-covered mountain ranges. Take to the water in kayaks and canoes exploring the many blue-coloured icebergs. Biking is also an option from certain locations.

Animals

Patagonia has noticeably diverse fauna. See rich wildlife from foxes, condors and penguins to pink flamingos, rabbits, and ashy-headed geese. Guanacos, a species of lama is indigenous to the land. Unique birds include the buff-necked ibis and rheas.

Eco-Camp

Although some outdoor enthusiasts are dedicated enough to see Patagonia independently, many opt for the assistance of a seasoned tour operator. One such offering BikeHike Adventures is proud to provide is accommodation at the Eco-camp, a one-of-a-kind lodge with cozy dome shaped shelters. Due to the way it was constructed, the environmental impact of the Eco-camp’s huts is virtually none-existent. Staying here is a restful and relaxing experience in an otherwise relatively inhospitable environment.

Family Friendly

Patagonia is an ideal family vacation. Since there are no snakes or other dangerous wild animals (pumas exist, but are rarely seen), it is safe for a wide array of outdoor activities. The large and unspoiled wilderness is the perfect place for kids to build an appreciation for outdoor life and learn about the natural world.

About BikeHike Adventures

BikeHike Adventures is an adventure travel company that offers guided tours to over 30 destinations worldwide. Specializing in multi-sport vacations, BikeHike unites humans in their love for outdoor activities around the world. Catering to outdoor enthusiasts with a passion to go a little deeper, BikeHike exclusively uses highly experienced local guides who facilitate the wonder and pride of exploration. BikeHike’s passion for fostering meaningful relationships abroad is reflected in its commitment to sustainability, both environmentally and socially. If exploration is your lifestyle, BikeHike Adventures is your mentor! Follow them on twitter @bikehiketravel

BikeHike Adventures’ Most Popular Trip in Patagonia

Join BikeHike for The Best of Patagonia, an extended trek through both Chile and Argentina. See all the intoxicating natural beauty Patagonia has to offer by hiking and ice trekking on this 12-day tour. Overnight accommodations include family-run hosterias, log cabins, tents and a luxurious and sustainable Eco-Camp.

Pacific Northwest Annual Canoe Journey

On July 29, 2012, The Squaxin Island Tribe will host the Paddle to Squaxin 24th Annual Canoe Journey, an inter-tribal celebration of Pacific Northwest canoe culture and tradition. More than 100 canoes will land at the Port of Olympia, in Washington state, with thousands of people joining together to welcome each arrival.

For centuries, Pacific Northwest tribal people navigated the waterways in intricately carved dugout canoes. The Salish Sea, the body of water that encompasses Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Strait of Georgia in Canada, were the central force that connected canoe cultures for inter-tribal communication and trade. But early federal government mandates outlawed many tribal traditions, resulting in the almost lost art of canoe building, and ceremonial practices.

In 1989, the Canoe Journey event, originally called “Paddle to Seattle”, was organized as a revival of the canoe culture traditions and the Native American contribution to the Washington State Centennial. Today, tribes from Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the Seminole Tribe in Florida participate.

The Bella Bella, from British Columbia, Canada, will travel more than 1,000 miles over 23 days. As the canoes arrive at the host site on July 29th, each canoe family asks for permission to come ashore, according to their own culture and protocol. Paddles are raised, signifying “We come in peace.” The Squaxin Island Tribe will then host a week of traditional potlatch ceremonies and festivities with daily performances by dancers, singers and storytellers.

Potlatch ceremonies and performances will continue after the landing to Kamilche, Washington at the Squaxin Island Community. The public is welcome but is asked to respect ceremonies, while in the protocol tent. Potlatching begins on July 30th and ends on August 5th.

“Teachings of Our Ancestors” is the guide for the 2012 Canoe Journey. “These teachings are the center of our lives and cultures, as it is our ancestors that teach us that we must care for our elders, each other, our children, and the earth because each is a part of our past, present and future,” said Charlene Krise, Squaxin Island Museum Executive Director.

Support the Paddle to Squaxin 2012

There are various opportunities to support the Paddle to Squaxin and to help make this important event a success. The following are available sponsorship levels, taken from the contemporary names of Native American ancestral lands, each of which is equally important to the People of the Water.

• Noo-Seh-Chatl of Henderson Inlet watershed
• Steh Chass of Budd Inlet watershed
• Squi-Aitl of Eld Inlet watershed
• Sawamish/T’Peeksin of Totten Inlet watershed
• Sa-Heh-Wa-Mish of Hammersley Inlet watershed
• Squawksin of Case Inlet
• S’Hotle-Ma-Mish of Carr Inlet watershed.

For more information about these sponsorship opportunities, contact Margaret Foley at +1 (360) 432-3952 or mfoley[at]squaxin.us (Subject line: “2012 Canoe Journey Sponsorships”).

By Amy McLoughlin

In the beautiful region of Wayanad in Kerala, India, where dense jungle carpets rolling mountains in the Western Ghats, lies a magical hidden gem. The quiet village of Thrikkaipetta in the heart of this breathtaking region is a beacon for community spirit and an inspiration for ethical tourism.

Rural Wayanad’s delightful climate and rich biodiversity makes it a vastly agricultural population (almost 50% of the inhabitants rely on farming for income). Like many places across the globe, farming here has been hit by financial strain due to declining market prices for crops. This problem has resulted in devastating problems for the Wayanad farming community, and very sadly resulted in suicides.

The community here, proud of their land and culture, have created a cooperative that generates additional income for farmers, empowers local people through job creation and provides ethical tourism opportunities.

Thrikkaipetta’s Bamboo Village was initiated by local people who are passionate about improving life for the community. It is a community led bamboo nursery, using the materials to create traditional crafts, food products, for environmental protection and as a tourism attraction. Visiting their bamboo workshop is like stepping into Santa’s grotto! It is incredible to see so many local people employed, busy creating a huge selection of products.

The ‘Bamboo Village’, Thrikkaipetta, Wayanad (Photo by Kabani)

As the Bamboo Village has gone from strength to strength, it became clear that the tourism offer here could be expanded and provide an even greater opportunity for additional income. Local responsible tourism campaigning NGO, Kabani, has partnered with the Bamboo Village’s management, Uravu, and the groups pulled together their expertise on agricultural life and how best develop a tourist infrastructure that would offer enriching tourist experiences and improve the lives of local people.

Today tourists from across the globe can come and enjoy the Bamboo Village’s ethical homestays. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil location with a friendly local family, feast on traditional home cooked food and fruits from their homestay’s plantation. Guests can also join an eye-opening village tour, learning about the diverse crops growing locally and participating in cultural exchange events.

In addition to the unique learning experiences, guests can rest assured that fifty percent of the money paid for their cozy homestay is being reinvested into the community they have enjoyed getting to know. This money is helping to develop a community fund that provides crucial training for villagers (such as organic farming and healthy living education), youth projects and sustainable tourism development.

Blair Coburn from the UK recently stayed with a family in the Bamboo Village. “The opportunity to stay with a local family was a privilege. It was fantastic to know that my stay not only helped my wonderful hosts, but was helping to support the wider community through their training and development fund. I particularly enjoyed getting to shop for unique bamboo products, they made wonderful gifts to take home, and at the same time buying them has directly helped the women who made them“.

By Piero Ponce

Ayacucho is a region located in the central Peruvian Andes and encompasses the province of Puquio, an extensive area with historical archeological sites and home of a living culture that mainly speaks the Inca language Runasimi. Through a visit to that area, I could experience a close touch with the rural world and Andean nature.

Puquio can only be reached by bus, thus it offers the chance to see marvelous landscapes among the route, such as the Nazca Lines and the majestic National Park Pampa Galeras, where a huge number of vicuñas, llamas, and other animals can be seen very closely.

Puquio is about eight-hour bus ride from the city of Lima, and the first thing that will capture the visitor’s attention is the construction of its streets, many of them built with stones, as well as an overview of the surrounding highlands, which perfectly represent the Andean structure. It was worth spending the night over there and I enjoyed walking around the area.

On the next day, we head to the Andamarca valley (three hours from Puquio), an impressive area where the Andenes (terraces that were built by the former Peruvian kingdoms for growing crops, such as potatoes, corn, among others) are still in use and match perfectly with the landscape. The valley is well designed on both sides by these impressive structures, and in the main town of Andamarca, there is also a preserved archeological site surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna.

The third day was planned for visiting the neighbor province of Cora-Cora (2.5 hours from Puquio by bus) and from there, the Sara Sara Mountain and the Parinacochas lagoon, two incredible natural sites located in the highland pampas, where we could enjoy the energy of the Andes and several birds completing the natural scene.

This was a good opportunity to enjoy the balance of the nature and calmness of the rural world. In the afternoon, we tool a local bus in the road and head back to Puquio, enjoying as well the several small lagoons along the way and watching camelids walking by freely.

This visit represented a nice experience getting to know a destination not yet well-known, and enjoying the living culture of a province that starts appearing in the map through the construction of an international highway which will connect it to Brazil in the near future. There is no official site for this province yet, but I would recommend interested travelers to search for further information on Wikipedia and other sites.

Piero Ponce

Piero has a degree in Economics with specialization on Global Management and vast international experience for 4 years, by analyzing and managing initiatives that promote cooperation among groups from different cultural background and activating leadership skills in youth worldwide. His life has been fortunately matched with his biggest passion: meeting cultures by traveling. Borned in Lima, Peru, his academic and professional actions took him to visit all continents. Because of this, he learned several languages and started working in the field of rural development. He currently lives in the city of Ayacucho and works as Director for Proyects & Research at the Regional Chamber of Tourism in Ayacucho, thus opening new opportunities for local organizations to further develop sustainable tourism initiatives.

About EcoCamp Patagonia

EcoCamp Patagonia is located at the very tip of South America, in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in geodesic domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants. Guests enjoy guided treks and wildlife excursions by day and Chilean food and wine at night, before falling asleep gazing up at star-filled skies in their cozy sleeping quarters.

Guests arrive in Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas or Calafate, Argentina and are immersed in nature as they enter EcoCamp and explore its wildlife and wooden walkways leading to green domes with cozy interiors. The uniqueness of EcoCamp’s location, right in the heart of the park in Estancia Cerro Paine, allows the park’s spectacular mountain formations, forests, glaciers, rivers, fjords, flora and fauna to be enjoyed on EcoCamp’s doorstep. No journey time is needed – Guests wake up with the view of the Torres every day and begin trekking from their front door, returning on foot to enjoy sunset from the park’s heartland.

There are three large community domes where guests can eat breakfast and dinner overlooking the Torres, unwind in the bar in the evening, or plan excursions in the library. Outside the Community domes there is a large terrace where guests enjoy an aperitif in summer while local chefs prepare Chilean food, including Patagonian barbecues. Guides eat with guests every night and then hold a briefing to discuss the following day’s trek.

Environmental Design

Community domes are connected to sleeping quarters via raised open walkways which minimize foundations, excavations and terrain disruption and allows animals to roam around freely underneath. All domes are designed and constructed to cause minimal impact on the terrain and to provide efficient thermal insulation and wind protection. Domes have a limited height so as to blend into their natural surroundings, and renewable materials are used in the construction of domes and their indoor amenities.

Green technology is constantly studied, tested, and installed and all of EcoCamp’s energy comes from a micro-hydro turbine and from solar panels. Electricity is very limited and items such as hairdryers are not allowed. EcoCamp was certified under ISO14.001 regulations by a third party in 2007, to date the only lodge or hotel in Chile and Patagonia to have received such recognition, and in 2008 became carbon neutral. EcoCamp has worked to become fully sustainable and proved the efficacy of its low impact design when it relocated within the park in 2005, leaving no trace behind.

EcoCamp’s goals center around the development of environmentally-friendly tourism practices and the protection of local flora and fauna. EcoCamp aims to act as a best practice of tourism in a fragile natural environment and help shape the future of eco-tourism in areas of wilderness. This means educating guests about their surroundings and EcoCamp’s innovative sustainability efforts, and outlining individuals’ responsibilities regarding recycling, waste management and protection of flora and fauna.

The EcoCamp Experience

EcoCamp has 25 bedroom domes in total – 13 standard domes, 2 superior domes and 10 suite domes. Standard domes are cozy, resistant to all the Patagonian elements and have shared bathrooms, while superior domes have more space, heating and a private bathroom. Suite domes are designed with the highest level of comfort allowed by sustainable development in a natural environment and have a wood fire, en-suite bathroom and outside terrace. In all domes guests fall asleep looking up at the star-lit sky through the ceiling and listening to the wild Patagonian wind outside.

EcoCamp treks have gained international recognition for guides’ intimate knowledge and high-quality adventure services in the Patagonian wilderness. Guides take guests on an unforgettable experience through the prime locations in Torres del Paine National Park, exploring the park’s nooks and crannies leading to pristine forests, lakes, rivers, breathtaking views of glaciers and exquisite wildlife.

The EcoCamp Patagonia Wildlife Safari is a unique multi-day trip created by EcoCamp, taking guests through the park’s exquisite flora and fauna by day and giving them the opportunity to enjoy suite domes or standard domes by night. The Wildlife Safari is perfect for families, individuals, groups of friends and couples of all ages, who can opt for easy or active excursions depending on their preference that day. Easy excursions include trips to Blue Lagoon, Condor viewpoint, sailing to Grey Glacier, walking along the Fauna Trail and the Botanical Safari Trail, while active excursions include hiking the Pingo Trail, French Valley and the Towers.

About EcoCamp Patagonia

EcoCamp Patagonia offers trekking adventures and wildlife tours in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. Since opening its doors in 2001 as the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation, EcoCamp has gained international recognition for its expert guides, high-quality services and environmental sustainability.

About Cascada Expediciones

Cascada Expediciones is a Chilean in-bound tour operator dedicated to developing eco-friendly trips in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. With 20 years of experience offering a wide range of exciting trips – trekking, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife trips – in the region, Cascada owns and operates EcoCamp Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park, from which most of Cascada’s trips depart.

Related Article

Cascada Expediciones: Enjoying the Patagonian Wilderness Responsibly with EcoCamp Patagonia
Situated in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, EcoCamp Patagonia has gained an award-winning reputation for its eco-friendly policies and innovative use of green technology. EcoCamp Patagonia, owned and operated by the Chilean in-bound tour operator Cascada Expediciones, is carbon neutral, 100% renewable energy, and carefully designed to minimize environmental footprint.

By Ali Dempsey

Ilkurot Village Community Projects, Tanzania

Global Basecamps, in collaboration with Maasai Wanderings, contributes to a variety of ecotourism and community outreach programs in Tanzania. In 2004, Maasai Wanderings visited a Maasai village called Ilkurot (which means “dusty place”) just north of Arusha, and saw that the schools were in desperate need of supplies and repairs, and there was no nursery school.

Following this visit, the Ilkurot community project was developed to raise funds for the school and to make education more accessible to the Maasai children. The Ilkurot community project began by setting up a nursery school so the village children would be able to enter the Tanzanian education system and would hopefully then move onto primary and secondary school and beyond.

People in Ilkurot live below the Tanzanian poverty line and earn an average of less than $200 per year. The cost of schooling is about $40-$50, making it difficult for children to receive an education. With the help of donors and volunteers, Global Basecamps and Maasai Wanderings strive to make education easily accessible and free to the Maasai children of Ilkurot, with the hope that educated Maasai will be better equipped to aid in retaining their ancient culture.

Maasai Village Experience Tours

In 2005, the Ilkurot Nursery School opened and had 45 students between the ages of 5 and 7. The class was held in a small room, but the number of students quickly outgrew the small facilities. As a way to raise additional funds for the school, Global Basecamps in Tanzania developed ‘Maasai Village Experience Tours’, giving travelers the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from the Maasai people. These cultural tours helped raise funds to build a new classroom for the Ilkurot School and continue to help build the Ilkurot community project.

The new classroom was opened in January 2006 with a large increase of students. To accommodate all the new students, the school began holding two sessions a day. The five-year-old group consisted of approximately 110 students and was held in the morning, while the afternoon lessons consisted of about 100 six-year-old students. At each session the students are served uji (ground corn porridge with sugar and oil), the staple diet of the Maasai people.

Community Members Benefit from Ilkurot Nursery School

In 2007, over 1,000 textbooks were purchased, and for the first time students had guides to their studies. During this year, funds were also used to plaster classroom and fit glass windows, which were previously wooden windows, allowing dust in and making the classrooms very dirty. In an effort to control the amount of dust in Ilkurot, a tree and grass planting project was put in place and a 2,000-liter water tank was installed. Almost 500 trees were planted in an effort to limit the dust that flies around and caused many eye infections and dry coughs.

The school was able to employ a Tinga Tinga artist to stay in the village for a few weeks to paint murals and educational drawings on the classroom walls. The school was also able to build a playground – the first playground in the school and in the district – with a basic football pitch, netball court, and volleyball court that allowed for sports education in their curriculum. In 2009, Ilkurot saw many more changes, including the completion a library/teacher’s resource center.

In addition to providing valuable educational opportunities to children, Ilkurot Nursery School also supports teachers and cooks by offering employment, and promotes additional cultural tourism throughout the village. Recently, a building was constructed to include a kitchen, store, staff room and changing room with a 3,000-liter water tank, and six new toilets. Further, the children now all have school uniforms, made as part of another community project that allows women with disabled children to stay at home and earn an income by creating a sewing business.

Maasai Village Life and the Importance of Education

In Maasai villages, young boys are typically sent away with their father’s cattle and accompanied by older morani (warriors) for 3-5 years tending to the cattle. Therefore, the Nursery School has a higher attendance of girls than boys. The girls that attend school also have chores they must complete before or after their lesson. By the time the students are 5 or 6, their mothers may have had 2 or 3 more children, for which the young girls are responsible for. They feed, bathe and carry the smaller children.

The lifestyle of young males and the responsibilities expected of young girls were a hurdle in the Ilkurot community projects. While trying not to disrupt the norms of Maasai life, the school tries to encourage education in the community. The school continually changes lesson schedules and requirements to make it more acceptable to the Maasai community.

The main task of the nursery school is teaching the children Swahili (Tanzania’s national language). Since the primary school curriculum is taught in Swahili only, children who do not learn the language will not be able to advance to primary school. The nursery school also teaches some English phrases because secondary school is taught only in English.

About Global Basecamps

Global Basecamps is a specialty travel company designed to simplify the process of researching and booking sustainable hotels, lodges and private tours worldwide. Travel at your own pace with a custom itinerary or simply find accommodations and excursions so that your trip priorities are met and you have maximum flexibility while on the road. Global Basecamps is the North American representative for Maasai Wanderings.

Bandiagara Cliff and the Dogon People

The Bandiagara Cliff, a World Heritage Site in Northwestern Mali, is home of the Dogon People, a tribe that settled there around 1,000 AD. Protected by the natural defense of the Cliff, the Dogon have been cut off from the outside world for centuries and lived according to their traditions: in harmony with nature and following their complex mythology based on ancient legends of the creation of the world. Its population lives in small villages comprised of extended families (100 to 200 dwellers per village, all with the same family name).

Since the 1990s, the Dogon Country has been experiencing a steady growth of tourism thanks to the natural beauty of the Cliff and the Dogon culture with its intricate cosmogony inherited from their ancestors. Wood carvings depicting the Dogon ancient legend of the Creation of the World, as well as local handicraft products such as the mysterious masks used for ceremonies, have become an important source of revenues in the local economy.

Tour Operators’ Impacts on Dogon Villages

The vast majority of tourists traveling to Mali, and especially to remote areas such as the Dogon Country, use a tour operator that will prepare the itinerary, organize all local logistics, and oversee the operations of the ground handler. Travelers usually start from the south of the Cliff and walk their way up to the North, discovering landscapes and villages during the day, sleeping at local and basic accommodations.

These operators choose the villages to work with based on their size, cultural attractions or location, and these choices have led to unbalanced distribution of tourism income among local villages; Some villages see several groups of tourists every day during the high season, while others none. Groups may cross a few villages, but will stop only when their tour guides decide to.

Tour operators’ decisions for organized tours have also led to tensions within village members; the owner of the local guest house, for example, receive revenues from tour groups, which sometimes are earned at the expense of the whole village, as these tourist establishments consume local natural resources such as water that the locals have limited access to.

The short duration of stay in each village is also source of concern. The guests who only spend one night in the village barely have the opportunity to interact with the local population. The few interactions a traveler may have with villagers are mercantile: locals trying to sell their products or children asking for treats and gifts, which in most cases bothers the traveler.

While the visitors come to discover the Dogon Country’s beautiful landscapes and communities, through this type of local experience, the spirit of human relationships and mutual enrichment is lost.

Association Nani E

Association “Neni E” (meaning “Neni, Yes!”) was founded in 2004 by two French brothers, who had lived with an African family for four months and observed the tourist flow passing by the village of Neni. The Association aims to provide a different way to discover the Dogon Country: in a humane, ecologically responsible and ethical manner, giving the travelers a real insight into the life in an African village.

While staying at Guinna Dogon, the only guest house in Neni, guests have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the local life, from fetching water with the children to visiting local craftsmen’s workshops, or spending time under the Toguna with the elders, drinking tea and listening to ancient legends.

Neni E guests stay in one village and explore the surroundings through day trips, which allows travelers to spend time and get to know the host family and villagers, and to build real relationships with their hosts. Each guest’s tour experiences are individually planned, depending on their interests and needs. Several sports activities led by local guides are available, based on the physical condition of the guest – from easy walks to rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding.

Cultural activities are also a great way to meet and interact with the local community: learning the Dogon language, mythology and cosmogony; experiencing the traditional wood carving; being part of the season’s harvest or “field talks”; or taking a cooking class and sharing a meal with the host family.

One of the founders, Pasca (now locally known as Amadomo Perou) has been living in Mali since 2004 and is married to a local wife. As a former outsider who has gained an insider perspective, he is helping build a bridge between “Westerners” and locals – through cultural interpretation and language support – for the benefit of both sides. The founders strongly believe that revenues of tourism should benefit to the local population, stay in the communities where they were generated, and be distributed in a fair manner.

With this goal, Neni E has established the following guidelines regarding key aspects of their tours and their local impact, taking into account the lessons learned from the challenges with larger scale organized tours.

• Food: Instead of buying food from the city, most of the food consumed by Nani E’s guests is bought locally.
• Water: Guests are briefed on the local challenges in terms of clean water and instructed to responsibly use water for their showers, toilets and cooking.
• Gifts: many guests bring along pens & paper, clothes or medication. These are given to the relevant institutions such as local schools and hospital, or shared amongst villagers during a short informal ceremony rather than on a random basis.

>> Learn more about Association Neni E (English / French)

El Remanso Lodge Receives “Five Leaves”

El Remanso Lodge (Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica) has been awarded with the “Level 5″ of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST), a rigorous certification program by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) that evaluates tourism companies’ sustainability practices in natural, cultural and social resource management. CST is regulated by the Costa Rican National Accreditation Commission and consists of a scale of 5 levels of sustainable tourism achievements. This is the highest possible rating and El Remanso has achieved 100% of the points in the 4 areas of the evaluation.

In addition to utilizing renewable energy sources to power the lodge’s operations, El Remanso Lodge implements various sustainability practices such as: utilizing local and sustainable construction materials including naturally fallen timber; avoiding herbicides, pesticides or dangerous chemicals; progressive waste management to avoid excess waste; banning bottled water; and using fully biodegradable cleaning supplies.

Green Adventure in a Natural Paradise

Hidden in the jungle of the Osa Peninsula, El Remanso Lodge cradles both adventurers and travelers looking for a relaxing getaway in a natural paradise. A wide array of activities are available to suit every nature-loving traveler. From waterfall rappelling to guided bird watching tours; from exciting night hikes into the mysterious jungle strolls… The lodge’s 185 acres of private reserve offer unique opportunities to discover the magic of a tropical rainforest acting as a buffer zone to the famous Corcovado National Park, and to explore the wonders of Osa, one of the world’s most bio-diverse regions.

El Remanso Lodge actively contributes to the efforts to study and preserve the rainforest, by supporting local education programs and by funding conservation projects – with the philosophy that “one of the most effective ways to protect the rainforest is by understanding how it works.”

The National Park of Corcovado, one of the most remote parks in the country, is home to the largest and most spectacular tropical primary rain forest in Costa Rica, as well as many rare species of endangered wildlife – including the beautiful tapirs, the biggest earth mammal in Central and South America, bull sharks and large crocodiles. The park was created in 1975 in order to protect the land from the gold mining and logging. Today it is renowned for being one of the most special ecotourism destinations in Central America.

El Remanso Lodge caters to the most discerning traveler, ideally suited to couples or families, naturalists, photographers and nature lovers seeking green vacations and nature adventures.

Sápmi Experience Quality Label

Tourism activities under the Sápmi Experience Quality Label are based on the common heritage of the Sámi. Sámi tourism must be sustainable over the long term. This means that tourism must be accepted and established, culturally and socially, in Sámi society, and the host must be able to communicate Sámi values and way of life. Sápmi Experience operators strive for social, cultural, ecological and commercial sustainability. They are companies that respect the integrity of the Sámi culture and work to prevent its objectification. Launched by Visit Sápmi, the Sápmi Experience program promotes responsible practices and unique encounters that “bring joy, pleasure and excitement.”

Sápmi Experience-approved companies include:

• Renbiten: A small Sámi-owned and operated tourism company featuring exclusive Sámi crafts, art and many fine gift ideas, and sharing the stories of Sámi, “the people of eight seasons”. Renbiten specializes in offering travelers the chance to experience the silence, calm and opportunity for the soul to find peace.”
• Njarka Sami Camp: Situated in the Lake Häggsjön region, Åre Municipality, Jämtland, Njarka Sami Camp features a peaceful and harmonious natural setting where reindeer wander freely among the traditional Sámi huts and in the sparse forest. The owners Maud and Mattias Mattsson welcome travelers to experience their land, not by showing you the traditional Sami national clothing, but rather by showing how the Sámi lifestyle looks today.”
• Ájtte – Svenskt Fjäll och Samemuseum (Ájtte Museum in Jokkmokk – the Sami centre): The museum tells the story of Sápmi, the land and the people, of life and survival in a
  demanding climate and environment. It is a story set in the wetlands, forests and mountains. A modern and tasteful approach to the Sámi story, the museum offers a great opportunity for travelers to gain knowledge and to explore the culture, history and heritage of the Sámi people.

>> Learn more about Sápmi Experience-approved companies

Visit Sápmi

VisitSápmi is owned by the Swedish Sámi Association. Together with Gaaltije South Sámi Information Centre, Sápmi Experience seeks to promote responsible and sustainable Sámi tourism. VisitSápmi’s vision is to develop tourism that gives money back to Sámi communities, developed in a more respectful and sustainable way than what we see today, and to collaborate with partners that share the same belief that sustainability is the right path for the future for the Sámi people.

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VisitSápmi: Promoting an Authentic Sámi Experience Through Sustainable Tourism
By Lennart Pittja – Sápmi (or Lapland) has long attracted visitors from all over the world, and today it is visited by millions of tourists every year. In spite of this bustling tourist activity, and even though Sámi traditions are frequently portrayed through various media, today we can see very few successful Sámi tourism companies. The Sámi community wants to change this, and wants to be more involved with decision making in the Swedish tourism industry.

Ecotourism Potentials in Sweden and Norway: An Insider’s Perspectives
By Neil Rogers – As a past advisor to Sweden’s Ecotourism Quality Label Nature’s Best, and as current advisor to VisitSápmi and the Quality Label for Sámi indigenous tourism, I’ve seen many positive changes over the years yet much remains to be done. Sweden and Norway have world-class assets for outdoor and experiential travel, and have enviable reputations for image, safety, security, health, hard and soft infrastructure. The question is how to make more of this competitive advantage so that small-scale entrepreneurs can thrive.

Maasai Mara World Tourism Day Celebration

Basecamp Foundation Kenya and Mara Naboisho Conservancy, in collaboration with The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), will celebrate the World Tourism Day (September 27th, 2011) for the first time in Maasai Mara, a national game reserve in Southwestern Kenya. The Maasai Mara World Tourism Day celebration will be hosted at Koiyaki Guiding School, at the heart of Mara Naboisho Conservancy and will be graced by guests from the operating tourism partner camps within the conservancy including: Valley Camp (Kicheche), Naboisho Camp (Asilia/Rekero), Basecamp Wilderness Camp (Basecamp Explorer), Porini Camps and Mara Encounter (African Encounter).

The event will showcase the diverse cultures represented by the guests, African Impact volunteers, students at Koiyaki Guide School, Olesere Primary School children, and community members, and will feature cultural interpretation by young Masai Moran and Maasai girls and women. Local community members will share the meaning of the variations in their differing attires and demonstrate their cultural dance. The women group will not only showcase their beautiful clothing and jewellery but will also bring along some for sale to the guests to promote the cultural exchange as well as contribute to the economic development of the conservancy by promoting the community crafts.

Guests attending the event are encouraged to wear their national attires, and be ready to dance to their cultural dances when called upon. A display of all the flags will be showcased at the schools’ resource centre.

TIES is proud to partner with Basecamp Foundation to promote the World Tourism Day event in Maasai Mara this year, and look forward to celebrating the world’s diverse cultures with our members from around the world!

About World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated annually on September 27th. Commenced in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the date commemorates the day on which the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted (1970), a significant milestone in global tourism.

The purpose of WTD is to raise awareness of the role of tourism in the international community, and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide. WTD seeks address global challenges outlined in the Millennium Development Goals and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals.

“World Tourism Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tourism to global well-being. As we travel, let us engage with other cultures and celebrate human diversity. On this observance, let us recognize tourism as a force for a more tolerant, open and united world.” – Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General

World Tourism Day 2011 will be celebrated under the theme “Tourism Linking Cultures,” and is an opportunity to highlight tourism’s role in bringing the cultures of the world together and promoting global understanding and tolerance. The official WTD celebrations by the UNWTO will be hosted in Aswan, Egypt.

“Thanks to tourism, millions of people from different cultures are being brought together around the world like never before,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “This interaction between people of different backgrounds and ways of life represents an enormous opportunity to advance tolerance, respect and mutual understanding. WTD 2011 is a call to all those involved in tourism to act in a way that is conscious and respectful of culture, which promotes intercultural dialogue and ensures that local communities fully participate in, and benefit from, the development opportunities of tourism.”

About Basecamp Foundation

Basecamp Foundation is a non-profit tourism based organization that works with host communities and partner organizations in tourism destinations to create sustainable destinations in developing countries. Ecotourism principles and values is at the core of Basecamp work – to create a forum for host communities and to demonstrate positive impacts of tourism on the natural, social and economic environment.