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Trip Categories
Ranked according to interests, Southwind trips fit
into one of the following five categories or a combination of
these:
Tours
The most comfortable style
to appreciate the cultural and natural attractions of South America, tours are
non-camping and focus on the learning experience. Stay in deluxe or first-class
hotels, upscale estancias, lodges or inns. Most itineraries include discretionary
walking tours, wildlife observation, cultural encounters, photography, overland
drives, chartered flights, boat or motorized canoe travel, and/or other easy to
moderate outdoor activities.
Cruises
Natural history and
wildlife oriented, cruises are an ideal way to discover the rivers, lakes and
seas of South America. Travel and accommodations are aboard well-appointed and
comfortable deluxe or first-class vessels (expedition ships, yachts, catamarans,
motor sailors or river boats). Excursions encompass guided walks, wildlife
observation, birding, snorkeling, optional diving and/or canoe excursions.
Treks
Exploring less accessible
regions by foot, trekking programs always include some comfortable camping (sleep
in four-season tents on inflatable sleeping pads). Some nights are also spent in
distinctive first-class hotels, local inns or lodges. Flavorful, nutritious meals
are prepared by a camp chef and are served by lantern light in an enclosed dining
tent with table and chairs or in a mountain refuge. An experienced guide leads the
way, interpreting sights as well as the traditions and natural history of the area.
Treks are supported by friendly local staff who handles camp chores. Trekkers
typically walk with a small daypack holding their camera, water bottle and personal
items, while pack animals or porters carry camping gear, food and guests’ luggage.
Active Adventures
These are
activity-oriented trips where the means of travel could be by foot, bike, horse,
4x4 vehicle, raft, sea kayak or motorized canoe. Depending on the pursuit and trip
rating, these adventures may be more participatory and physically demanding than
other categories. Multisport trips that include stays in rustic accommodations or
tent camping, all jungle programs (except Amazon cruises), and rafting trips fit
into this category.
Trip Ratings
These ratings will assist you in choosing the right adventure
for your abilities or experience. Each successive level
incorporates conditions outlined in the previous grade(s).
Grade I —
Easy/Moderate
Could involve travel over dirt/rough roads
and visits to regions where modern medical facilities may not be readily
available. Easy, slow-paced activities such as sightseeing, walking tours of
1-4 hours duration or motorized boat/canoe excursions are included. Elevations
are generally below 11,000'. Good health is necessary.
Grade II —
Moderate
Might include extensive overland travel on dirt
roads, boat or motorized canoe excursions, moderate day hikes, river rafting
(class II-III rapids) or other outdoor pursuits of 3-6 hours duration.
Some trips in this grade may include 1-3 nights tent camping. Elevations up to 13,000' can
be reached. Average fitness is required.
Grade III —
Moderate/Strenuous
Indicates an activity-oriented adventure
involving up to 6 nights tent camping. Treks average 6-9 miles per day over diverse
terrain; rafting is class III-IV rapids; biking averages 20-30 miles per day. Altitudes
near 13,000' are common while elevations as high as 15,000' may be reached. Good fitness
is required. Prior experience is recommended.
Grade IV —
Strenuous
Signifies a challenging adventure with activities
including up to 14 nights tent camping. Treks average up to 10 miles per day; whitewater
rafting through class IV-V rapids; biking averages 30-40 miles per day. Altitudes up to
17,000' are frequent in trekking programs. Requires very good fitness and stamina. Prior
experience is highly recommended.
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