Discover the Hidden Gem of Peru: Paracas

Peru
Ballestas tour LEF Copy

By Brittah Springer, Southwind Senior Marketing Specialist

Nestled along Peru’s southern Pacific coast, Paracas offers a unique blend of natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and luxurious relaxation. This seaside paradise is the perfect addition to your Peruvian journey, especially after exploring the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and Cusco. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or with a group of friends, Paracas promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you delighted.

Continue reading →

Lima, Peru: Culinary Capital of Latin America

Peru
IMG_4601 - Copy

By Brittah Springer, Southwind Senior Marketing Specialist

The kitchens of Lima are heating up. Peru’s capital finds itself in the midst of a culinary renaissance. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, including the prestigious ranking of Central at #1. This vibrant city continues to redefine itself as a gastronomic hub, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its diverse culinary offerings, from traditional cevicherías to innovative fine dining establishments. National Geographic highlights Lima’s remarkable transformation over the past decade, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Peru.

Continue reading →

Sustainable Tourism in Galapagos – Helping preserve the islands while supporting their population

Ecuador and Galapagos
Finch-Bay-Ceviche

By Tom Damon

Long time Southwind in-country partner, Metropolitan Touring (MT), is a leader in sustainable tourism initiatives helping Ecuadorians preserve their natural wonders through ecotourism and park management. Every visitor to Galapagos plays an important role in helping to support responsible tourism for generations of future travelers to the archipelago.

Southwind caught up with adventure travel pioneer Francisco Dousdebés who heads up Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability for MT. A commitment to carbon neutrality is a cornerstone of the company’s values.

Continue reading →

Meet our top guide in Cusco – Romulo Lizárraga who grew up in the shadow of Machu Picchu

Peru
CEO-Mapi-Revised-300x207

By Tom Damon

On your next Southwind trip to Peru, you could have the opportunity to travel with the descendant of one of the local discoverers of Machu Picchu! Romulo grew up at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain before venturing to Cusco, the former Incan capital, to study Tourism at the San Antonio Abad University. For the past 25 years, this native of the Andes has been guiding travelers throughout Peru’s highland communities and majestic mountain ranges. He is fluent in Quechua, Spanish and English and co-author of two guide books on the region. Romulo is a great asset to any Southwind Peru trip, especially family trips. He lives in Cusco with his wife and two daughters. Continue reading →

As more countries open in South America – this is a great time to plan a trip!

Ecuador and Galapagos
Santa-Cruz-II-Galapagos-Cruise-Panga-Ride-2

By Tom Damon


Looking for an international adventure get-a-way this winter relatively close to home? Sunny Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are open to visitors. Southwind is receiving bookings for 2021 to one of the safest countries to visit during the pandemic. Continue reading →

Quito: Pushing Culinary Boundaries in South America

Ecuador and Galapagos
MV Eclipse Copy Blog

by: Leah Celler & Luis Felipa

Ecuador has one of the most distinctive ecosystems in the world, from the lowland Amazon rainforest up to the Andes Mountains and all the way to the coast with the stunning Galapagos Islands. This ecological diversity provides an incredible selection of produce, meats, vegetables, fruits and fish all found year-round, in the country’s culinary scene. Continue reading →

Argentina’s Patagonia Region Offers Both Opulent and Intrepid Adventures

Argentina, Paine Towers Lodge Adventure, Patagonia
cafe tortoni tango

By Karen Loftus, Guest Blogger


Argentina’s capital city and Patagonia make for the perfect pair for sophisticated South American travel. After your cultural kick off you can dive in the deep end of Argentine adventure. If heading over this land is but a bit of what you can expect… Continue reading →

Mendoza, Argentina – A Rising Star in Wine & Mountain Tourism!

Argentina
grapes jpeg

By Tom Damon, Southwind President & Adventure Travel Specialist

On a recent visit to Santiago and the Chilean coast at the end of March, my wife Kelly and I flew 1 hour over the Andes to take in the emerging wine region of Mendoza. In this temperate zone tucked away on the eastern slope of the snow-capped mountains, peaks such as Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, rise to 22,834 ft. Here couples and groups of friends will find the ideal place to Continue reading →

How to Plan a Seamless Adventure Trip to Patagonia

Chile, Hiking the Patagonian Andes, Paine Towers Lodge Adventure, Patagonia
Excursiones PN Torres del Paine12

By: Tom Damon, Southwind President & Adventure Travel Specialist

I recently re-visited the Chilean and Argentinean sides of Patagonia to review top level accommodations and test out excursions. The first decision to make in planning a successful Patagonia trip is to be realistic with what you could do with your time allotted. Here’s my advice: Continue reading →