Discover the Hidden Gem of Peru: Paracas

Peru

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.

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

Ecuador and Galapagos

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.

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

Peru

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

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 →

New HOT Destination: Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia

by: Dana Johnson, Southwind Director & Adventure Travel Specialist

At Southwind Adventures we like to keep our finger on the pulse of Latin America and its hidden treasures. For the past ten years we’ve been watching as Colombia grew into one of the newest must-sees in South America. Make no mistake, Colombia is not the politically charged country of the 1990’s. Though still riddled with the perception of guerilla warfare and drug cartels by people stuck in the 1980’s, Colombia has blossomed Continue reading →

Top 12 Reasons to Visit Chile’s Atacama Desert, the DRIEST Place on Earth!

Chile

by: Dana Johnson & Luis Felipa

Having such an otherworldly appearance, the majestic Atacama Desert of Northern Chile has been compared to the surface of Mars. So similar to our neighboring planet, NASA has even tested instruments designed for their Mars missions in this region. The Atacama Desert sees an average of less than .004 inches of rain per year and some areas have not had rainfall for over 400 years. As one of the rising travel destinations in South America, why should you visit Atacama? Below are the top reasons to explore this unique and magical place. It can be reached by a 2 hour flight from Santiago to Calama, followed by 1.5 hour scenic drive to San Pedro de Atacama (elev 7,898 ft), the base for our adventures. Continue reading →

New Family Adventure Explores Ecuador’s Top Wildlife Destinations

Ecuador and Galapagos, press release

Southwind Launches Family-friendly Itinerary in the Amazon and Galápagos

Small but mega-biodiverse Ecuador is becoming a wildlife mecca in South America. Its eastern slope intersects with the mighty Amazon rainforest, home to 10% of the known species on the planet. Its Galápagos Islands form the best conserved tropical archipelago in the world, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Southwind Guide Spotlight: Meet Francis Casapino

Peru
One of Southwind’s best friends and most beloved guides, Francis is a native to the Cusco region of Peru. Francis graduated with a degree in Tourism from the San Antonio Abad University in Cusco. Having worked as a guide, receptionist in hotels, at the regional tourism office, in travel agencies and as a guard in Manu National Park, he has gained over 14 years of experience in the travel industry. When it comes to Incan history and anthropology, Francis has a natural curiosity and keeps himself well-versed in all the recent finds and latest theories. He’s one of the best and most intelligent guides in Peru today. Continue reading →