Travel News

Wind Energy Project on Galapagos Islands - 10/06/2004

BUFFALO, N.Y., June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Highlights -- E & E/Walsh-Ecuador has won a contract to develop an Environmental Management Plan and prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment for a proposed wind energy farm on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. ADVERTISEMENT
The project is designed to provide 70% of the energy needs to the Island thereby replacing air-polluting fossil fuel electric generators. The scope of work includes detailed mapping and socio-economic baseline, public consultation, coordination with a scientific advisory committee and permit applications to appropriate authorities in Ecuador. Of particular focus will be impacts to avian species of the Islands. The Galapagos Province intends to also develop similar renewable energy projects on their other three inhabited islands. The contract value and terms have not yet been determined.

Ecuador Indians Protest for Resignation - 07/06/2004

Small pamphlet bombs exploded in three cities and Ecuador's powerful Indian movement blocked the Pan American Highway on Monday as part of planned demonstrations to demand the resignation of President Lucio Gutierrez. The violence came as the Organization of American States opened a meeting in Quito, the capital. Foreign ministers from 34 countries, including Secretary of State Colin Powell, gathered to discuss regional problems and to elect a new OAS secretary-general. Three bombs exploded in Quito, one in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, and three in Cuenca in southern Ecuador. No injuries were reported. Police said the pamphlets in the bombs carried the name of the so-called Group of People's Combatants, or GCP by its initials in Spanish. The pamphlets criticized the OAS meeting and the government's economic policies. Elsewhere, dozens of Indians managed to block the Pan American Highway, which crosses the country from north to south, in two places north of Quito. Police later cleared the highway and moved on, but Indians returned to pile basketball-sized rocks on it, blocking traffic, according to radio news reports from the area. Indian leaders said the protest would continue until Wednesday. Leonidas Iza, the leader of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, or CONAIE, said he wanted the OAS delegates to ``see there is hunger, there is deep poverty, there is corruption'' in Ecuador. Indians make up about 4 million of Ecuador's 13 million people, and Iza said his movement represents 85 percent of them. Gutierrez, 47, a former army colonel who ran on a populist platform and presented himself as a crusader against corruption, would not have won election in a November 2002 runoff without the support of the Indian movement. In gratitude, he named four members of Pachakutik, CONAIE's political party, to his Cabinet when he took office in January 2003, giving Indians a share of power for the first time in Ecuador's history. But the coalition fell apart in August 2003 when Pachakutik congressmen refused to support his decision to cut subsidies on food and cooking fuel. He fired the Cabinet officers who belonged to Pachakutik and sought the support of Ecuador's largest rightist party, the Social Christians, a party he savaged during the campaign. ``He has betrayed Ecuador. He has betrayed the indigenous movement,'' Gilberto Talahua, head of Pachakutik, said in an interview at his sparsely furnished headquarters. Talahua added: ``And the worst thing is that he has no program, no plan for governing. He simply follows the guidelines of the International Monetary Fund.'' Gutierrez's popularity has plunged in recent months to as low as 16 percent. Polls show that Ecuadoreans do not trust what he says and view him as an inept president. A week ago, demands were growing in Ecuador's congress for his ouster after U.S. officials placed his welfare minister, Patricio Acosta, on a list of foreign officials suspected of corruption. After days of dragging his feet, Gutierrez fired Acosta, one of his closest confidantes, and the demands in Congress for his ouster eased. But Gutierrez's former Indian allies are determined to force him from office with massive street protests.
Source: Guardian Unlimited UK

Goat eradication on Isabella Island - Galapagos - 04/06/2004

A Monorail in the Galapagos? - 26/05/2004

Following some recent comments made by Professor David Bellamy in press interviews and on the BBC's Today programme, we have received a number of telephone calls and emails from supporters expressing concern about a proposed monorail in Galapagos. We would like to assure you that there are no plans that we know of to build a monorail or skytrain anywhere in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos archipelago is a model for eco-tourism throughout the world, and works well. The Galapagos National Park, advised by the Charles Darwin Foundation, has done a great job in ensuring that visitors can enjoy the wonderful and unique biodiversity of the islands without causing more than a trivial environmental impact. Professor Bellamy has a wealth of experience in nature conservation around the world. His suggestion was made as an example of an innovative idea that had worked elsewhere, and he simply wondered whether it might also work in Galapagos. David Bellamy's concern was, and is, to ensure the survival of the Galapagos Islands as a virtually pristine wilderness, and as a unique living laboratory of evolution.
Nigel Sitwell
Chairman, Galapagos Conservation Trust
Leonor Stjepic
Director, Galapagos Conservation Trust

Eruption Fuego - Antigua de Guatemala - 27/04/2004

This week, several small avalanches of volcanic material occurred toward Santa Teresa Ravine and weak explosions produced ~1-km-high gas-and-steam clouds

20/04/2004
Volcanic activity remained similar at Fuego; on April 16 , a large gas-and-ash plume rose to ~2 km above the crater and extended S. In the following days, smaller explosions occurred and incandescent material was visible up to 50 m above the vent.

14/04/2004
This week, lava flowed an extra 100 m from the central crater. Also, a few weak-to-moderate explosions produced plumes less than 1 km high on April 12.

06/04/2004
This week, the activity was characterized by weak explosions and three stronger explosions (one on the 26th and 2 on the 29th at 7 min. interval) which produced 1-km high gas-and-ash plumes. The Zanjón Barranca Seca and Trinidad ravines were devasted by these events; avalanches of incandescent volcanic debris occurred in both valleys on the 26th, and lahar flowed down the Zanjón Barranca Seca on the 29th & 30th.

23/03/2004
In March, moderate-to-strong explosions produced ash plumes to a maximum height of 1.7 km above the volcano. Ashes were occasionally deposited in the nearby villages of of Morelia, Sangre de Cristo and Panimaché. Some explosions also produced incandescent avalanches of volcanic material that traveled down a few valleys, especially the Seca Ravine.

Fuego has erupted more than 60 times since 1524, making it Central America's historically most active volcano. Three of these eruptions caused fatalities. Typically, violent vulcanian eruptions last a few ho urs to several days and produce pyroclastic flows. The most recent large eruptions at Fuego were in October of 1974. Over a ten day period there were four distinct pulses in vulcanian activity, each lasting 4-17 hours. An ash cloud shot more than 4 miles (7 km) above the volcano. Glowing avalanches mov ed down the slopes of Fuego at 35 miles per hour (60 km/hr). Atmospheric effects were reported for months following the eruption. There are active fumaroles in the crater at the summit
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

Santa Maria and Santiaguito Eruptions in Guatemala - 27/04/2004

Again ~1km-high gas-and-ash plumes rose from the lava dome. Also small avalanches of incandescent volcanic material regularly occurred

20/04/2004
Regular activity consisted of several small plume explosions and avalanches of incandescent lava.

06/04/2004
Volcanic activity remained similar to last week. On April 1, a significant explosion produced a partial dome collapse, which turned into a 4-km long pyroclastic flow.

30/03/2004
Santiaguito lava dome was the site of several weak to moderate explosions. The plumes produced rose 1 km high and repeatedly deposited ashes in surrounding villages. On March 25, the S flank of the Caliente dome partially shed its outer crust which flowed to the SE as avalanches of incandescent material. On the 28th a lahar began to flow down the Nimá I river, the next day acticity was increased and a lahar also flowed down Nimá II rivers.

23/03/2004
Activity remained unchanged at Santiagito lava dome where several weak-to-moderate explosions produced ash-and-gas plumes up to ~1.5 km above the crater. Ashfalls in nearby areas were occasionally reported. Variable avalanches of incandescent volcanic material traveled down S and SW from the lava dome and on March 10 and 17 partial lava-dome collapses produced pyroclastic flows down the volcano's flanks.

The first historic eruption of Santa Maria was the second largest (VEI=6) volcanic eruption in this century. It was the third large explosive eruption in 1902. Mount Pelee and Soufriere of St. Vincent erupted six months earlier. Santa Maria is a stratovolcano made of basaltic andesite. The 1902 eruption of Santa Maria lasted 19 days and produced 1.3 cubic miles (5.5 cubic km) of dacite pyroclastic debris. The largest plinian eruption was on October 25 and produced a column about 16 miles (28 km) high. The eruption formed a large crater in the southwest flank of the volcano. From 1903 to 1913 the volcano was active in the crater of the 1902 eruption. Small explosive eruptions occurred at a crater lake.
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

Guagua Pichincha Eruption in Ecuador - 23/03/2004

Although the volcanic activity remained at low levels with only gas plumes rising from fumaroles, the amount of volcano-tectonic earthquakes increased slightly and harmonic tremor was recorded between February 18 and 20.

20/01/2004
Following heavy rainfall a series of seismic signals from rockfalls and lahars were recorded on the January 7. In addition, small fractures in the SE sector of the volcano and in the crater were observed. Scientists believe that this activity does not indicate a change in volcanic activity.

22/04/2003
Seismic signals from a very minor eruption at Guagua Pichincha were detected on April 17. Also, several volcano-tectonic earthquakes, signals of rockfalls and a long-period earthquake were reported.

05/11/2002
On Nov. 3, at 2056 and 2115, explosions occurred. However, because of the Reventador eruption that occurred earlier that day, information on the possible production of ash plumes could not be collected.

Guagua Pichincha is a stratovolcano located 7 miles (11 km) from Ecuador's capital city of Quito. It has been the site of 25 historic eruptions. The volcano's last magmatic eruption occurred in 1660. This was an explosive eruption, and showered Quito with ash. All eruptions since that time have been phreatic. One such eruption, in 1993, killed two volcanologists working on the volcano's summit.
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

Reventador Eruption in Ecuador - 02/03/2004

Seismic activity doubled this week at Reventador: 4.1 long-period earthquakes and 17 volcano-tectonic earthquakes occurred. Satellite images revealed the emission of a plume drifting NNE on February 21.

11/11/2003
An eruption on Nov. 3 left unconsolidated deposits on the volcano's flanks. On the 7th and 9th strong rain fell in the area and signals of tremor and lahar activity were detected. Also, multiple volcanic earthquakes occurred each day.

21/10/2003
From Oct. 13-19, numerous volcano-tectonic and long-period earthquakes were recorded. On the 13th, 14th and 19th, lahars were reported. The largest one lasted ~75 minutes.

22/07/2003
Rainfall between July 7 and 13 remobilized ash on the volcano's flanks, causing lahars down Montana River, and interruption of traffic circulation locally. Permanent tremor associated with degassing was recorded.

13/05/2003
Following heavy rainfall (200 mm in less than 24 hours), ash deposits were remobilized and lahars generated down the SE flank of the volcano along Marker and Reventador gorges. The lahars destroyed a bridge as well as a pipeline for a petroleum company which led 5,600 barrels of oil to escape.

Reventador is located in Eastern Cordillera of the Andes in Ecuador (0.07S, 77.67W). This stratovolcano has erupted 24 times since 1541. The most recent eruption, in January of 1976, produced bombs, ash, and lava. Similar eruptions occurred in 1972 and 1973. Visual observations of this volcano are rare because it is east of the crest of the Andes an perennially obscured by clouds.
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

Cerro Negro Eruption in Nicaragua - 27/01/2004

Seismic activity continues at Cerro Negro and possible ash clouds rising above the volcano were reported by nearby population, although scientists favor gas emissions.

20/01/2004
In the last 6 weeks, an unusually large amount of small seismic tremor of variable intensity was recorded. If the amplitude of the activity increases, the alert level might be increased to green. So far, no surficial and temperature changes were measured.



Cerro Negro, a cinder cone, reawakened late in the morning of November 19, 1995. Initial activity was Strombolian in character. Detailed observations began late on November 21. An almost constant fountain of material threw bombs and small amounts of ash 1,000-1,300 feet (300-400 m) above the lip of the crater. Some bombs were very large, measuring several feet (meters) across. A new cone was growing and filling the older crater that was built by an eruption in 1992. A small lava dome was growing adjacent to the new cone. On the morning of November 22, a series of strong explosions ejected material that fell on the lower slopes of the cone. By that evening the new cone had overgrown the side of the 1992 crater and material was spilling down the slope. Slow moving lava flows appeared over the edge of the old crater and material from the front of the flow rolled to the base of the main cone.
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

Lascar Eruption in Chile - 06/01/2004

On December 9 small amounts of fine ash were emitted from fumaroles and the next day the activity was back to normal levels with only gas and steam emitted.

20/07/2000
A major eruption occurred at the Lascar Volcano. The white mushroom eruptive column rose 4000-5000 m high over the summit. 1-2 mm of very fine ash fell in Jama (international boundary of Chile and Argentina).



The Lascar Volcano is an active andesitic to dacitic stratovolcano that consists of an elongate series of six overlapping craters, trending roughly northeast, with the active, fuming crater located near the center of this cluster. It is about 800 m in diameter and 300 m deep. Grey pumice deposits from the 1993 eruption are visible in the photo above, and the margins of some pyroclastic flows can be seen at right center. Lascar is the most active volcano in the central Andes.
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

Building of the Arequipa cable car - 23/10/2003

The world’s highest cable-air transportation to be built in Arequipa
Due to its geographical characteristics, this cable-air transportation will become the world’s highest ever built. It will transport 18 cabins, each for 8 passengers with a total of 150 pax per hour. The ascent will start in the city of Arequipa all the way to the top of the Misti volcano to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Pacific Ocean and the high Andes plateau toward the Lake Titicaca. This important project will require a 12 million Dollars investment.
From: Coltur SA

Masaya Eruption in Nicaragua - 07/10/2003

On Oct. 4 an eruption cloud was reported at Masaya. The plume rose to a height of ~4.6 km a.s.l and was mainly composed of gas and steam.

24/04/2001
On 23 April, the crater Santiago of the Masaya volcano exploded and formed a new vent in the bottom of the crater. The explosion sent rocks with diameters up to 60 cm which travelled up to 500 m from the crater. Vehicles in the visitors area were damanged and one person was injured. In the later phases of the explosion, small quanities of lava and ash were released. During the night, there were several smaller explosions, gas outbreaks, and minor collapses of the crater wall. The National Park of Masaya Volcan has now closed the visitors area.



Masaya is the most active volcano in the region. The Spanish first described the volcano in 1524. Since then, Masaya has erupted at least 19 times. From 1965 to 1979 Masaya contained an active lava lake. The most recent eruption was in 1993. Masaya is an unusual basaltic volcano because it has had explosive eruptions. The eruption in 4550 B.C. was one of the largest on Earth in the last 10,000 years. Masaya is a caldera (4 by 7 miles, 6 by 11.5 km) that contains 13 vents. Most activity at these vents consisted of effusion of basaltic lava. Pyroclastic eruptions have constructed three main cones: Masaya, Nindiri, and Santiago. Santiago formed in 1850-1853. Spatter and scoria deposits indicate fire fountaining at Masaya, the only know occurrence of this type of eruption in Central America (Williams, 1981). Unlike the stratovolcanoes that characterize subduction zones, Masaya has a shield-like morphology. At times, Masaya emits large amounts of sulfur dioxide gas. In 1981, sulfur dioxide was released from Santiago Crater at a rate of 500,000 tons per year. Three periods of similar gas activity occurred this century. Volcanologists studied these events to better understand the impact of acid rain and the potential for health problems. In 1979, Masaya became Nicaragua's first National Park (Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya).
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

Arenal Eruption in Costa Rica - 09/09/2003

On September 5 (1055), several pyroclastic flows occurred and lava began to flow on the N and NE. Seismographs recorded 8 signals and ash drifted W and NW of the volcano.

14/01/2001
Continuous gas emissions, lava flows, and sporadic Strombolian eruptions occurred at Arenal throughout December.



Arenal is a stratovolcano in Costa Rica that has been very active in recent years. An eruption in 1968 wiped out the town of Pueblo Nuevo, killing 78 people. The volcano has produced loud explosions, gas clouds, ash and vapor, and lava flows frequently since the 1968 eruption. Arenal's last major eruption occurred in 1993.
From: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/current.html

New luxury train service to Machu Picchu - 02/07/2003

Peru Rail has announced a new luxury service “Hiram Bingham” between Cusco and Machu Picchu starting this September.
Using carriages purchased in Singapore, and refurbished in Peru, this daily service on the Cusco – Machu Picchu route, has been given a distinctive blue and gold livery with elegant interior upholstery in warm, inviting tones. The rake consists of 4 cars – 2 dining cars, a bar car and a kitchen car, with an initial capacity of 84 passengers. The general style of the carriages is in line with those on PeruRail’s ‘Andean Explorer’ train which operates between Cusco and Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru and reflect the luxury of the 1920s Pullman era.
The Hiram Bingham will depart Cusco at 09h00 which gives a more leisurely start. Brunch will be served on board whilst travelers enjoy the spectacular scenery unfolding before them from the large windows, and the arrival in Machu Picchu at 12h30 gives Hiram Bingham passengers the advantage of entering the Sanctuary at an hour when the majority of the visitors are already beginning to leave for their journey back to Cusco.
Hiram Bingham passengers will not only have the opportunity to experience the Ruins at Machu Picchu in relative solitude, but will have a longer period of time there, returning to the train only as the sun goes down. Once back on board for a 18h30 departure, pre -dinner cocktails will be served in the bar accompanied by live entertainment, and afterwards a 3-course, a la carte dinner will be presented in the dining cars. The train will pull into Poroy station in Cusco at 22h00 with passengers relaxed and ready for bed.
Included in the price of the ticket (around $ 420) are the onboard meals, beverages and entertainment, as well as bus transfers to and from the Citadel of Machu Picchu, entrance to the Ruins themselves, guided tour and afternoon tea.
From: Fiesta Tours

Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Site (Guatemala) - 25/06/2003

This site was first reported by Alfred P. Maudsley in the late nineteenth century, but its importance was not fully recognized until the 1940's, when the first of many excavations were done there. This site dates back possibly to the early Preclassic period (800 BC-300 AD), but by its end, the city was abandoned. During the Early Classic (300-600AD), it grew again to became a major center and soon came under the influence of Teotihuacan and remained so until around the end of that era. The city has been described as a miniature Teotihuacán and it clearly had ties to that city so far to the north. In fact, it was abandoned at about the same time that Teotihuacan collapsed. Lying inside present day Guatemala City, much of the site has been covered by serious urban sprawl, but part of it still remains as mounds. There were 350 buildings known and all were made of adobe, but many have been lost to encroaching neighborhoods. What remains is enclosed in a park. Some of the remaining site has been excavated. It does not make a dramatic impression like Tikal does, but for the enthusiast, there is some happiness in strolling through all the mounds of this patch of greenness in Guatemala City.
Only in Guatemala – Mormons claim Kaminaljuyu The last time I visited Kaminaljuyu I espied a large group inspecting the ruins. I asked the park guard who they were. Mormons, he answered. Surprised at finding Mormons at an archaeological site so rarely included in itineraries, I found out that it is believed that the ancient site is identified with Nephi, and is considered to be the remains of the city of Zarahemla, mentioned in the Book of Mormon. I asked the guard about overseas visitors coming to the site, and he told me that most were Mormons. If it were not for them, they would probably have to close the ruins for lack of business. Mormons aside, the park is well used by local families on Sundays, and although Maya (or Mormon) rites were once performed at the temples, the modern rite of football is now practiced by locals on the grassy plazas between the mounds.
From: La Via Maya

Native uprising in Ecuador - 04/06/2003

The violence fact happened on May 26th in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, specifically in the Huaorani territory, is a completely isolated fact that took place in a near area of the Tiguino river, very far away from the Achuar Territory where many Lodges are located. As a result, the safety of passangers and the logistic of itineraries are not compromised.

Guatemalan Tourist Shuttles - 22/04/2003

Very often you will find us quoting for transportation services by tourist shuttle. These services are somewhat unique in Guatemala and Costa Rica, and were created to fill a void in transportation between tourist destinations which were inadequately served by regular public transportation. The shuttles operate at set times with an assortment of vehicles, depending on the numbers travelling, and can be mini-vans, mini-buses or even full-sized motor coaches. Luggage may be carried on roof racks, and air-conditioning cannot be guaranteed. Times indicated are the times you should be ready in the foyer of the hotel. Driving times can vary due to traffic and road conditions. As these shuttles pick up passengers from various hotels, arrival at your hotel can vary. You will have a 24-hour telephone where you can check if you feel the shuttle is late. This is transportation only and does not include guide services. It gives you a wonderful opportunity to interact with other visitors. When you see the options, either expensive private services or the so-called “chicken buses”, you will appreciate how important this service is to Guatemalan tourism.

Machu Picchu train fees on the increase - 04/02/2003

I didn´t mentioned you that our Travel Agencies Union in Cusco were doing their best trying to reduce the rates of Peru Rail (operator of the trains in Cusco) because their increases were to much for this year. Fortunatelly some minutes ago I have received an email from our Union in Cusco confirming the following. I think you may understand spanish very well:

SALIÓ DECRETO SUPREMO APROBANDO LA APLICACIÓN DEL IGV A LAS TARIFAS FERROVIARIAS.
Según el decreto supremo N - 013 – 203 EF, publicado hoy en el Diario el Peruano, por desición del Gobierno Peruano, se ha anunciado un impuesto del 18% a las tarifas establecidas, este gravara las tarifas anunciadas en nuestro anterior mensaje. Por consiguiente, las nuevas tarifas serán:
- Back Packer desde Cusco $ 59
- Vista Dome $ 88.5
(local agent fees not included)

Fernando de Noronha tourist limitation - 01/02/2003

P.S. Attention: Fernando de Noronha! We have got information that government authorities have established a new limit for the number of incoming tourists. That means that the island now only accepts 200 tourists per day. Result: bookings should be made, if possible, several months before check-in to garantee space.

Aerolineas Argentinas weight limitation - 10/12/2002

We inform, following the domestic flights saga, that Aerolineas Argentinas does not allow more than 15 kilos per pax to check in at the time of flying. And is charging the weight excedent to pax before flying (from US$ 0.5 to US$1 per kilo depending on the flying time). The info we have is that if pax uses another international carrier and not AR, the weight limit will be 15 kilos, if it is used an international AR flight, 20 Kilos. This is not a confirmed AR resolution but it is what was explainde to our pax in the airport by AR staff.
So, in the meantime we are trying to stop this at an institutional level, please warn your pax about it. And if you consider necessary make an statment to IATA or even to the correspondent AR office itself.