Vibrant birdlife, fascinating history and compelling cultures are all part of the story of Latin America, where nature travel expert International Expeditions (IE) has been exploring for the past 33 years. From a new riverboat plying legendary Amazon waters to wildlife-rich rainforests, IE is expanding its offerings across South America with engaging, in-depth adventures that blend colorful cultures with remote wildlife meccas.
IE will launch its new riverboat—already under construction in Peru—on the Amazon River in summer 2013. This new vessel offers a range of amenities and extras found on no other boat in the region. Highlighting the new riverboat’s features are private balconies for every cabin, multimedia lecture room, fitness center, kayaks, a nightly reception with complimentary Peruvian cocktails, wine and beer, and the Amazon’s largest observation deck—more than 1,000 sq. ft.—ideal for stargazing or photographing the passing rainforest.
Escapes to Northern and Southern Peru, Ecuador and Panama headline IE’s 2013 lineup. The Northern Peru tour journeys from the Pacific through Andean cloud forests and lowland forests while providing some of the world’s best birding. In the hands of seasoned naturalists, guests search for the sought-after marvelous spatuletail hummingbird during hikes near the Gocta Waterfall and may spot the endangered white-winged guan in a private reserve. IE’s Southern Peru tour travels through the Inca Empire while exploring Lake Titicaca’s Peruvian and Bolivian Islands, watching Andean condors soaring overhead in the Colca Canyon, and delving deep into the Amazon at Tambopata National Reserve. Travelers enjoy a glimpse of Peru’s history on the Island of the Sun, where they drink from a sacred Inca fountain believed to grant eternal youth and happiness.
IE’s Ecuador tour is an ideal survey of this unique country, taking in three distinct ecosystems. Guests also enjoy time to savor the French-influenced architecture of Cuenca and colonial charm of Quito, with time to explore the nearby former haunts of the Inca and Cañari. The journey is capped off with a full day indulging in the steaming tropical hot springs at Papallacta.
Back by popular demand, International Expeditions’ Panama tour combines wildlife, cuisine and culture during hikes and water excursions. Guests tour rainforests that blanket the country from the Pacific to the Caribbean, enjoying a partial passage through the Panama Canal, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the Canal’s operation. In addition to excursions guided by Smithsonian researchers on Barro Colorado Island and the Galeta Marine Laboratory, guests travel on the Panama Railroad. Traveling foodies will savor an exclusive sunset meal at the International Miraflores Restaurant overlooking the Miraflores Locks—a Fodor’s Top 5 Panama dining experience.
For more on International Expeditions’ journeys and travel specials and to request a free catalog, call (800) 633-4734 or visit ietravel.com.
