Argentina: Ibera & Iguazu

Transcription

1 Argentina: Ibera & Iguazu An exclusive photo safari of the Ibera wetlands and Iguazu waterfalls, expertly guided by renowned photographer Ossian Lindholm Our exclusive wildlife safari and photography tour of Northeast Argentina combines two uniquely precious destinations that are perfect for landscape and wildlife photography the endless wetlands of Ibera and the stunning waterfalls of Iguazu. Not only will you be exploring the natural and cultural wonders of these remarkable areas; our travel photography tour gives you a fantastic opportunity to learn photography tips from a professional. ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2 Trip Introduction / Page 3 Daily Itinerary / Page 4-7 Photography Guide / Page 8 Arrival & Departure / Page 9 Terms & Conditions / Page 10 Reserve Your Space! / Page 10 TRIP CONTACT Lauren Hefferon Lauren@ciclismoclassico.com Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 1

2 TRIP ESSENCE 4 nights boutique accommodation at the Puerto Valle Hotel with its exclusive access to the rich biodiversity of Ibera Daily walks, boat rides visits to conservation areas, optional horseback riding Daily close encounters with wildlife on expeditions exploring one of the most important freshwater reservoirs on the continent Tranquil boat rides that glide through pristine wetlands Visit to the Guarani Indigenous Community Educational talks by local naturalists and conservationists Daily photography instruction and one-on-one coaching with Ossian Lindholm, one of Argentina s most renowned nature photographers Savoring of local specialties Night photography sessions WHAT S INCLUDED Water and dried fruits to snack on board the van Two expert guides throughout the program TRIP DETAILS 2018 Trip Dates May Check website for departure dates Ability Level Beginner Trip Price $4,900 Single Supplement: $950 EQUIPMENT For Hikes Shorts and warm weather clothing Sweater and long pants for chilly nights and high altitude walks Good and solid trekking shoes For Photography Body SLR or compact digital camera Wide-angle lens Laptop (for selecting images) Tripod 12-person van Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites Select wine tastings All accommodations & meals Airport Shuttles Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 2

3 TRIP INTRODUCTION Each day of your tour we ll provide you with expert workshops in landscape and wildlife photography. These are run by renowned professional photographer and experienced naturalist, Ossian Lindholm. Ossian is a respected documentary filmmaker too, creating several documentaries on the Iguazu Falls and Ibera. On this unique South American photography and wildlife expedition, you ll be able to tap into his immense knowledge of and passionate commitment to these precious environments. IBERA: ARGENTINA S BRILLIANT WATERS The first part of the tour is based in the Ibera wetlands, in the northwestern province of Corrientes. This vast area was, until quite recently, pretty much unexplored. Now it s recognized as one of South America s most important freshwater reservoirs, one of the biggest wetlands in the world. Its myriad of rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands are all fed by natural rainfall. Ibera is also a wonderful refuge for a huge diversity of wildlife. Ibera means brilliant waters in the Guarani language and was once the riverbed of the Parana river. Over the years, the river s flow slowed, and a huge sponge of boggy soils built up. But like many environmental oases, Ibera was once at serious risk of degradation. In 1983, the Ibera Nature Reserve was created to help preserve it, and its innumerable species of fauna and flora, for future generations. The environmentalists who worked so hard to protect it now believe Ibera is one of the most remarkable of Argentina s ecosystems. Educational and conservation-focused tourism, like our guided Ibera tours, have helped ensure the area s economic success. This, in turn, has helped to guarantee its environmental future: the people who once hunted here are now its guides and teachers. As guests in Ibera, you ll be making your own contribution to this inspiring and sustainable conservation model. Ibera is an area where wild animals are the stars of the show. Its marshes offer wildlife-lovers countless closeup encounters. There are caimans, capybaras, and giant otters to be spotted in its waters. The marshlands are home to swamp deer, pampas deer, and anaconda. You can also find howler monkeys and greater rheas here in fact there are over 300 species of birds in Ibera. It makes a photo expedition to the Ibera wetlands a wildlife photographer s dream come true. Our tours, with their emphasis on education, will showcase its beauty for you from every angle. And most importantly, your tourism dollars will contribute towards sustaining this paradise for generations to come. IGUAZU: THE GREAT WATER OF ARGENTINA For the second part of our Travel Vision Journeys photo tour, we visit the Iguazu Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You ll quickly see why this region has captured the hearts of so many visitors to the country. The Iguazu National Park, with its stupendous complex of stepped waterfalls, is one the world s most visually stunning phenomenon. It lies in the Misiones Province in the northeastern corner of Argentina, and has been a World Heritage Site since Over the course of some 2 miles, the Iguazu River drops 250 feet, tumbling over a series of roaring waterfalls. It is also here that the river given the name of great water by the indigenous peoples curves in a large horseshoe loop around two national parks, one in Argentina and one in Brazil. In fact, this mighty river forms the international border between these two countries. Its forests once ranged as far the Brazilian coast. What little remains is known for its incredible species diversity, high degree of endemism, and unique habitat. The rare harpy eagle is found here, as are beautiful wildcats and the rarely seen broad-snouted caiman all just waiting to be captured on camera. For lovers of nature and wildlife this really is a readymade wildlife photography adventure. Ibera and Iguazu offer unsurpassed and abundant encounters with wildlife, back-dropped by stunning landscapes, guaranteeing an unforgettable photo safari. And, thanks to the visual alchemy of the photographic experience, this is one trip that s sure to inspire you for years to come. Feel free to reach out to our director, Lauren Hefferon at , or lauren@ciclismoclassico.com, for more information. A long-time photo tour professional, she has created, scouted, and will be co-guiding all departures for this exclusive photo adventure. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 3

4 DAY 1 IBERA Activities - Welcome reception, photography class Hotel - Hotel Puerto Valle Location: Puerto Valle Duration: 4 Nights Meals - L, D You ll arrive at Posadas Airport in the Corrientes Province, from where we ll escort you to Estancia Puerto Valle. This beautiful Estancia, on the shores of the broad Paraná River, was established in 1868 by Italian sailor Bernadino Valle. He bought the land from the provincial government to develop his cattle-raising and river transport business. Today, the estate of the old Estancia engages in many sustainable activities. We ll spend three days here, immersed in total serenity on the shores of Laguna Yacireta. After a stroll around the Estancia s grounds, you ll enjoy your first wildlife photography class. Then, after a well-deserved rest, you ll be invited to enjoy a welcome feast made up of choice local specialties. Puerto Valle Hotel offers its guests exclusive access to the rich biodiversity of the largest conservation area in Argentina. The heart of the hotel a singular and graceful mixture of refinement, history, nature and the local people is a traditional manor of The Corrientes region built in 1868, with stately and comfortable rooms. A magnificent park of more than 14 hectares and meticulously designed by the prestigious landscaping of Carlos Thays, Puerto Valle invites guests to relax and enjoy nature. DAY 2 IBERA Activities - Sunrise, sunset and night photography class Hotel - See Day 1, The beauty of our photography tours is that one single day can feel like so many more! Pre-dawn, full daylight, sunset, or the night sky each moment offers up distinctive and rich experiences to be captured on your camera. Today, we ll rise with the sun to witness breathtaking reds, yellows and golds reflecting on the serene Ibera waters. After breakfast, we ll visit the sustainability project of the Estancia s caiman farm, before taking a forest walk to see the Howler monkeys. Lunch follows, and then we ll head out onto the Paraná River. This will allow you to capture on camera the Laguna Valley s watery landscapes, during those golden afternoon hours. From our floating deck you ll certainly see an abundance of birds, and many other animals that thrive in this reserve. A delightful sunset will be the grand finale to an extraordinary day. This will be followed by a delicious dinner back at the Estancia, made from vegetables and herbs grown in its own organic garden. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 4

5 DAY 3 IBERA Activities - Sunrise and technical photography class Hotel - See Day 1 After a delicious breakfast, we ll host a morning photo class at the Estancia. Then, we ll take you on a boat ride for wildlife viewing on the Laguna Yacireta. At lunchtime you ll enjoy a picnic of local Corrientes specialties, before we head back to the Estancia. In the afternoon there are several options for exploring the Estancia s vast and delightful grounds: horseback riding, kayaking, and nature walks. Even a stroll here will see you discovering several native and exotic species. Or you can simply relax by the pool under the palapa or by the quincho an area where Argentinians enjoy an asado, a traditional barbecue. Before we eat, we ll host another group photo show. You ll also receive valuable one-on-one technical and artistic feedback from Ossian, our treasure trove of photographic knowledge and experience. This will be followed by a special night under the stars to practice the arcane magic of night photography. DAY 4 IBERA, RESERVA CAMBYRETA Activities - Wildlife photography class Hotel - See Day 1 After an early breakfast and morning class, we ll head to Reserva Cambyreta in Esteros. Cambyreta is a Nature Reserve created by the Conservation Land Trust, founded by the late Douglas Tompkins and his wife Kris. We re very proud to participate in this organization, supporting their remarkable initiatives across South America. This area is rich in wetland wildlife and home to abundant waterfowl. At any moment you might see marsh deer, howler monkeys, Jabiru, amazing pink roseate spoonbills, or even one of three species of caiman. This reserve is also the chosen site for the reintroduction of the scarlet macaw, once extinct in Argentina. We ll then head back to the Estancia to enjoy the fabulous wildlife photos we ve taken today. Tonight will be our final dinner at the Estancia. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 5

6 DAY 5 IGUAZU FALLS Activities - Transfer to Iguazu Falls Hotel - Aldea de la Selva Lodge Location: Puerto Iguazu Duration: 4 Nights laaldeadelaselva.com/ After an early breakfast we ll begin a five-hour journey across the beautiful Misiones Province, heading towards the spectacular Iguazu Falls. Tonight we ll stay in the peaceful Aldea lodge. Immersed in the Paraná Rainforest, Aldea has a perfect combination of rusticity and luxury. Each room has a private balcony overlooking the jungle, giving you intimate contact with its natural wonders. After your evening photo class, there s a chance to enjoy a fun evening of folklore dancing, accompanied by Chamamé the region s traditional guacho music. Then it s time to retire for a peaceful night in your room, to prepare for the next adventure on your Argentine photo tour walking the ancient paths trod by the indigenous Guarani peoples. Aldea de la Selva Lodge sits in the Iriapú jungle, right on the access road to the city of Puerto Iguazú. Although nestled in the jungle, it s easy to visit local attractions or go to downtown Puerto Iguazú from there. It is an environmentally responsible company committed to the sustainable development of the local community. It has developed innovative and sustainable practices that aim to influence other actors in tourism and the community. DAY 6 EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE OF THE GUARANI Activities - Waterfall photography Hotel - See Day 5 Today you ll have the unique opportunity to experience the ancient culture of the Guarani, visiting the local Mbya community in Fortin Mborore. The secrets of the jungle will be revealed to you, as the Mbya explain how they harvest it for natural medicines. They ll also demonstrate their vibrant culture through song, dance, and crafts, helping you to gain an understanding of the Guarani philosophy of life. Our visit also includes the Guarani Spirit of Trees walk, with local Mbya experts guiding you deep into the jungle. This opportunity to discover the secrets of Argentina s earliest inhabitants is not to be missed. After our visit with the Guarani, we ll head to Biocentro Iguazu. This natural reserve for flora and fauna has been carefully designed to raise awareness about environmental care. Native reptiles, fish, butterflies, and flowers abound here. After the Biocentro we ll visit the Hummingbird Garden, where you ll be surrounded by hummingbirds flying freely. The intricate art of photographing these delicate avian delights will be taught to you by Ossian, the hummingbird master himself. Dinner will be at La Rueda, a restaurant known for its Iguazu specialties. Then it s time to retire and sleep, dreaming no doubt of the following fantastic days at the famed Iguazu Falls. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 6

7 DAY 7 IGUAZU Activities - Wildlife photography Hotel - See Day 5 DAY 8 FULL DAY IN IGUAZU FALLS Activities - Wildlife photography Hotel - See Day 5 DAY 9 IGUAZU ADIOS! Activities - Wildlife photography Hotel - See Day 5 Before transferring to our hotel in the heart of the falls, we ll visit the Guira Oga, a very special sanctuary dedicated to animal rehabilitation. Once you re settled in and have had lunch, we ll head off for a walk to the upper Iguazu Falls area. This fascinating ecosystem offers numerous photographic opportunities beyond the Falls themselves. The special atmosphere of this place is immediately apparent, its great swirls of spray drenching a network of islands and riverine forests, creating multiple rainbows. These moist clouds help sustain an extremely humid microclimate, producing a lush and dense foliage that s home to some unique fauna. This last fragment of Atlantic Forest is classified as a threatened ecosystem, and a global conservation priority. Today you may get a chance to see toucans, river turtles, fragile spider webs, and all manner of teeming birdlife. This morning you ll have a full day of photography at the Iguazu Falls. Our first stop is the iconic Garganta del Diablo the Devil s Throat reckoned to be one of the planet s most awesome sights. We ll shoot from a special lookout platform, perched directly above a stupendously powerful torrent of water, plunging downwards. Its mists rise in a smoke-like plume, visible above the jungle for several kilometers, making for some atmospheric shots. After lunch we ll walk to the Circuito Inferior, where you ll have the chance to take a boat into the heart of the waterfall sure to be an unforgettable experience. We ll return to the hotel for our final evening photo show, followed by a veritable Argentinian feast. Our last day isn t quite the end of your Argentinian photographic adventure. There s a free morning before your transfer to Posadas Airport, and several options to round out your photo tour. First, there s the chance to walk the Macuco trail, a lesser-known 2-mile trek through the jungle. This trail takes you away from well-traveled routes to discover a pretty, isolated tropical waterfall. The lack of tourists along this route makes for many more opportunities to spot wildlife. A second option is to take the truck-and-boat tour of jungle, river, and falls offered by Super Aventura. This takes you to the Tres Mosqueteros Fall and the San Martín Fall, as well as offering you another chance to see the Garganta del Diablo. Note that this is a tour offered outside of Travel Vision s Ibera and Iguaza Tour, and so the price isn t included. And of course, the final option is simply to kick back, after all your adventures, relaxing in the hotel s swimming pool and reflecting on truly unforgettable experience expertly and vividly captured through your deft camera work! Then it s time for the last group photo shot, and Adios! Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 7

8 MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE Ossian Lindholm is a renowned nature photographer from Tucuman, Argentina. Trained as an Agronomist, many years ago he turned his deep passion for nature to photography. In his work as a photographer, teacher and documentary filmmaker, he is dedicated to capturing, preserving, conserving, sharing and sustaining the landscape, nature and culture of Argentina in its most pristine state. Ossian has published five books, 14 calendars and he teaches photography courses throughout the year. Since 1998 he has been leading groups of photographers and naturalists on photographic journeys throughout his native Argentina. For the past four years has been the host of a very popular weekly nature TV documentary called Travesia Fotograficas. In each show He hopes to educate and inspire people to love, protect and keep sacred the places where they live using use images, words and music to touch peoples emotional core. Born in Tucuman in northern Argentina, he was raised in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina and attended primary and secondary school there. His father, now deceased, was a construction engineer and his mother is a writer and historian. Both his father and mother were also passionate amateur photographers and travelers. His parents traveled with him throughout Argentina and they were the ones who instilled a love of exploration. As a young 7-year old boy he fell in love the wonderful landscapes of Argentina and began carrying a camera everywhere, which at the time, was not the not normal behavior of a young boy. As a teenager, he turned his photography hobby into a passion. At the age of 14 years he created a black and white photo lab in his home and with a group of friends, some experienced photographers he began his first serious steps in photography. To finance this hobby, he began taking pictures at family parties and weddings. During his early years he loved reading National Geographic Magazine; it had a profound impact on him. It was his first inspiration and he became continually was drawn by nature photography. He went to college to pursue a career in agricultural engineering and here he began to develop a strong connection with the biological sciences that continues to be a strong influence in all his work. After obtaining his degree he worked for many years as a scientist but in 1998 he decided to dedicate himself to nature photography. At this time he began working as a photography and nature guide which allowed him to travel around Argentina and connect with other photographers and biologists in the world. In 2001 he published his first photography calendar that he does every year. His simple desire has been to share his love and concern for nature. As he evolved as a photographer he clarified his mission in one sentence: Para Conservar, primero hay que Conocer. To conserve, first you must know. At that point he had a personal revelation: He discovered that my life s work was not only photography, it was to carefully craft and deliver an important message about conservation and sustainability: He discovered his calling. He needed, through photography, teaching and film making, to show and teach his fellow Argentinians and the world that Nature is sacred and our relationship to Mother Earth is a symbiotic one. This maxim and personal philosophy threads through all his work. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 8

9 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE GETTING TO IBERA Fly to Posadas Airport (PSS) through Aeroparque (AEP) to meet our 12 pm group shuttle* on day 1 to the first hotel in Ibera, approx. 45 minutes. * Please inform the office if you plan on taking this scheduled group shuttle at least one month in advance via this form: DEPARTING FROM IGUAZU FALLS After breakfast and a final photography shoot on day 8 there is a group shuttle to Iguazu Airport (IGR) to make your connecting fight home through Aeroparque. OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations Valerie Wilson Travel Call: or ciclismoair@vwti.com Travel Insurance MH Ross Call: Transportation Rome2rio Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 9

10 INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via once trip deposit is received. We recommend MH Ross, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice. Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as follows: Days before departure Cancellation fee 121+ days - 50% of the deposit* days - 100% of the deposit* days - 30% of the trip price days - 60% of the trip price 0-30 days - 100% of the trip price *You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit (currently $600) may be carried forward to the following year as a credit toward the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Carried-forward credits expire at the end of the year to which they are applied. Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group. To review our policies, please visit RESERVE YOUR SPACE! To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at or Lauren Hefferon at Or, mail your deposit and contact information to: Ciclismo Classico attn: Rosa 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form. Travel Vision info@ciclismoclassico.com 10