COLOMBIA WILDLANDS & WILDLIFE

Transcription

1 COLOMBIA WILDLANDS & WILDLIFE Visit us at

2 Itinerary Overview Colombia borders two continents and two coastlines, allowing for a vast diversity of landscapes and ecosystems that are home to some of the rarest birds and wildlife on Earth. This trip covers it all, from the Amazon Jungle to the High Andes and the inter-andean valleys, to the venerated Heart of the World, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains of Tayrona National Park. Isolated geologically for millenniums, and politically for decades, this region of the world is now open for exploration. Colombia boasts almost 20 percent of the world s bird species with over 1,950 species recorded, presenting spectacular displays of color, calls, configurations, and more birds being discovered all the time. Yet Colombia s diversity does not stop with nature. This trip in the land of El Dorado features the equally-captivating cities, towns, cultures, and ethnic expressions generating a rich social fabric that lies along the route. There is so much beauty in Colombia s cultural heritage that we balance the wildlife with opportunities to experience daily life, culture, and art. This is represented by the people you ll meet, including coffee farmers and top-class baristas, field biologists and conservationists, celebrity chefs and homegrown cooks, indigenous peoples, as well as artists, historians, musicians, and Colombians from all walks of life. Come join us on this thrilling nature and culture exploration of one of the world's most fascinating countries. DAY LOCATION OVERNIGHT MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 BOGOTA Sofitel Victoria Regia 2 BOGOTA Sofitel Victoria Regia BL 3 PEREIRA Movich BLD 4 LA SUIZA Quo Hotel BL 5 RIO BLANCO Quo Hotel BL 6 CERRITOS Hacienda San Jose BLD 7 LETICIA Calanoa BD 8 MOCAGUA Calanoa BLD 9 MOCAGUA Calanoa BLD 10 SANTA MARTA Sweet Harmony BLD 11 SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA El Dorado Lodge BLD Arrival in Bogota. Gold Museum & Cerro Monserrate Paloquemao Market, La Candelaria Spanish colonial sector of Bogota Fly to Pereira, coffee tour, hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal Otun-Quimbaya flora and fauna sanctuary, birding Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, explore the city of Manizales Los Nevados National Park, birding, hot springs Fly to the Colombian Amazon, Calanoa Amazon Reserve Monkey rehabilitation center, Mocagua Indigenous Settlement Lake Tarapoto, search for pink river dolphins Boat ride up Matamata River or visit to Mocagua Island Refuge, fly to Santa Marta Minca, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains, El Dorado Reserve 12 SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA El Dorado Lodge BLD San Lorenzo Ridge, birding 13 SANTA MARTA Don Pepe BL Birding, transfer to Santa Marta 14 BOGOTA Departure B Fly to Bogota for international flight 2

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BOGOTA, GOLD MUSEUM AND CERRO MONSERRATE Welcome to Colombia where you are greeted at the airport by your local guide before heading into the city center to begin your eagerly-awaited adventure. Depending on flight arrival, enter the steel plated doors of the renowned Gold Museum to discover the story behind more than 33,000 incredible pieces of sculpted tumbaga gold (a gold and copper alloy), emeralds, and other precious materials depicting the life and culture of the pre-hispanic societies. In the afternoon, ride by cable car or funicular to Cerro Monserrate peak to savor the dusky panoramic view of one of Latin America s most exciting cities. Up here, in the high reaches of the Eastern Andes, try to imagine what it must have been like 500 years ago when this fertile, flood plain below was home to the Muisca culture. Enjoy dinner in Bogota s upmarket shopping and nightlife district, known as "Zona T" for the T-shaped area at its heart, where the city's high society comes to see and be seen. Overnight at Sofitel Victoria Regia. DAY 2: EXPLORE PALOQUEMAO MARKET, LA CANDELARIA, BOTERO AND USAQUEN Start your day at the early-morning market of Paloquemao, witnessing a slice of Bogotano life within a labyrinth of alleys filled with frenzy, activity, and a hypnotizing array of smells, sounds, colors, and tastes. Walk down the narrow, cobblestone streets of historic Bogota opening to the large Plaza de Bolivar, Bogota s first cathedral, the capitol building and the re-built Palace of Justice. Stop in at the amazing Botero Museum, Colombia s revered painter, manipulator of volume, and his chubby sculptures on display with works by masters such as Picasso, Renoir, Dali, Monet, Matisse, and Degas. A walking tour of the city s Spanish colonial sector, La Candelaria, is dominated by thick stone walls, immense doorways and wooden overhanging balconies, decorated with bright flowers. At Casa Vieja Restaurant, relish a bowl of Ajiaco, the traditional soup of the Altiplano. Time permitting, continue to the township of Usaquen, where the plaza, church, colonial houses, and cobblestone streets collide with one of the most vibrant food and drink areas in the city. A pair of large haciendas are now home to a bohemian flea market, boutique shops and excellent restaurants such as Abasto, a potential dinner option, presenting a menu of obscure foods from the various regions of Colombia. Overnight at Sofitel Victoria Regia. [BL] OPTIONAL FOR GUESTS ARRIVING DAY BEFORE TO BOGOTA: Bird enthusiasts can visit the Hummingbird Observatory in La Calera where many species of endemic and near-endemic hummingbirds come to feeders; you can even see the Sword-billed Hummingbird, the only bird in the world with a beak longer than its body! OPTIONAL CYCLING: A cycling tour of Bogota is available on Sundays, when the city closes its streets to cars. 3

4 DAY 3: FLY TO PEREIRA - COFFEE TOUR Transfer to El Dorado airport (45mins) for your flight to Colombia s UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Colombian Coffee Cultural Landscape, your base for the next few days. A 30-minute drive from Pereira brings you to the mountain town of Santa Rosa de Cabal, where the main plaza, the architecturally unique church, the 1950 s Willy Jeeps, and a riot of non-stop movement characterize the sweeping colonization of Colombia s Andes for the planting, growing and harvesting of the magical bean - Café. Stop on one of these farms for an in-depth coffee tour that takes you through the full production process from seed to cup. Relish the best coffee in the world, followed by the best chorizos in Colombia at ChoriSant. You now have the option of a dip in the famous hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal, surrounded by waterfalls, cloud forest, and the babble of contented Colombians. Alternatively, after leaving Santa Rosa, return to Pereira for a short tour before heading up the Circunvalar road to sample some traditional Colombian liquor at a mountain inn to dine overlooking a panoramic view of Pereira from on high. Overnight at Movich Hotel. [BLD] OPTION: Salento & Cocora Valley From the airport, follow the whiff of the Colombian coffee culture winding your way through stunning landscapes to the colonial coffee town of Salento. Marvel at the immense fairytale landscape of the Cocora Valley full of distinctive towering wax palms. Meander through the cloud forest following the rushing waters of the River Quindio keeping your ears tuned and your eyes peeled for splendid birds, such as the loud and ambiguous Green Jay, the tiny Slaty-backed Chat-tyrant, and the stunning Blackbilled Mountain Toucan amongst many, many others. Return to the town for lunch, and visit the typical coffee hacienda, Finca El Ocaso, for a compelling tour that takes you through the whole coffee production process. DAY 4: BIRDING AT SFF OTUN-QUIMBAYA Leave Pereira early with a packed breakfast. Drive 2 hours where a birding extravaganza begins at the trail head of El Cedral. Look for Andean forest specialties such as the rare and diminutive Hooded Antpitta. Along this stretch, it is not uncommon to see the mountain tapir, a species that is restricted to the high-andes of Colombia. Walking down the road to the Otun-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary you begin to understand why this place is one of the world s best birdwatching habitats. Main targets include the conspicuous endemic Cauca Guan and the typical but altogether beautiful Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. If you are lucky, you might find the Zebra-striped Torrent Duck fishing in the rushing River Otun along with goldenplumed parakeets flying overhead. The three trails are highly productive, keep an eye out for red howler-monkeys. Later, after a 2hr 45min drive to Manizales, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Quo Hotel. [BL] 4

5 DAY 5: RIO BLANCO NATURE RESERVE & MANIZALES A 90-minute drive brings you to Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, also considered one of the top three birding sites in the world, not only because of its 348 recorded species but also for the last few years the local guides have been feeding and coaxing out one of the world s most difficult genus of birds to catch sight of an antpittas. Approached by the guide, these handsome little creatures will silently hop out of the undergrowth as soon as they hear his footsteps. With a little patience you may get to see the brownbanded, the slate-crowned, and the chestnut-naped. In total there are seven species of antpitta found in the reserve. After the antpitta-fest, dedicate time to the very rare and very local masked saltator, which frequently perches above the house, making Rio Blanco arguably the best place in the world to see this stunning bird. At the reserve feeders, you can observe many hummers and flowerpiercers such as the Andean emerald and speckled hummingbirds. After lunch at the reserve farmhouse or on the trail, you can choose to either carry on birding or head down to the mountain city of Manizales for an enlightening cultural tour. Absorb the history of the Antioquian colonizers who founded the coffee region s oldest city in the middle of the 19th century. Visit the cathedral with the highest steeple in Latin America and the Chipre Monument to the colonizers. Overnight at Quo Hotel. [BL] DAY 6: PNN LOS NEVADOS & TERMALES EL RUIZ Begin the day exploring the alien and pristine páramo (high-altitude tundra) near Los Nevados National Park entrance where the plant that characterizes the páramo comes into view, locally known as the Frailejon. This distant relative of the daisy has evolved into a large other-worldly structure adapted to this harsh habitat. Stop at a shop overlooking Laguna Negra (Black Lake) for a cup of coca tea, an infusion made from the leaves will help with the effects of the altitude. Stops are made at various points along the road to the park, reaching a high point of around 13,451 ft. Look out for the endemic and recently split buffy helmet crest and the very confident tawny antpitta perched atop a frailejon. On a clear day, giant Andean Condors can be seen soaring above. After birding all morning, head down to Termales El Ruiz, a mountain lodge with its own hot springs and a patch of elfin forest for a well-deserved lunch. From here you can explore the hotel s gardens and short forest trails, delight in the hummingbird feeders, and look for birds such as the rare blackthighed and golden-breasted pufflegs. The rest of the afternoon can be dedicated to the old Manizales road where you can look for rarities such as the amazing grey-breasted mountain toucan. Another option is to take a dip in the hot springs. Return through Manizales and on to a charming coffee hacienda boutique hotel for the evening. Overnight at Hacienda San Jose. [BLD] 5

6 DAY 7: FLY TO LETICIA TRANSFER TO CALANOA RESERVE Drive 15 minutes for a flight to the Colombian Amazon town of Leticia. Meet with your local wildlife guide and transfer to the pier on the mighty Amazon River. Boarding a private launch and head upriver for 90 minutes to the Calanoa Reserve with potential wildlife sightings along the way. Calanoa is not only a boutique jungle lodge and forest reserve but also a conservation and community project ensuring the sustainable development of the natural treasure trove in which the residents of Mocagua and San Martin de Amacayacu live. These Tikuna indigenous settlements lie close to where the reserve is located on the borders of Amacayacu National Park and Calanoa s work has helped them regain the importance and pride for their culture, beliefs, and customs, all of which the community is proud to share with visitors in a most authentic manner. Admire a legendary Amazon sunset from the lookout platform and, after dinner as darkness falls, head into the jungle looking for nocturnal creatures: insects, families of tarantulas dug into their holes, various frogs (even ones that bark like dogs deep in the night) and mammals such as the tree dwelling southern tamandua, a smaller version of a giant anteater. Overnight Calanoa Jungle Lodge. [BD] DAY 8: FUNDACION MAIKUCHIGA & MOCAGUA INDIGENOUS SETTLEMENT A 5am rise and a packed breakfast precede the 20- minute walk to the Maikuchiga Foundation HQ. Here, tiny Leoncitos (little lions) or pygmy marmoset (the world s second smallest primate) can often be observed at their feeding tree, where they strip back layers of bark to then come back the next day to lick the sap. Walking through the tropical forest, look out for the common squirrel monkey, the beautiful yellow-handed titi, and if fortunate, the Spix s night monkey. Fundacion Maikuchiga was set up by the American biologist and all-round legend Dr. Sara Bennett, regarded as one of Colombia s foremost primatologists. The foundation s main function is to nurture and re-habilitate monkeys that have either been seized from the illegal animal trade or from people who once housed them as pets. There always a few monkeys here including capuchins, woolly monkeys and red howler-monkeys playing, feeding and sleeping all day, and the opportunity to learn about them and the work at Maikuchiga makes this a most memorable experience. In the indigenous settlement of Mocagua checkout their handicrafts, an interesting mural project, and a small wetland where the giant Amazonian water lily can be seen. Explore the surrounding forest and streams looking for birds and wildlife including the black-mantled tamarin and the strange tree rat a large bug-eyed tree-dwelling mammal that peers out of its nest for most of the day. Other creatures of note are the horned screamer and short-tailed parrot. After lunch at the lodge, head out for some birding around Mocagua Island, which is a birders paradise. Other options include a visit to a local Peruvian village, fishing, and/or an afternoon jungle trek towards Amacayacu National Park before returning to Calanoa to watch an Amazonian sunset over the great river. Overnight at the Calanoa Jungle Lodge. [BLD] 6

7 DAY 9: LAKE TARAPOTO & PINK RIVER DOLPHINS A relatively short boat ride takes you to one of the Colombian Amazon s main attractions Lake Tarapoto. As you make your way across the Correo canal into the lake, keep your eyes peeled for monkey, birds, and if you re lucky, river otters. Soaring raptors dominate the skies and perch at the riverside. Abundant riparian wildlife dominates with egrets, cocoi herons, and black-capped donacobious along the reedy banks. After lunch on the lake, start searching for the famous Amazonian pink river dolphins bursting through the surface close to the boats. These creatures are a subject of many legends and myths among the Tikunas, and are a marvel of evolution, almost blind due to their perfect adaptation to the murky and silt-filled rivers. Grey river dolphins also occur and might be sighted. Look for black caiman and walk jungle trails among pristine forests dominated by the immense and sacred Ceiba Tree. Keep a lookout for antbirds, tanagers, and parrots in the canopy. Overnight at Calanoa. [BLD] DAY 10: MOCAGUA ISLAND OR MATAMATA RIVER - FLY TO SANTA MARTA An optional 5am start heralds a morning dedicated to exploring the 40 hectares of primary forest that make up this reserve, including a ride up the Matamata River, a beautiful creek where birds are in abundance: tanagers, honeycreepers, woodpeckers, parrots, antbirds, tinamous, perched hawks and soaring eagles, as well as the occasional group of monkeys. Alternatively, visit Mocagua Island, a refuge for hundreds of bird species, with a local national park guide to look for the elusive wattled curassow. An early lunch enables you to head out back to Leticia on a private launch where you transfer to the airport and catch your flight to Santa Marta connecting through Bogota. Upon arrival, you head straight to the mountain town of Minca, check-in and have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Sweet Harmony Mountain Inn. [BLD] DAY 11: MINCA & EL DORADO SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA El Dorado and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is possibly the jewel in the crown of avian habitat, with the highest level of endemism in Latin America and in the world. During any given visit, birders can potentially see the majority of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta s astonishing 21 endemic species. Due to the range s isolation, species have little competition from other birds hence most of the endemics are locally abundant. The morning is dedicated to birding at Minca and the tropical foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. 4x4 s carry you up the road towards the San Lorenzo Ridge, the highest point of this spur of the Sierra, with a customary stop off at Palo Alto Farm where the Sierra s endemics begin to be seen, such as Santa Marta warbler, Santa Marta brush-finch and the newly-declared species and split Santa Marta blossomcrown. 7

8 After coffee at the farm, continue towards El Dorado Lodge and your accommodations at Kogihabs, located at 6,562ft. Upon arrival, a 12-minute walk along a trail and suspended bridge bring you to the fantastic Kogihabs bungalows, which have unobstructed views towards the Sierra Nevada peaks. After lunch at the lodge, delight in the opportunity to bird watch beside the feeders that are home to endemics such as the locally common white-tailed starfrontlet hummingbird and others that feed from the corn floor-feeders or the compost heap. Other lodge-based specialties include the Santa Marta woodstar, a bee-like hummingbird. Overnight at El Dorado Lodge. [BLD] DAY 12: SAN LORENZO RIDGE An early 4:50 am start is necessary to begin the bumpy drive up to the ridgeline, at an altitude of 8,530ft, along a stretch of road that leads to where some of Santa Marta s most prized endemics occur. Special attention should be paid to the surrounding palms for possibly the biggest and most beautiful prize, the Santa Marta parakeet, along with the curious but light-weary rufous antpittas that like to walk along the road just before sunrise. Further down the road sharp-shinned hawks and other raptors can be seen, along with the endemic Santa Marta bush-tyrant. Stunning views appear below to Santa Marta and behind towards the snowy peaks of the Sierra dominate with lush mountainsides covered in immense wax palms. Many other birds and subspecies (possible future splits) can also be seen. Lunch is at the lodge before the option of relaxing in the lush tropical environs or heading out to search for more birds. Night time specials include the highly coveted Santa Marta screech-owl. Overnight at El Dorado Lodge. [BLD] DAY 13: EL DORADO TO SANTA MARTA Now s the time to clear up those wildlife targets and any elusive birds that are yet to be seen, including Santa Marta foliage gleaner and white-lored warbler, yet more Santa Marta endemics. You should also be on the lookout for the red howler-monkeys that are often heard in the surrounding cloud forest. After lunch at El Dorado transfer down the mountains to the city of Santa Marta. An afternoon at leisure is appreciated to reflect on the wonderful landscapes, animals, plants, cultures, and diversity that you ve been able to witness over the past two weeks. Overnight at Don Pepe Boutique Hotel. [BL] DAY 14: DEPARTURE Take this morning to relax and reflect on the people you ve met, the landscapes you ve walked in, and the great things you ve experienced. A transfer takes you back to Santa Marta airport where you get your flight to Bogota and onward connection. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. 8

9 PRICING AND DATES: Click here for pricing Click here for dates INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions National Park entrance fees Local English-speaking naturalist guides for all included tours Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation Hotel accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services Airport departure taxes NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above 9

10 Accommodations SOFITEL VICTORIA REGIA, BOGOTA Located in the heart of one of the most exclusive areas of Bogotá, Sofitel Victoria Regia offers chic and sophisticated 5* luxury. A blend of elegant and modern French style, with characteristic local features, creates a welcoming and distinctive design. The hotel's 102 rooms, including five private suites, offer luxury and comfort and feature flat screen TVs, free Wi-fi, marble bathrooms, safe box, hair dryers, and minibar. Hotel amenities include air conditioning, fitness center, concierge, dry cleaning, and a business center. Their gourmet restaurant, Basilic, invites you to experience the true art of French haute cuisine and the hotel s concierge and front desk team are well known for their great attitude and willingness to aid in any way possible. HOTEL MOVICH, PEREIRA Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Movich welcomes guests to the best of Colombia s luxury and local flavor, decorated with bamboo décor and colorful orchids. Traditional handicrafts and caña flecha are the finishing touches to this magnificent hotel that speaks to Colombia's coffee region. The on-site restaurant offers a fusion of traditional dishes and haute cuisine techniques. Each of the 40 room features flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Many have stripped wooden floors and some feature wrought-iron spiral staircases. Beautiful floor to ceiling windows allow for a lot of natural light. A fitness center on-site allows guest to get in some exercise. Amenities include spa, jacuzzi, sauna, gym, and pool. QUO HOTEL, MANIZALES Located in a quiet upmarket neighborhood of Manizales, Quo is a small boutique hotel with a modern decor and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. An outside jacuzzi in the crisp mountain air is a welcome touch after a day in the surrounding mountains. Amenities also include internet access, restaurant/bar, gym, and spa. 10

11 HACIENDA SAN JOSE Located in the warm and sub-tropical foothills of the Central Andes, in the heart of Colombia s coffee region, this stunning, original coffee hacienda has been converted into a boutique hotel of unique character. Spanish-style terracotta roof tiles and balconies coupled with excellent service make this wonderfully furnished hotel a great place to stay, only a stone s throw from Pereira airport. Rooms are all very comfortable with period style furnishings. SWEET HARMONY, SANTA MARTA Located in the lush mountains of the Sierra Nevada, this modern and quaint boutique hotel offers a charming respite in the middle of nature. The hotel is surrounded by gardens with more than 30 species of plants and trees typical of the region, with a small swimming pool and direct access to the river. Rooms are decorated in pastel colors with rich wood details and are furnished with comfortable double beds. All are spacious and have en-suite bathrooms with hot water and a balcony or terrace with jungle views. Amenities include LCD TV with satellite channels, hot water, hair dryer, fan, and safe. EL DORADO LODGE, SANTA MARTA Located exclusively in the heart of the El Dorado Bird Preserve, El Dorado Lodge is a beautifully designed ecolodge nestled in the hills of the Sierra Nevada de Marta. The Lodge features 10 comfortable rooms with amazing views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea on clear days. Also available are 5 Kogihabs, traditional round huts with panoramic views, located within a short walk (10-15 minutes) from the main lodge via forest trains perfect for bird watching. Guests can enjoy the forest trails, towers, terraces, restaurant/bar and visit the eco-shop for gifts and souvenirs. Due to its remote location, Internet access is available when possible (due to power outages) and rooms are cool given the lodges high altitude. 11

12 CALANOA JUNGLE LODGE, AMAZON Calanoa Jungle Lodge lies in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, in the indigenous reserve of Mocagua, set back from the Amazon river. It was carefully designed using traditional techniques and a contemporary approach, for sustainable architecture that uses local materials and resources. The woven palm roofs are beautiful and fresh, walls are minimal to improve air circulation, and the structures are built on stilts to elevate them from the ground, allowing for better views and increasing air circulation. Guest Cabins have a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor and a loft, with a capacity for 6 people each. The cabins are fully covered with mosquito screen, and each bed has its own mosquito net for extra protection from bugs. A board path connects the cabins with the dining/social pavilion and has an observation platform ideal for birds and monkeys watching. There is NO hot water although it isn t normally an issue as people prefer a lukewarm shower to wash off the humid Amazonian heat. Calanoa's cuisine is a fusion of local Amazonian traditions with Brazilian, Colombian and Peruvian cuisine, with organic and fresh local produce, fire wood cooking. HOTEL BOUTIQUE DON PEPE, SANTA MARTA Located in Santa Marta s historical colonial district, this 200-year-old house full of family history, is the city s premier boutique hotel. Contemporary and vintage stylings mix with the history of the house to give this small boutique hotel a unique and lavish character. 12 Rooms (3 suites) are ample, with beds of high rest, with ensuite bathrooms. services and amenities include pool, jacuzzi, free Wi-fi, room service, restaurant/bar, and a business center. Spa facilities are also available to make your stay even more memorable. 12

13 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* 20% land cost per person *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Pre-departure Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions 13