 Discover unspoiled
wilderness with Orvis Travel.
A Message from Dave Parker, Managing Director, Orvis
Travel
If you're like me and seek out authentic places when you travel -
places where you experience something truly new and different from
your everyday life - it's hard to beat South America, especially if
nature, wildlife, or fly fishing are important to you. Adventurers
have been exploring and writing about the coasts and interior of
South America since the time of Darwin and Humboldt, but it's
surprising how few travelers have set foot in many of these famous
destinations.
 Take the Amazon, for instance, which
everybody knows about - rainforests, rivers, tropical
birds - but very few Americans ever visit. In the past, the
lack of infrastructure kept away all but the most intrepid
travelers and scientists, but with economic growth in Brazil and in
other parts of the region, that is changing. While it's still not
possible, or desirable, for large numbers of people to visit the
remote rivers and tributaries of the Amazon, there are a few ideal
destinations for travelers who prefer lodges or boats that cater to
fewer than 20 guests. A couple of my favorites are the Agua Boa Amazon Lodge and the Tucano, a riverboat that sails the Rio Negro. (Read
more about them below.)
The Galapagos Islands attract many more visitors than the Amazon,
but because of regulations on visitor numbers and their impact on
the fragile environment, this remains one of the most fascinating
wildlife destinations on earth. A boat is the only way to explore
the islands and at Orvis Travel we are biased towards smaller
ships, such as the MV Integrity, which takes only 16 passengers. Orvis
Travel's Jodi Hamilton was in the Galapagos in April, and you can
read her update below.
 If you prefer cool, mountain streams and
isolated bays where blue whales like to hang out, try the exotic new ship that sails the coast of Chile, staffed
by a crew of naturalists and fishing guides. The ship sails south
along the same coast Charles Darwin visited in 1835 aboard the
Beagle, and it's still largely unchanged. (Darwin might have
preferred the ultra-luxurious MV Atmosphere, which, at 150' length
is small by cruise ship standards, but is a full 60' longer than
the spartan Beagle.)
Orvis Travel takes a "small is better" and "authentic is best"
approach to travel off the beaten path. Below you'll find more
information about our favorite unspoiled destinations. Call us
today and start planning your next wildlife adventure.
Best Wishes,
Dave Parker & The Orvis International Travel Team
Fly Fishing the Amazon
The Agua Boa River is tucked away in a remote
corner of northern Brazil and it's a hidden gem for fly fishing. In
fact, catch and release fly fishing is the only kind allowed on
this prolific river and there's only one lodge for its entire
length. The variety of fish is astounding, from muscular peacock
bass that explode into the air when hooked or sleek aruana, a
primitive looking fish that can take you down to your backing
before you know what's happening.
E-mail Jason Elkins to book this trip.
For more details about fly fishing the Amazon, see
our itinerary online.
Orvis Exclusive week at Agua Boa Amazon Lodge:
March 21-28, 2009. $5,200 per angler. Limited to 14 guests.
The Best Natural History Cruise in
Brazil
The 16-passenger Tucano is the ideal size vessel to sail the remote Rio
Negro River in the heart of the Amazon Basin. It's a work of art
and a labor of love built by American owner Mark Baker, who divides
his time between Newport, Rhode Island, and Manaus. The riverboat
was recently refurbished, and sails north from Manaus into remote
islands and tributaries where you'll explore the Amazon forest with
two English speaking guides. The season is year round, and many
Americans are surprised to learn that the weather in August is a
pleasant 85 F.
E-mail Jodi Hamilton to book this trip.
For more details about cruising the Rio Negro, see
our itinerary online.
Trip cost: At $2,300 per person in 2008, this trip is an excellent
value.
Add an extra day in Manaus and visit the famed Amazon Opera
House.
Galapagos: the best small, luxury yacht
The MV Integrity holds 16 guests and is one of the
most comfortable and luxurious yachts sailing in the Galapagos. The
naturalists have time to get to know you and share their
considerable knowledge about the wildlife of the Galapagos on daily
walking, snorkeling, and kayaking trips.
"I just returned from the April 17 trip aboard the Integrity.
Everything and everyone was better than expected. The boat was a
great base to explore the islands from and the staff was always
willing to help any way that they could -- even by taking the gecko
that arrived with my luggage back to shore! The activities were
great and the days were busy, but there was plenty of time to relax
too. The food was amazing -- from made-to-order eggs at breakfast
and fresh sorbets at lunch to fresh fruit displays for dessert. Our
group of 15 was a very diverse mix and the trip was a success for
all!"--Orvis Travel's Jodi Hamilton
E-mail Jodi Hamilton to book this trip.
For more details about exploring the Galapagos,
see our itinerary online.
Trip cost: The 11-day cruise costs $4,995 until December 18,
2008.
After that, the price increases to $5,295 to $6,095, depending on
the date.
Blue whales and brown trout:
cruise the cool coast of Chile in luxury
Blue whales or brown trout are not usually part of the same
itinerary, but the mountains rise straight from the sea in dramatic
fashion along the coast of Chile. Blue whales come to the south end of
remote Chiloe Island in January and February, where they feed in
the Boca Del Guafo. Nearby, mountain streams flow down from
pristine forested mountains on the mainland. Equipped with a
helicopter for reaching trout streams in roadless wilderness and a
30' seagoing Zodiac guided by a marine biologist to locate the
whales, the luxurious 150' yacht is purpose-built for these waters
and sets a new standard in remote adventure. With only 14 cabins,
this is worlds apart from a cruise ship experience.
E-mail Jason Elkins to book this trip.
For more details about cruising the coast of
Chile, see our itinerary online.
Exclusive Orvis Week on the MV Atmosphere: Feb. 28 - March 7,
2009.
Prices from $12,138 to $28,917 per person.
Why Orvis Travel
Our in-house travel service specializes in international trips for
people who love the outdoors. We scout exciting locations, make
sure they are authentic and can deliver the experience you desire,
and then take care of the logistics you need to make it happen.
Whether you want to travel up the Amazon in a riverboat, fly fish
in Patagonia, explore a castle in Ireland, or fly in a bushplane to
Namibia and see cheetahs, we can handle the details.
Based in Sunderland, Vermont, at the Orvis home office, we have the
technology to communicate with outfitters in the remotest
destinations. We can help you select a destination, then set up the
arrangements quickly.
And it costs no more to use Orvis Travel. We charge the same rates
as lodges and give you the security of paying through Orvis with
your credit card.
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