AMERICAS
HIGHLIGHTS
UNITED STATES
A thousand incredible travel experiences, from the Southwest's desert's incredible natural sculptures to the most bustling Northeast metropolis to Alaska's stunning glaciers to the breathtaking splendor of the Hawaiian islands.
America's diversity of travel opportunities has never been more incredible, from sea to shining sea.
MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Whether you cart surfboards or pack the family wagon with fishing rods for a few weeks on Chappaquiddick, a few hours spent in the warm sand will surely recharge your batteries – just ask the Vineyarders who have been returning for generations.
Clambakes, terrific B&B’s, fish markets and fishing boats, bicycles, antiques, clamming, kayaking, tucked away rentals, sailing, hours of baseball on the beach, football in the waves and Mad Martha’s. The ice cream at MM’s alone is worth the trip
“The Pacific is my home ocean; I knew it first, grew up on its shore, collected marine animals along the coast.
I know its moods, its color, its nature.”
JOHN STEINBECK
YUCATAN
Chichen Itza at dawn, in time to see the sunrise crest over
the top is worth every lost wink. Arriving at this magnificent
archipelago of ancient Mayan structures in the dark, but in time
for sunrise — just you and your guide – will leave anyone
energized and rejuvenated by the gods of this wondrous
structure. Follow up with a leisurely breakfast under the trees, an
adventurous swim at Catherwood’s cenote Xocempich and a first
rate tequila tasting.
The number of meticulously restored haciendas will never leave you wanting for a place to lay your head or explore the Mayan traditions past and present. Have we tempted you yet? No? Well, how about a magical performance at Hacienda Tamchen by the celebrated artist James Turrell, accompanied by composer Phillip Glass?
Let us help you explore the wonders of Yucatan.
SOUTH AMERICA
South America offers imposing waterfalls, the Amazon, Patagonia, Machu Picchu and Galapagos, as well as the extraordinarily festive cities of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Quito and Lima. Machu Picchu, Cuzco and The Sacred Valley are only recently accessible. For a truly breathtaking adventure, add Lake Titicaca to the mix. From there you can cross into Bolivia in a grass boat!
The archipelago comprising Galapagos is rich in diversity of species, as well as a variety of means by which to experience this equatorial gem. Don’t let the amblyrhynchus cristatus iguana frighten you away, he shares his home with Giant Tortoises and Blue-footed Boobies, to mention a few!
Santiago, Chile – nestled in a large basin bordered by the Andes – offers your heart’s desire within a two hour radius. Skiing? Hang gliding? A sun drenched beach? You guessed it, two hours away. However, should you choose to explore Santiago, she will steal your heart in less than two minutes!
THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
The Amazon is the 2nd longest river in the world–second to the Nile River Home to the pink dolphin and the mightiest river rainforest spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
The Peruvian Amazon is home to pink river dolphins, manatees, fresh water pancake stingrays, river otters, yellow spotted river turtles and caiman alligators. Catfish, piranha and arapaima-the world’s largest freshwater fish. We canoed, kayaked and river boated along the Amazon, venturing into its forests and villages with expert guides. My favorite village is La Comunidad San Francisco.
PERU
Recently, I was fortunate enough to travel to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable fresh water lake in the world at 12,500 feet above sea level. This home of the Uros Islands is said to be the birthplace of Incan civilization and the first Inca king, Manco Capac. Today, the vast blue waters are surrounded by the majestic Andes and filled with hundreds of threatened marine species such as the Titicaca Water Frog. It is also home to the white Titicaca grebe, a colorful, short winged flightless bird.
Everyone wants to visit the Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu returning to Lima, capital of Peru, after a week or so. I say, “Be adventurous!” Head south to discover the magnificent coastline, cuisine and untold religious sites, not the least of which is Monasterio Santa Catalina (UNESCO Heritage site) and another 1,800 remarkable species such as the Andean Condor, the national bird of Peru, with a wingspan of 10.5 feet! Come and explore the natural gifts, history and crazy nightlife of Peru.