Chameleon Worldwide Fusion Magazine

FUSION FIRST EDITION

I N S P I R AT I O N F O R TA I LO R - M A D E J O U R N E Y S & A DV E N T U R E S

EXPLORE LATIN AMERICA Go with the flow in Colombia Discover Peru’s secret citadel Paddle the rivers of Costa Rica

SAIL THE ARCTIC Bears, ’bergs, whales and aurora

WILD WORLD 10 of the planet’s top animal encounters

WELCOME T O A W O R L D O F I N S P I R AT I O N Introducing our new magazine, FUSION. We’re proud of this first issue – not least because, like Chameleon Worldwide, it’s a bit different. It’s packed with ideas and inspiration for your travel adventures, to help you get off the beaten track in style.

For our first issue, we’ve created a Latin America focus – introducing our take on this region of diverse landscapes and cultures, jaw-dropping wildlife and thrilling activities. First up is Colombia, a hidden gem that boasts fabulous fiestas, mysterious ancient remains and charming colonial towns, yet which still retains a very real sense of pioneering travel. We’re proud to offer more options for Colombia than any other tour operator. Discover the treats that line the River Magdalena in our special feature on page 6.

Elsewhere, we lead you into the cloud-clad Andes to explore Kuélap, a mysterious Peruvian citadel that pre-dates the Incas (page 12), and grab a paddle to kayak and raft the wild waters of Costa Rica (page 18).

We’re also delighted to introduce our new Arctic programme – turn to page 24 to discover how you can come face-to-snout with polar bears and watch breaching whales.

I hope you enjoy this issue, but don’t forget, this is just a taste of Latin America. For more fantastic ideas of adventurous, but comfortable, tailor-made holidays all over the world visit our website or chat to one of our experts.

Enjoy!

Mark Wright Managing Director

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CHAMELEON W O R L D W I D E the tailor made adventure experts

24 far left Solitary polar bear, Spitsbergen

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left Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica main pic Brazil’s iconic Hot Spot - Rio de Janeiro below left Discover Colombia’s colonial past below Wildlife watching in Namibia

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5 8 CONTENTS Latin America: What’s Hot................

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Our pick of the region’s must-see cities, islands, national parks and ancient sites.

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A selection of stylish pousadas, city boltholes, country cottages and rainforest retreats.

Crossing Colombia...........................

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Journey from the highlands to the Caribbean via mysterious statues, historic ports and otherworldly deserts.

Surprising Costa Rica....................

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Learn how Central America’s compact corker packs in plenty of action.

Colombia in Close-Up.......................

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Discover colonial gems, rainforest wildlife and lost cities – and experience five dynamic fiestas.

Blowpipes and Latin Beats............

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Meet nomadic Huaorani deep in Ecuador’s rainforest and enjoy festival time in Latin America.

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Peru’s Castle in the Clouds............

Explore Peru’s remote northern citadel of Kuélap and visit shimmering Gocta Falls.

Capital Ideas..................................

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Peru’s most characterful accommodation and the highlights of bustling Lima.

Latin Lodgings...............................

Sounds of Silence..........................

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Paddle Costa Rica’s waterways in search of jaguars and howler monkeys, plus the best lodges and resorts.

A World of Wildlife.........................

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Where to head for 10 of the planet’s most thrilling animal encounters.

Northern Exposure........................

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Pick your spot in the Arctic Circle to watch polar bears, ancient whales and shimmering auroras.

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Arctic Adventures...........................

Five of the best adventure cruises and spotting polar bears in Canada’s arctic tundra.

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WHAT’S HOT

L AT I N A M E R I C A ’ S H I G H L I G H T S

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TORTUGUERO Costa Rica

Explore the mangrove-clad coastline, famous as a nesting site for four different species of turtle. Kayak through Tortuguero’s maze of rivers and canals, and spot turtles, monkeys, otters and caiman.

Stretching from the Caribbean to sub-Antarctic waters, encompassing

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the world’s longest mountain range and its mightiest river, Latin America promises an incredible variety of travel experiences – often all in the same trip. So you can be dancing along to a samba parade one day and gasping at a magnificent waterfall the next, or lounging on a fine-sand beach before delving into a cloudforest to track rare birds.

Our travel experts have picked 19 unmissable Latin American destinations to add to your travel wishlist.

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LAKE TITICACA Peru

Kayak around the floating islands of the Uro people, ancient inhabitants of the highest navigable lake in the world. Explore Taquile Island, admiring traditional hand-woven textiles and learning about the ancient communal way of life.

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PANAMA CANAL Panama

Explore the coves and inlets spilling off the Panama Canal to spot wildlife including sloths, monkeys and fantastic birdlife including the snail kite and colourful keel-billed toucan.

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OSA PENINSULA

Costa Rica Look out for scarlet macaws and the elusive jaguar on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Boasting both coast and rainforest habitats, Osa is a hotspot for wildlife, home to at least half of the country’s species.

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ATACAMA DESERT Chile

Visit the world’s most arid – and, probably, oldest – desert, where pink flamingos stud the salt flats, Humboldt penguins fish off the coast and a rich variety of flora blooms among volcanoes and hot springs.

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TIKAL Guatemala

Delve into the heart of the jungle to discover one of the largest archaeological sites of the Maya civilisation.

Climb the steeply stepped pyramids for spectacular dawn and sunset views across the forest.

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KAIETEUR FALLS Guyana

Gasp at this vertiginous cataract, nearly five times the height of Niagara – among the most stunning waterfalls in the world. Spot the tiny golden frog and a host of other wildlife in the unique microenvironment surrounding the falls.

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK Colombia 4

Take a stroll on the coast where jungle spills onto wild, empty beaches with crashing waves and head inland to explore the fascinating pre-Hispanic ruins at Pueblito and meet the the white-clad Kogi people.

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KUELAP Peru

Climb to these impressive Chachapoyan ruins perched on a high, remote Andean eyrie. Boasting breathtaking mountain views but with a fraction of the visitors that throng Machu Picchu, you might even have the place to yourself.

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MACHU PICCHU Peru

Visit these incredible ruins high on an Andean peak and discover the secrets of the Inca on a fascinating guided tour. Follow in the footsteps of the citadel’s ancient architects along ancient trails through the cloud forest, pausing for photos of the classic view from Intipunku – the Sun Gate.

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ANDES From Colombia to Chile

Trek the Patagonian peaks in the south, wander among high-altitude Inca ruins in Peru, hike a circuit of the Quilatoa crater in Ecuador, traverse the Avenue of the Volcanoes and meet indigenous peoples in mountain villages and local colourful markets.

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CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Colombia & Nicaragua

Enjoy a taste of Caribbean paradise on the laid-back islands – don mask and snorkel to explore the dazzling reef life or just stretch out in the shade of a palm tree on the silky white sand.

G U AT E M A L A NICARAGUA C O S TA R I C A 12 4

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AMAZON

Brazil, Peru, Ecuador & Bolivia Stay in remote jungle lodges and explore the rainforest on guided walks and boat trips, observing its colourful birds and incredible wildlife. Meet indigenous tribespeople and learn how to use a blowpipe.

G U YA N A SURINAME FRENCH GUIANA

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C O LO M B I A 14

GALAPAGOS Ecuador

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Explore the more far-flung of the ‘Enchanted Isles’ on a cruise with an expert naturalist – spot spectacular wildlife including sealions, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and turtles. Or enjoy a multi-activity trip staying in hotels on several islands – try snorkelling, kayaking and biking.

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CARTAGENA Colombia

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Enjoy the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and superb colonial architecture of Colombia’s atmospheric port city.

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RIO DE JANEIRO Brazil

Relax on Copacabana or Ipanema beach, then take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for spectacular sunset views and vistas across Guanabara Bay and the twinkling lights of the city.

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PANTANAL Brazil

Explore the planet’s largest expanse of tropical wetlands, with some of the world’s best wildlife watching. Spot caiman, capybaras, anteaters and a huge array of colourful birdlife during activities including canoe trips, horse-riding and boat and jeep safaris. Look out for jaguars – your best bet for a sighting is here.

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BUENOS AIRES Argentina

Get a taste for tango in the birthplace of the Latin music phenomenon, taking in a dance performance or even a lesson. Tuck in to some world-famous Argentinian beef in a parilla (steakhouse).

IGUAZU FALLS

Brazil & Argentina

Admire the power of the most spectacular falls in South America – maybe even the world – with thrillingly close views from the walkways and canopy tour, enjoy spectacular views at the Devil’s Throat or take an exhilarating boat trip for a different perspective.

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COLOMBIA right Coffee crop and lush landscape of Colombia

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CROSSING COLOMBIA TRACING THE RIO MAGDALENA Follow the course of Colombia’s mightiest river past mysterious stone heads, otherworldly desert landscapes and sleepy colonial towns, to the Caribbean coast where silky sand beaches await.

Colombia, it’s fair to say, has spent years as a bit of a wallflower. Perhaps its reputation has been overshadowed by that of noisy neighbours who’ve loudly trumpeted their claims to tourism plaudits. Yet this diverse country boasts the best attributes of those adjoining destinations, but with a heritage all of its own.

You don’t have to sail the Galápagos to encounter majestic marine life – you can watch humpbacks off Colombia’s Pacific coast. True, Peru boasts spectacular pre-Columbian ruins – but it can’t top the enigmatic carved heads and statues around San Agustín, or Ciudad Perdida, the ‘Lost City’ of Colombia’s far north. Los Llanos, the verdant plains famed in Venezuela for cowboys and giant anteaters, stretch across Colombia’s north-east, too. Indigenous villages and rich Amazonian wildlife? Sure, you could go to Brazil – or you could delve into Colombia’s lush south-east. Then there are charming colonial towns, Caribbean beaches and mountain treks to consider.

But Colombia’s charms have gradually been winning the hearts of travel connoisseurs. Now the secret is out, and this Latin beauty is ready to step up and enjoy its place

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COLOMBIA

in the sun. Today, the biggest snag you’ll encounter when planning a trip is this: where do you start?

Well, you could do worse than trace a route along the Rio Magdalena, snaking from the country’s south-west interior to the coast. You wouldn’t be the first: well before the arrival of the Conquistadores, this river served as a route into the continent’s interior, and the Spaniards used it as a highway between Bogota and their key port at Cartagena. No wonder, then, that its course is punctuated with historical treasures, and plays a powerful role in the works of Gabriel García Marquez.

Begin at the very beginning – or near enough. In the wild countryside around San Agustín, nestled between the tendrils of the Magdalena’s headwaters, lies scattered the continent’s biggest collection of pre-Columbian relics. The first discoveries of tombs, petroglyphs and huge carved heads, some dating back perhaps two millennia, were made in 1758, but new monuments are still periodically unearthed.

Saddle up and head out on horseback to explore the hills and canyons among which hundreds of mysterious remains lie.

Go with the flow downstream to Neiva, jumping off point for the Tatacoa Desert just to the north.

This otherworldly landscape of weird rock formations and canyons is studded with cacti and the fossils of long-dead armadillos and turtles; above spreads a canopy of clear sky, untainted with light pollution and perfect for a night of stargazing.

On the river itself lies Honda, once the port for Bogotá and where, till only half a century or so back, paddle steamers dropped off passengers to take the road to the capital. Today it’s a warm, relaxed town with colourful Spanish-era streets and good fishing spots; young boys splash through the rapids in big inner tubes.

Wandering the sleepy streets of Mompox, among its candy-sweet colonial homes and churches, it’s hard to believe that this backwater played a key role in the birth of the nation. Yet ‘El Libertador’, Simón Bolívar, cited this burg, once a powerful trading post but now cast adrift in the middle of the Magdalena, as the nerve centre of his successful campaigns.

Now broad and implacable, the river reaches the Caribbean at Barranquilla, a vibrant port that’s Colombia’s fourth-largest city. It’s a short hop from here to magical, walled Cartagena, the beaches of Tayrona National Park and that ‘Lost City’, Ciudad Perdida. But don’t rush off, especially if you arrive in March – the first four days of the month see the streets throng with dazzling parades and salsa sounds during Carnival, among the continent’s biggest and most electrifying festivals.

Colombia Highlights 14 days exploring Bogota, Coffee Country and Tayrona.

Colombia Explorer Special group tour in June.

INSPIRED? LET US TAKE YOU THERE To plan a journey in Colombia or for more information on all our holidays visit our website chameleonworldwide.co.uk or speak to an expert 01962 737 647

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COLOMBIA main pic Bogota church with Monserrate in the background right Thirsty?

Crack open a coconut! middle right Cool off under swaying palms on the Caribbean island of Providencia below right Whale-watching on the Pacific coast

COLOMBIA IN CLOSE UP C O A S T , F O R E S T S & C O LO N I A L I S M Colombia’s highlights range from wild coastlines and charming colonial towns to beautiful empty beaches, remote archaeological sites and endless plains and forests packed with wildlife. Here’s our pick of five less-visited experiences and destinations.

CARIBBEAN COOL

WILD WILD EAST

TALES OF WHALES

Boasting all the charms you’d expect from a Caribbean island – sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms, great snorkelling and walking – yet with none of the trappings of mass tourism, Providencia is Colombia’s tropical idyll. Its very remoteness is part of the charm: getting there takes a bit of time, but is well worth the effort. We recommend hotel Deep Blue, the island’s top hotel with sweeping sea views, or we can arrange a stay in a simple beachfront guesthouse.

Covering around half the area of Colombia, the Amazon and the plains (Los Llanos) are home to only a fraction of the country’s population. There is some excellent wildlife spotting in Los Llanos from simple, remote lodges. A narrow sliver of Colombian territory stretches down to the Amazon River where there are a number of lodges offering visits to local communities and wildlife spotting.

Visitors of the cetacean kind flock to Colombia’s wild Pacific Coast from July to October: humpback whales, arriving to breed and nurture their calves. Enjoy thrilling encounters at El Cantil, a delightfully remote lodge accessible by air and boat, overlooking wild shores and backed by rainforest. Take a whale-watching boat trip for close encounters – though you could spot the gentle giants from the beach of even the balcony of your room.

Make time for jungle walks, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing, among the activities available year round.

Providencia

Amazon & Los Llanos regions

THE LOST CITY

Pacific Coast

Ciudad Perdida

COLONIAL CHARMERS

Believed to have been built by the Tayrona people around AD 800, Ciudad Perdida is a jumble of ancient terraces, bridges, paths and aqueducts buried in the dense forest. Reaching the Lost City is a true adventure: a five-day trek through steamy jungle, traversing the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta via numerous stone steps, crossing rivers and sleeping in hammocks on the way.

The legacy of Colombia’s Hispanic settlers can be seen in dozens of delightful towns and villages where whitewashed houses lined streets and plazas. Several gems dot the Andes north of Bogotá, including popular Villa de Leiva and whitewashed Barichara.

The warm valley of the River Magdalena harbours more colonial treasures at Mompós and Honda.

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Villa de Leiva & beyond

COLOMBIA

CARNIVAL Barranquilla For four days before Ash Wednesday, the streets of Barranquilla throng with a fusion of music, dance and colour. The intense festivities include traditional dances such as the Spanish paloteo, the African congo and the indigenous mico y micas.

LA FIESTA

SEMANA SANTA Mompox Celebrated in the architectural heritage site of Mompox and dating back to when wealthy people donated jewels, altars and images to achieve eternal salvation.

This religious festival – held during Easter week – brings together Catholic customs and traditional beliefs, through a beautiful procession of two steps forward, one step back.

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS Medellin Representing the end of slavery, this stunning festival transforms the city of Medellin into a parade filled with joy, feast and culture in August each year. The most significant event is the ‘silleteros’ parade, recognised as a cultural heritage of Colombia as traditional chairs used in colonial times to carry people on the mountains, are used as contraptions for carrying lilies, sunflowers, orchids and many more.

A TA S T E O F C O LO M B I A Colombia’s towns and villages host spectacles of music and dance, religion and literature, flowers and four-wheel-drives in a succession of colourful parades and carnivals.

main pic Palenquera street vendor in Cartagena right Lively and colourful Barranquilla Carnival below right The unique Yipao procession

YIPAO Armenia & Calaraca This symbolic event pays homage to the region’s icon, the ‘Willys Jeep’ which is used to transport goods up and down the mountains. Every June, the streets are lined with hundreds of jeeps carrying agricultural products, household items, animals and other creative objects as part of fun contests – a truly unique and picturesque sight for all.

HAY FESTIVAL Cartagena An annual festival which brings together the exponents of literature, journalism, music and art. Hundreds of people congregate in Cartagena to participate in discussion groups, designed to create bridges between the normal citizens and great creators, welcoming a multi-cultural society.

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ECUADOR

HOT

SHOTS MEET THE HUAORANI Like so many things in life, using a blowpipe looks a lot easier than it is. Long tube, small dart, big target: surely hitting a stationary tree trunk from fifty paces should be a doddle? Think again.

Discovering how useless you’d be at hunting your supper in the depths of the Amazon is just one of the unique experiences you can expect on a visit to the Huaorani. Its people, denizens of the dense rainforest of Ecuador’s Oriente region for centuries or even millennia, are attuned to life in this steamy emerald habitat like no other. Until a little over half a century ago they lived simple nomadic lives, remote and apart from the Western world; a few still resist contact with outsiders and have never spoken to non-Huaorani.

Their language is like no other on Earth, their culture fascinating and fragile, their knowledge of the forest unparalleled.

In the face of encroachment into their domain by oil companies and settlers, one community – the Quehueri’ono – has established a small eco-lodge and welcomes small numbers of fortunate visitors to experience their traditional lifestyle. The journey into Huaorani territory emphasises just what a Bruce Parry experience this is: a long drive from Quito, a flight in a tiny plane, then a boat ride along the Shiripuno River brings you to the ecolodge, a cluster of five simple but comfortable thatched cabins. It’s another hour’s walk to the village, where you’ll meet the Huaorani and learn about their customs and way of life.

And there’s a lot to learn: watch women chew manioc root to make alcoholic chicha; discover the medicinal uses of just a fraction of the countless plant species around the village; and patrol the jungle with tribesmen, among dazzling birdlife, howler monkeys roaring in the treetops, blowpipes at the ready to hunt monkeys and other animals.

The Huaorani have a word that expresses the happiness and contentment that a balanced life bestows: “Huaoponi”. Learn it well – this magical experience will have you repeating it again and again.

Galapagos and Amazon Adventure 16 days in Amazonia and island-hopping in the Galapagos.

INSPIRED? LET US TAKE YOU THERE To plan a journey in Ecuador and The Galapagos or for more information on all our holidays visit our website chameleonworldwide.co.uk or speak to an expert 01962 737 647 call us to discuss your holiday plans: 01962 737 647 1 0 CHAMELEON W O R L D W I D E the tailor made adventure experts

CARNIVAL

main pic & top left Colourful costumes and parades at Rio’s Carnaval left Semana Santa, Easter Procession below It takes two!

Tango performance, Buenos Aires

CARNIVAL! M OV E T O T H E L AT I N B E AT

Latin America’s fiestas, carnivals and dances create a blaze of colour and foot-tapping music. Look out for five of our favourites across the region.

THE SAMBA SPECTACLE

THE ACROBATIC DANCE

THE SULTRIEST STEPS

The world’s biggest carnival is also its most famous: Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval brings some two million revellers out onto the streets to join the party. Taking place each February or March over the five days preceding Lent, a series of dazzling, deafening parades sees gaudily decorated floats from 200 or more blocos (samba schools) leading streams of exotically clad dancers. The experience varies across the country – Carnival in Salvador de Bahia is rich in Afro-Brazilian influences.

Brazil’s ‘capital of happiness’, Salvador de Bahia, is famous for its lively street festivals and Afro-Brazilian culture – indeed, it’s often said that Salvador feels more Caribbean than Brazilian. It also the birthplace of capoeira, a dance with more than a hint of fight in it.

Influenced by the music and dances of African slaves and native Brazilian tribes, capoeira’s roots trace back to the 16th century. Routines are packed with powerful kicks and speedy spins; at the heart of each is the ginga, involving back-and-forth, foot-to-foot movements.

Tango is synonymous with Buenos Aires, its birthplace and spiritual home. A sunset jaunt through the city will usually be soundtracked by the distinctive rhythm spilling from a bar or milonga (tango dance night). Get your feet tapping and hips swaying at a tango show, or head to a milonga and try out your best moves!

THE HOLY PROCESSION

THE INCA EVENT

Easter Week (Semana Santa) in Guatemala is quite a spectacle. In the capital, Antigua, each March or April, purple-robed devotees join processions in which statues of Jesus and Mary are carried along cobbled streets adorned with alfombras – ornate carpets traditionally made with flowers and coloured sawdust. Semana Santa begins on Palm Sunday, a week before Easter.

Harking back to the heyday of the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi – the Festival of the Sun – honours the god Inti on the winter solstice (24 June). It’s still celebrated throughout the Andes each year with street dances, colourful costumes and the sharing of food, most spectacularly in Cuzco, where the whole city is alive with music and parades.

Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Semana Santa, Antigua, Guatemala

Capoeira, Salvador, Brazil

Inti Raymi, Cusco, Peru

Tango, Buenos Aires, Argentina

INSPIRED? LET US TAKE YOU THERE If you want to experience any of the carnivals listed here - or around the world - we can create a bespoke trip for you. Call us for details on 01962 737 647

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PERU

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Lake Titicaca

D I S C OV E R A LO S T C I TA D E L Picture a vast stone citadel, perched on a breathtakingly lofty eyrie in the Peruvian Andes, peopled by a long-vanished civilisation. I know what you’re thinking. But you’d be wrong. I’m not describing Machu Picchu – it’s even better than that.

As I wandered among the remains of Kuelap, I had the nagging feeling that something was missing. Then it struck me: crowds. We had the place pretty much to ourselves. And that’s part of the magic of this ancient fortress, once home to some 3,500 ‘People of the Clouds’ – the Chachapoyas civilisation that flourished here a millennium ago. But only part. Because this huge archaeological site would be impressive enough if it were thronged with visitors.

I squeezed through its towering gateway, struggling to imagine how such a massive stronghold – 700m long and guarded by a 20m-high stone wall – could be lost.

Yet Kuelap spent centuries in obscurity before being rediscovered in 1843, and it’s still being excavated: as I meandered past El Tintero (‘The Inkpot’, believed to have been a sacrificial site), and nosed into hundreds of ruined roundhouses, the past was being unearthed and mapped out all around me. It wasn’t a neatly restored museum or heritage site. It was history in all its mysterious, messy glory.

I was nearing the end of my two-week odyssey through the historical highlights of Peru, and this was the apogee, the Indiana Jones adventure to top them all. And that took some doing, given the array of cultures I’d experienced, both ancient and less-so.

I had begun my journey in Cusco, gateway to the Sacred Valley and the heart of the Inca empire. Well, not so much heart as navel – the name derives from the Quechua word for belly button. Though the city itself is littered with treasures dating from the time of the Conquistadores and before, I was itching for my first glimpse of Machu Picchu. And it’s never going to disappoint. The fact that nobody knows the citadel’s function, nor those of its key monuments, just adds to the allure. What I do know is that the sight of the complex spread out before me, against a backdrop of the looming peak of Wayna Picchu, whetted my archaeological appetite. And Peru’s history is a feast.

Flying to Trujillo, I headed for Chan Chan, another less-visited site – though not for want of grandeur. Seven centuries ago, the capital of the Chimú empire was the largest city in the Americas, boasting 60,000 inhabitants.

I gazed transfixed at the geometric friezes on the mud walls of the Tschudi Complex’s Audience Room, where fish swim, birds strut and – are those squirrels?

It was a visual reminder that Peru’s natural spectacles make quite a splash, too. I would soon be completing my visit in the Amazon’s emerald basin, but first, another watery wonder demanded my attention.

The path to the Gocta Falls, mapped as recently as 2005, was unremarkable enough to start with, threading from the small village of Cocachimba between sugar-cane fields and then into steep-sided, forested mountains. As we approached the cataract, though, I forgot my surroundings. Gocta’s two slender drops plummet perhaps 771m; if correct, that figure would make it the fifth-highest waterfall in the world.

Or the 15th. Or maybe the third, depending on who you believe. Nobody’s really sure, and I didn’t care.

But it reminded me again: sometimes the places about which least is known are the most thrilling.

Tom Manchester, Product Manager Beyond the Incas 18 days exploring Peru including Cusco, Machu Picchu, Trujillo, Kuelap and Gocta.

INSPIRED? LET US TAKE YOU THERE To plan a journey in Peru or for more information on all our holidays visit our website chameleonworldwide.co.uk or speak to an expert 01962 737 647

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PERU

FIVE TOP

STAYS P E R U V I A N FA V O U R I T E S

explore this incredible country.

24 HOURS IN LIMA

Choose from Lima’s chic hotels to

Peru’s capital isn’t just a gateway

Combining comfort and luxury with a great location, our chosen accommodation in Peru helps you

intimate villas in remote locations.

Here’s five of our favourites.

LA CASONA • CUSCO Cusco’s chic boutique hotel Situated in the heart of Cusco, La Casona is a luxury boutique hotel based on Inca foundations, beautifully furnished with every modern comfort.

to Incan wonders. Join our unique itinerary to discover an alternative view of Lima, enjoying seafood, cycling, Pacific views and pyramids.

Taste the morning catch Fancy fish first thing? The Limeños do – and the Fish Terminal in Lima’s untouristed Villa María del Triunfo district is where the best of the ocean’s bounty is sold. Hand-pick your choice of seafood and have it prepared in traditional style.

Cycle through the centuries

SOL Y LUNA • URUBAMBA

ARTS B BARRANCO • LIMA

Intimate villas in a stunning location Urubamba is the gateway to the Sacred Valley.

Our accommodation here comprises of individual guest villas set in lovely gardens and with spectacular views of the mountains.

Stylish hotel in Lima’s Barranco district Built in a characteristic style different to most of Lima’s hotels, this offers a different angle on a city that is often unfairly overlooked.

Lima is studded with glorious colonial sites. Hop on a bike and join a guided tour around the highlights, including the Cathedral, Monastery of San Francisco and an array of beautiful churches and mansions.

Take a cruise Get a different perspective on the city – from the water.

During the summer months join a sailing cruise into the Pacific for views back to Lima and a stop on San Lorenzo Island to enjoy the deserted beaches.

Nose around new neighbourhoods Discover the delights of southern districts with a walking tour through San Isidro, Miraflores and Barranco.

Drinking in the views of the Pacific from the clifftops above the Costa Verde, you’ll pass street murals and artists’ studios, bustling shops and even an olive grove.

Be amazed by archaeological marvels

INKATERRA RESERVA AMAZONICA • AMAZON Remote jungle lodge Tucked away in the vast Peruvian Rainforest, these thatched cabanas connected by treetrunk boardwalks provide undoubtedly the most comfortable accommodation in the area.

TITILAKA • LAKE TITICACA Boutique hotel in lakeside location Titiaka is a luxurious modern refuge with high standard facilities, perfect for exploring the natural, cultural and historical beauty of the region.

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Make an evening visit to Museo Larco, an archaeology museum housed in an 18th-century viceregal mansion that traces the history of the country’s pre-Columbian peoples. Admire artefacts ranging from Pacopampa stone stelae and Nazca drums to glittering gold headdresses of the Moche and Chimú people.

Eat overlooking the ancients Even in the centre of Lima, the past erupts into the present – and at Huaca Pucllana that means a 16-century-old adobe pyramid. Admire it at your leisure while sampling excellent contemporary Peruvian cuisine at the restaurant overlooking the ancient structure.

PERU

FIVE WAYS TO

THE TOP OPTIONS FOR MACHU PICCHU

Peru’s most iconic site is a must-see – but the Inca Trail isn’t the only way to get there. Choose from five different options for your visit to this iconic Incan citadel in the Andes.

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL One of the world’s great treks, the classic five-day route snakes over three high Andean passes and past traditional villages. Camping en route, you’ll pass a series of intriguing archaeological sites including the wonderful Inca site of Wiñay Wayna before reaching Intipunku, the ‘Sun Gate’, from where you’ll drink in fabulous views of Machu Picchu itself.

TRAIN There are three options for riding the rails up to the ruins through the beautiful Sacred Valley. Choose from the functional but comfortable Expedition train; the Vistadome, with larger windows and glass roof panels; or the luxury Orient-Express Hiram Bingham service, with multi-course meals and on-board entertainment.

MINI INCA TRAIL This short but beautiful trek comprises the final section of the classic route, rewarding with views of snow-capped peaks. Taking the train to km 104 on the railway, you’ll spend a day hiking past Wiñay Wayna and to the Sun Gate, followed by an extended day tour of Machu Picchu encompassing visits to temples, palaces and agricultural areas.

SALKANTAY TREK An alternative to the traditional Inca Trail – but still providing those jaw-dropping vistas of Machu Picchu on the final day. You’ll traverse cloud forests and high passes and take in dramatic views of turquoise lakes and the ice-capped peaks of the spectacular Vilcambamba range. The final part of the journey includes the train to Aguas Calientes. Choose from camping or comfortable mountain lodges en-route.

LARES TREK For more cultural immersion, the four-day Lares Trek – also known as the ‘Weavers’ Trail’ – offers insights into traditional lifestyles. The route starts at the weaving community of Qelcanca, where locals wear colourful, handmade clothing made with wool from the llamas and alpacas they herd. Camping in the high mountains, you’ll pass glorious views of snow-clad peaks and lakes before travelling by train to Aguas Calientes and on to Machu Picchu itself.

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CHAMELEON W O R L D W I D E 1 5

ACCOMMODATION

POUSADA RIO MUTUM • BRAZIL

TOTOCO ECOLODGE • NICARAGUA

Pantanal ecolodge with wonderful wildlife This secluded lodge is the ideal base for discovering the biodiversity of a beautiful wetland region teeming with flora and fauna all year.

Ometepe Island lodge in Lake Nicaragua Perched on the slopes of the Maderas Volcano, this environmentally friendly lodge offers stunning panoramic views over the island and lake.

MORGAN’S ROCK • NICARAGUA

ECLIPSE • GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR

Stylish hacienda & beach bungalows Tucked away between jungle and beach, this luxury lodge offers breathtaking views amid the sounds of monkeys and birds.

Luxurious Galapagos cruise ship This comfortable vessel offers the spaciousness of a larger ship, while preserving the intimacy of a small yacht.

DAS CATARATAS • BRAZIL

CRISTALINO LODGE • BRAZIL

Luxury hotel by Iguazu Falls Surrounded by tropical forest and perched alongside the falls this unbeatable location is undoubtedly the most luxurious option for a stay at Iguazu.

Spectacularly set Amazon ecolodge Set in a private reserve of nearly 30,000 acres, this ecolodge offers fabulous wildlife spotting opportunities in the southern Amazon region.

CASA MOJANDA • ECUADOR

REFUGIO AMAZONAS • PERU

Highland cottages near Otavalo Set among the volcanoes and lakes of the Andes, these rustic farm cottages are the perfect base for walking, horse-riding, kayaking or relaxing.

Family-friendly Amazon ecolodge Ideal for soft adventurers and families, this idyllic lodge provides an array of popular excursions including wildlife spotting, kayaking and mountain biking.

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ACCOMMODATION

TWELVE TOP

STAYS

CORAL • GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR

L A T I N A M E R I C A N FA V O U R I T E S From chic beach bungalows on wave-lapped shores to charming

First-class Galapagos yachts Small yet stylish, these yachts offer a range of itineraries around the Enchanted Isles to experience the greatest diversity of the Galapagos’ astonishing wildlife.

colonial pousadas, and from rainforest ecolodges to luxurious Galapagos cruisers, Latin America offers a range of accommodation options. We’ve picked a dozen of our favourite places.

ECOHABS • COLOMBIA Caribbean beach bungalows Perched on jungle covered hillside in Tayrona National Park, these private bungalows provide excellent beach views and a spa for perfect relaxation.

CASA AMARELO • BRAZIL Boutique suites in Rio Stylish, characterful guestrooms in the bohemian district of Santa Teresa provide a unique insight into the Cidade Maravilhosa (‘Marvellous City’) away from the high-rise hotels.

VILLA LAGUNA • GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR Small, central hotel An oasis of tranquillity wrapped around a central courtyard and private pool, this peaceful hotel is the ideal base for exploring the island of Santa Cruz.

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COSTA RICA

CHILLED OUT

...OR ACTION PACKED

Blessed with dual Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Costa Rica offers ample options for relaxation, adventure – or both.

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COSTA RICA

Costa Rica packs quite a kick. It’s the country’s extraordinary geography that nurtures dizzying wildlife and creates the perfect playground for outdoor adventures: volcanoes looming about the rainforest, spewing lava and courting trekkers; beaches where turtles nest and surfers ride the breaks; jungle-lined channels luring kayakers among caiman and monkeys; mountain trails for biking, and whitewater rapids for rafting.

And with twin coasts on the Caribbean and Pacific, there’s no shortage of sandy strands for simply stretching out and relaxing.

Meeting the locals, of course, is an essential element for a visit – and the cast list is impressive. Fancy a date with a resplendent quetzal – a dazzling creature with traffic-light plumage and tail-feathers extravagant enough to make a bird of paradise feel dowdy? Head to Monteverde cloud forest for an introduction. America’s biggest cat, the jaguar, is a coy beast, but a dawn paddle along the waterways of Tortuguero might yield an encounter – and you’ll meet sloths and monkeys en route. The beaches of Tortuguero are an important nesting site for the endangered green turtles. Then there are the ‘Ticos’ themselves, Costa Rica’s chilled-out, music-loving people, ready with a smile and, probably, a cool drink to tickle your dancing glands.

But that’s for the evening. The daytime is for getting active. Up in the highlands, it’s about the thrills: zipwires span the forest canopy for an exhilarating skyride at Monteverde, while rumbles under tyres and hooves add spice to mountain-biking and horseriding escapades on volcanic Mount Arenal. And down on the water, there’s more action: 28km of whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, and a line of waves breaking on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Behind those waves, of course, spread sandy beaches shaded by swaying palms. So when you’ve squeezed out that last drop of adrenalin – or if you just feel like a spot of lounging and lazing – settle back and enjoy those sea breezes. The action can wait for another day…

Lake Nicaragua

MONT ARENAL

TO R T U G U E R O N A T I O N A L PA R K

MONTEVERDE SARAPIQUI

an be rib Ca

RINCON DE LA VIEJA

S

a

e

C O S TA R I C A SAN JOSE SAN GERARDO D E D OTA

C A H U I TA N A T I O N A L PA R K

M A N U E L A N TO N I O N A T I O N A L PA R K

Pa cific Ocean

OSA PENINSULA

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COSTA RICA

right Glimpse the elusive jaguar far right The tropical kingbird below Turtle along the Tortuguero below right See the sights on horseback

SOUNDS OF

SILENCE

F R O M A K AYA K I N T O R T U G U E R O Costa Rica specialist Dan Painter explores its active side. “As we steered the noses of our kayaks along a slender channel and into the lush heart of Tortuguero National Park, the throaty chug of outboard motors faded until it was no more than a faint buzz, then evaporated altogether. The stillness that replaced it was richer than I could have imagined.

Except, of course, it wasn’t silence. At first I could hear only the splash-and-drip of our paddles dipping in coffee-coloured water, our guide motioning us forward past the hanging foliage. Then, gradually, I became aware of other noises. The plop as a pygmy kingfisher dived for prey. The rustle in the leaves as a family of howler monkeys, for once not living up to their name, peered down at us, lingering right at the water’s edge as we drifted past.

Wildlife all around seemed similarly relaxed: caiman did their best log impressions alongside us, iguanas lounged on branches above, and we could admire the gorgeous blue-green and chestnut hues of agami herons stiltwalking through the shallows. Somewhere in that thick jungle, I knew, stalked jaguars; I was both disappointed and relieved not to catch a glimpse of a spotted feline glaring hungrily from the bank. For two hours, I felt part of the natural rhythms of the rainforest in a way that just wouldn’t be possible in a speedboat.

It’s amazing what you can do in Costa Rica – though not all of it is as serene as that mesmerising kayak tour. Horseriding, mountain-biking, ziplining, waterfall

abseiling and trekking appear on the menu, through mountains and rainforests, along beaches and rivers.

event: a narrow gorge tumultuous with rapids bearing such reassuring names as Double Drop and Pinball.

I’d started my trip high in the cloud forest, south-east of capital San José at Trogon Lodge. My bedroom window looked out right into the forest canopy – it was tempting to see whether I could birdwatch without leaving my bed. Almost. But the lure of spotting the aptly named resplendent quetzal was too much, and I joined the lodge’s guide at 6am on a hunt for this dazzling green-and-crimson bird among the wild avocado trees. No luck with a quetzal, but the natural insights doled out by my guide were, I’d say, themselves pretty resplendent.

Gasping and spluttering, I did at least find time to gawp at the Huacas waterfall (before being dunked underneath it). And during a moment of calm on our final stretch through the Dos Montañas canyon and beyond, lined with primary rainforest, I reclined on the raft and gazed up into the canopy, to see whitefaced monkeys spying back down at me. Not for the first time, Costa Rica sprang a surprise to leave me speechless.”

My next destination, the Pacuare River, isn’t so peaceful – but it’s certainly wild. A 30km whitewater rafting trip promised not just foaming torrents but plenty of scenic beauty, too, though I’d admit my thoughts were focussed on staying upside through class III and IV rapids – at first, anyway. After half an hour mastering the instructions yelled by our river guide – mostly ‘paddle left!’ or ‘right!’ or the more scary ‘GET DOWN!’ – we were ready for the main

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Costa Rican Adventure 13 days of high adrenaline.

Kayaking, biking, horse-riding and more.

INSPIRED? LET US TAKE YOU THERE To plan a journey in Costa Rica or for more information on all our holidays visit our website chameleonworldwide.co.uk or speak to an expert 01962 737 647

COSTA RICA

SIX TOP

STAYS

C O S T A R I C A N FA V O U R I T E S For a small country, Costa Rica has a lot to offer; from its rich Pacific and Caribbean beaches, to active volcanoes, lush rainforest and some of the richest bio-diversity on Earth.

For me, the highlight was being able to experience such a diverse contrast in culture and activities; with the action packed adventure being perfectly balanced with the laid back lifestyle known as ‘Pura Vida’, it’s a good life!

We went from horse riding, white-water rafting and ziplining over the cloud forest, to relaxing and soaking up the sun on the stunning Caribbean beaches.

MAWAMBA LODGE • TORTUGUERO

CARIBLUE • PLAYA COCLES

PACUARE LODGE • PACUARE RIVER

Turtle watching at the waterside rainforest lodge Set on a verdant sliver of land separating the Caribbean from Tortuguero’s channels, this lodge in the heart of the rainforest can be reached only by boat or air. Kayak through the canals to spot sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and, toucans, or head to the beach where four species of turtles nest.

Caribbean resort A visit to Costa Rica’s beautiful Caribbean Coast is an absolute must . Playa Cocles offers a combination of striking white beaches, lush greenery and a relaxed Afro-Caribbean atmosphere, and Cariblue’s fresh, cool rooms and bungalows complete the picture.

Rainforest ecolodge A magical lodge in the jungle surrounded by colourful birds and dancing butterflies, this is rainforest immersion at its wildest yet most comfortable, with a spa and private pools. The journey here is an adventure in itself, a white-water rafting voyage along the spectacular Pacuare River.

TROGON LODGE • SAN GERARDO DE DOTA Cloudforest lodge

EL REMANSO • OSA PENINSULA

XANDARI RESORT • ALAJUELA

Rainforest lodge Perched in the rainforest in a magical corner of Costa Rica, This lodge on a rustic private reserve provides a unique rainforest experience. Head down to the beach to relax, or into the jungle to spot monkeys, coatis, armadillos and ocelots.

Stylish villas Nestled in a 40-acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley near the capital, San Jose, this tropical paradise boasts excellent hospitality and luxurious facilities. It’s the perfect way to start or finish your Costa Rican adventure.

Spilling down the mountainside on the Pacific slope of the Talamanca range, this charming ecolodge provides the perfect base for exploring the cloud forest canopy and spotting the diverse and dazzling birdlife, including the rare and colourful resplendent quetzal, Costa Rica’s national bird.

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WILDLIFE

A WORLD OF

WILDLIFE

Nothing tops the experience of encountering a wild animal on its own turf. Whether you’re coming face to face with a gorilla in the mountains of East Africa, watching an elephant drink from a waterhole on the savannah or laughing at bluefooted boobies on the Galapagos Islands, these moments are precious and unforgettable. Here’s 10 of our favourite animal adventures.

IN LATIN AMERICA GALAPAGOS • ECUADOR

OSA PENINSULA • COSTA RICA

Snorkel with sealions The Galapagos’ spectacular wildlife – including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies – is utterly fearless: close encounters are inevitable. Cruise around the islands and stop off to kayak or swim with sealions, penguins and turtles.

See the elusive jaguar & sloths The beaches and rainforest of the wild Pacific Coast at Osa offer fantastic wildlife-watching and is one of our favourite spots: look out for jaguar, caiman, monkeys, sloths and a fantastic array of birdlife.

PANTANAL • BRAZIL

Spot giant river otters Walk out from this village eco-lodge, set in a pocket of savannah deep in the rainforest, to spot giant river otters, anacondas, tapirs and capybaras. A climb up Surama Mountain will be blessed with fantastic birdlife along the trail.

Spy on lounging jaguars The world’s largest wetland is bustling with wildlife including caiman, capybara, anteaters and colourful birdlife. Join a boat, jeep, horse-riding or canoe safari, and watch the bank – this is the best place to spot jaguars.

MINDO REGION • ECUADOR Watch hummingbirds hover The highlands of Ecuador are cloaked in biodiverse cloud forest, and Mindo is one of the best spots for spectacular birdlife. Watch a kaleidoscopic array of hummingbirds plus toucans and the bizarre, flamboyant cock-of-the-rock.

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SURAMA • GUYANA

WILDLIFE

& WORLDWIDE BWINDI FOREST • UGANDA

YALA • SRI LANKA

Track mountain gorillas Enjoy the wildlife experience of a lifetime on safari: track mountain gorillas through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Elsewhere in Uganda, visit a chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria and spot hippos, hyenas and impala in Lake Mbar National Park.

Search for elephants & leopards Thanks to its varied wildlife, Yala is recognised as one of the best places in the world to observe leopards, as well as a variety of other wildlife including elephants, sloth bears and water buffalo.

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK • ZAMBIA Walk with lions

Meet orang-utans Hike through lush wilderness, learn about conservation and enjoy a close encounter with orang-utans in their rainforest home as well as learning about their rehabilitation at Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary.

Hike out in the birthplace of the walking safari to spot elephant, lion, leopard and hippo on foot with arguably Africa’s top wildlife guides. Split your time between a traditional safari lodge and a bush camp, enjoying boat and jeep safaris.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK • NAMIBIA Spot rare black rhino Enjoy superb game-viewing against the surreal backdrop of the vast salt pan of Etosha National Park.

Waterholes offer excellent wildlife sightings including endangered black rhinos, giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions and leopards.

SABAH, BORNEO • MALAYSIA

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THE ARCTIC

en la nd Sea

SPITSBERGEN

GREENLAND above Polar Bear - King of The Arctic

G

re

Baffin Bay

N O R WAY

ARCTIC CIRCLE

LO F OT E N ISLANDS

Norwegian Sea

ICELAND

Hudson Bay CHURCHILL CANADA

n No ea rth Oc Atlantic

NORTHERN EXPOSURE THE ARCTIC AS THRILLING AS ANYWHERE ON EARTH call us to discuss your holiday plans: 01962 737 647 2 4 CHAMELEON W O R L D W I D E the tailor made adventure experts

THE ARCTIC

top right Lofoten islands in Norway top left Blue glacier, Spitsbergen above Cruising icy waters left Stunning Northern Lights

The Arctic isn’t so much a place as an idea. It’s not a continent, a country, even an island – just the contents of a circle drawn on a map, the bald pate of the world, empty of big cities, tall forests or soaring mountains.

Yet it’s a domain where reality trumps anything the imagination can conjure up, and where activities, animals and spectacles come as thrilling as anywhere else on Earth.

It’s apt that the very name for the region derives from the Greek arktos, meaning bear. Though the word refers to the constellation in the northern sky, for many visitors the objective is to experience a close encounter – hopefully not too close – with Ursus maritimus: a polar bear, the world’s largest land carnivore. This mighty beast, weighing half a tonne and more, spends the winter hunting seals on northern floes, retreating to land when the ice melts.

Come autumn, hundreds of bears congregate around Churchill, on Hudson Bay in northern Canada, waiting for the sea ice to form – making this the ‘polar bear capital’ of the world. A stay at the Tundra Lodge, an extraordinary mobile hotel that moves to track the highest concentrations of bears, allows you to witness their behaviour in comfort. And for more viewing

opportunities, board a tundra buggy – a bus adapted with enormous wheels to tackle the snowy terrain – and travel to where the bears are. They’re as curious of you as you are of them: don’t be surprised if one rears up on hind legs to peer into your window!

Elsewhere you’ll need to sail into polar bear territory, and nowhere is a rendezvous more memorable than in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. A mere 1,000km from the North Pole, Spitsbergen in summer is fantastic in its literal sense, with endless daylight, bays lumpy with icebergs and floes, and a host of eye-popping wildlife. A cruise around northern Spitsbergen carries you under raucous seabird cliffs bustling with thousands of guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes, into fjords where ringed and bearded seals haul out, and along pack ice where – of course – polar bears hunt those very pinnipeds. You might even spot the animal kingdom’s largest citizen, the blue whale.

But for probably the planet’s most exceptional whale-watching, join a cruise somewhere even more outlandish: West Greenland. Riven by long icebergstudded fjords, this coast is alive with humpback whales in summer, when plankton blooms attract krill that are scooped up in the filter-feeders’ gaping maws.

More astonishing still are the mysterious, little-studied Greenland or bowhead whales, true denizens of the Arctic that cruise these waters throughout the year.

With the thickest blubber of any cetacean, they can live to 200 years old – an encounter with these marine methuselahs is unforgettable. And the action’s not confined to the water: don skis to explore the island’s otherworldly snowscapes.

A winter foray into the Arctic promises another unique experience: the shimmering light show of the aurora borealis. Described variously as billowing neon sheets or dancing colours, some claim to hear to hear an electric crackling when the northern lights blaze. They’re unpredictable, but on a cruise through Norway’s Lofoten Islands you’ve a good chance of catching a performance – and the current phase of high solar activity that bodes well for the best aurora displays in decades.

INSPIRED? LET US TAKE YOU THERE See six of the best Arctic itineraries overleaf and start planning your own Arctic adventure.

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THE ARCTIC

ARCTIC ADVENTURES E X P LO R E T H E I C Y N O R T H Discover the wild wonders of the Arctic with six new itineraries designed to introduce the region’s animal inhabitants and spectacular scenery.

Board a schooner or check in at a tundra lodge to meet polar bears, whales and walruses.

AURORA BOREALIS • LOFOTEN ISLANDS

AROUND SPITSBERGEN • SVALBARD

Best for: Stunning displays of northern lights The experience: Sail between this string of Norwegian islands stretching into the icy waters above the Arctic Circle, dropping anchor in isolated harbours lined with red-and-white fisherman’s cabins and guarded by jagged peaks. At each stop you’ll don walking boots to explore remote bays and fjords, discovering Stone Age petroglyphs of orca and elks, climbing 255m Skrova Peak for spectacular views and watching for magnificent sea eagles soaring overhead. These spectacular land- and seascapes have long inspired painters, as a visit to the small artists’ village of Tranøy reveals – and each night we’re on the lookout for splashes of colour across the skies signalling a display of the dazzling northern lights.

Vessel: s/v Noorderlicht two-masted schooner.

Duration: 8 days

Best for: Sailing among glaciers, icebergs and wildlife-rich islands The experience: Discover the history and wildlife of the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Setting sail from the capital, Longyearbyen, navigate beneath cliffs thronged with little auks, guillemots, puffins and Arctic skuas, and explore fjords into which beautiful glaciers carve mighty icebergs. Watch for ringed and bearded seals on ice floes, look out for Greenland whales and belulgas, and see walrus colonies. There are plenty of opportunities for stretching your legs with hikes on shore, visiting historic trappers’ cabins, ruined whaling stations and even a Polish research base, while keeping an eye out for polar bears, reindeer and barnacle geese.

Vessels: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius, polar ships.

Duration: 11 days

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POLAR BEAR SPECIAL • NORTH SPITSBERGEN Best for: Meeting bears from the safety of the deck The experience: Follow in the wake of 19th-century Arctic explorers on a voyage along the northern coasts, islands and fjords of West Spitsbergen and Nordauslandet. Expect encounters with a cast of mammals including harbour seals, walruses, Arctic foxes, minke, Greenland and fin whales and, of course, polar bears. In this extreme region – we may sail a mere 800km from the North Pole – unpredictability of the weather is part of the experience, but we plan to land ashore to climb 205m high Soraberget for sweeping views, and enjoy a sense of history as we visit hunting bases where bear traps and set guns recall the era when polar bears were fair game.

Vessel: m/v Ortelius or m/v Plancius, polar ships.

Duration: 8 days

THE ARCTIC

ONBOARD ARCTIC VESSELS Four very different ships, specially equipped for exploring the icebergthronged waters of the Arctic, offer a range of experiences.

S/V NOODERLICHT This two-masted schooner carrying 20 passengers encapsulates the romance of exploration but with cosy two-berth cabins, a friendly crew and hot showers!

S/V REMBRANDT VAN RIJN This characterful three-masted schooner carrying 33 pasengers is ideal for expeditions among small islands, with inflatable rubber craft for whale-watching and intimate wildlife viewing.

M/V ORTELIUS Tailored to remote polar expedition cruises, with a strengthened hull for navigating ice-choked waters, the Ortelius carries 106 passengers in hotel-style accommodation.

M/V PLANCIUS top right The beautiful three-masted schooner, Rembrandt Van Rijn

This former Dutch research vessel is now a comfortable exploration ship carrying 116 passengers and equipped for activities including kayaking, snowshoeing, field camping and ski trekking.

right Polar bear spotting from the sailing vessel Nooderlicht

ALPINE PEAKS OF WEST GREENLAND

WHALE SAFARI • WEST GREENLAND

Best for: Skiing and snowshoeing among pristine Arctic wilderness The experience: Don your mountain skis or snowshoes to explore the mountains and glaciers of Greenland’s wild west coast, riven with icebergpacked fjords. This active adventure will see you sailing from the town of Maniitsoq between isolated bays and climbing the rugged peaks looming over them, before strapping on the skis and enjoying Alpine descents. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch out for, too – sperm whales often surface near Maniitsoq, and other species including the ancient Greenland whale could be seen in these waters. Onshore, Arctic foxes and hares are commonly spotted, and with luck we might see a polar bear, walrus or muskox.

Vessel: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn schooner.

Duration: 8 days

Best for: Spotting ancient Greenland whales and profuse birdlife The experience: Sail among the enormous icebergs of Disko Bay, the near-legendary inlet on Greenland’s west coast. These nutrient-rich waters lure the ocean’s behemoths, so whale sightings are frequent – humpbacks arrive in spring to feast on squid, fish and krill, and both minke and huge fin whales are also often spotted. But it’s the thrill of spotting the Greenland (or bowhead) whale that’s the big draw, a creature that spends all year in Arctic waters and can live to be 200 years old. We’ll also visit the sites of settlements dating back up to 4,000 years, and watch bustling colonies of rarely seen Arctic bird species.

Vessel: s/v Rembrandt van Rijn schooner.

Duration: 8 days

POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE • CANADA Best for: Close encounters with polar bears The experience: Drive out onto the vast tundra to meet the world’s biggest bears. Each October, hundreds of polar bears hang out around the Canadian town of Churchill on the edge of Hudson Bay, waiting for the polar ice to extend south so they can resume their hunt. They’re not just hungry – they’re curious, too: during your stay at the extraordinary Tundra Lodge or on a safari in a polar rover, expect bears to rear up on hind legs and peek in your window! You’ll take a series of excursions to search for bears, as well as a ride on a traditional husky sled, but don’t forget to watch out for the Arctic’s other denizens – caribou, Arctic hare, snowy owl and ptarmigan, for starters – and possible displays of aurora overhead.

Accommadation: Tundra Lodge, Hudson Bay. Duration: 9 days

INSPIRED? LET US TAKE YOU THERE To plan an Arctic adventure or for more information on all our holidays visit our website chameleonworldwide.co.uk or speak to an expert 01962 737 647 discover more online: chameleonworldwide.co.uk

adaptable holidays designed to your specifications CHAMELEON W O R L D W I D E 2 7

BE INSPIRED The very best of the world’s travel expeiences, adapted to match your interests, budgets and tastes – from wildlife encounters to wilderness retreats, cultural discovery to chic boutique hotels.

Chameleon Worldwide – the ultimate tailor-made specialist.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.chameleonworldwide.co.uk

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WALKS WORLDWIDE

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n Worldwide

– The ultimate

budget, tastes

A collection of some of the most inspiring holidays in the world, of travel professionals planned by a team experience. Adventure,with over 25 years’ activity, cultural journeys, cycling, discovery, rafting, winter activities, wilderness and more.

Call Adventure Worldwide on 01962 737630 or 0845 304 8679 www.adventu reworldwide.c o.uk

tailor-made specialist.

and choices...

wildlife safaris, Cultural experiences, activity deserts and wilderness, to luxury Mid-range and adventure. for you. n. All tailor-made accommodatio

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Chameleon Worldwide

We adapt to your

Worldwide Call Chameleon or 01962 737647 8670 on 0845 304 co.uk onworldwide. www.chamele

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RLDWIDE exp erie nce you r wo rld tog eth er

tailor-made specialist.

tastes and choices...

Cultural experiences, wildlife safaris, deserts and wilderness, activity and adventure.

Mid-range to luxury accommodatio n. All tailor-made for you.

Call Chameleon on 01962 737647Worldwide or 0845 304 8670 www.chamele onworldwide. co.uk

Walks Worldwide A mouth-wateri ng selection of classic walks and treks around the world, any active person for of any age. Guided group departures, Self-Guided, Private Guided or Tailor-made.

The ultimate choice of walking adventures.

Call Schools Worldwide on 01962 737648 or 0845 634 4670 www.schools worldwide.co .uk

Call Walks Worldwide on 01962 737565 or 0845 301 4737 www.walkswo rldwide.com

of overseas Offering a range to activity breaks adventures. From for schools, substantial expeditions Life youth groups. colleges and young experiences for changing travel people.

Worldwide Call Schools 737648 4670 or 01962 on 0845 634 k orldwide.co.u www.schoolsw

– The ultimate

interests, budget,

Schools Worldwide Offering a range of overseas adventures. From activity substantial expeditions breaks to for schools, colleges and youth groups.

Life changing travel experiences for young people.

Schools Worldwide

WORLDWIDE

yo u r wo r l d to g et h e r

ists walking spe cial the trek king &

Adventure Worldwide

your interests,

ex p e r i e n ce

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Families Worldwide 2014/2015

WALKS FAMILIES

0845 051 4567

Overseas tel: +44 Email: sales@fam (0)1962 737 560 Web: www.familie iliesworldwide.co.uk sworldwide.co.uk Fax: 0845 130 6984 Address: Long Barn South, Sutton Bishop’s Sutton, Manor Farm, Alresford, SO24 OAA, UK Open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am

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WORLDWIDE TRAVEL LTD No portion of 2014/15 this brochure may be reproduced the prior written without consent of Chameleon Worldwide : With thanks to our clients, staff and tourist offices

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2013/14 TRAVEL LTD WORLDWIDE without © CHAMELEON may be reproduced Worldwide this brochure No portion of consent of Chameleon the prior written offices staff and tourist to our clients, : With thanks Photographs

family adventures 100%

Financial Protection

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your own trip

View our great brochure range

OR SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST Call: 01962 737 647 Or 0845 304 8670 charged at local rate Overseas call: +44 (0) 1962 737 647 Email: info@chameleonworldwide.co.uk Address: Sutton Manor Farm, Bishop’s Sutton, Alresford, SO24 OAA, UK Open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

© CHAMELEON WORLDWIDE TRAVEL LTD 2014/15 No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Chameleon Worldwide.