MACHU PICCHU REOPENS

As announced by Peru's National Institute of Culture (INC), the major tourist attraction Machu Picchu and its famous Inca Trail reopened on April 1st, after being closed for two months due to unprecedented severe flooding caused by torrential rains that damaged railway tracks between Cuzco, Ollantaytambo and the Inca citadel. Since then, crews have been working hard to restore the vital rail access and rebuild sections that were completely destroyed. Fortunately, the UNESCO World Heritage site remained intact despite this natural disaster. During the rebuilding, a limited train service operated between the Piscacucho, provisional station located 50 minutes from Ollantaytambo, and the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). It was necessary to transfer passengers by road from Cuzco or Urubamba to Piscacucho. We will keep you posted on further developments about the other train services to Machu Picchu.

CHAA CREEK SUMMER CAMP

Eco Kids Rainforest Adventure
Chaa Creek Summer Camp
July 18 -24, 2010
Looking for a special event for you and your 7-15 year old this summer?
Chaa Creek is offering a week long summer camp program to educate children about biodiversity, natural resource conservation, the ancient Maya, traditional healing, and the three "R's" Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

The program aims to instill memorable values that will have an impact on the way children conduct their lives, their relationship with our fragile Earth, and the sustainable development of our future.
Some of our guided educational activities include:
Hiking to ancient Maya sites where we will perform archaeological excavations,Horseback Riding through Jungle Trails while studying the medicinal flora within our 365-acre private reserve, Song writing and talent show sessions, Hands-on sustainable organic farming techniques, and Supervised water activities at Chaa Creek's new swimming pool.
6 Nights/7 Days all inclusive
Chaa Creek Nature Reserve

US$815 per child at the Macal River Camp
US$1206 per parent at The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Children's Summer Camp includes lodging at the Macal River Camp, all meals plus snacks three times a day, daily scheduling of educational events, arts & craft materials and t-shirt, Camp Counselors 24/7, and guided tours with our licensed naturalist guides.
Parents' rate includes airport transfers, lodge accommodation (next door to camp), all meals, and onsite activities.

For further details, contact Lost World Adventures at 800-999-0558.

SERVICE TO MACHU PICCHU TO RESUME APRIL 1

It is now confirmed that trains to Machu Picchu will resume operations on April 1st, 2010. The access will require a 50 minute bus ride from the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo Station) up to Piscacucho (Km.82) followed by an 80 minute train ride to Machu Picchu train station (Aguas Calientes). This bus-train combined service will be provided by Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Of course, the bus ride from Cusco city to Piscacucho will take longer.

Angel Falls - one of the 7 Natural Wonders of South America

Angel Falls is found in Venezuela in the Canaima National Park. It is the highest waterfall in the world at 3,212 feet (979 m). The falls has a clear drop of 2,647 feet (807 m) which is so far that the water vaporizes with the wind and becomes mist well before reaching the ground. Angel Falls is also called Kerepakupai meru which means "waterfall of the deepest place."

There is a global campaign to establish the 7 Natural Wonders of South America and Angel Falls is a candidate. You are invited to promote the mountain as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of South America.

Angel Falls – Vote now as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of South America.
http://sevennaturalwonders.org/south-america/angel-falls

Lost World Adventures arranges trips to Canaima National Park that include overnight and full-day trips to the base of Angel Falls. Contact a consultant for details.

2010 Galapagos Diving Season Aboard M/S ALTA

WOLF & DARWIN DIVING TRIPS NOW OPEN ON THE ALTA FOR PEAK SEASON 2010
After an excellent Diving Season in 2009 aboard the ALTA, we are excited to inform you that the Galapagos National Park has again granted a diving permit for the yacht M/S Alta to perform diving expeditions to Wolf & Darwin Islands during peak season in 2010. Call Lost World Adventures for available dates for diving as well as day-by-day itinerary.

If you are interested in diving in 2010, here is your chance to take advantage of this great opportunity! All availability is on a first come, first serve basis. Cruise dates are available for either Full Diving cruises to Wolf & Darwin Islands or as Naturalist bookings or charters.

7 NIGHT / 8 DAY ITINERARY IN DETAIL: 20 DIVES
3 FULL DAYS IN WOLF & DARWIN ISLANDS

For all diving departures there will be 2 dive masters / naturalists onboard the ALTA to take the group out to the dive sites in 2 dinghies. Crew members onboard the vessel during these weeks are trained for diving cruises and there will also be first aid equipment and emergency equipment onboard, specific to diving situations. Please inquire with us for more information.

GEOLOGY EXPEDITIONS TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WORLD

Discover Ecuador’s Andean Volcanoes and the Galápagos Islands

Follow in the steps of the great world explorers… discover the fascinating geology and colossal features of the Andes that left Alexander von Humboldt breathless along the Avenue of the Volcanoes in continental Ecuador, and the young and very active volcanism of the Galapagos Islands, where you will have ample time to examine its most significant geological sites and walk on lava of the most recent eruptions.

Join Dr. Theofilos Toulkeridis as we explore the fascinating land of the Andes and the islands of fire of the Galápagos. By putting together the most comprehensive route, our exclusive geological expedition will focus in understanding the varied forms of volcanism and how the islands' wildlife is influenced in its evolutionary framework by such unique setup.

As we explore the different corners of Galápagos, lectures and one-of-a-kind discussions, complement a voyage to this remote island group in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Our geology expedition caters to both amateurs and geologists seeking for an in-depth experience of nature’s forces at work. Small groups will be led by our expert field geologist with personalized attention and profound knowledge.

Dr. Toulkeridis’ expertise will be shared in his eye catching lectures and discussions about Ecuador & Galápagos´ geology, right in the Middle of the World. On this trip, apart from traveling along beautiful landscapes, you get to see interesting glacial and geological phenomena and explore the fascinating Galapagos Islands on board Yacht ISABELA II.

Contact Lost World Adventures for a detailed day-to-day itinerary.
Departures:
June 13 to 23, 2010
August 22 to Sep 01, 2010
December 5 to 15, 2010

About Doctor Theofilos Toulkeridis, Ph.D. -
“Theo” is a resident of Ecuador since 1999, and full-time professor at the University of San Francisco at Quito (USFQ). He is one of the most reputed geologists living in Ecuador, and Founder and Director of the Center of Geology, Volcanology and Geodynamics. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Geology and Pale¬ontology, with a specialty focus in Isotope Geochemistry from the University of Mainz and the Max Planck Institute of Chemistry in Mainz, Germany. His Ph.D. in Geology and Isotope Geochemistry was completed in 1996, with the same institutions and in collaboration with the Centre for Surface Geochemistry at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in Strasbourg, France. His research in Ecuador is mainly focused upon volcanoes in the Sub-Andean basin, the volcanic Cordilleras of the “Sierra” and the Galapagos Islands.

GALAPAGOS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS

WITH AWARD-WINNING NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER JONATHAN GREEN
The Galapagos Archipelago not only inspired Charles Darwin’s famous theory, but has been a source of inspiration for countless explorers ever since. Many of its plant and animal species are unique in the world, where animals have no fear of humans and can be photographed at close range –plus the unique illumination of the equatorial sun is great for amazing landscapes.
This is a unique opportunity to see and photograph the Galapagos, both above water and underwater with the guidance and care of experts in the field; a fascinating destination where your hardest decision will be where to point your camera first… Exceptional days in the islands, with rewarding locations within the itinerary, will also include photography workshops, presentations, and the use of modern photo-techniques. In the evenings, indulge in great dinners and cozy accommodations.
As you learn, apply in the field your new techniques in different approaches to landscape and wide angle, macro and portrait photography, using the unique light conditions only found in the Galapagos Islands. Mr. Green will permanently coach guests in both land and underwater photography, and since the walking pace of photographers is different to that of non photography groups, extended time periods will be scheduled for key species and ¨hotspots¨ along the trails.
A major plus will be the added opportunity to photograph Ecuador’s Andean Volcanoes and the city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of Colonial art and architecture. This is photography at its best.
Photo Expeditions Special Departures:
April 4 to 14, 2010
July 11 to 21, 2010

About Nature Photographer Jonathan Green:
Jonathan, a resident of Ecuador, has been studying and photographing the Galapagos Islands, their flora and fauna on land and underwater, for over 20 years. Four times finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Bronze medalist at Hasselblad World Circuit 2000. Photos published in Time, Time Life, Time for Kids, GEO, BBC Natural History and Royal Geographical Magazines. Photography exhibited at the Natural History Museum of London, Olympia Stadium, London and assorted venues around the world.