We regret to inform you that EcoCamp Patagonia is being evacuated following the closure of Torres del Paine National Park on the evening of December 30th, on the orders of Chile’s National Park administration body CONAF.

The fire is currently restricted to the western zone of the Paine massif, meaning EcoCamp guests, on the eastern side, are in no danger. However, due to the park’s closure and EcoCamp’s inability to conduct tours as normal due to fierce wind and smoke, we feel evacuation is the most prudent action. We had sincerely hoped this measure would not be necessary but the well-being of our guests is our absolute priority.

All of our guests spent a very peaceful night at EcoCamp and are now being transported to Puerto Natales where they will be placed in temporary accommodation until we have further news regarding the outcome of the battle to stop the fire. A tentative date for EcoCamp’s re-opening is January 3rd – To be confirmed following subsequent updates on the battle to get the fire under control.

With the elimination of government subsidy to the aviation fuel, they will get $ 92 million savings. The new fuel prices will apply to airplanes using the airports of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. They will maintain the 40 percent fuel subsidy for governmental domestic airports. Pricing is scheduled to be announced before the end of the year by the Ecuadorian government.

New prices have not yet been set (as of this post 12/13/2011). We will inform our passengers as soon as the new prices have been announced.

The Patagonia hotel lodge opened in 1993 on the banks of the Salto Chico waterfall. It affords an excellent view of the unique Paine Massif and two of the three impressive towers, which give the park its name. The lodge has 50 rooms and a variety of inviting spaces.

Situated on a 3-hectare (7.4-acre) site, the design borrows certain organic forms from the landscape itself, adapting to it with simple elegance. It was designed to create harmony with its surroundings, bringing those who visit closer to the magnificence of nature. For travelers, the lodge provides unexpected comfort in a remote region of the world.

Click to view – Anthropologie Clothing Catalog (Nov. 2011)

Time Magazine (Aug 29, 2011) – “Go With The Floe” – In this week’s issue, Environmental reporter Sean Gregory includes an interview with Go South Adventures founder, Troy Glennon, on his perspective of how climate change has affected the adventure travel industry. The article is also accompanied by one of Troy’s photos illustrating the effect of Global Warming in Antarctica.

Link To Article – “Go With The Floe” – Time Magazine (Aug 29, 2011)

U.S. TIME Subscribers Online Link

PERU’S ASTRID & GASTON RESTAURANT IN WORLD’S TOP 50

Astrid y Gaston, a top Peruvian restaurant run by chef Gaston Acurio, has been ranked 42th in S.Pellegrino’s annual list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Organized by Restaurant magazine, the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list is an annual snapshot of the opinions and experiences of over 800 international restaurant industry experts.

Danish restaurant Noma was named as the world’s best restaurant. For the second consecutive year Rene Redzepi’s restaurant topped the voting in the annual awards – widely considered to be the ‘Oscars’ of the restaurant world.

This year showcases an exciting list of restaurants that span an even greater geographical spread than previous years and recognizes the influence of fledgling culinary nations such as Peru and Russia.

Founded by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Gaston Acurio, Astrid y Gaston has restaurants in Lima, Madrid, Bogota, Caracas, Panama, Quito, and Santiago de Chile. Come for yourself and experience the new culinary sensations of Peru.

Dear Travelers,

Below is important information on access restrictions to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

MACHU PICCHU RUINS
Following UNESCO recommendations, authorities have declared that starting July 2011, the maximum daily capacity of visitors to Machu Picchu will be 2500. Due to the MP´s anniversary celebrations and local festivities in Peru (July 2011) the max. capacity was reached and some travelers were not able to visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu.

Please note the following:
• Go South Adventures buys entrance tickets in advance, upon receipt of passengers information & deposit. It is predicted that there will be days were no tickets will be available, unless purchased in advance.

HUAYNA PICCHU PEAK (the peak behind the ruins)
The entrance to Huayna Picchu has also new restrictions.
• 2 daily entrance shifts : 7am to 8 am & 10am to 11am.
• Maximum capacity of 200 travelers per shift.

Secretary Hillary Clinton said that many of her colleagues had mentioned that they have visited Machu Picchu. “She said that along with her husband, former President Bill Clinton and her daughter were considering a visit to Machu Picchu as soon as they have a chance,” the source added.