March 11th and Earlier Reports & Updates from ATTA Members in Chile
March 3, 2010
Update – March 11 - According to multiple international media outlets, Chile has been rocked by a series of major aftershocks, including the latest, a 7.2 magnitude jolt according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The ATTA will attempt to connect with its members in the country and will report updates from within the country as reports arrive.
March 9 – From Trekking Chile:
Hi Paula,
It would be a big help if you promote our foundation work and needs here in the center of the earthquake. Everything is in three languages at http://www.trekkingchile.com/DE/stiftung-projekte-long.php?id=190 It’s a lousy english I know.
We wanted to join the ITB but we have a lot to do at home.
Best regards and thanks writing us,
Franz Schubert, Trekking Chile
March 9 – From COCHA Destination Management Division:
Subject: Daily Report
Dear friends and partners,
Continuing with the updated report of the situation in Chile, as of today Tuesday 9, 2010 we would like to inform the following:
* Santiago Airport: we remind you that chek-in process, international police, Customs and luggage claim are being held in big tents specially installed. For departing flights, the authorities recommend to arrived to Santiago Airport 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours for a domestic flight. The process, as expected, is slower than the usual, therefore, it is recommended to bring a bottle of water.
* Flights:
o LAN: On saturday 65% of flights were operating. LAN has informed that flights to all destinations have been resumed, however not with the same frequency yet. Due to the large amount to rescheduled flights, LAN is requiring to reconfirm at www.lan.com all flights departing or arriving in prior to March 21st. They hope to be able to return to operating 100% of their flights shortly.
o Please remember to confirm status and schedule of the flight directly with the airline.
Jorge Guazzini P
Managing Director
Destination Management Division COCHA
March 9 – From Fantastico Sur Expeditions:
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March 5 – From COCHA Destination Management Division
CONNIE AVALOS
Product Manager
Destination Management Division
Direct Line: 56 2 464 1363
Fax Number: 56 2 464 2270
cavalos@cocha.com
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March 5 – From Remota
March 5 – From Indomita – Big Foot
Hi Paula, thanks for your email and thinking of us. We are all fine here in Puerto Natales (Sergio included). Thankfully we were not affected by the earthquake. The worst hit areas were Concepcion and the central region like Santiago and all the Chilean people are coming together now to donate what they can to help the people that need it.
Since the earthquake has happened we have had a number of trip cancellations, mainly due to the fact that Santiago airport was closed and people were unable to get down to the South so tourism here has slowed down. One thing that would help is to get the message out that things are getting back to normal and we are operating as normal as we are nowhere near the earthquake zone.
Many thanks
Kerri
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March 5 – From Antarctic Dream:
Subject: Antarctic Dream in Up and Running…
“First of all we would like to thank you deeply for your concern.
The major earthquake that we experienced on Saturday at 03.34 am has not impacted our families and friends.
Our employees or operations are located far away from the epicenter of the quake in Ushuaia we are functioning as normally.
We are now coming to the end of our Antarctic season on march 10, 2010. Looking forward to start our Arctic Season 2010.
We are a strong country with a strong soul we will rise from this unfortunate situation.
Chile is full of courage to step up!!
Best Regards,
Sabrina Plaza Garnica
Product & Marketing”
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March 4 – From Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
Hola Paula,
Many thanks for your email, words and good vibes towards us!
Nobody on the office suffered a great loss, just minor and sort of “cosmetic” issues in some houses. Compared to some towns and cities in the near south we were really lucky!
Thanks for your offer! The best you can do for us right now is to spread the word that besides the earthquake and tsunami in some places in Chile the rest is working almost as usual, in some places not even an earthquake was sensed (like in Patagonia or Atacama)
If you can send the document we’re preparing will be great (I’m saying preparing because we still need to work on the design issue… but for the moment it will do the job I think)
I’m also writing down the URL of the situation with regards our company: http://www.cascada.travel/index.php
All the Best
Daniel Sanhueza Lira.
Communications Manager
Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
Details provided:
Earthquake in Chile: 75% of Chilean Territory Untouched
Wed March 3rd 2010.
“Chile is well-prepared”
Catherine Bragg, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Emergency Relief
Tue March 2nd 2010.
“Chile’s natural jewels in Patagonia and Atacama without a scratch”
Rodrigo Mata, Destination Manager at a local outfitter company.
Tue March 2nd 2010.
On Feb 27th 2010, 03:34 hrs local time, the central zone of Chile was hit by a strong 8.8-Richter-level earthquake originated near Cauquenes Province in the Chilean 7th Region. Major zones affected are located in the 6th, 7th, 8th regions and very few points of Valparaiso and the Metropolitan Area of Santiago. The 14th, 10th, 11th and 12th regions which comprise what is commonly known as the Chilean Patagonia, and the 15th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th regions which comprise what is commonly known as Atacama and Norte Grande, all these embracing 75% of Chilean territory unaffected by the earthquake waves.
The entire operations and touristic services in the Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine NP, the Lake District, Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama and the Altiplano are totally normal and safe. Santiago City is working as usual and recovering the few places affected by the quake, including Santiago’s International Airport, which is the only point of real interruption at the moment. The airport by Tue March 2nd was working at 20% of its capacity while recovering works are going on. The Chilean National Aeronautical Authority expects that by March’s second week the airport recovers the most of its normal capacity.
We encourage all world travelers coming to Chile in the next weeks with travel plans including little or non-affected zones like Santiago, Valparaiso, Atacama, Altiplano, Patagonia and the Lake District to be confident about their plans. As soon as Santiago’s International Airport recovers its normal capacity there is no objective reason to delay visiting Chile’s marvelous places. Moreover, when keeping ongoing the travel plans for Chile, travelers will be contributing with the country overall economy which indirectly helps relieve suffering in those specific zones affected by the earthquake.
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March 4 – From – LAN – for more crisis updates, visit: http://www.lan.com/about_us/noticias/index_contingencia-en-us.html
Santiago, March 3rd, 2010, latest update done at 23:55 (EST)
Reviewed at 10:00 (EST), no changes have been made since last update.
LAN Airlines – Chile Earthquake Information for Passengers
As of Tuesday, March 2nd, LAN Airlines has been authorized to reinstate restricted operations of inbound and outbound domestic and international flights from Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile, given the damage sustained by the airport. Despite the fact that we are operating out of temporary, makeshift facilities provided by LAN, we have been able to operate 45% of the inbound and outbound flights at Santiago, improving upon the 30% we had operated in previous days. Click here to read more.
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March 4 – From Tourism Chile:
TURISMO CHILE UPDATE NUMBER 2
ON CHILE’S TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FOLLOWING SATURDAY’S EARTHQUAKE
SANTIAGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL
FLIGHT OPERATIONS GRADUALLY RESUMING
March 2, 2010 – Following the magnitude 8.8 quake that hit central Chile in the early morning
hours of Saturday February 27, 2010, Santiago International Airport suffered structural damage to
the passenger terminal. No damage was reported to the runways and taxiways. All incoming
and departing flight operations were suspended until authorities evaluated the situation in order
to guarantee maximum safety for passengers. Turismo Chile would like to communicate the
latest update regarding operations at Santiago International Airport provided by the airport
authority, SCL Aeropuerto de Santiago, on March 2, 2010 following a meeting with Chile’s
National Civil Aviation Authority and airlines operating at the airport.
Flight operations will resume in two phases:
Phase 1 – March 2 to 5, 2010 – Domestic flights will gradually resume operations with a limited
schedule between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and international flights also with a limited schedule will be
operating between 8.pm and 8 a.m. A temporary makeshift terminal has been set up in tents in
order to process departing passengers. All arriving international flights during this period will
stopover in another Chilean city prior to landing in Santiago in order for passengers to clear
Chilean customs and immigration formalities.
Phase 2 – March 5th onward – Domestic and international flights will be operating 24 hours. All
domestic flight arrivals and departures will be operating out of a makeshift terminal set up in
tents located to the east of the airport’s old terminal. International flight departures will move to
the domestic flights sector of the current terminal. International arriving passengers will clear
Chilean customs and immigration formalities in a makeshift facility set up in tents to the west of
the current terminal.
All passengers should contact their airline for updated information on flight schedules and
changes.
US and Canadian tour operators and media requiring additional information or assistance can
contact Turismo Chile at ofitur@embassyofchile.org
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March 4 – From Hacienda Los Lingues-Chile (edited for clarity)
Santiago, Chile, March 2, 2010
Dear Sirs:
Hacienda Los Lingues is not in condition to receive passengers due to the arthquake in Chile that happened the last Saturday. For this reason, lamentably, we will be unable to realize reservations of housing until further notice.
All these reservations that have been realized for the next months, we will not able to consider until further notice.
We will be in contact with you, as soon as possible.
My best personal regards,
Germán Claro Lyon
General Manager
Hacienda Los Lingues-Chile
Phone: 56-2-4310510 //
E.mail: informaciones@loslingues.com
www.loslingues.com
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March 3 – From: Hotel Antumalal, Pucon Chile
“Dear Paula (Mendes,
We have received many calls & letters from our friends & customers, thank you for your care & concern.
Revealing images are showing the world the dimensions of the earthquake, and public systems are slowly being reestablished. Our phone system is normal and the airports are now opening.
This is a big disaster for our little country!
In Pucon the jolt was strong – we were up all night – however, there is no damage. Our main concern was the volcano, yet it appears completely still and vigilant of our unrest. Antumalal is a fortress built on rock , wise man : Don Guillermo …. The hotel´s 60 anniversary will be October 2010.!!
We resisted the quake of 1960 – and today once again, we are blessed with no damage. Our family & staff are doing well. Warm summer days continue & our guests are enjoying our flower´s late blooming as the park is alive with color.
We ask for your prayers for those less fortunate: we do hurt for them – as we contemplate the paradise around us.
Thank you again, for your concern and we hope to see you soon in the near future.
Best regards,
Rony Pollak
Hotel Antumalal
Pucon Chile
“Simply an Experience”
f: 56 45 441011
www.antumalal.com
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March 3 – From: Tierra Atacama
Hello Paula – thanks for your concern. Personally I am in Europe and travelled before the earthquake, so missed everything. Fortunately my family and friends back in Chile are well and safe. I am attaching our latest press release, as the Atacama was not affected in the slightest, and our offices in Santiago are functioning normally. It’s important to note that whilst the area affected has been devastated and it will require time and a lot of effort before things are back to normal, the rest of Chile, including Patagonia, Atacama and Easter Island are all functioning normally and once Santiago Airport is fully operational (expected early next week) there is no reason NOT to visit chile! We need support to get this message out as the media in general is concentrating specifically on the worst hit area, which is more than 1000 miles from Atacama and Patagonia.
Thank you and best regards!
Fiona Martin
Sales & Marketing Manager
Tierra Atacama
Santiago de Chile, 3rd March 2010
A message from Tierra Atacama:
Dear Friends;
We thank you all for your concern and the messages of support we have received following the unfortunate events which occurred in the south of Chile early on the morning of Saturday 27th February. We are relieved to report that all our employees, families and friends are well. The earthquake was hardly felt in the north of Chile where Tierra Atacama is situated and everything is running absolutely normally.
Our commercial offices in Santiago are operating normally and you can contact us via email or telephone where our team is waiting to assist you.
We would also like to inform you that the DGAC (the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority) has now permitted the partial opening of Santiago airport, starting with a limited national and international service which will increase slowly over the next few days until normal services are resumed.
For the moment we are offering two alternatives for those guests who are unable to travel to Tierra Atacama in the near future. Change the date of the reservation for one in the future, or request a 100% refund. Please let us know if you would like to take one of these options.
If you would like to help Chile recover from this event, the Chilean Red Cross is accepting donations in the following bank account;
Citibank / Account Number : 9941973331 / ABA Code: :021000089 / Address; 153 East 53 Rd. Street 4th floor. NY, NY 10022.
If there is any additional information we can help you with, please do let us know and thank you once again for your support and concern.
Warm Regards
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
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March 3 – From: The Cascada Expediciones and EcoCamp Patagonia Team
Chile´s Earthquake Important Notification
On Feb 27th 2010, 03:34 hrs local time, the central zone of Chile was hit by a strong 8.3-Richter-level earthquake originated near Cauquenes Province in the Chilean 7th Region. Major zones affected are located in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th regions and the Metropolitan Area of Santiago. The 10th, 11th and 12th regions which comprise what is commonly known as the Chilean Patagonia, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th regions which comprise what is commonly known as Atacama and Norte Grande were not affected by the earthquake waves.
Having clarified this, we notify that all the operations and touristic services developed by Cascada Expediciones and EcoCamp Patagonia in the Altiplano, Atacama Desert, the Lakes District and Chilean Patagonia, including Torres del Paine NP and San Pedro de Atacama are totally normal and safe. Regarding food, energy and general supplies for the Chilean Patagonia –our main operational zone- have no danger of shortages as these are normally brought from the Argentinean neighbor province of Santa Cruz.
The only point of interruption of our service operational chain is Santiago’s International Airport, which suffered significant damage in the passengers’ transit area having to stop all its operations while recovering works are going on. Recently the Chilean National Aeronautical Authority announced that this airport will start operating again on a partial basis starting from tomorrow Monday March 1st. The same organism stated that apart from this Airport the entire nation’s aeronautical infrastructure is working normally and safely at full capacity.
The entire network of Cascada Expediciones and EcoCamp Patagonia employees and provider partners are working hard to keep our operations as successful, safe and normal as it have been previous to this natural phenomenon and we encourage all our past, current and future travelers to be confident with their travel plans and continue enjoying our services in Chile and Argentina.
For further information or requests please contact your Cascada’s travel consultant. We will keep updating the news as advances go on.
Saludos desde Chile,
The Cascada and EcoCamp Patagonia Team
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March 3 – From: Ski Portillo:
Dear Paula, Thank you very much for your concern. Fortunately, we are all right here and the hotel too. The worst happened down in the south of our country, devastating dear. I’m forwarding you the press release our Marketing Mngr. Constanza Moya has just sent.
“ Dear Partners,
Thanks for your concern and support during this very difficult moments Chile is going through after the earthquake.
We want to share with you the press release we sent about the hotel, lifts and road.
Best regards,
Constanza MoyaMarketing Director | Directora de MarketingSki Portillo-Chilewww.skiportillo.comTel: 56-2-263 0606Toll Free USA: 1-800-829-5325 or from Canada 1-800-514-2579P Ahorre tinta y papel, imprima este mensaje sólo si es necesario.
SKI PORTILLO IS UNHURT BY THE CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE
Hotels, Infrastructure, Ski Lifts and Roads are in good condition
Portillo, Chile (March, 2n, 2010) .- Ski Portillo, located approximately 100 miles from Santiago, Chile’s capital city, escaped the recent earthquake with no injuries, and only superficial repairs. Tierra Atacama, sister hotel, located in San Pedro de Atacama, more than 1,000 miles north of the epicenter, is also undamaged.
According to Henry Purcell, owner of Ski Portillo, “We have some superficial cracks and some painting to do, but the roads to Portillo and all of the lifts made it through the earthquake without incident. We are very fortunate to have escaped without any injuries or damages, but we grieve for the people of Concepcion, which is far from Portillo and near the epicenter of the quake and I encourage anyone who wants to help to send their humanitarian support.”
“There should be no impact for travelers to Ski Portillo for the season, which runs from June 19 – Oct. 2, 2010. And for travelers to Tierra Atacama, which is open all year, there should be no problem once the Santiago airport is back to normal probably next week.”
To send aid, Ski Portillo recommends donating to one of two of Chile’s leading charities, or to the international organizations Habitat for Humanity/World Vision or Red Cross:
- Un Techo Para Chile (A Roof for Chile) – Similar to Habitat for Humanity, and will help those who lost their homes to rebuild anew. http://www.untechoparamipais.org/chile/.
- Hogar de Cristo (Home of Christ) – Founded by a priest who recently was named as a saint. It focuses on the less fortunate, and will be helping victims of the earthquake. Hogar de Cristo also accepts and distributes clothing, toys and food. www.hogardecristo.cl
- Habitat for Humanity or World Vision. Send an SMS with the text “CHILE” to either # 20222 or #25383 to donate US$10 to Habitat for Humanity or World Vision.
- Red Cross: www.redcross.com
For more than 60 years, Ski Portillo has seamlessly united the spectacular beauty of the Chilean Andes, the pure joy of skiing and snowboarding, the camaraderie of friends and family, and the resort’s unique brand of hospitality and service, delivering unforgettable vacation experiences where guests create the memories of a lifetime. For more information or to book a Portillo vacation (including air travel), visit www.skiportillo.com or email reservas@skiportillo.com or call toll-free from North America, 1.800.829.5325.
Our best wishes for you and team.
Susana Guzmán
Asistente
Gerencia General
susana@skiportillo.com
Tel. 56 263 0606
Fax. 56 2 263 0595
www.skiportillo.com
Toll Free USA 800 8295325
Toll Free Canada 800 514 2579
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March 3 – From: Cascada de las Animas
From: “Joe Willis Jones” <joe@cascada.net>Date: March 3, 2010 9:48:50 AM GMT-08:00To: <paula@adventuretravel.biz>Subject: RE: Checking in after the earthquake
Hi Paula,
Thank you for your email and your concern. In our area of Chile, we experienced virtually no damage from the earthquake and are operating normally. Our biggest issue at the moment is to reassure incoming guests that the earthquake will not impact their visit, and that there is no cause for alarm or reason to cancel their visit.
We have posted a notice on the main page of our website www.cascada.net, to apprise visitors of the situation and the effect of the earthquake on Chile’s tourism industry. If you have a moment, please have a look at it.
As far as what the ATTA can do to help, the organization should do its best to reassure tourists that there is no reason to take Chile off of their schedule. The effect of the earthquake on tourism opportunities and services is minimal, and the revenue generated by tourism will be a significant part of the monies need to help fund the recovery efforts that are necessary to help those Chileans who were affected by the earthquake.
Thanks again,
Joe Willis Jones
Cascada de las Animas
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Editor’s Note – March 3: ATTA waited a few days in the immediate aftermath of the Chilean tragedy to contact our Members there to see if there’s anything the the adventure tourism industry might do to try to assist our friends and colleagues in their time of need. Below you’ll find a couple of responses from Chile from the morning of March 3rd. ATN will continue to publish here updates on the situation, along with appeals from our ATTA Members there.
Tourism Chile Update on Chile’s Tourism Infrastructure Following Saturday’s Earthquake
March 2, 2010
(As of Monday March 1, 2010 – return for updates as they become available) – Chile suffered an 8.8 quake in the early morning hours of Saturday February 27, 2010. The cities closest to the epicenter, including Concepcion, Talcahuano and Temuco as well as a number of small towns along Chile’s central coast were most affected by the quake.
The five different tourism regions promoted by Turismo Chile are reporting the following updates:
Desert – The north of Chile was not affected by the quake and has not reported any damage.
Easter Island – Easter Island, which lies 2,300 miles off the cost of mainland Chile, a 5.5 hour flight from Santiago, was not affected by the quake. Initial tsunami warnings have been lifted and all operations are normal.
Santiago and Central Region – Santiago’s airport suffered structural damage to the passenger terminal, however no damage was reported to the runways and the airport is expected to reopen later this week. Electricity and phone lines have been restored in Santiago and the city’s public transportation including its metro is fully operational. Valparaiso and Viña del Mar have also reported damage. The annual Viña del Mar International Music festival which was underway has been suspended.
Lakes and Volcanoes – The northern part of the Lakes and Volcanoes region, around the city of Concepcion and the Bio Bio River, was most affected by the quake. Authorities are still working on assessing the full damage. Basic essential services including water, electricity and telecommunications are gradually being restored. The southern part of the Lakes and Volcanoes region was not affected by the quake. Operations in popular tourist towns including Pucon, Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt are normal.
Patagonia – The far south of the country was not affected by the quake and has not reported any damage.
Chile is a country with a history of seismic activity. The country’s preparedness, including its strict anti- seismic building codes, the rapid emergency response from the government as well as the help from a number of organizations can be credited for managing the situation and help minimize the damage. The country’s tourism infrastructure has, overall, fared well, reporting little damage.
“Our thoughts and sentiments go out to the families who have lost loved ones,” said Pablo Moll, executive director of Turismo Chile. “Chileans are a resilient people and we are hard at work to get the country back on its feet quickly. We look forward to continuing to welcome travelers and are making every effort to making them feel safe and secure.”
US and Canadian tour operators and media requiring additional information or assistance can contact Turismo Chile at ofitur@embassyofchile.org
World Nomad’s Safety Hub Delivers Advice to Travelers in Chile
March 1, 2010
Chile earthquakes: advice for travelers
Just before dawn on Saturday 27th February, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile. The epicenter was situated in the Maule region, 300km south of the capital, Santiago.
So far, over 700 deaths have been recorded with fears that this will rise significantly over the coming days. The Earthquake sent waves of more than two metres crashing into the coastline as well as into outlying pacific islands, sparking Tsunami alerts as far as New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
Chilean government agencies and forces are currently working around the clock to restore electricity, supply emergency medical assistance and assess what other support is required before requesting international aid.
WorldNomads.com offeres travel safety and advice to help those in the affected areas stay informed. Click here for such information and for insights on how your operation/destination can help travelers stay informed in the aftermath of crises.
National Geographic Channel Premieres “Nasca Lines: Buried Secrets”, Sure to Inspire
February 25, 2010
The National Geographic Channel has just premiered a new documentary, Nasca Lines: Buried Secrets, from Edge West Productions, directed by celebrated British documentarian Philip J. Day. This in-depth doc comes at a perfect time, giving an American audience an exciting view of the history and mysteries of Peru beyond Machu Picchu. Nasca Lines: Buried Secrets will certainly inspire its audience to visit Peru to see the lines in-person and to experience the county on the whole. The show premiered in the USA on Sunday, but will be re-airing a number of times over the next few weeks.
- 2/25, 7 PM EST
- 2/25, 10 PM EST
- 2/28, 12 PM EST
- 3/4, 3 PM EST
* Editor’s Note: In 2005, I had the good fortune to visit the Nasca lines from the ground, and from above in the seat of a 6 passenger Cessna, and was simply mesmerized, realizing a childhood dream to visit the mysterious lines drawings on the face of the earth. It’s this very location and that very trip that inspired ATTA efforts to collaborate with Archaeology and the Archaeological Institute of America to co-develop: “A Guide to Best Practices for Archaeological Tourism” (from this site, industry professionals may download the free guidelines. The alert about this documentary arrived from Willy Blackmore’s thoughtful letter below, otherwise, as an individual who does not own a television, I may have missed this one!
“Hello – As you well know, the recent flooding in Peru has caused huge amounts of damage to local populations, destroying houses and infrastructure. And in addition to the personal losses of Peruvians affected by the torrential rains, there is the economic damage to communities caused by a loss in tourism due to Machu Picchu’s temporary closure. Peru is, of course, much more than just this one ancient ruin which is so well known throughout the world and the government has been pointing to other cultural treasures found in the country, such as the Nasca Lines, as lesser-known but equally as interesting tourism destinations. The monumental lines etched in the desert have long mystified and fascinated visitors, giving rise to theories of alien influence and lending inspiration to contemporary artists working with nature as a medium.
This Sunday at 10 PM EST, the National Geographic Channel will be premiering a new documentary, Nasca Lines: Buried Secrets, from Edge West Productions, directed by celebrated British documentarian Philip J. Day. This in-depth doc comes at a perfect time, giving an American audience an exciting view of the history and mysteries of Peru beyond Machu Picchu. Nasca Lines: Buried Secrets will certainly inspire its audience to visit Peru to see the lines in-person and to experience the county on the whole.
Would you be interested in writing something about the premiere of the Nasca Lines: Buried Secrets in additional to your coverage of the flooding? If so, please let me know—I can send you a link to the trailer and more information about the documentary and Edge West Productions.
Best,
Willy Blackmore – SocialRadius / Terpin Communications”
News Update – Feb. 25, 2010, In a tragic development, according to CNN today:
“(CNN) — Seven people, mostly tourists, were killed Thursday when a small plane crashed in southern Peru, near the famous Nazca Lines, the official Andina news agency reported, citing Nazca police.” Read more.
Nonprofit Planeterra Mobilizes Community Relief Efforts in Wake of Flooding in Peru
February 9, 2010
Concerned Groups and Individuals Asked to Make Online Donations to Peru Flood Relief and If Traveling to Cusco Bring Essential Items, Clothing and Food
TORONTO – Over 12,000 people have been uprooted and/or severely impacted by the late January rains and flooding in Peru’s Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Planeterra has mobilized an onsite team to assess the situation and help with immediate needs of the local people. The nonprofit has established an online help site: Peru Flood Relief where the public can make charitable donations.
One of the communities severely impacted by the flooding is Ccaccaccollo, home to Planeterra’s women’s weaving cooperative, a community travelers visit as part of the organization’s Project Peru voluntourism adventure.
“Because indigenous communities such as Ccaccaccollo maintain a traditional way of life and are dedicated mainly to pastoral and agricultural activities, they are especially vulnerable to heavy rains and flooding,” said Richard G. Edwards, Director of Planeterra.
A company blog describes Ccaccaccollo’s main plaza, an area usually bustling with women demonstrating their craft and selling colorful textiles, as flooded out and empty. Market stalls, usually overflowing with locally produced hats, change purses, shawls and scarves, are instead filled with mud and rocks.
Planeterra has already donated the funds necessary to fuel the equipment required to fix a main road and clear landslides. In addition, the organization is looking at ways tourism dollars might help by reworking itineraries to include some of the most impacted communities in future tour itineraries.
A donation goal of $25,000 has been set of which to date nearly $9,000 has been raised. Through a partnership with Gap Adventures that covers all of Planeterra’s administration costs, 100% of all donations will go directly to those in need.
An appeal has also gone out to anyone now in or planning to visit Cuzco. Donations of blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothes for children & adults, jackets, raincoats, tents & mattresses, dried food (rice, pasta, oatmeal, cans of tuna, sugar, salt, evaporated milk etc) and matches can be dropped off at: Hotel Tupac Yupanqui (Calle 236 San Agustin) in Cusco.
“Planeterra has committed to immediately provide the funds needed to help fix the road and clear the landslide. We will continue to help the recovery effort and are relying on support from our travelers, which will not only benefit Ccaccaccollo but many of the outlying communities as well,” explains Edwards.
In the last week of January, just half way through the rainy season, a 72-hour-period of torrential rains caused entire communities to be evacuated due to massive flooding that washed out roads, collapsed houses and bridges, destroyed crops and temporarily cut off all access to Machu Picchu. The government is doing its best to send supplies to the areas that have been hit the worst; however many communities have still not received outside support, according to Edwards who immediately sent his own staff there to assess damages and determine how Planeterra might help.
Planeterra is a global non-profit dedicated to sustainable community development through travel. Founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, Planeterra evolved out of a long history of travelers committed to finding ways to give back to the people and places they visit. Planeterra selects the projects and works with them to arrange voluntour travel programs worldwide. For information on Planeterra’s year-round voluntour programs please call 416-260-0999 or go to: http://www.planeterra.org/pages/voluntours/4.php.
Adventures Within Reach Delivers Machu Picchu Updates, Models Effective Communications
February 9, 2010
Editor’s Note: ATTA Member Adventures within Reach today delivered an effective communication to its customer mailing list, at once updating would-be travelers with a fact-based situation update along with realistic perspectives on future travel to the area…and promises of future updates. It’s an effective means of keeping travelers’ interest on destinations dealing with natural disasters. Many other ATTA Members are doing similar updates, some offering specific philanthropic initiatives to support the devastated communities there. More examples to come…”
From an Adventures Within Reach email dated Feb. 9, 2010:
“Due to the heavy rains and flooding in the Sacred Valley, the railway from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu has some areas of track that are washed out. We are keeping in touch with Perurail to get the latest updates on progress to repair the route.
At the moment, you can be assured that everyone is working diligently to get the train “back on track” as soon as possible, since visitors to Machu Picchu are critical to the economy. It is anticipated that the railway will be repaired and the train will be operational again at the end of March 2010.
In the meantime, there will be an alternate back route to Aguas Calientes by car/van/bus through Santa Theresa to the Hydroelectric Station and then, from there, a 30-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes. (You then take the shuttle up to Machu Picchu). This section of the railway was not damaged, so they anticipate the alternate route will be ready by mid-February 2010. The down side of this option is the 5-hour drive on the back roads to the Hydroelectric Station. It will be scenic and interesting to be sure, but, nevertheless, a long trip! Fortunately, you can book an overnight in Aguas Calientes.
That said, one never knows what may transspire with the flooding and weather patterns. January and February are the rainy months. Machu Picchu itself is open, and there was no damage to this historic site. The issue is getting from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Once you get to Peru, our staff will keep you up-to-date about any changes in your itinerary and will provide alternate routes or options for you if another natural disaster occurs. If you have questions, be sure to ask us.
Many have asked about a helicopter ride to Machu Picchu. This is being set up between Perurail and the helicopter companies and will allow approximately 100 visitors to Machu Picchu each day. We do not have the prices at this moment, but understand that it may be expensive! Let us know if you are interested in this option.
The Inca Trail is closed every year in February, for cleaning and repair, so this is being done right now. For the 5-day classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek, you drive in a private car to the trailhead. Your return will be by train or the alternate route. We have some confidence that the Inca Tail will be open by the middle of March. The permits for April are already selling rapidly, so do not wait if you are planning to hike the Inca Trail!
AWR will keep you posted on any new developments, including the date that they anticipate opening the main train route to Machu Picchu.”
Tourist activities in Cusco and throughout Peru keep on going
February 3, 2010
Lima – Upon the successful evacuation of tourists from the town of Machu Picchu (formerly Aguas Calientes) due to the intense rainfall that occurred last week, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, Martín Pérez, has stated the following remarks:
- The city of Cusco, located 110 kilometers (68 miles) southeast Machu Picchu, maintains all its tourist activities under normal conditions. Rainfall in this city, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, presents the usual seasonal characteristics (moderate rainfall). Thus, all the archeological and cultural attractions in the city and its surroundings continue open to the public. The complete listing of the sites that are receiving visitors, both in the city and its surroundings, as well as updated images, can be found on www.peru.info and www.turismoperu.info.
- The Machu Picchu Archeological Complex, as well as the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu itself, have not suffered any damage at all, according to the verification conducted by the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism. A special team from UNESCO is expected to arrive soon in order to verify the situation in the citadel. This organization listed the Machu Picchu Sanctuary as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
- Even though the citadel has not been affected by the weather, and therefore can receive visitors, the railway connecting the town of Machu Picchu (the Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu route) has suffered serious damage in different points, especially by kilometers 78, 79 and 102. According to the private companies that run the service, the rehabilitation of this route will require between seven and eight weeks, provided the weather conditions being favorable.
- During the evacuation of tourists, an emergency service was put into operation between Ollantaytambo and the town of Machu Picchu. However, the Government does not maintain said service to transport passengers or tourists to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- The Ministry of Transport and Communications has announced that it has started the repairing of the non-asphalted route that connects Alfamayo and the Hidroeléctrica railway station – which also connects Santa María and Santa Teresa en-route. From that point, it will be possible to take the train to the Machu Picchu railway station.
- The Inca Trail, the traditional trekking route that reaches Machu Picchu built by the Incas and which nowadays tourists walk in several days, is closed every year during February in order to allow maintenance. This procedure is under way this year and the National Institute of Culture (INC) will assess the situation of the route in March and, according to the results to be obtained, will decide whether to reopen the Inca Trail or to look for an alternate option for those who have already bought their entrance tickets (due for March), such as modify the validity dates of said tickets or give such buyers their money back.
- The Peruvian Government is already making all its efforts to make a second way to access Machu Picchu available in the medium term.
- PromPerú, the Exports and Tourism Promotion Board, is about to launch, along with the private sector, a big advertising campaign to promote tour packages to Cusco as well as the destination itself, both domestically and abroad.
- It is also worth mentioning that the weather phenomena that affected the town of Machu Picchu did not have a widespread impact; they were concentrated in certain zones of the Andes. Most high valued Peruvian destinations such as Arequipa, Iquitos, the Moche Route in the northern coast, and Paracas, south of Lima, among many others, are entirely ready for the visitors to modify their tour packages, offering dozens of attractions. Information on these destinations can be found on www.peru.info and www.turismoperu.info
Torrential Rain, Landslides Wreak Havoc, Take Lives at Machu Picchu
January 27, 2010
According to Radio Netherlands Worldwide (and corroborated by numerous news sources):
Severe weather in the Peruvian Andes has claimed the lives of at least seven people. Among them are an Argentinian and a Peruvian guide.
They were killed in a landslide at Machu Picchu, the site famous for its ancient Inca ruins.
Torrential rain in southern Peru has caused flooding and landslides. Around 2000 tourists are stranded at Machu Picchu, because there are no trains running on the only railway line to the city of Cusco.
Click here to read more and/or use Google News to source additional report.
Book Review: Along the River that Flows Uphill
January 9, 2010
Along the River that Flows Uphill – From the Orinoco to the Amazon recounts the journey that two authors, Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt, took along a remote and strange river in Venezuela called the Casiquiare. At the same time, it examines the risk that is inherent in all adventure travel.
A thoughtful, quick read, Along the River gets is recommended by this reviewer for adventure travel trade professionals, as well as for hearty travelers considering getting a bit further off the beaten path.
By Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt, Haus Publishing, October 2009 (Amazon)
Chris Doyle, AdventureTravelNews Editor Review:
Along the River that Flows Uphill is a sometimes travel-log, sometimes lesson-based story which captured my interest through its matter-of-fact, vivid storytelling, intriguing metaphysical diversions and beguiling questions about the risks of adventure travel.
Richard and Miriam’s first-hand account of their adventures in Venezuela and Columbia – an area of the world where my knowledge of the landscapes, peoples and Euro-invasive history was lacking – has given me a renewed interest in the Orinoco and Amazon basins. I aim to further explore their book’s ‘Acknowledgements’ section, which lists the sources of many of the book’s well-researched stories.
One of Along the River that Flows Uphill’s aims, which emerges near the end of the story, is to point out the need to create a set of standards that can help adventure travelers evaluate the risks they might face. Also, the need to have standards that can help adventure travelers assess whether the company or organization they plan to travel with has good safety-management systems in place to deal with those risks.
In addition to these practicalities, the book unexpectedly involved me by what I found to be a more poignant conundrum on page 193. Here, the authors sum up a metaphor that captures what many in our industry struggle with: whether we – the tourism trade – help or harm the peoples we visit during our travels.
In the end, being a subjective challenge, there are really no right answers, but many varying and informed opinions by those who try to do right and good, and by those who are impacted by their interactions with travelers.
The authors, who co- wrote the book, but wrote it in the first person for simplicity’s sake, have this to say on this subject:
“To my mind, the Yanomami (an indigenous tribe of Venezuela and Brazil who the authors visited on their travels) are struggling to exist in a kind of half-way state – hovering, like Schrodinger’s cat, between survival and extinction – so perhaps, after all, we, too, have broken the anthropologist’s fundamental rule just be being here. Just by observing. Just by opening the box and peering in. Certainly, I think, if we have not done them actual harm, then we have in some way increased their risk. And that is not a comforting thought.”
The authors’ honest, philosophic self-reflections add credibility to the book. Not only in the words above, which they write when they sense they’ve overstepped boundaries, but also in the build-up to them. They adroitly set the stage so that the reader is prepared to receive this question and this message. Their sincere reflections of their river experiences and the people they meet along the way remind me of the internal battles I face as I travel this world, with the hopes of inspiring change and sustainable practices. This book will make me ponder, deeper and further than I have done to this point, and with greater clarity.
From the authors:
The book, called Along the River that Flows Uphill – from the Orinoco to the Amazon (Haus Publishing, London, England, August, 2009), recounts the true story of an adventure travel trip that didn’t run smoothly. As a result, the authors of the book – Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt – were forced to examine risk and adventure travel, and to look for ways in which to measure this risk.
Their book alludes to BS 8848 – a British Standard developed by the Royal Geographical Society in conjunction with Britain’s adventure travel trade – which is intended to help the travel trade industry anticipate risk and prepare for it. Your membership may not be aware of BS 8848 and may like to know about it. (It applies to the travel trade in the UK, but not yet in the US.)
Along The River that Flows Uphill is a travel book with a difference. It weaves the story of a journey to the Amazon with science, math and reason to explore the risks that are inherent in adventure travel – and, perhaps, in life.
In 2005, authors Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt were commissioned by Geographical, the magazine of the Royal Geographical Society, to travel the length of a strange river called the Casiquiare in Venezuela.
This river – once the source of great controversy – is like no other on the planet, since it joins two distinct river systems, the Orinoco and the Amazon, by apparently flowing up and over the watershed that divides them.
In their book, the authors tell the story of their journey – including a brush with a tribe of Yanomami Indians, reputed to be “the most violent people on Earth”, and their confrontation with FARC guerillas when they strayed over the border into Colombia.
But the book is more than the account of a physical journey, since it also explores thoughts and ideas relating to risk and adventure travel.
Along The River that Flows Uphill is the second book the two authors have written together. Their first, called Lost in Tibet, was reviewed by National Geographic Adventure, which described it as “entertaining and well-written”, and Climbing magazine which called it “a page-turner for readers enamored of true-life adventure tales”. Lost in Tibet is now in its third printing, and the authors have recently sold an option for the film and television rights.
New Study Sparks Adaptation Strategies for Adventure Tourism Companies Coping with Climate Change
December 30, 2009
Newly published research — Adventure Tourism Companies & Climate Change: Observations from the Himalaya, Amazon, and Polar Regions Spark Adaptation Strategies for Business — is available now in PDF format (Download now, 2.9mb: click here) and offers management and business practices for sustaining adventure travel businesses in sensitive environments affected by climate change. With international media buzzing on the topic, as a result of the UN Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) in Copenhagen, this report provides valuable research and actionable solutions for some of the first to be affected by climate change: adventure traveler operators.
The following preface to the study is offered by Editor and Adjunct Research Supervisor, Christina Heyniger, of Xola Consulting, who remains committed to observing and following trends and changes in the adventure industry and will continue to publish on this subject in the coming years:
In contrast to leisure tourism, where more emphasis may be placed on man-made settings, adventure tourism’s business model is thoroughly exposed to the slightest environmental changes.
Adventure tour operators, with products and services that depend on healthy natural environments, have a regular and direct connection to important environmental issues such as climate change.
Given that the broader tourism industry has mainly focused on adaptation strategies for two major travel sectors so far — coastal island and ski tourism – we felt it was worthwhile to examine the smaller players in remote environments.
Anticipated Benefit/Outcome of this Research: This research offers management and business practices for sustaining adventure travel businesses in sensitive environments affected by climate change.
We believe that while adventure tour operators may respond to climate impacts in varying ways depending on their location of their operations, they can apply similar business practices to cope with its effects. We hope that by sharing this research, adventure companies will continue learning from each others’ experiences.
A case study approach was used to examine operators in three different regions: polar, mountain and tropical forest.
Three companies agreed to participate in this study:
■ Snow Leopard Adventures; Uttarkhand, India
■ Quark Expeditions; Arctic and Antarctic
■ Amazon Tree Climbing; Manaus, Brazil
Findings:
The overall trend that we observe is that climate change has not yet had a significant effect on the polar or tropical region adventure tour operators interviewed, but has affected tour operations in India’s Himalaya mountain region slightly more. All of the companies interviewed are implementing operational and management focus towards climate change adaptation.
Study Contributors: This paper was developed by Cambridge University student Ryan Piotrowski in collaboration with Christina Heyniger of Xola Consulting – who served as the study’s Editor and Adjunct Research Supervisor – from June – September 2009. Special thanks is given to Parth Joshi from Snow Leopard Adventures, Ltd, New Delhi, Bill Davis, Francesco Contini and Prisca Campbell of Quark Expeditions and Eduardo Cunha of Amazon Tree Climbing for so generously sharing their time, experiences, and field observations.
Executive Summary
With their close relationship to the environment, adventure tourism companies feel and react to climate impacts to different degrees depending on location, but can follow similar business practices to cope with its effects. Common strategic, operational and marketing practices can be used to reduce business threats and take advantage of business opportunities as a result of climate change. As climate change effects become more prevalent and pronounced, companies need to proactively engage in adaptation, moving beyond a corporate responsibility mindset to the application of strategies to manage its business impacts. In reviewing the various adaptation methods currently applied, a general adaptive framework emerges for making climate change part of business and operational strategy.
Data gathered in interviews with three adventure tour companies in different environments — polar, mountain, and tropical forest — reveal ideas for specific climate adaptation techniques and strategic guidance for other adventure tour companies and the tourism industry in general. The interviewed companies’ practices indicate that some adaptation methods for increased extreme weather events have always been practiced, while the long-term impacts of climate change have not significantly affected operations and strategy.
The graphic below summarizes the climate effect companies highlighted in this paper can expect to experience over time. The companies participating in this study are a polar cruise company that operates in the Arctic and Antarctic, a Himalayan- based adventure company, and a tree climbing operator in the Amazon. A brief review of climate change in the interviewed companies’ specific regions is provided along with a discussion of each region’s general climate conditions.
Surprisingly, we observe that climate change has not yet caused significant changes in business for the polar or tropical region tour operators interviewed, but has affected tour operations in the Himalayan mountain region of Uttarakhand, India. Regardless, all of the companies interviewed are beginning preparation to adapt through education and training, while slight itinerary changes have been a response to any existing climate impacts. Subtle differences between the companies are highlighted to provide insight towards future adaptation techniques.
Our research indicates that while adventure tour operators may not be adapting as rapidly as we expected to climate change, opportunities and threats from climate change need to be understood and managed as soon as possible. Strategy, operations and marketing highlight some initial areas for discussion around climate change adaptation. In order to adapt to climate change an Adventure Tourism Climate Change Adaptation model is recommended for the adventure travel industry based on existing models, interview findings. Adventure travel companies must proactively and dynamically engage in strategic adaptation to climate change in order to sustain their business.
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