NATURAL HISTORY | CULTURE | BIRDING | ADVENTURE | GARDEN TOURS | PHOTOGRAPHY
HOLBROOK EXPEDITIONS 2020 - 2021 Group Travel Planner
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Dear friends and travel leaders, This year, perhaps more than any year prior, has been full of inspiration and renewed determination. Our mission to connect with the people and places we visit has never been more pressing as we seek to preserve our fragile world. You, our community of leaders in conservation and education, are integral to this work and similarly aligned with this greater purpose. Holbrook’s 45th anniversary this past year has given us an opportunity to reflect on how fortunate we are to work with so many talented people throughout the world. This Holbrook network extends from Tanzania to Argentina and from Alaska to New Zealand. From our knowledgeable local guides to our field operations staff, we are truly grateful for their talents and dedication to delivering excellence. The mission set forth by our founder, Giovanna Holbrook, continues to drive us. Her pioneering voyage leading a group of scientists to the Galápagos in 1974 has grown into worldwide explorations in over 30 countries. Our trajectory in educational travel is depicted in the timeline on pages 14-15 (“Our Story”). I hope the pages of this Expedition Planner stir your curiosity and provide the spark for your travel planning. We’re presenting our most comprehensive set of itineraries ever, including several polar explorations. We’ve introduced new itineraries, like Jaguar Quest in Brazil’s Pantanal (page 65) and Ultimate Uganda: Primate Quest and Classic Safari (page 73), while enhancing others within our longstanding programming in North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond. Each program provides curated opportunities for authentic cultural exchange. Together, we’ll create the ideal experience for your travelers—suited to your mission, your budget, and your organizational story. Along with the overview of each program in this planner, we have extensive information available on our website and in our detailed itinerary brochures. This year, our Activity Level ratings are enhanced by specific descriptions for each itinerary detailing “What This Trip is Like” to provide an accurate account of the program’s physical demands.
At the core of all we do is a deep commitment to sustainable travel (page 8) and a love of learning. Join us as we seek to experience, share, and preserve our amazing world. With every good wish,
ANDREA HOLBROOK PRESIDENT, HOLBROOK TRAVEL 2
RIVER EXCURSION IN ECUADOR
Table of contents 05 | Your passion. Our expertise. 06 | The Holbrook Travel Difference 08 | Travel with a purpose 10 | How we support our planners & leaders 12 | What our leaders & planners are saying 14 | Our story 16 | Meet the Holbrook team 18 | Our field staff & expert guides 21 | Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve 22 | Worldwide destinations 24 | North & Central America 50 | South America 68 | Africa, Asia & Beyond 90 | Calendar of expeditions by interest 3
NGORONGORO CRATER, TANZANIA 4
Your passion. Our expertise. At Holbrook we believe travel has the power to transform through meaningful experiences and enrichment. No matter your interest, travel affords the unique opportunity to engage with other cultures, observe fascinating biodiversity, and expand perspectives on the world. With hand-crafted itineraries and a deep, personal knowledge in the field, we love helping you explore your passions. A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIAL INTERESTS
BIRDING
CULTURE & HISTORY
SIGNATURE ITINERARIES Our programs have been developed and refined from our many years of experience. We select the best destinations for maximizing the experience, pace the programs to be comfortable, and incorporate opportunities for in-depth learning and meaningful interactions with local communities. Together, we’ll create a tailored program for you and any companions or constituents — suited to your dates, your pace, and your budget.
PHOTOGRAPHY
NATURAL HISTORY
GARDENS
ADVENTURE
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
UNPARALLELED FIELD EXPERIENCE Since 1974, we’ve taken thousands of travelers on expeditions across Latin America, Africa, and destinations beyond. We’ve spent years building relationships with experienced local providers worldwide, including in-country guides, drivers, lodges, and hotels. Not only that, we’ve fostered close connections with local organizations dedicated to education, research, industry, and conservation, to bring you special insider access and behind-the-scenes experiences that ordinary tours cannot provide. WHO WE ARE
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The Holbrook Travel Difference It’s our mission to facilitate a true connection between our travelers and our destinations. We accomplish this by immersing you in the natural world, engaging you with hands-on activities, introducing you to local people, and supporting communities as they work to preserve their cultural and natural heritage. W H AT W E V A L U E
COMMUNITY
C O N S E R VAT I O N
ENRICHMENT
Our itineraries follow Holbrook’s principles of field-based learning so that travelers gain rich and authentic perspectives that resonate long after the journey is over. Programs often include custom visits within local schools and villages, home-hosted meals, talks with scholars and distinguished experts, insider access at local organizations and NGOs, community service projects, citizen science, and more. MAGNETIC ISLAND, AUSTRALIA 6
BUILDING BLOCKS OF A HOLBROOK PROGRAM
RICH CONTENT Our itineraries are designed to educate and enrich travelers with meaningful, personal interactions in every destination. We bring the travel experience alive through learning and active engagement.
DEEP CONNECTIONS
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
EXPERT RESIDENT GUIDES
Our long-standing partnerships in the field provide travelers with oneof-a-kind experiences that impart unique perspectives on local people and their environments.
We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We commit to ethical travel practices that support the local environment, wildlife, communities, and economy of the region.
Carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity, and skill in the field, our guides are all residents of the region who will share an insider’s perspective.
VETERAN KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF Over one-third of Holbrook’s staff has a tenure of 20+ years. Our team is highly experienced and committed to planning incredible travel programs. WHO WE ARE
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Travel with a purpose Since our founding, Holbrook has been at the forefront of ecotourism and sustainability. We are dedicated to fostering best practices of ethical travel: conserving the environment and local natural resources, and improving the well-being of local communities in all our destinations.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY Our core values are rooted in responsible travel. We make every effort to work with locally owned lodges, tour providers, organizations, and guides that uphold these standards. We actively seek out information that affects the communities and environments we visit, and we aim to educate travelers about local and global conservation efforts in order to cultivate richer, more meaningful connections for both travelers and locals alike. Since 2007, we’ve partnered with ClimateSafe to easily allow our travelers to offset the carbon emissions produced during their journey. The ClimateSafe program supports renewable energy, energy efficiency, and forestry projects, both in the United States and abroad. 8
HOLBROOK SUSTAINABILITY POLICY We know sustainability is as important to our travelers as it is to us. Whether visiting a city, a rural village, ancient ruins, or a rainforest, it is possible to do so responsibly by designing travel programs that are mindful of the potential social and environmental impacts. Our programs follow the principles defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). In partnership with our suppliers and field partners, we are committed to: •
Maximizing social and economic benefits to local communities and minimizing negative impacts
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Providing education and training externally and internally
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Integrating sustainability where possible throughout our programs
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Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes
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Reducing our carbon footprint and raising awareness about climate change
For many years, we have participated in sustainable global travel by collaborating with and supporting local conservation projects, non-governmental organizations, and community-based programs that advance conservation and sustainable development. WHO WE ARE
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How we support our planners & leaders Travel programs are a wonderful way to foster relationships and even raise funds for your organization. Whether you’re an educator, curator, birder or organization leader, Holbrook can help you accomplish your goals by matching you with the best itinerary and providing superior service and expertise, every step of the way. HELPING YOU AT EVERY STEP Planning a travel program with Holbrook is easy. We offer a full menu of services to support you, from the initial planning stages to the return home. We handle all the field operations like clockwork; we provide liability coverage, easy enrollment, travel insurance, a dedicated travel specialist, and 24-hour emergency answering service.
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CHOOSE YOUR ITINERARY
REVIEW OUR PROPOSAL
GET THE WORD OUT
ENROLL YOUR PARTICIPANTS
Based on your specific interests, dates, and goals, your Holbrook Group Travel Specialist will help you decide which itinerary and level of customization are right for you.
Your specialist will provide a detailed proposal with the final itinerary and pricing. Once you accept, we handle all the logistics for you.
We provide you and your participants with an initial information packet, plus a brochure and dedicated webpage. We can also supply posters, email copy, and presentations.
We make it easy for your travelers to register by offering online enrollment, payment plan options, and other resources, saving you the trouble of collecting paperwork or money.
FULL SERVICE SUPPORT As a full-service travel provider, we’re ready to assist you — and your participants — with every detail. Our in-house specialists are available for participant queries and logistics, and can help with flight arrangements if desired. Our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 in case any issues arise while your group is in the field.
SAFETY AND SECURITY Our risk management standards, precise safety protocols, $3 million liability policy, and travel insurance ensure a worry-free experience. We purchase Travel Protection on behalf of all participants; these plans help provide coverage once the trip has departed and offer benefits for Baggage/Personal Effects, Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses, Emergency Evacuation, and more.
HOLBROOK’S MYACCOUNT Holbrook’s MyAccount feature is an online resource that makes your trip planning and management even easier. Through their client portal, your travelers have instant access to their trip details, and they can make and track payments, update their personal information, keep up with important deadlines, and download resources. Plus, as the trip organizer, you have access to even more features: Track enrollments, see your travelers’ flight schedules and pending payments, easily send emails to the entire group at once, and upload your own resources or reading material for travelers to see.
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SUBMIT FINAL PAYMENTS
REVIEW YOUR FINAL PACKET
SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE
Final payments are usually due 95 days prior to departure, depending on your destination. Holbrook's "My Account" keeps track of your group’s payment status for you.
You’ll receive your final information packet 2-3 weeks before your group leaves. You may want to host a bon voyage meeting with your travelers.
Your group heads to the airport, ready to experience the trip of a lifetime!
WORKING WITH US
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What our leaders and planners are saying We’ve worked with myriad types of organizations and travelers, from Audubon chapters to alumni associations to memberships of museums, zoos, and aquariums. Here’s what those travel planners and leaders said at the end of a Holbrook program.
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I wanted the group to have a great experience together and learn about the history of the Galapagos, and I believe that goal was definitely met. The participants have been very enthusiastic about the whole experience.
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Before I went, I had imagined some ideal situation of working with the incountry guide, with the expectation that nobody ever gets to experience that ideal. I was wrong. It was even better than I could have dreamed.
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I especially enjoyed hearing about the birding efforts in Colombia and making that connection.
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Professionally, I connected on a deeper level with Museum members, and developed friendships that will benefit both me and the Museum into the future.
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I wanted to try my hand at being a trip leader and providing an adventurous and bird-filled experience for our Audubon chapter members, while having a great time too. My goals for this trip were all met.
Cindy Cone Cindy Cone Photography Galápagos Islands
Jody Enck Cayuga Bird Club Costa Rica
Ann Simpson Simpson Birding and Photography Colombia
Emily Stone Cable Natural History Museum Costa Rica
Colleen Bockhahn Wake Audubon Ecuador
ORGANIZATIONS WE'VE WORKED WITH Holbrook provides enriching travel programs for a variety of leading educational, nature, alumni, museum, and conservation organizations and their members. Here is just a sampling of the partners we’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Operation RubyThroat T HE HUMMIN GBIRD PRO JECT
WORKING WITH US
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Our story In 1971, Giovanna Holbrook took on the challenge of leading a group of professors and naturalists to the Galápagos Islands at a time when conservation work was still in its early stages and tourism infrastructure was virtually non-existent.
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TH E H OLBRO O K T IME LINE
Spurred by this pioneering voyage and a lifelong love of travel, Giovanna founded Holbrook Travel with the mission to design travel programs that were both educational and affordable. Today, we continue in service of this vision, combining reliable travel support with long-standing relationships in-country to create enriching travel experiences that last a lifetime.
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1971
1985
Founder Giovanna Holbrook pioneered a journey to the Galápagos Islands aboard a retired Navy vessel, escorting a group of professors and naturalists including Dr. Archie Carr and Dr. Tom Emmel.
Holbrook headquarters constructed in Gainesville.
late 1970s
1987
Holbrook opens operations in Patagonia; also begins organizing lepidoptera and birdwatching trips with Dr. Tom Emmel.
1974
1982
Holbrook Travel is officially founded by Giovanna and Juan Holbrook to design and run educational tours for professors and students in Gainesville, Florida.
In Costa Rica to assist with arranging an ornithological field study, Giovanna Holbrook came upon a large tract of old growth forest for sale in Sarapiquí. She purchased it, and Selva Verde Lodge & Reserve was born.
Holbrook opens operations in east Africa with Cornelia Holbrook, daughter of Juan and Giovanna, working in Kenya.
1983 Dr. Juan Holbrook begins leading hikes on the Inca Trail.
1990 Holbrook becomes a founding member of The International Ecotourism Society, a nonprofit association committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities.
1 Andrea Holbrook in the Galápagos c. 1975 2 Giovanna Holbrook in Papua New Guinea c. 1988 3 Juan Holbrook on the Inca Trail c. 1985 4 Purchasing the property for Selva Verde c. 1983
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5 Giovanna and Andrea Holbrook in Kenya c. 1992
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6 Tom Carr in Zambia c. 1997 7 First group at Selva Verde c. 1984 8 Juan and Giovanna Holbrook at Selva Verde c. 1985 9 Andrea Holbrook in Costa Rica c. 2008 10 Giovanna and Andrea Holbrook in Costa Rica c. 1994 11 Frank Richmond in Tanzania c. 2002 12 Andrea and Giovanna Holbrook at Selva Verde c. 2018
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13 Giovanna Holbrook at Selva Verde c. 2005
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14 Holbrook staff in Gainesville, Florida c. 2018
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2013
early 1990s
Holbrook becomes a founding member of Friends of Serengeti, a non-profit organization designed to support the preservation of the Serengeti ecosystem.
1998
David and Andrea Holbrook, son and daughter of Juan and Giovanna, join the team.
Andrea Holbrook becomes president and CEO of Holbrook Travel.
Key staff members Frank Richmond and Tom Carr also join the team in field development.
1993
1997
2008
2018
Holbrook builds the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) on the edge of the Selva Verde property, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing community outreach in the Sarapiquí region.
Holbrook becomes a founding member of the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Galápagos Islands.
Holbrook Travel partners with ClimateSafe to offer carbon offsetting.
Andrea Holbrook extends the mission by serving on advisory boards of The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), the Educational Travel Consortium (ETC), and Climb for Cancer Foundation. GET TO KNOW US
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Meet the Holbrook team Holbrook’s team of over 40 employees is composed of lifelong learners and global adventurers who all share a love of travel. A significant portion of our team has a long tenure at Holbrook, a unique trait that translates into smooth communication, extensive knowledge, and deep relationships with our travel partners around the globe. GET TO KNOW OUR SPECIALTY TRAVEL EXPERTS CHRIS BENSLEY Worked at Holbrook since 2016
JEN HAJJ
A newcomer by Holbrook standards, Chris has over 25 years of experience with leading companies including Overseas Adventure Travel, Vantage Travel, and Paul Gauguin Cruises. He has developed partnerships with numerous organizations, including Smithsonian, Harvard, and Audubon. Chris earned his BA from Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from UCLA. He caught the travel bug at an early age on a family sabbatical to Europe and now has ventured to over 40 countries on seven continents.
SPECIALTY TRAVEL CONSULTANT
Worked at Holbrook since 2018
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VICE PRESIDENT OF PARTNERSHIPS AND MARKETING
Jen comes to Holbrook Travel after years of experience in event planning, environmental education, and zoo live animal programs. Some of her past and present projects include coordinating the San Diego Bird Festival, leading academic groups to Belize, Costa Rica and Argentina, and taking live birds to classrooms for Tracy Aviary and HawkWatch International. She has a Master’s Degree from University of Utah in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. In her spare time, she writes and performs songs at open mics, folk clubs and coffeehouses.
KRISTEN BUCKLEY Worked at Holbrook since 2017
DEBBIE JORDAN Worked at Holbrook since 1996
EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL CONSULTANT Kristen received her BS at Wingate University as well as her master’s in teaching. Kristen has worked as a classroom teacher for the past 10 years. Her teaching career took her to North Carolina, Virginia, and Massachusetts. As a former educator, she is very passionate about integrating STEM into the curriculum and making sure students receive a hands-on approach. She learned to love travel from her life as a military child. She went to three different high schools, and moved 14 times in her childhood!
HOLBROOK AMBASSADOR Debbie was initiated into the world of travel at an early age, living aboard a 36-foot sailboat from ages 9 to 18 with her family. They sailed from California to Florida and spent a lot of time in Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galápagos. Since then, she has been all over Latin America and developed a passion for nature and birding. She has been to 40 countries and 50 U.S. states. In 2018, Debbie took on the role of Holbrook Ambassador to support our growing travel leader community.
LISA PALMESE-GRAUBARD
EDUCATION & ECO-EXPEDITION SPECIALIST
STEFANIE PLEIN
Worked at Holbrook since 1990
Lisa says she was drawn into the world of travel with Holbrook and there was no looking back. She has visited 17 countries, swum with sea lions, and been in the middle of a herd of wild elephants. She specializes in working with educators of all academic levels, as well as non-profit organizations. Not only does she love exposing students to authentic experiences, she also loves working with educators who have the passion to give their students learning opportunities they could not have in a traditional classroom. Her dedication to her clients is evident, with many of them returning year after year.
Worked at Holbrook since 2017
SANDY SCHMIDT
SPECIALTY TRAVEL CONSULTANT & GARDEN TOURS DIRECTOR
FRAN WHITLOCK
Worked at Holbrook since 1992
Sandy’s first career was as a professional musician, from high school through her early 30s. She graduated in 1991 from the University of Florida with a BS in horticulture. A year later she met Giovanna Holbrook and began her career at Holbrook. She has worked with all types of client organizations and enjoys planning travel for groups of friends and families as well. In 2006, she developed the International Garden Tours program at Holbrook Travel.
Worked at Holbrook since 1992
EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL CONSULTANT Stefanie has a BS in Ecology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and an MS in Biology from Western Illinois University. Stefanie’s love of travel led her to spend a semester studying marine biology on the Great Barrier Reef at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. During her master’s degree she conducted fieldwork on bottlenose dolphins in the Northeastern Adriatic Sea, Croatia. Stefanie also assisted with an anthropology study in Ugandan villages. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, photography, travel, and shelling.
SPECIALTY TRAVEL CONSULTANT & AIR SPECIALIST Fran came to work at Holbrook Travel with14 years of retail travel under her belt. In 2001 she joined the group travel planning team, and she specializes in individual travel as well as group travel for Central and South America, Cuba, parts of Africa, and Iceland. At Holbrook, Fran not only provides personalized travel experiences for individuals and groups but also fulfills the role of Air Specialist. She has traveled to Cuba, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Ecuador and the Galápagos, and on her bucket list are Chile and Iceland! GET TO KNOW US
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Our field staff & expert guides At Holbrook, we understand that the caliber of your in-country guide can make a great trip truly extraordinary, which is why we carefully recruit and train only the best. Knowledgeable, resourceful, passionate, and attentive, here are just a few of these dedicated professionals. PEDRO BOSQUES
COSTA RICA
JIMMY TREJOS
COSTA RICA
Pedro grew up in San José, and discovered his love for conservation when he moved to the Monteverde area and worked at the Monteverde Reserve. During his time there, he served as a field assistant and in doing so gained an immense knowledge on the flora and fauna of the cloud forest. He transitioned to guide work, and has been leading programs throughout Costa Rica since 1998.
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He was absolutely excellent. Professional, caring, and an allaround asset to the experience.
NATHAN FORBES
BELIZE
Jimmy Trejos first fell in love with nature at a young age, when he followed his dad, an agriculture professor, through a “fairy tale” forest on a local farm. From that moment on, he was involved with environmental education, from elementary school to college. He started his career as a research assistant at La Selva Biological Station, and has worked both as a guide as well as a field assistant. He loves all subjects of wildlife, and sharing Costa Rica’s natural paradise with travelers.
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PABLO NAJARRO
Nathan Forbes was born in the tranquil village of Sittee River in southern Belize, and moved to Belize City at age 13 to attend high school. He started as a driver in Belize’s fledgling tourism industry, and followed this path to complete guide certification training, as well as professional development courses on the country’s natural history and ecotourism. He now considers himself a naturalist and avid birder, and loves being able not only to learn every day, but also share his home country with visitors.
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Nathan Forbes was excellent. Very knowledgeable and experienced on surrounding land and organisms.
I loved the knowledge and love that Jimmy had for nature and the country.
GUATEMALA Pablo grew up on his family’s farm in Guatemala, where he gained an appreciation of the nature and wildlife around him. He has worked as a tour guide since his graduation in 1999, and continues to expand his career by attending Audubon trainings, teaching seminars on Maya culture, and conducting research on bird species in Guatemala. Inspired by sharing his passion for birds with the Guatemalan people, Pablo founded the country’s first bird club, the Petén Birders Club.
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Pablo was an outstanding leader, and a pleasure to be with.
JOSÉ NARANJO
ECUADOR
LOURDES “LULU” PESANTES
José grew up in Quito and started his work in tourism and environmentalism at college, studying Engineering in Sustainable Tourism Projects. Passionate about his country’s nature, art, and culture, José’s main goal is to share as much knowledge as he can, and make each traveler’s experience unforgettable. He continues to study environmental sciences, fulfilling his life philosophy of learning something new every day.
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José was one of the top guides I have ever experienced.
LUCAS MHINA
TANZANIA
A native of the Galápagos, Lulu studied on the islands and volunteered with the Galápagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Station before attending college in Quito. Guiding in the Galápagos fulfills a lifelong dream, as her true passion lies with her islands. She loves to share the magical Galápagos with visitors, and takes pride in contributing to its conservation.
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A wonderful guide we learned SO much from. She really connected with us and showed us the best of the Galápagos.
ALAIN RAKOTONOELY
Lucas was born and raised in Arusha, the safari gateway of Tanzania. In addition to his BA in Hospitality and Tourism Management, he has certifications in Advanced Field Guiding and First Aid. He is fluent in English and Swahili, and has a keen interest in ecology. He truly enjoys sharing his knowledge of the birds and wildlife of East Africa, as well as the local culture. Born to parents from two different tribes, Lucas offers a unique perspective on Tanzanian society.
I really can’t imagine a better guide. He was the best part of the trip.
GALÁPAGOS
MADAGASCAR
Alain first became involved in tourism because of his love for Madagascar’s unique natural world and his affinity toward the English language. Beginning as a waiter at the hotel in Andasibe Mantadia National Park, he became a local guide specializing in wildlife, while also doing translation work for nongovernmental organizations. His guiding philosophy sees the role as one of art and inspiration, with an emphasis on personalized service and approachability.
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Alain was so wonderful and knowledgeable. He is a great tour guide, very caring, and kept us on schedule. GET TO KNOW US
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In 1984, during the course of running an expedition in Costa Rica, Giovanna Holbrook
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Selva Verde Lodge & Reserve
va ver
DG came across a large forested property in the Sarapiquí region that was in danger of being E & timbered. Standing before a fallen Almendro tree, she knew she must place a deposit on the property immediately. Thanks to her unwavering vision and devotion, today this once-endangered forest is a private 500-acre rainforest reserve and one of the country’s first ecolodges.
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GATEWAY TO THE RAINFOREST Located just two hours from San José in the heart of Costa Rica’s Sarapiquí canton, Selva Verde provides easy access to a magical world of towering Almendro trees, mantled howler monkeys, and Keel-billed Toucans. The lodge’s beautiful, simple, and comfortable rooms are incorporated into the rainforest on elevated wooden platforms and covered walkways that blend in with the natural surroundings. Selva Verde is also fully equipped for presentations and lectures. The air conditioned conference room seats up to 200 people and contains presentation equipment and wireless internet. Additional classrooms and meeting space are also available.
SUSTAINABLE SELVA VERDE
SARAPIQUÍ CONSERVATION LEARNING CENTER
The Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST) was created by the Costa Rican government to promote sustainability in the tourism sector. As one of Costa Rica’s pioneering eco-lodges, Selva Verde Lodge is proud to carry the CST certification for continued commitment to the local environment, wildlife, and community.
The Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 with the aim to bring visitors together with local people for mutual exchange through cultural activities and service projects. The SCLC’s programs benefit local residents and include a semi-public library that is part of the National Library System, technology classes (as part of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications), English classes, and many ad hoc programs. 21
Where in the world will you go next? We do more than just plan travel; we help you really engage with the places you’re visiting. Having trouble deciding where to go? Our travel specialists can suggest a destination for you based on your interests and goals.
NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA | P. 24 Ascend the remains of ancient Maya pyramids in Belize, participate in sea turtle research in Costa Rica, get to know the vibrant cultural heritage of Cuba, kayak amid glaciers in Alaska, hike through the migratory flyways of Guatemala, or set sail in the Pacific to spot gray whales off the coast of Mexico.
SOUTH AMERICA | P. 50 Snorkel with sea lions in the Galápagos Islands, share a traditional meal with a family in Peru’s Sacred Valley, spot some of Colombia’s abundant and diverse birds, venture into the expansive Amazon teeming with life, seek out jaguars on the Pantanal in Brazil, or hike among the jagged peaks of Patagonia.
AFRICA, ASIA, & BEYOND | P. 68 Learn about geothermal energy in Iceland, marvel at South Africa’s resplendent plant life, witness the phenomenal Great Migration in Tanzania, go gorilla trekking in Uganda, track Bengal tigers on safari in India, get to know Maori culture in New Zealand, or embark on an Antarctic expedition. 22
Svalbard
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STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
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TRINIDAD, CUBA
North & Central America
BROWN SPIDER MONKEY
Alaska
Belize
Alaska’s majestic mountain peaks, glaciers, tundra, temperate forests, and nearly 34,000 miles of protected coastal waters contain breathtaking scenery and wildlife such as grizzly bears, humpback whales, and Bald Eagles.
Belize is home to many important and wellknown pre-Columbian Maya ruins. Its remote cayes and barrier reef system (the second largest in the world) make it the perfect place to snorkel and study marine ecosystems.
Costa Rica
Cuba
Cloud forests, rainforests, valleys of coffee, and volcanic mountain peaks fill the land between Caribbean and Pacific beaches. Approximately 25 percent of Costa Rica’s land is protected, making it an ecological Eden of natural treasures.
Steeped in tradition and historic charm, Cuba’s culture is rivaled only by its natural beauty. With Havana’s bustling artistic scene, and the quiet escape of rural landscapes and beaches, Cuba offers a perfect balance of excitement and respite for all kinds of travel.
Guatemala
Honduras
With a landscape ranging from the volcanoringed Lake Atitlán to northern jungles and Pacific coast beaches, Guatemala is the perfect setting to explore natural beauty and archaeological wonders. Ancient Maya villages grace the area while exquisite birds, like the once-sacred Resplendent Quetzal, beckon.
In the heart of Central America, Honduras offers travelers a chance to explore mountains, rainforests, beaches, reefs, and ruins of the Mayan civilization. Discover the ancient city of Copán, learn about dolphin research on the island of Roatán, or head into the forest to spot some of its 700 bird species.
Mexico
Panama
Visitors are intrigued by Mexico’s many charms, from the Baja Peninsula’s crystal-clear waters, to the Mayan sites of the Yucatán, to the annual migration of millions of monarch butterflies in southern Mexico — one of nature’s most amazing phenomena.
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Panama is home to extraordinary biodiversity. In addition to its famous canal, the country’s pristine rainforests, fertile highlands, and beautiful beaches are a passageway for migrating birds. 25
ALASKA
WILD ALASKA: INSIDE AMERICA’S LAST FRONTIER 10 DAYS from $3,995 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: JUN - SEP
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
CORDOVA
DAY 1 Anchorage
DAY 9 Talkeetna —
DAYS 2-5 Cordova DAYS 6-8
DAY 10
Talkeetna
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Depart
Arrive home
My goals were to experience Alaska in a more personal way than I did with a cruise. Goals fully met plus more. SHARON HAMILTON
ACTIVITY LEVEL 26
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ADVENTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Set foot in the remote wilderness of Alaska, America’s last frontier – the perfect setting to learn about
TALKEETNA ANCHORAGE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
MODERATE
wildlife and ecology, and the balance between humans and natural resources. This overland journey immerses you in the stunning scenery of Denali State Park and Prince William Sound, and enlightens the relationship between man and land, from early native communities to pioneering settlers, to today’s modern inhabitants. As you kayak, canoe, and hike through magnificent landscapes amid forests and glaciers, you’ll glimpse sea otters and kittiwakes, search for moose, bears, and eagles, learn about salmon farming and commercial fishing, and discuss past and future effects of tectonic and climate events.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/AKNW21
• VIEW the stunning landscapes and watch for abundant wildlife from the glacial waters of Chulitna River on a rafting and hiking excursion. • LEARN ABOUT Alaska Audubon’s conservation initiatives on a private talk at their Anchorage office. • EMBARK on a float excursion on the Alaganik Slough to observe birds and wildlife from canoe. • EXPERIENCE Alaska’s incredible beauty at Byers Lake and surrounding mountains in Denali State Park, with a chance to see nesting Trumpeter Swans, loons, eagles, or foraging bears. • LEARN ABOUT the flora surrounding Talkeetna and take home a healing salve made from native plants.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
ALASKA
CORDOVA: EXPLORING ALASKA’S HIDDEN GEM 9 DAYS from $2,695 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: APR - SEP
FOCUS ON: ADVENTURE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
CORDOVA
DAY 8 Anchorage
Anchorage
— Depart
DAYS 2-7
DAY 9 Arrive
Cordova
“
home
I loved this program. I would definitely recommend it to anyone traveling to Cordova. SOFIA DAIGLE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
Embark on an adventure to experience the natural wonders and scenic beauty of Alaska!
ANCHORAGE
DAY 1
NATURAL HISTORY
MODERATE
Perhaps no place fills the senses more than Cordova, Alaska’s hidden treasure. Cordova is a small, coastal town surrounded by glacier-carved mountains and nestled at the head of Orca Inlet in Eastern Prince William Sound. The area will dazzle you with wildlife, rich wetlands, lush forests, and countless waterways. Explore the natural grandeur with exciting activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife photography, boating, flightseeing, and more. Each day you’ll enjoy hearty meals – home-cooked with local ingredients and plenty of fresh seafood – and stay in a cozy ecolodge.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/AKAF21
• HIKE through three complete ecosystems on the Heney Ridge Trail, where birds and wildlife can be spotted. • TAKE A BOAT TRIP to the panoramic Orca Inlet to see the world’s largest population of sea otters. • TRAVEL the old railroad bed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railroad, stopping for exploration and wildlife viewing. • PARTICIPATE in a discussion on the effect of climate change on Alaska’s fragile ecosystem. • KAYAK the tranquil waters of Orca Inlet, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and home to sea otters and seals. • TAKE in dramatic views of Sheridan Glacier on a short hike and kayak excursion, with a picnic lunch.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
27
BELIZE
BEST OF BELIZE: CAVES, CORALS AND MAYAN WONDERS 8 DAYS from $2,825 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUN
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
AMBERGRIS CAYE
BELIZE CITY
SIBUN RIVER DAY 1 Belize City DAYS 5-6 Ambergris Caye DAYS 2-4 Sibun River DAY 7 Belize City DAY 8 Depart
“
Overall, a wonderful trip. Great guide and driver, excellent guides at archaeological sites. GLORIA ABRAMOFF
ACTIVITY LEVEL 28
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
ADVENTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Discover the natural and archaeological highlights of Belize, from lush rainforests and coral reefs teeming with life, to ancient ruins and ceremonial structures. Visit mountains, reserves, caves, and Maya sites on the mainland; then, spend several nights on Ambergris Caye to immerse yourself in the underwater world of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with local residents, including conservationists and artisans, and enjoy some leisure time to explore on your own.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/BZNB21
• OBSERVE tapirs, jaguars, and Harpy Eagles at the world-renowned Belize Zoo. • DELVE into the Maya underworld at Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, a Maya ceremonial burial ground and site of the “Crystal Maiden” skeletal remains. • VISIT the Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS), a small grassroots project committed to saving the habitat of the black howler monkey. • CLIMB to the top of El Castillo pyramid, the second tallest man-made structure in Belize, at Xunantunich, Belize’s most accessible Maya site of significance. • LOOK FOR colorful fish, sea sponges, stingrays and other marine life during snorkeling excursions at Mexico Rocks and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
B E L I Z E & G U AT E M A L A
EXPLORING RAINFOREST, REEFS, AND RUINS WITH TIKAL 8 DAYS from $3,275 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUN
FOCUS ON: ADVENTURE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BELIZE CITY BELIZE
TIKAL GUATEMALA
CAVES BRANCH HOPKINS DAYS 5-7
DAY 1 Belize City DAYS 2-4 Caves
Hopkins
DAY 8 Depart
Branch
“
The trip was fantastic. Every activity was well planned and extremely fun! KATY MILLER
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
BIRDING
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Embark on an active exploration of jungles, underground rivers, Maya ruins, and coastal habitats. As you swim, hike, boat, and float your way across Belize, you’ll encounter incredible biodiversity and geological features in the country’s pristine central rainforests. An excursion to Tikal in Guatemala offers insight into the Maya civilization that once ruled this region, and unparalleled snorkeling opportunities abound at South Water Caye Marine Reserve, part of the Belize Barrier Reef.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/BZAR21
• DESCEND into Belize’s extensive cave systems as you float along a network of underground rivers by inner tube. • EXPLORE the temples, pyramids, and plazas of Tikal, an important capital of the ancient Maya civilization. • SWIM and SNORKEL in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, one of the most biodiverse marine areas in all of Belize. • KAYAK the Sittee River and watch for iguanas, crocodiles, toucans, and other wildlife. • BOAT along the mangrove habitats of Man O’ War Caye, a significant nesting site for seabirds like the Magnificent Frigatebird and Brown Booby. • LEARN ABOUT wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs at the Belize Zoo.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
29
BELIZE
BIRDING AND NATURE IN THE TROPICS OF BELIZE A FLYWAY EXPEDITION 8 DAYS from $2,575 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - APR FOCUS ON: BIRDING
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
SAN IGNACIO STANN CREEK DAYS 6-7 San
Crooked Tree
Ignacio
DAYS 3-5 Stann
DAY 8 Depart
Creek
“
This trip was well organized, to cover three very different habitats, contributing to an extensive bird list. VIRGINIA MCQUOWN
ACTIVITY LEVEL 30
3
EXPEDITIONS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
CROOKED TREE
DAYS 1-2
Flyway
MODERATE
On this exciting 8-day expedition to Belize, set your sights on hundreds of neotropical species with the help of our expert guides. Enjoy birding in the pine savannas and wetland habitats of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, in the primary and secondary tropical moist broadleaf forest at Cockscomb Basin and Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and in private reserves, a Mennonite community, and along the Macal River Valley. This trip is a prime reflection of the birds the National Audubon Society hopes to protect through its ongoing conservation efforts. Participate in several talks with members of the local community about these efforts, the training programs, and other activities that promote birding tourism as a viable option for local economic development.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/BZBF21
• EXPLORE Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to look for Jabirus, Northern Jacanas, Boat-billed Herons, and more. • ENJOY A TALK by a Belize Audubon Society representative about local efforts to promote bird-based tourism in conservation and development. • HAVE LUNCH AND DISCUSSION WITH members of a communitybased project on Scarlet Macaw conservation. • SET YOUR SIGHTS ON over 330 bird species in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring open and forested habitats. • WATCH FOR rare Blue and Slate-colored Seedeaters at Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. • EXAMINE the social and economic factors associated with engaging local people in conservation.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
B E L I Z E & G U AT E M A L A
NEOTROPICAL BIRDS AND MAYAN RUINS 8 DAYS from $2,395 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL
FOCUS ON: BIRDING
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
CROOKED TREE
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
BELIZE CITY
TIKAL
SAN IGNACIO DAYS 5-6 Tikal DAY 7 Belize City DAY 8 Depart
DAYS 1-2
Crooked Tree
DAYS 3-4
San Ignacio
“
I wanted to see birds I have never seen and I saw an amazing amount. JENNELL BALLERING
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVENTURE
In what are now the countries of Belize and Guatemala, the ancient Maya civilization once flourished, leaving behind cities, temples, pyramids, and observatories still standing, enshrouded in tree cover. Amid rainforests and valleys, archaeological sites tell the story of this culturally rich region while also providing habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna, including hundreds of bird species. Traverse fertile wetlands, savannas, Caribbean pine forests, mountainous terrain, and more while seeking out resident and migratory avifauna. Walk in the footsteps of the Maya, exploring their forests and cities, searching for the birds and other wildlife that once lived among them.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/BGBN21
• DISCOVER both concentrated flocks and rare sightings of avifauna in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, such as the Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Black-collared Hawk, and Neotropic Cormorant. • LOOK FOR highlight species, such as the Orange-breasted Falcon, Stygian Owl, Ocellated Turkey, and King Vulture. • OBSERVE the present wildlife that live within the ancient structures of temples, altars, ball courts and residential buildings of the Cahal Pech Mayan ruins. • VISIT the Belize Zoo for up-close encounters with some of the country’s native fauna, including a pair of Harpy Eagles. • BIRD in the rainforest reserve of Cerro Cahuí Protected Biotope. • SEEK OUT some of the 410 bird species that can be seen amid the Tikal archaeological site and surrounding national park.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
31
G U AT E M A L A
BIRDING GUATEMALA’S HIGHLANDS AND LAKE ATITLÁN A FLYWAY EXPEDITION 11 DAYS from $2,790 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - APR FOCUS ON: BIRDING
SANTIAGO ATITLÁN
GUATEMALA CITY
ANTIGUA
DAYS 6-8
Santiago Atitlán
DAY 9 Panajachel DAY 10
Andes Private Nature Reserve
DAYS 4-5 Los Tarrales Reserve
“
Guatemala is a richly diverse cultural center and a lush and
LOS TARRALES RESERVE
DAY 1 Antigua DAYS 2-3 Los
Guatemala City
DAY 11 Depart
The variety of birds & ecosystems showed excellent planning. Loved it! MARY RAJE
ACTIVITY LEVEL 32
3
EXPEDITIONS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
PANAJACHEL
LOS ANDES RESERVE
Flyway
MODERATE
vibrant paradise for birders. Set in the heart of Central America, it is one of the New World’s prime migratory corridors. Learn about Audubon’s local conservation partner in Panajachel, Asociación Vivamos Mejor, and their program to train nearby residents to become birding and nature guides. Together with an expert guide and part-time apprentice guides, you’ll explore a variety of habitats and see firsthand many of the rare and endemic species Audubon hopes to protect through its ongoing conservation efforts. Also meet with locals who are part of the Audubon bird-tourism initiative in Santiago Atitlán, a hub of Maya culture.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/GUBA21
• BIRD the lower and upper trails at Los Tarrales, with the goal of seeing the Long-tailed Manakin’s impressive courtship display. • VISIT Corazon del Bosque Reserve for the chance to see Mountain Trogon, White-naped Brush-Finch, and with luck, the uncommon Pink-headed Warbler. • ASCEND to the higher-elevation forests of Los Andes Private Nature Reserve, where you may spot the Resplendent Quetzal. • EXPLORE Santiago de Atitlán, a village known for its many women’s cooperatives and traditional textile weaving. • MEET representatives of Asociación Vivamos Mejor, a private nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life in communities surrounding Lake Atitlán.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
HONDURAS, G U AT E M A L A , B E L I Z E
ROUTE OF THE MAYA UNCOVERED 12 DAYS from $2,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV - APR
FOCUS ON: CULTURE & HISTORY
TIKAL
BELIZE
GUATEMALA
BELIZE CITY
SAN PEDRO SULA COPÁN
ANTIGUA
DAY 1 San Pedro Sula DAYS 2-4 Copán DAYS 5-7 Antigua
HONDURAS
DAYS 8-9 Tikal DAYS 10-11 Belize City
DAY 12 Depart
DID YOU KNOW?
Lamanai was founded in the Maya Pre-Classic period circa 1600 BCE, and remained occupied through the Spanish conquest and British occupation of Belize.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVENTURE
Colonial cities, captivating Maya ruins, and indigenous civilizations will give you a taste of the Maya’s rich and layered culture. Delve into the history of a people whose sophistication in art, architecture, and science rivaled the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. Examine well-known archaeological sites including Lamanai, Cahal Pech, Tikal, and Copán. Journeying through the lands that are now Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize, you will gain insight into each country while witnessing the impact of European colonization and the lifestyles and traditions of modern-day descendants of the Maya people.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CACR21
• EXPLORE the highlights of the Maya world — and discover how modern culture and Maya history combine — across three fascinating Central American countries. • LISTEN TO traditional instruments and folkloric recordings at the Casa K’ojom Maya Music Museum. • LEARN ABOUT Honduran chocolate production and visit a local school for insights into the educational system. • VISIT the famous indigenous market at Chichicastenango, filled with colorful textiles, handicrafts, and food. • DISCOVER how Maya religion has blended with Christianity during a site lecture at the Church of Santo Tomás.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
33
C O S TA R I C A
RICHES OF THE RAINFOREST, ARENAL VOLCANO, AND THE PACIFIC COAST 8 DAYS from $1,995 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV - JUN FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
SARAPIQUÍ
GUANACASTE
SAN JOSÉ
DAY 1 San José DAYS 2-3
DAYS 6-7
Guanacaste
DAY 8 Depart
Sarapiquí
DAYS 4-5 Arenal I wanted to immerse myself in nature and wildlife. The trip surpassed my expectations. SANDRA KUZMA
ACTIVITY LEVEL 34
2
BIRDING
ADVENTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Discover the best of the tropics on this classic Costa Rica excursion!
ARENAL
“
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
EASYMODERATE
From rainforests and rivers to volcanoes and beaches, you’ll experience a variety of ecosystems and habitats, fun and engaging activities, and the friendly, “pura vida” attitude for which the country is famous. Begin in the country’s lush Caribbean lowlands, where pristine forests shelter a great diversity of plant and animal life. Then continue to picture-perfect Arenal Volcano and its nearby hot springs before heading to the Pacific coast for the chance to swim, snorkel, and cruise along the shoreline. A blend of nature and culture make this an ideal program for anyone seeking an informative, well-rounded exploration.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CRNR21
• IDENTIFY tropical flora and fauna during guided interpretive hikes amid primary and secondary rainforest. • SAMPLE gourmet chocolate while learning about the history and cultural importance of cacao in the tropics. • EXPERIENCE a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure. • SET SAIL on a scenic catamaran ride in the ocean, with the chance to swim and snorkel from the boat. • OBSERVE tropical birds, howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife at El Viejo wetlands. • VISIT a wildlife rescue facility and learn about its environmental and social projects within the community.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
C O S TA R I C A
PRESERVING PARADISE: PARKS AND RESERVES OF COSTA RICA 10 DAYS from $2,245 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV - JUL
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
SARAPIQUÍ CARARA
SAN JOSÉ
MANUEL ANTONIO
SAN GERARDO DE DOTA
DAY 1 San José DAYS 2-3 Sarapiquí DAYS 4-5 Carara DAY 6 Manuel
DAYS 7-8 San
Gerardo de Dota
DAY 9 San José DAY 10 Depart
Antonio
“
Every day was packed with activities, travel, and learning opportunities. ROBERT POWELL
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Costa Rica has more than 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, 801 miles of coastline, and roughly 5,000 square miles of protected land. At the same time, it consistently ranks high in prestigious international quality of life studies. How does Costa Rica maintain its fragile balance, and what can we learn from it? Find out as you explore natural areas and hear from the naturalists and conservationists who are stewards of this remarkable realm. With rainforest hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, river cruising, canopy walks, and a relaxing spa stay, your 10day expedition will be as exhilarating as it is enlightening. Observe abundant wildlife, enjoy beautiful scenery, and see firsthand the efforts under way to preserve this tropical paradise.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CRNP21
• EXAMINE topics of conservation, land use, and sustainability at some of Costa Rica’s renowned national parks and reserves. • LEARN ABOUT important land use issues while looking for caimans, a variety of water birds, and other wildlife on a river boat ride. • WITNESS the intersection of indigenous traditions and modern livelihoods during a hands-on experience at a chocolate farm. • DISCUSS forest conservation and the history of settlement in the San Gerardo de Dota region with a member of a local family. • WALK the beaches and trails of the popular Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
35
C O S TA R I C A
COSTA RICA ECO-ADVENTURE: TORTUGUERO, SARAPIQUÍ, AND ARENAL 9 DAYS from $2,295 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV- APR FOCUS ON: ADVENTURE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This active exploration of Costa Rica’s rich environments will enliven
ARENAL
SARAPIQUÍ TORTUGUERO
SAN JOSÉ DAY 1 San José DAYS 2-3 Tortuguero
DAYS 4-5 Sarapiquí
“
DAYS 6-7 Arenal DAY 8 San José DAY 9 Depart
I like the combination of learning, adventure and exploring new places that Holbrook provides. CINDY TODD
ACTIVITY LEVEL 36
3
MODERATE
all your senses with a wide variety of excursions. Venture to the Caribbean coast and remote Tortuguero National Park, one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world. Then journey inland to discover the rainforests of Selva Verde, our private eco-reserve set on 500 protected acres. These distinct locations offer the perfect introduction to Costa Rica’s biodiversity, which you’ll also encounter in the forests and lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park, driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park, and on a whitewater rafting excursion. See firsthand how the country’s national park system protects its natural resources, and learn about the ecological benefits of responsible agriculture.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CRAE21
• KAYAK the waterways of Tortuguero in search of reptiles, monkeys, butterflies, and birds. • RIDE a boat to Tortuguero Village and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy museum. • HIKE in Selva Verde’s private rainforest reserve, part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. • VISIT a macaw rescue facility, where previously caged or abused macaws fly free. • GO WHITEWATER RAFTING on the Río Sarapiquí’s Class I, II, and III rapids. • RELAX in thermal hot springs in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. • LEARN how crops like pineapples, bananas, and coconuts play an important role in the local economy.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
C O S TA R I C A
PHOTOGRAPHING THE JEWELS OF NATURE 11 DAYS from $2,760 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: FEB - OCT * *FEB - JUN: LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON JUL - OCT: GREEN SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON
FOCUS ON: PHOTOGRAPHY
SARAPIQUÍ SAN JOSÉ
DAYS 2-4
Tortuguero
DAYS 5-7 Sarapiquí
“
TORTUGUERO
DAYS 8-9 Savegre DAY 10 San José DAY 11 Depart
This was a trip of my lifetime. Everyday was a new sensory surprise. It was fabulous and I want to go back. KATHRYN CLARK
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
NATURAL HISTORY
ADVENTURE
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Whether a master photographer or enthusiastic amateur,
SAVEGRE
DAY 1 San José
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
EASYMODERATE
the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty of Costa Rica is certain to inspire a portfolio full of treasures. Accompanied by both a photography guide and naturalist guide, receive personal instruction while capturing the wonder of tropical plants, insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Costa Rica’s lush environment is the perfect backdrop to practice macro photography with colorful poison dart frogs and discover how shutter speed impacts shots of fast moving objects at the hummingbird feeders. Enjoy the vibrant flora and fauna of Costa Rica while bringing your photography to the next level!
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CRPJ21
• ENJOY the opportunity to capture a variety of subjects, including wildlife, flora, and landscapes. • VISIT the beaches of Tortuguero and search for nesting sea turtles. • PRACTICE photographing fast-moving objects and using flash set-ups at the hummingbird feeder. • DISCOVER macro and light management techniques while photographing tropical flowers, insects, poison dart frogs, and other wildlife. • TAKE nocturnal excursions and practice shooting in low light. • LEARN ABOUT local wildlife, traditions, and history from your naturalist guide to provide a story behind every photo.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
37
C O S TA R I C A
AN INTRODUCTION TO NEOTROPICAL BIRDING 7 DAYS from $1,695 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL
FOCUS ON: BIRDING
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
SARAPIQUÍ SAN JOSÉ
SAN GERARDO DE DOTA
DAY 1 San José DAYS 2-4
DAYS 5-6 San Gerardo de Dota
Sarapiquí
“
DAY 7 Depart
Our guide was really enthusiastic and very helpful. I learned a great deal from him. MARGARET ROBERTS
ACTIVITY LEVEL
38
2
EASYMODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
If you’ve always wanted to go birding in Costa Rica — or never taken a birding trip abroad at all — this program is a great introduction to the neotropical birds of Central America. You’ll spend time in the Caribbean lowlands and the mountainous southern highlands, seeking out species typical of the differing elevations and habitats. Our local birding guides are experts at identification by both sight and sound, and they’ll help ensure your group spots as many of the country’s 900-plus species as possible. Combine that with its accessibility and friendly people, and Costa Rica is a perfect destination for beginners and more advanced birders alike. Plus, you’ll discover wildlife like frogs, monkeys, bats, and sloths.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CRBI21
• TAKE guided hikes in the private, 500-acre rainforest reserve at Selva Verde Lodge, which provides habitat to more than 350 bird species, including the endangered Great Green Macaw. • ASCEND the 100-meter suspended walkway at Tirimbina Biological Reserve for the chance to see species that spend their time high within the forest canopy layer. • VISIT El Tapir, a private reserve adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and a good place to see the Snowcap. • SEARCH FOR the Resplendent Quetzal, Slaty Flowerpiercer, Ruddy Treerunner, and other high-elevation species in the cloud forests of the Talamanca Mountains.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
C O S TA R I C A
BIRDER’S PARADISE:
SAVEGRE, SARAPIQUÍ, ARENAL, AND CARARA 11 DAYS from $2,640 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL FOCUS ON: BIRDING
ARENAL
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
SARAPIQUÍ
CARARA
SAN JOSÉ SAN GERARDO DE DOTA
DAY 1 San José DAYS 2-4
DAYS 7-8 Carara DAYS 9-10 San
DAYS 5-6 Arenal
DAY 11 Depart
Sarapiquí
“
Gerardo de Dota
This was my third Holbrook trip. I don’t think the price can be beat for a birding tour with such an exceptional guide and driver. NANCY KILGORE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Embark on a comprehensive excursion perfect for avid birders wishing to add to their life list: You’ll be rewarded with ample opportunities to seek out some of the hundreds of avian species that call Costa Rica home. Visit hotspots encompassing a variety of habitats—such as Caribbean lowlands, premontane forest, tropical dry forest, mangroves, páramo, and more—during hikes, boat rides, and a hanging bridge canopy tour. Accompanied by one of our expert birding guides, you’ll experience the breadth and depth of the country’s diverse natural beauty while identifying resident and migrants alike, including rare, endangered, and endemic targets.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CRBP21
• BIRD the trails of the world-renowned La Selva Biological Station, where more than half of Costa Rica’s species have been recorded. • ENJOY excellent vantage points—including grassland, secondary forest, a river, and a natural spring—at a private ecological reserve near Arenal Volcano. • SPEND a full day in Carara National Park, an ecologically diverse hotspot due to its location at the convergence of northwestern tropical dry forest and humid southern Pacific rainforest. • SEEK OUT regional endemics like the Volcano Junco and Whitethroated Mountain-gem, plus the highly coveted Resplendent Quetzal, in the temperate forest and páramo habitats of Cerro de la Muerte.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
39
C O S TA R I C A
GARDENS, FORESTS, WILDLIFE & THE SEA 13 DAYS from $3,295 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - MAY
FOCUS ON: GARDENS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
SARAPIQUÍ SAN JOSÉ
TÁRCOLES
SAN GERARDO DE DOTA
SAN VITO
DAY 1 Santo
DAYS 8-9 San Vito DAYS 10-11 San
Domingo
DAYS 2-3 Arenal DAYS 4-5
Gerardo de Dota
Sarapiquí
DAY 12 Santo Domingo
DAYS 6-7
DAY 13 Depart
Tárcoles/Pacific
40
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The lush and varied ecosystems of Costa Rica are abundant with
ARENAL
ACTIVITY LEVEL
NATURAL HISTORY
2
EASYMODERATE
tropical plants, diverse wildlife, and colorful birds. For serious garden lovers, this 13-day itinerary is the perfect opportunity to sample the best of the country’s biodiversity. Become immersed in the vibrant flora of different types of forests, including cloud forest, rainforest, premontane forest, and tropical dry forest. Walk beneath towering 700-year-old trees and learn about innovative conservation projects. From visits to world-renowned tropical research institutions and behind-the-scenes tours at botanical gardens, to guided trail hikes and boating excursions, this program takes a multifaceted look at the country’s floristic heritage.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CRGC21
• EXPLORE the impressive collections of palms, gingers, cycads, bromeliads, and more at Else Kientzler and Wilson Botanical Gardens. • EXAMINE some of the country’s 1,300-plus orchid species at an orchid project in Sarchí and at SACRO, a non-profit orchid conservation organization. • LEARN ABOUT the research underway at the Organization for Tropical Studies Las Cruces Biological Station during a site lecture by the director. • HIKE amid ancient trees and watch for Scarlet Macaws in the transitional forest at Carara National Park. • EMBARK ON a twilight boat safari, stopping at a local farm for a typical Costa Rican snack.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
PA N A M A
A TASTE OF PANAMA: CANAL, RAINFOREST, & CULTURE 8 DAYS from $2,355 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL
FOCUS ON: CULTURE & HISTORY
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NATURAL HISTORY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Journey to the “Crossroads of the World” for an informative
COLÓN GAMBOA PANAMA CITY
DAYS 1-3 Panama
DAYS 6-7
DAYS 4-5 Colón
DAY 8 Depart
City
“
Gamboa
Our visit with the Embera was a memorable experience, especially the boat ride! PAGE KEELEY
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
EASYMODERATE
look at Panama’s fascinating history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore both the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the country as you learn about the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal. Discover its past, present, and future during a partial transit. You’ll also go beyond the canal and delve deeper into the country’s cultural identity, spending time with an indigenous community and reflecting on the effects of Spanish colonization in the capital’s historical districts. Meanwhile, examine how Panama’s unique geography played a vital role in shaping the ecology of the Americas.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/PACT21
• UNCOVER Panama’s role as an international trade center and cultural melting pot in the historical district of Casco Viejo. • MAKE a partial canal transit, cruising under the Bridge of the Americas and Centenario Bridge and viewing the elaborate lock system in action. • LEARN ABOUT the geological origins, natural history, and ecological effects of the Panamanian isthmus at the Frank Gehrydesigned BioMuseo. • KAYAK on Lake Gatún, a man-made lake 85 feet above sea level. • MEET members of the indigenous Emberá tribe and learn about their history, traditions, and culture. • OBSERVE tropical flora and fauna during a hike and aerial tram ride through Soberanía National Park.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
41
PA N A M A
BETWEEN TWO CONTINENTS: BIRDING IN PANAMA 8 DAYS from $2,775 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL
FOCUS ON: BIRDING
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to birds, Panama
GAMBOA CHIRIQUÍ PANAMA CITY
DAYS 1-3
DAY 7 Panama
Gamboa
City
DAY 8 Depart
DAYS 4-6 Chiriquí
“
Enjoyed the birding but also the opportunity for side trips to the canal, market, and supermarket. BETTY KUHNERT
ACTIVITY LEVEL
42
3
MODERATE
boasts the highest diversity of species in Central America; the country’s advantageous location at the convergence of two continents makes it the prime respite for migratory birds from both North and South America. Spend time birding in two distinct regions—the tropical rainforests of Soberanía National Park alongside the Panama Canal, and the midlands and highlands of Chiriquí Province in western Panama—for the chance to see a multitude of species at varying elevations. You’ll explore several national parks, visit noteworthy birding hotspots, witness the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks in action, and spend eight days immersed in the country’s inviting culture and natural landscapes.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/PABB21
• HIKE the world-famous Pipeline Road, where target species include Black Hawk-Eagle, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Masked Tityra, and hundreds of others. • SCALE the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center’s 130-foot tower for the chance to see upper canopy species, including the coveted Blue Cotinga. • SEARCH for Resplendent Quetzals in Volcán Barú National Park and La Amistad International Park, near the border with Costa Rica. • VISIT Panama’s highest elevation natural wetlands at Las Lagunas, 4,000 feet above sea level, where you may see Masked Duck, Chiriquí Yellowthroat, and Crested Guan.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
MEXICO
BAJA PENINSULA: GRAY WHALES AND DESERT LANDSCAPES 9 DAYS from $3,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: FEB - MAR
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
CATAVIÑA SAN IGNACIO MULEGÉ LORETO
LA PAZ DAY 7 Cataviña DAY 8
DAYS 1-2 La Paz DAYS 3-4 Loreto DAYS 5-6 San
Ensenada
DAY 9 Depart
Ignacio
Whale outings were excellent! ANN & DAVE MOFFAT
ACTIVITY LEVEL
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
Each year, gray whales travel thousands of miles from arctic seas to the warm waters
SAN DIEGO ENSENADA
“
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
2
EASYMODERATE
of Baja California’s lagoons to court, mate, give birth, and care for their young. Take part in one of the unique natural wonders of the world as you visit three whale sanctuaries for arm’s-length encounters with these graceful giants. During your journey north along the arid peninsula, you’ll also observe beautiful desert vegetation—including some of the region’s 600-plus endemic plant species—enjoy opportunities to see birds and other wildlife, visit Spanish missions, and learn about daily life on a working goat ranch.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/MXNB21
• ENJOY thrilling opportunities to view and photograph gray whales up-close during small-boat excursions. • EXPLORE hidden coves, snorkel with sea lions and tropical fish, and relax on the pristine beaches of Espíritu Santo, a protected island and UNESCO World Heritage Site. • SEEK OUT resident and migratory birds in mangrove and coastal habitats and in the highlands’ prickly desert vegetation. • WALK THROUGH the scenic Cataviña Boulder Fields, where gigantic granite boulders, Boojum trees, towering cardon cacti, and contorted elephant trees dominate the landscape.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
43
MEXICO
MYSTICAL MIGRATION OF THE MONARCH 7 DAYS from $2,245 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: FEB
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
ANGANGUEO MEXICO CITY ZITÁCUARO DAY 1 Mexico City DAYS 2-3
DAYS 4-5
Zitácuaro
DAY 6 Mexico City DAY 7 Depart
Angangueo
“
Everything was perfect. Thanks for making a bucket list dream come true. JERRY AND JENNY GARRETT
ACTIVITY LEVEL 44
4
MODERATESTRENUOUS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
PHOTOGRAPHY
BIRDING
One of the most amazing phenomena in nature is the annual migration of Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) southward from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to overwintering sites high in the mountains of southern Mexico. Hundreds of millions of Monarchs fly along the Gulf Coast, or across the Gulf of Mexico, to eventually reach the belt of high volcanic mountains which stretches across the southern end of the central Mexican plateau. At about a dozen isolated places within the highaltitude forests of this zone, Monarchs pass the winter in aggregations that can exceed 2 billion individual butterflies. Stand amid the fir-covered mountains and witness this awe-inspiring spectacle firsthand as the monarchs flutter, dip, and swoop overhead.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/MXNM21
• HIKE or RIDE HORSEBACK to three different monarch reserves in Michoacán, where millions of individual monarch butterflies gather. • PHOTOGRAPH the dramatic colors of the butterflies as they hang in clusters from the trees, drink from streams, feed on wildflowers, and soar in the air above. • VISIT the pyramids at Teotihuacán, one of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican sites of preColumbian times. • SPEND TIME exploring colonial Angangueo, which was once a mining town but now derives most of its livelihood from butterfly ecotourism and agriculture.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
MEXICO
BIRDING THE RUINS OF THE YUCATÁN 11 DAYS from $2,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV - MAR
FOCUS ON: BIRDING
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
UXMAL MERIDA CELESTUN COZUMEL XPUJIL CHETUMAL DAYS 1-2 Cozumel DAYS 3-4 Chetumal
DAYS 5-6 Xpujil
DAYS 7-8 Uxmal DAY 9 Celestun DAY 10 Merida DAY 11 Depart
DID YOU KNOW?
Found throughout the entire Yucatán Peninsula, the sought-after Yucatán Woodpecker cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Pack your binoculars and embark on an intense birding adventure to the environmentally diverse Yucatán Peninsula. Witness native birds soar above the stunning ruins of Hochob, Becán, Chacchoben, Uxmal, and other archaeological sites on this journey through the Maya world. Heads will turn at every point of this expedition as you look for a rainbow array of birds including hummingbirds, parrots, tanagers, flamingos, raptors, and many more. From trail hikes to boat rides, birding enthusiasts will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of outdoor activities while learning about the history of the Maya and the birds that call the Yucatán Peninsula home.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/MXBY21
• ENJOY exceptional birding while visiting the walled city of Becán, once a Maya political, economic, and religious center. • WATCH FOR target species like the Hook-billed and Grayheaded Kites, Hawk Eagle, and the magnificent King Vulture. • EMBARK on a boat ride on Bacalar Lagoon, nicknamed the “Lake of Seven Colors.” • SEARCH FOR avifauna in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, home to approximately 350 bird species. • GO BIRDING by boat through the Celestun marshes and mangroves, home to herons, cormorants, frigatebirds, and flocks of flamingos.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
45
CUBA
ISLAND ENDEMISM & CULTURE IN EASTERN CUBA 10 DAYS from $2,425 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
MAGUANA BARACOA
SANTIAGO DAY 1 Gibara DAYS 2-3 Pinares
DAYS 6-7
DAYS 4-5
Santiago
Baracoa
DAYS 8-9
de Mayarí
DAY 10 Depart
Maguana DID YOU KNOW?
Plant endemism within Humboldt National Park is over 70 percent, a result of adaptations to local rocks and soils that are toxic to plants.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 46
3
ADVENTURE
CULTURE & HISTORY
GARDEN TOURS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Study a cross-section of Cuba’s fascinating flora and fauna,
GIBARA PINARES DE MAYARÍ
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
MODERATE
geology, landscapes, and history during this in-depth journey across the lesser-explored eastern end of the island. See the diverse ecosystems of La Mensura and Alejandro de Humboldt national parks, known for their high levels of endemism, before continuing to Baracoa, the country’s oldest city. Meet with Cubans at the forefront of conservation efforts, including a national park director and a Cuban Academy of Sciences researcher. You’ll have the chance to explore the region’s forests, beaches, waterfalls, and caves before concluding your journey in Santiago de Cuba, the country’s first capital and the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CUNE21
• LOOK FOR some of the many endemic species at Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, such as the brightly colored Cuban land snails known as polymitas or painted snails. • LEARN ABOUT the process of making chocolate in the tropics, beginning with an interpretive walk to see cacao trees and ending with a cup of some of the best hot cocoa in the Americas. • EXPLORE the Toa River, first by paddling on wooden boats with a local guide, then walking along the picturesque beaches. • VISIT the historical sites of Santiago, including the Moncada barracks, El Morro fortress, and the historical city center, plus a musical performance at the Casa de la Trova.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
CUBA
CONNECTING CULTURE & ECOLOGY IN THE HEART OF CUBA 11 DAYS from $3,395 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV - JUN
FOCUS ON: CULTURE & HISTORY
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Over the course of centuries, Cuba has
HAVANA VIÑALES
CIENFUEGOS ZAPATA
PENINSULA
DAYS 8-10
DAYS 1-3 Havana DAYS 4-5 Viñales DAYS 6-7 Zapata
Cienfuegos
DAY 11 Depart
Peninsula
“
The overall experience of the program was excellent and unforgettable. FRANCINE NARDONE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
EASYMODERATE
been shaped by interactions between geography and culture, resulting in a blend of indigenous, European, and African influences. This program examines different aspects of the country’s cultural and natural heritage, from the 19th century sugar trade and its lasting impact, to the incorporation of various religious identities, to more recent history, like the 1959 revolution and Bay of Pigs invasion. Get to know Cuban people and ideologies as you meet with artists, converse with taxi drivers in their classic American cars, visit a self-sustained eco-community, and chat with students of an urban rehabilitation project. Plus, explore natural areas like Zapata National Park, Soroa Orchidarium, and the Viñales Valley to experience Cuba’s amazing biodiversity.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CUCC21
• DISCOVER the many historical influences that have impacted Cuba during a tour of Old Havana’s colonial architecture. • LEARN ABOUT the country’s native inhabitants during a visit to a traditional Taína Village, where the indigenous way of life is depicted through life-sized statues. • EXPLORE the mountains of El Nicho, where you can hike through caves, swim under a waterfall, and seek out the colorful Tocororo, Cuba’s national bird. • SNORKEL in the Bay of Pigs, famed not only for its role in Cuban history, but also for its coral reefs. • GAIN INSIGHT into Cuba’s history of sugar and tobacco production exploring colonial Trinidad and Cienfuegos. • VISIT a working tobacco farm in Viñales Valley, home to massive limestone formations known as mogotes.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
47
CUBA
CUBA’S BIRDING HOTSPOTS 8 DAYS from $2,895 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - MAY
FOCUS ON: BIRDING
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
HAVANA SAN DIEGO DE LOS BAÑOS
ZAPATA PENINSULA
DAYS 1-2 Havana DAYS 3-4 San
DAYS 5-7 Zapata Peninsula
DAY 8 Depart
Diego de los Baños
“
A great experience. I was most impressed by the depth of field coverage and timing by the ornithologist and local guides. JOHN JANOWSKI
ACTIVITY LEVEL 48
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
GARDEN TOURS
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Get to know the birds of Cuba during this exploration of the country’s western regions. Cuba’s geography makes it the perfect classroom to study island endemism and biodiversity as you make your way through a selection of ecosystems, including mangroves, forests, coastal lagoons, and limestone caves. Together with your ornithologist guide, you’ll have the opportunity to seek out and identify highlights like the Cuban Trogon— Cuba’s national bird, known locally as the Tocororo—and the world’s smallest bird, the Bee Hummingbird. Not only will you visit prime birding hotspots, you’ll also encounter the lively spirit of the Cuban people as you interact with local residents.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CUBH21
• DISCOVER La Güira National Park, 54,000 acres of mountain wilderness, picturesque valleys, and hidden caves, and home to species such as Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Tody, and Cuban Pewee. • WATCH FOR target species like the Cuban Grassquit and Olivecapped Warbler and meet with residents at Las Terrazas, a community and reserve that is a model of sustainability and ecotourism. • VISIT several sites in Zapata Swamp, a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar wetland, and meet with area conservationists. • VENTURE into the limestone cave that was Che Guevara’s headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis and an excellent place to spot Cuban Solitaire and Scaly-naped Pigeon.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
CUBA
HAVANA & WESTERN CUBA: GARDENS, AGRICULTURE, LIVING HISTORY, & THE ARTS 7 DAYS from $3,650 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV - JUN FOCUS ON: GARDENS
HAVANA
VIÑALES
DAY 6 Havana DAY 7 Depart
DAYS 1-3 Havana DAYS 4-5 Viñales
“
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
Holbrook did a great job coordinating this trip. I learned so much, felt safe and we had excellent guides. NICOLE PINSON
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Explore western Cuba’s unique indigenous species of flora on this 7-day gardens tour. Despite the Revolution and economic hardships endured by the people of Cuba, its botanical gardens, organic farms, private gardens, and agriculture have thrived. Travel to Viñales Valley, one of the most beautiful regions in the country, and to Soroa, home to a stunning orchid garden. Discover the history and culture of Havana, with its many plazas, restored antique cars, paladares, and buildings under restoration. Evidence of the Cuban population’s passion is evident at every turn, shining through in their music, dance, love of life, and appreciation of the natural beauty found on this small Caribbean island.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CUGW21
• VISIT a selection of Cuba’s public and private gardens, including the National Botanical Garden of Cuba (home to hundreds of palm species), a family-owned garden in Viñales, and an urban cooperative garden in Havana. • MEET WITH a staff member and tour the Soroa Orchid Garden, which has 20,000+ plants representing 700 orchid species. • TAKE guided hikes in Viñales Valley, famous for its limestone formations known as mogotes and home to the mogote vegetation complex. • EXPLORE Old Havana on a walking tour and enjoy a private dance performance. • STROLL through Cuba’s oldest botanical garden, La Quinta de los Molinos, where highlights include a butterfly house and a breeding nursery of endemic painted land snails.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
49
South America
50
WEAVING IN THE SACRED VALLEY
MAGELLANIC PENGUINS
SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
Colombia
Ecuador
Rainforest-covered mountains, marshes, plains, cliffs, jungles, Caribbean and Pacific coastline, and other ecosystems make Colombia one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. In fact, the country is home to 10 percent of the world’s biodiversity, including an astonishing 1,900-plus bird species.
Man, animal, and plant share Ecuador’s mountains, rainforests, and shores in great harmony. The country has everything from indigenous communities to metropolitan cities, and boasts diverse ecosystems that can take you from the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest.
Galápagos Islands
Peru
The unique flora and fauna of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin’s revolutionary studies on evolution during his visit to the archipelago in 1835 and continue to inspire travelers who visit these enchanting islands today.
Peru encompasses a range of climates and habitats. The remnants of the powerful pre-Columbian empires still stand today in sites like Machu Picchu and Chachapoyas, as a testimony to the country’s rich culture. Meanwhile, the Amazon rainforest shelters incredible biodiversity.
Brazil
Chile
Across a range of ecosystems, Brazil is home to an abundance of biodiversity, including 1,700 recorded bird species. Observe these natural treasures in the heart of the Amazon’s famed forests or the wetlands of the Pantanal. Experiences in river communities, colonial towns, and cosmopolitan cities offer insight into the blended cultures of modern Brazil.
Stretching nearly 3,000 miles, Chile’s extreme length makes it a land of dramatic contrasts. The Atacama offers salt lagoons and geysers; the Andes are marked by glacier fields and snowy peaks. Experience Chile’s vibrant modern culture in bustling Santiago, or enjoy a slower pace in its lake region, famous for a world-class wine industry.
Argentina
Patagonia
Though most known for its passionate tango and colorful capital city, Argentina’s spectacular natural treasures host unique and endangered wildlife. Explore ancient petrified forests, visit the southernmost city in the world, and see sprawling colonies of Magellanic Penguins.
At the southernmost tip of South America lies Patagonia, a region shared by Argentina and Chile. With its jagged peaks, untamed wilderness, and stunning panoramas, Patagonia inspires the imagination of adventurous travelers with its “end of the Earth” mystique. 51
COLOMBIA
EXPLORING COLOMBIA: CULTURE, COFFEE, AND THE CARIBBEAN 12 DAYS from $3,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: JAN - DEC FOCUS ON: CULTURE & HISTORY
CARTAGENA SALAMINA VILLA DE LEYVA SUESCÚN EL ROSARIO BOGOTÁ DAYS 1-2 Bogotá DAY 3 Villa de Leyva DAYS 4-5 Suescún DAY 6 El Rosario
“
DAYS 7-8 Salamina DAYS 9-11 Cartagena
DAY 12 Depart
Holbrook has always been topnotch at planning and executing all of my trips over the years. ALAN GUBANICH
ACTIVITY LEVEL 52
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NATURAL HISTORY
BIRDING
ADVENTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Acquaint yourself with the many facets of Colombia, a historically and culturally rich country currently experiencing a renaissance. Begin your journey high in the Andes, where you’ll immerse yourself in modern Bogotá as well as the small, well-preserved colonial towns of the surrounding mountains. Spend time in the coffee-growing region to learn about agriculture, the development of the area, and the famed crop amid beautiful scenery. Finally, experience the Caribbean flavor of the coastal city of Cartagena, whose colorful, jacaranda-draped buildings evoke another time in history. The experience is enhanced by meetings with local residents and representatives from several different NGOs, who offer an insider’s look at their innovative social and environmental projects.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/COCC21
• DISCOVER the architecture, museums, monuments, cuisine, and history of Colombia’s bustling cities and traditional villages. • DESCEND underground to the subterranean Salt Cathedral, a church carved from a still-functioning salt mine. • LEARN ABOUT the art of Colombian coffee production—its origins, the harvesting process, and different varieties— culminating in the opportunity to roast your own beans. • STROLL THROUGH a forest of endangered Quindío wax palms, the world’s largest palm species and the national tree of Colombia. • BOARD a boat with a local fisherman in the foothills of Montes de María for a firsthand look at sustainable practices.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
COLOMBIA
BIRDING COLOMBIA’S CENTRAL ANDES A FLYWAY EXPEDITION
Flyway
10 DAYS from $3,280 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: JAN - DEC EXPEDITIONS
FOCUS ON: BIRDING
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
MANIZALES OTUN QUIMBAYA BOGOTÁ SANCTUARY NEVADO DEL RUIZ DAYS 6-7
DAY 1 Bogotá DAYS 2-3
Nevado del Ruíz
Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary
DAYS 4-5 Manizales
“
DAYS 8-9 Bogotá DAY 10 Depart
The country is stunningly beautiful, the birds were breathtaking, and the logistics were very nicely managed. KEITH OLSTAD
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
With over 1,900 avian species— more than any other country in the world—Colombia is a birder’s paradise waiting to be discovered. This 10-day program focuses on the highlights of the Central Andes region, famed for its high level of species diversity, including the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Rio Blanco Reserve, and Los Nevados National Park. Explore Andean cloud forest, farmland, páramo, and wetland habitats in search of an array of tropical avifauna, including flycatchers, hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and more. Throughout your journey, meet members of the local community and learn about conservation efforts to use birding as a sustainable development resource.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/COBC21
• SEEK OUT a variety of Colombia’s rare and endemic species, such as the Cauca Guan, Chestnut Wood-Quail, Crested AntTanager, and Buffy Helmetcrest. • HIKE the forest paths of Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary by night for the chance to see a variety of owls, including the endemic Colombian Screech-Owl. • WATCH the antpitta feeders in Rio Blanco Natural Reserve, a designated Important Bird Area, and look for large mixed flocks in this area. • MEET WITH members of the Yarumo Blanco Foundation and learn about their involvement with Audubon’s guide training and the development of the Central Andes Birding Trail.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
53
ECUADOR
BIRDING THE CHOCÓ-ANDES REGION: WESTERN & EASTERN SLOPES OF ECUADOR 10 DAYS from $2,695 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL FOCUS ON: BIRDING
3,300 FT - 7,200 FT
MINDO
SANGOLQUÍ
QUITO COSANGA 6,000 FT - 7,800 FT
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
An extraordinary abundance of bird life inhabits the forests of northwestern Ecuador. Amid cloud forest, rainforest, páramo, and the eastern and western slopes of the Andes Mountains, you’ll seek out as many of the country’s 1,640-plus
DAY 1 Quito DAYS 2-5 Mindo DAY 6 Sangolquí
DAYS 7-8 Cosanga DAY 9 Quito DAY 10 Depart
species as possible with assistance from your expert guide on this 10day adventure. In particular, much of the avifauna you’ll encounter is endemic to the Chocó region, while
“
Outstanding throughout. Many gorgeous birds. Our guide’s enthusiasm for Ecuador and for the birds was wonderful. R. THOMAS RIGGS
other species are more easily found here than any place else. Along the way, visit the workshop of a famous Ecuadorian ornithologist and artist, view the snow-capped Antisana Volcano, and straddle the equator at
ACTIVITY LEVEL 54
3
MODERATE
the Middle of the World Monument.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ECBC21
• EXPLORE diverse habitats at varying elevations in national and private reserves, including Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, the subtropical rainforest at Milpe Bird Sanctuary, páramo ecosystem at Antisana Ecological Reserve, and more. • SEEK OUT some of Ecuador’s approximately 130 hummingbird species, including the Giant Hummingbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tourmaline Sunangel, and Glowing Puffleg. • IDENTIFY other target species like the Andean Condor, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Toucan Barbet, Chocó Trogon, and dozens of tanagers.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
E C U A D O R & G A L Á PA G O S
ULTIMATE ECUADOR: BIODIVERSITY IN THE AMAZON & GALÁPAGOS 12 DAYS | CALL FOR PRICING | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - AUG
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
QUITO
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
QUITO AMAZON AMAZON ECUADOR
ECUADOR
GUAYAQUIL
GALÁPAGOS
GUAYAQUIL
GALÁPAGOS
MAP NOT TO SCALE
DAYS 1-2 Quito DAYS 3-5 Amazon DAY 6 Quito
DAYS 7-10 Galápagos DAY 11 Guayaquil DAY 12 Depart
DID YOU KNOW?
Per square mile, Ecuador has the highest biodiversity in the world, due to the convergence of the Andean mountains and Amazon rainforest near the Equator. Yasuní National Park, which spans just 0.15 percent of the Amazon basin, exemplifies this high density of biodiversity.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
BIRDING
ADVENTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth, encompassing varied ecosystems ranging from rainforest and cloud forest to highlands and coast. This ultimate Ecuador exploration introduces you to two biodiversity hotspots for an in-depth appreciation of the many wonders of this equatorial nation. Begin in the Ecuadorian Amazon to observe rainforest flora and fauna, then head to the volcanic landscapes of the Galápagos Islands and explore the wonders that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, an idea that not only influenced his own life, but also changed the history of the world. Enjoy time in the bustling cities of Quito and Guayaquil to round out the experience.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ECNU21
• LOOK FOR primates, tropical birds, and other wildlife as you travel by boat down the Napo River into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. • LEARN ABOUT the Amazon’s indigenous peoples and their relationship with the forest during guided hikes. • FOLLOW in Charles Darwin’s footsteps while cruising the Galápagos Islands and come face-to-face with Blue-footed Boobies, giant tortoises, and sea lions. • DISCOVER fascinating geological history while trekking volcanoes and lava fields. • EXPLORE historical Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved colonial city center in Latin America. 55
E C U A D O R & G A L Á PA G O S
GARDENS, FORESTS, HISTORY, CULTURE, OTAVALO MARKET, & THE GALÁPAGOS 13 DAYS from $7,465 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: NOV - AUG
FOCUS ON: GARDENS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST
56
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
From the Andes to the Galápagos,
Ecuador boasts a dazzling biodiversity and a fascinating blend of Hispanic ECUADOR QUITO and indigenous cultures. This tour ECUADOR GUAYAQUIL celebrates it all while shining a spotlight GALÁPAGOS on the country’s rich flora across a GUAYAQUIL GALÁPAGOS range of ecosystems. Meander through MAP NOT TO SCALE the botanical gardens of Quito and DAYS 1-2 Quito DAYS 7-10 Guayaquil, the craft market of Otavalo, Galápagos DAY 3 Otavalo and a local rose farm. Set out into DAYS 4-5 Bellavista DAYS 11-12 the heart of the cloud forest and Guayaquil Cloud Forest discover the rich floral biodiversity of DAY 13 Depart DAY 6 Quito the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, a collapsed volcano that harbors an DID YOU KNOW? abundance of mosses, ferns, lichens, Due to its extremely fertile soil, the bromeliads, and orchids. Culminate your Pululahua Caldera is the only volcanic crater in the world that is farmed to cultivate crops journey with a four-night cruise amid and sustain a local population living there. the signature wildlife and scenery of the Galápagos Islands, which you’ll explore aboard a first-class expedition yacht. ACTIVITY LEVEL 3 MODERATE BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST
NATURAL HISTORY
QUITO
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ECGG21
• VIEW the impressive collections at Quito Botanical Gardens and Guayaquil Botanical Gardens. • EXPLORE the cloud forest of Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, home to more than 2,000 species of Andean flora. • VISIT a rose farm and learn about Ecuador’s floral industry, followed by a stop at Otavalo Market, where artisans sell traditional handicrafts. • DISCOVER the hardy vegetation endemic to the Galápagos and its volcanic terrain, like the Incense Tree and red Sesuvium. • SEE iconic wildlife of the Galápagos up close, including Bluefooted Boobies and giant tortoises. • HIKE in Cerro Blanco reserve, which protects more than 700 species of vascular plants, 20 percent of which are endemic to southwestern Ecuador.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
G A L Á PAG O S I S L A N D S
INVESTIGATING ENDEMIC WILDLIFE AND GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS ABOARD M/C TIP TOP II
OR
M/C TIP TOP V
11 DAYS from $5,195 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - AUG FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
ISLA GENOVESA
SOUTH PLAZA ISLANDS
ISLA SAN CRISTÓBAL
SANTA CRUZ
ISLA SANTA FE ISLA FLOREANA ISLA ESPAÑOLA
DAYS 1-2 Quito DAY 3 Santa Cruz DAY 4 Genovesa DAY 5 South Plaza
DAY 8 Española DAY 9 San
Cristóbal
DAY 10 San
Cristóbal — Quito
— Santa Fe
DAY 11 Depart
DAY 6 Santa Cruz DAY 7 Floreana ACTIVITY LEVEL
4
MODERATESTRENUOUS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Galápagos have long intrigued with their endemic flora and outsiders QUITO
fauna, geological activity, and unusual terrain. Accompanied by an onboard naturalist guide, this small-group cruise expedition offers a front-row seat for exploring the eastern islands. Stunning formations like saw-toothed Kicker Rock and Cerro Brujo, volcanic calderas, sandy beaches, and teeming lagoons play host to iconic wildlife like Red- and Bluefooted Boobies, turtles and tortoises, iguanas, and more. With no fear of human predation, many creatures can be approached at close range; you can even swim with the sea lions. Also examine the archipelago’s sparse but dramatic human history, from 18th century whalers and pirates to its role in World War II and present-day inhabitants.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/GPNT21
• EXPLORE the Opuntia cactus forest on South Plaza Island and observe colonies of land iguanas. • LEARN ABOUT important conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station’s tortoise breeding center. • WALK ALONG the lava beds of Española Island, one of the best places in the world to see the Waved Albatross. • COME face-to-face with sea lions, turtles, sharks, rays, and colorful fish while snorkeling at Champion Islet. • TAKE PART in a centuries-old tradition by leaving a postcard in the barrel at Post Office Bay.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
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G A L Á PA G O S I S L A N D S
PURE GALÁPAGOS: PERSPECTIVES BY LAND AND SEA ABOARD M/Y TIP TOP V 10 DAYS from $4,595 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - AUG FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
GENOVESA
A CRUZ
SOUTH PLAZA
SANTA FE SANTA CRUZ
OREANA ISABELA
GUAYAQUIL
SANTA FE
FLOREANA MAP NOT TO SCALE
DAYS 1-2
DAY 5 South
Guayaquil
Plaza—Santa Fe
DAY 3 Santa Cruz DAY 4
DAYS 6-8 Isabela DAY 9 Guayaquil DAY 10 Depart
Genovesa
DID YOU KNOW?
Declared in 1978, the Galápagos Islands are UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 58
3
BIRDING
ADVENTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Explore Charles Darwin’s “Living Laboratory of Evolution” from
GENOVESA
SOUTH PLAZA
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
MODERATE
distinct perspectives on this combined land and cruise adventure. First, embark on the new Tip Top V, a deluxe GUAYAQUIL 16-passenger catamaran, and sail among pristine, uninhabited islands home to specially adapted flora and fauna. Next, spend three nights at Scalesia Eco-Lodge, a luxury tented camp in the highlands of Isabela, the perfect base for exploring the geology and biodiversity of the archipelago’s largest island. Enjoy the best of both worlds as you learn about the threats to these fragile ecosystems and the work being done to protect them. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this extraordinary place and its people.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/GPNP21
• CLIMB Prince Philip’s Steps and observe nesting colonies of frigatebirds, boobies, gulls, and other seabirds on Genovesa Island. • WALK among the tall Opuntia cactus forests on Santa Fé, looking for the pale yellow land iguana species found only on this island. • VISIT Los Humedales, where the sheltered sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mangroves provide a nursery for young marine animals. • SPEND a full day hiking at Sierra Negra Volcano and enjoy expansive views of the caldera and surroundings. • LEARN how the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center is working to ensure the survival of the islands’ endangered giant tortoises.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
G A L Á PAG O S I S L A N D S
ADVENTURE GALÁPAGOS: ACTIVE EXPLORATION
OF THE ISLANDS BY LAND 10 DAYS from $4,595 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - AUG FOCUS ON: ADVENTURE
ISABELA
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
GUAYAQUIL
SANTA CRUZ
MAP NOT TO SCALE
DAYS 1-2
DAYS 6-8
DAYS 3-5
DAY 9 Guayaquil DAY 10 Depart
Guayaquil
Isabela Island
Santa Cruz Island
“
I particularly liked the close-tothe-locals feeling that came from the excellent guides and the land-based format. DONNA TANG
ACTIVITY LEVEL
4
MODERATESTRENUOUS
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Arising from the remote reaches of the Pacific Ocean and forged in fire, the Galápagos Islands are primed for adventure. Experience the unique and varied environments in a way that most visitors seldom do—through fun activities like snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, biking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Gain a deeper understanding of this natural wonderland, delighting in the curious and unafraid wildlife that thrives here. As you learn about the natural and human forces that have shaped the archipelago, daily excursions to a host of highlights are rewarded with comfortable stays in boutique accommodations on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands.
GUAYAQUIL
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/GPAL21
• HIKE up to the edge of the Sierra Negra caldera, one of the Galápagos’ largest and most active volcanoes. • SNORKEL the turquoise depths of Las Tintoreras for the chance to view white-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos Penguins, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and sea lions. • WALK among the densely forested highlands of El Chato, a reserve where giant tortoises roam freely. • KAYAK and SUP (stand-up paddleboard) the calm waters of the archipelago’s bays and channels. • BIKE to the Wall of Tears, a massive stone structure built by prisoners of a penal colony in the mid-20th century.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
59
G A L Á PA G O S & P E R U
MYSTERIES OF MACHU PICCHU AND THE ENCHANTING GALÁPAGOS 15 DAYS from $5,995 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - JUL FOCUS ON: CULTURE & HISTORY
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! This exciting itinerary
QUITO ECUADOR
combines two destinations at the top of every traveler’s list: Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands. Begin your 15-day adventure PERU exploring the highlights of Peru, QUITO including the archaeological site LIMA ECUADOR of Ollantaytambo, the salt mines ISLA ISABELA MACHU PICCHU of Maras, the agricultural terraces GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS CUSCO at Moray, the colonial buildings of Cusco and Lima, and of course, Machu Picchu. Continue your DAYS 1-2 Lima DAYS 8-9 Quito DAYS 3-4 DAYS 10-13 PERU journey with a 4-night stay on the Sacred Valley Galápagos Galápagos archipelago’s largest island, Isabela, which is teeming with DAY 5 Aguas DAY 14 Quito Calientes a variety of wildlife and stunning DAY 15 Depart DAYS 6-7 Cusco lagoons. Plus, you’ll have time to MACHU PICCHU explore Quito, Ecuador’s capital and ACTIVITY LEVEL 4 MODERATEaCUSCO UNESCO World Heritage Site. STRENUOUS
MAP NOT TO SCALE
ISLA ISABELA
NATURAL HISTORY
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
LIMA
60
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/PGCM21
• VISIT the Sacred Valley of the Incas and explore the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu. • HAVE A TRADITIONAL LUNCH with members of a local family in the Sacred Valley, learn how to weave baskets from corn husks in Maras, and visit the community of Chincheros, famous for its colorful woven textiles. • VIEW the iconic wildlife of the Galápagos, like sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, and Galápagos Penguins. • EXPLORE the fascinating geological features of Isabela Island by land and by sea, including natural pools and estuaries, lava flows, caves, Sierra Negra, and Chico Volcano.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
PERU
LOST CIVILIZATIONS OF PERU: KUÉLAP TO MACHU PICCHU 12 DAYS from $3,975 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: APR - NOV
Equator
FOCUS ON: CULTURE & HISTORY
COCACHIMBA CHACHAPOYAS
LIMA
AGUAS CALIENTES
SACRED VALLEY
CUSCO DAYS 1-2 Lima DAY 3 Cocachimba DAYS 4-5
DAY 8 Aguas
DAYS 6-7 Cusco
DAY 11 Depart DAY 12 Arrive USA
Chachapoyas
ACTIVITY LEVEL
4
Calientes
DAYS 9-10 Sacred Valley
MODERATESTRENUOUS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
ADVENTURE
NATURAL HISTORY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Machu Picchu tops the list of “mustsee places” for many travelers to Peru, and for good reason. The Inca citadel’s well-preserved ruins are arguably the most spectacular on the continent. Meanwhile, Peru’s northern region is largely a still-hidden gem, where archaeological sites and cloud forests are waiting to be explored. This adventurous 12-day program takes you off the beaten path and introduces you to many facets of the country’s indigenous and colonial heritage. Examine the history of the Inca Empire as well as that of the Chachapoyas, a pre-Incan civilization known as the “Warriors of the Clouds.” Visit Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley in the south, as well as lesser-known but equally impressive sites in the north, like Kuélap (nicknamed “the Machu Picchu of the North”) and Revash, remnants of the Chachapoyas.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/PECN21
• VISIT Kuélap, the mountaintop ruins that were once an important political, religious, administrative, and military center for the Chachapoyas. • TAKE IN beautiful views of Gocta Waterfall, which despite being one of the world’s highest cascades was unknown to outsiders until only recently. • WITNESS the tombs of Revash, a Chachapoyas burial site carved high into a sheer cliff face. • WALK in the footsteps of the ancient Inca at the iconic Machu Picchu and learn about the site’s historical significance. • EXPLORE the highlights of Lima, Peru’s capital, and Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
61
PERU
ULTIMATE PERU: THE AMAZON AND MACHU PICCHU 13 DAYS from $5,995 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: SEP - JUL
Equator
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
IQUITOS
LIMA MACHU PICCHU
AGUAS CALIENTES
CUSCO DAY 1 Lima DAY 2 Iquitos DAYS 3-6 Amazon
DAY 9 Aguas
Cruise
DAYS 10-11 Cusco DAY 12 Depart
DAYS 7-8 Sacred
DAY 13 Arrive USA
Calientes
Valley
ACTIVITY LEVEL 62
3
MODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
ADVENTURE
CULTURE & HISTORY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Achieve two travel milestones on a single adventure that includes Peru’s Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, the most famous Incan archaeological site. You’ll experience the vast biodiversity sheltered among the Amazon’s tributaries, lagoons, and forests, exploring by boat and foot. Then, discover the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu, set in the Andean highlands atop a cluster of humped emerald peaks. Along the way you’ll meet the inheritors of Peru’s natural and cultural legacy: the native Amazonian and Quechua people who welcome you into their homes. From colorful rubber baron mansions to the mysterious Sacred Valley to the canopy of the world’s largest rainforest, this is the total Peru experience.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/PENU21
• EXPERIENCE two of South America’s most iconic destinations: the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu. • DISCOVER colonial Cusco and Lima, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. • CRUISE the Amazon and its oxbow lakes, lagoons and tributaries as you search for monkeys, birds, sloths, river dolphins, and other wildlife. • VISIT the Inca stone fortress at Sacsayhuaman, an engineering marvel. • LEARN ABOUT the many facets of native Peruvian life as you explore an Amazonian village and the Quechua towns of the Sacred Valley, meeting schoolchildren, farmers, and craftsmen where they live and work.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
PERU
PATHWAYS TO MACHU PICCHU: TRAVERSING THE INCA TRAIL Equator
12 DAYS from $3,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: SEP - JUL
FOCUS ON: ADVENTURE
CULTURE & HISTORY
Walk the road less traveled to Machu Picchu through a
LIMA MACHU PICCHU
AGUAS CALIENTES SACRED VALLEY
CUSCO DAYS 1-2 Lima
DAY 9 Aguas Calientes
DAYS 3-5
DAY 10 Cusco DAY 11 Depart DAY 12 Arrive USA
Sacred Valley
DAYS 6-8 Inca Trail
“
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
Excellent coordination and superb execution. GREG SCHULTZ
ACTIVITY LEVEL
5
STRENUOUS
breathtaking tableau of Andean peaks, rushing streams, glacial valleys, and villages where Incan ways find vivid expression in today’s Quechua cultures. The intimacy of your small group makes the grandeur even more stirring as you hike and camp along the famed Inca Trail. At every stop of the trail, enjoy refreshments as needed while you visit different historical and archaeological sites, ruins and valleys. Your adventure is complemented by exploration in the colonial gems of Cusco and Lima, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/PEAT21
• HIKE the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through massive valleys, historical ruins and landmarks, archaeological sites, soaring elevations, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. • SPEND TIME within the Machu Picchu archaeological site, with the option to scale Huayna Picchu for commanding views of the dramatic landscapes below. • EXPLORE the Inca-Quechua heritage of towns like Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Chincheros. • VISIT the Andean community of Misminay, where you can interact with the locals and take part in a toast to honor the earth in a Pachamama ceremony. • SEE the world-renowned collection of pre-Columbian ceramics and jewels at Lima’s Larco Museum.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
63
PERU
SPECTACLES OF NATURE: BIRDING AMAZONIA, ANDES, & THE DESERT COAST Equator
13 DAYS from $4,965 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: SEP - JUL FOCUS ON: BIRDING
LIMA BALLESTAS ISLANDS
PARACAS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
MACHU TAMBOPATA PICCHU YUCAY
CUSCO
DAYS 1-2 Lima DAYS 3-5
DAY 10 Paracas DAY 11 Ballestas
Tambopata
Islands
DAY 6 Yucay DAY 12 Depart DAY 7 Machu Picchu DAY 13 Arrive USA DAYS 8-9 Cusco
“
Guides were incredible, so knowledgeable, so caring! Experiences were unforgettable! DOROTHY LEWINSKI
ACTIVITY LEVEL 64
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
CULTURE & HISTORY
From the snow-peaked Andes Mountains to arid desert lowlands, and from steamy cloud forests to sun-kissed Pacific shores, Peru’s tremendous range of ecosystems and the consequent diversity of its endemic species make it a favorite among birders. Explore some of the country’s natural and cultural highlights— including the Amazon basin, Machu Picchu, and the Ballestas Islands—while seeking out a variety of avifauna on this active 13-day program. Will you find a Humboldt Penguin waddling along the rocky coast, an Andean Motmot darting over Incan ruins, or maybe even a Harpy Eagle hiding in the forest mist? As you journey the country from east to west, you’re sure to delight in its many wonders while adding to your life list.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/PEBS21
• SPOT some of the 400-plus species of birds that fly above Machu Picchu. • EXPLORE the Amazonian lowlands by boat and on foot to look for colorful macaws, tanagers, and the enigmatic Hoatzin. • DISCOVER the mist-fed ecosystem of Lomas de Lachay, home to an oasis of dwarf forest in the Peruvian desert. • VISIT Pantanos de Villa, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance that provides important habitat for waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. • WITNESS the seabirds of Ballestas Islands, including species such as the Humboldt Penguin, Peruvian Booby, Inca Tern, and the endangered Peruvian Diving-Petrel.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
BRAZIL
JAGUAR QUEST IN BRAZIL’S PANTANAL 13 DAYS | CALL FOR PRICING | Choose your dates Best season to travel: JUL - SEP
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVENTURE
Located in central-western Brazil,
CUIABÁ NORTH PANTANAL BONITO
SOUTH PANTANAL
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-3 Bonito DAYS 4-5 South Pantanal
DAY 6 Cuiabá
DAYS 7-10 North Pantanal
DAY 11 Cuiabá DAY 12 Depart DAY 13 Arrive USA
DID YOU KNOW?
The Pantanal hosts the greatest concentration of wildlife in South America.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
the Pantanal is the world’s largest freshwater wetland and one of the most biodiverse habitats on the entire continent. This area harbors a worldrecord 82 species of large birds including the Hyacinth Macaw, in addition to marsh deer, coatimundi, tapirs, and giant river otters—but perhaps no other subject is as beautiful and dramatic as the jaguar. Embark on an exceptional adventure for the opportunity to observe this majestic big cat at close range. From the distinct vantage points of 4x4 vehicle, horseback, small boat excursions, and on foot, explore the region’s varied terrains, wrapping up your experience with several nights aboard a comfortable safari boat navigating the northern Pantanal’s rivers and tributaries.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/BRNP21
• SEARCH for jaguars and other wildlife while exploring the northern and southern Pantanal. • SET OUT on a nocturnal safari in 4x4 vehicle or by boat to observe wildlife like anteaters, foxes, capybaras, and caimans. • ATTEND informative lectures on the biology and conservation of the jaguar and giant river otter. • PEER into Buraco das Araras, one of the world’s largest sinkholes and a sanctuary for Red-and-green Macaws and 150 other bird species. • SNORKEL through an underwater world of fish and aquatic plants in the gentle currents of the crystal-clear Olho D’Água River.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
65
CHILE
GARDENS, NATIONAL PARKS, & GLACIERS 13 DAYS from $7,450 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - NOV, JAN - MAR
FOCUS ON: GARDENS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
CONCÓN SANTIAGO
PUERTO VARAS
TORRES DEL PAINE NP
PUNTA ARENAS
DAY 1 Depart USA DAY 2 Santiago DAY 3 Concón DAY 4 Santiago DAYS 5-6
DAY 7 Punta Arenas DAYS 8-10 Torres del Paine
DAY 11 Santiago DAY 12 Depart DAY 13 Arrive USA
Puerto Varas
ACTIVITY LEVEL 66
2
EASYMODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Discover beautiful Chile and its native and endemic flora as you visit botanical gardens, national parks, and private reserves during this 13-day garden tour. Begin in seaside Viña del Mar, Chile’s “Garden City,” to explore the impressive collections of the National Botanical Garden. Continue south to Chile’s central valley and stand among towering, ancient Alerce trees, endemic to this region. Then head to iconic Patagonia for views of verdant forests and colorful flora against windswept mountain scenery in one of the most beautiful places on earth. After rewarding days spent among glorious natural surroundings, enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh ingredients, and cap your experience with an unforgettable stay in a comfortable, eco-friendly yurt.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/CHGC21
• VISIT the National Botanical Garden in Viña del Mar and view one of the few documented collections of the toromiro of Easter Island (Sophora toromiro), now extinct in the wild. • TAKE a sunset cruise on Lake Llanquihue in Chile’s lake district. • EXPLORE the glaciers, lakes, and multiple vegetation zones of Torres del Paine National Park. • MEANDER through Lahuen Ñadi Park, famous for preserving Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides), practically extinguished due to overexploitation. • DISCOVER the cultural influence of German immigrants on a walking tour in the small town of Puerto Varas. • AWAKEN to breathtaking views from the comfort of a luxury camp immersed in the forests of Patagonia.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
CHILE & ARGENTINA
FRONTIERS OF PATAGONIA: CAPE HORN, TIERRA DEL FUEGO AND BEYOND 13 DAYS from $6,685 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: OCT - MAR FOCUS ON: ADVENTURE
SANTIAGO
BUENOS AIRES
TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK
USHUAIA TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK
DAY 1 Depart USA DAY 2
DAYS 5-7 Cruising DAYS 8-10
DAY 3 Ushuaia DAY 4
DAY 11 Santiago DAY 12 Depart DAY 13 Arrive USA
Buenos Aires
Tierra del Fuego ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
Torres del Paine
MODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Patagonia promises adventure on a grand scale, and you will experience it, by land and sea. Aboard the new, state-of-the-art M/V Ventus Australis, your small group will hug the coast at the bottom of the world, served by a multidisciplinary team who will explain the science and history behind the beauty. Discover the skyscraping splendor of Torres del Paine National Park, the roiling seas of Drake Passage and Cape Horn National Park, sparkling glacial lakes and old ports where whalers and adventurers sailed in the wake of Magellan and Darwin. A Chilean winery tour and time in Buenos Aires and Santiago add color and contrast to your wilderness adventure.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ACAF21
• HIKE the trails at Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoying breathtaking scenery near the continent’s southernmost tip. • CRUISE in comfort aboard M/V Ventus Australis through the fjords, bays and open seas from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. • MARVEL at Torres del Paine’s dramatic lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls, as well as the distinctive granite peaks for which the park is named. • SAMPLE the sophisticated pleasures of Buenos Aires, Santiago and the Chilean wine country. • LEARN ABOUT the native Yámana people and their interactions over the centuries with international missionaries, explorers and scientists. • VISIT Magdalena Island to view a colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
67
GOÐAFOSS
68
BENGAL TIGER
Africa, Asia, & Beyond
CAPE TOWN FLORA
Antarctica
Arctic
Nicknamed the “White Continent,” Antarctica is one of the last remaining untouched areas of earth. This frozen land offers magnificent scenery, including mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, glaciers and volcanoes.
Spanning oceans, seas, and countries, the remote Arctic offers adventure seekers and nature lovers a chance to explore rugged terrain, frozen landscapes, and an impressive array of wildlife perfectly adapted to the cold.
Iceland
Kenya
Known for its active volcanoes and massive glaciers, Iceland’s fascinating cultural heritage is also worth noting. Warm ocean currents from the Gulf of Mexico create a mild climate and a safe habitat for migrating birds.
Visitors to Kenya can witness the wildebeest migration and other iconic wildlife on safari, explore the richness of nature and culture in the Great Rift Valley, and discover the country’s history in conservation.
Madagascar
Namibia
With an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the country’s flora and fauna unique to the island, Madagascar is perfect for tracking playful lemurs, colorful chameleons, endemic birds, and the cat-like fossa.
One of the world’s youngest countries boasts some of its oldest and most exquisite treasures: vast desert and red dunes, towering rock formations, and mystical rock etchings, plus wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and fur seals.
South Africa
Tanzania
Africa’s Big Five wildlife thrives in South Africa, as well as over 22,000 species of plants. Traverse the savannas, skim the coastline for whales, immerse yourself in Cape Town, and learn about the complex history of apartheid.
Experience the annual 1,800-mile migration of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and impala, meet with local indigenous groups, and descend into Olduvai Gorge, fossil discoveries furthered our understanding of human evolution.
Uganda
India
Nestled in the heart of east Africa, Uganda is home to gorilla and chimpanzee populations in the forest, as well as Big Five wildlife along savanna and crater lakes. Birding is outstanding, with over 1000 species recorded.
India is known for ancient religious traditions, bustling metropolitan areas, and the impressive Taj Mahal. But natural wealth also abounds, from gardens to tigers, crocodiles and dolphins, and over 1,300 bird species.
Australia
New Zealand
Observe koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and trek through forests with 135-million-year-old vegetation. A strong aboriginal culture that revolves around tradition complements the experience.
New Zealand remained unsettled by humans for thousands of years, allowing distinct plant and animal life to flourish. Stunning landscapes, unique geology, endemic plant species, and native Māori culture set the country apart.
69
TA N Z A N I A
TANZANIA UP CLOSE: CULTURE, CONSERVATION, AND WILDLIFE 14 DAYS from $5,850 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAY - OCT FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
SERENGETI
ARUSHA
NGORONGORO LAKE EYASI
KARATU TARANGIRE
GAME RESERVES NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION AREAS
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-3 Arusha DAYS 4-5 Tarangire DAY 6 Lake Eyasi DAY 7 Ngorongoro
ACTIVITY LEVEL
70
DAYS 8-10
Serengeti
DAYS 11-12 Karatu DAY 13 Arusha— Depart
DAY 14 Arrive USA
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This comprehensive adventure brings you into Tanzania’s most famous parks for unforgettable wildlife viewing and also celebrates Africa’s diverse indigenous groups with authentic cultural encounters in local communities. The safari experience comes to life in the legendary Serengeti, where you’ll see vast migrating herds from game vehicles and on foot. You’ll also witness Tanzania’s magnificent wildlife – including the Big Five – in stunning Ngorongoro Crater as well as Arusha and Tarangire National Parks. Enriching the journey are abundant opportunities to engage with local citizens and learn about their ways of life, from the nomadic Hadzabe hunter-gatherers to the residents of Mto Wa Mbu village, where you’ll eat lunch with a local family at their home.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/TZAS21
• GO ON game drives and a walking safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most renowned national park and home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on Earth. • CELEBRATE African culture as you explore local communities, browse markets, have a traditional meal in a family home, and visit a local school. • SEEK OUT the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater with a rich concentration of wildlife. • WALK trails on Mt. Meru in search of buffalo, colobus monkeys, and warthogs. • LEARN clues to the origins of mankind at Olduvai Gorge, where important fossil remains were discovered.
Price based on 10 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
TA N Z A N I A
TANZANIA SIGNATURE WILDLIFE SAFARI 14 DAYS from $6,275 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAY - OCT
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
SERENGETI
ARUSHA
NGORONGORO
LAKE MANYARA
LAKE EYASI
TARANGIRE
GAME RESERVES NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION AREAS
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-3 Arusha DAYS 4-5 Tarangire DAY 6 Lake Manyara DAYS 7-8 Ngorongoro
ACTIVITY LEVEL
DAYS 9-10
Central Serengeti
DAYS 11-12
Northern Serengeti
DAY 13
Arusha—Depart
DAY 14 Arrive USA
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Tanzania calls to mind vast landscapes dotted with herds of wildlife, lions lounging blissfully on sun-drenched rocks, and mighty elephants trundling through tall grasses. This 14-day safari makes vision a reality in Tanzania’s most celebrated parks for spectacular wildlife viewing. Set out in Arusha, Tarangire, and Manyara for daily game drives in open-top safari vehicles – plus stretch your legs on a walking safari in Empakaai Crater, a hidden gem. Culminate the experience with four days on the Serengeti to witness the worldfamous Great Migration. Return each day to memorable accommodations nestled amid idyllic African beauty, from the rim of Ngorongoro Crater to luxury tented camps perfectly positioned to access migration paths.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/TZNS21
• WITNESS the legendary Great Migration on game drives along the Serengeti and the Seronera and Mara Rivers. • TAKE IN views of Mt. Kilimanjaro at Arusha National Park as you seek out giraffes, flamingos, and colobus monkeys. • EXPLORE Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of up to 300 elephants. • SPEND the day in Manyara National Park to spot bird life as well as famed tree-climbing lions. • HIKE into the sunken caldera of Empakaai Crater for a walking safari and picnic lunch. • EMBARK on daily game drives and bushwalks for the chance to observe Africa’s “Big Five” up close.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
71
K E N YA
MAJESTIC KENYA: WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION ON SAFARI 14 DAYS from $4,295 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAY - OCT FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Astride the Equator in East Africa,
SAMBURU
NYAHURURU LAKE NAKURU ABERDARE LAKE NAIVASHA NAIROBI MAASAI MARA RESERVE DAY 1 Depart USA DAY 2 Nairobi DAYS 3-4 Amboseli DAY 5 Nairobi DAY 6 Aberdare DAY 7 Samburu DAY 8 Nyahururu ACTIVITY LEVEL 72
3
AMBOSELI DAY 9 Lake Nakuru DAY 10 Lake Naivasha
DAYS 11-12
Maasai Mara
DAY 13 Depart DAY 14 Arrive USA MODERATE
Kenya is home to a host of natural wonders. On this 14-day expedition, you’ll go up close with the wildlife for which Kenya is famous, and gain a deeper understanding of its conservation story — past, present, and future. Explore the unique features of the Great Rift Valley while seeking out iconic safari species on game drives, nature walks, and boat rides. Learn about initiatives to protect and rehabilitate endangered elephant and rhino populations, and even witness an elephant feeding. Cultural interactions with local Maasai communities illuminate how land and people intertwine. Your journey is bookended with experiences at Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara Reserve, offering world-class wildlife viewing on safari — plus an unforgettable stay in an eco-friendly tented camp.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/KNNM21
• SPEND two full days exploring the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, complete with a sunset game drive, a nature walk, and a visit in a local Maasai village. • EXPLORE Samburu National Reserve on Kenya’s remote northern plains to glimpse variant species like Grévy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the beisa oryx. • LEARN ABOUT conservation challenges facing endangered wildlife as you visit two pioneering organizations, the David Sheldrick Elephant and Rhino Orphanage and Solio Ranch. • OBSERVE iconic safari species on game drives in Amboseli National Park, set against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
UGANDA
ULTIMATE UGANDA: PRIMATE QUEST AND CLASSIC SAFARI 12 DAYS from $7,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: JUN - AUG, DEC - FEB FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
Journey through the rainforests and lush, rolling hills of Uganda
QUEEN ELIZABETH
KIBALE
ENTEBBE
NATIONAL PARK
BWINDE
IMPENETRATABLE NATIONAL PARK
DAY 1 Depart USA DAY 2 Entebbe DAYS 3-5 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
ACTIVITY LEVEL
5
DAYS 6-8 Queen Elizabeth National Park
DAYS 9-10 Kibale DAY 11 Entebbe DAY 12 Depart STRENUOUS
in search of two of the world’s most charismatic and endangered great apes—the mountain gorilla and the eastern chimpanzee. With luck, you’ll encounter these majestic creatures and be able to observe and photograph them at close range in their natural habitat. Also witness other iconic East African flora and fauna during game drives, hikes, and boat rides amid the spellbinding natural landscapes of rainforests, savannas, volcanic crater lakes, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. In addition to incredible wildlifeviewing opportunities, connect with community members and learn about daily life in local villages.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/UGNG21
• JOURNEY into the dense foliage of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track and observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. • EMBARK ON on a game-viewing boat ride on the Kazinga Channel in hopes of seeing hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, and the unusual Shoebill Stork. • LOOK FOR tree-climbing lions and other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. • TREK in the rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park, home to the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa, including humans’ closest living relative, the chimpanzee. • VISIT a local tea plantation to learn how this important export is grown, harvested, and processed.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
73
NAMIBIA
THE WILD NAMIBIA: EXPLORING THE NATURAL WONDERS 15 DAYS from $7,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAY - OCT FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK OKONJIMA PLAINS DAMARALAND WINDHOEK
SWAKOPMUND
SOSSUSVLEI DAY 1 Depart USA DAY 2 Windhoek DAYS 3-4
National Park
DAYS 5-6
DAY 14 Windhoek DAY 15 Depart
DAYS 9-11 Etosha DAYS 12-13
Okonjima Plains
Sossusvlei
Swakopmund
DAYS 7-8
Damaraland ACTIVITY LEVEL
74
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
ADVENTURE
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Namibia draws in visitors with its wide open spaces, and yet the country is packed with potential. Take time to visit the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, as well as surrounding safari areas with exquisite flora, towering red dunes, and fascinating geological formations. Game drives in Etosha National Park include the “Big Five,” plus giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and more. Help with tracking leopards and spotted hyenas that have been rehabilitated and released by the AfriCat Foundation. You’ll also have the chance to learn about Namibia’s cultural history as you visit Twyfelfontein, home to one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa, and learn about the Himba, one of the last truly traditional peoples of Namibia.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/NANW21
• EXPLORE the 1,000-foot-high red dunes of Sossusvlei and hike amid the dramatic landscapes of the Dead Vlei’s white chalk plains and 900-year-old Acacia trees. • MEET local residents, visit markets and taverns, and enjoy a traditional meal during a township tour in Swakopmund. • DISCOVER the Skeleton Coast and the largest colony of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross Seal Reserve. • IMMERSE YOURSELF in the colorful landscapes, tabletop mountains, rock formations, giant granite boulders, and bizarre-looking vegetation in Damaraland. • EMBARK on thrilling game drives in Etosha National Park, where possible species sightings include 114 mammals, 340-plus birds, and 126 reptiles and amphibians.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
SOUTH AFRICA
CONSERVATION & CULTURE FROM CAPE TOWN TO KRUGER 13 DAYS from $8,375 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: APR - SEP
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
KRUGER
NATIONAL PARK
BLYDE
RIVER CANYON TIMBAVATI
CAPE TOWN
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-5 Cape
DAYS 7-8 Timbavati DAYS 9-11 Kruger
DAY 6 Blyde River
DAY 12 Depart DAY 13 Arrive USA
Town
Canyon
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
National Park
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Replete with natural beauty and renowned for its environmental stewardship, South Africa is a mecca for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts. On this 13-day journey, witness conservation in action at Kruger National Park and Kirstenbosch Gardens, the crown jewels of South Africa’s initiatives, as well as organizations dedicated to avian conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and anti-poaching. As you observe some of South Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity, from the safari “Big Five” to Cape Town’s famous flora, go behind the scenes to get a richer understanding and appreciation of the human forces at work to protect and preserve the region’s most precious natural treasures.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/SANC21
• TAKE IN scenic Cape Town from every angle: at the top of Table Mountain, along the Cape of Good Hope, and from Simon’s Town, a charming Victorian village near Boulders Beach. • EXPLORE renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens to see the unique plant life of the world-famous Cape Floristic Region. • LEARN ABOUT wildlife rescue, research, and reintroduction at two different rehabilitation centers. • MEET WITH local experts to learn about their conservation work, including the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, the first majority-female anti-poaching unit in South Africa. • GO ON game drives and bush walks to get up-close encounters with iconic African wildlife, like elephants, rhinos, antelopes, zebras, and more.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
75
SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE, BOTSWANA
THE JEWELS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA 12 DAYS from $8,395 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAY - FEB
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
LIVINGSTONE
MOREMI ZIMBABWE GAME RESERVE HWANGE NATIONAL PARK
BOTSWANA
SOUTH AFRICA
CAPE TOWN
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-4
DAYS 8-9
DAYS 5-7 Moremi
Hwange
Cape Town
76
DAYS 10-11 DAY 12 Depart
Game Reserve
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Livingstone
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Southern Africa is rich with culture, history, vast landscapes, and a host of diverse animals, and this 12-day itinerary embraces it all. Embark on a range of safari experiences in Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, where you’ll glimpse iconic wildlife from game drive vehicles, on foot, and even from dugout canoe. Take in the immense grandeur of Victoria Falls and the breathtaking vistas along Cape Town’s whalewatching coast. Along the way, discover just a few of the multitude of African cultural identities through personal interactions with community members, including a local family, schoolchildren, conservationists, and a tribal storyteller.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/SANJ21
• GO ON game drives and walking safaris for a chance to see iconic wildlife like elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. • LEARN ABOUT conservation initiatives to protect the highly endangered painted dog, also known as the African wild dog. • EXPLORE Bo-Kaap, the historic Malay quarter of Cape Town, and participate in a hands-on cooking workshop in a local family home. • VISIT Robben Island in Cape Town, where former president Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists were once imprisoned. • TAKE a sunset cruise at magnificent Victoria Falls, considered the world’s largest waterfall.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
SOUTH AFRICA
PUBLIC & PRIVATE GARDENS, WINE, CULTURE, HISTORY, & NATURE 12 DAYS from $4,175 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: AUG - SEP
FOCUS ON: GARDENS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
NIEUWOUDTVILLE CAPE TOWN
KAGGA KAMMA STELLENBOSCH
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-4
DAYS 7-8
DAYS 5-6
Stellenbosch
Cape Town
Kagga Kamma
DAYS 9-10
DAY 11 Depart
Nieuwoudtville
DAY 12 Arrive USA DID YOU KNOW?
Of the 9,000 plant species found in the small area of South Africa’s fynbos vegetation, 70 percent are found nowhere else in the world.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
EASYMODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
South Africa is celebrated by horticulture enthusiasts the world over for its distinct botanical landscapes; in particular, the Cape Floristic Region is a noted biodiversity hotspot and the only floral kingdom contained within one country. From the fynbos and Succulent Karoo biomes to the shrublands of the renosterveld and strandveld, high levels of species diversity and endemism are found in abundance within a relatively small area. Admire the spectacular collections at a variety of public and private gardens, and enjoy time in national parks, nature reserves, farmsteads, and the beautiful Cape wine region. Opportunities to view wildlife, sample locally produced wines, and explore Cape Town round out the experience.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/SAGP21
• OVERLOOK Cape Town from atop Table Mountain, where the endemic and endangered fynbos vegetation flourishes. • TOUR the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden with one of its curators before exploring more at your own pace. • WITNESS a tapestry of colors during wildflower season at Nieuwoudtville, nicknamed the “bulb capital of the world.” • MARVEL at the striking, stark desert landscape and an array of “stone plant” species at Knersvlakte Reserve. • IMMERSE yourself in the remote wilderness of the southern Cederberg Mountains, where Succulent Karoo, dry fynbos, and renosterveld vegetation are all found.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
77
MADAGASCAR
EXOTIC MADAGASCAR: WILDLIFE AND CULTURE OF THE RED ISLAND 17 DAYS from $5,495 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAY - OCT FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
ANDASIBE ANTANANARIVO ANTSIRABE
IFATY
RANOMAFANA ISALO
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-3 Antananarivo
DAYS 4-6 Andasibe DAY 7 Antananarivo DAY 8 Antsirabe DAYS 9-10
DAYS 11-12 Isalo DAYS 13-14 Ifaty DAY 15 Antananarivo
DAY 16 Depart DAY 17 Arrive USA
Ranomafana
ACTIVITY LEVEL 78
4
MODERATESTRENUOUS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
ADVENTURE
GARDEN TOURS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Madagascar inspires the imagination with its playful lemurs, strange-looking baobab trees, and distinct red-hued soil. The vast majority of its flora and fauna are endemic to the island, making it a true biodiversity hotspot. On this exploration of the “eighth continent,” come faceto-face with wildlife like chameleons, geckos, flying foxes, rare birds, and the country’s many lemur species, from the giant indri to the diminutive mouse lemurs. Madagascar’s vegetation is equally fascinating and is characterized by spiny forests, endangered palms, hundreds of orchid varieties, carnivorous plants, and dwarf baobabs. Take guided hikes in national parks and private reserves, learn about the Malagasy way of life, and relax in the turquoise waters off the coast of the “Great Red Island.”
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/MGNE21
• VISIT Lemur Island, a sanctuary where you can interact with and photograph lemurs rescued from the pet trade. • HIKE in the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park and learn about flora, fauna, and research efforts at Centre ValBio, a leading field research facility run by renowned primatologist Dr. Patricia Wright. • EXPLORE the sandstone canyons, rocky deserts, and cascading waterfalls of Isalo National Park and swim in a natural pool. • MEET with local Malagasy community members to learn about commerce, conservation, and art.
Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
NEW ZEALAND
NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN SCENIC NEW ZEALAND 16 DAYS from $6,265 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: FEB - APR, SEP - NOV FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
PAIHIA TUTUKAKA AUCKLAND CAMBRIDGE
FRANZ JOSEF CHRISTCHURCH QUEENSTOWN WANAKA
DAYS 11-12
DAYS 1-2
Depart; in transit
Franz Josef
DAY 3 Auckland DAY 4 Paihia DAYS 5-6 Tutukaka DAYS 7-8 Cambridge DAYS 9-10 Christchurch ACTIVITY LEVEL
4
DAYS 13-14 Wanaka
DAY 15
Queenstown
DAY 16 Depart MODERATESTRENUOUS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
ADVENTURE
GARDEN TOURS
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
With its awe-inspiring scenery, distinct biodiversity, and rich Māori heritage, New Zealand leaves an indelible impression on its visitors. This 16-day journey brings you into the heart of the country’s natural and cultural identities, across the North and South Islands. Set out by boat to experience the rocky coast and marine life of the North Island, hike among the dramatic mountain vistas on the South Island, and traverse the forests, lakes, and plains between, getting to know many of New Zealand’s endemic plant and bird life, plus conservation efforts to protect them. You’ll also discover the country’s human presence, with opportunities to explore its towns and cities, plus learn about Māori history and traditions from Māori elders.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/NZNS21
• SPEND a day swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking the worldfamous marine ecosystem at Poor Knights Islands. • EMBARK on hikes through native forest, along rocky coastline, and over the river bed leading to Franz Josef glacier. • DISCOVER significant sites in Māori culture, from the Waitangi Treaty grounds to the sacred Castle Hill limestone boulders. • WITNESS the phenomenon of bioluminescent glowworms in the caves of Waitomo. • SAMPLE local wines of the Central Otago region and learn why its climate conditions are perfect for viticulture. • LEARN ABOUT conservation initiatives at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
Price based on 14 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
79
AUSTRALIA
TRAVERSING AUSTRALIA’S OUTBACK, COAST, AND BUSH 16 DAYS from $9,150 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAR - MAY, SEP - NOV
FOCUS ON: ADVENTURE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
CAIRNS ULURU BRISBANE SYDNEY MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE KINGSCOTE DAY 1-2
DAY 12 Kingscote DAY 13 Adelaide DAYS 14-15
Depart; in transit
DAYS 3-4 Sydney DAYS 5-6 Brisbane DAYS 7-9 Cairns DAYS 10-11
Melbourne
DAY 16 Depart
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
ACTIVITY LEVEL 80
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
Experience the best of Australia on this 16-day adventure. See the iconic skyline of Sydney on a harbor cruise, and take in the sprawling vistas of the Blue Mountains. Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, step into the Daintree Rainforest, and stroll along the shores of Cape Tribulation. Discover the spiritual significance of enormous sandstone formations in the red-desert Outback, and witness the “Penguin Parade” on Phillip Island. No matter the landscape, you’ll enjoy active days, come face-to-face with Australia’s unique fauna, and learn more about the people who call this striking country home.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/AUAH21
• GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH to witness hazy blue forests, rock formations, and waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park. • SNORKEL the colorful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. • EXPLORE Daintree, the oldest rainforest in the world, during hikes, a river cruise, and an off-road vehicle safari. • VENTURE into the heart of the Outback to Uluru and learn about the monolith’s cultural and spiritual significance to local Aboriginal people. • OBSERVE Australian wildlife such as koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, penguins, crocodiles, and cassowaries during excursions to a variety of habitats.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
AUSTRALIA
GARDENS, FORESTS, ANCIENT CULTURE, AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF 14 DAYS from $7,475 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: MAR - MAY, SEP - NOV FOCUS ON: GARDENS
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
CAIRNS
SYDNEY MELBOURNE DAY 1-2
Depart; in transit
DAYS 3-5 Melbourne
DAYS 6-9 Sydney DAYS 10-13 Cairns DAY 14 Depart
DID YOU KNOW?
Sydney’s Blue Mountains get their name from the blue haze that emanates from the oil of eucalyptus plants.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
EASYMODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
CULTURE & HISTORY
ADVENTURE
For gardens enthusiasts, Australia is a trove of botanical treasures to discover; its abundant plant life is cultivated and protected across public and private gardens as well as natural areas. The island’s biodiversity unfolds as you travel from Melbourne to Sydney to Queensland, including an excursion to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Experience a diverse showcase of flora in a variety of habitats and garden styles, including 19th-century farm gardens, formal European-style gardens, and eco-conscious contemporary parklands. Along the way, get to know Australia’s history and culture through the stories behind its floral heritage, like on the grounds of former colonial mansions and farms, and along the rainforest trails of the aboriginal Kuku Yalanji people.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/AUGP21
• EXPLORE three of Australia’s acclaimed Royal Botanical Gardens at Victoria, Cranbourne, and Sydney. • SPEND A DAY on the Great Barrier Reef cruising, swimming, snorkeling, and admiring marine life from an underwater observatory. • SAVOR a unique rainforest-to-table lunch at the Botanical Ark. • DISCOVER the diverse species and landscape styles of private gardens like Cruden Farm, Vaucluse House, Cloudehill, Blue Mountains Mount Tomah, Tabu, and more. • EXAMINE the spiritual connections between Australia’s aboriginal people and the natural world on a Dreamtime Gorge Walk.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
81
INDIA
ESSENCE OF INDIA: TEMPLES, TIGERS, AND NATURAL WONDERS 15 DAYS from $5,150 | Choose your dates Travel dates: OCT 1 - APR 15 FOCUS ON: CULTURE & HISTORY
AGRA KHAJURAHO BANDHAVGARH JAIPUR
KANHA DAYS 8-10
Bandhavgarh
DAYS 11-13 Kanha DAY 14 Delhi — Depart
DAY 15 Arrive USA
DID YOU KNOW?
Today the capital of India, Delhi is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the sixth century BCE.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 82
2
NATURAL HISTORY
ADVENTURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
India delights the imagination with layers of civilization that
DELHI
DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-3 Delhi DAYS 4-5 Jaipur DAY 6 Agra DAY 7 Khajuraho
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
EASYMODERATE
date back 7,000 years. Its deep spirituality manifests in a cultural blend of temples, palaces, bazaars and everyday devotion. It is saturated with colors, entrancing music, rich cuisine, and wild habitats of amazing biodiversity. Discover it all on this comprehensive overview that marries the iconic cities of the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) with an unforgettable safari in search of the elusive Bengal tiger, plus a chance to visit a rural village. From its dynastic origins to the Mughal era to the British Raj, experience India’s endless transformations on this diverse introduction to the subcontinent.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/INCE21
• BEHOLD the magnificent Taj Mahal, a travel milestone. • RIDE an elephant to Jaipur’s Amber Fort, then explore the Palace of the Winds, Johari Bazaar and other marvels of the “Pink City.” • GO ON safari in Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in search of Bengal tigers, and learn about the challenges of protecting this majestic species. • EXPERIENCE rural life during a school visit or cooking demonstration. • EXPLORE the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Delhi, including Jama Masjid, India’s second-largest mosque. • ADMIRE the intricately carved 10th-century temples of Khajuraho, symbolic of the religious coexistence between Hinduism and Jainism.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
INDIA
INTO THE WILDS OF INDIA: TIGERS AND BEYOND 14 DAYS from $5,495 | Choose your dates Travel dates: OCT 1 - APR 15
FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
PENCH DAY 1 Depart USA DAYS 2-3 Delhi DAYS 4-6 Kanha DAYS 7-9 Pench
KANHA DAYS 10-12 Satpura DAY 13 Delhi — Depart
DAY 14 Arrive USA
DID YOU KNOW?
Endemic to the region, barasingha deer can only be seen in the wild at Kanha National Park.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
2
BIRDING
PHOTOGRAPHY
Often overlooked in favor of its cultural treasures, India’s resplendent
DELHI
SATPURA
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
EASYMODERATE
natural heritage is equal part of the country’s identity. Go deeper into the heart of wild India through the stories of its conservationists and its most beloved resident: the Bengal tiger. Along with game drives to spot one of these elusive creatures, learn about the efforts to protect their dwindling populations, including those of Kailash Sankhala, who founded Project Tiger in 1973. You’ll witness his family’s conservation legacy firsthand during your stay at their ecolodge in Kanha, and discover their connection to Indira Gandhi. Along the way, get to know other wildlife like barasingha deer, Indian bison, langur monkeys, and sloth bear, plus experience bustling Delhi and its rich history of pre-colonial empires and cultures.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/INNW21
• GO ON game drives accompanied by a local naturalist and park guide for the best chances to spot tigers and other wildlife in three of India’s best parks and reserves. • DISCOVER the conservation story of the Bengal tiger at Kanha Jungle Lodge, operated by the family of Kailash Sankhala, India’s “Tiger Man” and pioneering conservationist. • GAIN a new perspective on the safari experience as you hike through Satpura National Park on foot, a rare opportunity. • LEARN ABOUT Indira Gandhi, India’s first female prime minister and champion of tiger conservation. • TAKE a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi to get a glimpse into India’s cultural past and present.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free. Price does not include participant international airfare.
83
ICELAND
ICELANDIC CIRCUIT: ENERGY, INNOVATION, AND VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES 10 DAYS from $5,140 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: JUN - AUG FOCUS ON: NATURAL HISTORY
AKUREYRI LAKE MÝVATN EGILSSTAÐIR
REYKJAVÍK
GLACIER LAGOON
VÍK DAY 1 Depart
DAY 6 Egilsstaðir DAYS 7-8 Lake
USA
DAY 2 Reykjavík DAY 3 Vík DAYS 4-5
Mývatn/Akureyri
DAY 9 Reykjavík DAY 10 Depart
Glacier Lagoon DID YOU KNOW?
Iceland’s isolation has also influenced its cuisine; many delicacies center on longterm preservation of local food supply.
ACTIVITY LEVEL 84
2
EASYMODERATE
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Delve into the rugged landscapes, rich cultural history, and dynamic earth forces of Iceland, where both climate change and successes in renewable energy are evident and fast-moving throughout the country. During this comprehensive, well-paced island circuit, you’ll behold unusual geological features, examine sustainability initiatives, and see characteristic flora and fauna. Discover the trendy capital, Reykjavík, and fishing villages whose charming residents will inspire you with their creativity. With talks by local scientists and other experts, get an inside look at a small country having a large impact on how the rest of the world will see its future.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ICNC21
• TRAVEL ALONG the famed “Golden Circle,” including stops at Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. • MEET one of Iceland’s foremost climate scientists studying glacier melt and hike at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon to put your experience in perspective. • PARTAKE in an innovative farm-to-table experience at an organic greenhouse in the Icelandic countryside. • WITNESS Vík’s black sand beaches, the jagged coastline of the East Fjords, and the peculiar lava formations of Dimmuborgir. • LEARN ABOUT rural development and Iceland’s sustainable fishing quota system.
Price based on 15 participants with 1 leader traveling for free; does not include participant international airfare. Discounts available for travel during shoulder season.
ICELAND
BIRDING IN THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE 10 DAYS from $5,350 | Choose your dates Best season to travel: JUN - AUG
FOCUS ON: BIRDING
ALSO CUSTOMIZABLE FOR:
HÚSAVÍK LÁTRABJARG
FLATEY
GAUKSMÝRI
LAKE MÝVATN
GRUNDARFJÖRĐUR
REYKJAVIK DAY 1 Depart USA DAY 2 Reykjavík DAYS 3-4
DAY 7 Látrabjarg DAY 8 Flatey DAY 9
DAY 5 Húsavík DAY 6 Gauksmýri
DAY 10 Depart
Lake Mývatn
Grundarfjörđur
DID YOU KNOW?
There are an estimated 8-10 million puffins in Iceland and over half the world’s population of Atlantic Puffin breed there.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
3
MODERATE
NATURAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
With its frigid glaciers, geothermal lagoons, and dozens of volcanoes, it’s no wonder Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice. The country’s avifauna is equally impressive: located at the junction of two oceans, it hosts a unique mix of vagrant and migratory birds from both Europe and North America. This 10-day adventure offers a look at Icelandic breeding and non-breeding bird populations, from the waterfowl of Lake Mývatn to the iconic Atlantic Puffins. As you seek out auks, petrels, cormorants, gannets, gulls, terns, waders, stilts, and birds of prey, you’ll also enjoy hikes and boat trips designed to enrich your understanding of the island’s natural history.
• BIRD the hotspots of Lake Mývatn and the River Laxá, where sightings may include more than a dozen duck species. • TRACE the fjords of northwest Iceland and see the majestic cliffs supporting populations of auks, murres, and kittiwakes. • NAVIGATE Breiðafjörður Bay for up-close views of Great Cormorants, European Shags, and Atlantic Puffins. • LOOK FOR humpback, blue, and minke whales and a variety of pelagic birds on a whale-watching excursion. • VISIT Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum, considered the largest known private bird collection in Iceland.
PLAN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ICBL21 Price based on 12 participants with 1 leader traveling for free; does not include participant international airfare. Discounts available for travel during shoulder season. 85
2020 polar expeditions
ABOARD M/V HONDIUS
Holbrook Travel is pleased to partner with Oceanwide Expeditions on three 2020 departures aboard their newest ship and most advanced vessel, the m/v Hondius. Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost firsthand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.
ABOUT M/V HONDIUS STATE-OF-THE-ART SUSTAINABILITY Exceeding all the latest green requirements of the Polar Code, Hondius is the most environmentally friendly vessel on the polar seas, using LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, as well as state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal.
HOTEL COMFORT, EXPEDITION CLASS M/V HONDIUS AT-A-GLANCE Passengers 174 in 82 cabins Staff & crew 72 Length 107.6 meters Breadth 17.6 meters
Hondius offers high-quality accommodation for 174 passengers across seven categories of cabins. The vessel is elegantly designed in stylish mid-century modern dĂŠcor, with a cozy and informal atmosphere. One deck consists of a large observation lounge and separate lecture room, which are reserved for a wide variety of interactive workshops and exhibitions.
Draft 5.30 meters Ice class Polar Class 6 (equivalent 1A-Super) Displacement 5,590 tonnes Propulsion 2 x ABC main engines; total 4,200 kW Speed 15 knots 86
SWIFT & SAFE SHIP-TO-SHORE OPERATIONS Hondius employs a tough fleet of rigid-hull inflatable Zodiac boats that guarantee swift and safe landing operations, easily accessed by a sheltered indoor embarkation platform. To keep itineraries flexible and response time rapid, Hondius is equipped with advanced stabilizers and two main engines capable of powering the vessel up to 15 knots.
ARCTIC
NORTH SPITSBERGEN: IN SEARCH OF POLAR BEARS & PACK ICE JUNE 5—14, 2021 10 DAYS from $5,500 to $6,700; twin porthole $6,200 FOCUS ON
NATURAL HISTORY
BIRDING
HINLOPEN SEVEN ISLANDS RAUDFJORDEN STRAIT MONACO GLACIER
LONGYEARBYEN
JUN 5 Depart USA JUN 6 Oslo JUN 7
JUN 10
Longyearbyen
Seven Islands
JUN 8 Raudfjorden JUN 9
JUN 12-13
Sailing the continental shelf
Monaco Glacier
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Hinlopen Strait
JUN 11
JUN 14 Depart
3
MODERATE
PHOTOGRAPHY
HISTORY
ADVENTURE
Our expedition begins with a night in Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, with time to rest and visit the city’s highlights. The next day fly to Longyearbyen and enjoy a walk around the historic town center. Then sail north of the island to take in the fantastically beautiful landscapes, the thousands of seabirds, and of course the star of the show, the polar bear. Visit during the region’s most desirable time of year, when the sun never sets. Enjoy Zodiac excursions to view the area’s unique wildlife including walruses, whales, reindeer and Arctic foxes. Hike, explore and enjoy the beauty of the Arctic on your visit to Spitsbergen. Engage in daily talks by your expert onboard naturalists complemented by daily wildlife viewing on land. This extraordinary voyage gives a taste of everything the Arctic has to offer, from polar bears to spectacular scenery.
JOIN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ACNS21
• EXPLORE the dramatic fjords, bays and shores of Spitsbergen in Norway’s remote Svalbard archipelago. • SEARCH in seldom-seen areas for the “King of the Arctic,” the polar bear. • ENCOUNTER remarkable wildlife including walruses, whales, seals, Arctic foxes, terns, and Svalbard reindeer. • CRUISE in a Zodiac, led by a team of expert naturalist guides from diverse fields of study. • SAIL into Hinlopen Strait, home to bearded seals, ringed seals, and polar bears with a chance to spot blue whales. • ENGAGE WITH shipboard talks and lectures on natural wonders and wildlife.
Price based on 15 participants. Price does not include participant international airfare.
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A N TA R C T I C A
ANTARCTIC DISCOVERY DECEMBER 9—21, 2020 13 DAYS from $7,400 to $10,550; twin porthole $8,950
FOCUS ON
NATURAL HISTORY
USHUAIA
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
DRAKE PASSAGE
DEC 9 Depart USA; in flight DEC 10
DEC 14-17
Antarctica & South Shetlands Drake Passage
DEC 11 Ushuaia DEC 12-13 At sea,
DEC 20 Depart DEC 21 Arrive USA
Drake Passage
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ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
DEC 18-19 At sea,
Buenos Aires
ACTIVITY LEVEL
BIRDING
3
MODERATE
PHOTOGRAPHY
HISTORY
ADVENTURE
For over two centuries, the “Last Continent” has attracted scientists and adventurers with its unmatched natural beauty. Roughly the size of the United States and Mexico combined, Antarctica is the highest, brightest, coldest, and windiest of the continents, and covered in a sheet of ice that averages more than a mile thick. Despite such frigid conditions, busy penguin colonies, a spectacular variety of seabirds, an abundance of seals and magnificent whales await, all set in breathtaking scenery of imposing mountain ranges, ice-filled channels, icebergs, and glaciers. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland AUSTRALIA Islands and Antarctic Peninsula aboard the new M/V Hondius, the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 cruise ship, exceeding all the latest green requirements of the Polar Code.
JOIN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ANND20
• BE AMONG the few travelers to discover “The Last Continent,” a pristine landscape where seals, whales and amazing bird species circulate among glimmering icebergs and crystal-blue glaciers. • NAVIGATE picturesque waterways including the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, nicknamed the “Kodak Gap.” • LEARN ABOUT topics of geology, biodiversity, oceanography, and climatology during shipboard talks with the ship’s naturalists along with professional photo and video workshops. • ENJOY up-close experiences with Chinstrap, Macaroni, and Gentoo Penguins, whales, and seabirds on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Price based on 15 participants. Price does not include participant international airfare.
A N TA R C T I C A
THE FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA AND ANTARCTIC PENINSULA OCTOBER 30 — NOVEMBER 22, 2020 24 DAYS from $13,500 to $17,000; twin porthole $15,300 FOCUS ON
NATURAL HISTORY
BIRDING
SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND PUERTO MADRYN FALKLAND ISLANDS ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
USHUAIA
OCT 30 Depart USA; in flight
NOV 8-11 South
OCT 31
NOV 12-14 At sea NOV 15-18
Georgia Island
Buenos Aires
NOV 1
Puerto Madryn
Antarctica & South Shetlands
NOV 2-3 At sea NOV 4-5
NOV 19-20 At sea NOV 21 Arrive
NOV 6-7 At sea
NOV 22 Depart
Falkland Islands
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Ushuaia
3
MODERATE
PHOTOGRAPHY
HISTORY
ADVENTURE
Embark on the ultimate expedition voyage through the remote Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the magnificent landscape of Antarctica. The setting of mountains, sea and ice is a paradise for photographers and birders! Hike the rocky shores of the Falkland Islands to see nesting albatross and the first of six penguin species. Relive Shackleton’s historic voyage on South Georgia Island and witness lively crowds of King Penguins. Along the Antarctic Peninsula, watch a rugged, isolated and serene world come to life with scores of penguins, herds of elephant seals, and pods of orcas. This journey is a oneof-a-kind experience with boundless wildlife, captivating landscapes, and expert workshops on a new Polar Class 6 expedition vessel.
JOIN THIS TRIP AT HOLBROOKTRAVEL.COM/ANNF20
• EXPERIENCE boundless wildlife and rugged beauty as you venture into some of the earth’s most pristine landscapes. • DISCOVER the stunning Falkland Islands and their expansive populations of Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic Penguins, plus the magnificent Black-browed Albatross. • CRUISE to South Georgia to observe the largest concentration of wildlife anywhere in the world. • EXPLORE the Antarctic Peninsula and venture ashore to view Weddell, leopard, and crabeater seals, Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins, and landscapes that defy the imagination. • LEARN ABOUT Antarctica’s unique natural world, history, and geology from expert on-board lecturers, including professional photo and video workshops.
Price based on 15 participants. Price does not include participant international airfare.
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2020-2021 calendar
EXPEDITIONS BY INTEREST
NATURAL HISTORY
holbrooktravel.com/naturalhistory
PROGRAM/NAME
DESTINATION
DAYS
ACTIVITY LEVEL
PRICE*
PAGE
Wild Alaska: Inside America’s Last Frontier
Alaska
10
3
$3,995
26
North Spitsbergen: In Search of Polar Bears & Pack Ice
Arctic
10
3
$6,200
87
Antarctic Discovery
Antarctica
13
3
$8,950
88
The Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica
24
3
$15,300
89
Best of Belize: Caves, Corals & Mayan Wonders
Belize
8
2
$2,825
28
Jaguar Quest in Brazil’s Pantanal
Brazil
13
3
CALL
65
Riches of the Rainforest, Arenal Volcano, & the Pacific Coast
Costa Rica
8
2
$1,995
34
Preserving Paradise: National Parks & Private Reserves
Costa Rica
10
2
$2,245
35
Island Endemism & Culture in Eastern Cuba
Cuba
10
3
$2,425
46
Ultimate Ecuador: Biodiversity in the Amazon & Galápagos Islands
Ecu. & Gal.
12
3
CALL
55
Pure Galápagos: Perspectives by Land and Sea
Galápagos Islands
10
3
$4,595
58
Investigating Endemic Wildlife & Geological Formations
Galápagos Islands
11
4
$5,195
57
Icelandic Circuit: Energy, Innovation, & Volcanic Landscapes
Iceland
10
2
$5,140
84
Into the Wilds of India: Tigers & Beyond
India
14
2
$5,495
83
Majestic Kenya: Wildlife and Conservation on Safari
Kenya
14
3
$4,295
72
Exotic Madagascar: Wildlife & Culture of the Red Island
Madagascar
17
4
$5,495
78
Baja Peninsula: Gray Whales & Desert Landscapes
Mexico
9
2
$3,495
43
Mystical Migration of the Monarchs
Mexico
7
4
$2,245
44
The Wild Namibia: Exploring the Natural Wonders
Namibia
15
2
$7,495
74
Natural & Cultural Heritage in Scenic New Zealand
New Zealand
16
4
$6,265
79
Ultimate Peru: The Amazon and Machu Picchu
Peru
13
3
$5,995
62
Conservation & Culture from Cape Town to Kruger
South Africa
13
2
$8,375
75
The Jewels of Southern Africa
S. Afr./Bots/Zimb.
12
2
$8,395
76
Tanzania Up Close: Culture, Conservation, & Wildlife
Tanzania
14
2
$5,850
70
Tanzania Signature Wildlife Safari
Tanzania
14
2
$6,275
71
Ultimate Uganda: Primate Quest & Classic Safari
Uganda
12
5
$7,495
73
PRICE*
PAGE
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CULTURE & HISTORY
90
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PROGRAM/NAME
DESTINATION
DAYS
Route of the Maya Uncovered Exploring Colombia: Culture, Coffee, & the Caribbean
Bel./Guat./Hon.
Colombia
12 12
3 2
$2,495 $3,495
33 52
Connecting Culture & Ecology in the Heart of Cuba
Cuba
11
2
$3,395
47
Mysteries of Machu Picchu & the Galápagos
Galápagos & Peru
15
4
$5,995
60
Essence of India: Temples, Tigers, & Natural Wonders
India
15
2
$5,150
82
A Taste of Panama: Canal, Rainforest, & Culture
Panama
8
2
$2,355
41
Lost Civilizations of Peru: Kuélap to Machu Picchu
Peru
12
4
$3,975
61
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To ensure that travelers are able to select a program best suited to their capabilities, we label each itinerary with an activity level according to standards of physical difficulty, on a scale of 1 to 5 (level 5 being the most difficult). The main criteria for a rating level includes the amount of walking or hiking, the degree of difficulty (conditions), the duration, and expected weather conditions. These are general guidelines, so participants should read the itinerary descriptions carefully and consult with our representatives if they have any concerns.
1
holbrooktravel.com/culture ACTIVITY LEVEL
TRIP ACTIVITY LEVELS
EASY
Participants should be able to walk at least 1-2 hours without difficulty, including over uneven, potentially slippery surfaces, and ascend or descend 25 stairs consecutively. Physical activities typically last at least 1-2 hours at a time.
2
EASY MODERATE
Participants should be able to walk at least 2-3 hours over some uneven and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty and should be able to ascend or descend 50 stairs consecutively. Physical activities typically last for at least 2-3 hours at a time.
3
MODERATE
Participants should be able to ascend or descend 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 3 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time.
4
MODERATE STRENUOUS
Participants should be able to ascend or descend 80 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 4 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 4 or more hours at a time.
5
STRENUOUS
Participants should be able to ascend or descend 100 or more stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 8 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 5 or more hours at a time.
BIRDING
holbrooktravel.com/birding DAYS
ACTIVITY LEVEL
PRICE*
PAGE
8
3
$2,395
31
Belize
8
3
$2,575
30
Colombia
10
3
$3,280
53
An Introduction to Neotropical Birding
Costa Rica
7
2
$1,695
38
Birder’s Paradise: Savegre, Sarapiquí, Arenal, & Carara
Costa Rica
11
3
$2,640
39
Cuba’s Birding Hotspots
Cuba
8
3
$2,895
48
Birding the Chocó-Andes Region: Western & Eastern Slopes
Ecuador
10
3
$2,695
54
Birding Guatemala's Highlands & Lake Atitlán A Flyway Expedition
Guatemala
11
3
$2,790
32
Birding in the Land of Fire & Ice
Iceland
10
3
$5,350
85
Birding the Ruins of the Yucatán
Mexico
11
3
$2,495
45
Between Two Continents: Birding in Panama Spectacles of Nature: Birding Amazonia, Andes, & the Desert Coast
Panama Peru
8 13
3 3
$2,775 $4,965
42 64
DAYS
ACTIVITY LEVEL
PRICE*
PAGE
PROGRAM/NAME
DESTINATION
Neotropical Birds and Mayan Ruins
Belize & Guatemala
Birding and Nature in the Tropics of Belize A Flyway Expedition Birding Colombia’s Central Andes A Flyway Expedition
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ADVENTURE
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holbrooktravel.com/adventure
PROGRAM/NAME
DESTINATION
Cordova: Exploring Alaska’s Hidden Gem
Alaska
9
3
$2,695
27
Traversing Australia’s Outback, Coast, & Bush
Australia
16
3
$9,150
80
Exploring Belize: Rainforests, Reefs, & Ruins with Tikal
Belize & Guatemala
8
3
$3,275
29
Frontiers of Patagonia: Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego, & Beyond
Chile & Argentina
13
3
$6,685
67
Costa Rica Eco-Adventure: Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, & Arenal
Costa Rica
9
3
$2,295
36
Adventure Galápagos: Active Exploration of the Islands by Land
Galápagos Islands
10
4
$4,595
59
Pathways to Machu Picchu: Traversing the Inca Trail
Peru
12
5
$3,495
63
GARDEN TOURS
A
M
J
J
A
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holbrooktravel.com/gardentours
PROGRAM/NAME
DESTINATION
DAYS
ACTIVITY LEVEL
PRICE*
PAGE
Gardens, Forests, Ancient Culture, & The Great Barrier Reef
Australia
14
2
$7,475
81
Gardens, National Parks, & Glaciers
Chile
13
2
$7,450
66
Gardens, Forests, Wildlife, & the Sea
Costa Rica
13
2
$3,295
40
Western Cuba: Gardens, Agriculture, Living History, & the Arts
Cuba
7
3
$3,650
49
Gardens, Forests, History, Culture, Otavalo Market, & the Galápagos
Ecu. & Gal.
13
3
$7,465
56
Public & Private Gardens, Wine, Culture, History, & Nature
South Africa
12
2
$4,175
77
DAYS
ACTIVITY LEVEL
PRICE*
PAGE
$2,760
37
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PHOTOGRAPHY
A
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holbrooktravel.com/photography
PROGRAM/NAME
DESTINATION
Photographing the Jewels of Nature
Costa Rica
11
2
A
M
J
J
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S
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PHOTO CREDITS: Ann & Rob Simpson, Sue Huntsman, Alton Biggs, Eric Lindberg, Martin Van Lokven, Gregory Smith, Tim Vickers, Jerry Goffe | NaturePhotoWorks.com, Jason and Kris Carter, Lily Wilde, Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, J. Craighill Photography, Dave Johnson, Jon Nelson, Sanford M. Sorkin, Paul VanDerWerf, Arvind Grover, Joaquin Garcia, John Earl Kneisler, Dominic Sherony, Steve Harbula, Tim Buss, Maurizio Costanzo, Piviso, Julio Larramendi, Kate Perez, Guillaume Baviere, Laura Gooch, Jaume Escofet, Michael Goldman, Reinier Munguia, Rick Greenspun, Marcio Ramalho, Karen Straus, Cindy Cone, Tom Ulrich, Australis, Teza Harinaivo Ramiandrisoa, Vaiz Ha, Jan Hazevoet, Henrik Palm, Todd Gustafson | Gustafson Photo Safari, Erik Brits, Corey Leopold, Rohit Varma, Julia Mrozek, Helgi Gudmundsson, Oceanwide Expeditions
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