Dear Travel Partner,
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Ecuador on April 16th destroyed several towns and killed more than 650 people. Almost 25.000 people remain in shelters. All our thoughts are with our friends and partners in Ecuador.
Our local team in Quito and their relatives are fine, none of our travelers to Ecuador have been affected. In the past week we collected money, donated by SAT, our Ecuador staff, and from colleagues and friends all over the world. Our team in Quito will send food, medicine, childcare items and drinking water to several families in Manta over the next two months, hoping that the situation there will improve soon.
Regarding your upcoming requests and bookings for Ecuador: Only the coastal area is affected. The main tourist destinations remain largely unaffected. Quito’s and Guayaquil’s airports are fully functional. Gateways to the Amazon, Andes, and Galápagos remain open and operational. Hotels remain open, and tours have not been canceled. The Galápagos Islands have not been affected by the quake or aftershocks. All airports, hotels, and cruises in the area are continuing with service as normal, while guided tours and excursions continue to run. Please contact us in the case of further questions or doubts regarding your specific booking.
Below you will find our April news for South America, travel suggestions and product updates. We are also introducing a new category: ”Meet the Team”, which will give you detailed insight on the background and expertise of our local teams.
Check out our website or Facebook page for further news and regular updates, also for Ecuador donation details!
Thank you for your support and all the best,
Your SAT Team
HORSEBACK RIDING EXPEDITIONS ECUADOR: VOLCANOES, CLOUD FOREST & HACIENDAS
Our fine SAT horseback riding expeditions in Ecuador follow stunning routes along the Avenue of Volcanoes, while staying at wonderful Andean Haciendas. Travellers are warmly welcomed at Hacienda La Alegria, a family-run organic farm, at Hacienda Cusin, an all-time favorite with its equestrian flair and the recently restored Hacienda Santa Ana. Here, your clients enjoy day and multi-day trips riding along majestic mountains, through sub-tropical cloud forests and open grasslands. Visits to local markets and an authentic Ecuadorian cuisine complete a dream journey to the Andes.
CAPE HORN – 400 YEARS BENEATH THE MAST: STELLA AUSTRALIS CRUISE EXPEDITION
The mythical Cape Horn, an almost vertical 425 meter high cliff, was discovered in 1616. Two Dutch vessels embarked on an expedition in search of a new route towards the East, and made the first recorded voyage through the Drake Passage. Storms were defeated and Cape Horn was discovered. Captained by Willem Schouten, he named the island after his home town of Hoorn. 400 years later, the adventure continues – aboard the Stella Australis! The journey leads to glaciers, sub-polar forests, colonies of sea lions, elephant seals and penguins, and of course to Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America. Different itineraries with three to seven nights available. Please contact us for further information!
MYSTIC OF THE ANDES: ARGENTINA’s BEAUTIFUL NORTH AND PERU’s ANCIENT CULTURES!
LATAM now offers direct flights from Salta ( Argentina) to Lima ( Peru), facilitating a smooth combination of two superb destinations: Argentina’s north and Peru’s Highlands! Our new 14-day-journey reveals the diversity of both destinations, combining cultural and scenic highlights! The itinerary starts at stylish and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, then continues to the majestic Iguassu waterfalls and to Salta, with further explorations of Argentina’s beautiful north. Travellers then cross the Andes and arrive to Peru’s capital Lima. The Sacred Valley, the famous Lost City of Machu Picchu and ancient Cusco are completing this unique journey. For more information and itinerary details, please contact us!