Costa Rica: the rise of nature…

An amazing documentary to get to know our country better on an unforgettable journey. Costa Rica: the rise of nature…an amazing documentary to get to know our country better on an unforgettable journey.

Luis Miranda, Costa Rican director and producer living in Europe, is responsible together with his team of putting together a unique and compelling documentary “Costa Rica: the rise of nature”. We recently had a Zoom call with him so we could learn details about his inspiration. The documentary takes you on a three-step journey to the heart of one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and also a witness the unprecedented efforts that scientists, communities and individuals make every day to preserve, and in some cases restore, an exceptional natural heritage.

The first episode shows the wonders of the dry tropical forest in the northern Pacific of Costa Rica, the only remanent in the continent of this rare ecosystem. This forest, which once covered the entire Pacific coast of Central America, now exists only as isolated "vestiges". In Costa Rica, however, it has been revived and even expanded thanks to the efforts of biologists and the local population.

On the second episode, you will embark on a journey from the Caribbean coast all the way to the South Pacific coast, exploring the biological corridors that connect the network of National Parks in the country. Volcanoes, rivers but overall protagonists like the wild pigs, which carry many responsibilities to keep the thin balance in nature distributing seeds and growing forests or becoming the base-diet for jaguars, amongst the many threats day face every day.

The final chapter shows the main challenge our country is facing…the sea. Fragile ecosystems and marine life depend on the commitment and policies from government and local communities, and the devoted hard work of biologist and researchers. From the marine paradise that surrounds the Cocos Island to mangroves, coral reefs, whales and sharks, this episode is the perfect closing of this journey.

The first reason why I wanted to share this amazing content was that we are very proud of Luis and his work, and when I talked with him and felt his passion and commitment, I knew this is positive news to share with you all. Positive news to believe we can do things better, that we can recover hope and optimism for a better, greener and fairer world, just like it is happening in Costa Rica.

These links are your passport to experience not only the unique and amazing natural beauties of Costa Rica but also to learn about the many challenges we are facing so that our treasures will remain and thrive for our future generations.

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/085367-001-F/costa-rica-a-forest-is-reborn/

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/085367-002-F/costa-rica-the-animals-return-2-3/

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/085367-003-F/costa-rica-protecting-our-seas-3-3/

Brazil news by Gondwana Brasil

COVID Updates

We are very glad to share that, confirming last month’s trend, the covid-19 scenario continues to significantly improve in Brazil. According to an epidemiological bulletin from the national Ministry of Health, issued on last October 23, there has been a 19.4% decline in the number of confirmed cases in the week of October 11 to 17, compared to the previous week. And on October 21, the rolling 14-day death average was down 22%, and was the lowest since May 6, 2020. Considering the pandemic hit us harder precisely during our winter season, and that we are now almost half-way through spring, we really believe that the worst is past us.

This trend is having a positive impact on the domestic tourism sector since Brazilians are travelling a lot within the country, which allows for many of our local partners to catch their breaths. This regaining of momentum is proving to be extremely important for the industry at the end of the year. Tourists are being very respectful of the sanitary protocols put in place by the service providers.

We are following the news about the second wave in Europe and our heart goes out to all those affected, especially our business partners. Please keep us up to date regarding the particular situation in your countries and businesses.

In other news...

New home :)

We have moved to our new office and are gradually going back to work there, taking turns and following the appropriate safety protocols. As we mentioned last month, the pandemic forced us to slow down our renovation and moving plans, but we are thrilled that things finally came to fruition! Our new office is in a beautiful house, on a quiet downtown street. It underwent a large renovation in order to accommodate our headquarters and incorporate Gondwana’s soul. Pictures coming soon! (We’ll share just one for now, to give you a taste ;)

New itineraries

We are currently working on the creation of new itineraries around Curitiba, in a beautiful area of bays, mountains, preserved Atlantic Forest and communities that we care a lot for. We believe that people are genuinely interested in more immersive trips that allow for deeper contact with nature in secluded areas, delicious and authentic gastronomy and life-changing experiences amidst the outdoor life. Nowadays this is considered as a trend, but it’s always been part of our DNA. We have recently gone on two tours that we will start to offer in November, in order to implement our safety and health protocols and make sure everything is ready to go:

Ocean Kayaking in the Antonina Bay

Antonina Bay is located on the southern coast of the state of Paraná, Brazil, and it can be considered an extension of the Paranaguá bay. Several rivers, like the Cacatu and the Cachoeira, flow into it. The bay is the place where the Atlantic Ocean’s waters reach the furthest into the American continent, coming close to the slopes of the Serra do Mar mountain range, and offering waters that are suitable for sports. We went on two kayak tours, one for beginners, in a wilder environment, and the other one a little harder, and including a visit to a local community.

Bike Tour around Rural Morretes

Morretes is a charming historic town between the local mountain range and the coast, famous for its “barreado” (a traditional local dish) and “boia cross” (floating down the local river on an inflated tire chamber). Accompanied by a specialized local guide, the 3-hour bike tour includes the use of a 21-speed mountain bike, helmet, gloves, and the adventure insurance. The itinerary includes rural villages, crossing of rivers and streams, water fountains, places with beautiful views of the mountains, an artisanal cachaça mill, natural pools, a small waterfall, lakes, patches of forest and a suspension bridge.

Survey

We would like to thank all who have taken the time to answer our survey on how we can improve the contents of our newsletters. We were quite happy to realise that there’s great appreciation for what we are already doing and that our newsletters provide quality information that’s enjoyed by our clients. All the feedback and suggestions offered will be taken into account, and we should already have news in our following issue.

And we would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have made donations to the local institutions committed to the preservation of the Pantanal. Fortunately, the fires have declined and the situation is much better since, in the past week, it’s been raining in the affected areas.

Thank you.

Gondwana Brasil Team

Chile travel protocol by Turavion and travelArt

Greetings from Chile! Hope you are very well. Following our previous communication regarding Chile border opening, we are glad to share with you the following protocols which have just been released by local authorities: Because your safety is our priority, we invite you to inform yourself and learn about our “Travel to Chile” plan. What should you take into consideration to travel to Chile?

From midnight on Monday, November 23, those who arrive by air to the Arturo Merino Benitez Airport will be able to enter the country. Entry will take place in compliance with health measures to protect the health and security of both tourists and nationals.

• All foreign tourists in order to board a plane and arrive in Chile must comply with three requirements: a PCR taken 72 hours before boarding the plane, a mandatory health insurance that covers the associated costs with COVID-19 and their Health Passport that must be completed at www.c19.cl.

• During the first two weeks of the opening of this border, between November 23 and December 7, foreigners coming from high-risk countries, according to the WHO classification, will have to keep a 14-day quarantine in Chile. This list is published weekly on the World Health Organization website.

• Tourists will not have to be quarantined, but they will be controlled through an application that will monitor them constantly to trace their whereabouts and the presence of any symptom that requires attention. More details about this to be informed once released by local authorities.

• At the moment, only air travel to the Arturo Merino Benitez Airport will be allowed. Land and sea borders will remain closed until health conditions allow their reopening.

• All foreigners entering the country must comply with the country’s sanitary measures such as the use of masks, prohibition of movement in quarantined communes or respect for curfews.

Thank you and we suggest you to check with us should you have any enquiry as protocols may vary depending on the information provided by local authorities.

Kind regards, Turavion and travelArt Team