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Chile Update 2
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Posted:
3/8/2010 4:28:44 PM
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The city of Santiago is at 98% back to normal with virtually all basic services re-established and only small areas of the suburbs still without electricity.
Santiago Airport is now operating at 70% of its normal capacity according to the airport authorities (DGAC). All arrivals and departures are operated via the domestic terminal facilities but we expect the main international building to re-open this week.
All of our clients on the ground have been able to continue with their programs and have been flying both domestically and internationally with only minor disruptions and delays.
We are working with clients arriving in the coming weeks to make any necessary adjustments to their itineraries, particularly if they were planning to visit the wine country, which is the one tourist destination that suffered significant damage.
The areas south of Santiago (which sustained the most damage) between Talca and Concepción is receiving help from the local authorities along with foreign governments including the US, Europe, Peru, Brazil, and Argentina to name only a few.
It is important to note that none of the areas most seriously affected are typically part of client itineraries.
Thank you again, not only from Hidden Trails, but the country itself!
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Chile Update
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Posted:
3/3/2010 1:31:09 PM
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We are pleased to advise the overall situation is improving after last week’s earthquake.
The city of Santiago is at 80% back to normal after the earthquake although some areas in the suburbs are still without electricity and experiencing communications problems.
Santiago Airport remains partially closed. The authorities have announced a two-phase restoration of airline service.
Phase One (March 3 – 5), domestic flights will arrive and depart from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM (local time) using temporary facilities at the airport. International flights will arrive and depart from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. All international arrivals during Phase One will transit another Chilean airport to clear immigration and customs before arriving in Santiago. All flights will run on a limited schedule and with priority given to those passengers with their flights delayed since the earthquake.
Phase Two will commence on March 6 when the airport will return to round the clock operations, using temporary facilities at the airport but without the need for international arrivals to transit another Chilean airport before arriving and leaving from the country.
Many clients have been taking alternative routes to continue with their travel plans, using alternative land crossings. We are making all the appropriate arrangements for clients who are choosing to do this.
The major damage and more serious issues remain in the regions of Maule and Bio-Bio, where the second largest city of the country is located (Concepción) and where almost 2 million people are homeless. The government is well underway with providing all the necessary support to the affected population in these areas. We will be sending a separate report on how you can help once all details are finalised. These areas are not visited on any of our itineraries.
Once the airport fully re-opens the situation for tourists visiting the country will quickly return to normal and the key highlights of Chile will be fully open. The only area that we have stopped operation at the moment is the area of Colchagua Valley in the Wine Country, as not all the services are yet back to normal. We expect this situation to be resolved within the next two to three weeks.
Many thanks for your kind support and generous assistance during the past few days.
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HT Peru Rides
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Posted:
2/25/2010 3:43:35 PM
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Late last month, Peru was hit
with 5 days of extreme torrential rain, causing mudslides and flooding
to the Cusco area and around the famed Machu Picchu, creating great
anxiety and loss for the country's people and tourists alike. Hidden
Trails would like to report that in the weeks that followed,
substantial aid was sent and that much hard work has been done to
clean-up the area, with the rivers returning to their normal, safe
capacity.
Hidden Trails departures for the Cusco area rides are set to go as
planned this season and have not been affected by the unexpected
natural disaster. The first ride of the season is set for April 30th
with the Classic Inca Trail.
We send our condolences to those effected by the natural disaster and
are happy to report that our Peruvian partners are safe and well!
Click here to view Hidden Trails rides in Peru!
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Vancouver 2010 is here!
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Posted:
2/12/2010 2:38:30 PM
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The Hidden Trails headquarters welcomes Olympic athletes from all over the world to their hometown of Vancouver, BC! We are just minutes from the excitement - the Olympic Torch just passed our office today on the way to the opening ceremonies! We give a special hello to all our clients, partners and friends around the world who will be watching on TV - good luck to your countries in all the events!
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Offical Website
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Summer in Vermont
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Posted:
2/4/2010 4:15:18 PM
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Summertime trail riding in the Green Mountains can be a relaxing dream come true! Hidden Trails offers several horseback vacations in the beautiful state of Vermont; try a smooth riding Icelandic on the trail with the Sugarbush Country Inn Ride or go hacking on a sprawling estate with our Green Mountain Getaway!
From July 7th to August 11th 2010, the Green Mountains are host to the Vermont Summer Festival Horseshow Series, held in close proximity to the Sugarbush Ride and a 1.5 hour drive from the Green Mountain estate. Don't miss the fun!
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Have to Haflinger
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Posted:
2/4/2010 10:27:35 AM
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The Halfinger is a breed of horse recognizable for it's versatility and reliability almost as much as its beautiful golden chestnut colouring. Hidden Trails has put together an article to help introduce riders to the fabulous little horse from Austria and offers a spectacular ride through the High Tauern Mountains of it's home country for an authentic Haflinger experience!
Click here to read article!
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HT New Addition
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Posted:
1/22/2010 1:10:38 PM
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!New Addition to the Hidden Trails collection!
Check out the Coast to Coast in Sicily a fantastic trip on horseback in beautiful Italy which we have the pleasure of adding to the Hidden Trails selection.
The diversity and
beauty of Sicily is such that German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
wrote: "To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is to not have
seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything."
We hope you enjoy!
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