Mexico is regaining its momentum with increased tourism arrivals; 2011 saw strong growth compared to 2010. And now, thanks to new hotel openings, fantastic new equestrian holiday opportunities and interesting Mayan prophecies about the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one, travel authorities are expecting 2012 to be an even bigger year for tourism in Mexico
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Today at 11AM the first Aerolineas Argentinas flight since June 4th flew to Bariloche and LAN is starting to fly again too. Authorities have informed that conditions are safe for flights not being the ashes a major concern now.
Following up on our information of LAN regional flights from the Buenos Aires domestic airport, we are pleased to inform that the LAN Chile flight LA490 continues to fly to Santiago de Chile. All others have been rescheduled from Ezeiza international airport.

Today at 11AM the first Aerolineas Argentinas flight since June 4th flew to Bariloche and LAN is starting to fly again too. Authorities have informed that conditions are safe for flights not being the ashes a major concern now. Following up on our information of LAN regional flights from the Buenos Aires domestic airport, we are pleased to inform that the LAN Chile flight LA490 continues to fly to Santiago de Chile. All others have been rescheduled from Ezeiza international airport.

We realize there is a lot of conflicting information on the internet and various government websites around the world and would therefore like to give you the facts relating to the situation in Torres del Paine without the sensationalism and political motives of some media organizations.
From our office base here in Puerto Natales we are monitoring the situation in the Park closely.

During the past couple of days we have been inspecting the trails and areas affected by the fire to
a) ensure the continued safety and security of our clients and
b) to ensure our itineraries are adjusted where necessary to ensure ongoing quality.

Our priorities have been and will continue to be this:

1. To ensure all clients currently travelling with us are safe and can continue with their trips as planned to the best of our abilities while ensuring the most memorable Patagonia experience possible.
2. To inform clients (and partners with clients) joining us imminently of any necessary itinerary changes which will occur as a result of the fire and to assure them of our dedication to offering the best experience possible while keeping as close to the original itinerary as possible. We will make changes in the following cases:
a) where a particular part of the Park remains closed and/or inaccessible; or
b) where we feel that due to the fire the quality of a particular hike or ride has been seriously diminished. We appreciate your patience with this.
3. To assess all of our itineraries for the longer term (February and beyond) making the changes necessary to maintain trip quality, diverse visual appeal (i.e. a good mix of forests, lakes, mountains and glaciers) and activity enjoyment.

The fire affected mainly the areas between Grey Glacier and Pehoe and south towards admin, Pudeto (heading east to Salto Grande, Explora and Camping Pehoe), Paine Grande and east towards Lago Skottsberg and then south east towards Laguna Verde.
The fire is now under control and the Park partially re-opened as planned yesterday at 0800 hours.
This tragic incident caused by the carelessness of one individual has had a big effect on residents, guides, local communities and all of Chile. Torres del Paine is a precious resource and one we must protect and value at all costs. We have been reminded of the power of nature and our own relative insignificance.
In spite of what has happened, it is important to remember that a relatively small portion of the Park’s surface area was affected by the fire (just 5% which equates to just over 12,000 hectares).
There are still many beautiful areas to explore and enjoy.

The re-opening which took place yesterday began in the northern sector of the park and includes: Laguna Azul, Laguna Amarga, Campamento Cuernos, Campamento Serón, Campamento Los Perros. Lago Paine and Dickson (the latter is restricted to guided groups). The community of Rio Serrano is also open as is the entire Serrano River and area which forms the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Hosteria Las Torres and associated refugios are open. No hotels or refugios were damaged in the fire. Hosteria Lago Grey is closed until 9th January as they are assisting and accommodating the fire and park authorities.

There is normal transit to/from Torres del Paine with the Laguna Amarga entrance open.
Our guides are today in the Park checking the hike to the base of Las Torres but hope to offer this again very soon. The areas that were unaffected by the fire offer a multitude of magnificent vistas, mountain and lake views, glaciers and wildlife. We are planning on taking pictures shortly so you can see for yourselves that Torres del Paine is still there in all its splendour.
We see recent events as an opportunity to innovate and explore new trails - both in the Park and beyond. As we speak, we are looking at some pristine new areas such as Balmaceda, Serrano, the border area close to Argentina and more. We know the area better than anyone, leaving us plenty of options and alternative routes which are as beautiful and exciting as the originals. We have the advantage of the exclusivity and privacy in some of these areas that our clients prefer. Given that the hike close to Grey Glacier was affected we are hiking new routes close to other glaciers. We have always loved Glacier Dickson and will be diverting some groups there. We also love Glaciers Pingo, Tyndall, Geike, Serrano and more.

Please see below a map of the Park which shows the area affected by the fire in the grey shading.
Note: this map has been produced as close to reality as possible.

We will be informing you of new trips we are about to launch shortly and will confirm any permanent itinerary changes to existing trips in the coming weeks. Some of the new trips and changes will take place in areas never before open to tourism.

Story by Jenny at Rancho Mexicana

The term “charro” describes a riding style that has been handed down from Mexican cowboys. They would compete against each other to showcase their skill in ranching, such as riding and roping broncos. Today, charro riding is mainly reserved for entertainment during events known as Charreadas. A popluar recognized event here in Mexico, the Charreada, which basically translates to rodeo, is anoffical sporting event. It is part of Mexico’s living history because it was developed from the life of working on a ranch. Here, the charreada is viewed as a form of a living art. Charro riders, both men and women are allowed to compete in these events; there are nine events for men and one for women. During the Charreada there is a strict dress code for the Charro riders which incorporate colourful costumes with many silver accents, and of course a wide brim sombrero. The Charreada originated with the Spanish Conquistadors, who introduced bull fighting and riding horses in the new world. The Indian and mestizo who worked on the Spanish colonial plantations added their own unique style and contribution to the sport. Charro saddles are different then the common westerm saddle, they have a wider horn which is used to help the charro rider from being pitched off. The saddle is also designed with two back grips that they Charro may use if he needs to hold on while riding a bucking bronco.

The Events of the Charreada 
 

Cala de Caballo is a reining and training demonstration where the charro rider shows the ability and obedience of his horse. The demonstration of the horse is shown though a talents in the canter, gallop, slide stop, spin on its hind legs as well as backing.

Piales show heeling and roping a horse while the charro rider is mounted on horseback.

Colas is steer tailing.

Jineteo de toro is more commonly known as bull riding. This is where our charro riders show the riding skills by staying mounted on top of a bucking bull until he stops.

Terna en ek Ruedo is an event where a charro team of three uses different maneuvers and techniques to lasso both horns and the hind leg of a bull so that he remains under control.

Jineteo de vegua is where the charro rider must stay on top of a bucking bronco until he stops. The real art of this event is that the charro rider does it all bearback!

Manganas a pie, the charro rider must lasso the fore-leg of a horse while he is on the ground. Note: horse tripping is banned from this event and any charro who attempts this is fined accordingly.

Manganas a Caballo is the same sequence as manganas a pie except this event is done from horseback.

The ninth and final event for charro men is known as Paso de la Muerte or the jump of death. In this sequence the Charro rider must jump bareback from his running horse on to the back of a bronco. There is no tack on either horse and the rider must stay on top until he stops bucking.

The event for women is known as Escaramuza. 

Ay Caramba! It is the most beautiful aspect of the Charreada. Without this the La Fiesta Charra would not be considered an authentic, Mexican Fiesta. In this event there are eight women clothed in intricately custom handmade dresses. 
Escaramuza is also referred to as the women's mounted drill team. They execute a series of precision maneuvers riding side-saddle and at various speeds It is said by many that the Charro rider is an impotent part of Mexico’s history. They are the warriors of the past who fought for their independence and freedom.

Today they are brave and strong icons of Mexico, whose antics are immortalized in paintings movies and folk songs. 

Many of the Charro demonstrations can be visit during oyur stay at the "Rancho Mexicana - Colores de Mexico".

The Ecuadorian government has eliminated the fuel subsidies for the flights to the Galapagos Islands.
Rates will have a "fuel surcharge" of $50 for Aerogal and $70 for TAME flights - each way.
If you pay for your ticket by Dec 29, 2011 - TAME has waived this surcharge for flights in 2012.

Story by Jenny

My adventures began when I first came to Rancho Mexicana on vacation through Hidden Trails. I owe Ryan and his team a big thank you for truly helping me find the perfect vacation and new lifestyle. I was a 4th year university student who had come to the ranch during my spring break.
At the University of Ottawa, I studied and graduated with my degree Nursing
Here is where, my life changed…
After I had finished writing my final set of exams, only 3 months after my last vacation, I could not wait any longer and had to come back to the ranch for a short vacation. I realized that I was going to be beginning my career and would not have much time to escape after this. The flight is nice and short and made it an easy getaway for me for a 4 nights 5 days. 
After my second visit to the ranch I could not imagine going back to Canada to live.
While I was here on vacation for the second time I was talking with the owner of the ranch, Uschi. Here she was explaining the new and upcoming upgrade to the ranch. I was fascinated in the progress since I was here three months before and had seen the changes already. Since I was so interested in the ranch Uschi jokingly said to me that I should stay here and work for her. I nonchalantly replied if she were serious I would be here in a heartbeat. At that moment we both looked at each other.  Serious or not… but here I am  and I am not regretting it.
A dream came true.

I have traveled many places around Mexico for example Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel.  There weather there was always hot and humid. Exactly what I thought I wanted when I was on vacation from the great Canadian winters. However when I came to the ranch that view changed, the weather is perfect here, we get the sun of the coast without the heat and the humidity. Also another added bonus about this area is that there are no bugs, any “bush” trail rider is in heaven!
The most important part is the riding, there is nowhere else that you can experience this type of riding. Well what can I say; when we say unlimited riding we mean it. I have been here for 6 months, I ride approximately 3 to 4 times a week and there are still new places that we are discovering to ride.
There are hundreds of reasons why I chose to stay in Mexico at the ranch; the people, culture, hospitality and of course the riding just to name a few. 
As mentioned above I have been here at the ranch for 7 months and I love everything about it. I am in charge of reservation and Guest Services and it is such a great job to attend to so many happy guests.

Here at Rancho Mexicana, I have found a true place that I can call home!

http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/america_central_mexico_mexico_lindo.aspx

Flights to Belize are now at rock bottom prices - act fast - these won't last!

We still have some spaces over the holidays on our riding tours in Belize -- here is your chandce ! 
It's a great opportunity to get away with some spectacular savings this winter season.
Delta and Continental  are offering heavily discounted pricing on many flights to Belize from now through February.  These are the best flight prices we've seen in over five years. We don't know how long these deals will be available, seats are limited on each flight ... so time is of the essence. If you want to get away from the winter chill - now's the time to act!
 
Sample winter fares - from the US
(round trip, including tax)  limited seat availability
 
Fares start as low as -
Seattle - $369 - Delta Airlines
Portland - $374 ¬- Delta Airlines
Eugene - $376 - Delta Airlines
Portland - $369 - Delta Airlines
San Francisco - $374 - Delta Airlines
Boston - $378 - Delta Airlines
New York - $385 - Delta Airlines