custom-experience

AFRICA

2011-10-21T11:18:00.000-03:00

An Ancient call…

After a generous invitation to visit Africa (Zimbawe, Botswana and South Africa) of our friend Sue; we decided to offer new expeditions to that captivating wildlife kingdom, in August and September 2012.

The ancient call echoes loudly in our souls.

South Africa and Namibia are our new destinations.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE TO NAMAQUALAND FLORAL TOUR
AUGUST 17 -31, 2012
A Tapestry of Floral delights within the scenic heartland of the Western Cape

CAUSANA VIAJES’S FAIREST CAPE TO THE JEWEL OF NAMIBIA SAFARI
SEPTEMBER 3 - 16, 2012

‘An unsurpassed combination of natural beauty and the essence of wildlife at its best’

Both trips escorted by Carol and Carlos with our South African associates from Avian Leissure.

From the rich and diverse explosion of wildlife and flora of the Cape, to the reddish sands of Namibia, the Squeleton Coast and Etosha, we will discover the secrets of their creatures, culture, and landscapes.

Consult us for programs and conditions.

Enjoy the photograps.

Contact Us!!!

carol@causana.com

Photos: Carol and Carlos Passera

Causana Viajes

FOTOGRAFIA de NATURALEZA III

2011-09-27T20:10:00.000-03:00

SOLO FOTOS
1º Curso Intensivo de Fotografía de Naturaleza
con Roberto Rainer Cinti periodista y fotógrafo ambiental

Foto: CAP

Foto: Roberto Rainer Cinti

Reserva San Pablo de Valdés Atardecer en Punta Alt

Lugar:

Península Valdés

Fechas:

- Octubre 8 al 11 (4 días) $ 2.908.-

CIERRE INSCRIPCION Septiembre 30

- Noviembre 12 al 18 (7 días) $ 4.414.-

CIERRE INSCRIPCION NOVIEMBRE 2

CUPOS LIMITADOS

Descuentos especiales para Socios de la FVSA

Alojamiento en la Reserva Privada San Pablo de Valdés

de la Fundación Vida Silvestre Agentina

Consulte por programas, condiciones y precios:

carlos@causana.com

carol@causana.com

http://www.causana.com/

Roberto Rainer Cinti

“Soy fotógrafo por naturaleza ...”.

Foto: CAP

Periodista y fotógrafo, suma casi 30 años de dedicación a la temática geográfica y ecológica.

En mayo de 2005 publicó Fauna argentina, dramas y prodigios del bicherío (Emecé Editores), un fascinante bestiario criollo. Al año siguiente produjo y dirigió la Guía Visual Parques Nacionales de la Argentina (Tirica Ediciones de la Naturaleza).

Sus imágenes han sido editadas en Brasil, Chile, España, Estados Unidos, Inglaterra, Italia y Singapur. Ilustraron más de sesenta libros, diecisiete guías turísticas, numerosos avisos publicitarios y revistas del prestigio de National Geographic y Geo.

Su participación en estos programas de educación organizados por Causana Viajes y la Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina le permiten aprender de un maestro de la fotografía y disfrutar de la naturaleza.

Foto: Roberto Rainer Cinti
Guanacos en San Pablo de Valdés

Lobos Marinos de un Pelo en Playa Punta Alt
Foto: CAP

Roberto Rainer Cinto en las dunas de San Pablo de Valdés
Foto CAP

Foto: Roberto Rainer Cinti

Fósiles en acantilados de Punta Alt

La Naturaleza lo aguarda. Contáctenos!!!

carlos@causana.com

carol@causana.com

FOTOGRAFIA de NATURALEZA

2011-09-12T11:01:00.000-03:00

SOLO FOTOS

1º Curso Intensivo de Fotografía de Naturaleza

con Roberto Rainer Cinti periodista y fotógrafo ambiental

Lugar: Península Valdés

Fechas:

Octubre 8 al 11 (4 días) $ 2.908.-

CIERRE INSCRIPCION Septiembre 30

Noviembre 12 al 18 (7 días) $ 4.414.-

CIERRE INSCRIPCION NOVIEMBRE 2

CUPOS LIMITADOS

Descuentos especiales para Socios de la FVSA

Alojamiento en la Reserva Privada San Pablo de Valdés

de la Fundación Vida Silvestre Agentina

Consulte por programas, condiciones y precios:

carlos@causana.com carol@causana.com

www.causana.com

Roberto Rainer Cinti:
“Soy fotógrafo por naturaleza ...”

Nació en el Parque Nacional Itatiaia, Brasil, en 1954. Vive desde los dos años en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Periodista y fotógrafo, suma casi 30 años de dedicación a la temática geográfica y ecológica.

Fue Director Periodístico de las revistas Vida Silvestre (Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina) y Greenpeace en Acción (Greenpeace Argentina), Jefe de Redacción de la revista Aire y Sol (Editorial Abril), Jefe de Prensa de la Administración de Parques Nacionales (APN), presidente del Círculo de Periodistas del Medio Ambiente (CIPEMA) y co-fundador de Photohunters, primera agencia fotográfica de la Argentina especializada en naturaleza. En mayo de 2005 publicó Fauna argentina, dramas y prodigios del bicherío (Emecé Editores), un fascinante bestiario criollo. Al año siguiente produjo y dirigió la Guía Visual Parques Nacionales de la Argentina (Tirica Ediciones de la Naturaleza). Ha escrito e ilustrado más de 150 notas sobre parques nacionales y otras áreas naturales protegidas. Se lo considera un especialista en el tema.

Colaboró con importantes revistas y diarios de la Argentina. Entre ellos Argentime, Billiken, Buenos Aires Herald, Clarín Revista, Descubrir, El Periodista, Gente, Genios, Humi, La Nación, La Nación Revista, La Semana, Master Wine, Noticias, Nueva, Página 12, Siete Días, Suplemento Ciencia de La Nación, Temas y Fotos, Tiempo Argentino y Week End. A mediados de 1990, en el Centro Cultural de la Fundación Banco Patricios, expuso Fuentes de Vida: 65 imágenes sobre los parques nacionales de la Argentina, que resumían más de diez años de dedicación a la fotografía de naturaleza. La muestra fue la primera “vidriera grande” de la especialidad en el país. Y contó con el auspicio de la Administración de Parques Nacionales y el patrocinio de Ciba Geigy Argentina y la Provincia de San Luis.

Entre 1995 y 2001, estableciendo una cifra record para un fotógrafo independiente del país, publicó un promedio de setecientas fotos anuales. Amén de la Argentina, sus imágenes han sido editadas en Brasil, Chile, España, Estados Unidos, Inglaterra, Italia y Singapur. Ilustraron más de sesenta libros, diecisiete guías turísticas, numerosos avisos publicitarios y revistas del prestigio de National Geographic y Geo. En octubre de 2004, sirvió de guía y asistente a Sebastiao Salgado -uno de los grandes maestros de la fotografía- en su recorrida por Península Valdés para la producción de Génesis, el proyecto más ambicioso del genial brasileño.

Texto Ecopuerto –Foto: Camilena Cinti

Fotografía de Naturaleza

2011-09-07T18:37:00.000-03:00

Safari y Curso Fotográfico

en Península Valdés

Causana Viajes y Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina tienen el gusto de lanzar este especial safari y curso de Fotografía de Naturaleza, para aprender y practicar esta disciplina en íntimo contacto con el ambiente natural. Dirigido por Roberto Rainer Cinti -uno de los más destacados y prolíficos fotógrafos de naturaleza del país-. Sus trabajos fueron publicados en medios nacionales y extranjeros tales como GEO o National Geographic y ha sido Director de la Revista Vida Silvestre, además de Editor responsable de las Guías de Parques Nacionales, entre otros logros. Aprenda y ayude a la naturaleza, participando en estos programas de educación.

Solo Fotos

1º Curso Intensivo de Fotografía de Naturaleza

con Roberto Rainer Cinti periodista y fotógrafo ambiental

Lugar: Península Valdés

Fechas:

Octubre 8 al 11 (4 días) $ 2.908.-

Noviembre 12 al 18 (7 días) $ 4.414.-

CUPOS LIMITADOS

Descuentos especiales para Socios de la FVSA

Alojamiento en la Reserva Privada San Pablo de Valdés

de la Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina

Consulte por programas, condiciones y precios:

carlos@causana.com carol@causana.com

Descubra a través de la lente la impactante fauna de Península Valdés

Reserva Privada San Pablo de Valdés FVSA

Intimidad para armonizar a través de la fotografía con las criaturas silvestres y el paisaje

No pierda la oportunidad CONTÁCTENOS

las vacantes son muy limitadas

carlos@causana.com - carol@causana.com

HIGHLIGHT SEASON 2010/11 III

2011-04-27T10:00:00.024-03:00

Darwin, Textiles, Ice and Wildlife III

Some of our custom private tours are designed for people who travel several times with us.

Harvey Triason – who chose our services al least 4 times to different areas of Argentina and Chile-, came with his two nieces: Rebecca and Randi. The three of them enjoyed the trip from Iguazu Falls to the Glaciers. George Larson travelled with Carol to Patagonia in ’97 then to Perú and again to Patagonia this past March. Sue Sloan –after joining a trip to Northwest Argentina, Atacama Desert and Lauca National Park in Chile in ’07 (that Causana designed and operated for Massachussets Audubon Society); last year Carol and I travelled with Sue to Mongolia with a group of Massaudubon- accepted our proposal to visit Patagonia. El Chaltén, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Paine National Park, Península Valdés and Bahía Bustamante were the areas visited . Fine weather, good food, diverse wildlife, scenic lodging, and pristine landscapes, bring all the necessary condiments for remarkable and unforgettable new experiences. To travel with people who –through the years- became our friends is always a pleasure.

Art in the sky and the Chaltén massif

Golden down brights on the Chaltén or Fitz Roy

Condor soaring

Fio-Fio White-Crested Elaenia

Moreno Glacier with the first morning lights

Notro

Harvey and nieces ready to hike in the Moreno Glacier

Harvey Rebecca and Randy at Iguazú Falls

Tame guanacos at Paine N. P.

Burrowing Owl

The enigmatic Cerro Torre

Tawny-throated Dotterel

Relax and panoramic view of Moreno Glacier from the bed

A clear day and fantastic view of Fitz Roy Massif and Cerro Torre

Endangered Huemul at Paine National Park

Rebecca, Randi and Harvey at the foot of the Roof of America in Mendoza

Over the ice of the Moreno Glacier

Susan, Carol and George treking at El Chaltén

Sue and her trophie at Lago del Desierto El Chaltén

Magic light at Moreno Glacier

HIGHLIGHTS SEASON 2010 / 2011 (II)

2011-04-18T11:58:00.000-03:00

Darwin, Textiles, Ice and Wildlife (II)

Darwin Footsteps I (Novembre 1st - November 17th 2010 - Cloud Ridge Naturalist Private Tour )
Patagonian Argentine coast and Tierra del Fuego Island

Darwin's and Fitz Roy first edition of "Voyage of the Beagle" Private Collection from the Museo del Fin del Mundo - Ushuaia -

Puerto Deseado -Sea Lion colony near Isla Pingüino

Santa Cruz River close to it's Lago Argentino origins

Beetle at the patagonian steppe

Choique or Darwin's Rhea

Group listening to a field lecture from Dr. Dee Boersma at Isla Martillo Beagle Channel

Albatros Monument at Cape Horn

Footprints of ancient glaciers - Upsala Glacier

Group sailing betwen islands at Bahia Bustamante - Atlantic Patagonian Coast

The "Clock Stone" Darwin's camp upstream Rio Deseado

Magellanic Penguins at Isla Magdalena, Strait of Magellan

Marine Fossils in the Andes

Commerson's Dolphin at Ria Deseado

Whulaia - Beagle camp at Tierra del Fuego

Beagle Channel

Whulaia - Beagle Channel

Patagonian Grey Fox

Dates 2011 - Darwin Footsteps II Chilean Coast, Torres del Paine N.P. and Chiloe Island

(December 3rd to December 18th - Private Tour for Cloud Ridge Naturalist)

HIGHLIGHT SEASON 2010/11

2011-04-12T11:22:00.000-03:00

Darwin, Textiles, Ice and Wildlife

Especially designed custom trips make a “whale” of a season for Carol and me.
Enjoyable, diverse, thematic, intense, and rewarding -not only for us or our travelers-

but for all the people who gave us their services, hospitality and knowledge at every place we visit…

And believe me; some were far beyond of the beaten path.

Enjoy our photographic report.

Weaving Andean Stories (October 15-30, 2010)
Tracing Argentina's Cultural Heritage and Textiles

Learning from mapuche artisans in Gualjaina - Patagonia

Local mapuche artisan

Piedra Parada - Patagonian steppe

A genuine vicuña scarf must pass through a ring Jujuy Northwest Argentina

Landscape at Quebrada de Humahuaca - Jujuy Northwest Argentina

Mapuche designs - Patagonia

Cloud Ridge Director learning textile techniques

The textile group enjoying pristine landscapes

2011 Tours - OCTOBER 21st to NOVEMBER 4th - Small group departure, limited space still available
NOVEMBER 13th to NOVEMBER 27th Cloud Ridge Naturalist Private Tour

Enjoy and learn with Carol and native artisans from NorthWest and SouthWest Argentina our rich cultural heritage!

(Next -Darwin Footstepes I)

Causana's New Web

2010-08-25T13:08:00.000-03:00

Live Life…

Causana’s new web site is published: www.causana.com

Thirty years ago we adopted Patagonia as our home. All those years we have actively worked in tourism and nature conservation. At the beginning as park ranger and tour guides -later, the second half (fifteen years)- through Causana Viajes, emphasizing the practices of ecotourism and responsible tourism as principal objective.

We are proud of that because -not without effort- so far we have “survived” and maintain our philosophy by doing what we know. Work as we feel we have to work: giving quality, knowledge, and rewarding experiences. Economic facts are important, but for true travelers, the experience is what matters most.

Young people who were trained by us started to work as guides and tour leaders. Today we have a selected team who work with us; some of them out in the field, and others at the office.

We invite you to travel with us discovering and exploring the vast and diverse southern portion of South America: The mystery and solitude of Patagonia, the rough seas and mighty Andes Mountains, giant glaciers, endless steppes. To the north, the chromatic color of the Atacama Desert, the high plateau of the Puna; or the powerful waters of Iguazu Falls, and exuberance of the dense subtropical forest. Leaving mainland the exotic mystery of Eastern Island, awaits to mesmerize you with the incognita of ancient civilization. Or across the rough Drake Passage the incomparable visit to Antarctica, the last continent… In this incomparable scenery –like actors on stage-, the presence of unusual wildlife interacting for centuries with man and his culture, enrich your whole travel experience...

More than 25 years of traveling give us the right to say we know our land, and testimony of our passengers –some of them who traveled more than five times with us- emphasize that.

See our programs and select your next adventure to the end of the world.

We await your visit!

Walking with Whales II

2010-07-26T19:16:00.028-03:00

Hearing the whales

“Long time ago I read, in an article from an old natural history magazine, that Inuits –in the Arctic- have a place were they go “to hear the whales…” Seated on the pebble beach -located only a few kilometers from the city of Puerto Madryn, in Patagonia- I remembered that article and smiled grateful. The Southern Right Whales swim in front of me only a few meters from the coast. I can see their evolutions, their behavior, hear their voices and –also occasionally- smell their breath…”

(From Dinosaurios “Relatos y Sueños de un Guardafauna by Carlos A. Passera)

Last year I wrote in this blog a post called “Walking with Whales”. Again I feel the need to share a bit of that incredible experience of being so intimate with the whales. Nothing, photos or descriptions, can explain the privilege of that incomparable rendezvous with them. But let me try again. Since April to end of October we go almost every day to the beach called El Doradillo –distant only 17 kilometers from the city of Puerto Madryn- to enjoy the gentle giants: the Southern Right Whales. Year after year the feelings are the same: astonishment, fascination, harmony and gratitude… Even though we are enormouslly privileged to rise every morning and see the whales through the window of our home in the city, and spy them at any time during the day on our way to the bank or doing shopping or driving to work, going to El Doradillo is a balsam.

Not one or two whales living freely their lives, no, dozens of them pass by in front of the people, no further than 5 to 10 meters from the shore. Nursing their calves, mating, breaching, lob tailing, doing –not more and surely not less- than living their own life.

Enjoy the photographs.
Carlos & Carol Passera Photos: Carlos & Carol Whale season at Peninsula Valdes: End of April to end of November; At El Doradillo area and from Puerto Madryn waterfront end of April to end of September.

PEREGRINE Falcon

2010-07-22T10:51:00.010-03:00

Our visitor

This years regular visitor is a young Peregrine falcon, in this picture we took from our window 10 days ago, you can see it is already molting to adult plumage. Peregrine falcons are sexually mature at the end of their first year of life but they tend to reproduce between the age of two and three. The male courtship flight consists of flying in a series of spirals forming an eight shape and he offers his female prey as a gift. They mate for life and return to the same nest year after year. It nests on shelves on cliffs; lay between 2 and 4 creamy colored eggs. The female incubates the eggs for a month; the male provides the female and chicks with food.

I have watched a peregrine falcon attack and eat a Crested Duck but the one nesting near Puerto Madryn feed on seabirds, such as South American Terns and Rock Doves which abound in the city. This bird likes to perch on the corner of our terrace and we feel our heart stop when we are lucky enough to be at home when it does stop by. We also want to share the beautiful sunset and moons we get to see from our home. Carol & Carlos Passera

NEW OLD CAUSANA

2010-06-28T11:49:00.012-03:00

RELOADED

After a few months of doubtful introspection we return to our communication through our blog. The world wide economic debacle changed many things. Traveler’s ways of choosing their trips too… We tried hard to adapt our travel offers to the situation, but in many cases that meant less quality. Disappointed with the general panorama, the politicians point of view (massive tourism in the natural areas), and greedy behavior of colleagues, we took time to re-think our idea of working with tourism.

Our new web site reflects some of that, but essentially we decided to do what we know. Work as we feel we have to work: giving quality, knowledge, and rewarding experiences. Economic facts are important, but for true travelers, the experience is what matters most. A recent trip to Mongolia –probably the last free land on earth- inspired us to go deeper in our way of designing our travel programs. Beyond the unbeaten path there is a different Argentina. Culture, landscapes, people, colors, smells, nature, wildlife… All is there waiting for the avid true traveler.

Practicing Responsible Tourism is our goal, and our next October trip “Weaving Andean History” an example of the New-Old way of travel for Causana Viajes. Especially designed by Carol, for our old friend Audrey Benedict from Cloud Ridge Naturalists, the trip emphasizes in the ancient weaving tradition of Argentina. The trip roams from the Northwest to Patagonia, learning the different techniques of each region. The Inca influence at the North and the Tehuelche and Mapuche aborigine practice in the South. The voyage visits little towns, textile cooperatives, some of them way out of the touristy routes, and takes a look at the new mixture between designers who use the ancient techniques for new fashion models.

With your help we want to repeat this travel experience every year to help people of the communities. This and others trips are waiting for you. Until our new web site is finished, we update you through our blog. Carol & Carlos

BIRDS of ARGENTINA

2009-12-03T18:59:00.018-03:00

Burrowing Parrot

They frequent open fields or bush covered steppe in small flocks that search for fruits, seeds and tender sprouts on trees, bushes and on the ground. They make short low flights while feeding. There always is a bird “on watch” while the others feed, sometimes they feed on corn or wheat causing loses in the crops. Burrowing Parrots travels extensively in search of food. When it is returning to their roosting sites they fly high, and are very noisy.

They form colonies, dig the long burrows in which they nest, some being a meter in length. These burrows are usually found on cliffs of creeks, rivers or sea shores. Some pairs mate for life. They lay 2-4 white eggs which they incubate for 20 days. They gather to sit on telephone wires, posts and exposed branches at top of trees. They have been heavily combated as a pest or captured to be sold as cage birds.

The species of Patagonia is believed to be different to the one in the North West of Argentina, and different to the one in Chile. They are probably 3 subspecies.Consult to come and enjoy us!!!

Carol Mackie -

(Photos - Berna Urtubey - Carol Mackie - Carlos Passera)

COMMITMENT WITH NATURE

2009-11-04T17:57:00.016-03:00

Good News from the Directors desk

Causana Viajes has always believed in sharing profits with conservation projects, has obtained important land donations for local ONG’s, and at our initial years even helped form a local ONG that works protecting, researching and education about the Patagonian coastal orcas. Through our 13 years of existence we have employed as many local people as possible, formed guides and tour leaders. This is one of the principles of Ecotourism, or sustainable tourism we have been able to fulfill. I am happy to announce that in 2009 we decided that the funds obtained in the year 2008 for this purpose would have a new destination. The idea is EDUCATION. To educate travelers and locals equally by publishing books, pocket fieldguides and even our new blog.

Today I am pleased to announce the book DINOSAURIOS, Relatos y sueños de un Guardafauana by Carlos A. Passera. The first part of the book is stories about the Passera’s family experiences at Punta Tombo and the years Carlos was a “guardafauna” (Park Ranger) at this immense penguin colony. The second part is about Carlos’s dreams of what he would like to happen to the Nature Reserve of the province of Chubut in the near future. His goal with this book is to create debates and forums of discussion and why not waken some of the dormant authorities. This province was a pioneer in conservation in Latin America in the 1960’s and we wish it would remain that way so Carlos is trying to shake us all and waken us while we read his second part of the book. The Fundación Patagonia Natural (FPN), The Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina (FVSA), the Instituto de Enseñanaza Superior (IDES) and Causana Viajes recommend the reading of DINOSAURIOS . The author of the book ilustrations is Juan Carlos De Souza, a young voluntier from Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina, and now an Agronomist Engineer. The title of the book comes from a conversation Carlos’s had with a colleague many years ago while they were on assignment writing an article for a BA magazine. His Friend “the Negro Acosta” said to Carlos: - “ You are a dinosaur”, - What? – Carlos asked. - “Yes, you and the “fat guy of the whales”, and so many others that look for the last pure corners of the Earth, are DINOSAURS. You are condemned to extinction because you dream about an ideal world that languishes. Practice your Spanish so you friends, who care about nature like we do, can read this book and participate in the debate. Carol Mackie de Passera

Polar Experiences

2009-09-29T18:33:00.032-03:00

The Eyes of the Bear

by Carlos A. Passera

My experiences in the artic region left a sour taste in my spirit. The footprints of man are omnipresent, and nature is retreating at high speed. The ice disappearing, wildlife is threatened and scares… Scientific information and media news alert with apocalyptic predictions. And what our eyes see and the spirit feels is not encouraging. Audrey Benedict – Director of Cloud Ridge Naturalist and essentially sensitive soul- wrote after her recently trip to the artic region:

“…The trip to the Russian Arctic and Siberia was devastating to me in terms of facing the harsh realities and accelerating pace of "the end of nature" (to quote Bill McKibben) as we know it in all Polar Regions--HEAD-ON! Yes, of course, seeing the scenery and so many tundra wildflowers, as well as the extraordinary seabird nesting cliffs, was a wonderful experience overall. But, then there was the dark, omnipresent cloud of environmental decay and destruction everywhere we went. We are, in my view, well over the environmental "tipping point" where the impacts of global warming are concerned. Seeing evidence everywhere of the incredible rate at which permafrost is melting on land and beneath the sea floor (and the associated release of methane gas) and what this truly means for future climate makes worrying about carbon footprints seem almost ludicrous. Couple this with witnessing several polar bears swimming to their inevitable deaths (already 90 km offshore) in what could only be a desperate search for sea ice and food left me almost paralyzed and emotionally drained. I will never, ever forget looking into the eyes of the last polar bear I saw swimming northward. Though I've never felt that what I do is "Ecotourism" in the traditional sense--I've also NEVER felt, as I did this time, that I'd grossly misrepresented to people what they could expect to experience and see on a trip. How do you”market" a trip to see suicidal polar bears and seabird rookeries where there has been NO successful reproduction because there were NO fish to be caught? I haven't even been able to download the pictures I took on the trip--I see every image too vividly in my mind. I even wrestle with what to tell my grandchildren. The truth, of course, but how will I frame it for them?”

My thoughts remain fixed on to the eyes of the polar bear of her description: “…I will never, ever forget looking into the eyes of the last polar bear I saw swimming northward…” That paragraph reflects the agony of the Artic. I can reproduce the moment without any effort in my mind, and feel what she feels. Also I am begging to imagine what the bear feels… While writing I saw myself surrounded by endless open sea waters. No trace of ice, only water. At the distance a tiny white spot getting bigger and bigger as the ship get closer to it. The distance that separate the white spot – the polar bear- to the ship is shorter enough to see the bear’s head. Like with a powerful zooming our eyes get in contact. For a few seconds we looked each other. Suddenly –like if the bear knows- he focuses his sight to the distance, straight ahead, to the far horizon. I do the same hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive ice. My mind –again like other countless times- reproduce images from the other side of the world: the Antarctic. Down there things are not much different. There are no polar bears. Artic comes from the Greek “Arctos”, Land of the Bear. Antarctica is the opposite; and -like every opposite- it’s bursting with life. No polar bears but millions of penguins of different species, seals, sea lions, elephant seals, whales and myriads of sea birds… not many humans. It seems like Antarctica is a paradise. Nevertheless, slowly but steady, nature claims for attention. The ice cap is melting. Temperature is rising. Penguins decline in number. Krill –as the main food resource is harvested…

Human presences provoke disturbances. Ecotourism increase its impact… Nowadays there are no more Macaroni Penguins in Hanna Point, and you can notice the erosion and declined of the colonies of Gentoos, and Chinstraps caused for thousands of visitors every season. Despite regulations, it is possible to find seven –yes 7- ships inside the caldera of Deception Island at the same time. There are more examples: accidents caused by ships, oil spills, grounded or sunk vessels. There are numbers, scientific statistics and premonitions. Same picture in both extremes. Again the vivid images seen by Audrey break into my mind. The ship –like the polar bear- head north. I can’t take my eyes away from the bear’s eyes. Our eyes make contact and I can see its resolution and hope. In the end the bear not thinks, instinctively he only swims, living the moment, hopping for the ice, for food… Suddenly I understand:

- Dear brother – I whisper to the polar bear- we, like you, are also living the moment, ignoring the future. Following the same path, hoping innocently that everything is going to be fine, here or who knows where. We, like you, are immortals. ¿Are we?

2009-09-29T12:46:00.027-03:00

GIVING WINGS TODAY FOR TOMORROW Carol – Causana’s Viajes Director- truly enjoys birdwatching. And part of the fun is teaching kids how find, recognize and protect them. Last Monday Carol faced, with determination, the not easy task of being in front of 50 noisy, energetic and curious kids of 5 to 6 years old. The challenge was high; Francisco –Carol’s grandchild- was part of the gang. And of course he observes his Granny with special attention and rigorous criticism.

She passed the test.

The kids enjoyed the photographs, her explanations about the most common birds that they can watch every day in their backyards, close to the beach, on the trees or at the nearby pond. Every one participated with enthusiasm and happiness touching the feathers of the flamingoes, rheas, tinamous, and opening big eyes looking mesmerized at the size of a Condor feather.

Birds and kids are all over the world. If we gave them the opportunity to know, understand and respect the natural world and all its creatures, probably all of us will have the chance to build a better world.

Enjoy the photographs!

PUNTA TOMBO - Magellanic Penguin’s Kingdom

2009-09-03T17:49:00.022-03:00

The call of Life

Early penguins arriving to the colony

“The sunset would delay itself among purple clouds a minute more each day. The upland-geese crossed the skies, escaping from the warm but deadly fields of the north. The green grass, grown tall with rains, was turning gold over the hills. A special excitement seized every living creature. The last week of August, announces the arrival of September – change, new life.Attentive to the rhythm of this natural watch, certain creature –half bird, half fish- reached earth by following their instinct. The wobbly steps of the first males on the beach, marks the beginning of a new season for the Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). In successive waves, a living tide would begin to occupy their places, their territory, disposing themselves to perpetuate their species. The sacred ceremony of every living thing of being one more each time…” (Extracted from “Fight for Life” Adventures in the Penguin metropoli – by Carlos A. Passera)

Fights, hugs & mate

Punta Tombo –located South of Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia- is the biggest continental colony of Magellanic Penguins in the world. Except for Antarctica or the South Atlantic islands, there are no other places in the planet in which you can walk amongst them. Be surrounded by thousands of these funny creatures. After six months in the ocean, most of the penguins are faithfull to their colony. Once they breed, they often return each year to the same nest site. From September to mid April they are busy following their instinct: mate, lay their eggs, breed their chicks, molt their feathers and return to the ocean.

Adult & Chicks

Since the early 80’s the population has declined 22%. Oil spills, overfishing, and climate warming conspire against their survival. Nevertheless more than 200.000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins await you, to enrich your life.

Close encounter

Punta Tombo is a very strong wildlife experience. Penguins, wildlife, they only ask for respect and your commitment to help protect their environment.

BIRDS of ARGENTINA: Peninsula Valdes

2009-08-24T18:36:00.038-03:00

Wings between steppe & waves

August is the second month of winter in Patagonia, migrating birds begin to move during the second half of the month. It would surprise you, as I keep on enjoying and learning to share with me all the birds I saw this month. Some, I was lucky to get a photo of, and others I thoroughly enjoyed but did not have my camera with me. It had been years since I had seen Rufous-chested Dotterel (Eudromias modestus) in the area of Peninsula Valdes-Punta Tombo and yesterday I showed my grandson, husband and daughter a flock of 5 of them! They must be on their way South. I have been birding these past few weeks in the surrounding areas of Puerto Madryn, on the Golfo Nuevo, on the Atlantic Coast of Patagonia, Argentina. Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

A flock of approximately 50 flamingoes, which include several immature birds that have white and black plumage, have been feeding at low tide on the beaches of Puerto Madryn. They have been incredibly patient with people approaching them to take pictures, with dogs by entering the water until they can barely stand. We have had some very low tides, in the mud flats exposed at these low tides is where the feed on tiny organisms.

Last weeks favorite birds: Red Backed Hawk (Buteo polyosoma) a male perched on an Atriplex bush. This majestic bird of prey is also known as Variable Hawk, it has a wide distribution in Argentina and Chile. The female is the one that has the red on the back. The nest on posts or on the tallest shrubs and build the nest with twigs, they eat small rodents, lizards and small birds. This photo was taken on the road to Doradillo beach.

Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) To watch a Giant Petrel fly just above the surface of the water is an unforgettable sight. This particular petrel was a clumsy young bird, trying to dive for fish; but unbeatable in flight. Young birds are much darker brown, almost black, than the adults.

Brown-hooded gull (Larus maculipennis) These small gulls molt into breeding plumage this month. Sometimes they look a lot like terns when they are flying; they have bright red legs and feet and feed on the “restingas” at low tide.

Crested Duck (Anas specularoides) This large duck has got its common English name for a crest which is not quite so, as it is on the back neck, so it is not very visible, unless you get very good looks of the head. They live in salty or fresh water and are wide spread in Argentina and Chile. They have a large green iridescent patch on their wings which is visible in flight, and it is after this patch that they were given the Latin name specularoides.

Two-banded Plover (Charadius falklandicus) A flock of 20 or 30 plovers with breeding and non breeding plumage were feeding at low tide, on the “restingas” (rocky platforms with small mussels, barnacles, tidal pools with anemones, snails & worms) near Cerro Avanzado. When I downloaded the photos I realized several were banded so I sent the information to the local researchers. They run a few meters and stop while they are feeding, they love eating a worm which is so big compared to their size, you wonder where the fit it in! They migrate within Argentina, and are strictly a South American shorebird. Other birds who were sharing the food available were Kelp Gulls and Blackish Oystercatchers.

Some flocks of wild geese have been flying South, the most common is the Upland Goose. The few land birds I saw were mostly Rufous–collared Sparrows, the always happy singer the Patagonian Mockingbird, and the gorgeous looking Long –tailed Meadowlark. This last bird is one of the few with Red coloration we have the pleasure to spot on the vast desert.

September is when the Magellanic penguins return to nest at the several colonies along the Coast of Patagonia. Keep on checking our blog with further news on penguins. Carol Mackie de Passera Causana Viajes

Antarctica

2009-08-10T18:24:00.022-03:00

Antarctica, a land of extremes

All crisis offer opportunities…Today travelers can take advantage of them. The Antarctic Expeditions offer, in these special moments, rates and incentives worth while considering. Consult us; your dream to explore one of the last pristine corners of the Earth can become true. Our travel experience to this natural sanctuary will help you enhance your travel experience…

ANTARCTICA is not a place… (From “Momentos” by Carlos A. Passera) “… Antarctica is –like the steppe- something that goes beyond comprehension. It resembles a sensation more than a place. It is not strong – like a swig of aquavit that invades burning- but it intoxicates with gradual intensity. By when you are about to articulate a word of astonishment, it is too late. Without escape you are “drunk” with Antarctica. And it does not go away. The “hang over” lasts but it is pleasant. It does not hurt or bother, and on the contrary, it makes a feeling of gratitude towards life flourish. You wish to share this feeling with those you love.

It happens to a few privileged – according to those who have experienced the same- the spirit of Antarctica, its magic; install’s itself in the soul. And you feel it, although without an acute description, you feel it. That instant –if a sort of comparison exists- could resemble a state of profound meditation. To that moment when the energy climbs potent by the column, it expands and it allows the spirit to wander without limits. And it happened to me. Since that first time and during 10 years – sometimes more than one trip per year- that communion with Antarctica repeated itself with the same intensity. Each voyage leaves its imprint…

When in the chaos of daily life, a word, a phrase read in the newspaper, news seen on television, mentions her no matter where we are. From any corner of the planet, those who stepped on Antarctica, will feel that only one cardinal point rules their compass and will not -nor will be able to- avoid the spirit to escape free and wild to join the colossal score of voices, sounds, shapes and colors in that remote Antarctic last frontier. ..”

BUENOS AIRES

2009-08-10T11:48:00.018-03:00

The charm of the south Buenos Aires is a city with sophisticated style. It is also the most elegant and active city in South America, been called the Paris of the southern hemisphere. With a dynamic activity, it has managed to preserve old traditions and endearing corners.

“Travel and Leisure” magazine recently choose Buenos Aires as the best city in South America and one of the two best of the World. Four of the best hotels in the World are from Argentina, the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt in first place, followed by the traditional Alvear Palace Hotel.

Visitors feel fascinated due to all Buenos Aires has to offer: marble statues, domes, patios, outdoor cafes, tango, theatres. Great celebrities such as Evita, Carlos Gardel, Piazzola, Jorge Luis Borges, Raul Soldi, Julio Boca or Paloma Herrera and many other writers, musicians, dancers, sport cracks and artists are children of this charming city. Excellent food -which includes the famous Argentine beef- wines, antique flee market, artisan markets….and much, much more.

You can return many times and see different things. Spring and fall are favorite seasons for those who enjoy seeing street trees in bloom; the “Ceibos”, “Palo borrachos”, “Jacarandas”, “Tipas”, and “Lapachos”.

As Buenos Aires is so huge, tourists usually think ahead what to do here. Causana Viajes provides you with a good guide; otherwise the city may be too much to handle.

Different recommended itineraries that can be chosen according to time availability

T BA- Traditional Buenos Aires

C BA- Corners of Buenos Aires

(Detailed Itineraries upon request - causana@causana.com)

2 STEPS TO DESIGN YOUR STAY IN BUENOS AIRES 1- Let us know what kind of accommodations you prefer to stay at, for example if you prefer a small place, large rooms, a certain neighborhood, would like to be close to certain attractions, if it must have a restaurant, an Art Gallery or a Spa, etc, etc. 2- Next, choose from the following activities we can offer you. Causana Viajes takes care of organizing everything. All you have to do is come and enjoy one of the most beautiful and friendly cities in the world. City tours, half day conventional or full day including a lunch stop visiting other districts such as San Isidro, Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, Chinatown, etc. The conventional city tour can also be split into 2 city tours spending more time in the places visited, walking more at San Telmo, Recoleta, La Boca, Palermo Park. Tango: shows with or without dinner, with or without transfers and an accompanying guide. Different seats and categories of shows are available. Tango lessons or tango orientated city tours. A day in the Pampas: spend a day at an Estancia (Ranch) and learn about the “gauchos” lifestyle and culture Gourmet and wine tasting day: enjoy tea, taste some of the finest Argentine wines, visit gourmet stores, the wine Museum; end the day in a select world class restaurant. Duration: from3 PM until dinner ends and we take you back to your hotel. Art tour: Visit 3 of the finest Art Museums and then enjoy some time visiting Art Galleries Personal friend: Don’t you love going to a city where you have a friend who takes you to places where tourists normally do not go to? Enjoy the company of someone who, knowing your interests, will be capable of taking you to the most characteristic and adequate places to enhance your experience in the city. Tigre: a large Delta, where the wide Rio de la Plata begins to flow towards the Atlantic. Visit the many small rivers in a private boat, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, or you can do this sharing the boat trip with other people. You also visit the Mercado de Frutos, with many local produce, from fruits to furniture. A new small “mate Museum” may be visited as well. You can also take the coastal train to reach Tigre. Costanera Sur Nature Reserve: spend half a day bird watching with an expert guide, in 3 hours you can see 40 different species!-many new ones for people who have never been in South America before. Inquire about other bird watching options to Ribera Norte, Tigre or Otamendi. Shop until you drop: let us you what you are looking for and we will assign a guide who will take you to find it! Mestiza country day: Spend the day in a relaxing atmosphere; you will be greeted with tea, coffee or mate. Swimming pool towels are available as well as bicycles and horses. Lunch begins at 12:30 with an assortment of salamis and artisanal cheeses. Lunch may be a typical Argentine “asado” Different meats, chicken, pork, chorizos and insides with several salads with different dressing used in this country as well as artisanal spices. Soft drinks and wines, or you can opt for the daily Argentine gourmet menu. 5 0’ clock teas with home made cakes. Optional polo lessons or hot –air balloon rides available. You may observe many birds on La Mestiza’s grounds. Visit Uruguay: day trip or longer stays in Colonia del Sacramento, declared a World Heritage Site.

Textiles, testimony of daily human life

2009-07-30T11:17:00.019-03:00

Spinning History

Next Departure April 11th - 24th 2010

The first remains of spun fibers of Argentina are very ancient, dating back to 6.720 to 7.670 BC. Textiles are of great importance when studying the history of Art in South América. They are the expresion of a culture that resists it’s disappearance and that gives testimony of a world different to the western. South America Textiles have always been present in every ceremony: they have and will continue being tributes to the monarchs; gifts for warriors; element of religious sacrifice and funerary attire. During this unique trip with Causana Viajes you will visit remote communities of the Argentine Puna where you will meet weavers, spinners, dyers; see examples of their superbly talented work and learn about their techniques. In many places, you may buy things directly from the people.

We focus on 2 very different areas: the Argentine Northwest, with several strong influences in their textiles. And Patagonia, where the “mapuches” spin not as fine, and weave with no foreign influences, taught from mothers and grandmothers to only the women in the family. We'll also visit some fine Museums. Our tour leader will hold a mini-class in the hotel, teaching how to spin with a mapuche spindle. Our trips incorporate unique talks, demonstrations, visits with people who have used ancient techniques in their art, Join us to share lively dinner table conversations and a great give and take along the way.

History of Patagonia

2009-07-20T18:39:00.030-03:00

Remembering the Welsh pioneers each July 28th

Schooner "Mimosa". She sailed the first Welsh inmigrants to Patagonia

First Welsh settlers landing at Port Madryn

The Welsh immigrants, who settled in Patagonia -more precisely in the Chubut River Valley (Camwy) in 1865- where the first white people who bravely dared to settle this harsh land in the year 1865. Each 28th of July, the city of Puerto Madryn remembers the day the first schooner, called “Mimosa” landed on the shores of the New Bay. This celebration is shared with the descendants of the Tehuelche and Mapuche Indians who inhabited Patagonia in those days. The Tehuelche tribe made friends with the welsh settlers and taught them how to survive in this land hunt. A few learned each other language. Different activities such as a sacred ceremony at dawn, a barrel race, recreating the landing, Welsh tea, choir and music concerts take place in Puerto Madryn during that week. Carol Mackie de Passera – Director and owner of Causana Viajes - descends from Welsh pioneers who lived in the Chubut River Valley until floods, at the end of the 19th century, destroyed their home. So they moved to the province of Entre Rios where there was, and still is, another Welsh settlement. Thirty years ago Carol returned to Patagonia. Today, her daughter Marina and granddaughter Martina (born in Trelew in 2008), who descend from Nain Winifred, all live in Puerto Madryn.

Winifred, Carol's Great-Great Grandmother; Grany Winnie & Nora, Carol's Mother

Carol; her daughter Marina & grandchild Martina We have no photo of Great Grandmother Ann.

Mrs. Luned Roberts Gonzales & Carol at the Camwy School of Gaiman

Map of the area where the first Welsh settlers landed at Port Madryn and the Chubut (Camwy) River Valley where they still farm the land.

“…If the banks of the Camwy are not among the few calm dreams of the world, I will wait in the sounding of harps for better. Clear water runs sometimes over sand and pebbles from the harbour, with many a pool under willows, and always blue in the shade of poplars, or shining through the rushes, sometimes in the shallows breaking into fingers with little islands between, and everywhere alive with duck and heron, and birds prettier than a wish…” (Up into the singing mountain by Richard Llewellyn)

(Plates of the Schooner Mimosa, and the landing were published in the book "MIMOSA" writen by Susan Wilkinson. The map above belongs to Richard Llewelly's book "Up into the Singing Mountain").

Hidden Secret of the Andes

2009-07-20T18:11:00.013-03:00

High Andean Flora

Custom Tour by Causana Viajes

The Southern Cordillera de los Andes beauty is well known amongst hikers and climbers but few know about the hidden treasures these mountains possess. Even the inhabitants of nearby cities have probably never seen the beautiful Violas, Ourisias or Naussavias hidden amongst the rocks. Mountains around the world are habitat for many endemic or endangered species and this is true for the Andes. In many cases they are the last “Refugio” for species which have been exterminated in adjacent lower zones. Mountains contain indicators which are very sensitive to climatic changes. The overall global plant species richness of the alpine life zone is estimated to be around 10,000 species, approximately four per cent of the global number of higher plant species, situated on only three per cent of the global terrestrial land area. The flora of the low hills on the eastern slopes of the Southern Andes and the treeless Patagonian steppe with its clear, cold and brilliant skies, are very similar to the flora of the Central Chilean Andes including dwarf shrubs and dense cushions such as Chuquiraga, Adesmia, Oreopulus, Oxalis and Junellia.

FRAN ENRIGHT Fran came to Patagonia and soon became addicted, as she has returned on several occasions. She participated on several Cloud Ridge Naturalist tours, including a seminar on Ancient Forests of Argentina, which focused on the Alerce and Pehuen trees of Rio Negro and Neuquen. On her first Patagonia tour we walked to the Mirador del Ñirihuau at the Chalhuaco Valley, a few kms South East of Bariloche, here we took a few minutes to photograph and identify some tiny High Andean plants. While on the Seminar we spent a full day up Cerro Catedral with a local botanist and saw many beautiful tiny plants which included the amazing roseate violas. Fran next asked Carol to design a tour that would focus on High Andean Flora. Fran returned to Colorado and put together a group of Rock Garden friends which in January 2008 came on Causana Viajes first High Andean Flora tour. We had the expertise on plants of Cecilia Ezcurra and Carol not only enjoyed learning about the variety of plants found above tree line but also saw that everything went smoothly and prepared picnic lunches, made people sample local food and drinks, she even organized a mate party! We have enjoyed Fran company on a South Georgias Antarctica Expedition Cruise which Causana Viajes partnered with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the ABA, Cloud Ridge Naturalists to raise funds for the Punta Tombo Penguin Project. As well as on Cloud Ridge Naturalist tours we were fortunate to have been invited to participate on to Bathurst Inlet in the Canadian Artic and to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We hope to be able to show you the North of Argentina and Chile soon Fran and to continue celebrating yours and Carol’s birthdays in the Southern hemisphere.

Departures upon request - Best season, mid November through January

Walking with Whales…

2009-07-15T17:44:00.007-03:00

Walking is a good exercise… But to walk on a solitary beach, side by side with Southern Right Whales is a unique and touching experience. Seventeen kilometers northeast of Puerto Madryn – the city gate to Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia- a peculiar beach congregates these gentle marine mammals. There you have the opportunity to walk with them along the beach, or just sit on the soft pebbles and enjoy the sight. Only 5 to 10 meters away from you the whales just do what they come to do to this area: mate, give birth to their calf, nurse them or just swim in the calm waters of the Nuevo Gulf. From mid April to end of September the show begins when you reach this beach. We locals come almost every day to eat a sandwich, zip a coffee from our car and harmonize the spirit admiring the gentle mammals. Few places in the world offer you the chance to walk with whales… It is a rewarding experience… Come and enjoy it!

Andes, Deserts & Moais

2009-07-03T11:17:00.000-03:00

A special custom-concept tour by Causana Viajes

LA ESCALERA A Journey through space & time

From 30.000 feet the sight of the Cordillera de los Andes was magnificent. The airplane window framed some snowy peaks far away, to the west. No matter the altitude, the enormousness of the mountains drew a dim smile on my face, anticipating the fact that I would be there. The journey soon would bring me through windings trails to the clouds. A climb towards an enormous, colossal, gigantic “Escalera” (ladder), through different regions and ecosystems; from the humid cloud forest, across the high Puna plateau, to the mighty Andes where the endless high Andean deserts, and the Andean volcanoes rule. A geographical ladder going up and down in this remote South American region, were Argentina, Chile and Bolivia share a geography that ignores political boundaries. Were nature imposes its rules with irreverent will. Several times, similar journeys shook my soul and my heart. And every new trip, every experience was unique.

Audrey Benedict, Director of Cloud Ridge Naturalist wrote about the trip:

"...I'l focus on only one of the special highlights of this past years Cloud Ridge trip to northwest Argentina cactus deserts, Yungas cloud forests, and alpine highlands/puna, northern Chile ,the Atacama Desert and Lauca National Park, and a 2,300 mile long flight to the remote outpost of Easter Island. Much of the trip followed the ancient road of the Incas "the Camino Inca" over the Andes and was especially rich in terms of the archeological areas we visited, which included not only the extraordinary stone masonry 'reminiscent of Chaco Canyon* of the ancient Inca-ages but also visits to museums where we saw the perfectly preserved, tapestry wrapped pre-Inca mummies 'mostly children' that were once placed as offerings to the Gods on the highest peaks of the Andes. The scenery, botanical treasures, and wildlife were amazing! My personal favorites were the families of vicunas -tiny cousins of the guanaco and the llama-,the tiny vicuna 'kids' played fighting with each other while the long-eared, rabbit-like vizcachas peered down at us from their rocky strongholds. We crossed over the Andes at nearly 16,000 feet and wound our way down into the Atacama, undeniably the driest desert in theWorld. The landscape was surreal-massive salt flats 'where salt was actualy being "harvested", vast lagoons dotted with salmon-pink flamingos, and magical canyons eroded from crystaline gypsum. It's diffcult to even describe the power of a visit to Easter Island. I´m sure that some of you grew up dreaming, as I did, about Thor Heyerdahl!s reed raft, Kon-Tiki, making the same journey that the ancient Polynesians must have made to the island at around 900 A.D. Though you can look at endless pictures in books, absolutely nothing prepares you for the huge stone "moai"statues, the towering stone sculptures carved from basaltic lava that dominate the island. The largest of these statues is 70 feet tall and weighs about 270 tons! The island almost reverberates with tragedy, the modern analogs in today's world daunting in their complexity.The selection of pictures on the next page are just a sampling of all we saw. Sheer magic...!"

Enjoy our next trip March 12th to March 26th 2010

Easter Island extension ends March 30