The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, rescues orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting and the pet trade. Today, it has become Sabah's top nature-based and wildlife tourist destination. Photo courtesy of Flick/whl.travel

We’ve all visited neglected, underfunded and high-traffic tourist parks where wild and endangered animals have become almost tame. Sites such as these, where regulations are inadequately enforced, are unfortunately far too common. Visiting tour groups are frequently too large or too loud, acting in ways that threaten the local wildlife, disrupting delicate ecosystems and occasionally endangering themselves. Too often “ecotourism” is merely a catchphrase used by proprietors more interested in scoring revenue than in minimising the effects of travel and preserving native habitats.

On the sunny flip side of this is well-planned ecotourism, the kind that helps conserve many outdoor and wilderness spaces that may be a last hope for endangered species. Around the world, successful ecotourism programs are helping to spotlight animal conservation, promoting awareness and drawing dollars to the cause. Many such projects deserve far more attention than they get – which is why we should keep talking about them, spreading the word among friends or “liking” them on Facebook.

The best ecotourism initiatives also take a multi-pronged approach to establishing peaceful coexistence between the worlds of humans and beasts. Successful projects have helped two-legged outsiders understand what’s at stake in some of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, and have educated locals and visitors alike about how their actions can help preserve wild animal populations.

Beyond all this, of course, lies economic development. Well-practiced ecotourism brings a wide range of benefits to local communities and serves as a powerful incentive to support the conservation of wildlife. The best models work by linking community development with education and environmental stewardship, creating the right atmosphere for ecotours that protect endangered animals in the wild.

In light of all of this, here are some of our favourite ecotourism and endangered-species conservation programs, courtesy of the WHL Group.

Saving Orphan Orangutans in Sepilok, Northern Borneo, Malaysia

From its headquarters in Malaysian Sabah on the tropical island of Borneo, one local conservation centre has been working hard since 1964 to protect one of mankind’s closest relatives. Here in a local forest reserve is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary and boarding school for around 25 orphan orangutans.

The centre houses young primates caught during logging operations and confiscated from illegal poachers. Working in close collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Orangutan Appeal, the organisation gives the fostered orangutans the training they need to survive in the wild. Babies are given daily meals of milk and bananas and are nurtured through a buddy system, which partners them with older apes. In this way, many youngsters learn skills, including tree-climbing, that are essential for life in the forest.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre can be reached via a 45-minute flight from the city of Kota Kinabalu. At the Centre, a guided walking tour begins with a short informational video. Guests then have the chance to witness a feeding and explore the surrounding forest reserve, home to between 60 and 80 orangutans. All proceeds from the visitors’ entry fees help to run the program.

The magnificent breach of a humpback whale off the Morro de São Paulo coast of Brazil

Protecting the Humpback Whale in Morro de São Paulo, Brazil

Based in the fishing port of Caravelas in the Brazilian state of Bahia, the Instituto Baleia Jubarte works tirelessly to monitor and protect the habitats of humpback whales. The research taking place focuses on whale populations, whale behaviour and human threats to whale conservation. In the legal sphere, the institute has also been instrumental in putting a stop to offshore oil exploration during the humpback whale’s mating season.

One difficulty of studying whales stems from the amount of time they spend completely submerged. When spotted breaching, however, humpbacks put on quite a show. Weighing between 35 and 40 tons, these graceful acrobats nevertheless seem to hang in mid-air.

Humpbacks feed during the summer in polar waters off Antarctica, but when the season turns they migrate north in search of warmer seas in which to breed. From July to October, they are therefore often spotted close to the small village Morro de São Paulo, where a local whale-watching tour is run in partnership with the institute, a portion of the proceeds contributing to whale research. Each tour collects scientific information about the creatures as visitors learn more about whale migration patterns.

The country of Zambia is an important stronghold for the survival of the African lion, especially the 22,400-square-kilometre territory of Kafue National Park. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Liv Unni Sødem

Safeguarding the King of Cats in Countries Throughout Africa

Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the African lion has seen its numbers dwindle fast, plummeting by an estimated 30 percent in the last two decades alone. Some top threats to the cats include defensive killings by humans to protect their livestock, reductions in prey and loss of habitat. In the face of this, nongovernmental organisations across the African continent such as the African Lion and Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) are working to set responsible standards that will help in the conservation of these iconic creatures.

In Zambia, the low density of the human population combined with an immense tract of well-preserved parkland have made it a main refuge for the noble African lion. Roughly twice the size of Belgium, the territory of Kafue National Park plays host to the Kafue Lion Project, which helps to ensure the long-term sustainable management of the area by collecting information on the stability of the park’s lion populations. Such data will eventually be used in the development of a countrywide Lion Management Strategy.

Capitalising on this in a responsible fashion, many tours and experiences in Zambia now allow travellers to observe lions in their habitat. From the city of Livingstone, whl.travel local connection Wildside Tours’ lion encounter tour provides an opportunity for visitors to walk amongst the lions. For a bit more distance, a lion safari drive is a good way to watch lions hunt and play against the stunning backdrop of the nearby Dambwa Forest.

Supporting Snow Leopard Conservation in Nepal

Residing in the alpine regions of Central Asia and mountain ranges of the Himalayas, snow leopards survive in some of the world’s harshest climates. There may only be between 4,500 and 7,500 left in the world, although as solitary and elusive animals, they are famed for being difficult to count. Complicating conservation efforts are the hostile conflicts along the international borders where over a third of the animal’s territory falls.

Nepal is known to have a relatively dense snow leopard population, especially throughout the spectacular Annapurna trekking region. Due to their loss of habitat and the area’s omnipresent livestock, the cats have occasionally preyed upon villagers’ sheep and horses. To help stem the tide of retaliatory killings against snow leopards, organisations such as the WWF (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund) and the Snow Leopard Conservancy work to provide villagers with livestock insurance and other alternative income sources.

One current WWF project focuses on training villagers to set up camera traps that allow for surveying and monitor the cats. This is in additional to helping locals create treks, education initiatives, cultural shows and guided wildlife tours aimed at spotting the elusive snow leopard.

Visiting a rainforest is a unique nature experience. During the day, these unique biomes burst with a busy buzz and bright flashes of colour. At night, the air comes alive with the shrieks and calls of the forest’s many nocturnal creatures. Cicadas drone, bats flap beneath the canopy, a monkey howls in the distance.

Amidst all this natural beauty, it’s important to tread lightly. Remember that rainforests today cover just six percent of the earth, yet they are home to an estimated 40 to 75 percent of all the world’s plants and animals, including many still just being discovered. Sadly, despite efforts to protect them, many habitats are continue to be endangered by logging and overdevelopment.

The tropical rainforest habitat is home to between 40 to 75 percent of the world’s plants and animals. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Tatters

Well-planned ecotourism is one key to rainforests’ continued survival. It places value on preservation of nature as a commercial resource. Reputable tour outfits offer employment opportunities for locals as leaders and wildlife guides, enabling them to earn their money through sustainable and environmentally responsible forms of income. Travellers’ passion for traditional culture encourages locals to continue ancient forest-friendly practices.

Before your next escape to the rainforest, do some research in advance. The right tour operator and a great local guide can help you spot wildlife and make the most of any adventure.

Get Up Close to the Real Rainforest in Corcovado, Costa Rica

Away from the crowds of much-visited Monteverde, another sort of park awaits visitors in Costa Rica. National Geographic once labelled Corcovado National Park as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” and you’d be hard pressed to prove them wrong. Accessible via Puerto Jimenez along the Osa Penninsula, the  425-square-kilometre park is one of the last places to spot jaguars in Central America. It is also home to endangered species such as the Baird’s tapir, Harpy eagle, ocelots and more. Staying overnight in the park is strongly recommended, possible in a basic, budget and rustic eco-lodge or one of several ranger stations.

The Bolaven Plateau in the Champasak Province of southern Laos is known for its many scenic waterfalls. Photo courtesy of Miranda Siu

Climb High in the Champasak Province of Laos

Well known for its collection of ancient Khmer ruins, Champasak Province of southern Laos contains a wealth of natural thrills in the form of beautiful jungles and raging waterfalls. Wildlife enthusiasts can try to spot rare and endangered species like yellow-cheeked gibbons, Asian elephants and Irrawaddy dolphins, while other adventures await thrill seekers who head high above the treetops. Two- and three-day zip line treks allow travellers to unleash their inner Tarzan in the canopy of this semi-evergreen forest.

Become Better Acquainted with the Jungle in Borneo

The tropical island of Borneo is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforest. As a nature lover’s paradise, it is also one of the last natural habitats for endangered animals such as the Bornean orangutan, Clouded leopard and several native bat species. Guided trips can be booked from cities such as Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan on the Malaysian side, or Banjarmasin on the Indonesia side.  In addition to being thrilling, night-time jungle treks are probably the best way to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Encounter a City Lost in the Jungles of Colombia

The dense jungles that constitute Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains are the historic domain of the early Tayrona civilisation. Among the ancient chiefdom’s best known archaeological sites is Ciudad Perdida (the “Lost City”), accessible via a six-day guided trek through a dense tropical forest. Hikers depart from Santa Marta, the city along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The trek includes lots of opportunities to learn about the area’s indigenous people – descendants of the Tayrona – and plenty of time for spotting wildlife such as tapirs, deer and endemic hummingbirds.

Observe Life in the Amazing Amazon of Brazil

Capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, the city of Manaus is a popular point of departure for ecotourists visiting the Amazon region.  From this gateway city, visitors can easily arrange regional cruises that visit remote communities along the Amazon River or schedule boat transfers to jungle lodges and resorts with river-view bungalows. The Brazilian Amazon famously encompasses 33 percent of all the world’s surviving tropical rainforests and its biodiversity is unparalleled. One in five of the world’s fish species is found in its waters, while the jungle itself boasts 2.5 million recorded insect species and is home to a wide collection of endangered animals like spider monkeys, jaguars and poison dart frogs. Enjoy the best of the river and the surrounding rainforest.

The port city of Manaus, Brazil, is a gateway to the incredible Amazon region. Photo by Rodolpho Emanuel

Revel in the Natural Beauty of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest

Extending for over 1,000 kilometres, Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park is the largest protected area of high-altitude montane rainforest in Africa. Nestled in the heart of one of the continent’s most biodiverse regions – the Albertine Rift – Nyungwe boasts an exotic collection of rare orchids and endemic birds, as well as a large concentration of primates. Anyone looking to track chimps, however, will need to spend some time here. For the best chance at sighting mankind’s closest relative, consider booking a guided trip in the forests of Nyungwe.

To learn more about about jungle adventures on The Travel Word, read about travellers’ hiking and trekking experiences in some of the planet’s most exciting jungles.

Because of this, Jericoacoara became a famous tourist destination for international travellers. People from all over the world come to enjoy one of the most tranquil and beautiful places on the Brazilian coast, not to mention the long list of outdoor activities. Jericoacoara actually first became famous amongst foreign tourists, but today is also well known to Brazilians.

Not a long time ago, there wasn’t any electricity in the village. It wasn’t until 1998 that underground power cables were added, but only for the houses. There still aren’t any lampposts on the sand streets of Jericoacoara (yes, the streets are ‘made’ of sand where you can walk barefoot) just to keep the small village atmosphere and promote the moonlight.

This photo was taken in January of 2006. Jericoacoara was the final destination of a hitchhiking trip I took in Brazil that lasted two months. It wasn’t easy to get there, crossing miles and miles of giant sand dunes, but it was definitely worth it!

We’ve asked our global network of local tourism professionals about the ‘length of stay’ factor in their destinations. Answers varied, but they all agree on one thing: the average tourist isn’t a slow traveller and just doesn’t stay long enough to really appreciate a place.

We’ve shared the thoughts of 15 of our local partners on how long is long enough and what the average fast traveller is missing.

The moving sand dunes on the Curonian Spit, near the town of Nida, Lithuania. Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/Lee Fenner

Lithuania

Average length of stay: Three days to visit the three main cities in Lithuania – Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda.
Recommended length of stay: One week at least. Two weeks would be even better to allow time at the awesome beaches on the Baltic Sea in summertime or Druskininkai spa resort.
How to travel slow in Lithuania: Cycling, canoeing, taking hot air balloon rides and relaxing by the seaside or at the spa.
~ Kestas Lukoskinas, the whl.travel local connection in Lithuania

Browsing the local markets of Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo courtesy of Stanislas Fradeliza

Luang Prabang, Laos

Average length of stay: Three to four days.
Recommended length of stay: Two weeks, in order to include outdoor activities around Luang Prabang, which is also to be considered in other destinations like Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.
How to travel slow in Luang Prabang: Practice the art of doing nothing! Just sit beside the river with a drink, relax and soak in the ambience. Rivers are the lifeblood of Laos and its key destinations (Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang), so take the time to travel via the Mekong River, as local people do. For example, take a slow boat cruise from Luang Prabang to the Thai border.
~ Cindy Fan, the whl.travel local partner in Luang Prabang

Boats near the Sunday Morning Fish Market in Marsaxlokk, Malta. Photo courtesy of Louisa Attard

Malta

Average length of stay: 8.2 nights. This number is quite high compared to other countries, mainly due to the many long stays of English school students.
Recommended length of stay: Between two and three weeks. Take your time with each site so you really can appreciate the atmosphere. Even though Malta is very small there’s still so much to see.
How to travel slow in Malta: Find more time to experience the landscape by foot. Go hiking in Malta, especially in spring. Take five days, pack up some camping gear and hike around the whole island of Gozo. You’ll be surrounded by pure nature.
~ Marco Attard, the whl.travel local connection in Malta

Surfing at sunset on Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Luiz Renato Malcher

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Average length of stay: Two to three nights.
Recommended length of stay: At least one week.
How to travel slow in Rio de Janeiro: Try the local brownie with chilly pepper jam in one of the cosy cafés in the Santa Teresa area of Rio de Janeiro. See the samba rehearsals on Saturdays at a local samba school. Visit a favela. Watch a soccer match in Maracanã Stadium. Sample the nightlife in the bars and clubs of the Lapa district. The list could go on and on!
~ Luiz Renato Malcher, the whl.travel local partner in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A fuzzy lake bird spotted on a trek to Niupani Village on Rennell Island of the Solomon Islands. Photo by Rennell World Heritage Tours

Solomon Islands

Average length of stay: 10.92 days (according to a study completed in 2009).
Recommended length of stay: Essentially it would take months to reach the 900+ islands on local transport, but you need about two to three weeks minimum to get a real feel for the Solomon Islands. Most visitors take the first four or five days just to slow down and stop looking at their watches.
How to travel slow in the Solomon Islands: Stop and stay overnight in a local village. Stroll through and watch how life moves at ‘Solomon Time.’ Sit down with locals to learn about how simple a lifestyle they have.
~ Kerrie Kennedy, the whl.travel local partner in Solomon Islands

The view from Apparition Hill in Mejugorie, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo courtesy of Mate T. Vasilj

Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Average length of stay: Four to seven nights.
Recommended length of stay: Six nights and seven days in Medjugorje to see it well.
How to travel slow in Medjugorje: Attend the frequent talks in John Paul II hall given by local Franciscan priests of the Medjugorje parish. Find peaceful time for prayer or just walk through the fields. If you stay longer, you will have the chance to be a part of the Medjugorje local community. Stop for casual conversation with locals.
~ Zana R-Bilal, the whl.travel local connection in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kite surfing in Florianópolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renata Asprino

Florianópolis, Brazil

Average length of stay: Travellers spend from five to seven days here.
Recommended length of stay: A minimum of seven days, but 15 days would be better to really experience the island of Florianópolis.
How to travel slow in Florianópolis: Get in close contact with the island’s well-preserved nature. Hike to remote fishing villages or to archaeological sites. Mountain bike to refreshing waterfalls. Learning to kite-surf, go birdwatching or just relax on the beach.
~ Renata Asprino, the whl.travel local connection in Florianópolis, Brazil

Ushguli, the highest village in Europe, is towered over by Mt. Shkhara in Georgia. Photo courtesy of Ia Kverghelidze

Tbilisi and Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

Average length of stay: Seven days.
Recommended length of stay: 7-12 days. Although Georgia is a small country, all its regions are different from one another.
How to travel slow in Georgia: The best way to feel the Georgian spirit is to hike in the remote mountains, where ancient and medieval towers are still preserved. Visit Ushguli, the highest settlement in Europe. Compare the nature, architecture and traditions of the mountainous areas of Tusheti, Svaneti and Khevsureti. Other options of active travel are mountain biking and rafting. Georgia is famous for its wine. A wine tour in the Kakheti region, with advanced winemaking techniques and many vineyards, promises tasty wine and meals.
~ Ia Kverghelidze, the whl.travel local partner in Georgia

A typical road scene outside Petriti in southeast Corfu, Greece. Photo courtesy of Jillian Wareham

Corfu, Greece

Average length of stay: Around 7-10 days
Recommended length of stay: At least 14-21 days
How to travel slow in Corfu: Since north, south and west Corfu are so different from each other, just spend a few days on each coast. Find Paxos Island. Go snorkelling or diving. Ride horses. Try cycling, walking or hiking.
~ Sandra Broedner, the whl.travel local partner in Corfu, Greece

Recycling paper at the Nchima Paper Recycling Trust in Malawi. Photo courtesy of Will Turner.

Malawi

Average length of stay: Two weeks.
Recommended length of stay: Two to three weeks.
How to travel slow in Malawi: Try activities that are unique to Malawi, like visiting its rural areas, especially the mountains and rural villages.
~ Kate Webb, the whl.travel local partner in Malawi

Boat painting at Slow Travel Art Lodge in Panama. Photo courtesy of Sandrine-Pia Casto

Panama

Average length of stay: Three days.
Recommended length of stay: At least five days.
How to travel slow in Panama: Look for traditional fishing and handicraft workshops with the local population, discover islands off the coast of Panama and visit Coiba National Park.
~ Sandrine-Pia Casto, the whl.travel local partner in Panama City, Panama

Inside a traditional longhouse used by the Rungus tribes of Borneo, Malaysia. Photo courtesy of Borneo Eco Tours

Borneo, Malaysia

Average length of stay: One week.
Recommended length of stay: At least two weeks.
How to travel slow in Borneo: Visit the Mari-mari Cultural Village. Cook local dishes from Malaysia and taste local delicacies. Visit Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs. Taste local fruits when in season. Stroll through the Sunday Market on Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu. Allow for two nights on the Sukau Kinabatangan river cruise. Stay in a traditional Rungus tribal longhouse. Finally, get outdoors on a three-day climb of Mt. Kinabalu or a five-day trek to Crocker Range or Maliau Basin.
~ Jessica Peters, the whl.travel local partner in Borneo, Malaysia

A harvest of shea to be used for shea butter in Ghana. Photo courtesy of M&J Travel and Tours

Ghana

Average length of stay: 10-12 days.
Recommended length of stay: It’s not the quantity of time, but rather the quality of time that’s important. Seek the kinds of experiences that enable you learn more about the ways of life of ordinary people in Ghana.
How to travel slow in Ghana: Opt for homestay accommodation with a local family so you can get a feel for their daily activities or simply spend a few days. It’s all about doing very genuine things. Sample the farming life, try volunteering and take an interest in local livelihoods.
~ Marian Thompson, the whl.travel local partner in Ghana

A giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Photo courtesy of Heather Rath

Ecuador

Average length of stay: Most travellers spend at least a week in Ecuador.
Recommended length of stay: At least 14 days to really experience the important destinations.
How to travel slow in Ecuador: Experience all “four worlds” of Ecuador. Take a tour of Quito, the capital of the world, then head to the Galapagos Islands to learn about the place where the evolutionary theory was born. Then head back to the mainland to visit the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest.
~ Sebastian Sierra, the whl.travel local partner in Quito, Ecuador

Goree Island, one of Dakar's biggest tourist attractions.

Senegal

Average length of stay: Less than a week in Senegal and less than two days in the Dakar area.
Recommended length of stay: Exploring Senegal would require more than 15 days, but if you choose to zoom in on just one or two areas, then plan about four days per area.
How to travel slow in Senegal: For a real feel of Dakar, spend one night on Goree Island. Dedicate one full day to the markets, for they are so different one from another. Spend one day focused on cultural places and traditional arts, and one night making the most of Dakar nightlife. Take one day to visit Dakar’s surroundings, with an excursion to Pink Lake (Lac Rose), Turtles’ Village (Village des Tortues), Bandia Nature Reserve or Îles de la Madeleine Reserve.
~ Jérôme Kardos, the whl.travel local partner in Dakar, Senegal

There are lessons to be learned from time-lapse photography about the beauty of slow travel. Park yourself somewhere and stay awhile. Be still. Go for long exposure. Reconsider time, stretch it, condense it and watch its flow. Leave a place with a long time-lapse memory of it rather than a handful of sporadic snapshot seconds.

We’ve asked our local partners from all over the world for time-lapse footage that moves them. In these long-exposure windows to the world, you can see what slow travel and time-lapse cameras reveal – both the constants and flux of a place over time.

Three Suns – Tatlong Araw, Philippines

“The new Philippine tourism tagline ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ could be applied to our sunsets – ‘Sunsets are more fun in the Philippines’ – as almost all of the time-lapse videos on YouTube feature our amazing sunset skylines. The first section of this video features White Beach in Boracay, which is consistently voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The time lapse captures the relaxed pace of visitors to the island.”
~ Trudy Allen, the whl.travel local connection in Boracay, Philippines

Time Lapse in Barcelona, Spain

“This time-lapse montage of Barcelona covers both the major must-sees and hidden street scenes of Barcelona. It shows the flow of pedestrian traffic and the light that breathes itself into the city at nightfall. One detail that time lapse exposes is the way people pause in front of Barcelona’s greatest works of art.”
~ Christian Petzold, of www.bcn.travel, the whl.travel local connection in Barcelona, Spain

October in Luang Prabang, Laos

“It’s often said that Laos is 20-30 years behind the rest of Southeast Asia and that Luang Prabang is a place stuck in time. This time-lapse video captures the graceful timelessness of the UNESCO World Heritage town, the ebb and flow of the Mekong River and the stoic mountains that surround it.”
~ Cindy Fan of Teamworkz, the whl.travel local connection in Luang Prabang, Laos

Last 2011 Sunrise over Dingli, Malta

“In the Dingli Cliffs on the west coast of Malta, the quietness and peacefulness of the rural area is reflected perfectly in this lovely sunrise. Outside the busy commercial centres like Valletta and St. Julian’s, life in the rural parts of Malta (like Dingli) runs at a slower pace. The slow, deliberate rhythm of the locals creates a sense of contentedness and harmony.”
~ Marco Attard of EC Meetings, the whl.travel local connection in Malta

Time Lapse of Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

“As the video creator describes, ‘Phnom Penh is a city moving into the 21st century at an astonishing rate…. Where the west had decades for society to progress in parallel with technology, Cambodian people are trying to squeeze that progression into just a few years. This video represents the pace at which this city is changing.’

Even when slowed down, through the video you’ll experience how chaotic Phnom Penh is. Watch for the scenes of traffic at night and from the back of a tuk-tuk. It’ll give you a taste of how exciting driving through the city is.”
~ Cindy Fan of Teamworkz, the whl.travel local connection in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Karuskose of Soomaa, Estonia

“This is Soomaa, Estonia, during the ‘Fifth Season’ of April, as captured over the course of an entire month from a webcam at our base camp at Karuskose.”
~ Aivar Ruukel, a Gunyah local partner in Soomaa, Estonia

Time Lapse in Hanoi, Vietnam

This is a fascinating portrayal of traffic and street life in Hanoi, Vietnam. “Slow travel is all about local immersion, and there is no better way to immerse yourself than buying or renting a motorbike and getting out there with the locals on the streets of Hanoi.”
~ Luke Ford, CEO of Gunyah, in Hanoi, Vietnam

Corcovado – Time Lapse in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“Here is a slow-moving capture of the Christ the Redeemer monument in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This video does a good job demonstrating why this world-famous icon has been named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.”
~ Luiz Renato Malcher, the whl.travel local connection in Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Dusk-to-Dawn Time Lapse in Bangkok, Thailand

“Bangkok is where East truly meets West, where modern order collides with creative chaos and where, with help from the tropical heat, tradition melts in with the new. The city can only be described as an experience.

There’s an unapologetic exuberance to Bangkok – which is why it can be overwhelming, even for someone who has travelled there before. That’s why these time-lapsed videos are so mesmerising. The city is seemingly unpredictable, but slow it down and you’ll see how Bangkok rhythmically pulses with life and energy, how it moves to its own steady heartbeat.”
~ Cindy Fan of Teamworkz, the whl.travel local connection in Bangkok, Thailand

Time Lapse on Apparition Hill, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina

“I like this video because it reflects the true highlight of Medjugorje: the pilgrimage to our Shrine of Peace. It shows the feelings of peace of oneness with God while climbing the hills. As you are stepping up the path, you see extraordinary white clouds drawn against the totally blue sky; you feel as if you are not alone. You could sit there for hours. You feel loved and not forgotten, and everything that makes you feel small seems to vanish.”
~ Zana R-Bilal, the whl.travel local partner in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Time Lapse in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

“Here are two different sunset city-scapes in time lapse from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Although the city of Kota Kinabalu moves with the fast pace of modernity, you can find sleepy towns, villages, and coasts that are lost in time just outside the urban area.”
~ Jessica Peters, the whl.travel local partner in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Beira-Mar Time Lapse, Florianópolis, Brazil

“This video reflects a new phase that Florianópolis is going through. Just about three decades ago, although it was already the capital city of Santa Catarina State, Floripa was just an island with bucolic fishing villages sprinkled on the different beaches. Fortunately the island still preserves this aspect of itself, but the city centre of the island is now very cosmopolitan. It matches the rhythm of any major Brazilian capital city. My favourite part of the video is how the beauty of the nature, the ocean, the small boats and the mountains combine with the rush and chaos of the city center.”
~ Renata Asprino, the whl.travel local connection in Florianópolis, Brazil

Time Lapse in Kathmandu, Nepal

“This video was shot locally by a friend and former colleague, Rishikesh. He has won awards like ‘The Best Creative Youth’ at the Crity Awards, Nepal‘s most prestigious award ceremony in the field of advertisement, in 2010. Rishi was a key member of our whl.travel Nepal team until about March 2010.”
~ Navin M. Shrestha, the whl.travel local partner in Nepal

Sunset Time Lapse, Solomon Islands

“A brief and elegant capture of a sunset in Ghizo, Solomon Islands.”
~ Kerrie Kennedy, the whl.travel local connection in Solomon Islands

Istanbul, Turkey, in 7000 Frames

“I liked this piece’s romantic pictures of old Stamboul, but what this video fails to capture is the notion of living in Istanbul! The city has over 16 million inhabitants, which don’t make enough of an appearance here. You have to come and spend some time in the city to feel the reality of that size and pace.”
~ Gerardo Oude Hergelink, Istanbul, Turkey

Cambodian Sun over Siem Reap

“I can’t think of many places that inspire more of a sense of awe than Angkor Wat at sunrise, which is why ‘sunrise at Angkor Wat’ comes up high up on many travellers’ lists of things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia. There’s a special moment just before the sun breaks and the sky vividly displays the colours of dawn, gradually changing from pitch black through various shades of red, orange, pink and purple.”
~ Thomas Holdo Hansen, the whl.travel local connection in Siam Reap, Cambodia

Founded toward the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto became home to a number of very rich Portuguese colonials as a result of the Brazilian Gold Rush. The fortunes of the town went from strength to strength as more and more gold was pulled from the earth by the area’s mines.

Significant investment was made into improving the town, which grew over time to become a prosperous and beautiful city. Its popularity and importance saw the construction of a large number of lovingly designed buildings in the years that followed, including several opulent churches and a dedicated mining school.

While the city’s economic and political importance waned in the centuries that followed – it lost its position as state capital of Minas Gerais shortly before the turn of the 20th century – it has lost none of its beauty. As such, its Old Town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980.

Good friends take a day trip to Pirenopolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

You see, Goiania sits on the Cerrado, the vast tropical savannah that is one of the biggest and most diverse of Brazil’s ecosystems. And not far from Goiania lies the special jewel of the Cerrado: the historic city of Pirenópolis. It’s the right place to go when you want to escape the hectic big city and it was the destination we had chosen for a brief holiday among friends.

A Stroll Through the Centre

We left Goiania early, so that it would still be morning when we arrived at Pirenópolis. The roads had been very quiet as we moved away from the city; the presence of the Cerrado grew stronger until we got to Pirenópolis at the foot of the Serra dos Pirineus (Pirineus Mountains).

On the road to Pirenopolis (barely visible in the distance) and the surrounding Pirineus Mountains, twisted trees are typical of the Cerrado in Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

We parked our car, so that we could walk to and through the historic town centre. Pleasant ladies immortalised as statues above the wooden windows of colonial houses watched passersby as we made our way to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosario (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary), a traditional architectural landmark in Pirenópolis that hosts folk religious festivals such as the world-famous Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (Divine Spirit Festival). The street was full of cheap craft shops being admired by a few people sporting hippie-style clothing. The easy rhythm of the town made minutes pass quite slowly.

The famous Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosario (Church of Our Lady of the Rosary) is one of the most beautiful places in Pirenopolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

For visitors like us from the capital of the state, the surroundings provided many opportunities for us to renew our Facebook photo galleries, and we began snapping pictures of the church, the colourful colonial houses and even the ‘Mascarados.’ These masked characters, typical of the local folklore, are often seen during the Cavalhadas festival, which reenacts the epic victory in the Middle Ages of Charlemagne over the Moors.

Next we enjoyed a typical lunch in one of the local restaurants, where you can savour foods like galinhada, one of my favourite dishes of rice and chicken prepared with saffron in a special way; or feijão tropeiro, a full-bodied bean stew made with flour, sausage and bacon. Delicious!

Tourists enjoying the very cold waters of the Cachoeira do Abade (Abbot Waterfall) outside the city of Pirenopolis, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Renan Rigo

The Waterfalls of the Highlands

After a quick rest, we went off again, choosing as our destination one of the dozens of spectacular waterfalls embedded in the surrounding Brazilian Central Plateau.

We chose the Cachoeira do Abade (Abbot Waterfall), which was a little far from the city, yet our efforts were rewarded since contact with nature is all part of the charm. The Cerrado’s twisted native trees and exotic flowers filled small canyons along the route to the lush little waterfall. Once arrived, we found only a few tourists and water so cold that it made even the sea where the Titanic sank feel warm. OK, it wasn’t so extreme, but the waterfall is really cool! Here we enjoyed time just to rest and think things over.

To replenish our energies, we had bought some homemade chocolate-chip cookies in the tourist office near the waterfall – the perfect boost with which to return to the city. After another walk in the town centre, we stopped for a cold beer at an outdoor café where we could enjoy this typical late afternoon. The cobblestone street was crowded with tables, chairs and tourists. Some boys with scary masks reminiscent of the masked bullies commonly seen during Cavalhadas were asking visitors for money.

We ended with a late snack of empadão goiano, a regional delicacy similar to a salt pie filled with meats and spices.

As our plan had been to escape the frantic pace of the capital, we headed back to Goiania feeling rejuvenated, even after a such short time. Pirenópolis is such an amazing place! It truly has a different energy, which inspired the good memories in this story!

Although he had planned to inherit the book store owned by his dad, Renan Rigo graduated with a degree in journalism and began writing about anything and everything. His favourite stories are those where he plunges headlong into his subject. Travelling, in this sense, is inspirational and he enjoys writing about his experiences on the road. Rigo is a regular contributor to the pocketvillage blog series called Inside-Out Latin America.

Nestled into the southeastern coast of Brazil, the island of Vitória promises visitors immersion in the quiet beauty of the Atlantic coastline while simultaneously experiencing the electrifying buzz of contemporary and cosmopolitan Brazil. The capital of the island, Vitória City – which includes as part of its greater metropolitan area the smaller mainland city of Vila Velha – is also the capital of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Anchored around three large ports, Vitória is a central fixture of the Brazilian economy, propelling the export of Brazilian coffee, oil and steel.

In the city of Vitória, Brazil, Camburi Beach is a six-mile stretch of coast that has been urbanised and integrated into the city. The boardwalk has tracks for running, biking and other activities, while the water is great for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

In addition to its industrial and economic importance, the island of Vitória abounds in natural beauty. The city and environs are integrated into jagged green hills, rocky waterfronts and rich mysterious mangroves. The best place to take in the scenery is from one of the six sleek bridges linking Vitória Island to mainland Brazil. Peaking at over 70 metres above the waterline, the Darcy Castelo de Mendonca Bridge, also known as the Third Bridge, offers particularly excellent panoramic views of this scenic coastal city.

With a city-wide emphasis on green space, ecological conservation and recycling, Vitória has been ranked by the United Nations as the fourth best state capital in Brazil. It also has some of the highest living standards in the country, a measure that often comes with great opportunities for a Brazil holiday, something for which Vitória is well renowned.

Inaugurated in 2009, the Passagem Bridge is a milestone in the development of Vitória, Brazil. It combines modern design and functionality, greatly improving the flow of traffic in the city. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

For example, hiking in the mountains, walking along the coast or simply relaxing in a Vitória park are all qualities of a perfect Vitória vacation. Visitors can even appreciate the island from the direction of the sea via boat tours through the abundant mangroves or night tours that take in the lights of the city illuminating the rocky cliffs.

Of course, sustaining peace and rest between Vitóra tours and adventures is an abundance of Vitória accommodations, many of which strive to meet the same high standards of green living and conservation that the city promotes. Hotels like Comfort Hotel Vitória Praia and Champagnat Praia Hotel have developed extensive recycling and reuse programs to minimise waste, including plans to collect and reuse old kitchen oil.

With some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, Praia do Canto is one of the cutest neighbourhoods of Vitória, Brazil, an area central to its nightlife. Outdoor sport enthusiasts will love the area too as it is close to Praca dos Namorados, the perfect place to get some exercise. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

BWT Operadora is pleased to be joining forces again with whl.travel – it already operates the whl.travel local travel portal in Pantanal Sul – in presenting www.vitoria-vilavelha-hotel.com as the latest whl.travel destination in Brazil. Company president Adonai Aires de Arruda commented that “We like the idea of joining whl.travel because it is one of the most well-known Internet sites offering local tourism services. We are glad to give more tourists the chance to meet the beauties of our region of Brazil, and to give them the comfort of reserving tours and accommodation with just one click.”

As part of the larger Higi Serv Group, the team at BWT Operadora operates the Serra Verde Express, the centenary railroad running between Curitiba and Paranaguá. The historical train line is a top tourist attraction in the Paraná State, transporting nearly 150,000 people each year through one of the world’s most important coastal ecosystems. Higi Serv and its affiliates are one of Brazil’s largest partnerships devoted to such projects of preservation and conservation; it brings great strength to the extensive network of whl.travel destinations in Brazil.

Initially begun in 1928 as a ground procession to honour the Feast of St. Peter, the parade took to the water with the arrival of 200 Azorean fishermen and, since the 1970s, shifted from rowboats to motorboats. One highlight is the blessing of the hooks, which takes place on the high seas. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

As cidades de Vitória e Vila Velha agora presentes na rede whl.travel no Brasil

Situada na costa sudeste do Brasil, a ilha de Vitória promete imersão aos visitantes na beleza tranquila da costa atlântica e ao mesmo tempo na eletrizante agitação do Brasil contemporâneo e cosmopolita. A capital da ilha, Vitória – que inclui como parte de sua área metropolitana a cidade de Vila Velha – é também a capital do estado brasileiro do Espírito Santo. Ancorada em torno de três grandes portos, Vitória é um dispositivo elétrico central da economia brasileira, impulsionando a exportação de café brasileiro, petróleo e aço.

Além de sua importância industrial e económica, a ilha de Vitória está cheia de belezas naturais. A cidade e seus arredores são cercados por montes verdes e manguezais. O melhor lugar para apreciar a paisagem é de qualquer uma das seis pontes que ligam Vitória ao continente. Atingindo um máximo de mais de 70 metros acima da linha d’água, a ponte Darcy Castelo de Mendonça, também conhecida como a Terceira Ponte, oferece particularmente excelentes vistas panorâmicas sobre a cidade costeira.

Handmade clay pots are some of the greatest expressions of culture in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Artisans are linked to the Association of Paneleiras, located in the District of Goiabeiras. Two typical meals, the moqueca capixaba and toria capixaha, are traditionally served in clay pots. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

Com ênfase em espaços verdes, conservação ecológica e reciclagem, Vitória foi classificada pelas Nações Unidas como a quarta melhor capital de estado no Brasil. Ela também tem alguns dos mais altos padrões de vida no país, uma medida que muitas vezes vem com grandes oportunidades para umas férias no Brasil, algo para o qual Vitória é bem conhecida.

Por exemplo, passeio pelas montanhas capixabas, caminhar ao longo da costa ou simplesmente relaxar em um dos parques da cidade. Os visitantes podem ainda apreciar a ilha vista do mar através de passeios de barco pelos manguezais ou passeios noturnos que levam nas luzes da cidade iluminando os paredões rochosos.

E para manter a paz e descanso entre passeios e aventuras ha uma abundância de hoteis em Vitória, muitos dos quais se esforçam para atender os altos padrões de vida que a cidade promove. Hotéis como Comfort Hotel Vitória Praia e Champagnat Praia Hotel desenvolveram reciclagem extensa e programas de reutilização de resíduos, incluindo planos para coletar e reutilizar óleo de cozinha.

Vitória, the second-oldest capital of Brazil, is formed by an archipelago of 33 islands and a mainland port. The city is unique for its natural beauty, traditional cultural groups and remarkable economic growth. During the summer high season, the city’s landscape is altered by docked luxury ocean liners. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

A BWT Operadora ) tem o prazer de juntar forças novamente com a whl.travel – que já opera o portal de viagens no Pantanal Sul – para apresentar www.vitoria-vilavelha-hotel.com como o destino mais recente whl.travel no Brasil. Presidente da empresa, Adonai Aires de Arruda, comentou que “Gostamos da idéia da whl.travel e estamos contentes em oferecer aos turistas a oportunidade de conhecer as belezas da nossa região, e dar-lhes o conforto de reservar passeios e hotéis com apenas um clique.”

Como parte do maior Grupo Higi Serv, a equipe da BWT Operadora opera a Serra Verde Express, a ferrovia centenária que funciona entre Curitiba e Paranaguá. A linha de trem histórica é uma atração turística no Estado do Paraná, transportando cerca de 150 mil pessoas a cada ano através de um dos mais importantes ecossistemas costeiros do mundo. Higi Serv e suas afiliadas são uma das maiores parcerias do Brasil dedicado a projetos de preservação e conservação; traz, portanto, uma grande força à extensa rede de destinos whl.travel no Brasil.

At Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, the inside of the biertzelt (beer tent) is packed and lively. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Gutsul

But only Munich, Germany, is the home of the original Oktoberfest, where festival-goers begin gathering in front of immense beer-branded tents in the early hours of the morning, eagerly awaiting their turns in packed communal drinking areas. It’s the Mecca of brew, imitations of which have sprouted all over the globe, even in places as far away as Canada, Vietnam, Australia and Argentina.

In a tribute to Oktoberfest, The Travel Word brings you a selection of seven special brews from different parts of the world. Although beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, finding hidden gems requires a bit of digging, so we asked some of our WHL Group local partners across the globe to bring forth their beers of choice. Here are seven of the more surprising ones.

(For more just-as-surprising information about local drinks – and lots about local eats, check out our Culinary World Tour of Local Food.)

Baja Blond is the local's favourite beer in Los Cabos, Mexico

Mexico’s Cerveza of Choice

According to Karem Matamoros, former WHL Group local partner in Los Cabos, Baja Blond is the Mexican beer locals love. The fledgling brewery opened in 2007 in the Mexican state of California Sur and has already made its marks in the highly competitive world of brewing. Their hallmark is the Baja Blond “Cream Ale,” described as having a light golden colour, a whole-bodied flavour and a good balance of sweet and bitter. Locals abide by it and take great pride in promoting the only brewery in their state.

Travel to Los Cabos, Mexico, the home of Baja Blond, with Karem.

A local enjoys a fresh brew of artisanal 'pito' from a calabash shell in Ghana. Photo courtesy of Marian Thompson

Ghana’s Ethnic Beer

Marian Thompson, the whl.travel local partner in northern Ghana, gave us the scoop on pito, which is Ghana’s artisanal, village beer. It is brewed from fermented sorghum (also known as guinea corn) in the northern parts of the country, where it is very popular and widely consumed. Its production methods have remained traditional and are therefore quite labour-intensive, providing a number of people with a local livelihood. Traditionally, a calabash bowl is used to share pito, the ultimate refreshment under the scorching Ghanaian sun.

Travel to Northern Ghana with Marian, who can introduce you to pito, as well as other qualities of village life.

Cisk lager is a best-selling brew on the island of Malta. Photo courtesy of Marco Attard

Malta’s Favourite Malt Beverage

If you’re wandering through Malta’s history-imbued villages, do stop at a bar to try some brew. Simonds Farsons Cisk PLC is the Maltese beer company that Marco Attard, the WHL Group local partner in Malta, swears by. The veteran brewery opened in 1928 and has never changed the recipe or production process of its best-selling Cisk Lager, a golden-coloured, bottom-fermented beer with a distinctive and well-balanced character.

Travel to Malta with Marco for a taste of Cisk Lager.

Birra Tirana has a billboard display in downtown Tirana, Albania. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Rainchill

Albania’s Best Brew

When in Albania, do as the Albanians do, which is drink lots of local brew. Albania’s Birra Tirana is the beer that the WHL Group’s local travel expert, Laura Payne, prefers. Only the freshwater sources of Tirana’s surrounding mountains are drawn upon to manufacture this prized drink. Critics seem to agree it has a nice colour with moderate carbonation. The aroma is smooth and richly malty.

Travel to Albania with Laura, who also knows the Albanian Alps from which Birra Tirana’s waters flow.

Itaipava is a big hit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, especially when served ice-cold in the summer. Photo courtesy of Luiz Renato Malcher

Brazil’s Carioca Beer

Luiz Renato Malcher, the WHL Group local expert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, says that Cariocas (people from Rio) love their pints of Itaipava beer. Why? For starters, it is lighter than the others and can be drunk in larger quantities on a hot sunny day without making you feel full. It is best served trincando, as locals say, which means near-frozen. Known to be a light-bodied, soft and rounded beer, it is distinctively sweet and grainy on the palate. To enjoy a chilled Itaipava on Rio’s beach strip with a nice view of the sea is a classic Rio moment.

Travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Luiz and learn where to get the best Itaipava.

Pilsener, one of two very popular beers in Quito, Ecuador, competes with Club for #1 status. Photo courtesy of Maria Fernanda Cabascango

Ecuador’s Draft Duo

A palpable rivalry reigns between Ecuador’s two best lager beers. Even Maria Fernanda Cabascango and Sebastian Sierra, the WHL Group local partners in Quito, Ecuador can’t come to a consensus. Maria vouches for Pilsener, whereas Sebastian is a staunch defender of Club. Pilsener pours with a pale yellow colour and a creamy white head. It is brilliantly clear and has a distinct corn edge to its flavour. Club beer, while also a clear lager, picks up a noticeable earthy and peppery flavour from the hops. Guess you’ll have to visit Quito to decide for yourself!

Travel to Quito, Ecuador, with Maria and Sebastian, and plan for Pilsener-or-Club blind taste test.

A window display of craft beers at Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano, Argentina. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Ord

The Argentinean Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in Argentina – a country known more for its fine wines than its beers – is one of the largest outside of Germany. At this time of year especially, the village of Villa General Belgrado (in the province of Cordoba in the Argentine Pampas) draws large crowds interested in its cervezas artesanales (craft beers). Wandering the streets of Villa General Belgrado with giant beer steins (or mass as the Germans call them) in hand, Oktoberfest-goers are transported into a little piece of Germany in the southern hemisphere. The town was founded by two Germans in 1930 and their influence is obvious; buildings have characteristically Bavarian facades, shops sell handmade strudel and chocolate, and microbreweries supply craft beer.

Cynthia Ord, the manager at WHL Assist, is currently headquartered in Argentina and reports that the variety and quality of local craft beers is impressive; you can find lagers, stouts and all sorts of creative brews. During the two-week Oktoberfest celebration, when hordes of people enjoy spring weather and asado (barbecue), the goal is to keep your stein full of something until the small hours of the morning, reminding you that you are in Argentina after all.

Spread across south-central Brazil and covering an area larger than the island of Great Britain, the Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland. Running through the state of Mato Grosso, North Pantanal comprises a delicate ecosystem that benefits from dual seasons of flooding and droughts. The intense rains that deluge the region annually give way to a dry season during which grasslands thrive and support over 70 species of mammals.

Seasonal floods of the North Pantanal region of Brazil make for lush, green vegetation that supports over 70 species of mammals and hundreds of different kinds of birds and fish. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

The local human residents of the region fit into the all-embracing ecosystem as well. Cattle ranchers graze their stock on the abundance of green grass that shoots up during the dry season and the annual floods support one of the largest fishing areas in the world. In fact, in addition to nature appreciation, fishing is a big draw for visitors interested in several types of ‘big game’ fish amongst the 262 species inhabiting the region’s freshwater basins.

But fishing is just one of many outdoor activities in North Pantanal. Numerous tours through the wetlands provide a chance to observe native species, such as cayman alligators, jaguars and parrots, in the wild, while resource centres like the Refugio Ecolologico Caiman guide guests to a better understanding of the preservation and conservation processes underway to bolster and protect the region’s incredible biodiversity. The distinctly blue hyacinth macaw and famous jaguar are just two species that the centre has made great strides in helping to sustain.

A wide variety of hotels and lodgings in North Pantanal facilitate overnighting in the midst of one of Brazil’s foremost ecological wonders. The hosts at many lodges understand the potential impact that increased tourism can have in the region and have endeavoured to structure their hotels around sustainable practices. Pousada Rio Claro, for example, partners with local craftsmen and artisans, and bridges the divide between local residents and guests by developing events, lectures and workshops centred on Pantanal culture.

José Namen, the whl.travel local connection in North Pantanal, is no stranger to the process of integrating tourist infrastructure into nature’s delicate balance in North Pantanal. A Pantanal-born native, Namen understands the complexity of the interwoven systems – both those within the wetlands themselves and those astride the wetlands and the people who live there.

In North Pantanal, Brazil, a group of horseback riders moves through an area of blossoming Ipê trees during their short, seasonal blooming. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

As Namen states, “Lucas, my business partner, and I come from a family of traditional farmers in the Pantanal. Therefore, we learned to respect and love the impressive fauna and the astonishing landscapes of this amazing ecosystem, as well as the people who live here and their strong culture.”

For instance, on the one hand, he has advocated for regulating angling practices to protect certain species from overfishing and extinction; on the other hand, he understands that fishing is a central way of life for many local residents and that making changes to one part of the system can have unintended effects on another. Armed with this nuanced approach, he advocates for educational programs and the development of alternative sources of income for families that rely on the Pantanal for survival.

“We are excited about our partnership with whl.travel because we share the same view that tourism should help to protect the environment and promote the local people and their culture through the creation of jobs and the injection of resources into the local economy,” continues Namen. “We are sure that whl.travel will help us in marketing the Pantanal to the global market as an important touristic destination, and that we’ll succeed in achieving our goals.”

Pantanal Norte joins an ever-growing list of successful whl.travel destinations in Brazil, including South Pantanal.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

Localizado no centro-oeste brasileiro, cobrindo uma área maior que a Inglaterra, o pantanal é a maior área de terras alagadas do mundo. Percorrendo o estado do Mato Grosso, o Pantanal Norte compreende um delicado ecossistema que se modifica em função de duas temporadas ou estações, a época da cheia e alagamentos e a época de seca ou estiagem. A chuva intensa que cai anualmente e inunda sua vasta área, abre caminho para a temporada seca onde as áreas verdes prosperam e dão suporte para mais de 70 espécies de mamíferos.

A group of caymen alligators, native to the North Pantanal region of Brazil, gather at the water's edge. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

As pessoas que moram na região adaptam suas vidas da maneira que o ecossistema da região exige e levam a vida de acordo com o que ele proporciona. Criadores de gado criam seus rebanhos na abundancia de pastagens que crescem durante a temporada seca que sucede a cheia anual devida a época das chuvas intensas. Chuvas que dão suporte para uma das áreas de maior ocorrência de peixes do mundo, adicionando a apreciação da natureza, a pesca, um grande atrativo para visitantes interessados nas várias espécies de grandes peixes dentre as 262 espécies que ocorrem na região.

A pesca de peixes grandes é somente uma das varias atividades no Pantanal Norte. Diferentes passeios pelas terras alagadas proporcionam a chance de conhecer espécies nativas como os jacarés, onças pintadas, araras azuis e outros animais em seu habitat natural. Ao mesmo tempo, centros de recursos como o Refugio Ecológico Caiman mostram aos turistas um melhor entendimento do processo de preservação e conservação em andamento para proteção da incrível biodiversidade da região. A Rara Arara Azul e a famosa Onça Pintada são apenas duas das espécies que o centro trabalha para preservar e, neste sentido, já fez grandes avanços.

A ampla variedade de hotéis e alojamentos no Pantanal Norte facilita o pernoite em meio a uma das maiores maravilhas ecológicas brasileiras. Os anfitriões de muitas hospedagens sabem do grande impacto que o turismo tem na região e vem se esforçando para estruturar seus hotéis baseados em praticas sustentáveis. A Pousada Rio Claro, por exemplo, parceiros de artesões locais estreitam o relacionamento entre nativos da região e turistas, desenvolvendo eventos, palestras e oficinas centrados na cultura Pantaneira.

José Namen, a conexão da WHL no Pantanal Norte não é estranho no processo de integração da infraestrutura turística com a delicada natureza do Pantanal Norte. Um nativo pantaneiro, Namen entende a complexidade dos sistemas interligados, tanto os das áreas alagáveis, quanto os montados pelas pessoas que ali vivem.

The Ipê tree is iconic of the Pantanal of Brazil. Blossoms may be bright pink, yellow or white. Flourishing in September, the colours only last for about week, seeming to explode rather than blossom. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

Como Namen fala, “Lucas, meu parceiro neste negocio e eu viemos de uma tradicional família de fazendeiros do Pantanal. Com isso, nós aprendemos a respeitar e a amar a fauna e as impressionantes paisagens deste surpreendente ecossistema, juntamente com seu povo nativo e sua forte cultura.”

Como exemplo, por um lado ele defende a regulamentação da pratica da pesca esportiva para a proteção de certas espécies da pesca excessiva. Por outro lado, ele entende que a pesca é o principal meio de vida para muitos dos moradores locais e que, intercedendo em uma parte do sistema, pode causar importantes consequências não intencionais em outra. Armado com essa diferenciada abordagem, ele defende programas educacionais para desenvolvimento de meios alternativos de fontes de renda para as famílias que dependem do pantanal para sobreviver.

“Estamos animados com a parceria com a whl.travel pois compartilhamos a mesma crença de que o turismo deve ajudar a preservar o meio ambiente e promover os moradores da região e sua cultura através da criação de empregos e da injeção de recursos na economia local,” completa Namen. “ Temos certeza de que a whl.travel nos ajudará a promover o Pantanal para o mercado mundial como um importante destino turístico e que com isso vamos conseguir alcançar nossos objetivos.”

O Pantanal Norte se junta a uma crescente lista de destinos brasileiros bem sucedidos da whl.travel, incluindo Pantanal Sul.

The Monte Toboggan on Portugal's Madeira Island is just one of many ways locals have created to get from one place to another, ways that we believe are a vital part of a local travel experience

We believe that the different forms of local transport are unique qualities of a place that, when experienced, are a vital part of a local travel experience. To know a place is to get around it the way local people do: cramming yourself into a chicken bus in South America, throwing caution to the wind in a tuk-tuk in Southeast Asia or boarding a ferry in Africa. We dare you to give them a try! We’re sure you will find these rides to be a brilliant bonding experience with locals.

To inspire you… and in honour of our recent focus on local transport, we asked our network of local travel professionals all over the world to give us a glimpse of the best local conveyances in their destinations. Their responses are as varied as they are colourful – everything from trains and boats and buses to animal power and bicycles and three-wheeled wonders.

We’re pleased to present this gallery of the best of local transport inside the whl.travel network.To make it work:
+ Click on a thumbnail to open a preview.
+ Click the name of the photo to be taken to the full written entry supporting it.
+ Click the photo itself to close the preview.
+ Use the arrows to navigate through previews.

Trains on the Right Track

(click here to read more)

Bicycles Worldwide

(click here to read more)

Buses Not to Miss

(click here to read more)

Muscle Power

(click here to read more)

Transport on the Water

(click here to read more)

Three-Wheeled Wonders

(click here to read more)

Projects in Kenya, Peru, Sri Lanka and Brazil have been announced as the winners of the first travel2change idea challenge. Over 500 members joined the travel2change online community since its launch in late April 2011, and submitted around 60 innovative project proposals. The submitted ideas were evaluated based on creativity, effectiveness, impact, feasibility and sustainability.

The children participating in the travel2change project in Oyugis, Kenya, were shown and then practiced how to wash hands properly with soap in order to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. The children were trained as role models, who will then replicate the idea in the wider community, starting in their own homes. Photo courtesy of travel2Change

The four winning projects were named on July 17, 2011, by a jury of experts and will be realized in the coming months, thanks to the support of the travel partner Kuoni. Each winning project receives financial support as well as the help of volunteer travelers, who will collaborate with the local communities to bring the projects to life.

Travel2change First Challenge Winners

SEP – Soccer, Education and Prevention (Oyugis, Kenya)

In Oyugis, Kenya, travel2change, together with the Society Empowerment Project (SEP), hosted a four-day football event for around 300 children. Along with teaching life skills, teamwork and football skills, volunteer travelers will now train the children in proper hand washing techniques and the importance of basic hygiene. The production of soap from locally sourced materials will also be part of the program.

300 children from all over Kenya participated in the SEP Football Tournament in Oyugis where they learned about life skills, teamwork and the importance of basic hygiene and hand washing with soap. Photo courtesy of travel2change

Getting Kids Pumped for School (Horana, Sri Lanka)

The aim of Getting Kids Pumped for School is to connect a local school to its well so the children have access to running water for drinking and sanitation, which will help improve the children’s health, thus reducing the risk of dengue and other communicable diseases. This will be achieved by installing pumps, water tanks and pipes, as well as expanding the depth of the well. Visiting travelers will contribute to the project by assisting with the installation of pumps and water tanks.

AmazonArt at the Combu Education Centre (Combu Island, Brazil)

AmazonArt aims to employ music and the arts to inspire the children and local community. Its goal is to create awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting the rainforest, river and its local communities. Together with the staff of AmazonArt, travelers will assist with music and art classes and provide English lessons along with a cultural exchange to local children. Travelers will have a chance to improve the infrastructure of the school through basic construction projects and educate the children on the importance of safe drinking water and hygiene.

Travel2change will assist local staff from WAVES for Development in running a number of activities to create life-enriching experiences in the coastal community of Lobitos, Peru. This will be done through education programs that help develop youth into healthy and empowered adults, and of course surfing and swimming lessons. Photo courtesy of travel2Change

WAVES for Development (Lobitos, Peru)

WAVES for Development aims to create life-enriching experiences through education programs to develop healthy and empowered adults. The traveler will join local staff to teach local children water safety, beach management and environmental conservation among other things, and of course, surfing classes. Cultural exchange through activities to increase healthy living and teaching skills for life is another great benefit of the program.

All travelers will provide frequent updates to give all community members the opportunity to monitor the realization of the projects.

Are You Ready to Travel2change?

Travel2change is now offering the chance for you to participate in the Sri Lanka project and the Peru project this fall (September-October 2011). Travelers will play an active part in carrying out the activities to help successfully implement the goals of these projects. To learn more about the Travel2change Join This Trip Contest and to apply, please go to review the contest details here.

Lençóis Maranhenses, the national park located in the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhão, is an area of outstanding natural beauty and wonder created by a balance of extremes. A six-month dry season, during which strong winds shape miles and miles of sand dunes, is counterbalanced by a six-month rainy season that fills aqua-tinged lagoons and nourishes lush green vegetation set amidst the sand. The result is a desert-like environment with over 70 kilometres of beaches, but one that still provides enough fresh clear water and rich vegetation to support a wide variety of birds, animals and fish.

Local residents of Brazil's Lençóis Maranhenses National Park boat down the Alegre River in Santo Amaro. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

A trip to this delightful and delicate corner of Brazil appeals both to the traveller on a quest for adventure and to the vacationer in search of peace, quiet and balance. Either way, there is plenty to see and do in Lençóis Maranhenses.

Adventure seekers will find tours in Lençóis Maranhenses that include excursions in 4X4s specially equipped to handle the remote dunes, which reach heights of up to 10 metres. For less extreme interaction, travellers can stroll the long stretches of clear beaches around the town of Barreirinhas, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon or birdwatch on a riverboat cruise.

Two other highly-recommended activities in Lençóis Maranhnses are just looking up and looking down: up at dusk to watch a vibrant sunset fade into a clear, starry sky; down onto the wind-swept dunes from the window of a scenic flight.

Never miss a sunset in Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, just before the night explodes with stars. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

Though there is a relatively low number of visitors to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses) and the tourism infrastructure is still developing, the area is by no means desolate. A number of cosy and rustic Lençóis Maranhenses hotels are well integrated into their surroundings, including in the nearby fishing villages of Mandacaru and Cabure, which thrive during the rainy season, and the towns of Atins and Cabure, which offer beautiful beach walks. Pousada do Rio, for example, prides itself on the small but mindful steps it takes toward achieving balance with the dunes that surround it. By redirecting waste away from the river, the hotel contributes to the sustainability of the enveloping ecosystem.

whl.travel is thrilled to introduce Sandra Rodrigues and her team at Sacada Turismo as the local expert connection to Lençóis Maranhenses. The Sacada team prides itself on understanding the fragile and nuanced balance underlying the incredible beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses; their aim is to build a tourism structure which reflects that balance. They want visitors to come away with a deeper understanding of the region and its ecological importance. They also practice the sustainable tourism they preach by supporting eco-friendly recycling organisations and endorsing partners who share similar values.

The daughter of locally known chef and owner of the Restaurant da Luzia in Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, feeds a baby goat in the village of Akins. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

“We are very happy to use the whl.travel site, firstly for a positive exchange with tourists from around the world, and secondly to help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Maranhão,” commented Rodrigues. “Our goal is to meet a significant number of tourists with speed and friendliness, meeting all their needs and desires. Above all, we want to keep a good relationship with the community. We hope that our destination, Lençóis Maranhenses, will soon have an economic growth of sustainable and equitable manner, and that the local community will experience significant social development, with new opportunities for the vast majority of its population.”

Travel in Lençóis Maranhenses is now possible through www.lencois-maranhenses.travel, which joins a long list of established and successful whl.travel portals in Brazil.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

O Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses está localizado no nordeste do Brasil, mais precisamente no estado do Maranhão. O parque ocupa uma área de grande beleza natural, uma maravilha criada pelo equilíbrio das extremidades. A temporada de seis meses de seca, durante o qual os ventos fortes formam quilômetros e quilômetros de dunas de areia, é contrabalanceada por uma temporada de seis meses de chuva, cujas águas provocam o surgimento das admiráveis lagoas, regando também a vegetação rasteira situada entre as dunas. O resultado disso tudo é uma combinação única de desertos e lagoas,  a imensidão de um oásis, de mais de 70 quilômetros de praias e uma grande biodiversidade.

Uma viagem a este agradável e delicado canto do Brasil contagia tanto viajantes em busca de aventura quanto turistas em busca de paz, tranquilidade e equilíbrio. De qualquer maneira, há muito que ver e fazer em Lençóis Maranhenses.

Visitors cross the Negro River of Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, in order to reach Queimada village. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

Turistas em busca de aventuras em Lençóis Maranhenses vão encontrar opções de passeio que incluem excursões em jipes 4×4 especialmente equipados para percorrer as diversas duas que podem chegar a 10 metros de altura. Os turistas menos aventureiros podem passear pelas longas e extensas praias de aguas claras ao redor da cidade de Barreirinhas, mergulhar nas águas cristalinas da Lagoa Azul ou apreciar a paisagem através de um passeio de barco.

Outras duas atividades altamente recomendáveis nos Lençóis Maranhenses são esperar pelo entardecer para ver um por do sol desaparecer vibrante e claro, seguido de um estrelado céu; a outra é se aventurar e ver a grande obra que o vento faz nas dunas através da janela de um voo panorâmico.

Embora haja um número relativamente baixo de visitantes nos Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses e a infraestrutura turística ainda não seja bem desenvolvida, a área não é totalmente desolada. Existe uma série de rústicas e acolhedoras pousadas nos Lençóis Maranhenses, que são bem integradas com seus arredores, incluindo as aldeias de pescadores nas proximidades de Mandacaru e Caburé, que prosperam durante a estação chuvosa, e as cidades de Atins e Caburé, que oferecem passeios por belas praias.  A Pousada do Rio, por exemplo, orgulha-se de pequenos passos tomados, mas que são conscientes para atingir o equilíbrio com as dunas que a rodeiam. Redirecionando os resíduos para longe do rio, a pousada contribui para a sustentabilidade do ecossistema que a envolve.

A whl.travel está contente em apresentar Sandra Rodrigues e sua equipe da Sacada Turismo como a conexão de especialistas locais em Lençóis Maranhenses. A equipe Sacada orgulha-se de entender o equilíbrio frágil e sutil que esta incrível beleza dos Lençóis Maranhenses esconde, seu objetivo é construir uma estrutura de turismo, que reflita esse equilíbrio. A agência quer visitantes que visem um entendimento mais profundo da região e da sua importância ecológica. Eles também praticam e pregam o turismo sustentável através do apoio a organizações amigavelmente ecológicas de reciclagem, contribuindo com parceiros que partilham valores semelhantes.

“Estamos muito felizes em usar a whl.travel, em primeiro lugar devido a possibilidade de ter uma troca positiva com turistas de todo o mundo, e em segundo lugar por poder ajudar os pequenos e médios empreendedores do Maranhão”, comentou Sandra. “Nosso objetivo é atender um número significativo de turistas com rapidez e cordialidade, atendendo todas as suas necessidades e desejos. Acima de tudo, queremos manter um bom relacionamento com a comunidade. Esperamos que o nosso destino, Lençóis Maranhenses, em breve tenha um crescimento econômico de forma sustentável e equitativo, e que a comunidade local experimente um desenvolvimento social significativo, com novas oportunidades para a grande maioria de sua população.”

Lençóis Maranhenses se junta a uma longa lista de destinos da whl.travel no Brasil.

This year (2011) will to be the second annual Festival da Primavera, following the smashing success of last year’s first annual event. The island attracted international and Brazilian visitors alike, and Morro de São Paulo hotels filled to capactiy! The festival was launched in 2010 to commemorate the municipality of Cairu’s 400th anniversary. September is the month of Cairu’s patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Luz.

In other words, the community of Morro de São Paulo found the perfect excuse for a mega-celebration. The municipality invested 500,000 Brazilian reals in the festival last year. Around 10,000 people were estimated to have attended the concerts each night. This year, an even bigger count of tourists is expected.

Folk art, costume and performances add local colour to the spectacular Festival da Primavera in Morro de São Paulo, Brazil. Photo courtesy of Rota Tropical

Anticipating the 2011 Festival Sensations

The Spring Festival takes place on the public beaches of Morro de São Paulo, and admission is free for everyone. Can you imagine great live music on a Brazilian beach setting? It’s espetacular! The festival combines the best of local artists with important national performers. On the main stage, several major music artists perform each night over the course of five nights. In addition to the headlining bands, locals perform capoeira and roda de samba in the streets, converting the whole village into an outdoor theatre of local culture and live performance.

For the 2011 edition of the Festival da Primavera, Vanessa da Matta, Capital Inicial and Jau Peri are the confirmed headliners, each notable for a distinct music style. Vanessa da Mata became famous in 2002, when she released her first CD, the self-titled Vanessa da Mata. To date, she has produced an additional three studio albums, one live album, and an EP (extended play), all of which have met with huge success. As she is a gifted songwriter, she usually sings her own material, like one of her biggest hits, “Boa Sorte,” a breezy duet she recorded with American singer-songwriter Ben Harper. Most of her songs combine the romance of a ballad with the danceable beat of a Top-40 pop song.

Capital Inicial broke into the Brazilian rock-and-roll spotlight in the 1980s. The band’s members received formal training as musicians before launching their rock careers, giving their music and lyrics a notable touch of sophistication and literacy.

The 2011 festival’s third major headliner is Jau Peri, also known simply as Jau, a brilliant Afro-Brazilian composer from Bahia, where many local singers have covered his songs. Jau’s music career began with the Olodum group, a band that has featured American legends such as Michael Jackson and Paul Simon as guests. Jau always wrote the lyrics, earning himself a number of awards. His music expresses influences of Afro-Brazilian culture and Afro-style drums.

More than 20 years into his musical career, Nando Reis captivates Brazilian audiences more than ever with his mature songwriting and wistful lyrics. Photo courtesy of Rota Tropical

Highlights of the 2010 Festival da Primavera

In 2010, the Spring Festival showcased some high-profile Brazilians singers. One of them was Nando Reis. He first became famous with Titãs, a rock group of the 1980s that is still rocking today. Reis was in the group for 20 years, until 2002, at which time he decided to focus on his solo career. Today, his style is best described as soft rock and ballad. His brilliance shines through in the soulful lyrics of his songs, which other Brazilian musicians often choose to cover.

The other nationally recognised singer that came to the Festival da Primavera in 2010 was Maria Gadú. She first reached the national music spotlight in 2009. Ever since, her sweet voice has been a familiar one on Brazilian radio all over the country.

Morro de São Paulo’s very own Vivendo do Ocio, a rock group that has achieved widespread fame, came home to Morro to play at the first festival. For the local residents and the musicians themselves, it was exciting to share their music in the place they grew up. The band’s name, Vivendo do Ocio, means ‘living in idleness’. They chose this because band-members Luca and Jajá, now 23 and 24 years old, spent long leisurely afternoons playing at home as a hobby. It was from these afternoons that the idea to form a band was born. Although they have moved on, the guys still call Morro de São Paulo home and return on vacation.

Nowadays the members of the band are Luca (bass and voice), Davide (guitar), Jajá (voice and guitar) and Diego (drums). The guys were influenced by international bands like The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and The Clash, as well as Brazilian bands like Barão Vermelho, Raul Seixas and Los Hermanos. They play rock and roll dotted with the occasional sweet ballad. Davide defines their style as a mix of rock with influences of dance and punk, so its  not surprising when they experiment with fusing elements of Brit Rock with classic Brazilian rhythms from Bahia. The lyrics cover the usual boy-band themes of love, alcohol and girls, appealing especially to an adolescent audience.

Jajá, vocalist and guitarist for rock band Vivendo do Ocio, remembers a time when he and Luca would just jam for fun at home in Morro de São Paolo, Brazil. Now, the band has toured nationally and even in Europe. Photo courtesy of vivendodoocio.com

Vivendo do Ocio achieved international stardom on tour in Europe in August 2010. They played in London on national Brazilian Day and the Netherlands during the Festival International de la Music. In 2011, they returned to Europe, where they performed in the Italia Wave Love Festival.

To see the guys in their native habitat, though, watch the video clip of the song “Terra virar mente”, which was produced in Morro de São Paulo on a beach called Quinta Praia (Fifth beach).

This year’s Festival da Primavera will be held from September 3 to 7, 2011. Don’t miss out! The city fills up, so be sure to book your hotel in advance with Rota Tropical, the whl.travel local connection in Morro de São Paulo, Brazil.

Always full of events year-round, Ouro Preto’s calendar for 2011 is a special one, which makes it worth yet another visit. Having celebrated its tricentennial (300 years!) this past Friday, July 8, Ouro Preto has organised a series of celebrations that started exactly a year ago. Beyond the traditional events, like the Carnival and Holy Week (Semana Santa), the town will boast a host of musical and cultural events.

Opening this weekend, the celebrated Festival de Inverno or Winter Festival of Ouro Preto promises to be a special one. The rock band Paralamas do Sucesso, the multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Pascoal and the symbol of Minas Gerais music, Milton Nascimento, promise to warm-up the arctic nights of Ouro Preto.

Another event that enhances the musical appeal of Ouro Preto will take place next month, from 25 to 27 of August. This year, the Festival Tudo é Jazz (Ouro Preto Jazz Festival) will pay homages to Tom Jobim, the great master of Brazilian music. In its 10th year, the festival usually brings jazz fans from all over Brazil, who gather around a few stages erected around the town.

I’ve been to a few of the past festivals and I can tell you that the most fun part, as shown in the photo above, is the train ride from Ouro Preto to Mariana. In 2008 I had the pleasure this musical journey in the company of the Russo Jazz Band (pictured), already a highlight of the festival.

This year, as the it couldn’t be any less fun, the Ouro Preto Festival Tudo é Jazz is already marked on my calendar.