Sublime Journeys Blog

Destination of the Week: Santander Colombia

sublimejourneys — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:41:13 +0000

Located in the northwester Colombian Andes Mountains, Santander is one of the departments in Colombia with mre passion for historical wealth. Bucaramanga, the capial, is the center of a metroplitan area surrounded by eight cores of regional development. San Gil, knwn as the Lion of America and located on the banks of the Fonce River, is a national monument where the Gallineral Park offers an opportunity for adventurous entertainment in canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting and other sports. A spectacular landscape can be admired from the Chicamocha CAnyon, which comprises the muntainous zone where the Fonce and Suárez Rivers meet. Additionally, it possesses the largest water sports and adventure facility in the counry. Last, there is Barichara, a village of cobblestone streets and wooden balconies, a National Monument since 1975.

Colombia the only risk is wanting to stay!! contact us for more information and tailor made itineraries at info@discoversublime.com www.discoversublime.com

Sublime Tour of the week – destination Brazil

sublimejourneys — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:25:27 +0000

Full day Corcovado and Sugar Loaf tour with BBQ Lunch

We will leave the hotel after breakfast to visit the most famous landmarks of the city where we will see the natural beauties from up above. After a scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon passengers arrive at the bottom of the Corcovado Hill. We will embark on a comfortable train which will climb the mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer, is located (2.300ft above sea level). The Christ statue known as the “wonder of Rio” was recently elected one of the 7 winners of the ” New Wonders of the World “. Upon arrival at the top we have mechanized access, with panoramic elevators and escalators that take us to the foot of the statute. There, passengers enjoy a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, discover why it is called the “Marvelous City” and the view the Christ statue which is considered “ the wonder of Rio”. We make our way down on the same route and towards the other world famous landmark, the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Before getting there we will stop and have a delicious Brazilian Barbecue lunch.

Over a million tourists a year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar, or Sugar Loaf Mountain in English, which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar loaf. The tour is done in two steps by glass cable-cars. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay its islands. From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, the Corcovado and downtown Rio. Duration: 8 hours

For more information contact us at info@discoversublime.com

Panama Jazz Festival – 2011

sublimejourneys — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:17:46 +0000

Panama’s annual cornerstone cultural event, the 8th Panama Jazz Festival will be held January 10-15, 2011. With upwards of 100,000 people in attendance since the festivals 2003 inception, this year’s edition is dedicated to Panamanian pianist, Victor Nicolás “Vitín” Paz, one of the great trumpeters in the history of Latin music and one of the most remarkable musicians in the history of Panamanian popular music. Some of the artist that will be participating in this version of the festival are Claudia Acuña, Bryan Lynch, Ricardo del Fla, Harlem String Quartet, Isabel Julve, Osvaldo Jorge, Jose Antonio Sanchez and the organizer and panamanian Pianist, composer, educator and social activist, Danilo Pérez who is one of the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time.

For information about itineraries to Panama and programs during the Jazz festival, please contact us at info@discoversublime.com

Discover Peru – 9 days adventure

sublimejourneys — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:39:06 +0000

The lost city of the Incas, picture by Annie Young

Peru will amaze you for the culture, arqueological and Incan sites, colonical cities as Cuzco and the lost city of Machu Picchu, whose breathtaking landscapes will change your spirit! Peru’s gastronomy is known as one of the best of Latin America. Our program will take you to Lima where you will enjoy a magnificient view of the Pacific Oceans and its beaches. You will visit Casa Aliaga, America’s best preserved colonial mansion. you will tour Urubamba valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Pisac to visit a handicraft market. The adventure will ake you to the fortress of Olantaytambo and you will visit the Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu.

For a complete itinerary, please contact us at info@discoversublime.com We are offering special prices for groups starting on $1299.00

Meet Sublime Journeys Peru Guide, Alvin

sublimejourneys — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:57:58 +0000

Some of our clients have meet Alvin during our last trip to Cuzco and Machu Pichu. He is one of our top Peru guides and we would like to introduce him to you:

Alvin has worked as a guide in Peru for the last 12 years — primarily leading hiking and cultural tours to some of most sought-after destinations in the region. He Born in Peru and he has spent much of his time in the jungle guiding and recently move to Cuzco. He is passionate about the history of Peru and will share amazing tales of the Incas.

He share his passion for the peruvian food in our new culinary expedition in Lima and Cusco.

Explore Peru with a great team, contact us for more information and bookings at info@discoversublime.com

Discovering Cartagena

sublimejourneys — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:02:04 +0000

“Colombia is beautiful”, “Cartagena is so romantic”, “Have an aquardiente for me” were the comments of many friends upon hearing of my trip to Colombia. But I still really couldn’t paint a picture for myself of what this land named for Christopher Columbus might be like.

As I emerged from the airport that first Friday evening, the Caribbean heat quickly enfolded me in its warm embrace and I was soon whisked away towards the city of Cartagena des Indies. As we sped alongside the old colonial walls a multitude of colourful kites swooped and dived through the gloaming. Those diving, swirling, bright colours were to become the constant motif of my time in Colombia.

That first evening, I watched for a while from the open-air Café del Mar on the old battlement walls, as 7 fishermen stood at the edge of the inky Caribbean gossiping over their rods to each other: fishing by the light of the moon. Later I strolled the wending streets of the old town, where wonderful colonial buildings appeared to pose coquettishly and bask in the admiring glances of the lovers, families and friends that ambled past their colourful facades. My first evening ended like a scene from a Fellini movie as I glided back to my hotel through the warm evening night on the back of a moped taxi.

The following day Cartagena proudly paraded her fanciful colors for me; bright vibrant yellows, reds, oranges and blues. This rainbow of colour together with the warmth and kindness of the local people provided the backdrop for my guided tour of Cartagena. I was taken on a journey through time and the winding streets to discover the history, myth and legends of Cartagena; the old colonial town, Getsemani, Manga and the city’s islands. From the stunning colonial architecture, the quaint plazas and statues waiting to be found around the next corner, to the vendors, colours, sights and sounds of the old town, Cartagena is an extraordinary place to immerse yourself in.

Though I was loathe to leave the city, I had been advised that the Rosario Islands were not to be missed. So on Sunday I was island bound. Speeding across the azure waters, Cartagena receded into the morning sun as we approached the beautiful tropical Rosario islands. After a refreshing dip in the warm Caribbean waters that lapped at the idyllic white sand beach, I headed for the island’s dive centre. After checking my dive-card and my experience, my newly acquainted dive-master informed me that it was “time to go to the office” as he gestured towards the crystal blue waters. Beneath the surface the brightly coloured fish were upstaged only by the spectacular coral landscape. There were colours and textures in abundance and a perfect peace disturbed only by the air bubbles drifting to the surface from our equipment.

A blissful day in the islands marked the end of a beautiful long weekend in Cartagena. My first visit to this jewel on Colombia’s Caribbean coast will not be my last, but for now, like Columbus before me, it is time to explore further this wonderful country. Next stop Bogota.

by: Louise Finnegan

For itineraries or special programs, please contact info@discoversublime.com

Fascinating Panama from $995.00

sublimejourneys — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:37:10 +0000

Latin America is diverse and sublime – you’ll find amazing culture, great biodiversity and unexplored places of natural beauty. Their people is friendly, passionate and with a captivating historical background.

Our Panama program of 7 days and 6 nights is a combination of the Panama Canal, fascinating indigenous communities, tropical rainforests, caribbean islands and beautiful boutique hotels.

Includes: 6 nights of lodging, all transfers in private van, all breakfasts, 4 day tours (Canal Tour, visit to the Embera community at Chagres National park, Crane observation at the MetroPark, sightseeing City Tour), bilingual guide, entrance fees, Panama Kit and more.

Custom made itineraries available!

Sublime Journeys offers trips holidays in Latin America for those seeking real experiences and immersion into the Latin culture. Contact us and save time and the inconvenience of contacting numerous people to arrange your holiday. When you book with us, we’ll help you find the perfect trip withe high quality service and support the 24 hours.

Destination of the Month: Manaus, Brazil

sublimejourneys — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:40:38 +0000

Manaus, gateway to Jungle lodges and Cruises, is the capital of the state of Amazonas, which offers the opportunity to penetrate, unveil and enjoy one of the most important sources in the planet, the Amazon Rainforest. Through rivers and forest trails, once comes in contact with rare animals and plants, Indian and riparian communities, typical dishes made mainly from river fish, in addition to mdedications for all illnesses produced by nature. and All lodges offer different degrees of comfort so you have to know what you want. A lodge with electricity and air conditioning is not going to offer you the same jungle experience as a lodge that is located deep in the jungle and farther away form civilization, a trade off of comfort for a real experience in the wilderness. All lodges are simple and offer similar programs.

The Inca Festival of the Sun: Inti Raymi

sublimejourneys — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:42:32 +0000

Inti Raymi-Cuzco The Winter Solstice in the southern hemisphere and the local harvests are the driving force behind the greatest, most majestic pre-Hispanic ceremony to render homage to the sun. Today (June 24), the Inti Raymi festival evokes the splendid Inca ritual of yore, being carefully scripted by Cuzco professors, archaeologists and historians. The central event is acted out on the esplanade below the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuamán, 2 km (1 mille) outside the city of Cuzco, easily reached by car or on foot. There, step by step, thousands of actors enact a long ceremony giving thanks to the sun god, Inti. The Inca ruler is borne on a royal litter from the Koricancha. or Temple of the Sun to the Huacaypat, the city’s main square, where he commands the local authorities to govern fairly.

Then all the participants set out for Sacsayhuamán, where the ceremony calls for the sacrifice of two llamas. one black and one white. The llamas entrails and fat are handed to a pair of high priests: the first. the Callpa Ricuy, examines the intestines to predict what sort of year lies ahead; while the second priest the Wupariruj, makes his predictions based on the smoke that wafts up from the burning fat. The high priests’ predictions are then interpreted by the Willac Umo, the lord hig priest who bears the news to the Inca. Finally, at sunset, the Inca orders all to withdraw from the site, and the entire city breaks out into festivities that will rage for several days.

Feast for the Senses

sublimejourneys — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:52:49 +0000

Step away from the routine, choose to indulge your senses and immerse yourself in the tastes of Latin America. Let us take you on a culinary odyssey. Our Feast for the Senses is perfect for the Bon Viveur in all of us. Be seduced by glorious gourmet delicacies and an abundance of gastronomic delights as well as traditional ethnic foods. Enjoy some of the worlds finest wines while you inhale the luscious, decadent scent of grapes at harvest-time, sip a pisco sour in an artisan’s market while you sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

Ask for our cooking class in Panama, Peru and Guatemala at info@discoversublime.com and visit our site www.discoversublime.com