Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon Mexico has many attractions to explore, and many activities to offer. Being that we will not be able to see and do everything that Copper Canyon Mexico has to offer I have a few things in mind that we could check out while we are there. 

·         Peña del Gigante - Balancing Rock 

This stone monolith stands out on a national and international level for having a totally vertical face and its sheer magnitude, with a free fall of 885 meters 2,290 feet. Peña del gigante has now become recognized for its climbing potential.

·         The Indians of northern Mexico’s are among the largest and most traditional Native American societies in all of North America. They are currently confronted by the rapid loss of their language and cultural traditions and severe degradation of their environment. We can go here and learn about the culture in Copper Canyon and tradition.

·         Rafting in Copper Canyon

for the adventure, Copper Canyon offers white water rafting tours down several different river with plenty of class III and IV rapids. Most of the rafting that is offered is located at the base of the rivers, some a located deep in the Canyons. 

Here are a few places that I thought we should check out. As it gets closer to our time to go to mexico I will have everything for our trip ready to go. Here are some web link that you can check out, and maybe give me feed back on what you all will like to see and do when we go to Copper Canyon.   

http://www.coppercanyoninsider.com/copper-canyon-activities.asp

http://www.mexbound.com/copper-canyon-attractions.php

Attractions and Things to do in Quito, Ecuador

While in Quito, Ecuador, we plan to visit a number of different places to get an idea of what the local culture is like. We will first go visit the Company of Jesus Church, which is a masterpiece of baroque and Quiteno-colonial art with lavish golden altars and gilded columns, making it one of the most ornate structures in Ecuador.

Next, we will visit the world famous, Alegria Farm. The Alegria Farm was Built in 1911, historic Hacienda and 135-hectare Alegria Farm are in the verdant heart of the Avenida de los Volcanoes. These beautiful pasturelands are home to more than 200 cows and calves, 48 horses and foals, dozens of llamas and alpacas, and more. It’s the perfect place to learn about hacienda life, which includes milking cows, riding horses, animal care, and taking carriage and hay rides.

We also plan to visit Old Town while in Quito. Old Town is a historic district was the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its narrow streets, Spanish colonial architecture and historic attractions.

Another potential activity is backpacking the Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve. This reserve measures more than 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) containing more than 375 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 250 species of butterflies, and 1000 species of moths - amongst other species... In addition to hosting more than 2,000 species of plants, Maquipucuna harbors 4% of the world's bird diversity. Visitors can experience a unique community-run in-vitro propagation lab and orchid tour, as well as the only shade-grown, bird-friendly, beyond organic coffee-tour, all in association with neighboring communities in the Alambi river watershed, and Choco-Andean conservation & sustainable development corridor.

While in Quito, we would also like to visit the Iglesia de San Francisco. The Iglesia de San Francisco is the oldest colonial building in Quito is home to a collection of paintings, art, and furniture from the Museo Franciscano (Franciscano museum). Built by the Franciscan priest in 1536, Iglesia de San Francisco is the first church built in America.

These are just a few ideas of activities we can do while visiting Quito, Ecuador. Stay tuned to the blog to find out information about our actual trip! We leave on October 2nd for Quito!

Kevin Burnet

Attractions/Entertainment (India)

Things to do in India: 

1. Taj Mahal: For $85 per person, we could take the "Same Day Taj Mahal Tour" in which we will not only get to see the Taj Mahal with an englih speaking tour guide, but also we would get to see Agra Fort, Tomb of It-mad-ud-Daula, Tonga ride, Battery Van ride and visit the local market and experience (first hand) culture. 

http://www.indiatour-packages.net/india-tour-packages/same-day-tajmahal-tour.html

2. Another very famous place to visit in India is right in the capital, New Delhi and is known as the "Lotus Temple". This Temple is originally called "Bahai's Temple" but is known as the Lotus Temple because it is shaped like a flower. Its architectural structure is truly amazing and worth seeing since we will be in New Delhi, why not? We could just drive our rental vehicle to the Temple and see it without having to pay for an entire tour that includes this temple in its route. (Those can be pricey.) 

3. Another interesting, more natural excursion to take part in would be a hike into the Himalayan Mountains of Northern India and make our way to the Ganges River, India's "holiest" waters. Many do this as a spiritual journey, however it is one of the hot spots to visit in India because of its beauty and its religious affiliation. 

Jaimie 

Accommodations- India

After arriving in New Delhi, we can take a rental van from the hotel to our hotel for approximately $95
http://www.indiarentacar.com/volkswagen_multivan_deltariff.php <--- this shows all of the details

I found The Connaught Hotel of New Delhi that seems to be a great place for us to stay! Accommodations include: Hotel The Connaught New Delhi offers 87 well furnished rooms in 7 floors including deluxe rooms and suites, centrally air-conditioned with attached bath, mini fridge, direct dialing, color TV with satellite channels, individual temperature control, channel music & tea coffee maker. 
Since there are several different room offers our rate would vary. By booking "standard" rooms for our stay, we would have a rate of 9000 indian rupees/night ($169 US) 

In the hotel, there is a multi-cuisine 24 hour restaurant, a 24 hour snack bar and a bar opened from 12 noon to midnight. 

Jaimie 

Accommodations Antananarivo Madagascar

Info through Booking.com and the Tana hotel website.

Tana Hotel is located in the center of the city. The accommodations include transportation to and from the airport upon request. Breakfast is included either a buffet or continental breakfast in your room are options. This is a hotel that has many ammenities . We would need 4 standard twin rooms . all with 2 twins so someone will luck out and get there own room.                         
                                                              Total cost $2317.44                  

Set in the business district in the centre of Antananarivo, this 3-star hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Presidential Palace. You can relax in the hot tub or enjoy a cocktail in the on-site bar.

The rooms at TANA Hotel are contemporary in style and offer views of the surrounding city. Each one is air-conditioned and also has a seating area with an LCD TV and a minibar. 

A buffet breakfast is provided every morning in the breakfast room. You can also use the hotel’s room service and enjoy the breakfast continental-style from the comfort of your room.

Massages and free private parking are some of the other facilities at this hotel. You may also organise a shuttle service at the 24-hour reception to Ivat Airport, which is 8 km away.

Hotel Rooms: 31.

You will pay in the hotel's preferred currency (MGA) after your stay at the hotel. The exchange rate is subject to fluctuations.

Hotel Facilities

General

Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, Safe, Baggage Storage, Air Conditioning.

Activities

Hot Tub.

Services

Airport Shuttle, Laundry, Breakfast in the Room.

Internet

Free! Wi-Fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.

Parking

Free! Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed).

Policies of TANA Hotel

Check in

07:00 - 23:30 hours

Check out

Until 12:00 hours                  Emily Currier

Kelly Hince - Buenos Aires Pre-trip planning

Carlos Calvo Escape is a rental house in Buenos Aires in the heart of San Telmo

It is 4 bedrooms and 3 baths and sleeps 8 comfortably 

There are many amenities including: Wifi, laundry, fully stocked gourmet kitchen, balconies and flat screen TVs with DVD players 

Reviewers online rave about the customer service of the owner and his recommended car service from the airport 

It is close to restaurants, bars, historical places, clubs and is just four blocks from the waterfront.

It will be $1,500 to rent for the week. 

Here is a link to more information: http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g312741-d1490912-Carlos_Calvo_Escape-Buenos_Aires_Capital_Federal_District.html#amenities

-- Kelly Hince

The Accommodation...