Autumn Newsletter September 2016

Initial concerns about Brazil's ability to put on a successful Olympics have been well and truly dispelled, particularly by the Paraylmpics where it is lovely to see the locals finally getting into the spirit of things (and the commentators realising how fun-loving Brazilians are). As we did for London 2012 we have been running a Rio 2016 Latin American Medal Table, and you can keep up with the results here:

www.lastfrontiers.com/articles/view/olympic-medal-table-for-latin-america

Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal is a vast and magnificent Maya site, inhabited between 600BC and 1000AD, which cannot fail to impress. Its pyramids emerge from the verdant jungle of Guatemala's Petén region, howler monkeys can be heard at dawn, toucans and macaws flit above the jungle canopy, and jaguars keep themselves well-hidden.

www.lastfrontiers.com/itineraries/classic-guatemala

“I walked through the national park to the famous high pyramids, marvelling at how people with no knowledge of the wheel, no draught animals, and no slaves had managed to construct such massive buildings. Like mountains, the pyramids looked down silently on us visitors busy with our cameras.” - DP

Copán, Honduras

Copán is known for its intricate and beautiful carvings (more hieroglyphic carvings have been found here than any other Maya site), public squares, a unique hieroglyphic stairway and fully restored ball court. Visitors can also explore the tunnels, dug by archaeologists searching for earlier structures under the existing acropolis. The archaeological work involved has been immense: after nearly 100 years’ work (it was rediscovered in 1839) only 25% of the site has been investigated. The city had four main stages of development between 100 and 900AD. The following itinerary visits the site (and it can easily be added to any Guatemala itinerary):

www.lastfrontiers.com/itineraries/classic-honduras

“Copan - a memorable site, the sight of the reconstructed temple at the entrance of the museum was probably the biggest wow factor on the whole trip”. - MC

Temple of the Moon, Peru

The Huaca de la Luna is near Trujillo, a short flight north of Lima. It was built by the Moche people between 100-800AD in layers like a Russian doll, with a new level added every 90 years or so (there are six). Archaeologists (this is the largest excavation project in South America) continue to make new discoveries, making this a fascinating place to visit. The nearby Temple of the Sun was built from 180 million adobe bricks but was badly damaged by the Spanish colonists in their search for treasure. You can visit this area on our Northern Peru sample itinerary:

www.lastfrontiers.com/itineraries/northern-peru

When it comes to Costa Rica the rainforest, wildlife, birds and beach appear on most wish lists. Earlier this year Sue went on a 'nature and wildlife' trip: “My trip included excursions in search of the resplendent quetzal, which I was lucky enough to spot. Staying in rainforest lodges gave me the opportunity to experience the abundance of wildlife from dawn to dusk - from the howler monkeys screeching to the crickets chirping. A stop for coffee and homemade delicacies with a local family on the Nicaraguan border and making chocolate were real highlights of my trip.”

www.lastfrontiers.com/articles/view/sue-spots-a-quetzal-in-costa-rica-may-2016

Following ten nights in Costa Rica with Sue, Nicola jetted off alone to explore the wild and remote Osa Peninsula: “Described as the ‘most biologically intense place on earth’ by National Geographic, this region should definitely not be missed by wildlife enthusiasts. The rainforest is abuzz with action - from the monkeys swinging from the trees, frogs croaking at your feet or macaws screeching from above. And what's more, the land-based life is only half the story as the waters surrounding the peninsula are fantastic for dolphin and whale watching, and a dream come true for the keen snorkeller and diver.”

www.lastfrontiers.com/articles/view/nicola-finds-paradise-in-costa-rica-may-2016

Tonight's episode of Natural World is called 'Jaguars: Brazil's Super Cats', on BBC2 at 9pm. The programme, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, was filmed at Caiman Lodge in the Brazilian Pantanal and was produced and directed by Joe Stevens. Joe is a good friend of ex-Last Frontiers team member Simon Heyes, who now runs a very successful representation company in Bristol.

www.lastfrontiers.com/brazil/regions/pantanal-lodges