Ride the rapids on the Futaleufu River on a weeklong women-only trip to Patagonia that begins March 10.
Besides river sports, the Chile adventure tour includes activities such as horseback riding and hiking with experienced guides, and yoga classes at a lodge and river spa in the Futaleufu Valley.
“This trip offers world-class whitewater rafting with the comforts of a lodge, wine tasting, gourmet meals, massage therapy and the riverside hot tub,” said tour company owner Deb Cisco, who has rafted around the world.
Futaleufu is in the Andes near the border of Argentina. It’s remote and mostly pristine wilderness.
The Gelves and Palenque canyons descend to the river, which features calm tributaries for kayaking as well as world-class rapids.
Cost: $3,800 per person, double occupancy ($700 single surcharge), including accommodations; meals; wine; internal airfare from Puerto Montt, Chile, to Futaleufu; excursions and equipment. International airfare to Argentina and tourist entry fees are not included.
Contact: Outdoor Beyond, Apache Junction, Ariz.; 888-217-4287, www.outdoorbeyond.com.
Mexico’s whales
Document migrating gray whales on research expeditions to Laguna San Ignacio, Baja California, on Jan. 24 and Feb. 21.
Participants will spend 13 days helping research staff identify individual whales and record data. The group spends most of its time aboard small skiffs in the lagoon, photographing whales. On shore, they analyze photos and help compile a database for research.
Cost: $2,395 per person, including meals, camping facilities, boats and instruction. Tents, sleeping bags and transportation to Loreto, Mexico, are not included.
Contact: Earthwatch International, Maynard, Mass.; 800-776-0188, www.earthwatch.org.
Travel deals
Budget and Avis, both owned by Cendant Corp., have $50 discounts on weekly rentals of SUVs and free ski rack rentals at select locations in North America and Canada (Everett area included). For example, a Chevrolet Trailblazer at Avis’ Denver International Airport starts at $220 a week, plus $71 in taxes; the usual rate starts at $270 plus taxes. The offer is good through April 30. Avis: 888-SKI-1212 (rate code AWD K448108), www.avis.com/ski. Budget: 800-222-6772 (rate code BCD U032105), www.budget.com/ski.
The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel in Montreal has a Sweet Deal package that includes a second night at half-price, Canadian maple treats valued at $17 and two Casino de Montreal passports worth $34. Pay about $170 for the first night and $85 for the second night. Available Thursday to Sunday through April; blackouts may apply. Info: 800-257-7544, www.fairmont.com.
A five-day Caribbean Jaunt cruise on the Seabourn Legend, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on March 14, has been discounted by 50 percent. The cruise is $1,595 per person, double occupancy, plus $36 in taxes, for an ocean-view suite and includes a free excursion to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan. Information: 800-929-9391, www.seabourn.com.
Travel classes, seminars
Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door hosts free travel classes most Saturdays at 10 a.m. at the Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds.
* Packing light with Joan Robinson, Dec. 10.
* Italy, Dec. 17.
Classes are free, reservations recommended. Call 425-771-8303 ext. 298 or visit www.ricksteves.com/seattle.
The Savvy Traveler offers travel seminars at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. most Saturdays at 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds.
* Croatia, Bosnia and Slovenia, 10 a.m. Dec. 10.
* Exploring China, 10 a.m. Jan. 7.
* Italian for travelers, 6 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 12 through Feb. 2.
* A taste of Tuscany and Umbria, 10 a.m. Jan. 21.
* Southern Italy and Sicily, 1 p.m. Jan. 21.
Classes are free, reservations recommended. Call 425-744-6076, 877-225-1994, or visit www.savvytraveleredmonds.com.
LiveWell Ventures Travel Services hosts a free “Taste of Travel Seminar” at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Brindle’s Marketplace at Camano Commons at Terry’s Corner, 848 N. Sunrise Blvd., Camano Island.
Each seminar features guest speakers. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and coffee will be served. A wine tasting is available for $5.
For information, call 877-357-0022, 360-629-0881, or visit www.livewellventures.com.
The Herald is not responsible for changes in prices, dates or itineraries. These should be confirmed with cruise lines, travel agents or tour operators.
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