Baraaza came about through my own personal need for destination information on locations around the world. There are other sites out there that offer similar services, but they all seem confusing, difficult to navigate, overloaded with advertising and generally lacking the kind of ‘real’ information I was looking for. So the inspiration for Baraaza is quality travel information made easy.
Usually when I’m preparing for a trip I have a drink with a friend who has some first hand knowledge of the destination I’m about to visit, and then I go out and buy a book. I tend to rely more on my friends advice than books when it comes to places to stay, what to do, where to surf, dive, or just hang out. Like before I went to Thailand I had a drink with a buddy of mine who was a diver and recently visited Southeast Asia. We both have similar tastes when it comes to partying and socializing and he told me about a great scene on the North side of Koh Panang that proved to be one of my all time favorite beach destinations. I had some idea of what to expect when I got there and it was even better than I imagined! This kind of first-hand information is often invaluable and has helped me to have some awesome experiences.
The premise of friends sharing information about travel destinations is what Baraaza’s founded on. Baraaza isn’t a social networking site per se, however we have some social networking functionality so members are easy to contact and you can understand details like age ranges, gender, sexual preferences, etc of people sharing info. The main focus of Baraaza is sharing experiences and information about specific destinations around the world in the form of destination reviews, activity reviews, photos, blogs and message board posts.
My mission with Baraaza is to offer people a cool place to get quality travel information for any destination on the planet, and a forum where you can share experiences, insights and information so others may have the opportunity to get more out of their travels. I’m building an online community of people who love to travel and are willing to share some of their knowledge. Me and some of my friends have already started posting on our favorite destinations, and we still have a lot of ground to cover, so I’m asking those of you out there with some travel experience under your belts, to take a look at the site, let me know what you think, and share your knowledge.
Travel well
Matt J
Founder
Baraaza.com
Sunday, August 10, 2008
How to use Baraaza
The primary goal of Baraaza is to provide a space where travelers can easily find quality, relevant information about any destination on the planet. We do that by offering a forum where members can share their knowledge and post information & reviews on any destination in the world.
The concept of Baraaza is simple, and we tried to make the site simple & easy to navigate as well – I feel that’s one of the things that make us different than other sites. This site was laid out by someone who knows what kind of information is important to world travelers and who also feels it’s important to keep a record of some of the cool places we are fortunate enough to visit.
Here’s how I use Baraaza:
1. First off, I use it to keep track of all the destinations in the world that I have visited. It’s partly egotistical and part functional. The Destinations Visited tab in the My Profile section of the site has a world map that you can virtually stick pins into. Underneath the map is a counter of destinations and countries that I have visited. Currently I have visited 97 destinations in 20 countries.
2. Often friends of mine ask me for recommendations on places to stay, places to go, where to party, or eat, and things to do for various destinations I have visited. One thing I noticed is it doesn’t take long for me to forget some of the more important details like hotel names, contact names, dive company names, etc - so now I keep track of all this information on Baraaza. For every destination I visit I fill out a simple Destination Review Form and share it with all who are interested.
3. I like photography and sharing my photos so I use Baraaza to show my destination specific photos.
This site is for you, the world traveler, so if you have any comments or suggestion on how to make it better we definitely want to hear from you.
The concept of Baraaza is simple, and we tried to make the site simple & easy to navigate as well – I feel that’s one of the things that make us different than other sites. This site was laid out by someone who knows what kind of information is important to world travelers and who also feels it’s important to keep a record of some of the cool places we are fortunate enough to visit.
Here’s how I use Baraaza:
1. First off, I use it to keep track of all the destinations in the world that I have visited. It’s partly egotistical and part functional. The Destinations Visited tab in the My Profile section of the site has a world map that you can virtually stick pins into. Underneath the map is a counter of destinations and countries that I have visited. Currently I have visited 97 destinations in 20 countries.
2. Often friends of mine ask me for recommendations on places to stay, places to go, where to party, or eat, and things to do for various destinations I have visited. One thing I noticed is it doesn’t take long for me to forget some of the more important details like hotel names, contact names, dive company names, etc - so now I keep track of all this information on Baraaza. For every destination I visit I fill out a simple Destination Review Form and share it with all who are interested.
3. I like photography and sharing my photos so I use Baraaza to show my destination specific photos.
This site is for you, the world traveler, so if you have any comments or suggestion on how to make it better we definitely want to hear from you.
Baraaza Tools
1. The Destination Review is key tool for sharing direct-from-the-source destination information. We created the Destination Review to be searchable by author specific preferences such as age, gender, race, and sexual preference. Also we made the Destination Review printable so the information can easily be taken with you on your trip.
2. The Activity Review was created because we wanted to find new activity hot-spots around the world (particularly dive and surf spots). So the concept is the same as the Destination Review, however what’s being reviewed is a particular Activity. We have a bunch of activities listed on the site – but let us know if I missed any.
3. The Photos Page came about from our desire to understand what it really looks like on the ground for any destination. Here you can use the flash map to check out new destinations by geographical location. It’s very much a form of virtual exploration (but not to be used in place of actual travel).
4. Baraaza Local Listings – this is where vendors and businesses post cataloged listings of their services (things like hotels, dive shops, restaurants, bars, tour companies, etc)
5. The Destination Page combines all of the above information, for any particular location, onto one page. That way if you’re researching a destination such as New York, you can go to the New York Page and see all the Destination Reviews, Activity Reviews, Photos and Member who have already been there and the local listings.
6. The Country Pages are the same as the above; however they include all of the destinations within the particular country. Check out Italy’s Country Page for a good example.
7. Baraaza Blogs are great for reading travel stories and going deeper than the standard Destination Review. It’s also good for other members to comment and take the subject to the next level.
8. Baraaza Boards are an excellent resource to posting questions and helping other members find the information they are looking for. It’s also a good place to discuss other topics like Traveling Solo or Health Issues. There are 3 lounges; Destinations, Activities and General.
9. I put together the Classifieds Page so people can sell, rent, post ads, find travel partners, et cetra. It’s sorted by region and country and it’s all free!
2. The Activity Review was created because we wanted to find new activity hot-spots around the world (particularly dive and surf spots). So the concept is the same as the Destination Review, however what’s being reviewed is a particular Activity. We have a bunch of activities listed on the site – but let us know if I missed any.
3. The Photos Page came about from our desire to understand what it really looks like on the ground for any destination. Here you can use the flash map to check out new destinations by geographical location. It’s very much a form of virtual exploration (but not to be used in place of actual travel).
4. Baraaza Local Listings – this is where vendors and businesses post cataloged listings of their services (things like hotels, dive shops, restaurants, bars, tour companies, etc)
5. The Destination Page combines all of the above information, for any particular location, onto one page. That way if you’re researching a destination such as New York, you can go to the New York Page and see all the Destination Reviews, Activity Reviews, Photos and Member who have already been there and the local listings.
6. The Country Pages are the same as the above; however they include all of the destinations within the particular country. Check out Italy’s Country Page for a good example.
7. Baraaza Blogs are great for reading travel stories and going deeper than the standard Destination Review. It’s also good for other members to comment and take the subject to the next level.
8. Baraaza Boards are an excellent resource to posting questions and helping other members find the information they are looking for. It’s also a good place to discuss other topics like Traveling Solo or Health Issues. There are 3 lounges; Destinations, Activities and General.
9. I put together the Classifieds Page so people can sell, rent, post ads, find travel partners, et cetra. It’s sorted by region and country and it’s all free!
My Profile (how it works)
The My Profile section of the site is where you keep all of your personal destination information. This is where you can also look at other members information as well.
My Profile has six sections divided by tabs across the top
1. My Profile (overview)
2. My Destinations
3. My Activities
4. My Blogs
5. MyPhotos
6. My Mail
My Profile (Overview)
This provides basic overview information about the member. Here is where you can manage your profile pictures, feature a destination photo, and quickly add new trips (destinations visited). This is where you find basic information such as gender, age range, martial status, and travel styles. Here you will also see which countries the member has visited under the My Trips & Review section and what activities the member participates in under My Activities & Reviews.
My Destinations
The My Destinations tab is where you can see your own, or another member’s, travel map and how many destinations and countries have been visited. If you’re in your own My Profile under the My Destination Tab this is where you add destination visited and destination reviews. There are two ways to add destinations visited. First, using the Google map and clicking on a region you have visited. Destinations already visited by Baraaza members will appear on a map slide-out. If you are receiving too may destinations for a given region, we suggest zooming in on the map. Remember that only destinations previously visited by Baraaza members will appear, so if your destination does not show up you will have to add manually. Adding destinations manually is easy and it’s the second method of adding destinations visited. You do this under the heading “Add Destinations Visited” and choose first the country then type the city name. Search results of the city name will appear and you must choose the city from the list and click “add”.
You can post a Destination Review by clicking the “Post Destination Review” button just under the Google map. A pop-up form will appear and you must select Country and City as well as enter a title for the review. The other fields are optional.
My Activities
The My Activities tab is where you select which activities you participate in and post activity reviews. These activity reviews will also appear on the corresponding City Pages.
My Blogs
This is where you’re travel blogs are cataloged. You can create and edit blogs here and they will appear on the main Travel Blogs page.
My Photos
The My Photos tab is where you upload and manage your destination photos. When uploading photos, choose the destination by using the country pull-down and the city search function (remember to select the city from the search results). Then select up to 4 photos to upload at a time. After the photos are uploaded you will have the ability to name and add captions. Are only rule for photos is that they must be yours, respectful, and revenant to the destination. The ‘make default’ selection on the photos will make the photo appear on the My Profile tab as a featured destination photo.
My Mail
This is where you can check, read and respond to your Baraaza mail. The mail sent between baraaza members is confidential and personal email addresses are not disclosed in the headings. If you want to exchange personal details such as phone numbers and email you do you at your own risk (just use common sense).
My Profile has six sections divided by tabs across the top
1. My Profile (overview)
2. My Destinations
3. My Activities
4. My Blogs
5. MyPhotos
6. My Mail
My Profile (Overview)
This provides basic overview information about the member. Here is where you can manage your profile pictures, feature a destination photo, and quickly add new trips (destinations visited). This is where you find basic information such as gender, age range, martial status, and travel styles. Here you will also see which countries the member has visited under the My Trips & Review section and what activities the member participates in under My Activities & Reviews.
My Destinations
The My Destinations tab is where you can see your own, or another member’s, travel map and how many destinations and countries have been visited. If you’re in your own My Profile under the My Destination Tab this is where you add destination visited and destination reviews. There are two ways to add destinations visited. First, using the Google map and clicking on a region you have visited. Destinations already visited by Baraaza members will appear on a map slide-out. If you are receiving too may destinations for a given region, we suggest zooming in on the map. Remember that only destinations previously visited by Baraaza members will appear, so if your destination does not show up you will have to add manually. Adding destinations manually is easy and it’s the second method of adding destinations visited. You do this under the heading “Add Destinations Visited” and choose first the country then type the city name. Search results of the city name will appear and you must choose the city from the list and click “add”.
You can post a Destination Review by clicking the “Post Destination Review” button just under the Google map. A pop-up form will appear and you must select Country and City as well as enter a title for the review. The other fields are optional.
My Activities
The My Activities tab is where you select which activities you participate in and post activity reviews. These activity reviews will also appear on the corresponding City Pages.
My Blogs
This is where you’re travel blogs are cataloged. You can create and edit blogs here and they will appear on the main Travel Blogs page.
My Photos
The My Photos tab is where you upload and manage your destination photos. When uploading photos, choose the destination by using the country pull-down and the city search function (remember to select the city from the search results). Then select up to 4 photos to upload at a time. After the photos are uploaded you will have the ability to name and add captions. Are only rule for photos is that they must be yours, respectful, and revenant to the destination. The ‘make default’ selection on the photos will make the photo appear on the My Profile tab as a featured destination photo.
My Mail
This is where you can check, read and respond to your Baraaza mail. The mail sent between baraaza members is confidential and personal email addresses are not disclosed in the headings. If you want to exchange personal details such as phone numbers and email you do you at your own risk (just use common sense).
Baraaza Feature: Aug 2008
Stretch Yourself
Yoga Holiday
Yoga Holiday
You've got a line on international hotspots and beach bars as far as the eye can see, but sometimes you need a journey designed to reconnect the mind, body and soul. Somewhere with room to stretch out, no schedule to keep, and a little yoga thrown in. And you can always use a little brushup on your Downward Dog. It might be time to leave the weekly sessions behind and embark on a full-fledged yoga holiday.
We suggest a place in southern India called Goa, not too far from yoga's birthplace. Intended to relax the mind and liberate the body's energy, the yoga practiced here is a purer breed, one that attracts disciples from all corners of the world. And it's no wonder: when you're on the path to inner peace, stretching white sand beaches can bring on a whole new meaning to inner-bliss. 450 years under Portuguese rule have given the area a mix of colonial and pre-colonial treasures, so you're likely to see colonial churches, ancient Hindu sanctuaries and coconut groves all in the same afternoon. That is, if you aren't too busy in cobra position.As for finding a good yogi, we recommend the Ashiyana center, which has the advantage of being central enough to permit a little exploration, but far enough north that the city won't disturb your tranquility. Your yoga holiday can be as short as a week or as long as a month, and the yoga center lets you drop in and out as you please, so you won't have to keep to a schedule. There's also a full set of massage and spa treatments for relaxation that's a little more passive, along with creative workshops to put your newly focused mind to work. For accommodations, you'll have your choice between carved-stone lodgings and treehouse-style eco-lodges, made from local lumber for a uniquely South Asian feeling.
By the end of the holiday, you may be feeling uniquely South Asian yourself.
Ashiyana Tropical Retreat Centre Goa, India
http://www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com
By the end of the holiday, you may be feeling uniquely South Asian yourself.
Ashiyana Tropical Retreat Centre Goa, India
http://www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com
Baraaza Feature: July 2008
Essao-teric
Kiteboarding With The Ghost of Hendrix
The Moroccan coast has many secrets, but few are as well kept as Essaouira. This walled beach town has managed to stay off the itineraries of package tours -for the moment at least- and because of its undriveably narrow streets, it's been relatively untouched for the last 300 years or so. The only high profile visitors have been traveling rock stars like Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, who was inspired by the crumbling nearby fort, Bordj El Berod, to write the song "Castles Made of Sand."
The waterfront and port draw their share of visitors, as do the city walls and the various impeccably sculpted gates, but the main attraction is the city's stunning white sand beaches uniquely suited to the rare sport of kiteboarding. Under the right conditions, the North-Easterly trade winds can be as strong as Force 7-that means up to 38 mph for the non-nautical, and big air for the seasoned 'boarder. But beginners will have no need to fear as they can hone their technique in the morning, at low tide, and towards the southern part of the bay where the wind is calmer and there are enough shallow areas to prevent things from getting out of hand. Because of the curved shape of the bay, you won't have to worry about being blown out to sea, and rescue ships are plentiful enough to prevent even the worst cases from being anything more than an inconvenience. Club Mistral is a good place to get the equipment and instruction you'll need, as well as tips for getting the most out of the beach. The club has offices from Mauritius to Barbados and has been easing travelers onto boards for more than twenty years, so you'll be in good hands.
For lodging, we like the Villa Quieta, a private palace turned hotel tucked into one of Essaouira's quieter residential districts. A scented garden surrounds the hotel-a relic from the old days-and should be more than a little comfort after a long day in the water.
Club Mistral travel@club-mistral.comhttp://www.club-mistral.com Villa Quieta86, Bd. Mohammed V., Quartier des DunesTel.044-785004; 044-785005 hotel@villa-quieta.com http://www.villa-quieta.com
Baraaza Feature: June 2008
Ho Chi Trail Blazers
Vietnam on Two Wheels
While China and Japan take in the hotelbound tourists, Vietnam has been a destination for more adventurous globetrotters. The country has more than a thousand miles of coastline -much of which is still occupied by iconic rice paddies- along with enough thick jungle and mist-capped mountains to satisfy even the most machete-happy ecotourist. Add in a few Indy-worthy temples and it should be more than enough to keep a jungle-minded voyager busy.
If you're looking for a way to take it all in without getting bogged down, allow us to suggest a historic approach: the recently-cleared Ho Chi Minh trail. The infamous path was originally used as a supply line for North Vietnamese troops and closed off by jungle growth as the war ended, but the past few years have seen the trail reopen as an artery through the country's most beautiful scenery and most interesting places, including the demilitarized zone, Khe Sanh battleground, and the ancient trading village Hoian. Active Travel Vietnam's current package gives you seven days of motorbiking through the 400+ miles between Hanoi and Da Nang, with time for overnight stops among tribal villages and a guide to keep you from getting in too much trouble.
Of course, all those years as jungle have taken their toll on the roads, so you'll want a vehicle that's agile enough to handle a few detours. Active Travel Vietnam will set you up with a Minsk 125cc, a two-stroke Belorussian bike that's fast enough for a speed rush and rugged enough to get you through a little impromptu off-roading. And, given the state of the trail, you'll probably see more than just a little.
In all, it's a pretty good way to get to know a country. And not a bad way to get to know a motorbike.
_______________________________________________
Active Travel Vietnam
#303, Building 30 Nguyen Du StreetHanoi, Vietnam
Telephone: +844-944-6230
http://www.activetravelvietnam.com
Baraaza Feature: May 2008
Thai One On In Style
Dolphin Bungalows Makes the Beach Your Bedroom
While Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon celebrations and Western party-goers, the island boasts many attractions for those whose idea of a good time is more than lowering their inhibitions on the white sand beaches of Haad Rin. Though the monthly lunar party attracts thousands for a night of first-rate seaside debauchery, few experience the charm of the less trafficked areas on the island.
This may be due to the underdeveloped, crumbling infrastructure that often makes travel difficult, if not downright risky. Still, those seeking a little off the beaten path adventure should trek to Thong Nai Pan Yai on the eastern shore where you will find exotic beaches punctuated by peaceful bungalows. Ask the locals nicely and they’ll give you a lift along the weather-beaten road for a small fee; just remember to say “khorb khun” (“Thank you”). When you arrive, you can relax, improve on your tan and enjoy the fact that, even by Thai standards, Thong Nai Pan Yai is inexpensive.
But your day doesn’t have to be just hammocks and pints of Singha (a popular local brew). Hidden in a tropical garden just off the beach is a Baraaza favourite, Dolphin Bungalows. It’s home to simple, well-maintained bungalows and a hip, open-air bar serving Thai twists on Western-friendly food and drinks. The international cast of travellers and mellow background music keep the atmosphere inviting well into the night.
Dolphin Bungalows, located a few yards from the sea, is perfect for overnight stays and a stylish alternative to the more rowdy party spots on the island. But keep in mind, despite immaculate cleanliness and fashionable surrounds, the bungalows lack hot water and air conditioning, making cold showers more necessity than novelty.
If Thong Nai Pan Yai sounds like your cup of chai, make your way between January and April, before late April showers bring May monsoons that persist through December, muddying terrain too much for all but the most daring travellers.
__________________________________________________________________________
[Dolphin Bungalows is Australian-Thai owned and doesn’t take reservations or have a website. Rates vary seasonally. Expect to pay 400-600 THB for a bungalow with fan and private lavatory. For more information on Koh Phangan visit www.phangan.info]
Dolphin Bungalows Makes the Beach Your Bedroom
While Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon celebrations and Western party-goers, the island boasts many attractions for those whose idea of a good time is more than lowering their inhibitions on the white sand beaches of Haad Rin. Though the monthly lunar party attracts thousands for a night of first-rate seaside debauchery, few experience the charm of the less trafficked areas on the island.
This may be due to the underdeveloped, crumbling infrastructure that often makes travel difficult, if not downright risky. Still, those seeking a little off the beaten path adventure should trek to Thong Nai Pan Yai on the eastern shore where you will find exotic beaches punctuated by peaceful bungalows. Ask the locals nicely and they’ll give you a lift along the weather-beaten road for a small fee; just remember to say “khorb khun” (“Thank you”). When you arrive, you can relax, improve on your tan and enjoy the fact that, even by Thai standards, Thong Nai Pan Yai is inexpensive.
But your day doesn’t have to be just hammocks and pints of Singha (a popular local brew). Hidden in a tropical garden just off the beach is a Baraaza favourite, Dolphin Bungalows. It’s home to simple, well-maintained bungalows and a hip, open-air bar serving Thai twists on Western-friendly food and drinks. The international cast of travellers and mellow background music keep the atmosphere inviting well into the night.
Dolphin Bungalows, located a few yards from the sea, is perfect for overnight stays and a stylish alternative to the more rowdy party spots on the island. But keep in mind, despite immaculate cleanliness and fashionable surrounds, the bungalows lack hot water and air conditioning, making cold showers more necessity than novelty.
If Thong Nai Pan Yai sounds like your cup of chai, make your way between January and April, before late April showers bring May monsoons that persist through December, muddying terrain too much for all but the most daring travellers.
__________________________________________________________________________
[Dolphin Bungalows is Australian-Thai owned and doesn’t take reservations or have a website. Rates vary seasonally. Expect to pay 400-600 THB for a bungalow with fan and private lavatory. For more information on Koh Phangan visit www.phangan.info]
Baraaza Feature: April 2008
Cuba Libre, Por Favor
Diving for Cold War Adventure
Exotic and steeped in a rich cultural history, Cuba is sought out by discerning travellers for its exclusivity and timelessness. From kicking back at a sidewalk café with the locals, to sipping mojitos along the beach - no experience on Cuban soil is easily forgotten. Be it the island’s music, food or its signature Cohiba cigars, you can’t deny the fact that Cubans have boldly made cool a lifestyle. (For some, such as Americans restricted from flying to Cuba directly, just getting there can be a bold act.)
And while there are many things to see and do on the island, one of the most alluring attractions calls for taking a page from 007’s dossier by plunging under the surface. Below the stunning, crystal clear Caribbean water off of Cuba’s North shore, you will discover a unique dive site, boasting a sunken Cold War era Russian patrol boat. The vessel rests proudly upright and fully intact, complete with anti-aircraft guns, on the ocean’s floor.
Those up to the challenge should equip themselves with oversized air tanks and advanced open water dive certification. The deck lies 98’ (30 m) below the surface of the 80 (27 C) degree waters. You’ll have enough time for a clandestine mission into the ship’s hull and bridge before retreating to the surface. On your way to and from the ship, you can even take advantage of the incredible 120’ (36 m) visibility to observe the diverse marine life.
The dive site is best accessed from the town of Varadero. A former playground for American elite in the 1940’s, Varadero has recently become overrun with typical, all-inclusive resorts and may befit neither discerning trailblazers nor adventurers f for a long stay. However, the beach in Varadero remains spectacular and as the best starting point for exploring the wreck, it’s well worth the short trip.
Baraaza suggests you let Barracuda Dive Center handle the particulars for your dive. They have a friendly, English-speaking staff and numerous locations around Varadero. Barracuda has branches located in the Certro De Buceo Corel near the Club Kawama, and the Marina Chapelin near the Arenas Doradas Hotel as well as one at the Breezes Varadero.
[Barracuda Dive Center doesn’t have a website, but you can reach them the old-fashioned way via: Barracuda Diving Center, 59 st. & 1st Av., Varadero, Cuba. Telephone: +53 7-613481. For more information on Cuba visit: www.cuba.com]
Diving for Cold War Adventure
Exotic and steeped in a rich cultural history, Cuba is sought out by discerning travellers for its exclusivity and timelessness. From kicking back at a sidewalk café with the locals, to sipping mojitos along the beach - no experience on Cuban soil is easily forgotten. Be it the island’s music, food or its signature Cohiba cigars, you can’t deny the fact that Cubans have boldly made cool a lifestyle. (For some, such as Americans restricted from flying to Cuba directly, just getting there can be a bold act.)
And while there are many things to see and do on the island, one of the most alluring attractions calls for taking a page from 007’s dossier by plunging under the surface. Below the stunning, crystal clear Caribbean water off of Cuba’s North shore, you will discover a unique dive site, boasting a sunken Cold War era Russian patrol boat. The vessel rests proudly upright and fully intact, complete with anti-aircraft guns, on the ocean’s floor.
Those up to the challenge should equip themselves with oversized air tanks and advanced open water dive certification. The deck lies 98’ (30 m) below the surface of the 80 (27 C) degree waters. You’ll have enough time for a clandestine mission into the ship’s hull and bridge before retreating to the surface. On your way to and from the ship, you can even take advantage of the incredible 120’ (36 m) visibility to observe the diverse marine life.
The dive site is best accessed from the town of Varadero. A former playground for American elite in the 1940’s, Varadero has recently become overrun with typical, all-inclusive resorts and may befit neither discerning trailblazers nor adventurers f for a long stay. However, the beach in Varadero remains spectacular and as the best starting point for exploring the wreck, it’s well worth the short trip.
Baraaza suggests you let Barracuda Dive Center handle the particulars for your dive. They have a friendly, English-speaking staff and numerous locations around Varadero. Barracuda has branches located in the Certro De Buceo Corel near the Club Kawama, and the Marina Chapelin near the Arenas Doradas Hotel as well as one at the Breezes Varadero.
[Barracuda Dive Center doesn’t have a website, but you can reach them the old-fashioned way via: Barracuda Diving Center, 59 st. & 1st Av., Varadero, Cuba. Telephone: +53 7-613481. For more information on Cuba visit: www.cuba.com]
Baraaza Feature: March 2008
Colombia Unplugged
Ecotourism in Colombia’s Parklands
Upon hearing the words Colombia and tourism in the same sentence, you may expect a punch line involving Escobar’s cocaine or the kidnapping of Western turistas. However, often overlooked are Colombia’s vast, unspoiled jungle coastline and natural beauty. There, “ecotourism,” nature-sensitive exploration in biologically diverse foreign ecosystems, is growing steadily.
Those hoping to commune with nature, or merely venture someplace so far “Out of the Office” even a Blackberry can’t interrupt, should consider Parque Tayrona. The park, 16 miles east of Santa Marta, affords an environmentally friendly experience of South America’s untrammeled coast.
For about 20,000 COP (US $10), you’ll have the run of Tayrona’s 15,000 hectares of coconut palm lined beaches and archeological ruins. True to the national motto, “Liberty and Order”, the Colombian government has made the park safe for Westerners after years of rebel activity. So while you don’t need to be Jack Ryan to make it out in one piece, be mindful of lesser perils, like roaming wild life and the occasional falling coconut.
Tayrona’s eastern sector features most of the park’s attractions and tourist facilities. The park’s main entrance, along with a staffed administrative center and Museo Arqueologico, is located at Canaveral. From there, you can make arrangements to visit our favourite destination within the park, Arrecifes. The trek is doable on foot in under an hour, but you should rent at least one horse (US $5 or less) to help carry your belongings.
At Arrecifes, in addition to a beach scene seemingly carved from the massive boulders along the shore, you’ll find two restaurants and low-cost accommodations. There are several unpretentious choices. Guests can pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock, rent a bungalow or, for a premium, stay in an “eco-hut.” The huts are environmentally sound cabanas built inconspicuously within the forest. They provide just enough shelter to let you focus on the wilds around you, and not dwell on whether your hammock is about to capsize. The eco-huts fetch an affordable 60000 pesos (US$ 30).
Before you set out on this adventure, you should know that the rainy periods occur from May to June and from September to November, with peak dry season from December to April. Also, the beaches, while pristine, are host to strong currents and are not safe for swimming.
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For more information contact:
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia.
Email: ecotoursimo@parquesnacionales.gov.co
Web: www.parquesnacionales.gov.co
Phone: +57 2431634
FAX +57 2434174
Ecotourism in Colombia’s Parklands
Upon hearing the words Colombia and tourism in the same sentence, you may expect a punch line involving Escobar’s cocaine or the kidnapping of Western turistas. However, often overlooked are Colombia’s vast, unspoiled jungle coastline and natural beauty. There, “ecotourism,” nature-sensitive exploration in biologically diverse foreign ecosystems, is growing steadily.
Those hoping to commune with nature, or merely venture someplace so far “Out of the Office” even a Blackberry can’t interrupt, should consider Parque Tayrona. The park, 16 miles east of Santa Marta, affords an environmentally friendly experience of South America’s untrammeled coast.
For about 20,000 COP (US $10), you’ll have the run of Tayrona’s 15,000 hectares of coconut palm lined beaches and archeological ruins. True to the national motto, “Liberty and Order”, the Colombian government has made the park safe for Westerners after years of rebel activity. So while you don’t need to be Jack Ryan to make it out in one piece, be mindful of lesser perils, like roaming wild life and the occasional falling coconut.
Tayrona’s eastern sector features most of the park’s attractions and tourist facilities. The park’s main entrance, along with a staffed administrative center and Museo Arqueologico, is located at Canaveral. From there, you can make arrangements to visit our favourite destination within the park, Arrecifes. The trek is doable on foot in under an hour, but you should rent at least one horse (US $5 or less) to help carry your belongings.
At Arrecifes, in addition to a beach scene seemingly carved from the massive boulders along the shore, you’ll find two restaurants and low-cost accommodations. There are several unpretentious choices. Guests can pitch a tent, sleep in a hammock, rent a bungalow or, for a premium, stay in an “eco-hut.” The huts are environmentally sound cabanas built inconspicuously within the forest. They provide just enough shelter to let you focus on the wilds around you, and not dwell on whether your hammock is about to capsize. The eco-huts fetch an affordable 60000 pesos (US$ 30).
Before you set out on this adventure, you should know that the rainy periods occur from May to June and from September to November, with peak dry season from December to April. Also, the beaches, while pristine, are host to strong currents and are not safe for swimming.
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For more information contact:
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia.
Email: ecotoursimo@parquesnacionales.gov.co
Web: www.parquesnacionales.gov.co
Phone: +57 2431634
FAX +57 2434174
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