eWire
January 13, 2006
O.A.R.S Announces its 2006 Lineup of New Adventure Packages
Adventure Travel Media Source
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Outdoor Adventure River Specialists (O.A.R.S.)
CONTACT: Steve Markle
TEL: 209-736-2407 ext. 716
E-MAIL: stevem@oars.com
WEBSITE: http://www.oars.com
Click here for Media Kit.
ANGELS CAMP, California—Understanding that today’s travelers are seeking anything but a quiet vacation, Outdoor Adventure River Specialists (O.A.R.S), has introduced a stellar line of 2006 packaged vacations from South America to California, that incorporate just about everything to do outdoors with some of the best rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport adventures in the world.
“We haven’t lost sight of our roots as a pioneer of whitewater rafting; we are just expanding our offerings to incorporate more cultural, eco-tourism and multi-activity experiences in order to meet our clients increasingly diverse demands,” states George Wendt, who founded O.A.R.S. in 1969 as the first oar-powered, small raft outfitter in the Grand Canyon.
The California-based company, has announced its new line-up of 2006 Adventure Packages which include multi-sport and rafting vacations in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Alaska and California. Mindful not to stray too far from its core of rafting and sea kayaking, O.A.R.S has masterfully incorporated international adventure, cultural experiences, and a diversity of activities into its impressive array of new adventure destinations.
New international trips:
• O.A.R.S has fashioned an island-to-island itinerary in the enchanted Galapagos Islands that is carefully orchestrated around the natural habitat and its bizarre animal species in their Galapagos Multi-Sport. The company has creatively included a full menu of environmentally-friendly adventure activities including snorkeling, sea kayaking, hiking, biking, horseback riding and even surfing. A typical day (if you can call it that), on this nine-day trip can include swimming with sea lions and marine turtles, fraternizing with blue footed boobies, a beachside lunch, then paddling to Leon Dormido to snorkel with hammerhead and white tipped reef sharks and dozens of species of tropical fish. Before it’s all said and done, you’ll have hiked in the El Chato Reserve, mountain biked through the highlands, explored Isabela Island (the largest in the archipelago) on horseback, and dined and sojourned at some of the finest, if not legendary, establishments in the archipelago.
• If you’re poised to embrace a region, O.A.R.S’ eight-day Ecuador Multi-Sport trip was crafted on the premise of complete cultural immersion. Aside from exploring mainland Ecuador while hiking, biking, and horseback riding, travelers discover vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, ancient Inca ruins, native markets and accommodations that are anything but typical. Lodging ranges from a 16th century French baronial mansion and charming cabins overlooking the Pastaza River Valley, to a traditional hacienda and spa resort amidst the cloud forest. Like every O.A.R.S itinerary, this one includes whitewater rafting on the Jatunyacu River, famous for its big waves and stellar jungle scenery.
• Exploring Peru predictably includes walking the ancient paths of the archeological treasure that is Machu Picchu. But in terms of predictability, that’s as far as O.A.R.S’ Peru Multi-Sport goes. The company has taken this ever-popular destination and crafted what they hail to be “one of the most diverse multi-sport programs found anywhere.” One glance at the itinerary swiftly backs this claim. Following a full day of tours at Kricancha Temple and the nearby ruins of Kenko, Pucapucara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman, you’ll find yourself on the Class III and IV rapids of the Urubamba River, winding through the Sacred Valley. A bike tour of the Maras Salt Pans and the impressive archaeological complex of Moray, perhaps best known for its circular agricultural terraces, precedes a pleasant tour through the scenic country-side to the small village of Maras. Here travelers visit a local chicheria where natives brew chicha, a milky corn-beer that pre-dates the Incas. Further exploration of the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and the notable Pisac Market nearly wraps up the 10-day trip, but not before a day and half visiting the Lost Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
• A drive across the Andes is a fitting start to O.A.R.S’ 10-day Futaleufu Multi-Sport. The Adventure Center Lodge serves as base-camp to raft the world-renowned Futaleufu River, which is among O.A.R.S’ Seven Whitewater Wonders. Guests are eased into the trip with moderate mountain bike ride alongside the pristine waters of the upper Rio Espolón, before touring the river itself, and some mild rapids, in sit-on-top kayaks. These calm waters serve as a prelude to the following day’s exposure to what the O.A.R.S’ staff affectionately calls a “whitewater insta-epic.” Capable guides will take guests down five miles of class IV rapids from the Zapata swinging bridge to the Puente Futaleufu, Chile’s most sought after section of whitewater. Once again, O.A.R.S has masterfully intertwined a lengthy list of outdoor sports - horseback riding, canyoneering, rappelling, hiking, kayaking, swimming – with world class whitewater and downtime meant to be spent exploring the area’s culture, cuisine and well-kept secrets.
New stateside trips:
• The Kongakut River Expedition in Alaska provides travelers with the rare opportunity to visit what is thought to be “truly the last great prehistoric wilderness in North America.” Guests will venture deep into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, paddling the upper Kongakut River toward the Arctic coastal plain with plenty of time for long day hikes or casting a line for char. Home to grizzly bears, foxes, musk oxen, and wolves, the refuge is also one of the best spots in the Arctic to witness the migration of the Porcupine Caribou herd. This trip affords wildlife enthusiasts the rare opportunity to explore an area that is perpetually threatened by ever-encroaching oil-exploration, and an opportunity to learn more about why we need to protect this fragile arctic region.
• The California Multi-Sport vacation package takes travelers to places where O.A.R.S. guides and employees live and play every day of their lives. In 1974 O.A.R.S. founder, George Wendt relocated his growing company to the Sierra Foothills because he loved the area and could run day trips on the beautiful Class III Stanislaus River. Over 35 years later O.A.R.S. has crafted an itinerary that introduces guests to some of their favorite wild places, while allowing them to experience the area that the O.A.R.S team calls home. From rolling golden hills of poppies, quaint Sierra wineries and giant Sequoias to some of the best single-track riding and whitewater rafting in the state, this is quintessential California at its absolute finest.
For a free copy of the O.A.R.S. catalog or all new DVD and for more information on these, or any of the company’s unique rafting, sea kayaking or multi-sport adventures, call 800-346-6277, e-mail mailto:info@oars.com, or visit www.oars.com.
Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has been setting the standard in adventure vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on the most legendary rivers, coastlines and mountains in the world. O.A.R.S. provides fully catered rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport adventures throughout Western North America, South America, and the South Pacific, accommodating travelers with flexible creativity, sterling service and, most importantly, safety.
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