Carstenz Pyramid closed for fall as wildfires blanket Papua
Wildfires have forced the closure of Carstenz Pyramid for the season, cancelling fall expeditions. Advisors with Seven Summits clients booked this autumn should expect cancellations and rebooking requests. Outfitters are already moving clients to March and October 2027 departures, so confirm refund and transfer terms now rather than waiting for supplier notices.
The closure is part of a wider climate pattern. A record-intensity super El Niño has not yet peaked. It is already restricting Machu Picchu access through flooding in Peru and driving the Indonesian fires, and it has historically affected the Galápagos and reefs. For departures into early 2027 in Peru, Indonesia, Galápagos and Southeast Asia, review cancellation and insurance terms, offer flexible dates, and put contingency plans in writing.
- Carstenz fall season cancelled; rebooking to March or October 2027
- Machu Picchu access limited by Peru flooding
- Check insurance and flexible-date terms for Peru, Indonesia, Galápagos and Southeast Asia
Intrepid adds 80+ tours for 2027 as Canada demand climbs 46%
Intrepid is adding more than 80 new tours for 2027, covering 50 new destinations, 15 new family trips and five Indigenous-led trips. Close-to-home options include the Yukon, Guanacaste and Matagalpa, plus Mexico.
The operator reports strong North American demand, with Canada up 46% year over year. Advisors have fresh product for clients who want active travel without long-haul exposure, which also helps when weather disruption is pushing people toward flexibility. Family and Indigenous-led departures are the newest lines to pitch.
G Adventures opens 2027 FAM program for Canadian advisors
G Adventures has opened applications for its 2027 FAM lineup for Canadian advisors. It covers six trips: Ecuador, Guatemala (Solo-ish), China, Turkey, Bali/Komodo and Madeira, with Planeterra community visits included.
The operator also points to its G Dollars incentive and agent discounts, so advisors can build product knowledge cheaply and earn rewards. The offer applies to the Canadian market only.
Aquaterra's Garhwal rescue gives advisors a vetting benchmark
Aquaterra Adventures has published a case study of a multi-agency rescue in the Gangotri region of the Garhwal Himalaya. A storm that dropped 6 ft of snow stranded 136 people across several high passes, and 29 were evacuated from Auden's Col.
The operator credits early escalation, satellite communications and four-season tents. Advisors can use those as questions when vetting high-altitude operators. Autumn in Garhwal carries real weather risk, so clients should hold insurance that includes evacuation.
Backroads joins USTOA and pitches active travel to non-athletes
Backroads has joined USTOA, a move that signals a push for advisor distribution and consumer-protection credibility. Its chief experience officer describes active travel as reaching a wider audience than marathoners.
That supports pitching e-bike and multi-tier trips, from casual to luxury, to mainstream clients who may think of cycling and hiking trips as too strenuous.