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Cebu Daily Tours

Private half day or full day tours that can match your interest and sense of adventure

Southwind Travel and Tours

"Inter-island tour specialist"

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Why Southwind?

• We are the Latin American Experts! We began as an inbound tour operator in Peru in 1979 and have over three decades of experience hosting individuals, families and groups throughout the continent! We are established specialists of nature, cultural and adventure tours in Latin America.
• We pay competitive commissions on base land costs for all our Signature and custom programs. Review our travel agent sales policies .
• A Southwind Adventure offers the Best Value! If you compare our small group size, high quality tours and personalized service with that of other high quality, well-known companies, you’ll find that our programs provide the best value for your clients’ vacation. In addition, we offer money-saving early bird discounts up to 10% of land costs!
• We will help you find the right trip for your clients! We know Costa Rica, Panama, the Andes, Amazon, Galapagos, and Patagonia intimately. Our Travel Consultants can help match your clients’ interests and abilities to the perfect Southwind Adventure, or we can design a private trip for as few as 2-3 travelers.
• Details count to make a Southwind Adventure more than just a tour! Southwind will go beyond the surface to give your travelers an insider’s perspective and exclusive access. Whether it’s tasting boiled potatoes in a Quechua farmland, playing soccer with village children, visiting a private museum or watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu, our staff goes the extra mile to assure that your clients have the best possible travel experience!
• We have served travelers from all over the US and Canada! Our list of satisfied adventurers continues to grow. Please let us know if you or your clients would like to speak with some of our former travelers or group organizers and we will gladly send you specific references.

Our Mission

Let’s work together.

• Provide a brief introductory telephone or Zoom training for agents interested in learning more about Southwind Adventures and our destinations.
• A Southwind representative can attend a client directly at your agency to speak and make a PowerPoint presentation to prospective travelers.
• Provide press releases and images for agency newsletters, flyers and other marketing materials. Southwind maintains an online library of 15,000 images.
• Provide discounts to Certified Travel Advisors or Agents interested in traveling with Southwind. Please join us! Our flexible attitude enables us to on occasion offer Fam trips in coordination with agents’ main interests and needs.
• We are willing to partner in travel shows, virtual events or other promotional efforts.

Exploring the Thrills of 4 Wheeling in the Hills Surrounding San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

San Juan del Sur, nestled on the southern Pacific coast of Nicaragua, is not only known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but also for the exhilarating adventures it offers. While many visitors flock to this coastal gem for surfing and beach activities, a lesser-known but equally exciting experience awaits those seeking an something different: 4 wheeling in the hills surrounding San Juan del Sur. With rugged terrain, breathtaking vistas, and an abundance of nature, this off-road adventure is a must-do for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The hills surrounding San Juan del Sur boast a diverse and scenic landscape that sets the stage for an unforgettable 4 wheeling adventure. As you leave the sandy shores behind, the terrain transitions into a patchwork of hills, lush forests, and picturesque valleys. The region’s undulating landscape presents both beginners and seasoned off- roaders with thrilling challenges and rewarding experiences.

For those seeking an off-road escapade, numerous guided tours and rental options are available to explore the hills surrounding San Juan del Sur. Seasoned guides lead adventurers through a network of challenging trails, ensuring safety and providing insightful information about the region’s flora, fauna, and local culture.

The 4 wheeling routes cater to all skill levels, with options ranging from leisurely rides along scenic paths to more demanding trails that push the limits of both man and machine. As you make your way through the hills, be prepared to traverse steep inclines, rocky paths, and muddy patches, immersing yourself in an adrenaline-fueled journey that showcases the raw beauty of Nicaragua’s countryside.

One of the highlights of 4 wheeling in the hills surrounding San Juan del Sur is the opportunity to witness breathtaking panoramic views. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the vistas unfold, revealing a mesmerizing tapestry of rolling hills, emerald-green forests, and the shimmering Pacific Ocean in the distance. Take a moment to pause, soak in the natural splendor, and capture stunning photographs that will forever remind you of this unique adventure.

Furthermore, the hills are home to a rich biodiversity, providing glimpses of Nicaragua’s vibrant wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for native species such as howler monkeys, colorful birds, and elusive reptiles as you navigate the winding trails. The 4 wheeling experience in San Juan del Sur is not just about the thrill of the ride; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the unspoiled beauty that surrounds you.

While indulging in the excitement of 4 wheeling, it is vital to maintain a respectful and responsible approach towards the environment. Always stick to designated trails to minimize your impact on the fragile ecosystems. Avoid littering and ensure that you leave no trace of your visit. By adhering to these practices, you can contribute to the preservation of the region’s natural beauty, allowing future generations to enjoy the same awe-inspiring experiences.

San Juan del Sur, with its captivating blend of natural wonders and exciting activities, offers a 4 wheeling experience like no other. As you explore the hills surrounding this coastal town, prepare yourself for an adventure that combines the thrill of off-roading with the serenity of nature. The breathtaking views, rugged trails, and encounters with native wildlife will leave you with memories to cherish. So, buckle up, embrace the excitement, and embark on a 4 wheeling journey that will forever remain etched in your heart.

Southwinds travel is a transportation and excursion company based in San Juan Del Sur dedicated to meeting the needs of vacationers and locals alike for all their transportation needs in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Read more

Useful Links

Support links.

• Carretera San Juan del sur, km 139, San Juan del Sur 48600, Nicaragua
• [email protected]
• +505 8867 2336

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Visit Lobnya

Check lobnya hotel availability, popular places to visit.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

• Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

• St. Basil's Cathedral

Think of Russia and you probably picture this iconic building, whose onion-shaped domes overlook the Moscow skyline.

• Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

• Lenin's Mausoleum

Mourners and curious visitors stream to the grave to see the embalmed Vladimir Lenin, the famous revolutionary and one-time leader of the Soviet Union.

• Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy

Learn about the events happening at Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy during your trip to Moscow. Wander the parks and gardens while you're in the area.

• Cities near Lobnya

• Places of interest
• Lobnya History Museum
• Chamber Stage
• Crocus City Hall
• Moscow City
• Crocus Expo Center
• State Historical Museum
• Armoury Chamber
• Arbat Street
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Victory Park
• VEGAS Crocus City
• Ostankino TV Tower
• Minin and Pozharsky Monument
• Russian White House
• Triumphal Arch
• Moscow Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences

• Moscow Tours
• Customized tours
• Moscow for kids
• Evening activities
• Moscow evening activities
• St Petersburg evening activities
• Day trips out of Moscow
• Golden Ring tours
• St Petersburg tours
• Russian tour destinations
• Package tours
• Moscow highlights
• Travel Tips
• Upcoming group tours
• Moscow events

Suzdal in winter

Draft itinerary:

07.15 -  8.56 am - train to Vladimir from Kursky train station  09 am - meeting with a guide and the driver 09.30 - 11 am Walking through meadows or going on a horse sled (for extra fees) to see ancient Pokrova-na-Nerli Church of the 12 century located on the Nerl river among picturesque meadows. 11.30 - 13.00 Sightseeing tour of Suzdal. Visiting Suzdal Kremlin 13.00 - 14.00 Lunch in a traditional Russian house 14.00 - 15.30 Sightseeing tour of Suzdal. Visiting the museum of wooden architecture 16.00 - 16.30 Medovuha tasting A quick stop in a shop to get some snacks for the train 17.59 – 19.40 Train back to Moscow Tour cost: 7800 RUB per person  Minimum group size: 8 people Included: round trip train tickets, museum admission, transportation by mini-van in Vladimir and Suzdal and between, guide service, lunch, medovuha tasting Not included: transportation to and back from the train station in Moscow, horse sleigh ride.

Ideas for a second day

We'll be happy to offer you more options if you choose to stay over a week-end. Below are a few ideas of what you might do:

• Visit a friendly animal farm in Suzdal, play with domestic animals,  sit on a real oven and try bow and arrow shooting. You might also take a bread-making master-class  
• Take a walking tour around Vladimir and visit the Assumption cathedral, famous for Andrey Rublev frescoes  
• Paint Russian matryoshka  
• Forge your own nail at the acting smithy in Vladimir,  and learn more  about the profession of the smith

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Lubyanka: Inside the Story of Moscow’s Infamous Building and District

Published: June 15, 2021

There is always history surrounding us. In a city like Moscow, this can seem overwhelmingly apparent. Moscow has many imposing buildings from many eras – some are immediately recognizable and others only invite wonder as to what stories lay behind their beauty or grime.

Lubyanka is the name commonly used to refer to the building that has historically housed the security services of the USSR and modern Russia, from the Cheka to the KGB to the FSB. The name has also, for a much longer history, been applied to the adjacent square and surounding neighborhood.

The Lubyanka Building

by Alyssa Rider

The building now known as Lubyanka was originally several buildings.

The two largest were originally designed by Alexander Ivanov and were separated by a street. The largest of these two was built in 1898 and the smaller in 1902 by the All-Russia Insurance Company. Insurance and banking were rapidly growing and profitable industries at that time. Insurance companies would often invest their substantial cash holdings in real estate. Thus, most of the buildings were built as residential and the space was rented for profit.

Perhaps ironically, the original, much more ornate façade of the main building included two female figures representing Justice and Solace.

The buildings were seized following the 1917 revolution and became the headquarters for the secret police – the Cheka at the time, though it has served in the same role for the various iterations of the Soviet, and now Russian, state security services – from the OGPU and NKVD, the KGB, and now the FSB.

Lubyanka prison was established in 1920 inside a two story structure adjacent to the main buildings. It had originally been a hotel built, again, by the All-Russia Insurance Company. It was soon expanded to six floors. Jokes referred to it as the “tallest building in Moscow,” as one could purportedly see Siberia (and the Gulag system) from its basement, as that was the fate that awaited most that saw the inside of the prison’s walls.

In 1940, Aleksey Shchusev was commissioned to enlarge the complex to accommodate the increasing amount of staff required to handle the Great Purge. The staff had grown from 2,500 in 1928 to nearly 34,000 in 1940.

An extra floor was added, and the main building expanded horizontally, consuming and incorporating nearby buildings. This expansion was interrupted by the Nazi invasion, leaving the facade lopsided until it was completed under the orders of Yuri Andropov in the 1980s.

The building now contains FSB headquarters, a group of holding cells, the headquarters of the Border Guard Service, and two museums: one devoted to the KGB/FSB and one dedicated to the old prison (neither is actually open to the public).

The Museums Inside the Lubyanka Building

The museums offer regularly updated exhibits, both historical and modern. The Museum of the KGB, now known as the Historical Demonstration Hall of the FSB of Russia, is located inside the Lubyanka complex, and contains four rooms and over two thousand exhibits.

Exhibits cover the history of Russian and Soviet counterintelligence, and there are documents from the times of both Peter and Catherine the Great, as well as the Napoleonic War and WWI. There are separate stands with information on events relating to mass repressions, as well as a room dedicated to WWII. The museum also includes a significant amount of technical equipment that has been used for reconnaissance and counterintelligence purposes, as well as more recent documents relating to FSB operations.

The prison museum has never been open to the public and is maintained only for FSB personnel and high-ranking government officials. The “Demonstration Hall” was opened to the public in 1989. Accessing it was still difficult, as it is located inside the FSB complex and tours were offered almost exclusively through private tour companies and only after screening potential visitors. In recent years, the tours became rarer and today this museum, too, is officially closed to outside visitors.

Lubyanka: Fountain, Statue, or Abstract Nothing?

The names were not the only thing that changed. In 1835, a fountain was installed on the square. This fountain was called Nikolsky Fountain (its name borrowed from the same gates mentioned above), and was designed by the Italian sculptor Giovanni Vitali and supplied potable water to the neighborhood.

Nikolsky Fountain is one of the oldest in Moscow, and it still stands, but no longer on Lubyanka. It was moved in the 1930s to a new location in the courtyard of Alexandrinsky Palace in Neskuchny Garden, part of the Gorky Park complex in central Moscow.

In 1958, a 15-ton iron statue of Dzerzhinsky, known as “Iron Felix” was installed in its former place on Lubyanka. This statue, in turn, was toppled in a public demonstration after the fall of the Soviet Union. It was transferred by the Russian Academy of Arts to the Muzeon, also known as Fallen Monument Park, to be joined by many other Soviet statues removed or toppled at that time.

In 2017, a general renovation of Lubyanka and the surrounding traffic patterns was announced by the city. It was debated if the fountain or even Iron Felix should be brought back. In the end, however, the space was enlarged and landscaped with flat, circular geometric shapes. The space, used and undecorated, remains largely unused.

In 2021, another effort to bring back the statue was proposed by the modern Communist Party in Moscow. The mayor initially agreed to allow the issue to be voted on in a referendum, but soon reversed his decision and killed the initiative.

The Solovetsky Stone

The Solovetsky Stone is a monument located across the street from Lubyanka Square in a separated area known as Musuem Park. It was created in commemoration of the political prisoners who were repressed under the GULAG system.

The Solovetsky Stone is a large granite block brought from the Solovetsky Islands, where the Solovetsky Special Purpose Camp operated in the 1920s and 1930s as part of the GULAG system. It was officially opened on October 30, 1990.

Founding such a memorial had become a matter of public discussion a few years earlier, in the late 1980s. The Memorial Society, now a globally-respected NGO, began a petition with the goal of creating a monument of political repression in 1987, and in 1988, a Public Council for the creation of such a monument was formed. A contest was also held in 1988, wherein people could submit their monument ideas and suggest locations, but a winner for this contest was never chosen.

The specific stone idea came from a memorial created in the village of Solovetsky in 1989 by former Solovetsky prisoners, many of whom stayed there after their release, and members of the Memorial Society. Members of the Society from Arkhangelsk, St. Petersburg, and Moscow liked the idea so much that they acquired boulders to place in their own cities.

The opening of the Moscow memorial on served as a triumph not only in its own right, but also marked the first official recognition of the Day of Victims of Political Repression since that day began to be recognized by dissidents in 1974. Every year on this day, people now gather near the Solovetsky Stone to mourn. Since 2007, a practice called the ‘Return of Names’ has taken place on the 29th from 10 AM to 10 PM – people from across the city gather in a long line to take turns reading the names of Muscovites who were executed. Similar actions take place in many other cities and even other countries, on this day or the next.

The Solovetsky Stone has also become an unofficial site for civil protest, serving not only as a memorial but as a symbol for modern-day political dissonance.

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About the authors

Katheryn Weaver

Katheryn Weaver is a student of rhetoric and history at the University of Texas, Austin. Her primary areas of investigation include revolution and the rhetorical justification of violence against individuals, state, and society. She is currently studying Russian as a Second Language with SRAS's Home and Abroad Scholarship.

Program attended: Home and Abroad Scholar

View all posts by: Katheryn Weaver

Alyssa Rider

Alyssa Rider, at the time she wrote from this site, was a rising senior at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, majoring in Russian Studies and International/Global Studies with a minor in History. She planned to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland, in the fall, to study Russian, as well as a few other things. While she first became interested in Russia because of the language, she also developed an interest in LGBTQ rights in Russia. She also hoped to work as a translator.

Program attended: Online Interships

View all posts by: Alyssa Rider