…with Product Executive, Hannah In the next instalment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, Product Executive, Hannah Finch describes her amazing journey to Ecuador. From Quito’s historical marvels and Otavalo’s colourful markets to the natural wonder of the Ecuadorian Amazon and rich wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, her adventure was a mosaic of experiences. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Ecuadorian Amazon, Quito, Otavalo and the Galápagos Islands. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? From London to Quito, via Miami – with American Airlines/British Airways. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? (IF REPEAT, WHAT WAS DIFFERENT THIS TIME?) First time, it’s somewhere I’ve wanted to go for years and was so magical to be able to take my son. FAVOURITE LOCATION? The Galápagos Islands, they are just so unique and so well protected it’s incredible. It felt like we’d gone back in time, everything – the terrain,…
The idea behind the ‘Big 15’ concept is to showcase how important and valuable the Galapagos Islands wildlife truly is. Though there are different opinions on which animals should be included in this by no means comprehensive list, it’s a great starting point for learning about the island’s wild side. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, this archipelago is renowned for its unique biodiversity. See which iconic animals make the cut, and be inspired to make your personal wish list for a Galapagos wildlife safari! Giant Tortoise These gentle giants are perhaps the most famous residents of the Galápagos Islands. They can live for well over 100 years and weigh up to 64 stone! Blue-footed Booby These seabirds are known for their bright blue feet, which they use in elaborate courtship displays. They are excellent divers and feed primarily on fish. Galápagos Hawk These apex predators…
…with Latin Team Leader, Charlie For the newest installment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, Team Leader and Travel Specialist Charlie Mason shares with us the highlights of his marvellous multi-centre trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Quito, Galapagos, and the Amazon. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? I flew into Quito via Houston with United Airlines. And then flew on to the Galapagos and Coca (Amazon). FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? Repeat, this was my second time in Ecuador and Galapagos. Last time I did a land-based stay in Galapagos whereas this time on a cruise. I also visited Mindo cloud forest, Cotopaxi, and Antisana Volcano as day trips which are places I didn’t manage to visit on my first trip. I Have also visited Amazon in Bolivia so it was good to see the…
Nestled in the Pacific Ocean over 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador lays the archipelago which gave Charles Darwin his revolutionary theory on evolution: the legendary Galápagos Islands. Having evolved in unique ways over thousands of years, its isolated wildlife is known amongst biologists and adventurous travellers as some of the most diverse on the planet. Let’s take a look at some of the wild endemic delights to be found in and around this amazing chain of islands. Giant Tortoise The name Galápagos is derived from an old Spanish word referring to the tortoise’s saddle-like shape, and they have become internationally known as the symbol of the islands since, with an estimated 20,000 living there now across fifteen different sub-species. They can grow over 4ft long and weigh over 40 stone, living on average to 150 years old. There is even a tortoise gifted in the 19th century to the…
Imagine a continent with over 300 national parks to choose from, ranging from rugged rocky peaks to palm tree-lined beach forests! To help narrow such an astounding choice down, we have handpicked ten of the most incredible national parks in South America to help you get started. Argentina Tierra del Fuego National Park This 245-square-mile park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Argentina’s only coastal national park. Just outside the park’s border you’ll discover Puente Quemado (“the burned bridge”) and Macarena Waterfall, plus the Pipo River, which flows into the park and runs alongside the peat bog, giving the Laguna Negra (black lagoon) its colour and name. Inside the park, sits the sixty-five-mile-long Lake Fagnano which offers views of Andes Mountains. Los Glaciares National Park At a whopping 2,800 square miles, this is the largest national park in the country and another one on UNESCO’s list. As the park…
A magnet for wildlife lovers and a region tied to the very roots of natural history, the Galapagos remains one of the world’s most inspiring destinations. Whilst the draws of the Galapagos are clear, the logistics of how to experience the archipelago may not be. Below we look at some of the questions you will need to ask yourself whilst considering a trip to the Galapagos. Cruise or Land Based? The first thing to consider is whether you want to explore the Galapagos primarily by sea or by land. Cruising options allow visitors to explore the furthest and most remote corners of the archipelago whereas travelling by land and ‘island-hopping,’ will give greater focus to the beautiful landscapes whilst staying in comfortable hotels in the main towns. Both options have strong advantages so the choice should be purely based on preference, although some consideration should be afforded to combining the…
