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…
…with Product Manager, Cat We are delighted to be launching a new and revealing Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America. Our debut blog begins with a feature on Product Manager Catrin Davies, who recently enjoyed a special trip to Colombia and couldn’t wait to tell us all about it! YOUR MAIN DESTINATIONS? Bogota, Coffee Region, Cartagena, Isla Baru. HOW DID YOU GET THERE? Avianca direct from London, on a new Dreamliner plane. All flights within Colombia were also with Avianca. FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP? First time…but definitely not the last! FAVOURITE LOCATION? That’s a hard question as everywhere was so different. I loved the unique scenery in the Coffee Region and the serene white sand beaches of Isla Baru, but really I think Cartagena captured so much of the country’s spirit for me. Colombia is one of the…
The vast, variable expanses of this continent’s geography are a big factor in what you might find in your glass on holiday here – Malbec and Merlot for instance grow really well in some regions of Argentina, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon do best in Chile, Tannat is a specialty of Uruguay, and Chardonnay and Moscato Branco do really well in the south of Brazil. So where, then, are the best regions to head to for finding a quality Latin drop? Argentina Argentina’s northern provinces, including Salta, Catamarca, Jujuy, and Tucumán shelter valleys with superb views. This region has some of the highest vineyards in Argentina, with some over 3000 meters above sea level. You’ll find Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Tannat as common grape varieties in this region. The southern Cuyo region includes three main provinces: Mendoza, La Rioja, and San Juan. This area makes up the foothills of the Andes Mountains and is the country’s largest wine-producing region,…
Lake Titicaca is the highest and biggest navigable lake in the world, lying at 12,500 feet above sea level and 50 miles across at its widest point. In the distance, some of the highest peaks in the Andes rise up to add a stunning backdrop to this Inca Holyland. Water Ways The lake is split into two national sides, Peru and Bolivia. Taquile Island and Amantani Island in Peru offer tourists the chance to live like a local by the piercing blue waters of Lake Titicaca, but the lake is best known as the home of the Uros Floating Islands and Isla del Sol. Visitors can take a day trip from Puno to any of these islands, or stay the night on Amantani and Taquile with a local family homestay. Taquile Island Isla de Taquile textiles are renowned for their quality and colours, so much so that UNESCO has recognised their artfully…
Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Medellin offers way more than just good weather. The second biggest city in Colombia is a place where contrasting factors live harmoniously. You’ll experience the natural frenzy of a cosmopolitan city, just to have it fade away in minutes as you marvel at a skyline that reaches for the heavens. Museums are found throughout Medellin, and even though the city’s history may be a harsh one, the people are not; in fact, Medellin is home to some of the friendliest people you will have ever meet, not only in Colombia but in the entire world. Some say the bliss point is the perfect blend of salt and sweet; this city, you could say, is exactly that. So, with that in mind, there are an array of things to do in Medellin to suit every taste. Here we list our Top 10 Things to Do…
