Showing posts with label south america. Show all posts
Showing posts with label south america. Show all posts

Friday, July 31, 2015

Best time to go to Peru

Having previously written about the Highlights of Peru, the best times to visit Peru, in this order, are:

1) April & May: travelling during this season you will avoid the busy summer months.  It is also the dry season but because it is right after the green (wet) season, you would get plenty of flowers blooming

2) September & October: travelling during these months you are again avoiding the busy summer months.  As you are further into the dry season, your chances of getting rained on are slim.  And with Inca Trail permits going on sale in February, your chances of scoring a permit are highest for these months as you are able to book months ahead of time.

3) June, July, August: these are busy summer months as families with children in school are forced to travel during these months.  As this is in the middle of the dry season you will be almost assured of good weather.  

4) November - March: this is the wet season.  It is not a great time for trekking (in fact, the Inca Trail is closed in February), but it is a fine time for sightseeing.  The crowds of summer are gone and landscapes are lush and green.

If you want to trek the Inca Trail, you should book at least 5 months ahead of time in order to get a permit, and even further ahead of time for popular months (June through October).


Related posts
Highlights of Peru
Inca Trail & its alternatives
Interesting Peru Articles
Best hikes, walks and treks in South America
Peru Reading List

Friday, September 12, 2014

Highlights of Colombia

Fantastic scenery, combined with Latin and Caribbean vibes, make Colombia one of the hottest destinations in Latin America.  From snow-capped mountains to white sandy beaches and from deep jungle to splendid colonial towns, this is one destination not to be missed.  The best time to go to Colombia is the dry season from December and March or in July and August.

The capital Bogotá is where most trips begin - a cosmopolitan city with many cozy cafes and interesting museums.  Don't miss the chocolaterias lining the beautiful colonial streets of La Candelaria, the Gold Museum and the fine views from the top of Mount Monserrate.

Bogotá is the hub of many trips into the country.  To the south you will find the beautiful colonial town of Popayan, nicknamed the White City for its beautiful white-washed houses.  it is a relaxed town with a large student population, many cafes, museums and galleries and a great Tuesday market.  Nearby Parque Puracé offers many waterfalls, lakes, trails and colourful sulfurous pools, as well as a variety of flora and fauna, including the Andean condor.

Cali is Colombia's liveliest city and known as the salsa capital of Colombia.  So put on your dance shoes, or, if you are after something a little quieter, enjoy the old Bohemian neighbourhood of San Antonio.

West of Bogotá lies Manizales, a friendly town in the midst of Colombia's coffee growing region.  Enjoy some great outdoor activities, including trekking through the wonderful landscapes.  Of course you can stop anytime and sample some of the world's finest coffee, including fair-trade brews.

To the east of Bogotá is the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira, carved out of solid salt, which can house over 8000 people.  Get there via a set of twisting tunnels, en-route passing chapels which each depict a scene from the last days of the life of Jesus.

Villa de Leyva, in the Andean foothills to the east of the capital, is a wonderfully well-preserved colonial town of white-washed houses and cobblestone streets.  Wood-framed windows and balconies loaded with flowers are a true joy to behold.  Don't forget a visit to the traditional farmer's market which offer some great local food.

Turning northwest from Bogotá we reach the delightful town of Guatapé, in a gorgeous setting on a lake amidst beautiful rolling hills.  On weekends, the waterfront boardwalk gets busy with local vendors selling art, food and souvenirs.  Nearby El Peñón de Guatapé is reminiscent of Rio's Sugarloaf mountain and offers amazing views from the top.

From its drug-tortured past, Medellin has gone through an amazing revival and now boasts some of Colombia's finest parks, museums and architecture.  Nearby Santa Fe de Antioquia is the oldest town in the area with many narrow streets, colonial houses and a great daily market.

Reaching the Caribbean, you come to one of the finest colonial cities of Latin America, Cartagena.  A UNESCO heritage site, it is surrounded by thick walls and houses many old churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions.

From Cartagena you can visit the Rosario Islands for a day and enjoy the lovely beaches and some fine snorkelling, along with beautiful views of the blue waters of the Caribbean.  Alternatively, visit the town of San Jacinto or the Totumo Volcano, which, instead of lava, is filled with mud.

Far to the east of Cartagena, and not too far from the Venezuelan border, you can engage in a challenging 5-day trek through crystal-clear rivers, deep jungle and beautiful valleys, finally arriving at Ciudad Perdida, the 'Lost City'.  Rediscovered in 1975, it was built between the 11th and 14th centuries.  The only way to get there is on foot and its isolation and overgrown state affords it an air of mystery.

As a wonderful finale to your tour of Colombia, travel to the place where the mountains drop to the sea and visit Tayrona National Park, with its wild and unspoiled beaches, reached only by jungle trails.  A haven for wildlife and birds, this is the ultimate Caribbean get-away!

Related posts:
Colombia photo board on Pinterest
Inca Trail and alternatives
New trips in the Americas
Best hikes in Latin America
Adventure trips of a lifetime

Villa de Leyva, Colombia



Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Which animals are where in the Galapagos Islands

A few weeks ago I wrote about the best time to go to the Galapagos Islands, and where to go on your adventure cruise in the Galapagos.

If you are looking for specific animal species, here is where you can find them:
  • Red footed booby - year round; Genovesa, Darwin, Wolf, Floreana, Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal
  • Blue Footed booby - year round on most islands
  • Nazca booby  - year round and best seen on Genovesa, Española and Floreana
  • Frigatebird - year round on North Seymour, Floreana, Isabela, Genovesa and San Cristóbal
  • Flightless cormorant - year round, nests July - October.  North & west coasts Isabela, east coast Fernandina
  • Greater flamingo - year round on Floreana, Isabela, Santiago, Rábida and Santa Cruz
  • Galapagos penguins - year round, nests May - January.  Fernandina and the west coast of Isabela
  • Waved Albatross - year round, nests April - June.  Española Island
  • Galapagos Green Turtle - December - June on most islands
  • Giant Tortoise - year round in the wild on Isabela, Pinzón, Pinta, Santiago, Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Española.
  • Land iguana - year round on Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Española and South Plaza.
  • Marine Iguana - year round on most islands
  • Lava lizard - year round on most islands
  • Sea lions - year round, breeds May - January; all islands
  • Humpback whale - July - September around Bartolomé and Española 
Try to include Fernandina, Isabela and Española in your itinerary. They offer a lot of the different species you can see on your adventure cruise in the Galapagos Islands.  Rábida (Jervis) and Santiago (James) offer the best snorkeling in the islands.

Galapagos Topographical Map - Wikipedia



Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New trips in the Americas for 2014

In North, Central and South America we have some great new trips for 2014. 

In earlier blog posts I wrote about new walking and hiking trips and new cycling trips for 2014.  For less active cultural trips, we offer some great small-group tours.  Below is our lineup of new tours in Europe for 2014.  For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.


The US Northwest: some of the most rugged and iconic landscapes in the US are found in the American Northwest. This vast untouched wilderness offers a pristine habitat for wildlife and is also of great geological interest. We stay in historic lodges in the heart of Glacier, Yellowstone, Mt Rainier and Olympic National Parks. The lodges are perfect bases in which to relax after active days spent in the outdoors, before stepping out the next morning straight back into sublime surroundings.

Argentina, Chile & Bolivia: this once in a lifetime tour takes in the staggering natural and cultural wonders that Argentina, Chile and Bolivia have to offer, as well as cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. There are few sights greater than the world?s largest salt flats, one of the highest geyser fields in the world, the colossal Iguazu Falls, and the wind-carved landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama! There's also plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities as we visit World Heritage Sites, parks and wetlands, plus the chance to experience life on an authentic 'Gaucho ranch'.

Highlights of Nicaragua: from the twin peaks of Ometepe Island to the ashen slopes of Cerro Negro Volcano, the 'Land of Lakes and Volcanoes' is a great way to escape the crowds. Travel through misty cloud forest, full of birds, wildlife and the sweet smell of orchids, and to isolated Pacific beaches where nesting olive ridley turtles arrive en masse (in season). We also have time to enjoy colonial Granada and revolutionary Leon; rustic, charming cities.


Explore El Salvador: delve into the unassuming beauty of El Salvador and discover why this is one of the hidden gems of Central America. This trip gives you a sumptuous taste of life in this fascinating country, taking you from the lush nature reserves near Ahuachapan, to the charming colonial streets of Suchitoto and the buzzing capital of San Salvador. Sail onto brilliant blue lakes, hike among rich birdlife in spectacular national parks, and discover the Cerro Verde volcano. Walk down cobbled streets and admire colourful houses in a nostalgic small town, and discover a flourishing arts scene hiding behind old colonial doors. Then, bask in the hipster vibe of San Salvador’s bar and café scene and get immersed in a city bursting with energy and contradictions. There are plenty of things to love about El Salvador, and this trip reveals some of the best.

Hawaii: oh Hawaii, you tropical, sun-blessed beauty. Be swooned by the sun, romanced by the people and lulled to sleep by the waves crashing on coral reef. Spend the days lazing on white sands, exploring active volcanoes or catching some gnarly breaks. And come night-time, hit up an evening luau on the beach, where campfires burn, traditional Hawaiian fare is served and moonlight dancing takes the centre stage. Hawaii is everything you have ever been told about it – incredible landscapes, irresistible beaches, delectable food and an unmistakable island vibe. It might just be your perfect slice of paradise.

In earlier blog posts I wrote about new walking and hiking trips and new cycling trips for 2014.  For less active cultural trips, we offer some great small-group tours.  Below is our lineup of new tours in Europe for 2014.  For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Best hikes, walks and treks in Latin America

I have done lots of treks, hikes and walks in South and Central America and the Caribbean.  From high altitude Andean treks to low-level Patagonian hikes, here are some of my favourite experiences in the Latin American world of adventure travel.

1) Peru - approaching the magnificant ruins of Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail is one of South America's great adventurous trekking experiences.  On this alternative trip we spend a few days deep in the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the Inca Trail itself. Our high and remote route skirts many of the range's great peaks, adding a fantastic mountain dimension to the classic Inca Trail.

2) Chile - without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of Torres del Paine, is to hike up to the base of the Towers of Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, offering some fantastic views across the park. The last part is a bit of a scramble but your reward at the Mirador is a staggering vista of sheer granite peaks.

3) Argentina - The Fitzroy range in Patagonia is less known than Torres  del Paine but offers similar incredible scenery and views along with a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. And you can try your hand at Tyrolean river crossings, glacier walking and ice climbing!

4) Argentina - Tierra del Fuego has some of the most striking scenery on the continent.  Hike through dense beech forests and past giant beaver dams to glacial lakes, climb a mountain for views of the ocean, or walk along the shores of the Beagle Channel, taking in the fresh sea air and spectacular landscapes.

5) Northern Peru - Trekking around the Huayhuash Range makes for one of the world's most spectacular mountain circuits, rewarding you with unequalled views of its turquoise glacial lakes, jagged snow-capped peaks and stunning hanging glaciers that extend thousands of metres from the peaks.

6) Galapagos - walking is a great way to discover the Galapagos Islands, with its changing volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife.  Trek Isabela island, one of the last remaining habitats of the giant Galapagos tortoise, and home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife.

7) Ecuador - the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' is liberally sprinkled with some of the world's highest volcanic peaks.  The country is small enough to combine serious volcano climbing with cultural highlights such as markets and colonial towns.

8) Venezuela - towering above the tropical savannah stand the bare cliffs of Venezuela's tepuys. On a classic six-day trek you reach the summit of Mount Roraima, a maze of blackened rock and babbling streams harbouring a unique eco-system full of unusual plants including rare carnivorous species.
9) Costa Rica - Rincon de la Vieja National Park is regarded as one of Costa Rica's hidden gems. Hike through tropical forests to waterfalls, bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and hot springs and watch howler monkeys, sloths and many of the birds present here.

10) Guatemala - the central highlands around beautiful Lake Atitlan are a true paradise for walkers. Hike through traditional Indian villages, coffee plantations and cloud forest as you climb peaks which offer staggering views.  Delve into the local culture and find out more about the Mayan Indians who live in the highlands.


11) Cuba - there are plenty of great hikes in this island nation.  Walk from farm to farm to get a real insight into the lives of campesinos (small-scale farmers), enjoy the limestone cliffs of Viñales rising from the tobacco fields or walk to the Comandancia, Castro's mountain hideout.



Hiking in Viñales, Cuba





Friday, September 13, 2013

Adventure Trips of a Lifetime


Having been blessed to have traveled through nearly 100 countries, you often ask me what the best adventure trip is I have ever done.  So here is a top-ten of trips, in no particular order, I think everyone interested in adventure travel should do in their life:
  
  1.  National Parks ofthe West –the mountains of Yosemite, stunning Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley and the awesome Grand Canyon – this USA South-West trip is a gem.  We have a walkingtrip too.
  
  2.  Essential Peru - the mysterious Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu in its incredible setting, spend the night in an island homestay, and the stunning Colca Canyon.   Want to hike the Inca Trail and upgrade your hotels?  Check out this adventure in comfort: Classic Peru.
  
  3.  Falklands, SouthGeorgia & Antarctica – the best trip, the best ship, the best guides, the best time for the ultimate expedition cruise.  Looking for a shorter trip? - maximize yourtime in Antarctica.
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  4.  Botswana Explorer – the best safari with the best guides and done in the most intimate way – best of all, no single supplements.  E-mail me for dates and rates.

  5.  Kiboko Safari – showcasing all the best parks in East Africa – ask me how you can get a great deal and still see the famous wildebeest migration.

  6.  Egyptology – as of writing this (SEP2013) not a safe destination, but what would a top-ten list be without it?  On this trip you will be guided by real Egyptologists and stay in 5-star hotels for a great price.  See the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings in style!

  7.  Best of Italy – the classic highlights of Italy in a 2-week trip.  If you want to experience more variety like stunning coastlines and small villages, ItalyUncovered is my best bet.  Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria, Venice, the Amalfi Coast - they are all waiting for you!

  8.  Ganges, Taj andRaj visits two of my favorite Indian sites – the Taj Mahal and Varanasi - India in a nutshell.  If you want to do all of India in one trip, including Kerala, check out our IndiaExperience.

  9.  Best of Cambodiaand Vietnam - Angkor Wat is a must-see and can do easily be combined with Vietnam.  This trip runs in the opposite direction as well.

  10.Imperial Chinaand Yangtze River Cruise is arguably our best China trip as it covers Beijing, Shanghai, the Terracotta Warriors and so much more.   If you have only two weeks, pick this adventure trip, or this trip with upgraded hotels.

Adventure Travel of course goes beyond these destinations too.  The world is your oyster - email me to arrange your own perfect holiday!