While on a Galapagos tour or an Antarctica cruise you can literally trip over the wildlife if you’re not paying attention. However, we can all use a little advice on spotting those elusive or skittish species. Having a great guide during your travels is always key, but here are a few other helpful tips to practice when on your wildlife adventure. 1. Get up early — turn in late. Dawn [...]
Hidden within Guatemala’s El Peten jungle is Tikal, the largest ruined city of the Maya Classic Period. The site encompasses at least 3,000 buildings including temples that loom above the forest. It consists of nine groups of courts and plazas built on hills above surrounding swamps, all interconnected by bridges and causeways. Before its decline, Tikal was home to an estimated 100,000 Maya. In 1979, Tikal and its surrounding park [...]
Spanish a bit rusty? You and me both. In general, Spanish is used throughout Latin America – but you’ll definitely encounter dozens of other languages too. On a Belize trip or Guyana tour you’ll find English as the official language, with other languages spoken in varying regions. For example, along the coast you’re most likely to hear Creole spoken. Spanish is the main language in Belize towns that border Guatemala [...]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olfq5APGHr4] If you’ve been on an Argentina tour or Uruguay trip chances are you’ve passed the mate. Yerba mate is a hot drink made from a blend of herbs, much like a tea. It contains caffeine, herbs and proteins as well as hot water. But it is much more than a simple drink; sharing mate is a social experience. It is typically prepared by one, but shared by many and [...]
A little local legend, compliments of the Amazon… The Chullachaqui is a shape-shifting gnome found in the Amazon Rainforest. According to local legend, Chullachaqui lures people into the Amazon by taking on the shape of their friend, an acquaintance or an inconspicuous child. The unassuming confidently follow the crafty Chullachaqui deep into the Amazon, never to be heard from again. While able to take on any shape, human or animal, [...]
On Peru’s classic Inca Trail tour, travelers hike in altitudes ranging from ~ 9,000-14,500 ft. The highest campsite is ~ 12,000 ft. Altitude affects people differently and until you have visited an area with high altitude, it is impossible to predict how your body will react. Hiking trips should include at least 3 days at high altitude with mild activities before you begin your trek. This time allows your body [...]
Since October I’ve received at least a hundred newsletters highlighting great travel deals, flight discounts and specials promoting the idea of gifting trips to my friends and family. I’ve watched ‘Travel’ appear in top-ten gift guides on numerous blogs. Just last week the Wall Street Journal featured a luxury Antarctica cruise on the Le Boreal as the gift of choice from a business leader to his lucky sister. Gifting travel [...]
From the stark and stunning Atacama Desert, to its legendary Patagonia peaks, a Chile tour provides an outdoor playground for adventure enthusiasts and offers a landscape that seems tailor-made for the active adventure traveler. There is no shortage of options to actively explore Chile and here are five of our favorites ways to do just that. Whitewater Rafting Rafting Chile’s Futaleufu River is recognized as one of the top whitewater [...]
The Galapagos Islands are located at the Equator so there is not a lot of seasonal variation. Air temperatures tend to run in the 70s-80s year round, making the islands a great place to visit at any time. However, the month of December brings seasonal changes to the Galapagos. Here are a few highlights on what you can expect during a Galapagos tour in December: Warm: Warmer season begins and [...]
