The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests and its complex biodiversity constitutes the largest collection of living plants and animal species on the planet. According to scientific data the Amazon region is home to millions of insect species, thousands of trees and plants, and around 5,000 kinds of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The majority of the rainforest is contained within Brazil, with 65% of the rainforest, followed by Peru with 14%, Bolivia with 10%, Colombia with 6%, Ecuador with 3%, with minor amounts in Venezuela and Guyana as well. Each of these countries offers several options to experience the Amazon rain forest first-hand.

With its immense diversity of natural sights and opportunities for unique tribal exploration, the Amazon enables travelers to enhance variety of activities – from hiking and kayak exploration of the rainforest to community-based tribal tourism.

Whitewater, Wilderness & Wildlife

Putting national barriers aside, experiencing the diverse beauty of the Amazon and embarking on adventurous expedition to the most remote parts of the rainforest is a life-changing experience. One of the countless possible routes you could take in your exploration is in the Peruvian Rainforest. Travelers may choose to departure from the shores of Lake Titicaca - the lake is considered by many South American cultures to be a sacred site and a location of legendary figures - to drive across the altiplano, pass over the high Andes, then drop down into the cloudforest and then the rainforest to the Rio Tambopata. Rafting along the RioTambopata river will soon leave all traces of modern civilization behind and open up an entirely new world of wilderness, pristine jungle and wildlife. This region has been called the largest uncut, unhunted, unlived in section of the Amazon remaining today by National Geographic magazine, and this trip is remote and wild, as well as challenging.

If you are a more naturalist persona, visiting the Tambopata Research Center should be on your must-see list. The TRC Amazon jungle lodge is probably one of the most remote rainforest lodges you can find in South America, and since it sits along the Tambopata River deep in the Tambopata Reserve, many who raft the Tambopata from above stop at the TRC on their way back to civilization. Due to its remote location, the area is populated with endangered wildlife and attracts many researchers and naturalists. This Amazon jungle lodge is one of the best locations for in depth exploration of the nature and wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon, and it allows visitors to visit one of the largest clay licks in the Amazon, a region that attracts hundreds to thousands of macaws and parrots every day.

Experiencing the incredible natural sights of the Amazon by kayaking through the breathtaking waterways of the Calluacocha Lake is another route you can consider for your Amazonian exploration. The Calluacocha Lake, located deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon is surrounded by 40,000 hectare natural wonders and diverse wildlife. Such an unique Amazon kayaking experience will enable you to explore the wildlife sanctuary and experience the amazing biodiversity firsthand by travelling across the breathtaking waterways around Calluacocha and Pañacoch.The waters of the lake will enable you to explore the very heart of the Amazon Rainforest.

Cultural Authenticity & Tribal Tourism

The world's largest rainforest is literally bursting with life - the Amazon is not only home to diverse wildlife and ecosystems of unique beauty, but also to over 1 million indigenous people. There are over 400 tribes in the Amazon Rainforest and each one has its own territory, language and culture. Tribal exploration is probably one of the most authentic, adventurous and unique ways to experience the Amazon. Not all tribes have contact with outsiders, but some of them are very open and welcoming to travelers who are interested in experiencing their culture and way of life.

One of the tribes that has opened up for outside visitors in recent years is the Huaorani Tribe -situated in the Ecuadorian rainforest this indigenous people have been welcoming travelers for several years now and enabling them to experience the true authenticity of the Amazon. The ecolodge is situated on the banks of the Shiripuno River in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, in one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world which forms part of the planet’s largest remaining tropical forest. The Lodge exposes visitors to an astounding range of plants and animals and provides the unique opportunity to interact with the ancient Huaorani tribe.

The Huaorani are considered to be one of the most isolated ethnic groups in the world - the tribe had no contact with the outside world until 1950s and there are still clans of this tribe that refuse any contacts with outsiders. The Huaorani Ecolodge was created as a part of a community-based tourism project and has enabled travelers to experience the tribal lifestyle of this otherwise isolated from the modern world community. A trip to the Huaorani Ecolodge allows for adventure travelers not only to experience the natural diversity of the Amazon, but also to interact with the local indigenous people and learn from their ways of life.

Another tribal exploration to be considered is the Kapawi EcoLodge and Reserve - one of the most remote, ecologically responsible and culturally sensible ecolodges in the world. The Ecolodge is located near the Peruvian border, deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon and is surrounded by nearly two million acres of pristine rainforest.

The ecolodge is a part of a community-based tribal tourism project and is run by the local tribe - the Achuar people who lived in the Ecuarodian Amazon for over a century. In the early 90's the Kapawi Ecolodge began working in sustainable management of the resources, conservation of the natural environment and preservation of the ancestral culture of the Achuar community, on who's territory the ecolodge is located. The Kapawi Ecolodge takes its guests to the local communities, where they get to interact with the local tribe and experience the Achuar culture first-hand.

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]]> Thu, 16 May 2013 15:44:13 +0000 layna-george To me, traveling isn't just about being in a new place.  It's more about experiencing a new community, interacting with people, and learning about the way other people live.  It's also about investing in and giving back to their community.

Tourism is a cultural exchange, but it's also a business.  You can make sure that your money stays in the community and helps the individuals you meet.  Shopping with local artisans, staying at locally owned hotels, and traveling with a local guide helps the community you're visiting immensely.

And you get to meet some amazing people.

In the north of Ecuador, just near the Colombian boarder, there is the small community of Salinas.  This area is so different from the rest of Ecuador, from everything I've seen so far.  It's very dry and hot, and it's a community of Afro-Ecuadorians.  A slave ship crashed off the Ecuadorian coast in the 1500s, and the would-be slaves escaped.  They fled up into the mountains to avoid being caught, and settled in Salinas.

The area around Salinas is hot and dry, and full of sugar cane fields.

The community is very poor, but there are a few entrepreneurs who are working very hard to change that.  There is a train that travels from Ibarra to Salinas, bringing travelers into the community.  There are some very dedicated people who are developing small businesses in the area to attract travelers.

I am so impressed with the passion, skill, and dedication they are bringing to their businesses.

Acosiasion Ceravic

A group of ladies in La Victoria (just outside of Salinas), have been developing their ceramic business for two years.  They create, fire, paint, and sell their pottery in La Victoria.

Acosiasion Ceravic

Selling their ceramic art is the hard part.  Their community is off the beaten path, so they don't get many visitors to their workshop.  And traveling to sell their pottery is a challenge.

Community owned commercial kitchen in Salinas

In Salinas there is a group of families that have invested in a commercial kitchen.  There they make blackberry syrup, piña colada, ice cream, and lots of other tasty treats.  A few years ago, 40 families participated in building the commercial kitchen, now just 4 families are using it.  People dropped out for various reasons, mostly the length of time and the amount of initial investment it took to get the kitchen operational.  But people who stuck with it are finally seeing a return.  The piña colada was delicious!

Arte Negra

Arte Negra is a collective of artists making masks.  They have a thriving shop, and some very talented artists.

Stand up Paddleboarding the Pacific, Nuqui, Colombia

A few years ago I discovered the sport of SUP through a friend who works for Werner Paddles, and I immediately saw it would be a great addition to some of the trips we sell in Latin America, as SUP is easy to learn and a lot of fun. It is also a great way travel, as it involves moving slowly and silently across the water while offering a great vantage point for looking both into the water and out onto shore. Standing up to paddle is also a very appropriate way to travel in many destinations, as for many people in the world standing up to maneuver a water craft with poles or paddles is a traditional means of travel. Every time I SUP at home in Montana, or on a trip somewhere, bystanders ask me if they can give it a try; everyone I've seen try it has loved it.

Jascivan Carvalho SUPing the Pacific in Nuqui, Colombia, with a traditional water craft in the foreground

I started talking to Jascivan Carvalho of Tropic, Journeys in Nature, about adding SUP to some trips in the Galapagos and before I knew it I was on my way to Ecuador for some exploratory paddling. Jasci is a surfer and sea kayaker, and he fell in love with SUP right away. We started by paddling with the Huaorani at the Huaorani Ecolodge deep in Ecuador's Amazon Basin, where Moi Enomenga and friends showed us how natural it can be to paddle standing up (the Huaorani made SUPing look even easier than it is- not surprising since they used to standing up and poling in round bottomed, tippy dugout canoes). Paddling the Shiripuno River was a fantastic experience, and standing up on a paddleboard allows the paddler to look out over the banks to take in jungle sights in a way a kayaker can't even imaging. Paddling standing up on a nice stable paddleboard is as close as most of us will come to traveling in the Huaorani way - standing up in narrow dugout canoes.  SUPing just feels right when paddlng in the Amazon, as it is a nice mix of modern sport and ancient transportation method. We don't currently have any SUPs at the Huaorani Ecolodge, but hopefully we will add some soon.

After paddling in the Amazon, Jasci and I then took the SUPs to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, where we paddled with sea lions, pelicans, and boobies. From there we went over to Isabela Island to paddle the beautiful bay in front of town, passing over sea turtles swimming a few feet below us, and where we tried to catch some small waves.  Since that trip we've been offering the Ultimate Galapagos Adventure with Stand UP Paddleboarding run by Tropic for two years now, with SUP available as an activity on many of our Galapagos Multisport Adventures. Jascivan has become a big SUP fan and he wants to add SUP to many inland itineraries in Ecuador as well. Keep your eyes out for those new itineraries.

Stand up Paddleboarding near Frigate Hill, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands

We have 8 NRS Big Earl inflatable SUPs and Werner Carve paddles in the Galapagos Islands (the only boards available in the Galapagos), where we have used them on trips around San Cristobal Island for a few years. The Big Earls are pretty stable but also pretty fast for inflatables, making them good boards to cruise around the islands, and Werner paddles are just the best-made paddles we've ever seen. This year we are moving 6 of the Big Earl's to Tropic's new paddling base on Floreana Island, where paddling in the bay is a fantastic spot to learn to SUP and to view wildlife from the board. I hope to get down there in September to do some paddling myself as I haven't paddled Floreana yet. Updates on the new programs to come.

Jascivan Carvalho Stand Up Paddleboarding San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands

Last summer, Paul Cripps of Amazonas Explorer in Peru came to Montana, and the Detour crew took him on Montana's Blackfoot River for some fun low-water whitewater paddling. We had a blast, and Paul, an adventure junky and whitewater kayaker, was hooked. He now has a fleet of Badfish MCIT inflatable SUPs in Peru, and he is putting together itineraries to use them to offer commercial SUP trips on the rivers and lakes of Peru. The MCIT's are some of the best inflatables made - super stable, yet nimble for running rapids and surfing river waves, but also relatively fast for paddling on lakes. A couple days ago Paul and his Amazonas Explorer team completed a new SUP run on the Upper Urubamba with easy to manage Class I and II water that they feel will be perfect for travelers. Details to come soon.

Exploratory SUP trip on the Apurimac River, Peru with Amazonas Explorer

Exploratory SUP trip on the Apurimac River, Peru with Amazonas Explorer

Last fall, I met up with Paul and Jascivan at a travel conference in Cartagena, Colombia, where Paul and I and some of our friends attempted a bit of SUP surfing at one of the beaches in town while the other conference attendees attended a cocktail party.  Then, after the conference, Jascivan and I headed to the Pacific Coast of Colombia where he has been working on a cool Community Based Tourism project, Mano Cambiada, aimed at providing jobs for local people while protecting the amazing environment and wildlife. There we got to SUP the mangrove forests around the lodge, again standing up like the locals paddle their canoes.  We also got a chance to try some surfing near a small fishing village after touring the village and meeting many of the local participants in the project. The Nuqui area is spectacular, with thick green forests blanketing steep mountains rising out of the dark Pacific Ocean, all dripping with moisture and mist.  The area offers fantastic whale watching, among other wildlife viewing, as well as amazing cultural experiences with the local villagers. I hope the project can grow and become profitable, as visiting is a great experience for travelers, and it provides badly needed income for locals.

California surfer Sebastien Riedel SUPing through mangrove forests, Nuqui, Colombia

Playing in the waves, Nuqui, Colombia

Next month my mission of spreading SUP love continues as I will travel to Belize with an inflatable Badfish MCIT to SUP the Rio Grande River at the Lodge at Big Falls near Punta Gorda, and then I'll head to the coast of Placencia for a stay at Laru Beya, with more SUPing along both sides of the Placencia Peninsula.  I'm also going to get to SUP at French Louie Caye, paddling over pristine coral reef and colorful fish. I have dreams of paddling over the reef, then tethering the SUP to my wrist while I hop off into the crystal clear water to snorkel and hunt for dinner.  Hopefully we can add SUP to some new Belize adventures we are looking to offer. Stay tuned for updates.

After Belize I'm home to do run some whitewater SUP on my Badfish MVP, and to hopefully learn to surf bigger river waves. Paul and Jascivan are both planning to visit Montana this summer, and I feel some great SUP adventures coming on, including paddling Yellowstone Lake and Leigh Lake in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Where have you SUPed? Tell us about your SUP adventures.

My sister Annie and I spent 8 days on board the M/Y Letty.  Our two guides, Gabby and Ceci, were wonderful, as were the rest of the people in our group.  Every day offered a completely different experience.  Not only does each island have a distinct ecosystem, each part of each island is incredibly different with different animals.

Here are just a few of the thousands of photos we took.

Annie (right) and I. It was Annie´s first time snorkeling, and we saw white tipped sharks, sea turtles, and loads of fish at Devil´s Crown.

Annie enjoying the sun, sand, and wishing her life was a little more like the sea lion´s.

Wet landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island

Winged Albatross on Española Island

Playful penguin checking us out.

Blue Footed Booby on North Seymour Island

Traveler’s blogs have become so abundant and diverse, that they could easily eliminate the need for travel guides which are often impersonal and not that informative anyway. Blogs, on the other hand, are interactive and fun, packed full of useful tips and interesting stories. Plus, they are equally suitable for people who want a luxurious holiday, and those traveling on a tight budget. Here we present a collection of 5 blogs we think will be worth your while.

Passport and a Toothbrush

The authors of Passport and a Toothbrush are Matt and Caro, a young Canadian couple. Both of them had perspective jobs when they decided they needed a break from the 9 to 5 routine and ditched it all for a year of traveling around the world. They dream big and their articles ooze energy and youthful spirit. We suggest reading their article on the 5 excuses not to travel if your traveling intentions need a little boost.

Source: Passportandatoothbrush.com

Gridskipper

Gridskipper is a blog about urban travels. While currently on hiatus and looking for a new owner, the blog’s archive is full of useful information and maps of places to visit in a lot of major cities around the world. Articles always have a comical note to them and typically focus on really specific and practical advice - from finding hangover food in NYC to tips on things to do in Macau that are not gambling. As the title of the blog suggests, it’s targeted at people who need to get off the grid for a while.

The Man in Seat 61

Did you know that a single trip from Paris to New York emits as much CO₂ as a car does in a whole year? It’s not surprising then that more people are turning into more sustainable and eco-friendly means of traveling. In fact, eco-travelling is probably the single most popular trend in travel blogs. The Man in Seat 61 is dedicated to finding alternatives to travelling by plane, and at a cheaper price too. The blog features a comprehensive list of advice on how to travel across Europe by train, but overseas destinations are also covered. All you need to do is use the convenient drop-down menu at the main page.

Travelling Naturally

Travelling Naturally is another green travel blog, which tells the story of Dorian and her travels around the U.S. and Europe. Reading her blog you will discover clever ways of overcoming some of the common difficulties you may encounter such as - travelling with smaller children or having a low budget. But more importantly, you will get an insider’s information raging from how to travel responsibly to finding local, organic food and even alternative health care practitioners.

Go Big or Go Home

Go Big or Go Home is a family travel blog that has a very peculiar take on traveling. This family of four opts for sites that are considered to be the biggest of their kind - from more ordinary things like buildings to events (such as the “Largest Oral Hygiene Lesson”) and machines (check out the “World’s largest Van de Graff generator”). Even if the idea doesn’t immediately appeal to you, we suggest giving at least a few articles a try - they have some hilarious stories. And if it does, you should know that they accept articles from guest bloggers, so why not give writing a chance?

We hope that going through these blogs, you will get some fresh ideas and make you next trip an unforgettable one. And if you have a similar list of blogs, don’t hesitate to share it with us!

I’ve been working the week days and exploring on the weekends with my buddy and boyfriend, Pascal, a native French-speaking Swiss.   I mention the language on purpose because even when we go for a bike ride around the nearby lake, we cross through German-speaking villages where even he has trouble asking for more than, “where’s a bathroom? / who sind die toiletten?”

Setting up shop to work for one month in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, I wasn’t sure I would be struck with the same sort of life realizations that have come to me while traveling "work free" in parts of South America and other developing nations.  Like the reminders that we don’t need all our toys to be happy.

Sure, there are the same every day conveniences here (and probably a few more that I've grown accustom to), but there are plenty of differences and "out of comfort zone" moments to gain new perspective and added zest for life!

- How Do You Say ?
It has struck me throughout my entire stay here that in a country almost a tenth the size of the state of Montana, where I live,  you’ll find people speaking 4 different languages with the confidence of speaking their native language in their native country.  Many of whom, know little more (if any) than the basics of communicating with the other three.  It's something we don't really encounter in the U.S (especially Montana).   We might be a melting pot, but everyone comes out expected to speak English.

So, while people here aren't chit chatting with the grocery store clerk (because maybe he/she doesn't speak your same language), there is a kindness I see and a willingness to try to understand or try to speak the other's language.  Much more civilized than the just yell louder method!  And, more motivation to learn a different language!

- Community
Not sure if it's a Swiss thing or a Pascal thing, but gathering for meals with friends/family or even the neighbor is a bi-weekly event.  Someone cooks the dinner; the other brings the wine.  And, there's always time for an apéritif before sitting down to eat.  I live alone and sometimes eating is more a biological requirement than a time to unwind and reconnect.  These evenings have taught me the importance of slowing down and reaching out to connect with those around us.

- Think Creatively.  Mixing Old With New
One of my favorite things about being here is seeing how they mix old (like 17th century old) with new, mostly in regards to architecture and home design.  I've seen old horse troughs used as shelving, gorgeously weathered wood beams out on display, and boldly colored window shutters adding a funky modern flair to the standard facade.   Just like the bright-colored weavings in Ecuador and Peru get me thinking about color,  Switzerland has me thinking re-salvaged parts. Reuse. Recycle.

When you travel life is suddenly filled with things that are new and strange.  Even a trip to the grocery store becomes an adventure in and of itself.   And, this is why we travel.  It stirs us awake.  We return home invigorated by life, no longer phased by the small stuff we used to sweat.  And, hopefully, with a new understanding of life outside of ourselves.

Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Small wonder then that the classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, the best known way to arrive in Machu Picchu, has become so popular that the government has now imposed restrictions on visitor numbers – specifically 500 a day (including tourists, guides, and porters) – and permits sell out months in advance.

There are alternative routes to Machu Picchu, however, that are slightly more off the beaten track, and that don't require permits, meaning you can still do one of these treks even when Inca Trail permits are sold out. Travelers can take these once they have gauged their own fitness and the length of the journey.

Whatever route you choose, however, be advised that it's best to arrive to Machu Picchu in the morning before it gets too crowded.

szeke / People Photos / CC BY-SA

1. Choquequirao to Machu Picchu: Vilcabamba Traverse Route

A walk that covers 60 miles and  that usually takes about a week, this is an incredible trek to see off the beaten path sites, as well as Machu Picchu.  This is soon to be the new classic trek in Peru. Starting in Cachora, a two-day hike takes you past the mile-deep Apurimac River canyon to the secluded ruins of Choquequirao which bears an uncanny resemblance to Machu Picchu itself. The route then continues through the sparsely populated Cordillera Vilcabamba. HIkers cross a mountain range, rivers and valleys, and cut through some of the country’s varied scrub, grassland and tropical forest scenery. The trek ends a short journey away from Machu Picchu.

2. The Lares Route

This trip would take you between three and five days.

Just beyond the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Sacred Valley, viewed every year by countless train travelers on their way from Cusco to Machu Picchu, sits the Lares Valley. Here, you could feel as if transported back in time as you watch Andean hillside dwellers tend the fields in their traditional garb.

This trail passes through several villages and affords you spectacular views of Mount Veronica and several high-altitude lakes. It ends near the historic ruins of Ollantaytambo. Machu Picchu is a 90-minute train journey from there.

titoalfredo / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

3. The Lodge Trek

This new route, which takes between 7 and 11 days, is for climbers who favor an old-fashioned sturdy hike followed by a delicious meal and a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed in lodgings near Machu Picchu. All this, however, comes at a price!

The journey is similar to the Salcantay Route but allows you the privilege of staying in a lodge overnight. A private tour guide and accommodation are usually included in the price of a package tour.

4. The Salcantay Route

The classic Inca Trail is well known for its panoramic vista. But this route is just as impressive. In fact, the 20,500 feet high Mount Salcantay is one of the most venerated peaks and a vital part of Andean religious folklore.

You traverse the beautiful Mollepata Valley before you arrive at Salcantay. From there a subtropical cloud forest converges with an ancient Inca highway that leads to the ruins of Llactapata where you have the most magnificent view of Machu Picchu. Then you walk downhill towards a small train station where a frequent shuttle runs along the Urubamba River to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu.

szeke / People Photos / CC BY-NC-SA

5. The One-Day Inca Trail

The standard Inca Trail trip takes four days, though it’s probably better to do it in five.

Time-pressed travelers, on the other hand, can take a shorter version, starting at KM 104 of the Machu Pincchu train line.

A not insubstantial trek leads to Wiñay Wayna, a spectacular site of dilapidated ruins and terraces that cling to a ridge above the Urubamba River. Hikers then continue walking ahead the same day to Machu Picchu, to enter "the lost city" via the Sun Gate, the dramatic entrance that provides Inca Trail trekkers with their first glimpse of the site. This trip requires a permit and must be booked in advance, so it is not something to decide to do at the last minute.

"The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable: it seems to be a little world within itself."

- Charles Darwin 

These are probably the most famous words ever to be spoken about the Galapagos Islands – much like the revolutionary scientific idea they helped shape, this archipelago of volcanic islands off the shores of Ecuador can inspire a different perception about our world.

The Galápagos Islands are 620 miles from the South American mainland and a world apart from anywhere else on the planet. Sometimes referred to as "the living laboratory" that inspired Charles Darwin and his Theory of Evolution over 170 years ago, they still offer a unique opportunity to explore a somewhat primeval natural ecosystem. Stepping onto the shores of the Galapagos Islands, you feel you have been transported to an alternative universe where the waves of the crystal clear ocean crash onto the impressively beautiful volcanic land and a diverse orchestra of birds, reptiles, mammals, marine life, flora and fauna are organized and arranged on principles of mutual co-operation.

Due to their remoteness and diversity, the 13 major islands of the archipelago allow for active multi-sport exploration – on foot, on wheels or in (or even under) water. The mainlands offer exquisite opportunities for trekking, hiking and mountain biking and the immensely rich and diverse marine life enables travelers to explore the surface and depths of Galapagos Islands by snorkeling, sea kayaking and scuba diving.

Galapagos on Foot: Hiking Explorations

Hiking through the archipelago's surreal landscape is a unique land-based Galapagos adventure, with seemingly endless sights on the varied trekking paths. You can take a volcano trail and explore the vast dry forests where the Galapagos' famous flora of cacti, acacia and cat's claw decorates the land. There are four defined ecological zones on the Galapagos Islands: coastal, low or dry, transitional and humid, and each offers a different glimpse of the unique flora and diverse wildlife of birds.

The volcano trail at the Isabela Island Highlands opens a door to a world of geological wonders, including the active Sierra Negra volcano – a destination that will make even the most experienced adventurers hold their breath at the sight of this powerful natural force. Isabela Island is formed by 6 active volcanoes – Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf, thus making Isabela Island one of the most volcanically active places on Earth.

Another amazing hiking experience is the Tintoreras islet, the mini-Galapagos, where a group of small islands offer a sight of almost all the archipelago’s iconic wildlife. The diversity of mammals inhabiting these areas is incredible, making this one of the top sites in the Galapagos for visitors. No other place on earth allows you to observe such a diverse wildlife of sea lions, penguins and turtles – all living in harmony and exhibiting extreme tolerance towards man.

Galapagos Marine Exploration: Kayaking, Snorkeling & Scuba diving

Without doubt, most visitors come to the Galapagos Islands to admire the diverse wildlife – from giant tortoises across the highlands to comical blue-footed boobies and yellow-scaled land iguanas. But the marine life and the underwater world of the volcanic islands offers a still richer package of wildlife experiences.

To start exploring the Galapagos' rich ocean life, you can consider every water-related activity from snorkeling to kayaking and scuba diving. Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands is one of the best ways to explore the seemingly endless marine life as you will have encounters with sea lions, penguins, marina iguanas, dolphins, colorful fish and marine turtles, as well as many other aquatic species. Snorkeling enables travelers to glimpse this unique environment and learn about ocean life.

Sea kayaking, on the other hand, offers a different type of experience. Traveling though the bends and inland waterways of the islands tends to hide surprises that would otherwise pass unnoticed. Surrounded by curious dolphins, playful sea lions and even gliding above white-tipped sharks, kayaking is one of the activities you should not miss.

From all the water-related activities you can engage in while on the Galapagos Islands, scuba diving is a must, but only for certified and experienced divers. The diving conditions are a result of six oceanic currents that enable a large diversity of marine life to flourish. Some of the species you encounter underwater could be whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas, seals, crabs, octopus, whales, sea turtles and dolphins. Diving conditions vary with the seasons and the variety of diving sites allow you to choose where you want to go and what you want to see. Diving in the Galapagos is generally difficult due to cold water and strong currents, so this is not a place to learn to dive.

Hello there!

Or

"Waponi", as the Huaorani say (which actually means joy, cool or everything that is positive and beautiful in life).

Or

"Winya jai", as the Achuar people from the Kapawi Ecolodge in Ecuador's Amazon would say.

Or

"Rimaykullayki"! That is how the mountain people of Peru and Bolivia who live near Cusco and Machu Picchu would greet you.

How do we know all this? We have met the Huaorani, the Achuar and the mountain people of Peru and Bolivia. We have been to their homes, shared their food, blown a blowgun with them.

We work with local travel providers. And by doing this we actually help them preserve their culture and their homes. We help them by taking you on journeys to their lands - journeys that are responsible, sustainable and supportive to the local communities.

Now we are going on a new journey ourselves - the journey on social media!

A journey that we also want to share with you, this time online.

We want to create a great community of travelers who love to experience the local culture. A community of friends who care for the local people. We know you are out there and we want to get to know you better and share with you what we all care about.

So join us! Do it now by liking our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter, Pinterest and Google+!

Let the journey begins!

Tourism to biodiverse regions like the Amazon basin can help protect and preserve biodiversity

I agree completely with the former President. Tourism done right can have a number of positive impacts on the world. When the money tourist's spend goes into the local economy (as opposed to going into multinational corporation's pockets), and when the tourism is designed to protect local environments and cultures, it can be hugely beneficial. Additionally, the more people from different cultures learn about each other, the more harmony there is in the world.

On the financial side, tourism can be a huge source of income for developing nations, and people in remote, ecotourism destinations. According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), international tourism accounts for 30 percent of the world's exports of services and it generated US $1,030 billion in tourism receipts in 2011. This constitutes 3–10 percent of GDP in advanced economies and up to 40 percent in developing economies. Tourism supports 7% of the world's workers.

Add to that that 75% of international tourists depart from high or upper-middle income countries, and 40% of these journeys end in developing country destinations. In 2007, foreign travelers spent $297 billion in developing countries; that number will have gone up substantially since then. According to the United Nations Enfironent Programme, tourism is one of the top five export categories for as many as 83% of countries and is a main source of foreign exchange earnings for at least 38% of countries.

On the cultural side, the power of tourism to promote world understanding and harmony is so great that at the Global Ecotourism Conference in Norway in 2007, it was proposed that there should be a Nobel Peace Prize for tourism. I think that is a great idea.

It is also important to remember, however, that tourism done wrong can actually have a negative impact on the planet, it's people, and it's ecosystems. Travel involves burning carbon fuels, which add to global warming, so tourism already starts with a net negative on the planet. Thus, we must choose travel that has enough positives - poverty alleviation, cultural understanding, protection of valuable ecosystems and cultures, etc - to overcome this negative to make tourism a positive for the planet.

We'll have more on this subject soon, but please feel free to leave your thoughts on the value of tourism

You can request private accommodations and you will have to pay a single supplement fee. This applies whether you are camping or using lodges/hotels along the way. Tents and hotel rooms are typically designed for two passenger use.

However, most travel providers give single travelers the opportunity to share accommodations with another traveler. Travelers must indicate that they are willing to share accommodations well before their departure date. With many providers, if another traveler is not found for the shared accommodations, then the single traveler will have to pay the single supplement.

Hotels sometimes have triple rooms, which can be a good option for an odd- numbered group.

The weather in Patagonia can change drastically very quickly.  For that reason, all trekkers should carry a daypack with a waterproof/windproof layer or shell; a light fleece or sweater; and hat.  Also, be sure to layer adequately so you can pare down your layers when necessary.

The weather in Tierra del Fuego is similarly unstable at any season of the year.    Still, the weather is not as severe as people think, since mountains and the sea temper the winds and the temperature.  In summer, the average daytime temperature is is 64°F and 50°F at night. The average winter temperature (July/August) is 34°F.

It's best to check the Center for Disease Control for up to date information on vaccinations needed for each destination.  Overall, if you are in high alpine areas, there are no vaccinations required or recommended.

In the land-based trips, you will overnight on land in a hotel.  There are three towns that can accommodate tourists:  Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz; Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal; and Puerto Villamil in Isabela.  Often, the town and island names are interchangable.

In a land-based trip, you will travel by day to various sites in the Galapagos.  If you go by boat to nearby islands, it usually takes 2-3 hours.  Of course, this will vary according to which islands you're visiting and the calmness of the sea.  You will typically eat your breakfasts and dinners in town; lunch is usually provided while on the tour.

In the yacht-based trip, you will sleep in a cabin on a boat.  Much of the traveling between islands will be done at night, but you will do some boating during the day as well.  You will eat most of your meals on board except maybe when you visit a town (like Puerto Ayora) for a day.

A multisport trip is typically a land-based trip, while naturalist and dive trips are typically yacht-based.  There are certainly a few exceptions to this, such as a single-day dive trip or a yacht-based active itinerary.

On most land-based trips, but you won't see as much diversity because you won't visit as many islands. However, if you're on a multisport trip, you will spend more time outside viewing wildlife while hiking, riding bicycles and horses, sea kayaking, and snorkeling.  Also, a land-based trip is good for those without much time or those who dislike sleeping on boats.

A yacht-based trip can take you to the furtherest sites and you can visit a wider variety of islands.  Some yacht-based naturalist cruises have sea kayaks and SCUBA diving.

With both types of trips, you must stick close to your guide while on touring an island or in the water.  The Galapagos National Park is one of the most protected areas on earth and tourists are not allowed to wander off on their own

On most multisport trips, you will see the famous animals but you won't see as much diversity because you won't visit as many islands. However, if you're on a multisport trip, you will spend more time outside viewing wildlife while hiking, riding bicycles and horses, sea kayaking, and snorkeling.  The multisport trip can be a great option for families (though not for families with small children) or athletic travelers who may need more activity in their vacation.

A naturalist trip is typically yacht-based trip can take you to the furtherest sites and you can visit a wider variety of islands.  You certainly won't be sedentary on a naturalist trip; you will be taking nature walks and have the opportunity to snorkel everyday.  Additionally, some yacht-based naturalist cruises offer sea kayaks and SCUBA diving.

On a multisport or naturalist trip, if you're interested in wildlife, you certainly won't be bored.  The Galapagos is an exciting destination no matter how you explore the islands.

This Island is named after Charles Darwin. The waters around Darwin and Wolf Islands are said to be one of the best diving destinations in the Galapagos as well as in the world. The island itself has an area of 1.1 km and a maximum altitude of 168 meters. On the Island, fur seals, frigates, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions, red footed and Masqued Boobies can be seen.

Underwater you are almost guaranteed to see great spotted whale shark, whales, schools of hammerhead sharks, white tip reef sharks, and galapagos sharks.