Floreana is the least populated Galapagos island and yet home to its most scandalous tales!
Gossip aside, it is home to Post Office Bay, where a post barrel was erected in the late 18th century by English whalers. Passing sailors took the messages onwards – and it still functions today.
The nearby Devil’s Crown is one of Galapagos’ most special snorkels.
A (at times strong) current pushes you past the remains of a submerged volcano with its crater ‘horns’ still exposed, and you’ll see a brilliant array of colourful fish and corals.
Great viewpoints at Asilo de La Paz and Baroness view, too.
Cuba’s capital city, Havana, lies in the north of the island and has a population of 2 million.
It appears you have been whisked back in time as you jostle with the old Chevvies and Cadillacs on your way through the city.
Some of the city’s highlights include the restored colonial architecture, the promenade El Malecon, El Prado avenue and the historic Plaza Vieja with a wide range of bars and restaurants.
There are interesting museums and galleries and many picturesque streets worth wandering through. You’ll find plenty of markets selling crafts, jewellery, clothes and books.
Being Cuba of course there is no shortage of live music and dance venues to cater for all tastes.
The mighty roar and spectacle of the Iguaçu Falls cannot fail to impress the visitor.
This vast network of falls, the largest in the world, straddles the Brazil – Argentina border and is within touching distance of Paraguay.
More than 80% of the Falls are on the Argentina side of the border, but it is from the Brazilian side you get the vast, panoramic view and the wonderful photo opportunities.
There is also a walkway that takes you to the lower base of the Devil’s Throat Falls – not for those that want to stay dry!
Ingapirca (meaning wall of the Inca) is just an hour from Cuenca and is the most important Inca archaeological site in Ecuador.
The site is in good condition and consists of a main elliptical building thought to be a sun temple, with typical Inca features such as trapezoidal doorways and niches.
There are Inca trails leading to and from the site, so you can visit on a day trip or incorporate a visit as part of a trekking itinerary.
You can travel here from Cuenca, or make it part of a trip from Baños to Cuenca.
Isabela is the largest and one of the youngest Galapagos islands, and its small human but enormous wildlife population make it perfect for cruises and hotel-based visits.
It also has a mile-long, pristine white-sand beach, with some small and cool bars to hang out in with some sundowners.
Must-do’s include Sierra Negra volcano and its active caldera, head to Los Tuneles to snorkel face-to-face with sharks and turtles and spend some time looking for penguins at Las Tintoreras.
Isabela is great for adventure and families alike.
For cruises only, Punta Vicente Roca is a lovely snorkel, and Urbina Bay is a top spot for wild giant tortoises and colourful land iguanas.
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Lesley Rafferty, Scotland. Tailormade Ecuador and Galapagos, April 2026 What an amazing holiday I had in Ecuador and the Galapagos. Everything ran so smoothly from flights, to pickup transfers, to hotels. Casona de la Ronda was characterful. La Jimenita was lovely with its own nature trail. Hacienda Alegria was absolutely fantastic. Only person staying there, and the owner Gabriel made me feel like one of the family. Wonderful horseriding every day in the foothills of the Andes. So peaceful. Galapagos cruise (Solaris) was also fantastic. Snorkelling twice a day off the pangas. Wildlife everywhere - a feast for the eyes. Sea lions, Galapagos penguins, turtles, iguanas, small sharks, octopus, manta rays and so many different fish. Great group and just the right number (16). El Monte Sustainable Lodge was lovely and so peaceful. Had a great trek to some lovely waterfalls with a guide and saw lots of birds. Throughout the holiday, all food freshly cooked. Thank you so much for organising this trip.
Lesley Rafferty » Solaris First-Class Galapagos Motor Yacht
Gail Robertson, Scotland. Tailormade Patagonia, April 2026 We had a great trip. Certainly lived up to expectations. We had a bucket list of places to visit, especially Patagonia. Tom put together our trip based on our list. Friend recommended Andean Trails. We did look at other travel companies but liked the idea of a bespoke trip organised for us. Tom did a great job. It’s difficult to pick one highlight, but probably our stay in El Chalten. The weather there was glorious and autumn colours beautiful. Hotel was nice, all the walks we did we enjoyed. Atacama was pretty special too. Overall, the landscape and scenery were amazing. Guides were all great, as was organisation. Everything went to plan. Any query dealt with promptly. We particularly valued having the local contacts who kept in touch throughout. We feel we benefitted the local people by using local guides, visiting museums, markets, eating out in restaurants, staying in independent hotels etc. We had an amazing trip, Tom. Thank you. We would certainly recommend Andean Trails. We are already thinking about our next trip!!
Gail Robertson
