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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J. Parks, USA, Terra Luna, Aysen Chile 2026
Visiting the Marble Caves has been on my bucket list for some time. With our planned trip to SA ending in Santiago this was the chance I had been waiting for. I started researching how to get to the Marble Caves and stumbled across Andeans Trails and Terra Luna by chance. The more research I did the more this seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. (a shuttle to and from the airport, lodging, food, and other outdoor activities besides the Cave Tour) Plus it had good reviews and seemed reputable. I contacted Andean Trails and Kathy (you) responded immediately, and our conversation continued until we had everything booked and in place. I was extremely pleased at how promptly every question or concern I had was addressed! I was a little nervous about flying to such a remote area where I did not know the language very well. A few days before we arrived our guide Andres sent me a msg that had such a welcoming tone all my fears were erased.
From the minute we landed in Balmaceda until we returned home the trip was magical!!! Part of it was like taking me back to my childhood. A long gravel road I walked often to my grandma’s log cabin in the woods with a wood stove. And so much of the vegetation was the same! I found out Puerto Gaudal is close to the 45th parallel S, and I live on the 45th parallel N! I was like deja vu! (Except for the Andes, GC Lake and Northern Icefield.)
I knew there were other outdoor activities available but I didn’t do any serious research on them, my mind was on getting to the Caves. That lead to a wow moment around every corner! My love of glaciers was rewarded in the trip to Leones Glacier with lunch on the moraine. The horseback ride on Erradica taught me new glacial terms! The time spent in Patagonia NP was very moving, esp Doug Tompkins grave. The hike to the Confluence and the waterfall was awesome. The fossil bed hike was challenging but Andres took his time with us and was so encouraging. Well worth the effort to get there!
To sum this up: Andean Trails very nicely made my dream to see the Marble Caves come true. They were easy to work with, replied promptly and did everything they could to make sure the trip went smoothly.
Terra Luna – A hidden gem in the heart of Patagonia! the lodging - wonderful, the scenery - breathtaking, the activities – invigorating , food – delicious, staff – top notch (every single one), Phillipe – so welcoming, Andres – (guide) top notch!
The only critique would be Terra Luna needs to clean the hot tub. It is a beautiful tub, beautiful view and the water was hot but the boards were a little slimy. Overall the place was awesome and I give them 99.9 rating.
JoAnn
JoAnn Parks, Dec 2025 » Terra Luna Lodge In Aysen, Patagonia
Veera Raghavan, US, Tailor Made Patagonia, Dec 2025 The highlight was the El Chalten Full-Day Trek with family to Laguna de los Tres. It was a very strenuous day trek, but the beautiful views up to Fritz Roy and the iconic shot of the two lagunas at the top made the trek totally worth it. We wanted to visit Patagonia and found Andean Trails with options from easy to difficult, covering both Argentina and Chile. The family had a blast with both the day hikes. Overall organization was impressive, and we really liked the Perito Glacier kayaking. The vegetarian lunch options were excellent, with plenty of protein.
Veera Raghavan, US » Lodge-based Patagonia Hiking Trip
