Swakopmund, Namibia

This pleasant coastal town of palm lined streets, seaside promenade and some good beaches also offers many wildlife and adventure activities.

Sandboarding, dune carting, parachuting, hot air ballooning,  bird watching and wildlife cruises are available in Swakopmund and near by Walvis bay.

Swakopmund has a holiday feel about it and is very popular with Namibians who flock there during the summer and at weekends.

The cooler coastal climate offer relief from the intense heat of the interior.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

The granite spires of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park are one of the great draws to Patagonia.

The Horns of Paine and the Towers of Paine look down on a network of valleys and lakes punctured by the odd glacier, which are a trekker’s paradise.

There are two classic treks, the Paine W and the more challenging Paine Circuit.

As well as the spectacular scenery the flora and fauna are great attractions and you will find many herds of guanacos as well as rheas, the odd Pudu – a rare miniature deer.

And if you are lucky, even a puma.

Tower (Genovesa), Galapagos

Flung way out to the north of the archipelago, this spectacular island is a Galapagos in miniature.

Its remote location meaning very few people make it this far.

Sea lions, sharks and Flightless Cormorants will no doubt accompany you on snorkels in deep waters as well as close to the beautiful, white-sand bay.

A multitude of birds nest at Tower, and it’s the only place you’re sure to see the Red-Footed Booby, as well as the chance to spot petrels, owls, gulls and more.

Trinidad, Cuba

Trinidad, with its Spanish architecture, beautifully preserved cobbled streets, brightly painted colonial style houses,  tiled roofs and fine palaces is one of the loveliest cities in Cuba.

The main square, Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by colonial buildings and small bars and restaurants and the open air Casa de la Musica is a wonderful cultural experience.

Trinidad has been a World heritage site since 1988.

Nearby is Sugar Mill Valley, a former sugar plantation area, Playa Ancon, a beautiful beach with snorkelling options and Topes de Collantes national park. Here, you’ll find numerous trails for hiking at all levels, in beautiful natural surroundings.   

Vineyards of Chile

Chile is home to world famous wines and vineyards.

Its wine country surrounds the Metropolitan region of the capital, Santiago, making visits easy.

Many wineries can be visited as day trips from Santiago or there is the option to stay in a winery or hotel in the wine country.

The Colchagua Valley, a 3-hour drive from the city, has become a popular destination with a good offer of hotels in and around the town of Santa Cruz.

There are opportunities for visits to the wineries with tours of the production facilities and tastings. Mountain bike and horse back rides are also an option.

This part of Chile’s is also the heartland of Chiles rural traditions and the Chilean Huaso – cowboy and its traditional dances and music.