Otavalo is a city in Ecuador’s Imbabura Province, set in a high Andean valley surrounded by mountains, farmland, and volcanic landscapes. It is best known for its Indigenous Kichwa population and its long-standing textile and craft traditions. The city sits between Imbabura and Mojanda volcanoes, with the peaks of the surrounding Andes visible from many parts of the valley.
Dorrigo National Park lies on the escarpment of northern New South Wales, about an hour from Coffs Harbour, where subtropical rainforest covers steep valleys and high country. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protecting plant communities that preserve links to ancient forests. Its elevated position creates broad views toward the Bellinger Valley and the coast, while dense forest keeps many walking tracks cool and shaded.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is one of the most iconic and glamorous coastal destinations in the world, attracting visitors from all over the world. Stretching along the southeastern Mediterranean coast of France, it is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque towns such as Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.
This cliff-side town with it's iconic hanging houses is a true marvel! Walking the steep cobblestone streets surrounded by medieval architecture, you'll feel like you've stepped into a storybook.
Photo Credit: Photo by Sterling Lanier on Unsplash
A relatively recent addition to Costa Rica's list of national parks is Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to its namesake Tenorio Volcano as well as its taller sister, Miravalles Volcano, also the highest mountain in the Guanacaste Mountains.
The unique combination of this rugged volcanic landscape, combined with the surrounding tropic forests set the stage for a variety of hot springs, geysers, bubbling mud pools, and the one-of-a-kind Rio Celeste, famous for its sky blue color. It's also an ideal habitat for endangered felines, such as ocelots and the jaguars, and a diverse bird population.
Other Popular Destinations in Costa Rica
Monteverde
Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a town in northern Costa Rica, located in the San Carlos region at the base of Arenal Volcano. It is known for rainforest landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and outdoor activities connected to the surrounding mountains and rivers.