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.
Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, is one of the country’s most renowned private game reserves. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, it offers visitors a chance to see Africa’s iconic wildlife in an environment that feels both wild and exclusive. The reserve is particularly famous for its sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) often spotted during guided game drives at dawn and dusk.
The Mekong River, one of the world’s most iconic waterways, flows through six countries in Southeast Asia (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam). Stretching over 4,300 kilometers, the Mekong weaves through lush landscapes, villages, and historic cities, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking adventure. Cruising along the river is one of the best ways to explore its wonders, from the tranquil waters of Laos to the floating markets of Vietnam.
Phillip Island, a serene escape located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Australia, is a natural wonderland that entices visitors with its stunning coastal landscapes and unique wildlife experiences. The island is most famous for its Penguin Parade, where every evening at sunset, hundreds of little penguins—the smallest penguin species in the world—waddle ashore to their burrows on Summerland Beach.
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.
Photo Credit: Image by Wanderson Balbino Wand from Pixabay
Photo Credit: Photo by Matheus Oliveira on Unsplash
Praça da Liberdade
Photo Credit: Photo by Thay Pellerin on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Everson Vansoski on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Everson Vansoski on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Everson Vansoski on Unsplash
Brazil's third largest city, Belo Horizonte was founded in 1897. Most of Brazil's gems and semi-precious stones are mined in this area and it is where you can find the best bargains, from aquamarines to imperial topaz. It is just 59 miles from Brazil's most historic colonial city, Ouro Preto.
Other Popular Destinations in Brazil
Amazon Rainforest
Exploring the Amazon Jungle in Brazil is like venturing into the heart of a living, breathing world. The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is a lush, sprawling expanse that teems with extraordinary biodiversity.
Rio de Janeiro
Exhilarating Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant South American destination and cultural capital, abounds with iconic landmarks, beaches, and attractions. Christ the Redeemer, the hundred-foot mosaic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooks the glittering coastline and is instantly recognizable, having become an enduring symbol of the city itself. Its arms stretching wide, the prominent figure beckons you to explore this inviting locale.