Kenai, Alaska, is a captivating destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience. Situated on the Kenai Peninsula, this charming town offers stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Fishing enthusiasts flock to the Kenai River, which is famous for its world-class salmon runs.
Guam, a vibrant island territory in the Western Pacific, offers travelers more than just sandy beaches and turquoise water. As the largest island in Micronesia, Guam has a dynamic past that’s shaped its present. Evidence of ancient Chamorro settlements can be found at sites like Latte Stone Park, where limestone pillars dating back over a thousand years stand tall.
Veracruz, Mexico, is a vibrant port city rich in history and culture. Founded in 1519 by Hernán Cortés, it is Mexico’s oldest city, and its historic center, with its colorful colonial buildings and bustling Zócalo, reflects its deep historical roots. Visitors can explore the impressive San Juan de Ulúa Fortress, a massive colonial-era fort that once served as a prison and a key military base.
Bhaktapur, located just east of Kathmandu in Nepal, is a city where time seems to slow. Famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, it is often called a “living museum” due to its abundance of temples, palaces, and courtyards.
Photo Credit: Photo by Michael Jerrard on Unsplash
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Whale
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Iguana
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Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Galapagos Tortoise
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Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Albatross in flight
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A male Magnificent Frigatebird
Photo Credit: Photo by Andrew Turneron Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by Lieutenant Elizabeth Crapo, NOAA Corps. Wikimedia
Galapagos Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis urinator
Photo Credit: Photo by Judy Gallagher from Wikimedia
Galápagos lava lizard
Photo Credit: Photo by Peter Wilto from Wikimedia
Swallow-tailed Gulls
Photo Credit: Photo by suecan1 from Wikimedia
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.
A popular destination for South American cruises, you’ll find plenty to see and do on each island. Sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and the infamous Galápagos tortoises are just a few of the many indigenous wildlife that make these islands home. Favorite spots for animal watching include Tortuga Bay, Reserva El Chato (a tortoise reserve), and Parque Nacional Galápagos. Venture to San Cristóbal Island and Isabela Island for the archipelago’s best snorkeling or trek up the Sierra Negra volcano, the only Galápagos volcano accessible to hikers, for panoramic island views. Unwind in the island’s picturesque towns, including Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil, and be sure to sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and fresh seafood dishes.
Discover your next adventure in the Galápagos Islands!
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.