Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely.
Borgarfjörður, nestled in the heart of West Iceland, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The fjord, surrounded by dramatic mountains and lush green landscapes, provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. One of the highlights of the area is the magnificent Hraunfossar waterfalls, where crystal-clear water cascades over lava fields into the Hvítá River, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Colca Canyon, located in southern Peru’s Arequipa region, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in some areas. What makes it stand out even more is how human settlements have coexisted with the landscape for centuries. Along its walls, pre-Inca agricultural terraces still hold crops like corn and quinoa. One of the main draws of the canyon is the opportunity to see Andean condors in flight.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lahaina, Maui is the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and was once the site of a whaling village. This popular tourist destination is now a cultural center perfect for fine dining, visiting Hawaiian art galleries, whale watching, and immersing yourself in this region's rich history.