South America

The Galapagos Islands offer visitors the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. These unique islands are home to species that can be found nowhere else on Earth, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants. Visitors to the Galapagos can also enjoy plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking. With its diverse landscape and abundance of wildlife, the Galapagos Islands provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers from all over the world.

The Galapagos Islands have a long and fascinating history. It was Charles Darwin’s visit to the Galapagos in 1835 that really put the islands on the map. During his stay, Darwin observed many different species of animals, including finches and iguanas. His observations led him to develop his theory of evolution by natural selection. Today, the Galapagos Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including many species that are found nowhere else in the world. As a result, they are considered to be one of the most important sites for conservation and research.

The Galapagos Islands had alwasy been on my South-American bucket list… and in 2016 when my then-partner and I were planning a trip to South America, I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford a trip to the Galapagos on a cruise or organised tour, which is typically how people experience the Galapagos… but I was determined not to let that stop me! I was convinced that I’d be able to have an authentic Galapagos experience if I DIY’d my trip, and boy was I right. With a bit of internet sleuthing, I was able to spend a week exploring the Galapagos Islands for less than $1000 (for two people!)

Here’s how I did it…. 

We opted for Island hopping between the 3 main (most populated) Islands of the Galapagos; Santa Criz, Isabela and San Cristobal. We booked our own accomodation on each Island, and then bought Ferry tickets (usually a day in advance) to travel to the next Island. 

Public ferries only run between Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) and Isabela (Puerto Villamil) or between Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) and San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno). There are no public ferries between San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno) and Isabela (Puerto Villamil).

On Santa Cruz Island, the public ferry boats depart from the main pier area in downtown Puerto Ayora. On San Cristobal Island, the public ferry boats used to depart from the boat pier near Casa Blanca Hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. But a new pier was built in 2017, and which is not in the middle of town, across from the Police Station. On Isabela Island, the public ferry boats depart from the dock located outside of town. You’ll need to take a 15-20 walk there or hop in a taxi from town. The taxi should cost $1 per person, but for the early morning ferry they may charge $2 per person.

We booked our accomodation through Booking.com, and paid about $50AUD per night for two people for private rooms in cheap hotels or guesthouses. 

Once you’ve got somewhere to base yourself on each Island, arranging your own activities is simple!

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is the main tourism hub for all of Galapagos, given its proximity to the airport on Baltra to the north. It is the only island in Galapagos where tourists can readily experience the interior and higher elevations of a Galapagos island.

My top reccomendations include:

A ten minute walk from the center of town, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the operational center of the international non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation. A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is included in many cruises. The visitor center contains exhibits dealing with climate and geography and provides insight into the evolution of flora and fauna as well as current conservation programs. 

The trail to Tortuga Bay starts from the main street in Puerto Ayora and takes about an hour. The trail goes through the arid zone and many land birds can be seen along the way.

Santa Cruz also offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild tortoises, both roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise Reserve, which is accessible from Santa Rosa or Salasaca.

San Cristobal

The highlight of my trip to the Galapagos— and one of my top travel experiences to date— was swiming with Sea Lions. Sea lions are some of the most popular animals at the Galapagos Islands. These playful pups love to swim and play with divers and snorkelers, and it’s not uncommon to have one or two join you on your journey.

While staying on San Cristobal Island, we walked to La Loberia beach, anticipating that we’d get to encounter a Sea Lion or two… but what we found was the home of a large colony of sea lions, sunning themselves on the sand and swimming in the waves. We tried not to get too close to them, but even at a distance the pups are quite inquisitive, and we found that no matter where we went, they’d always find us and try to play!

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I also recommend visiting the Interpretation center; it is free and doesn’t take long, and it’s one of the best sources of information you can find for a concise yet explanatory overview of natural and human history, geology, and conservation of the Galapagos. It is displayed in easy-to-read panels in English and Spanish.

Isla Isabela

Isabela is the island of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and pink flamingos. Here, you can find endless white beaches and a small town consisting of dirt roads. Sea lions resting in between the mangroves greeted us when we arrived.

A trip to Los Tuneles is also a must-do, offering a chance to swim under lava tunnels and explore unique scenery, and appreciate the land and marine life the Galapagos has to offer.

A visit to Flamingo Lake makes for a chance to see these beautiful birds in all their splendour definitely makes the list!

A hike to the second largest volcanic caldera in the world should also be on your list; find a local travel agent or tour company ion the island and arrange a hike of the Sierra Negra volcano. Isabela’s most active volcano is an impressive sight that no pictures can ever do justice.

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The trail winds its way through some of the most stunning scenery on the planet, from mist-shrouded mountains to verdant tropical rain forests. But the Inca Trail is more than just a pretty hike. The trail is a gateway into an extraordinary culture that has largely been lost to time. The Inca civilisation was one of the most advanced empires of its day, and traces of their engineering genius can be seen throughout the trail. From the intricate stonework of Machu Picchu to the clever system of agricultural terraces, the Inca Trail is a veritable outdoor classroom. For anyone interested in history or simply looking for an adventure, hiking the Inca Trail should be at the top of their list.

Learn about the Incan Empire

The Incan empire was one of the most powerful empires in the world, at its peak extending from Ecuador to Chile. Today, hikers can retrace the steps of this mighty empire by hiking the Inca trail. The Inca trail is a network of stone pathways that wind through some of the most beautiful scenery in Peru. Along the way, hikers can learn about the Incan empire and its impact on the region. The trail provides an up-close look at Incan ruins, as well as breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and rivers. Hikers also have the opportunity to interact with local people and learn about their culture and way of life.

Many ancient cultures have left behind ruins that can provide insights into their way of life. The Inca civilisation is no exception. By studying the Incan ruins, we can learn about the agricultural practices of the ancient Incans. For example, the presence of storage rooms and granaries suggests that the Incans engaged in large-scale food production. This is further supported by evidence of irrigation systems and terraced farmland. The Incans also appears to have domesticate llamas, which were used as pack animals to transport goods between settlements. Taken together, these findings shed light on the agriculturally-advanced society of the ancient Incas.

The Incan Empire was one of the largest empires in the world at its peak. It extended across much of South America, from Ecuador to Chile. The Incas were known for their impressive architecture, including the massive stone walls of Machu Picchu. They also developed an extensive system of roads and bridges, which allowed them to transport goods and people across their empire. The Incas had a complex system of laws and government, and they were skilled farmers and merchants. Unfortunately, the Incas fell to the Spanish in the 16th century, and their empire was dissolved. However, their legacy continues to be felt in Latin America today.

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world, and for good reason. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, as well as a chance to see some of the stunning ruins left behind by the Inca civilisation. Hikers can expect to see a variety of plant and animal life along the trail, as well as some incredible archaeological sites. One of the highlights of the Inca Trail is the so-called “Sun Gate.” This ancient structure was built to mark the winter solstice, and it offers hikers an unforgettable view of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. The Inca Trail is an unforgettable experience, and one that any lover of nature and history should not miss.

Choosing a tour company

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Then you’ll need to choose a company to hike the Inca Trail with. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the company is reputable and has a good track record. There are plenty of fly-by-night outfits that operate without permits or don’t carry proper insurance, so it’s important to do your research. Next, take a look at the size of the group you’ll be hiking with. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, opt for a smaller group. Keep in mind that larger groups tend to move more slowly, so if you’re short on time, this might not be the best option. Finally, consider the price. While the most expensive companies aren’t necessarily the best, you should be wary of companies that seem too good to be true – they likely are. With all of that in mind, happy hiking!

Tips for Hiking the Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world, and for good reason. The trail takes hikers through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Peru, including the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. However, the Inca Trail can also be challenging, with high altitude and rugged terrain. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Start Early
   Starting your hike early is one of the best ways to make sure you have enough time to finish. The sun rises early in the Andes, so you’ll want to get an early start so you can enjoy the cooler temperatures and avoid being too tired later in the day. Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry; if you don’t think you’ll be able to finish the hike in time, it’s better to turn back than to push yourself too hard and risk getting lost or injured.
2. Bring plenty of water
   The Inca Trail is located in a very dry climate, so it’s important to stay hydrated throughout your hike. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, and try to drink small sips regularly rather than waiting until you’re thirsty to drink. You might also want to bring some salty snacks like pretzels or chips to replenish your electrolytes.
3. Take breaks often
   Hiking can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to it, so make sure you take plenty of breaks. Take a few minutes every hour or so to rest your legs and catch your breath. And if you start feeling dizzy or lightheaded, sit down immediately and put your head between your knees until you feel better.
4. Wear sunscreen
   Even if it’s cloudy, the sun is incredibly strong at high altitudes, so it’s important to wear sunscreen throughout your hike. Be sure to reapply often, especially if you’re sweating or swimming in any of the streams or rivers along the trail.
5. Enjoy the views
   Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! The Inca Trail is an amazing experience, so take some time along the way to appreciate the incredible views of mountains, valleys, and rivers. If you can manage it, try to do some stargazing at night; the clear skies and high altitude make for some incredible starry nights.

Reaching Machu Picchu

After days of hiking, it’s finally time to reach the crown jewel of the Inca Trail: Machu Picchu. The ancient ruins are perched atop a mountain, offering stunning views in all directions. But reaching them is no easy feat. The trail is narrow and steep, with several steps to climb. But it’s worth it when you finally catch your first glimpse of the ruins. Machu Picchu was once a thriving city, home to thousands of people. But it was mysteriously abandoned centuries ago, and today it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. As you explore the ruins, you can’t help but wonder about the people who once lived here and what led them to leave this place behind.