The best places to see wildlife in Ecuador

Located in the north-west corner of South America, Ecuador is one of the 17 most biodiverse countries on Earth – despite being little more than the size of the UK. And while most people immediately think of the Galapagos Islands when it comes to wildlife tourism here, that overlooks the 48% of its territory that is covered by the tropical forests of the Amazon basin. There is incredible wildlife and unforgettable landscapes to be found on the mainland, which many travellers miss out on.

Because of Ecuador’s equatorial location, and the difference in altitude between localities caused by having the Andes mountains cut an unwavering path across the country, different territories experience vastly different seasonal weather. So, when attempting a birding or wildlife itinerary, it’s wise to prepare for all types of elevations and conditions – often on the same day! With that in mind, you can easily visit Ecuador year-round, though which part of the country you should head to will depend on what you want to encounter and experience.

Although Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, it has the fourth-highest avian diversity of any nation in the world, with an official list of some 1,736 species of bird. Tourism was relatively quick to catch on to this, with birdwatching trips starting here in the late 1960s. By 2006, a national strategy was developed for this activity by researchers, communities, conservation organisations and the Ministry of Tourism, helping to create a more sustainable industry for birdwatching.

As ever with nature-minded escapes, a knowledgeable guide is invaluable in making the most of Ecuador’s birdlife. Travellers arriving today to catch a glimpse of the national bird, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), will find plenty of tour options amid the volcanoes and slopes of the Andes. Similarly, Ecuador is home to more than a third (136 species) of all hummingbird species in the Americas, and guides can help you to identify where and when to see them.

Aside from the UNESCO-listed Galápagos Islands, which became the country’s first national park in 1959, Ecuador counts an additional six biosphere reserves and more than 70 protected natural areas. From colonial Quito – the first capital city ever to gain World Heritage status – you can connect with the Amazon lowlands, the Pacific Ocean or the dry forests of the southern region. It’s just a matter of working out what wildlife you’d rather see.

Yasuni National Park

A golden-mantled tamarin (Norby Lopez)

This park offers prime access to the lowland Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, opening up one of the richest and most biodiverse places on our planet. Its forests harbour over 600 bird species and more than 12 types of monkey, as well as giant otters, sloths, jaguars and five other species of wild cat. To get deep into the forests, you’ll need to take a riverboat tour or stay in a nearby jungle lodge, where there are canopy towers and walkways that offer the chance to observe elusive birds on their own terms. Set aside a week to also take in the harpy eagles of Limoncocha and river dolphins of Cuyabeno in reserves around the area.

Best for: Jaguars. But while this wild cat is high on most must-see lists, the park’s clay licks are just as appealing and attract large numbers of parrots, macaws, parakeets and mammals.

The High Andes

A condor in the High Andes (Humberto Castillo)

Quito is surrounded by volcanic mountains covered in magnificent glaciers that deserve dedicated trips just to admire their flora and fauna. Cayambe Coca and Antisana national parks, in particular, are dominated by snowcapped volcanoes, Andean forest and páramo, providing opportunities to spy Andean condors, spectacled bears and carunculated caracara birds of prey. You’ll find access to trails, wildlife observatories and a lush forest interior remarkable for its sightings of tanagers, hummingbirds and toucans.

Best for: Volcanoes. Because the Earth isn’t a perfect sphere (it bulges at the equator!), Chimborazo (6,263m) is the furthest point above the Earth’s centre – greater even than Everest. Further north, Cotopaxi (5,897m) is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and its glacial lake fills with resident and migratory birds.

The Cloud Forests

A mountain toucan in the Cloud Forests (Alamy)

The western and eastern slopes of the Andes are home to sprawling, misty cloud forests that lie between 800m and 1,500m. These evergreen areas are home to some of Ecuador’s highest concentrations of birdlife, ranging from hummingbirds and colourful tanagers to mountain toucans. You’ll also find larger mammals such as the mountain (woolly) tapir, puma and the only bear species found in South America: the spectacled bear. Most public and private reserves and lodges can be reached by vehicle.

Best for: Birding. The Mindo cloud-forest route, on the north-western slope of the Andean foothills, and the Cosanga Circuit (north-east slope) have both held records for the number of bird species spotted during the annual Christmas bird counts – between 400 and 531 species in just one day!

Where Else?

 

Machalilla National Park

As well as being home to fascinating pre-Columbian archaeological remains, this Pacific-adjacent park is visited by humpback whales between late June and October, who return to the coast to breed. Snorkelling and diving excursions also offer the rare chance to observe the largest colony of oceanic manta rays in the world.

Puyango Petrified Forest

The Puyango Petrified Forest is the site of not just one of the world’s largest collections of plant and marine animal fossils, but also an internationally important birding area. Look out, too, for the annual flowering of guayacán trees in the dry forests of the south-west. The first generous rains of mid-December or early January will trigger this annual bloom, producing bright-yellow flowers that extend to the horizon.

The Andean Chocó

The vast strip of tropical land that lies between the high Andes and the Pacific is home to many endemic bird species, from the toucan barbet to the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Up in the north-west, the Canandé Reserve features some of the last untouched sections of lowland tropical forest in the Chocó, protecting rare bird species such as the great green macaw.

Need to know information for Ecuador

 

When to go: The weather is dictated by regional microclimates. The lowland rainforest is wet and hot (30ºC) throughout the year. The Andean highlands tend to be dry and sunny (20ºC) in summer (Jul–Sep) and rainy between February and April, with the latter coinciding with peak bird migration season in the cloud forests of Cosanga and Mindo. The Pacific coast sees migrating humpbacks travel up from Antarctica to breed between July and October.

Getting there & around: There are no direct flights to Ecuador from the UK. Connections from London to international airports in Quito and Guayaquil usually go via New York and Atlanta in the US, Madrid and Amsterdam in Europe, or Bogotá in Colombia. Airlines flying these routes include KLM, Avianca, and JetBlue. Return flights take from about 14 hours.

Tour operators offering tailor-made trips to Ecuador include Metropolitan Touring, Biotropica Expeditions, and Wildlife Worldwide

Carbon offset: A return flight from London to Quito via Madrid produces 1,057kg of carbon per passenger. Wanderlust encourages you to offset your travel footprint through a reputable provider. For advice on finding one, visit wanderlust.co.uk/sustainable-travel.

Currency & visa: Currency: Ecuador has used the US dollar ($) since 2000. It is currently $1.27 to the UK£.
Visa: UK nationals don’t require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Further information: Birds of Ecuador (Helm Field Guide, 2018) by Robin Restall and Juan Freile – A useful primer.

Trip Planner: How you can explore the best of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Our final instructions at Sacha Lodge were, “Leave your bags outside the door of your cabin before breakfast”. After 48 magical hours exploring forest trails, canopy walkways and creeks, we paddled off across the lodge’s serene lake at first light. Taking a launch up the Río Napo, we continued our journey by bus through remnants of jungle and land cleared for agriculture and oil extraction to reach Lago Agrio Airport. From there, our plane climbed from green lowlands to Andean heights, hardly descending at all to touch down at Quito’s brand new airport.

Ecuador, they say, is small enough to start your day with howler monkeys in the rainforest, lunch with llamas on a volcano and watch pelicans on the Pacific at dusk. But while you can do that, it’s a bit of a rushed job – we managed two-thirds of the challenge (the pelicans will have to wait). After lunch – not on a mountain, but in a mall in Quito’s eastern suburbs – we took a detour en route to Otavalo to visit the Pre-Columbian archaeological site of Cochasquí. Taking up a commanding position, these four-sided mounds with long tolas (ramps) dedicated to the stars and the moon are popular with amateur astronomers and UFO hunters. We didn’t see any spacecraft, but we did see plenty of llamas.

A red howler monkey at Yasuni National Park, Ecuador (Shutterstock)

Reaching the outskirts of Otavalo, we drove around Lago de San Pablo beneath Imbabura volcano to Hacienda Cusín in time for dinner. This 17th-century hacienda, with its own chapel set in gardens with ancient trees and cobbled paths, has religious-themed bedrooms and huge beds to lie back on.

The next morning we headed to Otavalo’s livestock market, where traders sell everything from cattle to guinea pigs. We, though, were saving our cash for the textiles in the Plaza de Ponchos, renowned as the best market in Ecuador.

Wandering among its stalls, the handicrafts portrayed the culture and history here – a vast and wild land steeped in legends and folklore that we grew to love through our travels.

The Galápagos Islands

Sea lions relaxing on the beach on the Galápagos (Shutterstock)

Best for: Wildlife, landscapes, snorkelling and history

Duration: 5–10 days

Route: Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to the Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal islands, then take a cruise or island hop.

Why go? On everybody’s bucket list, the wildlife of the Galápagos is second to none.

When to go? All year; hot Dec to May; cool Jun to Nov. High season Jun to Aug, Dec to Jan.

There are two options for visiting the Galápagos: take a cruise or base yourself on an island and visit other stops from there. Each island has its unique wildlife – birds, reptiles, marine mammals and fish – and anyone intending to visit will be familiar with the fundamental role these creatures played in helping Charles Darwin develop his theory of evolution. The fragility of this environment in the face of human activity is undeniable and all visits are strictly controlled by the National Park authorities.

Snorkelling with a turtle in the Galápagos (Shutterstock)

Did you know?

The Galápagos are volcanic in origin and La Cumbre on Fernandina and Sierra Negra, one of five volcanoes on Isabela, have both erupted this year.

A cruise will take you to more remote islands, sailing at night and giving access to the wildlife at its most active, with opportunities to snorkel with the likes of hammerhead sharks and sea lions. There are also cruises specifically for diving. Four islands have accommodation: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana. You can stay in one of the towns (such as Puerto Ayora or Santa Cruz), on the beach-front or inland in luxury safari-style tents. From there, you can then take day trips to nearby islands with more scope for activities such as water sports and hiking. There are inter-island flights, but much cheaper (and rougher) are the scheduled boats connecting the four inhabited islands.

Quito and around

Semana Santa, Quito (Shutterstock)

Best for: culture, landscapes, markets and wildlife

Duration: 7–10 days

Route: Quito • Otavalo • Mindo • Papallacta

Why go? To binge on colonial architecture and daytime and nighttime culture; to straddle two hemispheres and to visit markets, cloud forest and hot springs.

When to go? All year; rainy season Oct to May

Quito, one of UNESCO’s first ever World Heritage Sites, has a split personality. The Centro Histórico’s steep, narrow streets link colonial churches, museums, markets and grand houses, several of which have been converted into hotels. Calle La Ronda is typical: a maze of craft shops by day and buzzing with nightlife after dark. On the other hand, modern Quito, a bus or taxi ride away, is the business, hotel and entertainment quarter and stretches north almost to the Mitad del Mundo, a monument marking the equator.

Two hours north, Otavalo is home to Ecuador’s premier market. Every day the Plaza de Ponchos fills with stalls selling textiles and other crafts – Saturdays are normally busiest. It’s worth spending three or four days in the area to visit weavers’ villages, lakes and the northern highlands.

Quito beds down for the night (Shutterstoock)

Did you know?

The railway from Quito to Durlán, near Guayaquil, has a chequered history but is now privatised. It offers a full, four-day Sierra-to-coast experience, plus short tourist excursions north and south of Quito and in the lowlands.

To the north-west of Quito lies the active Pichincha Volcano. From the city, the TelefériQo cable car takes you up to the 4,000m Cruz Loma viewpoint, while the western flanks are a bird-rich cloud forest. You can overnight in wildlife-oriented or community-based lodges, or stay a few days in the little town of Mindo, a playground for Quiteños at weekends but quiet the rest of the week.

East of Quito are the Papallacta thermal springs, with public pools and an exclusive spa and hotel. It makes a good day trip, but also a relaxing base for the start or end of your Ecuadorian journey.

The Oriente

Cascada de San Rafael, in the middle of the jungle with a height of 160m (Shutterstock)

Best for: Wildlife, culture and rafting

Duration: 3–10 days

Route: Quito • Baeza • Coca or Lago Agrio; Baños • Tena • Misahuallí; Loja • Zamora

Why go? To stay in lodges offering all-inclusive packages in some of the most biodiverse places on earth.

When to go? Driest months Oct to Feb, but expect rain at any time

Reaching the Amazonian lowlands in the north of the country often requires a river boat trip after a flight or road journey from Quito or Baños. The highway from Quito passes Papallacta and descends to Baeza, a kayaking and rafting centre, before heading north-east past Ecuador’s highest waterfall, San Rafael. Further south, the Baños to Tena road is also truly spectacular, decorated with tunnels and waterfalls. A paved road gives access to the whole Amazonian region, from Lago Agrio in the north to Zamora in the south.

Scenic view with a tree forming a perfect circle with its shadow on Lake Grande, Cuyabeno National Park (Shutterstock)

Did you know?

Panama hats are made from paja toquilla, which grows in Manabí province on the Pacific lowlands. They’re woven either there or near Cuenca and finished in factories. The finest weaves come from the town of Montecristi and sell for four-figure sums.

Local lodges are reasonably comfortable, providing three good meals a day, high-quality guides and a wide range of activities (birdwatching, jungle treks, canopy walkways, boat trips). Many are associated with local communities.

The two main areas of interest are the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, reached from Lago Agrio, and the Yasuní National Park and Río Napo, reached from Coca. Both zones offer opportunities to see wildlife. Another popular area is around Tena – also a kayaking and rafting centre – and Misahuallí, one of the original starting points for jungle tours. Although many parts of the Oriente are competing with oil exploration, ecotourism is fighting hard to keep areas pristine.

Central Ecuador

One of the world’s highest volcanoes at 5,897m, Cotopaxi last erupted in August 2015 (Dreamstime)

Best for: landscapes, culture, trekking, riding and markets

Duration: 7–10 days

Route: Quito • Cotopaxi • Latacunga • Quilotoa • Baños • Riobamba

Why go? Good for active pursuits, de-stressing in hot springs and train buffs.

When to go? All year; high season Jun-Sep

Due south of Quito, Ecuador’s volcano avenue begins. The first giant is Cotopaxi, near the towns of Machachi and Lasso. Haciendas and lodges in and near the volcano’s national park offer accommodation, hiking and horse riding. A bit further south, Latacunga is the starting point for some excellent trekking, biking and horse-riding circuits around the crater lake of Quilotoa and the surrounding villages (these can also be done by car or bus). On the route is Saquisilí, whose Thursday market is a major indigenous event. Latacunga celebrates La Mama Negra in September and November, a riotous but confusing affair honouring the Virgen de la Merced, whose central figure is a man dressed as a black woman.

Did you know?

Each region and town has its typical dishes, and if you are hungry, always choose the soup – Ecuadorians make them hearty. Today’s chefs are fusing local ingredients and modern trends for an adventurous new cuisine.

One crop, though, has pioneered international fame: cacao. Several cacao brands have outlets offering tastings of the three regional varieties: El Oro, Los Ríos and Manabí. Tren Ecuador even has a Tren de la Dulzura Plus, which calls at a cacao estate.

Head south-east to the hot springs at Baños, situated in a valley of waterfalls, bridges for bungee jumping and a thriving expat community. From here you can head east to the Oriente, or turn south to Riobamba. This chilly city gives access to another relatively easily accessible volcano, Chimborazo, and to the Devil’s Nose train ride, whose switchbacks form the most famous section of the Quito-Guayaquil railway. The Alausí to Sibambe stretch is only a short section of the 450km line, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most spectacular 12km of railway in the world.

Cuenca and the far south

The New Cathedral in Cuenca was large enough to house 90% of the population of Cuenca when it was designed. The church took 90 years to complete construction, finally opening in 1975 (Shutterstock)

Best for: culture, history, landscapes and wildlife

Duration: 3–7 days

Route: Cuenca • Loja • Vilcabamba • Zamora

Why go? For the colonial city of Cuenca and Ecuador’s main Inca ruins, plus handicrafts and a healthy climate.

When to go? All year; driest months Jun to Sep and Nov

Beyond the avenue of the volcanoes lies a region of mountainous national parks such as Cajas and Podocarpus and the beautiful southern city of Cuenca. Much colonial architecture has been preserved in its centre, as well as the Pumapungo remains of an Incan and earlier Cañari settlement. But lying about two hours north is Ecuador’s top archaeological site, Ingapirca, which features fine stonework situated in a strategic position on the main ancient Incan road (Capaq Ñan). Cuenca lies at the heart of a major area for craft production, including ceramics, textiles, gold and silver, and is also the centre of the Panama hat trade.

Continue south for four hours, via the indigenous town of Saraguro where the local people are known for their black dress, to Loja, a major highland town, famous for its musical traditions.

Ninety minutes further south is Vilcabamba, once said to be home to the longest-lived people in the world. True or not, the area has a lovely climate and ample scope for walks and horse or bike rides in beautiful countryside. To the east of Loja, two hours over the Podocarpus National Park, lies Zamora, the gateway to the southern Oriente.

The Pacific Coast

Las Penas, Guayaquil (Shutterstock)

Best for: landscapes, water sports, wildlife and cuisine

Duration: 5–10 days

Route: Guayaquil • Puerto López • Canoa • Quito

Why go? To see a different aspect of the country, with lively traditions, laid-back surfers, agro-industry, shrimp farms and Afro-Ecuadorian culture.

When to go? All year; the best weather is Dec to Apr, though busy

Guayaquil is the country’s largest port and business centre. The city’s Malecón 2000 riverfront development is a revamped promenade with gardens, restaurants, a handicraft market and Latin America’s largest Ferris wheel, La Perla. At its northern end lies the bohemian Las Peñas district, a reminder of how the city used to be.

West of here are Ecuador’s main resorts, Playas and Salinas, but the coast road soon heads north to lower-key destinations and a string of fishing towns, including Valdivia, site of a culture dating back to 3,300 BC. Montañita has a perfect surfing beach and, in town, all the requisite shops and nightlife. Next is Puerto López and the surrounding Machalilla National Park, where you’ll find hills, the fabulous Los Frailes beach and trips out to Isla de la Plata, known as “the poor traveller’s Galápagos” for the similarity of some of its wildlife. Manabí province’s main port is Manta and just a short way inland from there lies the Panama hat-making town of Montecristi. A few kilometres further east is the hang-gliding and kite-surfing spot of Crucita, while across the Chone estuary lies Canoa, a thriving resort until it was decimated by the 2016 earthquake. It’s rebuilding now and has yet another of Ecuador’s wonderful beaches.

From Chone the main road to the Sierra heads towards Aloag, near Machachi, but if you wish to see more of the coast, continue from Canoa to Mompiche, another surfers’ hangout, and on to Esmeraldas (also reachable from Ibarra, north of Otavalo), whose beaches are favoured by Quiteño and Colombian holidaymakers.

 

This article was first published in 2018 and updated in 2024

Wildlife watching in the Galapagos Islands

Johnny Depp was winking at me. OK, it wasn’t actually the actor who plays Captain Jack. And he bore little resemblance to any type of sparrow. Rather, he was a magnificent frigatebird – the pirate of the skies – with glossy black plumage, a long hooked beak and a patch of red on his neck that would no doubt inflate when he was trying to impress the Keira Knightleys of the frigatebird world.

Earlier in the day I had watched the aerobatics above Genovesa Island as these opportunistic bird-buccaneers harassed and chased other birds, trying to steal either their food or nesting materials. Not that there was any honour among thieves – once a frigatebird had successfully stolen something, that frigate would, in turn, be pursued relentlessly by its comrades.

 

(Simon Chubb)

 

And there was plenty of opportunity for thievery. Down below, just behind the dazzling coral sand of Darwin Bay, was a city of birds, all living cheek by jowl – or bill to wing. The bushes were full of frigatebirds with sex, rather than kleptomania, on their minds, the males all trying to attract the ladies by displaying their puffed-up scarlet throat patches. There were also red-footed boobies, either nesting or feeding youngsters, while handsome Nazca boobies looked on superiorly. On the sandy earth, gulls passed each other pieces of coral as part of their courtship ritual.

They were all crammed so close together that when one red-footed booby flew in to feed its youngster, four open beaks from neighbouring nests craned forward asking for food. The booby fed one, but then seemed to have doubts as to whether that was really its off spring, and switched its attentions to a different eager baby.

The Galápagos Islands never disappoint. I have been fortunate enough to have visited before, yet every day of every visit brings new gripping dramas. And the uniqueness and diversity of the animals is still a surprise. The size and variety of the giant tortoises that the archipelago is named after; the penguins (on the equator!); the flightless cormorants; the prehistoric-looking iguanas that are specially adapted to eat underwater… the list goes on and on.

The art of being ignored

I was on a seven-night cruise on the MY Letty, a 25m motor-yacht with only ten cabins. We were taking the western/northern route through the archipelago. Each island is different – not just in its wildlife, but in its vegetation, its topography, even the colour of its sand. Genovesa was our first stop.

Genovesa is a small island with a horseshoe-shaped bay – the remains of a collapsed volcanic caldera – and is known for its prolific birdlife. However, the birds paid us no mind as they went about their everyday activity; they were totally oblivious to us even if we were only a foot or two away.

 

(Simon Chubb)

 

No matter how many times you visit the Galápagos, it is still a shock to find how you are ignored by the animals. Boarding the Letty at San Cristóbal we had laughed at the sea lions that snoozed on benches and lay across gangways as if they owned them. Here on Genovesa it felt as if we were watching a wildlife documentary on a giant screen, as little tableaux were played out in front of us: the intimacy of a male Nazca booby offering a twig to his mate for approval; a cliff top of thousands of wedge-rumped storm petrels in flight in a relentless search for food; a camouflaged short-eared owl, suddenly striking that cliff top, then appearing with a petrel in its talons.

In the aptly named Darwin Bay, we also had our first snorkelling experience. The Letty carries wetsuits and snorkelling equipment, and there was always at least one opportunity a day to slip into the underwater world. Depending on where we were, we shared the waves with sea lions, white-tipped sharks, marine iguanas, turtles, flightless cormorants, a whole plethora of fish and even penguins.

Back on board, even the long cruises between islands were a wildlife-spotting opportunity. We would often be followed by frigatebirds, which swirled over our boat and came down to rest on the railings and upper canopy. Dolphins would sometimes play in our bow waves. One day we spotted a humpback whale.

Darwin woz ’ere

The Galápagos was discovered in 1535 by the Bishop of Panama, who named it after the saddlebacked giant tortoises he found – galápago meaning ‘saddle’. The archipelago became a hideout for buccaneers who found sheltered bays and plentiful food. The poor tortoises were ruthlessly exploited by sailors for the next three centuries.

Of course, the islands have become synonymous with Charles Darwin, who spent just five weeks here in 1835. After years of pondering, he finally developed his theory of natural selection, in part inspired by what he had seen in the Galápagos.

When we arrived at Isabela – the archipelago’s biggest island– we moored at Tagus Cove, which has provided a sheltered anchorage for pirates over the centuries, and where Darwin’s Beagle once anchored too, in search of fresh water. As I kayaked around the bay I was aware that Darwin would have seen the same view, including ancestors of the penguins and flightless cormorants. Graffiti – the names of ships that have taken shelter here – covers the cliffs; I wondered if Darwin had read any of these scribbles.

Despite the large numbers of tourists that visit the Galápagos today, plus the local population (four of the islands are inhabited), boat landings are so well controlled that you only occasionally see other groups. On the Letty, the crew tried to ensure that we landed at a site at the optimum and quietest time.

 

(Simon Chubb)

 

This was much appreciated. After all, there is something special about walking on a beach with no other footprints, and a morning landing at Bachas Bay, on Santa Cruz, provided just that. Not that it was pristine – turtle tracks led to the top of the beach, and back down, so a female had presumably laid her eggs in the night. Mysterious thin lines crossed the sand; their source was revealed when a marine iguana headed past, its tail leaving the tell-tale groove in the sand.

The rocks that scattered the shore were alive with Sally Lightfoot crabs of all sizes. Some were black, well camouflaged on the lava. Yet the biggest crabs were the more traditional red. “It is to attract the female crabs,” said our guide, Ceci.

The rockpools were full of life too. In one, a tiny octopus was trying to find somewhere to hide; fish of different sizes were being deposited by the tide into another, larger pool. A heron stood sentinel on one set of rocks, while a pelican cleaned itself on another.

We headed to the top of the beach, where stakes marked several turtle nests. The eggs lie here for two months before the babies hatch and make their rush for the sea. A brackish lake sat just behind the beach, and three flamingos of startling coral-pink danced in its waters, churning up the mud with their feet to find food. It was an idyllic spot, but paradise always has a flipside. In this case it was the voracious horse-flies, which showed no mercy as they bit our tender flesh.

That afternoon, we landed on the island again but close to Dragon Hill. Heavy rain clouds hung as we walked, and this part of the island had certainly seen recent rain, as green vegetation was emerging from the ground and the palo santo trees were beginning to bud. Although it was supposedly the end of the rainy season, the year had been incredibly dry – bad news for the terrestrial animals. So this recent rain was welcomed.

 

(Simon Chubb)

 

We spotted a large land iguana eating the new vegetation. “This is beautiful, I am so happy for him. A month ago there was no green here at all,” smiled Ceci. When food is scarce the iguanas eat prickly pears but they have to wait for a pad to drop off. The iguana had a reddish tinge on its otherwise yellow skin. “That’s a sign he is ready to mate,” said Ceci. “With food now around, they’re going to take the opportunity.”

Living with lizards

If the huge iguanas are impressive, the marine iguanas are even more extraordinary and unique. The next day, we landed on the island of Fernandina in the cool of early morning. A strong smell assaulted our noses, and the source soon revealed itself: hundreds of marine iguanas, laying prone, heating themselves up in the sun, warming one side first, and then the other. They need to be warm before they can go into the sea on their search for algae, their favoured food. They looked like small dinosaurs as they lounged across the trails and rocks; we had to watch where we walked.

The waters off Fernandina are rich in nutrients, leading to an abundance of algae, and resulting in larger iguanas than those we had seen elsewhere. It is believed that the iguanas originally arrived here on rafts of vegetation and gradually evolved to eat algae due to a shortage of other food. They have developed large claws for clinging to the rocks, and their black colour means they warm up faster once on land. They have also developed a desalination gland – they sneeze out excess salt.

“These animals aren’t found anywhere else,” Ceci explained. “They are unique. And they are the only gregarious reptile in the world. They are my favourite animal. If I had a chance to rename these islands I’d call them after the marine iguanas, not after the tortoises!” Darwin dismissed marine iguanas as ugly, but maybe he would have developed his theory of evolution a bit sooner if he had taken a more appreciative look at them.

(Simon Chubb)

 

Further along, nesting on the rocks above high tide, were some more unique creatures: flightless cormorants. There are only around 2,000 of the birds left, as their numbers have been decimated on other islands by feral cats and dogs. “This is one of the most pristine islands in the world,” explained Ceci, before filling us with cormorant factoids: how they can dive over 30m underwater, and how the females squabble over a male, which then selects the one he thinks is strongest.

Watch where you tread

Despite being the world’s top wildlife destination and a living museum of evolution, the Galápagos Islands face constant threats. Introduced species can have a devastating affect on native species, by eating the wildlife, eating the vegetation it depends on or by carrying harmful parasites. Millions of dollars have been spent on eradication programmes, but the struggle goes on.

On Fernandina, nature was playing tricks with us. What looked like a large jagged lump of lava turned out to be a rock smothered in marine iguanas. What looked like driftwood was a snoozing sea lion. We had to divert for the latter. “I’ll step over a marine iguana but not a sea lion!” Ceci explained. A Galápagos hawk sat on some driftwood just feet away, so still that it took a while to realise it wasn’t a branch.

An area of shells and urchin spikes turned out to be the result of ground uplift during a volcanic eruption. “The most recent activity was in 2009. We visited here that morning – it was a clear day, not a cloud in the sky,” said Ceci. “And then we saw a strange cloud over the volcano – the volcano erupting. But it erupted down the other side, not in this direction.”

Nose to beak

On our last full day we revisited Santa Cruz, the most populated island, and drove up into the misty highlands. Giant tortoises roam free in the farmland here, and every now and then what looked like a boulder in a field would move. We stopped at a farm that welcomes visitors to its trails, and within a few minutes came eyeball to eyeball with two huge tortoises eating grass in a meadow. We fell into a respectful silence and ensured we did not stand in front of them, blocking their route. But they were unfazed by our presence, and the only noise other than the click of cameras, was the surprisingly loud chomping of grass.

I could understand why our guide was more impressed by the extraordinary marine iguanas. But, heck, the giant tortoises are fantastic and peculiar too. That evening, onboard the boat, we quizzed each other about our highlights. Nearly everything we had seen – the tortoises, the penguins, the land iguanas, the marine iguanas, the three types of booby – had its champion. There had been less obvious appealing characters too, such as the many fish and other-worldly underwater life. I thought back to the unexpected sight of schools of golden rays that had bewitched us all during a sunset panga ride through a stand of mangroves.

But I also found myself smiling at the memory of a certain pirate of the sky, with its jaunty head and its saucy wink.

 

This article was first published in 2017 and updated in 2024. 

Galápagos Islands entry fee doubles following ‘urgent need’ for sustainable tourism

Approximately 1,000 km off Ecuador’s coastline lie the Galápagos Islands. This remote volcanic archipelago, consisting of 19 islands, has been sought-after by adventure-loving travellers ever since it arrived firmly on the tourist map in the 1970s.

It was of course visited much before then, with Charles Darwin famously exploring the islands in 1835: his observations of its unusual species inspiring his theory of evolution. Now, the Galápagos Islands are best known for their wondrous wildlife sightings, from the Galápagos tortoise to marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. The island was named a Natural World Heritage Site in 1978 and expanded in 2007 to include its surrounding marine park.

 

Marine iguanas are often spotted on the Galapagos’ beaches (Shutterstock)

But with the islands made more accessible in recent years, the impact of mass tourism on its rare ecosystem has been raised as a concern time and time again. Unmanageable visitors can lead to the worrying introduction of invasive species, as well as food shortages and difficulty managing waste.

For travellers visiting the Galápagos Islands, there has been an entry fee of $100 (£79) for foreign adult travellers for the past 26 years, but government officials have now announced this cost will be doubled to $200 (£148) by 1 August 2024. For children under 12, it will be $100, and residents of Ecuador will continue to pay a discounted rate, although this has been raised from $5 to $30.

Said to be ‘long overdue’, the revised one-off entry fee was decided due to an ‘urgent need for sustainable tourism practices’. The raised funds will be put towards ongoing conservation efforts, as well as updating infrastructure and community programmes aimed at ‘mitigating tourism’s ecological footprint on the islands’.

Many travellers come to see the giant Galápagos tortoise (Shutterstock)

Neils Olsen, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism said: “The Galápagos Islands are not only a national treasure but a global one. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unparalleled ecosystem for future generations.

“The adjustment in the entry fee, the first in 26 years, is a necessary measure to ensure that tourism in the Galápagos remains sustainable and mutually beneficial to both the environment and our local communities.”

Although some concerns have been raised in the local community about the increased fee putting off travellers from visiting, the rate is extremely low compared to other popular wildlife destinations, such as the Masai Mara Nature Reserve in Kenya, which costs visitors $285 per person per day during its high season.

And with more famously overcrowded destinations recently introducing entry fees, such as Venice and Bali, it appears to be one of the best initiatives to tackle overtourism right now.

Fit for a president: Inside Ecuador’s historic Hacienda Zuleta

Ecuador’s Hacienda Zuleta may be hidden high in the Andes, but its celebrated history means that it’s never at risk of being lost.

The Plaza family have occupied this colonial-era working farm for more than a century – and count two ex-presidents among their number. Yet step inside their family home and it feels almost cosy.

Today, the Plaza’s descendants still helm the farm, which spans 16km². Travellers arrive to brightly painted antique rooms adorned with fresh wildflowers and crackling log fires to warm the Andean nights – the kind of presidential welcome you’d expect.

A deluxe room inside the luxurious hotel (Hacienda Zuleta)

Part of the farm’s appeal is its links to community and wildlife projects. Guests can learn embroidery with local artisans or even spot rare Andean condors – Zuleta is one of few places you can guarantee an encounter with the world’s largest flying bird due to its work on the Condor Huasi Project.

Both endeavours are supported by the Plaza foundation, which builds on the legacy of grandfather (and former president) Galo Plaza Lasso, who is still revered for his social initiatives.

No less than two Ecuadorian leaders have called this working farm home (Hacienda Zuleta)

Back on the hacienda, an on-site cheese factory, a trout farm and the abundant produce from the gardens Galo and his wife set up offer fine ingredients for the many communal dinners. And you’ll need all that food to build your strength for exploring.

Another of the unique charms of Zuleta are the 100 or so Zuleteño horses stabled here. Treks to crashing waterfalls and cool valleys spotted with hummingbirds and pre-Inca sites can be arranged for either experienced or beginner riders. Or just grab a bike and hit the mountain trails, looking out for spectacled bears and climbing to high alpine meadows.

At the end of the day, though, you’ll look forward to returning to Zuleta – a hot water bottle between your sheets and history on every wall.

More information: zuleta.com

25 big bucket list adventures

At Wanderlust, we’re not the greatest fans of the term ‘bucket list’ when it comes to travel. It’s often associated with the world’s most popular, overcrowded attractions, as well as having a slightly morbid origin (does ‘kick the bucket’ spring to mind?). What we consider a ‘bucket list’ adventure are the rarest, toughest and dearest adventures. The ones that won’t be around forever. The real once-in-a-lifetime journeys.

Although a few iconic sites have crept into our selection, including the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro (after all, they’re famous for good reason), there are alternative ways to see these places to make your trip unique. But beyond these, there are many more magnificent, lesser-known destinations that offer some of the most breathtaking, heart-warming and hair-raising travel experiences you will ever have.

1. Raft the Grand Canyon Arizona, USA

The Colorado River running through the Grand Canyon (Dreamstime)

Why the Grand Canyon? To see the great gorge from a completely different – and rare – angle. Looking down on the squiggle of the Colorado River from a mile up on the rocky rim, it seems impossible that this river could have carved the gargantuan Grand Canyon.

Of course, it’s had about two billion years to do so, slowly slicing through the black-red-orange-purple strata to create one of the natural wonders of the world. And this is why seeing the canyon from water level is the best way to appreciate it – the experience offers a far more intimate encounter than peering in from the top, as well as a close up of all that glorious geology.

The official launch point for a full run is Lees Ferry, at the north-east of Grand Canyon National Park; the end is at Lake Mead, 443km further on. En route are side canyons, Puebloan sites, swimming holes and sandy beaches, not to mention plenty of wild water.

So, all good – it’s just getting authorisation to enter that’s the problem. There’s a ‘weighted lotteryʼ system, with a waiting list of several years, to secure a private rafting permit.

Fortunately, commercial tour-op trips – which range from one-day to three-week floats – are available, but even these need booking in advance if you want to guarantee your rendezvous with all this ancient rock.

How to tick it off your bucket list: The best time to raft the Colorado is May to October, so book your trip then. Overall, the river is graded a IV (intermediate), with many I to III rapids, plus some Vs.

Like that? Try this: Tackle the Rio Futaleufu, an absolute classic that cuts through the canyons and wilderness of Patagonia.

2. Visit Antarctica

Whale in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica (Dreamstime)

Why Antarctica? Antarctica is a land of grand voyages. Powerful, dangerous, but undeniably exciting. The chance to venture where so few others have visited is perhaps the very reason it tops so many wish lists.

To visit a place even less well known to travellers, embark on a cruise into the Weddell Sea to the east. The crashing icebergs, vast ice floes and often unpredictable and treacherous conditions will show you what real adventure looks and feels like.

Spot a variety of wildlife including impressive baleen whales just under the surface and colonies of penguins and seals clustered on the thick ice on top.

How to tick it off your list: Weddell Sea voyages are limited to just a few a year. If you want to go, you need to be organised and plan well in advance.

Like that, try this: Head north to the Arctic for a cruise down the little-seen seas of the North-East Passage. Expect walruses and polar bears.

3. Hike one of the Great Walks, New Zealand

Waterfall along the Milford Track (Dreamstime)

Why a Great Walk? There is plenty of variety in New Zealand’s Great Walks, especially with the arrival of new tracks in recent years. At the end of 2023 we expect to welcome the Hump Ridge Track, but in the meantime, there’s 10 others to choose from.

If you want to complete one of New Zealand’s best walks, the Milford Track is arguably the greatest of the lot. This four-day, 53.5km hike from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound slices through the splendour of Fiordland National Park, taking in lakes, waterfalls, ice fields, forest and plenty of pioneer history, and tops out at the panoramic Mackinnon Pass (1,154m).

In the peak summer trekking months (November to April), it’s always oversubscribed; camping is not permitted and numbers are limited by the bunk-space available in the three DOC lodges en route. That is, unless you opt for an upgrade. Ultimate Hikes operates a series of private lodges (with both dorms and doubles) that enable hikers to tramp the track, with a guide, in a little more comfort.

For a historic journey without the crowds of Milford, try the Heaphy Track. Once walked by Māori tribes, the route traverses through thick forests and onto the wild West Coast. An hour from Westport, the Heaphy Track boasts the best of both New Zealand’s nature and history, with a chance to spot native plants, rocks and wildlife (if you’re lucky, perhaps even a kiwi).

How to tick off your list: Make sure you’re prepared fitness wise before the October to April hiking season commences, and whenever you go, prepare your packs for all weather conditions.

Like that? Try this: Hike Tasmania’s Overland Track in style with Cradle Mountain Huts.

Read next: A guide to New Zealand’s Great Walks

4. Sleep under the stars in NamibRand, Namibia

The NamibRand under a night sky (Dreamstime)

Why the NamibRand? To experience some of the world’s best celestial sights. Sure, leave the big city and you can see stars almost anywhere. But the experience will be extra heavenly if you travel somewhere very dark, very clear and very remote.

Namibia’s vast NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of only a few gold-certified Dark Sky Reserves. Simply, it has some of the world’s best dark skies. There are no towns or settlements inside it, or even nearby – Namibia is one of the planet’s most sparsely populated countries. And the dry climate means cloudless skies are the norm.

By day, explore NamibRand’s ochre-hued wilderness of dunes, mountains and plains, looking for oryx and Hartmann’s zebra. Then, after a blazing sunset, it’s time to turn your eyes skyward.

How to tick it off your list: It may seem difficult to get to the desert, but the reserve is around 375km from Windhoek. So, you can always start from the capital, and find your way to the reserve.

Like that? Try this: Unroll a swag in Australia’s Red Centre for a snooze with uninterrupted night-sky views.

5. Trek to Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan (Shutterstock)

A Wanderlust favourite, Petra is one of the Middle East’s great wonders. This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is carved into pink sandstones cliffs, hidden within Jordan’s mountain and desert landscape.

Many visit the ‘Red Rose City’ from Amman via a three hour car journey, but we prefer a more adventurous approach. The Jordan Trail is a 640km-long route launched in 2015 that spans the entire country, taking around 40 days to complete the whole thing.

We’re not suggesting the entire route needs to be traversed, although it is a great way experience the best of Jordan. Instead, try the 3-5 day trek from Dana to Petra. Around 80km in length, this rewarding section enters the beautiful ‘Lost City’ from an old caravan route. The fantastic hike follows the beautiful valley of Feynan to the dramatic mountain scenery of Wadi Araba, over a mountain pass, before a final canyon and wide valley builds up to the dramatic ascent to Petra’s ancient monastery.

Along the way, you’ll find secret pools of water to take a dip, smell local herbs and flowers, see Jordan’s birds and animals, and experience the diversity of terrain that Jordan has to offer.

How to tick if off: Plenty of tour operators offer walking trips to Petra from Dana. Or go to the trail’s official website to learn more.

6. Swim with turtles in Ningaloo, Western Australia

A green turtle at Ningaloo Reef (Shutterstock)

Why Ningaloo Reef? To take a dip with endangered species. Western Oz’s Ningaloo Reef isn’t as big as the Great Barrier, on the opposite coast.

But it’s still attracts around 500 species of fish; best of all, in parts it lays only 100m offshore, making its underwater riches extremely accessible – the snorkelling is superb, too.

How to tick it off your list: Three of the world’s seven species of marine turtles nest on beaches and islands near Ningaloo between November and April: green (listed as endangered), hawksbill (critically endangered) and loggerhead (vulnerable).

However, turtles swim offshore year-round, their lumpen on-land movements transformed into a graceful ballet once they’re in the water. Good spots include Shark Bay, the Muiron Islands and Turtle Bay on Dirk Hartog Island.

Start your adventure:More information

Like that? Try this: Snorkel with endangered leatherback and hawksbill turtles in Barbados.

7. Spot a snow leopard in Ladakh, India

A snow leopard in India (Shutterstock)

Why Ladakh? Few have seen this endangered cat. There are thought to be just 4,000 to 6,500 snow leopards left in the wild. Coupled with the fact that these charismatic big cats tend to live in cold, inhospitable, rocky clifftops at altitudes above 3,000m, they’re not that easy to spot.

This makes a sighting very special, and most trips that venture into their domain – largely Tibet, the Himalaya and the ’Stans – make it clear that you’d be fortunate to see even a paw-print. However, in recent years Ladakh’s Hemis National Park has gained a reputation as the world’s snow leopard capital, with hundreds of leopards, and as time passes, local guides gain an ever better understanding of their habits.

There are still no guarantees, but in Hemis’s Husing, Tarbuns and Rumbak Valleys, sightings are relatively common; Husing is on a well-known snow leopard corridor. Visit in winter, when the snow brings the cats to lower ground and, with the help of local knowledge, trained trackers and spotting scopes, you might be in luck.

How to tick it off your list: Flights connect Delhi to regional hub Leh, which is 40km from Hemis NP. There are six villages in the park; accommodation is in homestays or camping.

Like that, try this: Track giant pandas in China’s Foping Nature Reserve, for the frisson of seeing the poster child of conservation in the wild.

Read next: 60 alternative winter experiences around the world

8. Descend into a volcano, Iceland

Thrihnukagigur magma chamber (Shutterstock)

Why Iceland? For a unique descent into the Earth’s belly. To inject some Jules Verne adventure into your bucket list you need to head to Iceland. It’s a strange, singular place; a newborn babe in geological terms, you can virtually see it being formed before your eyes – the land groans, hisses and spews.

This makes delving beneath the surface quite exciting indeed, though something that’s been easy to achieve since 2012, when commercial tours began plunging into Thrihnukagigur volcano.

Clipped on to what’s essentially a window-cleaner’s lift, you’re slowly lowered 120m into another world – a magma chamber uniquely drained of its magma. Lights reveal a cavern of many colours – bruise purples, sulphur yellows, blood reds.

Water drip-drips from above, while breaking into song demonstrates the excellent acoustics. It is wonderful, and very weird. Thrihnukagigur is dormant, last erupting over 4,000 years ago. There’s no sign that it’s about to spring into life, but tours are only announced on a year-by-year basis because, well, you never know…

How to tick it off your list: Tours run May to October, so book your trip accordingly.

Like that, try this: Hike up Mount Etna, to stand on one of the most active volcanos in the world.

9. Visit St Helena, South Atlantic

St Helena (Shutterstock)

Why St Helena? Even though the Royal Mail Ship departed on its last trip to St Helena last year, it’s still not too late to visit this far-flung isle. With an airport now on the island, it is now arguably easier than ever to visit.

The South Atlantic speck is a crumple of glorious geomorphology – small, but riven with deep gullies, gulches and volcanic after-effects, and swept with semi-tropical lushness.

The waters are brim-full of dolphins; the skies wheel with myriad birds. Make the most of the large congregation of whale sharks by snorkelling alongside these gentle giants from January to March.

But it’s the human story that is most fascinating – less than 5,000 people live on this lonely isle, in settlements little changed since Georgian times. Explore it all by foot by walking some of the Post Box walks, which vary in difficulty but all offer views of the most scenic and untouched parts of the island. You will get a log book and a stamp at the end to prove you’ve completed them. Or go on a historic ramble to get to know Napoleon’s influence on the isle.

How to tick it off your list: Plan your trip’s dates based on your biggest interests – here’s what to do when in St Helena. Do your research before you book, too – as the isle’s Post Box walks vary in difficulty, and even the easier ones can be tricky.

Like that, try this: Sail to Russia’s Wrangel Island (aka polar bear heaven). It’s only accessible July to Aug by very few specialist cruise ships.

10. Seek out private islands in Scotland

The Summer Isles, Scotland (Dreamstime)

Why? Who doesn’t fancy an island to themselves? Sadly, most of us don’t have a Branson-sized budget – but that doesn’t mean you can’t claim your own patch of sea-lapped solitude.

Thanks to the fact that Scotland has almost 800 islands, as well as a favourable attitude to wild camping, it’s possible to tick this must-do off the list without spending a penny. Tiny Tanera Beag, the second-largest of the 20-odd north-western Summer Isles, has never been inhabited – though you might be joined by a few sheep, occasionally brought here to graze.

You can sea kayak from the mainland, over Badentarbet Bay and around larger (inhabited) Tanera Mor to reach Tanera Beag. Once you’ve hauled ashore, look out for seals in the lagoon by Eilean Flada Mor, climb to the island’s 83m high-point for views over the nearby rock stacks and skerries, and pitch your tent amid the heather to feel like a laird for the night.

How to tick it off your list: Achiltibuie, on the coast of Wester Ross & Sutherland, is the best access point. Tanera Mor is 3km offshore; Tanera Beag is just beyond. Plan to visit in spring, summer or autumn.

Like that, try this: Canoe to little Algonquin Island, on Ontario’s Kawawaymog Lake, to stay in a Canadian log cabin, away from the world.

11. Climb Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Dreamstime)

Why Kilimanjaro? It’s travel’s greatest trekking summit – and it could well be losing its snows. Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro deserves to be on every travel bucket list.

No other mountain manages to combine such a wealth of wow-factors to tick all those boxes: it’s an aesthetically awesome monolith poking out of the African plains; it’s a tough but achievable challenge; at 5,895m, it’s the roof of a continent; it’s a climatological oddity, proving snow can sit virtually on the equator. Tick, tick, tick, tick.

But just to add an extra bit of tock to all those ticks, doom-sayers predict that those snows might be gone in just a few decades – all the more reason to tackle Kili quick.

There are several routes to choose from. Many opt for the Marangu Route due to its steady slopes, however it has a fairly low success rate as the quick five-day ascent does not allow many to acclimatise sufficiently. The Machame Route is more difficult but a much higher success rate.

How to tick it off your list: Kilimanjaro cannot be climbed independently. Choose a longer trip to allow more time for acclimatisation and increase your chances of success.

Like that, try this: For extra kudos, try climbing Argentina’s Aconcagua, a tougher, higher, non-technical challenge.

12. Tour Havana in a classic car, Cuba

Classic cars in Havana, Cuba (Dreamstime)

Why classic Havana? Hop in an iconic vintage motor before they get scrapped. It’s all change in Cuba. A gentle thaw in relations with their big neighbours to the north means that some travel to the island has become (slightly) easier for American citizens and some trade restrictions have been lifted. 2019 marked the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana, so there’s never been a better time to visit.

For now, Cuba remains quite unique, with an intoxicating je ne sais quoi that’s strong of culture and loose of hips. Perhaps the most iconic Cuba image, though, is of a classic 1950s car bumping down a Havana backstreet.

While you can, take a tour in vintage motor, listening to its retro roar as you glide by the capital’s crumbly grandeur.

How to tick it off your list: You can’t self-drive a classic car, but several companies offer tours with driver/guides.

Like that, try this: Up the ante: join a Rickshaw Rally, to negotiate India at the wheel of a tuk-tuk.

13. See an eclipse in Argentina, Antarctica or Australia

A total eclipse (Dreamstime)

Why the eclipse? To be in the best place when the world goes weird. Total eclipses – when the moon blocks out the sun, basking the earth in an eerie glow – happen roughly every 18 months. But you need to be in the right place, ideally somewhere in the path of the solar maximum, to fully appreciate the effect, and you’d have to wait an average of 375 years to see two total eclipses from the same spot.

Sometimes being in the path of an eclipse is simple. On 21 August 2017, the total eclipse swung right across the middle of the USA, visible in states such as Wyoming, Nebraska and South Carolina; its point of greatest eclipse just north-west of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where totality lasted for over two minutes.

Sometimes, though, it’s a bit trickier – the eclipse in March 2015 was best viewed in the snowy wilderness of Svalbard. Part of the battle is securing a place on a good, expert-led eclipse-watching trip: these specialist departures can fill up well in advance.

How to tick it off your list: The next total solar eclipse is due on 8 April 2023, visible in Australia, and there’s even the chance to see it by air. Cloud cover will affect the quality of eclipse-viewing; if possible, check forecasts and head for clearer skies. The NASA Eclipse site is a mine of information.

Like that, try this: There are plenty of once-in-a-lifetime wonders to witness in Antarctica. Discover some of the best here.

14. Cuddle a whale in Baja California, Mexico

A grey whale calf in Baja (Dreamstime)

Why Baja California? Closer encounters with massive mammals. You can see whales in lots of places, but there are few spots where you can actually give one a hug. From December to April grey whales gather in Baja California’s San Ignacio Lagoon to mate, calve, nurture their young and – so it seems – have a jolly old time with the weird human creatures that sail out to see them.

Despite having been hunted to near extinction, these greys bear no grudge; indeed, they bump into boats and surface within touching distance, inviting pats and strokes. However, there’s only a short window of opportunity to see the greys here each year, with February, March and April the best months, and good trips sell out far – often years – in advance.

How to tick it off your list: Activity varies by month, so time your visit perfectly. In February you see more breaching adults; calves grow more confident in March to April, approaching boats more frequently.

Like that, try this: From Jan to April you can swim with humpbacks in the Dominican Republic.

15. Capture the Northern Lights on camera

Photographing the Northern Lights (Shutterstock)

Why the Northern Lights? To record a spectacular photo of the Northern Lights that you saw. In this age of instant images and selfies, it’s not good enough anymore to just see the planet’s most spectacular light show – to hopefully be in the right place at the right time – now you have to snap a frame-worthy photo of it too.

One way to increase your chances of filling that memory card is to join an aurora photography tour. You’ll not only get tips from pros on how to snap the show – sharpening up those DSLR skills for those future travels – but they’ll also be attuned to where those spectral waves are most likely to start pulsing through the night.

Your daylight hours will then be spent exploring the wild Arctic terrains that best yield luminous results – Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden or Canada.

How to tick it off your list: October to November and February to March are the best times to see the Northern Lights. Remember that dark skies yield better displays, you’re best off avoiding the full moon, and you’ll have to be flexible during your trip. The Aurora Borealis may not appear on the night of your schedule tour, but they could be out in full-force the next night – so be prepared to change your plans at a moment’s notice.

Like that, try this: Look for the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) on New Zealand’s Stewart Island.

Read next The best places to see the Northern Lights

16. Leaf-peep on the Appalachian Trail, USA

Autumn in New Hampshire (Dreamstime)

Why New Hampshire? You’ll get to see fall colours without the other people. The idea of visiting New England in autumn, wending between comely white clapboard houses, verges lined with pumpkins and forested hillsides completely aflame, is a romantic notion. Now add in hiked prices and all the other cars and coaches trying to get to the same scenic lookout, and it isn’t quite so dreamy.

Arguably the best way to appreciate the glorious death of New England’s trees is to stride among it, camping out each night. So, why not combine a smidgen of the Appalachian Trail – the East Coast’s seriously long long-distance hike, bucket list-worthy in itself – to see the leaves without the crowds.

The 70km stretch between New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the Vermont border is particularly renowned for its fabulous fall foliage – think maples smouldering crimson, dogwoods turning purple and birch trees burning gold.

How to tick it off your list: Fall colours usually start to appear in New England from mid-September. Shelters and campsites along the trail are basic.

Like that, try this: Make for Québec’s Laurentian Mountains, where the sugar maples turn magnificent late-Sept to mid-Oct.

Read next: 15 of the world’s epic walking trails

17. Visit an endangered tribe in the Amazon, Ecuador

Two young girls form huaorani tribe in the amazon rainforest, Yasuni National Park, Ecuador (Dreamstime)

Why the Ecuadorian Amazon? To glimpse a unique culture, but to do it sensitively and responsibly. Understandably, many struggling minority tribes don’t want to be gawped at by tourists passing through – the arrow-firing Sentinelese of the Andaman Islands being a case in point.

But for some such groups, tourism is providing a cultural lifeline, and travellers staying at lodges or booking tours owned and run by the tribes themselves are helping to keep endangered traditions alive (and protect their much-threatened environment from developers), while also giving visitors an authentic insight into how the peoples have existed for centuries: everybody wins.

The indigenous peoples of Ecuador’s Oriente seem to have mastered this kind of community eco-tourism; there are several well-regarded options. For example, the Cofán – one of the oldest Amazonian tribes have been running community-based ecotourism in northern Ecuador since 1978.

Trips here include canoeing and piranha fishing, sleeping in traditional thatched huts and trekking into the wildlife-dense rainforest with Cofán guides – with optional overnight camping trip for the adventurous minded.

How to tick it off your list: Trips to the Cofán community at Zabalo depart from Lago Agrio (seven to eight hours from Quito by bus).

Like that? Try this: Visit the El Molo of Lake Turkana, Kenya, for whom tourism is helping their economy.

18. Climb an alternative route to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Everest Base Camp (Dreamstime)

Why Everest Base Camp? To complete an epic trek, then snooze with the summiteers. The treks to Everest Base Camp – a breathtaking 14-day out-and-back into Sagarmatha NP to the foot of the world’s highest mountain – is a classic.

Everest has received negative press when it comes to overtourism, after a photograph of a queue to its summit went viral online in 2019. But if the mountain has been a bucket list item you’re desperate to conquer, don’t let this photograph put you off, as these treks bring in millions for the Nepali economy, and help to support local people.

We do suggest trying a less-popular trekking route to EBC, to reduce both the traffic and the wear and tear of the main route. The Chhukung Valley, Bhote Kosi Valley, and the Dudh Kosi Valley are all strong alternatives.

Do note, most treks are not actually allowed to stay at Everest Base Camp – it requires specific permission. Most hikers visit their 5,340m goal for a ‘been there’ photo op, then descend to nearby Gorak Shep to sleep.

However, a few special departures do offer the chance to overnight at the iconic camp, and it’s far more likely when it’s peak-season for summiteers. It’s a unique opportunity, to both sleep in the shadow of the mighty mountain and to speak to the brave/mad souls making their final preparations; you might even see teams setting off up the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall, the start of their push for the top.

How to tick it off your bucket list: Summiteers usually arrive at Base Camp April/May, so plan your trip accordingly. keep yourself healthy, too, as trekkers with illnesses will not be allowed to stay at Base Camp to avoid potentially infecting the climbers. This goes without saying, but you can’t climb Everest independently.

Like that? Try this: Hike up to Camping Arolla (1,950m), in Petit Praz, Switzerland – Europe’s highest campsite.

19. See the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Italy

Inside the Sistine Chapel (Shutterstock)

Why the Sistine Chapel? Massive art, small crowds. Damn Michelangelo for not picking a bigger room! The 40m long by 13m wide box, squished into the Vatican Museum complex is woefully inadequate for the 25,000-odd people who now traipse through here every day.

Yes, the iconic ceiling, and particularly the altar wall’s Last Judgement, are probably the most impressive paintings you’ll ever see – but that’s only if you can see them, over the heads of the rest of humanity.

Fortunately, there is another way. It’s possible to book private tours of the site, which take small groups into Vatican rooms usually off limits, and finish in the Sistine Chapel for an after-hours viewing of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, without all the other people.

How to tick it off your bucket list: Advance booking is essential, so don’t delay in organising your visit to the Sistine Chapel.

Like that? Try this: When in Rome… join a nighttime, lesser-crowded tour of the Colosseum.

20. Drive through Glacier National Park, USA

Glacier National Park (Shutterstock)

Why Glacier National Park? A rare, time sensitive chance to see retreating ice from a capricious drive, that’s why. The Going-to-the-Sun Road somehow carves an 80km-long furrow through the mountains of north-west Montana. It’s also notoriously difficult to clear of winter snows. Portions of it remain open year-round, but the very earliest in the season that the entire length might be accessible is mid-June.

Then, by late September, parts are off-limits all over again, leaving a brief window for a traverse. It’s worth trying though: the road slices through the parks most dramatic sections, with hair-raising hairpins and a haul over 2,026m Logan Pass.

You can also see the park’s rapidly retreating Jackson Glacier from the tarmac, which you should certainly pull over for – it’s estimated that Glacier NP may be entirely glacier-free by 2030.

How to tick it off the list: Hire a car and drive the road. Without stopping, the journey will take you around two hours. Keep your eyes peeled for road accessibility updates.

Like that, try this: Norway’s switchbacking Trollstigen is closed in late autumn and winter.

Read next: USA national parks you’ve probably never heard of

21. See a spirit bear in British Columbia, Canada

A white spirit bear (Dreamstime)

Why British Columbia? These rare bears roam only here. Even for a country big on big empty, Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest takes some beating. What the GBR does have, though, is lots of lovely wildlife: grey wolves, grizzlies, cougars, orca, sea otters, humpback whales and, uniquely, Kermode – or spirit – bears.

These unusual ursines are black bears with a recessive gene, which renders about 10% of them creamy-pale. Like spirits, though, they’re tricky to spot – fewer than 400 are thought to exist.

But if you head to the right part of this roadless, fjord-cut, river-riven rainforest, you might be in luck. The area around Klemtu is a known Kermode hang-out, and lodges accessible only by floatplane have guides expert in tracking them down.

How to tick it off your list: The best time to visit is late August to mid-October, when returning salmon tempt bears to the rivers.

Like that, try this: Visit Timbavati’s white lions, on Kruger NP’s western edge, South Africa.

Read next: How to seek out spirit bears

22. Ride the Reunification Express, Vietnam

The Trans-Siberian passing through Mongolia (Dreamstime)

Why the Reunification Express? Resurrected after the Vietnam War, the Reunification Express travels from Hanoi in the north, all the way to Ho Chi Minh in the south.

This slow and spectacular route, with its railway longer than 1,700km, only takes two-days to complete (for those doing the whole thing at once). But of course, you have to get off, stretch your legs and explore the history of Vietnam, as it passes through Hue, Danang and Nha Trang.

Taking in the views from the carriage windows is a pure delight, passing sugar-sand beaches, jungles of banana-leaf trees, rural fields and new glass cities.

It’s not the most luxurious way to travel, but its one for real train enthusiasts, who love a rumbling journey accompanied with oodles of history.

How to tick it off your list: If not the whole thing, make sure to tick off the first segment to Da Nang. November to April is a good time to visit.

Like that, try this: Ride The Canadian, from Toronto to Vancouver, another vast, cross-country, multi-day epic.

23. Raft the Zambezi River, Zambia

Hippos in the Zambezi River (Dreamstime)

Why the Zambezi River? Run the great river, while you can. The Zambezi is one of the world’s most iconic waterways, slicing its way through south-eastern Africa and famously plunging over Victoria Falls.

Rafting it – whether you choose a short trip from Livingstone or a multi-day, beach-camping expedition – is up there with the world’s greatest river journeys. You’ll tackle hair-raising rapids called things like Oblivion and The Devil’s Toilet Bowl. You’ll might spot hippos lazing in the channels and even crocs on the banks.

How to tick it off your list: Book your trip to the Zambezi for sometime between August and December – that’s low water season, and the best time for rafting.

Like that, try this: Raft Tasmania’s Franklin River, the wild waterway that conservationists saved from dam-nation.

24. Trek a lesser-known route to Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu (Dreamstime)

Why Machu Picchu? It’s more satisfying than the train, and there are lots of options. It’s virtually impossible to make a bucket list that doesn’t include Machu Picchu. A secret city, never found by those pesky conquistadores, perched in the mountains, swirled by mists and mysteries – it’s the stuff of travel legend.

The trouble is, when you’ve seen so many, many photos of the Inca citadel, there’s a danger it’ll be a bit of a let-down. And that’s one reason why, if you can, you should go on foot. The city deserves the slow build, the accumulated excitement, that trekking there provides.

Also, deciding to lace up doesn’t mean you have to hit the Inca Trail. There are plenty of alternatives to the classic: you can hike via the much less-visited ruins of Choquequirao; head along the dramatic and diverse Salkantay Trail (with posh lodges en route); or tackle the tough Vilcabamba Traverse.

How to tick it off your list: Hikes vary in length, altitude and difficulty, so you’ll need to acclimatise before setting off. Remember, dry season (the best time to go) is April to October. You also need a permit for the Inca Trail. Only a limited number are released each year and they sell out quick.

Like that? Try this: Make a grand entrance at Jordan’s once-lost Nabatean city via the multi-day Dana-Petra trek – the Inca Trail of the Middle East.

Please note: Machu Picchu is currently closed at the time of publication. Please check with tourism authorities on its reopening before travelling.

25. Experience New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, USA

Mardi Gras parades through the streets of New Orleans (Shutterstock)

Why Mardi Gras? One of the USA’s biggest carnivals, Mardi Gras is all about the party spirit, with extravagant parades of colourful costumes, large floats and plenty of music.

Although celebrations take places across the states, New Orleans is world-famous for its Mardi Gras event.

The name itself translates to Fat Tuesday in French, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday. This is a day before lent begins, so expect the party to finish promptly at midnight on Ash Wednesday.

The good news is its more than just one day in New Orleans. Celebrations begin the weekend before Shrove Tuesday, where parades including Endymion and Bacchus take place. The party atmosphere fills each corner of the city, from Bourbon Street to the French Quarter.

When Mardi Gras is over, why not stay a little longer? New Orleans is known as the ‘Big Easy’, with jazz, blues, reggae and rock all part of its cultural heritage. Spend time seeking out the hot spots in town to experience live, authentic music.

How to tick if off your list: Book your accomodation in advance. The city draws in around a million visitors over the few days, so accomodation will sell out quick. Keep an eye on parade dates here.

Like that, try this: Día de Muertos (aka Day of the Dead) celebrated most prominently in Mexico is another fascinating cultural celebration to experience.

The best eco hotels and lodges in the world

1. Svart, Norway

Svart Hotel (Snøhetta Plompmozes Miris)

Feel a sense of tranquillity as you hover above the calm, crystal clear waters of Holandsfjorden fjord and take in the outstanding natural scenery or Norway.

Located just above the Arctic Circle, Svart is the world’s first energy-positive hotel which opened in 2021. The circular property has a 360-degree view of the Svartisen glacier, and aims to reduce its yearly energy consumption by 85% compared to other modern hotels, by using solar energy.

More information: svart.no

2. Jetwing Surf, Sri Lanka

The beautiful beach-front suites at Jetwing Surf (Jetwing Surf)

Experience a piece of eco-luxury on the beaches of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s south-eastern coast. The hotel’s construction and design has been inspired by nature with structures made from wood, palm leaves and dried iluk grass, built to create as little disturbance to the surrounding vegetation as possible.

Where feasible, natural ventilation and lighting is used and waste water is biologically treated to protect the natural habitat.

More information: jetwinghotels.com

3. Garonga Safari Camp, South Africa

(Garonga Safari Camp)

Get back to nature in more ways than one at this luxury tented camp in the Makalai Conservancy. The camp does everything it can to reduce its carbon footprint including using solar panels for 30% of its energy consumption.

The property also has a heater pump system to reduce electrical power by 80%, and a bio-gas system to turn food and natural waste into natural gas to cook with. Used water is filtered and cleaned so it can be fed back into the camp’s waterhole for the animals.

More information: garonga.com

4. El Nido Resorts, Philippines

(El Nido Resorts)

The four resorts in Palawan live by a green ethos, which includes buying their products and employing staff locally, giving guests the opportunities to experience nature and the area’s culture, and building new sustainability programmes every year.

As well as green design and architecture, the resorts offer sustainable menus and plenty of nature-based activities in their verdant environment.

More information: elnidoresorts.com

5. Soneva Kiri, Thailand

(Soneva Kiri)

Hidden in the tropical rainforests and surrounded by gorgeous beaches, this Thailand resort is the ideal combination of eco-friendly and luxury.

Soneva is committed to sustainability across all its resorts, but at Soneva Kiri it has developed a Carbon Calculator to monitor the full footprint of its operations; from energy consumption to freight, food, paper, waste and water. They even have their own organic garden, reducing their impact on the environment by not importing produce over a long distance.

More information: soneva.com

6. Kachi Lodge, Bolivia

(Kachi Lodge)

Kachi is the first permanent lodge of its kind in Saral de Uyuni, Bolivia’s otherworldly salt flats. Sitting at the foot of the Tunupa volcano, it offers a sleek, solar-powered spin on glamping, all set at a breathless altitude (3,600m).

Here, its six white domes seemingly float on the horizon. Lanterns keep you warm at night, and local cuisine comes courtesy of the chefs from La Paz’s much-lauded Gustu restaurant, which also serves as a foundation to give under-privileged youths a start.

More information: kachilodge.com

7. Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

Three Camel Lodge (Nomadic Expeditions, Michael Kleinberg)

In the light of the Gobi Desert, the Three Camel Lodge appears like a mirage, nestled between the Bayanzag cliffs and the Altai Mountains. A cluster of comfortable, eco-conscious gers: round, felt tents, decorated warmly in the Mongolian tradition, with local materials and hand-painted interiors.

Yes, it looks sensational, but most importantly it’s socially responsible – the solar-powered ger camp has banned plastic use, protects wildlife and uses profits to support struggling nomads in winter.

More information: threecamellodge.com

8. Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica

(Pacuare Lodge)

Set deep in the Central Highlands’ rainforest, no roads lead to this eco-lodge, so if you decide against navigating the Pacuare River’s rushing rapids, you can cross the river by a hanging gondola instead.

It’s typically known for high-octane adventures, natural beauty and exotic animal sightings, but commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the lodge.

Clean energy is the big focus, with electricity generated by a turbine in a nearby stream. There are no buffets here – you pre-order the superb meals so that nothing is wasted. No trees were felled to house the bungalows, which are lit up with lanterns, creating a natural warmth. You can then wash off the day with the solar-heated water – or take a dip in the infinity pool, framed by rainforest and the sounds of nature.

More information: pacuarelodge.com

9. Bambu Indah, Bali

(Bambu Indah)

With its handful of hand-carved teak houses and bamboo ‘tents’ set among the treetops, Bambu Indah is super-stylish yet sustainable – and won’t blow your budget.

After a dawn yoga session, bathe in the freshwater pools and breakfast on organic ingredients – the restaurant has even replaced plates with bamboo leaves, and straws with papaya stems.

More information: bambuindah.com

10. Karinji Eco Retreat, Western Australia

(Karijini Eco Retreat)

With its hulking gorges, thundering waterfalls and rolling hills strewn with wildflowers and wallabies, Karijini National Park is one epic spot for hiking, climbing and canyoning.

What’s more, this eco retreat (based in the park) treads lightly on the landscape, thanks to its solar power, lack of air conditioning and non-permanent (yet beautifully furnished) tented suites.

More information: karijiniecoretreat.com.au

11. Rewa Lodge, Guyana

Rewa Lodge (Simon Chubb)

Owned and operated by a local Amerindian community, Rewa Lodge in Guyana has garnered many accolades among lovers of wild places. It first opened in 2003, when manager (and community chief) Rudy led the charge to open an eco lodge to benefit the local community and wildlife.

Rewa Lodge is an example of true grassroots tourism, with the community running it and directly benefitting. Rudy took our editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes to the nearby village, where a newly consecrated church, a health centre, nursery school and primary school were all funded through the lodge.

More information: rewaecolodge.com

12. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

Mashpi Lodge (Michael Kleinberg/Mashpi Lodge)

Ecuador’s extraordinary Mashpi Lodge is an eco-wonder set deep in the amazing Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest. At night, you can sleep well, knowing that not a single tree was removed during its construction.

During all hours, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of rainforest from your room, and the hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and jungle frogs that call this jungle home.

More information: mashpilodge.com

21 incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Latin America

1. Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador & Peru

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System (Dreamstime)

Visiting Qhapaq Ñan is a daunting prospect. This network of Andean roads was built by the Inca to connect their capital Cuzco to outposts of the empire as far afield as the Colombian sierra to the north and Santiago in the south.

The system, which was trodden by message-relaying chasqui (runners), traders, soldiers, pilgrims and llama caravans, weaves across six countries, via high peaks, thick rainforests and arid deserts, covering some 30,000km.

At the moment it’s more an idea than a cohesive site – while masterful engineering has ensured much of the matrix is still intact, many pathways are overgrown.

However, you can easily visit patches of it. Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the headline segment; other traceable bits include the highland route between Achupallas and Ingapirca in central Ecuador, the various strands around Rancagua in Chile, and Bolivia’s Takesi Trail, which starts near La Paz, crosses the Cordillera Real and dives down into the lush Yungas valleys.

2. Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Argentina

Los Glaciares National Park (Shutterstock)

See the South Patagonian Ice Field at its most splendid. This UNESCO site encompasses 6,000 sq km of incredible iciness: around half of the park is covered in namesake glaciers, which ooze down rugged mountainsides and crash into blue-turquoise lakes.

One lake, Argentino, is fed by three vast ice tongues (Upsala, Onelli and Perito Moreno), which regularly calve thunderously into the milky waters. Los Glaciares also protects a swathe of pristine Patagonian steppe, Magellanic forests and southern beech (fiery in autumn), as well as puma, condor and ostrich-like choique.

The alpine village of El Chaltén is a good hub for trekkers; from here you can hike round Mount Fitz Roy. Alternatively, for the drama of Perito Moreno, catch a bus from El Calafate then stroll between the viewpoints on the Península de Magallanes, take a boat trip up to the glacier’s 60m-high face, or hire a guide and crampons to walk on top.

Read next 5 spectacular sights to see on the W Circuit in Las Torres del Paine

3. Iguazu/Iguaçu National Park in Argentina/Brazil

Iguazu/Iguaçu National Park (Shutterstock)

Iguazu’s so good they inscribed it twice – the Argentine side of this gigantic, jungle-shrouded waterfall became a UNESCO site in 1984, the Brazilian side in 1986. In short, it’s a natural World Heritage wonder whichever angle you’re coming from, a comely collection of between 160 and 270 cascades (depending on the water volume) tumbling into a border-straddling gorge.

But while the 3km-wide falls are the most obvious attraction here – and visitable in various ways, including upper trails, lower trails, get-you-wet boardwalks and boat trips – the surrounding parks are a less-expected revelation. The spray ensures everything around Iguazu Falls is well watered, leading to a profusion of green. This is a realm of subtropical forest, thick with Brazilian pine, wild palms, imbuya, tree ferns, lianas and epiphytes.

4. City of Potosí in Central Highlands, Bolivia

City of Potosí (Shutterstock)

Potosí, which sits breathless on the barren plains at an altitude of around 4,000m, is a place of mixed fortunes. In the 16th century, when silver ore was discovered here, it became the richest city in the Americas. But when the supply dried up in the 19th century, Potosí went into decline.

So it is with its World Heritage status. The city was inscribed in 1987 for being a matchless example of colonial industrialism and architecture. However, in 2014 Potosí was placed on UNESCO’s ‘In Danger’ list: the continuance of mining is destabilising Cerro Rico – the ‘rich mountain’ from which all the silver was sourced – and threatening the authenticity of the site.

Potosí is still worth visiting, though. It has more than 20 churches and over 2,000 historic buildings, some with red-tiled roofs and graceful porticos, some in pretty pastels, others with intricate iron balconies.

5. Tiwanaku in Altiplano, Bolivia

Tiwanaku (Shutterstock)

Forget the Inca for a minute. The Tiwanaku culture, which at its peak (AD 500-900) numbered 50,000 people, is the real cradle of Andean civilisation. Its centre was the namesake city of Tiwanaku, perched close to the southern shores of Lake Titicaca at a lung-squeezing altitude of 3,850m. The city once covered several square kilometres, though only a small part has been excavated.

What has been unearthed is the ceremonial centre of Tiwanaku, a complex of ruined pyramids, temples, palaces and megaliths set amid the barren highlands. Most striking is the seven-tiered Pyramid of Akapana, believed to be the religious heart of Tiwanaku – local Aymara people still come here to leave offerings to the achachilas (mountain gods).

To get a good overview of the complex and culture, start at the on-site museum, which displays items – pots, idols and fragments of elaborate textiles – that nod to its skills.

Read next Your travel guide to Sucre, Bolivia

6. Brasília in Federal District, Brazil

Cathedral of Brasília (Shutterstock)

Brasília is a World Heritage youngster. The pre-planned Brazilian capital only came into being in 1956, and was inscribed onto the list just 31 years later. This is thanks to the imagination and innovation of urban planner Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, who dreamed up a city of harmonious Modernist design.

The vibe is retro space-age, laid out in an airplane-like shape, with futuristic skyscrapers and government buildings on one axis and the residential areas on the other, linked by excellent roads.

Visit the cathedral, which rears up like a splayed crown of thorns; catch a performance or exhibition at the Teatro Nacional, an Aztec-like pyramid of glass; and head to the blocky, grey-black Central Bank building, where the Museum of Money showcases financial history and an enormous nugget of gold.

7. Serra da Capivara National Park in Piauí state, Brazil

Cave paintings of Serra da Capivara National Park (Shutterstock)

This national park in Brazil’s north-east contains a semi-arid land of mountains, plains, valleys, rock formations and Brazilian caatinga (‘white forest’) – a shimmering swathe of scrub, cacti and deciduous woodland. It’s interesting enough in its own right, but the presence of the oldest rock art in the Americas adds an extra tingle.

Some of the 300-odd cave paintings and sites discovered here could date back 30,000-50,000 years. If correct, this contradicts widely held notions of how and when South America was first colonised. The artworks depict a range of scenes, from hunting and dancing to fighting and sex; other pictographs represent animals (jaguar, tapir, rhea) and supernatural beings.

The sites are spread out, so join a tour with an archaeologist guide to help make sense of the magnificent, world-changing markings.

8. Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves in Bahia and Espírito Santo states, Brazil

Trancoso, Porto Seguro, Bahia (Shutterstock)

Named for the site of the first Portuguese landing, by Pedro Cabral in 1500, the listed area covers eight protected zones, together comprising one of the best remaining sweeps of this ecosystem; rich, tropical broadleaf forest fuzzes the ocean-side limestone plateau.

Indeed, nowhere on the planet has more tree species per hectare, including pernambuco (the country’s national tree), piaçaba palms, jatoba and jussara as well as areas of restingas (moist coastal forest).

A good base is the lively coastal town of Porto Seguro, from where you can make forays into Monte Pascoal National Park and Pau-Brasil National Park – both part of the UNESCO site. In the former, you can climb the namesake mountain (536m), mountain bike towards the sea and visit the Pataxó Indian settlement.

9. Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia in Bahia state, Brazil

Salvador de Bahia (Shutterstock)

Brazil isn’t short on colonial-era cities with UNESCO listings but Salvador, nestled on a hilly peninsula overlooking Todos os Santos Bay, arguably has something extra.

It was the first capital of Brazil (1549-1763), had the dubious honour of hosting the New World’s first slave market, and is awash with architectural reminders of the past – from the wide plazas to the baroque basilica to tumbledown streets lined with pastel-hued and stuccoed Renaissance houses.

But it’s the multicultural vibe that you notice most: Salvador is the epicentre of African Brazil, and alleys here buzz with candomblé rituals and beating drums. Browse the lanes of the steep, cobbled Pelourinho, tuck into acarajé (deep-fried balls of mashed black-eyed peas with shrimp paste) and watch capoeira moves being cut on the beach.

10. Rapa Nui National Park in Rapa Nui/Easter Island, Chile

Rapa Nui National Park (Shutterstock)

Adrift in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is one of the remotest places on the planet – and one of the most mysterious. We think that this small chunk of volcanic rock was first colonised by Eastern Polynesians from around AD 700. But quite why they decided to sculpt huge lumps of tuff, scoria and basalt into strange big heads (known as moai), then haul them from the Rano Raraku crater and erect them all over the island remains a puzzle.

There are around 900 statues in all, ranging from two to 20m tall; some are complete, with obsidian eyes, others have been left semicarved. There are also 300 ceremonial platforms and the remains of other domestic structures. Must-sees include the 15 moai of Ahu Tongariki and the beachside sculptures at Anakena. Also, take a walk around Rano Raraku, to explore the Rapa Nui’s alfresco workshop.

Read next 8 highlights of Easter Island

11. Port of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia (Shutterstock)

Pastel-painted, palace-dotted, wall-wrapped, Caribbean-lapped Cartagena is a dreamy Latin vision made real. UNESCO says, quite perfunctorily, that within the colonial heart of the city ‘can be found civil, religious and residential monuments of beauty and consequence’ but that seems to be missing part of the point.

Yes, Cartagena has a matchless complex of military walls, fortresses and a bastioned harbour, but it is the fairytale feel and sensual vibe that makes the city so intoxicating.

Soak this atmosphere up on a wander amid the old districts of El Centro and San Diego, where church spires soar, colourful streets squiggle, plazas are shaded by rippling palms and windowboxes drip with bougainvillea. Also, take a walk along las murallas (those old 16th-century walls) to gaze down on the city and the sea beyond.

12. Churches of Chiloé, Chile

Churches of Chiloé (Shutterstock)

Speckling the Pacific, just south of the Chilean Lake District, the Chiloé Archipelago stretches around 190km north-south, the surface-probing extremities of a sunken mountain range.

These islands were once the preserve of the native Chonos and Huilliche peoples, who fished and farmed here; however, in 1567 the Spanish arrived. They were followed in 1608 by Jesuit missionaries and, in the 18th and 19th centuries, by the Franciscans, all keen to convert the locals. In order to do this, the new arrivals built a circuit of churches, which they could stay at for a few days as they travelled round, evangelising.

Today there are 60 mission churches on the archipelago, 14 of which are considered particularly impressive, for their exquisite wooden construction, their colourful interiors and their fusion of European and indigenous traditions. Plan your own loop of Chiloé to take some of them in – perhaps the graceful cypress-and-larch church of Nercón, bright blue Tenaún, 53m-long Quinchao (the biggest) or Neo-Gothic Castro.

13. San Agustín Archaeological Park in Huila, Colombia

San Agustín Archaeological Park (Shutterstock)

For a long time, the FCO cautioned against visiting this ancient treasure in southern Colombia; it still does advise against all but essential travel in the regions nearby. Which is a pity, because San Agustín is quite unique, an archaeological wonderland created by a little-known culture that thrived from around AD 0-800.

The handiwork of these ancient peoples is scattered across a wide area in the eastern Andean foothills. There are funerary monuments, burial mounds, stone statuary (in the forms of humans, animals and birds) and even carvings in the rocky bed of a stream. A museum explains some background, then you can hike or horse-ride around the site to get a feel for the scale of the civilisation’s achievements.

Read next A guide to Colombia’s six charming regions

14. Galápagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador

Marine iguana on the Galápagos Islands (Shutterstock)

The Galápagos might be the Latin American UNESCO site that’s loved just a bit too much. The magical, yet fragile, archipelago struggles under the weight of people wanting to visit, as well as migration, overfishing and invasive species.

However, despite all of the problems, it remains one of the world’s very best wildlife destinations – there are few other places where the creatures are so unafraid and so brilliantly weird, or that have inspired an entire rethink of evolution.

Cruising around the islands will introduce you to its numerous residents – the playful sea lions, the piles of pitch-black marine iguanas, the lumbering giant tortoises, the many types of booby. Boats with kayaks and snorkel gear will allow different levels of interaction. Just tread carefully as you go.

15. Sangay National Park in Central Andes, Ecuador

Sangay National Park (Shutterstock)

Sangay has been redeemed. This park, which gathers together three 5,000m-plus volcanoes (two of them active) plus valleys, rainforests and a sprinkle of waterfalls, was placed on the ‘In Danger’ list in 1992, when illegal poaching and construction threatened its integrity.

However, by 2005, it was considered fully UNESCO-worthy once more. It’s the range of terrain here that’s so impressive – running the gamut from snowcapped mountain tops and high-altitude páramo to the lush lowlands of the Amazon Basin. Plus, its remoteness means wildlife thrives here: tapir and puma, giant otter and spectacled bear, Andean condor and cock-of-the-rock.

The park can be explored via hiking trails, by bike or on horseback. Technical climbers might fancy El Altar (5,139m), the inactive member of the park’s volcanic trio. Tungurahua (5,016m) is currently too volatile to ascend. Sangay (5,230m) still spits and huffs, but – conditions dependent – can be conquered on a five-day trek.

16. Quito in Northern Ecuador

Quito (Shutterstock)

When UNESCO designated its first 12 World Heritage sites in 1978, the historic centre of the Ecuadorian capital was one of them. Even the powerful earthquake of 1917 couldn’t rattle this Latin lovely: the architecture here remains intact and wonderfully harmonious, a masterclass in the style that became known as the Baroque school of Quito.

This design ethos originated in the 17th and 18th centuries, combining Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous styles to create something spectacular.

Amid the Old Town, laid out neatly in a series of squares, are some real gems: the monastery of Santo Domingo, with its exquisite works of art, and the La Compañía church, with its glittering interior of gilded walls, altars and plasterwork. Take a walking tour around the Old Town or ride the teleférico sky tram up Pichincha volcano for the finest city overview.

Read next How you can explore the best of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

17. Jesuit Missions of La Santísima in the Trinidad de Paraná & Jesús de Tavarangue Paraná River area, Paraguay

Jesuit Missions of La Santísima (Shutterstock)

Paraguay’s only UNESCO site – like a fair few other Latin inscriptions – owes its existence to those proselytising Jesuits. The Christian crew arrived in the Río de la Plata Basin area in 1588, encouraging locals to adopt the religion but not enforcing a full Europeanisation; consequently, many indigenous traditions remain.

La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná (built in 1706, and the better preserved) and Jesús de Tavarangue (1760), both now in ruins, are 10km apart, and follow a similar design: a central church flanked by the home of the Fathers, with the chiefs’ residence nearby, plus workshops, a yard and cemetery; the indigenous people’ homes were along streets radiating from a large square.

18. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in the Andes, Peru

Machu Picchu (Shutterstock)

There were rumours the (over) popular lost Inca citadel might be declared ‘In Danger’ when the UNESCO Committee gathered in July 2015, with a final decision postponed until 2017. Certainly the site is a victim of its own popularity.

Well, it’s a hidden ruin that out-foxed the Spanish, tucked deep in lush, misty mountains, tumbling delightfully down an improbable slope, and accessible only via a splendid old paved pathway or a scenic train – what’s not to love? It has all the romance you could want from a travel destination – but sadly all the people you don’t.

Relieve a bit of the burden on the site by hiking one of the alternative trails to Machu Picchu – perhaps via the Salcantay route, Lares Valley or Choquequirao – and by visiting some of Peru’s lesser known archaeological gems.

19. Manú National Park in the Amazon, Peru

Manú National Park (Shutterstock)

Manú is massive. This park in the Peruvian Amazon covers some 15,000 sq km of tropical forest, snaking rivers, alluvial plains and Andean foothills. The biodiversity here is off the scale; for example, around 850 bird species have been recorded, though who knows how many more species might lurk here. Creatures we do know about include jaguar, giant otter, giant armadillo, black caiman, various monkeys and myriad macaws.

Tourism is only allowed in three areas of the park: the Acjanaco Sector/Tres Cruces, a high-altitude region of puña grasslands and cloudforest, home to puma and Andean bear; the Cultural History Zone, in the Palotoa River Basin, home to the Pusharo petroglyphs; and the Manú River Sector, where boat trips and stays at jungle lodges offer an introduction to both the prolific wildlife and the native culture.

20. Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape in Fray Bentos, Uruguay

Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape (Dreamstime)

Er, yes, meat production heritage! Who knew it was so important? In answer: not as many people as know it now. The factories here, on the banks of the Uruguay River, represent South America’s newest UNESCO site, freshly designated in July 2015.

It’s a huge complex, founded close to the livestock-rich prairies in 1859, and showcasing the whole method of meat manufacturing – from sourcing and processing to packing and dispatching.

The old El Anglo plant, which closed in 1979, is now a heritage museum, an eerily empty disarray of people-less warehouses, unhinged gates, rusty hooks and collapsed cattle corrals. As for the rest of Fray Bentos, there are some leafy plazas and some colourful houses, and the sandy beaches of Las Cañas are 8km away.

21. Canaima National Park, Venezuela

Canaima National Park (Shutterstock)

Canaima, in south-east Venezuela, hard up against the Brazil and Guyana borders, feels positively prehistoric. Around 65% of the park is covered by tepuis – majestic, jungly flat-topped inselbergs that have evolved in splendid isolation, from both the outside world and each other.

This means the area is a hotbed of endemism, with each tepui summit having its own unique ecosystem; the most explored is Mt Roraima, which can be climbed on a steep and sweaty five-day expedition from the village of Paratepui.

The park is also a-splish with waterfalls, not least Angel, the world’s highest, which tumbles 1,002m down the side of Auyantepui. There are also rarities such as giant anteater, giant armadillo and little spotted cat, to the native Pemón people, who have roamed amid Canaima’s forests and savannah for at least 10,000 years.

Discover more of Latin America’s highlights:

8 exciting foodie experiences in Latin America

25 best outdoor experiences in Latin America

7 colourful festivals of Latin America

The 21 best places to visit in August

August is an extremely popular month to travel, especially to Europe, when temperatures soar. Prices tend to skyrocket, too, as the school holiday rush means that families nab flights to make the most of their fixed six weeks off.

Of course, there are brilliant places to visit all over the world during August. Whether you’re after a hot island holiday, a life-changing wildlife experience or an unexpected long-term adventure on the road less travelled, we’ve got you covered.

Skip ahead to your chosen travel type by clicking on one of the below, or keep scrolling for the full list:

The best August destinations for nature and ideal weather

1. Off-the-beaten-track Croatia

Sibenik, Croatia (Shutterstock)

Croatia’s hottest (and driest) month is August – with temps climbing as high as 28°C – so of course the likes of Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and other classic destinations will be packed with visitors making the most of the sun.

If you want to enjoy the sparkling weather in Croatia without the crowds, head to the Mamma Mia island of Vis. Or for a city vibe, discover all of the amazing things to do in Sibenik, or Rovinj. But hurry, these gems are starting to be discovered.

Alternatively, why not skip Plitvice and Krka and head to one of Croatia’s six lesser-visited national parks? Kornati may be tricky to visit, but it is perfect for true explorers. Paklenica National Park is another gem, ideal for hikers unafraid of a hot, hot hike.

2. Matera, Italy

Matera, Italy (Shutterstock)

Matera is one of Basilicata’s biggest draws and was named one of two 2019 European Capitals of Culture. A few days is the perfect amount of time to delve deeper into how Matera turned its reputation around from ‘Italy’s shame’ to ‘iconic cultural hot spot’.

With highs of 29°C in August, summer is the ideal time to explore its fascinating cave districts in the sun, enjoy the natural beauty of Polino National Park, Italy’s largest, and sample the region’s authentic cuisine. For a longer trip, rent a car and head towards Pompeii, Sorrento, or in the opposite direction to coastal Bari.

3. Medellin, Colombia

Medellin, Colombia (Shutterstock)

August in Colombia, weather-wise, is a bit hit and miss. Whether you’ll get sun or showers really depends on which region you’re visiting, whether you’re after a wildlife adventure in the Amazon or some time in the city.

One thing Medellin has in August that makes up for its – at times – overcast appearance? The spectacular 10-day celebration of nature, known as Feria de Flores(Festivals of the Flowers).

Every August, the city blooms with the bright colours of flowers, paraded down the streets. Hundreds of concerts, crafts sessions and floral parades take to the streets and fill the city’s best venues. It’s a must for any nature lover’s travel wish list.

4. Off-the-beaten-track Greek island hopping

Ithaca, one of our off-the-beaten-track Greek Island picks (Shutterstock)

Sunseekers won’t be surprised to see Greece on our list for August. It’s a classic summer holiday destination, whether you’ve booked with a travel agent, arranged an island-hopping boat tour or you’ve planned your trip yourself.

As with Croatia, just because it’ll be busy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the perks. After all, there’s a reason it’s so rammed.

Simply take the road (or waterway) less travelled to one of Greece’s secret islands, for an unforgettable beachside break with a difference. It’ll be incredibly warm, whichever island you choose. Average highs in August are 31°C, so make sure you’re prepared.

Read next: Top 10 little-known Greek islands

5. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia (Shutterstock)

When you think of Tallinn, you may find the peach-coloured Alexander Nevsky Cathedral springs to mind, surrounded by droplets of crisp white snow.

We don’t blame you. Though freezing, Estonia and its neighbours Latvia and Lithuania make fine winter breaks. But they shouldn’t be overlooked in summer.

Walking through Tallinn’s comprehensive Old Town and soaking up the atmosphere in Freedom Square is just as satisfying in the sun. With plenty of steep hills to climb, to get to the best views of the city, it’s almost easier without all the ice…

The best longer-term travel experiences to take on in August

6. Guyana & The Guianas

The rainforest of French Guiana (Shutterstock)

South America’s smallest wonders Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname are prime for visitors at the end of August. It’s the perfect time to witness the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, follow in Papillon’s footsteps in French Guiana, and sample Suriname’s tasty, speciality rums.

Firstly, the weather’s always warm, but it’s dry season on the Guianan coast during August, andFrench Guiana tends to be drier and warmer in August – as does Suriname.

All three countries are sandwiched between Venezuela and Brazil, so we’d say you’re best off lengthening your trip and visiting all three at once. At least you’ll have the benefit of being as far off the beaten track in South America as possible.

Read next: What a trip through the three Guianas is really like

7. Mongolia

Mongolia (Shutterstock)

You can’t really go wrong in Mongolia at this time of year. Expect vibrant steppes rich in shades of green during August, and just-right temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.

If you head to the mountains, you’ll probably find it’s slightly colder than everywhere else – arguably better conditions for longer treks, which won’t require sweating it out in the heat. Wild camping and cycling are other must-do activities in August – as is heading to the Gobi Desert in the south.

It’s also prime time to visit Lake Khövsgöl in northern Mongolia, near the Russian border. The country’s biggest and most beautiful freshwater lake dazzles in the sunlight, and seems to stretch for miles on end.

8. Northern Kyrgyzstan

Burana Tower in Chuy Valley, northern Kyrgyzstan (Shutterstock)

August lands firmly in the middle of Kyrgyzstan’s peak season (May to October), so certain areas will be packed with visitors and locals (here’s looking at you, Lake Issyk-Kul).

However, it is a good time to take on the epic hikes that Central Tien Shan (the ‘Celestial Mountains’ in Chinese) has to offer. The highest peak reaches 7,439m, so this is no casual climb. You’ll need to be an experienced walker, with a high-level of fitness to make the most of it.

9. Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, India (Shutterstock)

The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a travel photographer (and Instagram lover’s) dream come true. A seemingly endless maze of blue houses, winding alleys, and colourful doors awaits.

Of course, there’s much more to it than that. Expect history and art in the renowned, 15th century Mehrangarh Fort. Admire the ornate decoration of Jaswant Thada. Get out into nature at the impressive Mandore Sculpture Garden, get active with water activities in Lake Kaylana, or picnic at the 12th century Balsamand Lake.

Visit in August particularly for bearable heat (lows of 26°C and highs of 34°C), and the good chance that you’ll find some savvy accommodation deals. August is off-season, so though you won’t find yourself a lone visitor at any stage, it’s likely you may experience a tiny bit less of the typical bustle.

10. Langkawi, Malaysia

The stunning views of Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi, Malaysia (Shutterstock)

There’s so much to explore in Malaysia, it almost seems unfair to single out the archipelago of Langkawi. Though we suppose, with more time, there’s nothing to stop you heading further afield…

But with suitably warm temps (often around 28°C to 31°C), incredibly natural beauty to marvel, cable cars and boat trips galore, and unusual wildlife sightings practically guaranteed – it’s an appealing all-rounder for a sunny getaway without the ‘packaged holiday’ feel.

The best August destinations for arts & culture

11. Edinburgh, Scotland

A sign for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, in 2018 (Shutterstock)

In August, you won’t struggle to find a variety of culture and entertainment festivals in most of the major British and European cities. For the best of the best in summer fun, you need to head to the Scottish capital.

Not only does the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival and its world-class comedy and theatre take over the architecturally-stunning city for the entire month of August, but you’ll also find a host of other big name festivals.

Expect arts exhibitions, orchestras and dances at the Edinburgh International Festival, performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival – both throughout the month. Towards the end of August, there’s a fireworks concert in the city centre, and a mix of multicultural events at the Edinburgh Mela Festival on 31 August.

12. London, England

London, England (Shutterstock)

Every month in London has something for everyone, but August really ups the ante in terms of arts and culture offerings for travellers.

As the name suggests, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival takes over south east London. Performance art takes place indoors and outdoors – expect everything from laser shows and colourful powder fights to stilt walkers and acrobats abseiling down historic buildings.

For classic music fans, BBC Proms has performances running throughout August.

As the month draws to a close, embrace the colourful madness of the iconic Notting Hill Carnival. The London Craft Beer Festival takes place in the middle of the month at Tobacco Dock, a former warehouse in Wapping.

And for those foodie travellers, the many street food markets dotted across London will delight in warmer months – go beyond Borough Market and try visiting Mercato Metropolitanoin Elephant and Castle, or Boxpark in Shorditch.

13. Papua New Guinea

Mount Hagen Cultural Show in Mount Hagen township, Papua New Guinea (Shutterstock)

The city of Mount Hagen in the western province of Papua New Guinea comes alive in the middle of August for days-long performances, feasts and musical festivities hosted by locals during the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.

Drier than June and the coolest month of the year overall, the weather also makes a compelling argument for August as the best time to explore Papua New Guinea’s exotic cities and towns.

Of course, Papua New Guinea is a challenging destination and truly off the well-trodden trail. As such, only very experienced travellers should plan to visit, keeping a close eye on the FCO’s Official Travel Advice before going, too.

14. Guča, Serbia

Guča, Serbia’s famous Trumpet Festival (Shutterstock)

The Guča Trumpet Festival, known sometimes as Dragačevski Sabo, is probably a little less well-known than the likes of the Edinburgh Fringe and Notting Hill Carnival.

Nevertheless, the small Serbian town of Guča comes alive for three days in early August for its annual festival, showcasing the best in brass music performances. Hundreds of thousands attend each year.

15. Tunisia

The Roman ruins of Dougga in Tunisia (Shutterstock)

Tunisia’s perhaps not the first place you’d think of for a short break with a focus on the arts. However, August provides a few opportunities to see a different side to this North African country.

Established in 1964, the International Festival of Carthage, is held every July and August, offering live music, theatre, opera and even a bit of ballet.

Dougga International Festival is another opportunity to experience live music – this time in the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman city of Dougga. The festival ends in the first week of August.

The best places to visit for wildlife watching in August

16. Discover birds and monkeys in northern Ecuador

Squirrel monkey in the Ecuadorian jungle (Shutterstock)

Ecuador is on South America’s west coast. A delightful combination of the Andes, Amazon and the Galápagos Islands (just to name a few), it’s home to many unique and colourful wildlife species. No surprise then, that it’s become one of our top August wildlife trips.

Head to the northern part of the country to give yourself the best chance of seeing the cheeky-looking squirrel monkey, a marmoset or tamarin in the wild.

Birders in Ecuador have the opportunity to see around 1,600 species in total. Undeniably, it’s one of the planet’s best birdwatching countries. Staying in the north, you’ll see rare macaws, the sleek Andean condor, hummingbirds aplenty and brightly-patterned toucans (again, to name a few). Get your binoculars ready…

Read next: More incredible things to do in Ecuador

17. Go polar bear watching in Arctic Canada

Polar bears in the Canadian Arctic sunset (Shutterstock)

Summers in the Canadian Arctic are, unsurprisingly, rather short. They’re also the best time to get out on the water in a Zodiac and do a bit of polar bear-spotting from your expedition boat.

As we all know, polar bears are best admired from a distance. They’re nowhere near as cuddly as as they look. But you may have a chance of getting a little closer than usual, as the Zodiacs can get quite close.

Read next: What else can you do in Arctic Canada?

17. Whale watching in San Juan Islands, Washington State

Whale-spotting from San Juan Islands (Shutterstock)

Hop on a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to reach four of the 172 San Juan Islands. The weather here is mild most of the year, but the sunniest time to come is during August – coincidently also the best time to see killer whales. This is one of the top places in the world to see the black and white beauties.

San Juan is the most popular islands, with its Whale Museum and plenty of outdoor activities. If you want a more peaceful, wild experience, head to lesser-visited Orcas Island and take on the 6km climb up Mount Constitution. If you’re lucky, you can spot Vancouver from the top on a clear day.

19. Watch macaws in Manu National Park, Peru

Macaws in Manu National Park, Peru (Shutterstock)

Visit the south-east region of Peru in August and you’ll find yourself stunned by the natural prowess of Manu National Park. Also classed as a Biosphere Reserve, you’ll be awed by its lush Amazonian jungle, and the striking Andean Highlands.

It’s the perfect place for the avid birdwatcher to see the wow-worthy macaw in its natural habitat. These beautiful parrots – often a mix of red, yellow, blue and green feathers – are best spotted collecting clay at ‘clay banks’ or ‘clay licks’ around the park, to feed on later. It’s quite an incredible sight.

August is typically the beginning of the season for the most sightings, with September and October also thought to be ideal months.

20. Meet orangutans in Borneo

A young orangutan in Borneo (Dreamstime)

Borneo’s orangutans basked in the spotlight when Dame Judi Dench visited an orangutan sanctuary during filming of her documentary, Wild Borneo Adventure, for ITV.

August is one of the best times for us non-knighted folk to head to this South-East Asian island paradise to try for a wild sighting.

Danum Valley in Sabah (in the northern part of the island) offers 400 sq km of rainforest reserve for wild orangutans to swing in. Travel along the Kinabatangan River, too, to try and see these magnificent creatures in their homes.

Read next: The best places to see orangutans revealed

21. See grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park

Grizzly on the move in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA (Shutterstock)

Unlike polar bears, we think it’s fair to say that grizzlies do look a little bit mean. They’re quite elusive, too: there are only around 150 bears living within the Yellowstone Natonal Park itself, or around 700 in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

To see one roaming, you’ll need proper viewing kit. Wake before sunrise or wait until sunset and use dusk and dawn to to scour the area with your telescope and/or binoculars.

Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are two of your best sighting spots, but Dunraven Pass, Swan Lake Flats and Gardiners Hole are also good places to try.

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South America trip planner: 8 incredible routes

1. Southern Patagonian Andes: Argentina & Chile

Duration: 10 days
Best for: Hiking, biking, glaciers and off-road adventure
Route: El Chaltén > Lago Argentino > Puerto Natales > Torres del Paine

2. Inca heartland: Bolivia and Peru

3. Under the volcanoes: Ecuador & the Galápagos

4. Costa Verde: Southern Brazil

5. Birdlife on the wild side: Colombia

6. Overland adventure: Venezuela & the Guianas

The coast road leads across lots of rivers all the way to Suriname, the former Dutch colony. Paramaribo, the capital, is approached by roads lined with churches raised on stilts to prevent any flood damage, modern factories and Chinese supermarkets, swastika-bearing Hindu temples and mosques topped by crescent moons. There’s a real cosmopolitan flavour here, and the capital has some of the best-preserved colonial buildings in all South America.

The final leg of the trip – now in EU territory – passes via the atmospheric ruined penitentiary Devil’s Island and the Guiana Space Centre before arriving in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana; a fascinating museum, excellent French-influenced cuisine and a handful of historic sites make this a curious, but comfortable conclusion to a memorable road trip.

7. Beaches and beyond: Uruguay

8. Gran Chaco & the ‘other’ Pantanal: Paraguay

Read more on South America:

The best rail journeys in South America

Amazing South American walks (that aren’t the Inca Trail)

9 highlights of cycling around South America