Galapagos Islands Wildlife

Galapagos Islands

Cruised, hiked, and snorkeled the eastern half of the Galapagos Islands starting from just north of Santa Cruz Island. Identified fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals that so intrigued Darwin on HMS Beagle in early 1800s leading to his "Origin of Species". Fascinating place where the animals, for the most part, have no fear of humans.

Andean highlands around Quilotoa Lake

The people here speak predominantly Quechuan, then Spanish. The high altitude panorama includes grassy highlands (paramo), cloud-forests with medicinal plants, mountain lakes, active volcanoes, colorful market days, and haciendas. The farmers are raising potatoes, corn, beans, alfalfa & other crops across steep hillsides. Besides the new highway, the roads are gravel with deep ruts from the rainy season. While llamas still transport goods, the vehicle of choice is the pickup truck where everyone piles into the cab and flatbed to make rugged journeys around the region. Many women wear the bowler hat brought first to Bolivia by the British Railways in the early 1900s.

Avenue of the Volcanos, Ecuador

Stretching over 200 miles, the Andean range around the Quito area has seven peaks over 17,000 ft high.

Quito

Ecuador's capital, Quito, is the highest capital in the world, sitting at an altitude of 9,350 ft on the eastern slopes of Pinchincha, an active volcano in the Andes mountains. It is also the closest capital to the equator. The Spanish word for equator is ... ecuador! Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, Quito is also known for its well-preserved historical center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures.

Perito Moreno Glacier, 90 min west of El Calafate

Unlike many glaciers around the world, Perito Moreno glacier is not receding, rather it is in a stabilized state. Ice continues to form while icebergs continually break off the south, central and northern parts of the glacier with loud cracking sounds and blue ice floating across Lago Argentina.. The ice formation is 97 square miles! It's one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes shared with Chile. This ice field is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water.

Also part of Glaciares National Park, the walkways cover a few miles and provide excellent viewing along with a boat that comes in remarkably close to the glacier's southern edge. 

Piedras Blancas, Glaciares National Park

Dramatic scenery on the trails throughout the stunning and huge park in Argentine Patagonia.

Cerro Torre Hike, El Chalten to Laguna Torre

Another wonderful day hike in Glaciares National Park. Spotted a Patagonian fox or South American grey fox amongst the rocks by the lake. 24km, 6-8 hours. 

Fitzroy Trek (aka Laguna de los Tres), El Chalten

In the Argentine Patagonia, the most famous hike is to Laguna de los Tres at the base of the prominent peak named after Captain Fitzroy, the man who sailed Charles Darwin around the world. 

20-22 km. Elevation gain approx 2500 ft with most gained on the steep exposed last leg up to the lake. 8-10 hrs from a start at El Chalten or 30 min north by Hosteria El Pilar. Camping optional. 

Steam Donkey & Maple Valley Hike, Dosewallips

Western red cedar, grand fir, and big leaf maple tower above the Dosewallips River where salmon in large numbers return to their birthplace, swimming upstream to spawn. River otters hide out in log dams while elk bugle on the meadows, and a bald eagle soars overhead.

Dosewallips State Park on Hood Canal

Snow Lake

90 min east of Seattle is the Alpine Lakes Wilderness trailhead for Snow Lake, a gorgeous jewel in the North Cascades. 1800 ft elevation gain and 7.2 miles over a rocky trail.

Konopiste Chateau, Prague

The 700 year old Konopiste Chateau   is just outside Prague in a lovely park, and was used extensively as a hunting retreat by Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo, triggered the start of the First World War in 1914. The medieval castle is modern inside, and features the third largest armory display in Europe.