Is Land Tourism Threatening the Galapagos?
On Sunday June 3, the NY Times ran an article entitled “Is Land Tourism Threatening the Galapagos?” This article centered around a letter that the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) wrote to the Ecuadorian Minister of Tourism, calling for more stringent regulation of land-based tourism in this magnificent and fragile island ecosystem. Here is… Read Full Post
My first day in Antarctica
Early in the morning I found myself at my locker in the mudroom. It was quiet. I was the first one to get ready and I was alone. As I began putting on my gear I could feel my heart beating with excitement, and to be honest, I was a bit nervous. After years of… Read Full Post
A Vaya Traveler’s Epic Poem
We love hearing about our travelers’ experiences! Vaya traveler Sharon Dardis, along with her husband and six of their friends, took a trip to Argentina and Chile earlier this year. Sharon was kind enough to share with us an epic poem that she wrote to document the experience, and to give us permission to share… Read Full Post
Peninsula Valdés – A Northern Patagonia Wildlife Oasis
On a recent trip to Argentina, I had the unique opportunity to visit Peninsula Valdés, a less visited site in Northern Patagonia along Argentina’s Atlantic coastline. To arrive one must board a 2 hour direct flight from Buenos Aires to Trelew airport (additionally direct flights connect with El Calafate as well). Trelew is located about… Read Full Post
Delfin Amazon Cruises becomes a Relais & Châteaux member
Delfin’s Amazon Cruises have long been one of Peru’s top offerings for exploring the Amazon rain forest. Their vessels allow you to immerse yourself in the jungle while still enjoying all that an upscale cruise can offer. Now, new for 2018, the Delfin Amazon Cruises have been listed as Relais & Châteaux members. What does… Read Full Post
Wild Galapagos
My recent trip to the Galapagos, which included the beautiful western islands of Fernandina and Isabela, among others, was one of the highlight travel experiences of my life. My first morning on the ship, everyone hopped into the pangas (Zodiac boats) to cruise around and get up close to the wildlife. There was so much… Read Full Post
Chilean Slang, ¿Cachai?
Chileans speak their own breed of Spanish, and even those with an extensive background in the language will find some mysteries and unexpected animal references in Chilean vernacular. Here’s a quick and fun guide to some common slang that will have you sounding like a local (or just impressing one) in no time! po: the… Read Full Post
A South America Specialist’s Favorite Travel Moments (So Far!) and 2018 Bucket List
Every time I check one thing off my South America travel bucket list, I add about 10 more. That’s the thing about this continent: it’s so incredibly diverse that just when you think you know it, countless new surprises and must-do experiences pop up. Here’s a list of my favorite moments I’ve had in South… Read Full Post
2017 Vaya Photo Contest Winners!
Once again this year we received some exceptional photos from our travelers, taken in locations ranging from South America’s bustling metropolises to far-flung islands hundreds of miles offshore, from the Amazon rainforest to windswept Patagonia. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos. We had a difficult time choosing our favorites, but here, in no specific… Read Full Post
New Brazil Electronic Visa (E-Visa)
As of January 25, 2018, Brazil has made it easier to obtain a Brazilian Tourist Visa, and has also sped up the process. Currently, Brazil has a reciprocal visa system. If you are arriving from a country that requires Brazilians to have a visa to travel to your country, then you are required to obtain… Read Full Post