South America
2023 Vaya Photo Contest Winners
Vaya travelers are known for being genuinely curious and respectful, for delving into the destinations they visit with open hearts and open minds. This approach is reflected in their photographs – images brimming with warm human connection, responsible wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. That’s what makes judging Vaya’s annual photo contest so much fun. After… Read Full Post
2022 Vaya Photo Contest Winners
Nothing delights us more than receiving photos captured by our travelers throughout the year. Whether it’s up close encounters with wildlife, sunsets over remote and little visited corners of our natural world, or new friends made while traveling, your images transport us—and we look forward to seeing each and every one! To all of you… Read Full Post
Grassroots Conservation at Paz de las Aves Bird Refuge in Mindo, Ecuador
Though Ecuador is a relatively tiny country, slightly smaller than the state of Nevada, it is home to a tremendous amount of biodiversity and natural beauty. From Marine Iguanas lounging on the volcanic Galapagos Islands off the Pacific Coast, to Andean Condors soaring over the central “Avenue of Volcanoes,” to Spider Monkeys hanging in the… Read Full Post
Tierra Patagonia: A Premier Torres del Paine Lodge
On the Chilean side of Patagonia sits one of the most renowned (and arguably most beautiful) destinations in the entire region: Torres del Paine National Park. Torres del Paine is a fantastic destination and a must-see for almost any visit to Patagonia, and a stay at Tierra Patagonia Lodge is an excellent way to experience… Read Full Post
Costa Rica’s Untamed Osa Peninsula
Costa Rica has long been renowned for combining natural beauty with exciting activities, attracting visitors seeking pristine beaches, tropical rivers, volcanoes, and adventure. There is a well-established path that travelers often take through Costa Rica, and it’s one that exists for a reason – the Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the Monteverde Cloud… Read Full Post
10th Anniversary Highlight Photos!
In honor of our 10th Anniversary, we wanted to share a small collection of some our favorite photos from over the years. Maybe they’ll give you some ideas for future trips. Click on any photo to see a larger version. Enjoy!
Tucker Islets – A Taste of Galapagos in Patagonia
One of my favorite spots in the Galapagos Islands is Punta Vicente Roca. At the northern end of the Bolivar Channel, a calm passage between the western islands of Isabela and Fernandina, Punta Vicente Roca’s volcanic coastline is home to a plethora of unique and photogenic birds, including Galapagos Penguins, Blue-Footed Boobies, and Flightless Cormorants…. Read Full Post
Recap of IGTOA’s 2013 Galapagos Guide Training Course
During the week of November 18-22 I had the good fortune to attend the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association’s Five Star Guiding in Five Days course at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. The course was led by Sam Ham, who is a renowned guide training expert, and Tom O’Brien, a highly experienced and knowledgeable… Read Full Post
Pro Mujer: Changing Lives Through Microloans
Microfinance has proven to be a powerful engine of change in the fight against global poverty. The idea is that with a small loan for use as startup capital, individuals who have no collateral and are considered “not credit-worthy” by traditional financial institutions will be able to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. … Read Full Post
Environmentalism in Patagonia
A few years ago, bumping along an unpaved road in Argentine Patagonia, I found myself reflecting on just how different this desolate grassland was from my urban home in Oakland, California. We passed a gaucho trotting along on his horse, hours from any sign of civilization, and I wondered about his lifestyle. Was his way of… Read Full Post