What Is Your Favourite...
Place:
The Galapagos Islands (which I’ve been lucky enough to visit 3 times), have to be my favourite. From the incredible powder white beaches to the abundant and unique wildlife, the world class snorkelling and sunset cocktails after a busy day exploring it is the place that keeps on giving!
Hotel:
Having stayed at so many incredible properties in Latin America it seems wrong to single out a favourite! But as I have to, I’ll say Explora Atacama in Chile for its sublime views over Licancabur volcano, the first class service and vast choice of off the beaten track daily excursions. The outside swimming pools are the best in the area too!
Excursion:
Now this really is a difficult one! It’s a tie between the arduous but highly rewarding trek up through ancient forest to the cobalt-blue glacial lake at the base of Torres del Paine’s icy granite towers and the trek from a stunning panoramic viewpoint of Argentina’s Upsala Glacier down through the Fossil Canyon to the wonderfully isolated Estancia Cristina.
Top Travel Tip
When flying internally in Chile (or between Chile and the Falkland Islands) be sure to get a window seat on the left hand side when heading south, or on the right hand side when heading north. The views of the majestic Andes’ smoking volcanoes and +5000m snow-capped peaks, is an excursion in itself.
Top Packing Tip
One of the most exciting excursions you can do in the Amazon is a night-time walk to spot the weird, wonderful (and sometimes a little scary) nocturnal wildlife. Be sure to pack a head-torch, preferably with an infrared setting to keep bugs away, which makes it much easier to see the wildlife than a hand-held torch.
