Colombia is overwhelming in its beauty, culture, and people—so before embarking, consider familiarizing yourself with the place by eschewing the online reviews and hitting the books instead. Here we've listed some of the best books that feature Colombia as its central, romantic character.
Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and culture of the Himalaya on this two-week-long trek that covers all the essential attractions between Kathmandu and Everest Base Camp. From Lukla—the gateway to the Khumbu—all the way to the summit of Kala Patthar, you'll trek along challenging routes, visit Sherpa villages, and enjoy memorable views of the region's most iconic mountains.
Explore spectacular Fernando de Noronha, a secluded island paradise located hundreds of miles away from the nearest coast. This dreamy location is perfect for both relaxing and enjoying a tropical adventure. Go snorkeling and diving among the coral reefs, hike along the island's trails for views of turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, or unwind on the white-sand beaches — voted the world's most beautiful.
If you're looking for a classic Icelandic adventure but are short on time, the Fimmvörðuháls trail in southwestern Iceland does not disappoint. The moderate-to-challenging trek will take you through three distinct landscapes in just one day, making it one of the best options for a single-day excursion. You'll hike past more than 20 waterfalls, before coming to a moonscape-like expanse. You'll then trek between active volcanoes and glaciers, and see some of the most recent geological activity on earth up close.
Kimkim traveler Clare Immens likes to instill a sense of adventure in her three children—so taking her young daughter Elsie on a multi-day trek in Nepal was a no-brainer. From card games in tea houses to making friends with baby animals along the way, read on to learn about their experience hiking through the Annapurna foothills on the Ghandruk Trek.
Slovenia remains one of Europe's best-kept secrets, rewarding travelers with all the charm and beauty of its neighboring countries and significantly fewer crowds. Enhance your trip with unique accommodations: choose a treehouse overlooking sparkling Lake Bled, a classic mountain chalet in the Soča Valley, or a number of other properties that will make your stay in Slovenia exceptionally memorable.
Experience vibrant Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, on this 12-day tour of the highlights. From the buzzing and colorful city streets of Yangon to the magnificent Inle Lake, this trip offers something for everyone. Find hidden treasures in the bustling markets, relax in the countryside of Kalaw and the Shan Hills, and explore culture and religion as you tour ancient pagodas and temples.
Discover the incredible landscape of southern Iceland on two wheels on this self-guided day tour. Ideal for those in search of adventure, this biking itinerary is packed with high-energy fun. Enjoy the wide open spaces, cover rugged terrain on a hardy fat bike, and explore the area's natural beauty.
Cruise around the Aegean Sea and discover Greece's southern Dodecanese Islands on this 4-day sailing adventure. You'll island hop from Rhodes to quiet Symi and on to Tilos, before dropping anchor off the coast of uninhabited Alimia. Explore the historic isles, swim in the turquoise waters, and sleep under the stars.
Short on time? This jam-packed 4-day adventure tour was designed with you in mind! Experience Iceland's famed, awe-inspiring landscapes, ice walk on a glacier, and off-road in Þórsmörk, the Valley of the Thunder God, Thor. The summer's long hours of sunlight make it easy to pack even more adventure into your stay.
Get off the beaten track with a visit to Bolivia's Toro Toro National Park — a small, beautiful park known for its caves, canyons, and dinosaur footprints! Explore ancient caverns, hike deep into verdant canyons, and seek out cave paintings, giant iguana-shaped rocks, and dinosaur footprints preserved in the stone.
If you've ever wanted to see and photograph gorillas in the wild, this trip is for you! Seek out silverbacks, harvest coffee with the locals, and hike into a volcanic crater as you travel through three African countries. Immerse yourself in several distinctive local cultures for the trip of a lifetime.
Spend six days exploring the culture, nature, and history of Crete through a culinary lens as you eat and drink your way through olive groves, wineries, gastronomically significant villages, and farms where the night's meal was grown just an arm's length away.
With two weeks you can get a sense of all that Cuba has to offer. There’s time to travel the length of the island, from vibrant Havana to the revolutionary sites of eastern Oriente Province. Perhaps you'll want to indulge in nature excursions in Western Cuba. Whatever your personal passions, these two distinct itineraries promise a satisfying 14-day adventure.
Landmannalaugar is an otherworldly, sprawling landscape of lava fields, geothermal pools, steaming hot springs, volcanoes, and multi-colored mountains. In other words, an exquisite setting for a day trip. This tour offers an excellent introduction to Landmannalaugar and the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland's remote Central Highlands. Go off the beaten path and spend the day exploring and hiking around the area.
Discover Peru's Cordillera Blanca as you trek, climb, and scramble over snow- and ice-covered moraine rock into the high altitudes of the Andes. Not for the faint of heart, this 19-day itinerary is for the somewhat experienced climber and altogether adventurous spirit. This program includes acclimatization hikes and a basic climbing course to practice the skills required to reach the summit of Alpamayo. It's also an excellent trip for photography lovers — the views are simply breathtaking!
From fascinating colonial cities to rich culture and beautiful nature, Cuba has something to excite everyone. How you experience this country depends on your preferences—you can tour it solo or with a guide or group. You can stick to one region or visit many. You can focus on Cuba's natural wonders or enjoy sultry times in the cities. Here are options to suit every taste.
In the central highlands south of Quito, Cotopaxi province boasts some of Ecuador’s most popular attractions. As well as the eponymous volcano, there are charming market towns, shimmering lakes, evocative festivals, nature reserves and much more to explore.
South America's undiscovered region of El Chocó on the Pacific Ocean takes center stage in this unique 10-day itinerary. You'll begin (and end) the trip in Colombia's dazzling up-and-coming city of Medellín before flying to Bahía Solano where you'll explore the massive Utría National Park. Then fly to Nuquí for three days of canoe rides, hiking, cooking with locals, and soaking in hot springs, all the while looking for humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles close to shore.
Perfect for travelers who love urban energy and culture, this fast-paced itinerary highlights four awesome Colombian cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Santa Marta, and Cartagena — each with their own special qualities and vibes. Too much city? You'll visit a coffee farm in the Andes and hike through a rainforest for a dose of beach and Caribbean Sea to round out this fun adventure.
In just 10 days, this exciting tour of Colombia covers a great deal of ground including four nights in the Amazon region, sandwiched between two world-class cities. You'll start off exploring the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá before flying south to Leticia; from here, take part in a series of unforgettable days via foot, canoe, and other small boats in Colombia and across the border in Peru and Brazil. Then fly north to the Caribbean Sea and wander Cartagena's romantic inner-walled city before culminating with a speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands.
This cultural, yet outdoorsy Colombian adventure starts off in one of Latin America's most striking and up-and-coming cities — Medellín — safe for travelers after a turbulent past. Enjoy the constant spring-like weather while exploring vibrant neighborhoods by foot and gondola before flying north to the Caribbean coast. From Santa Marta, relax on the beaches and trails of Tayrona Park and then head for the cobblestoned streets of Cartagena's inner-walled city, oozing with Spanish colonial romance and history.
Near the eastern tip of the island and situated closer to Haiti than Havana, Santiago de Cuba is distinct in its architecture and cultural vibe. Founded in 1514 as the second city in Cuba, the hill city fuses French-Haitian with African and Spanish influences. The historic center may be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but there are many fantastic sights to see here, many associated with the Cuban Revolution.
Like any intrepid traveler, you're probably keen to experience everything that Cuba is famous for: colonial history, a musical culture, tropical scenery, plus all those cigars and classic cars. Here are four sample itineraries that take the headache out of planning an unbeatable 10-day excursion, whatever your tastes.
Thanks to restrictions on independent travel, the idea of exploring Bhutan carries an air of exclusivity. Add some of these gorgeous luxury resorts to your itinerary, and you'll feel every bit as royal as Jetsun Pema, Queen of Bhutan while traveling around this beautiful Himalayan kingdom.
By South American standards, Ecuador is a fairly small country. Most major destinations — with the exception of the Galápagos Islands — are within a day's drive of each other. Follow these suggestions for how to structure your visit and make the most of your time in this geographically diverse nation.
Ecuador has plenty of great hotels. But staying in alternative accommodations, from hip hostels in colonial cities to romantic haciendas in the highlands and dreamy cloud forest lodges, often adds something special to the trip. Read on for unique suggestions for where to stay in Ecuador.
When it comes to trekking, Bhutan offers both beauty and variety. The kingdom is home to some of the most challenging high-altitude treks in the world, as well as countless easy rambles through the wilderness. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a novice, there's a multi-day trek in Bhutan to fit your needs.
More than 4.5 million tourists visit Cuba each year, and the vast majority don’t get beyond the most popular destinations, such as Santa Clara, Trinidad, and Viñales. Escape the crowds with these suggestions and you’ll soon be biking, diving, hiking, and touring your way through Cuba like a local.
This 10-day itinerary will take you on a variety of hiking trails in northern Norway and parts of Finland, traversing lush valleys and craggy mountain peaks, wide expanses of tundra, and clear glacial rivers. Tackle 5-12 miles a day off the beaten path, and immerse yourself in the crisp natural landscapes of the Land of the midnight sun.
Avid hikers, this one's for you! Follow the Camino del Apu Ausangate through the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range, accompanied by llamas and horses loaded up with gear. You'll overnight in traditional tambo lodges, enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine, and gain a better understanding of life in Andes.
A perfect fit for first-time visitors, this five-day city tour highlights both Athens' ancient history and modern culture. Visit the sleek Acropolis Museum, tour Athens' tasty food markets, and bask in the Riviera sun at the Temple of Poseidon.
From the heights of the majestic Andes to the depths of the Amazon jungle, this tour will guide you through Bolivia's most beautiful extremes. Get ready to explore the landscape by bicycle, jungle boat, and on foot — and don't forget your camera! The scenery is unlike anything you've ever seen before.
Cuba has as much to captivate children as parents, from clowns strolling the streets of Havana to gorgeous beaches and mountains. Add in the country's close-knit family culture and languid traffic-free streets, where local children play without supervision, and it's hard to imagine a more kid-friendly place to visit.
You don't need to have a lot of time in Bhutan, nor an exceptional level of fitness, to experience some of the best hikes in the kingdom. This selection of the best day hikes offers something for every interest and ability, from quick and easy downhill rambles to steep uphill climbs and passes.
With restricted tourism numbers, Bhutan is never a busy destination. But there are distinct high and low seasons, and times when the weather is most favorable. So when is the best time to visit?
Have just five days in Ecuador? No problem: it's one of the smallest countries in South America, so it's possible to move around to more than one place in less than a week. Read on for our top suggestions for a quick visit to this gorgeous and geographically diverse destination.
Along with Havana and Viñales, Trinidad is one of the most popular destinations in Cuba. Tens of thousands of visitors flock here every year to wander the cobbled streets of this well-preserved colonial city overlooking the Caribbean. There's a ton to see and do here, so let the following recommendations inspire your itinerary.
Cuba may be an island, but that doesn't mean you have to spend all your time in one area. Whether your priorities lie in exploring the countryside or immersing yourself in Havana’s urban culture, it’s easy to craft a satisfying five-day itinerary with these expert suggestions.
Even if you have just 24 hours, your time in the Ecuadorian capital will be special. On this thrilling one-day itinerary, you'll take a trip on one of the most magical cable cars on the planet, wander through some of South America's best museums, and indulge in Ecuador's famous coffee and chocolate.
From natural phenomena like geysers and glaciers to Reykjavík’s buzzing cultural and dining scene, you’ll want to make the most of your trip to Iceland. Learn about your options for touring the country and start planning an adventure that works for you.
This 4-day itinerary offers an introduction to the highlights of southern Iceland, keeping the active adventurer in mind. Experience awe-inspiring landscapes like glaciers, lava-flows, cascading waterfalls, and geothermal pools and rivers, ending each day in search of the Northern Lights. Hike, bike, and stroll as you traverse the rugged lands of Iceland, on foot or in a Super Jeep outfitted for the rough terrain.
This itinerary is sure to satisfy any adventurer looking to explore the best of Southern Africa's natural scenery. From the coast of Cape Town up along the Garden Route and into the deserts of the Great Karoo, you will be able to experience all the defining ecoregions of South Africa and beyond.
Tobacco Country is one of Cuba’s most visited regions. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, all eager to enjoy adventure activities and admire the area’s spectacular scenery and culture. Get inspired by the following itineraries, along with your best options for lodging, dining, and entertainment.
Santiago de Chile is nestled in a bowl-shaped valley between the Andes Mountains and the Cordillera de la Costa (Chilean Coastal Range). Hidden among its office blocks and skyscrapers are some unique boutique hotels noted for their imaginative design and architectural flair. Most offer personal service that sets them apart from the business hotels that comprise many of the city's accommodations.
Expect uninterrupted snowscapes and northern lights sightings on this Arctic adventure. The trip starts in Tromsø, the "Paris of the North," and your base for several snow activities. Then set sail on the Hurtigruten to the Lofoten Islands before heading to Trondheim, the UNESCO-listed village called Røros, and finally a night in cosmopolitan Oslo.
In a country known for tropical jungles and white-sand beaches, the glacial peaks of Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy stand out. Located north of Bogotá in the beating heart of the Andes, this untamed páramo highland ecoregion holds the best high-altitude hiking in Colombia.
Ecuador's colonial towns and cities are undeniably alluring, but the countryside is worth planning a whole trip around. Breathtakingly diverse, it encompasses 11 national parks, beaches, cloud forest, and active volcanoes. Discover a variety of landscapes with this handy guide to the best of the Ecuadorian countryside.
Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles (3,210 km). How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an action-packed four days in Japan to a leisurely three-week itinerary, here are some suggestions for making the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Most visitors to Japan hit up Kyoto's temples, Tokyo's shopping streets, and Osaka's food scene—but there's much more to this country than what you'll find in its cities. Soak in natural hot springs, hike through primeval forest, and spot wildlife on a pristine chain of islands with these under-the-radar suggestions.
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