We love helping travelers plan unforgettable vacations for important milestones in life. We will help you customize your itinerary in a way that fits your budget, interests, and travel style, but that also reflects the magnitude of the occasion. We happen to know of a remarkable place that is perfect for your next special trip. Celebrate your special occasion in style with a trip to Ecuador! With its gorgeous,...
The Galapagos Islands gained international fame after a visit from Charles Darwin in 1835, when the scientist discovered many species found nowhere else on earth, and many others that had adapted specifically to the island environment they called home. Darwin’s theories of evolution are supported by many of the species that are found here, due to the differences in the species that vary from island to island...
One of the many joys of visiting Ecuador is the variety of experiences you can have while you’re visiting the country. From the awe-inspiring Amazon rainforest to the uniquely untouched Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is truly a special place to visit. When you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands or the Ecuadorian Amazon, the big question is always, “should I stay in a lodge or take a...
Photo by Kyle Frost on UnsplashGive your loved one a gift that will endure time and distance with a trip to South America for the holidays. The memories of a visit to Central or South America will endure long past that new tablet or InstantPot (which, to be fair, is a handy kitchen tool), spurring smiles and great stories for years to come. Watch your partner or children’s eyes shine every time they remember...
The Galapagos Islands, secluded in the Pacific Ocean six-hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, have long enticed intrepid travelers and wildlife aficionados. The unique ecosystem that fascinated Darwin with its pristine waters and rare wildlife can be visited in a way not seen in decades: undisturbed. Thanks to thorough Covid-19 protocols, testing and vaccination, and widespread public cooperation, Ecuador...
The world is starting to re-open and some destinations are once again welcoming visitors! With the gradual reopening, and limitations on the numbers of tourists, this is a rare opportunity to explore the Galapagos Islands in a way they've never been experienced before. Right now, the Galapagos Islands, which recently reached 100% vaccination for all adults, are presenting travelers with a once-in-a-century...
At Southern Explorations we’ve had a lot of time to reflect and take stock of the beautiful Latin American places, people, and adventures we’ve connected travelers with for nearly two decades. While we are at home, we’re still working hard planning new and exciting journeys and ensuring that those of you who have trips scheduled are able to take them when the time is right. Our motto...
Single-use plastics will now be banned in the Galapagos Islands! The ban, created to protect wildlife and their habitats from the detrimental affects of plastic waste, will roll out in phases over four months and affects all residents, tour operators and visitors. New Plastic Restrictions in the Galapagos Islands, Starting the Summer of 2018 The Galapagos Governing Council announced the plastic ban in...
If you don’t know yet who Mark Wolters of Wolters World is as of yet, then allow us to introduce you to one of YouTube’s favorite travel tips and advice personalities. Wolters World videos provide honest first-hand travel advice to help fellow travelers get the most out of their travel experience. From the best and worst parts of travelling, to better preparing you for your vacation in a way that helps...
In 2005, Howard & Linda Payne made the decision to follow their dreams of pursuing the open road, exploring the world, and documenting their travels along the way on their website. The couple recently did some exploring with Southern Explorations, experiencing the Galapagos Islands and the incredible flora & fauna they'd always dreamed of seeing for themselves. This is their story. My wife, Linda, and I...
This past week you may have noticed penguins taking over your Instagram or Twitter feed as World Penguin Day was celebrated on April 25th and proved once again that pretty much everyone, everywhere loves penguins. Penguins are without a doubt the most sought after wildlife viewing experience we offer at Southern Explorations, and it’s no mystery as to why. Across the 17 species of penguins,...
This past month, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) issued a call from the Galapagos to fight back against the plastic polluting the oceans, before it’s too late. “It is alarming that these plastics have invaded places as remote and pristine as the Galapagos, we must urgently change our consumption and production patterns to stop this torrent of contamination… We have to do this...
It’s no secret that the Southern Explorations team loves South America and Central America travel. And it’s also no secret that we love wildlife. So when we heard about a new and unprecedented scientific expedition traveling from the Galapagos to Costa Rica earlier this month, we couldn’t help but be intrigued. The expedition, which departed from the Galapagos on April 2 and arrived in in...
Yes, it feels like 2018 just started, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about your 2019 South America and Central America travel plans! In fact, for some of our trips, if you don’t start planning now, you’ll miss out entirely, especially if you’re thinking of exploring South America in 2019 on a Southern Explorations luxury trip, particularly Luxury Patagonia....
Southern Explorations is now offering a more intimate way to discover unexplored tropical destinations. We are excited to offer stand up paddleboard tours in some of the most coveted areas in South America - specifically, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands.As one of the first tour operators to offer land-based tours in the Galapagos Islands, we have discovered a new way to give travelers an up close and personal...
Born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, a rural region of Vermont right on the edge of the Canadian border, Kaitlyn was an outdoorsy kid, snowboarding in the Green Mountains as Vermont kids are apt to do. She studied psychology in college and worked in mental health (child and family services) for a few years before finding herself crafting intricate and compelling South America and Central America...
