The Amazon crowns the top of most world travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. The colossal river and its surrounding jungle are home to a thriving wonderland of plants and animals, not to mention a rainforest that serves as the oxygen-producing lifeblood of our planet. While the Amazon will always be a must-see, there are four less-traveled destinations in this region of South America that teem with their own unique natural wonders.
These rare sights from South America and beyond take some effort to visit, but you’ll be wholly rewarded when you arrive. Here are five wonders to be discovered—if you’re willing to go the distance.
Today we began our expedition by visiting a very special place: North Seymour Island. This small, flat island is located just north of Baltra. Despite its modest size, the island is a true wildlife hotspot. We walked among colonies of frigatebirds, land iguanas, and blue-footed boobies, enjoying close encounters with these iconic species. In the afternoon, we moved to another remarkable destination. Rabida Island’s unique red coloring comes from the high levels of iron in its volcanic material, which oxidizes and gives the soil and sand a rich, reddish hue. It’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in the archipelago. Here, we enjoyed our first dip in the ocean and snorkeled with fascinating marine creatures. Later, we strolled along the beach, observed flamingos in a coastal lagoon, and ended the day with a breathtaking sunset.
We spent the day on the beautiful Genovesa Island. This place is outstanding, especially for those who love seabirds. Red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies were abundant along the trails. We observed plenty of juvenile frigatebirds and even a few males displaying a fully inflated red pouch. This island is special, and definitely a great place to start our adventure exploring the Galapagos Islands.
Our second full day aboard National Geographic Endurance had us in Sao Jorge, Azores, and we enjoyed a perfect blend of discovery and relaxation. The morning began with a choice between two immersive experiences. Some guests took a scenic panoramic bus tour winding through Sao Jorge’s lush, volcanic landscapes, punctuated by tastings of the island’s famous cheese. Other guests opted for a more active hiking option through the island’s verdant trails with breathtaking vistas. The afternoon offered a unique opportunity to explore some of the island’s interesting geological features via Zodiac. The day’s adventures concluded with an inspiring presentation by National Geographic Photographer and Expert Krista Rosso. She spoke of the art of visual storytelling, offering insights into capturing more thoughtful and meaningful images. It was a real treat!
Genovesa Island is a sensory delight. In the morning, we spent time on a sandy trail at Darwin Bay, where the absolute best of the Galapagos can be seen. This time of year – April – is extra spectacular with nesting red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls with chicks, lava gulls, and sea lions with pups. Snorkeling was our last chance to see the underwater realm of the Galapagos before flying back to civilization tomorrow. Calm waters off the beach allowed for long minutes without human sounds. We were successful in finding a short-eared owl. The owls hunt during the day, adapting to their prey’s diurnal habits. This island is…extraordinary in an already extraordinary place.
Pico is the second largest island in the Açores archipelago. As its name implies, it boasts the tallest peak in Portugal, Pico Mountain, at just over 2,300 meters. As with all the islands here, Pico and its namesake mountain are volcanically active. The towering and still snow-dusted peak was in relatively clear view all day. Pico is also well known for wine production with recognition by UNESCO World Heritage for the unique currais vineyard. Whaling in the past is another significant component of the island’s cultural history, not just here on Pico but on the nearby islands of the central island group. Whalers rowed manually, sailing their “canoes” from shore to pursue the abundant sperm whales that still frequent these waters. We explored Pico, the first of seven islands we plan to visit, by coach, on foot, and even by kayak.
