A few days ago I returned from a vacation in the Baja peninsula, traveling for the first time in a while as a tourist instead of for work. Of course, once I’ve begun learning about sustainable tourism practices (and unsustainable practices as well), it’s impossible to ignore them on any type of trip. While hiking […]
While trekking the Inca Trail is a trip of a lifetime, it doesn’t mean you should blow your entire life savings on one adventure. Here’s some tips to keep in mind about when to upgrade and when to pinch pennies when planning your Inca Trail trek. DO . . . . Splurge on getting a […]
In an effort to mitigate the negative effects of tourism in the Galapagos, the National Park has decided to enforce new restrictions on cruises. Specifically, this means that four-day itineraries will not be offered any longer and vessels will operate with 15 day itineraries. Those 15-day itineraries will be split up into shorter itineraries, but […]
The recent floods in southern Peru, which affected the Cusco and Machu Picchu regions, reminded us here at Detour of the inherently unpredictable nature of travel. This is truly a tragic event, but it’s not the time to cancel an upcoming trip to Peru. Our local operators, PeruRail, and local airlines are helping passengers re-organize […]
Days of heavy rains in the Cusco and Machu Picchu region of Peru have stranded tourists and caused over 40 landslides. The railway connecting Machu Picchu to Cusco was blocked by one slide and workers have been busy clearing the debris. Rivers have also been overflowing, resulting in widespread crop damage. The Peru government has […]
If you’re looking for an beautiful and rewarding trek in Peru, we’ve got the perfect answer for you: trekking the Lares Valley. It’s another alternative trek to the traditional Inca Trail, but it’s not filled with low-quality operators leading massive groups as you’d find on the Apu Salkantay. We hope to preserve the quality of […]
I-pods were made for travelers; it seems like a crime to leave these innovative, tiny, endlessly entertaining devices at home when you journey overseas. While bopping my head on a recent flight, I gazed down my beloved I-pod and wondered if my little 2-ounce musical baby might hinder my upcoming experience. Ten years ago, portable […]
Number four: BARTOLOME This island isn’t exactly off-the-beaten-path (it includes the one of the most iconic and most photographed landscape in the Galapagos), but it sure is worth seeing. You get to hang out on a great sandy beach, snorkel at the base of pinnacle rock and actually get in a good hike. There’s small […]
Number Two: FERNANDINA Fernandina is the westernmost island in the Galapagos and is one of the most volcanically active. The proximity to Isabela Island makes for a startling contrast of Fernandina’s almost barren black surface, the shimmering blue ocean and Isabela’s verdant green volcanoes rising in the distance. Fernandina is also famous for its abundance […]
Traveling to Patagonia in spring used to be a ridiculous idea. Not only would you have to deal with the snow and infamous bad weather, but all the lodges would remain closed until the official tourist season (summer). But my recent adventure in Torres del Paine proved to me that Spring is actually a great […]
For one reason or another, you’re not hiking THE Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; maybe the permits sold out, your travel dates aren’t flexible enough, or you want to do something a little more interesting. While the good news is that there are a lot of options for alternative treks in the area, that’s also […]
There’s more to the Galapagos Islands than finches and tortoises found on land; the animals you find underwater are likely to be some of your trip favorites. Snorkeling is usually a big part of any Galapagos Islands tour, and having the proper stuff can really help you enjoy this aspect of your trip. Most Galapagos […]
Want to get off the beaten-path in Peru? Don’t worry, you can always squeeze in a quick visit to Machu Picchu (really, it can be done in just a day). When there’s so much to see in Peru, you’ll wonder why most people don’t venture stray far from the Inca Trail. Here are five trips […]
Recently, when I tell people I work in the travel industry, they give me a pat on the back and ask if I’ve applied for unemployment yet. What I tell them surprises them as much as it’s been surprising me: people are still traveling, even during a recession. After all, there are some really excellent […]
The Peruvian Amazon has been spared this month from massive environmental damage, thanks to the public outcry and protests of brave Peruvians. From the New York Times: “Peru’s Congress on Thursday overturned two decrees by President Alan García that were aimed at opening large areas of the Peruvian Amazon to logging, dams and oil drilling […]
With summer here, you’re probably breaking in your new hiking boots and dreaming about where to take your next adventure. Of course, planning any international trekking adventure takes a bit of perseverance but it shouldn’t be harder than the hike itself. Make it a bit easier for yourself by following these tips from Detour: 1. […]
“The Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute informs that La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos has started a new eruptive process. The island-volcano – 1476 meters high- is not inhabited and located 90 Kms. to the northwest of Puerto Villamil the closest village on Isabela Island, so there is no danger for the human population. […]
Detour has received a great update from Aventuras Naturales in Costa Rica about their latest achievement in sustainability. Aventuras Naturales is a Costan Rican company which has received international recognition for its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism: “We are very proud to announce that the Pacuare River recently received the highest rating from the […]
February 23: We arrived in Manizales yesterday and everyone quickly piled on their layers as soon as we hit the tarmac. It´s obvious that we´ve become accustomed to the warm climate of Colombia because the `coldest place in the country´ has us shivering- despite being a normally comfortable 60 F. This is part of the […]
Februaray 20, 2009: Medellín, Colombia I arrived in Colombia for a birdwatching tour and knowing the names of only a dozen or so species back home, I knew I had a lot to learn. In three days, I´ve at least quadrupled that number. I have some top quality birding guides leading the way which makes […]
Puno, Peru is known as the folkloric capitol of the Andes and for good reason. The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria is celebrated here in style with days of raucous parades, elaborate costumes, and dancing. Andean Adventures, a local tour operator, was in Puno this year to attend the festivities and photograph this […]
Hybrid technology is showing up everywhere and now it’s in the Galapagos Islands. In November, the M/Y Eric (part of the M/Y Eric, Letty, and Flamingo I fleet operated by Ecoventura) became the first hybrid boat in the Islands . In October 2008, 40 solar panels and 2 wind generators were installed on the Eric. […]
ENTRY CARDS TO PROTECT THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS The Galapagos National Institute (INGALA) started a trial period to begin issuing a special entry card to the Galapagos, aimed to protect the islands. Earlier this year, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa announced that the Galapagos Islands are at risk and declared that the archipelago’s conservation and environment management […]
Travel can be hard on a local culture and environment; but there are ways to lessen our impact on the places we visit. That’s why we want to feature sustainable travel tips from Rainforest Alliance, an internationally renowned, non-profit conservation group. Rainforest Alliance and Detour are working together to promote sustainable travel and help tour […]
Denver, CO – August 29, 2007- Green Living Ideas and Detour, the Adventure Travel Marketplace (www.detourdestinations.com) have partnered together in an effort to publicize information about sustainable, socially responsible travel. On the Green Living Ideas podcast, released on August 16th, Detour Founder, Greg Findley, discusses the history and new directions of sustainable travel with Green […]
Detour has been recognized by Carbonfund.org as a leader in the sustainable business movement. We are honored by their endorsement and appreciation for our sustainability efforts. Carbonfund.org is one of the highest recommended carbon-offset organizations in the world. They help individuals and companies off-set their carbon by contributing to projects in reforestation, renewable energy, and […]
From Andean Adventures: Earthquake Strikes the Peruvian Coast A powerful earthquake hit the coast of Peruvian early on Wednesday evening, local time. The US Geological Survey reported that the epicentre was some 145 kilometres off the Pacific coast, southeast of Lima, and the most seriously affected area is the province of Ica, with extensive damage […]
Today, August 10th, Ecuador observes a national holiday, celebrating the first call for independence from Spain. For nearly 300 years, the Spanish had occupied and imposed colonial rule over Ecuador and much of Latin America. The inhabitants of Quito, the present-day capital of Ecuador, declared on August 10, 1809 their intention to secede from Spanish […]
The San Cristobal airport in the Galapagos Islands is now scheduled (tentatively) to re-open on August 18th, 2007. The airport, located on San Cristobal Island in the southern part of the archipelago, has been under renovation since Spring this year. While the airport is closed, all flights use the Baltra aiport and Galapagos cruise itineraries […]
Special Deal! Join a Choquequirao Trek on July 18 and save money! If you planning a trek for a small group, you’ve probably noticed that trips are much more expensive for you. That’s why joining a group already booked on a tour is not just a chance to meet new friends, but also a chance […]