Tag: voyage

An Insiders view on Amazon, Ecuador

By Charles Cumella 


Ecuador is an amazing place, full of natural and man-made wonders. Ecuador has some of the most unique landscapes in the world, including the Highland region (Sierra), the Coastal region (Costa), and the Galapagos. But there’s no way to forget the Amazon region (Amazonia), and its enormous amount of fauna and flora. There are a few national parks and protected areas in Ecuador’s Amazon region, including the Cuyabeno Wildlife reserve, the Yasuni National Park, and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. There are 2 species of animals discovered every day in the Ecuadorian Amazon, this demonstrates that Ecuador is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world!

What makes Amazon in Ecuador a good travel destination?  

The Amazon is an amazing travel destination because of all of the flora and fauna that can be found there, the passengers will be amazed of everything they can see; from 10-foot snakes to dolphins in the middle of a river.

Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to the Amazon?

Every  person that travels to the Ecuadorian Amazon should know that they are in for a huge surprise with everything they’ll see, and that they’ll have one of the most relaxing and impacting trips of their lives.

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they travelling to Amazon?

Insect repellent, sun block, sunglasses, light clothing and water resistant ponchos are all indispensable things to have with you in the Amazon. Also indispensable, is the desire to learn about the ecosystem and communities that call this place home.

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Amazon?

The Cuyabeno is one of the most surreal places to visit in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It has the highest amount of flora and fauna in the Ecuadorian Amazon, having 12.000 species of plants, and 320 species of animals. It’s a wildlife lover’s dream!

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

The local communities that call the Ecuadorian Amazon home are very diverse, some like the Siona community in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, are very used to visitors and even welcome tourists to partake in their daily lives. Others, like the Taromenani tribe located in the Yasuni National Park, do not welcome visitors and are very violent. The communities are very different and very comfortable living out of our “normal” society.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try and where Amazon?                                

The Ecuadorian Amazon has many strange local delicacies, one of the most polarizing ones is the Chontacuro grubs, these are large insect larvae that live in trees, these are then grilled and served. The “chicha de jora” is a drink you will most likely find in the Amazon, it is a fermented corn flour drink that the locals drink like fruit juice, but once it is sufficiently fermented, it becomes an alcoholic beverage.
Yucca is a type of root vegetable used as a base in almost every local food and is grown everywhere in the area.

What are things which one must buy when in Amazon?

The best things to buy in the Amazon are souvenirs, supporting the local communities, such as things made with Tagua, a special seed used for manufacturing jewelry and others.

Which are the most romantic places to visit in Amazon?

Cuyabeno is the most romantic place in the Amazon, it has white and black water lakes which is an amazing place to enjoy a beautiful sunset with your loved one.

What are the local festivals which one must visit when in Amazon?

In Archidona, there is the festival of Chonta, which is a tradition in order to celebrate the region’s success over the invading Spanish forces. This is held during April.

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about Amazon?

Sadly, there is a lot of oil exploitation in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. This is something that may not be in many guidebooks but it is also a necessary insight into local life in the area.

According to you what is the best thing about Amazon?

For me, the best thing in the Amazon is the huge amount of wildlife and the rest and relaxation you can have while there. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Check out our latest package on the Amazon.

An Insiders View on Arctic Tundra

By Jason Hillier

Dramatic landscapes, ice formations, unique wildlife, and incredible natural phenomena at any time of year, visiting the Arctic is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many travelers, adventurers, and photographers. Get a chance to witness the serene beauty of nature in the Arctic Kingdom.

Q. One little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to the Arctic Tundra region?
The Canadian Arctic is home to more than 60% of the world’s polar bear population.You’ll have opportunities for wildlife viewing, including chances to see polar bears on land and swimming, walrus, bowhead whales and more. Imagine the joy of see swimming polar bears as the gain access to the open water or catch bowhead whales as they arrive in their summer molting sites.

Q. What is a must buy when in Pangnirtung?
The quintessential hat of the Arctic. The Pangnirtung or “Pang Hat”.

Q. One takeaway after a visit to this region?
The Arctic is rapidly changing, it won’t look the same tomorrow as it does today – every day is a new experience.

Q. What is your advice to first-time travelers?
Arctic Kingdom trips are not intended to have set itineraries or sights to be seen crossed off in a short period of time. We believe in taking things as they come, to relax and enjoy the opportunities, be it a sunny or foggy day, to appreciate where you are in the moment, and fall into the lifestyle of the local people.

Q. One thing to definitely pack when travelling to the Arctic Tundra region?
A Parka! It is a large windproof jacket with a hood, designed to be worn in cold weather..

Q. One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss.
Experiencing the floe edge. Also known as the “line of life”, the floe edge is where the land-fast ice meets the open water of the Arctic Ocean. This is one place where Arctic wildlife come to congregate, offering incredible opportunities for viewing narwhal, polar bears, beluga, seals and more.

Q. Where should anyone, travelling to this region, definitely get their picture taken.
One must get their pictures clicked amongst the vast and spectacular landscapes of Tundra and during autumn and winter, while you’re gazing up at the Northern Lights.

Q. Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?
Panoramic pictures of the vast sea ice, dramatic mountains, icebergs, and possibly wildlife.

Q. The best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?
Qikiqtarjuaq in August is a place one should visit as the days are long and vibrant and the sunsets are seemingly endless yet stunning.

Q. The most romantic place to take a special someone to.
Any of our Arctic Safari destinations! One of the most special experiences is the chance to share with a partner-exclusive and life-altering moment that very few people in the world have had, in some of the most spectacular places on Earth.

Q. Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.
Arctic Char is a delicacy which is served in soups, sushi or pan fried.

Q. One place only the locals would know.
The floe edge which is where polar bears, whales, seals and birds congregate in the spring. It’s like a watering hole in the Serengeti!

Q. The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink.
The Tundra Inn in Churchill, MB.

Q. A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see.
Toonik Tyme is the largest annual festival in Nunavut. Each year the Toonik Tyme Society, local organizations and businesses, and over 100 volunteers work together to provide residents and visitors with a cultural festival that celebrates the arrival of spring with a number of traditional activities that reflect Inuit culture. Canada Day on July 1 is also a fun day to visit the small hamlets of Nunavut.

Q. Which is the one thing these guidebooks miss out on telling us?
The people of the North, Inuit, have a great sense of humor and can are great storytellers.

Q. Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to this region and what would that reason be?
From December to February as the Arctic is extremely dark and cold at this time of year.

Q. In one sentence, The Arctic Tundra is ?
The Arctic is like nowhere else on Earth as it is peaceful and wild.

 

Jason Hillier, 45+ yrs old. 
VP Product Management, Arctic Kingdom

Originally I am from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada but I’ve spend most of  my time in Nunavut for work and pleasure. We love exploring this beautiful land with our guests!