Blog
Traveling in the Footsteps of Giants
in Newsletter
As the sun slowly sets over the African savannah, the temperature starts to cool and animals slowly gather at the water hole. The largest of these, in fact the largest terrestrial living being on the planet, is the African elephant (Loxodonta africana).
The Life of a Galapagos Lava Lizard
in Newsletter
In a world where Giant Tortoises, Birds with bright blue feet, and swimming iguanas garner most of the attention, the little Lava Lizard goes all but unnoticed. Despite its diminutive size, the Lava Lizard plays a vital role in regulating the insect population of the Galapagos, including that of the Painted Locust.
Galapagos Conservancy on the front lines
in Newsletter
Working closely with the Galápagos National Park Directorate, Galapagos Conservancy fulfills a vital role in the preservation, protection and restoration of the unique and fragile ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands.
Countryside elegance of La Mirage
in Newsletter
Gracefully perched on a hilltop in the town of Cotacachi, the elegant La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa provides a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of travel. Only three hours from Quito, La Mirage is an ideal way to wind down from your Galapagos cruise.
Exploring the Amazon headwaters of Ecuador and Peru
in Newsletter
Home to the largest rainforest on earth, the headwaters or the Amazon originate high in the Andes. We've singled out three compelling reasons why it's worth the effort to include a visit to the Amazon on your next trip to Ecuador or Peru.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
in Newsletter
Home to some of the most prolific wildlife in Africa, Zambia offers the perfect combination of exhilarating safaris and sumptuous accommodations. It was here in Zambia where walking safaris were developed.
In defense of lingering longer in Lima
in Newsletter
While almost every visitor to Peru is anxious to see the spectacular Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, we advocate strongly in favor of taking the time to savor the sights, sounds and flavors of Lima, Peru's vibrant capital.
We've found three guilty pleasures that will leave you wanting to linger longer.
Nine things you may not know about Charles Darwin
in Newsletter
How well do you know Charles Darwin? Do you know why he really was aboard the HMS Beagle? One of the most influential figures in history, Darwin spent five years traveling around the world, studying geology and nature, including extensive exploration of Patagonia and the Galapagos.
Floating over Cappadocia
in Newsletter
We had been hiking the valleys and canyons of Cappadocia for two days and this morning we were going to see this magical landscape from a different perspective.
As our guide Bihtar explained, eons ago this region in central Turkey saw many volcanic eruptions. Later over time, the thick ash solidified into a soft rock called tuff (Tuffa in Turkish)
New Adventure: Crossing the Altiplano (Northern Chile & Bolivia)
in Blog Posts
This new rugged adventure explores some of the most remote and rugged terrain in South America.
Ecuadorian country charm at Hacienda Zuleta
in Newsletter
Nestled in the Andes about 2 hours north of Quito, Hacienda Zuleta has a certain serenity that draws you in. It is the kind of place you immediately want to explore. The grounds are lined by weathered stone walls adorned with exotic vines and vibrant flowers.
Juneau to Sitka aboard the MV Liseron
in Newsletter
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I always imagined Alaska would be a natural paradise. To my delight, my first visit to Alaska—a voyage from Juneau to Sitka aboard the MV Liseron—proved my imagination true.
Sitka to Juneau aboard the MV Mist Cove
in Newsletter
Dawn comes early in Alaska this time of year—3:30am to be precise—but the steep hills surrounding our quiet cove keep the sun from streaming in my stateroom window for just a while longer.
Atacama: Survival in Chile's high desert
in Newsletter
In a region known as the driest place on earth, flora and fauna fight for survival against a backdrop of barren slopes, rocky flats and steaming geysers.
Galapagos Update: Wolf Volcano erupts after 33 years
in Blog Posts
Wolf Volcano on the northern end of Isabela Island began erupting Monday, May 25th, for the first time in 33 years. Wolf is the tallest of Isabela's six major volcanoes, and the highest peak in the Galápagos
INTEGRITY celebrating 10 years of uninterrupted excellence
in Newsletter
Known for its luxurious accommodations and outstanding naturalist guides, INTEGRITY celebrates 10 years of uninterrupted service this month.
The Woolly Residents of the Andes
in Newsletter
All members of the Camelid family, the Guanaco and Vicuña are the wild ancestors of the Llama and Alpaca, respectively. Originating from a common ancestor in North America some 45 million years ago, the Camelid family branched into Camelius tribe who migrated to Asia and Africa to become Bactrian Camels and Dromedaries, and Lamini tribe who migrated south to the Andes.
The Clown Princes of the Galapagos
in Newsletter
Taking its name from Bobo, Spanish for clown, the Galapagos Islands are home to three species of Booby, the iconic Blue-footed Booby with its intricate and comical courtship display, the striking black and white Nazca Booby and the colorful Red-footed Booby.
The Biggest Bubble Blowers in the Sea
in Newsletter
Not all humpback whales are alike. The humpback whales of Alaska have developed an ingenious way to catch herring: they use nets made of bubbles in a unique cooperative strategy. As few as 100 whales have learned how to bubble-net, cooperatively, and Southeast Alaska is the only place on earth where they do it.*
The blue-eyed fishermen of Isabela and Fernandina
in Newsletter
With glossy black feathers and piercing blue eyes, the Galápagos Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harisi) is a striking oddity. Only found in the Galapagos, this cormorant species has lost the ability to fly.