Blog
The pristine isolation of the Bolivian Altiplano
in Newsletter
To visit the Bolivian Altiplano is to step into a surreal world of startling landscapes, an improbable place where life survives at high altitude (12,000 ft.) and little rain falls. Native settlements whose cultures remain largely untouched by modern civilization, have existed for thousands of years.
Ecuador Earthquake Update - Urgent Appeal
in Blog Posts
Five days following the initial 7.8 earthquake centered around the town of Muisne, a second earthquake measuring 6.0 has struck off the Manabí coast just northwest of Portoviejo and Manta.
Earthquake in Northwestern Ecuador
in Blog Posts
Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people of Ecuador. Like the rest of the world, we here at INCA in California have been closely monitoring the news of the earthquake that struck the central coast on Saturday night. (A 7.8 magnitude quake struck the northwestern coastal area between the towns of Muisne and Pedernales at about 7 PM local time on Saturday, April 16, 2016.)
2016's Alternative to the Holiday Routine: Go Wild
in Newsletter
Can’t face another holiday dinner with the in-laws? Does the thought of another green bean casserole or your boorish cousin trigger the holiday blues? Break with tradition, grab the kids, and fill your holidays with the gift of travel. And your in-laws—you could always invite them along.
INCA helps USA TODAY dispel five Galapagos myths
in Newsletter
INCA President Bill Roberson recently sat down with Everett Potter writing for USA TODAY and discussed five myths many potential visitors have about the Galapagos. In this edition of our Newsletter, Bill expands on his original responses to help dispel the five most common misconceptions potential visitors have about a visit to the Galapagos.
Pure Alaskan Gold
in Newsletter
While the Alaskan Gold Rush may be long over, there’s a personal rush out there for you right now – the exhilaration that comes from breathtaking scenery, traditional cultures, and spectacular wildlife.
To make the most of Southeast Alaska’s wildlife and nature, you just have to get out there in it. And one really fine way is onboard a well-catered yacht in the company of family, close friends or a handful of like-minded travelers all bent on seeing what’s out there.
South Georgia - the Galápagos of the Southern Ocean
in Newsletter
There are few places on earth as scenically stunning, as remote, or as South Georgia.
Located approximately 1200 miles east of the southern tip of South America in the South Atlantic Ocean, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and the South Sandwich Islands lie N.E of Antarctica.
South Georgia may have the greatest biodiversity in the Southern Ocean. The ocean is rich and supports an incredible population of marine mammals and avian species. So much so, that it is often referred to as “the Galápagos of the Southern Ocean”.
The mercurial charm of the marine iguana
in Newsletter
Originally described by Darwin as "disgusting clumsy lizards" as well as "imps of darkness", the Marine Iguana is unique to the Galápagos and the only lizard adapted to foraging in the sea. On any INCA Galapagos cruise, you'll see a number of marine iguana subspecies on both eastern and western itineraries.
Focus on Photography: Capturing the magnificent wildlife of Zambia.
in Newsletter
For several years noted British wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas has been capturing Zambia's stunning wildlife in breathtaking images, including his innovative use of camera traps and his remote control "Beetle-cam".. He is one of our favorite photographers, and one of Zambia's best ambassadors for wildlife photography.
Peru's wild orchids: a special new tour for 2016
in Newsletter
In a land home to 82 percent of the world's ecosystems, Peru is one of the most ecologically diverse destinations. It is home to approximately 3,000 of the world's estimated 30,000 species of orchids.
For 2016, INCA is introducing a very special tour combining rich cultural heritage of the Incan Empire with the spectacular array of wild orchid species found in the Sacred Valley, the high Andean jungle and among the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu.
What's next for tortoises in 2016?
in Newsletter
The Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative is a project undertaken by Galapagos Conservancy in partnership with the Galapagos National Parks Directorate and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Casa Gangotena: Luxury in the heart of colonial Quito
in Newsletter
Nestled in the heart of Quito's colonial center, lies an oasis of tranquility and elegance. Casa Gangotena is a special retreat for visitors seeking to extend their stay in Quito and explore the historic colonial district. Situated on the southwest corner of Plaza San Francisco, Casa Gangotena shares much of the rich history of the plaza.
Chocolate: Ecuador's dark, sweet success
Although its name and history comes to us by way of Mexico, scientists now believe chocolate's true origins lie in South America.
Christmas in Cusco
Christmas traditions are a rich part of the tapestry of life in Latin America, and Cusco enjoys one of the more colorful festivities.
Patagonia Spotlight: Awasi Lodge
in Newsletter
Nestled into gentle hills on a private reserve just west of Torres del Paine national park, Awasi Patagonia Lodge is the sine qua non of Patagonian luxury adventures.
Galápagos Fur Seals vs. Sea Lions: What's in a name?
in Newsletter
The world of Pinnipeds (carnivorous, fin-footed, semi-aquatic marine mammals) is divided into walrus (odobenidae), seals (phocidae) and sea lions (otariidae). The Galápagos Fur Seal however is not a true seal. It would be more accurately described as a Galapagos fur sea-lion. So why call it a seal and what's the difference?
Rapa Nui's Tapati Festival
in Newsletter
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) may be best known for its stone head monoliths (moai), but for two weeks every February, the island stages its most important cultural event—The Tapati Festival.
Tapati began in 1969, as a simple summer festival that celebrated Polynesian pride. It has grown into the Polynesian community's most important cultural event.
Nature, conservation & community on safari
in Newsletter
African safaris are an exhilarating experience, face to face with nature at its finest. Throw in a little hands-on conservation and community interaction, and you have a recipe for a truly rewarding travel experience.
New species of giant tortoise discovered on Santa Cruz
in Newsletter
Recent research conducted by an international team of scientists from Yale University have yielded surprising results on the island of Santa Cruz. Genetic analyses revealed that two populations of giant tortoises are in fact two distinct species.
Booking the ultimate Galápagos cruise
in Newsletter
Can't decide between the eastern and western routes for your Galápagos cruise? If time allows, why not do both?