Category Archives: South America

Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Posted on December 13, 2017 by julieovaltrades

The Highlands of Santa Cruz are very different from Puerto Ayaro at sea level. Lush all year long and potentially rainy in the dry season, be prepared for anything! We caught a sunny day. There is a standard route to … Continue reading →

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Wildlife viewing on the docks at night in Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Posted on December 12, 2017 by julieovaltrades

If you’re into nightlife, Santa Cruz isn’t going to be your cup of tea. If you’re into wildlife, it’s your sacred morning coffee. Every night after dinner our favorite activity was walking down to the main docks to see what … Continue reading →

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Visiting the Ceramic Garden on Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Posted on December 11, 2017 by julieovaltrades

I wouldn’t call the Galapagos an artsy place. It is as most would assume, a more natural locale. However, Santa Cruz is not devoid of creativity. As I was walking down Charles Darwin Ave towards the Charles Darwin Research Station … Continue reading →

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Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Posted on December 10, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Charles Darwin Ave is the main street in Puerto Ayaro which begins at the docks and runs along the waterfront to end at the Charles Darwin Research Station. The road begins to get quiet on the far side, but as … Continue reading →

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Hiking Cerro Crocker, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Posted on December 9, 2017 by julieovaltrades

There was a language barrier with the host at our hostel, but it turned into something organically awesome when we asked for directions. The plan was to hike Cerro Crocker – one of the great things about this particular trek … Continue reading →

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Laguna de las Ninfas, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Posted on December 8, 2017 by julieovaltrades

The name translates to Lagoon of Nymphs, before you even enter you know this place is going to be magical. Set back from the road there is a beautifully maintained garden that feeds you into the preserve. Laguna de las … Continue reading →

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Las Grietas, Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Posted on December 7, 2017 by julieovaltrades

From the main docks in Puerto Ayora take a water taxi for less than a dollar to Las Grietas, also known as The Cracks. If you have any questions, ask the guards at the beginning of the docks they can … Continue reading →

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Experience Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Posted on December 6, 2017 by julieovaltrades

So much more than a day at the beach, a trip to Tortuga Bay was one of the highlights during my stay on Santa Cruz. To get there requires hiking 1.5 miles (one way) on a well maintained path. At … Continue reading →

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Your guide to a land based trip to the Galapagos Islands

Posted on December 5, 2017 by julieovaltrades

For nature lovers there is no better destination to travel than the Galapagos Islands. It is the paradise with incredible wildlife that Charles Darwin put on the map where you can see endemic species of great curiosity. There are two … Continue reading →

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Experience the Magic Water Circuit, Lima Peru

Posted on April 17, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Exceeds expectations. But really, why wouldn’t the worlds largest fountain complex be amazing?! Lima’s Magic Water Circuit has a split personality, and you’re going to want to get to know both of them. By day you can walk around the … Continue reading →

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