Ecuador

Mainland Ecuador is often just a stopping point before travelers embark on a Galápagos cruise. However, mainland Ecuador travel, with the colonial capital of Quito, lush cloud forest of Mindo, and tropical rain forests in the East should not be overlooked. October and November is typically the off season in Ecuador, meaning travelers can avoid the crowds and take advantage of reduced rates. Further, travelers can avoid the rainy season, which begins in December in most regions of the country.

Photo By Leti Pallozzi May 2011

"The picture I uploaded was the view of a typical day on the bay from Grand Anse Beach, on the island of Grenada. Grand Anse is one of the island's most popular beaches, and features a variety of dive shops from where to explore the island's beautiful marine life. Opportunities for sailing and fishing also abound. Here, local fishermen are coming in with the morning's catch, eyeing the impending showers that feed the lush mountainside."

Our well traveled intern, Temo, has written another great blog for us about his time spent in Venezuela. Read more about his adventures in his previous blog posts, Climbing El Pico de Orizaba and Exploring Northern Baja.

A cruise around the Galapagos Islands is a great addition to any Ecuador tours itinerary. The Galapagos Islands offers travelers an unforgettable trip that can include snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing, kayaking, land safaris and much more. The isolated Islands have many plant and animal species that you can’t see anywhere else in the world, making it a truly once in a lifetime experience. Global Basecamps works with the most ecologically friendly and sustainable small ships on the water. Our unique Galapagos tours feature a variety of cruising options, incredible multi-day walking safaris, and lodge-based island explorations.

Temo, an intern at Global Basecamps, has written another blog about his travels to Mexico. Read more about Mexico tours in his previous blog post, Climbing El Pico de Orizaba.

Northern Baja California is one of the most extensive, solitary and naturally beautiful places in Mexico. With over fifteen years exploring the peninsula, I have found a wide variety of experiences and natural landscapes that are as unique and beautiful as any other in the world. If you are looking to get away from it all and find solitude, you don’t have to go so far or spend much to find that perfect beach or unique vacation experience. Remember that an ecotourism vacation starts with the destination you choose and what better way to reduce your carbon foot print than to skip the flight, carpool with friends or family (if you're close enough) and still find a natural paradise. In Baja, solitude, peace, relaxation and fun are all wrapped up in a beautiful pristine natural environment.

You should start by driving past Tijuana and Rosarito and continue south on the toll road to the port city of Ensenada, which can be your first stop. Known as a tourist town, Ensenada acts as a great base from where to explore the many options in northern Baja. The city has a wide range of affordable accommodations and a diverse mix of restaurants for any palate or budget.