The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park. Animal lovers and safari enthusiasts know it as the place where the elephants congregate during winter's dry season and migrant birds are in full color during the wet summer months. The river itself is actually a section of the Cuando River, known as the Chobe from the seasonal lake Liambesi to its outflow at the Zambezi River.
A major port city on the River Scheldt, Antwerp, Belgium, is a cultural, historical, and commercial hub and the country's most populous city. Known as the "diamond capital of the world," Antwerp is renowned for its cut diamonds.
Whether exploring ancient ruins or strolling through its modern city center, visitors will find plenty to discover in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands.
Motril, Spain, is located near the Guadalfeo River on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Granada. Sugar cane refineries form the backbone of Motril's economy, though tourism is also an essential industry.
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Whale
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Iguana
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Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Galapagos Tortoise
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Photo Credit: Photo by Sofia on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by The Official CTBTO Photostream on Wikimedia
Albatross in flight
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A male Magnificent Frigatebird
Photo Credit: Photo by Andrew Turneron Wikimedia
Photo Credit: Photo by Lieutenant Elizabeth Crapo, NOAA Corps. Wikimedia
Galapagos Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis urinator
Photo Credit: Photo by Judy Gallagher from Wikimedia
Galápagos lava lizard
Photo Credit: Photo by Peter Wilto from Wikimedia
Swallow-tailed Gulls
Photo Credit: Photo by suecan1 from Wikimedia
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
A popular destination for South American cruises, you’ll find plenty to see and do on each island. Sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and the infamous Galápagos tortoises are just a few of the many indigenous wildlife that make these islands home. Favorite spots for animal watching include Tortuga Bay, Reserva El Chato (a tortoise reserve), and Parque Nacional Galápagos. Venture to San Cristóbal Island and Isabela Island for the archipelago’s best snorkeling or trek up the Sierra Negra volcano, the only Galápagos volcano accessible to hikers, for panoramic island views. Unwind in the island’s picturesque towns, including Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil, and be sure to sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine and fresh seafood dishes.
Discover your next adventure in the Galápagos Islands!
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.