Destinations
Overland Traveller's trip updates
3rd March, 2010: Cooked for ourselves, hung out on the deck and found a great and shockingly cheap (for Roatán) restaurant serving juicy rotisserie chicken for dinner. Also, updated the website: new blog entry on Isla de Ometepe and why I travel, Isla de Ometepe reviews and a feature on 15 things to do on Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua.
2nd March, 2010: Took a (very expensive) tour to snorkel around a ship wreck. The coral was even more impressive than yesterday's, although the weather was rather less so. Cloudy. The island is overrun by cruise ship passengers (hence the prices) every few days, so it was very crowded in town. Best to stay away from the beach so we chilled on our deck.
1st March, 2010: Indulged in some serious beaching on West Bay, apparently one of the top five beaches in the world. The snorkelling was incredible - soft and hard coral, turtles, squid and lots of tiny sparkly fish, which always make me smile! The sun was shining, the sea was calm.
28th February, 2010: Watched the Canada vs USA ice hockey match in Sundowners, a Canadian-run expat bar here in West End, Roatán. Quite the experience!
27th February, 2010: From La Ceiba we took the ferry to Roátan, the middle of the three Bay Islands both geographically and budgetarily. It's not cheap but it certainly is beautiful. The idea was to take a dive course, but with only five days to chill out in one place until we reach Baja, and plenty of beaches around, we decided to snorkel, swim and cook for ourselves. (That last one was less of a balanced decision and more forced upon us by the shockingly expensive restaurants on the island!)
26th February, 2010: Our one-minute walk from the hotel to the bus station was fraught with nervousness - "walk fast, walk fast," our hostel owner urged us as she peered nervously out to the darkened street - this was at 4am. Fortunately we arrived in Tegucigalpa in one piece, and feeling absolutely no urge to stay there, immediately left on another bus for La Ceiba. Our hostel in La Ceiba was a hole - bunk beds in the kitchen...
25th February, 2010: Moved on to Managua, a city reputedly shat upon by criminals and gangs. Our bus for Honduras left very early the next morning so we had to stay near the bus station, in a don't-go-out-after-dark sort of area.
24th February, 2010: Time to bid a fond farewell to Isla Ometepe and head to Granada, a colonial town of grace and elegance on the edge of Lake Nicaragua. We stayed in a hotel on the edge of town, had lunch in an Esso station as we booked onward bus tickets and generally managed to miss most of what this charming city has to offer.
23rd February, 2010: Hotel Omaja was about the only place on Isla Ometepe with reliable internet, although it still wasn't super fast (hence the delay in trip updates, for which I apologise), so much of the day was spent writing and twittering and catching up on e-mails. All with a view across the lake, of course!
22nd February, 2010: After a fascinating tour of Totoco and how it manages to be so eco friendly, we joined a kayaking trip of River Istián, the small river that dissects Isla Ometepe. It was a birder's paradise, and a kayaker's dream: still waters, gentle afternoon sun and wildlife that generally ignored us and went about its business. Afterwards, we checked into Hotel Omaja on the other side of the island.
21st February, 2010: Only the promise of another eco hotel was able to drag us away from Hotel Finca del Sol. Totoco is a luxury eco resort with spacious cabins and a to-die-for view - think sunsets with a volcano and both sides of the lake visible.
20th February, 2010: It was very difficult to tear ourselves away from this beautiful place, so we didn't even try. Breakfast was coffee, fruit, eggs from local chickens and homemade bread accompanied by an enlivening conversation with Sheri about travel, the environment and how Isla Ometepe functions. I fell in love with the mosaiced composting toilet.
19th February, 2010: Enough is enough - one can only be blown about for so long - so we took a bus, taxi, ferry and collectivo to Santa Cruz on Isla Ometepe, a fantastical twin-peaked volcanic island in Lago Nicaragua. Our accommodation - an open loft in hardcore eco-conscious Hotel Finca del Sol has become our haven. Stress released as we settled in our room's rocking chairs and took in the view of Concepción Volcano.
18th February, 2010: Slowly started to forgive San Juan del Sur for its rubbish budget accommodation and like it immensely for sunset cocktails. It blew a sandy gale during the day though and the paper-thin walls of our room were sucked in and out according to the whim of this very fickle wind.
17th February, 2010: An early start and a sad goodbye to Rachel was followed by four buses, one rickshaw, one ferry, one taxi collectivo and a very dubious border crossing. But we made it to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Accommodation situation was dire but we settled for a rubbish room with an incredible view of sunsets over the Pacific.
16th February, 2010: Rachel's last full day with us (*sob*) and we're enjoying the sun just lazing around in Monteverde. Might do something this afternoon. Then again, might not!
15th February, 2010: Exhausting-exhilarating day of zip lines, canopy tour, tarzan swing, hanging bridges, hummingbirds (I can't get enough of them) and reptiles, at Selvatura, a self-consciously theme-park natured wildlife extravaganza.
14th February, 2010: Plush with the smug victory of finding the free hot springs (nyargh to you, Mr 'There's a security guard there now, go to Baldi' Receptionist), we travelled jeep-boat-jeep to Santa Elena, Monteverde. There, we settled into a very cosy room with a much-needed nap before embarking on a night walk in the nearby cloud-forest reserve for a nocturnal wildlife extravaganza: mother and baby two-toed sloth, emerald side-strike pitviper, glow-in-the-dark insects and, my favourites, a tarantula, and hummingbird fast asleep in its nest made of moss and spider web.
13th February, 2010: Spending the day by the pool, admiring the view (when it clears) and planning to visit some free hot springs, despite this ridiculously pushy hostel trying to sell us a tour to Baldi springs and refusing to give us reliable information about anywhere else. Grrr!
12th February, 2010: Had an early(ish) morning swim then set off to a nearby waterfall for more swimming. I can't get enough of outdoor swimming. In the evening, went to watch the lava eruptions on the slopes of Volcán Arenal, only there weren't any, and it was cloudy - not unusual for here apparently. Feel lucky that we saw the volcano devoid of cloud during the day, so that's good at least!
11th February, 2010: Travelled to La Fortuna (related blog: A rant about endless chatter) hoping for a sight of lava flowing from Volcán Arenal. Staying in a hostel that rates itself as five star, but it isn't, trust me! Great swimming pool though. And good 2-for-1 deals on happy hour cocktails!
10th February, 2010: Got up early for a wildlife tour by canoe. Saw loads of critters, including caiman, spider monkeys, humming birds, herons and, a favourite of mine, Jesus Christ lizards - they can run on water! (Related images: Creatures of the Caribbean)
9th February, 2010: Very sadly left La Patita de Manzanillo and headed north to Tortuguero National Park. Usually people come here for the turtles but we're out of season. Still, it's a very special place - no cars (you can only reach it by boat), squeezed between the river and the jungle with a black-sand beach not far away, and spectacular sunsets over the river.
8th February, 2010: A massive highlight of our whole trip - cantering along a Caribbean beach, kicking up the surf and generally having our breath taken away. Craig's horse was fast, Rachel's almost as fast and mine was slow though it did its best to keep up, bless!
7th February, 2010: Not the best of good-weather days so we cycled to Puerto Viejo (a very pleasant hour) and caught a local bus to a sloth sanctuary. Cooed over baby sloths being fed and spent a soggy 40 minutes in a canoe on a river in the pouring rain looking for wild sloths and monkeys; they all had the good sense to shelter from the downpour though...
6th February, 2010: Still in La Patita, we spent the best part of the day walking through Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge to Punta Mona, yet another stunning deserted beach. The rest of the day was spent recovering and, joy of joys, cooking for ourselves!
5th February, 2010: Moved to a jungley apartment, La Patita de Manzanillo, within minutes' walk of the beach at the end of the road in Manzanillo, not far from Puerto Viejo. It's the sort of place that lets the outside inside, in all the best ways. Immediately set off on the retro bikes provided to explore.
4th February, 2010: Crossed the border, via an idyllic rickety bridge - the stuff of border crossing dreams - into Costa Rica. Headed to Puerto Viejo where we met our friend from London, Rachel, who is joining us for two weeks.
31st January - 4th February, 2010: Moved to Bocas Bound hostel on Isla Bastimentos, a rather scary 10-minute boat ride from Isla Colón. Less developed than Isla Colón, Bastimentos is the perfect place to trek, visit wild Caribbean beaches and relax in a hammock with a good book - which is exactly what we plan to do for the next few days.
30th January, 2010: All that sleep paid off and we hired retro pink bikes to energetically explore a number of beaches on Isla Colón, the main island of Panama's Bocas del Toro archipelago. Beaches swept by punding waves and apparently frequented by few were ours for the taking so take them we did, lapping up the sun, surf and golden sand. Now we can't get The Monkees Theme song out of our heads, and neither will you once you see the video of our cycling escapade, and read the blog entry...
29th January, 2010: Got a lift half way to Bocas del Toro - family are so damn helpful! Arrived in Bocas del Toro town and checked in to a hotel booked by a friend of the family at a reduced rate (again, so useful). It rained a lot and we slept a lot - one of those cases where the weather was perfect for the level of activity we're capable of!
26th-29th January, 2010: Travelled to Boquete, adventure sport capital of Panama and home to my cousins and aunt who are very kindly putting us up for three nights. Met my brand new baby second cousin and wearing warm clothes again - we're in the highlands once more. Also, added a video of a giant otter eating a caiman, from our time in the Pantanal.
25th January, 2010: Received an excellent in-a-nutshell tour of Panama City's old town, Casco Viejo, from Matt, who set us up with an apartment in Casa Sucre B&B. Later, visited Panama Canal and had to have a proper siesta, due to the heat - felt deliciously lazy. Read 24 hours in Casco Viejo.
24th Janaury, 2010: Left the Caribbean and drove across Panama to Panama City - two oceans in one day! Not got my landlegs back yet...
21st-23rd January, 2010: Merrily flitted around the different cayes of the San Blas/Kuna Ayala in Capitan Federico's yacht, snorkelling, exploring paradisiacal islands and eating lobster.
19th-20th January, 2010: Seasick on the high seas between Colombia's Cartagena and Panama's San Blas Islands, a.k.a. Kuna Ayala since 2008. Capitan Federico guided us safely across, sometimes accompanied by dolphins, until we docked late at night in the Kuna Ayala. Read How to travel between Colombia and Panama.
18th January, 2010: Spent the day exploring Cartagena, Craig taking photos and me doing some window shopping. Also bought sea sickness pills in preparation for the next few days...
17th January, 2010: Travelled to Cartagena where we wandered around in a pleasant state of admiration and sweatiness. Met our group and boat captain for the trip to Panama - feeling very positive about it and can't wait to get going.
15th-16th January, 2010: Days five and six of the Lost City trek follow the same route back, staying in the same camps, although this time there was a coral snake in one of the camps. Much hysterical excitement ensued! Arrived back in Santa Marta in the evening in desperate need of a shower and some mandarin and passion fruit mojitos. See the Lost City images.
14th January, 2010: Started with freshly made empanadas and a tour of the Lost City before heading back the way we came. The walk was still challenging, even though we'd done it the day before.
13th January, 2010: Day three was the best day - varied terrain and a full day's walking (seven hours). Eight knee-deep river crossings, nerve-breaking scrambles across cliff faces, clambers over boulders lining the river bed and 1,600 stairs later we arrived at Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). It was far more intricate and beautiful than I expected. Sleeping conditions were cramped, to say the least...
12th January, 2010: Day two of the Lost City trek started with our guide, Daniel Suarez, showing us a spider the size of a man's hand on his backpack. 24 hours to get anti-venom apparently... A slightly easier day of four hours walking followed by a gorgeous swimming hole ended in a camp with beds and mattresses. Food throughout was excellent and there was plenty of fresh fruit to keep us going along the way.
11th January, 2010: Arrived at 8.30am for the Lost City trek, finally left the Turcol office at 10am and started the trek at 1pm. Tough climb to begin with, and a mud slide rather than a path for a small section. After four hours of walking we were rewarded with a swimming hole. We spent the night in hammocks, complete with mosquito nets.
11th-16th January, 2010: Trekking to Ciudad Perdida, a.k.a. the Lost City. Expecting to battle mosquitoes, swim in rivers and sweat my way up hill...
10th January, 2010: Returned to Santa Marta, fighting the crowds for a place on the path! Chilling in the hostel and packing fot the Lost City trek, leaving tomorrow...
8th-10th January, 2010: Spent two nights at Tayrona National Park (one in a hammock, the other in the world's smallest tent), along with approximately twenty billion other holidaymakers. (This is Colombia's peak season.) Didn;t spoil the supreme beauty of the place though - jungle reaching down to a strip of white sand that gives way to the bluest sea. I've finally swum in the Caribbean!
7th January, 2010: Arrived in Santa Marta absolutely destroyed by the night bus (who lets their kids play with ring tones at 6am???), checked into a hostel and sorted out Lost City trek, boat to Panama and travel to Tayrona National Park.
6th January, 2010: Spent the day exploring La Candelaria area of Bogotá marvelling at the gaudy Christmas decorations, then jumped on a night bus to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast.
5th January, 2010: Bus to Bogotá took all day. Finished my audiobook (my new addiction is audiobooks) and took in some stunning scenery along the way though. Checked into an awfully named hostel, 'The Cranky Croc' (I'm turning into an accommodation snob) that actually turns out to be a really nice place: old courtyard style, wooden beamed ceilings etc.
4th January, 2010: Arranged a coffee plantation through our new hotel. Turned out it was at The Plantation House... Bit back our pride and returned - they didn't recognise us! Think they have been putting all their efforts into their new coffee plantation rather than the hostel. Impressed by plantation. Also saw how pineapples grow - bizarre. Google it!
3rd January, 2010: Slept well but still moved to a lovely hotel for two nights; bit more expensive but clean, friendly and sunny so well worth it. Festival atmosphere pervades Salento. Took a jeep to Cocora Valley for a walk amongst 60m wax palms. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the world I've ever seen
2nd January, 2010: Left Cali for the Zona Cafetera, a mountainous region of cloud forest and wax palms, and, of course, coffee plantations. Nightmare finding accommodation in Salento - The Plantation House didn't live up to expectations (filthy doesn't begin to describe it) and the rest of the town was full due to the holidays. Moved to a different hotel which was at least clean. Must stop scratching my mosquito bites. Think they might be spider bites...
1st January, 2010: The advantage of a truly expensive club (US$100 for a bottle of spirits, no single shots...) is a lack of a hangover! Lack of sleep has meant we've spent the day lounging in our hotel room watching Spiderman. (It's very hot here!)
31st December, 2009: Made it to Cali for New Year's Eve. It seemed like a good idea to spend NYE in the world capital of salsa, and it was! Highlight was being taught to salsa by a drunken Colombian and then going to a club to dance the night away. That's what you want in Colombia!
30th December, 2009: Dragged ourselves away from Cotopaxi to cross the Equator and the border into Colombia. Spent the night in Pasto where we were given a very warm welcome - "Welcome to Colombia!", said with a big grin! Saw lots of bodies burning - a tradition here at New Year. Not real, of course, but mannequins, or Guys as we'd call them in the UK.
29th December, 2009: Spent a dreamy two nights at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi, doing mostly nothing apart from enjoying the incredible view and swinging in hammocks. Read more about it in my blog - 'Since when is "nothing" a dirty word?' - and see Craig's images of Ecuador.
28th December, 2009: We're going to spend two nights at The Secret Garden Cotopaxi - no mains electricity or water; just spectacular views.
27th December, 2009: After all our private rooms it's hard to be back in a dorm but at least the beds at the Secret Garden hostel are comfortable. Not had much time to explore Quito as I've got lots of writing to catch up on, but it's pouring with rain outside so that makes it easier!
26th December, 2009: We said a fond farewell to Henry and Katie who were excellent hosts over the Christmas period. We ate well, slept well and swam in the sea on Christmas Day! Time to move on, with a day bus to Quito.
23rd-26th December, 2009: (Written in advance on the 22nd.) Spending Christmas with Craig's uncle and aunt, Henry and Katie, who have hired a beach apartment near Manta. Looking forward to my presents from Craig - I'm getting clothes and he's getting a bottle of Baileys. Classy!
22nd December, 2009: Last day in Peru and we're spending it in our flashpacker beach hut overlooking Mancora beach. Website stuff, beer for brunch, ceviche for lunch and handwashing underwear. Yet another night bus this evening - there should be rules for night buses...
21st December, 2009: Arrived in Mancora, a cool surfers' hangout in north Peru, early this morning. Checked in to Kon Tiki and headed to the beach. Ate ceviche and dunked ourselves in the Pacific. That's it - we've now immersed ourselves in the Atlantic and the Pacific. Next new ocean will be the Caribbean!
20th December, 2009: Did some Christmas shopping in Miraflores, guiltily gobbled down a Burger King for lunch and boarded a 17-hour overnight bus to Mancora, near the border with Ecuador.
19th December, 2009: Flew over the Nazca Lines this morning! We went in an 8-seater Cessna and I got rather air sick as we skirted above them. Incredible sight though. Vomity feeling didn't detract too much from the mystery. Sadly said goodbye to Hotel Paracas and boarded the afternoon bus to Lima, where we checked into HQ Villa, a new hostel in Miraflores.
18th December, 2009: Took a boat trip to the Ballestas Isalnds (see images), otherwise known as the poor man's Galapagos. Absolutely jaw-dropping - got shat on numerous times by the thousands of birds soaring overhead: boobies, pelicans, gulls, sealions and penguins (obviously the last two weren't overhead, or shitting on us...). Chilled out by the pool drinking cocktails for the rest of the day (as I write, in fact!).
17th December, 2009: Checked in to the Hotel Paracas, A Luxury Collection Resort, and immediately got our travelling mojo back. Sometimes all you need is a bit of five-star luxury ;) It was destroyed in the 2007 earthquake and reopened one month ago. Gorgeous rooms with open-plan bathroom, plasma TVs, iPod docks, huge beds and balconies. Bliss! Bought a new bikini to celebrate, as you do...
16th December, 2009: Saw Juanita, a frozen Inca sacrifice found on the top of a volcano, then got the night bus to Paracas. We're ready for a change of scenery and the Pacific coast sounds ideal.
15th December, 2009: The uphill was easier than the downhill, and our moods were better too. Celebrated leaving Colca Canyon by eating guinea pig for dinner.
14th December, 2009: No condors! Not the season for it, apparently. Spent three grumpy hours wobbling down the crumbly path to the bottom of the Colca Canyon. Not impressed! The two-month slump is in full swing...
13th December, 2009: Arrived early and grumpy in Arequipa. Checked into a hotel, arranged two-day trip to Colca Canyon for tomorrow, bought chocolate Santa and ate it in front of hotel TV all day. Got to get up at 2am tomorrow for the tour. Those condors had better be worth it...
12th December, 2009: Spent the day getting facts and figures for the Cusco city guide update for World Travel Guide. Then hopped on a night bus to Arequipa. Used the recommended Cruz del Sur bus company - felt safe but had to put up with blaring self-promotion until late...
11th December, 2009: It was difficult to tear ourselves away from Inkaterra but leave it we did. After two days of orchids, humming birds and spectacled bears we got the train back to Cusco where we stayed in the very attractive San Blas area.
6th December, 2009: A forward-thinking update - We leave on the Inca Trail today, arriving Machu Picchu on the 9th. The we'll be staying at the Inkaterra hotel for two nights - promises to be a just reward for the efforts on the trail!
4th December, 2009: Arrived in Cusco last night, spent the night in a chilly hostel and moved to the 5-star Libertador Palacio del Inka Hotel this morning. Making the most of the room - perfect timing as I've got a stinking cold and need to recover in time for the Inca Trail. Cusco is stunning, and so is our view!
2nd December, 2009: Been thoroughly enjoying a few days of reading in hammocks, climbing up to 3,966m to admire the view of Lake Titicaca, organising photos and doing some writing. We've both thoroughly re-organised our backpacks (closest I can get to nesting!) in preparation for Peru tomorrow.
30th November, 2009: Finally reached the Isla del Sol and trekked the length of island taking in some Inca ruins along the way - about 9km. Decided not to spend the night as our Copacabana hostel is so delightful! Check out these images of northwest Bolivia, including La Paz, Titicaca and Isla del Sol.
29th November, 2009: Rain stopped play. We planned to spend the day and night on the Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, but the lake was being pounded by rain when our alarm trilled so we've delayed. Instead we've moved up the hill to La Cupola, a charming hostel with white domes, fancy restaurant and cosy double room. Am working in our room with a view of the lake to the sound of birdsong instead. Could stay here for ages, no matter what I think of the town itself!
28th November, 2009: Time to leave La Paz. We took our first day bus in Bolivia and gazed open mouthed at the plateau we drove across, surrounded by snow-caped peaks. Tried to ignore the depressing, unfinished buildings scattered along the road. Lake Titicaca is beautiful, possibly my favourite place so far. Overpriced hotel not so good, although the view makes it worthwhile. Unsure about Copacabana, the town on the edge of Lake Titicaca we're staying in, as yet.
26th November, 2009: Cycled the world's most dangerous road (or at least, it used to be) today! The return journey by bus was far scarier. I wasn't feeling well all day - not because of the dizzying drops! - so wasn't quite able to enjoy it fully, but I'm sure I'll remember only the good/heart-pounding stuff (rather than the stomach cramps)!
24th November, 2009: Second day of Spanish lessons. By no means nearing fluency but generally going well. Yo tengo veintinueve aňos y tres dias!
22nd November, 2009: Puked up last night. Spent today doing sweet FA: snoozing, sobbing through The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and finally getting the internet to work once everyone in the UK has gone to bed. Actually nice to have a proper down day!
21st November, 2009: Birthday shopping in La Paz. Am now the proud owner of a leather barrel handbag and a quirky necklace from Buenos Aires. Eat lunch in a typical Bolivian restaurant but by planned birthday dinner time we're both feeling a bit iffy so it's a kebab in the hostel! Birthday dinner TBA...
20th November, 2009: Arrived in Potosi at 2am and went on the mine tour at 8.30am. Dusty, cramped, breathless and dark. An eye opener. My voice was gone for about four hours afterwards due to the dust. The miners live this every day. Recovery, and night bus to La Paz.
19th November, 2009: Arrived in Salar de Uyuni after brilliant three days. Saw salt museum, salt mine and a train cemetery. About to take overnight bus to Potosi to see a working silver mine.
17th November, 2009: Embarked on a three-day journey from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, to Uyuni, Bolivia. Vehicle is excellent, especially as there are only five people in our tour instead of the usual six. Stopped at various lagoons, geysers and thermal baths along the way. Sleeping at 4,300m tonight - feeling a little trippy...
16th November, 2009: Got up at 3.30am to visit El Tatio geysers. Eerie, steamy wonderland totally worth the early start. Rubbish time returning hire car to Calama though - took us nearly seven hours when we expected four. All thanks to a delayed bus...not what you need when you're tired and grumpy!
15th November, 2009: Bit of a lie-in, then drove to see some high-altitude lakes and Laguna Chaxa. Much preferred the lagoon; flamingos, clear water and Salar de Atacama as far as the volcanoes on the horizon. Again, having own car paid off.
14th November, 2009: Admin day! Sorted out Spanish lessons, La Paz hostel, El Tatio geyser tour and travel to Bolivia. Then went to watch the sunset in the Valley of the Moon. So good having our own car - watched all the tour groups spill out from the buses across the valley and felt smug!
13th November, 2009: Got woken by an earthquake just after midnight. Very exciting (I can say that because no-one was hurt) - at its epicentre out to sea near Arica it measured 6.5 on the Richter Scale. Did the long drive to San Pedro de Atacama.
12th November, 2009: Bad night's sleep (due to food/altitude?) so chilled out in morning in Hostel Pachamama's courtyard with llamas and books then drove to our new favourite viewpoint to drink tea from a flask like a content elderly couple.
11th November, 2009: Hooked up with a French couple and spent the day exploring Lauca National Park and driving Route 11. Stunning views of snow-capped volcanoes, plenty of llama, alpaca and vicuna, topped off with a thermal bath with a view. One of those days that sends you to sleep tired and smiling.
10th November, 2009: Picked up hire car - a bright red Peugot 207, gutless wonder we christened Big Red - and drove along the Panamericana Highway through the Atacama Desert to Lauca National Park in the far north of Chile. Car hire lady said it'd take two hours; 10 hours later we arrived in Putre!
Top ten pages on OT
1.
Five alternatives to South America's top destinations
2.
Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro
3.
Responsible travel on the Inca Trail
4.
The Ten Commandments for night bus travellers
5.
Touring the Pantanal with the world's most hardcore guide
6.
The two month slump: Colca Canyon, Peru
7.
Images: South America roundup
8. Images: Panama - San Blas Islands (Kuna Ayala)
9.
Video: giant otter eating a caiman