(
Deciding whether you want sun-drenched beaches, artisanal markets, Amazonian rainforests, Andean adventure activities, or historical old town walks on a holiday might be a nice decision to make. But it’s still a hard decision, so if decision making isn’t your forte than Ecuador has you covered. You can stroll around Quito and marvel at the seventeenth-century churches and architecture in impeccable knick, climb up Cotopaxi – one of the highest active volcanoes in the world – shop for local handicrafts at Otavalo Market and, of course, venture offshore to the unforgettable Galápagos Islands to get that sought-after bucket list tick. Top it all off with some of the friendliest locals in the world and you’ll be wishing Ecuador were an option in every life decision you had to make.
region: South America
Piedras Bayas Basecamp
Yes, this tiny camp is in the Atacama Desert, but it’s also on the coast, making it a completely unique destination for adventurous souls. There are just three dome tents on wooden platforms – plenty of space between each for maximum privacy – with attached bathrooms and a shared service centre with kitchen and indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
The tents themselves have everything you could need, including a comfy bed, storage and, thanks to solar panels, around-the-clock electricity and hot water. From there, though, it’s every traveller for him or herself. You’ll need to hire a 4WD to get here – it’s pretty much overland for the final four kilometres of your journey (the camp is about 90 kilometres from Copiapó) – and bring in all the food you might require since there’s nothing nearby.
The landscape around here – dunes, beach and rocky headlands – is completely arresting and you could easily spend a few days just exploring on foot, swimming in the ocean or taking out the kayaks and getting an eyeful from the water. There’s every chance you’ll feel as though you’re the only people on earth while you’re visiting.
Patagonia Camp
Bunking down in one of the 18 yurts at this campsite in Chile’s south is sure to induce a certain serenity. From every angle – whether you’re lying in bed or sitting at the wood table – you can view the wilderness or, at night, the endless stars through the skylight, out the windows or from the private terrace. And an impressive wilderness it is too, located at the edge of Torres del Paine National Park with Lake Torro in the foreground and a backdrop of the snow-capped Paine Massif.
Each of the mini marquees features locally produced artworks, a private bathroom and, importantly, central heating. There’s also a communal area – all buildings are connected by elevated walkways to protect the environment – where you’ll find the bar and restaurant.
If you’re a hiker, in particular, be prepared for some amazing adventure. There are a number of treks you can take from the camp, including the eight-hour Torres Base Trek. Never fear if you’re not quite so sporty, since there are plenty of other walks to waterfalls and viewpoints where you can observe condors and other birds of prey. There’s also the opportunity to go kayaking and fishing.
Alto Atacama
Put your wallet away and surrender to this all-inclusive oasis in the desert. Isolated enough to capture the tranquillity of this lush valley in the Salt Mountain Range, 1600 kilometres north of Santiago, it is still only a short bike ride from the tiny town of San Pedro. The design of the resort, including its 42 luxurious rooms, is inspired by local village architecture.
Fill your days with the guided tours on offer – journeys to the El Tatio geysers or mountain biking the Inca are just two of the 30 options – escape the heat in one of the hotel’s six pools set to varied temperatures, or visit the llamas in their stable.
Elqui Domos
Serious stargazers are drawn to the Atacama Desert in Chile’s far north for the crystal clear views of the night sky. At Elqui Domos you can hone your astronomer’s eye from the comfort of your bed.
Snuggle up in one of seven igloo-like geodesic domes – each fitted with telescopes, private terraces, elevated loft beds and detachable roofs to allow maximum star power – or take in the twinkling panorama from a stylish, three-level observatory cabin. The hotel also offers nightly astronomy tours and twilight horse rides.
Remota
Superbly positioned at the mouth of Patagonia’s dramatic fjords, Remota draws inspiration from its ruggedly beautiful surrounds, but adds a unique modernist twist. Inside, the indigenous-inspired decor pays homage to the region’s rich past.
The all-inclusive resort offers daily excursions like kayaking to glaciers and horse treks to Torres del Paine National Park. But you’ll be eager to return for dinner. The ever-changing menu features fresh Patagonian delicacies, local wines and pisco sour, the staple Chilean cocktail. Unwind in the Finnish sauna, saltwater pool and outdoor jacuzzi.
Cruise for Jaguars
There aren’t many animals that can render a caiman lifeless with one crushing bite that punctures the brain and pulverises bones. Jaguars can. Distinguished by their rosette-shaped black spots, these fierce yet graceful predators of the jungle are the third-largest of the big cats, after lions and tigers. Once found roaming across large swathes of the Americas, today jaguars are an almost threatened species.
If you want to see these majestic beasts in the wild, one of the best places is Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland and home to one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. July is the dry season in these parts, when the jaguar’s prey clusters around shrinking waterways, luring the cats close. During a boat safari through the Meeting of the Waters State Park, also known as the Jaguar Zone, you’ll get within a whisker of these water-happy felines. If you’re lucky, you might even witness these killer cats in action as they lunge at deer, caiman and tapir.
New Year’s Eve in Ipanema
A NYE party in Rio is a no-brainer, but head out to the beach for a bit of calm and to pay homage to Iemanja, the Macumba deity of the sea. As the sun sets, crowds gather at the shore to leave flowers and cast off small boats filled with offerings to the goddess, in the hope that she’ll fulfil their wishes for the coming year. But make sure the tides are in your favour – if the waves bring back your gift, it’s believed that Iemanja has rejected your wish.
Learn polo in Argentina
If you thought polo was reserved for the British aristocracy, think again. Argentina is the planet’s polo powerhouse, producing more champions than every other nation combined. At Estancia El Venado, about two hours’ drive south of Buenos Aires, you can get in the saddle and have a go at whacking a ball with a mallet at a polo school located on a working cattle ranch. Be trained by the pros, take to the field for a game and learn about the ranch’s horse-breeding program.
You don’t need any prior riding experience to participate, but if thundering down the field chasing a ball on horseback rattles your nerves, there are plenty of tamer activities on hand. Take part in a cattle muster with a real-life gaucho (cowboy), swing under the treetops in a hammock, kayak the Salado River, or just soak up the surroundings of the ranch, which has been kept in the family for four generations.
Spot thousands of flamingos at Laguna Colorada
Welcome to a natural landscape that appears positively extraterrestrial. Laguna Colorada, meaning red lake, is a shallow salt lake in Bolivia’s Altiplano (high plains), more than 4,260 metres above sea level. The lake is less than a metre deep and owes its unusual colour to red minerals and algae, which lure flocks of rare species of flamingo.
The name is no exaggeration – the water ranges from hues of salmon pink to blood red, which, when contrasted with the white borax islands, snow-capped Andes in the distance and vivid blue sky, creates a magical effect. Come here for a close-up look at the distinctive landscape and to snap brag-worthy photographs. No filter required.
