Brazil often brings to mind colorful carnival scenes, Christ the Redeemer towering above Rio, and sun-seekers on Copacabana Beach. Yet, the city of Belém in the country’s northwest rarely enters that conversation. Less frequented and more niche, Belém typically serves as a stopover for river cruises bound for the Amazon or a waypoint for backpackers […]
Iquitos, Peru – The World’s Largest City Without Roads Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest lies Iquitos, a mysterious urban center that challenges traditional city layouts by having no road access. Instead, visitors and locals alike must travel by boat or plane, lending the city an air of seclusion. Located along the banks […]
SOUMA Hotel Lima: A New Luxury Landmark in South America This spring, the luxury and lifestyle segment takes a step forward in South America with the opening of SOUMA Hotel Lima, the first Vignette Collection hotel on the continent. Located in the vibrant Miraflores neighborhood, the hotel is now accepting reservations for stays beginning in […]
Millions of years ago, before the continents took shape, Earth was a single, vast landmass known as Pangea, covered in a mossy terrain stretching from pole to pole. Eventually, massive volcanic activity triggered the separation of tectonic plates, causing South America and Africa to drift apart. This rupture left deep scars in Earth’s crust, forming […]
The world’s leading luxury river cruise in the Upper Peruvian Amazon is thrilled to announce exciting updates for 2025. This April, the Delfin I will return after an extensive three-month renovation, redefining elegance, comfort, and sustainability. A New Standard of Luxury The reimagined Delfin I offers oversized suites with private panoramic terraces, two of which […]
For those who love nature and wildlife, a cruise provides an exceptional chance to observe animals in their natural environments. Below are ten top cruise destinations for unforgettable wildlife encounters: Alaska Inside Passage, USA Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape where glaciers meet emerald waters. Look for humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles while […]
If you’re seeking a truly unique vacation in one of the world’s natural wonders, Gran Meliá Iguazú is the perfect destination. Located right next to the Iguazú Falls, the hotel offers breathtaking views from its rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy an infinity pool, fine dining, and top-tier amenities like organic toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24/7 […]
In a remote region of Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest, river transport is far more prevalent than road travel. Boats glide along the Wichimi River, a broad channel winding through the thick jungle, with the Ecuadorian sun powering these quiet vessels. Twelve indigenous Achuar communities in eastern Ecuador, near the Peruvian border, are using five boats outfitted […]
Some destinations in the world are best explored by cruise ship, such as the Galapagos, Alaska or the Nile. Now, Colombia’s interior will join this prestigious list. Debuting in January on an 805-km stretch of the Magdalena River will be the luxurious 60-passenger AmaMagdalena. The seven-night cruises, starting at US$4,000 (RM18,560) per person, will sail […]
In the early pre-dawn hours, the Achuar community of Sharamentsa in the Ecuadorian Amazon performs an ancient ritual involving the consumption of guayusa. This green-leaf infusion provides them with energy for the day and serves as a moment for communal sharing and reflection. In the isolated Amazonian village of Sharamentsa, situated on the Ecuador-Peru border […]
The water is pleasantly warm but so murky that I can’t see my hands. When something slimy brushes against my leg, my imagination runs wild: piranha? Caiman? Anaconda?! This is what swimming in the Peruvian Amazon feels like—exciting and a bit crazy. My naturalist guide reassures me that I’m safe. “You’re not bleeding, right? Then […]
Tisza River, Hungary/Serbia This major Eastern European river originates in Ukraine, forms part of the boundary between Slovakia and Hungary, and traverses the Great Hungarian Plain before merging with the Danube in Serbia. Cruise journeys commence in Tokaj, renowned for its sweet Tokay wine, and proceed through the Hortobagy grasslands and wetlands. The highlight is […]