I’ve been getting this question for several months actually. And it is a really hard question to answer. I’d say downright impossible to pick. We saw so many amazing and varying places. But other than dodging the question by replying “They were all amazing” (which they were), I’ve tried to think back over the seven months and seven countries to think of my favorite places and things from our trip.
One would have to be the Galapagos Islands. They were unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. The animals were fascinating, and completely unafraid of humans, and the entire experience was like our first vacation from language immersion. I will never forget the amazing animals, the three huge buffets a day, and jumping off the top of the boat.
The next really memorable place would have to be Ausangate, in Peru. After already having completed two other serious treks in Peru, I had my doubts that this one would be that different. But it was. It was high in altitude, remote, and completely beautiful. Llamas and alpaca grazed everywhere, and we met so many wonderful local people. The people here touched my heart in a way that I will not soon forget. Oh, and the hot springs at the beginning and end of the loop were a nice touch too.
The jungle of Bolivia was one of the most unreal places I’ve ever visited. Sleeping in the middle of the jungle with all the sounds was like living with more senses than I’ve ever noticed. The jaguar walk at 3 am was particularly special; but overall just being in the jungle leaves one with a sense of wonder and amazement at the amazing natural world we inhabit.
Patagonia. Where do I begin? It was every bit as vast, empty, and beautiful as I had been dreaming of. Patagonia is what inspired us to consider the trip in the first place, and it is definitely one of my favorite places. The glaciers are awe inspiring. The hiking is world class. The lakes are beautiful, and the towns are quaint (and filled with amazing chocolates). It’s still possible for hikers to be happy walking for weeks in this part of the world.
I believe Antarctica is the most stunning place I will ever be in my entire life. It takes my breath away just thinking about going through the Lemaire Channel, listening to Dvorak and watching icebergs pass by. Watching thousands of penguins nest was incredibly fun, and I never got tired of the snow, ice and icebergs. It is an amazing place, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have experienced its beauty.
My last favorite place was Iguazu Falls. I had so much fun getting drenched by the waterfall, and trying to take in its vastness. I can only imagine how cool it would have been for explorers who had no idea of what they looked like to gaze upon them for the first time.
South America is such a beautiful continent to explore. I love that I have a feeling for what the land looks and feels like. The experience of traveling always changes me, making me feel like I understand my world a little more fully. For me, that’s really my favorite part.
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I always think of traveling as a way to see the finer details of the world. We have basic broad strokes of the world reading, but actually going to a place makes all the details sharp. I also like the memories of traveling. Now, wherever you go you can always take yourself back to those moments you had.