Buenos Aires
The Paris of the South

Experience the birth place of poets, composers and the tango. Holland America Line's overnight stays and matchless shore excursions help you to fully explore the vibrancy and enchantment of Buenos Aires.
Running time: 1:09min

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Responsible Travel

Opportunities to make your vacation socially and environmentally responsible are on the increase. Protecting the environment through eco-tourism choices, taking time to be a volunteer during your travels, learning and appreciating the culture and geography of the places you visit are easy to arrange. Programs like these are just some examples of what's available around the globe.

• G.A.P. Adventures' "Voluntourism" and environmentally friendly tour options.
• Abercrombie & Kent's "Philanthropic Journeys".
• Regent Seven Seas "Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program" in conjunction with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Futures Society.
• Signature Vacations Volunteer Holiday in Liberia, Costa Rica.
• Gateways International's "Authentic Experiences rich in culture."

Do Not Disturb - Visiting the Galápagos

Choosing to visit the Galápagos is a sound travel choice as Jennifer Pitts discovered on her recent vacation. Jennifer had this to say about her experience in Ecuador's eco-conscious archipelago:

"My journey began with a day and night in Quito, Ecuador, a charming jewel situated between mountains. The people were remarkably friendly and English was spoken widely. It was easy to get around and I would like to have spent more time here."

"To reach the Galápagos it was a 45 minute flight to Quaquil, Ecuador, then 90 minutes on to Baltra. The service on these Aerogal flights was superb with hot meals served on both legs of the journey! Landing in Baltra gave us a chance to see the Galápagos from the air which was a stunning view."

"As soon as we got off the plane, the protection of the eco-system was apparent. Our hand luggage was inspected to make sure no foodstuffs were being brought to the islands."

"The Galápagos has been open for tourism since the 1960's and became a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 1978. Only a few ships, boats and catamarans, none carrying more than 100 passengers, are allowed to sail here. You can also stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel in Santa Cruz and take day trips by small boat to the other islands."

"My tour with Metropolitan Touring, the pioneer in Galápagos tourism, was aboard the well appointed, 40-passenger yacht, Isabella II. We enjoyed a quiet, smooth ride, sailing around the islands, going ashore each day to explore. Each evening, Galápagos National Park rangers would explain the next day's activities and what we would see."

"In the morning we tendered ashore in pangas, small zodiac-like vessels which carried about 10 people. Landings were dry if the panga could beach and wet if it couldn't, in which case we waded ashore."

"Tours were conducted by naturalists and park rangers who are extremely well informed but were able to explain things to us in a way that was easy to understand. (Note you cannot tour independently here.)"

"Small groups of 8 - 10 people would head off in different directions so we weren't all together at any given point. We were constantly reminded to stay on the trails and not to touch anything or pick the plants. Pathways are designated by black and white stakes making it easy to stay on the marked trails."

"Each island is unique with its own geography. White sandy beaches, black craggy lava rocks, another area like a moonscape - it was visually stunning."

"The variety of what we saw and how close we got to it was also amazing. Birds and plants in vivid colours including the famous blue footed boobies were seen everywhere. Some islands were very noisy with bird calls while others were quiet with only the sound of crunching gravel underfoot to be heard. It was a very sensory experience. You become quite blasé about being surrounded by nature. After a couple of days it was "here comes another tortoise."

"Sea lions gave us many wonderful memories. They occupied a beach where we were relaxing. We had to stay away from the beach master, the lead male. Fascinated by the colour of towels and knapsacks the sea lions would come right up to us and check them out. I was visited by one baby sea lion which bobbed right over to me."

"Sea lions are also fascinated by bubbles from the scuba gear and they would come over to investigate as we explored underwater. One spectacular scene was a volcanic wall covered in coral and sea urchins with colourful fish surrounding it and sea lions swimming in and out."

"Wet suits are provided for scuba divers while others chose snorkelling masks. A few people did not participate in the under water activities."

"At the end of the day when we returned to the ship, we had to douse our feet with water to ensure that soil from one island would not be transported to another, so unique is the environment on each island."

"We also visited the Charles Darwin Research Centre and saw the wonderful work that is being carried out there to preserve the Galápagos eco-system."

"As well, on Isla Santa Cruz, with the largest population at 25,000, we saw the Recycling Interpretation Centre. Here they are making bricks to create roads from recycled materials. The locals are very conscious of the environment in which they live and work with the parks system to preserve it. A school field trip to the centre was underway the day we were there."

"Visiting the Galápagos was an incredible experience. I was there in June and would gladly go again to see it in another season."

What to Take

• Rubber soled walking shoes
• Pair of water proof foot wear with soles for wet landings
• Fast-dry pants for wet landings
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses
• Sun screen
• Dress in layers and take a light wind breaker
• Evening aboard ship is dress-casual

By Susan Milne

IMPORTANT: When booking, ask us for the appropriate supplier brochure for complete details and terms and conditions for your vacations and as well inquire about any possible past guest savings. Offers are space available and may be withdrawn at anytime without prior notice and are not combinable with other offers (unless stated otherwise). All prices, details and offers are subject to change. We are not responsible for errors or omissions.

Articles written by Susan Milne.