by Dan

The notorious Patagonian wind blasted dust into my eyes as the setting sun lit up an eerie treeless landscape ahead. I gripped the reins tightly with one hand, my saddle with the other and held on for dear life as we clambered up a steep ridge. As first horse riding experiences go it will take some beating!

My trusty horse was slightly less impressed – he simply trotted on, bouncing me up and down with malicious glee. Near the top we got off (or in some cases fell off) our horses and hiked up to a viewpoint where we huddled together to toast the spectacular sunset with a well-deserved glass of Malbec.

When we returned to the Estancia after dark, we were welcomed with more wine, a roaring fire and a delcious asado (Argentine barbecue) in the ‘Quincho’ with its huge sunken firepit. Just four hours into our stay at Estancia Huechahue (‘Way Cha Way’) we could already understand why so many guests fall in love with the place.

The horses are so well trained that even our group of amateurs were soon at home in the saddle – and mostly managed to stay in it! The Estancia has over 15,000 acres to explore, and as a genuine working farm, guests are encouraged to help (or hinder!) the gauchos round up and lasso the cattle.

It also has access to some of the world’s finest fly fishing rivers, as well as birdwatching, hiking and sightseeing, making it an attractive option for non-riders too. There’s simply no better way to understand the unique appeal of Patagonian life than to spend some time at Estancia Huechahue.

by Mike

It took around 40 minutes of paddling to cross Picinguaba Bay by kayak. Any effort required was easily outweighed by the views of the idyllic beaches, the bobbing of small fishing boats and the steep densely forested peaks in the distance. Pulling up the kayaks on to Praia de Fazenda, we had this kilometre long beach to ourselves. It was our very own deserted beach for the morning and was ‘I need to pinch myself’ beautiful!!

This was just one of the many unique adventures to be enjoyed between relaxing at the paradisiacal ‎Pousada Picinguaba. Located on a forested coastline half way between Rio and Sao Paulo and within a state park, this nine room property sits above a small traditional fishing village and has the sort of swimming pool that would set any travel magazine editor’s pulse racing. Relaxingly active, my stay here was the perfect authentic reminder of the beauty of nature and simplicity.

by Jane

Hard to choose a favourite spot in the Galápagos but I think it would be Fernandina Island.

The Galápagos Islands were formed by a “hot spot” that causes the crust above to erupt into volcanoes. Fernandina is the youngest volcanic island and is still active. Because of increased volcanic activity and its relative youth, Fernandina is home to less plant life than some of the other islands.

The only visitor site on Fernandina, Punta Espinoza is a maze of sandy trails through interesting lava flows with large colonies of marine iguanas. As we stepped off the zodiac boats it wasn’t immediately obvious where the iguanas were, but looking more closely I realised rocks don’t usually move! The black iguanas are brilliantly Camouflaged against the black volcanic rocks but once I’d realised …. there were hundreds of them climbing on top of each other, occasionally fighting but often just sitting or allowing others to use them as stepping stones.

The volcanic rock formations on Fernandina are equally impressive, with the lava fields flowing out to sea, creating blow holes and tubes as they cooled.

by Dan

10 minutes into my bike ride in the world’s driest desert I realised that 1 bottle of water was probably a bit optimistic. Dust was desiccating my already parched throat, and we still had a good 2 hours of desert riding ahead of us. My guide grinned whilst sucking contentedly from his 10-litre Camelbak – ‘No sweat man – I’ll get you another bottle from the car’. A hotel vehicle was trundling along at a respectful distance behind us, prepared for just such guest stupidity.

With fresh water and energy I set off to explore the ‘The Devil’s Canyon’ in Chile’s Atacama desert. The canyon was formed by glaciers which have conveniently carved out a narrow twisting path through the Salt Range mountains, ideal for biking.

It’s pretty flat and easy so you can indulge your cowboy fantasies as the spectacular Western-style scenery glides past. Just watch out for those lurking sand traps and overhanging rocks, or your daydreams could come to a rather abrupt end! At the end of the trail there’s a steep climb (apparently possible on a bike – but not by me!) where you’re rewarded with stunning 360 degree views of the canyon.

Mountain biking is just one of the many active ways you can explore Atacama – others include Hiking, Horseriding & Sandboarding. And for those who prefer a more relaxing holiday you can explore by 4×4, wallow in natural thermal pools, or just gaze up at the stars. So what are you waiting for!