Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 5 must-see destinations in Bali, Indonesia.

1. Tegallang Rice Terraces

There’s no shortage of rice paddies in Bali. These historical sites provide stunning views and the perfect scenic photo opportunity. But which are best to see? With so many rice paddies around the island, it can be hard to know which to choose. However, one of the best is the Tegallang Rice Terraces near Ubud. Here, you can admire the vast dramatic landscape, or stroll by beautiful art markets in the tiny village of Pakudui. Tegallang Rice Terraces are also quite easy to get to. Simply ask a local driver to take you there. Plus, it’s only half an hour north of Ubud so it’s not too much of a strenuous journey. Oh, and a pro tip: visit this gorgeous historical site at sunrise or sunset to see the sunlight fall magically over the scenery and capture that perfect shot.

2. Nusa Penida

If you’ve been on Instagram, you’ll have no doubt have seen a very similar shot of the beautiful Nusa Penida, taken at Kelingking Beach viewpoint. This island destination is located south-east of Bali and takes a mere 45-minute boat ride to get to. Once you arrive, visiting Nusa is all about exploring, so jump on a motorbike or find another way to transport yourself around the island. You won’t want to miss all the Instagrammable spots like Broken Beach and Blue Stairs. Not to mention countless stunning cliff tops with incredible sea cliff views. When it comes to things to do other than exploring the sights, Nusa offers plenty of tours to swim with sea life such as Manta Rays and dolphins. Convinced yet?

3. Tibumana Waterfall

Bali is also dotted with many fantastic waterfalls that are sure to take your breath away. But, if there’s one not to miss, it’s Tibumana Waterfall. These falls drop from a luscious fern-covered cliff into a bright turquoise-blue pool. The best part? This waterfall isn’t too difficult to access. Roughly just a 45-minute drive from Ubud, then a short downhill walk through the luscious forest and across a cute wooden bridge, a clearing opens up to reveal this unique spot. Spend some time here wading in the beautiful water, take a dip under the roaring falls, or snap away on your camera to get a great shot. This waterfall speaks for itself, really.

4. The Gili Islands

Making our list of the top 5 must-see destinations in Bali are the Gili Islands. With three to choose from: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno, you can make a decision on which is right for you. While all will offer summery island vibes, cheeky sunsets on the beach, and plenty of aquatic activities, Gili Trawangan is better known for its party vibes and nightlife, while Gili Meno and Gili Air are more relaxed and romantic. Getting to the islands is easy, with boats leaving from Padang Bai on the mainland. It will take roughly 2 hours to reach the islands, but once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave. When it comes to adventures, if you choose to go on a day tour of snorkeling or diving, you’ll likely have an encounter with plenty of wild sea turtles. Definitely don’t forget your waterproof camera for this trip!

5. Besakih Temple

Last but certainly not least, the Balinese Pura temples are the final must-see during your trip. These Hindu temples hold high significance with the locals, and as such should be treated with the utmost respect. Take a trip to Besakih Temple in particular for a peek at one of these impressive architectural structures, with the added bonus of a majestic background. Mount Agung, Bali’s most famous active volcano can be seen in the distance at Besakih Temple. If you’re lucky enough to get a day clear from fog, you just might snap the perfect photograph to add to your collection. Besakih is also considered the most important of the Bali temples and has been long-standing for more than 1000 years. Though a little further out of the way with an almost 2-hour car journey from Ubud, it’s still well worth the visit.

And there you have it! The top 5 must-see destinations in Bali, Indonesia. These locations are all uniquely special, and likely to give you a taste of all the main attractions that Bali has to offer. Are you packing yet?

Suggested next reading: How To Go Rogue And See Southeast Asia By Motorbike

The post Top 5 Must-See Destinations In Bali, Indonesia appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Mauritius is an incredible place for a trip to remember as, basically, it has it all! This island, off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, an independent republic since 1968, is a successful mix of different tastes and cultures you definitely don’t want to miss!

In fact, the official languages are French and English, but everyone speaks Creole, the streets are lined with churches, mosques, and pagodas, and the diversity of represented cultures includes Indian, European, African and Chinese.

The sea is a different story: that’s as tropical as a postcard. And, perhaps, the sea is the only thing that is exactly how it appears at first glance—Mauritius sure is diverse and multifaceted!

The cliché is that Mauritius only attracts rich vacationers and couples on their honeymoon, but that’s a mistake: this place deserves to be discovered by everyone because everyone can find something special in its beautiful nature and witty blend of Indian, African and European influences.

The golden rule when planning for what to see in Mauritius is to go for all the incredibly authentic, cultural and traditional features beyond the common touristic paths and itineraries. As always, when it comes to traveling the world, try to find out what is hiding beyond that touristy beach and be constantly surprised by how long the list is of what to see in Mauritius!

Let’s begin then learning something more about all the amazing things Mauritius has to offer to its visitors!

What to see in Mauritius: starting from Grand Bay

We start from the north. The almost obligatory point of reference is Grand Bay, the place that, with the boldness that comes with optimism, many define as the local version of Saint Tropez.

Well, do not believe it. It’s better. Grand Bay is pretty, the sea is beautiful and there are many bars, restaurants, and hotels. And the atmosphere, fortunately, is Mauritian and you will never be overwhelmed by the clamor. This is a perfect choice for accommodation with luxurious options not too far from the small and beautiful local hotels at more affordable prices.

From here it is easy to embark on an adventure of the island that almost always starts with Cap Malheureux, the point further north of the island. It is here that commander John Abercromby landed with his troops when the British attacked the island for the second time in 1810, but today it’s famous for the little church that is seen in every catalog of the island: it is called Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, but all they know it as the “red-roofed church”. A selfie here is almost mandatory.

If nature and gardening is your secret passion, you can get your fix by stopping off at Labourdonnais for a walk through the anturio, bougainvilleas, and hibiscus. Check out the video below to see all the other great things you can do here.

What to see in Mauritius: tropical gardens

Less naîve but always present in every guide that tells what to see Mauritius is the botanical garden of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, more simply known as Pamplemousses. It is a famous place among botanists all over the world for the large collection of exotic plants growing there, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and numerous palm species.

Like all other mysterious places, there is an old saying and a legend here: a palm tree that is said to flower only once every fifty-seventy years. If you see it, you’ll know you’ve been lucky. Tired? We’re just getting started.

So let’s turn our backs to the sea and aim toward the plateau that is between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. And it offers unexpected discoveries. One of these is Trou of Cerfs, an extinct volcano that offers a splendid view of the interior of the country.

But it is not the only volcano that sleeps: there is also Ganga Talao which is also considered to be a sacred place by Hindus. The lake born in the cone is special for the Hindus who come here on a pilgrimage. Every year, in the month of February, during the week in which the feast of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated, thousands of faithful walk several miles on foot, arriving from every corner of the island to offer their gifts.

Then the routes multiply: if you want to discover the colonial past of the island, stop at the Maison Creole Eureka, built in 1830 which is proud of its 109 doors. It’s proof that the settlers were really doing well as the Tea Route developed here, a path in the green hinterland between plantations from which the five-ounce drink is made for the English. The point of arrival is at the Bois Cherì plant where you can watch all the processing from harvesting in the fields to the finished tea bag, as well as taste all the variations.

But do not worry: if you don’t like tea there is much more on offer. And if the list of what to see in Mauritius is long, the list on what to taste is even longer. Here it is, in fact, possible to make similar routes dedicated to vanilla, sugar, or even rum: the Rhumerie de Chamarel is one of the rare distilleries still active in this part of the world that grows its own sugar cane to produce liqueurs.

What to see in Mauritius: the beaches

It’s time to soak in the sun, bathe, and head back to the blue. The choice falls on the area of Le Morne Brabant, the heart of high-level tourism in Mauritius. There are multi-star hotels, beautiful seas, golf courses and everything you could ever dream of including a peninsula that has become a UNESCO heritage site for its beauty, of course, but also for its history: here, escaping into the woods, slaves made a dash for freedom—which also makes this place a symbol of a terribly dark past.

But one last effort will take us to see one of the areas symbolizing the beauty of Mauritius: the Chamarel area hosts spectacular landscapes nestled between hills. The famous lands of seven colors are only the first stop and you cannot miss a stop to admire the centuries-old giant turtles that live right next door.

But we are on a paradise of an island, after all, and while we want to find out what to see in Mauritius we—at this point above all—really want to find out what to see around Mauritius, namely its gorgeous beaches: our ultimate destination is the Ile aux Cerf, an island within the island just five minutes from the coast.

You arrive by boat and then you can stay immersed in snorkeling, playing golf, or by visiting one of the many excellent restaurants. There is only one hotel: it is five-star and is considered among the best in the world. But, at the end of the day, just one day is probably enough to discover this particular beauty of sand, nature and sea and so, come evening, you can head back to the main island.

To explore more of Ile aux Cerf, check out this video:

Mauritius is an incredible place where you can both explore and relax while keeping things original and fun. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Suggested next reading: 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Africa

The post How To Best Enjoy Mauritius & Make It A Trip You Won’t Forget appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Overcrowding can be a problem, as can safety concerns (drug trafficking in the area has led to a spike in violent crime over recent years). Cancun also suffers from a lack of authentic flavor and limited choices beyond beach activities.

So, what if you want to keep those stunning Mexican beaches but try something a little different? Is there a way that you can still have the best of Cancun but also take in a little history and escape the crowds? Well, we think the answer is Cozumel, a small island roughly 50 miles to the south.

The island’s main town, San Miguel de Cozumel, is a regular cruise-ship destination, but probe a little beyond this and you’ll find a relatively undeveloped and rugged landscape with loads to see and do.

I spent two weeks there a few years ago and discovered a little speck of land that punches well above its weight as an ideal holiday destination. Here are 6 top things to do in Cozumel.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The world-famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau was the first person to really establish Cozumel in the global consciousness, declaring it the best dive site in the world in 1961. Which means that both scuba-diving and snorkeling in Cozumel is must-do.

In a world where many coral reefs are under increasing threat from pollution, overfishing and invasive species, the reefs around Cozumel are in great health. This is thanks largely to the protection of the Cozumel National Marine Park, an organization that has ensured Cozumel’s many dive sites are home to the greatest biodiversity anywhere in the Caribbean.

Hawksbill turtles, rays, sailfish, barracuda and many kinds of shark—including bull sharks—all thrive here. So too does the fantastically named “Splendid Toadfish”, an endemic species that can only be seen at Cozumel.

From June to September divers can book tours to a spot along the Yucatan coast where Whale Sharks, the world’s biggest fish, pass by on their annual migration (although if this is the main reason for your visit then we’d probably recommend Isla Holbox as an alternative destination).

With more than 30 dive sites around Cozumel, there are great spots for all levels of experience. First-time divers should head to the Palancar Gardens. These safe, tranquil waters are ideal for learning the skills and offer a high probability of spotting turtles and nurse sharks among the abundant reef life.

Intermediate divers can head for the Santa Rosa or San Francisco reefs, and the spectacular underground caverns known as the “Cathedral” and the “Devil’s Throat” make Punta Sur reef a rewarding challenge for advanced divers.

Learn more from the experts at PADI here. Or plan your trip here.

Faro Celerain Eco Park

 

Taken on the Cozumel east side prior to the full moon rise with the sun setting in the west. That far away point is Faro Celerain, the lighthouse on the southern tip of the island.

A post shared by Drone Photo & Video (@cozumellivingthedream)

 

A post shared by Jessie Gurunathan (@jessie_guru)

Sometimes also known as “Punta Sur Eco Park”, this conservation area on the island’s far South is a sheltered refuge for a great diversity of bird life, as well as crocodiles and turtles.

At the heart of the park is the “Faro Celerain” lighthouse, a study in understated architectural elegance offering the best panoramic views available on the island. Electric bikes are available to help you explore the area, and don’t forget to get in touch with Cozumel’s past at the ”El Caracol” Mayan ruins.

If you want to explore further, take a kayak or snorkel on the Laguna de Colombia, an inland lake connected to the sea by an underground tunnel, and another welcome haven for marine life.

San Gervasio

The ruins at San Gervasio may not be the grandest of all the Mayan ruins in Cozumel, and even all of Mexico! These Cozumel ruins hold special significance in Maya culture.

Once the spiritual home of the fertility goddess, Ix Chel, Maya women would make pilgrimages from all over the region to present offerings. Writing in 1549, the Bishop of Yucatan described the site this way: “[the Maya] held Cozumel in the same veneration as we have for…Jerusalem and Rome”, and at its heart was San Gervasio.

This is a place where you can wander through the remains of an ancient civilization in peace and solitude—sadly no longer an experience you can still enjoy in many similar sites around the world.

Visit A Pearl Farm

Take a boat from downtown San Miguel, head to the North side of the island—passing a half-sunken ship on your way—and eventually you will touch shore on the satin-white beach that is home to the Cozumel Pearl Farm, a small family-run business that may well have the most paradisiacal headquarters of any company in the world.

The same Hurricane Wilma that destroyed the boat you passed en-route also had a devastating effect on the farm; learn how the farm recovered and how they operate today, before snorkeling out to see the hatchery.

Afterward, there’s plenty of time to relax on your own private beach, enjoy the family’s excellent hospitality and laze in a hammock.

You can book your trip here.

Explore The Deserted East Side Of The Island

Ultimately the main charm of Cozumel is Cozumel itself. The island is easily small enough to drive around in a day, and once you get away from the towns on the west side of the island you’ll discover deserted beaches, spectacular rock formations and a slow Caribbean pace of life that feels a million miles away from Cancun.

Small towns along the coast road offer a chance to gain an insight into Mexican island life away from the tourist crowds. Stop, have a drink and sample local seafood as you make your way slowly down the coast.

A personal highlight of this area was the blowholes formed in the limestone rocks, openings where the sea shoots upwards like a geyser with each incoming wave.

I literally had to be dragged away.

Chichen Itza

Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat because you definitely can do this one from the mainland. Still, it has to be on any visitor’s bucket list when visiting anywhere in this region, so I couldn’t leave it off.

Chichen Itza is well-known and is every bit as awe-inspiring as you’d imagine. I’m not good enough a writer to do this place justice (it’s simply indescribable) so I’ll just mention a few practical things to help with your visit.

• To get there you’ll need to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. This takes about an hour. From there, its roughly a 90-minute overland drive so be prepared for a long day of traveling. Pack some lunch or eat off-site as food nearer the site is overpriced. There are a number of tour operators working in Cozumel and neighboring Playa del Carmen, so shop around for the best deal.
• The Castillo is almost synonymous with Chichen Itza but is actually part of a much wider site, all of which is well worth your time to explore. Make sure to leave yourself enough time if traveling independently.
• On the Spring and Autumn Equinox, the precise position of the sun casts shadows down the staircase of the Castillo that resemble the serpent god Kukulkan wriggling down the side of the structure. The precise engineering and understanding of astronomy that makes this possible still boggles my mind even now, so try to time your trip around this if you can.

To see more of Chichen Itza, check this out below (hint: skip to 6:33)!

So that’s our guide to Cozumel: all the fun and sun of Cancun but with some authentic local history, biodiversity, and some of the world’s best diving thrown in.

An island paradise where the buzzing nightlife of San Miguel is only a stone’s throw from beaches you can have all to yourself. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, a recent study reveals it to be the most affordable holiday destination in the Caribbean, so you really have no excuse to miss out.

Suggested next reading: Dominican Republic: How To Experience The Best Of The Caribbean For Dirt Cheap

The post Snorkeling With Sharks To Mayan Ruins: 6 Top Things To Do In Cozumel appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So we saved as much money as we could and we went, without really knowing what to expect. I thought it would be nice but I didn’t suppose we’d quite find the picture-postcard tropical paradise you’d experience in, say, St. Lucia or Barbados.

Wrong. The Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever laid eyes on. Not only that, Hispaniola is one of the most geographically varied islands in the region—mangroves, jungles, mountains and river canyons make up much of the country’s interior—and there are wonderful cities too, alive with people and rich in culture.

Several years later, with a bit more money to spend and the whole world now within reach, we went back. Simply put, we’d fallen in love with the place.

These are the reasons we did, and why I think you will too.

The Beaches

Let’s face it, this is probably the reason you want to go to the Caribbean. The good news is that with nearly 800 miles of coastline, the Dominican Republic has a host of fantastic beaches to choose from.

Punta Cana, on the far Eastern tip of the island, is one of the most developed and popular resorts in the Dominican Republic. The region has both an Atlantic and Caribbean coastline, meaning you can experience the best of both worlds. The windier, rougher beaches on the North are ideal for windsurfing or sailing, while the South enjoys the calm waters more commonly associated with the Caribbean. Whether you choose to dive with dolphins and sharks or trek the jungle on horseback, the list of possibilities here is almost endless.

Further North is the more laid-back destination of Samana. This place is paradise for people who just want to unwind, offering white sands and crystal-clear waters to rival any beach in the Caribbean. Samana is also the perfect destination for a winter break. The months of January to March are when humpback whales flock to this area to breed, allowing you to marvel at these graceful creatures up-close as they calve in those safe, tranquil waters, well away from predators.

Another must-see near Samana is the island of Cayo Levantado, more commonly known as ‘Bacardi Island’, a short boat ride from the mainland. This hidden gem gets its name because it was used in advertising for Bacardi a few decades ago. As you’d expect, it’s every inch the tropical paradise you’ve been dreaming of. The best part is how undiscovered it still feels: on my journey, I remember sharing the entire beach with no more than a dozen other people, and this is by no means an uncommon experience. Imagine relaxing in your own personal slice of heaven, watching the palm trees sway in the breeze and think about all those overcrowded beaches elsewhere in the Caribbean. You paid a lot less to be here than they did to be there.

My last beach recommendation is one for the thrill-seekers. The town of Cabarete benefits from long, broad and windy beaches, making it ideal for kiteboarding and surfing. As well as its golden sands, the town itself has an interesting history, having been founded by freed Floridian slaves in 1835. A short bus ride away is Sosua, a beach with white sands and coral reefs, perfect for scuba divers and humpbacks alike. The caves at nearby ‘El Choco National Park’ form stunning natural pools in the jungle where you escape the heat with a nice dip, or for explorers looking for a more high-adrenaline adventure, why not try canyoning? You’ll abseil down cliffs, take daring 60 feet leaps into inviting turquoise pools, and scoot down natural water-slides carved out by the river. We booked through Iguana Mama, and though it’s quite an expensive trip, their expertise more than makes up for this.

A post shared by KT (@wolfwalkstalk) on Dec 29, 2015 at 6:06am PST

(Disclaimer: We have no financial incentive to promote Iguana Mama Tours)

The Best of the Rest

The Dominican Republic offers some epic adventures and glorious beaches, but what really sets it apart—for me at least—is that it’s so much more than this. It’s a thriving country with a compelling history, vibrant culture and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Here’s how to make the most of the rest of your stay…

Visit Santo Domingo

Founded by Bartholomew Columbus in 1496, Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. If you’re at all interested in the turbulent and complex history of colonialism, Santo Domingo offers ample material for your edification. The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor makes for a stunning highlight; however, Santo Domingo is also home to the first monastery, castle, fortress and university in the Americas, and such a wealth of important historic sites in the “Colonial Zone” mean its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is very well-deserved. Modern Santo Domingo is an attractive, modern, and economically-developed city that benefits from large migrant populations, making it a true melting-pot of the region.

Buy Larimar

I’m not usually one for jewelry, but Larimar is special. The Dominican Republic is the only place on Earth this rare gemstone is found. When I look at those pale blues and whites I’m instantly transported back to its gorgeous beaches; to the market vendors talking and laughing together in the sunshine; to the mysterious inland jungles. Larimar is not about trying to make myself look good—that ship has long since sailed anyway—it’s about remembering a unique and beautiful country. It’s not about me, it’s about them. That’s why I love it and why I can’t think of any better gift or memento.

“Did you bring me anything back from holiday?”

“Not much, just a rare and beautiful gemstone that can only be found in one tiny corner of the Earth”

*Drops the mic, walks away*

And here’s the kicker: as is so often the case with the Dominican Republic, it’s a lot more affordable than you might think, even for teenage waiters.

A post shared by Lucas Gardner (@thecrystalencompass) on Jun 24, 2018 at 12:53pm PDT

Indulge a Little

We generally try to promote a healthy lifestyle here at Modern Trekker, but a little of what you like can’t hurt from time-to-time. Like many countries in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is famous for its excellent rum and cigars, both of which are not just a treat for the senses but are also important for understanding the country’s economy and traditions. Many tour-operators organize trips where you can see and sample fine hand-rolled cigars which rival even Cuba’s for taste and quality (the vanilla option was a personal favorite). There are also a number of rum distilleries that offer a chance for you to witness the manufacturing process and maybe buy a bottle or two for the road. I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of rum myself but I still had an informative and interesting experience nonetheless.

A post shared by Eleftherios Hanialidis (@eleftherios_hanialidis) on Sep 19, 2016 at 11:31am PDT

My enthusiasm for this country has already carried me over my intended word limit so I’ll keep this brief. If you’re planning to visit the Caribbean, if you want to keep costs down but don’t want to compromise your dream, if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, friendly people, safe cities and lots of adventure, go to the Dominican Republic.

Go there now.

Suggested next reading: Why You Definitely Need To Visit Providencia Island This Year

The post Dominican Republic: How To Experience The Best Of The Caribbean For Dirt Cheap appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Beaches

There’s a reason every major hotel chain is trying to come to the island and get prime real estate on Providencia’s pristine beaches. If you are looking for empty, tropical beaches with white sand, you’ve come to the right place because Providencia has many. I suggest renting a scooter and visiting a different one each day. Each beach has its own feel. Manzanillo Beach is the perfect place to hang out and grab a drink as it is home to Roland’s Roots Reggae Bar. Roland’s serves food and drinks during the day and at night, hosts beach parties with live music. Almond Bay is the exact opposite. It is a secluded beach on the island’s west coast. It’s hard to find, but well worth the visit. It has a small snack bar, but not much else. It truly is a slice of paradise. Whether you are in a party mood or want chill vibes, Providencia has a beach that’s right for you.

A post shared by ᴇɴʟɪɢʜᴛᴇɴᴇᴅ ᴠɪꜱᴜᴀʟ ᴀʀᴛꜱ (@wandering.buddha) on Apr 14, 2018 at 6:32am PDT

2. Seafood

If you don’t like seafood, skip over this section because this is the part where I tell you all about the fresh, mouth-watering fish that Providencia has to offer. It’s really no surprise that Providencia has incredible seafood, but the way they cook it with Creole-inspired spices is what really makes the dishes stand out. There are a few seafood restaurants that are worth visiting but Café Studio was my hands down favorite. Located in the southwestern corner of the island, Café Studio is easy to miss if you don’t know where it is. It’s inconveniently situated right after a big bend in the road, but the outside seating, reggae music, refreshing drinks, and the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted made it more than worthwhile the multiple visits I spent there. My favorite dish that I had was their everything plate. It’s a simple dish. They stuff the plate with rice, shrimp, plantains, haddock, a crab cake concoction, and some sort of fried fish ball. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I highly recommend trying the everything plate. You’ll find yourself coming back for more. As an added bonus, I hear their pies are delicious so, if you have a sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied, then Café Studio is the place you need to go.

A post shared by Petra Zezulová (@petulka_z) on Apr 1, 2018 at 6:30pm PDT

3. Remote

Providencia is about 10 years behind when it comes to WIFI and wireless internet connection so don’t come to the island if you need to get work done. There are only a few places on the island where you can get a somewhat decent internet connection. You can easily find them because you can spot tourists and locals alike crowded around different town squares, looking at their phones. I loved the fact that it was remote and, to be honest, it made the visit that much better. I found it to be old school. If you are meeting someone, you have to tell them a time and place in advance. This makes Providencia the perfect place to get away from all of the daily stress and relax. It’s also a great place to come and do a detox from your phone if you’ve found yourself spending too much time on your phone in your hostel at night. It was refreshing to see kids being kids, playing in the street, and not texting or scrolling through Instagram. I hope Providencia never loses this.

A post shared by Cha Gautier (@cha_gautier) on May 18, 2018 at 4:48pm PDT

4. Friendly Locals

Speaking of locals, Providencia’s inhabitants are extremely kind and love to share their island with others. Surprisingly, many prefer to speak English and are always interested in why you decided to visit their little slice of paradise. My best experience was when I was on Manzanillo Beach. I was enjoying the day with a friend when a group of local boys invited us to play rugby with them. We’d never played rugby before so they explained the rules to us and we ended up playing several games with them for hours. After playing well past sunset, they invited us to a birthday party where we got to try local dishes and meet even more locals. They were all fascinated by how we ended up visiting Providencia and we chatted late into the night over beers. They were some of the friendliest people I’ve met anywhere in the world and you can feel they genuinely want you to enjoy your time on Providencia. The friendly locals alone are enough of a reason to visit.

5. Crab Cay

While not technically part of Providencia Island, Crab Cay is a short boat or kayak trip away. The island itself lies about a kilometer offshore from the eastern side of Providencia. I recommend renting kayaks and paddling for about 30 minutes each way to reach Crab Cay. The island is a protected natural park and has endangered coral reefs surrounding it. Once on the island, you can go snorkeling with sea turtles and other colorful, rare fish in some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. The turtles are not scared of humans and you can swim right next to them. It’s an incredible experience! Afterward, hike up to the top of the hill for an amazing view of Providencia. Be sure to go to Crab Cay early at 9 AM when it opens because the island fills up quickly. There’s nothing better than having an island to yourself. So, go visit Providencia Island!

To get a deeper understanding before you visit Providencia Island, we highly recommend watching the following clip that showcases what the island life is all about:

Suggested next reading: How I Experienced 3 Weeks In The Galapagos Islands For $800

The post Why You Definitely Need To Visit Providencia Island This Year appeared first on Modern Trekker.

At the time, I was living and working in Baños, Ecuador. I had already been there a month and a half so I was starting to get restless and ready to move on. On Thursdays, I hosted a Couchsurfing meetup at the restaurant I worked at and it was usually attended by a few locals, but mostly tourists or expats. At this meetup, I met two brothers, Jay and Bennett, who were doing a Workaway in a nearby town (For those of you who don’t know what Workaway is, it is a website that connects travelers and locals looking for workers, teachers, and many other types of jobs. In exchange for work, you generally get free accommodation and food. It’s a win-win situation for both locals and travelers.)

We quickly became friends and they told me they were heading to another Workaway on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos after their time in Baños ended. I was intrigued, to say the least, and asked if they could talk to their host and see if they needed more volunteers.

Galapagos-bound

Two weeks passed and honestly, the thought of the Galapagos had drifted out of my mind until Jay sent me a WhatsApp text saying I was more than welcome to come volunteer if I was still interested. I immediately started looking up flights and booked a round trip ticket the next day! 3 weeks on the Galapagos sounded good to me! I found a flight for just over $300 round trip.

When I arrived, I was greeted by a man picking me up from Galapagos Safari Camp, the “glamping” hotel where I would be working with the maintenance team. The deal was work 5-6 hours a day in exchange for three meals a day and accommodation.

How hard could this work be? I thought. Man, I was in for a shock! From digging trenches to filling in the potholes with gravel to washing tents with power hoses, I came to appreciate what my Ecuadorian coworkers did on a daily basis for over 8 hours a day. It was a great workout and I think making this city boy do some manual labor was a positive thing. You always need to be humbled and this experience certainly did that! Katrien, the camp director, and the rest of the staff were amazing, making sure I was happy and comfortable throughout my stay.

The safari camp was absolutely beautiful, located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and about a 35-minute drive from Puerto Ayora. I was able to do some special activities with the whole staff such as a day trip to Tortuga Bay.

Beautiful Isabela

I accumulated my non-working days for the end of my time at safari camp and decided to take a trip to Isabela Island for a long weekend.

As I was planning my trip, I had another bout of good luck as I had no plans for Isabela and was just going to simply arrive, find a hotel and figure out the rest from there. However, I decided to take a glance at Couchsurfing. I figured there would be no couchsurfers at all, but, to my surprise, there were 7. I messaged all 7, heard back from 2, and got accepted by 1. His name was Christian and he said he would pick me up at the port.

When I took the boat over from Puerto Ayora to Isabela (the largest of the surrounding islands at 120 kilometers long), I was skeptical that Christian would be there. I had already set my expectations low to not be disappointed, but I was wrong in the best way possible.

As I got off the boat, Christian was there waiting for me as planned and we walked two minutes to the beachfront house that he shared with his roommate, Ricardo. They had two other American girls staying with them. Their house was amazing, it was completely open air and it had an amazing view from the roof of the beach and ocean. I hit the Couchsurfing jackpot!

Not only were these guys nice and laid back, Ricardo cooked healthy, vegetarian food and insisted on sharing. I don’t use Couchsurfing to save money, I use it to meet locals and have unique experiences, but this was a nice bonus on the Galapagos as the cheapest hostels are priced at $20 a night and food costs a fortune. If this wasn’t already enough, Christian lent me his bike to do a tour of the island and Ricardo, a kayaking tour leader, let me join his afternoon group for half price.

Overall, the Galápagos Islands are incredible, but be ready to spend a bit more money than other parts of South America. Since I am a young solo traveler and don’t need luxury, the adventure is half of the fun anyway! I got incredibly lucky, but if you are looking to go see the Galapagos on a budget, it is entirely possible! Look at Workaway or any work-travel site. I’ll always be a huge fan of Couchsurfing, so definitely look at that as an option. Expect to be a little uncomfortable if you go my route, but at the same time it was an incredible experience and you do not need to wait until you are older and have more money as many travelers say. It is important to note, I only went to Isabela and Santa Cruz and did not do any of the land tours.

Cost Breakdown in US Dollars:

Flight: $303.53
Visitor fee: $100
Departure Tax: $20
Boat ride round trip: $60
Boat taxi: $2
Isabela Island Entrance Fee: $10
Cash Spent: $301.53 ( Taxis, food, drinks, etc.)

TOTAL: $797.16

Suggested next reading: Baños, Ecuador: An Adrenaline Junkies Paradise or 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In South America

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