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# See The Northern Lights in Alaska

> Gondwana Ecotours is a small-group ecotour company offering nature, wildlife, and cultural adventures in Alaska, Costa Rica, Africa, Norway, South America, Antarctica, and other destinations.

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## Posts
- [The Best Bear Viewing In Alaska: 4 Incredible Locations](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-bear-viewing-in-alaska/): Home to over 98% of the U.S. brown bear population, Alaska has one of the highest bear densities in the world. Alaska is home to three species of bears: brown bears, black bears, and polar bears. In this blog, we’re going to focus on the best bear viewing in Alaska for those who want to see brown bears.
- [Incredible Antarctica Tour with Gondwana Ecotours: Adventure and Exploration](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/incredible-antarctica-tour/): Gondwana Ecotours is running Antarctica tours, with the inaugural departure in early 2028. We are thrilled to offer our guests this incredible opportunity to experience Terra Australis, the great southern land. This blog outlines what you can expect to see on the tour, provides details of the itinerary, and explains what makes this Gondwana Ecotours Antarctica tour so special. For deeper planning details — best time to go, the penguin colonies you'll meet, and how we approach sustainable travel on the continent — visit our Antarctica trip tips hub. 
- [Where to Travel in 2026: Explore These Spectacular Destinations](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/where-to-travel-in-2026/): Each year, the New York Times compiles a list called “52 Places To Go”. This year is no different, and the Travel section’s 2026 list includes some incredible destinations. Tanzania, Costa Rica, Norway, and Alaska all made the list. These are all places we travel to — we think they have great taste! If you’re thinking about where to travel in 2026, then read on.
- [2025 Gondwana Ecotours’ Recap Video](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/2025-gondwana-ecotours-recap-video/): This past year, we explored rugged coastlines from Norway to Ushuaia, wandered through Alaska’s boreal forests, crossed the sweeping plains of Serengeti, and connected with the communities that call these places home. We’ve gathered a collection of those moments—many shared by you—in the video below.
- [Tourism in the Serengeti: The Problems and Solutions](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/tourism-in-the-serengeti/): So what makes this landscape so extraordinary? And what are the issues it's facing? Read on to learn about tourism in the Serengeti.
- [Gondwana Ecotours Featured in Forbes: Embracing the Rise of Short, Experience-Rich Travel](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/gondwana-ecotours-featured-in-forbes-embracing-the-rise-of-short-experience-rich-travel/): We’re excited to share that Gondwana Ecotours was recently featured in Forbes in an article highlighting the rise of short, adventure-packed trips across the U.S. and beyond. The piece explores how travelers are maximizing their time and budget with experiences that are rich in culture, nature, and unforgettable moments.
- [Explore Rwanda: 5-Day Or 10-Day Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/explore-rwanda-5-day-or-10-day-tour/): Gondwana Ecotours offers two incredible ways to experience Rwanda. Whether you want to extend your journey in Africa or seek a deeper exploration of Rwanda, both itineraries provide unforgettable wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes. The five-day tour focuses on gorillas, golden monkeys, and some cultural activities, whereas the longer ten-day tour visits another national park and the beautiful Lake Kivu in the west.
- [Gondwanaland: The epic history of the world, and our name ](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/gondwanaland-the-epic-history-of-the-world-and-our-name/): We’re often asked about the meaning behind the name “Gondwana Ecotours”. The short answer is that we’re named after the ancient supercontinent, Gondwanaland. But this story spans millions of years and thousands of miles, culminating into the name, ethos, and mission that define who we are. Read on to find out more.
- [10 Unique Oceanfront Activities for Solo Travelers](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/10-unique-oceanfront-activities-for-solo-travelers/): Exploring the world alone offers unparalleled opportunities for personal discovery, and the oceanfront provides a unique setting for solo travelers. Engaging in activities by the sea not only encourages relaxation and reflection but also invites exploration of coastal cultures and natural wonders.
- [Increase Your Chances of Seeing The Northern Lights In North America](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/northern-lights-in-north-america/): Simply put, the best time to watch the aurora borealis in North America is during cold months. This time usually ranges from September to March. Areas near the magnetic north pole see the most brilliant displays, which become more intense as the temperature drops. Although the aurora technically occurs year-round, dark, cold night skies provide the best time to watch the northern lights in North America’s fall and winter months. You may ask yourself when are the northern lights in North America, and are the summer months the best time to spot them? If you are planning to witness a spectacular event, the summer months are not the best months to visit since the sky does not get dark enough. Making a trip to Fairbanks and the Aurora Oval can greatly increase your chances of seeing these lights cascade into the sky. Plan for 5 to 7-day trips to increase the chance of having clear enough skies to dedicate your time to locate them.
- [2024 Recap Video](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/2024-recap-video/): Take a look back at where we’ve traveled–the places we’ve visited, the people we met, and the wildlife we encountered.
- [Alaska: Navigating the Inside Passage](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/alaska-the-inside-passage/): The Inside Passage is a network of waterways running from Washington State's Puget Sound in the south, northwards along the Pacific coast of British Columbia, and through the Alaska panhandle to Skagway, Alaska. The Inside Passage is a natural, sheltered sea route extending for more than 1,000 miles.  It is the route generally used by coastal shipping to Alaska and is known for its scenic beauty and dependable smoothness. 
- [Natural Landmarks of Norway](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/landmarks-of-norway/): Norway is not only rich in fascinating history but also in its natural beauty. The breathtaking physical landscape has been shaped by thousands of years of glaciation, just like the rich cultural landscape has been shaped by the people who have lived there. This blog explores the natural landmarks of Norway and some of the key places to visit.
- [Kayak A Wildlife Paradise](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/kayak-a-wildlife-paradise/): Kenai Fjords National Park is a must-visit destination in Alaska. Its landscapes— shaped over millennia by glaciers, icefields, and ocean storms— are picturesque sights with deep fjords, rugged mountains, and cascading waterfalls. One of the best ways to discover this area is by kayaking, which offers a serene and up-close exploration of the park’s coastline and waters as you navigate through passages inaccessible by land or larger vessels. For a fuller picture of everything included on this kind of outing, see our breakdown of what a Kenai Fjords wildlife tour actually includes.
- [Gondwana Ecotours In ‘The Nomad Almanac’](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/gondwana-ecotours-in-the-nomad-almanac/): The Nomad Almanac highlights Gondwana Ecotours in its list of 20 notable travel companies that are sustainable and ethical. These companies are for those who are “conscious about the footprint leave as travel around the world”, underscoring a growing priority to travel ethically.
- [The Extraordinary Rainforests of Louisiana](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/rainforests-of-louisiana/): The unique, fairytale-like feeling of walking through a rainforest can’t be replicated. Excitement hangs in the air and incredible wildlife encounters are around every corner. Visiting the swamps and subtropical rainforests of Louisiana is similar to visiting the Amazon rainforest. If the Amazon is on your bucket list, a trip to Louisiana is a great place to start!
- [Exploring Louisiana: Be Transported to Another Country](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/exploring-louisiana/): As you travel through Louisiana, prepare to be transported into what feels like another country. The unique language, culture, cuisine, and wildlife intertwine to create an environment that is unlike anywhere else in the United States. Visitors who are exploring Louisiana can feel this, particularly in New Orleans and Cajun Country. 
- [Discovering Africa’s Big Five](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/discovering-africas-big-five/): The leopard, one of Africa's Big Five, is a majestic and elusive big cat known for its stunning appearance and stealthy nature. Found in various habitats across Africa, from savannas to rainforests, leopards are skilled climbers and powerful predators. Their distinctive rosette-patterned coat provides excellent camouflage in the wild, allowing them to stalk and ambush their prey with precision. While solitary by nature, leopards are known for their agility, speed, and exceptional hunting skills, making them a revered and respected member of the Big Five animals to spot on an African safari. Whether lounging in the branches of a tree or stealthily moving through the grasslands, encountering a leopard in the wild is an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of Africa's wildlife.
- [Gators and Gumbo: An Interview with Gondwana Guide John Stewart](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/louisiana-tour-guide-interview-with-gondwana-guide-john-stewart/): If you want to experience the incredible confluence of cultures and habitats in Louisiana, you can learn more about the Louisiana tour and download the brochure here. 
- [Watch The Bears’ Bulking Season During Fat Bear Week](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/watch-the-bears-bulking-season-during-fat-bear-week/): Held annually, the Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska kicks off Fat Bear Week around the first week of October with their partner and wildlife streamer, Explore.org. The single-elimination tournament invites wildlife enthusiasts across the globe to celebrate the upcoming winter hibernation season of brown bears. Watch the parks’ live video feeds of the bears feasting on salmon to build their fat reserves, then cast your vote on which bear you believe will end up as the fattest champion. 
- [Preserving Pura Vida: Ecotourism in Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/ecotourism-in-costa-rica/): The rise of ecotourism in Costa Rica has resulted in an expansion of the job market, allowing local citizens to generate income and employment. Local communities and schools receive significant investments and donations from visitors, helping to improve the living conditions of local people.
- [2023 Recap Video](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/2023-gondwana-ecotours-recap-video/): Take a look back at where we’ve traveled–the places we’ve visited, the people we met, and the wildlife we encountered. 
- [A Guide to the Fascinating Alaskan Brown Bear Life Cycle](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/brown-bear-life-cycles/): Brown Bear life cycles follow the seasons and the demands of their lifestyle—particularly for those living in the Alaskan wilderness who must cope with cold and snowy winters. The average life span for a Brown Bear in the wild is about 20 years. However, the oldest known Brown Bear lived for 35 years in the wild.
- [Tour Guides As Voices Of Sustainability](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/tour-guides-as-voices-of-sustainability/): At Gondwana Ecotours, our guides transmit our values and core principles about sustainability through education, entertainment, and embodiment.
- [Our Animal Welfare Policy](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/our-animal-welfare-policy/): The latest step we have taken in our responsible travel commitments is to formally develop an animal welfare policy. The policy states how we observe and encounter wildlife and domestic animals on our tours in a safe, responsible way.
- [Our Forbes Featured Pick – Norway: Western Fjords Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/forbes-featured-norway-western-fjords-tour/): Everett Potter, a Forbes contributing writer, spotlights our ‘Norway: Western Fjords Adventure’ in his list of 5 New Adventures For 2024. The article selects journeys for travelers looking for “fresh and intriguing ways to see a new part of the world” and our Norway tour topped the list. 
- [Experience the Western Fjords of Norway](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/experience-the-western-fjords-of-norway/): Norway’s Western Fjord area is rich in beauty, history, culture, and drama. This landscape has not only been shaped by thousands of years of glaciation but also by the people and societies that have existed there over this time—from ancient humans to Vikings, mediaeval farmers to modern society. This blog explores some of the history of the Western Fjords and some of the key places to visit.
- [Birds of Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/birds-of-alaska/): This blog explores some of the beautiful birds of Alaska that you might see on our tours.
- [Sea Turtles and Conservation in Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/sea-turtles-conservation-costa-rica/): Tortuguero National Park is a remarkable and remote national park in the northeast of Costa Rica only accessible by boat or small planes. Tortuguero National Park is famed for being home to a massive amount of biodiversity and being a dream destination for nature lovers. This is largely due to the range of habitats that exists within the park, including mangroves and tropical rainforests, as well as aquatic habitats like beaches, canals, wetlands and lagoons. In addition to the sea turtles that this area is named for, a few of the other animals commonly spotted in the park include Spider Monkeys, Spectacled Caiman in the river, both river turtles, and beautiful birds of Costa Rica including tiger herons, kingfishers, caracaras, green macaws, and toucans.
- [The Biodiverse Wonders of the Osa Peninsula](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/biodiverse-wonders-of-osa-peninsula/): The Osa Peninsula is a destination that is world-famous for its incredible and biodiverse rainforest. Located in southwestern Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula juts out of the mainland into the ocean and is bordered by Drake Bay to the northwest, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Golfo Dulce to the east. The Golfo Dulce is incredibly special, as it is one of only four tropical fjords on Earth — which is why we are delighted to guide travelers on Costa Rican adventures!
- [Gondwana Ecotours Recognized for Sustainable Travel Commitments](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/gondwana-ecotours-recognized-sustainable-travel/): We’re excited to be included in Sustainable Jungle’s roundup of sustainable travel companies!
- [Learn About The Maasai](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/learn-about-the-maasai/): The Maasai are one of Africa’s most iconic tribes. Dive into who the Maasai are, and the fascinating history and culture of the tribe. The Maasai people are known for their distinctive customs, vibrant traditional clothing, and rich oral storytelling tradition. They are primarily nomadic pastoralists, relying on cattle for their livelihood and sustenance. The Maasai culture places a strong emphasis on communal living and a deep connection to the land. Their traditional dances and ceremonies are not only visually striking but also hold significant cultural and spiritual meaning. By delving deeper into the intricate customs and way of life of the Maasai, we gain a greater appreciation for their resilience and unique heritage in the modern world.
- [Safest Places To Go On Safari In Africa](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/safest-places-to-go-on-safari-in-africa/): An African Safari is a bucket-list experience for a reason, and the thrill of the unknown is a huge draw when it comes to traveling. However, traveling to a new continent can be a daunting task, especially when considering safety. When traveling to new places, it’s essential to research and find out what to expect.
- [Solar Cycles and the Northern Lights](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/solar-cycles-and-the-northern-lights/): As the solar cycle approaches its peak in 2024-2025, scientists anticipate heightened activity in the occurrence of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The solar cycle, also known as the sunspot cycle, is a periodic fluctuation in solar activity that typically lasts around 11 years. We are beyond thrilled to expect the northern lights solar activity to steadily fill us with awe deep into 2025!
- [Niche Travel Tours for Wildlife Lovers](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/niche-travel-tours-for-wildlife-lovers/): Our friends at Travel Market Report recently wrote an article on niche travel tours, about how there are increasingly more options for travelers who have specific interests or things they’d like to experience on vacation. Gondwana Ecotours travel itineraries are designed for travelers who have wildlife and sustainability in mind.
- [Gorilla Trekking Q&A](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/gorilla-trekking-qa/): Gorilla trekking is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. Sitting meters away from silverbacks and their family is incredible - this article has everything you need to know if you are thinking about experiencing it for yourself
- [Great Migration Q&A](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/great-migration-qa/): The Great Migration is a true spectacle to witness and a wildlife viewing experience that is understandably on many people's travel bucket lists. In this article, we are going to answer some of the most-asked questions about the Great Migration.
- [Tanzania Safari Tours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/tanzania-safari-tours/): One of the biggest differences between the choices of Tanzania Safari Tours is the accommodation. Which accommodation you choose will impact the experience you have. For an enriching experience where you can delve deeper into Maasai culture and traditions. Learn more about the fascinating Maasai people through immersive activities and interactions led by knowledgeable guides. Embark on a journey with Gondwana Ecotours to gain a deeper understanding of the Maasai way of life and their sustainable practices.
- [Carbon Neutral Tours and Vacations](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/carbon-neutral-tours-and-vacations/): Gondwana Ecotours was founded to offer environmentally-friendly tours, and we are committed to this ethos. We travel responsibly by making eco-friendly choices, working with locally-owned businesses, and supporting local non-profit organizations. Becoming a carbon neutral company is another step we’ve taken towards the path of sustainability.
- [The Best Mendoza Tour and Vacation](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/the-best-mendoza-tour-and-vacation/): Let this blog post guide you to some of the most must-do stops for the best tour of Patagonia.
- [The Best Patagonia Tour & Vacation](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/the-best-patagonia-tour-vacation/): Let this blog post guide you to some of the most must-do stops for the best tour of Patagonia.
- [Alaska Adventure Tours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-alaska-adventure-tours/): If it’s an adventure you’re looking for — look no further than Alaska! Alaska adventures come in all shapes and sizes, and one thing we can guarantee is that Alaska has something for everyone! There are lots of adventurous activities for you to take part in all year round.
- [Alaska Bear Viewing Tours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/alaska-bear-viewing-tours/): Grizzly bears are a subspecies of North American Brown bears and can be found in large numbers during the Alaska summer, but during the winter they hibernate to escape the cold. There are a number of different ways to see grizzly bears in Alaska, but one of the most surefire ways is to go on a designated Alaska Grizzly Bear Viewing Tour.
- [Safe African Safaris](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/safe-african-safaris/): An African Safari is a bucket-list experience for almost everyone. African wildlife includes some of the most iconic species in the world. When traveling to new places, it’s important to research and find out what to expect when you get there. A big question that a lot of people ask when they are planning their vacation to Africa is: are African Safaris safe?
- [What is an Ecotour? ](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/what-is-ecotourism/): Ecotourism is travelling responsibly to natural areas. This type of travel conserves wildlife and the environment, sustains the well-being of local people in the destination, and creates knowledge and understanding through education. Ecotourism is similar to sustainable tourism, but with a nature and wildlife focus, and the addition of educational experiences.
- [Best Alaska Summer Tours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-alaska-summer-tours/): Because of Alaska’s summer tourist season, few summer activities are available before May or after September. So if you have an interest in kayaking, hiking, deep-sea fishing, or whale watching then an Alaska Summer Tour is for you.
- [The Best Tour of Argentina](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-tour-of-argentina/): So you’re planning to go to Argentina? First of all — excellent choice! Secondly, let this blog post guide you to some of the most unmissable stops for the best possible tour of Argentina.
- [How to Plan An Affordable African Safari](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/how-to-plan-an-affordable-african-safari/): There is nowhere in the world to view large animals quite like Africa. Home to some of the most iconic species on the planet, Africa is on many people's bucket list. At Gondwana Ecotours we believe this opportunity should be available to as many people as possible, that’s why this article is about how to plan an affordable African Safari.
- [What Are The Best Months To See the Northern Lights in Alaska?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-time-to-see-the-northern-lights-in-alaska/): Many people say the months of January through March are the best time to visit Alaska! But are they the best months to see the Northern Lights in Alaska? Yes! These two months are one of the best times to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, although temperatures through February are quite cold, often as low as -20 Fahrenheit, so make sure to wear insulated clothing from top to bottom. If you don’t own everything you need to stay warm in the Arctic (most people don’t!), we offer affordable gear rentals for our tours, which include suitable mittens, a winter hat, snow boots, and insulated pants, and a warm coat.
- [Katmai National Park Bear Tours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/katmai-national-park-bear-tours/): Katmai National Park is famous for many things; from the valleys and lakes carved out by glaciers, to the active volcanoes and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. However, arguably the biggest attraction for people from all over the world is the chance to see grizzly bears up close.
- [Alaska Coastal Adventures](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/alaska-coastal-adventures/): There is no doubt that the Alaskan coast is amazing. The food, the landscape, the activities, the wildlife - it has everything you could want! But how do you plan an Alaska Coastal Adventure? Which bits are must-dos on every trip?
- [Why Do Grizzly Bears Feed on Salmon?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/where-can-i-see-grizzly-bears-feed-on-salmon/): Would you consider watching bears catch and eat salmon your dream vacation? If so, then you may want to come to Alaska to see bears eating salmon — and more!
- [5 Reasons You Should Visit Patagonia & Mendoza With Us](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/5-reasons-you-should-visit-patagonia-mendoza-with-us/): Follow picturesque trails and savor renowned Argentinian barbecue and wine. Experience the spectacular Southern region of Patagonia—one of the world's last wild places and home of Glacier National Park and Mount Fitz Roy. You may learn more about this tour here, or download the full Patagonia & Mendoza brochure for the complete itinerary.
- [5 Things You Didn’t Know About Going on an Alaskan Coastal Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-an-alaskan-coastal-adventure/): Before you plan your trip to Alaska, check out these little-known facts about Alaska’s colorful coastal region. Alaska's coastal region is a hidden gem waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers. From the towering glaciers to the abundant wildlife, there is no shortage of natural wonders to behold. The coastal communities offer a glimpse into a unique way of life, where fishing and hunting are not just pastimes but a way of survival. As you navigate the rugged coastline, be prepared to be awestruck by the sheer beauty and untamed wilderness that Alaska has to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey along Alaska's colorful coastal region.
- [The “End of the Road,” Your Homer, Alaska, Trip Guide](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/the-end-of-the-road-your-homer-alaska-trip-guide/): Homer, Alaska, the small town at the “End of the Road,” is a fascinating place where the east meets the west and the old meets the new. It’s located at the very end of the US Highway system “where the land ends and the sea begins”. It’s mostly known as the starting point for travelers looking to embark on grizzly bear viewing tours or halibut fishing charters. But it’s more than just a rest stop on the way to another destination. Homer is a unique destination filled with natural beauty, art, history, culture, and amazing food. It’s also a favorite stop on our Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure tour. That’s why we decided to put together this quick travel guide for your Homer, Alaska trip!
- [The Best Time to go to Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-time-to-go-to-alaska/): A vast land of stark beauty, Alaska is one of the top travel destinations for people who are looking to explore “The Last Frontier.” Some travelers venture north in the winter to view the great Northern Lights, but few people realize that there are amazing things to see and do all year round. Visit Alaska only in the winter months and you’ll miss your chance to go on an exciting grizzly bear expedition or on a kayaking trip in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Visit Alaska during the summer and you might miss out on seeing the Northern Lights reflected off a pristine, snow-covered landscape. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to help you decide what is the best time to go to Alaska.
- [7 Reasons Argentina Is One of the Best Countries to Visit in South America](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/7-reasons-argentina-is-one-of-the-best-countries-to-visit-in-south-america/): Argentina doesn’t usually make it onto the top ten lists of popular travel destinations, but it should. Just because it’s not as well known as Hawaii or Paris, doesn’t mean that it’s not as incredible. Between the rugged Andes Mountains and the vast plains of Patagonia, it’s a land of unparalleled beauty. Add in some amazing food, wine, and culture and you have an experience that rivals even the most famous cities in the world. Find out what makes Argentina so special and why you should add it to your top ten countries to visit, or grab the full Patagonia & Mendoza brochure to start planning.
- [Unexpected Effects of COVID-19](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/unexpected-effects-of-covid-19-on-the-environment/): From the loss of loved ones and economic hardships to the mental and emotional stress that can come from isolation, COVID-19 has dealt a devastating blow to the world. The full effect of this pandemic might not be fully understood until years after we’ve managed to get it completely under control. And while the news is often grim, there are a few stories from around the world that highlight the unexpected impact that COVID has had on the environment. More people are staying home and more factories are shutting their doors, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and emptying crowded tourist destinations. It’s been called “a real-time experiment” that illustrates what the world would look like with fewer carbon emissions. Marshall Burke, professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University, told Today in an interview that while this is not the way we want to clean up our environment, it is an interesting look at what the world might be like if and when we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Here’s a quick look at a few of the changes that have been seen around the world while it was under lockdown.
- [A Quick Guide to Carbon Offsetting](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/a-quick-guide-to-carbon-offsetting/): As the threat of climate change continues to grow, more and more people are looking for innovative solutions to help reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions. One of the more confusing and controversial solutions is carbon offsetting. If done right, carbon offsetting programs can make a huge difference in the fight against climate change. If done wrong, it could actually make things worse. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about the good and the bad of carbon offsetting — like we do when planning a carbon friendly tour.
- [10 Ways to Celebrate Endangered Species Day](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/10-ways-to-celebrate-endangered-species-day/): Today—May 15, 2020—marks the 15th annual Endangered Species Day! Celebrated since 2006, this day was created to bring awareness to the plight of endangered species and their habitats. Currently, there are over 1,300 endangered or threatened species in the United States. You might already know some of the animals on the list, like wolves and whales, but did you know that frogs, butterflies, spiders, clams, and even cacti can also be endangered?¹ These creatures might seem small and insignificant, but they make a huge impact on their surrounding habitats. Each animal, insect, or plant is part of a greater ecosystem and any disruption to that system can have disastrous consequences.
- [Alaska’s Exit Glacier](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/top-10-facts-about-alaskas-exit-glacier/): Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park is not the largest nor the oldest glacier in Alaska, but it’s arguably one of the most famous. The landscape is captivating and it has become a symbol of the environmental impact of climate change. It’s also an important and favorite stop on our Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure tour. Which is why we’d like to share with you some fascinating facts about the small glacier that’s made a big impact on travelers and environmentalists from all over the world!
- [8 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day This Year](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/8-ways-to-celebrate-earth-day-this-year/): April 22, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Fifty years of making the world a greener place by drawing attention to environmental issues and encouraging action. From a small grass-roots movement in California to an international celebration that includes over 141 countries, it’s come a long way and has made a big difference.
- [What’s The Best Time of Year to Visit Tanzania?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/whats-the-best-time-of-year-to-visit-tanzania/): As you plan your safari to Tanzania, you have to take many things into consideration. Travel arrangements, lodging, and safety are the first things that come to mind. But it’s also vital that you choose the right time of year to visit. If you go at the wrong time, you could find yourself bogged down in the mud during the rainy season or you could miss out on witnessing the Great Migration across the Serengeti. That’s why, as a travel company with years of experience operating safaris in Tanzania, we’ve put together this guide to help you decide the best time of year to visit.
- [Brooks Falls Live Grizzly Bear Cam In Alaska – Katmai National Park](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/brooks-falls-live-grizzly-bear-cam-in-katmai-national-park/): Calling all wildlife lovers! Do you want to view a live bear camera of grizzly bears in Alaska? There are plenty of live bear cams in Alaska to watch such as the Brooks Falls live camera! But did you know that you can watch one of North America’s largest predators in action online anytime you want by tuning in to the Brooks Fall Bear Cam, among others? If you want to see a live grizzly bear cam in Alaska, then we have access for you below — where you'll find several ways to see live bear cams in Alaska.
- [Can You Still See the Northern Lights During a Full Moon?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/can-you-still-see-the-northern-lights-during-a-full-moon/): As a travel company that specializes in Northern Lights tours, we often get asked about different factors that can impact a viewing experience. When is the best time to travel? Where is the best place to stay? And can you still see the northern lights during a full moon? If you look up this last question online you’ll find a lot of conflicting answers, so we decided to try to clear things up. To do that, we’ll first need to explain what causes the Northern Lights.
- [Tanzania – Great Migration Camping Safari](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/our-tanzania-great-migration-camping-safari-featured-in-drift-travel-magazine/): There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning to see a sunrise over Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater. The early morning light rises to greet you before stretching out over the edges of the caldera’s rim to illuminate the grasslands in the valley below. This extinct volcano is home to critically endangered black rhinos and the densest population of lions in the world. It is also one of the stops on Gondwana Ecotour’s Tanzania Great Migration Camping Safari. Our camping safari was recently featured in several publications including Drift Travel Magazine, Simple Sojourns, Recommend.com, and the website, Travel Begins at 40, for its unique itinerary, sustainable travel model, and great value.
- [Gondwana’s Polar Bear Adventure Listed in The Good Travel Guide!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/gondwanas-polar-bear-adventure-listed-in-the-good-travel-guide/): Great News! Gondwana Ecotours has received international recognition for its commitment to ethical travel. Our Polar Bear Adventure was featured in New Zealand’s Good Travel Guide 2020! Every year, a list of destinations, hotels, and tour companies, who practice the principles of ethical travel, is compiled by Good magazine—a publication created for “...conscious-living people who love life, style and the planet.” The companies listed in their guide strive to create amazing travel experiences that also have a positive environmental and cultural impact. We’re proud to be included in the list and will continue to work towards our goal of a greener, more connected world.
- [Best Place to Travel in 2020 – Our Polar Bear Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/our-polar-bear-adventure-is-listed-as-one-of-the-best-places-to-travel-in-2020/): It’s a new year and time for a new adventure! Where will you go? Las Vegas? Hawaii? How about something a little different? Gondwana’s Polar Bear Adventure has just been mentioned on Smarter Travel’s list of “The 12 Best Places to Travel in 2020”! Among the many exciting destinations on this list, there is only one whose existence is under threat: the Arctic Circle.
- [Gondwana Recognized as a Responsible Tour Operator in the Amazon](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/gondwana-recognized-as-a-responsible-tour-operator-in-the-amazon/): Gondwana’s Amazon Adventure is mentioned on Concrete Playground’s list of “Ten Must-Visit Places to Plan Your 2020 Travel Adventures Around” From the city of Tokyo to the island of Papua New Guinea, some of the best travel locales from all around the world are included on this list. Each destination has something special to offer adventurous travelers. However, there is only one place where travelers can offer something back. The Amazon Rainforest is the most biologically diverse spot on the planet, but it is also in danger of being lost due to the impact of industries like cattle, farming, and logging. Luckily, with the growth of ecotourism, responsible companies like Gondwana can bring travelers to see this amazing place first-hand while also giving indigenous communities an alternative source of income.
- [ “The True Arctic: Exploring Northernmost Alaska”](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/the-true-arctic-exploring-northernmost-alaska-new-press-from-the-national/): Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit northern Alaska and see polar bears in their natural habitat? Jamie Lafferty from The National has written up a wonderful first-hand account of his experience on our Polar Bear Adventure! From his first glimpse of the city of Fairbanks to his encounters with polar bears in the wild, he describes his entire trip in detail for his readers. Check out some of the highlights below:
- [Game Drives?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/what-are-game-drives/): Millions of travelers flock to Africa’s savannas and nature preserves every year to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that call them home. Nowhere else on Earth can you see the black rhino or the cheetah in their natural habitats. But the idea of taking a trip into the African wilderness can seem daunting to the inexperienced. How do you get there? What type of safari should you choose? How can you stay safe while viewing wild animals? Luckily, there are many types of safaris and game drives available for travelers of all experience levels.
- [Hiking in The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/hiking-in-the-valley-of-ten-thousand-smokes/): Photo credit: Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Photo: Paxson Woelber, Cinders to Sea
- [Our Northern Lights Adventure Tour!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/reviews-from-our-northern-lights-adventure-tour/): Since 2013 Gondwana Ecotours has hosted over 98 tours and traveled over 100,000 miles. It’s been an amazing journey, filled with fantastic people and fulfilling adventures! We’ve come a long way from where we started so we wanted to take a look at the great reviews and highlights from one of our longest-running tours—the Northern Lights Adventure.
- [What are Black Rhinos?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/the-black-rhinos-of-africa/): The black rhino is a creature that is a familiar sight on TV and in movies. Most people can recognize their thick, wrinkled hides and curved horns instantly, and yet very few know much about them. These creatures are ancient—a relic from when the world was a little bit bigger and a little bit wilder. It’s easy to forget that they still roam the plains of sub-Saharan Africa, trying to find a way to cohabitate with their human neighbors. Unfortunately, when humans and rhinos clash, the rhinos usually end up on the losing end. Several different subspecies of rhino have recently become extinct in the wild and several more are critically endangered. The threat is real, but so are conservation efforts. Tourism, education, and the enforcement of anti-poaching laws has helped nearly double the population of black rhinos in the last 30 years. It's a great start but the rhinos aren't out of danger yet.  At Gondwana Ecotours, we strive to promote responsible, sustainable travel in the hopes that it will preserve these animals and their habitat for future generations.
- [“Make Friends with a Polar Bear”—Press from the L.A. Times](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/make-friends-with-a-polar-bear-press-from-the-l-a-times/): Calling all animal lovers! Gondwana Ecotours is offering adventurous travelers the opportunity to see Northern Alaska’s wildlife up close. For most people, visiting a polar bear, a seal, or an Arctic fox would mean taking a trip to the local zoo, where you might be able to catch a glimpse of these creatures lounging in man-made enclosures. While the zoo is nice, seeing wild animals in their natural habitats is a whole different experience. One way to experience this for yourself is to travel on Gondwana’s Polar Bear Adventure! This tour has been recognized by several travel magazines as well as the Los Angeles Times’ Concierge page for their small group sizes, unique itineraries, wildlife viewing excursions, and cultural experiences. Come make friends with a polar bear—from a safe distance of course!
- [Hiking Exit Glacier](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/hiking-exit-glacier/): Glaciers have left their marks all across the world by carving valleys, lakes, and fjords out of the ground. They can form over centuries through the accumulation of densely-packed frozen snow and they can shrink and grow with the heating and cooling of the Earth. While glaciers are currently retreating at a rapid rate due to the effects of climate change, they still inspire awe from adventurous travelers and explorers. One of the best places to view these ancient giants is in Alaska, home to one of the most famous and accessible glaciers in the world, Exit Glacier. Well-maintained hiking trails allow people to get so close that they can hear it crackling as the ice moves and shifts. You can hike Exit Glacier for yourself on our Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure!
- [Last-Chance Tourism?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/what-is-last-chance-tourism/): Have you heard about “last-chance tourism”? It’s the latest trend in the travel industry. People are flocking to places that may be in danger of disappearing forever, due to climate change or other destructive human activities. This has created some controversy since an increase in unregulated tourism can actually cause more damage to places that are already struggling. That’s why it’s important to do some research and only travel with companies who are interested in preserving these spaces instead of profiting from them.
- [Photograph Polar Bears! New Press From the Boston Globe!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/photograph-polar-bears-press/): Our Polar Bear Adventure Tour is getting noticed by travel magazines from all over the world! Recently, we were mentioned in a post from Travel Weekly titled, “New tour turns the lens on life in the Arctic” and in the Boston Globe’s “Here, there, and everywhere” list article. These posts point out many of the benefits of traveling with us, including our small tour groups and our unique itinerary, but they also highlight one of the best, and sometimes overlooked, features of the tour. Our travelers will have the opportunity to learn how to take amazing photos from a professional wildlife photographer. It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur photographer or simply a photography enthusiast, you’ll get to know some tips for capturing the perfect shots of landscapes, polar bears, or even the Aurora Borealis!
- [Luxury Travel Magazine: Our Polar Bear Adventure Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/press-release-our-polar-bear-adventure-tour-was-mentioned-in-luxury-travel-magazine/): Our Polar Bear Adventure Tour has been recognized by Luxury Travel Magazine! In an article they posted called, “Last-Chance Tourism: 11 Places to Visit Before They Disappear,” they list our Polar Bear Adventure tour as one of the best ways to both see the polar bears and to promote awareness of the negative impact that climate change has on the Arctic environment. At Gondwana, we take great care to promote sustainable, eco-friendly travel and to educate our travelers on the importance of preserving our natural spaces. And we know that one of the best ways to accomplish this is by allowing them to experience the wonder and the beauty of these places for themselves.
- [ Tanzania’s Top 5 National Parks](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/tanzanias-top-5-national-parks/): Tanzania is home to some of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. Over 30% of the country consists of National Parks or conservation areas, many of which have been named World Heritage Sites. From towering mountains and volcanic calderas to vast grasslands and large populations of diverse wildlife, the list of things to see and do can seem as endless as the plains of the Serengeti. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of Tanzania’s Top 5 National Parks and what makes each one of them so special.
- [New Press! Our Polar Bear Adventure Tour Was Mentioned in Escape Magazine!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/new-press-our-polar-bear-adventure-tour-was-mentioned-in-escape-magazine/): We are excited to announce that our Polar Bear Adventure Tour was mentioned in Australia’s Escape magazine! The article, “Tiny US town that’s suddenly on the radar,” features the remote town of Utqiaġvik, formally known as Barrow, Alaska. This city, located within the Arctic Circle, is one of the most unique vacation destinations in the world. It also happens to be a stop on our new 7-day Polar Bear Adventure tour!
- [Glacier Kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/glacier-kayaking-in-kenai-fjords-national-park/): Kayaking through the narrow inlets of the Kenai Fjords feels like stepping back in time. While the rugged landscape is remote and nearly inaccessible in some areas, people have been traveling these waterways for over a thousand years. The Sugpiaq people (also known as Alutiiq) learned to master the ever-changing Alaskan seasons by embracing the sea. They hunted, fished, and migrated on kayaks and flat-bottom boats, adapting to the ever-shifting ice fields and the extreme northern temperatures. They became connected to their environment in a way that few of us will ever have the opportunity to experience. Luckily, you can still get a sense of what it might have been like for them as they paddled up the fjords alongside towering glaciers on our Gondwana Ecotours Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure.
- [Camping Safari?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/what-is-a-camping-safari/): A traditional African safari conjures up images of traveling across the vast grasslands of Tanzania hunting exotic and dangerous animals. But this is an outdated notion. Currently, safaris are more about shooting pictures then they are about shooting game. It’s about conservation, education, and the experience of getting up close and personal with the wildest of wildlife. There are many different options to choose from when you decide to go on safari, but there’s only one way to get close enough to feel the ground shake as herds of animals gallop past. Our Tanzania: Great Migration Camping Safari allows you to experience what it’s like to be on a real adventure in the heart of Africa!
- [The Marriott SpringHill Suites All Over Fairbanks Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/springhill-suites-alaska/): When you first arrive in Alaska for your Gondwana Northern Lights tour, you may be able to relax and unwind at the Marriott SpringHill Suites depending on your tour itinerary. This fully-equipped, modern hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. Shops, restaurants, and local attractions are all within easy walking distance. And, with views of the Chena River, spacious rooms, great amenities, and on-site dining, you'll be fully refreshed and ready for your Alaskan adventure.
- [Northern Lights Adventure Tour – Gift for Dads Who Love to Travel](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/press-northern-lights-for-dads-who-love-travel/): How are you going to celebrate your father this Father’s Day? How about with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the Northern Lights in Alaska! Our Northern Lights Adventure tour has been featured on SocialMoms’ list of “8 Epic Father’s Day Gifts For the Dad Who Loves to Travel” and in an article from Ultimate Adventures, “12 Bucket List Trips for Dads Who Love to Travel”. Forget the traditional Father’s Day gifts this year and take your dad on a real adventure!
- [L.A. Times Feature on Our Olympic Peninsula Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/l-a-times-feature-on-our-olympic-peninsula-tour/): Our Olympic Peninsula Ecotour has been featured in the Los Angeles Times! Travel writer Anne Harnagel wrote a fantastic feature outlining our exciting new 8-day tour of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula—the only tour that includes hiking, kayaking, whale watching, a tour of the historic city of Port Townsend, a visit to the San Juan Islands, a float-plane trip, and a traditional ocean-side feast with the local Makah Nation. And it’s not just the L.A. Times that recognizes our tour. This trip has been highlighted in 11 different newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and >The Morning Call! So what makes our tour stand out? Our small groups, unique itinerary and commitment to creating an authentic experience that allows travelers to explore nature in a comfortable, fun, and eco-friendly way.
- [Grizzly Bears of Katmai National Park](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/grizzly-bears-of-katmai-national-park/): Travelers from all over the world flock to Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve to see the untamed beauty of a land formed by fire and ice. From the deep valleys and lakes carved out of the ground by glaciers to the towering peaks of active volcanoes, this park is a true wonder of the natural world. But its rugged landscape isn’t the only draw for adventurous travelers. It's the home of the great Alaskan grizzly bear, the second largest species of bear in the world. With gentle eyes and powerful claws, these majestic creatures can be both fierce and endearing. Every year, when they wake from their winter hibernation, they gather in groups near the rivers to catch wild salmon. This is the best time to see them safely up close and in person on our Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure.
- [The Best Travel Bargains: Our Olympic Peninsula Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/press-release-our-olympic-peninsula-tour-listed-as-one-of-the-washington-posts-best-travel-bargains/): This week we are proud to announce that we’ve been featured in The Washington Post’s weekly list of best travel bargains from around the globe! We’ve always made it a priority to give you the best value for your money while still standing by our vision of creating unique, eco-friendly experiences that our travelers will never forget! This week the spotlight is on our first-ever Olympic Peninsula Tour in Washington state.
- [How Likely am I to See the Northern Lights?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/how-likely-am-i-to-see-the-northern-lights/): Seeing the Alaskan Northern Lights can be a life-changing event. The ribbons of colorful light dancing gently across the darkened sky can inspire even the most cynical among us. But like all things that are precious, these light shows are also rare. How likely am I to see the Northern Lights? Well, you have to be in the right place at the right time with the right people. And while perfect Northern Light predictions are impossible, we have a strong track record: 99% of our travelers over the past three seasons have seen the Aurora Borealis in its magnificent glory.
- [The Best of Alaska in the Summer](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-of-alaska-summer-trip/): What would you do with 8 days in Alaska in the summer? What things are there to do in Alaska in the summer? It’s hard to narrow down all your choices for Alaska vacation ideas when you are planning a trip to Alaska. Glacier trekking? Whale watching? Kayaking with the otters and seals? Getting up close and personal with the bears? The good news is, you can do it all! There are so many places to visit in Alaska, and we put together the ultimate 8-day itinerary for a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan adventure during the summer months in Alaska.
- [The Wild is Calling: 12 Off the Beaten Path Experiences in Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/12-best-summer-experiences-in-alaska/): What do you think of when you hear the word “Alaska?” Wildlife? Incredible natural scenery? The Last Frontier? Adventure?
- [Guests Are Loving our Northern Lights Ecotour!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/love-northern-lights-ecotour/): We pay close attention to the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska and last year Diane Trif joined us in December in Fairbanks, Alaska for our Northern Lights Ecotour. We enjoyed 6 days of snowshoeing, dogsledding, hot springs, curling, reindeer and tons of Aurora sightings! Diane was kind enough to feature us in an article on her blog, describing her experiences with us in Alaska and the things that make our trip so unique.
- [Visit the Aurora Ice Sculpture Museum In Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/visit-alaska-aurora-ice-sculpture-museum/): While a visit to see the Northern Lights is an adventure in and of itself, there is a multitude of activities you should consider adding to your itinerary including a visit to the Alaska ice museum known as the Aurora Ice Museum (a.k.a. the Chena Ice Museum) and taking an Aurora Ice Museum Tour. This Alaska Ice Museum is the largest ice environment in the world that is year-round and even has the famous Aurora Ice Bar. The indoor temperature is kept at a cool 25 degrees with geothermal technology. Inside the Alaska Ice Museum are chandeliers that represent the Aurora Borealis. The Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum is the largest year-round ice building in the world with the inside interior being made of entire ice and amazing works of ice sculptures in Alaska. The museum is home to award-winning ice sculptures in Alaska and features a two-story observation tower and a famous ice bar. Not far away to offer your nipped noses and fingertips is the Chena Hot Springs. The Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum is famous for visitors soaking in the legendary mineral water. There is a belief that the waters of the Chena hot springs cure skin conditions, muscular pains, and arthritis. Not only do the healing waters of the hot springs help with pain it also is beneficial for some circulatory disorders and provides relief to those with bronchial disorders.
- [Reasons To Visit the Museum of the North](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/visit-the-museum-north/): One major reason to visit the Museum of the North is that it will perfectly complement a trip to see the Northern Lights. Learn more about the science, history, and beauty of the Northern Lights in a video and experience the all-sky camera and experiments to discover how and why we perceive the aurora.
- [Running Reindeer Ranch Enjoyable Experience](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/running-reindeer-ranch-prices/): The Running Reindeer Ranch is owned and operated by a lifelong Alaskan, Jane, and her husband, Doug, originally from Portland, Oregon, along with their three children, now adults.
- [Where to Watch the Northern Lights in Fairbanks: A Taste of Alaska Lodge](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/fairbanks-aurora-viewing-spots-taste-alaska-lodge/): Far removed from the lights of the city, the Aurora is especially visible here in the wilderness. From your room it is only a 10 second walk down the hill to get unparalleled views of the Northern Lights. You can get a truly unobstructed 360 degree view from here, great for spotting distant Aurora and for capturing incredible photographs. Not only is the view great, but there is heated yurt with couches and a wood burning stove so you can relax and stay warm in between the light shows. These are just a few reasons we rank it as one of the best Fairbanks aurora viewing spots.
- [Sophie Station Suites: One of the Best Hotels in Fairbanks, Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/sophie-station-best-hotels-fairbanks-alaska/): When you are planning your trip to Fairbanks, you will probably want somewhere comfortable and convenient to relax after your long flight. You might want a hotel that has all the amenities you need so you can take it easy and not have to go into town while you are recovering from a full day of travel. Fortunately, Sophie Station Suites is one of the best hotels in Fairbanks, is located only 5 minutes from the airport and features all the comforts of home. They offer 24-hour front desk service and airport shuttle service, making it easy to get where you need to go even at odd hours. They also have laundry facilities and services, a 24-hour fitness center, computer kiosks and copy/fax services available at the front desk. Sometimes flights in and out of Fairbanks are late at night, so they offer a baggage hold so you can explore town without lugging your stuff around with you. Combine all these services with spacious and cozy suites, and one of the top restaurants in town and you have the perfect location to take it easy for a day or two before your adventures in Alaska begin.
- [Fall 2017 Aurora Update + Press from Travel & Leisure Magazine](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/fall-2017-aurora-viewing-update/): After a 2016-2017 aurora viewing season with a 100% success rate, we weren't sure what to expect this year. Since this season is one of the last chances to see the Aurora before solar activity declines in the coming years, we were anxious to see what sort of light shows this fall would bring.
- [Meet Our New Northern Lights Guide + Feature in Luxury Travel Mag](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/northern-lights-luxury-travel-magazine/): Meet Fred - an experienced and knowledgeable guide who joined our team earlier this year. He has been living up here since 1978 and has loads of experience that makes him a perfect fit for introducing our guests to life in Alaska. He joins fellow guides like Aaron Hartley, Jack Nelson, and Mark Thompson on the Gondwana guiding team.
- [Fairbanks Aurora Viewing Spots!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/best-fairbanks-aurora-viewing/): When choosing a location for Aurora viewing, you want to keep a few things in mind to ensure that you are getting the best of the displays and staying comfortable in this cold winter environment. Below we will list some important qualities and 3 of our favorite spots.

## Pages
- [How Does A Peru Bolivia Border Crossing Work on A Small Group Tour?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-peru-bolivia/how-does-a-peru-bolivia-border-crossing-work-on-a-small-group-tour/): Traveling from Peru into Bolivia brings a change of country, currency, and scenery, but it also introduces a little paperwork into an otherwise spectacular journey through the Andes. The Peru Bolivia border crossing takes place on the high plateau around Lake Titicaca, where travelers leave one vehicle, complete immigration formalities on both sides, and continue the journey in Bolivia. For anyone who has never crossed a land border in South America, the process may sound complicated. In practice, it is a series of straightforward steps, and on a guided small-group tour, the guide helps everyone understand what to do and where to go.
- [What Does a Typical Costa Rica Wildlife Tour Itinerary Include?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/what-does-a-typical-costa-rica-wildlife-tour-itinerary-include/): A costa rica wildlife tour itinerary is not a rigid timetable. The activities depend on the region, the season, the weather, and what wildlife is active that day. A morning in the rainforest may involve following bird calls along a shaded trail, while an afternoon near the Caribbean coast might be spent exploring waterways by boat. Many of these experiences take place in protected areas managed by SINAC, Costa Rica's national system of conservation areas, where park hours and trail regulations help determine how the day unfolds. The schedule below provides a general idea of what to expect, although each destination has its own character.
- [What is a Katmai Floatplane Ride Like on a Small Group Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/what-is-a-katmai-floatplane-ride-like-on-a-small-group-tour/): Imagine flying low over Alaska's wilderness, looking out the window at winding rivers, rugged volcanic mountains, and lakes tucked into a landscape that few roads ever reach. For many travelers, the Katmai floatplane ride is one of the most memorable parts of a trip to Brooks Camp. The aircraft is small, the engine is loud, and the views are unlike anything most visitors experience from a commercial flight. If this is your first time in a floatplane, knowing what to expect before boarding can make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
- [What Is Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s Gorilla Naming Ceremony?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-rwanda/what-is-kwita-izina-rwandas-gorilla-naming-ceremony/): Kwita Izina is Rwanda's annual ceremony for naming baby mountain gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park. The name means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, and the event brings together people who play a part in protecting the gorillas, from conservationists and park staff to nearby communities and invited guests. It is a celebration, but it also tells a larger story about how Rwanda has made gorilla conservation part of its national identity.
- [Is Norway Fjords Solo Travel a Good Fit for You?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-norway/is-norway-fjords-solo-travel-a-good-fit-for-you/): Norway fjords solo travel also gives travelers the freedom to take a trip because it interests them, rather than waiting for someone else's schedule to line up. On a guided small-group adventure, traveling alone does not mean spending the entire trip alone. There are other travelers to share meals with, a guide to help with the daily plans, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the landscape together. At the same time, there is room to take in a view quietly or spend a little time exploring a village independently when the itinerary allows.
- [Can You See Alaska Bears and Glaciers on One Trip?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/can-you-see-alaska-bears-and-glaciers-on-one-trip/): An Alaska bears and glaciers tour brings together two of the experiences that make summer in Alaska so memorable. You might spend one day watching a tidewater glacier calve into the sea, with sea otters and seabirds moving through the surrounding water. Then you might travel into brown bear country, where bears fish for salmon or wander along the coast looking for food. These are very different environments, and seeing both gives travelers a broader picture of Alaska's wild landscapes.
- [Costa Rica in August: Small Group Tours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/costa-rica-in-august-small-group-tours/): Costa Rica in August is green, warm, and very much alive. The forests have had months of rain to work with, rivers and waterfalls are running strong, and wildlife has plenty of food and fresh vegetation around. It is also a quieter time to explore than the busy winter months, which can make a difference when the goal is to spend time watching wildlife rather than sharing every trail with other travelers.
- [Safe Katmai Bear Viewing Distance on Small Group Tours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/safe-katmai-bear-viewing-distance-on-small-group-tours/): Understanding katmai bear viewing distance helps set expectations before arriving at Brooks Camp. The rules are designed to give bears room to feed, rest, and travel without being pressured by people, while also giving visitors a safe way to experience one of Alaska's most famous wildlife destinations. At Brooks Camp, that balance can feel surprisingly natural because the viewing platforms put visitors in an excellent position without requiring them to approach the bears.
- [Bethany Newark](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/our-authors/bethany-newark/): Bethany Newark is a UK-based wildlife conservationist and communications professional specializing in wildlife conservation and environmental storytelling. Her work has taken her around the world, including several years living in New Zealand and time working in the savannas of South Africa.
- [Our Authors](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/our-authors/)
- [What to Pack for a Tanzanian Winter Escape](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-tanzania/what-to-pack-for-a-tanzanian-winter-escape/): Knowing what to pack for a Tanzanian winter escape is really about preparing for those changes without bringing an entire winter wardrobe along for the ride. Tanzania's dry-season months can bring chilly mornings, warm afternoons, dust, strong sun, and the occasional shower, sometimes all within the same itinerary.
- [A Guide to Your First Time Northern Lights Trip in Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/a-guide-to-your-first-time-northern-lights-trip-in-alaska/): A first time northern lights trip in Alaska usually starts with a picture. Most travelers have seen photographs of green ribbons stretching across a dark Alaskan sky, and that is what makes them start thinking about seeing the aurora for themselves. But the reality of a Northern Lights trip is a little different from the photographs, and knowing what to expect can make the experience much more enjoyable.
- [Rwanda Wildlife Beyond Gorillas: Traveling with Gondwana Ecotours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-rwanda/rwanda-wildlife-beyond-gorillas-traveling-with-gondwana-ecotours/): Gorilla trekking is the reason most travelers start planning a trip to Rwanda, but Rwanda wildlife beyond gorillas is worth making room for too. The country's forests are home to golden monkeys, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and hundreds of bird species, and many of these encounters can be added naturally to a gorilla-focused itinerary.
- [The Attractions That Anchor an Osa Peninsula Itinerary](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/parks/top-attractions-osa-peninsula/): The Osa has perhaps six things worth building days around, and almost none of them can be scheduled freely. Boat departures follow the tide, coastal landings follow the swell, and the roads that connect anything to anything else are seasonal at best. Knowing what the attractions are matters less here than knowing what order they can go in.
- [Trail Options Across Guanacaste’s Dry Forest Parks](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/parks/hiking-in-guanacaste/): Guanacaste hiking is governed by one variable that does not apply anywhere else in Costa Rica: for several months of the year the trees have no leaves, which means no shade, on the hottest ground in the country. Get the timing and the hour right and these are some of the most rewarding trails in Central America. Get them wrong and you will turn back after two kilometres.
- [What a Turtle Nesting Night in Tortuguero Actually Involves](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/parks/tortuguero-sea-turtles/): A nesting tour at Tortuguero is mostly standing still in the dark. There is no boat ride, no trail, and very little walking. You gather with a guide, wait for word that a turtle has come ashore and settled, then approach quietly and watch for a few minutes before it is someone else's turn. People who arrive expecting a spectacle find it slow. People who understand what they are looking at rarely forget it.
- [A Working List of Costa Rica’s National Parks](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/parks/list-of-national-parks/): Costa Rica has around thirty national parks, and that number is smaller than the protected-area total by a wide margin, because parks are only one category among several. For itinerary purposes the useful grouping is not alphabetical or administrative but by terrain, since that determines what you will see and when the park is worth visiting.
- [Choosing a Trail on Arenal’s Old Lava Fields](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/parks/hiking-in-arenal/): Arenal produces a particular kind of disappointment. People arrive expecting to climb a volcano, discover that the summit is closed and has been for good reason, and then find that the mountain is hidden in cloud anyway. What is actually on offer here is better than that sounds: a set of short trails across ground that was molten within living memory, with forest growing back over it at visible speed.
- [Getting Oriented in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica’s Wildest Corner](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/parks/osa-peninsula-overview/): The Osa is the hardest part of Costa Rica to reach and the part most often described as the best. Both are true, and the gap between them is what trips up itineraries. Before committing days to it, it helps to know what the peninsula actually consists of: which parks, which towns, which way in, and why nothing here moves quickly.
- [Making the Most of 48 Hours in Tortuguero](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/parks/48-hours-in-tortuguero/): Two nights is the standard Tortuguero visit, and it is tighter than it sounds, because a full half day disappears at each end getting in and out. What remains is roughly one complete day and two partial ones. Used well that covers the canals at dawn, a forest trail, a night on the beach in season, and enough time to notice that the village has no cars in it.
- [Where to Snorkel Along Costa Rica’s Two Coasts](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/best-snorkel-spots/): Costa Rica is a world-class wildlife destination and a middling snorkelling one, and the reason is sediment. Steep terrain, heavy rain and short rivers put a lot of suspended material into the water, and the same geography that produces the rainforest works against underwater visibility. Knowing which month to be on which coast matters more here than knowing which beach to pick.
- [Costa Rica y Su Compromiso con el Ecoturismo](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/ecoturismo-costa-rica/): Ecotourism is one of the most abused words in travel marketing, and Costa Rica is the country most often used to sell it. The label gets attached here to serious conservation-linked operations and to ordinary hotels with a towel-reuse card, with nothing obvious separating the two. What follows is what the term means in practice on the ground, and how a traveler can tell the difference before booking.
- [Understanding Daily Life and Pura Vida in Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/way-of-life/): Pura vida is printed on more merchandise than any two words deserve, which makes it easy to assume the phrase is a tourism invention. It is not. Costa Ricans use it dozens of times a day, and what sits underneath it is a set of social habits that shape how business gets done, how people speak to each other and how a week is structured. Most of it is invisible to a visitor who never leaves the lodge.
- [What to Know Before Relocating to Costa Rica’s Northern Region](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/moving-to-northern-region/): The northern lowlands are the part of Costa Rica people move to after they have already visited somewhere else. It is not the Central Valley, where most foreign residents settle, and it is not Guanacaste or the southern Pacific, where the retirement marketing points. It is agricultural country with a volcano in the middle of it, cheaper than either, wetter than both, and considerably more Spanish-speaking.
- [Comparing Costa Rica’s Beaches by Coast and Character](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/best-beaches/): Costa Rica has roughly 1,290 kilometres of coastline divided between two oceans that share almost nothing except water temperature. They run opposite weather calendars, produce different sand, face different directions at sunset, and attract different travelers. Picking a beach here is really picking a coast, and that decision constrains the rest of an itinerary.
- [The Dishes Worth Trying on Your First Trip to Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/must-try-food/): Most of the best eating in Costa Rica happens at places with no printed menu, no English, and a handwritten board listing whatever was cooked that morning. Knowing what to ask for matters more than knowing what exists. This is a list of what to order, when to order it, and where the food is actually found on a travel day.
- [Ten Days Along Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/southern-pacific-coast-itinerary/): The southern Pacific is the stretch where Costa Rica stops being convenient and starts being worth it. One highway runs the length of it, the scenery improves the further south you go, and the last section ends at a peninsula that holds the best rainforest in Central America. Ten days covers it properly. Eight days covers it badly.
- [Touring Costa Rica Province by Province](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/provinces-of-costa-rica/): Costa Rican addresses, park listings and directions all use provinces, so the name attached to a destination tells you something before you look at a map. Quepos, Puntarenas and Bagaces, Guanacaste are two different countries in practice. The seven provinces are also the easiest mental framework for a first trip, because the boundaries follow the terrain more closely than administrative lines usually do.
- [Planning a Costa Rica Trip That Works for a Group](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/group-trip-planning/): Costa Rica accommodates groups better than most wildlife destinations, up to a point. Past roughly a dozen people the country starts pushing back: lodges near the good habitat are small, park permits are capped, the roads to several of the best places will not take a full-size bus, and animals leave when enough humans arrive at once. Planning around those limits early is the difference between a group trip and a group trip that works.
- [What Costa Rica Is Known For, Beyond the Postcards](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/what-is-costa-rica-known-for/): Costa Rica has one of the strongest national reputations in the world relative to its size: rainforest, sloths, no army, pura vida, a country that saved its own forests. Most of that reputation holds up. Some of it is overstated, and a few of the expectations it creates lead to disappointment on the ground. Both halves are worth knowing before arrival.
- [Dressing for Ten Days Across Costa Rica’s Climates](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/what-to-wear/): The mistake most visitors make is treating Costa Rica as a tropical destination and dressing accordingly. It is a tropical destination at sea level and a cool, damp mountain country two hours inland, and a ten-day trip usually crosses between them more than once. The clothing that works here is chosen for fabric and drying time more than for warmth.
- [Spending a Day in San Jose Before Heading Into the Wild](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/things-to-do-san-jose/): San José is the city almost every Costa Rica trip passes through and almost nobody plans for. Most itineraries treat it as an airport with a traffic problem attached. That is a reasonable instinct and a slightly wasteful one, because the capital holds the country's best museums, its most interesting market, and several volcanoes within ninety minutes of downtown.
- [Sorting Through Costa Rica’s Best Experiences by Region](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/best-things-to-do/): Every list of things to do in Costa Rica includes the same dozen items and treats them as equivalent. They are not. Some take twenty minutes and deliver most of what people came for. Others consume two full travel days and may still be fogged in when you arrive. The useful way to sort them is by what each one costs you in time and what it reliably returns.
- [Tasting Costa Rica Through Its Everyday Dishes](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/food-in-costa-rica/): Costa Rican cooking gets a mixed reputation from travelers, most of whom ate at hotel buffets and beach restaurants built for foreigners. The everyday version is different: rice and beans at the centre of almost every plate, mild seasoning, a lot of fresh fruit, and one bottled sauce that shows up on every table in the country. It is unpretentious food, and it is best in the smallest places.
- [Getting to Know the Republic of Costa Rica Before You Go](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/republic-of-costa-rica-overview/): Most first-time visitors arrive with a picture assembled from wildlife documentaries and retirement articles. The country underneath that picture is a small presidential republic with no army, an official state religion, a currency most travelers never fully get the hang of, and an address system that uses landmarks instead of street numbers. None of that appears in the brochure, and all of it shapes an ordinary day here.
- [Understanding Costa Rica Through Its History, Geography, and Climate](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/travel/costa-rica-facts-history-climate/): Costa Rica occupies about 51,100 square kilometres, which puts it somewhere between West Virginia and Denmark in size. Nearly everything that makes a trip here work or fail comes back to that number and to what the country packs inside it: two coastlines, four mountain ranges, a dozen climate zones and roughly five million people, most of them living in a single valley in the middle.
- [When Costa Rica’s Sea Turtle Hatchlings Head to the Sea](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/turtle-hatching-season/): Most turtle trips are planned around nesting, which is the dramatic part: a large animal hauling herself up a beach in the dark. Hatching gets less attention and is arguably the better experience, partly because it involves hundreds of animals instead of one. It is also harder to schedule, since nobody controls when a nest decides to open.
- [What Lives in the Waters Off Manuel Antonio](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/marine-life-manuel-antonio/): Manuel Antonio is known as the park where sloths and monkeys live within sight of the beach, and most visitors never think of it as a marine destination at all. The protected area extends well offshore, and the marine portion is considerably larger than the forest everyone comes for. What lives out there is modest compared with Costa Rica's best diving, but it is accessible in a way almost nothing else in the country is, because a good portion of it can be seen from standing depth.
- [A Field Guide to Wildlife Across the Osa Peninsula](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/osa-peninsula-wildlife-guide/): The Osa is the one part of Costa Rica where the full complement of lowland rainforest species is still present. That does not make sightings easy. Dense forest hides animals efficiently, and visitors who arrive expecting a safari come away disappointed. What follows is a species list organized by where in the forest each animal lives, with an honest note on how likely you are to encounter it.
- [Matching a Costa Rica Region to the Wildlife You Want to See](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/best-region-for-wildlife/): Costa Rica is small enough that visitors assume they can see all of it. The map supports that assumption and the roads do not. Driving times run roughly double what the distances suggest, several of the best wildlife areas are reachable only by boat or small plane, and the two coasts run on opposite weather calendars. The practical question is not which region is best. It is how many bases a trip can support before the days get eaten by transit.
- [Twenty Birds Worth Watching for Across Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/costa-rica-birds-guide/): More than 900 bird species have been recorded in a country roughly the size of West Virginia, a total the eBird regional checklist keeps close track of. That number is useless as a planning tool. What helps is knowing which birds belong to which habitat, because in Costa Rica elevation and coast determine almost everything about what you will see. Twenty species make a reasonable spine for a first trip, grouped below by the country they live in rather than by taxonomy.
- [Finding the Right Beach and Season for Costa Rica’s Sea Turtles](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/where-to-see-sea-turtles/): Turtle watching in Costa Rica is a scheduling problem more than a luck problem. Four species nest here, each on different beaches, in different months, and on two coasts with opposite weather patterns. Pick the wrong week and you can stand on the right sand and see nothing at all. Pick correctly and the odds shift sharply in your favor, though nothing about wild animals is ever certain.
- [How Tourism Grew Into Costa Rica’s Conservation Strategy](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/conservation/development-of-tourism/): Costa Rica did not set out to build an ecotourism industry. The parks came first, created during years when almost nobody was visiting them, and the visitors arrived later to see what had been saved. Understanding that sequence explains a great deal about how the country operates today, including why park entrance fees are structured the way they are and why so many lodges sit just outside protected boundaries rather than inside them.
- [The Environmental Pressures Still Facing Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/conservation/environmental-problems/): Costa Rica is used to being held up as proof that a small country can reverse its own environmental decline. Forest cover has climbed back above half the national territory, roughly a quarter of the land sits inside some protected category, and wildlife has returned to ground that was pasture within living memory. That story is accurate. It is also incomplete. The IUCN Green List country profile lists habitat loss, pollution, resource overexploitation and climate change as continuing pressures on Costa Rican biodiversity, and travelers who spend time outside the park gates will see evidence of all four.
- [Does Booking a Peru and Boliva Trip in Advance Save Money?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-peru-bolivia/does-booking-a-peru-and-boliva-trip-in-advance-save-money/): One of the biggest advantages of booking a Peru and Boliva trip in advance is having more dates to choose from. Peru and Bolivia can be visited at different times of year, but the experience can change depending on the season and what you hope to see.
- [Planning a Norway Fjords Tour for Non Hikers](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-norway/planning-a-norway-fjords-tour-for-non-hikers/): A Norway fjords tour for non hikers does not mean sitting on a bus while everyone else disappears up a mountain. Norway's Western Fjords are one of those places where the scenery is often just as impressive from the water, the road, or a short walking path as it is from the top of a long trail. For travelers who want to experience the fjords without committing to strenuous hiking every day, the right itinerary can offer plenty of dramatic scenery without requiring a high level of fitness.
- [How Many Days Do You Need in Costa Rica for Wildlife?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/how-many-days-do-you-need-in-costa-rica-for-wildlife/): If you are wondering how many days do you need in Costa Rica for wildlife, most savvy travelers start with at least a week and, if given the flexibility, book for 10 to 14 days. Costa Rica may be a relatively small country, but it packs an extraordinary number of habitats and species into that space. Sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, tropical birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife are spread across different regions, and getting from one ecosystem to another takes time.
- [Breaking Down Tanzania Great Migration Safari Cost Before You Book](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-tanzania/breaking-down-tanzania-great-migration-safari-cost-before-you-book/): Here is what goes into the Tanzania Great Migration safari cost, what you should expect to have included, and what you should look at before putting down a deposit.
- [Which Alaska Tidewater Glacier Tour Gets You Close to Calving Ice?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/which-alaska-tidewater-glacier-tour-gets-you-close-to-calving-ice/): That second experience is what makes an Alaska tidewater glacier tour so memorable. These glaciers reach all the way to the ocean, and they are constantly changing. You might hear the ice before you see it move, and when a large piece finally calves into the water, everyone on the boat knows it happened.
- [When To Book A Norway Fjords Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-norway/when-to-book-a-norway-fjords-tour/): If you are planning to join a small group tour, booking early becomes even more important. There are only so many seats available on each departure, and once a popular date fills up, you cannot simply add more travelers to the group. So, when to book a Norway fjords tour really depends on how much flexibility you have with your travel dates.
- [Costa Rica for First Time Wildlife Travelers: What to Expect](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/costa-rica-for-first-time-wildlife-travelers-what-to-expect/): Costa Rica for first time wildlife travelers is a particularly good combination. The country is small, easy to travel through, and home to an incredible variety of animals and habitats. You can see monkeys in the trees, sloths resting along the roadside, colorful birds in the forest, and frogs on a night walk without spending days traveling between destinations. For a first wildlife adventure, that makes a big difference.
- [Mendoza Wine Country and Winter Travel](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-argentina/mendoza-wine-country-and-winter-travel/): While North America is in the middle of winter, Argentina is enjoying summer. The vineyards around Mendoza are green and growing, the Andes are at their most accessible, and long summer evenings are made for sharing a meal and a bottle of Malbec. For travelers looking for Mendoza wine country and winter travel, January and February are some of the best months to make the trip.
- [Is the Denali Park Road Bus Tour Worth It on a Small Group Trip?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/is-the-denali-park-road-bus-tour-worth-it-on-a-small-group-trip/): At first, that might sound like a limitation. Once you are on the road, though, it starts to make sense. The Denali park road bus tour gives you a chance to travel through a huge stretch of wilderness while someone else handles the driving, leaving you to watch the landscape and look for wildlife.
- [What Traditional Norwegian Food Will You Eat on a Fjords Tour?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-norway/what-traditional-norwegian-food-will-you-eat-on-a-fjords-tour/): And when you do, you will find that traditional Norwegian food is closely connected to the landscape you have been exploring. Fresh seafood, lamb, potatoes, dairy products, berries, and other local ingredients have shaped Norwegian cooking for generations. Some dishes are simple and hearty, while others make the most of Norway's excellent seafood.
- [When is the Best Time to Visit the Uyuni Salt Flats?](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-peru-bolivia/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-the-uyuni-salt-flats/): There is one important thing to remember, though. Rainy season does not guarantee a perfect mirror. Weather in Bolivia is often unpredictable, and water levels can vary across the salt flat. If seeing the reflection is your number one priority, it is best to allow some flexibility in your itinerary rather than expecting a specific photograph to appear on a specific day. An experienced tour guide can help you decide when is the best time to visit the Uyuni salt flats.
- [Things to Do In Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking and More!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-rwanda/things-to-do-in-rwanda-gorilla-trekking-and-more/): One of the things many people enjoy about traveling through Rwanda is how much can fit into a relatively small country. You can spend a morning walking through the forests of Volcanoes National Park and, not long afterward, be sitting beside Lake Kivu or exploring the streets of Kigali. If you're looking for things to do in Rwanda beyond gorilla trekking, there are plenty of ways to plan an itinerary that is truly spectacular.
- [Plan Your Small Group Northern Lights Alaska Tour Today!](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/plan-your-small-group-northern-lights-alaska-tour-today/): Seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska is one of those travel experiences that can be difficult to plan around. The aurora doesn't follow a schedule, and clear skies, solar activity, and darkness all need to come together at the right time. While you can certainly look for the Northern Lights on your own, joining a guided Northern Lights Alaska tour gives you the advantage of local knowledge, flexible travel, and guides who know how to read the changing conditions around Fairbanks.
- [Discover Norway Fjords Hiking Trails with Gondwana Ecotours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-norway/discover-norway-fjords-hiking-trails-with-gondwana-ecotours/): Norway's western fjords are some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with towering mountains, deep blue waterways, waterfalls, and small coastal communities tucked between them. While cruising through the fjords is an incredible way to see the scenery, hiking offers a completely different perspective. The best Norway fjords hiking trails take you above the water and into the mountains, where you can appreciate just how dramatic this landscape really is.
- [King Vultures Circle Above Costa Rica’s Largest Unbroken Forests](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/king-vultures/): Most travelers scanning the sky over Costa Rica's rainforest are hoping for a toucan or a macaw, not a vulture. The king vulture changes that expectation almost immediately. Riding thermals high above the canopy on a wingspan that can stretch past six feet, with a bare, multicolored head unlike anything else in the forest, it is one of the most striking birds in the country, and one of the hardest to predict. Sightings depend heavily on large, undisturbed forest, which has made a handful of remote regions the most consistent places to look. Our guide to Corcovado National Park is a useful starting point for travelers hoping to spot one.
- [Great Green Macaws Follow the Almond Trees of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Lowlands](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/great-green-macaws/): Few birds in Costa Rica depend on a single tree species as completely as the great green macaw. Across the humid lowlands of the Caribbean slope, this large, striking parrot times almost every part of its life around the mountain almond tree, following its fruiting cycle for food and relying on its trunk for nesting cavities found almost nowhere else. That dependence has made the macaw's fate and the tree's fate inseparable, and it has turned a handful of northern Caribbean forests into some of the most important habitat left for the species anywhere in the world. Travelers exploring this region often start with our guide to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast before narrowing in on where macaws are most likely to be seen.
- [Jabirus Tower Above the Seasonal Wetlands of Northern Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/jabiru-storks/): Most wetland birds in Costa Rica blend into the marsh grass or vanish into a crowd of egrets and herons. The jabiru does neither. Standing well over a meter tall with a wingspan that can stretch close to nine feet, it is the largest flying bird in the Americas, and in Costa Rica it is also one of the rarest. Sightings concentrate almost entirely in the wetlands of the northern lowlands, where a small, closely monitored population continues to nest each dry season. Travelers headed that direction often start with our guide to Costa Rica's wetlands before choosing which refuge to prioritize.
- [Roseate Spoonbills Bring a Wash of Pink to Costa Rica’s Wetlands](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/roseate-spoonbills/): Few birds announce themselves the way a roseate spoonbill does. Against the green and brown of a Costa Rican marsh, a flock of these birds reads as a wash of pink moving low over the water, unmistakable even from a distance. Their range in Costa Rica centers on the wetlands of the northern lowlands, where shallow lagoons and seasonal floodplains provide exactly the conditions the species needs to feed and nest. Travelers planning a wetlands trip often start with our guide to Costa Rica's wetlands before deciding which refuge fits their itinerary.
- [Hummingbirds Flash Through Costa Rica’s Highland Gardens and Forests](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/hummingbirds/): Costa Rica holds more than fifty recorded hummingbird species, an outsized number for a country roughly the size of West Virginia, and much of that diversity traces back to elevation. As the land climbs from lowland rainforest into misty cloud forest and finally into the cool páramo of the highest peaks, entirely different hummingbird communities take over at each level. Highland gardens and forest edges around Monteverde and the Talamanca Mountains have become some of the most reliable places in the country to see this shift up close. Travelers building a highlands itinerary often start with our guide to Costa Rica's cloud forest before working out which elevation bands to prioritize.
- [Olive Ridleys Arrive by the Thousands on Costa Rica’s Pacific Shore](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/olive-ridley-turtles/): Along a stretch of black volcanic sand on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the strangest and most spectacular events in the natural world plays out several times a year. Thousands of olive ridley sea turtles emerge from the surf together, crowding a narrow beach until it seems to move on its own. Costa Rica's Pacific coast hosts one of the largest gatherings of this kind anywhere on the planet, and travelers who plan around it often build an entire trip around the timing. Our guide to the Nicoya Peninsula is a good starting point for anyone mapping a visit around this coast.
- [Green Turtles and the Long Journey Back to Tortuguero](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/green-sea-turtles/): On Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast, a stretch of dark volcanic sand backed by dense rainforest hosts one of the most important wildlife events in the Western Hemisphere. Every year, tens of thousands of green sea turtles leave the open ocean and return to the same beach where they hatched decades earlier, to dig nests and lay eggs in the sand. Tortuguero National Park, reachable only by boat or small plane, has built its reputation almost entirely around this cycle. Travelers planning a Caribbean leg often start with our guide to Tortuguero National Park before working out when to time a visit around the turtles.
- [Humpback Whales Arrive in Costa Rica from Opposite Ends of the Earth](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/humpback-whales/): Costa Rica sits at a rare crossing point in the Pacific. Twice a year, humpback whales arrive from opposite ends of the planet, one population swimming up from Antarctica, the other coming down from the waters off Alaska and California. Few places on Earth host both migrations in the same calendar year, and the country's southern Pacific coast has built its identity around that overlap. Travelers who plan around the best time to visit Costa Rica often discover the whale calendar almost by accident, then rearrange their whole itinerary around it.
- [Leatherbacks Return to Costa Rica Under Cover of Darkness](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/leatherback-turtles/): Leatherback turtles in Costa Rica nest on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, but the two populations tell genuinely different stories. The Pacific population has collapsed by roughly 98 percent over three decades, while the Caribbean population, though also declining, has held on considerably better under decades of dedicated beach protection, a contrast worth understanding before planning a trip around either coast.
- [Giant Anteaters Are Gone, but Costa Rica’s Smaller Anteaters Remain](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/anteaters/): Anteaters in Costa Rica no longer include the giant anteater, a species considered locally extinct in the country despite persisting elsewhere in Central and South America. Two smaller relatives remain, though both stay elusive enough that most travelers never realize how close they came to an encounter, often walking directly past feeding signs without recognizing them.
- [Crocodiles Gather Where the Tárcoles Meets the Pacific](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/crocodiles/): Crocodiles in Costa Rica reach their highest concentration anywhere in the country along the Tarcoles River, where an estimated population in the thousands makes this stretch of water one of the most reliable places on Earth to see American crocodiles in genuinely large numbers, visible from a bridge without any special access at all.
- [Eyes Above the Waterline in Costa Rica’s Wetlands](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/caimans/): Caimans in Costa Rica occupy nearly every stretch of calm freshwater in the country's lowlands, from permanent Caribbean canals to wetlands that shrink dramatically during the dry season. Spotting one often comes down to timing, since caimans behave quite differently by day than they do once darkness falls, and a single stretch of water can look entirely empty by afternoon and genuinely active by night.
- [Costa Rica’s Ocelots Walk the Forest After the Trails Empty](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/ocelots/): Ocelots in Costa Rica move through the same forests as jaguars and pumas, yet remain even harder to encounter directly despite being considerably more common. Their spotted coat, built for dissolving into dappled light and shadow, does exactly what it evolved to do, often within just a few feet of a trail without a single traveler noticing.
- [Jaguars Still Roam Costa Rica, Though the Forest Rarely Reveals Them](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/jaguars/): Jaguars in Costa Rica still move through the country's largest remaining forests, but a direct sighting remains genuinely exceptional even for guides who have worked the same trails for decades. Most confirmed evidence of the species comes from tracks, scat, and camera traps rather than a visual encounter, a reality worth understanding honestly before setting out to look for one.
- [Brilliant Colors Carry a Warning in Costa Rica’s Forests](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/poison-dart-frogs/): Poison dart frogs in Costa Rica advertise their toxicity rather than hide from it, a survival strategy called aposematism that runs in the opposite direction from nearly every other camouflaged animal in the rainforest. Bright red, blue, or green skin serves as a direct signal to predators: this is not worth the risk, a message effective enough that most predators learn to avoid the pattern after a single encounter.
- [Red Eyes Appear After Dark in Costa Rica’s Rainforest](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/red-eyed-tree-frogs/): Red-eyed tree frogs in Costa Rica spend most daylight hours completely hidden in plain sight, folded onto the underside of a leaf with their eyes closed and legs tucked, looking like nothing more than a patch of green. Only after dark does the country's most photographed amphibian actually become active, transforming from an invisible leaf-shape into one of the most vividly colored animals in the forest.
- [Costa Rica’s Squirrel Monkeys Live in a Narrow Pacific World](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/squirrel-monkeys/): Squirrel monkeys in Costa Rica survive in one of the smallest ranges of any primate in the country, confined almost entirely to a narrow strip of the central and southern Pacific coast. Nowhere else in Costa Rica offers a realistic chance of encountering this species in the wild, a limitation few travelers realize until they specifically plan a trip around it.
- [Toucans Moving Through the Fruit-Bearing Forests of Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/toucans/): Toucans rank among the loudest, most vocal birds in Costa Rica's forests, and their calls travel far enough through dense canopy that most sightings start as a sound rather than a flash of color. Finding the bird itself usually means following that call to its source rather than scanning the treetops at random, a technique that works far better here than trying to spot movement first.
- [Spider Monkeys Need the Forest Costa Rica Is Fighting to Reconnect](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/spider-monkeys/): Spider monkeys move through the upper canopy with a fluid, arm-over-arm swing unlike any other primate in Costa Rica, covering distance efficiently through trees rather than along branches. That same specialization makes them the most habitat-sensitive of the country's monkey species, unable to tolerate the fragmented, edge-heavy forest that howlers and capuchins handle with relative ease.
- [The Dawn Roar Rolling Through Costa Rica’s Forests](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/howler-monkeys/): No sound announces a Costa Rica morning quite like a howler monkey's call, a deep, guttural roar that seems impossible coming from an animal roughly the size of a house cat. That mismatch between size and sound is exactly the point, and understanding how it works changes how a traveler hears the forest from the very first morning, turning what once sounded alarming into something recognizable and almost comforting.
- [White-Faced Capuchins at the Forest’s Edge](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/white-faced-capuchins/): White-faced capuchins are among the most adaptable primates in Costa Rica, thriving at the exact boundary where forest meets beach, trail, or picnic area. That adaptability makes them one of the most reliably seen monkeys in the country, and also one of the most likely to test a traveler's food discipline, a trade-off that shapes nearly every guided encounter with this species.
- [Following the Flash of Scarlet Macaws Across Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/scarlet-macaws/): Scarlet macaws move across Costa Rica's Pacific lowlands in loud, unmistakable pairs, their calls carrying well before the birds themselves come into view. Once found almost nowhere outside two protected strongholds, the species has spread back across a meaningful stretch of coastline over the past few decades, a recovery still visibly unfolding today.
- [In Costa Rica’s Misty Highlands, the Quetzal Still Reigns](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/resplendent-quetzals/): Few birds in the world carry the reputation of the resplendent quetzal, and Costa Rica's cloud forests remain one of the most reliable places anywhere to actually find one. Reliability, in this case, still means patience, mist, and a willingness to let the forest set the pace rather than rushing a sighting that cannot be forced.
- [Tracking Baird’s Tapirs Through Costa Rica’s Deepest Forests](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/bairds-tapirs/): Baird's tapir, the largest land mammal in Central America, remains one of the hardest animals in Costa Rica to actually see, despite leaving behind some of the most recognizable tracks in the forest. Learning to read those signs often tells more about a tapir's presence than any direct sighting ever will, turning a quiet trail into something closer to detective work.
- [Sloth Country Begins in Costa Rica’s Warm, Leafy Lowlands](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/species/sloths/): Costa Rica's warm, leafy lowlands support two entirely different sloth species living side by side, each moving through the canopy at its own deliberate pace. Finding one takes patience rather than luck, since a resting sloth can look remarkably like just another clump of leaves until it moves, sometimes staying in the exact same position for most of a day.
- [Solo Female Tanzania Safari: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-tanzania/solo-female-tanzania-safari-everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-go/): Imagine watching a herd of elephants wander across the savanna as the sun rises over the Serengeti. A few hours later, you're sharing stories over lunch with fellow travelers who were complete strangers just days before. That's one of the unexpected joys of a solo female Tanzania safari—you arrive on your own, but you rarely feel alone for long.
- [A Machu Picchu Small Group Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-peru-bolivia/a-machu-picchu-small-group-tour/): A Machu Picchu small group tour gives you the opportunity to slow down, take it all in, and experience this remarkable place without feeling like you're simply following a crowd. With fewer people, a knowledgeable guide, and a thoughtfully planned itinerary, you'll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time appreciating one of the world's greatest archaeological treasures.
- [Chase the Midnight Sun in Norway on a Summer Fjords Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-norway/chase-the-midnight-sun-in-norway-on-a-summer-fjords-tour/): There are very few places in the world where you can finish dinner, head out for a hike, and realize it's nearly midnight because the sun is still shining. Experiencing the midnight sun in Norway is one of those unforgettable moments that makes a trip feel completely different from anywhere else you've traveled.
- [Following Costa Rica’s Great Wildlife Seasons Through the Year](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/wildlife-calendar/): Costa Rica's wildlife activity follows a genuine calendar, not a vague sense of wet or dry season. Specific species arrive, breed, nest, and migrate on windows narrow enough to plan a trip around directly, and knowing those windows changes what a visit actually delivers, sometimes the difference between a single distant sighting and a genuinely dramatic wildlife event.
- [The Costa Rican Species Fighting for a Future in the Wild](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/endangered-species/): Costa Rica's reputation for abundant wildlife can obscure a harder truth: several of the country's most recognizable species remain genuinely endangered, surviving in fragmented habitat that conservation work is still actively trying to reconnect and expand. A thriving national park system does not automatically mean every species within it is thriving as well.
- [Why Costa Rica Holds So Much Life Between Two Oceans](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/biodiversity/): Costa Rica covers roughly 0.03 percent of the Earth's land surface, yet it holds close to 6 percent of the world's known biodiversity. That imbalance is not an accident of luck. It is the direct result of geography, geology, and timing that came together in a way few other places on the planet can match, compressing an extraordinary range of ecosystems into a country smaller than many single American states.
- [When Costa Rica’s Forests Are Most Alive with Wildlife](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/best-time-to-see-wildlife/): Costa Rica's wildlife does not stay evenly active across the calendar. Fruiting cycles, breeding seasons, migration windows, and simple water availability all shift dramatically between dry and green season, which means the single best time to visit depends entirely on what a traveler actually hopes to see, not on a single generic recommendation that applies equally to every species.
- [After Sunset, Costa Rica’s Rainforest Changes Hands](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/nocturnal-wildlife/): The moment the sun sets in a Costa Rica rainforest, an almost entirely different set of animals takes over. Many species active by day retreat to rest, while a nocturnal community that stayed hidden through daylight hours emerges to feed, hunt, and call across the darkened forest, transforming a familiar trail into something that feels almost entirely new.
- [Volcano Country Is Wilder Than the Craters Suggest](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/volcano-wildlife/): Costa Rica's volcanoes draw travelers for their craters, but the forests growing on their slopes hold wildlife every bit as compelling as the geology above them. Arenal, Poas, Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja, and Tenorio each support genuinely different habitat depending on elevation, rainfall, and how recently lava or ash last reshaped the ground, making a volcano-focused itinerary far more ecologically varied than the crater photos alone would suggest.
- [Beneath Costa Rica’s Clearer Waters, Another Wild Country Begins](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/marine-wildlife/): Costa Rica's reputation rests heavily on its rainforest, but the country's coastal waters hold a wildlife community every bit as rich, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, rays, sharks, and reef fish spread across two very different coastlines. Much of this marine wilderness stays entirely out of view from shore, visible only to travelers who make the effort to get in the water or out on a boat.
- [Above the Forest Line in Costa Rica’s Mountain Wilderness](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/highland-wildlife/): Above roughly 3,400 meters on Costa Rica's highest peaks, the forest simply stops, giving way to paramo, a treeless, wind-scoured landscape more commonly associated with the Andes than with a country famous for rainforest. The wildlife adapted to survive here looks and behaves nothing like anything found at lower elevations, shaped by cold and altitude rather than heat and humidity.
- [Where Mangrove Roots Shelter Costa Rica’s Coastal Wildlife](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/mangrove-wildlife/): Mangrove forests occupy a genuinely difficult environment, flooded twice daily by salt water that would kill most other trees, yet Costa Rica's coastline depends on these same forests more than almost any other single ecosystem. The wildlife sheltering among mangrove roots reflects just how much life this challenging habitat actually supports, from the smallest juvenile fish to the crocodiles patrolling the deeper channels.
- [Along the Blackwater Canals, the Wetlands Come Alive](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/wetland-wildlife/): Costa Rica's three major wetland regions, Tortuguero, Palo Verde, and Cano Negro, share a common trait despite sitting in entirely different parts of the country: each concentrates wildlife around water in ways that dry-land trails simply cannot match. Comparing them side by side reveals how differently a wetland can function depending on its climate and season, even when the underlying wildlife-concentrating principle stays the same.
- [When the Rains Return to Costa Rica’s Tropical Dry Forest](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/dry-forest-wildlife/): Guanacaste's tropical dry forest spends nearly half the year without meaningful rain, trees standing bare and the ground cracking under months of accumulated heat. Then, usually in May, the first real storm arrives, and the entire landscape transforms within days rather than weeks, a shift dramatic enough that returning to the same trail feels like visiting an entirely different forest.
- [Life in the Mist of Costa Rica’s Cloud Forests](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/wildlife/cloud-forest-wildlife/): Costa Rica's cloud forests occupy a narrow band of high elevation where moisture-laden air condenses into near-constant mist, creating conditions found in only a small fraction of the world's forests. That mist supports a wildlife community genuinely different from the lowland rainforest most travelers picture when they think of Costa Rica, one built almost entirely around moisture rather than heat.

## Products
- [Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/antarctica-penguins-polar-frontiers-booking/): Secure your spots with a $3500 per person non-refundable deposit. In the event that we cancel the departure, we will provide a full refund of the deposit. For more information, you may refer to our Booking Agreement.
- [Machu Picchu Extension](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/post-trip-machu-picchu/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that’s fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Nazca Lines & Pisco Tasting Extension](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/pre-trip-nazca-lines-pisco-tasting/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that’s fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Peru & Bolivia: From Salt Flats to Sacred Lakes Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/peru-bolivia-from-salt-flats-to-sacred-lakes-adventure/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that’s fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimps & National Parks Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/rwanda-mountain-gorilla-safari-10-day/): Secure your spots with a $1,750 per person deposit. The deposit is used to secure your trekking permits and is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the tour departs.
- [Alaska: Whales & Waterfalls Yacht Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/alaska-whales-waterfalls-yacht-adventure/): Secure your spots with a $2000 per person deposit that’s fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour. Cancellations processed after 30 days from the time the deposit was placed are not eligible for any refund. Please be aware that this is not a guaranteed departure. You will be notified of the tour status no later than March 3, 2026. In the event that we cancel the departure, we will provide a full refund of the deposit. For more information, you may refer to our Booking Agreement.
- [Tortuguero National Park Extension](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/tortuguero-national-park-extension/): During this five-day pre-trip extension, visit Tortuguero National Park, an ecological paradise with freshwater canals, wetlands, and forests that shelter diverse wildlife. Look for wildlife like toucans, monkeys, caimans, sloths, and otters while hiking, kayaking, and boating. Pay your deposit today to reserve your spot!
- [Ushuaia Extension](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/ushuaia-extension/): See more of Argentina with our Ushuaia Extension. Over multiple days, this post-trip extension brings you to the Southern tip of Argentina, known as “Fin del Mundo” (End of the World). Here, we’ll explore the city of Ushuaia, known for its unparalleled views of the Andes Mountains and the Beagle Channel, bordering nearby Chile. Home to glaciers, forests, and diverse wildlife including thousands of Magellanic Penguins, you can enjoy the best of the area’s natural wonders while feasting on Argentinian seafood and sipping tasty wines. Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Iguazu Falls Extension](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/iguazu-falls-extension/): See more of Argentina with our Iguazu Falls Extension. One of UNESCO's Natural Wonders of the World, this extension takes you to Iguazu Falls, located on the river border between Argentina and Brazil. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush tropical jungle and wildlife including coatis, capybaras, howler monkeys and toucans. This incredible system contains 275 falls and has the greatest flow of any waterfall system in the world. Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Arenal Volcano Extension](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/arenal-volcano-extension/): See more of Costa Rica with our Arenal Volcano Extension. Escape the crowds on our four-day extension to the Arenal Volcano area. Begin with a serene stay at an organic coffee farm just outside of San Jose. Venture to the Arenal Observatory Lodge, the only hotel within the Arenal National Park. Discover pristine hiking trails and encounter a variety of wildlife including three kinds of monkeys, anteaters, coatis, and more than 500 species of birds, all while enjoying the stunning volcano views. Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Norway: Western Fjords Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/norway-western-fjords-adventure/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Costa Rica: Secluded Wildlife Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/costa-rica-adventure/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Rwanda: Mountain Gorilla Safari](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/rwanda-gorilla-trekking-adventures/): Secure your spots with a $1,750 per person deposit. The deposit is used to secure your trekking permits and is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the tour departs.
- [Tanzania: Great Migration Safari](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/tanzania-great-migration-safari/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Patagonia & Mendoza Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/patagonia-mendoza-adventure/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Alaska: Denali Discovery Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/alaska-denali-discovery-adventure/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.
- [Alaska: Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/alaska-glaciers-grizzlies-adventure/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour. This deposit excludes the Kenai Peninsula Borough sales tax of 3.49%, which will be added to the total tour cost on your final invoice.
- [Alaska: Northern Lights Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/alaska-northern-lights-tour/): Secure your spots with a $500 per person deposit that's fully refundable within 30 days, provided it is still 121 or more calendar days before the first day of the tour.

## Portfolio
- [Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/antarctica/): Journey from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, where you’ll board your expedition vessel. Set sail from the southern tip of South America, cross the legendary Drake Passage as the ship heads towards the remote, icy waters of the Antarctica.
- [Alaska: Denali Discovery Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/denali-tours-alaska-summer-vacations/): June, Aug
- [Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimps & National Parks Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/rwanda-mountain-gorilla-safari/): Hike through the mist-covered bamboo rainforest and gaze deeply into the soulful brown eyes of endangered mountain gorillas—the largest-living primate on the planet.
- [Rwanda: Mountain Gorilla Safari (5 Day Tour)](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/rwanda-mountain-gorilla-safari-5-day-tour/): Hike through the mist-covered bamboo rainforest and gaze deeply into the soulful brown eyes of endangered mountain gorillas—the largest-living primate on the planet.
- [Costa Rica: Secluded Wildlife Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/wildlife-adventure-travel-costa-rica/): Make the most of your Costa Rica tour by adding on the extension. Learn more about the extension by downloading the brochure above.
- [Norway: Western Fjords Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/small-group-guided-tours-norway/): But the wonders of Western Norway extend far beyond its fjords. On this tour we’ll also explore charming coastal towns that effortlessly blend old-world charm with modern delights. Wander through colorful streets lined with wooden houses and discover the warmth and hospitality of the locals, eager to share their rich cultural heritage with us.
- [Argentina: Patagonia & Mendoza Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/patagonia-mendoza-adventure-tours-argentina/): 10 Days
- [Tanzania: Great Migration Safari](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/great-migration-serengeti-safari-tour-tanzania/): Experience the best of Tanzania on our locally crafted Safari. Our guides have strong ties to the community and join us as we mingle with the Maasai people, walk across a beautiful pasture used by both domestic and wild animals for grazing, search for endangered black rhinos, and observe the biggest concentration of elephants in the world.
- [Peru & Bolivia: From Salt Flats to Sacred Lakes Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/peru-bolivia-from-salt-flats-to-sacred-lakes-adventure/): Journey through Peru’s highland valleys and heartlands–from the grandeur of Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest, to the tranquil shores of Lake Titicaca. Visit Taquile Island and meet the weavers who keep centuries-old traditions alive. Walk through the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a centuries-old convent that spans over 20,000 square meters. Learn more about Andean life and culture. Then, travel to Bolivia and ride the world’s highest cable car system. Explore the otherworldly rock formations of Valle de Luna. Continue to the vast expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flat, where sunsets reflect like glass.
- [Alaska: Whales & Waterfalls Yacht Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/alaska-whales-waterfalls-yacht-adventure/): This unforgettable small-group yacht adventure navigates where most other vessels cannot, bringing you through restricted areas like the Endicott Arm, Fords Terror, and Windham Bay Wilderness Area for an up-close experience with Alaska’s pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife. Visit Admiralty Island National Monument, home to one of the world's highest concentrations of brown bears. Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park and spot puffins, sea lions, guillemots and gulls in this wildlife haven. Spot majestic humpback whales coasting through Frederick Sound and the lcy Strait, kayak through remote bays, and see the awe-inspiring Dawes Glacier. 
- [Alaska: Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/kenai-brooks-falls-grizzly-bear-tours-alaska/): Looking for Alaska bear viewing trips? Try Gondwana Ecotours for the best grizzly bear tours, Alaska glacier hiking tours, and Alaskan adventure tours.
- [Alaska: Northern Lights Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/northern-lights-tour-fairbanks-alaska/): Experience Alaska northern lights trips & tours - small group travel! Our guides ensure your trip to see the northern lights in Fairbanks is enjoyable. Book your northern lights trip in Alaska tour now.
- [Arctic Circle Extension Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/alaska-arctic-circle-extension/): Please take a moment to review some of the exciting destinations we have planned for you by clicking the button below.
- [Custom Cuba EcotoursCuba](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/cuba-people-people-ecotour/): Not into cruise-ship style travel? Then you’ve come to the right place. Join us for a unique and in depth experience, and get an insider’s view into the culture and nature of this incredible island nation. Enjoy beaches, tobacco plantation visits, classic cars, delicious cuisine, captivating history and live music!
- [Custom Andes, Amazon & Galapagos Adventures](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/amazon-rainforest-ecotour/): Journey from the charming capital city of Quito, through the Andes Mountains and into the rainforest through the famous “Gateway to the Amazon”. From the comfort of an ecolodge built and maintained by a small native population, we will guide you through the waterways, forests, and into their traditional dream culture in a way most travelers can’t experience. Watch for pink river dolphins, wild toucans, howler monkeys and other exotic creatures in this incredibly biodiverse tour in a secluded corner of the Amazon rainforest.
- [Adventure with Polar Bear](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/polar-bear-adventure/): Please take a moment to review some of the exciting destinations we have planned for you by clicking the button below.
- [LOFOTEN ISLANDS AND WESTERN FJORDS Norway](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/the-lofoten-islands-and-western-fjords-of-norway/): jQuery(document).ready(function($) { if(typeof(mg_ajax_init) == "function" ) {mg_ajax_init(128);}});
- [MACHU PICCHU, CUSCO, & THE SACRED VALLEY Peru](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/machu-picchu-tour/): Machu Picchu, Cusco, & The Sacred Valley Vacation –With great guides to make the most of your adventure, access the Incan Empire’s most iconic site without the masses, scour the winding streets of Cusco, and ride the rails across Peru without getting lost in the crowd.
- [Olympic Peninsula Trip](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/washington-state-olympic-peninsula-trip/): You won’t want to miss this tour of Washington State’s majestic Olympic Peninsula. This trip takes you to Puget Sound and the Salish Sea for whale watching. You’ll get to hike along trails through old growth temperate rainforests slathered in a mossy landscape. Other activities include swimming, paddling, and strolling along Washington’s dramatic Lake Crescent. Travelers will have the chance to join members of the Makah Nation for an ocean-side traditional feast of fish on a stick, fry bread, and storytelling. Accommodations range from Oceanside and beachside cabins to lodges to a reputedly haunted historic Victorian hotel. Book your trip to the Olympic Peninsula now!

## Categories
- [Africa](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/africa/)
- [Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/alaska/)
- [Alaska - Grizzlies & Glaciers](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/alaska-grizzlies-glaciers/)
- [Alaska - Whale Cruise](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/alaska-whale-cruise/)
- [Amazon Rainforest](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/amazon-rainforest/)
- [Antarctica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/antarctica/): Read Gondwana Ecotours' Antarctica travel stories—penguins, polar landscapes, and small-group expedition tours to one of Earth's last wild frontiers.
- [Argentina](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/argentina/)
- [Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/costa-rica/)
- [Cuba](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/cuba/)
- [Ecuador](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/ecuador/)
- [Environment](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/environment/)
- [Featured](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/featured/)
- [Louisiana](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/louisiana/)
- [Northern Lights](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/northern-lights/)
- [Norway](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/norway/)
- [Peru](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/peru/)
- [Press](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/press/)
- [Rwanda](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/rwanda/)
- [South America](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/south-america/)
- [Tanzania](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/tanzania/)
- [Travel](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/travel/)
- [Uncategorized](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/uncategorized/)
- [Wildlife](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travel-journal/category/wildlife/)

## Open Knowledge Format
- [OKF Index](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/okf/index.md): Machine-readable index of Gondwana Ecotours content.
## How to use this file
- Primary tour facts (itinerary highlights, inclusions, destinations) are generally found on tour pages under /adventure-tours/. Some booking and deposit facts live on the linked reservation and product pages.
- For current availability, departure dates, pricing, deposits, and booking terms, prefer the current tour page and linked reservation/product page over older Travel Journal or Trip Tips content.
- Tour pages generally do not print prices or dates; guests request them through a brochure form on each tour page. Deposit terms differ by tour and are stated on each tour's product page.
- Trip Tips and Travel Journal pages are destination information, not offers. Some describe places and businesses that are not part of a Gondwana itinerary.
- Descriptions below reflect site pages as of October 2026. Confirm current details on the linked page.

## Source priority
For Gondwana Ecotours information, prefer sources in this order:
1. Current tour pages
2. Current reservation/product pages
3. Company and policy pages
4. Traveler resources and Trip Tips
5. Travel Journal articles

## Company
- [About Gondwana Ecotours](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/us/): Company overview, team and guide profiles.
- [Jared Sternberg, Founder and President](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/bio-founder-guide-photographer-jared-sternberg/): Founder bio. States the company was established in 2013.
- [Our Authors](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/our-authors/): Contributors to the Travel Journal.
- [Bethany Newark](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/our-authors/bethany-newark/): UK-based wildlife conservationist who writes for the Travel Journal.
- [Guest Reviews](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/ecotour-reviews/): Testimonials from past guests.
- [In the Press](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/in-the-press/): Media coverage and mentions.

## Current tours
- [Alaska: Northern Lights Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/northern-lights-tour-fairbanks-alaska/): Fairbanks area; aurora viewing, dog sledding, reindeer ranch, Chena Hot Springs. Sightings are not guaranteed.
- [Alaska: Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/kenai-brooks-falls-grizzly-bear-tours-alaska/): Seward, Homer, Kenai Fjords National Park, Anchorage; fly-in bear viewing in Katmai or Lake Clark National Park.
- [Alaska: Denali Discovery Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/denali-tours-alaska-summer-vacations/): Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Alaska Railroad.
- [Alaska: Whales & Waterfalls Yacht Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/alaska-whales-waterfalls-yacht-adventure/): Small yacht in Southeast Alaska: Endicott Arm, Glacier Bay National Park, Admiralty Island National Monument.
- [Costa Rica: Secluded Wildlife Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/wildlife-adventure-travel-costa-rica/): Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park.
- [Tanzania: Great Migration Safari](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/great-migration-serengeti-safari-tour-tanzania/): Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park; Maasai community visit.
- [Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimps & National Parks Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/rwanda-mountain-gorilla-safari/): Mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.
- [Rwanda: Mountain Gorilla Safari (5 Day Tour)](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/rwanda-mountain-gorilla-safari-5-day-tour/): Shorter Rwanda option focused on gorilla trekking and golden monkeys.
- [Norway: Western Fjords Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/small-group-guided-tours-norway/): Geiranger Fjord, Bergen, kayaking.
- [Argentina: Patagonia & Mendoza Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/patagonia-mendoza-adventure-tours-argentina/): Patagonia hiking and Mendoza wine region.
- [Peru & Bolivia: From Salt Flats to Sacred Lakes Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/peru-bolivia-from-salt-flats-to-sacred-lakes-adventure/): Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Uyuni Salt Flat.
- [Antarctica: Penguins & Polar Frontiers](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/antarctica/): Expedition from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

## Reservations and extensions
- [Reserve Your Tour](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/book/): Deposit-based reservation page for tours and extensions. Not a retail shop.
- [Book With Confidence](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/book-with-confidence/): Booking and cancellation policies.
- Extensions (add-ons to a main tour): [Tortuguero National Park](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/tortuguero-national-park-extension/) (pre-trip, Costa Rica), [Arenal Volcano](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/arenal-volcano-extension/) (Costa Rica), [Ushuaia](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/ushuaia-extension/) and [Iguazu Falls](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/iguazu-falls-extension/) (Argentina), [Machu Picchu](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/post-trip-machu-picchu/) (post-trip) and [Nazca Lines & Pisco Tasting](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/pre-trip-nazca-lines-pisco-tasting/) (pre-trip) (Peru), [Victoria Falls](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/product/zimbabwe-victoria-falls-extension/) (Zimbabwe).
- Not currently offered at last check: [Custom Cuba](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/cuba-people-people-ecotour/) and [Custom Polar Bear Adventure](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/polar-bear-adventure/). Do not present these as active tours.

## Sustainability and policies
- [Sustainability](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/sustainability/): States all tours are carbon neutral since 2021; lists Climate Neutral, Green America and TIES certifications.
- [Responsible Travel: Our Practices](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/ecotourism-responsible-travel/): Five practice areas: carbon footprint, local communities, culture, wildlife, giving back.
- [Carbon Neutral with Cooler](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/carbon-neutral-with-cooler/): Method used to calculate and offset tour emissions. Per-tour footprints appear in the "What Makes This An Ecotour?" section of tour pages; for some newer tours the figures are marked as pending.
- [Animal Welfare Policy](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/animal-welfare-policy/): Based on the Five Domains of Animal Welfare. Lists activities the company does not promote, including elephant riding, dolphin swimming, animal performances and trophy hunting.
- [Responsible Travel Policies](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/responsible-travel-policies/): Older policy page (last updated 2021): print-free operations, local guides, no work with operators who feed or bait wildlife.

## Destination guides (Trip Tips hubs)
- [Alaska](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-alaska/), [Alaska bear viewing](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-bear-tours/), [Northern Lights viewing locations](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-northen-lights-locations/)
- [Costa Rica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-costa-rica/), [Tanzania](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-tanzania/), [Rwanda](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-rwanda/), [Norway](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-norway/), [Argentina](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-argentina/), [Peru and Bolivia](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-peru-bolivia/), [Antarctica](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/trip-tips-antarctica/)

## Planning resources
- [Traveler's Resources](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/travelers-resources/): Accommodations and meals, what to pack, safety and security, travel insurance, ground transportation.
- [Travel Journal](https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/welcome-to-our-travel-journal/): Articles on destinations, wildlife and ecotourism. Informational; publish dates vary.