Edward Vanstone's Wildlife Journey Through South America's Wonders

My wife and I had dreamed of this trip for years. A three-week honeymoon adventure that would take us from the ancient stones of Machu Picchu, through the untamed Amazon jungle, and finally to the extraordinary wildlife sanctuary of the Galapagos Islands. Having traveled to 83 countries, I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong in the best possible way.

We chose to hike Machu Picchu rather than take the train, and completing that challenge felt incredible. Standing among those ruins, surrounded by mist and mystery, you understand why this place has captivated travelers for generations. But as a wildlife enthusiast, what truly stole my heart was what came next.

Encounters Above and Below the Water

The Galapagos presented something I've rarely experienced in all my travels: wildlife that simply doesn't fear you. Swimming alongside sea lions, watching blue-footed boobies go about their day just feet away, it rewires something in your brain about humanity's place in the natural world. Each island we visited felt like a completely different ecosystem. The topography varies so dramatically that there might be a hundred holidays packed into those islands, each offering something unique depending on what you're seeking to see.

Then there was the Amazon. Most travelers doing Peru and the Galapagos skip the jungle experience entirely, and I nearly made that mistake myself. We took a riverboat and stayed at a jungle lodge, and I'm so grateful we built in that time. Walking through the rainforest while guides pointed out ants that could paralyze you with a single bite keeps you on your toes in a way that no urban adventure ever could. Between the Galapagos and the Amazon, I don't know if I've ever had a more rich wildlife experience in all my travels.

The Value of Expert Coordination

Here's what I understand now that I couldn't have known before: all of these destinations are remote. Getting there and connecting the pieces requires real logistical skill. We booked through G Adventures, and having that tour support to seamlessly link everything together was invaluable. I've done most of my travels independently, but for these precious archaeological and ecological environments, having experts handle the connections made all the difference.

What surprised me most was how regulated access has become, and rightfully so. The hiking permits for Machu Picchu and the limited visitor spots in the Galapagos mean you genuinely need to book early. These protections ensure these spaces remain as remarkable as they were for us, but they also require planning that many travelers don't anticipate.

Who This Adventure Is For

This trip is perfect for travelers seeking genuine adventure with the natural world. If you want to engage with wildlife in a way that's impossible almost anywhere else on the planet, this is your journey. But I'll be direct: if you're looking to sit back on a beach and read a book, you'll be sorely disappointed. Even the Galapagos cruise requires moving between islands, getting on and off boats, and staying active. This is an adventure trip, not a relaxation trip.

Having walked these paths myself, I now understand the different ways to engage with each environment. Machu Picchu can be hiked or accessed by train, appealing to different travelers for different reasons. The Galapagos offers eastern or western routes, six-day or ten-day itineraries, small boats or larger vessels. And those Amazon lodges? Flying over, you'd never even know they exist, yet they offer next-level service and quality. Now that I've experienced all of it firsthand, I can help my clients navigate these choices with confidence. I cannot wait to send adventurous travelers to experience what we discovered on our honeymoon, knowing they'll return transformed by encounters with nature that simply cannot happen anywhere else.