The Top 10 Yampu Destinations for 2013
It’s the end of the year which tends to mean reflecting on the year behind us, and looking forward to the year to come. Looking forward, we have created a list of our favorite destinations for 2013, and are eager to begin 2013’s adventures!
In 2012 Quito began to weave the city’s culinary scene into its tourism culture. Already well known for its beautiful, colonial buildings, proximity to the equator and Ecuador’s beautiful cloud forest, Quito is creating awareness of the city’s tasty cuisine, which serves up dishes featuring ingredients from the Andes and Highlands, the Amazon, and the Pacific Caost.
The Panama Canal is inching closer to its centennial anniversary, hitting the date in 2014. Before the hype of the 100th anniversary, creating an increase and visitors and a likely increase in rates, we suggest visiting the Panama Canal in 2013, beating everyone to the punch.
The hype of Myanmar will continue to grow in 2013 and the country’s tourism infrastructure will likely expand as a result. While Myanmar is still discovering its footing in the tourism industry, the country is offering a uniquely authentic experience that is not yet jaded by tourism, and the Temples of Bagan are completely stunning.
The overwhelming spiritual ambiance at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is reason enough itself to visit this beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination. An even better reason is the value; including coast, jungles, ancient religions, culture and wildlife, Sri Lanka packs the most excitement for its cost.
Botswana boasts a vibrant safari experience, without the crowds. We recommend planning your visit between May and October in 2013 when the wildlife viewing is at its prime. During these months, the dry season has reached the interior of Botswana, drawing the wildlife to the Okavango Delta. As an added bonus, these months are filled with blue skies and plenty of sunshine.
The remote, almost alien beauty of Bolivia’s Salt Flats is a landscape that most can only dream of. An ideal trip for those who have visited South America before, the Salt Flats in Uyuni offer secluded adventure. There are several different options to visit the Salt Flats, including a crossing to Chile’s Atacama Desert. New in 2012, there is a luxury crossing option aboard a deluxe overnight camper that enables you to rejuvenate after an active day, sleeping underneath the endless sky.
An old city, to be exact the third oldest in Central America, Granada creates a historic atmosphere with its brightly colored buildings and colonial architecture. Nearby, after a few days in the city, we recommend escaping to the white sandy beaches of San Juan del Sur, a relaxed fishing village where you can stay at the luxury Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge. Located on a private reserve, to be exact just outside of the small village, here you can swim, snorkel, trek, horseback ride, or just soak in the sun.
In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has a beautiful, serene landscape filled with orchards, rice fields, verdant jungles and mountains. The scenery compliments the area’s exquisite culture, including the indigenous, long-necked Karen Hill tribe. While in Chiang Mai, we recommend visiting these locals to learn more about their daily lives, enjoy a cooking class, and purchase their colorful handicrafts.
The Golden Triangle of India (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) are the most recognized and visited areas of this vast, colorful country, although obviously the country holds much more. Udaipur has commonly been referred to as the most romantic cities in all of India, with beautiful Hindu temples, wonderful art boutiques, and the sparkling waters of Lake Pichola, it is not hard to see why. If romance and luxury is calling you, we recommend the lavish Lake Palace, situated in the middle of the lake.
Cape Town offers a plethora of options within the city limits that highlight the country’s unique history and expanding culture. Traveling a bit outside you can chose to taste the renowned wines of the Cape Winlands, visit the little Jackass penguins at the Cape Peninsula or travel through the winding landscape of the popular garden route. If it is wildlife you are searching for, a safari in Kruger National Park will not disappoint.
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