CuriOdyssey Travel
Custom & Curated Travel Planning
John Steinbeck
"A JOURNEY IS A PERSON
IN ITSELF,
NO TWO ARE ALIKE."
AMERICAS
Use these trip ideas as starting points. They can be taken as described or customized for your interests or expertise.
Don’t see a trip or a country here? Just ask!
NORTH AMERICA
Come face-to-face with a polar bear, widely considered one of the most intriguing and awe-inspiring of all animals. Every fall, the tundra surrounding Churchill, on the west coast of Canada's Hudson Bay, becomes a stopover for more than one thousand bears on their annual migration. From the safety of a tundra vehicle, view these majestic creatures within close range.
Alaska in the autumn is one of the best times to visit, and many of the deciduous trees are blazing yellow and red by Labor Day. As a backdrop, the tallest mountains will have fresh snow on their peaks while the lower elevations are still dry. Wildlife search opportunities also improve in late season, as larger mammals begin feeding in the lower elevations in an attempt to pack on as much winter weight as possible.
Embark on an in-depth exploration of two amazing and uniquely distinct national parks: Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords. Conclude the adventure in style with a ride on the historic Alaska Railroad. From the cities of Fairbanks and Anchorage to the remote wilderness of Denali and Kenai, this trip offers it all.
The Canadian High Arctic is a place few people have visited. Here, in the springtime, the sun shines 24 hours a day, wildlife abounds, and the indigenous people, the Inuit, celebrate the return of the Midnight Sun with camping and hunting on the floe-edge.
The prehistoric Anasazi—the “Cliff Dwellers” —were the most advanced civilization ever to occupy the pre-Columbian Southwest. Their well-preserved ruins and rock art have beguiled and puzzled travelers through this harsh but beautiful land since the 1830s. The greatest mystery of all is what caused the sudden, total abandonment of the Colorado Plateau around 1290 A.D. Find these mysterious ruins and rock art in their pristine state in southeast Utah.
Explore three islands: Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui, each offering varied experiences and unusual learning opportunities. This is not a typical trip to Hawaii! Delve into the natural history, marine life, and cultural influences that make Hawaii so unique.
The realm of the ancient Maya is truly a different world, full of spectacular ancient art, writing, and architecture; today’s indigenous peoples; and exotic tropical plants and animals. Explore ancient Maya sites in the dense rainforests of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, taking time at eight of the most remarkable ancient sites of the lowland Maya, including three nights each at Tikal and Copán. Overnight in remote jungle lodges.
Witness a tropical region with high mountains, variable climates, and long coastlines on two oceans. Wander through jungle to find Mayan pyramids that date back a millennium, explore the cobblestone streets of 16th-century colonial towns, and gaze up at volcanoes churning with lava and smoke. Travel by small boats while crossing from Costa Rica into Nicaragua and then into El Salvador. Discover the lands that poet Pablo Neruda called "the sweet waist of America."
CENTRAL AMERICA
Looking for a perfect winter getaway? Discover three different areas in Belize. Stay in a fabulous jungle lodge and retrace the footsteps of the Maya, wander extensive trails, and discover an abundance of wildlife. Then visit a 2,000 ft. high region to walk through the wild, zip-line across dense foliage, explore underground caves, and climb ancient Mayan temples. The trip concludes on the Caribbean Coast where sandy beaches dissolve into the clear blue Caribbean Sea.
One of the world’s most astounding natural events occurs each year in North America, featuring one of its most unlikely creatures, the delicate monarch butterfly. Up to 300 million monarchs set flight on a remarkable 2,500-mile journey from the northeastern U.S. and Canada to their ancestral wintering grounds in the volcanic mountains of central Mexico.
Travel to one of Mexico’s least explored and most fascinating regions —Chiapas. The large indigenous Maya population here fiercely maintains their traditions, from style of dress to religious practice to their original Mayan languages. In addition to its vibrant indigenous culture, Chiapas boasts beautiful colonial cities, fascinating archaeological sites, and incredible natural beauty.
Escape on an exciting tour of Oaxaca, Mexico, that uncovers the country’s rich culture and legacy of chocolate. Experience Oaxaca’s colonial history, visit authentic markets, and investigate its cuisine. Enjoy lovely accommodations, visit renowned and colorful restaurants, tour artisan workshops and traditional villages. Explore the impressive archaeological sites of Teōtīhuacān, Monte Albān, and Mitla.
There is perhaps no better time to experience Oaxaca, Mexico's charm and magic than during the annual Day of the Dead festivities. While the Día de los Muertos is celebrated in many parts of Latin America, nowhere is it more charged with cultural symbolism or more vibrant than in Oaxaca. There is a palpable buzz in the air as families visit markets, prepare homemade mole, hot chocolate and pan de muertos for their friends and family, both living and departed.
Just off the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula discover a small, quiet island where, in the warm ocean waters each summer, whale sharks migrate. They are 40 feet long and weigh 15 tons, but gentle. Actually not whales at all, these are the world’s largest fish. This is an exciting opportunity for up-close encounters with giant, graceful, truly awesome animals.
Journey from the western tip of Cuba across the island to its far eastern shores. Begin in Santiago, a city whose rich racial mixture has produced some of the most exciting music, art and architecture in the Caribbean. Discover the crown jewel of Cuba’s colonial cities, Trinidad, then spend four days touring historic Havana. Conclude in western Pinar del Río with its jungle-covered summits, limestone cliffs, and verdant valleys where Cuba's famous tobacco is grown.
Travel into the heart of this enigmatic island, visiting must-see destinations such as Havana and Trinidad, as well as more remote, traditional places like Pinar del Rio, home of the Cuban cigar, and Camagüey, rarely visited by foreigners. Throughout, meet with artists, musicians, and other fascinating Cubans.
Forget what people think about El Salvador. The civil war has been over for 17 years! Today, El Salvador is a peaceful land of broad valleys, plentiful and dramatic volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and outstandingly welcoming, resilient, and optimistic people. Discover ancient archaeological sites from the Maya civilization, some dating back to the third century B.C.E, as well as colonial towns, interesting markets, crafts, museums, delicious food, and only a small number of other travelers, making this an authentic gem of a destination.
With several decades of stability, Nicaragua is now the place to go. Behind the tumultuous history, uncover a peaceful and beautiful country. Known as the “land of lakes and volcanoes,” all who visit Nicaragua are struck not only by the grandeur of its nature and colonial cities and lack of tourists, but by the genuine hospitality and earnestness of the Nicaraguan people.
A land of rich biodiversity and culture, Colombia boasts soaring Andean summits and shoreline on two oceans. Wander amid cinematic cobblestoned towns and villages undiscovered by mainstream tourism. Travel from vibrant Bogotá, the third-highest capital city in the world, to Zipaquira with its magical salt cathedral, to the coffee-strewn, emerald-green hilltops of Armenia and the captivating colonial city of Cartegena. Motorboat through the beautiful Rosario Islands along the unspoiled Caribbean coast.
SOUTH AMERICA
The Pantanal of South America is one of the most immense, pristine, and biologically rich environments on the planet. Discover an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary of spectacular beauty, an ecological paradise containing hundreds of species of birds, thousands of varieties of butterflies, myriads of brightly colored flowers, shoals of fish, and 75 species of mammals.
Explore a bio-geographic mixing bowl, containing elements of the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforests, the Brazilian Savannah, and the Paraguayan Chaco. Unlike the Amazon’s dense jungle, which can obscure animal viewing, the Pantanal’s open landscape provides excellent animal viewing and photography opportunities. Learn photographic tips while expert guides teach you about the flora and fauna of this unique region.
A nation packed with startling scenery and astounding biodiversity awaits. Explore the majestic Andes Mountains, then travel overland down to the mighty Amazon. Learn about Ecuador’s rich history, culture, and natural history by exploring charming colonial towns, markets, volcanoes, and the Amazon rainforest. As an added treat, look at Ecuador’s culture through the lens of cocoa and chocolate: from tastings to fair trade issues surrounding this coveted bean.
Superlatives aptly describe Peru. It boasts the world’s highest navigable lake, mightiest river, two deepest canyons, and the oldest urban settlement in the Americas. Peru’s marvelous natural bounty and historical heritage is rivaled by the depth of its thriving culture, from a 2,000-year-old textile tradition to vibrant folkloric and religious festivals. Meet farmers, chefs, indigenous master weavers, curators, and other local friends who will invite you into their lives and homes.
The fabled cities of the Inka have long captured imaginations with their towering stone walls. But the Inka were only the last in a long line of fascinating cultures—the Moche, the Wari, and the Chimor. Travel among sites from northern to southern Peru, following along the “Moche Route” in the north. Then head into Inka territory in the south, culminating in a visit to iconic Machu Picchu.
In the tradition of history’s great adventures, delve into the depths of the Amazon. Retreat from civilization and journey into largely untouched rainforest. Glide past giant lily pads, search the rainforest canopy for monkeys, colorful macaws, and sloths. Fish for piranhas and enjoy glorious sunsets. This experience can be undertaken by: spacious, classically-styled riverboat; luxury small ship; or lodges.
Machu Picchu will take your breath away at first sight, as you emerge from the lush beauty of the Salkantay Trail. While there are a number of trails that lead to the heart of the once-mighty Inca Empire, this is the trail that offers adventurous trekkers close-up views of towering snow-clad peaks, travel through exotic vegetation, insights into the age-old culture and traditions of local Andean families and the welcome comforts of a cozy mountain lodge after each day’s hike.
Few places are as mysteriously evocative as Easter Island, Machu Picchu, and the Nazca Lines. This is an unforgettable journey from a remote Chilean island to a windswept mountaintop and a barren desert in Peru in search of lost civilizations and ancient mysteries. The variety and majestic beauty of these sites is astonishing. Witness civilizations that have risen and fallen and learn about ancient cultures and legends that raise more questions than answers.
Peaks, rivers, jungles, salt flats, and remote expanses: delve into Bolivia’s astounding natural diversity and cultural wealth. Bolivia is adventure-travel land, largely un-touristed, diverse, perplexing, and difficult to navigate as an individual; a place made easier traveling with a guide. Nature lovers will find landscapes unlike any other on the planet.
The sheer amount of wildlife here is astounding. Tortoises. Blue-footed boobies. The famous finches. Beachmasters, harems and doe-eyed sea lion pups that swim with us. Skies filled with wheeling, courting, red-throated frigatebirds. Lava rocks piled high with motionless marine iguanas. A mind-boggling plethora of creatures, untainted by fear, living in a paradise of azure waters, white beaches, and cool mangrove stands.
Patagonia is a rare gem where nature can be seen at its most pristine and desolate —a land of wonders at the end of the earth. Explore the most spectacular and inspiring areas of Patagonia. Boasting an awesome geology of pampas, lakes, mountains and glaciers, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of fossils from prehistoric creatures to humans, the vibrant natural history of Patagonia has intrigued scientists and beckoned explorers for generations.
Covering southernmost Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is an untamed land of fjords rich in marine life, rugged mountains, enormous glaciers, and windswept plateaus. This vast, remote region has captured the imaginations of explorers and travelers including Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin. Retrace a portion of Darwin’s land route, striving to observe Patagonia as he saw it. Most of Darwin’s account is as pertinent today as when he wrote it 170 years ago.
Join a renowned South American photographer and nature documentary filmmaker on this exclusive Patagonian adventure. This hiking and photo itinerary blends Chiloe Island and Torres Del Paine National Park. In this pristine paradise, see and photograph over 80 species of birds and mammals. Here, at the end of the world, lies a dazzling world of calving glaciers, rushing waterfalls, and towering peaks rising from blue green seas, star-studded night skies and remote, mist-shrouded islands. This journey ranks among the most coveted photo tour destinations in the world.
Consider two exciting trips: Extreme Chile and the Best of Wild Argentina, each featuring different explorations of Patagonia. Chile and Argentina together boast an awesome landscape of lakes, geysers, snow-capped Andean peaks, volcanoes, and glaciers. Patagonia has captivated explorers' imaginations. Vast, remote, unexplored, and untamed are a few of the words used to describe this varied region. Explore by foot, boat, and horseback. Also tour two cosmopolitan cities, Santiago and Buenos Aires. Long days of sunlight, and excellent food and wine will enhance the trip all the more! These trips have been designed to be combined or taken separately.