Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.

The Beagle Channel, at the southern tip of South America, stretches between Chile and Argentina and offers one of the most striking maritime landscapes in the world. This narrow passage, framed by snow-covered peaks and rocky islands, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its waters are calm compared to the open sea, which has made it a historic navigation route for explorers and sailors for centuries.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a Caribbean nation that feels both adventurous and serene, a chain of lush islands and tiny cays scattered across turquoise waters. The main island of St. Vincent is dominated by volcanic landscapes, including the active La Soufrière volcano, whose slopes are covered in rainforest and dotted with waterfalls.

Douala is Cameroon’s largest city and its economic powerhouse, but beyond the busy ports and bustling streets lies a city full of creativity, flavor, and unexpected charm. Located on the Atlantic coast, Douala has long served as a crossroads of cultures. The city's waterfront, especially along the Wouri River, is a great place to watch the movement of boats, local fishermen, and floating markets while soaking in the tropical coastal air.

Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.