Discovering the Beauty of Wildlife in the Desert and Inland Sea
Located in southeast Qatar, the inland sea (Khawr al Udayd) is home to unique ecosystems and rare wildlife. Here, you can explore the salty waters of this UNESCO-listed inlet with a range of guided tours.
Desert safari bashing, a camel ride, and sandboarding are among the popular activities on these day tours to the Inland Sea. End your adventure with a visit to the region’s most scenic spot: Khor Al Adaid.
Ballestas Islands
In Peru, the Andes Mountains provide the backdrop to a variety of microclimates that support some of the most unique wildlife in the world. For example, you might be surprised to learn that a trip to the Ballestas Islands – a group of rocky islands south of Lima - can offer you the opportunity to view Humboldt penguins (the most endangered species in the world) without having to travel to Antarctica.
It's easy to see why this region has become such a popular getaway for travelers and city residents alike. Its mild temperatures and minimal rainfall make it a year-round destination.
The island group is home to a plethora of marine mammals and birds that thrive in the sheltered waters of Paracas Bay. From sea lions to fur seals to Humboldt penguins, these animals live harmoniously with each other.
These creatures can be seen in the area all year round, but it's during calving and breeding season that they're at their most active. In particular, sea lions are most active from January to March, and fur seals from October to December.
You'll also get to spot guan ay cormorants, a type of cormorant responsible for generating guano, valuable bird manure that was once the primary national income for Peru. These birds have red circles around their eyes and white bellies, making them easily distinguished from other cormorants.
Another notable feature of the Ballestas is its guano-covered shores, which have been mined since the 19th century to generate a source of income for local fishermen. However, mining is now limited to three months as part of a series of environmental regulations that help protect the ecosystem and bird populations on the isles.
Finally, the islands are home to Humboldt penguins, which are only found in coastal areas of northern Chile and southern Peru. These birds live up to twenty years and eat anchovies, herring, and other fish.
You can visit the Ballestas Islands during a one-day tour from Lima. It takes about 3:30 hours to reach the small town of Paracas, where the tour begins. From there, you can either join a group or take a private boat to the islets. The latter is recommended if you're planning a short trip or have limited time.
If you're planning a desert trip on a budget, using a Budgetair Discount Code can help you save money on your flights. Make sure to also research affordable accommodations and activities in the area you're visiting. Packing your snacks and drinks can also help cut down on expenses. Happy travels!
Peru
Peru is a country with many ways to connect with nature and the beauty of wildlife. From the rainforest of the Amazon to the Pacific Coast, there is something for everyone in this beautiful South American country.
A long coastline hugs the Pacific Ocean in western Peru and is home to many unusual coastal critters, including sea lions and Humboldt penguins. You’ll find yourself surrounded by these unique species on a boat tour of the Islas Ballestas, or you can take a hike to view them in their natural habitat.
There’s also the opportunity to explore the jungle and its flora and fauna, such as the guano-producing parrots and colorful hummingbirds. This is where you’ll likely encounter the Matses, indigenous tribes that have lived in the jungle for generations and have a deep understanding of its resources.
The Amazon River and rainforest is a region of enormous beauty, containing more than 10% of the world’s biodiversity. It is a habitat for over 1,800 species of birds, 500 mammals, and hundreds of different species of insects, reptiles, and fish.
Besides the awe-inspiring diversity of flora and fauna, the Amazon River is also a rich cultural area where you’ll be able to see and experience ancient traditions firsthand. You’ll see how natives have lived here for centuries and still rely on the forest to survive, catching their food and hunting their prey with spears and blow darts.
Peru is a diverse nation with a variety of traditions and ethnic groups. The nation’s history spans from pre-Inca to Inca times, with many historic sites to discover. The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima are all storied destinations that will provide you with plenty of opportunities to learn about the past.
The people of Peru are passionate about their culture and tradition, largely due to the influence of the Incas. They carry ancient traditions and costumes and value the principles of solidarity, empathy, and teamwork.
In addition to the rich history of the country, you’ll be able to enjoy the modern culture of this beautiful South American nation. The country has a rich, cosmopolitan culture that is reflected in its music and cuisine.
Using a Travel Promotional Code can help you save money on your next budget travel adventure. Look for codes offered by travel sites or airlines and apply them at checkout for discounts. Be sure to also consider budget-friendly lodging options and transportation methods to further reduce costs.
Qatar
Qatar is a small country jutting out into the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by an absolute monarch who is hereditary and holds all executive and legislative authority. Noncitizens have limited political rights, and elections are held only for an advisory municipal council. In the 2019 municipal council elections, turnout was 50.1 percent, down from 70 percent in 2015.
The country is a flat, low-lying desert characterized by dunes and salt flats (sabkhahs). There are few natural bodies of water, and vegetation is sparse in most areas.
Despite its relatively dry climate, Qatar is home to a rich array of plants and animals. There are more than a dozen different kinds of flora, including rare ones. There are also various types of mammals, including Arabian gazelles and camels.
In addition, the inland sea has a variety of marine life that includes reptiles and humpback dolphins. You can also see many birds, such as flamingos and cormorants.
A private tour is a perfect way to explore the northern reaches of this Persian Gulf state, where historic buildings, traditional ports, and sweeping beaches await you. Your driver-guide explains the history of this region and leads you to some of the highlights, from Al Khor Harbour’s pearling past to UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Fort and wildlife-filled mangroves at Al Thakhira beach.
Inside, 11 striking galleries immerse visitors in Qatar’s history, with a unique narrative approach employed across each space. All are accompanied by immersive film presentations that capture a series of remarkable habitats and species.
One gallery presents a vast art film, which reimagines the formation of the Qatari peninsula by depicting the geological processes that created it. A model of this formation, based on fossils found in Qatar, is presented against the backdrop of an interactive display.
Another gallery showcases many fascinating displays that illustrate Qatar’s rich history of trade. It features a large wooden model of the Cirebon, a 10th-century wreck that sank off Indonesia, and a set of objects related to ancient trade routes.
The final gallery reveals how Qatari people have left their mark on the country throughout its long history. It is a living space that connects you to the history of this vibrant state through stories told in large-format oral histories, artifacts, and art films.
United States
As one of the world's leading powers, the United States has a wide range of wildlife and ecosystems, from the mountains and deserts to the arid coastal regions. Many of the most amazing animals in the country live in national parks and preserves, protected by the National Park Service.
The National Park System is a multi-billion dollar economic engine that draws tens of millions of visitors each year, and it also protects more than 150 million acres as a habitat for thousands of species. More than 560 refuges and sanctuaries are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, ensuring that wild places remain as precious and unique as ever.
From the towering forests of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to the lush green islands of Hawaii, the United States offers a dazzling variety of habitats for wildlife. The diversity of mammals, birds, and reptiles is impressive.
White-tailed deer, bobcats, raccoons, muskrats, striped skunks, barn owls, and American mink are common in the lower 48 states. Larger predators such as wolves, mountain lions, and bears are still found in some areas.
In the Southwest, you can find elk, black bears, and cougars. You'll also find numerous types of birds, including bald eagles and ospreys.
A few of the most stunning examples of these magnificent creatures can be found at Grand Canyon National Park, where a population of more than 400 bighorn sheep thrives, thanks to conservation efforts. They are among the first species to receive protection under the Endangered Species Act.
You'll also find sandhill cranes in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, along with lesser long-nosed bats and other mammals like the pronghorn. And you'll find the California condor, a species that became nearly synonymous with "endangered" in the 1990s but is now making a strong comeback.
There's also a wealth of marine mammals, from humpback whales to sea lions, dolphins, seals, and even porpoises. And of course, countless types of fish can be found in the oceans and lakes.
Conclusion
Peru Peru is a country with many ways to connect with nature and the beauty of wildlife. Many of the most amazing animals in the country live in national parks and preserves, protected by the National Park Service. From the towering forests of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to the lush green islands of Hawaii, the United States offers a dazzling variety of habitats for wildlife.
