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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm

http://www.humboldttravel.co.uk/

Humboldt Travel, The Union Building, 51-59 Rose Lane, Norwich (2025)

27/04/2025

We made a visit to Thiksey monastery a few days ago to observe morning prayers. A truly humbling experience

Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the vast Indus Valley, Thiksey Monastery is one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in Leh, Ladakh in the Himalayas of India 🇮🇳.

Often called the "Mini Potala" because of its striking resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, this 12-story complex is home to a vibrant community of monks, ancient murals and sacred stupas.

Visiting Thiksey feels like stepping into a living piece of Tibetan Buddhist heritage, with its serene courtyards, colourful prayer flags, and the soft hum of daily chants filling the air.

Whether you arrive at sunrise, when the golden light touches the whitewashed walls, or during the annual Gustor Festival with its masked dances and spiritual rituals, Thiksey offers an unforgettable glimpse into Ladakh's deep spiritual roots.

It’s not just a place to admire architecture and history — it’s a space where you can pause, breathe, and connect with something timeless.

Add it to your Ladakh bucket list — you won’t regret it!

Thanks to for helping with the visit.

13/04/2025

Ecuador's varied and colourful fashion.

A lady from the Angla community in northern Ecuador, wearing traditional dress, smiles at a young tourist wearing the Diablo Uma mask.

Diablo Uma, meaning devil's head in Quechua, is a mask worn by indigenous communities during festivals and is meant to warn off evil spirits.

It has the colours of the rainbow and the 12 horns represent the 12 months of the year or the 12 apostles.

You can often find the masks being sold in local markets such as that in Otavalo and they make a fun souvenir to take home.

09/04/2025

Otavalo Market, located in northern Ecuador, is one of the most famous and vibrant indigenous markets in South America. It is especially renowned for its colourful textiles, handcrafted by the local Otavaleño people who are known for their rich weaving traditions. The market operates daily, but the busiest and most spectacular day is Saturday when hundreds of vendors fill the Plaza de los Ponchos and surrounding streets, selling a wide array of goods including blankets, ponchos, scarves, jewelry, pottery, and traditional musical instruments.

Beyond being a hub for artisan goods, the Otavalo Market is a cultural experience. Visitors can interact directly with indigenous vendors, many of whom wear traditional clothing, and witness the fusion of ancient customs with modern commerce. The market also offers fresh produce and local food, giving a taste of Andean culinary traditions. With its lively atmosphere, artistic diversity, and deep cultural roots, Otavalo Market is more than just a shopping destination—it's a window into the heritage and daily life of the Andean highlands.

Make sure to include a visit to Otavalo on a trip to Ecuador.

24/03/2025

Places we love to stay. Avana Retreat, Mai Chau Valley, Vietnam.

Avana Retreat, nestled in the lush hills of Mai Chau, Vietnam, is a luxurious eco-resort that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and refined comfort. Surrounded by terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and verdant mountains, the retreat is designed to reflect traditional Vietnamese architecture while incorporating modern sustainability practices. Each villa and suite is crafted with local materials like thatched roofs and bamboo, offering guests a sense of immersion in nature without sacrificing elegance. The resort emphasizes wellness and tranquillity , featuring a spa built above a cascading stream, yoga sessions with panoramic views, and farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate local flavours.

Avana is derived from the word “A-yana,” meaning a beautiful flower. Like a wildflower nourished by nature, Avana is meant to be loved and admired.

What truly sets Avana Retreat apart is its deep connection to the local culture and community. Guests can participate in curated experiences such as ethnic minority village visits, traditional crafts workshops, and guided hikes through the scenic countryside. The retreat fosters a strong commitment to environmental preservation and cultural respect, aiming to uplift the surrounding communities while protecting the natural habitat.

Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a wellness getaway, or a cultural adventure, Avana Retreat provides a serene sanctuary that embodies the spirit and soul of northern Vietnam.

It's the perfect remote getaway.

21/03/2025

Have you been to the Galápagos?

The Galápagos Islands are home to some of the most unique and diverse wildlife on the planet. Located in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, these volcanic islands are a living laboratory of evolution. Due to their isolation, many species here are found nowhere else in the world. Iconic animals like the giant Galápagos tortoise, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants have evolved distinct traits to adapt to the islands' harsh environments. The islands are also famous for inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection during his visit in the 1830s.

Wildlife in the Galápagos is known for its unusual lack of fear toward humans, offering visitors rare, up-close encounters. Sea lions lounge on beaches alongside tourists, while blue-footed bo***es perform their distinctive mating dance nearby. The surrounding waters teem with life as well, including colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and hammerhead sharks. Strict conservation efforts and regulations help protect these fragile ecosystems, though challenges like invasive species and climate change continue to threaten the balance. The Galápagos remain a powerful symbol of biodiversity and the importance of preserving wild habitats.

Contact our team to plan your own adventure to these incredible islands.

18/03/2025

Romance personified.

We love these photos of India sent to us by two of our favourite clients who recently returned home from an epic adventure around India.

A trip full of the wonderful chaotic madness of Indian cities and interspersed with some of the country's best wildlife, including tigers, lions, sloth bears and leopards. All wrapped up in a colonial luxury which India excels at.

Is India on your bucket list?

16/03/2025

Places we love to stay. Magic Camps, Wahiba Sands, Oman.

Enjoy a Bedouin experience in luxury surroundings at Magic Camps Oman. This is hands down our favourite camp in Oman and a great way to experience the stunning natural surroundings of Wahiba Sands. Easily accessible, it is a great addition to any luxury holiday in Oman.

Each tent is perfectly appointed and perfectly encapsulates authenticity and barefoot luxury. The furnishings and textiles echo the desert surroundings and the water in the bathrooms is stored in the traditional way in clay pots covered with mats. Nothing is more refreshing than washing the sand off with water warmed by the heat of the sun after a day in the desert heat.

At the end of each day, guests are invited to watch the sun go down with a refreshing drink and snacks on top of the dunes. This is a stunning spot to relax and soak up the raw natural beauty of the desert. For kids or the more adventurous, try your hand at dune boarding, rushing down the slopes with a scream of delight.

The food at this camp is a real experience and the chef provides a delicious array of traditional Omani dishes and truly impressive quality for its desert location. After dinner, traditional Bedouin musicians and dancers come to entertain the guests who are also welcome to join in with the dancing and the singing.

Activities on offer here include camel rides, dune bashing, visits to local wadis and Bedouin families.

Magic Camps Oman truly is a very special place in a very special country.

Magic Camps

14/03/2025

Happy Holi! Today is Holi Festival, an important date in the Hindu calendar celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring. It marks the end of spring and is a fun and vibrant day where people throw coloured tikka powder and water over each other.

The night before Holi, people light bonfires and sing and dance in a ceremony known as Little Holi. The following day, after the fun and chaos of all the colour and water, people bathe, dress in clean clothes and visit friends and family.

Holi is a fun time to be in India and tourists are welcome to join in the fun, being doused in colour and water normally by mischievous little children. Have you ever been to Holi?

Get in touch if you would like to talk about a trip to India.

12/03/2025

A big part of any trip to Kenya is the people. It is a country that works hard to make tourism work for the local people as well as visitors and for us at Humboldt, this is an essential part of any trip. Kargi, located in north-east Kenya is home to the Rendille people. They live a peaceful, nomadic lifestyle. Visitors are encouraged to immerse with the local people, as well as learn about their culture and traditions. Nothing makes your trip more complete than simple, authentic interactions with the local people to whom these lands belong.

09/03/2025

Places we love to stay. El Remanso Lodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.

Nestled within 185 acres of untouched rainforest along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, El Remanso Lodge is an intimate, owner-run eco-lodge featuring 12 stylish yet simple cabins and suites, as well as a separate four-bedroom villa ideal for larger groups or families. While the journey to the lodge may be a bit rugged, it’s undoubtedly worth the effort. If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, this tranquil retreat is sure to captivate you. In line with its eco-friendly ethos, the lodge’s accommodations are crafted from beautiful tropical hardwoods sourced from fallen timber within the lodge's private nature reserve. Each cabin also features a hot-water shower, separated by a stunning stucco wall, with sweeping views of the tropical gardens, forest, and ocean. All rooms include a porch or deck where you can unwind in a hammock, watching the abundant birdlife or playful monkeys, while enjoying the symphony of jungle sounds.

The lodge’s restaurant serves a variety of delicious, fresh meals, and the on-site naturalists and guides are eager to share their expertise about the local flora and fauna. The friendly and attentive staff make sure you feel right at home. The property boasts an extensive trail system that invites you to explore the magic of the primary rainforest, where you may spot wildlife such as sloths, kinkajous, eagles, toucans, parrots, and perhaps even a jaguar or ocelot. Just beyond the forest lies a nearly deserted beach, perfect for exploring tide pools, taking a swim, or simply relaxing on the sand. There’s no shortage of activities at El Remanso, from thrilling waterfall rappelling and early-morning birdwatching to guided jungle hikes and canopy tree platform tours. For those seeking more adventure, excursions like dolphin-watching in Golfo Dulce, horseback riding through the rainforest and along the beach, surfing at the renowned Matapalo breaks, or hiking in Corcovado National Park are also easily arranged.

Contact our team to arrange your own stay.

07/03/2025

A classic Mercedes is parked in the colourful district of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, South Africa.

Bo-Kaap is a vibrant and historically rich neighbourhood located on the slopes of Signal Hill in Cape Town,. Known for its brightly coloured houses and cobblestone streets, Bo-Kaap is one of the city's most iconic areas, and it carries a deep cultural significance. Originally settled by enslaved people from various parts of Africa, Indonesia, and Malaysia in the 18th century, the area was historically known as the Malay Quarter. The Muslim community in Bo-Kaap has maintained strong cultural ties to its roots, and the neighbourhood is home to many mosques, including the Auwal Mosque, which is the oldest in South Africa, built in 1794.

Today, Bo-Kaap remains a symbol of Cape Malay culture and heritage. The district’s unique blend of history, architecture, and colourful charm makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The area has also seen gentrification in recent years, which has sparked debates about preserving its cultural identity while accommodating growth. Despite this, Bo-Kaap remains a vibrant, tight-knit community with a rich tradition of culinary delights, music, and festivals, reflecting its diverse and dynamic history.

It's an essential part of any visit to Cape Town. Have you visited?

28/02/2025

This is one of our favourite viewpoints of Rio de Janeiro.

Sitting on Ipanema beach in the late afternoon, looking towards Morro Dois Irmãos as the sun goes down, watching people play footvolley or volleyball.

Such a wonderful city.

📷 Photo by Murilo Fonseca

30/01/2025

EXCITING NEW FLIGHTS TO THE AMAZON!

This may be a post for the aviation nerds among us but we were excited to learn about a fabulous new airline route in Brazil offered by Azul Airlines enabling easier access to the southern Amazon and one of our favourite lodges in Brazil, Cristalino Lodge.

Once only accessible on a flight from Cuiaba, Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras are now starting a direct service from Sao Paulo Viracopos to Alta Floresta

Enjoy the convenience of direct flights operating three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—perfect to plan your stay at Cristalino Lodge .

The new flights will depart São Paulo at 12:55, arriving at Alta Floresta by 14:50. The return journey departs at 15:35, landing back in São Paulo at 19:30.

This also means that flying from Rio de Janeiro to the southern Amazon now becomes significantly easier with a great connection in Sao Paulo, opening up exciting new itinerary possibilities.

Family owned and run Cristalino Lodge is an exceptional destination for nature lovers, sitting lightly and sustainably in a private reserve and bordering the vast Cristalino State Park, a vital conservation area in the southern Amazon. This 11,399-hectare biodiversity hotspot is known as an ecotone, meaning there’s an extraordinary diversity of bird and other wildlife. It’s the place for birding in the Brazilian Amazon with over 600 species, including the harpy eagle and black-girdled barbet, 2,000 species of butterflies and over 40 mammal species such as tapirs, monkeys and a resident giant river otter family.

Contact us and plan your own visit.

22/01/2025

We've been getting an influx of enquiries and bookings for Vietnam in the last couple of weeks and well, why not! From vibrant cities to peaceful hillside villages, from breath-taking bays to blissful beaches, Vietnam is a rich and fascinating country.

From north to south, Vietnam offers a captivating and exhilarating experience filled with fabulous colours and flavours. Its history is an extraordinary mix of ancient dynasties, French colonialism and the far more recent war. It is possible to take in all of this whether you visit ancient temples, the famous Cui Chi Tunnels or wander the charming French quarters of so many of the cities.

Vietnam is known for its food and you will find mouth-watering dishes in the street stalls or the finest restaurants. Visit the amazing floating markets on the Mekong and watch fresh produce being traded and even see them being cultivated in the rice fields and rolling hills of rural Vietnam. Here you can enjoy trekking or cycling through stunning scenery, stopping at villages inhabited by local hill tribes where you can enjoy delicious food and shop for some handicrafts.

For beaches and relaxation, there is plenty on offer. Visit Nha Trang in the south for pristine white beaches and some of our favourite luxury hotels. For a truly atmospheric experience, enjoy a trip on a traditional junk boat through beautiful Ha Long Bay or the quieter Lan Ha Bay. Slip into the water for a swim or relax as you glide by the extraordinary islands jutting out of the azure waters.

Whatever you choose, we can help you put together an unforgettable experience in this warm and welcoming country.

📷 Pic by

Humboldt Travel

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Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm