b'soul-stirring journeysTorres del Paine The first rays of the sun turn the blue granite Patagonia, Chile towers of Torres del Paine into gilt-covered cathedrals looming large over a turquoise lake. Though these peaks are the chief attraction of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, the enormous protected area has a number of unique ecosystems and wildlife. From scenic lookout points,admire the remarkable landscapes of pampas, waterfalls, lakes, cliffs, massifs, and various kinds of beech forests. You may spot rare birds of prey including the majestic Andean condor. On the vast grasslands, South Americas last remaining pumas roam, feeding off the abundance of guanacoand hare.Van Long Rugged limestone cliffs rise high above the placid waters of this wetland area in northern Nature Reserve Vietnams Ninh Binh province. With a local lady rowing a traditional sampan boat made of Ninh Binh, bamboo, you can glide gently through streams and waterways. Before long, you settle intoVietnam the languid pace, the stillness and tranquillity of the landscape seeping into your soul.Especially on a morning boat ride, you can hope to see hundreds of birds, from storks and egrets, to herons and pheasants. If youre lucky, you will also spot critically endangeredblack-and-white Delacours langurs on the karst cliff faces. This primate species is only found SIDE CREDITin Vietnam, and some families live in Van Long Reserve. This excursion also ventures into a limestone cave where you see stalactites and other rock formations. The unadulterated beauty of nature is your true companion as you coast through this gorgeous tropical countryside.10 \x1a HAYES JARVIS TRUE VOYAGES \x1a 11'