PLACES WE LOVE MARQUESAS
These Polynesian islands inspire castaway dreams Imagination runs wild in the Marquesas Islands, where green peaks plunge into the sea, waterfalls lace fragrant valleys, and dramatic rock spires jut into the sky. Although a part of French Polynesia, the Marquesas are proudly apart. You won’t find overwater bungalows
NAT GEO TRAVEL .C OM
valleys, steep slopes, and high ridges. Visi tors can sign up with an outfitter leading horse treks or can simply spot horsemen like Jérémie Kehuehitu (pictured, on Hiva Oa) galloping their steeds on the beaches. But a main attraction of these idyllic isles remains their isolation— the nearest continent is more than 3,000 miles away. —Amy Alipio
JUGIRARDOT.COM
Remote Paradise
and turquoise lagoons on these 12 volcanic South Pacific islands, six of which are sparsely inhabited. Instead, in addition to a rich natural heritage, you’ll discover distinc tive cultural traditions in tattooing, dance, language, and horse back riding. Horses were intro duced to the island of Ua Huka in the mid-19th century, a gift from French admiral Abel Dupetit-Thouars, who brought them from Chile. Islanders tamed and adopted some over the years, and they became the perfect transport for traversing roadless
AUGU ST/SEP TEMBER 2019