3 Ways to do the Famous W Trek in Torres del Paine

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

Trekking season in Patagonia is upon us! Read on to discover three different ways to do the famous W Trek in Torres del Paine with us this season.

  1. Self-Guided with Rifugios (basic)
  2. EcoCamp (comfortable)
  3. Explora (luxury)

1) Self-guided 5-Day Patagonia: Traditional W Trek in Torres del Paine (Staying at Refugios)

Torres del Paine
Traditional W-Trek in Torres del Paine, Patagonia

This is the most traditional way of doing the W Trek. Start off in Puerto Natales and then head off to Torres del Paine and enjoy 5 days and 4 nights of trekking while staying at the traditional, cozy refugios throughout the park. End back in Puerto Natales.

This is the cheapest option and is great for experienced hikers looking for a non-frilly, incredible trekking experience. Please note that we include all bedding at the refugios and camping gear for our travelers so all you need to carry are the clothes and personal items you will want during the trek.

This hike can be done with a guide as well for additional cost. You can also upgrade two nights at the Hotel Las Torres.

2) 5 and 7-Day W Trek options with EcoCamp

EcoCamp (Standard Dome)

These two options are group departures and are based from EcoCamp, which is your home-base for the trek and offers a variety of comfortable dome accommodations. Depending on if you do the 5-Day or 7-Day option, you will spend 1 or 2 nights respectably in one of the refugios in the park but the rest of the nights will be back at EcoCamp. The 5-day trek starts on Sundays, and the 7-day trek starts on Mondays.

This option is great for solo travelers looking to join a group or people that would like a bit more comfort during the trek than the traditional refugio/camping option. With this option you do not have to carry anything more than a day pack with your personal items that you will want for the day in it.

3) 5-Day Patagonia: Torres del Paine Luxury Explora

View from rooms at Explora

This final option is the most luxurious way to hike around Torres del Paine. Base your self for 5 days at Explora Patagonia in the middle of Torres del Paine National Park. Each day you have the opportunity to choose from dozens of hiking options around the park. For those wishing to do the W Trek, you can complete the trek as three day hikes with Explora: Base of the Towers Trek, French Valley Trek and Glacier Grey Valley Trek. At Explora, your stay is all inclusive so all meals and alcohol are included as well as transportation out to the various hikes and private guides.

Want to plan your W Trek adventure? Contact us!

Your friendly Patagonia expert,
Gretchen

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Discover The Ballestas Islands of Peru

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

The Ballestas Islands are located right off the coast of Paracas, a vibrant wildlife sanctuary filled with a stunning scenery and a variety of wildlife species. Discover the islands and see the stunning rock formations and landscapes that surround them.

Sail around the rock formations and marvel at the colorful birds that inhabit the islands. Get up-close and personal with the Humboldt penguins and sea lions as well as many other endangered birds and animals that live on the islands.

To learn more about visiting the Ballestas Islands, please contact us or check out some of the following itineraries:

Combine the Ballestas with the Nazca Lines:

https://i1.wp.com/cdn.cuponidad.pe/images/Deals/paracashuellas2d.jpg?w=640&ssl=1

Your friendly Peru expert,
Gretchen

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The More You Know: Argentina Travel Tips

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

A successful trip to Argentina begins before the adventure! Read on for our tips on weather and when to go, packing and literature.

Laguna Los Tres
Laguna Los Tres

WHEN TO GO:

The best time to visit Argentina depends on the region you’re traveling to. October to March are the warmest and most accessible months for visitors heading to Patagonia, in the south of the country.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazu Falls and the Northwest are truly year-round destinations. June, July and August are popular months for skiers in the mountains around Bariloche, while April’s displays of fall leaves in Mendoza’s winelands make this month an appealing time for a visit.

WHAT TO BRING:

Packing for Argentina can be tricky especially if you are visiting a combination of say, the Northwest and Patagonia. Consult our packing lists to guide you.

ADDITIONAL READING AND ADVICE:
Travel Advice: How to Pack for The Atacama & Patagonia In One Trip (Even though this was written for Chile, it applies to Argentina as well)
Sustainable Travel — Reducing Plastic on Your Trip

Laguna Los Tres
Laguna Los Tres, El Chalten

THE MORE YOU KNOW:

Before you travel, consider picking up one of these trusted guide books about Argentina to read more about the areas you will be visiting and get ideas for restaurants and activities you may want to do on any free days you may have.

Want to plan your next Argentina adventure? Contact us!

Your friendly Argentina expert,

Gretchen

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NEW VIDEO: Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

Embark on a journey with us along the extraordinary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OiKMzbbwSVU%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26fs%3D1%26autohide%3D2%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26wmode%3Dtransparent

The legendary Inca Trail takes you through the diverse wilderness of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, passing numerous Inca ruins on the magnificent stone highway before descending to the famed citadel of Machu Picchu. It starts from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, hiking from km 82 into Machu Picchu, and returns to Cusco with an overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

  • Set departures are on Sundays and Wednesdays.
  • Minimum two people.
  • Groups are limited to 12 people, but most groups are smaller than that.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu


When to go: All year, except February, when the Inca Trail is closed; best season for trekking is April through October. Note that you may start your trek on any day of the week for a private trek.

Want to plan your next Peru adventure? Check with us for availability!

Your friendly Peru expert,

Gretchen

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Summiting Kilimajaro Via The Lemosho Route

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

Summiting Kilimanjaro is an amazing goal and definite must for any adventurer! There are numerous routes that trekkers can choose from to attain this. Check out our Kilimanjaro Route Comparison to learn more about all the routes and their individual ins and outs.

One of our travelers, Barbara just returned from a successful summit along the Lemosho Route. The Lemosho Route is typically completed in 8 days. This is a great option if you want a longer trek for acclimatization. It connects with the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. The drive to trail head is about 4 hours.

Check out some of Barbara’s photos here:

Want to plan your own Kilimanjaro adventure? Contact us!

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The More You Know: Chile Travel Tips

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

A successful trip to Chile begins before the adventure! Read on for our tips on

  1. When To Go
  2. What To Bring
  3. Additional Reading & Advice
Torres del Paine, Chile

1) WHEN TO GO:

The best time to visit Chile depends on the region you’re traveling to. October to March are the warmest and most accessible months for visitors heading to Patagonia, in the south of the country.

Meanwhile, Santiago, the Central Valleys, and the Atacama Desert are truly year-round destinations. June, July and August are popular months for skiers in the mountains around Santiago, while April’s displays of fall leaves in Chile’s winelands make this month an appealing time for a visit.

Licancabur Atacama
Licancabur, Atacama, Chile/Bolivia

2) WHAT TO BRING:

Packing for Chile can be tricky especially if you are visiting a combination of say, the Atacama Desert and Patagonia. Consult our packing lists to guide you.

Chile Packing List >>

3) ADDITIONAL READING & ADVICE:

Before you travel, consider picking up one of these trusted guide books about Chile to read more about the areas you will be visiting and get ideas for restaurants and activities you may want to do on any free days you may have.

Santiago, Chile Cerro Santa Lucia

Want to plan your next Chile adventure? Contact us!

Your friendly Chile expert,

Gretchen

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NEW TRIP: 9-Day Northern Spain Luxury Adventure (Mountains, Ocean, Dining)

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

Ancient mountains, glittering sea, rich gastronomy, historic cities, and fine wines. Five elements that make our new 9-Day Northern Spain Luxury Adventure exceptionally unforgettable. It is in very few places in the world where one can enjoy these five elements in such close geographical proximity as the Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarra.

Enjoy hiking from the pastoral landscapes of the middle mountains of the Basque Country, to the high levels of the Navarrese Pyrenees. Test yourself on the Cantabrian waves and visit hamlets where you can taste the typical artisanal cheeses of the area. Get carried away by the historic towns and picturesque streets of cities like San Sebastián, Vitoria and Pamplona. Relax while taking in the views of the endless vineyards in La Rioja, and taste the wines that bloom from their vines. Throughout the trip, we will have endless opportunities to savor one of the most famous gastronomies in Spain and the world! Welcome to northern Spain, land of legends, vineyards, waves and mountains.

This is an excellent add-on before or after a Camino Trip and can be modified in any way that travelers see fit!

Starting at $3295/person!

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival, transfer in Pintxos dinner (D)
Day 2: Visit Zarautz + Optional Activities (B)
Day 3: Hiking in Murrumendi + Visit to Tolosa (BL)
Day 4: Trekking in Txindoki + Idiazabal Cheese Tasting (BLD)
Day 5: Obarenes Mountain Trekking + la Muga Wine Tasting (BLD)
Day 6: Hiking in Urbasa Natural Park (BLD)
Day 7: Hiking in Valle del Echo + Craft Brewey Tour (BLD)
Day 8: Hiking in Foothills of Mesa de los Tres Reyes + Kortariko Gasna Cheese Tasting (BLD)
Day 9: Departure (B)

Want to book your next Spain adventure? Contact us!

Your friendly Spain expert,

Gretchen

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GUEST REVIEW: Dolomites Alta Via 1 Trek

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

This group of 4 friends just returned from our guided Alta Via 1 Trek in the Dolomites. Read on to hear about their experiences and see some of the amazing photos from their trip!

Dolomites Alta Via 1 Trek

Truly a hiker’s paradise, thousands of trails wind their way between the fantastic pinnacles of the jagged Dolomite Mountains, and the Alta Via represent the “best of the best.” These routes are multi-day, hut-to-hut alpine tours, and offer some the most breathtaking, challenging, multi-day trails available in this mountainous wonderland.

Hiker's paradise in the Dolomites

The Alta Via 1 is a fantastic trek, highlighted by breathtaking views, rustic and lively mountain refuges, a sense of excitement of what lies around the next bend or the next pass and the satisfaction of traveling by foot through this beautiful and remote area. On this quick getaway, we’ve shortened the classic trek from 11 days to 6, but retained all the highlights and excitement of traveling across the Dolomites! Our linear trip travels north to south through the Italian Alps, covering the first portion of the AV1; beginning in the Italian Südtirol, moving south through the Pragser and Tofana mountain groups, visiting the Fanes area, and concluding at Mount Lagazuoi.

Amazing mountain scenery hiking in the Dolomites

The impressiveness of the scenery and the variety of terrain on this route is matched only by the warmth and hospitality offered by the mountain huts. The unusual contrasts in landscapes, changing colors and textures of the mountains and curious mix of Italian and Austrian influences means fantastic hiking, stunning scenery, and plenty of pasta!

Great trekking guides in the Dolomite Mountains

“Everything went very well on our trek. The only unknown was weather as Dolomiti weather forecasts were all over the place. Robin’s last email with current weather reports from recent/ongoing trips was very helpful and reassuring.

Our guide, Karin, was fantastic!!!! Hotel Bello Seppe was also wonderful!! The hiking route was beyond our expectations….incredible. The huts should not be referred to as huts but lovely mountain/alpine lodges!

Mountain trekking Dolomites

Robin on the AWR team and those involved in Italy were absolutely first rate.

We highly recommend AWR and their partners in Italy. The Alta Via trek is breathtaking. We loved our guide and the knowledge and local flavor she brought to the trip. Definitely would recommend Karin (or comparable guide).

Mountain lodges on the Dolomites hike

Thanks Robin for a memorable trip!”

–Ann

Want to plan your next adventure to the Dolomites? Contact us!

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GUEST REVIEW: Trekking in the Dolomites

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach

Matt and Winton just returned from a stellar custom Dolomites Trek. Check out some of their trip photos below!

“We liked AWR’s flexibility and customized trips. On our trip we loved the spectacular scenery, terrific food, and nice friendly hotels. Working with AWR was very good and they always answered all our questions. Our advise for future travelers: relax, go with the flow, enjoy the local culture!” -Winton

Trekking in the Dolomites
Trails in the Dolomites

Long known as a paradise for rock climbers, the Dolomites are a great destination for hikers, too. Travelers will see the best of the stunning mountain Valhalla, as well as the majestic Sella massif and the striking, often-photographed pillars of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, arguably the most well-known landmark in the Dolomites.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo Dolomites

On the trail, travelers only need to carry a light daypack with the daily essentials (camera, water bottle, and jacket). But the best part? You can do as much (or as little) hiking as you please! We’ll provide details of varied, moderate hikes with strenuous options, but you get to customize your own experience as you go!

Want to plan your own Dolomite adventure? Contact us!

Hiking in the Dolomites Mountains, Italy

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GUEST REVIEW: Ecuador the Land of Mountains and Jungle

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Adventures Within Reach
Stellar view of the Andes along the Lodge to Lodge Trek
Stellar view of the Andes along the Lodge to Lodge Trek

Jean and John just returned from an incredible custom 13-day journey to Ecuador where they visited the Bellavista Cloud Forest, Sacha Lodge in the Rainforest, and capped it all off with an incredible lodge-to-lodge trek through the Andes. Read on to hear their comments and see pictures from their incredible adventure!

Exploring volcanoes in Ecuador
Exploring volcanoes in Ecuador

“We are extremely likely to recommend AWR, and we’ll be using it again!

The highlights of our trip were: the variety of birds that we saw and quality of the guides at Sacha Lodge and Bellavista. They knew the Latin, Spanish and English term for birds + vegetation. I loved, too, the first lodges on our trek including the Cotopaxipungo and enjoyed getting a massage at the Hacienda el Porvenir + the owner was very friendly, looking forward to meeting you, and food was fabulous!

Spied a Huatzan in the Amazon Ecuador
Spied a Huatzan in the Amazon

Finally, was so glad that we hiked part of the volcano though it was a strange experience to be hiking in the snow, knowing that we were on the equator.

The old growth trees in the Ecuadorian rainforest are incredible!
The old growth trees in the Ecuadorian rainforest are incredible!

I almost forgot to mention: the Dann Carlton was wonderful, and I noticed that a lot of captains and flight attendants from various airlines stayed there, a good sign. The patisserie in the hotel was so excellent that we ate there 3 times- very good light dinners, lunches and, especially, coffees and pastries.

Thanks!”

Cotopaxi Hacienda Adventure
In awe of Cotopaxi

Want to plan your next Ecuador adventure? Contact us!

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