One Month In the Peruvian Amazon: One Woman’s Solo Dream Adventure Come True

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

A couple years ago, an adventurous solo female AWR traveler, Tracey, went to the Peruvian Amazon with AWR for a week and stayed in Iquitos at the Muyuna Lodge. This year, she came back to us asking to put together a special customized package for her; she wanted to return to the Peruvian Amazon for a month and do a homestay this time. Read on to hear about Tracey’s month-long homestay in the Amazon!

“Wow!  Peru was amazing!  My experience there and with AWR was a definite 10!

Tracey in the cloud forest

During my trip everyone met me at the airports and stayed with me until I got checked in etc.  I kicked them out of the airport a couple of times ? the service was great but not always necessary ?

The hotels were nice in Lima and Arequipa.

THE JUNGLE/CLOUD FOREST:

Making friends with local families

Sooo, I flew to Jaen.  1 gate open air airport in the middle of nowhere.  No problem. ? I would stay in Chachapoyas for the week.  I had been doing so much traveling etc. I wanted to relax and I had plenty of time for the forest. 

Local Market in Chachapoyas

My first day there I found a language school a block away from the hotel, signed up for Spanish Class and found a tour company on the square to book some tours.  I fell in love with Chachapoyas!  It is a destination for Peruvians!  I met very few Americans, just the way I like it!  Their sights have just started opening up to tourism in the past 15 years.  My first tour, I met a Peruvian family with 3 boys, the oldest spoke English.  What a wonderful family!  I spent another day with them on another tour, so fun!  The hotel staff was wonderful to me as well as the tour people.  I had a lot of down time and I met amazing people! 

View from homestay house

Hosts at homestay

Tracey helping in the kitchen

The next Monday, Vicky another daughter of the family whose homestay I would be at, brought me to the bus station to go to Bagua Grande to meet Leyda.  We drove maybe 45min – 1 hour into the mountains.  Then hiked 1.5-2 hours into the forest in mud and pouring rain, arrived at her parents house after dark…. I loved it!  Soooo amazing!  They raised 6 girls in this house, they walked an hour each way to go to school.  5 years ago they put in some hydroelectric lights and solar for hot water for the shower.  I always had a flash light in my pocket ?. The house is in the clouds, 6,000 ft.  Cloudy and rainy every day and soooooo amazing!  Saw the sun a few times for a little while.  It really is beautiful.  I was there for 8 days, a group of 5 came up to study birds for 5 days.  2 were from Florida doing their PHD and 1 guy from Colombia, 1 guy from Peru and Vicky the younger daughter of the family who owned the house.  They were in the field during the day, so it was very peaceful, I read 2 books.  I went into the pasture and tried to milk the cows, (not very successfully) I made cheese 1 day and Vicky and I taught each other English and Spanish!   There are beautiful water falls on their property.  It is just a magical place.

Waterfalls on the property

I really went without expectations…and I would go back in a heartbeat!  I guess it reminded me what is needed for happiness, obviously not much…In general Peruvians there don’t have much and don’t need much to be happy warm people.  I came home and cleaned my house out of stuff, because that is all it is “stuff”.  And right now, it is hard to hang onto the magic I felt there, now being in this society that puts so much importance on the wrong things.

Homestay in the clouds

I left the cloud forest and went back to Chachapoyas for the last couple of days before returning to Lima. 

Thank you so much for making this happen for me!  It was an experience of a lifetime!  I will always recommend AWR!”

For more information on this homestay, please contact us or visit their website HERE.

Want to plan your next dream adventure? Contact us to make it happen!

Your friendly Peru expert,

Gretchen

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Top 6 Mind-Blowing Treks That Don’t Kill Your Knees

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

While some of our guests strive for a strenuous edge to their trekking adventures, many of our travelers prefer to put culture and dramatic scenery first and opt for a milder trekking option for their vacations.

For the latter type of traveler, we have gone ahead and put together a list of incredible treks that lead to mind-blowing destinations but still leave the ol’ knees intact, so travelers can enjoy the destination trekked to after the trek itself is over! ?

Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago

Experience the Camino with a little bit of luxury!  On this hike, you stay in the very nicest 4-star hotels along the route.  This is an amazingly special experience!

The Portuguese Coastal Way is another very popular Camino route and is and excellent alternative to the French Way. This stunning walk weaves along the coastline of Portugal into Spain, taking in some beautiful fishing towns and scenery. The seafood along the route is gorgeous with fresh produce served in most restaurants.

Spend time on the white sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Southern Galicia and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of maritime culture on this peaceful Camino way.

Meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and get your pilgrim passport stamped as you walk through woodlands, farmland and rustic hamlets. Once in Santiago, get your “Compostela” certificate and explore the magic of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This will be a self-guided hike.  It can be customized (itinerary and accommodations), and we can arrange a private guide for you. The hike can be stretched to 9 days.

All treks include luggage transfer, so you just carry a day pack with the things you need for the day.

Pricing starts at: $1295 USD per person

Patagonia Camp

Patagonia Camp

With its awe-inspiring nature, intense weather, epic dramatic landscapes and magnificent flora and fauna, Torres del Paine has something for everyone. Each day, choose from a multitude of various excursions to explore the park with expert, bi-lingual Patagonian guides. Excursions vary in difficulty, length and activities allowing guests to choose what best suites their personal interests and skill levels. Trek through ancient forests, past electric blue and green lakes, rivers and streams with the jagged mountains and captivating glaciers as your backdrop. Return to the warmth of your personal yurt as the sun slips below the horizon and take part in local quincho, Patagonian barbecue, while sipping a glass of local Chilean wine to end the perfect day!

Pricing starts at: $1690 USD per person

Atacama

Atacama Desert

Come explore the otherworldly landscape of the high Andes in northern Chile! Travel among turquoise and emerald lagoons, bubbling hot springs, rust-colored volcanoes and ancient geysers in the Atacama, the world’s highest desert. Here, crimson snow-capped volcanoes blend with pastel-colored desert expanses accented with orange canyons and epic dunes. Trek among the bizarre rock formations of the Valley of the Moon, mountain bike on narrow trails through mystical canyons, walk through the ruins of pre-Colombian villages, watch the daily eruption of the Tatio geysers, and photograph the ever-changing colors of the amazing scenery! As the moon rises, observe some of the clearest and most brilliant night skies in the Southern Hemisphere.

Pricing starts at: $1685 per person

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

4) 5-Day Lares Luxury Lodge Adventure to Machu Picchu

Choose your own adventure on the Luxury Lodge to Lodge Lares Adventure! This 5 day hiking and cultural experience is excellent for groups of diverse interests and abilities. Your incredible journey will lead you through the rich history, living culture and magnificent landscape of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and end at Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities, to prepare for a new day of multi-activity adventure and exploration.Majestic archaeological sites lead to remote and uncrowded trails taking travelers through mountains and valleys, abounding in natural beauty and dotted with Andean communities, where the locals are master weavers and their traditions are still firmly rooted in ancient Incan culture. Expert guides tailor the experience with an offer of a la carte daily activities (easy to challenging hiking or mountain biking) and cultural encounters. Decide on whim, what you feel like doing each day and make this trek your own!This program is also available as a 7 day itinerary, with 2 additional days of hiking and touring.  Contact us, if interested.

Pricing starts at: $2395 per person

Chapada Diamantina

Chapada Diamantina

Near Salvador we find the most important trekking spot in Brazil: Chapada Diamantina. Large quantities of rivers are born in this spectacular region, forming over the years, beautiful streams, bubbling waterfalls and clear, natural pools. Some natural attractions include the Cachoeira da Fumaca, with its free fall of 380 meters, or the dazzling cave, Poco Encantado. Throughout the trek, the marvelous natural landscape will continue to surprise and amaze.

Pricing starts at: $845 per person

Trekking in Bhutan

In this tour, you arrive in Paro, the main city of Bhutan, and then fly the eastern region.  From there, you will drive back to Paro seeing all the cultural highlights plus day hikes to amazing monasteries and mountain vistas almost every day.  This is a great option for people who want to explore Bhutan’s culture and history, but also want to be more active.

Contact us for pricing

Want to book your next trekking adventure? Contact us!

 

Posted in Bhutan, Brazil, Camino de Santiago, Chile, Europe, Family Travel, Inca Trail, Luxury, Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Peru, South America, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lodging Overview on our Tanzania Group Safaris

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

Our 5-day Tanzania Group Safari and 7-day Tanzania Group Safari are among the very best value safaris that anyone could dream of. We wanted to help wildlife enthusiasts who may not want to splurge on a luxury safari, yet also don’t necessarily want to “rough it” with basic camping either. Our group safaris are the perfect tonic for travelers seeking the middle ground. Part of the solution that’s instrumental to their value are the carefully chosen, comfortable, excellent-value lodges we rely on for the safaris. We’d like to provide a helpful overview into more of what these properties are like.

Endoro Lodge (Lake Manyara / Tarangire)

DAY 1 of our group safari includes a 1-night stay at the very attractive Endoro Lodge. Endoro Lodge is one of Tanzania’s best deals. This comfortable property nestled in the rugged hills around Karatu features sunny, spacious, well-appointed individual chalets, each of which has its own private bath with a full tub and an outside shower, plus a private veranda and fireplace.

The lodge grounds are beautifully manicured amidst the lush Ngorongoro highlands forest. A swimming pool, a restaurant and lounge with views rounds out the property.

A place of simple elegance, travelers will find real tranquility here. A massage service is available here (in case you are joining the safari after Kilimanjaro or after a long flight). The property is approximately 30 miles from Lake Manyara/Tarangire.

Serengeti Halisi Camp (Serengeti)

DAYS 2 and 3 of our group safaris are at Halisi Serengeti Camp. Halisi Serengeti Camp’s humble origins lie in the idea of bringing the joy and beauty of luxury mobile tented camping – ala Hemingway’s day – from the expensive, exclusive camps to a broader market.

This camp is considered mobile since it moves with the migratory pattern of the wildlife around it. From December through March, you’ll find Halisi in the Ndutu region, where calving is happening, while from June through November, Halisi Serengeti is situated along the Seronera River in the Serengeti National Park in a more central stretch of this massive national park.

Set deep in the bush, the camp is composed of ten extra large, walk-in tents capable of single, double, triple or family occupancy, each furnished with traditional East African decor, and with king-size beds (or 2 twin beds) outfitted with a deluxe mattress for a good night’s rest. Each unit has an attached private en suite bathroom with bush shower, sink, stand, and a chemical toilet. All the tents also come with a private veranda to enjoy the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Power is provided via solar power and hot water is prepared by the staff at your request. In addition to exceptional wildlife viewing close at hand, private bush lunches can be arranged on request too. A lounge, dining and full bar tent plus a spacious fire pit with fires every night rounds out the camp experience.

Rhino Lodge (Ngorongoro Crater)

On the night on DAY 4, we overnight at Rhino Lodge. Rhino Lodge’s primary calling card is the old real estate axiom: “Location, location, location.” Strategically situated across from the Ngorongoro Crater near a main entrance point, Rhino serves as a convenient, cost-effective option to be close to the Crater without having to pay the premium of being right on the Crater rim. One of the advantages of not being on the rim itself is that the property grounds are expansive, providing a haven for grazing wildlife like waterbuck, zebra, and buffalo right on site.The lodge itself is a true budget lodge – nothing fancy about it – but the lack of pretension can feel refreshing.

There are 24 guest rooms, all with a veranda that overlooks the healthy high-montane forest found here. Every room has its own shower, toilet and hand basin. To ward off the chill at night (altitude), each room has a wood-burning stove, and hot water bottles can be filled at request (recommended).  In the bar/dining-room, there are two large fires where guests like to mingle and swap travel tales and wildlife reports. Outside is a broad lawn along with a spacious deck for relaxation and views.

7-day Safaris / Halisi Natron (Lake Natron)

On DAYS 5 & 6, of the 7-day group safari, we overnight at intimate, secluded Halisi Natron camp. Very similar in style and substance to Halisi Serengeti, Halisi Natron offers the most desirable accommodations around surreal and beautiful Lake Natron, a special place we visit on the 7-day group safaris.

Particularly noteworthy at Lake Natron – besides the scenery – are the excellent walking opportunities, the unique authentic Maasai interactions available, the archaeological site close at hand, and the super dense concentration of flamingos from August through early November.

The style of accommodation here is the same as at the Serengeti property (even down to having just 10 tents) with a similar dining tent and the wide-open fire pit blazing every night.  Sundowners are enjoyed at a nearby hill with thrilling views of not just the lake but also Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s third highest peak, which looms like a mountain God over all of Natron’s creation.

Contact us >> for more information about our group safaris, departure dates & availability, and for about details on the camps and lodges themselves.

Posted in Safari, Tanzania | Leave a comment

How To Avoid Crowds at Machu Picchu

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

In light of AFAR magazine’s most recent article, “The True Magic of Machu Picchu Isn’t Where You Think It Is”, we would like to highlight the items that they discuss, and we offer, that will help make your next adventure to Peru and Machu Picchu all the more special and away from the throngs of tourists that might take away from your personal journey.

Lares

Incredible vistas from the lodge to lodge Lares Trek

Choose your own adventure on the Luxury Lodge to Lodge Lares Adventure! This 5 day hiking and cultural experience is excellent for groups of diverse interests and abilities. Your incredbile journey will lead you through the rich history, living culture and magnificent landscape of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and end at Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. At each day’s sunset, settle into deluxe mountain lodges run in partnership with local communities, to prepare for a new day of multi-activity adventure and exploration.

Majestic archaeological sites lead to remote and uncrowded trails taking travelers through mountains and valleys, abounding in natural beauty and dotted with Andean communities, where the locals are master weavers and their traditions are still firmly rooted in ancient Incan culture. Expert guides tailor the experience with an offer of a la carte daily activities (easy to challenging hiking or mountain biking) and cultural encounters. Decide on whim, what you feel like doing each day and make this trek your own!

This program is also available as a 7 day itinerary, with 2 additional days of hiking and touring.  Contact us, if interested.

>>Read more about this trek from our own Peru expert’s personal experience

Discover less-known Incan Ruins site along this trek to Machu Picchu

This is an outstanding mini-trip for those wanting “a taste” of the Inca Trail, avoid crowds and link it with other adventures in the area. The second day can be arranged with a hike up Huayna Picchu.

NEW FOR 2018! We are offering a set departure on Thursdays for the 2-day Inca Trail Express, with a special group price. Minimum for group is 2 people.

You will need Inca Trail permits for this trek.  This trek is available in private, for any day of the week. Set departure groups start on Thursdays.

>>Read more about this trek from our own Peru expert’s personal experience

Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain

Besides Machu Picchu, there are so many other mind-blowing sites around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. For those looking for something truly unique, we have combined two great day tours into one stellar package, with river rafting on the Urubamba River and an overnight at a river lodge on the first day and hiking to Rainbow Mountain on the second day.  This is one of our most popular tours!

The river rafting is in a group (small group in raft) and the hike to Rainbow Mountain is private.  These may be booked separately as day trips.

Want to start planning your next Peru adventure? Contact us!

Your friendly Peru Expert,

Gretchen

Posted in Luxury, Machu Picchu, Peru, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top 7 Tips for the Best Experience on the Camino de Santiago Trek

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

Here are our top tips to make the most of your trek on the Camino de Santiago!

1) Book Early

Our favorite accommodations do get filled up during high season.  There are many other nice options out there, but the early bird gets the nicest hotels!

Our group departures also fill up.  We can always do a self-guided tour on any day, but if you like the group experience, you will want to book early.

2) Don’t Rush It

There is so much to see and do, there is no need to rush through the trip.  Arrive a day or two early, or stay a little longer.

We offer a couple of great day tours out of Santiago.

Consider adding a rest day to the hike.  Give your body a break and explore some of the great towns along the way.

3) Get Your Sleep

Getting to bed early will help you feel rested and ready for your next hiking day.  We book all your accommodations, so you don’t have to worry about your logistics.  And our comfortable hotels give you a private room and nice bed.

4) Make It Easy

We provide luggage transfers, which makes your hiking days that much easier.  But people still tend to pack too much in their day packs.  Pack just what you need and share some items with your fellow hikers.

Split one or more of the longer days into two shorter, easier walking days.  This also gives you more time to explore the area.

5) Pick the Best Experience for You

Some people like the camaraderie of a group experience and enjoy having a guide leading the group.  However, some people want the option to set their own schedule and explore on their own.  We offer both options — group treks and self-guided treks — so you can choose the best option for you.

There are many festivals along the Camino in the summer.  If you enjoy the pageantry and chaos of a festival, plan your trip around one of those.  If you prefer a quieter experience, schedule your trip away from those dates.

6) Be Prepared

Train — Get out and hike.  The more walking you do beforehand, the easier it will be on your Camino.  Wear a light day pack as well to condition your shoulders.

Clothing and Shoes — Plan ahead by looking at our Camino Packing List, and buy things that you need well ahead of your trip.  Wear your shoes on your training hikes to get them broken in.

Research — Get some Camino books, watch some movies, and talk to experienced Camino hikers.  The more prepared you are, the better your trip!

7) Keep a Sense of Humor

Things can go wrong on any trip.  A sense of humor is often the best solution to any problem.  The Camino is about caring and sharing.  If it has been raining for days, and someone needs a rain jacket, give them your extra one.  If you don’t speak French, learn charades.  Try a little octopus!  A smile goes a long way!

Posted in Camino de Santiago | Leave a comment

Best Day Hike in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

Want to add on more stellar hiking to your Peru adventure? Consider visiting Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca! Truly a trekker’s paradise with far fewer tourists than the Sacred Valley, this is a hidden gem that adventurers will not regret! Read on to discover more about our favorite day hike in the area: Hike to Lake 69.

Cordillera Blanca

Cordillera Blanca

HIKE 69 LAKE

Duration: Full Day
Difficulty: Medium – Hard
Max Elevation: 4600masl / 15091fasl
Start: Cebollapampa
Finish: Cebollapampa

OVERVIEW:

  • Located at 4600m/15091ft nestled between Pisco and Chacraraju Mountains.
  • This is one of the most beautiful aqua colored glacial lakes in the Northern Cordillera Blanca mountain range.
  • Considered by most hikers as one of the most impressive scenic day hikes in the entire Cordillera Blanca.
  • On clear days you can see straight through its deep blue colored waters while at the far end of the lake, an incredible waterfall thunders down into the surreal and magical lake.
  • This hike is rated medium to hard because of the altitude and more challenging hiking effort required for the last section of the trail just before reaching the lake.
  • This hike combines scenic mountain views of the main Cordillera Blanca peaks, electric colored lakes, rich vegetation and magnificent waterfalls dropping down along the sides of the valley.
Lake 69

Lake 69

DESCRIPTION:

Drive north along the Callejon de Huaylas. In Yungay we turn northeast,
driving up a dirt road where the Llanganuco Valley is located. From here, we cross
the Chinancocha and Orconcocha Lakes to get to Cebollapampa at 3900masl:
our hike starting point for Lake 69. At the beginning, it is a pleasant hike along an almost flat area for about 1 hour, passing through Quenual tress enjoying scenic views with a constant backdrop of Huascaran Mountain, the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca, as well as Chopicalqui and Yanapaccha peaks. We then ascend along awell-marked zig-zaggin path to the first small lake. Here we gain even more magnificent views of the glaciated peaks of Chacraraju, Yanapaccha, Huascaran, Chopicalqui mountains along with epic waterfalls. We continue ascending on the zig-zagging trail until we reach Lake 69. Some people find this last stretch a little more demanding due to the steepening trail and altitude. The site you will behold is well-worth the effort! The majestic beauty of the lake and an up-close view of the Pisco and Chacraraju Mountains will leave you speechless. Relax, take pictures, have lunch while enjoying the surrounding landscape and then descend back the same way to Cebollapampa, where our transportation is waiting to drive you back to your Huaraz Hotel.

Hiking time: Approx. 6 to 7 hours
Driving time: Approx. 3 1⁄2 (total driving)

Want to add the Cordillera Blanca to your next Peru trip? Contact us!

Also, check out these great itineraries for more ideas:

4-Day Cordillera Blanca Trek / Santa Cruz Loop

6-Day Best of the Huayhuash Trek

Your friendly Peru expert,
Gretchen

Posted in Family Travel, Machu Picchu, Peru, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Experiencing Luxury on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

At AWR we pride ourselves in always working top-tier local guides who make all the difference when traveling to a new destination. Read on to hear from two AWR travelers who just returned from the 5-day Luxury Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu and share their experiences with their guides on the trek.

“We had a wonderful trip!We would like to make the following commendations

Claudia: great guide. personable and very knowledgeable about the Inca trail, culture and all the sites. She was also very wise about keeping us to a slow steady pace which meant that we didn’t tire out and actually passed a lot of people who had to stop to rest. we made it to all of our campsites on time or ahead of schedule. Her English is excellent (she even understands American idioms)

Machu Picchu

Fernando: assistant guide. He was also very personable and knowledgeable and caring. His English is good.

We liked both of our guides so well that we invited them to dine with us the last night of the trip at Inkaterra.

Nicolas and Bernando (cook and assistant cook). The cuisine was excellent. I wasn’t expecting this level of food on a camping trip. I am not sure how they accomplished it but kudos to them. the service was also excellent I couldn’t lift a finger without someone jumping to help me and they brought coffee to our tent every morning. On the third morning they made us coffee on top of the hill so we could sit and watch the sunrise over Salkantay (it was a clear morning and we saw Salkantay in all its glory).

Americo (chief porter) and all the other porters: they were all very efficient and friendly. they kept us comfortable and well taken care of. we couldn’t communicate directly with them but there were always smiles and nods. The porters spotted a spectacle bear duo that we saw on the second days hike and stopped to show us. we were all very excited to see them.

Napolti was also a great city guide.

We have already recommended Adventures Within Reach and will put a review on trip advisor.

We enjoyed all of the trip. However, our most memorable moment was the third nights’ campsite, which was probably the most beautiful campsite in the world!

Thanks again for a wonderful trip package.
Susan and Wallace”

Want to plan your next Peru adventure? Contact us!

Your friendly Peru expert,

Gretchen

Posted in Inca Trail, Luxury, Machu Picchu, Peru, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New W Trek Departures For Early Spring in Patagonia

Posted on May 28, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

We have exciting news!

If you have been thinking about taking a trip to Patagonia to hike when the cold of winter is coming to an end, then you might want to keep on reading.

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine, Chile

This September we have three special departures coming up to hike the world-famous W circuit, available as a 5 day or 7 day trek.

This could be the chance you’ve been waiting for to see the majestic Paine massif, to hear the immense crashing of the calving Grey Glacier, or to spot wild pumas stalking their guanaco prey, all in the one of the world’s most beautiful places.

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine, Chile

These dates are unique because they differ slightly from our normal program. These modifications have been made to correspond with the changes in weather conditions and daylight hours that Springtime brings, as well as any developments that may have occurred with our trusted third party providers. The price is special for this time (See below for more details).

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine, Chile

DEPARTURE DATES:

5-DAY W TREK
-Sept 10th
-Sept 17th
-Sept 24th

STARTING PRICE: $1425 per person in double standard dome

7-DAY W TREK
-Sept 8th
-Sept 15th
-Sept 22nd

STARTING PRICE: $1945 per person in double standard dome

Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine, Chile

If you are ready to pack your bags or if you need more information, please contact us. Patagonia awaits!

Your friendly Patagonia expert,
Gretchen

Posted in Chile, Patagonia, South America, Trekking, W-Trek | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Family Patagonia Adventure

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

This family of four just returned from trekking in Argentina and Chile. They began their adventure in Buenos Aires, continued on to trek and visit glaciers in El Calafate and El Chalten, explored the incredible Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and ended in the wine country outside of Santiago. Read on as they share the highlights of their trip below.

Explora Patagonia

Trekking in Patagonia

“Our trip was amazing and it went really smoothly, your plans went off without a hitch and the weather cooperated for us. It wasn’t even that windy in Patagonia until the day we drove out.

We enjoyed working with Gretchen. She was extremely knowledgeable, pleasant and responsive. The itinerary she built for/with us was spot on and we felt it was one of our best trips ever. This was our third trip with AWR and we will continue to recommend AWR and utilize them too. Maybe Machu Picchu in 2019.

Patagonia

Cerro Torre at sunset, Patagonia, Argentina

Our favorite part of the trip was Patagonia Camp and the trekking (Fitz Roy in El Chalten; Frances Valley and Base of the Torres in Del Paine)

We loved the Calafate Sours and the champagne for our daughter’s birthday at Patagonia Camp. And of course the empanadas in Argentina.

Patagonia Camp

Patagonia Camp Yurt Interior

In net, Gretchen did and awesome job and we loved the trip. Many great memories and pictures!! Thank You!!”

Want to plan your next adventure to Patagonia? Contact us!

Your friendly South America expert,
Gretchen

Posted in Argentina, Chile, Family Travel, Luxury, Patagonia, South America, Trekking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bahian Magic at UXUA: Trancoso, Brazil

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Adventures Within Reach

Our own South America Program Director and Brazil expert, Gretchen, just returned from a family dream holiday at the incredible UXUA hotel in Trancoso, Brazil. Read on as she describes her experience at UXUA and exploring Trancoso.

Trancoso

Trancoso Beach with Uxua

Authenticity is the greatest luxury a visit to Brazil’s picturesque and historic Bahia state can offer. And no place delivers the experience like Trancoso’s Quadrado, its car-free, UNESCO-protected town square.

Trancoso

Traditional fishing boats off shore

Welcome to the luxurious UXUA Hotel! Located in Trancoso, Bahia, it is the perfect place to celebrate the end to an adventure in Brazil with family and friends! Trancoso was isolated for centuries before its rediscovery by hippies and artists in the 1970’s. The culture is unique and people one-of-a-kind.

Trancoso

Uxua Ze e Zilda Casa

At UXUA (pronounced OO-SH-WAH), they break the mold of conventional hotel rooms by offering traditional houses as accommodations along the famous Quadrado. Half of UXUA’s casas date back 500 years to the village’s founding. They were restored by designer Wilbert Das in collaboration with local artisans using traditional techniques and reclaimed materials. Each of these casas have a soul, each with legends and family history; every detail uniquely crafted by caring hands.

Trancoso

Uxua Beach Bar

Trancoso’s beach is second to none and UXUA does everything perfectly to contribute to their guests’ experience. They restored an old fisherman bar, and still serve from an antique wooden boat topped by a thatched roof; low impact, sustainable, and delightful. They offer Bahian cuisine and innovative tropical cocktails, all with UXUA standards. Surf, sea kayaking, beach volleyball and wooden gym are all at Trancoso’s most central beach just steps from the Historic Quadrado.

Trancoso

Gretchen and her family enjoying an afternoon drink at Uxua’s Restaurant on the Quadrado

Finally, the culinary experience at UXUA and within Trancoso are absolutely incredible! With Bahia’s rich culinary heritage mixing African, native American, and Portuguese influences, it’s no surprise that the food scene is dynamic, and every aspect is celebrated from the most innovative restaurant to the goodness of home cooking and simple, traditional street food. Read more about UXUA’s culinary experiences and history HERE.

Trancoso Beach

Surf’s Up at Uxua !

Want to add UXUA and Trancoso on to your next Brazil holiday? Contact us!

Uxua Trancoso

Greetings from Gretchen!

Your friendly Brazil expert,

Gretchen

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