Adventures Within Reach Travel Blog

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#1) How many days does a trip to Machu Picchu take?

Cusco is great city in Peru

How many days do you have to travel? For a basic trip, you will want plan on a 7-day Peru trip to Machu Picchu. This would include

Starting and ending in Lima
A few days in Cusco to acclimatize and see the great Inca and Colonial sites
A day in the Sacred Valley to see Inca ruins, culture, and local markets
Train to Machu Picchu with overnight in Aguas Calientes

There is plenty to see and do if you have more time. If you cut this trip short, you may have some issues with altitude, you may only see Machu Picchu when it is very crowded, and you will miss experiencing the culture and beauty of this great country.

#2) What if I want to hike to Machu Picchu?

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Great idea! The most popular way to hike to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail Trek in 10 days. This includes 5 days in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lima plus 5 days of hiking and seeing Machu Picchu.

You can actually hike the Inca Trail in 4 days or 5 days, or you can just hike the last day on the 2-day Inca Trail Express.

For a spectacular hiking experience, we recommend the 7-day Luxury Lodge to Lodge Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This is one of the best hiking experiences anywhere!

#3) What if I DON’T want to hike to Machu Picchu?

See Machu Picchu without all the crowds

No problem! The train goes from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (in the Sacred Valley) and then to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. Most visitors to Peru take the train up and back to Machu Picchu in one day. This means Machu Picchu is extremely crowded from 10am to 2pm. We recommend spending one night in Aguas Calientes so that you have the opportunity to tour the site early in the morning without all the crowds. This also gives you the opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu.

TRAIN OPTIONS:

Vistadome Train: The most popular, best value for experience
Hiram Bingham Train: Ultimate luxury train experience
Peru Rail Presidential: Another upscale train option, starts/ends in Ollantaytambo only
Backpacker Train: Cheapest option, still clean and safe, and it’s fun to chat with all the backpackers

#4) What ELSE is there to do in Peru?

Where to begin!? If you have a more time to dedicate to your Peru trip, here are the most popular extensions:

Amazon Rainforest

The closest rainforest experience starts in Puerto Maldonado. There are a number of lodges to choose from. Alternatively, Iquitos offers a great Amazon experience by boat or in a lodge, but it is further away. This can be done in a minimum of 3 days, but we recommend 4 or more.

Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest inland lake. But it is the boat ride out to the floating islands of Taquile, Uros and Amantani that makes it an amazing cultural experience. This can be done in a minimum of 3 days.

Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is the world’s second deepest canyon and home for the impressive condors. This can be done in a minimum of 3 days.

Nazca Lines

Overfly the mysterious Nazca Lines by small airplane. This is a day trip from Lima or 3 days to see the Ballestas Islands and Paracas Reserve.

Extra days in Cusco and/or Sacred Valley

There is so much to do here! Add as many days as you want!

Maras salt mines and Moray agricultural terraces
Cooking class
Peruvian Paso horse show
White water rafting
Ziplining
Horseback riding

Lima

Lima is known world-wide for its amazing art, historic museums, and great food. Spend a few days exploring

Pachacamac and Caral Archeological Sites
Palomino boat tour to snorkel with sea lions
Peruvian Paso horse show
Cooking class

#5) How about fun, ACTIVE things to do?

Zip Line in the Sacred Valley

Peru has it! How about

Ziplining in the Sacred Valley
White water rafting on the Urubamba River
Sea kayaking on Lake Titicaca
Horseback riding in Arequipa
Mountain biking from Chinchero to Maras near Cusco

#6) How much does it COST?

Shopping at the Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley

Good question! The starting land-only price for the 7-day Peru Machu Picchu Tour by Train is $1035/person. This is based on a group of 4 people traveling, group day tours (instead of a private guide), and budget accommodations double occupancy.

For a 10-day Peru with Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the price starts at $1765/person.

REMEMBER: Our prices and itineraries can be customized to meet your interests, time frame, and budget!

#7) Can I visit the GALAPAGOS as well as Machu Picchu?

Visit Peru and the Galapagos in one trip!

Absolutely! However, I must first say that there is plenty to do in each country to fill two separate vacations. That said, if you are only going to this part of the world once in your life, you might as well do both.

If you just have 2 weeks for your vacation, your best option will be the 7-day Peru + 5-day Galapagos cruise. If you have more time, you can do a full 8-day Galapagos cruise and/or add on some nice excursions.

#8) Isn’t Machu Picchu very HIGH in altitude?

Condors in the Colca Canyon get very high!

Yes and no. Some travelers report getting altitude sickness at Machu Picchu. It is actually Cusco that affects people the most. When you are met at the Cusco Airport, you are given Coca tea, water, and given time to rest and acclimatize.

Here are some altitudes of note:

Machu Picchu: 8000 feet
Sacred Valley: 9700 feet
Cusco: 11,000 feet
Lake Titicaca: 12,000 feet
Highest pass on Inca Trail: 13,500 feet (Dead Woman’s Pass)

#9) When is the BEST TIME to visit Peru?

Weavers in the Sacred Valley

Right now! Seriously though, the best season to visit Peru is between May and October when it is dry. December to March is the rainiest season, but Christmas and New Years are still extremely busy.

NOTE: The Inca Trail is CLOSED for the month of February every year

See Peru Tours >>

Posted in Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Peru, Travel Advice | 1 Comment

Top 8 Things To Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

Most of the travelers we send to Manuel Antonio only have two nights available to enjoy the area. Which is really all you need, since the numero uno (#1) highlight, by far, is the national park. But what if you want to explore a little more or add a night or two? Here are a number of fun things that I enjoyed on my last trip to Manuel Antonio.

Hiking & Beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park
Sunset at El Avion
Catamaran Sailing Tour
Nighttime Wildlife Hike
Sport Fishing
Waterfalls and Horseback Riding
Whitewater Rafting
Adventures at MidWorld (ATV/Ziplines)

For trips that include Manuel Antonio, see

See also:

Planning Your Trip to Costa Rica

#1) Hiking & Beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio has some of the best beaches in Costa Rica

We arrange a morning guided walk to focus on the park’s amazing and approachable wildlife, which includes sloths, monkeys, iguanas, scarlet macaws, and more. Your guide will help you get oriented to the beaches since we recommend you make a full day of it. Bring a picnic lunch, a towel, a swimsuit, insect repellent, sunscreen, bottled water, some snacks, an umbrella for shade if you have one, and you’ll be set! The walk lasts only 3 hours, then the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the beautiful playa (beach).

See 6 Best Beaches in Costa Rica >>

#2) Sunset at El Avion

Sunset dinner at El Avion in Manuel Antonio

Perched on the ridge above the playas (beaches), this C-123 cargo plane, a relic of the 80’s Nicaraguan civil war, was transformed into an open-air restaurant.

It has amazing views of sunset, decent seafood, delicious cocktails and unforgettable atmosphere.

#3) Catamaran Sailing Tour

Catamaran sailboat tour in Manuel Antonio

You can do this by day, when the sun is strongest and a BBQ lunch is served on board, or in the evening, as the sun winds down and dinner is served on deck instead. The real highlight though is getting out on the ocean and seeing the beautiful rugged coast in the fresh, breezy sea air. The catamaran we prefer also includes a fun water slide and an opportunity for snorkeling, especially fun for families with younger kids. A bonus is dolphins. You never know if you’ll encounter them but they play in these seas year-round. Humpback whales are found in the area August-September and again in December-March. This is a half day tour, so if you are not a “beach person” the afternoon cruise makes a nice complement to the morning wildlife walk.

#4) Nighttime Wildlife Hike

Nighttime wildlife hike in Manuel Antonio

It’s arguably not the “best” night walk in Costa Rica, but the small Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge is very accessible and interesting, especially if you don’t have a chance to do a night walk elsewhere, try it here, it’s something you’ll definitely remember! Highlights are night frogs and fascinating night insects like spiders. During the day, it’s open for kids to see crocodiles and colorful butterflies. If you go on the night walk, bring a flash light!

#5) Sport Fishing

Sport fishing in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is an excellent place to plan an extra day to get out on the water. Inshore trips are generally half-day and off-shore more like full days.

The charter prices made my eyes go half-dollar size but you have to pay to play! Fish here include marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, and snapper.

#6) Waterfalls and Horseback Riding

Nauyaca Waterfalls in Manuel Antonio

While this is definitely further afield, just outside Dominical, the Nauyaca Waterfall, the largest in the central Pacific region, makes an intriguing choice for a day trip from Manuel Antonio.

It’s a huge 215 foot waterfall with a great swimming pool below it. Best of all, you get there via a horseback ride.

#7) Whitewater Rafting

A full day adventure and an activity that we usually schedule elsewhere (like on the Sarapiqui or the Pacuare), but if you love whitewater, you can often find groups to join on rafting trips to nearby Rio Savegre or the Rio Naranjo, the more exciting of the two.

#8) Adventures at MidWorld

A fun private reserve just south of Quepos, not far from Manuel Antonio, this converted ranch features fun ATV rides (suitable for beginners) along rugged dirt tracks to gorgeous waterfalls and host’s possibly the world’s longest superman zipline. The staff are fun and helpful bunch, and the lunches are yummy.

Posted in Costa Rica | 4 Comments

Spring Myanmar Highlights: SPECIAL for March, April, May 2015

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

We are pleased to announce an excellent value, 10-day Spring special in Myanmar! If you have the extra time, we have also outlined a 4-day beach extension to one of Southeast Asia’s finest, most pristine beach destinations. Spring in Myanmar (March, April, May) can be hot, especially in the afternoons (up to 95 F / 35 C), so we plan most of your sightseeing in the cooler mornings and evenings. While the landscape is dry, it is an excellent time to avoid other travelers, visit the beaches, and explore higher parts of Myanmar (Shan area, for example).

$1,995/person

(Based on 2 travelers, double occupancy traveling March, April, May 2015)

If you need to travel during a different time of year, please contact us for a quote or check out our popular 8-day Myanmar Discovery tour that we can customize on request!

CONTACT US TO TRAVEL TO MYANMAR >>

Day 1: Yangon arrival

On arrival in Yangon international airport, meet your guide and driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Rest of day is free at your own leisure.

Overnight at the Strand hotel – deluxe suite – for the next 3 nights.

Day 2: Discover Yangon

Spiritual Shwedagon Pagoda (morning)

So what’s behind the golden facade of the Shwedagon Pagoda? During this engaging half day tour, we’ll take you through the back door and show you the full history of the pagoda, the daily life of all people living in the immediate surroundings of the pagoda and a deeper insight in the Buddhist religion and how the spiritual belief is mixed with the belief in nats – the Myanmar spirits. An intriguing half day tour starting from the bottom of the hill and passing the workshops, markets and monasteries which will be useful or even essential to understand more of the country during the rest of your journey. The tour includes a traditional Burmese breakfast, offerings to monks and the pagoda, a visit to a fortune teller and a traditional Burmese lunch.

Yangon Heritage walk & high tea at Strand Hotel (late afternoon)

Yangon downtown is unique with much of its colonial-era architecture still standing. You will find one of Asia’s most impressive collections of late nineteenth and early twentieth- century buildings, religious and secular.

Starting after lunch this walking tour will take you through downtown Yangon, focusing on its old colonial buildings. Your guide will walk you through the back streets in a relaxed tempo and explain you the history of each building some of them empty, some getting restored and some used for different purposes than when built. This walk along the streets of Yangon will at least architecturally take you a step back in time, also a high tea at the famous Strand hotel will make you feel being back in colonial time.

After the tour, you will have time to enjoy a gin & tonic at Gekko, a cozy cocktail lounge in the old Sofaer & Co building at Merchant Street, a new place where many of Yangon’s expatriates of today meet up for a drink or a meal.

Overnight at the Strand hotel – deluxe suite (BL + drinks)

Day 3: Yangon

Day free at leisure OR Optional excursion: $60 / person (based on 2 travelers)

Blend in during the daily commute – Yangon’s hidden neighborhoods / half day (morning)

Mingle with the locals during an energetic trip using public transportation to see lesser known parts of this vibrant city using taxis, train, ferry and trishaw. Scratching under the surface of the city, you will visit locals markets, small workshops where pagoda accessories are made and cross the river to see “rural Yangon” to get a taste of local live.

Your guide will pick you up from the hotel by taxi to go to the main station for a fun ride to one of the oldest, colonial stations in the country. From here you continue on foot crossing lively markets and taste 5 different local snacks and see how food is produced – an interesting sight. We leave Dalat town behind us and return to your hotel by ferry and taxi.

Overnight at the Strand hotel – deluxe suite (B)

Day 4: Discover Bagan

Transfer to the airport and fly to magical Bagan (Yangon – Bagan 7Y 131 # 06:30 – 07:50).

A full day tour by car and an experienced private guide through Bagan will show you the best known temples of the area. We start the day climbing a pagoda to get a first impressive view over the whole area. From here the guide plans his way to some of the other amazing temples that have been here for hundreds of years. Places like the Ananda, Dhammayangyi, Sulamani, and Thatbyinnyu will certainly impress you.

Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant and around 4pm we continue the tour by horse cart to Pyathagyi pagoda for sunset with some refreshing drinks served! Oh…we forgot to mention the best part of this tour; whenever you see a temple you like, just ask you guide to stop to have a look at it – simply pick your own favorite temple.

Overnight at the Areindmar hotel – deluxe – for the next 3 nights (BL)

Day 5: Bagan: A picnic in Minnanthu

Minnanthu is probably the favorite temple area amongst frequent Bagan visitors and you know why? It’s quiet, it’s a beautiful area, and the temples here are often completely deserted.

The guide brings you by car to this forgotten part of Bagan and will spread out a blanket and serve you a great picnic lunch in this historical setting before or after visiting 2 or 3 ancient temples ruins in this area. The rest of the day the car and guide are available for additional visits of the temples if wanted.

Overnight at the Areindmar hotel – deluxe (BL)

Day 6: Bagan

Day free at leisure to explore Bagan at your own pace.

Overnight at the Areindmar hotel – deluxe (B)

Day 7: Kalaw Trekking

Transfer to airport, fly to Heho for Kalaw (Bagan – Heho – Inle Lake W9 405 # 07:55 – 08:35).

Trekking in forest and visit Elephant conservation project / Full day

Your guide, specialized in Elephant conservation, will take you for a rewarding day in the forest surrounding Kalaw encountering elephants, their mahouts and people living in the surrounding rainforest.

Young tourism professionals originating from Kalaw decided to set-up a project in Kalaw that is focused on protecting the nature, elephants and traditions of local people living in an area close to Kalaw. In a big part of this private protected forest the nature can grow undisturbed creating a natural habitat for animals that could otherwise be easily hunted down and killed. The project includes creating a natural environment for some Myanmar elephants from this part of the world and helping the local population to grow out of the vicious circle of poverty through education and micro finance.

Depending on your arrival time and how long you want to walk through the forest (walks from 30 min up to 4-5 hours are possible – simply let us know what you prefer) you will find yourself in the natural surroundings of Asian jungle. A delicious lunch with local specialties (often from Nepalese origin) will be served in a traditional village, in the jungle or in the camp. After lunch it is time to help the mahout washing and feeding the elephant. Walk back in the afternoon to the main road and continue by car to Inle Lake.

Overnight at the Villa Inle Resort – Lake front single villa – for the next 3 nights (BL)

Day 8: Kalaw – Inle Lake: The ruins of Indein & home cooked food with a local family & canoe trip floating gardens

South of Inle lake, the ruins of Indein are certainly worth a visit. Partly covered by jungle the area looks like a “pagoda forest”. We will walk about an hour to enjoy a fantastic view over the lake. A home-made cooked lunch is served in a local house. We continue towards the Nam Pan village for a very interesting trip going local with a small canoe. Whenever you grow tired of paddling, we’ll have a motorboat handy as an alternative as we continue back to your hotel.

Overnight at the Villa Inle resort – Lake front single villa (BL)

Day 9: Inle Lake / Private boat

Inle Lake in southern Shan State is a vast natural lake surrounded by traditional Shan villages. On the lake itself the Intha people have been living for many centuries in village built entirely on stilts on the lake. Today we will take you by private motorboat around the lake to discover the natural beauty of the lake, visit the floating gardens, see some of the famous leg rowers and have some tea at a local family’s house.

On and around the lake traditional markets are held in different villages according to a 5-day rotating schedule and today we will take you to one so you can experience a colorful; market frequented by Shan and PaO people living nearby. We will certainly also visit a local cheroot factory (where the Burmese cigars are made), floating tomato gardens, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Intha Heritage house where the Burmese cats are bred and if wanted we visit a weaving factory.

Overnight at the Villa Inle resort – Lake front single villa (BL)

Day 10: Fly back to Yangon / Depart or Extend to the beach

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport and fly to Yangon (Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon K7 223 / 09:45 – 11:00). Car and guide available for the rest of the day in Yangon until it’s time for your airport transfer (B)

PRICE INCLUDES: All internal flights, all airport transfers, all ground transportation, all accommodations, all meals as noted, all touring and sight-seeing with private guides, all entrance fees, taxes, and services of the local office.
PRICE DOE NOT INCLUDE: International flights, tips, meals not mentioned, Visa fees, beverages, and items of a personal nature.

OPTIONAL BEACH EXTENSION

$645/person

Day 10: Fly to Ngapali Beach

Transfer to airport and take the flight to Thandwe for Ngapali (pronounced “Napally”) beach (Heho – Thandwe – Yangon K7 243 # 09:30 – 10:35). On arrival, transfer to hotel, balance of the day free at leisure at the beach.

Overnight at the Bayview Resort – deluxe Beach front bungalows (B)

Day 11: Ngapali Beach

Day free at leisure at the beach.

Overnight at the Bayview Resort – deluxe Beach front bungalows (B)

Day 12: Ngapali Beach

Day free at leisure at the beach.

Overnight at the Bayview Resort – deluxe Beach front bungalows (B)

Day 13: Ngapali Beach

Day free at leisure at the beach.

Overnight at the Bayview Resort – deluxe Beach front bungalows (B)

Day 14: Depart

Transfer to airport and take the flight to Yangon (Thandwe – Yangon K7 243 # 10:50 – 11:45), with car and guide available for the rest of the day in Yangon till airport transfer time for departure (B)

PRICE INCLUDES: all accommodations, internal flights, all airport transfers, breakfast daily, and taxes

CONTACT US TO TRAVEL TO MYANMAR >>

Posted in Myanmar, Specials | Leave a comment

Top 8 Things to See and Do in Tanzania

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

Giraffe in the Serengeti

While we have no shortage of love for all of the other great safari countries in Africa, Tanzania has a special place in our heart, not least of all because of Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 19, 341 glorious feet. The parks are priceless, the cultures endangered, the diversity of habitats incomparable and the wildlife experiences among the best on Earth. Here are a number of our favorite “must-do’s” in Tanzania; even enjoying a couple of these will certainly light a fire that will burn a clear path back to amazing Tanzania for you.

1) PHENOMENAL KATAVI AND THE SOUTHERN CIRCUIT

Elephants seen on safari in Ruaha, Tanzania

One of the most surprising things for safari travelers to discover about Tanzania is the fact that uniquely, Tanzania is home to both true East African-oriented ecosystems and Southern Africa-oriented ecosystems. No other country can match that.

If time allows, and you are traveling in Southern Tanzania’s dry season (roughly May through early November), doing a Safari in the Southern Circuit of Tanzania to the under-appreciated parks of Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha and Katavi can be eye-opening when compared to what you see and experience in the north. Here you find species and habitat more in common with Botswana than the Serengeti.

Katavi especially is a true gem. Here “mobile tented camps” are set up in the prime months to see the highly concentrated game that relatively few travelers ever have the chance to see.

In the Southern Circuit, you fly from destination to destination, and depending on the location, you may have the opportunity to enjoy game walks, boat safaris, night game drives, and more. Another amazing experience in the Southern Circuit is the opportunity to observe our wild cousins, the active and fascinating chimpanzees, in the wild, both in Gombe Stream and the Mahale mountains.

2) THE NGORONGORO CRATER

Rim of Ngorongoro Crater

Imagine yourself at the lip of a deep round African Grand Canyon, a vast bowl in the Earth, and 2,000 feet below you, a rich palette colors – pinks, browns, greens – and in the distance, the din of hyenas calling and you have imagined yourself then at sunset on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the premier national parks in the world.

Why is it a premier park? Combine the natural power of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera plus the thrill of seeing the Big 5 (including one of the rare places left in Africa to see gorgeous black-mane lions; in fact the Crater hold’s the world’s highest density of lions) and there you have it! Few parks can rival this dynamic duo of fantastic wildlife and a visually-jolting landscape.

The best way to finish your safari to the Ngorongoro Crater is to spend a night on the Crater rim at a lodge such as the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, the Sopa Lodge, the Serena Lodge or the Lemala Ngorongoro Luxury camp. And when you visit, if you have time, be sure to have your guide stop at the Olduvai Gorge – a massively important archeological site – and the unusual “shifting dunes”.

3) AUTHENTIC AFRICAN CULTURES

Visit a Maasai Village

One of the frustrating aspects of travel in premier wildlife destinations like Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, can be the surprising lack of historically authentic tribal culture. Much of Africa has adopted Western-style dress, customs, housing, etc. which is not an indictment at all, but for travelers want to see an Africa of bygone days it can be disappointing.

Enter Tanzania: one of the great reasons to visit Tanzania is to see intact tribal cultures largely unaffected by the march of time. You’ll encounter real Maasai culture in places like Lake Natron and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, while Lake Eyasi presents opportunities to discover Hadzabe and Datoga people.

4) MOBILE TENTED CAMP IN THE SERENGETI

Seregeti Halisi Tented Camp

Everyone knows about the great migration but not everyone knows one the truly great and magical ways to experience the migration is by staying in a luxury mobile tented camp. Often referred to as ‘Hemingway-style’ camping, these camps were once restricted to the very wealthy given the expensive logistics involved.

Things have evolved significantly; now there are a number of awesome mid-range mobile camps like the Serengeti Halisi Camp that are more affordable than ever yet retain the core, charming characteristics of their luxury/elite forbears. Deluxe camping – including fine woods and vintage wines – in the wilds of the Serengeti under it’s blanket of stars as lions roar in the vast beyond is an experience that you’ll never forget!

5) HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

Speaking of the Serengeti, while you are there, if you have the chance be sure to book a breath-taking hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.

It’s remarkable, quietly floating over the vast golden grasslands, with the sunrise on the horizon, and a 360 degree view of one of Nature’s finest and thriving ecosystems, the Serengeti. The hot air balloon safaris are also available in amazing Tarangire, home of East Africa’s largest elephant migration June through October.

6) HIKE MOUNT MERU

Climb Mt. Meru in Arusha National Park

Doing a trek to Kilimanjaro is by far the most popular hiking experience in Tanzania; thousands summit the massive mountain yearly. But it’s impressive little brother, Mt. Meru, is widely considered a far more beautiful mountain, and at 14,977 feet, it doesn’t require the great physical strain of Kilimanjaro.

You can reach the summit and return in just 3 days, whereas Kilimanjaro at best takes 5 days. At the top, on clear days, you’ll have superlative views of Kilimanjaro looming next door. For travelers seeking a diverse African active outdoors experience, climbing Mount Meru is certainly worth the effort.

7) FLOCK TO THE PINK FLAMINGOS

Safari and Flamingos at Lake Natron

Another little-known jewel in the Tanzania parks system is Lake Natron, home to East Africa’s largest and only pink flamingo breeding ground (July-October).

Lake Natron is situated in a rugged desert ecosystem best known as an enduring haunt for traditional Maasai families, desert walking and a gateway to hiking Ol Doinyo Lengai, “the mountain of the God.”

8) SUNNY ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

If you’re getting the impression that Tanzania offers an incredibly diverse range of experiences and destinations, arguably second to none in Africa, you are correct! In addition to everything else Tanzania features, Zanzibar is it’s blue ocean, white sandy realm just 20 minutes by flight off it’s shore.

The beaches here are among the world’s best, while Zanzibar is also revered for its snorkeling and diving right from it’s shores. Stone Town, the capital city of Zanzibar, is a bustling ancient city complete with winding narrow medieval streets, harrowing slave ruins and exotic Arabic-influenced architecture.

MORE, MORE, MORE

This short list of the best experiences in Tanzania is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s countless things to do and worthwhile places to see that aren’t in this post, so my advice is to contact us if there’s something you’d in particular you’d like to do, because there’s an excellent chance you can do it or see in Tanzania!

Posted in Safari, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Mexico November 2015

Posted on January 24, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

Staff Member: Dean Paschall
Travel Dates: November 2014
Destinations Visited: Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Scuba, Sandos Playacar Resort

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has really grown up! The daytime has nice atmosphere for shopping and lunch, good for families, and beautiful beaches. When the sun goes down, it has a whole different character with fun restaurants. Late at night, the nightlife really heats up. There is no parking to be found, so best to take a taxi.

Scuba Diving

You can take a ferry from Playa del Carmen over to Cozumel for the day, but there is great diving very near Playa del Carmen, including the Cenotes.

Akumal

Akumal is another 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Great snorkeling, nice beaches, and fun beach restaurants.

Sandos Playacar Resort

Sandos was a fun all-inclusive very near Playa del Carmen. There were multiple swimming pools, free water sports (sailing/catamarans, sea kayaks, and boogie boards), fun activities (water aerobics, dance lessons), and evening entertainment. The beach was beautiful and goes on forever. There is a Scuba shop on the premises.

Posted in Trip Journals | Leave a comment

SkySafari up to 40% Off!

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

8-days / 7-nights of Spectacular All-inclusive Safari

BOOK BY FEBRUARY 15, 2015

We are is delighted to announce the sale of the last remaining seats on some of our 8-day luxury fly-in SkySafari in Tanzania departures for 2015. Please find below the departure dates where we can now offer some exceptional discounts.

January 30
February 5
February 7

March 3
March 9
March 27
April 4
April 8
April 28
June 11

October 11
October 13
October 17
October 21

Terms & Conditions:

The seats will be sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and bookings must be made before 15th February 2015
These discounts cannot be combined with any other current / future specials
The discount is applicable on the SkySafari Classic itinerary. SkySafari Plus extensions are not discounted
To guarantee these discounts, full payment must be made at the time of the reservation which is not refundable
Park fees are payable separately and are not discounted

Posted in Specials | Leave a comment

2015-2016 Charity Trips for MAD

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

As seen on the Today Show!

Adventures Within Reach is excited to announce new charity trips for 2015-016 to support the Make A Difference Now (MAD) projects to support children’s education in developing countries.

Upcoming trips include hiking the Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon, climbing Kilimanjaro and safari, trekking to Everest Base Camp, biking the Great Wall of China, and the W Trek in Torres del Paine in Patagonia.

“Our W Trek in Patagonia sold out, and there is limited space on the Inca Trail trek for 2015, says Robin Paschall of Adventures Within Reach. “These trips are very popular because it is a way to travel and give back to people in need.”

The 5-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu will be in June 2015, and an extension to the Amazon can be added. The Kilimanjaro trip will be in July 2015 and is combined with a safari and a few days volunteering with the MAD program in Himo, Tanzania. The Everest Base Camp trek is in October 2015 and is the longest and most challenging trip. The China and Patagonia trips will be offered in 2016. All the treks are fully supported with guides and porters.

“One of our most popular trips is in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania,” says Theresa Grant of Make A Difference Now. “Volunteers work on projects along side locals, get to know the children they’re helping and see the villages the children come from. It’s great integration with the local culture, and you really feel like you are making a difference in the world.”

Posted in Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Sustainable Tourism, Trekking | Leave a comment

Chile November 2014

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

This gallery contains 14 photos.

Staff Member: Susie Youn Travel Dates: November 2014 Destinations Visited: Santiago, Aconcagua Valley, Chiloé Island, Dalcahue, Castro, Chiloé National Park, Casablanca Valley This area is a great starting point before your tour to Patagonia or visit to Easter Island. Day … Continue reading →

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Cusco / Sacred Valley Tourist Tickets

Posted on January 3, 2015 by Adventures Within Reach

Cusco/Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket

There are four Tourist Tickets for Cusco and Sacred Valley sites:

Cusco Ruins: Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara (valid 1 day)
Cusco Museums and South: Qoricancha Museum, Pikillacta, Monumento Pachacuteq, Tipon, History Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, Popular Art Musuem, Dance Centre (valid 2 consecutive days)
Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray (valid 2 consecutive days)
General Ticket: Includes all of above (valid 10 days)

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Panama February 2014

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Adventures Within Reach

Travelers: Susan & Rick S.
Travel Dates: February 9-17, 2014
Destinations Visited: Bocas del Toro, Panama City

We had a great time in Panama and the weather completely cooperated the entire time (read: in the 90’s every day with only rain the first two nights while we were sleeping, which was pretty awesome being in the bungalows). Our transfer driver was really great – Friendly and always on time. We had no issues with any flights or transfers. Found Panamanians didn’t speak English as well as in Costa Rica, which isn’t really an issue, just challenged us more to remember our Spanish.

The hotel in Panama City was really nice and they had a good restaurant for us to have dinner. The morning we left to come home, we had a really nice buffet breakfast! Very impressed with the spread and the staff was very helpful. The only “wish” we had on our last day being there, was to get into a pool. 🙂

Eclyspe Del Mar was so nice, too. We ended up going over to Bocas Town the first day for lunch and wandering around. That night we just ate at the resort and the food was awesome. The next day we booked a zipline excursion at Red Frog Beach. SO much fun. And we met a couple from Denver, whom we immediately hit it off with, so we had lunch/drinks with them and spent the entire day at Red Frog Beach. That night we took a boat over to the Old Town area and had dinner. Found we could walk back through the jungle to the resort so we did that (probably would not have done it in the dark as there were some more “technical” areas to navigate but it was great to get out and walk).

The final day we did the tour of the “Up the Hill” organic farm. We REALLY liked that. So educational and we just learned so much. They really have a nice tour, then they let you eat some things from the farm, and then they make you a light lunch. I would highly recommend the farm to anyone going there. We spent the rest of the day swimming and exploring the area behind the resort. That final night we went over to Bocas Town and met our friends for dinner. That was fun–the area really comes alive at night. There was one gal who worked at the resort who was so nice and helpful. She basically called and arranged the zip lining and farm tour. She was very sweet and made our stay that much better.

Getting over to Boquete was good. Somewhat of a long day, but that is to be expected. The Haven was beautiful and no complaints with anything about the facility or help, but I think we were a little surprised at the “breakfast included” and that it was basically granola + fruit in our room. I think maybe we thought they had a small restaurant there (like the place we stayed in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica) and also a pool that wasn’t an endless pool where you swim into the current (I did try it as I am an avid swimmer, but I only lasted about 5 mins . . . it was kind of boring! LOL). We did a lot of sightseeing there and took the Valley tour and since Rick and I were the only ones that signed up . . . it was a private tour. Nothing wrong with that! Oh, yeah, and I got a massage at the spa on my birthday. Nice treat!

Getting back to David to fly back to Panama City went great, too. Was nice that we didn’t have to ride a bus (I was thinking from what I had read, we would be on one of those old school buses so we were really happy when 2 guys showed up in a car). There was a triathlon going on in the city on Sunday so sadly we never made it to the canal. We walked around the area near our hotel for a few hours then decided we just wanted an iced coffee and some air conditioning so we took a cab over to the mall to just walk around and get ready for our trip home on Monday.

Thank you so much for helping us with this trip. It was such an opportunity and we made some fabulous memories.

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#1) How many days does a trip to Machu Picchu take?

#2) What if I want to hike to Machu Picchu?

#3) What if I DON’T want to hike to Machu Picchu?

#4) What ELSE is there to do in Peru?

#5) How about fun, ACTIVE things to do?

#6) How much does it COST?

#7) Can I visit the GALAPAGOS as well as Machu Picchu?

#8) Isn’t Machu Picchu very HIGH in altitude?

#9) When is the BEST TIME to visit Peru?

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#1) Hiking & Beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park

#2) Sunset at El Avion

#3) Catamaran Sailing Tour

#4) Nighttime Wildlife Hike

#5) Sport Fishing

#6) Waterfalls and Horseback Riding

#7) Whitewater Rafting

#8) Adventures at MidWorld

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$1,995/person

Day 1: Yangon arrival

Day 2: Discover Yangon

Day 3: Yangon

Day 4: Discover Bagan

Day 5: Bagan: A picnic in Minnanthu

Day 6: Bagan

Day 7: Kalaw Trekking

Day 8: Kalaw – Inle Lake: The ruins of Indein & home cooked food with a local family & canoe trip floating gardens

Day 9: Inle Lake / Private boat

Day 10: Fly back to Yangon / Depart or Extend to the beach

OPTIONAL BEACH EXTENSION

$645/person

Day 10: Fly to Ngapali Beach

Day 11: Ngapali Beach

Day 12: Ngapali Beach

Day 13: Ngapali Beach

Day 14: Depart

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1) PHENOMENAL KATAVI AND THE SOUTHERN CIRCUIT

2) THE NGORONGORO CRATER

3) AUTHENTIC AFRICAN CULTURES

4) MOBILE TENTED CAMP IN THE SERENGETI

5) HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI

6) HIKE MOUNT MERU

7) FLOCK TO THE PINK FLAMINGOS

8) SUNNY ZANZIBAR

MORE, MORE, MORE

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Playa del Carmen

Scuba Diving

Akumal

Sandos Playacar Resort

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8-days / 7-nights of Spectacular All-inclusive Safari

BOOK BY FEBRUARY 15, 2015

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