8 Reminders for Flying Internationally

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

This is all common sense, but sometimes, we just need a reminder. It also helps to stick to your packing list to make sure you pack as light as possible!

Keep your receipts for checked luggage with you just in case your luggage does not arrive with you.
If you are expecting frequent flyer mileage credit for your flights, keep all your boarding passes for 6 weeks after your trip. Confirm credit in your mileage account before throwing out the boarding passes.
If your luggage is damaged on a flight (one of my wheels was torn off!), report the damage immediately upon arrival if you want the airlines to reimburse you.
Airplane in Peru

Some flights and airports will have stairs, so be prepared to carry your carry-on luggage.
Even if you cannot print your boarding pass, try to check-in online. If there is a problem with your ticket, try to reconfirm immediately to avoid problems at the airport.
Travel insurance will really, really help if flights are cancelled or delayed, or if your luggage is lost or delayed.
Double-check your seat assignments to see if you can get better seats and make sure you are sitting near your travel companions (online and at the airport check-in counter).
Typically, laptops will need to go through security separately, but rules regarding shoes, liquids, and cameras vary by airport location.

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9 Things I Learned about Traveling in Peru

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Here are some things to keep in mind when traveling to Peru!

Taxis are not metered, so be sure to get the price before getting in the taxi. If a hotel arranges a taxi for you, it will probably be one of the safer taxis, but it might be twice as expensive.
Peru Immigration Card

You are given an Immigration Card (small white piece of paper) when you go through immigration at the Lima Airport. You NEED this paper every time you check into a hotel and also when you leave the country. If you do not have the Immigration Card, the hotels will charge you an 18% VAT tax, and it will be complicated leaving Peru.
Some of the airports will have stairs, so be prepared to carry your carry-on luggage.
DO NOT drink the water from the tap. Most nicer hotels will provide 1 bottle of water per person per day at no charge. Others will have it available for sale. Or bring your own Steripen or sterilization pills.
Have toilet paper handy just in case. Some public toilets will not have toilet seats. It is preferred that you throw toilet paper in the trash instead of flushing it down the toilet.
Shopping at the Pisac Market

U.S. dollars (no other currency) are accepted at large stores and hotels in major towns, but not at smaller establishments or in smaller towns. Local markets will only take local currency. U.S. dollars can be used for tips of $5 or more. US$1 bills are harder for local people to exchange. No tears in the bills and no old or worn bills, or the merchant may refuse to take them. Look at each bill that you plan to use in Peru.
ATM’s are a good way to get Peruvian currency (Nuevo Soles). However, it can be challenging to get smaller bills. You can get Peruvian soles at your bank at home, but may need to order them. You can also exchange your money when you get to Peru.
You can buy a Sim card and a phone at the Lima Airport. You can also buy them at any Claro store, but their English may be limited.
Do not bring any “coca” products back to the U.S. — no coca leaves, no coca tea, no coca candy.

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Taylor Sisters of Wisconsin Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to Raise Money for Tanzania School Children

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Katie and Abbie training for their charity climb on Kilimanjaro

In December 2013, Katie and Abbie Taylor, sisters from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on the 7-day Machame Route to raise money for the Make A Difference charity.

Katie, 23, is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She works at Kohl’s Corporate in Product Development. Abbie, 18, is a a freshman at the University of Alabama majoring in Special Education. She loves to dance and do photography.

“We both love to travel and find it much more fulfilling when it is done to help others rather that going for your own pleasure,” says Katie. “The two of us love kids. We were both our ‘neighborhood favorite babysitters’. Our mom was a kindergarten teacher growing up, so we learned how to relate to children through fun creative projects. Not to mention we love art which is an easy skill to use an effective tool when working with children.”

Make a Difference (MAD), a registered 501(3)c non-profit with an orphanage that supports 22 children near Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Mount Kilimanjaro, located three degrees south of the equator in northeastern Tanzania, is the tallest mountain in Africa, and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. “Kilimanjaro charity climbs are very popular,” says Robin Paschall, owner of Adventures Within Reach. “It is a great way to combine a trip of a lifetime and giving back to people in need.”

“This is our life long dream…why wait any longer?” added Ms. Taylor.

You can donate money to their cause:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/taylorsisters/katherinetaylorsfundraisingpage/

Live Interview on WTMJ-TV:

http://www.jrn.com/tmj4/news/special-assignments/Brookfield-sisters-climbing-mountains-for-a-cause-226846911.html

Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taylor-Sisters-climb-Kilimanjaro-for-Make-A-Difference-INC/364991336934495

Should I take a Group Tour or a Private Tour?

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Private Tour to Pisac Ruins and Pisac Market in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

PRO’s of Private Tours

Start at any time of day (within scheduling constraints)
Customize your itinerary to your interests
Time the day as you wish (site visits, shopping, lunch/snack time, toilet breaks)
Best guides – with personal attention to your interests (e.g., history, botany, birds, culture)
Good for families!
No waiting — for rest of group to gather together at each stop, don’t have pick up and drop off a bunch of people at various hotels
Can handle special requests / special needs
Can get the best seats in the vehicle
Tour does not have to be translated in both Spanish and English

PRO’s of Group Tours

Less expensive for a group of 1-3 people
Can meet other people
Easy way to see the highlights
Good guides

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Half Off Last-Minute 2013 Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

THIS WEEK ONLY (new bookings September 30 – October 4, 2013), you can get up to 50% off select Sea Spirit voyages in Antarctica!

All cabin categories are on sale and prices start at $3745 per passenger. Contact us to book now!!

November 2-23, 2013: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica via Buenos Aires: Explorers and Kings (23 days)
November 22-December 3, 2013: Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (12 days)
December 2-18, 2013: South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari (17 days)
December 17, 2013-January 5, 2014: Crossing the Circle via Falklands and South Georgia: Epic Antarctica (20 days) — Wow! Christmas and New Years in the Antarctic!

Sea Spirit

Sea Spirit Expedition Vessel

The Sea Spirit is a 114-passenger all-suite expedition ship, all with exterior view, flat screen TVs, and DVD players.

There is optional kayaking and camping, climbing and cross-country skiing

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How to Pick the Best Costa Rica Canyoning Experience

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Canyoning in Costa Rica!

Canyoning (also known as “canyoneering”) is easily among the world’s greatest adrenaline outdoor activities. It’s essentially a sport of descending narrow canyons with the assist of ropes and climbing harnesses for safety. Participants get to experience truly unique places in nature in a unique way, by safely rappelling through rushing waterfalls, over large chokestones and down imposing rock walls. There are enough places to enjoy great canyoning in Costa Rica that it can be somewhat of a challenge to choose the right canyoning trip for you and your companions. Here are some first-hand observations and more information to help you choose the best canyoning experience.

More pictures of canyoning in Costa Rica >>

Lost World in Arenal

This is one of my favorites for travelers who want a fun, almost amusement park-style nature and adrenaline experience. The guides are super high-energy and focus on getting everybody involved on the hike. This excursion combines some hiking through the narrow gorge with a few long rappels (including one of 200 feet) plus chances to swim and generally splash around. A photographer goes along with you to capture the good times. This is a particularly good choice for people who like variety and who would enjoy some fun showmanship by their guides. Departures daily, year-round at 7:30am, 10:00am, and 1:00pm (pick-up times can vary depending on your hotel location in the Arenal Area).

Pure Trek in Arenal

This is a great choice for someone looking for more rappelling, especially through waterfalls, in a terrifically scenic rainforest slot canyon. The guides are true professionals and take great pains to insure your safety and offer encouragement to anyone who may be a little afraid of heights. If you are in Arenal and want a no-nonsense though thrilling rappelling excursion, this outfitter makes a fantastic choice. Pure Trek schedules 2 canyoning trips a day, one at 7:15am and one at 12:15pm.

Selva Bananito Eco-Lodge

Located near the Caribbean coast, this isolated eco-lodge is the place that started it all! It’s where canyoning got its start in Costa Rica and it’s still a beauty. This is truly pristine rainforest; in fact, the property borders the La Amistad International Park, among Central America’s most vast tracts of unspoiled rainforest. On the Selva Bananito canyoning trek, travelers enjoy more of a wilderness experience and a rugged physical challenge, since instead of driving to the high points, you’re hiking through jungle and wading on the river bottom to reach them. With effort comes reward; here you get to hear the distant roars of howler monkeys and get close up views of Costa Rica’s amazing birds, lizards, beetles and frogs. While the other two places to canyon are half-day trips, this is more like a ¾ day to nearly a full day experience. Trips start in the morning and go as long as necessary to return to the lodge.

Canyoning General Information

Canyoning is generally recommended for travelers aged 12 or 13 up to approximately 65. You’ll want to be in good physical condition but you don’t need to be an athlete. What’s more important is a spirit of adventure and a desire to have fun. Some experience hiking is also a good idea.

Some of our travelers have a fear of heights and that prevents them from enjoying the sport. While being afraid of heights isn’t an advantage, it isn’t something that should necessarily stop you either. The equipment you find with reputable canyoning outfits is first-rate, first-world quality. The staffs you find on these trips genuinely take your safety as the #1 concern and the good outfitters all have backup plans in place in case anything were to go wrong. Since it’s so safe, canyoning in Costa Rica is an excellent endeavor to confront and overcome a fear of heights.

The fees are often around US$ 100/person, and this includes professional bilingual guides and support staff, lunch, towel, transportation to / from the start and all the equipment (helmets, ropes, climbing harness, etc.). Typically these are half day tours in total, about 5 hours. Participants should wear swimsuits and clothes that you can get wet, along with secure shoes (river shoes or Chacos, etc.) plus bring a dry change of clothes for afterwards.

With Adventures Within Reach, we can customize a tour to include canyoning in nearly any itinerary, so please contact us for ideas and how to fit it in. A great day in Costa Rica is to do enjoy the Sky Trek zipline (in Arenal) in the morning, then do an Arenal canyoning trip in the afternoon. Or you can do the canyoning in the morning and relax by the pool or hot spring the balance of the day. Canyoning in Arenal is easy to fit into any tour between San Jose and the Pacific Coast, just add at least one and preferably 2 nights in Arenal in between.

Selva Bananito Eco-Lodge is a destination lodge in the opposite direction of Arenal, towards the Caribbean coast and Cahuita) that can be reached directly from San Jose by road or via a rafting trip down the Pacuare river. That makes an awesome adventure trip, and AWR’s 9-day Costa Rica and Bocas del Toro Adventurer does just that. Feel free to call or email us for more ideas. Whatever you do, try to make time for some canyoning in Costa Rica!

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Innocent Eyes 2014 Charity Trip — Kilimanjaro & Safari

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

2014 is the year you will climb the highest mountain in Africa!

David Noyes on the summit of Kilimanjaro

Have you dreamed of watching the sunrise over Africa from the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world? Or watching the sunset over the Serengeti while a pride of lion disappear into the high grass? In 2014 you can make a difference in the lives of children and experience Africa on this extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek & photo safari designed and led by award-wining photographer and travel writer, David Noyes.

Our fundraising climb will help provide children in East Africa with a second chance at a quality education by supporting one of our heroic program partners. Each participant should be prepared to raise at least $3,195 for the climb alone, or $5,170 for the climb and photo safari. One easy way to ask for support of your climb and safari is by setting up a fundraising page with First Giving or a similar page.

Dates: June 7-21, 2014

Itinerary in Brief

JUNE 7: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport
JUNE 8: Visit Orphanage
JUNE 9-15: 7-Day Machame Trek
JUNE 16-20: 5-Day Safari
JUNE 21: Depart (or depart on June 16)

Trek Highlights

7-day Machame Route
Visit to Make a Difference orphanage
3-nights Moshi
Celebration dinner
$3,195 (not including flights to Kilimanjaro Airport)

Safari Highlights (optional addition following the trek)

3 half-day game drives
Olduvai Gorge
Maasai village visit
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti, full day game drive
4 nights in Moshi
Fairwell dinner
$5,170 (Total for trek and safari, not including flights to Kilimanjaro Airport)

Innocent Eyes Project

It is impossible to travel into poor or isolated corners of the developing world and not be touched by the innocent eyes of a young child. Ours is not a sad story. It is a story about the hopes and dreams of families and about the gift we share as travelers to experience the world. Innocent Eyes Project, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that supports grassroots child education programs in developing countries by raising and allocating funds for projects where small amounts of money can have the largest impact on under-served children and communities.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 (Saturday June 7): ARRIVE KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

When you arrive at the Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.

Accommodation: Bristol Cottages or similar
Meals: n/a

DAY 2 (Sunday June 8): REST DAY AND ORPHANAGE VISIT

Today is a special day. Spend the day visiting and Make a Difference orphanage. Learn about these extraordinary young people and the heroes who are giving them a second chance. Your guide will provide a briefing the evening before your trek, and you must separate one bag for the trek from your other luggage. Rental equipment is available. Extra luggage can be stored in a locked storage room at your Moshi hotel at no charge.

Accommodation: Bristol Cottages or similar
Today at your Moshi hotel only breakfast is included.
Meals: B

DAY 3 (Monday June 9): MACHAME GATE TO MACHAME CAMP

Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, climbers are requested to make their final preparations for the climb and sign the national park registration book. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food, water, and other equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

6,000 ft / 1,830 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: BLD

DAY 4 (Tuesday June 10): HIKE FROM MACHAME CAMP TO SHIRA CAMP

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 12,600 ft / 3,840 m
Distance: 9 km
Walking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: BLD

DAY 5 (Wednesday June 11): HIKE FROM SHIRA CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” We now continue down to the Barranco Hut. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

12,600 ft / 3,840 m to 12,700 ft / 3,860 m
Distance: 15 km
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: BLD

DAY 6 (Thursday June 12): BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

12,700 ft / 3,860 m to 13,800 ft / 4,200 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Accommodation: Camping

DAY 7 (Friday June 13): HIKE FROM KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

After breakfast, we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

13,800 ft / 3,860 m to 15,100 ft / 4,600 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: BLD

DAY 8 (Saturday June 14): HIKE FROM BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

15,100 ft / 4,600 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m
19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 10,200 ft / 3,100 m
Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: BLD

DAY 9 (Sunday June 15): HIKE FROM MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA TRAIL HEAD, RETURN TO MOSHI

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for an evening celebration dinner at local restaurant. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

10,200 ft / 3,100 m to 6,000 ft / 1,830 m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Accommodation: Bristol Cottages or similar
Meals: BD

DAY 10 (Monday June 16): TRANSFER TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT, DEPART (OR CONTINUE ON TO OPTIONAL SAFARI)

Free day to spend exploring Moshi. Visit the colorful outdoor market, and souvenir shops, or hire a local guide to go off the beaten path.

Accommodation: n/a
Meals: B
OPTIONAL SAFARI

DAY 10 (Monday June 16): DRIVE TO TARANGIRE, AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

Today your safari guide drives you from Moshi to Tarangire with lunch en route for an afternoon game drive.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge or Kirurumu Tented Camp-Manyara
Meals: BLD

DAY 11 (Tuesday June 17): DRIVE TO SERENGETI, AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

Drive to the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive in search of the migration in the Moru Kopjes area.

Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp or Serengeti Halisi Tented Camp
Meals: BLD

DAY 12 (Wednesday June 18): SERENGETI, FULL DAY GAME DRIVE

Enjoy a full day game drive in the remarkable Serengeti with a picnic lunch served mid-day.

Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp or Serengeti Halisi Tented Camp
Meals: BLD

DAY 13 (Thursday June 19): DRIVE SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO VIA OLDUVAI GORGE

Drive from the Serengeti to the scenic Ngorongoro Crater enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. En route, you’ll have options to visit the Olduvai Gorge and/or an authentic Maasai village.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge or Ngorongoro Farmhouse
Meals: BLD

DAY 14 (Friday June 20): NGORONGORO CRATER, MORNING GAME DRIVE, RETURN TO MOSHI

Enjoy a morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. In the afternoon, return to Moshi via Mto Wa Mbu, or if you are flying out tonight, your guide can drop you off directly at the Kilimanjaro Airport.

Accommodation: Bristol Cottages or similar with farewell dinner
Meals: BLD

DAY 15 (Saturday June 21): TRANSFER TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT, DEPART

Free day to spend exploring Moshi. Visit the colorful outdoor market, and souvenir shops, or hire a local guide to go off the beaten path.

Accommodation: n/a
Meals: B

* Itinerary is subject to change.

PRICE INCLUDES

$500 donation to Innocent Eyes Project, Inc.
National Park gate fees
Transport from Moshi to starting point on mountain and return to Moshi
Camping fees
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Salaries for all crew members
Rescue fees (as required by national park)
All meals on the mountain
Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Oximeters

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Tips for guides and porters
Sleeping bags and personal items
Airport transfers
Accommodation and meals in Moshi
Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)

BUDGET FOR EXTRA

$250 for trekking tips
$120 for safari tips
$30 for meals in Moshi

More Information on the Innocent Eyes Project and the Trek >>

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7 Great Packing Tips

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Here’s some great advice from Hipmunk on packing:

1. Make a list. Don’t rely on memory alone in those final crazy hours before a vacation. A list will help you remember everything you need – from the basics like socks and a toothbrush, to those peskier items like your phone charger and a neck pillow for the plane. Even better, save the list so you don’t have to create it from scratch every time.

2. Don’t over pack. It’s tempting to bring half of your closet, so you have plenty of choices. But having fewer options actually makes things easier on your travels: you’ll have less to carry, and it won’t take as long to figure out what to wear every day. Plus, we bet you won’t miss what you didn’t bring (unless it’s a jacket for San Francisco nights).

3. Check the baggage policy. Many airlines charge for checked bags these days, and they charge even more for bags over a certain weight. If you don’t want to find yourself out-of-pocket, check ahead of time on the airline’s website, and weigh your bag at home before you leave.

4. Pack valuables in a carry-on. It’s always a good idea to keep essential items like your house keys in a carry-on, just in case the unthinkable happens and your bag gets lost in transit. Same goes for valuables like your wallet and any expensive jewelry.

5. Wear large items. If you’re bringing a large coat, set of boots, or sun hat, wear them on travel day to save room in your suitcase. You can always take the items off once you get on the plane and stash them in the overhead compartment. Just don’t forget them when you leave!

6. Keep your ID, laptop and liquids handy. Don’t be THAT person at the security checkpoint. Have your ID ready, pack your laptop in an easy-to-grab spot, and make sure your bag of liquids is accessible too, in case the airport requires you to take them out.

7. Bring a collapsible duffel. If you plan on doing a lot of shopping on your trip, pack an extra tightly-folding bag. You’ll be glad for the extra space on the way home to keep your new nick-knacks from getting squished.

See our Adventure Travel Packing Lists >>

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A Trek For Every Month: Top Hikes Around The World (September, October & November)

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Read below to learn about our top trekking destinations for September, October and November. We’ve picked some of our best options in Peru, Nepal, India, Ecuador and Morocco!

Machu Picchu in Peru: a stunning end to unforgettable treks!

This post is the third installment of the Adventures Within Reach “Trek a Month” overview highlighting our favorite treks each month to help you pick a great adventure for your travel dates. We’ll write 1 more post with 3 months of the best treks for those times of year.

>> Read about top treks for March, April and May! >>

>> Read about top treks for June, July and August! >>

September

Our Top Trek Recommendation: The Inca Trail, Peru
Runner Up: 9-day Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek, Peru

Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail: September is an ideal time to hike in Peru! Culminating at Machu Picchu, this hike is one of the world’s best treks! 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 in Cusco or Ollantaytambo and returns to Cusco with an overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. We offer both groups to join and private treks.

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek: Very few people know that Hiram Bingham visited Choquequirao before he “rediscovered” Machu Picchu. His explorations took him to this “other Machu Picchu” and along trails that are used today as a back way to get to Machu Picchu! The trails are Inca Trails, but not the classic route!

This trek is one of the most difficult treks for this area of Peru….and one of the finest challenges for the intrepid hiker. It links the two most spectacular Inca ruins: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. It travels through a wide range of Peru’s vegetation zones, inviting you to experiencea large amount of native flora. The last day is spent at Machu Picchu, with an opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu.

>>> View All Peru Treks

October

Our Top Trek Recommendation: Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Runner Up: Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim, India

See the beauty of the highest peaks on earth!

Everest Base Camp Trek: This trek among the Sherpa people of Nepal is perhaps the most popular hike in all the Himalaya. We offer a standard teahouse trek and a “luxury” lodge trek. The trek begins with an “eye opening” flight to Lukla, situated at 9,184ft. The trek passes through the picturesque Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar culminating in the “ascent” of Kala Patthar – 18,187ft – from where classic views of Everest and its surrounding peaks are available. Most of the trek is spent above altitudes of 3000 meters. Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags, prayer wheels and intricately carved mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall, and trail-side, singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler.

>>> All Nepal Treks

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, the world’s 3rd highest mountain

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: October is also an ideal time to trek to the base of the world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga. While not nearly as well known as Everest, the views are just as amazing and the cultures you meet along the way are unforgettable! For the people of Sikkim, Kanchenjunga is more than just the third highest peak in the world; it is believed to be the abode of the state’s patron deity. This trek takes one right up close to the big mountain, through forests of rhododendrons, orchids, pine and magnolia to the higher valleys and the rolling meadows used for grazing by the gentle yak-herding Lepchas.

>>> View All India Treks

November

Our Top Trek Recommendation: 7 Summits with Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Runner Up: Sahara Desert Trek, Morocco

Stunning Cotopaxi: Glaciated peaks on the Equator!

7 Summits with Cotopaxi: Our 14-Day Seven Ecuadorian Peaks With Cotopaxi and Chimborazo is a fantastic trip for enthusiasts of high summits and stunning scenery. In the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, this trip is best for climbers with mountaineering experience or for trekkers looking to break into new terrain and learn the ropes of technical mountaineering. The treks and the ascents are linked to assure a perfect acclimatization to the altitude and to increase your physical resistance. You will climb 7 of the most famous Ecuadorian volcanoes: Fuya-Fuya, Culbiche, Imbabura, Pasochoa, Illinizas, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. The itinerary also includes several days of rest and recovery that will allow you to discover 4 of the most famous tourist attractions in Ecuador: the old colonial city of Quito, the equator, the famous Indian market of Otavalo and the charming thermal city of Baños.

>>> View All Ecuador Treks

Dunes of the Sahara

Sahara Desert Trek: We only recommend trekking in the Sahara from October through April, so this is a perfect time of year to explore towering sand dunes and the backside of the Atlas mountains. This trek in the Sahara desert will take you to the renowned Chegaga dunes and other less visited areas. After departing from Marrakesh the trip crosses the Atlas mountains and enters the desert. You’ll spend 5 nights camping in the desert and hike with camels to soaring dunes through a beautiful and barren landscape. The trip begins and ends in Marrakesh, so you will also be able to discover this fascinating city with its palaces and famous markets.

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Posted in Ecuador, Inca Trail, India, Machu Picchu, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Travel Advice, Trekking | Tagged Top Treks, Top Trips, Treks Per Month | Leave a comment

Track your Trek in Real-Time!

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

GPS tracking map Your friends and family can now follow you on your trek in real-time! We are offering this service for free for our travelers on these trips:

People will be able to follow your daily progress and get regular updates on where you are and what you are experiencing. They can follow on our interactive map, Facebook, Twitter, or via email.

AWR has partnered with TrekTraka to provide the GPS tracking/social media marketing system.

Maps can be found on our website with some live trips or recent past trips:

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