Adventures Within Reach Travel Blog

New Special Offers for Antarctica, With Trips From $4200!

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Antarctica on the Ortellius

Adventures Within Reach is excited to announce new special rates on four select 2014 Antarctica expeditions!

*** Expedition: Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula, aboard the M/v “Ortelius”

Dates: February 13 – March 4, 2014 (18 nights starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina)

Itinerary:

http://adventureswithinreach.com/antarctica/overview.php?trip=19_day__Antarctica,_South_Georgia,_and_Falklands_Expedition

Special Rates:

All rates are per person in US dollars

Quadruple and triple cabin: USD 13,250 minus 35 % discount = USD 8,600
Twin porthole cabin: USD 14,375 minus 35 % discount = USD 9,340
Twin window cabin: USD 16,650 minus 35 % discount = USD 10,800
Superior cabin: USD 19,700 minus 35 % discount = USD 12,800
Suite: USD 22,250 minus 35 % discount = USD 14,450

Single travelers can request to be matched, however solo travelers wishing to have their own guaranteed single cabin can book a single cabin with no further single surcharge (normally 1.7 times the twin rate) though no further discounts and no free upgrade are on offer.

*** Expedition: Classic Antarctic, aboard the M/v “Ortelius”

Dates: January 16-25, 2014 (9 nights starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina)

Core Itinerary:

http://adventureswithinreach.com/antarctica/overview.php?trip=11_day__Antarctica_Expedition_on_the_M/V_Plancius

Special Rates:

All rates are per person in US dollars

Quadruple cabin: USD 5,800 minus 20 % discount = USD 4,640
Triple cabin: USD 6,500 minus 20 % discount = USD 5,200
Twin porthole cabin: USD 7,500 minus 20 % discount = USD 5,950
Twin window cabin: USD 7,800 minus 20 % discount = USD 6,240
Superior cabin: USD 9,100 minus 20 % discount = USD 7,280
Suite: USD 10,200 minus 20 % discount = USD 8,160

*** Plus a free upgrade to a higher cabin category if you make your reservation on or before December 31, 2013, if upgrades are available, excluding superiors and suite. For example, travelers reserved in a triple cabin and pay US$ 5,200 will receive complimentary accommodation in a twin porthole cabin (value US$ 5,950).

*** Expedition: Basecamp Antarctica, aboard the M/v “Ortelius” – this is a special adventure expedition with a load of included activities, including free camping, sea kayaking, mountaineering and a special photography workshop.

Dates: March 4-15 , 2014 (11 nights starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina)

Core Itinerary:

http://adventureswithinreach.com/antarctica/overview.php?trip=12_day__BaseCamp_Antarctica

Special Rates:

All rates are per person in US dollars

Quadruple cabin: USD 7,300 minus 20 % discount = USD 5,840
Triple cabin: USD 8,100 minus 20 % discount = USD 6,480
Twin porthole cabin: USD 8,800 minus 20 % discount = USD 6,950
Twin window cabin: USD 9,200 minus 20 % discount = USD 7,350
Superior cabin: USD 10,850 minus 20 % discount = USD 8,680
Suite: USD 12,250 minus 20 % discount = USD 9,800

*** Plus a free upgrade to a higher cabin category (latest booking date 31 December 2013, availability permitting, excluding superiors and suite), for example, clients booked in a triple cabin pay USD 6,480 and will receive accommodation in a twin porthole cabin (value USD 6,950).

*** Expedition: Antarctica Whale Watching, aboard the M/v “Ortelius“ – this is a special late season expedition with a focus on whale viewing.

Dates: March 15-24 , 2014 (9 nights starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina)

Core Itinerary:

Please contact us for the specific itinerary, but it is largely based on the standard Classic Antarctica expedition.

Special Rates:

All rates are per person in US dollars

Quadruple cabin: USD 5,250 minus 20 % discount = USD 4,200
Triple cabin: USD 5,850 minus 20 % discount = USD 4,680
Twin porthole cabin: USD 6,750 minus 20 % discount = USD 5,400
Twin window cabin: USD 7,000 minus 20 % discount = USD 5,600
Superior cabin: USD 8,250 minus 20 % discount = USD 6,600
Suite: USD 9,250 minus 20 % discount = USD 7,400

*** Plus a free upgrade to a higher cabin category if you make your reservation on or before December 31, 2013, if upgrades are available, excluding superiors and suite. For example, travelers reserving space in a triple cabin (paying US$ 4,680 will receive accommodation in a twin porthole cabin (value US$ 5,400).

If you have any questions and if you would like to check availability or book your spot on an expedition, please call or email us. We hope you can take advantage of these special prices and join us to breath-taking Antarctica!

Posted in Travel Advice | Leave a comment

MAD Charity Trek – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – August 2014

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Make a Dffference Now (MAD) is planning their second annual fundraiser with the 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for August 6-14, 2014. This is an excellent opportunity to help MAD Now and to have an awesome trek! Options are available to extend your visit.

ITINERARY

AUG 6: Arrive Lima, transfer next day fly to Cusco
AUG 7: Arrive Cusco, transfer, afternoon tour, overnight Cusco
AUG 8: Full day tour of the Sacred Valley with lunch, overnight Sacred Valley
AUG 9-13: 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek; 5th day at Machu Picchu; end in Cusco
AUG 14: Departure from Cusco (or extend trip to Amazon Rainforest)

PRICING

Cost of Climb and Tour: $1,500 USD
(Price is contingent on 8+ people)
Fundraising Goal:Minimum of $1,500 USD
(MAD can help you set up your fundraising)

2013 Inca Trail Trek Fundraiser with MAD

The price above includes:

Cusco airport/hotel transfers
3-star hotels, double occupancy (including last night of trek in Aguas Calientes)
Breakfast at hotels, meals on trek
1/2 day Cusco city tour and nearby ruins – private
Full day Sacred Valley tour with lunch
Cusco tourist ticket (for entrances for both tours)
Bi-lingual guides and transfer agents
Fully supported trek: Transportation to the trailhead, bi-lingual guide, cook, porters, Inca Trail permits, meals on trek, large two-person sleeping tents and Thermarest, dining tent, table and chairs, portable toilet, shuttle, entrance and guided tour of Machu Picchu, train return to Cusco

Not included:

International and domestic flights
Combo ticket to climb Huayna Picchu is US$65/person. All Inca Trail Climbers need to purchase this in Peru.
Lunches and dinners, except on trek and for the Sacred Valley tour
Services and hotels in Lima
Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, day pack, etc.)
Personal expenses (travel insurance, immunizations, laundry, internet, alcoholic beverages, Lima airport departure tax)
About $50 to $80 per person for tips

MORE INFORMATION

Posted in Travel Advice | Leave a comment

How to Identify Alpacas vs. Llamas

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Alpacas, llamas, and vicuna are found in the higher regions of Peru. Besides being cute and fun to watch, you can easily buy alpaca products on your tour in Cusco, in the Sacred Valley, and near the Colca Canyon.

Alpacas near Cusco

Alpaca

Looks like a big sheep, also “rasta” with long hair
Typically one color only

Llama near the Colca Canyon

Llama

Has a longer neck with head up
May have ribbons in its hair
Usually more than one color

Vicuna in the Sacred Valley

Vicunia

No domesticated
Looks more like a large gazelle
Brown on top, white on bottom, not so fuzzy

Shopping for Alpaca Products

Alpaca Factory near Cusco

Baby alpaca is much nicer that adult alpaca, but can be 4 times the price
Acrylic is shiny, lighter weight, and feels cool to the touch
Best to buy alpaca goods direct from a factory
- Better price than in a store
- Can guarantee that it is really alpaca
- Local markets mostly sell “maybe” alpaca (not “baby” alpaca, i.e., acrylic)

Posted in Peru | Leave a comment

Guided Inca Trail Trek with Backwoods Adventures May 2014

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Joe Koehly making new friends in Peru!

Backwoods Adventures is offering a guided group trip to Peru including the 5 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for May 10-20, 2014. This will be Joe’s fourth trip with AWR!

Extensions to Lake Titicaca and the Galapagos are available, as well as other side trips.

Itinerary in Brief

MAY 6: Arrival Lima
MAY 7-10: Lake Titicaca and the floating isles excursion (optional)
MAY 10: Arrival Lima (for those not going to Lake Titicaca)
MAY 11: Cusco and the city tour
MAY 12: Free day
MAY 13: Sacred Valley tour
MAY 14-18: 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek
MAY 19: Lima
MAY 20: Depart Lima for home or Ecuador
MAY 21: Ecuador extension (optional)
MAY 22-26: 5-day Galapagos Cruise
MAY 27: Depart Quito for home

Q&A with Joe Koehly

1. What is so magical about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The magic of the Inca Trail to me is the beauty of the Andes, all of the ruins in addition to Machu Picchu, and the great camaraderie with the local guides and porters.

2. Do you have a favorite spot inside Machu Picchu ruins?

My favorite part in Machu Picchu is the agricultural steps above the ruins, just as you enter from the Sun Gate. The view is superb and it is your first up close look of the entire ruin.

3. Should everyone climb Huayna Picchu, if possible?

Yes, it is a super fun climb and gives you a commanding view of the valley in each direction as well as the ruins below. Not for the faint of heart;-)

4. What training do you recommend for people before they hike the Inca Trail?

I would recommend starting with a solid cardio routine, whether that be biking or running or swimming. Then as you got into 60 days prior or so start to add stairs of a stair master every couple days as a substitute to your cardio activity continuing to increase frequency. Lastly, be sure to take a few days prior to the trip and go on longer hikes. 5-7 hours wearing your gear for the trip. It gets your body used to long hiking days and helps you work out any equipment kinks before you even hit the airport.

5. What would you recommend for people to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco (11,000 feet)?

We take 3 days to acclimatize to Cusco doing city tours and ruins tours in the area. Don’t forget the Coca tea!!

6. Is there something that a lot of people pack that they really don’t need to?

Too many changes of clothes. Keep it simple, save your clean clothes for after your shower in Aguas Calientes. We will all stink at the end of 4 days on the trail.

7. Is there something that people tend to forget to pack?

Extra shoes for the camp evenings. Great to let your boots dry out and give your feet a rest.

8. Can you share an interesting story about an interesting local person you have met in Peru?

Narciso, he was amazing. He know just about everyone from the start of the trek, in every village, farm, checkpoint. A little unorthodox in his style, but you could tell he was a man of the Andes and is absolutely devoted to showing people the beauty of the ruins and continuing the stories of the Incas.

Posted in Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Peru | Tagged group inca trail trek, inca trail, inca trail trek | Leave a comment

Should I do the 5-Day or 4-Day Inca Trail Trek?

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Which is the best experience for you?

5 Day Inca Trail Trek

Winnay Wayna Ruins on the 5 Day Inca Trail Trek

Pro’s

Opportunity for alternative camps with fewer people
Hiking only in the daylight for optimal views and pictures
Have a 2nd day at Machu Picchu (first day is your arrival)
More time to climb Wayna Picchu on second day after arrival, before or after your tour of the ruins
Will have time to visit Aguas Calientes
Showers at the hotel at the end of the trek, before returning to Machu Picchu on day 5.

Con’s

Longer time commitment (5 days instead of 4)
More expensive (because of added day/night)

4 Day Inca Trail Trek

Camp on 4 Day Inca Trail Trek

Shorter, for those with time constraints
Less expensive (no 5th day and no overnight in Aguas Calientes)
Arrive at the Sun Gate at dawn for possible views of the sunrise

Con’s

Campsites are more utilized and probably more crowded
Only one visit to Machu Picchu (the day you arrive)
Fourth day hike starts in the dark (to the sun gate)
Hiking at times is with more groups of people
Last day is “hectic”: hiking to Machu Picchu…tour Machu Picchu…option to climb Wayna Picchu…then the afternoon train back to Cusco

Posted in Inca Trail, Peru | Tagged hike inca trail, inca trail, inca trail trek | 2 Comments

Becky’s quest to visit every country continues by climbing Kilimanjaro

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Adventures Within Reach

Becky Perlow traveling in Mongolia

On her quest to visit every country in the world, Becky Perlow of Pikesville, MD will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in February 2014. Only in her mid-20’s, Becky has been to 25 countries, and after this Africa trip, it will be 29.

Ms. Perlow will be climbing Kilimanjaro on the 7-day Machame Route. Also known as the Whiskey Route, this route is the second most popular route. It is a more difficult route but incredibly beautiful. Although the climb is not a technical climb, summit day is long, strenuous and at high elevation (19,340 ft).

“Everyone that knows me knows that I have two goals in life, and one is to see every country before I die, so Tanzania is just another notch to my belt,” says Ms. Perlow. That being said, I think there’s a real possibility that I might not make it up to the top of the mountain, but knowing that doesn’t deter me. In fact, it encourages me to push myself to a place I don’t usually experience in my daily life but I still crave daily.

“I’ve backpacked all over Europe and Asia with my trusty backpack, Jeremy (yes, I’ve named my backpack — don’t judge), so I’m not too concerned about the physical part of the hike. I was also fortunate enough to spend two weeks horseback riding in Mongolia and in that time, I didn’t shower for 12 days. I can’t say I’m really looking forward to that again — but what’s seven days without a shower after nearly two weeks without one? 🙂

“When I tell my friends and family about the trek, none of them are surprised — they know I love traveling and will try anything once, whether that’s scuba diving with sharks in the Caribbean, jumping out of a plane in Israel or playing with scorpions in Malaysia (and yes, I’ve done all of that).

“After Kili, I’m heading to Rwanda to play with gorillas (and by play, I mean take pictures from 10 yards away and pray none of the baby gorillas are brave enough to come near me and steal my camera), then to visit Zambia and Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls.”

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 is our hottest destination,” says Robin Paschall, owner of Adventures Within Reach. “What a great way to see the country and meet the people!”

“My goal in life is to see every country before I die,” says Ms. Perlow. “On my bucket list of great things to see in the world, hiking Kili is one of them — mostly to prove to myself that I can do it.”

Posted in Kilimanjaro | Tagged climb kilimanjaro, machame route | 2 Comments

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.

Posted in Travel Advice | Leave a comment

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.

Posted in Peru | Leave a comment

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

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania | Tagged charity climb, climb kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Charity Climb | 2 Comments

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

Posted in Travel Advice | Leave a comment

Adventures Within Reach Travel Blog

New Special Offers for Antarctica, With Trips From $4200!