Need a visa application form? Not sure about the entry requirements? Need a U.S. passport in a hurry? Getting multiple visas? Going to Tibet? Changing your name?
U.S. and Canadian citizens can use Travisa, a fast and easy way to help speed up the process of obtaining your passport and visa.
Aconcagua (6,962 m / 22,841 ft)
We are pleased to announce dates for the 2011-2012 climbing season for Aconcagua. The mountain is one of the “7 summits” and an exciting adventure if you have climbed Kilimanjaro and are looking for a slightly more challenging experience.
Consider joining Adventures Within Reach clients on a December 20, 2011 to January 5, 2012 open expedition.
All expeditions follow the 17-day itinerary of the Aconcagua Normal Route. Please contact us for information and dates for other routes to the roof of the Americas!
Book by May 31st, 2011 to receive 2010-2011 pricing of $3300 per person!
Other possible dates include: November 29 to December 15, 2011 / December 27, 2011 to January 12, 2012 / January 3-19, 2012 / January 10-26, 2012 / January 17 – February 2, 2012 / January 24 – February 9, 2012 / January 31 – February 16, 2012 / February 7-23, 2012 / February 20 – March 5, 2012
The M/V Polar Star
We are extremely pleased to introduce a new vessel to our Antarctica trips, the M/V Polar Star.
A comfortable 100-passenger expedition vessel, with a Class 1A rating for ice, and a polished interior perfect for discerning international adventurers, the Polar Star makes an ideal base to explore the otherworldly nature of the Antarctic region. The expedition guides are among the finest leading trips in the region, while the open bridge policy allows you to see the ship staff in action. The cuisine is abundant, with an international flavor, and the ship features a small gym, a library, an alluring Observation Lounge, and more.
Expeditions range from 10 nights/ 11 days to 18 nights/ 19 days, from November into March.
As I reflect on Earth Day and what it means to me, I am reminded of all the ways we can help the earth even if we are traveling.
All of us can also help locally:
Sustainable Travel International (STI) has some great information and tools:
If you’re interested in trekking in the Alps, you might want to consider extending your trip to one of Europe’s other destinations. You could even head down to Morocco for a trek in the High Atlas Mountains and a few days in Marrakesh.
Affordable extensions are possible with the bargain airfares offered by the low cost carrier EasyJet. There are flights to numerous destinations including Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Rome, and Lisbon. For my trip I decided to visit Majorca, only 80 minutes from Geneva by air. A round trip flight in April cost me only $70! It is an extremely affordable way to add a visit to a Mediterranean paradise after spending some time in the snow covered Alps.
Majorca's Northern Coast
Majorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands located approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Barcelona in the Mediterranean. Besides relaxing on the beach or exploring beautiful coves, visitors can hike in the mountains and explore the island’s towns and cities.
The largest city is Palma de Mallorca and boasts attractive pedestrian streets, a beautiful waterfront, and an impressive gothic cathedral. While in Palma you can do as the locals and enjoy Spanish wine with tapas.
Palma's Cathedral
While in Palma you should also venture out to the Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation where the Spanish painter and his wife spent several years of their lives living and working. You can explore Miro’s two studios, enjoy looking at many of his paintings, sculptures and prints, and take in the contemporary art exhibited in the galleries.
The island also offers excellent hiking. You can follow trails from the charming village of Lluc (pronounced “Youc”) up toward the highest peak on the island at an elevation of 1400 meters. The views from the mountains of the coast and sea are spectacular.
Hiking above Valldemossa
Another larger town with a trailhead is Valldemossa, located much closer to Palma. Hikes above Valldemossa can take you on top of breathtaking cliffs that drop down to the villages along the coast. Along the way you’ll appreciate the oder of pines and rosemary bushes and maybe even see some wild goats scampering about on the limestone summits. Back in Valldemossa you can enjoy a well earned lunch, relax in a cafe, and visit the carthusian monastery where the French writer Georges Sand and the composer Frederic Chopin spent a winter together in 1838-1839.
If you are more interested in biking you can join the thousands of tourists who come here to go road biking between the mountain towns. It is easy to find good bikes to rent due the popularity of the activity. As with hiking, biking is an excellent activity for the cooler temperatures in the spring and fall.
Running on the beach near Can Picafort
Of course you can also take advantage of the island’s beautiful beaches. For long, sandy beaches try the area near Can Picafort on the eastern side of the island.
After my time in Majorca I am heading to Morocco, but that is the subject for some future blog posts. Stay tuned for updates on trekking in the High Atlas Mountains and other travel options in Morocco!
Resources:
The AWR BolderBoulder team is ready for another year! It’s a great way to train for your next big adventure trip. Here is Robin’s advice to anyone running the BolderBoulder:
More on AWR races:
Trekking in Morocco
Morocco is home to the Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. We are pleased to offer treks with a range of comfortable lodging options. You can spend nights in a luxurious mountain retreat, a cozy trekking lodge, camping, or in a mountain hut.
The Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 13,671 feet / 4,167 meters, is the ultimate trekking destination in the Atlas. We can also arrange for other trekking options in the Toubkal National Park.
Interested in climbing Jbel Toubkal this spring? Please consider joining a group departing on May 26th from Marrakesh. You would spend three nights in high-end mountain accommodations with two nights in mountain huts.
A trip to Morocco wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the fascinating cities. We also recommend staying in Marrakesh before and after a trek and extending a stay to visit cities including Essaouira, Fez, and Meknes.
The Discovery of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
In 1911 Hiram Bingham set out in search of the “lost city” of the Incas. While searching, Bingham came across the amazing find of Machu Picchu, now the most visited site in Peru. He went on to find the “last city” of the Incas at Vilcabamba, deep in the jungle beyond Machu Picchu. In these searches, it was hoped that large stores of gold and silver would be found. In fact, very little of the precious ores was found; rather the numerous artifacts were mainly skulls and bones, pottery, and tools.
Peru will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bingham’s “discovery” all year, but the big event will be on July 7th, the date that Machu Picchu was named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (in 2007). Other grand celebrations will occur on and around July 24, the actual anniversary of the “discovery.”
Special Anniversary Trip
A special 100th anniversary tour to Machu Picchu will take us to Machu Picchu on July 24, 2011, the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of the famous citadel by Hiram Bingham! The tour will be escorted by Christopher Heaney, author of several books about Hiram Bingham. This is a unique opportunity for anyone who wants an in-depth knowledge of the famous citadel!
Dates for this special trip are July 20-26, 2011. We can also provide additional side trips before or after this itinerary if you would like to do so.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
In 1915, as workers continued to clear brush and excavate Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham also traveled an old Inca path, over passes, along the ridges, and through jungle, arriving at Machu Picchu. This path is now known as the Inca Trail, a route that trekkers enjoy today by the hundreds!
There are strict regulations for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek, including a limited number of permits (500 each day), to preserve the trail and surroundings for future visitors to enjoy. Permits for 2011 are sold out through June and half of the dates in July. Contact us for availability. If you can travel in September or October, you will have excellent weather and fewer crowds!
The Train to Machu Picchu
The easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. The Vistadome Train ride starts in Cusco or Ollantaytambo and goes along the Urubamba River, arriving in Aguas Calientes the town at the base of Machu Picchu’s ridge. A shuttle bus takes you to the entrance to Machu Picchu and you will enjoy a guided tour of the famous citadel. Your guide will be very knowledgable about the Inca culture, the history of the site and the experiences of Hiram Bingham.
Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, and go early the next morning to avoid the crowds that come on the train, and get great photos! You can hike to Inti Punku (sun gate) where the Inca Trail trekkers arrive, or climb Wayna Picchu to get a different view of the ruins. You need a ticket to climb Wayna Picchu; it is free but there is a limited supply. And early start will ensure a ticket! These extra hikes are possible with the two-day Train to Machu Picchu excursion.
The Peru/Yale Controversy
Space does not allow a full discussion of the controversy that has strained relations between Peru and the USA (specifically Yale University). When Hiram Bingham cleared, dug, and found caves and buildings, he took bones, pottery shards, and other artifacts and shipped them to the USA, giving them to Yale. Later, Peru asked for them back, feeling that these artifacts belong in the country where they were found. Yale would not return them. After 100 years, and many long discussions and court proceedings, an agreement has been reached where Yale will return most of the artifacts to Peru. Most of these will be housed in a new museum in the Cusco vicinity.
Our staff has traveled the world and visited some of the planet’s most amazing adventure travel destinations. We already offer tours and treks in Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe, and each year we return to our favorite destinations as well as explore new regions to offer the best quality adventure travel to our clients.
In the past year we have added new destinations including trekking in the French/Swiss Alps (summer and winter treks) and tours and treks in Chile and Argentina (Patagonia, Easter Island, Santiago, and Atacama). We’ve also returned to Tanzania, Peru, and Ecuador to ensure the best from these amazing destinations.
But our expertise does not end there! If your next great adventure is not currently on our website, but you need some expert advice, drop us a note, and we may be able to help you….
MOROCCO
Trekking in the Atlas Mountains, camel trekking in the Sahara, and visiting the royal cities of Fez and Marrakesh
USA
Traversing Yellowstone National Park, ski touring in Idaho, rafting through the Grand Canyon, and hiking and skiing in Colorado
RUSSIA
Climbing Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe
ICELAND
Exploring fjords, glaciers, and volcanoes
MOZAMBIQUE
Visiting pristine coasts and world-famous Wilderness Game Reserves
CARIBBEAN
Sailing a 50-foot catamaran among the British Virgin Islands
What is your dream destination? Would you like AWR to help you plan a trip to a place that isn’t among our itineraries? Trekking in Morocco through Berber villages to the summit of Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa? Crossing Yellowstone on skis to experience the wild beauty of this National Park? Hut-to-hut skiing in Idaho? Something completely different?
We would love to hear what is on your adventure travel wish list!
The Giraffe Manor is a must-see just outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Built in 1932 and modeled on a Scottish hunting lodge, Giraffe Manor offers a pleasing mixture of traditional and modern elegance. With its two storey entrance hall, majestic staircase and immaculately furnished interiors, Giraffe Manor offers guests the unique chance to interact with the rare Rothschild Giraffe.
Come June, the longtime favorite Giraffe Manor is adding on to its existing six double bedrooms with a wing that will incorporate the Manor’s traditional feel. The new extension features four additional bedrooms, bringing the Manor’s guest capacity to twenty, yet still retaining its sense of exclusivity and intimacy.
Giraffe Manor is famed for being the only hotel in the world where guests can eat breakfast with giraffe poking their heads through the windows “asking” for food. Nearby, guests who are not staying at Giraffe Manor have the opportunity to hand-feed giraffe at the adjacent Giraffe Center.
Giraffe Manor
