Four Ecuador Peaks in 11 Days

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Adventures Within Reach

Ascend 4 Peaks: Fuya-Fuya 4294 m, North Illinizas 5116 m, Cotopaxi 5897 m, Chimborazo 6310 m

Chimborazo, Ecuador

Chimborazo, Ecuador

In this 11 day climbing trek in Ecuador you will be taken on a spectacular trip in the volcanoes country. This trip is specially catered to mountaineers and also allows to you, at the same time, to visit Indian markets, Andean populations, varied landscapes, and discover of the great country of Ecuador.

An experienced and licensed Ecuadorian bilingual high mountain guide assures the success of the trip, while a practical snow and ice technique course will refresh, improve, and unify the level of the participants. During the roped ascents of the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo a guide for every two climbers and radio communication will assure maximum safety for the group.

Itinerary

  • June 22: Quito > Trek Cuicocha Lake (3400 m / 11,155 ft) > Otavalo
  • June 23: Otavalo > Mojanda Lagoons > Fuya-Fuya Summit (4294 m / 14,088 ft) > Otavalo
  • June 24: Otavalo > Cayambe Refuge (4600 m / 15,092 ft).
  • June 25: Cayambe > Cochasqui > Quito
  • June 26: Quito, cable railway > El Chaupi
  • June 27: Illinizas Norte summit (5116 m / 16,784 ft) > El Chasqui
  • June 28: El Chasqui > Cotopaxi Refuge (4800 m / 15,748 ft)
  • June 29: Cotopaxi summit (5897m / 19,347 ft) > Baños
  • June 30: Baños
  • July 1: Baños > Chimborazo refuge
  • July 2: Chimborazo summit (6310 m / 20,702 ft) > Quito

Price starts at $1765/person

Full Itinerary >>

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Women’s Week in the Galapagos with Barb Colliander

Posted on February 9, 2010 by Adventures Within Reach
Red Mangrove Galapagos

Red Mangrove Galapagos

This 7-day Ecuador and Galapagos women’s trip is designed to see the best of Quito and its environs and to experience the Galapagos Islands. Most travelers go on a cruise ship to visit the Galapagos, but we will be staying on the islands in lodges and taking day trips to see the wonders for which the Galapagos is famous! Giant tortoises, iguanas, seals, blue-footed boobies, frigates, are the most popular sights. You will see this and more!

Barb Colliander will be the group coordinator, but there will be bi-lingual cultural and naturalist guides with us “all the way”! There is no trekking or backpacking involved, but you should be in good health and able to walk on trails.

Itinerary

  • OCT 3: Arrival Quito
  • OCT 4: Quito City Tour
  • OCT 5-9: 5-day Darwin’s Triangle Galapagos Excursion
  • OCT 10: Otavalo Indigenous Market day tour
  • OCT 11: Depart

Prices start at $1995/person

If you would like to book this adventure, we request a deposit to confirm your reservation. This is 20% of the land price and 100% of the domestic airfares (we purchase those right away). Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Full Itinerary and Pictures >>

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Update on Train to Machu Picchu

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Adventures Within Reach

We have an update for our travelers to Peru! And for our would-be travelers….

Due to the heavy rains and flooding in the Sacred Valley, the railway from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu has some areas of track that are washed out. We are keeping in touch with the Peruvian government to get the latest updates on progress to repair the route.

At the moment, you can be assured that everyone is working diligently to get the train “back on track” as soon as possible, since visitors to Machu Picchu are critical to the economy. It is anticipated that the railway will be repaired and the train will be operational again by April 1, 2010.  This will entail a car/bus ride from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Piscacucho (km 82), then board the train to Aguas Calientes.

An alternate back route to Aguas Calientes is being completed, allowing access by car/van/bus through Santa Theresa to the Hydroelectric Station and then, from there, a 30-minute train ride to Aguas Calientes. This section of the railway was not damaged, but the road from Santa Teresa to the Hydro is not repaired.  They anticipate the alternate route may be ready by the end of March, 2010. The down side of this option is the 6- to 7-hour drive on the back roads to the Hydroelectric Station.

Many of our customers have asked about the helicopter ride to Machu Picchu.  For the time being, the government has halted transport of tourists, and the helicopters are only allowed to take food, medicine and supplies to Aguas Calientes.  We are hoping that soon people will be able to travel by helicopter.

All of this is fairly insignificant, because the government has closed the Machu Picchu citadel, until further notice.  They will open it again, when they feel it is safe to get there!

Once you arrive in Peru, our staff will keep you up-to-date about any changes in your itinerary and will provide alternate routes or options for you if another natural disaster occurs. If you have questions, be sure to ask us.

The Inca Trail is closed every year in February, for cleaning and repair, so this is being done right now, continuing to the end of March. For the 5-day classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek, you drive in a private car to the trailhead. Your return will be by train or the alternate route. The government has indicated that the Inca Trail will open on April 1st.  The permits for April and May are almost sold out (a few dates still available).  Be sure to plan ahead and book your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek soon!

AWR will keep you posted on any new developments!

Posted in Machu Picchu, News, Peru | Leave a comment

Get MAD and Climb Kilimanjaro!

Posted on February 6, 2010 by Adventures Within Reach

Well, don’t really get “mad.”  Join Make A Difference (MAD) for a charity climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro!

This July, Adventures Within Reach is excited to sponsor MAD as they try and raise money for the children of Tanzania.  All contributions go towards helping local children attend a great school in Himo, Tanzania for a year.  That includes everything from a uniform, classes taught in English, two meals a day, and transportation to school from the orphanage.  This is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

A fund-raising Kilimanjaro trek is an adventurous once-in-a-lifetime experience all while serving a humanitarian or environmental cause.  Here is the itinerary:

JUL 1: Arrive Moshi, overnight MAD

JUL 2-6: Volunteering with Make A Difference in Himo/Moshi (BLD)

JUL 7-12: 6 Day Marangu Trek

  • JUL 7: Mandara Hut (BLD)
  • JUL 8: Horombo Hut (BLD)
  • JUL 9: Horombo Hut (BLD)
  • JUL 10: Kibo Hut (BLD)
  • JUL 11: Summit, Horombo Hut (BLD)
  • JUL 12: Return to Moshi, overnight Bristol Cottages or similar (BL)

JUL 13-14: 2 Day Safari

  • JUL 13: Drive to Lake Manyara, afternoon game drive, overnight at Twiga Camp (BLD)
  • JUL 14: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, morning game drive, afternoon return to Moshi, overnight Ameg Lodge (BL)

JUL 15: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, Depart (B)

The land price for this trip including donation to Make A Difference is $3500/person.

MAD on Kili

Make A Difference does a lot more than just sponsor charity treks up Kilimanjaro.  They also have excellent volunteer opportunities at the orphanage and in the community, helping to teach the children, set up workshops, and help maintain the community.  This is another way to add an exciting and once in a lifetime experience to any Tanzanian trek or safari.  Make sure you contact Adventures Within Reach for any questions or to book your charity trek today!

Climb Kilimanjaro with Make A Difference >>

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Safari, Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Travel Insurance Advice

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Adventures Within Reach

We highly recommend travel insurance for any trip you take.  You just never know what is going to happen before or during a trip.  Many people do not realize that travel insurance covers things like your hotel if your flight canceled or delayed, lost or stolen baggage, and trip cost if a family member becomes hospitalized.

There are many travel insurance companies, and the coverage varies in subtle ways.  When picking your travel insurance, check the coverage that applies to you.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, and mudslides

No one could have predicted that a mudslide would shut down the train to Machu Picchu or that Haiti would be devastated by an earthquake.  Will your travel insurance cover you?

Scuba diving

If you plan to scuba dive, there may be restrictions like you have to dive with a dive master and less than 100 feet.  You may need DAN coverage as well as travel insurance.

Hot air balloons

If you are doing a hot air balloon on a safari, you may need additional coverage.

Rental cars

With most travel insurance companies and credit cards, this is “secondary” insurance.  This means that they will cover whatever your regular auto insurance does not cover.  Travel insurance with “primary” coverage is better if you are renting a car.

Non-medical Evacuation

If you are stuck at Machu Picchu because of a mudslide, will your travel insurance get you out?

Groups of 10+ and student groups

If you purchase your travel insurance as a group, it is often greatly discounted.

Purchase quickly

If you purchase your travel insurance within days of your initial deposit, many extras are included like pre-existing conditions and terrorism.  Read the fine print!

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Travel Packing Advice

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Adventures Within Reach

I am very proud of the travel packing lists on the AWR website.  I feel that they are very complete, apply to everyone, and are easy to read.  But, that’s not to say they are the be-all-end-all.  Here are few more words of wisdom when packing for your trip.

Airline Tickets

Make sure the names on the tickets match your passport.  This is getting tighter and tighter every year.

Credit Cards

Some credit cards charge high fees and ugly conversion rates for international purchases.  Check with all of your credit cards to which ones are best for international travel.  Rumor has it that Capital One cards and Charles Schwab cards have the lowest fees.

Copies of travel documents

Make a copy of all travel documents and any personal documents you have (passport, credit cards, etc.), and leave one copy with someone at home, swap copies with a travel companion, and put one copy in your email or Google Docs. I always make a copy of the back of my credit cards as well since that is where the phone numbers are located.

Wallet

Wallets are the first things to get stolen, so leave them at home and put everything in a money belt.

Shoes

Flip flops are small and lightweight and can be very pleasant in a not-so-pleasant hotel bathroom.  Also bring newspaper plastic bags to store shoes in case they get muddy.

Photograph everything

Take a picture of everything you have packed.  If something is stolen, you have a record for your travel insurance.

Packing

Use a packing cube or envelope to make all your clothing smaller, more organized, and less wrinkled.  I used to ignore this piece of advice, but I am sold on them now. If you are afraid of things getting stolen out of your luggage, check out PacSafe bags.

Clothing

Morino wool shirts are very comfortable and dry quickly.  Jeans do not dry quickly and are heavy.  Sarongs are great at the beach and also as a shawl.  Bring a clothes line, sink stopper, and detergent and cut your clothing in half.

What Not to Pack

Large quantities of beauty products (make-up and electronics), too many clothes, things you can buy along the trip, multiple guide books, jewelry, and valuables.

Posted in Packing, Travel Advice | 1 Comment

My Favorite Travel Websites

Posted on February 3, 2010 by Adventures Within Reach

I recently updated our “cool travel links” web page.  These are my favorite websites for preparing for travel to any of our great destinations.

PLANNING TOOLS

Farecast

  • Predicts trends in airfare over time in North America, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Also searches major airlines and airfare websites to compare prices and best times to fly.

Kayak

  • Searches over 140 websites for the best airfare, compare and sort results, and book directly from the airlines. Use the Buzz tool to search an entire area.

Points

  • Earn points for various airline frequent flier plans, trade points with other people, exchange miles between your plans, or buy more points.

Seat Guru

  • Find the best seats on an airplane based on airline and airplane type. A great stop before choosing your seat.

TripHub

  • The Evite of trip planning. Organize your group trip by creating a home page, sending invitations, and discussing plans.

TripIt

  • Creates an itinerary and maps from your booking confirmation emails including travel agencies, airlines, hotels, rental cars, trains, cruise lines, and even restaurants reservations from OpenTable. Email your confirmations and TripIt will add daily weather, local maps, driving directions, city guides and more.

Yapta

  • Track specific flights, and Yapta alerts you when airfare goes down. There is also a method for getting a refund if your flight price goes down after you buy it.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Currency Conversion

  • Just one of many currency conversion tools.

Flight Arrivals

  • Check arrival and departure information for commercial airline flights over the U.S. and Canada.

Flight Stats

  • Airport information and flight schedules for all airports in the world.

Google Mobile

  • Search for just about anything from your cell phone. Text message your search query to 466453 (‘GOOGLE’ on most devices) and Google will text message back results. Examples: “flight nw 956” returns all arrival and departure information for that flight for today, “10 usd is euro” returns the currency conversion, “weather nairobi” returns today’s weather and 3-day forecast.

Security Checkpoint Wait Times

  • See how long you can expect to wait in security at major U.S. airports.

Travel Sense

  • Travel advice and tips from travel agents for everything ranging from women traveling alone to avoiding travel scams to dealing with jet lag and lots more.

Units Conversion

  • Convert just about anything to anything.

World Electricity Guide

  • See what electrical converter you will need for any country in the world.

World Fact Book

  • Information about each country including map, background, geography, people, government, economy, communications, and transportation.

World Time Zone

  • A quick map of the world and what time it is right now.

World Time Server

  • Current local times around the world plus gadgets for your computer or website.

U.S. Embassies

  • List of U.S. embassies around the world.

TRAVEL FUN

Geocaching

  • Use your GPS to “treasure hunt”.

TRAVEL SAFETY

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Information on vaccinations, diseases, drinking water, and more for international travelers.

Travel Warnings

  • Current travel warnings issued by the U.S. government.
Posted in Travel Advice | Leave a comment

Canadian Climbers Make A Difference

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach

On January 22, 2010, a 12-person Canadian Team will be volunteering in Tanzania with Make A Difference Now (MAD) and will set foot on the world’s highest free standing mountain, Kilimanjaro. The week long trek with Adventures Within Reach ventures on the spectacular 6-day Machame Route.

Following the expedition to the summit, the team embarks for a week on an even greater journey to serve the needs of orphans in the village of Himo, Tanzania.  At least $10,000 will be raised and invested for the construction materials and supplies of a science lab school classroom.

“The hands-on team building experience is an opportunity to learn, an opportunity that will be very rewarding. It’s important for us to give back,” said one of the team members, Gordon Tozer, President of ConCreate USL, a leading Canadian construction company.

The dynamic, all-Canadian team is coming from Lennoxville, Quebec and Toronto. Everyone is excited to give back and make a difference in the lives of the orphans. They are thankful to have already received an immense amount of support from friends and colleagues. In coming back to Canada they look forward to the opportunity to share within their respective communities both their experience and the specific needs of the orphans.

More information and donate to the charity climb >>

Posted in Kilimanjaro, Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania | Leave a comment

Fit For Trips — a fitness program for your adventure trip

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Hiking in Peru

Hiking in Peru

Fit for Trips offers easy-to-follow video-based fitness programs crafted to ensure that you will feel great while exploring new places and learning about other cultures. Whether you are just getting started with a fitness routine or regularly train for athletic challenges, Fit for Trips offers trip-specific conditioning routines for adventurers of all levels.

All Fit for Trips fitness programs will help build your physical capabilities so you feel more energized, more confident and ultimately more satisfied on any of our once in a lifetime adventures. With Fit for Trips, you’ll enjoy getting ready for your trip almost as much as the trip itself.

Fit for Trips has designed special fitness programs for all adventure trips offered by Adventures Within Reach.  Programs range from 4 weeks to 15 weeks and prices start at $169.  AWR clients get an 8% discount off the regular prices!

Fit for Trips was founded by a team of adventure travel fitness experts dedicated to improving the physical fitness of adventure travelers worldwide.  And every program comes with a money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied for any reason.

Fit for Trips for Adventures Within Reach >>

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Zanzibar Music Festival February 11-16, 2010

Posted on November 18, 2009 by Adventures Within Reach
Zanzibar Music Festival

Zanzibar Music Festival

Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar’s popular music festival is scheduled for February 11-16, 2010.

Featuring top-quality musical performances by more than 400 established and upcoming artists (40 groups in total), Sauti za Busara has already established itself as one of Africa’s leading music festivals. It is an event that unites people in celebration.

The main stage of the festival is within Stone Town’s historic Old Fort. Performances run from Thursday through til Sunday, starting in the late afternoon, and continuing virtually non-stop into the evening, with the final band taking to the stage around midnight.

For visitors, tickets are $16/day general admission (standing) or $28/day seating.  Tickets for all 4 days is $36/person general admission or $64/person for seating.

Book you trip to Zanzibar Island in Tanzania >>

Posted in Tanzania | Leave a comment