WHERE NEXT GUATE & BELIZE SAME PAST DIFFERENT PRESENT
If you’re up for an adventure involving hiking, delicious street food and breathtaking ruins- and don’t mind roughing it in two developing, beautiful countries, read on! by Rachel Resop.
When I found myself with nine days away from work and a resurfacing desire to see ancient Mayan ruins (a lifelong fascination) I decided to hit up the famous ruins of Tikal, Guatemala and Lamanai, Belize. While I was at it I was able to explore the world-famous market of Chichicastanango and Antigua, a charming city with much to offer casual tourists and explorers alike.
Day 1: I fly into Guatemala City, Guatemala, and instantly hit the road for Antigua. As a young woman travelling alone I’ve been warned by friends from Latin America as well as the well-respected Lonely Planet Guidebook not to spend too much time in the capitol, especially at night and near bus stations. Once in Antigua, a mere hour away, I book a cheap hostel and set out to explore the city.
Day 2: My second day is spent continuing my exploration of Antigua. I find it a bit too touristy for my taste, but I must admit the restaurants are great, Las Capuchinas ruins are a great site to take photos in the late-afternoon light, and the outdoor markets are a perfect place to find souvenirs. (Story continues NEXT)
WHERE NEXT CANOEING THE BLACK CANYON A three-day journey canoeing the gentle current of the majestic Colorado River through a sculpted black and red walled canyon. by Khanh Nguyen
You’ll be self contained, with only the gear in your boat, while embarking on a three-day journey to scout for big horn sheep standing on sheer cliff walls, experience secluded sauna caves, and float beneath the towering monolith of the Hoover Dam. At night, gather around a campfire and then hike to hot springs nestled within a narrow canyon pass. Nature doesn't get any better than this.
This non-traditional camping trip involves physical and metal challenge as well as the great reward of a good work-out and soaking your worked muscles in the natural hot spring at the end of the day. The trip begin 10 miles below Hoover Dam and paddle upstream between towering cliffs and looming canyon walls, exploring side canyons and natural hot springs.
Day 1: Boulder City,AZ.After setting up camp for the night at Lake Mead, Boulder Beach campground, head to town to enjoy a dinner at local restaurants/ bars with some local live bands music. Boulder is a small and cute city to walk around for the night. Head back to the camp, get some rest and prepare for the next day canoeing. (Story continues NEXT)
WHERE NEXT MACHU PICCHU THE BIG TRIP No crowds, jungles, glaciers, indigenous locals, and high Andean peaks. The Lares trek is the savvy traveler’s alternative to the Inca Trail. Never has the road to ruins been so much fun. by Mauro J.
The traditional Inca Trail fills its limited capacity very quickly since it is regulated by the Peruvian tourist authority. The regulation generates speculation by the local outfitters, which some times put a high price tag for the Inca Trail--only those booking early and willing to pay the price will get on the Inca Trial.
The Lares Trek is a unique and less-visited alternative to the famous Inca Trial and appears as an excellent alternative to go around the Land of the Incas.
DAY 1: CUSCO–LARES-QUISWHUARANI - Leaving from Cusco early in the morning, by car the drive takes 2 hours to Lares, the starting point of our trek (Inkatreks.com). Here, we spent time bathing in the hot springs before having lunch. “A good way to adjust to the altitude” (story continues NEXT)