Category Archives: Adventure

Backpacking in South America – Four Places You Don’t Want to Miss

South America is one of the most highly traveled continents on Earth with its vastly varied terrain and incredible natural wonders. From steep snow covered mountains to dense tropical rainforests, it’s easy to see why adventure seekers enjoy traveling to South America.

Backpacking in South America is one of the best ways to experience all the sights, sounds, and culture of the country. With so many different regions, deciding where to take your backpacking trip can be a challenge. Below you will find a few of the most popular destinations for backpacking in South America:

Machu Picchu – Peru
Located on a mountainside overlooking the Urubamba Valley of Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most traveled tourist destinations on Earth. Built around 1450 AD this iconic Incan estate was left abandoned less than 100 years later upon the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors to the region. It was largely unknown to the rest of the world until being discovered in 1911. It has been a highly traveled tourist destination ever since.

Backpacking to Machu Picchu will require a few different things, most importantly a permit if you plan to follow the Inca trail. Because of the sites popularity permits are limited to 500 per day for visits via the Inca trail. However, you may consider following the Lares Trek which doesn’t require permits and offers equally impressive sights along the way. No matter which path you plan to take, Machu Picchu is one place you don’t want to miss.

Igauzu Falls – Argentina & Brazil
Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil lies one of the most spectacular sights you will ever get the opportunity lay eyes on: IgauzuFalls. Considered a wonder of the natural world, Igauzu Falls is found in a perfectly preserved ecosystem protected by both the Argentine and Brazilian governments.

Backpacking through the surrounding jungle will allow you to catch many different viewpoints of the falls. Because the area around the falls is protected, it’s the perfect place to explore the unique landscape and wildlife of the region. Although pictures don’t do this place justice, bring your camera anyway as you’ll be sure to capture an array of spectacular photos.

Torres Del Paine – Chile
Offering some of the most varied terrain in the world, Torres del Paine contains steep mountains, beautiful lakes, bright green forests, and ancient glaciers. Everywhere you go in the park, one central feature will stand out: the Paine Massif. These intimidating granite spires stand out overlooking the region and dominating the landscape of Torres del Paine.

There are several different traditional routes for trekking and backpacking in the park with over 10 campsites located along the way. All of these routes will allow you to experience this awe-inspiring Chilean landscape. Choosing one just comes down to how long you’d like to stay in Torres del Paine. This is one of the most popular areas for backpacking in South America and it’s easy to see why.

Tierra Del Fuego – Argentina
Located at the southwestern tip of South America, Tierra del Fuego National Park is Argentina’s only national park on the coast. The park is a paradise for outdoor sports like climbing, fishing, kayaking, and of course backpacking. With its amazing scenery, including forests, mountains, and glaciers the region is very similar to the Torres del Paine.

The park is loaded with many unique adventures to choose from including the frightening ice caves of Alvear Glacier. A popular destination for people trekking in Argentina, the Ice Caves were carved by water flowing underneath the glacier. This is no doubt one of the most unique experiences you will ever find, and a trip into the caves will leave you with a story to tell for years to come. You definitely don’t want to miss this place while backpacking in South America.

These are just a few of the exciting places to visit while backpacking in South America. It will be hard to see all of these places in just one trip. However, no matter which one you choose, you’ll be left with a lasting memory and a story to tell for years to come.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Family Adventure Holiday This Year

Planning a holiday with the family is always an adventure in itself and can be a lot of fun if planned methodologically. Perhaps the most important decision you can make for an interesting and exciting break is choosing the right holiday plan that keeps everyone suitably entertained and relaxed.

As seen in travel brochures or on the Internet, there are heaps of options available for one. Many tour companies today offer special adventure holidays for families; typically where small groups can enjoy outdoor activities like rafting, bungee jumping, cycling and climbing, etc., while others can focus on cultural interests.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities offered in activity holidays. In this feature, we have shared with you the top 5 reasons to choose a family adventure holiday this year:

1. Cost and Quality: With Family adventure holidays you get what you pay for. Tour companies offer quality holidays with minimal time wasted or organisational hassles. They will do the groundwork for you and find out the best spots to visit. Your holiday will be fun with no hassle and no worries. A family adventure holiday is sure to provide a memorable trip and can be done at budget and time to suit your needs.

2. No Brainstorming for Planning is Involved: When you opt for a family adventure holiday, the burden of planning every last detail is put on the shoulders of the professionals because the itinerary of such trips is set prior to the departure. You can enjoy your holiday with your family without any stress of mapping out every intricate detail and can immerse yourself completely in the joy of boating, kayaking, climbing, rafting or hiking as you see fit.

3. Enjoy Adventure without Stress or Danger: Many at times, when you are on holiday, the activities that are the part of your trip might involve danger with it. Though the danger that is involved is lifted and the professionals have accounted for every circumstance to let you experience a stress free and danger-free holiday. The most exciting thing to takeaway is the huge number of incredible memories that you can keep with you forever, while others can only dream about it.

4. Kids Get to Learn: In a family adventure holiday, many activities are meant for adults as well as kids. Allowing children to participate in the activity together with their parents. In other holiday packages, kids are sent to the kids group and are only confined to the activities that are meant purely for them. While in a family adventure holiday, they spend time with the family and get an opportunity to learn and strengthen bonding with their parents.

5. Lets You do Something that You Love: As there are several activity holidays options available with various adventure activities are a part of it, people usually choose an adventure holiday based on these activities. If you are an adventurous and active sort of person, choose a holiday package that involves the activities of your preference. Kayaking, climbing, rafting and mountain-biking in new lands are all examples of popular adventure holidays that you will love.

When taking your family on an adventure holiday, you can widen your horizons quite a bit as planning such types of holidays can be a journey in itself. All that discussing, researching, packing, getting ready and hard work will however be paid off many times over and make for the most memorable life experiences.