Travel Articles: Staff Blog

The Inca Trail is open all year, with the exception of February. During February, the local authorities arrange for trail improvements and campsite restorations.

The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season – generally April 15th to November. The rainy season comes on slowly in November and December and is at its …

The little-known option of trekking the last part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a single day is an excellent option if you aren't up to a multi-day hike or weren't able to reserve a spot on the full-length trek.

Some providers actually build on foreign travelers’ assumptions that the Inca Trail is just a means to an end and try to get folks through as quickly as possible. They sell “sunrise at the sun gate” as a goal, with the knowledge that in actuality this allows them to get their guides and porters home the same day and their …

Besides being pleasantly surprised by the overall state of the trail, I was even more pleased to learn there were literally dozens of other highlights along the four-day hike. I had figured that walking into Machu Picchu by way of the Sun Gate would be a great moment, but I did not realize there would be so many other great moments along the …

In the latter half of the 20th century, the Inca Trail was unregulated and in many ways over-run. You can hear horror stories of the overcrowded campsites, the trash and human waste lining the trail, and the general misuse of the historical resource. Just as with Machu Picchu itself, though, the Peruvian government has recognized the importance of …

If one was to drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, at the far end of the Sacred Valley, it might take 2.5 hours. But this would require putting on blinders to all the amazing spots along the way. In reality, there are probably two full days of exploration to be had along this route. To make the best of one’s time in what is normally one day in …

On the second day of the actual Inca Trail hike, one climbs to nearly 14,000 feet of elevation to reach Warmiwanuska, or “Dead Woman Pass” (named for the outline of the mountain – not for any misfortune befalling an ill-prepared hiker). For folks who have not built in the appropriate acclimatization days in Cusco and the Sacred …

Because Cusco sits at an elevation just above 11,000 feet, many travelers wonder why they shouldn’t move on directly to the Sacred Valley on their first night. The easy answer is that in Cusco you can explore by foot from your hotel – on flat, even ground. You won’t ever be more than a few minutes from your hotel, and a quick …

Belize is a great spot for wildlife with a mix of jungle and ocean in one tiny little country. You can head to the mainland for monkeys, interesting birds and maybe a jaguar. Or, you can head out to the reef for incredible fish, sharks, manatees and dolphins.

We knew we would be missing the wildlife by staying at our hotel for the whole trip, …

Ambergris Caye is a busy little island. The streets are constantly bustling - but not with a lot of cars. The main forms of transportation on the island are bicycles and golf carts! While there are a few cars - particularly taxis, there are HUNDREDS of golf carts and bikes.

Xanadu is fantastic and offers free bikes for guest use, and they also …

There is plenty to do on Ambergris Caye, and a trip to Belize can be a non-stop adventure if you travel the way I normally do! You can head to the mainland for ruins, zip lining, cave exploration, rappelling and more - or even just stay on the island and enjoy incredible snorkeling, diving, fishing, jet skis, sailing, parasailing and …

When we checked in at Xanadu, we were given a great little map of the island with most of the restaurants and shops nicely labeled. The front desk staff went over the map with us, highlighting their recommended places. While they all looked nice, most were a little more on the touristy side and a little more on the expensive side.

Instead, we did …

Once in Belize, the quickest way to get around is by taking little hopper flights between destinations. Yes, you can drive or take water taxis if you are truly opposed to tiny planes, but why waste another few hours when you can knock out the journey with a 15-minute flight?

Tropic Air is the main local airline, and they were fantastic. Their …

Belize is the closest place we have traveled in a long time. Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Chile are all far enough away that taking a full day, or even overnight, to travel there made complete sense. So, when we decided on the first international destination for our toddlers, Belize, which is SO much closer, seemed like a great choice.

Then, we …

After 11 days in the Amazon, Galapagos and Ecuador, my father and I parted ways in the Atlanta airport. It was bittersweet, but at the end of most travels, I require some much-needed “me time” anyway. I think we learned a lot of valuable lessons about one another, and neither of us would take any of it back. Traveling with a companion …

Ruly’s undivided attention to his travelers was exceptional, but not only for educational purposes. Ruly has also dedicated himself to the preservation of the Galapagos Islands, so much so that he only sees his wife and children once every few months. His passion for the islands was undoubtedly the most powerful experience for me throughout …

Off to the Galapagos! With much assistance (also difficult to do on your own), our Quito guide arranged all of our documentation for the Galapagos. He quite literally walked us through the myriad of lines required for inspections before you take off for the islands. Could we have figured this out on our own? Yes. Would it have been frustrating? …

Between our Amazon and Galapagos experience, we spent a day and a half exploring the Quito region and all its wonders. This might be where you plan some independent activities, but you will not be disappointed with your Adventure Life guide and transportation services. Our guide, Gabriel, was literally a walking encyclopedia, and he was very proud …

First off, you cannot explore these regions without having certified and professional guides with you at all times. So you really have no choice in the matter if you are an independent traveler. I’m very pleased with the Ecuadorian government for this because that means they are regulating tourist impact on these truly unique regions of the …

Switching gears from relationships to type of travel, this played a huge role in my experience in Ecuador and provided my dad with an interesting view of travel. Before Ecuador, I have been traveling back and forth to Southeast Asia for the last 15 years. Every time, I had a rough itinerary and a Lonely Planet, but that was the extent of it. It …

Despite our generational differences and the occasional accusation (on my part) of my dad being too American and (on his part) of me being too hard on him, we did pretty well! In our own ways, we each embraced this experience and processed it as a new chapter in our lives. For sure, we both came out different people; that’s a given no matter …

My father, a boomer, and I, a millennial, have different ideas about how things “should” be done. Our experiences in life and everyday behaviors reflect those of our generation. I moved away from home before I was 18 and couldn’t wait to be legally old enough to travel on my own. My father had never traveled abroad before (except …

Ecuador is an incredible country, and though the natural world of Ecuador was the main appeal to my father and me, it is so important to note how valued family is in this country. It seemed most appropriate to be sharing this experience with my father.

As you meet others around you, the first bits of information they share are about their …

Travel companions come from many different types of relationships - significant others, siblings, or other nomad travelers, but most fascinating to me is traveling with your parents.

Traveling abroad (or even domestic) is a true test of how deep a relationship goes. You quickly find out what you’re willing to tolerate - how much snoring, …