Have You Hiked to Machu Picchu?

A close friend organized this special trip to Peru and Bolivia. She put together a group of 8 friends and booked this two week trip through Wilderness Travel customizing their normal itinerary. The trip was guided and well supported. We started in Lima, flew to Cusco where we explored and got acclimated to the altitude.

The highlight was the 3 day hike from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. We hiked about 6 hours each day, tent camped (with the support of our guide staff), arriving at Machu Picchu via the Royal Inca Trail.

The final walk was tough but, as we entered through the Sun Gate for the view of Machu Picchu, was well worth it!

Don’t miss the hike to Huayna Picchu – another great view. Caught the helicopter back to Cusco – at least we didn’t have to walk! We combined Machu Pichu with a fascinating boat trip on Lake Titicaca and spent time exploring Bolivia and the area surrounding La Paz.

Get ideas for other great trips at www.mygreatlists.com

Consider Nicaragua!

We knew little about Nicaragua the first time we went. We were always intrigued – and a little bit uncertain, but maybe that was a hangover from the 1980′s.

Three years ago, we spent a few winter weeks exploring Costa Rica and on the suggestion of friends, took a week, and hopped a flight from Liberia to Granada. The view was spectacular, the flight a little bumpy and our first glimpse of Nicaragua was the quirky Granada airport – a bit of a throwback.

But, that is all in the past and there is no turning back. Bottom-line, we have fallen heads over heals for Nicaragua. We have been back a few times. OK it doesn’t work for everyone – but it works for us. There is the beauty of historic Granada, the spectacular ocean beaches, Lake Nicaragua, Laguna de Apoyo, Ometepe, and the impressive line of volcanos that run the length of the country.

We still haven’t visited the Miskito Coast, Corn Islands, or the Bluefields but we have driven to Matagalpa, the mountains of northern Nicaragua and the Selva Negra. Last trip we drove down to Rivas, parked the car for a few days, and took the ferry to Ometepe for some hiking and exploring.

Spending time in Leon and getting to know Managua will have to wait because Granada keeps pulling us back and we need to work on the Bachata (it’s a dance – our website has a youtube link) and need to keep working on our Spanish.

Granada, the oldest Colonial city in the Americas, is a gemstone that in the past few years has been picked up, polished off and is beginning to shine. Located only one hour from the capital of Managua and 1 ½ hours from the Pacific coast, Granada is a great place to make a base and travel the country.

We generally rent a house in Granada for a few weeks – the prices are very reasonable when compared to elsewhere in the world. Renting a car is not difficult nor is it too pricey. It is easy to pickup and drop-off the rental car at the Managua airport. Then, we settle in, enjoy the pace, the local culture, meet the friendliest people and always have the notion that back home is someplace faraway.

To learn more about our trip to Nicaragua, or for ideas about other great trips, please visit our website www.mygreatlists.com

Cycling in Vietnam

Our 17 day bike adventure took us from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), via the central highlands and the stunning coastline, on to Hanoi, visiting the fascinating attractions of this beautiful country along the way.

This was a wonderful trip and an experience we will never forget. No matter where we went – walking the streets of Hanoi, paddling on the Mekong River, or exploring Pleiku, we always felt we were among friends!

Our bike trip was not a marathon race nor was it an endurance test. We avoided the busy, major highways, instead riding on the back roads with the support of a back-up vehicle. This was an organized tour so we had plenty of help. Our group was small – in fact, we were the only Americans. There was a couple from New Zealand, 3 Canadians, and 3 Australians. Some days there was no cycling. On the cycling days, we rode from two to six hours. The support vehicle and bus were always on hand if we needed to rest.

Whether we were cycling to China Beach, Marble Mountain, Mai Lai or through Hue, it was fascinating – and there was so much to learn. Food was a delight, the market vegetables in Dalat amazing, and we even took a cooking class one evening in Hoi An.

Experiencing Vietnam this way was extraordinary.

For more good ideas for active travel, visit www.mygreatlists.com

Taking a Cue from American Idol – Comment on Your Top Travel Choices

We know that travel is not foremost in most minds these days. The economy is hurting. We are all affected in one way or another. With the NCAA’s just around the corner, many of us are becoming couch potatos (Go Carolina!). And, then, there is American Idol! Is there a better time to stay at home and forget about going off to some foreign destination?

Taking a cue from American Idol, we have selected our top 9 finalists (in no particular order):

– Hiking in Italy’s Dolomites
– Walking the West Highland Way in Scotland
– Walking in Switzerland
– Hiking to Machu Picchu
– Galapagos and Snorkeling with the Sea Lions
– Italy’s Amalfi Coast
– Hiking in Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)
– Kenya
– Tasmania, Australia

Here is our question. Of the following eight, which should be the 3 wildcards?

– Exploring Greek Islands by Ferry
– Biking Vietnam
– India
– Northern Italy and Lake Como
– South Africa
– Hiking Portugal’s Algarve & Exploring Northern Portugal
– Christmas in Vienna, New Year’s in Salzburg
– New Zealand

For more ideas and information take a look at www.mygreatlists.com

Please let us know your comments!

Take a Walk in Switzerland

In these depressing economic times, taking a long walk in the Swiss Alps early this summer will allow you to stop and enjoy the wildflowers, marvel at the sheer magnificence of your surroundings, get your heart pumping and fill your lungs with clear alpine air.

Best of all, it might not break the bank – it can be a pretty reasonable cost trip. Walking in Switzerland ranks very high on our list of favorite adventures!

The logistics are pretty easy. You need airline tickets and should do some reading about itineraries (you do need some sort of a plan).

Purchase Swiss Passes – either before you get there or as soon as you arrive. These give you unlimited free travel on Swiss trains, PTT buses and lake steamers (we used ours for 15 trains, 1 lake steamer, 3 bus rides, 9 ski lifts, and even received some hotel discounts). Pack light and be prepared to carry all that you take in your backpack. Worry about the rest of the details when you get there – it always works out!

We started in Lucerne, took the lake steamer to Engelberg, caught the ski lift to Jochpass, then walked to Engstlenalp. From there we proceeded to Meiringen (20k), Schwarzwaldalp (10.5k), First (8k), Murren (15k via Schynige Platte), Griesalp (16k), and Kandersteg (14k). From Kandersteg you can easily find trains to connect you with other points in Switzerland.

All the paths are well marked. We always were able to find rooms along the way. A typical day consists of a good breakfast, taking a long walk (maybe stopping for some bread and cheese along the way), usually riding a ski lift (up or down), spending the night in a delightful village, enjoying a good meal and getting a good night’s sleep.

For more good ideas about active travel go to www.mygreatlists.com

Swimming with the Sea Lions – the Galapagos

Searching for the green flash is a bit like going on a snipe hunt somewhere over the rainbow while looking for the Easter bunny. When we arrived in the Galapagos we didn’t know if they were pulling our leg or trying to serve us more drinks at happy hour.

Of course, that was 12 years ago. Today, everyone knows about the green flash – right? This real phenomenon is seen at sunrise and sunset, and passes in the blink of an eye when the sun suddenly changes color (at sunset, from red or orange to green or blue).

Where is one of the best places to see the green flash? Near the equator with a clear view to the horizon. And, that is where the Galapagos are – 700 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean straddling the equator.

It took us several days before we saw the green flash (squinting each evening as the sun went down). But, that really wasn’t why we were there. We spent our days swimming with the sea lions, observing the blue footed boobies (and the red ones too), snorkeling with all varieties of fish and rays, and marveling at the flora and fauna we had never observed before – and we loved every moment!

This archipelago of volcanic islands is timeless, remains unspoiled, and is home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. Much of the fame of the Galapagos Islands derives from the vast numbers of endemic species and the studies by Charles Darwin during his voyage of the Beagle – as he developed his theory of natural succession. In the Galapagos you have the opportunity to see this first hand as the species have evolved with different characteristics from one island to the next.

Whether you want to see amazing numbers of sea tortoises, a red or blue footed booby, an albatross, the most unimaginable mountains of iguanas, or spend hours quietly by a reflecting pool left by the ocean at low tide visiting with the friendly curious sea lion pups, you will never forget your visit to the Galapagos. Snorkeling with the 700 pound beach master as he guards his harem of up to 30 females and their pups is intimidating, fascinating – and once in a lifetime.

Appropriate behavior is to not approach any animal life on the islands. However, it is perfectly acceptable for them to approach you. Ginger’s favorite encounter was when dozens of sea lion pups cuddled her for an up close and personal moment.

With a population of about 18,000 persons spread out over 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones, and 107 reefs and islets, the Galapagos are part of Ecuador’s national park system. Visitation is carefully controlled. About 100,000 persons visit the Galapagos annually with the busiest time being June, July and August. We went in early February and were very pleased.

While estimates vary, there are between 50-100 boats that provide tours (and probably just as many tour operators marketing these tours). Depending upon your budget, you have choices on the length of the trip, the passenger size (small 8-20 passenger boats as well as much larger cruise ships), accommodations, educational programs, itinerary, cuisine and other activities. Do some searching on the Internet to find the trip that fits you the best.

We recommend a week or more to appreciate the splendor and diversity of the Galapagos.

For more good ideas about active travel, visit www.mygreatlists.com

Consider Collioure

Consider a visit to Collioure, France – a romantic colorful little Mediterranean French fishing village located just 15 miles beyond the Spanish border. Collioure can easily be reached from Barcelona.

Just beyond the reaches of the Pyrenees, Collioure is set on a spectacular little harbor, beside a quaint lighthouse and near what is remaining of an old castle. Some swear by the light at early evening. We think that an outdoor lunch in the small harbor with the sun streaming over you is about as good as it gets.

You can get to Collioure from Barcelona by car (its about 125 miles). We prefer the train (2 hours from Sants to Cerbere where you catch a 15 minute connection to Collioure. Return via Port Bou).

When we hiked the Vermillion Coast, we caught the train from Barcelona, and used Collioure as the starting point for our self-guided multi day walk to Cadaques, Spain.

In the early 20th century Collioure became an artistic center attracting many well known artists to its gorgeous setting, medieval streets, and special sunlight. Among those spending time in Collioure include André Derain, Georges Braque, Othon Friesz, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Tsuguharu Fujita.

It’s probably a good idea to avoid peak season when it is crowded with French vacationers. We visited in the fall. Temperatures were great. There were no crowds.

Surrounded by five small pebble-and-sand beaches, there are plenty of things to do – but maybe just soaking it in, exploring the surrounding area and poking around is best. Collioure is a place to unwind, relax, sample the local fare and drink a good glass of wine. It is a gem.

See more good ideas for active travel at www.mygreatlists.com

Hiking Portugal’s Algarve – Mountains and Coast

We combined this weeklong self guided walk with a few days in Lisbon (before the hike) and a 10 day meandering drive to the north of Portugal (after the hike). Hidden away from the popular tourist spots a great deal of the Algarve remains totally unspoiled (some areas are pretty tourist oriented). Our walk began in the mountains of Monchique, then took us to the fishing port of Lagos where we followed the coastal path, with its spectacular views, to Burgau, Salema and finishing our trek in Sagres. Much of the coast and path lies within the Cape St Vincent National Park, famous not only for its spectacular scenery but also its rare flora and fauna. We were on our own, following maps that were provided, staying in small inns and B&B’s. Our luggage was transported so we just hiked with light backpacks and picnics. Hikes ranged from 3 to 8 hours. We used Active Journey’s to make arrangements. They did a great job and offer a wide variety of self guided (and other) hiking and biking trips.

For more ideas about active travel visit www.mygreatlists.com

Dolomites in Northern Italy

With their explosive shapes and unique colors, the Italian Dolomites are undoubtedly among the most beautiful and spectacular mountains in the world. At every turn you are stopped in your tracks by the awesome beauty and sheer magnificence of this classic mountain environment. Whether you want to hike in the mountains, take wildflower walks, or try via feratta (a range of protected routes combining fixed cables, ladders and gorge spanning bridges), you will find it in the Dolomites. The first time we went we combined the Dolomites with a trip to Venice. It’s easy to rent a car in Venice and drive north to Cortina (about 100 miles). Or, start in Munich. From there it is about a 150 mile drive south through the Brenner Pass.

Filled with delightful villages and an abundance of places to stay, consider Collett’s Mountain Holidays. We stayed at their lodge in Pedraces. Each morning the guides individually advise about a range of hikes either on your own or with a small group. In addition, they offer via feratta, wildflower walks and even watercolor painting. We can’t say enough good things about Colletts. Another time we stayed in Castlerotto hiking and exploring the surrounding area. We found it fabulous.

Learn more good ideas for active travel at mygreatlists.com

Have created my first website and need feedback

www.mygreatlists.com  is finally up and running.  Now I need feedback.  This is the first website I have ever created – having looked at tons of suggestions of how to make a go of it on the internet.  The site is all about active travel - walking, hiking – great destinations.  I welcome all suggestions.