escaperiesworld - Tumblr blog

escaperiesworld · 6 years ago

Text

Interested in Kazbegi Georgia? Then obviously you may already know at least something about this beautiful country.

The chances are that you have already decided to visit Georgia. Or you are already there and looking for the best things to do and places to visit.

If not yet, here’s a set of reasons why you should visit Georgia (Sakartvelo) right now.

Not many travelers know this but Georgia’s official name is Sakartvelo now. This is the name of the country in Georgian language and in Georgian constitution. Georgians are also trying to promote this new name internationally.

You’ll get bonus points in the eyes of almost every Georgian by using Skartvelo instead of Georgia.

The trip from the Georgian capital city Tbilisi to Kazbegi mountain area is a popular choice. I took it during my trip to Georgia at the beginning of May, which is still very much off-season there.

Here are the things for you to know and some real-life stories before you go on this trip.

How To Get To Kazbegi (Stepantsminda)?

Stepantsminda village in Kazbegi

To get to the famous Kazbegi Georgia you must travel to the village Stepantsminda.

There are several options for traveling to Stepantsminda.

You can go there on a scheduled day trip or take so-called “marshrutka” from Tbilisi to Kazbegi on your own.

You can also consider renting a car. However, driving in Georgia is not always a pleasant experience due to the bad roads and so to say a bit crazy other drivers on the road.

Whatever option you choose you will have to take around three hours’ trip on the famous Georgian Military Highway (note that this time is just for driving). It is a truly spectacular road on its own. You’ll see breathtaking views of the Caucasian mountains throughout your route.

What To Expect From A Classic Local One Day Tour To Kazbegi Georgia?

By taking the day tour Kazbegi Georgia tour from Tbilisi you can be sure that everyone will promise you the most unforgettable experience. Yet, all one-day Kazbegi Georgia tours are with pretty much the same itineraries. The difference is only in price depending on how many travelers you will share your experience with.

You will leave in the morning and stop to see the most popular sightseeing sites on your way:

#1: Mineral Springs & Yellow Rocks

Well, this one was one of my favorites on the way to Kazbegi. The time and high density of minerals in the mineral springs have formed amazing yellow formations on the rocks.

Mineral springs right next Georgian Military Highway. They look awesome

You cannot pass this place as it stands out in the mountain scenery with its awesome looks.

Some travelers and probably local guides’ too think that it’s enough to admire these formations from the car. Don’t buy this! I suggest not only to get out of your vehicle but to try out how the real mineral water tastes. There is a tap set up in this place just for this purpose.

Take a chance to taste original Georgian mineral water!

I bet you won’t drink more than one sip. It’s that salty and specific. Yet, this is how REAL mineral water tastes.

#2: Ananuri Castle Complex

Ananuri Castle is to say quite crowded and touristic place on your Kazbegi Georgia trip. The complex is nice and interesting to visit, but its popularity is a bit overwhelming.

The castle stands in a gorgeous place though. Hence the view alone is worth stopping by.

There are also two churches in the castle complex.

Most Georgians (especially the older generation) take religion very seriously. Georgians have their own orthodox branch.

Note that women are not allowed to enter churches without a headcover.

This might seem old-fashioned and somewhat limiting. Yet these are old local traditions. I’m sure any authentic traveler must respect local traditions regardless of his/her own opinion about them. And it is not just a matter of being polite. It’s what being a guest means. Georgians love and respect guests a lot. I think we should do the same being guests.

#3: Jvari Pass – The Highest View Point On Your Kazbegi Georgia Trip

Jvari pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,379 meters.

There is almost no vegetation at this altitude. You can feel the cold and already a bit thin mountain air here.

A view from Jvari pass

The views from Jvari pass will be among the most amazing on your Kazbegi Georgia trip.

A popular site of attraction here is Soviet-style monument once set-up for the friendship between Russia and Georgia.

Monument for the friendship between Russia and Georgia

Well, the friendship has not been very successful so far. Nor is the style of the monument. Yet it is still worth stopping by to admire the breathtaking mountain views. The monument itself is a part of history and should be accepted as such.

#4: Gudauri Ski Resort

There is famous Gudauri Ski Resort on your way from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda. As the name suggests it’s relevant for winter-sports’ lovers during the winter. Hence, it was not worth stopping by at the beginning of May. You’ll find plenty of information about this place on the web though.

#5: Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church

Once you reach Stepantsminda you will want to get to the famous Gergeti Trinity Church – probably the most famous sightseeing place in Georgia.

You have two options to get from Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church. Choose a short 4X4 wheel drive on an awful road or go for a three hours hike up there and then again back to the village.

Gergeti Trinity Church

Gergeti Trinity Church is a must-visit destination for almost any traveler to Georgia. The church dates back to the 14th century. It stands at an altitude of 2,170 meters and is still being actively used by Georgian Orthodox Church.

4X4 wheel drive in Georgia

The road to Gergeti Trinity Church

In case you take a day tour to Kazbegi Gerogia you should check out if the 4X4 wheel drive is included in your tour (sometimes it’s not).

In case it is, I’d say there is a 99.99% chance that you’ll have this trip on the most popular 4×4 car in Georgia – Mitsubishi Delica. This 4X4 vehicle is capable of dealing with the bad Georgian roads and is easy/cheap to maintain. It explains its popularity in Georgia.

What’s strange most Delicas’ on Georgian roads are for the traffic on the left side while the traffic in Georiga is on the right side. This is because this car was originally foreseen for the Asian market only.

4×4 Delica is unbeatable

I’d say these “weird” cars on the already dangerous Georgian roads do not make them safer by any means. Yet sometimes it’s the only (and cheapest) way to get ahead (you’ll pay much more for a 4×4 tour on jeep-alike cars in Georgia).

Apart from these interesting facts, don’t expect that Mistibushi Delica is a very comfortable car. It is just bare minimum you need to get ahead on Georgian off-road.

Hiking to Gergeti Trinity Church

In case you have more time or if you stay more than one day in Kazbegi area (which I highly recommend you do) hiking to Gergeti Trinity Church is a great alternative for activity lovers.

I didn’t do this hike. Yet people say that this three-hours’ challenge has not been the easiest in their lives. It’s a steep walk up in the mountains and then coming back to the village.

Gergeti Trinity Church is, of course, very touristic sport. Yet, somehow it didn’t feel too crowded. It is probably because I visited Georgia at the beginning of May when it’s still pretty much off-season there.

The scenery is gorgeous, and the place itself has a very special aura up there.

Going back to Tbilisi

Soaking up awesome views from Gergeti Trinity Church is usually the last sightseeing in the standard Kazbegi Georgia one day tour. After this expect some three hours driving back to Tbilisi on the same road – Georgian Military Highway.

Sheep on Georgian Military Highway. Be patient!

Be ready to meet sheep herds on your way. They block the road temporarily although it feels like forever. Be patient, eventually, they’ll move!

There is another sightseeing on your way to or from Kazbegi worth visiting. It’s Bazaleti Lake.

I’m coming from the country that by no means has a shortage in lakes. There are more than 3,000 lakes in Latvia. Hence, I had no intention to visit any in Georgia this time.

Besides, I was going to Kazbegi Georgia primarily for hiking (see next chapter below). Hence staying at the lake on the way to Stepantsminda was not in my plans.

Nevertheless, many people have good reviews about this place, and lots stay there overnight. Hence you may check it out if you have time on your way.

#7: Gveleti waterfall

I had decided to abandon my day tour services in Stepantsminda already before I signed for the Kazbegi Georgia tour.

My plan was to stay in Kazbegi at least for one night and to go for a longer day hike in the mountains the next morning.

If you choose to stay in Kazbegi, you still have plenty of time left for some other things to do in Stepansminda on the same day (as you save three hours going back to Tbilisi).

After a quick chat with locals on the street, I found a homestay for the night.

It was simple and rustic. The dorm had Soviet-style furniture, and I shared it with a loudly snoring but very friendly local guide.

Yet, the best part for the homestays in Georgia is their hospitality and the price. I got a bed for some 15 GEL (5 EUR), homemade dinner for another 15 GEL and filling breakfast for 10 GEL (3 EUR). Pretty good deal I’d say.

In the afternoon I chose to visit Gvaleti waterfall, which is easy to reach from the village by hiring a 4×4 car or just by feet if you have time. It was late afternoon and I chose to hire the host of the homestay to drive me to the waterfall.

Old Mimino’s stories

Gveleti waterfall

To be honest Gvaleti waterfall did not impress me much. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen lots of waterfalls in my previous journeys around the world. Maybe I was just tired. Who knows.

Yet, what made me smile was time spent with my homestay host. Let’s call him Mimino in this story.

I mentioned before that Georgians are hospitable people. They are also very proud of their history and can speak about it for hours. Mimino was from the older generation. Like many Georgians, he was tough and serious from outside, but very emotional at his heart.

During the short ride to the waterfall, I heard many stories about Georgian history, epic fights, and heroes. Some stories obviously turned into tales in Mimino’s interpretation. Yet they were God damn interesting to listen to.

Moreover, the Mimino enriched them with some very personal experiences. He didn’t like the new generation’s attitude towards life (what a surprise). He was disappointed about his more than 40 years old daughter’s choice to build a career in the city instead of giving him the grandchildren.

The old man was deeply convinced that this choice is a disrespect to him and the family. “The young generation thinks only about themselves”, he shouted angrily. I kept silent, nodded and listened. I mean, what could I say being at the age of his daughter…

What To Expect From A “Cosmic” Local Tour To Kazbegi Georgia? My Unique Experience

Expectations

Now, before I switch to the next day hike in Kazbegi area I’d like to clarify, what is the difference between a “classic” one day tour to Kazbegi Georgia” and a “cosmic” to this area.

As said I knew I’ll stay in Kazbegi area for more than one day. Hence, I took “a risk” and signed for a day tour organized not by a big tour company but by the host of my hostel in Tbilisi. Let’s call him Zorik in this story!

I knew that the locals tend to exaggerate the service level they are going to provide in Gerogia (and not just in Georgia). Hence, I didn’t have a lot of expectations from the tour described as “cosmic” and “unrepeatable”.

I did not want to spend three or four hours in public “marshrutka” and I wanted to see the main “must-see” places on my way. After some bargaining, the price I agreed with for the tour was ok (around 50 GEL). I had to get to Stepantsminda anyway.

Very talkative Zorik also promised a local guide/driver in one person.

Reality

The next morning the car arrived.

I was not the only traveler. Zorik had managed to convince some other people to join this “cosmic” day tour. The five other people were all lades: four Russian and one French.

Russian women were not all the same though. Two were from Russia while the other two were the citizens of Germany and Switzerland. To say that they were very different is to say nothing.

The “cosmic” tour was “cosmic” from the beginning. Yet, in a different way, you may expect from such a high-stake promotion.

It turned out that the driver was only a driver and not a guide (what a surprise…). He did not speak any other language but Georgian.

This fact caused a sharp reaction from the sensitive Russian women (the ones from Russia). It was clear that they were not ready to agree with this reduction of the included services.

A new friendship on Georgian Military Highway

Another two women with non-Russian citizenship (Maria and Lisa) and Miriam from France were much easier going. We found a common language very quickly. Even more, during our several hours trip to Stepantsminda, we turned into very good like-minded friends. After I returned to Tbilisi, we continued our further travel in Georgia together.

As it usually happens sharp discussions did not lead anywhere. All finally agreed to accept the only Georgian language speaking driver option.

We all went to Stepantsminda with all the above-described stops on the way – just without many comments from our not very talkative driver.

The tour was “cosmic” only in the sense that the pilot of our “spaceship” was almost dead silent. Well, as we know there are no sounds in the space. At least he stopped in all the sightseeing places. Good enough.

The retrospective lesson

The lesson is again before you book a tour make sure you get what you expect and/or just take a relaxed mindset.

Many years ago a guy working for a car rental company in Rome Italy with a very serious face expression once pointed to me after I expressed my concerns for the long waiting at the desk: “What’s your name? Rolands? You see, it’s not God. So, relax!” I relaxed and I always keep this suggestion in mind wherever I travel now.

Hiking from/to Juta Village

Once you are in Kazbegi Gerogia you have several options for hiking there.

While all of them are appealing routes for a hiking lover, this time I chose a day hike from/to Juta village.

The only guesthouse in Juta village. Its location is stunning

Juta is the second highest village in Europe. It stands 2,200 m above sea level. The small village stands in a secluded beautiful place surrounded by alpine terrain 20 km away from Stepantsminda.

The long but interesting way to Juta

Inevitably my homestay owner Mimino had become my friend by that time. Hence, I had no other choice to hire him again to get to Juta village.

He picked up me and my hiking buddy Miriam from France, who stayed in another homestay.

It was not surprising that Mimino had many more stories to tell in his collection. The road from Stepantsminda to Juta was awful, and we were moving like snails. Yet, Mimino made our trip to Juta much more interesting than it otherwise could be.

We crossed several small villages on the way. Mimino had something to say about each of them.

We got to know about terrifying snow avalanches that had killed people here in the past.

We were also informed about a small village with the dumbest people in surroundings.

There was also a story about a killer that killed someone accidentally in the fight. Running from the justice he (again accidentally) run into a house, where the mother of the victim lived. As all guests (even enemies) are to be respected in Georgia, she welcomed the killer although she knew what he had done. He was safe until he stayed in the house and was killed by the hospitable mother of the victim as soon as he left her house.

We listened to these stories and we didn’t care if they were all true, partly true or not. They were so mesmerizing.

The incredible beauty of Juta

After so many Mimino’s stories we felt like we have spent several days with this amazing old man. Yet it was time to get out of the car and go hiking.

There were no other travelers/hikers in Juta. The day was sunny and beautiful, and we started our four hours long hike in the mountains enjoying pure serenity and feeling totally cut from civilization.

Hiking near Juta Village in Kazbegi

On the way, we met a couple of sad snowboarders from Switzerland, who returned from the glacier. The spring’s sun had melted the snow and they could not get any fun.

“So good that we are just hikers without many expectations”, we thought and continued our way.

The hike itself was easy for Miriam, who lives in a mountainous area of France, and of average difficulty for a flat land rat like me. Yet it was absolutely stunning in terms of scenery and landscape beauty.

#gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Kazbegi Georgia and Juta is a place for hikers who are looking for outstanding scenery, off-the-beaten-path and getting away from crowds all in one. It’s amazing.

On to of that the environment is so clean here that you can still dring nonfiltered water from any mountain spring.

Mount Kazbek

Finally, what’s up there for mount Kazbek itself? After all, this is where we are supposed to be heading, right?

Yes and no.

Mount Kazbek is the third highest peak in Georgia. It is 5,054 meters high potentially active volcano.

A view to Mount Kazbek on the way back from Juta village

The most common route to the summit is not technically difficult. Yet, needless to say, it still needs some a week or so for acclimatization. Hence it’s a must-do for one of my next trips to Georgia.

Would you visit Kazbegi area and the amazing Juta village? Drop your comment below or do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Kazbegi Georgia (Sakartvelo): Things For You To Know Before You Take The Trip From Tbilisi To Kazbegi Interested in Kazbegi Georgia? Then obviously you may already know at least something about this beautiful country.

#visitgeorgia #gerogia #juta #kazbegi #sakartvelo #stepanstminda

0 notes

escaperiesworld · 6 years ago

Text

Everyone who’s reading my blog posts from time to time may have noticed that I focus on the nature of Latvia very much. Why? Well, first, I love nature and it is easy to focus on something you love. Nature has been the love of my life since I remember myself. And not only the nature of Latvia.

It’s not very surprising that I decided to become a biologist. Funny that during my studies I rarely met any study mate, who was as green as I was.

I have even a hypothesis that being a Riga City boy I probably value wild nature much more than those my friends coming from the countryside. They’ve had probably enough greenery during their childhood. Just my guess.

Whatever is the reason for me being so green I am more than 100% sure nature of Latvia won’t disappoint anyone who is of a similar mindset as I am and probably even some of those who aren’t. After all, if my passion for nature can convince someone to appreciate more greenery around us, we all will be the winners.

Here are the reasons I love nature of Latvia so much and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it too.

Why Nature of Latvia Is Actually the First and Main Reason To Come Here?

Latvia might not be a standard ecotourism destination that first comes to your mind. You might know something about our famous capital city Riga but probably not much more. Well, many of my guests refer to their friends, who were first surprised about their decision to visit Latvia.

It is true that Latvia is still somewhat off-the-beaten-path and under the radar destination for most of the travelers. Yet, once you come here you may guess, why you did not know about Latvia earlier.

Being by one third bigger than the Netherlands and Switzerland and twice bigger than Belgium Latvia has only 1.9 million people. This naturally makes plenty of room for nature. Nature of Latvia is still pristine and relatively untouched, making Latvia a perfect ecotourism destination in Northern Europe.

Visit Latvia and you’ll have a chance to see many nature values that had been lost in other parts of modern Europe decades ago. Today Latvia is one of the greenest countries in Europe.

Natural Habitats

Latvia is the home for many protected habitats of European Union (EU) and also international importance. For those looking for the full list, you can find it here.

#1: Baltic Sea & Stunning Sandy Beaches – Probably The Main Reason To Come

Latvia has for sure among the most stunning Nordic coastlines in the world. The beaches in Latvia are some of the best beaches in Europe. The Latvian Baltic Sea coast is more than 500 km (300 miles) long. It is largely secluded but at the same time mostly public and easily available for everyone.

A beach in western Latvia

Get to know more about the new long-distance coastal hiking trail in Latvia and Estonia called “Jūrtaka” or choose from any of the great shorter coastal hiking routes to enjoy Latvian beaches and pristine coastal nature at its utmost.

Boreal Baltic sandy beaches and different types of coastal dunes are the habitats of EU importance, many of them being well-preserved in Latvia.

Pāvilosta Grey Dune

#2: Dense Forests – Not Just The Source Of Timber

Latvia is the land of forests. Forests cover more than 50% of its territory, which is well above Europe’s average of 33%. Not surprisingly many goods, houses, etc. are made of wood here.

Dominating trees are pine, spruce, birch, and alder. There are coniferous, deciduous and lots of mixed forests. You’ll also see threes like oak, ash, elm, hazel, linden, maple, willow and other species typical and not that typical for Northern and Central Europe.

Pokaini Forest – The most mystic forest in Latvia

Latvian broad-leaved forests become especially beautiful during the fall. Gorgeous Gauja National Park is a popular destination during this season. Locals, especially from Riga, are heading to Sigulda town during the autumn’s weekends to admire the colors of changing seasons there. So you better choose working days to visit this place unless you enjoy crowds and lots of traffic.

Coniferous western taiga forests and different types of the rare natural old broad-leaved boreal and mixed forests are all big values that represent the greenery and nature of Latvia.

Boreal forest in Northern Europe

#3: Bogs, Fens & Mires – Places Of Pristine Nature

Natural bog-lands of Latvia are something not to miss when discovering the nature of Latvia. Many of these bogs and mires are truly wild and pristine. We still have unique bog habitats that had mostly disappeared in Western Europe. Such are active raised bogs, calcareous and alkaline fens, transition mires and more.

Some of the most amazing well-preserved raised bogs are very close to Riga. The most popular is the Great Kemeri Bog in Kemeri National Park and Cena Mire. You don’t need any special footwear to walk in these places, as there are wooden boardwalks set-up for visitors.

Good choices for visiting are also more distant Suda Mire in Gauja National Park, Teirumnīku Mire in eastern Latvia (Latgale), Vasenieku Mire in western Latvia (Kurzeme) or even the wild bog-lands of Slitere National Park and Ziemeļu Mire on Latvian/Estonian border.

Ziemelu Mire

#4: Lakes & Rivers – Your Endless Options For Kayaking/Canoeing Trips

The nature of Latvia is rich with freshwater. We are among the leaders of freshwater resources in Europe. Around 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes of different sizes are what makes Latvia so watery. Eastern region of Latvia – Latgale is even called the “Land of Blue Lakes”, and this is not without a reason. It’s rich with beautiful lakes.

There are seven protected freshwater habitats of EU importance in Latvia. The best way to enjoy Latvian rivers and lakes is to go for a kayaking or canoeing trip.

The most popular rivers for boating in Latvia are Gauja, Salaca, Abava, and Irbe. Check out for more details about the best kayaking trips in Latvia here.

#5: Grasslands – Important Part Of Latvian Traditions

For those looking for some open space, Latvian grasslands might be an attraction. There are ten protected grassland habitats of EU importance in Latvia. Although not always that well-preserved natural meadows are an important part of Latvian rural landscape.

Baltic tribes arrived in this region some 2000 years B.C. They brought many changes here, including agricultural traditions and open lands in the otherwise naturally forested places. Since then, pastures and meadows had gradually become an integral part Latvian rural landscape. Lots of them ceased to exist though during Soviet occupation when traditional agriculture practices were largely abandoned.

Natural meadows are an important part of Latvian traditions. Even in this modern world Latvians collect plants that grow in meadows for health and beauty treatment purposes (as well as wild berries and mushrooms in the forests and bog-lands for homemade food). Visit Latvia during the Summer solstice time (from 20 to 24 June) and you’ll see the importance of nature and greenery in our culture at its utmost.

Midsummer festival in Riga – Dzegužkalns park

For grassland habitats to be well maintained they must be managed. Today many EU and local initiatives support mowing and grazing of natural meadow habitats to increase and keep their biodiversity. Natural meadows are home for many insect species, rare plants, and birds’ species.

Wooded meadows hiking trail in Gauja National Park

If you want to see grassland management in action you may wish to visit the sites like nature parks “Pape Lake” and “Lake Engure” or Lielupe River Floodplain in Jelgava City. You’ll see amazing natural wetlands and semi-wild “grazing machines” – hairy highlander cows and konik horses – doing their grazing job there.

#6: Rocky Habitats & Caves

There are no mountains in Latvia. Yet, we have rocky habitats and caves here. These are very rare but “must” places to see in Latvia found mostly on the slopes of river valleys and on the vegetated sea cliffs of the Baltic Sea coast.

Steep Baltic Sea Coast

These are all generally “soft” limestone and sandstone formations, hence being very fragile ecosystems.

In some places, these are truly impressive monuments of Latvian nature. Gauja River Valley is the most famous place to go in Latvia with rocky riverbank slopes that are around 350 million years old. The best way to enjoy them is by kayaking or canoeing on this river.

Canoeing in Gauja National Park

In many places, it is also a great idea to go for a hiking trip in Gauja National Park.

Salaca river is another great boating destination to see this rare wonder of Latvia.

Salaca river valley

Not least impressive are the sandy cliffs on the western coast of the open Baltic Sea close to Jurkalne village. This is also a great place for coastal hiking and enjoying secluded beaches in Latvia.

Birds & other animals

Birds to see

During the spring and autumn migration periods (April-May and September-October) Latvia is a paradise for birdwatchers. The spring and autumn bird migration routes go across the country. In the autumn, birds travel from Scandinavia and northern Russia across Latvia to Southern Europe and Africa. Then they come back in the spring.

There are lots of shallow lagoon lakes along the Baltic Sea coast. The biggest ones are Engure, Kanieris, Pape, Babite and Liepaja lakes. We also have plenty of forests and flood-lands. This all makes Latvia a great dwelling place for many migratory bird species.

In case you are a keen bird-watcher you should not miss Kolka Cape, where the open Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga meet. Also, you might wish to check out Lubana Lake Wetland complex in the Eastern Latvia (Latgale). Lake Lubans is also the biggest lake in Latvia.

There are altogether 365 recorded bird species in Latvia. One species for each day of a short year, if I may say so. Woodpeckers and owls in the forests, ducks, seagulls and swans in the coastal area, Bittern in the reedbeds, Lesser Spotted Eagle in open places, Osprey and cranes in bog-lands, Corncrake in grasslands. These are just some samples of our feathered heroes.

#gallery-0-9 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-9 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)

Corncrake (Crex crex)

Roller (Coracias garrulus)

There are also lots of bird watching towers set up at the best bird watching spots. Thus bird-watching is for sure one of the best things to do in Latvia. Ask locals to arrange a great bird-watching trip for you.

Some bigger animals

The nature of Latvia has also some bigger animals to offer. Some of the species are not that common in other parts of Europe. You can spot wolves, lynx, elks, deer, wild boars, lot of beavers, badgers, otters and even some bears here. You must be very lucky to see most of these wild animals in nature though because they are all very cautious. There is still an option to see them on a special nature trail in Ligatne, if you wish.

#gallery-0-10 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-10 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Protected Areas – Best Places To Visit

There are 4 national parks, 42 nature parks, and 261 nature reserves in Latvia. We also have 4 strict nature reserves (not accessible to visitors), around 355 nature monuments, 7 protected marine areas, and the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. There are lots of small protected areas called micro-reserves too. All these areas are set-up for the protection of species, natural habitats, and traditional landscapes. Many of them are great eco-tourism spots.

Here is a great movie about protected areas of Latvia. Enjoy!

youtube

Most of the protected areas in Latvia are also the areas of European Union importance, which means that most of them are so-called Natura2000 network sites. The best and most diverse places to visit for those who want to explore nature in Latvia are the four national parks and North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. Yet, there are also many other great smaller protected nature areas that a nature lover might want to check out.

You can find the full list of all protected territories in Latvia here.

#1: Gauja National Park – The “Must See” In Latvia

Gauja National Park is the oldest national park in Latvia. It is the most beautiful destination that attracts many visitors. You can soak up the beauty of pristine nature here, which is so different in each of the four seasons.

In spring and summer, it is a popular place for kayaking/canoeing in the gorgeous Gauja River Valley. In the autumn the beautiful broad-leaved forests in Gauja Valley turn into breath-taking yellow and red colors. While in snowy winter it is a great place for skiing. Gauja National Park is a “must see” place if you are interested to see the best of the nature in Latvia.

Gauja National Park

#2: Slitere National Park – The Wildest Place To Go

Slitere National Park is the wildest national park in Latvia. It is in the northwest part of the country and includes Kolka Cape – the place where the “two seas” meet: the open Baltic Sea to the West and the Gulf of Riga to the East. Earlier it used to be a strict nature reserve with a very limited public access. Today it is a national park open for visitors. In some parts, public access is restricted though to protect its natural values.

Slitere National Park is rich with pristine forests, untouched bog lands, and amazing sandy beaches.

View to the forests of Slitere National Park

#3: Kemeri National Park – The Place Of Magic Bog-lands

Kemeri National Park is the closest national park to Riga. This makes it also the most visited one. The most attractive parts for visitors are Great Kemeri Bog with its boardwalk. Lake Kaņieris is a perfect spot for bird watching and angling. The park is also famous for its sulfur springs.

Great Kemeri Bog

#4: Razna National Park – The Gem Of Eastern Latvia

Razna National Park is the youngest of all national parks in Latvia. It is in the eastern part of the country called Latgale. The park itself is named after a big Lake Rāzna, which is sometimes called the “Sea of Latgale”. Razna National Park has lakes and forests and the unique diversity of nature.

Razna National Park in Eastern Latvia (Latgale)

#5: North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve

North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve is the biggest protected area in Latvia. As the name itself suggests the reserve is in the northern part of Vidzeme (central) region of Latvia.

The reserve is a protected area of international importance recognized by UNESCO. The area includes lots of natural and cultural values and many smaller protected areas. You can enjoy the gorgeous Rocky Seashore of Vidzeme. Or you can also head to any of the remote and pristine bog-land areas near the Estonian border.

Vidzeme Rocky Seashore

The beautiful rivers of Salaca and Ruja, as well as Burtnieku Lake, are perfect places for kayaking/canoeing.

Ruja River

North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve is a huge area to explore. Hence the motivation to visit Latvia again.

#6: Nature Parks

The most prominent protected areas mentioned above are not the only ones worth looking at when you visit Latvia. There are also smaller nature areas that you might be interested in. Such are:

“Lake Pape” Nature Park

The nature park of Lake Pape is the area in the very southwest part of Latvia. Lake Pape is a shallow lagoon lake. It is a perfect place for bird watching during the migration periods in the spring and summer. Pape is a remote place. Plan a visit there if you go to Liepaja City.

“Lake Pape” Nature Park: the only place in Latvia where the raised bog stretches into the beach

Nature Park “Bernati”

Nature Park “Bernati” is another great place near the Baltic Sea. It is only halfway between Liepaja city and Lake Pape. The beach is gorgeous here. Yet be careful while swimming in the sea! There are cunning rip currents in this area.

Nature Park “Piejura”

“Piejūra” means “at the sea” in Latvian. The name itself suggests that the park lays at the seacoast. If you come to Riga City or Carnikava and Saulkrasti towns, this is by far the closest natural area you can visit. Yet don’t let its location to fool you. You’ll find gorgeous beaches, sandy and grey dunes as well as amazing coastal pine forests here.

Nature Park “Piejura”

The nature in Latvia is abundantly present even in the big cities and towns.

“Lake Engure” Nature Park

Lake Engure is about 70 km/44 miles to the northwest from Riga. It is a shallow lagoon lake, hence being a paradise for migrating birds and a good place for bird watchers. It is much closer to Riga than the similar Lake Pape. The lake is close to the Gulf of Riga. Thus you can combine bird watching on the lake with a relaxed afternoon on a beach.

Abava Valley Nature Park

Abava Valley Nature Park is an amazing destination for a kayaking or canoeing trip. It has impressive landscapes, cozy old towns on their banks and natural diversity. Depending on which section of this river you plan to conquer you will get one or all these values combined.

Abava River Valley nature park

Nature Park “Daugavas loki” (Meanders of Daugava)

Nature Park “Daugavas loki” (Meanders of Daugava) is a scenic area in the very south-east part of Latvia. It is famous for its pronounced natural meanders of the biggest river of Latvia – Daugava. This is also the UNESCO heritage site. You will see totally different Daugava compared to the same river in Riga.

“Daugavas loki” is a beautiful place for kayaking and canoeing. You will witness amazing off-the-beaten-path nature spots here. The water tourism is not that well-developed on Daugava as it is on other popular rivers in Latvia. Hence you can ask a professional local adventure travel company to arrange your trip when visiting Latvia.

Nature park “Daugavas loki”

Lubana Wetland Complex – Birds’ Paradise

Lubans is the biggest lake in Latvia. The unique lake and the area around it are a wetland of international importance (a RAMSAR site). Lake Lubans is another great place for bird watching in Latvia. There are six bird watching towers available for this activity.

The area is the home for many protected species and habitats. You can also buy local fish and rent a boat here.

Summing-Up

It is common and natural that people first travel to the capital city of any less known destination. Therefore, Riga is probably more popular than Latvia itself. This is so far. Yet, once you get the first insights you want to know more, right? It is time to dig deeper. At this point let me introduce the real Latvia that starts outside Riga and consists mostly of nature.

Nature is one of the main reasons to visit Latvia. Amazing sandy and secluded beaches, vast forests, pristine bog-lands, the abundance of rivers and lakes and natural meadows are the main treasures worth coming for to Latvia. If ecotourism is what speaks to you, the diverse nature of Latvia and plenty of national and nature parks won’t let you be disappointed.

Now you know why I am so in love with the nature of Latvia, and it is likely that you will be too.

Why I Love Nature Of Latvia So Much – And Why You’ll Love It Too Everyone who’s reading my blog posts from time to time may have noticed that I focus on the nature of Latvia very much.

#latvia #visitlatvia #natureinlatvia #natureoflatvia

1 note · View note

escaperiesworld · 6 years ago

Text

Regardless if you are an outdoor enthusiast, hiking addict or simply a casual nature lover and adventure seeker, hiking in Latvia is what you should consider when traveling to Northern Europe.

There are many hiking trails to choose from in Europe. Yet there are not many places left in the Old World, where nature has kept lots of its original pristine beauty. Latvia is one of them.

Hiking in Latvia is mostly a soft adventure unless you make it a thrill. That said you can choose to do it on your own pace. You can go 10, 20, 30 km a day or more. It’s all up to you.

Here are 5 reasons why hiking in Latvia will be the ultimate travel experience for every nature lover.

#1: Latvia Is Green

Latvia is the second greenest country in EU in 2019 and mostly because of its vast forests, abundant freshwater resources and leading position in renewable energy ratio.

More than 50% of Latvia are forests. There are more than 12,000 rivers and 3,000 lakes here. Our wetlands (bogs) are among the most untouched in Europe.

Endless forests of Slitere National Park

So, why Latvia is actually so green?

First, our culture and traditions are closely related to nature. Since Christianity came pretty late here, Latvians are still a bit pagans “worshiping” nature in a way. Don’t get me wrong, as everywhere in the world we have our dose of environmental problems. Yet, most Latvians are taught to take care of nature since childhood. We simply love trees, greenery and clean environment around us.

Secondly, the Soviet occupation of 50 years made Latvia even greener (in a way). Before the WW2 Latvia was an agricultural country with some 28% of forest coverage only. During the Soviet times, many rural lands were abandoned giving more space for forests again.

Hiking in Latvia will let you immerse yourself in various natural ecosystems that you won’t find in other parts of Europe anymore. You choose where you want to go.

#2: Coastal Hiking In Latvia Is Stunning

The stunning coastline of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga is probably the main reason we get more and more hikers from all around the world.

Vidzeme Rocky Beach

The new Long-distance hiking trail “Jūrtaka” is an amazing discovery for every hiking lover. Altogether it is more than 1,200 km (746 miles) long and stretches from Latvian/Lithuanian border to the Latvian and Estonian coastline up to Estonian capital Tallinn. It takes around 60 days to complete it all. The good news is that you can split this long-distance hiking trail into 60 around 20 km long day-hikes and choose as many as you like.

Coastal hiking in Latvia is really something you don’t want to miss. Sandy beaches, pristine nature, amazing scenery, fresh air, dunes, and lush coastal pine forests is what makes hiking in Latvia so very special. Besides many hiking sections are wild and untouched.

Sandy beach in Latvia

You’ll find vast sandy beaches near/in Liepaja City, cozy fishing village atmosphere in Pavilosta, amazing steep sandy coastline in Jurkalne, pure wilderness in Slitere National Park, “two seas” meeting in Cape Kolka and amazing stony beaches in Kaltene Town (western coast of the Gulf of Riga) and Vidzeme Rocky Coastline (eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga).

Coastal hiking in Latvia is a diverse and beautiful adventure. Check out the most beautiful coastal hiking trails to start with.

Best time for coastal hiking

You can do coastal hiking in Latvia in any season. Yet, the best time is late spring, summer and early autumn (from May till September), when the weather is warm and the days are long in Latvia.

#3: More Than 50% Of Latvia Are Forests

While coastal hiking in Latvia is the top choice for hiking lovers, our vast forests are not less attractive hiking destination.

As said above Latvia is a very forested country. The coastal woodlands are mostly pine forests. Once you go deeper inland, you’ll discover more deciduous trees and mixed forests.

Forest roads are the best hiking trails to follow both in the coastal and inland forests. There are also lots of dedicated forest hiking trails in Latvia. The most popular and accessible ones are in the famous Gauja National Park. You can choose among plenty of forest hiking trails of various distances here. Besides many of them are circle trails. That said you will return to where you started from. This makes them a more convenient choice for those traveling on their own or with the car.

Wooded meadows hiking trail in Gauja National Park

The main hubs to start your inland hiking in Gauja National Park are Sigulda, Ligatne and Cesis towns. You’ll find tourist information centers and information boards there explaining where to go and what to see.

For the hikers who are familiar with the hiking routes in Western Europe’s woodlands please know that most of the Latvian forests are not anything alike. Most of the forests in Latvia are dense and wild similar to what you can find in Finland, Russia or neighboring Estonia.

Boreal forest in Latvia

Don’t Get Lost!

It is almost impossible to get lost on a coastal hike, as you do hiking parallel to the coastline. The things get more complicated if you go hiking inland. It is not that rare that even the local mushroom pickers get lost in the remote Latvian forests. Most of these cases have a lucky ending though. However, please follow the maps or choose dedicated hiking trails, especially if you go in the forest alone. And remember that even the hiking trails are not always that clearly marked in Latvia. Latvians are not the big fans of the road signs. They spoil natural looks of the landscape after all (!)

Four National Parks And Other Protected Areas

While Gauja National Park is the most popular inland destination for hiking in Latvia, it’s is by no means the only one. You’ll find many amazing and off-the-beaten-path destinations in other four national parks, 42 nature parks and in other protected areas. Check out forests of Kemeri National Park near Riga, Razna National Park in Eastern Latvia (Latgale) and coastal and inland hiking trails in the remote Slitere National Park.

Razna National Park in Eastern Latvia

Pristine natural forest in Slitere National Park

Mysterious “Pokaiņi Forest”

There is one very special place for hiking in Latvia worth mentioning on its own. Different anomalies, mystical energy and strange piles of stones (the origin of which is still not clearly known) attracts lots of nature and mystery lovers from Latvia and abroad to “Pokaiņi Forest”. Many spiritual healers think that the Pokaini Forest is an ancient holy site. This mystery surrounded woodland is some 80 km south-west from Riga near the small town Dobele and is perfect for a day trip.

Hiking in Pokaini Forest

Best Time For Hiking In The forests

Best time for hiking in the forests of Latvia is autumn, winter and early spring (from September until the beginning of May). During the summer months (especially end of May and June) the forests are full of mosquitoes. This fact alone makes forest hiking in the summer a challenging task. Hence coastal hiking is a better choice in summer months.

#4: Discover Pristine Latvian Bog-lands

You’ve not been in Latvia if you’ve not visited any of its amazing pristine bogs, mires, swamps, wetlands or whatever you choose to call them.

Unique Raised Bogs

To make it clearer the most amazing places to go are so-called raised bogs. By definition, a raised bog is a wet habitat that is poor in mineral salts and is home to flora and fauna that can cope with such extreme conditions. Different species of Sphagnum commonly known as “peat moss” are typical for a raised bog. Peat moss stores lots of water. Raised bog habitats are rare in Europe and the only EU countries you can still see this natural wonder so unspoiled are basically Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. You can see this unique habitat if you go for a hike in bog-land.

Natural raised bog in Latvia

Bogs That You Can Visit Near Riga

There is even better news. Some of the amazing well-preserved raised bogs are very close to Riga (some 40 minutes’ drive from the center). The most popular is the Great Kemeri Bog in Kemeri National Park and Cena Mire Nature Reserve. You don’t need any special boots to walk here as there are special wooden boardwalks set-up in these areas.

Boardwalk in Great Kemeri Bog

The boardwalks in Great Kemeri Bog and Cena Mire are 5 and 6 km long only but you’ll see amazing landscapes there. Don’t expect a lot of serenity though, especially if you go there on weekends or holidays. These trails are popular both among the locals and guests. Choose going there or working days or early mornings and there is a chance you will enjoy a nice hike there on your own.

Discover Other Pristine Boglands While Hiking In Latvia

If you have time and you are adventurous enough, I suggest you to try hiking in the bogs that are not so close to Riga and hence not so touristic. Good choices are more distant Suda Mire in Gauja National Park (central Latvia), Teirumnīku Mire in eastern Latvia (Latgale), Vasenieku Mire in western Latvia (Kurzeme) or even the wild bog-lands of Slitere National Park and Ziemeļu Mire on Latvian/Estonian border.

youtube

Tips For Utmost Experience Seekers In a Latvian Bog

If you are after exploring the raised bog at its utmost, you can go beyond the boardwalk experience. Be ready to get a bit wet.

Hiking in bogs where there are no boardwalks is tricky and you may need some local guidance to avoid getting lost.

The rubber boots are also “the must equipment” once you decide to walk in a natural bog. No way they give you the 100% guarantee you will stay dry though. In a real bog, the soil is wet and loose. From time to time the bog makes a joke on you and “swallows” your boot (or both). In most cases, you will recover your precious footwear. Yet, your feet will be wet, sometimes along with your whole leg. Hence hiking in a bog for longer distances is a challenging but fun and amazing experience. The difficulties come with a reward though: amazing views, true wilderness and the energy that only pristine nature can give you.

You can also try using so-called “bog shoes”. These are in fact ordinary snowshoes used for walking on the wet soil of the bog. They will allow you to reach sites that are otherwise probably not accessible.

Hiking in Latvian boglands – Remote Ziemelu Mire

Best time for hiking in the bogs

Latvian bogs are great places for hiking in all seasons. Yet, the best time is early autumn to spring (from September till May). You’ll see the bogs in different colors each season. The spring is blooming time. The summer is green and warm. The autumn comes with stunning colors of the fall and plenty of cranberries. But snowy winter turns the bog into a white frozen fairy tale.

Great Kemeri Bog in winter

#5: Hiking In Riga & Jurmala Is Awesome

Guess what? You can start (or end) you hiking in Latvia adventure in Riga and Jurmala cities.

Being very green, Riga is a great place for outdoor activities. The best place for hiking in Riga is Nature Park “Piejura”. “Piejūra” means “seaside” in Latvian. Hence the name itself says that it is the coastal area.

A view to Nature Park “Piejura” from above

Riga is proud with its amazing sandy Vakarbulli and Daugavgriva beaches on the left bank of Daugava River as well as with Mangalsala and Vecaki beach on the right bank of the river. All these places are worth visiting if you like fresh air, soft silky sand, pristine coastal pine forests, and some historic legacy sites.

Jurmala is the biggest resort city in Latvia. Yet apart from hotels, SPAs, and restaurants you can find excellent places for hiking here. Jurmala is also very green.

Daugavgriva

Daugavgriva is a very special place. The area itself is in Riga’s district called Bolderaja. It might not be the most prestigious place in the city. Yet you’ll find plenty of interesting things here.

First, it’s the Riga’s port area. During Soviet times, it was also the border area with very restricted access. Hence it keeps many of those old days’ witnesses in the form of abandoned ugly concrete houses, remnants of ships, old engines and famous Bolderaja military bunkers that are hidden in the dunes but fully accessible. Nature and human impact have mixed with each other in this wild place.

Old Soviet bunkers with graffiti on the walls here and there are unusual elements in coastal dunes of Daugavgriva

Second, Daugavgriva is where Daugava River ends its way in the Gulf of Riga. You can have a romantic walk on the Daugavgriva mall. Just be careful when you walk on the mall. If you are lucky, you’ll also witness ships leaving Riga or coming back. You can also have a picture with the beautiful Daugavgriva Lighthouse on the background. Just be careful when you walk on the mall. It is slippery and broken in some places. It is not a good idea to walk there in stormy weather.

Standing on the birds’ migratory route Daugavgriva with its huge reedbeds and naturally wet areas is also an excellent place for birdwatching. You’ll even find a birdwatching tower and convenient wooden boardwalk that will bring you to the sea here.

Last but not least you can visit Daugavgriva Fortress. It is an amazing place keeping history’s secrets since 17th century.

You can get to Daugavgriva by bus No 3 from the center of the city.

Daugavgriva Lighthouse

Vakarbulli beach

Vakarbulli is another great place with an awesome beach, where you can go for hiking in any season, amazing sunsets or just for catching sunrays on a warm summer day. It stands between Daugava and Lielupe rivers. You can combine visit to Daugavgriva and Vakarbulli in one hike of around 10 km going from Daugava to Lielupe river or vice versa.

Lielupe River delta in Vakarbulli

Or you can hire a local guide who will arrange personal transport and will tell you a lot about this wild place in the big city on your way. This is a great adventure in a wild area that close to the city center.

You can get to Vakarbulli again by bus No 3 from the center of the city if you go there on your own.

Mangalsala and Vecaki beach

Mangalsala and Vecaki beach stand on the opposite (right) bank of Daugava River. It is as green as the left bank the river yet a bit different.

The mall in Mangalsala is to say more “civilized” and easier accessible. Also, Vecaki beach is not less popular among local beach lovers than Jumala city. Hence don’t expect a great serenity here during the summertime. Yet both places are great for walks in the fresh air and seeing Riga from another perspective.

Jurmala City

As said Jumala city is the biggest resort city in Latvia. It is also a very long one, stretching for around 32 km from the delta of Lielupe River along the Gulf of Riga. Yet, this all does not mean that the city is big in absolute terms. While being the fifth biggest in Latvia, it has only a bit more than 50 thousand inhabitants there.

The flattened sand in Jurmala’s beach is great both for hiking and for biking. Besides you can get back to your starting point or to Riga from almost everywhere, as the railway passes the city for all its 32 km and there are many train stations on your way.

Just at the Lielupe River delta, there is an amazing nature park “Ragakapa”. It is a green and rather quiet area of pristine pine forest and beautiful beach. Ragakapa is one of the highest dunes in Latvia. You will also find a boardwalk here leading through the pine forest. All in all, it is a great hiking destination that is very close to Riga.

Stunning secluded beach near Lielupe River delta in Jurmala city

Conclusions

Latvia is an amazing off-the-beaten-path hiking destination. Hiking in Latvia gives you a chance to see its amazing pristine nature and get authentic experiences that you won’t get by just staying in touristic areas and doing “ordinary things”. Besides, it is a healthy, safe and fun way to explore Latvia. You’ll discover amazing secluded beaches, vast forests, pristine boglands and wild places even in big cities like Riga and Jurmala.

What do you think about hiking in Latvia? Would you try it? Leave a comment below or contact me at [email protected]. You can also book amazing hiking in Latvia experiences here.

5 Reasons Why Hiking in Latvia Is an Ultimate Experience For Nature Lovers Regardless if you are an outdoor enthusiast, hiking addict or simply a casual nature lover and adventure seeker, hiking in Latvia is what you should consider when traveling to Northern Europe.

#hiking #hikinginlatvia #latvia #latviatravel #visitlatvia

17 notes · View notes

escaperiesworld · 6 years ago

Text

6 Best Unusual Things To Do In Riga (Latvia) Or Why Riga Is Great City For Outdoor Activities: Tips From A local

Riga is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination in Northern Europe. Yet it is still uncovered travel gem for many travelers.

If this is your first time in Latvia, there are plenty of online resources you can find on classic to things to do in Riga. Lonely Planet alone lists a good bunch of them. These are good general tips. Yet, let’s be honest, nobody can give better and more…

View On WordPress

#latviatravel #riga #visitlatvia #natureinlatvia #thingstodoinriga #visitriga

0 notes

escaperiesworld · 6 years ago

Text

10 Reasons Why You Should Experience Winter In Latvia: Best Tips From A Local

There used to be a time when winter in Latvia was not the most appealing combination of the words for travelers. Not anymore. We continue breaking the prejudices and helping people to change the old views about the world.

Most of Latvians are not fans of the winter indeed. Yet this is mostly because of the short days, increasing house heating costs, slippery roads and finally because winter is…

View On WordPress

#hikinginlatvia #latvia #latviatravel #traveltolatvia #visitlatvia #winterinlatvia

0 notes

escaperiesworld · 7 years ago

Text

10 Reasons Why A Personal Trip Planner Will Help You To Plan Your Travel Experiences In Most Authentic And Efficient Way

You might have noticed that people are traveling more and more. That’s a fact. We plan our trips, we save the budget for traveling and we are looking for more authentic and unique travel experiences. Yet it all comes not without the stress of travel planning. Here’s is where a personal trip planner can help you probably better than anyone on anything else.

Travel is for freedom

We live in an era…

View On WordPress

0 notes

escaperiesworld · 7 years ago

Text

Sustainable travel and ecotourism are gradually getting more and more popular. According to Forbes, the so-called last-chance tourism is the top travel trend for 2018. The number of travelers globally skyrockets and the appetite for unique destinations is heating up. Forbes notes that the last-chance travel is leading to rising interest in ecotourism and sustainable hotel experiences.

So far ecotourism has not been the most popular way to travel and it is still far from reaching its real potential. It has been more like an exclusive service with an added value for the people who are very much into nature. Yet everything changes rapidly. People are looking for more authentic escape travel experiences and are willing to get the most out of their travel adventures.

Here are the ten reasons why you must choose authentic escape travel and look beyond Google page 1. These will help you to turn away from environmentally harmful mass tourism madness and choose authentic and green travel instead. Let me show you the ecotourism’s potential from a whole new perspective. Get amazing new escape travel experiences, leave a positive impact, help local communities and the environment all at once.

Natives on Orinoko River in Venezuela

#1: Why you must go for authentic escape travel experiences

I am pretty sure you want to get as much as possible out of your travel experiences. If you choose a real escape travel that is authentic and green you will inevitably discover more of the original beauty and will get more positive emotions visiting ANY destination.

So what is authentic escape travel?

When you go to the rain-forest, you probably expect to find real jungle and not a palm plantation there. By going diving and exploring the coral reefs let’s say somewhere in the Red See you expect them to be actually there, colorful and healthy; not over-exploited by the tons of irresponsible divers and unsustainable diving services. If you want to see or take part in local traditions with local communities, you expect to experience them as they are naturally supposed to be. A fine-tuned crap made for sucking out the money from tourists is a no-go today. Also, the last thing I want to do is to buy let’s say a “local” plastic souvenir of Eifel Tower in Paris that is made in China. If I buy anything at all it should be the stuff made by locals. These are a kind of rough examples of authenticity vs non-authenticity.

Unique Latvian Sauna Ritual

When the travel dream turns into a nightmare

Going the “beaten-path” is tempting

It is very easy to bring the tourists to the beaten path travel hotspots. It is also easy to market these places. Just take the stock pictures of let’s say stunning islands of Thailand where the movie “Beach” was filmed, and the visitors cannot resist them. The pictures are usually taken when there are the least visitors. They are also very much improved in the Photoshop or similar post-processing tool too, of course (you can remove people from the picture in Photoshop if you want). Sitting somewhere in the office of a Northern county like Finland on a dark winter’s day you are hooked by these pictures though. You are fed up of the 6-months long Finnish night and you want to get where the sun shines, the food is great, and there are no worries.

Not everything is gold what shines

It is only when you get there you realize that the place is not exactly what you saw on the dreamy picture. It is crowded, loud and there is no space on the beach. There are lots of stinky speedboats and the sea is so polluted with plastic bags and bottles that you actually see more of this stuff than the fish out there. Finally, literary everybody wants to get as much money from you as possible before you leave. You try to find a place to take a picture with the least people in the background. Yet year by year it gets more and more difficult. You can try to fool your friends on social media with a fake smile, but you cannot fool yourself. You don’t feel that you got what you were coming after. Sounds familiar? Well, that’s a rough picture of non-authentic mass tourism travel experience.

You will get about the same stuff in all the travel hotspots widely advertised by travel agencies especially if you go there peak season.

#2: Pristine nature heals

So, why not choose less popular places of authentic and green escape travel instead. There are also less crowded islands in Thailand and even in Greece. Actually, there are pristine nature spots left not far from mass tourism hotspots in most of the travel destinations. You just have to explore a bit and you will be greatly rewarded for this small effort.

Choose nature! Pristine nature heals. It gives you a sense of freedom that nothing else can compare to. Add some ecotourism activities (like hiking, kayaking etc.), and you will return home charged.

Canaima National Park in Venezuela

You will get a great gain from spending your time outdoors. You just have to choose the best time depending on where you plan to go.

When to go?

For example, a diving holidays in Malaysia or in Bali are the best during the dry season (from April to September). The stunning northern beaches in Latvia are the best in the late spring, summer and early autumn months (which is also from May to September).

Diving in Bali

Sandy beach in Latvia

Egypt is super hot in the summer months but very pleasant during the winter (from October till March), when it is also a perfect place for diving.

If you want to explore the rainforest the best time is again the dry season that depends on the place you choose to go.

Hiking in lowland rain-forest in Costa Rica

While enjoying the boreal forests in Northern Europe would be better in early spring (April – May), late summer (August) and early autumn (September – October). In the summer months, northern forests turn in the heaven for the mosquitos. Yet you can always choose a summer kayaking trip along the wild forested riverbanks in Latvia instead. Mosquitos will not bother you in open sunny areas.

Boreal forest in Northern Europe

Kayaking along the forested riverbanks in Latvia

The bogs and mires in Latvia are the best to be visited in the autumn when they get the most beautiful colors and are rich with wild berries.

Pristine boglands in Latvia

Any hiking/trekking in the mountains are the best in the summer months. And so on.

You will always enjoy nature. Just choose the right time to go. The bad experiences are mostly due to bad planning.

Stunning mountains in Georgia (Kazbegi)

#3: Be careful with the “must visit” places

Let’s be realistic. Despite Google’s huge efforts to give the best information on its search engine’s first pages, they are not always that successful. You might need to look further to find the best and most authentic information.

International sites with high domain authorities mostly prevail on the first Google search pages. The Hubspot says that 75% of Internet users never scroll past the first page of search results. The influential digital marketing expert Neil Patel confirms this. This is why all the websites strive to get on the first Google page at least in some niche. It is not hard to imagine that the ones who started earlier and/or have more resources have a huge advantage in the world flooded with digital information.

In most industries being on Google page 1 really means you are the best. Yet it is not that straightforward when it comes to travel. Sometimes it might be too bad for you if you are among those 75% who stick to the Google page 1.

While there are good reasons why authoritative websites rank so high, it is not guaranteed that you will find the information about the best and most authentic travel (and any other) experiences on the Google’s first page. You must look for the local sites first!

Why you should go beyond Google page 1

Let’s look at an example I know the best. In the case of Latvia and the other Baltic States, I can tell you for sure that non-local travel sites that rank the highest in Google for our region reveal only a very small fraction of the things to do and places to see here. And almost none mentions ecotourism. The simple fact is that they just don’t know enough.

In the picture below you can see the first five results on Google page 1 for the query “places to visit in Latvia” (it is very similar for the “things to do in Latvia”). The very first one is the article in the official travel portal of Latvia – a very general one. None of the next five and further on up to the Google page 3 are local. You can also see the average position of my page that is actually very much dedicated to providing detailed advice for the travelers to Latvia.

To get to my site you actually have to go to the Google page 3. The screenshot below shows the two local (Latvian) sites on this page including mine. And that’s it.

There is no way that most of the average travelers would look for these sites. Yet they actually include among the most useful information. You may say it is the problem with my site that I cannot rank higher. Yes, it is. However, is also the problem of the travelers that do not get the best first-hand information actually.

Note that for less popular destinations most of the high-ranking sites focus on more traditional highlights. You have to be a local expert or a very dedicated traveler to know that Latvia is actually a Nordic paradise for ecotourism. Being an average traveler, you just don’t have a clue about this. It is about the same all around the world; especially if we speak about destinations less uncovered.

Be critical about what you read on the Internet. Why the local’s advice matters?

The travel sites of higher authority on the first Google pages often focus on multiple travel destinations. It also means they are much more general than any local information source of a good quality. Authoritative English sites often rank high because of good content writing skills, longer experience, lots of back-links, and long-term running domains and not necessarily because they have more knowledge.

While they give good general insight, these sites often lack the level of detail that you actually need while planning your trip. This is where you should seek advice from a local.

The best way to get the most amazing authentic travel experiences is to consult a knowledgeable local guide. Or you can ask somebody who can do it for you and plan your escape travel trip as you want it to be.

Check for alternatives

For more authentic and specific results you may also have to look for the local websites that very often rank lower. Or you should do your research when you are at your travel destination. This way you might get to know a lot about hidden gems to visit and unique local experiences to have. Besides, you will also help local sites to rank higher in Google. Ultimately this will be a clear gain for you and for other travelers, who will find the local experts easier.

Remember that there is no way that any non-local blog site (even TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet) would know something about the destination better than an experienced local. No matter how good it is written and presented. It is not the first-hand information. Give more chances and trust local information channels and local businesses, at least those who speak your language.

While it is not guaranteed that the local sites and experts will always help you to travel greener (although very often it will be the case), they will be more authentic for sure. They might also lead you away from mass tourism to real destinations showing you amazing places and things you might never imagine exist.

Razna National Park in Eastern Latvia

A beach western Latvia

This all does not mean you should compromise the quality, of course. You have all the rights to demand the best and most reliable information both from international and local travel experts.

#4: Make sure that the ecotourism service is really “eco”

“Eco” gains for travelers

Many travel ecotourism destinations and service providers tend to use prefix “eco” for marketing purposes. Yet ecotourism does not always mean green travel, at least for now. I’ve been in many places around the globe that position themselves as ecotourism destinations. While there are lots of great examples, a good bunch are also far from being environmentally friendly.

Beware of the ecotourism service providers that promise you to spend amazing time in pristine nature but don’t care much on the impact you leave on these sites.

Seeing rare species and stunning wildlife may be exciting. Yet you might not notice at what cost it actually sometimes comes for the local ecosystems, species, and communities. The unique experiences may also make you neglect the problems with trash disposal and other environmental problems that are not uncommon today especially in developing countries.

Keep you “paradise” alive

By coming back to the same place that seemed to be a paradise when you first visited it, you may face the harsh reality some years later. You may not find a paradise there anymore just because you neglected the importance of sustainable travel principles for the first time you went there. Always be aware of what an ecotourism service provider actually sells and do not hesitate to write reviews about your concerns. Reviews are often the most effective tool to affect any travel service provider as the travel businesses rely on them very much.

Responsible ecotourism service providers will take care that your travel experience is truly green. They will search for the best solutions to leave a positive impact on the environment and local communities. As a traveler do not hesitate to credit them for these efforts. It is often neither easy nor cheap to keep this kind of service level.

“Eco” gains for ecotourism businesses

If you are a long-term thinking ecotourism service provider, I will dare to assume that you want the best of your guests to return. You also want that people recommend you to other travelers. Well, then you must ensure that your services are top notch sustainable in a long run.

As from the travelers’ perspective, there is nothing worse than coming back to his/her “paradise” and finding that it has turned into a miserable, worn touristic spot. You will lose not only one client and his friends. You will lose many more and you definitely risk losing your whole business.

Remember that you cannot have a great sustainable ecotourism destination and get more visitors by compromising environmental issues all at the same time. A sustainable ecotourism place is usually not compatible with big public events and masses. You will have a much bigger gain by improving your services, limit their accessibility and making them greener and more authentic from year to year.

#5: Travel is not a competition

I know it may be tempting to go with the flow and list as many countries and “must visit” places that you have been to as possible on your Facebook or Instagram account. However, it will not make you happier (or this fake happiness won’t be lasting). Neither it will impress a lot of people because these days you will hardly surprise anyone by being a traveler.

Why not enjoy your travel instead in a much slower way?

Running from one destination to another and ticking them on your “places to visit” map will just add more stress in your life.

Travel is not a competition. It is a way to get amazing experiences, meeting new people, getting connected and overcoming prejudices. It is not about “Ha, I’ve been to more countries than you”. Running through a city’s dome square and some shopping centers nearby no way means that you have truly been, seen and felt your travel destination.

#6: Going off-the-beaten-path (or track) is still trendy and will always be

I know that off-the-beaten-path is quite a worn term that many want to replace it with something fancier. “Road less traveled”, “under the radar places”, “remote travel”, “being nomad” are frequently used today. Well, I am probably too old but I still think that “off-the-beaten-path” still compiles the very essence of authentic escape travel.

Going off-the-beaten-path: You can get to Iquitos town in Peruvian Amazon jungle only by plane or boat. There are no roads going there

You choose to get outside your box, to dare. You also choose to get out of your comfort zone and “risk” to be transformed in a good way.

“Off-the-beaten-path” is not the same as “far away”

If you want to see more authentic, less disturbed places and enjoy your freedom during your trip, you must seek off-the-beaten-path places in any destination you go. It is that simple. And the good thing is that you do not always have to travel to a remote jungle lodge to get off-the-beaten-path (although this is a nice option too). Just look around any mass tourism hotspot. You might discover amazing things just slightly going off-the-beaten-path. This is a great escape travel strategy.

Amazing ancient monastery complex and natural area just in one day trip from Tbilisi in Georgia

Stunning secluded beach in Jurmala city just 30 minutes from Riga – capital city of Latvia

If you do not have time and you do not want to do your own research, ask somebody to do that for you. It will be much more rewarding than going the “easy way” and sticking to the “beaten path” all the time. This way you will get the most out of your escape travel.

Off-the-beaten-path is also greener

Going off-the-beaten-path often means that you will travel greener too, as you will reduce visitor pressure on the mass tourism hotspots and in a way may help them to recover. Reducing the problem of over-tourism in many travel destinations is a very urgent and challenging task. You can help a lot.

Going off-the-beaten-path also means that you will leave more of your travel budget in local communities rather than in already rich touristic hot-spots. This is how your escape travel experience will also bring a number of benefits to other people and will help the environment.

#7: Try traveling “off-the-beaten-time”

Ok, this is something I like to use often, but it probably needs some more explanation. It is clear that by visiting any country you may also want to see the usual “must visit” places. After all, these are the places any travel destination has become popular for. Hence, you inevitably come back to the “beaten path”.

Teide National Park in Tenerife Island (Spain) is not that crowded if you go hiking there off-season in November

Yet you can choose to visit a “must see” place not during the peak season or holidays. Go there off-season or even during less crowded hours! Believe me, you will be the biggest gainer from this strategy.

Get up early and visit Machu Picchu in the morning before it is flooded by the crowds of tourists

#8: Beat your fears with awareness

Unless you are a world traveler with a huge experience, some fear about going to a new destination is inevitable. It is just natural to fear the unknown. The problem starts when you make all your decisions based on fears.

Believe me most, and I mean the most, of our fears, are nothing to do with the reality. They are based on our prejudices well rooted in us by media. Most of the so-called “dangerous” destinations are much safer than your own suburbs wherever you come from.

Granada in a nice, colorful and welcoming place in Nicaragua to go

What’s safer? Off-the-beaten-path vs beaten-path

Besides, the more authentic and off-the-beaten-path destination you choose the safer it is. There are exceptions though. Yet, most of the crimes against travelers actually take place in the mass tourism hotspots. It makes sense as the criminals gather where most of the money comes to, of course. It has always been the beaten-path.

There are exceptions everywhere. This marketplace in Iquitos – Peru is not the safest place. Yet it is ok to visit it with a local guide

You should always check the real situation before you go anywhere but you must also avoid any old prejudices. They are very often hindering you from having truly authentic and amazing new experiences.

The good example of this is Eastern Europe. The region used to be associated with the dark Soviet regime for many years. Yet today most of the Eastern European countries are fast developing places, many being the members of European Union. It is actually safer to travel there than in most of the Western Europe cities.

A beautiful and tranquil Sabile Town in Latvia

Welcoming streets of Tbilisi – the capital of Georgia

By overcoming your fears, you will see more, enjoy more, understand more and experience more. And this is what escape travel and any travel is all about. Isn’t it?

#9: Ecotourism can be fun. It really can!

Ecotourism has not been the most “sexy” topic so far. Yet any travel must be fun if you want to enjoy it. This is where my colleagues’ conservationists often fail. Ecologists are trained to be serious scientists and experts. They take their stuff seriously; sometimes too seriously.

I am a biologist and I know that on the everyday basis my colleagues have a great sense of humor. This is until the discussion comes to the nature conservation. That moment any ecologist turns into a furious justice fighter. Some are even ready to sacrifice progress and people in the name of nature. While this is an admirable level of passion on its own, it is no way working with most of “normal” people.

When we come to the green travel and ecotourism we have to focus on the gains for each of us. Again, travel is primarily fun and entertainment. Saving the planet may not deeply appeal to everybody (until it is personal); at least at that level, a typical conservationist thinks it should. We need to see our personal benefits and/or solution to our problems.

Any travel experience should be engaging and fun. If we enjoy authentic experiences and nature in a fun way, we will be more motivated to save these values for the future.

Improv-travel approach

As an eco-tour leader/guide I have incorporated a whole new approach in my tours and experiences. Instead of giving the people long boring factual information I combine interesting facts with improv theater elements(!)

Apart from being a passionate traveler, I am also an improv theater actor. Both travel and improv have the same positive impact actually. They connect people and encourage them to step out of their comfort zone. And it works. People are more engaged with nature in a fun way. They care more, they have more positive emotions and they are motivated to return. This is a clear personal gain.

Whatever is your approach to ecotourism it must be fun and engaging. There are endless ways to reach it. Just don’t be boring and too serious. People want to relax and enjoy their experiences. If you can not ensure this, be honest and find-hire someone who can.

#10: Raise awareness

Ecotourism is a perfect way to raise awareness. You visit new places, do things and get engaged with nature all at the same time. No awareness-raising campaign can replace a personal experience.

Most of the nature conservation and environmental projects have public awareness-raising actions. Yet they are always considered to be secondary. While they must be primary. None of the projects can be sustainable without success in raising awareness.

Besides informing the people and getting them engaged are two different things. Well planned and fun ecotourism activities may serve the latest tremendously.

There is a big difference between just visiting a protected wetland area and helping to clean it from excessive bushes. The traveler’s gain is a great sense of accomplishment, while the natural habitats get restored.

Hence any volunteering project is a great way to travel and leave a positive impact at the same time.

Summary

There are many good reasons why authentic escape travel and ecotourism experiences can make a huge positive impact on you and on local communities. They can also help to solve many environmental problems.

Authentic travel will allow you to enjoy the original beauty of any travel destination and will cut the huge problem of over tourism in mass tourism destinations;

Pristine nature heals and charges while crowds take the energy away from you;

Going beyond Google page 1 will allow you to find hidden gems and unique local experiences that you might even not imagined exist;

The real ecotourism service is sustainable and helps the environment. Be sure that it is real“eco” and always leave feedback;

Escape travel and going off-the-beaten-path is trendy and it will always be. Try going off-the-beaten-path wherever you go;

If you cannot or do not want to go off-the-beaten-path, got “off-then-beaten-time” (off-season);

Step out of your comfort zone and beat your fears! They are not real anyway. You will discover many new destinations and experiences;

Ecotourism can and must be fun. Look for escape travel experiences that bring you joy;

If there is a perfect tool that raises awareness about the importance of environmental problems, then it is ecotourism?

Have you been to an ecotourism trip? Do you enjoy green travel? What are your reasons to choose authentic travel and ecotourism? Leave your opinion in the comments or write me a message to [email protected].

10 Reasons You Should Go For Authentic Escape Travel And Look Beyond Google Page 1: Tips For Travelers And Ecotourism Businesses Sustainable travel and ecotourism are gradually getting more and more popular. According to Forbes, the so-called…

1 note · View note