kiahkidd-blog

[kiahkidd-blog]

5 Adventures Straight Out of Game of Thrones

5 Adventures Straight Out of Game of Thrones

A climber ascends an inner wall of the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta, Canada, as the aurora borealis brightens the night sky.

Game of Thrones fans have watched the series’ main characters battle in the bitter cold, sail across vast seas, and ride through grassy plains. Seeing the exploits unfold on screen is exciting, but taking on Westeros-style adventures yourself is even more thrilling.

[kiahkidd-blog]

Graffiti, murals, vandalism—street art takes on various names, but one thing that rings true across the world is the cultural relevance behind these works of art.

A building with graffiti depicting a snake sits along Khlong Saen Saep, a canal in central Thailand.

This wall of graffiti in Puerto Rico shows Christopher Columbus’s arrival on a sea of blood and death.  

This mural in Bogotá, Colombia is by Toxicómano in collaboration with DJ Lu, Lesivo, and Guache.

A mural by Roa shows two elephants tumbling down a building wall in Bangkok, Thailand.  

Artist Roa depicts a bisected whale spurting blood and oil on a building wall in Stavanger, Norway. 

        Powerful Street Art

Graffiti, murals, vandalism—street art takes on various names, but one thing that rings true across the world is the cultural relevance behind these works of art.

Powerful Street Art Graffiti, murals, vandalism—street art takes on various names, but one thing that rings true across the world is the cultural relevance behind these works of art.

[kiahkidd-blog]

Illuminating Photos of Our World at Night

Illuminating Photos of Our World at Night

Every place looks different at night. As soon as the sun sets, wonders that were hidden in the day come to life. Whether it’s the lights of a bustling city or the stars above a remote landscape, there are always new sights to explore. Photographers head out at night to see the same locations from different perspectives.

HONG KONG“A long exposure photo in front of the pedestrian crossing light at…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Double Duty Sleeping Bags

Double Duty Sleeping Bags

Two campers share the Dream Island sleeping bag from Big Agnes.

Many of us started camping when we were young and very single, and as such, the standard single sleeping bag worked fine. But what happens when you find that perfect adventure partner for life? You get a double sleeping bag.

Double sleeping bags are tricky and fickle things. Despite the advantage of sharing body heat, they never…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Peru is a destination that begs to be explored. In this vast and storied land, ancient, colonial, and modern traditions meld together for an unforgettable cultural experience. No matter the type of traveler—history buff, adventurer, or foodie—Peru offers a myriad of activities to satisfy every appetite. It’s no surprise that its ancient sites, beautiful topography, and diverse ecosystem attract visitors from all over the world, making it one of the most popular destinations in South America.

LIMA

Blossoms outside the grand Museo Larco in Lima, Peru.

Known as the City of the Kings, Lima is Peru’s capital city and a symbol of its Spanish colonial history, industry, and independence.

First-time visitors should check out the local museums and get a taste for Peru’s depth of history. Museo Larco has an ancient collection of pre-Columbian exhibits of Peru’s indigenous people, where guests can also enjoy beautiful gardens and an on-site restaurant.

There’s no better way to enjoy the coastal views of Lima than in the lush neighborhood of Miraflores. Stroll through Parque del Amor, which offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, or head to the ancient clay pyramid of Huaca Pucllana for a dose of history. You can visit during the day or at night when lights make it a sight to behold. If you need to get some shopping in, the Larcomar is the place.

Left: 

Moche ceramics are made from red and cream clays and often finished with bone tools.

Right: 

Chancay pottery is usually used for tomb decoration.

If you have some extra time and money, consider a food tour while in Lima. The Lima Gourmet Company offers morning and evening tours for about $130. Looking for something cheaper? Haku Tours offers a wide variety of group outings not just limited to food. It’s also a perfect way to meet fellow travelers.

CUSCO

PLAZA DE ARMAS 

People enjoy Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas, at night.

Lima may hold the title as the official capital of Peru, but Cusco is the original seat of power for the Inca empire. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, it is apparent why it deserves that title.

Cusco is a beautiful city. From its Inca and 16th century colonial architecture, to its narrow, winding streets, the city has a romantic vibe with a distinct European feel. While there are many places to stay, Inkaterra La Casona is a standout. The 16th century manor house was restored into a 11 suite boutique hotel situated in the historic Plaza de las Nazarenas. Cozy features, traditional Incan and Spanish décor, and a central open courtyard make for an unforgettable stay.

A llama poses in Cusco, Peru. 

Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas, is perhaps the city’s most iconic site and a prime spot for a leisurely stroll and people-watching. The square is also surrounded by many eclectic shops and restaurants. The awe-inspiring Cusco Cathedral sits on periphery of the square and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archeological relics, artifacts, and colonial works of art are displayed within.

After a long day of touring the city stop at the Museo del Pisco, which offers cocktail classes and flight tastings of pisco, a distinctly Peruvian aperitif. Sit back and enjoy the scenery.

View from the top of Rainbow Mountain, outside the city limits of Cusco.

If you have the time, there is an all-day excursion from Cusco to the famous Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicuna). The elevation is high, so you need to take that into consideration for the hike. It is definitely worth the trip as the site is stunning!

THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

Farmers tend crops at the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. Hacienda Urubamba provides work for locals and uses produce from their garden on their menu.  

The Sacred Valley, also known as Urubamba Valley, is a prime destination for exploring Inca ruins and enjoying outdoor activities. You can easily make day trips to this region from Cusco or Machu Picchu, but consider staying a night or two at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba to explore the region. The hacienda-style hotel is nestled in the center of the Sacred Valley and includes multiple excursions with your stay. Guests can choose from several hikes that vary in activity level, and tour the on-site ecological farm that supports the farm-to-table cuisine served at the hotel.

CORN FIELDS IN THE SACRED VALLEY 

Corn is an important crop in Peruvian culture, from the time of the Incas to modern day.

You can book adventure tours for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and rafting with agencies throughout the region. KB Tambo Toursare well priced and can accommodate various activity levels.

There are several breathtaking locations to explore in the Sacred Valley before making your journey to Machu Picchu. The Salinas de Marasis a network of nearly 3,000 salt pans that are filled by an underground spring. The terraced ponds are a beautiful sight and worth the trip. Just 3 miles away is the ancient site of Moray. The deep, bowl-like impressions in the Earth (about 100 feet) are believed to have served as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Your last stop should be the town of Ollantaytambo, home to an Incan fortress with large stone terraces built into the hillside. It is also a common starting point for the Inca Trail, a hiking route to Machu Picchu.

Clouds scatter across a sprawling panoramic view of Peru’s famed Machu Picchu.  

This seminal destination is probably what drives most people to visit Peru. Considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the World (alongside heavy hitters such as the Great Wall of China and the Roman Colosseum) Machu Picchu doesn’t disappoint.

One of the most memorable ways to get to Machu Picchu is via the Inca Rail, which departs from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. The rail journey transports passengers through the spectacular views of the Sacred Valley’s countryside. Besides, who doesn’t love a majestic train ride?

To visit Machu Picchu you need to buy your ticket in advance of your trip. To help regulate the amount of people who visit the site each day, there are a limited number of tickets available. You can purchase them online at the Ministerio de Cultura’s webpage. The ticket purchasing site is only available in Spanish, so follow this guide.

The weather here can be temperamental—sunny and warm one moment and gray and raining the next. Be sure to dress in layers, pack light, and bring waterproof jackets and gear. Enjoy the view and the few native llamas and alpacas that call Machu Picchu their home!

Orchid hunting in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu.

A great place to stay is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, which is situated in the cloud forests at the base of the Incan citadel. This natural wonderland is home to over 200 bird species unique to the region and over 300 species of orchid that grow among the winding stone pathways to the guest rooms.

THE AMAZON

AMAZON WATERWAYS 

Canoes are the main way to navigate the winding waterways of the Amazon.

The Peruvian Amazon covers about 60% of the country and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Get ready to get up close and personal with wildlife and creepy crawlers! Fun fact: the notorious anaconda calls these lands its home.

One of the easiest ways to get to the Amazon is by plane from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado—a quick, 50-minute flight. Book your stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, an eco-friendly National Geographic Unique Lodge that offers an impressive array of tours.

One of the excursions offered by Hacienda Concepción is a canopy walk among the treetops of the Amazon.  

One standout experience offered to guests is a visit to Lake Sandoval, home to river otters, caimans, and howler monkeys­—to name a few. Other not-to-miss adventures are the guided night walk through the Amazon jungle (you’ll be seeing a potential variety of creepy to cute; tarantulas to kinkajous), the twilight river excursion, and the not-for-the-faint-of-heart canopy walk.

                                                                            Let’s Get To It: Peru Is The Place To Be

Peru is a destination that begs to be explored. In this vast and storied land, ancient, colonial, and modern traditions meld together for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Let’s Get To It: Peru Is The Place To Be Peru is a destination that begs to be explored. In this vast and storied land, ancient, colonial, and modern traditions meld together for an unforgettable cultural experience.

[kiahkidd-blog]

Luxury Camping Adventures

    Visitors staying in one of Wanderland Popup’s Lotus Belle tents can wrap themselves in Peruvian blankets, rest their heads on Turkish Kilim pillows, and listen to records under the stars.

The private deck of Treebones Resort’s luxury tent looks over the rocky shoreline of the Pacific Ocean.

Visitors to Tiger Tops Elephant Camp in Nepal enjoy a drink while watching elephants swim.

Comfort…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Saving The Patagonia Wilderness

Saving The Patagonia Wilderness

Cerro Castillo in the Aysen Region of Patagonia, Chile

Kristine McDivitt Tompkins in Parque Patagonia’s Valle Chacabuco

Chile’s Valle Chacabuco

Doug Tompkins

Valle Chacabuco

A waterfall in Parque Patagonia

Together, Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, 66, and her late husband, Doug, saved 2.5 million acres of wild land, created five national parks, and set aside numerous reserves in critical habitat in…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Adventure Towns Photo Gallery

Adventure Towns Photo Gallery

  LIHUE, KAUAI, HAWAII – Fish go into a frenzy around me as scraps of food are dropped into the water by people on the boat.

HOOD RIVER, OREGON – A kayaker places one of her last strokes off Celestial Falls in Oregon.

SARANAC LAKE, NEW YORK – Clouds and sunlight reflect off the surface of the West Branch of the Sacandaga Creek as a kayak penetrates a wilderness area of New York’s Adirondack Park.

[kiahkidd-blog]

Getting the Hang of Hammocks

Getting the Hang of Hammocks

New materials and innovations are making the art of relaxing suspended between two trees more attractive to active adventurers. The word “hammock” derives from a term in the Taíno language meaning fishnet. And that’s just what my first hammock looked like. It was a diamond weave of thin nylon army green cord. It served me well in my ignorant youth at Scout camps for overnighting, as well as…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Camping Trip Stories

Reading  camping stories can really help each other become better campers and to have much more fun on camping trips.

Pamela’s Camping Story

We have gone tent camping every year for the past 7 years with my sister and her family. We always camp in State Parks but try a different one each year. This allows us to see the state cheaply as State Parks are relatively inexpensive. We also try to pick a…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Beautiful Campsites

The United States offers endless options for those looking to spend a few nights under the stars. With 3,794,100 square miles of soaring mountains, pristine beaches and crystal clear lakes. But not all campsites are created equal. To help you decide where to pitch your tent this summer, we enlisted the outdoor experts at Hipcamp, America’s foremost digital camping guide. From Zion to Glacier Bay…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Hair-Raising And Gravity-Defying Drives

Hair-Raising And Gravity-Defying Drives

ROMANIA: HEART OF DARKNESS Measured by chills down the spine, the twists and drops of Romania’s Transfãgărăşan Road pack a more fearsome punch than the Transylvanian Alps’ most famous former resident, Vlad III the Impaler, the Walachian prince who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.“You see crucifixes on the side of the road, and you dread to think what [the driver] must have gone through—it’s a…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Hiking and Camping Gear Guide

Hiking and Camping Gear Guide

  COSTA TASMAN SEA SUNGLASSES, Clarity is key and looking through the polarized Tasman Sea sunglasses from Costa provides a crisp and sharp view of what lies ahead. The frames are made of eco-conscious, bio-based resin instead of petroleum-based plastics and are sized to fit larger faces. Hydrolite rubber grip tabs on the nose bridge and at the end of the temple arms help keep the glasses in…

[kiahkidd-blog]

USA Best Mountain Biking Towns

USA Best Mountain Biking Towns

MOAB, UTAH

It’s almost impossible to overhype Moab. Its red-rock landscape is truly like nowhere else on Earth, and the best way to appreciate it is by riding it. Famed trails like Porcupine Rim, Slickrock, and the Whole Enchilada steal the spotlight, but it’s the area’s newer and lesser known trails that make a trip to Moab a mandatory pilgrimage for any mountain biker.

The new…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Hiking A Dangerous Volcano

Hiking A Dangerous Volcano

At night, Mount Nyiragongo boils and glows. It’s one of the world’s largest and most volatile lava lakes. In 2002, the volcano erupted onto the nearby city of Goma.

During the day the 11,382-foot-tall mountaintop is shrouded in heavy mist that obscures the crater.

Paths of ankle-twisting lava rocks leftover from past eruptions lead up the mountain.

The last 45 minutes of the trek are a steep…

[kiahkidd-blog]

Underrated Side of the Grand Canyon

Underrated Side of the Grand Canyon

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park’s quieter North Rim offers several advantages. With only a tenth of the park’s 5 million annual visitors there are thinner crowds, plus temperatures that average 10-degrees cooler due to the North Rim being 1,000-feet higher than the South Rim (because of snowpack, the North Rim is only open from May to October). The journey to the Grand Canyon’s secluded…

[kiahkidd-blog]

6 Spiritual Adventures

Croagh Patrick has been a site of pilgrimage for thousands of years from the time of the Celts to modern-day with the yearly Reek Sunday walk.

CROAGH PATRICK, IRELAND

Ireland’s patron saint fasted for 40 days on the peak of this gentle mountain, which overlooks fields of heather, bogs, and the islands of Clew Bay—it’s also the mythical site where he banished the snakes from Ireland.

Hikers and…