Alan Arnette's Kilimanjaro Climb Begins

Last week I posted a video of Alan Arnette sharing his gear for Kilimanjaro with the rest of us. At the time, Alan was busy preparing to leave for Africa, where he would be climbing that mountain, which is the sixth of his Seven Summits for Alzheimer's expedition. After spending a few days in Europe, Alan arrived in Tanzania a few days ago and began his Kili climb in ernest today. He also started blogging about his adventure, giving us all the opportunity to follow along as he heads to the Roof of Africa over the next few days.

Today's entry is a brief one, but brings back quite a few memories for me. When climbing Kilimanjaro you actually pass through five different climate zones on the way to the summit, and today Alan hiked through the Could Forest. In his update, he notes that it felt more like Costa Rica or Hawaii than Africa, and when I did this leg a few years back, I thought the same. It was warm and humid and it didn't take long for me shirt to get soaked in sweat. That shirt wouldn't dry until I returned to Arusha at the end of the climb.

Alan his trekking the Machame Route, which is considered one of the more challenging, but scenic. I took the same route when I was there, and as he describes the trail, I can remember it well. It was a steep ascent, gaining more than 3800 feet of altitude on the first day, but by the time you're finished, you've arrived at camp, which sits on the edge of the next climate zone, an alpine marshland. Alan will hike through that tomorrow.

For anyone considering a Kilimanjaro trek, you'll definitely want to follow along with Alan's blog over the next few days. I'm sure he'll be posting regular updates on his progress, and he'll likely be sharing lots of information from the trail. It could also be insightful for those considering the adventure, as it is more challenging than what some would lead you to believe. That said, it is also amazingly beautiful and one of the top treks in the world.

Alan was more fortunate than I was on my first day on Kili. I didn't see any wildlife of note that day, but he reports that his team was shadowed by Blue Monkeys at one point. I had to wait until I was on safari to see the wildlife, and if you're going to Tanzania to do Kili, you owe it to yourself to stay a few days longer to visit the Serengeti as well. It is one of my favorite places in the world, easily living up to, and exceeding, all expectations.

CheapTents.com Interviews Alastair Humphreys

CheapTents.com has posted a great new interview with explorer and adventurer Alastair Humphreys to their blog. Humphreys is well known for having cycled around the world and trekking across Iceland, amongst numerous other adventures. Most recently, Alastair has been promoting "microadventures" as a way to inspire everyone to add some adventure back into their lives.

In the interview, Humphreys talks about what inspired him to become an adventurer and which of his journeys has been the most challenging so far. He also mentions his fondness for micoradventures close to home and shares his favorite pieces of gear, while giving us a few insights into what he has planned for the future. Hint: It involves a very long journey in a very cold place.

My friends at CheapTents were once again kind enough to let me tag a few questions on to their interview, and one of the things I asked was what tips Alastair had for adding a little adventure into our normal, day-to-day, lives. His response was the best advice that I think anyone could give: "Do it!" He of course goes on to expound on that notion, but too often we let little things get in the way of our living life more. We put up our own obstacles and make excuses. Sometimes, if you just "do it" you learn that those obstacles fade away and soon get left behind altogether.

Thanks to Alastair for such great responses and thanks to CheapTents for letting me be a part of the fun once again. Great work guys!

Gear Box: Brunton Restore Solar Charger

The use of solar chargers on extended expeditions is not a new concept. In fact, they've been used on Everest and other big mountains for years, helping to keep communications equipment charged and, more recently, powering laptops, cell phones, and mp3 players charged. For most of us however, using a solar charger on our journeys generally hasn't been an option. The systems are still a bit bulky and expensive for general use and generally remain a luxury for those looking to travel light.

That's where the Restore solar charger from Brunton comes in handy. Weighing in at just 8.6 ounces, the Restore features a rugged, clamshell design that incorporates two solar panels and an included charging cable. The result is a solar charger for the rest of us – with a few caveats.

The Restore has a built in Lithium Polymer battery that can be charged via sunlight of course, but also using an included DC car adapter or a USB port on a computer. Brunton also has an AC wall adapter available for an additional fee, although I found in my testing that if you plan ahead, it isn't all that necessary. It takes about an hour and a half to fully charge the battery using USB or DC power and considerably longer through the solar panels. Depending on exposure to the sun, it took my test unit approximately 8-10 hours to charge on a sunny day, and with cloud cover it can take even longer than yet.

Once the battery is charged however, it stores that power until you're ready to recharge one of your devices. I had no problems using the Restore to juice up my iPod, iPhone, and GPS device. Simply plugging them into one of the unit's built-in USB ports (standard and micro) started the process, and in no time at all, you'll have a fully powered device again. Time to recharge is about the same as plugging the device into your computer and the 2200 mAh battery was good for 3-4 recharges on my iPod Nano and about 2-3 on my iPhone. It should be noted that the Restore can recharge an iPad as well, it is just so slow at doing so, that it hardly seems useful. That means you can forget about charging anything more powerful, such as laptop.

Brunton did a great job of making the Restore very easy to use. When you plug it in to charge, blue LED's light up to indicate progress. When all four are lit, the device is charged and ready for travel. Hitting the power button without anything plugged into the Restore gives you a quick indication of how much power is still in the battery, and when you plug in your gadgets to charge them up, a tap of the power button begins that process as well. Charing automatically stops once your iPod or cell phone is topped off.

Other nice touches include having the charging cable conveniently integrated into the design and a rubber, ruggedized case that truly feels like it can take a beating. That same casing is sealed tightly, helping to make the device water resistant as well. Brunton also designed the Restore to have small handles on both ends of the case, which can be used to fasten the device to the outside of your backpack. This allows the twin solar panels to gather power all day long, even as you hike, so the Restore is ready to use once you reach camp in the evening.

Overall, I'm impressed with the Brunton Restore. It is a lightweight and useful option for recharging devices while on the go. I do wish that it would charge a bit more quickly and efficiently on its solar panels, but considering how small those panels are, its a wonder that it charges as quickly as it does. If you're looking for options to recharge your electronic devices while you're in the backcountry, the Restore is a great option, as long as you're aware of its limitations ahead of time.

MSRP: $120

Outside Expands Our Bucket Lists

Earlier today, Outside Magazine posted their latest edition of the Life List, 50 things we can all add to our bucket list of items we want to accomplish before our time on this planet runs out. The list is filled with big trips, new skills, and a variety of other things to aspire to in our adventurous lives.

Some of the items that make the list include going climbing in the Grand Tetons, learn to kayak, and get into the best shape of your life. You'll also be challenged to trek the Himalayas, master a second language, or simply just take a risk.

Of course, there are literally dozens of other things on the list as well, and I simply love the number one item, which is Get A Passport. This may be the easiest thing on the list to accomplish, and yet many people don't have a passport. That one simple document really does open the world to you, and through travel, many adventures can follow.

This is a wonderful list and while it is a real challenge to accomplish everything on it it, there are a lot of things that are simple and easy to pursue in our normal lives as well. Give it a glance and I'm sure you'll find plenty of new things to put in your bucket too.

Gear List For Kilimanjaro

As many of you know, mountaineer Alan Arnette is in the midst of his Seven Summit Climbs for Alzheimer's during which he hopes to reach the top of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents in an effort to raise money and awareness of the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.  He has already completed four of the climbs (Vinson, Aconcagua, Everest, and Elbrus) and was denied a summit attempt on Denali due to persistent bad weather, and in a few days time he'll leave for Africa, where he'll attempt Kilimanjaro.

Over the weekend, Alan posted an update to his blog sharing the gear that he'll be taking with him on this climb. As he notes, Kili is a different kind of climb, as it is actually a "hike-up" mountain that includes a lot of altitude, but not much technical challenge. The result is that it isn't as gear intensive as some of the other big peaks, although Summit Day does require warmer gear than most of the rest of the trek. Alan also included a video showing off his specific gear and sharing the items that he's taking with him. You'll find that video below.

I know that Kilimanjaro is is a popular destination for many adventure travelers, and I regularly get e-mails regarding the trek. I thought that Alan's blog post and video would come in handy for anyone planning their own trip to Kili as it will help you to know what exactly you should be taking with you when you head to Tanzania. There is no need for a bulky down suit on this expedition, although you do pass through five climate zones from the base of the mountain to the summit, so you still need to bring plenty of gear along.

After Kili, Alan will next head to Indonesia to climb Carstensz Pyramid and then on to Australia for Mt. Kosciuszko, the tallest point on that continent.

Ruggedized PC's For Your Next Expedition

Lets face it. In recent years our mandatory gear list for any expedition has expanded to include a number of tech toys. We now carry smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, and laptops with us when we head out on our adventures. Not only are they great for staying in touch with friends and family back home, they also allow us to get some work done on the road and even chronicle our expeditions. Just like our gear manufacturers, PC companies continue to improve their products as well, and as a result, we now have an interesting array of products that are available for us to take into the field.

Ben Rudolph, one of the writers at the Windows Experience Blog, recently put a number of these ruggedized PC's through a battery of interesting tests, including burying one in sand and pouring a cup of water over another. The results were quite interesting and may help you decide on the next computer you'll want to have with you when you set out on an adventure. Ben filmed his tests so you can watch him punish these computers on video. Unfortunately, I can't embed the video here, but if you want to watch him do nasty things to laptops, click here.

Included in Ben's tests were the Panasonic Toughbook 31, which many of you are probably familiar with, and the Lenovo Thinkpad X220. The Toughbook actually looks like it could survive a surgical strike from a cruise missile, although it does weigh in at more than 8 pounds, which is a lot of weight for anyone wanting to travel fast and light. That said, the laptop looks like a great Base Camp computer that could survive in nearly an environment. The Thinkpad was the laptop that was doused in water, and it was impressive how it kept running, even as liquid flowed out of its case. There were other PC's included in the tests as well, including ruggedized tablets that look like they offer a lot of potential.

If you're in the market for a new computer to stay connected while in remote places, you'll want to check out Ben's blog post and video. It is amazing how far this technology has come and how tough these devices are today.

Capturing Cameroon By Hexacopter

One of my Gadling colleagues posted this video this morning, and I found it absolutely beautiful to watch. The filmmaker, William Thielicke, built his own radio controlled Hexacopter, then traveled to Cameroon in Africa, and shot a bunch of video from a camera attached to the tiny vehicle. The result is a spectacular travelogue of the country that makes me want to visit.

In case you'd like to build a Hexacopter for yourself, Thielicke has shared more about his little aircraft here and the source code and manuals here. It is amazing how well he manages to pilot the thing, although if you watch the video to the end, you'll see that it's not always a perfect landing.


A nice place to fly: Hexacopter in Cameroon / Africa from W. Thielicke on Vimeo.

The 2011 Mongol Rally Has Started!

One of my favorite annual events, the Mongol Rally, has gotten underway this week, with 311 teams setting out on the ultimate road trip adventure. They'll now drive more than 10,000 miles across Europe and Asia, in vehicles more suited for commuting around town, before hitting the finish line in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Of the 311 teams, 224 started on Saturday in the U.K., while another 87 set off from the Czech Republic. They'll now tackle grueling deserts, snow capped mountains, and roads that can barely described as roads as they race for days on end to reach the Mongolian capitol. Along the way, they'll have all kinds of adventures, explore a dozen unique cultures, and have the time of their life doing it.

The race is quite an event in and of itself, but it is also a great fundraiser for charity as well. This year's charity of choice is the Christina Noble Children's Foundation, which is based in Mongolia. The CNCF is an organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of underprivileged children living in developing countries, and each of the teams in the Mongol Rally has pledged to raise at least £1000 (about $1640) for the foundation. The goal is to raise more than £400,000 total before the end of the race.

As is typical with this rally, there are a number of unique entrants into the race this year. The press release that I received said that there is a group of racers dressed as Stormtroopers from Star Wars who are driving an ambulance. (I'm already rooting for these guys!) There is also a team of Vikings, a group driving an old fire engine, and even a school bus from the U.S. As you can imagine, it makes for quite the wacky scene, and you can check out some of the images from the start of the race by clicking here.

So? Who's up for a major road trip from the U.K. to Mongolia next year?

Trekkers Complete First Thru-Hike Of Great Himalaya Trail

Two trekkers, Australian Greg Babbage and Brit Toni Wilson, have walked their way into the record books by becoming the first people to hike the length of the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal end-to-end in a single season. The pair began their walk back in February and finished up just a few days ago, covering more than 1700km (1056 miles) in the process.

You can read all about Greg and Toni's adventure on TrekTheGreatHimalayaTrail.com, which is where they posted updates about their journey over the past few months. The duo began their excursion in the eastern part of Nepal, near Kanchenjunga and wandered west to Humla, in the Yari Valley, where the borders between Nepal and China meet. Along the way, they passed over 25 high mountain passes, reaching a maximum altitude of 6200 meters (20,341 ft) in the process. All told, the entire trek took 157 days to complete.

When it is completed, the GHT will be the longest and highest trekking route in the world, stretching for more than 4500km  (2796 miles) from Nanga Parbat in Pakistan to Namche Barwa in Tibet. The proposed final route will pass through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, with the splendor of the tallest mountains on the planet as a dramatic backdrop.

For now however, the route across Nepal is the only section that is completely open for trekkers to hike, and Australian adventure travel company World Expeditions offers travelers the opportunity to take it on – either in sections or as one massive hike. The company is already organizing excursions for 2012, preparing a great trip for anyone looking for a Himalayan experience that is unmatched by any other trek through the region. If you have 157 days of vacation to burn, then I'd recommend you take this walk.

New Website Offers Discounted Adventure Trips To Members

A new website could prove to be quite a boon for adventure travelers looking for great deals on their next trip. Epic Thrills launched this morning as a members-only site that offers exclusive pricing on some of the best trips available from some of the best adventure travel companies in the world.

Using the Jetsetter model of offering members a single exceptional deal each week, Epic Thrills has partnered with a number of well known travel companies to offer discounts of up to 30% off active adventures to far-flung corners of the globe. For example, the very first trip that they will sell is an 11-day mountain biking journey through Nepal that is organized by Pedalers Pub & Grille, a company well known for its fantastic cycling adventures. Pricing for this trip will be revealed at 1PM ET today, but I'm told the savings will be 20% off the regular price.

Once a new travel deal is posted, it will remain on the site for anywhere from 7-14 days, with a new deal being revealed each week. Members will have the opportunity to purchase at the discounted price, but once the trip reaches its maximum capacity, the deal will be closed.

At the moment, the only way to get into the site is by requesting membership on the site's sign-in page or to know someone (like me!) who can send you an invite. Once you're accepted, you'll be able to create an account, login and take advantage of the savings yourself. While you wait for that invite to be sent, you can read the Epic Thrills Blog, which looks to have some excellent content already in place.

I know that this approach to discounted travel deals has worked well for Jetsetter and it can be a really great option for travelers looking to save a little green. If you're an adventure traveler, you'll definitely want to get in on this program.

Trekking The Great Himalaya Trail

In terms of long distance trekking, the relatively newly established Great Himalayan Trail is tough to beat in terms of challenge and beauty. The GHT is made up of a collection of existing treks that have been linked together to make one massive hiking experience, and once it is completed, trail organizers hope that it will span Bhutan, Tibet, India, Nepal and Pakistan.

For now however, the one section of the GHT that is officially open and accessible is the leg that runs across Nepal. That trail was recently thru-hiked by two Americans, Shawn Forry and Justin Lichter, who covered the 1700km (1056 mile) in 57 days, going unsupported and self-guided the entire way. Shawn was recently interviewed about their adventure at GreatHimalayaTrail.org.

In the interview, Forry talks about their inspiration for hiking the GHT, the route they took along the way, and his favorite section of the trail. He also discusses the most challenging sections of the trail, how the GHT compares to other big hikes, and a lot more. It is quite an interesting read for anyone considering a trek in the Himalaya, either along the GHT or elsewhere.

Of course, I'd absolutely love to return to the Himalaya for another trek, and the GHT would be high on the list. I'm not sure I'd want to do it in just 57 days however, as I'd prefer a more relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and culture. Still, it seems that Shawn and Justin had an amazing adventure in Nepal.

Big thanks to Rick from Best Hike for sharing this great story.

Beautiful Time Lapse Images Over The Canary Islands

Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are are a beautiful destination for travelers looking to explore a rare Atlantic island chain. The video below captures some fantastic scenes from those islands in time lapse fashion. This is just the kind of thing you need after a long three-day weekend and you find yourself stuck back in your office.


El Cielo de Canarias / Canary sky - Tenerife from Daniel López on Vimeo.

Changes Made To Proposed Serengeti Highway

I meant to post this earlier in the week, but it slipped away.

The Tanzanian government has announced that they have made some changes to their proposed Serengeti Highway that we've all been hearing about for a number of months now. They have decided to leave the stretch that actually passes through the Serengeti National Park unpaved in an attempt to lessen the impact on the wildlife there and appease environmentalists across the planet. This announcement is seen as a minor win for conservationists, although many are still requesting a change in the route altogether.

Last year, government officials announced the proposal for the new road, which they said was needed to improve commerce to cities in northern Tanzania. The road would bisect the Serengeti, and potentially disrupt the annual migration of millions of animals across that plain. The plan was immediately criticized by  environmentalists, who said that it would irrevocably damage the ecosystem there.

The decision to not pave the road is seen as a good one, although the amount of traffic that the road will generate is still a major concern. The fear is that with more vehicles traveling through the region, the animals may change their migratory patterns, which are vital to a healthy ecosystem. There have been several alternate routes proposed, but so far the Tanzanian government has elected to not use one of those plans. There is still some hope that that will change however.

The Serengeti is a place that is very near and dear to my heart, and the thought of it being negatively impacted by this road is really tough for me. I'm still hoping someone will come up with a better plan.

U.S. National Parks Face Major Threats To Their Future

This story was the topic of my daily post at Gadling.com today, but it is an important one, so I wanted to share it here as well.

Yesterday, the National Parks Conservation Association released a report that examines the biggest threats to America's national parks and assesses what can be done to address those threats. They found that climate change, invasive species, increased development, and a number of other forces are all causing major issues in the parks now, and will only continue to do so in the future, unless a comprehensive plan is created to help protect those natural places. The NPCA also cites a lack of funding for being a major issue as to why the National Park Service can't address these issues properly at the moment.

The report, which is being called the most complete examination of the future of the national parks, was conducted over a ten year time frame. During that time, researchers surveyed 80 parks in the U.S. system and came away with some sobering facts. For instance, they discovered that 95% of the parks assessed had completely lost at least one plant or animal species over the past decade. Furthermore, 63% of the parks also showed signs of degradation to the air and water quality as well.

It isn't all bad news however, as the NPCA noted in the report that with proper funding, training, and education, the Park Service can take measures to protect the parks and prevent irrevocable changes to their landscapes. They even list a couple of good examples to illustrate their point. The problem is "proper funding" does't seem to be available right now thanks to a sluggish economy and an ongoing budget crisis. Still, the organization recommends that the Obama Administration pledge federal resources to helping protect the parks for future generations to enjoy as well.

I'm a huge fan of America's national parks. They are amazing places that have, in some cases, been neglected in recent years due to lack of funding. I know, and understand, that climate change is going to alter those places dramatically no matter what we do, but that doesn't mean we can't take other measures to ensure that the parks are safe and are given the proper attention to steward them into the future in fine fashion.

The entire NPCA report can be found here. Definitely worth a read if you're a fan of the parks as I am.

New Issue of JPFreek Magazine Now Available

The June 2011 issue of JPFreek Magazine is now available online. The magazine, which I happen to be a contributor to,  is a great source of news and information for outdoor enthusiasts – particularly ones that also happen to be fans of Jeeps as well.

In the latest issue, you'll find articles on a host of topics, including the second part of a trekking journey through Peru, jeep adventures in California's Corral Canyon and Arches National Park, and more. You'll especially want to read the story on Expedition Awareness, an organization that is undertaking several overland expeditions to help raise awareness of Adrenoleukodystrophy, a horrible disease that effects young boys. You'll also find the usual Jeep related news, reviews, and more. To read the latest issue, visit the JPFree website and click on the June 2011 issue in the upper right hand corner.

You can also get all the great JPFreek content on your iPad through the magazine's iPad app, which features interactive slideshows, video, and other enhanced content. Download the app through the App Store on your device or by clicking here.

Win A Trip To Anywhere With Travel2Change Water Conservation Contest

Non-proft organization Travel2change is sponsoring a contest in which they are giving away a trip to any travel destination, in any country in the world, to the person who comes up with the best idea for improving the sustainable management of water in that destination. The hope is that they'll find, and fund, creative and innovative ideas for how travelers can have a positive and lasting impact on the places we visit.

Proposals are being accepted in four categories which include: Health, Environment, Education, and Sport, with one winner in each category being selected. To enter, simply go to the Travel2change website and submit your proposal before the end of the day on July 10th. If your idea is one of the four selected, the Travel2change, working in conjunction with travel company Kuoni, will arrange to have you visited your proposed destination.

All of the entries in the contest will be available on the site, allowing others to read and comment on them. The hope is that through that discussion, the proposals can be tweaked and improved to make them even more efficient and well thought through. The best, most helpful, participant on the website could also be selected to go on one of the trips selected from the four categories as well.

The entries into the contest will be judged on the basis of creativity, effectiveness, impact, feasibility and sustainability. So, get your thinking caps on, come up with a great plan, and submit it to this project. Not only could you have a lasting impact on a community that needs our help, but you could also get to visit that place first-hand and help see your idea come to life.

Very cool contest/project with a great message and "prize."

New Adventure Travel Website Launches

Adventure travelers have gained a new resource in the form of the recently launched website Adventure Traveler Online, which aims to connect like minded explorers through "responsible travel, social awareness in business, humanitarian efforts, adventure sport, world issues, and celebration of culture."

The site has launched with some excellent content already in place. Browsing the home page, you'll find articles on The Coastal Challenge, a six-day foot race across Costa Rica, as well as the adventure offerings in Pasco County, Florida. There are also a pair of articles on Ireland as well, including an introduction to Giant's causeway and the start of a journey across the wild Iveragh Peninsula. But those stories are just scratching the surface, as a quick look at the Travel/Tourism, Film/Art/Music, Humanitarian, Adventure Sports, and Product Reviews sections reveal even more content to be explored.

ATO has a lot more going on beyond that as well, and the potential is there for it to be a great, "go-to" site for the adventure community. There are a lot of talented people on the team and I know they're committed to offering excellent insights into destination, gear, and events across the globe. Add it to your bookmarks now and check back often for new content.

Antarctic Tourism On The Decline

I covered this topic this morning at Gadling.com, but thought it was worth sharing here as well. Yesterday I received a press release from the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators that gave some interesting statistics on the Antarctic tourism season that just ended. Those numbers indicated that there was a slide in the number of visitors to Antarctica this year, with 8.3% fewer people traveling in the region. This trend is expected to continue in the season ahead as well, with even more significant drops in the number of visitors to the frozen continent.

According to the IAATO, 33,824 people traveled in and around Antarctica in the 2010-2011 season. That number is down from the 36,875 from the year before. Of those travelers, 18,534 actually set foot on the continent itself, while 14,373 of them chose to just cruise the Southern Ocean instead. These numbers were reported by members of the IAATO, which carry clients throughout the region aboard small and medium sized expedition ships and yachts. The "cruise-only" folks were generally aboard larger cruise ships.

While the 8.3% drop is fairly substantial, that's nothing compared to what is projected for the 2011-2012 season. This August, a ban on heavy fuel oils will go into effect, limiting the number of larger ships that can enter the waters around Antarctica as well. That will most likely effect the cruise-only numbers, which are expected to drop below 5000 travelers total. When factoring in an economy that continues to struggle, the IAATO believes that there will be as much as a 25% drop in travel to Antarctica in the season ahead.

This is good news for environmentalists who have long feared that increased traffic would damage the fragile environments in Antarctica. These substantially lower numbers should help to protect the region from too much harm, and the ban on heavy fuels is designed to do the very same thing.

On the other hand, tour operators in the region can't be happy with the projections, as they could potentially be scrambling to fill their cabins. Obviously the largest decline will be in the cruise only section, where the number of ships operating in the Southern Ocean will be reduced from 12 down to just five, but if the expectations of a poor economy continue, we may see some good bargains for those looking to travel to the very deep south later this year.

Great Time Lapse Video Of The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks are a 200-mile long strip of small islands that run along the coast of North Carolina. Over the years, they've become quite the attraction for travelers and are well known for their beauty and good weather. While I've never been there myself, the video below makes me want to go. It is a very beautifully shot timelapse caught at night. Between the images and the music, you're sure to want to book a trip of your own. Enjoy!



Night Motion Timelapse: Outer Banks from Daniel Dragon Films on Vimeo.

Traveling The Atacama Desert

For the past several days I've been sharing some of my experiences of traveling in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, both here and at Gadling.com. I gave a bit of an overview of the place and even talked about climbing an 18,000+ foot volcano there. This has obviously sparked some interest from readers, who have e-mailed me inquiring about how they could go to the Atacama themselves and where they can stay while they are there. Today, I thought I'd share a few travel tips for those interested in visiting the desert for their own adventures.

First off, in terms of getting to the Atacama, there are a number of airlines that fly to Chile and you'll have to book a flight into Santiago. I flew LAN on an overnight flight from Miami, and arrived early in the morning of the following day. This isn't a bad option provided you can sleep on a plane, but if you're like me, who doesn't catch much sleep in transit, it can make for a long trip and leave you exhausted on your arrival. If you're lucky, you may find other options to get you to Santiago sooner, but it seems the over night flight to South America is a popular approach. Fortunately, flying from the U.S., I only crossed one time zone, so there was no jet lag to deal with.

Once you're in Santiago, the capital of Chile, you still need to hop a domestic flight to Calama, located on the edge of the Atacama to the north. I flew LAN domestically as well, and there were regular flights to the city by at least one other airline as well. Calama is quite small and their regional airport is tiny, but it allows access to the region without any issues.

Before making that domestic flight however, you'll need to get your visa so that you can clear customs. Coming from the U.S., the visa cost $140, which seems rather high compared to other destinations. But, that visa is good for the life of your passport, so you can come and go from Chile in the future without having to buy another one. Considering the wealth of travel options that the country has to offer, such as a visit to Patagonia or even Antarctica, it could end up being a very good deal. Unfortunately for me, the "life of my passport" is just another three months, so I'll most likely need another visa on my next visit.

Once you're in Calama, it is a short one hour drive to San Pedro, which is where you'll likely want to stay while visiting the Atacama. You can rent vehicles at the Calama airport, and it is easy to navigate to San Pedro on well paved and marked roads. Along the way, you'll catch a glimpse of what you've come to the desert for as well, as you'll pass along the edge of the Valle de la Luna on your way into town, and the snow capped peaks that ring the area are on prominent display.

Where to stay while in San Pedro is a bit of a trickier question to answer. I was fortunate enough to stay at the Tierra Atacama resort (Gadling review here!), which is on the luxury end of the spectrum, but there are plenty of other options for other budgets as well. While strolling around the town I spotted numerous hostels, and there were plenty of nicer hotels and resorts along the edge of San Pedro, not far from my resort.

If you've rented your own vehicle, it is easy enough to drive around the Atacama and see many of the sites on your own. But much of the region is a protected area, which means you'll need proper permits before you can enter. Because of this, I'd recommend higher local guides to help usher you around. In the long run, it'll probably save you time and money, and you'll get a richer experience during your stay. Guides and tour operators are easily found in San Pedro and they are more than willing to show you the wonders of the Atacama.

Traveling in the region can be as active or as relaxed as you'd like. A good portion of the natural wonders there are easily visited by motorized vehicle, but you can also explore many of them on horseback or by mountain bike as well. Day hikes are popular options as well, and high altitude climbs of varying degrees of difficulty are always an option for the fit and truly adventurous. I did my climb near the end of my stay to help with the acclimatization and allow myself time to adapt to the altitude.

Speaking of altitude, it should be pointed out that even San Pedro sits at about 8000 feet (2438 meters). That means that unless you already live or spend time at altitude, you'll likely notice the thinner air. Give yourself a day or two to adapt before doing anything too physical, and perhaps even longer if you're planning on going even higher. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest also helps immensely.

Other than that, travel in the Atacama is a fantastic, rewarding experience, and one that I highly recommend to those who have the inclination to go. Obviously it isn't a place for everyone, but the beautiful landscapes will leave a dramatic and lasting impression on anyone who visits the region, and that alone is reason to go.

If you have any specific questions, be sure to let me know. I'll do my best to answer any and all that come my way. Thanks and happy traveling!