Caroline Lascom

Caroline Lascomhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/caroline-lascomCaroline Lascomhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/where-to-campWhether you prefer private campsites with lots of amenities or like to pitch your tent in the remote wilderness, you’ll find plenty of options.2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/where-to-camphttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#types"> Private, municipal, wild, and free camping</a></li> <li><a href="#gear">Camping gear</a></li> <li><a href="#northwest"> Salta and the Northwest</a></li> <li><a href="#patagonia"> Patagonia </a></li> <li><a href="#lake-district"> The Lake District </a></li> </ul> <p>Campgrounds are extremely busy during high season (January, February, Easter, and July), when booking ahead is highly recommended. Prices noted here are per person and discounts for longer stays will apply.</p> <h2 id="types">Private, municipal, free, and wild camping</h2> <p>Most of Argentina’s national parks are dotted with campsites of the Camping Libre ilk, which, as the name suggests, are free of charge and facilities – often just a latrine – but your reward is unspoiled scenery and solitude. A lack of running water at rustic sites can be overcome with a portable water filter.</p> <p>Municipal sites also have limited amenities, but they’re generally well maintained and equipped with<em> fogones</em> (open fire grills). Private campsites rival the best in Europe and North America, with lots of amenities. Or for a very rustic experience, you can generally pitch your tent anywhere on public land. Wherever you camp, be sure to remove all trash.</p> <h2 id="gear">Camping gear</h2> <p>Ferocious Patagonian winds are more than just an urban myth – weather in Argentina changes fast, and clever packing is critical. If you don’t have your own camping gear, you can hire what you need from camping stores or outfitters in adventure travel hubs.</p> <h2 id="northwest">Salta and the Northwest</h2> <p>In <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-northwest">Salta</a>, Camping Municipal Carlos Xamena offers easy town access and amenities galore (US $2.25/$600 ARS per person per night, US $3.60/$1,000 ARS per vehicle as of July, 2023). In Cafayate, Camping Luz y Fuerza is a convenient base for day hikes within the Northwest’s polychromatic canyons. In addition to a pool, hot showers, and WiFi, it’s within walking distance of several wineries; pitches US $3.60 ($1,000 ARS) per person, US $1.50 ($400 ARS) per auto <span>– prices have been known to fluctuate somewhat</span>.</p> <h2 id="patagonia">Patagonia</h2> <p>Some 32mi (52km) from El Calafate, within Los Glaciares National Park, the private Lago Roca Campsite raises the bar with excellent camping facilities, well-equipped cabins, hot showers, and a restaurant.</p> <p>Within striking distance of Mount Fitz Roy, the lively town of El Chalten is one of the <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">top trekking centers</a> in Argentina. There are three free campsites within a 90-minute walk (6mi/10km) of town: Campamento Poincenot, Campamento Laguna Capri, and Camping Padre D’Agostini. Of the three, Campamento Laguna Capri boasts a stunning lakeside setting and incredible views of Cerro Fitz Roy.</p> <p>Note that no camping is permitted on <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-coastal-patagonia">Peninsula Valdes</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/camping/camping-el-chalten.jpg" /><figcaption>El Chalten. Photo credit: iStock/StockstudioX</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="lake-district">The Lake District</h2> <p>Richly endowed with lakes, forests, rivers, and mountains, the <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/exploring-the-lake-district">Lake District</a> region is a camper’s paradise. With excellent public transportation connecting the main towns and parks, you can easily get off the beaten track.</p> <p>Lago Gutiérrez has unusually warm waters, perfect for swimming, and a well-equipped private campsite right on the lake.</p> <p>Some 11mi (18km) from El Bolson, Kumelen has an enviable riverside location and offers fully equipped cabins with kitchenettes, nice dorms, or camping, all with access to clean bathrooms with hot water and a communal kitchen. Around 4mi (6km) west of El Bolson, Camping Los Alerces is a perennial favorite, featuring a snack bar, <em>fogones </em>(fireplace)<em>,</em> and hot showers; pitches US $4.40 ($1,200 ARS).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/camping/camping-lakeside.jpg" /><figcaption>Lakeside camping. Photo credit: iStock/Agustina Camilion</figcaption></figure> <p><em>Updated July 2023</em></p>iStock/Agustina Camilion 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/argentina/best-unknown-hiking-destinationsFitz Roy and Perito Moreno aren’t the only epic treks in Argentina. Insider Caroline shares her favorite trails around the country.2018-06-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/argentina/best-unknown-hiking-destinationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#salta">Hiking near Cafayate in Salta Province</a></li> <li><a href="#jujuy"> Hiking near Purmamarca in Jujuy Province</a></li> <li><a href="#yungas"> Top trails in Calilegua National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#mendoza">Multi-day treks and day hikes in Mendoza Province</a></li> </ul> <p>In the rugged Northwest, trails lead to ancient ruins and cross dazzling salt pans, while <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-mendoza">Mendoza</a> draws hard-core trekkers to the world’s highest mountain outside the Himalayas: Mount Aconcagua.</p> <p><a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">Independent hiking</a> in these parts requires planning. Public transportation can be limited, and trails are sometimes unmarked and ill-maintained. It’s often best to hire a car, and wise to check in with park ranger stations and arrange stays at <em>refugios</em> (mountain shelters). Park rangers can supply maps, guides, and updated info.</p> <h2 id="salta">Hiking near Cafayate in Salta Province</h2> <p>Framed by soaring Andean peaks, the Northwest delivers numerous day hikes and multi-day expeditions through fantastically shaped canyons. The colonial city of Salta is the local visitor epicenter. Some 116mi (187km) north, the charming wine-growing region of Cafayate is the hub for Valles Calchaquíes, where traditional villages nestle amid the thrusting rock formations of the Quebrada de las Flechas. From Cafayate, a scenic, 3mi (5km) hike leads southwest to the Rio Colorado, home to ancient pictographs and a picturesque waterfall.</p> <h2 id="jujuy">Hiking near Purmamarca in Jujuy Province</h2> <p>Just north of the city of Jujuy (75mi/120km north of Salta), the Quebrada de Humahuaca is Northwest Argentina’s main calling card. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this long gorge blazes with waves of vividly colored rock, stretching north to the Bolivian border. Most tourist attention centers on the spectacular Cerro de Siete Colores, the stratified Hill of Seven Colors, which you can marvel at on a 90-minute hike (1.8mi/3km) around the perimeter.</p> <p>Nestled beneath the mountain, Purmamarca is a captivating village despite its steady traffic of visitors, and with its rich indigenous traditions and incredible setting, it’s an ideal base for hikes and treks for all levels.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/hiking/hiking-near-purmamarca.jpg" /><figcaption>Hiking near Purmamarca. Photo credit: iStock/estivillml</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="yungas">Top trails in Calilegua National Park</h2> <p>Adventurous trekkers and budding botanists head west to Calilegua National Park, 106mi (170km) northeast of Purmamarca. Home to portions of the Yungas cloud forest that covers swathes of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, its lush biodiversity is a far cry from Salta’s arid landscape.</p> <p>Accessed from the town of Libertador General San Martín (6mi/9km away), the park has 14mi (22km) of trails for all abilities, which lead from the Aguas Negras ranger station and allow for close encounters with the park’s prolific wildlife inventory: 300 species of bird, including the majestic Andean condor, and 60 mammals, including puma and jaguar.</p> <p>Novice trails include the short but rewarding Momota and La Herradura trails. If you want to make the heart valves squeak, more arduous hikes include trails to La Lagunita (five hours) and Tataupa (2.5 hours) that descend to the river. Multi-day expeditions can be arranged in Salta and San Salvador de Jujuy and include a three-day trek to Cerro Amarillo (12,205ft/3,720m) or Cerro Hermoso (10,499ft/3,200m).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/hiking/hiking-yungas.jpg" /><figcaption>The Yungas. Photo credit: iStock/Jujuyoc</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="mendoza">Multi-day treks and day hikes in Mendoza Province</h2> <p>The high Andes to the west of <a href="/explore/south-america/argentina/guide-to-mendoza">Mendoza City</a> are dominated by Mount Aconcagua, aka Roof of the Americas, South America’s highest mountain. While Aconcagua is more of a long hike than a mountaineering expedition, it’s definitely a challenge due to elevation (22,840ft/6,960m), severe weather, and duration (18-21 days). Still, with more than 3,500 people taking on the climb each year, it’s a well-traveled trail and very doable if you are in good shape. Bear in mind that most travel insurance policies do not cover climbs over 19,685ft (6,000m).</p> <p>The Normal and Polish Traverse routes to the summit don’t require gear or technical expertise, but they’re essential for the tougher Polish Glacier route, which involves crossing a glacier. For novice hikers who don’t have three weeks to spare, tour operators in Mendoza offer a two-day trek below the snow line to base camps and refugios, including Confluencia (10,826ft/3,300m).</p> <p>If you’re not up for a long commitment, rewarding day hikes are accessible from Mendoza City. Some 7.5mi (12km) west of town, El Challao is a popular, family-friendly hike. The hike to Cerro Arco (three-hour return trip to the summit) provides glorious panoramas of the city.</p> <p>Less than a three-hour drive from Mendoza, Cerro Penitentes (14,272ft/4,350m), named for its jagged rock formations that resemble penitent monks, can be climbed all year round. While the moderately rated two-day hike (16mi/26km, with an overnight camp at the summit) requires no technical expertise, it does require a high level of fitness and hiking experience.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/guides/argentina/hiking/hiking-aconcagua.jpg" /><figcaption>Aconcagua expedition. Photo credit: iStock/1111!@SPDJ</figcaption></figure> <p></p>iStoc/Agustina Camilion 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/peru/guide-to-arequipa-and-colca-canyonWhether you’re a foodie, a thrill seeker, or a culture hound, our insider Caroline steers you to the best of the Southern Sierra.2018-01-23T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/peru/guide-to-arequipa-and-colca-canyonhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#Arequipa"> Arequipa </a></li> <li><a href="#colca"> Colca Canyon </a></li> <li><a href="#Cahatuasi"> Cahatuasi Canyon </a></li> <li><a href="#Chivay"> Chivay and the Canyon Villages </a></li> <li><a href="#Paucarpata"> Paucarpata and Sabandia </a></li> </ul> <p>The Colca Valley is where Peru’s diversity of landscapes really puts on a show – a mosaic of snowcapped peaks, terraced slopes, desolate steppe, and parched desert.</p> <h2 id="Arequipa">Arequipa</h2> <p>Standing at 7,710ft (2,350m) and circled by three snow-covered volcanoes, Peru’s second city, Arequipa, provides the base for exploration, The city’s historic center is a confection of gleaming baroque buildings, justly anointed with UNESCO World Heritage status.</p> <p>Arequipa’s undisputed cultural highlight, the Monasterio/Convento de Santa Catalina, was founded in 1579 as a holy retreat for the daughters of gilded Spanish families. <g class="gr_ gr_101 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="101" data-gr-id="101">Its</g> serene courtyards. cloisters and gardens reveal how – despite their oath to poverty and chastity – the nuns had a pretty good gig with private kitchens, art collections, servants, and luxuriously appointed “cells.”</p> <p>When it comes to gastronomic flair, Arequipa gives Lima a run for its money. North of the Plaza de Armas, Calles de Santa Catalina and San Francisco are a fine place to get acquainted with regional Arequipeño culinary traditions. Perennial favorites are <a href="http://www.zigzagrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Zig Zag</a>, which sports a staircase built by Gustave Eiffel, and <a href="https://www.salamanto.com" target="_blank"><g class="gr_ gr_85 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="85" data-gr-id="85">Salamento</g></a>, famed for its inventive iterations of classic Peruvian dishes.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/Peru/Convento-de-Santa-Catalina.jpg" /><figcaption>Convento de Santa Catalina. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="colca">Colca Canyon</h2> <p>The Cañón del Colca defies superlatives. Plunging to 11,150 ft (3,399m) – that’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon – Colca Canyon forms part of a 62mi (100km) volcanic mountain range dominated by awe-inspiring Mount Coropuna.</p> <p>The breathtaking 95mi (153km) drive from Arequipa to Chivay, Colca Canyon’s main village, orbits the city’s two sentinel volcanoes, El Misti and Chachani. Adventure travelers test their mettle with multi-day hiking trips and mountaineering expeditions that venture deep into the canyon.</p> <p>There’s also excellent river rafting, mountain biking, and a zip line which plummets almost 20,000ft (6,096m) between the canyon walls in a simulation of the flight of an Andean Condor.</p> <p>The actual flight of these impressively large birds – the region’s poster children – can be viewed at the Cruz del Cóndor lookout. Most tour group itineraries include a stop.</p> <p>For cultural gratification, visit Colca Canyon’s traditional villages, pre-Incan ruins, natural hot springs, and ancient terraces.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/Peru/Cruz-del-Condor-lookout.jpg" /><figcaption>Cruz del Condor lookout. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Cahatuasi">Cahatuasi Canyon</h2> <p>The crown for "deepest canyon in the world" goes to Cahatuasi, at the northwest corner of the Arequipa department. Cahatuasi is the preserve of experienced hikers, climbers, and rafters due to its inaccessibility and <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/kayaking-and-rafting">intense Class V rapids</a>.</p> <p>If you’re planning to hit Cahatuasi, it’s worth a short detour to the town of <g class="gr_ gr_88 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="88" data-gr-id="88">Corire</g>, and the Toro <g class="gr_ gr_89 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="89" data-gr-id="89">Myerto</g> petroglyphs, a series of ancient cave paintings that date to between 500 and 1,300 BC.</p> <p>Most travelers to Cahatuasi sign up for organized excursions from Arequipa to Chivay, the canyon’s main village. There’s no need to plan ahead – Arequipa’s bevy of outfitters offer daily departures ranging from day trips to multi-day treks.</p> <p>A basic two-day/one night trip starts from S/. 65 (<g class="gr_ gr_103 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="103" data-gr-id="103">US</g> $20). For more luxurious lodgings with bells and whistles, plan to spend upwards of S/. 470 (<g class="gr_ gr_104 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="104" data-gr-id="104">US</g> $145) for two days/one night, or S/. 1,618 (<g class="gr_ gr_105 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="105" data-gr-id="105">US</g> $500) and above for four nights.</p> <p>Colectivos (minivans) shuttle independent travelers from Arequipa to the canyon’s villages, where experienced hikers can go it alone without a guide. Note that to enter the canyon all visitors must purchase a Boleto Turistico, or Tourist Ticket, for S/. 91 (US$28).</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/Peru/Cotahuasi-Canyon.jpg" /><figcaption>Cotahuasi Canyon. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Chivay">Chivay and the Canyon Villages</h2> <p>The Colca Valley’s villages unfurl along the south and north banks of the canyon, linked by tricky terrain that makes relatively short distances a challenging endeavor.</p> <p>The south bank sees the most tourist traffic, centered on the dusty town of Chivay, which clings to its Quechua traditions while thoroughly embracing its status as the canyon’s main hub.</p> <p>With electricity still a recent addition, Chivay has a low-key vibe with a growing kernel of locally run hotels, inns, and restaurants. Though it’s just a functional stopover for most visitors, its lively mix of backpackers, travelers, and locals makes for an interesting short stay.</p> <p>Town life orbits around the market and main square, where colorfully attired Colca women ply their wares against a backdrop of snowy peaks and terraced hillsides.</p> <p>If you’re looking for accommodation that offers more character and comfort, it’s worth shelling out for a room at the rustic-chic lodges located between Chivay and Cabanaconde.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/Peru/local-woman-chivay.jpg" /><figcaption>A local woman in Chivay. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Paucarpata">Paucarpata and Sabandia</h2> <p>Within striking distance of Arequipa, the town of Paucarpata (4mi or 6.4km southeast) is an interesting foray into the countryside. Founded by the Spanish in the late 16th century, its gorgeous scenery, rich cultural traditions, and impossibly regular pre-Inca terraces can be explored on a combined day trip with Sabandia (another mile down the road).</p> <p>In Sabandia, renowned architect Luis Felipe Calle breathed new life into the region’s first stone mill, or <em><g class="gr_ gr_87 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="87" data-gr-id="87">molina</g></em>, which was built of volcanic stone in the early 17th century. When the restoration project wrapped up in 1973, the architect was so taken with his accomplishment that he bought the mill and turned it into a tourist attraction complete with informative tours (S/. 9.70 or <g class="gr_ gr_92 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="92" data-gr-id="92">US</g> $3), cheeky llamas and alpacas, a swimming pool, horseback rides, and hiking trails.</p> <p>You can take a taxi (S./ 32 or around <g class="gr_ gr_81 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="81" data-gr-id="81">US</g> $10 return trip) or<em> <g class="gr_ gr_86 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="86" data-gr-id="86">colectivo</g></em> (S/. 1.6 or <g class="gr_ gr_82 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="82" data-gr-id="82">US</g> $0.50 each way) to Paucarpata and then Sabandia from Arequipa, or just walk (around two hours).</p> <p></p> <p><b>Want to know more about Peru? Check out our </b><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/south-america/peru/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-9-peru"><span class="s1"><b>podcast</b></span></a><b>. We chat about alternative treks to Machu Picchu, how Peru is the original home of surfing, and look at what vaccinations do you need when traveling to South America.</b></p>iStock/Onfokus 0157312138 iStock Man Backpacker Tourist Looking at the View, Canyon Del Colca

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/peru/alternatives-to-the-inca-trailWith permits limited on the iconic, well-trodden Inca Trail, these alternative routes to the treasures of the Andes are ever more appealing. 2018-01-18T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/peru/alternatives-to-the-inca-trailhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#tips"> Practical tips for hiking to Machu Picchu </a></li> <li><a href="#salkantay"> Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu </a></li> <li><a href="#ancascocha"> Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu </a></li> <li><a href="#choqequirao"> Classic Choquequirao Trail </a></li> <li><a href="#ausangate"> The Ausangate Trek and Vinicunca (Rainbow) Mountain </a></li> </ul> <p>Peru's iconic Inca Trail, a fairly taxing 26-mile hike to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu, has been an adventure lover’s rite of passage since the site was first discovered in 1911. Around 25,000 visitors arrive each year via the Inca Trail, which cannot be hiked independently. A permit is required, and these are limited to 500 per day (including porters).</p> <p>As more than 1.5 million travelers in total descend on Machu Picchu each year, and the site nudges ever closer to inclusion on UNESCO’s list of endangered Heritage Sites, more sustainable tourist initiatives have taken hold.</p> <p>Below, we've suggested three equally scenic routes – some to Machu Picchu and some to other ancient sites – that offer trails strewn with Inca ruins amidst a flamboyant diversity of ecosystems, unsullied by massive crowds.</p> <h2 id="tips">Practical tips for hiking to Machu Picchu</h2> <p>Besides the alternative routes to Machu Picchu listed here, many operators will customize their standard routes and offer treks that range from basic tents to more "glamping" style options.</p> <p>Travelers with tight schedules and who like peace of mind should pre-book their itineraries. In very high season (June to September), tours quickly sell out and you’ll need to book your tickets for Machu Picchu several weeks in advance.</p> <p>To avoid <a href="/travel-wiser/wellness/how-to-deal-with-altitude-sickness">altitude sickness</a>, plan to spend two or three days acclimatizing in Cusco before setting out. High elevations can also mean dramatic temperature spikes.</p> <h2 id="salkantay">Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu</h2> <p>The five-day Salkantay Trail, which connects <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/locals-guide-to-cusco" target="_blank">Cusco</a> to Machu Picchu, is the most popular alternative to the classic Inca Trail. The trail starts at the village of Mollepata, a few miles from Cusco, and negotiates 45mi (72.5km) of Andean peaks, cloud forest, and lowland jungle.</p> <p>Widely considered to be a step up from the Inca Trail in terms of physical challenge, hikers must tackle the windswept, frigid Salkantay Pass at 14,760ft (4,500m).</p> <p>The trade-off is huge: the chance to hike in relative solitude past awe-inspiring Salkantay Mountain (20,569 ft or 6,269m) and through valleys studded with ruins. A five-day tour with overnights in tents costs around S/. 2,215 or US $590.</p> <p>For travelers that prefer more creature comforts, this hike provides the option of glamping in eco-domes or staying in high-end mountain lodges (with plush duvets, eggs over easy, and wine lists). But prices are high-end too, from S/. 3,000 to 13,140 (US $800 t0 $3,500).</p> <p>No permits or guides are required for the Salkantay trek, but you’ll still need to purchase an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (around S/. 150 or US $40), which your tour group will arrange. Independent hikers can organize permits for Machu Picchu in advance through the official <a href="http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe">Peruvian Ministry of Culture website</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/Peru/Machu-picchu-Salkantay.jpg" /> <figcaption>Pack horses on Salkantay Trail. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="ancascocha">Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu</h2> <p>Located within the Sacred Valley, the Ancascocha Trek to Machu Picchu yields similar scenery to the classic Inca Trail, but with little tourist traffic and the chance to explore recently excavated ruins en route.</p> <p>Much more strenuous than the Inca Trail, this grueling, five-day, 34mi (55km) high-Andes trail involves ascending seven steep summits and negotiating rocky terrain at a dizzying 15,800ft (4,816m).</p> <p>Your reward: a secluded hike through the pristine landscapes of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges.</p> <p>On the final day, trekkers board the train to Aguas Calientes, the base camp for Machu Picchu. Tours begin in Cusco and drive to the starting point at Mollepata, three hours away. Prices for the tour range from around S/. 3,754 or US $1,000 (six to ten trekkers) to S/. 4,800 or US $1,280 (two trekkers).</p> <h2 id="choqequirao">Classic Choquequirao Trail</h2> <p>Nestled in cloud forest, some 61mi (98km) west of Cusco, the magnificent Inca citadel of Choquequirao is often called the "other Machu Picchu". With a maximum elevation of 10,000ft (3,048m), this trail is not a high-altitude head spinner compared to some other Andes treks. But it does feature some brutal ascents, rocky terrain, and a challenging hike deep into the Apurímac Canyon.</p> <p>Your payoff is gorgeous scenery, Quechua villages steeped in mysticism, and ruins that are still being excavated – all without the need for a guide and the crowds of Machu Picchu.</p> <p>Departing from Cachora (four hours from Cusco), the 4-5 day round trip hike to the ruins of Choquequirao with a guide starts at around S./ 2,627 or US $700 per person.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/Peru/Choquequirao.jpg" /> <figcaption>The "lost city" of Choquequirao. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="ausangate">The Ausangate Trek and Vinicunca (Rainbow) Mountain</h2> <p>One of the most scenic and challenging hikes in Peru, the <a href="/explore/south-america/peru/ausangate-trek-5-magic-days-in-the-peruvian-andes">Ausangate Trek</a> is also one of the highest-altitude treks in Peru.</p> <p>Tour companies offer treks that range from three to seven days, but the most scenic treks involve, at a minimum, a five-day loop circuit from a starting altitude of 12,464ft (3,800m). From there, the trail ascends to over 17,060ft (5,200m) and negotiates three hair-raisingly high passes.</p> <p>Proximity to Ausangate's snow-covered massif means temperatures plummet well below freezing at night.</p> <p>Chances are you’ll encounter only a smattering of other hikers as you traverse snow-capped peaks, glaciers, high alpine lakes, and valleys full of alpacas and llamas – the Ausangate local community is one of the few shepherding communities left in the world.</p> <p>As well as basic campsites, trekkers can sleep at one of four upscale lodges <em>(tambos)</em> or in basic huts. The Ausangate trek is also one of the few trails that allow horses. Most tours start in Cusco, where outfitters will drive three-and-a-half hours southeast to Tinqui. Prices range from around S/. 2,252 or US $600 (camping) to S/. 5,440 or US $1,450 (lodges).</p> <p>Also available is a combined Vinicunca-Ausangate trek which showcases the much-photographed – and much-visited – Vinicunca (aka "Rainbow") mountain, with its naturally striated multi-colored hues.</p> <p>If you opt to do a standalone trek to Vinicunca on a day trip from Cusco, be aware that it's a challenging hike with a maximum elevation of 16,470ft (5,020m). Don't attempt it unless you've properly acclimated beforehand, and be sure to wear good hiking shoes and be prepared for both cold and sun.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/Peru/Ausangate.jpg" /> <figcaption>Ausangate. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure>Shutterstock/Rafal Cichawa 0 Shutterstock South America - Choquequirao lost ruins (mini - Machu Picchu), remote, spectacular the Inca ruins near Cuzco

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/caribbean/cuba/havana-how-safe-is-it-for-travelersIs Havana safe for travelers in Cuba? Caroline Lascom looks at the medical services, hassles and the effect of tourism on Cuba’s capital city. 2020-02-18T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/caribbean/cuba/havana-how-safe-is-it-for-travelershttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>1. How safe is Havana?</h2> <p>Generally speaking, <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/everything-you-need-to-know-about-havana" target="_blank">Havana</a> is a very safe city. The heavy police presence is there to prevent tourists from being hassled by hustlers and solicited by sex workers, while the thought-police (or Communist Defense League), are the regime’s eyes and ears and are there to ensure that there are no liberal tendencies incubating.</p> <p>Keep your belongings in sight at all times, but petty theft isn't really a huge issue – just don't be flashy with cash or valuables wherever you go.</p> <h2>2. Crime in response to tourism</h2> <p>The tourist influx has seen a rise in street crime, especially in <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-havana" target="_blank">Old Havana</a>.</p> <p>Always keep your valuables locked in your room and be mindful of the usual tricks aimed at separating you from your wallet.</p> <p>Try to avoid taking pictures around uniformed guards or military installations.</p> <h2>3. Hustlers in Havana</h2> <p>Avoid and be firm <a href="/travel-safety/caribbean/cuba/cuba-scams-and-swindles-and-cons-oh-my" target="_blank" title="Scams in Cuba">with hustlers</a>, known locally as <em>jiniteros</em> (jockeys), who will try to lure unassuming tourists into Havana’s seedy underbelly. If you are approached, politely say no and continue walking away. A friendly smile will help let them know you aren't being rude, and will hopefully avoid further confrontation.</p> <h2>4. Getting sick in Havana</h2> <p>Should you fall ill, you could do a lot worse than Havana.</p> <p>Cuba's medical services are excellent, and most treatment is provided free to foreigners at local clinics, hospitals, and hotels; although getting the drugs you need may be another matter entirely.</p> <h2>5. Waiting around in Cuba</h2> <p>Waiting is something that Cubans excel at: waiting for buses that never come, waiting for rations, waiting to see what will happen now that Fidel has finally gone.</p> <p>Everything from ordering a meal, to <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/day-trips-from-havana-you-must-do" target="_blank">waiting in line at a museum</a>, to paying your bill at a hotel, requires patience – in spades. Get used to it, and learn to live the slow life while traveling here.</p>iStock/Rostislavv 0516142650 iStock Havana

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-havanaFrom the UNESCO-protected colonial enclave of Habana Vieja, to the A-list museums and revolutionary landmarks of gritty Centro, here's how to see the best of Havana.2017-04-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-havanahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#old-havana"> Habana Vieja </a></li> <li><a href="#centro"> Centro </a></li> <li><a href="#revolutionary-museum"> Museo de la Revolución </a></li> <li><a href="#fine-art-museum"> Museo de Bellas Artes </a></li> <li><a href="#forts-in-havana"> Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Castillo del Moro </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="old-havana">Habana Vieja</h2> <p>First-time visitors tend to dedicate the lion’s share of their time to <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/everything-you-need-to-know-about-havana" target="_blank">Old Havana</a>, the city’s intensely cinematic, colonial core. And rightly so: with labyrinthine streets lined with crumbling mansions, old men playing dominos in the shade of palms, children playing football beside walls emblazoned with revolutionary iconography – it fulfills every traveler’s image of Cuba.</p> <p>Day and night, the sound of salsa and rumba fills the air along the main drag of Calle Obispo. Watch some of Cuba’s famed artists at work in their studios, or join the Hemingway Trail at <span><a href="http://www.hotelambosmundos.info" target="_blank">Hotel Ambos Mundos</a></span><span>,</span> where Big Ern lived from 1932-1939 – it was here in room 501 that he penned chapters <em>For</em> <em>Whom the Bell Tolls</em>.</p> <p>Follow in his footsteps with a customary mojito at La Bodiguita del Medio and a daiquiri at La Floridita – it’s every traveler’s rite of passage.</p> <h2 id="centro">Centro</h2> <p>While it may resemble a war zone in parts, Centro still clings (albeit tentatively) to its Belle Époque.</p> <p>The neighborhood’s bustling epicenter is Parque Central, the city’s transport and entertainment hub. It’s surrounded by majestic architecture, including the iconic <span><a href="http://www.hotelinglaterra-cuba.com" target="_blank">Hotel Ingleterra</a></span> and the stunning Baroque Gran Teatro de Habana, home to the prestigious Cuban National Ballet.</p> <p>Running west, along the leafy boulevard of El Prado, the lavish Capitolio is built in the style of Washington’s capital building by dictator Machado in 1926 – a sign of loyalty to his US paymasters.</p> <p>Just west of the Capitolio, the Partágas Cigar Factory destroys the myth that cigars are rolled on the thighs of dusky virgins. During the 30min tour, visitors gain insight into the entire production process and watch skilled <em>torcedores</em> roll cigars (around 100 per day) as they listen to daily news readings – a tradition since 1895.</p> <p>El Prado funnels south to Havana’s front yard, the Malecón, a wild and invigorating seafront promenade where lovers swoon, fishermen cast their lines, and teens dive from the rocks. </p> <h2 id="revolutionary-museum">Museo de la Revolución</h2> <p>One of Havana’s must-see attractions, Havana’s Revolutionary Museum, is housed in the former Presidential Palace and was completed in 1920.</p> <p>No expense was spared on the lavish structure: The building is topped with a monumental dome and the interiors features dazzling designs by Tiffany & Co.</p> <p>The staircase is riddled with holes from an unsuccessful attempt by a radical student group to take out President Fulgencio Batista in 1957.</p> <p>With lashings of revolutionary iconography – and no attempt to even feign objectivity – the museum spotlights the seminal events preceding the Cuban Revolution, as well as the key battles and political aftermath.</p> <p>Highlights include an evocative exhibit which charts Che and Fidel’s final onslaught against Batista’s troops in 1959, an SAU-100 tank used by Castro during the 1961 <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-scuba-diving-sites-in-cuba" target="_blank">Bay of Pigs</a>, and a replica of the yacht <em>Granma</em> from which Castro disembarked with his 80 plus comrades in 1956 to launch the revolution.</p> <h2 id="fine-art-museum">Museo de Bellas Artes</h2> <p>Havana’s Fine Art Museum is the city’s cultural highlight. It’s home to an exquisite collection of fine art, ancient Egyptian sarcophagus, colonial masterworks, and contemporary Cuban paintings and sculpture.</p> <p>Housed in the original 1954 Trocadero Museum, the colonial Cuban wing displays works by Guillermo Collazo (1850-1896), Cuba’s first internationally-recognized artist, fêted for his technical mastery; two of his most distinctive works, <em>La Siesta</em>, 1886 (The Nap) and <em>Dama Sentada a Orillas del Mar</em>, 1891 (Lady Seated by the Seashore) are given pride of place.</p> <p>Cuba’s most famous painter, Wilfredo Lamb, is aptly represented with a cache of his masterworks that clearly show the influence of Picasso.</p> <p>The International collection exhibits art from 500BC to the present day with an exceptional collection of works by Gainsborough, Tintoretto, Degas, Zurburĭán, Murillo, and Spanish artists Sorolla and Zubarán; many works belonged to some of Cuba’s richest families, including the <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-do-in-santiago-de-cuba" target="_blank">Bacardí family</a>, as well as members of Batista’s government, and were left behind after the revolution.</p> <p>There’s also a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Etruscan artifacts and sculptures, including a centerpiece Greek Amphora which dates back to the 5th century BC.</p> <h2 id="forts-in-havana">Castillo de la Real Fuerza and Castillo del Moro</h2> <p>Havana’s colossal forts stand as testimony not only to Spain’s engineering prowess, but to the city’s strategic importance as a lucrative colonial port.</p> <p>The second oldest fort, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, was built in 1558 to defend against pirates, including one French Huganaut Jacques de Soros – known as the ‘Great Exterminator’ – who razed the city in 1555.</p> <p>Despite its girthsome walls, the fort was hardly impregnable and fell to frequent attacks by English buccaneers and pirates during the early 17th century.</p> <p>Located on a headland, the Castllo del Moro (also known as El Castillo de los Tres Reyes) was built between 1589 and 1630 and provides the most memorable sunset views of Havana. Today, it’s a museum, displaying a series of exhibits on Cuban history since the arrival of Columbus.</p> <h2>Heading to Cuba? Download our FREE Insider’s Guide!</h2> <p><a href="/explore/guides/cuba-insiders-guide" target="_blank"><strong>Put down the cigars and step out of the vintage cars! Explore historical sites of revolution, taste peso food, or go diving among vibrant marine life.</strong></a></p>iStock/merc67 0490968408 iStock Havana, Cuba - September 25, 2015: Group of friends play music at sunset at Malecon, most popular and famous sea front promenade in Havana, Cuba. Music is very common hobby in Cuba but also way to earn extra cash.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/caribbean/cuba/day-trips-from-havana-you-must-doSwap the photogenic streetscapes of Havana for tiki bars and palm-fringed shorelines with our local insider’s favorite day trips.2017-04-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/caribbean/cuba/day-trips-from-havana-you-must-dohttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#playas-del-este"> Playas del Este </a></li> <li><a href="#varadero"> Varadero </a></li> <li><a href="#matanzas"> Matanzas </a></li> <li><a href="#scuba-diving"> Scuba Diving Near Havana </a></li> <li><a href="#hemingway"> The Hemingway Trail </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="playas-del-este">Playas del Este</h2> <p>If you can get over the Soviet-era eyesores that blot the coastline, the Caribbean beaches of Playas del Este are as good as any tropical fantasy.</p> <p>Santa María del Mar (18km from <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-havana" target="_blank">Old Havana</a>) is the most tourist-oriented beach.</p> <p>There’re palm-fringed beaches and tiki bars serving potent mojitos, comfy sun loungers, an array of watersport facilities, and a constant beat of salsa, Playas del Este is an atmospheric place to hang out and watch Cubans flirt and play.</p> <p>Further east, the dune-backed Boca Ciega, 27km from Havana, is a big hit with Cubans who converge en mass at the weekend.</p> <p>If you want to travel with the locals, you can take a train from Havana’s Estación Central (40 pesos), but if you are short of time, a taxi will set you back around US $15.</p> <h2 id="varadero">Varadero</h2> <p>With sugary white sands lapped by translucent sapphire waters, Cuba’s Varadero peninsula has lured European package tourists for decades.</p> <p>Sure, if you are a fan of conventional mass tourism, what’s not to love: behemoth, all-inclusive hotels with mega pools, kid’s clubs, and notoriously dire buffet food stand sentinel along a 20km expanse of wide sandy beach.</p> <p>The remote, far eastern end of the peninsula is where the most expensive upscale resorts (often adults-only) are located, while scruffy Varadero town supports low-end hotels that cater to vacationing Cubans.</p> <p>Six miles out to sea, the Ojo del Mégano (or ‘Blue Hole’) dive site quickens the pulse of <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-scuba-diving-sites-in-cuba" target="_blank">scuba enthusiasts</a>, with its rich marine life including barracuda, red grouper, snapper, and lobster.</p> <p>To get to Varadero from Old Havana, the most cost-effective way is to take the Viazul Bus (CUC $4, 3h). A taxi is much quicker (1.5h) and will cost around CUC $90.</p> <h2 id="matanzas">Matanzas</h2> <p>Known as the ‘Athens of Cuba,’ <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-do-around-matanzas-and-varadero" target="_blank">Matanzas</a> has a lot to live up to.</p> <p>Bisected by the San Juan and Yumurí rivers, the city and its nearby natural attractions, including the Bellamar Caves (famous for their calcite crystal formations), remain a popular stopover for travelers en route to Varadero.</p> <p>During the city’s 19th-century heyday, many of Cuba’s pre-eminent writers, painters, poets, and musicians were born here, and two distinctly Cuban musical forms – danzón and rumba – were first composed in this very proud city.</p> <p>While you do need to look hard, <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-do-around-matanzas-and-varadero" target="_blank">Matanzas</a>’s creative spirit still lingers beneath.</p> <p><a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-do-around-matanzas-and-varadero" target="_blank">Matanzas</a>’s sights are sprinkled through its inviting colonial core, where neoclassical buildings nudge up against gilded churches and colonial landmarks. The city’s architectural highlight is the Teatro Sauto (1863), one of Cuba’s greatest theaters, lauded for its excellent acoustics and lavish decor.</p> <p>There are three buses a day to Matanzas with Viazul from Havana (CUC $3, around 2h).</p> <h2 id="scuba-diving">Scuba Diving Near Havana</h2> <p>As the largest island in the Caribbean Sea, Cuba’s 5,600km coastline is home to some of the world’s <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-scuba-diving-sites-in-cuba" target="_blank">most pristine coral reefs</a>.</p> <p>A keen diver himself, Fidel Castro was well ahead of the game when it came to marine conservation.</p> <p>Just a short taxi ride from Havana, there are more than 30 dive sites, including wrecks, caves, and coral gardens for <a href="/travel-safety/caribbean/cuba/safety-tips-for-scuba-divers-in-cuba" target="_blank">novice and advanced divers</a>.</p> <p>The region’s most famed dive site is Boca de Caldera (Mouth of the Cauldron) where calm waters and excellent visibility yield an underwater garden of mesmerizing sea fans, sponges, and coral.</p> <p>Wreck diving specialists can explore the vibrant coral gardens that surround the Sanchez Barcastegui, the remains of a 19th-century Spanish battleship which sunk to 25m following an unfortunate collision with another ship.</p> <p>Or explore The Coral Island – a merchant ship with a hulk that was spliced into three separate sections when it ran aground following a fire – now a haven for colorful marine life.</p> <h2 id="hemingway">The Hemingway Trail</h2> <p>All Hemingway devotees should make the pilgrimage to Hemingway’s atmospheric <span><a href="http://fincafoundation.org/overview.html" target="_blank">Finca La Vigía estate</a></span>, 15km east of Havana in the town of San Francisca de Paula.</p> <p>This is where Hemingway lived from 1940 to 1960 and penned reams of <em>The</em> <em>Old Man and the Sea</em> and <em>For Whom the Bell Tolls</em>, reopened in 2007 as a museum following extensive restoration works.</p> <p>The house is riddled with the troubled author’s obsessions and rituals. There’s Hemingway’s writing on his bathroom wall where he logged his weight every day, his Royal typewriter propped up on a bookshelf in his bedroom (he wrote standing up due to chronic back problems), Spanish bull-fighting posters, hunting trophies, and memorabilia from his numerous African safaris.</p> <p>In the 15-acre grounds, you can check out Hemingway’s beloved wooden fishing boat, <em>Pilar</em>, the graveyard where Hemingway buried his creatures, including over a dozen cats, a cock fighting ring, and the swimming pool where Ava Gardner once swam naked (‘this water can never be changed,’ Hemingway reputedly decreed).</p> <p>Following Hemingway’s departure to the US in 1960 as a lonely, manic depressive on the verge of suicide, Castro appropriated the house and all its belongings with it.</p> <p>To reach San Francisco de Paula, you can take a bus from Parque de la Fraternidad in Centro Habana and get off in San Miguel del Padrón; the house is located 200m east of the main road.</p> <h2>Heading to Cuba? Download our FREE Insider’s Guide!</h2> <p><a href="/explore/guides/cuba-insiders-guide" target="_blank"><strong>Put down the cigars and step out of the vintage cars! Explore historical sites of revolution, taste peso food, or go diving among vibrant marine life.</strong></a></p>iStock/jimfeng 0645578634 iStock Varadero, Cuba - January 25, 2014: A group of people are going to the beach.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-outdoor-adventures-in-central-cubaGo scuba-diving, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and cycling in Central Cuba with these outdoor adventures from the Bay of Pigs in the east, to Las Tunas in the west.2017-04-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-outdoor-adventures-in-central-cubahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Central Cuba extends from the <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/eastern-cuba-best-outdoor-adventures" target="_blank">Bay of Pigs in the east</a> to <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-outdoor-adventures-in-western-cuba" target="_blank">Las Tunas in the west</a>.</p> <p>Between the montage of palm-fringed coastline, sandy beaches, and densely forested mountains, an incredible inventory of outdoor recreation awaits those who are wild at heart.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#cienaga-de-zapata"> Ciénaga de Zapata </a></li> <li><a href="#outdoor-adventures-near-trinidad"> Around Trinidad: Playa Ancón, La Boca & Cayo Blanco </a></li> <li><a href="#escambray-mountains"> Escambray Mountains </a></li> <li><a href="#topes-de-collantes"> Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes </a></li> <li><a href="#gardens-of-the-king"> Jardines del Rey </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cienaga-de-zapata">Ciénaga de Zapata</h2> <p>With its incredible biodiversity and landscapes that border on the surreal, the Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata (Zapata Swamp National Park) packs a punch.</p> <p>Just off the southern coast of the <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-matanzas" target="_blank">Matanzas province</a>, within striking distance of <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-cienfuegos" target="_blank">Cienfuegos</a> or the sugar mill town of Australia (<a href="http://www.traveller.com.au/town-of-australia-cuba-the-australia-youve-never-heard-of-10af6x" target="_blank">yes, it’s a thing</a>), this untamed peninsula is home to Cuba’s most varied ecosystems.</p> <p>The Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs), synonymous with the failed 1961 U.S.-backed invasion of Cuba, runs along the peninsula’s eastern edge.</p> <p>Just off the shores of the paradisiacal Playa Girón, warm iridescent waters cast in hallucinogenic shades of green, sapphire, jade, and aquamarine and studded with coral sets the stage for <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-scuba-diving-sites-in-cuba" target="_blank">prime scuba diving and snorkeling</a>.</p> <p>The park’s seething swampland draws seasoned ornithologists and budding naturalists to its rich flora and fauna, <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/wildlife-experiences-for-outdoor-explorers-in-cuba" target="_blank">with more than 900 plant species</a>, 175 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles (including the endemic Cuban crocodile), and over 1,000 species of invertebrates.</p> <h2 id="outdoor-adventures-near-trinidad">Around Trinidad: Playa Ancón, La Boca & Cayo Blanco</h2> <p>Cuba’s colonial jewel, <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-trinidad-cuba" target="_blank">Trinidad</a> is the gateway to some of Cuba’s most exhilarating landscapes.</p> <p>Cyclists can ride from <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-trinidad-cuba" target="_blank">Trinidad</a>, through valleys dotted with farmhouses, to Playa Ancón (12km) on the south coast. Play Ancón is one of Cuba’s most alluring stretches of sugary white sand, lined with flashy, all-inclusive hotels and water sports facilities.</p> <p>For more local color, you can detour to La Boca (18km), an earthy fishing village on the Guaurabo River, with a shingle beach shaded by acacia trees.</p> <p><a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-scuba-diving-sites-in-cuba" target="_blank">Dive trips can be arranged</a> to gorgeous Cayo Blanco (25km south-east of the Playa Ancón), a sybarite’s fantasia. Warm waters with coral keys rich in marine life lure novice and advanced divers and snorkelers, while a marina offers catamaran strips and deep sea fishing charters in calm waters, populated with wahoo, swordfish, marlin, tarpon, and barracuda.</p> <h2 id="escambray-mountains">Escambray Mountains</h2> <p>The mystical and foreboding Escambray Mountains form the backdrop for the idyllic Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes, a rewarding day/overnight trip from Trinidad.</p> <p>A network of lightly trodden trails traverses this primordial landscape where emerald lakes, natural swimming pools, lush woodlands, chartreuse coffee plantations, and picturesque waterfalls provide sanctuary to an intoxicating profusion of flora and fauna.</p> <p>For independent travelers, guided hikes and horseback adventures are offered by outfitters and private guides in <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-trinidad-cuba" target="_blank">Trinidad</a>.</p> <h2 id="topes-de-collantes">Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes</h2> <p>Within Topes de Collantes, the Javira reserve beckons equestrians with a network of trails that precariously skirt streams, canyons, ancient caves, and scenic waterfalls.</p> <p>Just 6km from <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-trinidad-cuba" target="_blank">Trinidad</a>, the poignantly beautiful Valley de los Ingenios is a fascinating fusion of nature, history, and outdoor recreation.</p> <p>The UNESCO protected ‘Valley of the Mills’ formed the beating heart of Cuba’s sugar production from the late 18th through the late 19th century.</p> <p>Amidst bucolic fields with soaring palms, the evocative ruins of more than 70 19th-century sugar mills, including warehouses, slave quarters, and an operational steam train can be explored on foot, by bike, or on horseback.</p> <h2 id="gardens-of-the-king">Jardines del Rey</h2> <p>Some 30km from the mainland at Ciego de Ávila, Cuba’s fabled Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King) remained unexplored until the late 1980s.</p> <p>This constellation of picture perfect islands, woven with mangroves, lagoons, gleaming white sands, and seductively iridescent waters, are ringed with a spectacular 400km coral reef.</p> <p>Go snorkeling or diving here, and you’ll find technicolor marine life, including, parrotfish, grunts, yellowtail snappers, angelfish, tarpon, jacks, spadefish, groupers, sharks, and barracudas.</p> <p>With more than 30 dive sites dotting the dramatic coastline, there’s no wonder this is a <a href="/explore/caribbean/cuba/top-scuba-diving-sites-in-cuba" target="_blank">popular dive site</a>.</p> <p>For resolute sun-seekers, the most coveted ribbon of sand is Playa Pilar at the western fringes of Guillermo.</p> <h2>Heading to Cuba? Download our FREE Insider’s Guide!</h2> <p><a href="/explore/guides/cuba-insiders-guide" target="_blank"><strong>Put down the cigars and step out of the vintage cars! Explore historical sites of revolution, taste peso food, or go diving among vibrant marine life.</strong></a></p>iStock/Joel Carillet 0469153714 iStock Trinidad, Cuba - December 7, 2014: Two young women from Spain, traveling in Cuba, ride bicycles at sunset on a two-lane road paralleling the Caribbean Sea between Playa Ancon and Trinidad, Cuba.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/colombias-peace-processColombia’s reputation as a violent nation left remote regions off-limits to travelers for years. How has the process toward peace shaped travel in Colombia today?2017-03-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/colombias-peace-processhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><a href="/explore/guides/colombia-insiders-guide" title="Download our free guide to Colombia">Colombia’s</a> reputation as a violent nation on the brink of collapse was born of 52 years of brutal civil war that began as an uprising by a group of peasants over land redistribution. More than 220,000 lives were lost and around six million people displaced. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#farc"> FARC Rebels </a></li> <li><a href="#military-crackdown"> Incidents Sparking Military Crackdown </a></li> <li><a href="#peace-deal"> Finalizing the Peace Deal </a></li> <li><a href="#peace-a-reality"> Making Peace a Reality </a></li> <li><a href="#tourism-today"> Tourism in Colombia Today </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="farc">FARC Rebels</h2> <p>The Marxist rebel group, FARC, murdered indiscriminately, recruited children as soldiers, and ran drug, kidnapping, and extortion rackets to fund their cause.</p> <p>When paramilitary militias, formed by rich farmers and cattlemen, mobilized against the FARC, the rebels made a retreat to remote jungles and southern border zones. Although right-wing paramilitary groups also committed atrocities during the half-century of blood shed, public opinion largely holds the FARC accountable. </p> <h2 id="military-crackdown">Incidents Sparking Military Crackdown</h2> <p>Guerrilla violence and tourism hardly makes for a happy marriage, and Colombia’s remote regions remained off limits to travelers for decades. In 2003, in a high profile case that garnered international attention, eight backpackers <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/finding-the-lost-city-in-colombia" target="_blank">en route to Ciudad Pérdida</a> were kidnapped by guerrillas and held for three months. In separate incidents, three of Tayrona National Park’s directors were murdered when they refused to establish the park as a base for cocaine trafficking. In response, then President Álvaro Uribe, instigated a ruthless military crackdown that killed many of FARC’s most important military architects.</p> <h2 id="peace-deal">Finalizing the Peace Deal</h2> <p>Few countries know how to rewrite their narrative with quite such bold vision as Colombia. In August 2016, following four years of intense negotiations in <a href="/explore/guides/cuba-insiders-guide" title="Download our free guide to Cuba">Havana</a>, President Juan Manuel Santos (who notched up a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts) and FARC negotiators finalized a deal. But, Colombia has always had a habit of defying the status quo.</p> <p>The accord was thrown into a tailspin just two months later when Colombians narrowly rebuffed the deal in a national plebiscite. The sticking points for critics included a soft amnesty law that would have allowed FARC guerillas guilty of war crimes and human rights violations to not only walk away scot-free, but to allow them to run for public office. </p> <p>On November 12 2016, a tenacious Santos and placatory FARC leader Rodrigo Londoño (aka Timochenko) signed a modified document in <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-bogota" target="_blank">Bogotá</a>, which included key amendments on more than 50 points.</p> <p>According to the revised deal, FARC rebels charged with crimes such as murder, rape, or kidnapping will not fall under the amnesty but, rather, serve alternative sentences determined by a special court. Other laws implicit to the peace deal include rural reform, land mine removal, and the FARC’s conversion into a viable political party.</p> <p>The fragile deal was swiftly pushed through the Senate and lower house, despite vehement opposition from the right-wing Democratic Center party led by former president Álvaro Uribe. Uribe argued that FARC was nothing more than a terrorist group and, under his watch, Colombia had been on the verge of a military defeat of the FARC. Uribe argued that his successor, Santos, rather than putting the final nail in the coffin, chose instead to open negotiations.</p> <h2 id="peace-a-reality">Making Peace a Reality</h2> <p>Today, the Colombian people’s schizophrenic reaction is sour at best. Fifty years of war fosters colossal grievances. Making peace a reality for 47 million Colombians presents an epic challenge of national reconciliation and requires the reintegration of FARC guerillas into civilian life. The overwhelming majority of people are in favor peace but, implicitly and fatally, they distrust the FARC.</p> <h2 id="tourism-today">Tourism in Colombia Today</h2> <p>Clearly, the dramatic fall in guerrilla and drug related violence over the last decade, coupled with the Colombian government’s national rebranding campaign “The Only Risk is Wanting to Stay,” has <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/colombia/is-colombia-safe" target="_blank">resonated with intrepid travelers</a>.</p> <p>Tourism in Colombia has grown by over 260% since 2002, when just 540,000 foreigners visited the country. Overall travel to Colombia increased nearly 10% in 2015 alone, according to the US Department of Commerce – 80 percent of which was undertaken for leisure rather than business purposes.</p> <p>With former FARC heartlands now considered ‘secured,’ <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/ecotourism-hot-spots-in-colombia" target="_blank">Colombia’s dramatic and beautiful landscapes</a>, and <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/colonial-towns-in-colombia" target="_blank">immaculately preserved colonial towns</a> are ripe for discovery.</p>Gregg Bleakney 1 Gregg Bleakney Man dressed in camouflage sits on a ledge overlooking the mountains with a gun

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/south-america/colombia/colonial-towns-in-colombiaWith immaculately preserved architecture, fascinating history, and evocative places to stay and dine, our local insider gives you a run down of Colombia’s most alluring colonial gems.2017-03-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/south-america/colombia/colonial-towns-in-colombiahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-cartagena" target="_blank">Cartagena</a> may be Colombia’s undisputed colonial queen, but the nation’s <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/amazon-basin-colombia" target="_blank">wild</a> and <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/colombias-caribbean-coast" target="_blank">beautiful landscapes</a> are dotted with irresistibly photogenic colonial towns.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#barichara"> Barichara </a></li> <li><a href="#mompox"> Mompox </a></li> <li><a href="#popoyan"> Popoyán </a></li> <li><a href="#villa-de-leyva"> Villa de Leyva </a></li> <li><a href="#san-gil"> San Gil </a></li> <li><a href="#santa-fe-de-antioquia"> Santa Fe de Antioquia </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="barichara">Barichara</h2> <p>20m northwest of <strong>San Gil</strong> is the elegant colonial town of <strong>Barichara</strong>. Founded in 1705, the town expanded from a small church where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared on a rock.</p> <p>Today, wealthy Colombians and in-the-know travelers are lured by the town’s beautiful climate, upscale charms, and boho lifestyle. With it's handsome sandstone architecture, this place won't look out of place in a <em>telenovela</em>.</p> <p>While all towns in Latin America pay homage to Bolívar, Barichara thinks outside the box: The region is famous for its "fat-ass ants", also known as <em>hormigas culonas. </em></p> <p>These are traditionally roasted when they come to ground in April. So hailed are these salty, peanuty-tasting creatures, they've been immortalized in no less than two monuments here in Barichara.</p> <h2 id="mompox">Mompox</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/colombia/mompox-colombia-colonial-town.jpg" /> <figcaption> Mompox. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <p>Isolated for centuries on the wetlands of Colombia’s longest waterway – the fabled <strong>Rio Magdelena </strong>– few places live up to their mythology quite like <strong>Mompox</strong>.</p> <p>Founded in 1537, Mompox’s UNESCO-protected streets look much the same as they did in the days of Cervantes.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/colombia/colombia-kids-soccer-mompox.jpg" /> <figcaption> Kids playing soccer in Mompox. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <p>It was here, in 1812, that Bolívar raised an army of 400 men, which proved decisive to the liberator’s campaign to end Spanish rule in Latin America.</p> <p>For all its rich cultural legacy and fiercely independent spirit, these days, the town has a decidedly slower pace – due in no small way to the scorching heat.</p> <h2 id="popoyan">Popoyán</h2> <p>Some 132km from <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-cali" target="_blank">Cali</a>, <strong>Popoyán</strong> is one of Colombia’s best-preserved colonial town.</p> <p>This spirited university town has the nickname ‘White City’ – a nod to its signature white-on-white colonial buildings.</p> <p>If you're spending more than a day here, don't miss the chance to explore the rugged mountains nearby, filled with thermal waters, waterfalls, and challenging hikes to the crater of <strong>Volcán Puracé</strong>.</p> <p>Popoyán is also host to Colombia’s most extravagant Holy Week celebrations, second only after Sevilla in Spain. The religious museums and churches here are more soulful than somber.</p> <p>For the foodies, the city has plenty to offer too – having garnered UNESCO kudos as a Creative City of Gastronomy.</p> <h2 id="villa-de-leyva">Villa de Leyva</h2> <p><strong>Villa de Leyva </strong>is one of South America's most evocative towns. Founded in 1572, it's a compelling antidote to the well-worn colonial cliché.</p> <p>The town’s colossal square – one of the largest in Latin America at 14,000 square meters – is largely devoid of action. The extraordinary 16th-century buildings, quite rightly, steal all the glory.</p> <p>Once the day-tripping hoards from <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-bogota" target="_blank">Bogotá</a> (three hours northwest by car) empty out, the real Villa de Leyva comes to life.</p> <p>There's plenty on offer for outdoor-lovers too: just outside town, diverse landscapes offer fossil-hunting expeditions, hiking through <strong>páramo</strong> at the <strong>Iguaque natural reserve,</strong> as well as rappelling and zip lining at <strong>Parque Ecológico La Periquera</strong>.</p> <h2 id="san-gil">San Gil</h2> <p>In Colombia’s north central <strong>Santander department</strong>, the earthy town of <strong>San Gil</strong> is an extreme-sports enthusiast's playground.</p> <p>White water rafting, paragliding, caving, biking, rappelling, and trekking – all are guaranteed to make your heart valves squeak.</p> <p>Don't just stay in town though. Within an hour’s drive, the enchanting <strong>Parque El Gallineral</strong> feels like it's been plucked from a child’s imagination.</p> <p>Butterflies and dragonflies dart over streams crisscrossed with rickety bridges, spring-fed pools form a natural swimming pool, and Spanish mossy trees (<em>barbas de viejos</em>) that resemble beards infuse an otherworldly aura.</p> <p>Landscape photographers, get ready to fall in love.</p> <h2 id="santa-fe-de-antioquia">Santa Fe de Antioquia</h2> <p>Within striking distance of <a href="/explore/south-america/colombia/outdoor-activities-in-medellin" target="_blank">Medellín</a>, the colonial gem of <strong>Santa Fe de Antioquia</strong> is one of Colombia’s most beguiling 16th-century cities.</p> <p>Founded in 1541 by Jorge Robledo – a conquistador notorious for his unquenchable thirst for blood and gold – this former mining town was the region’s capital before Medellín assumed the mantel in 1826.</p> <p>Santa Fe’s central axis is <strong>Plaza Mayor</strong>, one of South America’s most endearing squares. The dazzling <strong>Catedral Metropolitan</strong> presides here over a cinematic ensemble of single-story colonial buildings with ornately carved lintels, decorative stone work, and lush courtyards. </p> <h2>Get our FREE Insider’s Guide to Colombia!</h2> <p><a href="/explore/guides/colombia-insiders-guide" target="_blank"><strong>From Colombia's Caribbean Coast, to the Pacific - and everything in between - download our FREE Insider's Guide to Colombia to make the most of your trip.</strong></a></p>iStock/ChandraDhas 0472140911 iStock Barichara, Colombia - January 14, 2014: An uphill street paved with stone, in the historical Andean Spanish colonial town of Barichara in the department of Santander in the South American country of Colombia. The town is over 300 years old and very well preserved: it is as if time has stood still here. Photo taken in the morning sunlight shows some cars and people on the street; at the end of the street is the old Santa Barbara church.