Scottsdale is a booming town located right outside of Phoenix, Arizona. This is a unique area because of its location in a desert climate. You will see cacti everywhere and I love that. Pinnacle Peak trail is a great beginner hike in the area that has it all. There are great views surrounding both sides…
Sedona is filled with so many hikes that it can be overwhelming sometimes. If you are looking for a short trail that is also rewarding, this is the one for you. The Cathedral Rock hiking trail is considered challenging amongst most but is also only 1.2 miles long. This hike will take you vertically to…
Many people when they decide to visit Peru will be headed to Cusco. It is a great town that was the capital of the Incan Empire many years ago. With loads of hikes, including Machu Pichu, there’s no question it is the place to be. The best thing to do when arriving in Cusco is…
There’s one thing that these towns in Latin America seem to always have in common. A great viewpoint hike that is short and gives great views of the town below. That is no different for Peru. The mirador hike in Huaraz is great for views and getting acclimatized. Mirador stands for lookout in Spanish and…
It’s funny sometimes. A recurring event for us while traveling is that we seem to be in a new country during a big event. This ranges from the elections in Colombia to strikes in Ecuador, and now Peru’s Independence Day. Because of this, Huaraz was extremely packed with tourists and locals for the week. This…
Huaraz is known for its beautiful mountain backdrop in the Huascaran National Park. When flying into Lima, you will be at sea level. Huaraz sits at 3,052 meters or 10,013 feet. This is a huge change and can sometimes lead to altitude sickness. The best way to avoid this is by resting for at least…
When I travel, I like to get off the beaten path. Sure, some of the most popular hikes are popular for a reason. Most of my hikes in Huaraz have been lesser-known trails with fewer people, which I love. One of my favorites on this list is the Laguna Llaca hike outside Huaraz. If I…
If you haven’t heard of Huaraz already then I’m here to help. This is a hotspot for hikers and climbers alike. Located next to Huaraz, the Parque Nacional Huascarán is one of the most visited in the country. There are many lakes (laguna in Spanish) here with crystal clear water. This park is also home…
Banos in Spanish means “bathroom”. You may be wondering why this town is called a bathroom then. The town of Baños in Ecuador is rich in terms of waterfalls, thermal baths, and rivers. This will become apparent after doing such hikes as the Mirador de Baños and the waterfall I’ll be going over today, Cascada…
Located just 3 hours south of Quito is what some consider the adventure capital of Ecuador. Baños is a magical place sitting next to Volcan Tungurahua, encircled by thermal hot springs, and many waterfalls. This is a small town that is easy to fall in love with. What is the best way to see a…