A Rainy Day Option For Exploring Torres Del Paine In Patagonia, Chile

by Jessica Festa on

No trip to the Patagonia region of South America is complete without a trip to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. The park is regarded by many as the “trekking capital of the world.” After visiting for myself, it was easy to see why.

While many travelers choose to spend three or four days hiking the “W” circuit, this is not feasible for everyone. Some people may not have the time, while others might not feel up to the intensity of the hike or the planning. Furthermore, Torres del Paine tends to be extremely windy, and if you add rain to the equation, long-term hiking can be unpleasant.

For me, the problem was a mixture of all these things. I knew if I tried to do a day hike I wouldn’t see a lot. Additionally, the forecasted rain did not make me excited to be outside. On the other hand, I wanted to experience the park and hike at least a bit of it. The solution? A 4×4 tour with Patagonia Extrema Viajes. I was able to book the tour at Chaltén Travel in El Calafate, Argentina. The experience allowed for three hours in the park driving to different sites, some of which included Salto Grande Waterfall, Bitter Lake, the Rio Paine, Paine Grande and, of course, the Horns of Paine. There was also a one-hour hike to help visitors get even closer to nature.

Don’t let bad weather stop you from exploring Torres del Paine. Even when raining, its beauty and unique features are inspiring. To get a visual of my experience on the 4×4 tour on a rainy day, check out the gallery below.

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Hiking Los Glaciares Nacional Park In El Chalten, Argentina

by Jessica Festa on

During a trip to El Calafate in the Patagonia region of Argentina, I asked a local travel agent about trekking options. I was informed the best place to do this was in a town called El Chaltén. Nicknamed the “trekking capital of Argentina,” a traveler could spend days hiking around the beautiful mountains, forests and rivers of the area. Lucky for me, day trips are possible from El Calafate for 180 Argentine Pesos (about $41) round trip. The bus leaves from El Calafate at 8:00 a.m., and picks you up from El Chaltén at 6:30 p.m. Each way takes about three hours.

While I highly recommend spending a few days in El Chaltén to explore Los Glaciares Nacional Park and Mount Fitz Roy, it is possible to see a lot in just a few hours. In the gallery below, you can see my trek, which took me about four hours total. To access the Fitz Roy trailhead, cross town from the bus station via San Martin Avenue. Walk until the road ends and you’ll see a sign that says “Sendero al Fitz Roy.” Enter here, veering to the left, and follow the trail for Laguna Capri. You’ll be able to complete a moderately intense circuit with unbelievable views that will make you feel like you’re in a real-life Bob Ross masterpiece. From Laguna Capri, walk to Poincenot for excellent views of Mount Fitz Roy. Afterwards, continue walking in a circle in the direction of Mirador, another lookout point that makes for an excellent photography stop.

To see my experience, check out the gallery below.

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Exploring The Diverse Landscapes Of Bariloche In Patagonia, Argentina

by Jessica Festa on

San Carlos de Bariloche, more commonly known as Bariloche, is located in Patagonia in Argentina. It is one of the most diverse and picturesque regions in the world, and a hotspot for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. In fact, it is the most popular tourist destination in Patagonia, and the third in Argentina.

Some of the photos below were taken during a drive through Bariloche, while others were snapped during various hikes. The first hike was to Cerro Campanario, which presents a 360-degree view of the land from 3,442 feet high. You can take bus 20 there, which costs 6 pesos, and get off at the sign that says “Cerro Camanario.” Note: Don’t ask the monorail ticket seller for directions to the trailhead, as they tend to try to trick locals and give them wrong directions. Simply walk behind the sign and the trailhead will be there. It is a steep, uphill hike that takes about an hour. Once you make it to the top, however, the mountain, water, and forest views will have been worth it.

The other hike was up Cerro Catedral, a 7,835-foot high mountain with many different trails to trek. Most of the sections are intense; however, the diverse landscape of the area will keep you preoccupied. There are many slopes, jumps and special paths for other activities as well, like mountain biking, skiing, mountain boarding, rappeling and riding quads. To get there, you take the Catedral bus line, which costs 8 pesos. Unlike with the other buses, you pay the driver directly instead of purchasing a ticket beforehand.

The photos below were taken by me on a recent trip to the city. While I’m in no way a professional photographer, Bariloche in so stunning, the pictures seem to take themselves. No matter where you go in Bariloche, you’ll be immersed in vibrant nature. See for yourself below.

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Adventurous Options In Turks And Caicos

by Jessica Festa on

While many people think of Turks and Caicos as being a relaxing beach getaway, the islands have a lot more to offer than just that. In fact, adventure enthusiasts will feel right at home with an array of daring options in a beautiful setting.

Barefoot Waterskiing

Forget skis and boards; barefoot waterskiing lets you feel completely free during your adventure. Because the coral reef system runs the length of the north shore beach, the water remains calm and creates the perfect conditions for the sport. Also known as “barefooting,” you’ll get the chance to zoom over the water at 40 mph.Eco-Kayaking

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, kayaking is an excellent way to explore the unique flora and fauna of the area. As you paddle through lush mangroves, keep your eyes peeled for Lemon Sharks, Pufferfish, Snappers and Bonefish in the sea, and Herons, Oystercatchers and Brown Pelicans overhead. Feeling adventurous? Pre-dawn bird watching and secluded island camping can be added to a multi-day kayaking itinerary.

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding, a combination of windsurfing and snowboarding, is a unique adventure that is rapidly growing in popularity. The Turks and Caicos Islands are a great destination for kiteboarding, as the area features warm waters and cool winds that help to propel boarders at quick speeds.

Because kiteboarding poses inherent risks, it is wise to get acquainted with the sport through a professional tourism company. Big Blue Unlimited‘s Kite Safari is a three- to four-hour action packed adventure for anyone who wants to get their adrenaline pumping.

Scuba Diving

The Turks and Caicos Islands boast the world’s third largest barrier reef with some amazing sheer drop walls. Divers will be able to spot rays, turtles, sharks, exotic shoals of fish, beautiful coral and sometimes Humpback whales and dolphins. While the islands host a multitude of diving companies, it is best to choose one that offers small diving groups so you can get the most out of the experience as well as minimize your effect on the local eco-system.

Snorkeling

For those interested in exploring marine life who are not interested in scuba diving, snorkeling is a great option. You’ll be able to spot tropical fish without the burden of gear or needing to take a diving course.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

While the Hawaiian’s have used paddleboards for years, it wasn’t until recently that Big Blue Unlimited brought them to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) allows you to view what’s over as well as what’s under the water while also getting a great workout.

Horseback Riding

While many destinations offer the chance to go horseback riding, not many allow you to do it quite like this. With Provo Ponies, you’ll get the chance to trot through clear ocean water while enjoying four miles of private, white sand beach.

Sailing

Because the Turks and Caicos Islands are surrounded by water, sailing is a popular adventure option in the area. Instead of simply boarding a boat as a passenger, why not learn how to sail the boat yourself? Or choose a tour that combines sailing with other adventures such as diving, snorkeling or hiking.

Biking

While many of Turks and Caicos adventure options put thrill-seekers in the water, biking makes for an exciting land excursion. Because the islands offer both rugged terrain and flat land, the adventure is great for people of all abilities.

Queen Conch Salad

Along with daring activities, there’s adventurous food as well. Head over to the Grace Bay Beach Club and order the Conch Salad, which features fresh ingredients from the local waters. Want to go diving for your own lunch? You can, as the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the world’s only Conch Farm.

Drink Like a Pirate

According to the legend, Pirate Calico Jack Rackham used the Turks and Caicos Islands to hide from authorities, and he may have left some of his rum behind. If you head to the Regent Palms‘ Green Flamingo Bar they will prepare you a rum punch cocktail with a kick. Bambarra Rum, which is locally produced, is named after a shipwreck that freed captive African slaves on Bambarra Beach.

To get a better idea of these adventurous options, check out the gallery below.

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A Sensory Journey Through Morocco, Africa

by Jessica Festa on

Morocco is a country in northern Africa that features unique sights and experiences for all travel styles. When I visited, I was amazed at how much there was to explore – the lively sounds of the markets, the tastes of flavorful spices, the feel of gentle hands during a neck massage and the spiritually felt at a sacred mosque.

More than just your average tourism trip, Morocco takes you on a journey of the mind, body and senses. Your eyes will be opened to a new culture and you will get the chance to visit beautiful and enlightening places that will transform your outlook on life.

Smell

Designed in the 1920s by French furniture maker Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge in the 1980s, the Majorelle Garden (pictured) is a 12-acre botanical garden in Marrakech. The site is brimming with unusual tropical flowers, cacti and shocking displays of Yves Klein blue. Stroll through this exotic and vibrant garden, take in the unique aromas and visit Yves Saint Laurent’s resting place.Taste

Originated from the Berber people, the native inhabitants of Morocco, tagine is Morocco’s unofficial national dish. Cooked in a conical clay pot of the same name, tagine is comparable to a slow-cooked stew with different tender meats, vegetables and sauces.

A typical Moroccan tagine is made of chicken, preserved lemons, onions and potatoes. Learn to make them in a cooking class like the one at La Maison Bleue in Fez.

Touch

Relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam, which begins with a steam bath and is followed by an exfoliating body scrub and polish with black soap made from argan nuts. The experience ends with a relaxing argan oil massage. Visiting a hammam is part of the daily life in Morocco and is used to de-stress, cleanse and relax the body. Visitors can find hammams in almost every town in Morocco and in many hotels and riads.

Experience

Visit an argan oil cooperative near the coastal city of Essaouira and experience how all-women cooperatives make argan oil from argan nuts using the same technique that has been passed down for centuries. Argan oil is used in a wide range of beauty products for skin and hair, and for cooking. This area of Morocco is the only place in the world where the argan tree grows.

Pray

Make a trip to the majestic Mosque Hassan II set on the Atlantic shore of Casablanca. The seventh largest mosque in the world, Mosque Hassan II is the only mosque in Morocco that non-Muslims are permitted to enter. The mosque can hold up to 105,000 worshippers at once and guided tours are offered to non-Muslim visitors in several different languages throughout the day.

Wonder

Enjoy the mysticism and magic of Marrakech’s famed square, Djemaa el-Fna. Djemaa el-Fna comes alive in the evening with music, cobra charmers, acrobats and merchants selling dates, dried figs, almonds, walnuts and other foods. As dusk falls, the square becomes an open-air dining area packed with stalls lit by gas lanterns and the air is filled with wonderful smells of Moroccan spices and plumes of cooking smoke spiraling up into the night.

Browse

Stroll the narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets of the souk in Marrakech, the largest in Morocco. Visitors can buy traditional Moroccan clothing and crafts from artisanal vendors selling from stalls and small shops. The most popular items – many handcrafted on site in the souk – include Berber carpets, hammered-metal lanterns and traditional Moroccan pottery.

Stay

While in Morocco, rest your head in a guest room at a Riad – a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard and fountain. Hidden behind an unassuming door in the Medina (old city) of Marrakech, Dar Les Cigognes is an example of a traditional riad-turned guesthouse. It features 11 guest rooms off a sunny courtyard with orange trees and a gurgling fountain. Marrakech is brimming with hundreds of riads that provide peaceful hideaways from the bustling souk.


See

Witness traditional male craftsman producing one-of-a-kind leather goods from start to finish. These artisans employ techniques dating back to the medieval times in the world’s oldest leather tannery in the Imperial city of Fez. Tour the famous tanneries and dye pits, bursting with vibrant color, in Fez’s ancient Medina, which date back to the eleventh century.

Move

Morocco provides some of the most diverse options for outdoor adventures and sports – ski the Atlas Mountains in Oukaimeden, surf the Atlantic waves in Agadir or sand board the dunes of the Sahara Desert near Ouarzarzate. Due to Morocco’s unique location and terrain, travelers can visit a ski resort in the Atlas Mountains by morning and end their day soaking up the sun on the beaches of Agadir. Visitors to Morocco also have the option to golf, kite surf, horseback ride and more.

For a visual idea of this sensory and spiritual journey through Morocco, check out the gallery blow.

[image via Jessie on a Journey]

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