THE MOST POPULAR TRAVEL PLACES AROUND THE WORLD







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Saturday, December 12, 2009

5 Hard-Core Hiking Vacations

There’s no need to spend your vacation cooped up in a car or tied to a specific camp site. Hundreds upon thousands of people are discovering the genuinely incredible experience that can be had on a hiking vacation.

5 Hard-Core Hiking Vacations

Break in your walking shoes and bring your backpack. These hikes are not for beginners or those who are out of shape. Each of our five favorite hiking vacations is guaranteed to lead you to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world while allowing you the freedom to explore, exercise, and set your own schedule.

1. Skeleton Gorge, South Africa


Your trip begins in Table Mountain National Park, located towards the south-west tip of Africa. The north end of the park begins in Signal Hill and ends at the southern Cape Point. It is here that you’ll be exposed to some incredible wildlife, plant life, and historic scenery. The park is filled with incredible attractions, so your time will be packed with day-trips to some of the most memorable sights in Cape Town.

One of the most popular trails on Table Mountain itself is the one that takes visitors to Skeleton Gorge. The trail is not for the weak at heart. It starts out flat and slowly begins to climb as you enter the gorge. You will not keep your feet on solid ground, as the trail later includes at least two ladders and a trek through the river! Once you’ve explored the stop of the summit you can descend by following the Nursery Valley trail back to the bottom, but it’s likely your legs will be screaming for reprieve by then. If so, take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway back to the bottom!

2. Via Ferrata, Italy


In the Dolmites, otherwise known as the Italian Alps, you’ll find yourself partaking in a truly unique hiking and mountain climbing experience. While most of Italy’s tourists are visiting wine vineyards and strolling through major tourist attractions, you’ll have the opportunity to ascend a little further above sea level to the Via Ferrata trails.

The most popular trail is the Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona. It takes around 8 hours to follow the trail that begins at the Rio Gere lift system and carry’s you along the Monte Cristallo ridge. The other popular trail, taking about six hours to complete, is the Via Ferrata Lagazuio Tunnels. The trail takes you deep into the tunnels inside Mount Lagazuio. Both trails are rich with history dating back to World War 1.

3. Inca Trail, Peru


The astounding Inca Trail through Peru begins in the town of Ollantaytambo and takes you over 27 miles of landscape and thru the Andes Mountains. After about four days the trail will end in beautiful city of Machu Picchu.

The Incas built the trail, which now allows visitors to pass through dozens of archaeological locations that paint an incredible picture of life before the Spanish Inquisition. Only 500 people are allowed on the trails lining the Urubamba River each day and most participate in guided tours. Tours usually include tents, three-course meals, and a train ride back to the beginning of the trail after you’ve completed your time in Machu Picchu.

Find discount Machu Picchu hotels when you return.

4. Larapinta Trail, Australia


The Larapinta Trail carries hikers through the Northern Territory of Australia and spans over 130 miles. The trail is divided into 12 sections, so hikers do not have to worry about making the entire 130 mile trek before hitting the end. Each section is designed to be hiked over the course of one or two days, and off-road vehicles are allowed to carry hikers from section to section as well. You’ll need to bring your own tent, a sleeping bag, and your own food.

Most of the trail crosses over desert land, but part of it crosses West MacDonnell National Park. The park is known as one of the most secluded in the entire world. Be sure to watch out for some of the most breathtaking natural attractions you’ll ever see, including Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen, and Simpsons Gap.

5. Cape Scott Trail, British Columbia


The five-day hike through Vancouver Island in Canada’s British Columbia may be new, but it’s one of the most challenging in North America, to say the least. Find your way to Cape Scott Provincial Park, where you’ll start out with a wet 4-mile hike through a bog – and that’s only the beginning.

You’ll hike across some of the most beautiful rock-strewn beaches in existence and pull yourself across the river in cable-cars. If you make it through without twisting an ankle or pulling a muscle in your arms or back, you’re in good shape. It’s not an easy trail at all, but the satisfaction you’ll feel at the end makes it well worth the effort.

None of these trips are for casual walkers or amateur hikers. If you are new to the hiking game, you’ll want to go with a group of more experienced friends or find a guided tour to ensure your safety each step of the way. In the end, each of these hikes guarantees an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

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