Irresistible Family Adventure Travel Holidays in Manuel Antonio National Park

On September 30, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Just south of the small coastal town of Quepos along the Pacific Ocean lies Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park.  The smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, stretching over 1700 acres of land and nearly 136, 00 acres of marine reserve, it is nevertheless one of the most stunningly beautiful parks with a diversity of wildlife that is unmatched.

Manuel Antonio's Beautiful Coastline

Tiny it may be, but Manuel Antonio embodies the very best Costa Rica has to offer:  A breathtaking setting with offshore islands, pristine sand beaches, close up encounters with wildlife galore and a network of wide welcoming trails leading into a swathe of tropical rainforests where you may see marmosets, ocelots, river otters, sloths and rare monkeys.  Howler monkeys  languidly  clamber from tree to tree while iguanas scramble up trunks.  Wild parrots ablaze with red and yellow feathers and toucans and scarlet macaws screech loudly as they flap by. 

Picture of  Sloth  Manuel Antonio National Park
thanks to Rlendog from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Howler Monkeys

The lush forest cliffs rise sharply from the shoreline where capuchin monkeys abound and even rare squirrel monkeys can be seen.  Butterflies, as well as wild flowers and plants intensify the forest’s colorful setting, offering spectacular scenery unique to Costa Rica.

Picture of   Squireel Monkey Manuel Antonio National Park
thanks to Rlendog from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

To the backdrop of the lush mountainous tropical forest reaching to the water’s edge, the park features idyllic white beaches.  Gazing down from the quickly rising hillsides, you’ll gasp in awe at the breathtaking vistas expanding beneath you.   Connected by trails meandering through the rainforest, the near perfect beaches of Espadilla Sur, Playita, Escondido and Playa Manuel Antonio pave the setting for snorkeling, water board surfing and great swimming.   A small coral reef and 12 offshore islets add to the beauty, where dolphins and whales can sometimes be spotted.

Idyllic White Sand Beaches

Whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing are also core water activities in the park.  Hiking and nature walks through the jungle abound and horseback riding and mountain biking trips provide unparalleled excitement.  The latter take travelers on day-long expeditions to the mangroves, and shorter explorations through the forests and along the coastline.

Awe-Inspiring Vistas

Bringing together the charming combination of a rainforest crawling with exotic wildlife, pristine beaches, coral reefs and awe-inspiring vistas, Manuel Antonio National Park is a fabulous adventure destination with a wealth of activities and attractions for all types and all ages.

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The Most Rewarding Family Adventure Travel Experience in Costa Rica

On September 16, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Getting to Tortuguero National Park is quite an adventure!  Tortuguero National Park lies on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, and though we had heard that it features an incredible variety of wildlife in a near-jungle setting, we were going for the main attraction – to see turtles nesting their eggs along the coastline.

To this end, we headed south.  We began our trip to Tortuguero with an incredible drive through the mountains and farm lands replete with banana fields.  Our real adventure began shortly after reaching Puerto Limon, the capital town of Limon Province.  Little did we know that from here on, a spectacular trip awaited us!

Getting to Tortuguero

There are no roads to Tortuguero, so we took the only possible route – boating through the lush canals.  This was part of the adventure.  A near 2 hour boat trip lead us through the Canal de Tortuguero and through some stunning rainforests at the banks of the swamps.  Shortly after pushing off the dock, a crocodile caught our attention.  The kids were especially excited as he was just a bit too close for comfort.  Competing with the crocodile, Howler and Spider monkeys were staging a noisy show in the treetops.  A sloth flaunted his cuddly koala-like side.   There were turtles and birds of every variety – egrets, herons and toucans flying overhead.  At every bend in the river, a surprise awaited us.  As there is no human settlement, nature truly dominates here.

A Croc Just a Little Too Close for Comfort!

As we neared Tortuguero town, the rainforest gave way to expansive beaches, the perfect nesting ground for the sea turtles.   Tortuguero National Park was created to protect and preserve its turtle residents – Green Sea Turtles, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Loggerheads.   On our own in the afternoon, we explored tiny Tortuguero town, a truly magical little village.  There are no cars here, only bikes and boats.  Walking paths extend through the village and into the National Park.  We started out on a self-guided walk through the Los Raudales Nature Trail to reach a scenic point of magnificent vistas – the azure ocean, the near-blinding white beaches and the sight of waves crashing against the rocks.

Tortuguero's Pristine Beaches

Los Raudales Nature Trail

The next morning we chose to take a guided ecotour through the park’s canals.  Tortuguero National Park hosts a network of stunning black water canals where we spotted all kinds of monkeys and other birds, as well as an abundance of marine life.  Our guide pointed out the sloths, spider and capuchin monkeys which would have been lost to us among the thick foliage.  We spotted a large iguana nearly dropping from a tree precariously, and a Jesus lizard, famous for its ability to run on the water.  Cruising through the canals covered completely by the canopy of the rainforest, the plant and animal life found here is unimaginable.

Iguana in the Trees

In the evening, we were all especially excited, anticipating our turtle nesting walk.  To the waning moon and in complete darkness, we made our way, single file, to the beach.  The sounds of crashing waves and the smell of salt in the humid air gave evidence to our direction in the black night.  The dimmed red light of our guide led the way, as the sand gave way under us. 

Suddenly a huge Green Sea Turtle loomed ahead, its sheer size impressive.  Unaware of our presence, the turtle inhaled and with every exhale, it laid between 2-4 bluish eggs.  It seems these turtles lay between 200-300 eggs at a time, but very few survive.  After dropping the eggs, the turtles hide the eggs in the sand.  The sight of this natural process which has been going on for thousands of years was incredible to witness.  For the kids especially it was an experience which left them with their mouths agape.

Green Sea Turtles Nesting and Hiding the Eggs

On our final morning, we clambered up Tortuguero Island Mountain with our guide, where we saw rubber trees, strangler trees, bright red poison dart frogs, a cave of vampire bats and termite labyrinth.  We learned about natural rainforest healing plants and took in the whole of this magnificent island.

View from Tortuguero Mountain Peak

 Tortuguero is Costa Rica’s breathtaking jungle.  A trip here is a not-too-be-missed adventure into a min-Amazon.

 
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Amazing Water Adventures Await You in Costa Rica

On September 9, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Costa Rica offers a wide array of water adventures and water-related sports.  The country’s 1200 km coastline affords some of the best water sports beaches offering surfing, snorkeling, board surfing and scuba diving, while inland rivers and rainforests are packed with boating, kayaking and white water rafting adventures.

Surfing, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Some of the world’s best year-round surfing lures water enthusiasts to Costa Rica.  From mid-December to April, during the country’s summer, the most popular surfing location is on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast.  Tamarindo, a small beach community, boasts beach surfing, river mouth surfing and some challenging surfing opportunities around the area’s well-known reefs.

Surfing on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

On the Caribbean coast, Play Cocles is a favorite with surfers and in a remote and peaceful setting on the southern Pacific coast, Matapalo on the Osa Peninsula proffers world class surfing.  This is also the best region for scuba diving and snorkeling.  Drake Bay, on the northern tip of the Osa Peninsula, features crystalline clear blue waters where corals, several species of crustaceans and three species of dolphins reside.  Octal, on the Gulf of Papagayo, offers diving courses as well as great snorkeling and fishing adventures.  Water activities like the above range from relaxing getaways to high adventures in the depths of the Costa Rican underwater world.

Snorkeling in Calm Blue Waers

Rafting and Kayaking

From low impact, pleasant gliding and kayaking across calm, tropical waters to tackling with water challenges on class III and IV river rapids, Costa Rica has it all.  The Pacuare, Sarapiqui and Corobici Rivers are great destinations for unforgettable water adventures. 

The Pacuare River is divided into 3 sections, from easy gliding to high adventure rapids.  Surrounded by dense, tropical rainforest in the Guanacaste region, the Tenorio River offers high adventure with some of the most exhilarating white water rafting challenges.  Advanced rafters have the opportunity to tackle class III and IV river conditions in a 15 mile fast flowing wild and untamed white water adventure.

Pacuare River Rafting

If the thought of rafting down fierce white water rapids while holding on for dear life is not for you, then a pleasant glide down the Corobici River may be your style.  Situated in the lush rain and mangrove forests, the Corobici River provides on of the calmest rafting adventures through stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife viewing opportunities.  With flora including ceiba and mahogany trees, wild birds of paradise and over 300 species of birds, howler and white faced monkeys, iguanas and lizards, Rio corobici in Guanacaste features one of Costa Rica’s most picturesque riverscapes and offers a memorable adventure for the entire family.

The Calm Waters of the Corobici River

Wild Bird of Paradise - Gorgeous!

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Thrill to the Wonders of Nepal’s Exhilarating Rafting Vacations

On June 28, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Originating from the high Himalaya glaciers and plunging through gorges and forested foothills, Nepal’s rivers, considered sacred goddesses, provide some of the best rafting vacations and kayaking adventures available.    The most popular of the rafting rivers, The Trisuli River, offers a fascinating experience for both first –time and veteran rafters.  Easily accessible from both Kathmandu and Pokhara, it makes for a perfect Nepal rafting trip geared to the entire family.

Following the course of the national Prithivi Highway, which links Kathmandu to India, the Trisuli River embodies a blend of divine vistas – impressive gorges, scenic valleys, and varied wildlife with a combination of exhilarating and easy white water rapids including big, bouncy waves, hefty holes and tricky chutes.   Carving its way through some very impressive gorges down the 2000m high Mahabharat Range, the wild, uninhabited scenery gives way to a profusion of wildlife and colorful birds, including eagles and vultures.  Continuing down towards Chitwan National Park,   crocodiles and rhinos line the riverside. 

Trisuli River View

The river’s rapids are easily negotiated and straightforward for most of the year, and provide an excellent short river rafting experience with beautiful scenery, a tranquil and peaceful environment and overnight camping on offer to boot. The river spans a distance of some 140 km. and is also popular with skilled kayakers.  Trip lengths range form relaxed one-week excursions, starting at Trisuli Bazaar and ending in Chitwan, to local one-day rafting adventures along the river’s course.

Rafting on the Tirsuli River

Wildlife Along the Way

For experienced white water rafters, the Bhote Kosi River provides non-stop, heart pounding action.  The steepest river in Nepal, the Bhote Kosi is spectacular in its overwhelming drop of several thousand meters as it cuts its course from Tibet to Nepal through tremendous gorges with cascading waterfalls and thundering rapids.  This certainly isn’t a rafting adventure for the faint of heart!

Bhote Kosi River Rafting

Be it the Trisuli or the Bhote Kosi, Nepal’s rivers offer whitewater fun in  unforgettable rafting vacations  to be shard by the entire family.

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Explore the Riveting Beauty of Nepal’s Heart of Adventure

On June 24, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Annapurna mountain range in a valley floor, scenic Pokhara is an area of tranquil lakes and ancient caves.  The city’s eponymous name, derived from the Nepalese “Pokhari” – pond- reflects its status as the center of 5 rivers and 8 lovely surrounding lakes.  Situated about 200 km from Kathmandu, Pokhara is one of the most picturesque spots in Nepal, offering magnificent views of the Annapurna and other Himalayan peaks.

Pokhara as Seen from the Peace Pagoda

Pokhara serves as the starting point for most treks in the Annapurna range.  Beyond trekking, it is a base for a myriad of activities, including kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking and ultra-light flying.  Its numerous, lovely lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming, and its scenic environs are home to short treks and walks with stunning vistas. Mountain flights offer aerial views of the dazzling  Annapurna Range.

Lake Phewa to the Backdrop of Annapurna Range

To the backdrop of high glacial peaks, Lake Phewa, enshrouded in thick forests, is home to numerous monkeys and other wildlife,  and features serene, mirror-like waters reflecting Annapurna and Mount Machhapuchhre.   Boating in the lake, you will come upon an island housing the Barahi Temple; a two-storied pagoda dedicated the Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti.

The Barahi Temple

Short treks take you to Sarangkot and the Shanti Stupa (temple) for awe-inspiring scenery.  One of the highest viewpoints in Pokhara, Sarangkot   features magnificent sights, the crowning glory at its summit being the ruins of a stone fortress built by the Kashi Kingdom.  From here, splendid panoramas of the valley, Lake Phewa and the Himalayan peaks can be observed.

Lake Phewa from Sarangot Viewpoint

Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)

At dawn and sunset, the view from Sarangkot is striking, yet it is even better from the Shanti Stupa, the World Peace Pagoda.  Nestled atop a hill overlooking Lake Phewa, the stupa was built about 20 years ago and offers the same sweeping scenery found at Sarangkot, with the additional beauty of Pokhara and the sapphire blue lake cradled in the valley below.  On the way, stop at Devi’s Fall, a unique waterfall plunging into a deep, narrow endless canal.

Devi's Fall

Among the caves, Mahendra Cave, in the northern Pokhara valley, is one of the few stalactite-stalagmite caves in Nepal.  Along with the Chamare Gufa, the Bat Cave, both are home to rare species of bats.

Hustle Bustle of Old Bazaar

Pokhara’s colorful Old Bazaar provides an up-close encounter with local life and is an experience not to be missed.  Bustling with ethnically diverse stalls from places as far as Kashmir, Tibet and China, the market abounds with monuments depicting Newari culture and tradition.  Additionally, it is home to the Shrine of Bindyabasini Mandir, dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, another manifestation of Shakti.

Bindyabasini Temple

Kathmandu may be the cultural hub of Nepal, but Pokhara is considered the country’s center of adventure.  This enchanting city exudes a sense of vitality and excitement and affords a great base for family adventure travel.

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The Irresistible Lure of the Great Barrier Reef

On April 22, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Spanning nearly 3000 km (1800 mi) of Australia’s northeastern coast, the Great Barrier Reef reveals the world’s largest collection of coral and marine life.  An impressive garden of coral systems and cays with over 400 coral varieties, and a plethora of marine life of some 1500 species of tropical fish, sponges, mollusks, rays, dolphins and sea turtles make this amazing marine park a snorkeling and diving paradise.

Diverse Marine Life in the Reef

We made our base on Heron Island, a coral cay at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and an excellent family location to discover the wonders of this amazing place.  Here the kids loved the endless coral garden in the waters right off the beach, and the vibrant kaleidoscope of marine life.  Heron is a haven for nature lovers with a rich variety of bird life, including herons, mutton birds and terns flocking the island.  It is also one of the few places you can take guided reef walks and learn about the ecology unique to the Great Barrier Reef.  For us, it was the perfect destination to start our adventure.

Marine Life while Snorkeling

We chose to venture out onto the outer reef for a day of snorkeling.  Once in the water, the rewards are immediate and we spent our first hour paddling around the surface, just in awe of the amazing reef below.  The reef was shallow and breathtaking, with the brilliant colors of the coral everywhere, touched only by a slight tinge of the blue ocean.  Hundreds of vibrantly colored fish crossed below and around us.  Certainly used to the humans around them, these fish are not shy!  Some of the larger ones even let us touch them.

Sea Turtle

We spotted anemones with clownfish in their  clutches and parrotfish chasing each other through and around  the corals.  With every turn, a new wonder appeared – a sea turtle here, a giant clam on the sand below, a spotted cod, a giant batfish, a school of neon fish – we were up close and personal with marine life!

Anemone with Clownfish

Having had our fill of snorkeling for the day, we made our way back towards Heron Island, stopping along the way at a lovely sandy cay, one of the many which run along the surface of the waters here.  On our own private little isle, we enjoyed our picnic.  After a day packed with adventure, we headed back to our lush paradise.

Stopping to Snorkel and Swim

The Great Barrier Reef holds an irresistible draw for snorkelers, scuba divers and just anyone curious about the wonders of marine life.  There is no end to what this marine park holds in store!

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Australia Travel Destinations: Adventure Outdoors on the Great Ocean Road

On April 12, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

The Great Ocean Road, Australia’s beautiful scenic drive comparable to California’s coastal Hwy 1, follows the striking Victoria coastline southwest of Melbourne.  Starting at Torquay, the 243 km. drive winds through cliff tops to breathtaking headlands, crossing rivers and rainforests and meandering down onto coastal beaches to open to stunning panoramic views before ending just east of Warrnambool.

View of the Great Ocean Road

Apollo Bay Sunrise

This dramatic, windswept region covers an incredible range of surroundings, taking in surfing beaches, historic ports, and whale viewing points, spectacular national parks, rainforests and mountains.  The most impressive section is perhaps the stretch between Lorn and Apollo Bay, where sheer cliffs drop away into the ocean, commanding views of swelling waves crashing onto the rocks below.  At Apollo Bay, water sports and great adventure travel  activities abound, with surfing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and fishing being most popular.

Great Otways National Park

Lush Great Otways Park

From Apollo Bay, the Great Ocean Road winds through the Great Otway National Park,    studded with some of Victoria’s most striking scenery of ancient rainforests, tall wet and dry inland forests, slopes and woodlands.  Wildlife is abundant throughout the park with 36 species of native mammals, including koalas, kangaroos, emus, and Australian fur seals.   At Melba Gully, thousands of glow worms provide a spectacular light show, and a dawn canoe trip on Lake Elizabeth offers views of platypus in the wild.  Mountain biking, horseback riding and walking trails lead to dazzling waterfalls, the most spectacular being the Triplet Falls.

Koalas in the Park

Australia Fur Seal

Great Otway National Park is also home to the 91 km. long Great Ocean Walk, with its diverse landscapes of towering cliffs, white, sandy beaches and thick forests.   From here, the long curving road rejoins the coast at Shipwreck Coast, near Port Campbell, which highlights perhaps the most dramatic of the coastline sights – the Twelve Apostles.  These giant rock stacks, rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, were created over millions of years by the constant erosion of mainland cliffs, blasted by winds, waves and salt.  Of the twelve apostles, only six remain, but these provide particularly impressive views from sunrise to sunset with their dark, foreboding- to brilliant ochre colors changing with the sun’s light.  Among the other remarkable natural rock formations here are the London Bridge and the The Arch.

The Twelve Apostles

Towards the end of this scenic route, at Warrnambool, whale and dolphin watching are especially popular with children.  Here, Southern right whales abound and bottlenose dolphins can be spotted from the shore while Australian Fur Seals loll on the beach.  The Great Ocean Road ends shortly thereafter at Port Fairy, a charming, small fishing village.

Great Ocean Road Formations

The spectacle of rugged coastline, breathtaking forests, waterfalls and cliffs, combined with abundant wildlife and a wealth of activities on offer   provides families with the best of Australia’s wildlife travel experiences  and  adventure outdoors.

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Morocco’s Water Sports Capital Unveiled

On April 6, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Essaouira, and 18th century seaside town enclosed by medieval-looking fortifications is Morocco’s most popular seaside  resort.  Influenced by Portuguese, French and Berber culture, the white-walled backdrop of the town, with its ramparts, its harbor with boat builders and fishermen and its wooded hills, gives way to a beautifully curved beach of white sands and windy dunes.  Magical and mystical, its name, Essaouira, meaning “image” is highly appropriate.  The best spot to unwind after a desert trek, the atmosphere here is laid –back and easy.

View of Essaouira from Sea

Windsurfing in Essaouira

Considered Morocco’s water sport capital, Essaouira offers every imaginable water sport:  water boarding, surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, sailing and fishing are popular activities for every age and level here.  Known as the “windy City”, Essaouira is the model destination for windsurfers, kite surfers and surfers worldwide.  Awash with surfers from around the world in the summer, it is an excellent destination for surfing novices as well.  The white, sandy beach stretches for miles and miles, making it a main attraction.

...and Water Sports

 

Beyond the myriad of water sports on offer here, Essaouira’s countryside features spectacular nature and stunning scenery.  Adventure opportunities abound and include horseback riding, cycling and jeep safaris.

Inside the city

Essaouira’s city center is magical.   Narrow streets, chalk-white houses with cobalt blue doors, lovely squares where locals congregate and a mystical Medina add to its unique ambiance.  The bustling harbor, with its nets spread on the pier, fishermen unloading their catch, craftsmen building traditional wooden boats and the waft of grilled seafood only add to its appeal.  The hospitality of locals, the thriving harbor, the colorful souks and the perfect beaches of white sand, coupled with the array of water sports offered here make Essaouira an ideal destination for water sports adventures for families.

The Harbor

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Unwind in A Hammam: An Intimate Look at a Moroccan Bath House

On April 1, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, Uncategorized, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

A Moroccan bath house, a Hammam, is an important part of the local culture.  Originally descended from the Roman bath and fashioned after Turkish baths, Moroccan Hammams were created because most homes lacked indoor plumbing.  Moroccan Hammams were also rooted in Islamic rituals.  Today, however, Hammams have become a place where locals go at least once a week to soak, exfoliate and catch up on the latest gossip with friends.

 

Walking into the Hammam, I hardly knew what to expect.  Opening the giant wooden door, the sights and fragrances that greeted me were incredible.   Fragrant candles, rose petals scattered throughout, warm burnished wood, fountains, stunning stained glass lanterns, sheer gold curtains – these were only part of the elaborate decorations that held me captive from the start.

 

With a robe in hand, I was directed to a changing room and then led to the sauna, passing more fresh flower bouquets and bubbling fountains on the way.  Opening the door to the sauna, I was enveloped by the fragrant steam, as the scent of orange blossoms and rose water filled the air.  After a long day of trekking in the hot Moroccan sun, my skin soaked up the lovely moisture, my muscles took a break from strenuous touring as a total sense of relaxation came over me.

 

My masseuse entered the sauna, handing me a scoop of henna-clay mixture, and signaled to me to cover myself in the goop and scrub.  Covered in the mud, I felt the billowing steam work its magic and awaited her return.  Eventually, she came in with an exfoliating glove, all ready to scrub me off, shedding dead skin and impurities.  More rinsing and lathering followed until my skin was rosy-red and baby-smooth.

Soothing music and the smell of almonds filled the air.  Then, for complete relaxation, a full body massage!  Regretfully thinking that I was finished, I rose to depart, only to be greeted by the dramatic finale as a bucket of cold water was poured over my head! 

“Ah” I thought, “More energy to continue my adventures in this great land.” 

No doubt, a Moroccan Hammam is the perfect place to unwind, relax, re-energize and come out squeaky clean!

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Mendoza – Argentina’s Top Family Adventure Outdoors Destination

On February 16, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

At the base of the Andes in western Argentina, the province of Mendoza, set against the backdrop of the Andes highest peak, is an area of breathtaking beauty and a destination offering diverse attractions and adventures.  The scenery of over 900 vineyards, stretching out to the far-reaching horizon, against the Cerro Aconcagua looming high above creates a stark contrast of mountain and valley in this dry, arid province.

Cerro Aconcagua

Mendoza

The city of Mendoza, the province’s capital, presents a lush oasis in the desert-like region, with its huge plazas, wide boulevards shaded by towering sycamores, pedestrianized streets with lively cafes, forested parks and local street fairs.  The city’s outskirts, however, are its real attraction.  Driving west from the city, the landscape of rolling vineyards opens to a world-renowned wine country proffering daily wine tours and tasting.

Nestled within the Cordon del Plata, the front range of the towering Andes seen from the city, great excursions are available.  Day hikes to Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6962 m. and second only to Mt. Everest in the Himalayas, are popular here.  Posta Chacritas, a 22000 acre estancia offers welcoming accommodations in the region with guided horseback riding, mountain biking, rappelling, trekking and canoeing trips.

Cordon del Plata

Further on, the small town of Uspallata and its eponymous valley, a lush green area created from the melting snows of the mammoth mountains towering above, presents incredibly beautiful viewpoints of the rainbow red, purple, orange, yellow and pink colors of the rock mountains that rise from the crystal clear river waters.  Here, the Mendoza River boasts the best whitewater rafting in Argentina.  Studded with class III and IV rapids, it offers all requisite conditions for speeding through its thundering waves, snaking its way across the upper valley region through Precordilla.  Unforgettable rafting journeys for the entire family can be had at the tamer Atuel River canyon, set at the foot of the Overo volcano, where class I and II rafting is offered.

White water Rafting on the Mendoza River

Puente del Inca

Further on, the Puente del Inca, a fascinating geological phenomenon and historically a spiritual   place for the Incas, features a natural bridge created from the sulfuric waters of the local hot springs, turning everything in its way yellow.  Walking to Aconcagua National Park from here, you’ll arrive at stunning Lago Horcones.

In the winter, the area is a popular ski destination with world-class resorts dotting its peaks.  The Penitentes and Las Lenas ski areas provide terrain for every level with their many runs.  In addition, the thermal springs offer a perfect way to relax tired limbs after an adventure-packed day.

Las Lenas Skiing

The host of sights – the rivers, creeks, mountains and stunning valleys,  the adventures possible , from laid-back walking to class IV rafting, the region’s lovely metropolis of Mendoza, second largest in Argentina – all combine to make Mendoza Province an ideal family adventure holiday spot to be included in an Argentinean vacation.

Mendoza- Argentina's Wine Country

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