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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How to Explore Costa Rica’s Hidden Delights

On September 23, 2011, In Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, By Sylvia Arad

An adventure-packed, intense way to explore Costa Rica’s rough terrain is by cycling and horseback riding.  Both of these activities are among the best for exploring the more remote areas of the country.

Horseback Riding

Beyond the pure pleasure of the riding experience itself, reaching beautiful isolated regions can sometimes only be accomplished on the back of a horse.  To this day, horseback riding is a basic means of transportation in Costa Rica where villagers in rural areas still use horses as the main means of travel.  Horseback riding trips come in all versions – short treks or multi-day expeditions, beginner adventures to trips for advanced riders.

From Coasts To Mountains on Costa Rica's Trails

A horse riding excursion can take you from the Pacific coastline through impressive river canyons, where you will come upon the plants and wildlife that adorn the country’s landscapes – monkeys, butterflies, unique insects and myriads of colorful birds pave the way for great sightings.  Or ride into the mountains where you may want to explore the Cloud Forest Valley, and then descend to the Arenal Volcano and on to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall.  Stop in the area to relax and soak sore limbs in the healing waters of one of the region’s hot springs.

Rainforest Trails

...And Mountain Views

Riding through any of the expansive green mountain meadows and local ranches of the country or galloping across the white sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean offers the kind of exhilaration and vitality that only riding atop a horse can provide and is just one of many active adventures that make Costa Rica such an adventure packed destination.

Mountain Biking

Manuel Antonio National Park is a mountain biker’s paradise with its stunning hilly landscapes, dense tropical forest and great beaches. 

Mountain Biking in Costa Rica

Enveloped in the misty jungle and abundant wildlife including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, macaws and toucans, you’ll cycle through hidden trails to remote waterfalls and isolated vistas.  Paddle through mountain landscapes, riverbanks and along the beautiful white beaches of the central Pacific coast on biking trips with distances ranging from 20 to 60 km. with levels designed for beginners to the most experienced bikers.

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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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Discover the Riveting Beauty of Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders and Wildlife

On September 2, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

A premiere eco-tourism destination, Costa Rica is a treasure trove for wildlife adventure.  Its numerous national parks are nature’s live theater, inhabited by rare and magnificent species, while its wonderful hiking trails meander through the country’s natural wonders.

Hiking in Costa Rica

Beautiful trails abound in the humid rain and cloud forests, on the clay paths skirting the numerous volcanoes and through the tracks of wildlife refuges and biological reserves.  Nature hikes range from well-marked easy paths to challenging trails that traverse through a variety of ecosystems in the country’s rich forests, volcanoes and coasts.

Costa Rica's Beautiful Hiking Trails

The numerous trails around Arenal Volcano will awaken your spirit of adventure while the easily accessible hiking paths in Cahuita National Park follow the coastline.  Corcovado National Park is an excellent venue for enthusiastic hikers and offers outstanding wildlife viewing.   Other great hiking areas include the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where a range of easy hikes lead to boiling mud pots, bird-filled forests with   waterfalls and water holes where hikers can soak in cool waters. 

A Myriad of Birds on Hiking Trails

Hiking in Costa Rica is the way to experience what nature and the pristine diverse environs have to offer.  The scenery is truly splendid and wildlife viewing and adventures are best realized on foot.

 

Wildlife Adventures

  The rainbow colors of scarlet macaws, toucans and flashes of blue and green hummingbirds envelop the forests with vibrant sights and sounds.  Monkeys galore, including white capuchins, howlers and others are easily spotted cavorting through the dense forest branches, with iguanas and coatimundis hot on their heels. Shaggy fur sloths, camouflaged by green-tinted algae, barely move to make themselves indistinguishable from their surroundings.  Red-eyed tree frogs, electric-blue morphos, the neon spectacle of the butterfly world, make for an awe-gaping show.

Red Eyed Tree Frog

Blue Morpho Butterfly

Throughout Costa Rica, wildlife refuge centers, natural wildlife museums and nature reserves abound.  Monte Verde Cloud forest alone boasts a reptile museum, a butterfly house and several other natural museums.  Tortuguero National park is home and refuge to the world’s most diverse range of turtles, including Hawksbill, Green Sea, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, which nest along its pristine beaches throughout much of the year.  A sloth sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured sloths, and the Barra Del Colorado Wildlife Refuge offers a protected wildlife environment to a wide range of animals.

White Capuchin Monkey

Colorful Humming Birds

Costa Rica boasts a tempting wildlife environment featuring both guided wildlife exploration with expert naturalists as well as a myriad of self-guided opportunities.

Rich, lush and teeming with biodiversity, Costa Rica is one of the world’s best all-encompassing adventure destinations for every age and every type of traveler. Its coastline boasts superb beaches, and inland, its volcanoes and numerous great rainforests flourish.  Coupled with excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as a countless range of additional adventure activities, Costa Rica is an ideal family adventure vacation destination.

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Discover Australia’s Fascinating Adventure Playground

On May 3, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Biking & Hiking, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Some 60 km west of Sydney  lie the Blue Mountains, Australia’s most accessible wilderness and an expanse offering a world of adventure.  With over one million hectares of the most breathtaking scenery, this paradise of nature is home to seven national parks providing a myriad of adventure travel experiences geared to every level and interest.

Blue Haze over Blue Mountains

A natural playground of craggy mountains, spectacular rainforests, breathtaking canyons and caves, awesome waterfalls and meandering rivers and creeks, the Blue Mountains provide adventures galore with miles of walking, hiking and biking trails, canyoning, rock climbing and adventure caving opportunities, as well as horseback riding, abseiling and 4 WD experiences.  Wildlife viewing is part and parcel of the area.

Wildlife - Kangaroos

Wildlife - Birds

Located at Katoomba, the main town and gateway to the Blue Mountains, the spectacular Three Sisters, a magnificent series of craggy rock formations, are one of the most spectacular not-to-be-missed highlights here.  Situated side by side, these 3 mountain peaks are surrounded by cliffs that resemble the Grand Canyon.  According to Aboriginal legend, 3 sisters of the Katoomba tribe fell in love with 3 brothers from a rival tribe.  In order to protect the sisters during the ensuing battle, the local witch doctor turned them into stone.  Intending to reverse the spell later on, the witch doctor was killed in the battle and the sisters remained in their breathtaking rock formation.  Short walks atop the peaks look out upon the panorama of the range and rock climbing, canyoning and caving are popular here.  The gentle 60 ft. drop from the top provides a spectacular abseil experience.  

The Three Sisters

 

The Featherdale Wildlife Center offers a natural wildlife zoo where native Australian animals, among them koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras, can be viewed.  A walk in the bush provides the natural setting for spotting these local residents.  Bushwalks, from 1 hour walks to challenging hikes, lead to tempting locations, among them the Ruined Castle and the Blue Gum forest.  Ridgetop walks, such as the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, open to amazing scenery and provide spectacular vistas of the Jamison and Grose Valleys.  And beautiful rainforests, such as the Leura Forest, are hidden in the depths of the towering canyons. 

Jamison Valley

For the more adventurous, 4WD trips take you exploring inland to such spots as the Jenolean Cave, an amazing cave formation   with intricate walks through its stalactite-stalagmite columns.  The 3-hour walk is a slithering-sliding caving experience, with even ghostly night walks offered!

For youngsters, the region’s best part is a series of scenic rides.  The Scenic Skyway provides a journey above the ancient ravines and sparkling waterfalls.  The highlight of the rides is the Scenic Railway, the steepest incline railway in the world, which features a smooth 415 m. descent from a cliffside tunnel to an ancient rainforest.  Here a Scenic Walkway guides through the rain forest to a Scenic Cableway which travels through the World Heritage listed Jamison Valley Rainforest.

Scenic Skyway

The breathtaking landscapes, terrain and activities available to travelers in Australia’s Blue Mountains lend themselves to an unmatched family adventure holiday experience.

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Hiking Vacations on Cradle Mountain

On April 29, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

If you’ve ever wanted to leave civilization behind, get close to nature, spend quality family time and experience some great wilderness, nothing beats Cradle Mountain in Tasmania.  A model for accessible wilderness in Tasmania’s best known national park, Cradle Mountain is  located in the World Heritage Wilderness Area of the spectacular Cradle Mt./St. Claire National Park. 

Mural at Sheffield

Tasmania had long been a source of fascination for us, and  being in Australia, we had every intention of experiencing this island.  We started out in Launceston, planning an early morning start.  Along the way, there was much to see – waterfalls, plants and animals we had never before encountered.  What impressed us most, however, was the small town of Sheffield.  Passing though, we stopped in our tracks, struck by the many murals we saw around us.  The town is a fascinating place to wander, with some 40 murals adorning the buildings, depicting rural life, the region’s history and its legends.

We arrived at our lodge in the evening to be greeted by a warm, toasty fire and simple creature comforts.  Situated in a unique wilderness setting, the lodge sits amidst the rugged beauty of entrancing ancient mountain peaks and glacial lakes, and offers numerous activities including horse riding, fishing, canoeing and guided hiking.

Cradle Mountain Lodge

We rose early next morning, planning a full day of walking.  Making our way to the park’s entrance, we were enveloped by cloud forests.  At the entrance, we were awe-struck by the shrouded grandeur of the alpine eucalyptus landscape framed by the brooding peaks.   Stopping at the visitor center, we discovered an excellent facility with detailed information covering weather, track conditions, menus for shorter and longer walks and hikes, and extensive flora and fauna displays.

The Enchanted Walk

 As the sun broke through, we knew a good day for walking was ahead.  We started with a short walk along the banks of the Pencil Pine River on the Enchanted Walk, treading through tea tree thickets, eucalypt woodlands and mossy myrtle forests.  We hoped to catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in the waters, and were not disappointed when we caught sight of a wombat instead!

Surprising Wombat

Pencil Pine Falls

We continued following the track along a boardwalk to Pencil Pine Falls, where the cascading falls greeted us and the tranquil river beckoned.  After frolicking in the invigorating water, we set out for our longer walk around nearby Dove Lake.  Dove Lake is the starting point of the famous Overland Track, a 5-day hike covering nearly 90 km and ending at Lake St. Claire.   

Dove Lake with Backdrop of Cradle Mt.

As the clouds lifted, the lake mirrored a panoramic display  of the Cradle Mountain peaks and forests to expose the full glory of this inspiring place.  We meandered on, watching the grazing wallabies and native birds feasting on wildflowers.  At the lake’s southern shore, we stopped for a family picnic and paused to enjoy the pristine view, whose silver blue waters were ruffled only by  canoeists gliding gently down.

Dove Lake from the Overland Track

The 3 hr. walk around the circuit took us through a primeval forest and rugged, beautiful landscape framed by the jagged Cradle Mountain peaks.  We returned to the lodge to the warmth of a roaring log fire,  the delights of delicious hot soup and the pleasure of knowing we had yet another day of family adventure outdoors in the Tasmanian wilderness ahead of us.

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Australian Wildlife Conservancy on Kangaroo Island

On April 15, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

In a country that offers abundant wildlife experiences, Australia’s Kangaroo Island provides the opportunity to explore an unspoilt, natural environment on a scale that is rare.   Kangaroo Island, known as KI by the locals, is big and surprisingly diverse; its best feature being the natural wildlife sanctuary it embraces. 

Kangaroo Island's Beaches

 

KI’s wildlife is its biggest highlight, but many other scenic treasures are to be found here:  The white, sandy beaches are unspoilt, uncrowded and unmissable.  The soaring cliffs, dense forest and wetlands protected in the several conservation parks are testament to the island’s serious commitment to sustainable tourism and wildlife conservancy; and its limited industry keeps the island green and clean, while focusing on specialties that add to the diversity.

Over a third of the island is a Conservation or National park encompassing five Wilderness Protection areas.  On your hikes on the many walking trails in the protected areas of Flinders Chase Noational Park  and nearby Hanson Bay, you are certain to see platypus, kangaroos, wallabies, tiger snakes, dolphins, penguins, seals and a variety of birds – all in the wild and all in their most natural environment.

The Remarkable Rocks

The Remarkable Rocks, a mass of granite boulders atop a sheer granite dome dropping 75 m to the sea, are not to be missed.   At Admirals Arch, spot the Australian Sea Lions and New Zealand Fur Lions in great numbers.  

Admiral's Arch

At Seal Bay visitors can walk among the only accessible colony of hundreds of Australian Sea Lions who gather together.  Seal Bay underscores the commitment to sustainable tourism in balance with environmental needs.  A simple visitor center leads to a boardwalk for beachfront viewing areas where the sea lions can be observed basking, playing and returning from fishing expeditions.  Access to the sand, however, is possible only with a ranger, and only on the seal’s terms.  No elaborate tourism mania bedecks this area, where the animals come first.

Seals at Seal Bay

At Kelly Hill Conservation Park, climb up the rock faces and crevasses of the magnificent caves, with their impressive stalactites, stalagmites and helictites.  Kelly Hill is an ideal spot to try adventure caving.

Inside the Caves

Fairy Penguins are found living and breeding in their burrows along the coastline, with guided tours available daily in Penneshaw and Kingscote, the island’s main towns.  One of the most entertaining sights is also the daily pelican feeding time in Kingscote, as well as watching the only remaining strain of pure Ligurian bees in the world at work.  The honey they make is one of KI’s specialized environmentally friendly industries.

Pelican Feeding

To experience KI’s history up-close, consider staying in one of the old stone lighthouse cottages dating back to the 1800’s.  Found along the coastline, these cottages not only offer a history lesson and a mesmerizing coastline where marine and wildlife abounds – they also provide real adventure for youngsters!

Beyond it’s enviable  position as Australia’s best natural wildlife sanctuary and it’s entrancing beauty, Kangaroo Island serves as a model of an ecologically protected, sustainable tourism destination upholding wildlife  conservancy.

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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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Unique Family Hiking Vacations in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains

On March 29, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

One of the best ways to experience the wonders of Morocco is by hiking.  Whether walking an hour or trekking a week, Morocco is best appreciated out on the trails.  Dramatic and beautiful, the striking High Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s highest peaks, make this region a perfect trekking and adventure outdoors destination.

Blessed with plenty of rainfall and a varied climate, the Atlas Mountains feature an enticing combination of arid peaks, verdant valleys, fascinating Berber villages and virtually deserted trails.  The region is a Mecca for everything from easy rambles to challenging hikes, rock climbing and mountaineering.  On the other hand, outdoor adventure here is not limited to exploration on foot – mountain biking, horseback riding and 4 x 4 safaris are readily on offer.

At the center of most challenging trekking expeditions in the district sits Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in northern Africa.  Towering at nearly 4167 m, the trek up is strenuous but well worth the effect.  The view from the peak is other-worldly, encompassing the Marrakech plain, the northern part of the High Atlas and the Sahara.

Mount Toubkal

Todra Gorge

The Todra Gorge, near the village of Tinerher, is clearly among the most dramatic sights in the High Atlas.  The stunning scenery of towering 300m limestone cliffs, lush date and fig trees and an icy-blue river at the foot of the gorge form the backdrop for an amazing hiking adventure  At points, the pass through the gorge is no wider than 10 m, while the sheer rock formations tower above.  Wandering off the beaten track, trails lead to areas of absolute silence, where peace and serenity settle in quickly.  Not merely a mountain pass, the gorge forms part of the main access way between Tinerher and the town of Tamatattoucht in the Ait Morrhad Valley.   Alternatively, 4 x 4 safaris and horseback riding are another way to explore this amazing canyon.

Dotted by small, ancient villages terraced beautifully into the sides of the slopes and valleys, the foothills of the High Atlas are populated mainly by the Berbers, the original inhabitants of North Africa.  The culture and tradition of these peoples has remained intact, and their way of life simple:  Farmers tend their fields and orchards, goatherds watch over their charge and mountain life has hardly changed throughout the centuries.  Berber hospitality is second to none and the simple accommodations they offer afford travelers and trekkers a glimpse into local life.

berber Village on Atlas hills

Berber washerwomen

The off-the-beaten-trek region of the High Atlas Mountains presents varied and undiscovered routes, amazing scenery and plenty of hiking trails and adventure travel opportunities at their best.

Atlas Mountains Colors

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