LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | Epic Journey of locals and tourists, which offers a wide range of places to stay, eat, and shop. Entering MP is like slipping into another world; it's mystical from the moment you see your first ruin to the moment you take one last look. This is not the kind of place you quickly take a few photos then move on but rather you find a spot to sit and take in all that lies before you. Having an educated and passionate guide made the experience complete, as Silver discussed the various theories that account for certain architectural designs and the function of the terraces and temples. Some of our group opted to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu; I can tell you it's like two weeks of stair master in about an hour's time. The view is worth it if you don't mind steep drop offs. We finished our visit to MP by hiking to the Sun Gate, where we sat quietly to take in all of the magic surrounding us and to give thanks for the opportunity to experience such an amazing culture. So the next time you find yourself ready to travel, give the globe a spin, find the perfect outfitter for you, get physically and mentally prepared, pack your bags (lightly please) and jump into a new adventure with both feet. The challenges you conquer and the memories you make will last a lifetime and the new friends who support and encourage you will have you wondering why it took so long to take a trip like that. Expert advice to prospective travelers: Adventure Travel is a business that has seen tremendous growth over the past 20 years. There are hundreds of companies operating as outfitters and with the right amount of research you can usually find a company that offers some kind of active adventure trip in just about every corner of the world. With so many of these companies offering trips you need to be careful and diligent about finding the right trip for you. Doing your homework might make the difference between guaranteed safety and adventure, or danger and mishap. Finding the right company is the first big step. It's important to identify all the factors that will weigh into your decision making process such as what type of travel group you prefer, the kinds of activities you are interested in, as well as the physical requirements. Finding a trip that will suit your level of fitness and desire for adventure is key. u Sitting in the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu 48 LOCALadk Magazine Spring 2013

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