Trips to Peru can cover a lot of ground. This wildly dynamic South American nation traverses a wide range of ecosystems and landscapes from the tropical Amazonian lowlands to the windswept Pacific coast, crossing the mighty Andes mountains on the way. One of Peru’s national treasures that draws adventurers from every corner of the globe is Machu Picchu, built by the historic indigenous society of the Incas. Situated at 7,972 feet above sea level near the culturally rich city of Cusco, Machu Picchu is reached via several challenging trails ranging from 12 to 40 miles that endure as many a travelers’ dream.
When in one of Africa’s most sought-after countries for travel, it can be hard to narrow down what to see and do while in Tanzania. There is simply no way to do it all, but there are ways to have the trip of a lifetime while seeing a sample of the best this country has to offer. The savannas are vast, the mountains high, and the islands captivating as they lie just off the mainland. Tanzania has activities and destinations that consistently live up their reputations as some of Africa’s highlights, and here are some of them that stand out from the rest!
When we add up all the different parts of the tourism industry (transportation, lodging, activities and many more), what comes together is one of the largest economic sectors in the world. International tourist arrivals - or, travelers arriving at a destination outside their home country for at least one night - have topped one billion, and this growth shows few signs of slowing down. Intercultural experiences are at an all-time high, but is that always a good thing? While the recent United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) conference “Tourism: a Catalyst for Development, Peace and Reconciliation” highlights tourism’s power for good, not all is well in the tourism world, as the emerging term “overtourism” describes.
Trekking to the dramatic heights of the Andes to visit Peru’s Citadel of Machu Picchu has become a deservedly popular adventure. Travelers the world over convene in Cusco, the typical base of trekking operators, in search of natural beauty, iconic archaeological ruins and a deep intercultural experience. At the same time, many aren’t aware that the options for getting to Machu Picchu don’t end with the classic Inca Trail or rail lines. Other trails exist that offer a variety of lengths and accommodations, with one that uniquely blends a more in-depth trekking experience with comfortable, top-rate lodging: the Salkantay Trail.
Global Basecamps’ itineraries to Namibia travel to many destinations throughout this fascinating arid country. From mountainous sand dunes to majestic wildlife and the wild coastline, this rarely-visited country has much to offer both in natural splendor and in its native indigenous cultures. Many call the country home (including the San, the Nama, the Ovahimba, the Ovazemba, the Ovatjimba, and the Ovatue). Composing about 8% of the country’s population, these peoples are largely hunter-gatherers or pastoralist herders of livestock, though some have also taken more modern occupations. Many are in the process of overcoming social hardships, and some groups have found resources for their culture in the tourism industry.
