The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. Periodically the glacier advances over the L-shaped "Lago Argentino"  forming a natural dam which separates the two halves of the lake when it reaches the opposite shore. Read further

Archaeologists have uncovered a 600-year-old, cemetery belonging to a Peruvian warrior culture, the Chachapoyas, thought to be the first discovery of its kind. Read further

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED                                                                                        TOP OF PAGE

1) I want to climb Kilimanjaro but have a fear of heights. Do you think I will be okay to do it

Kilimanjaro is unlike many other mountains in that you hardly ever feel like you are walking on a mountain per se, save for the increase in altitude.  You also do not have to have any prior technical expertise. However, there is a section of a route, called the Barranco Wall, which rises 300m in height and is quite imposing. There are several sections of this wall which will be very daunting to someone scared of heights as some sections require a scramble and the use of arms and legs to climb up. Thus, you should avoid all routes that ascend via the Barranco Wall, namely Shira, Lemosho, Machame and Umbwe.  This leaves you with Marangu or Rongai, both easier routes (though not route up is easy). Marangu you stay in huts, and Rongai, in tents, the latter is the quietest of all the routes.

2) I want to go trekking in Nepal but can only get leave over the Christmas period. Will I encounter rain and snow? 

The quick answer, is yes, you will encounter rain and snow. The  bulk of areas in the Himalayas receive a lot of winter snow fall over this period, making many passes difficult to negotiate, such as the pass on the Goyko Lakes trek etc. However, Everest Base Camp Trek can be enjoyed throughout the year, as the Kumbu Valley is pretty well protected meaning you should miss the heavy rains lower down and less snow fall on the upper reaches. Of course, being winter, you need to prepare for cold weather. 

3) When is the best time to do the Inca Trail? 

The Inca trail can be trekked for 11 months of the year. It is closed in February for a clean up etc. However, the best months are April to October, with June, July and August being the busiest.