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hiking | special interest


From Left: Carpathian mountains; Quechua people, Cusco; hikers on the Appalachian Trail


Central & South America North America


n WE SUGGEST: Peru’s Inca Trail n WHY: A selfie taken at Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is probably worth more than one taken anywhere else on the planet. Particularly if hikers have arrived at this masterful and mystical labor of humankind shortly after dawn, having just trekked for four days. Tey won’t be alone, however, as this is one of the most heavily- trodden routes in the world. Te classic option is four days, with overnight


A selfie taken at Machu Picchu is probably worth more than one taken anywhere else on the planet


camping, but there are options ranging from two to seven days. Te trail itself is only part of the experience. Sections of it sit around 9,842ft above sea level, a height which can be a challenge. Terefore guests will inevitably spend some preparation time in the delightful mountain city of Cusco, acclimatizing to the altitude, and blazing away with their cameras at the highly photogenic Quechua people. Te best months to do the trail are May to September. n WHERE ELSE: Costa Rica’s cloud forest is a riot of vegetation, with bromeliads, vines, orchids and ferns. Te advantage of this Central American destination is its variety: Pacific and Caribbean coasts, volcanoes, rainforest and cloud forest — all in a very compact area.


n WE SUGGEST: Te Appalachian Trail n WHY: One of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, the Appalachian trail runs down the eastern cheek of the US, through 14 states, all the way from Maine to Georgia. Parts of it, particularly at the southern end, have just been celebrated in the new Robert Redford movie A Walk in the Woods. Te trail is a mighty 2,180 miles long, so it’s not about to get crowded anytime soon. Between two and three million people walk it every year, but only around 2,000 manage to do the whole thing. Accommodation en route is a mix of campsites and around 250 basic shelters, which are free to use. When it comes to terrain, hikers can take their pick: the hardest sections are in New Hampshire and Maine, whilst the easier parts are in Maryland and West Virginia. Te trail’s website divides it into sections, grading the difficulty. appalachiantrail.org n WHERE ELSE: North of the border, Canada’s Algonquin Provincial Park is a mix of forest and lakeland, with particularly rich wildlife — including wolves. Te park has designated backpacking trails and lodges ideal for day-long hikes. Fall colors here are fabulous, particularly when reflected in the lakes. u


fall 2015 | ASTAnetwork | 99


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