Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Thanks Jean – you are right, Yosemite is fantastic in the winter.
There is also a comments field at the bottom of my main Yosemite article page here:
http://www.davestravelcorner.com/articles/yosemite-mariposa-county/index.htm
Regards,
Dave
I’ve been to all the cities in your list – each has its own unique feel. I like the sophistication of Paris, the history in and around Athens and of course all there is to see and do in Rome. Madrid is not on your list – I like the late night atmosphere this city has to offer.
~ Dave
I’ve heard good things about the Katahani resort in Phuket.
More info here
~ Dave
I’ve heard good things about the Katahani resort in Phuket.
More info here
~ Dave
Justin – not sure if you are heading to Peru or not – but if so, let me know and I’ll hook you up with a good friend in Lima. We call him “Mr Peru” as he’s an expert on his country and where there is to do and see.
Sounds like a nice trip – what countries are you visiting?
Regards,
Dave
Nanditha – Thanks 🙂 if its ok, I will post your questions and comments on my message boards as a number of people have written me about this. I assume you also saw the main Huaraz article here:
http://www.davestravelcorner.com/articles/huaraz/index.htmand a recent post here also: http://www.davestravelcorner.com/messages/showthread.php?t=3178
I’ve been to Huaraz a numer of times both in October and November. During my latest trip to Huaraz I was there this past November and we had fantastic weather, I don’t remember much rain at all. However be prepared for maybe some showers as this is typically the start of the rainy season – but from talking to my friends who live in the area, Novembers are typically not that bad.
Ive been to Lago69 several times, once in November. It was surprisingly warm and I had shorts and a tshirt on for most of the hike – it did get windy as I got close to the Laguna and needed a light sweatshirt. Bring some warmth, thicker close and a rain jacket, umbrella just to be safe. We had great weather in the town of Huaraz for 2 weeks in November.
Do you have any history of hiking at altitude – keep in mind the heights and be aware of any altitude symptoms – some people have no problems, others have shortness of breath, and others develop headaches and nausea – when these latter symptoms develop its time to go to a lower elevation. The bus ride takes about 8 hours from Lima to Huaraz and can be done during the day or over night.Allow about 4-5 days for a reasonable Santa Cruz trek and when making your arrangements be sure they bring enough food. It is always easier and typically much cheaper to make your reservations for a trek like this when you are in Huaraz. November is not the high season and there will be a number of trekking agencies willing to have your business. I list a few that I’ve used in my Huaraz article.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I am happy to help.
Regards,
Dave
Original Message
From :
Cc :
Subject : RE: question about huaraz trip?
Hi Dave,
Thank you for posting the pictures from your Huaraz trip online. They are amazing pictures. My husband and I are visiting Peru this November over thanksgiving for 2 weeks. Would that be a good time to visit Huaraz, since the rainy season would have started? Would you suggest the Santa Cruz trek? Almost everyone online says May-September is the best time. Would you suggest doing it only during those months?. Would doing the day trips to Lago69 and lake churup be ok during that time or is that also not recommended? Could you please advise us?Thank you so much for your time.
NandithaI would allow 6-7 hours from Vegas to Sequoia National Park – there is NO access to this park from the eastern side of the Sierras. Fastest is the 15w – 58w – 99n to Visalia and then look for signs east to Sequoia.
As far as the coast, whenever you are driving east/west in the state of california, other than on the great 80 in the north or the 10, and parts of the 15, and 40 (15 & 40 do not traverse the entire east/west part of the state like the 80 does) in the South, its fairly slow going as their are no other major highways. San Luis Obispo on the coast is located almost west of vegas if you draw a straight line. Probably about the same distance to the coast as to Sequoia.
Death Valley would certainly be a closer option – you can do some of Death Valley in a very very long day – but daylight in the evening will be shorter by 1 hour next week. I recommend at least 2 full days in Death Valley.
Most people read about the National Park highlights and go to those, but one of the most incredible places in California is up 395 east of the sierras. If you are nature lovers, this area cannot be beat. The world’s oldest trees, the bristlecones are located up by westguard pass off of 395, white mountain makes a stark hike – the easiest of ca’s 14’ers, the odd looking alabama hills on the whitney portal road -great for views, campground at the base of this road, further north, manzanar internment camp during wwII, then Mono Lake and Bodie the ghost town way north on 395, hot springs near mammoth lake are nice, Lake Sabrina 20 miles outside of Bishop – sooo much to do on this side of California.
It will be cold so dress warmly. The distances are far wherever you go.
Stay in Death Valley for the warmer weather. Note in the next few weeks (after the first big snowfall) the main east/west roads in the sierra’s will probably close for the season. Weather looks good for at least the next week or so but could change. When these other roads close, the only sierra roads that stay open east west are 80 in the north and 178 in the south. (if severe snowstorms even these roads may shut down briefly – usually more mid winter, not this time of year)
Let me know if you have any other questions.
~ Dave
If you enjoy the nightlight, Patong is certainly the place to be. Or even worth a trip for a night or two to check it out regardless of where you are staying in the area. It is usually very crowded here. The shopping here is pretty good. There are some nice hotels on the beach front with swimming pools.
When we were there we rented motor bikes which was a good way to get around.
I remember Kara beach as being much more quiet.
Perhaps someone who has spent more time in this area can chime in….
Regards,
Dave
I was in this area 2 years ago, not all the way to Shimla but in the general vicinity. This was in part of Dec and Jan and I remember some of the cheaper hotels did not have heating or even hot water – so we were bundled up and dancing around while taking bucket showers. It can be a bit cold this time of year as it is there winter and at the higher elevations that will be snow on the ground. I believe Shimla has the train and the great views of the Himalayas. We were in Dharamsala and a few other small towns in the Himalayas.
Regards,
Dave
My friend who lives in Lima recommended:
“First go to Huaraz, may get some rain but not too much and then go to Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno… and at the end of your trip to Iquitos.
They could go to huaraz to acclimatize and look around, but they should go to cordillera huayahuash, you can choose 4 days, 8 day, 10 days for trekking there… they can get information in huaraz… they can contact our guide in huaraz
And if they have time, they can go mancora beach, and manglares de tumbes, even they can across the border peru-ecuador, and they can continue to Guayaquil, Quito”
If you do go trekking in Huaraz let me know – I’ve used several good guides over the last 5 years or so, including most recently this June…. Dave
