It seems we keep eyeing bigger and bigger hikes and this year is no exception. While looking ahead to the potential for Camino de Santiago in Spain (fall 2026), we happened to find the Camino de Costa Rica and figured we'd give it a go. We've already done Volcan Baru in Panama and this spring we did Havasu Falls so why not?This will be our biggest trek yet, as the Mar a Mar Foundation, which created El Camino de Costa Rica, designed a route that...
Hillary shocked me last year by saying she wanted to see Havasu Falls and would be willing to go camping to make it happen. Hillary had never camped and the thought of sleeping on the ground, sleeping in a tent, eating backpacking meals, and carrying 35-40 pounds on her back had always been beyond consideration. Yet here we were, she was willing to go camping for the experience!We were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Havasu Falls in...
At the very end of Havasupai Campground you will find the climb down to Mooney Falls. In fact, you can't proceed toward Beaver Falls and The Confluence at all without climbing down. There is effectively a massive cliff at this point in the canyon which must be scaled to proceed.We had watched numerous videos on YouTube in advance of the climb so we knew it was steep. We had also seen young(ish) children in these videos of maybe 8-9 years...
For our third day (day 1 being the hike in, day 2 was Mooney/Beaver Falls) we decided to head upstream from Havasupai Campground to explore the other big three -- Fifty Foot Falls, Navajo Falls, and Havasu Falls. Among other things I really wanted to go swimming at the base of one of the falls and had been disappointed that Beaver Falls seemed a bit too risky for my liking. With luck one of the falls today would be amenable.Rather than simply...
The hike to Havasupai Campground begins and ends at Hilltop at the end of Indian Road 18. It's a long way from anywhere. We left our Airbnb about 5 AM for the two hour drive from Kingman Arizona. Leaving this early provided a great opportunity to see the sunrise over the desert, note that the temperature dipped into the high 20s, and arrive at Hilltop before the vast majority of hikers arrived.It's 10 miles from Hilltop to Havasupai Campground....
We were very excited at the start of 2024 about two major experiences. One was Ecuador and the other was the possibility of getting permits to hike Havasu Falls. Barely a month into the new year and there are major updates to share. Ecuador is out and Havasu Falls is a go! /*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 30-04-2024 */
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If you enjoy hiking, and especially pushing yourself a bit, either for the views or the personal satisfaction, then hiking Volcán Barú is a must if you are in Boquete, Panama. As the highest peak in Panama, it offers views of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, if you are lucky enough to catch it on a clear day. If not, you get the personal satisfaction of a tough hike, full of amazing plants and animals, that most only experience by a harrowing...
Due south of Panama City and the Amador Causeway is Taboga Island. This tiny island seems to a favorite day-trip for tourists and locals alike. The tiny town is a mere 30 minutes away by Taboga Island Fast Ferry ($24/person), has great views of the city, and for most, provides a great beach upon which to sit all day long. However, we think the real opportunity is hiking Taboga Island itself. This also fits our goal of living to 100 far better...
A short trip from nearly anywhere in Panama City, the nature preserve of Metropolitan Natural Park is an amazing way to experience the plants and animals of a tropical jungle as well as views of the city. As foreigners the entry fee is $4/adult and $2/child. Walking to the park is a hard pass for us as there don't seem to be good safe routes with sidewalk. And while we could have taken a bus the time involved when compared to the...
