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El Chaltén: Argentina’s Trekking Capital
El Chaltén is small backpacker town located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, and your gateway to some of the best hiking in the country. Despite it being named the trekking capital of Argentina, not much is known about El Chalten, in fact, most locals have never even heard of it. Regardless of its popularity, El Chaltén is a must see for any traveler coming to Argentina and arguably one of the best backpacker towns in all of South America. Although many say El Chaltén was founded in the 1980’s, its history extends much further than that. Prior to European colonization, this area was occupied by the Aónikenk people, also…
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Trekking Jyrgalan: Boz Uchuk Lakes
Jyrgalan is a town most people traveling to Kyrgyzstan have never heard of, even the locals in Kyrgyzstan! Jyrgalan was once a prosperous mining town during the Soviet era, but suffered financially in the 90s and 2000s. Years ago, Jyrgalan had absolutely 0 tourism, but in 2016, six families came together to form the Jyrgalan Destination Management Organization (DMO). Their mission, according to Jyrgalan.com is to: Build a tourism industry that would bring economic opportunities to the local community, create jobs, and increase the quality of life for local residents. Together, with the assistance of USAID (United States Agency for International Development), Jyrgalan has turned into an off the beaten track…
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Trekking Sapa
Trekking Sapa is truly one of the cooler things I’ve done in life. I’d argue that Sapa is one of the most beautiful places on earth if you go at the right time. Vietnam is often synonymous with Halong Bay, but Sapa is one destination I recommend if you have some extra time in Northern Vietnam. How to Get Started The journey to Sapa from Hanoi was a smooth and simple process. From my hostel in Hanoi I purchased a round trip ticket+ 2 day/1 night tour from Hanoi to Sapa for $140. I went through Hanoi Old Town Hotel, which I highly recommend, the staff is incredible and very…
