Photo Gallery: The “Other” Africa
When one thinks of Africa travel, perhaps the first thing to come to mind is the traditional wildlife safari. But there is so much more to this vast and varied continent. Look past the wildlife of East and Southern Africa to the people and cultures that embellish its other corners, from the animist religions of...
Hidden Corners of Asia
Mention “Asia adventure” and most people will think of well-known places like Nepal’s Everest, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Indian subcontinent. But there other, less obvious corners of this enormous continent that harbor gems no less spectacular and enchanting. We got our start in Nepal in 1969, running the first commercial treks there. And...
Exploring the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
Bhutan, or Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) as the Bhutanese themselves refer to their homeland, is a little piece of heaven on earth. Still largely untouched by the outside world, it is a place where spirituality is still the way of life. Time moves more slowly here, and nature is afforded the respect...
Photo Gallery: The Many Faces of Asia
Perhaps no continent is as steeped in notions of the mystical than Asia. Millennia of history, legend, and myth mix with the realities of the modern world to create an often vibrant, occasionally precarious, but always interesting mix of the old and new. For more information on these or any of our more than...
Exploring the Incas’ Realm
Text and photos by Chris Bettencourt For many, the trip to Peru is really a de facto pilgrimage to Machu Picchu. Whether the site holds spiritual significance for the traveler or, as in my case, simply the promise of experiencing one of those quintessential National Geographic sites, at some level all other aspects of...
The Craftsmanship of the Incas
By Chris Bettencourt Perhaps one of the most enduring “enigmas” of the Inca culture is the method by which their stonemasons crafted the building blocks of such intricate and monumental structures as Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and the city of Cusco itself. Much is said about the meticulous joinery and finely worked contours of the...
Photo Gallery: A Glimpse of North Korea
In September of 2012, Mountain Travel Sobek guests will have a unique opportunity—the chance to join MTS co-founder and explorer extraordinaire Richard Bangs on perhaps the most momentous trip in our 43 year history: the first adventure tour of North Korea! With a special permit, MTS has been awarded exclusive space for 25 friends to...
Richard Bangs Leads New MTS Trip to North Korea
An Invitation to a Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure from Richard Bangs and MTS In September of 2012, Mountain Travel Sobek guests will have a unique opportunity—the chance to join MTS co-founder and explorer extraordinaire Richard Bangs on perhaps the most momentous trip in our 43 year history: the first adventure tour of North Korea! With a special...
The Best of Peru: Our Top Must-Sees
From Machu Picchu high in the Andes to pink dolphins at play in the Amazon River, there is so much to see and do in Peru it’s hard to know where to begin! Luckily, Peru is a year-round destination with lots of options for all interests and fitness levels. We’ve been traveling to Peru since...
Touring the Peruvian Amazon by Boat
While Brazil is home to the majority of the Amazon rainforest, Peru ranks second boasting millions of acres of lush rainforest and waterways — home to monkeys, sloths, caimans, birds, and even pink dolphins. Our favorite way to explore the Peruvian Amazon is by boat, which provides up-close wildlife viewing, access to remote Amazon villages,...
Our Favorite Ways to See Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu. Hidden for centuries, its ridgetop aerie obscured from view by encroaching cloud forest, this ancient Inca citadel remained largely unknown until its “rediscovery” by famed explorer Hiram Bingham just 100 years ago. There are few places so steeped in history—and mystery—as this Lost City of the Incas. But, what’s the best way to...
A Sip of South Africa’s Winelands
Just 30 miles east of Cape Town lies Stellenbosch, South Africa’s most famous wine country region. Despite a rich 400-year old winemaking tradition, South African wines didn’t reach critical acclaim until the 1990s with the end of apartheid. Since then, winemakers have adopted new world techniques and popularized their product in the international marketplace. South...
