“Let’s go hiking,” they said.
“OK,” I said.
“2.5 miles. 5 miles round trip,” they said.
“No biggie,” I said…….
That was until about mile 1, I started to feel the impact of the steep hike on my unfit lungs. This hike, located on the bottom of Angeles National Fores, starts at the intersection of East Loma Alta Drive and Lake Avenue in Altadena. Parking is available on the street but check the signs. The Sam Merrill trail head starts at the Cobb Estate gate.
The hike is a steep 2.5 miles upward climb. About half a mile in, you will start seeing the LA skyline. Continue reading →
If you are looking to add to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary with more than just relaxing on the beach, I highly suggest going on a boat tour to the surrounding beaches and islands. Initially, I was intrigued by Las Marietas Islas but in order to get there, you have to be able to swim 30 feet deep. I can’t swim so it was quickly crossed off my list. Los Arcos, Las Animas & Quimixto was referred to me by a beach peddler. (There are peddlers selling various items. Just say “no gracias” if you’re not interested.) He was selling me a package for 450 pesos/ person but luckily my hotel’s concierge was selling it for cheaper at 400 pesos. Tip: Be sure to check with your hotel concierge for their rates before booking online. It can be cheaper.
The concierge booked us with Vallarta by Boat. We meet them at the Marina Terminal at 10 am, paid the 25 pesos port tax (per person) and got ready to enjoy the day. This package included the following:
Breakfast of fruit and orange juice
Snorkel gear for Los Arcos
Kayaks and paddle boards at Las Animas
Hike to Quimixto
Lunch
Open bar on the boat
Los Arcos is Spanish for the Arches. Vallarta by Boat provided snorkel gear and life vests in exchange for an ID. They parked by the arch below for a 30 minute snorkel session.
Then we headed over to Las Animas, where we were given the option to hang out on the beach of Las Animas or hike to the waterfall at Quimixto. They said the hike to Quimixto requires forging three rivers. This can be done by renting a small horse for 200 pesos or walking. Reviews I read said the horses are small and sad. In addition, the waterfall is blocked by a restaurant. To see the waterfall, you have to pay the restaurant fee. After hearing all of this, I opted to stay on the beach at Las Animas.
The water at this beach was crystal clear.
Kayaks and paddle boards were available to all.
There were also options to play volleyball on the beach or for an additional fee, you can go parasailing.
Lunch options at Restaurant Ohana were: fish fillet, quesadilla or chicken fajitas. I opted for the chicken fajitas. It doesn’t look like much but it was surprisingly delicious. Full of flavor and kept me full. Keep in mind, the lunch does not include drinks so bring some extra cash for drinks.
Shortly afterwards at 3 o’clock, those who went on the hike, came back. It was time to call it a day and head back. I had lots of fun on this trip and highly recommend this all inclusive package.
Nestled among Oahu’s suburbia is the rainforest Manoa Falls.
You will experience many ecosystems in this arborous rainforest. It rained on and off throughout the 0.8 mile hike to the waterfall. Note: Bring an umbrella and wear appropriate clothes.
Despite the stairs, the incline is gradual and the hike is an easy one.
The trail does get muddy so wear appropriate shoes.
It took about 45 minutes to reach the 150 feet waterfall.
Next to Tenryuji Temple is the infamous Sagano Bamboo Forest. I was very excited to check this out as I was expecting never ending columns and columns of bamboo as the word forest implies. However, it was only approximately two blocks of bamboo and was polluted with people. It was not as calm and peaceful as I hoped it to be.
This guy did a great job of portraying the nature of the bamboos.
To get to the heart of the park, you have to hike up steep and sometimes broken terrain. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water as the trail is mostly in the sun.
After 20 minutes of strenuous uphill, you will forget about the hike once you spot the free roaming Japanese macaque monkeys.
At the top, there is a feeding hut, which is the only place you are allowed to feed the monkeys. If you feed them outside the hut, they can become aggressive.
For 100 yen, you can buy a bag of peanuts or apples to feed the monkeys.
The fatty on the left kept stuffing his mouth with peanuts until he became a chubby bunny. I was shocked to see the monkeys knew to reach their hand out for more food.
Outside of the feeding hut, the monkeys roam around freely. However, you are not allowed to make eye contact with the monkeys or touch them.
This little guy was my favorite.
Instead of asking for food, he decided to hunt for his own.
Peace out homies. It’s naptime. Fun fact: The monkeys have red faces due to the blood rushing to their face.
Last but not least, don’t forget to turn around and enjoy the gorgeous view of Kyoto.
Home to the infamous thousands of red (vermillion) torii gates shrine. Below is the Romon Gate donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1589. Behind it is Honden, the main shrine building.
Fushimi Inari is named after the mountain it sits atop, Mount Inari,
and the Shinto god of rice it gives homage to, Inari. Foxes are known to be Inari’s messengers. Therefore, you will see them everywhere before the shrines.
Beginning of the ascent to the thousands of red torii gates.
One of the many mini shrines that dot the mountain.
Senbon trail is the parallel rows of mini torii gates. Each torii gate is donated either by an individual or company in hopes of prosperity. The small gates start at 400,000 yen while the larger ones can cost up to 1 million yen.
One is not like the other.
After about a 40 min ascent, you will come across Yotsutsuji intersect with a view of Kyoto. Tip: Bring some snacks and water with you as it is mostly uphill. Onigiri is a small and filling snack. 7-11 offers a decent variety.
If you’re adventurous, you can continue the path for another 1.5- 2.5 hours to reach the full summit.
YUMTRAVELS 