Kyrgyzstan is one of the true Ends of the Earth – the Back of Beyond! There are over 6500 glaciers in the Tien Shan Mountains. There are over 2000 lakes, including the salt water Lake Ysyk-Köl.

This morning we climb Mirante da Serra – a tabletop mountain that is about 300 meters high. The landscape here, and all over Jalapão is very reminiscent of parts of West Africa – hundreds of millions of years ago it was all one land.

This is explained by the theory of continental drift – and the very obvious fact that the continents of South America and Brazil fit together like pieces of a puzzle. To read more on Continental Drift – CLICK HERE.

We then walked across the Serra – dry scrub with interesting plants – here we see latex dripping from a tree.

At the other end of the Serra, about 5 km from the climbing trail – there were incredible rock formations, similar to those in Arizona and Utah.

Wasp Nest.

State of Bahia in the distance.

The rest of the day was spent swimming and lounging at the base camp.

 

FOR ADVENTURES IN BRAZIL, CLICK HERE

Safari and Rafting Expedition In Brazil’s Northern Deserts

EMBRATUR – the Brazilian Government Tourism Authority and ABETA – Brazilian Adventure Travel Trade Association have invited ArcticTropic to participate in an 8-day exploration of the Jalapão region in the remote Tocantins River Valley of Northeastern Brazil.

The purpose of the trip is to promote a newly opened adventure travel region of Brazil. Few foreigners other than explorers or scientists have visited the region.

ArcticTropic Blog will have daily updates – except when traversing the rivers. Due to the nature of the journey – constant submersion in roiling rapids -, electronic equipment cannot be taken. Waterproof cameras will be used in these situations.

We will depart Miami next Monday night – first flying all the way down to São Paulo, then back North to Brasilia, then further North to Palmas, the capital of Tocantins State. From there – the adventure begins.

 

FOR ADVENTURES IN BRAZIL, CLICK HERE

On the morning of Friday the 13th we purchased a very detailed map book in order to follow obscure dirt roads through remote villages – in order to pass as close to Popocatépetl, the world’s highest active volcano 5,426 metres (17,802 ft). The mountain is currently off limits due to massive eruptions that spew 5 ton boulders in the air like popcorn.

Timeless Mexico.

The road to Cortes Pass. The paved road was closed years ago due to lava flows.

Entering Izta-Popo National Park.

The volcano erupts !

Intrepid Adventurers !

Strange local fauna.

Road closed due to lava flows.

Snow in June in Mexico ! As we came down the western side of Cortes Pass – there was snow on the side of the road from a passing thunderstorm !

Many photos here are taken by Nick Zuver. ArcticTropic provides links to over 35 Mexican Adventure destinations and will soon offer direct booking.

ArcticTropic hikes the Blackcomb Glacier in Whistler BC.

The Flag of Canada flies over the snowfields of Whistler.

 

FOR ADVENTURES IN CANADA, CLICK HERE

ArcticTropic, located in Miami, is only 4 hours from Quito and Guayaquil. We are planning to visit soon and will add many new locations. Add your own below.

On my way from Miami to Buenos Aires last November I snapped this shot from the plane – high over the Central Andes of Bolivia. Bolivia is becoming a top adventure travel destination and already several providers are listed in ArcticTropic.

In Chilean Patagonia, around 51 degrees south, is one of the most pristine areas on Earth outside of nearby (1000 miles away ) Antarctica. Though the mountain is only 9800 feet high , it is one of the most difficult on Earth to climb – due to steep grade and treacherous weather conditions most of the year. ArcticTropic has dozens of adventure travel and accommodation providers in Patagonia – both in Chile and Argentina.