The dog days of summer are officially here and if you find yourself daydreaming out the office window, it’s time to start planning your fall getaway! Lucky for you, there are several adventures to choose from based on what you are looking to experience. Whether you’ve thought about going or are seeing these destinations for the first time, they are all ones that should make it onto your bucket list!
We’ve taken some of the top stops from our destinations this fall, hoping to give you a glimpse of what you might discover!
Ecuador
Fly in and out of Quito (UIO)
November 4 – November 16, 2019
November 2 – November 14, 2020
Trip Highlight: Puerto Cayo, Ecuador
There is a place we stay in Ecuador that is not the best and not the worst in terms of accommodations, but any time our group arrives there, it can only be described as magic. Ecuador throws every ecosystem, every imaginable climate, culture, plant and animal at you. The roads that criss-cross this peaceful country are European-grade pavement. After several days of riding abundant diversity, you pull into Puerto Cayo after a rather short day. In this moment, one can choose to ride more or just enjoy an inviting uninhabited beach that stretches into the far distance on both sides. Once checked in, decisions become abruptly difficult: Do I swing in the hammock? Do I leisurely order a beer and float around the pool with the unobstructed view of the beach? Do I walk along the ocean? Do I go for a swim in the crashing waves? All of the above? Tough decisions abound, but the tangible feeling of relaxation and peace overwhelm you and you contemplate riding the next day to one of the furthest points from the center of the earth. Yes, tonight the sunset over the Pacific – tomorrow glaciers at 15,000 feet. Awe..Ecuador. And Puerto Cayo nails all of that.
Colombia
Fly in and out of Cali (CLO)
October 6 – October 18, 2019
October 4 – October 16, 2020
Trip Highlight: Villa de Leyva
Colonial charm is what Villa de Leyva is all about. We give this stop on our Colombian adventure a free day to explore this picturesque national monument city that includes the largest square in Colombia at Plaza Mayor. Sitting on the steps of the square truly takes you back in time, with the buildings still outfitted with their colonial architecture. Wander the cobblestone streets to the Terracotta House or the Museum of Paleontology. The views that surround the city make you feel like you’ve separated yourself from the outside world. So gorgeous in fact that the area around it has been declared a Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. The people are so friendly that it makes it easy to feel like you fit right into this wonderful village. It’s the perfect stop to help you appreciate the beauty and culture of Colombia.
Thailand & Laos
Fly in and out of Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX)
November 3 – November 16, 2019
November 1 – November 14, 2020
Trip Highlight: Luang Prabang, Laos
It’s not often one rides into a UNESCO World Heritage city, and Luang Prabang is a must. This timeless capital from days gone by was the place the French would seclude to, reluctant to go back to Europe, ever. When you walk the streets, you can understand why. There is a peaceful flow to everything there. Walking down to the banks of the Mikong at sunset you wonder – is the city and the river somehow the same? We like to spend at least two nights here and for good reason – there is simply too much to do here. After you walk the night markets, visit the temples (several dozen in fact!), rise early to give alms to the monks, swim under a nearby waterfall, or explore a nearby cave, you sit back to reflect on the french architecture of the main street, the monks, the locals and the tourists. All to wonder if this will be where I come to write one chapter of my book?!
Baja Backroads
Fly in and out of Los Angeles Area (or fly out of San Diego)
October 26 – November 5, 2019
October 24 – November 3, 2020
Trip Highlight: Mikes Sky Ranch, Baja Mexico
Imagine a place so remote, rustic and hospitable, it can only be described as “legendary.” Just getting to Mike’s is a feat. It’s deep sand and out of cell phone range in Mexico. These may be things your mother told you not to do. This old watering hole/Baja 1000 stopover is a must for the rider who wants to get away from it all, but also be at the center of the adventure universe. “The Dream” is lived out here, every evening. You ride your motorcycle past the front desk and park it along the pool for starters. Steak dinner will be served, but not before a “sundowner” under a canopy of palm trees as brilliant stars emerge. Stickers and paraphernalia from days gone yore adorn the bar. Riders of the predominantly off-road persuasion collect from the four winds and just for that night – before journeying ahead – it’s as much a place on earth as it is place of the imagination. If you are into unforgettable destinations, without the chocolate on the pillow, then this has to be on your list!
Wonders of the West
Fly in and out of Las Vegas (LAS)
October 18 – October 24, 2019
March 7 – March 14, 2020
October 17 – October 24, 2020
Trip Highlight: Badwater Basin, Death Valley
There are very few places in the world that can claim they lie below sea level, but Badwater Basin in Death Valley does just that – 282 feet below sea level. It’s actually the lowest point in North America and is a dreamlike landscape to behold. Named for its extremely salty water which isn’t pleasing to drink, Badwater Basin sits on salt flats that rarely collect water due to its dry climate. As you step out on the salt, the formations seem to stretch out forever. In one of the rock formations nearby, you’ll see a sign that says “Sea Level” to really showcase how “low” you are standings compared to the standard of measurement for elevation. It really is a fascinating stop.
