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BY  Pijus Maity May 23, 2023

The world heritage site of Machu Picchu, which is the main highlight of the Andean region, is a must-see attraction for tourists who come to South America. This Inca site has been closed for a while because of certain social and political situations. This has been done so to protect the safety of the local and international tourists. Keep reading till the end to find out more information on is Machu Picchu closing! The Official Statement Of Machu Picchu The Cusco Ministry of Culture agency and headquarters of the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu is also in coordination with the Protected National Areas agency. They announced that the current situation in their region and country had experienced led to the site closing down. They closed down the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu and the Inca Road Network. This was ordered on January 21st, 2023, and untill further notice, to safeguard the general population's and tourists' safety. Similarly, it was also informed that all the facilities would be provided to the foreign and national tourists affected by Machu Picchu closing. This was effective from January 21st, 2023, and remained until one month after the social mobilizations or after the request to return the amount ticket. Temporary Closing Of Inca Trail Is Machu Picchu closing? Well, Machu Picchu got closed down on January 21st, 2023, because of the actions of the protestors. They were earlier also affected by an especially slow and low tourism season. The roads were blocked, and the supply chains were cut off. According to various Machu Picchu news, here were protests, and due to that, the Ministry of Culture and the Headquarters of the Historic Sanctuary (of Machu Picchu) shut the place down. The whole of it was shut down - including the ancient city of Inca, the Inca trail. The whole of tourism went to sleep while the country tried to work out its problems. Visiting Machu Picchu Post Protest One thing to understand is that no one can guarantee that there won't be any interruptions on your visit to Peru. Whether you plan it this or in the next year! The month of February is when travel remains the most low. This is also the time when the Inca trail closes down for prevention work and maintenance. The month of March, on the other hand, is when the tourists start re-opening for their new travel season. It is also considered to be one of the best places to travel to in September. Due to Machu Picchu and Peru's busy tourist season in the month of March, travelers should always book in advance. There are timed entry tickets to this site. For the year 2023, tourists are limited to 4,500 per day. Hence, one needs to make advance purchases if one wants to visit this gorgeous attraction. Tip: Is Machu Picchu open? Well, it is certainly open now and has been since the month of March. Things To Remember Before Visiting Here are a few things to remember before visiting Machu Picchu: 1. Select The Best Train Option When you are heading towards the Aguas Calientes, you can choose from three trains - Vistadome, Expedition, and the Belmond  Hiram Bingham train. The Expedition train is the standard train that brings one to Machu Picchu and is known to be equipped with panoramic windows. The Expedition train is a standard type of train that features half-panoramic windows. The Vistadome train is a more refined version and is known to be equipped with large panoramic windows so you can enjoy the scenic landscapes. The Bingham train is the most luxurious and has facilities like brunch and lunch. They also have an open-air roof in their wagon. 2. Use Restrooms Before You Enter One thing to know before visiting Machu Picchu is that there are actually no restrooms inside. This is why you should use the restrooms before entering the premises of Machu Picchu. After you have passed the entrance of the premises, you can no longer leave the premises and then re-enter. 3. There’s A Fixed Route When on the guided route of the ruins of Machu Picchu, you will, by default, have to follow a fixed route. Which means that you can only walk in a single direction. It is certainly not possible to go back and visit one of the previously-visited spots. This regulation was actually introduced to bring more order to the Machu Picchu tours. 4. Remember To Carry The Correct Equipment If you visit Machu Picchu, you need to make sure that you consider your backpack - it should be of regular size. There are certain measurements of backpacks up to which a backpack is allowed entry into the premises of Machu Picchu. Keep reading till the end to find out about is Machu Picchu closing! Exciting Facts About Machu Picchu Here is a list of some of the exciting facts about Machu Picchu: Most of the cities built by the Inca civilization were also destroyed during the event of the Spanish conquest. Machu Picchu is one such attraction that was in a hidden location. It was not found by the Spanish explorers at that time. This makes it one of the most best conserved Inca cities and a true archaeological gem. Machu Picchu was originally an astronomical observatory. It has a sacred Intihuatana stone known to indicate the two equinoxes accurately. A total of twice a year - the sun hits the rock directly and casts no shadow. Machu Picchu was only known in a local manner untill the professor of Yale - Hiram Bingham again discovered the site in year 1911. His book "The Lost City Of Incas" was actually based on his findings. Situated more than 7000 ft. above sea level in the Andes. The wonder is known as Peru's most visited tourist destination. It also symbolizes the Incan Empire that was actually built around 1450 AD. The site was actually designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It was also named one of the Modern 7 Wonders of The World in 2007. To Wrap It Up! That was all for information regarding is Machu Picchu closing and related information. Thank you for reading up till here. I hope you found the information useful. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on the same. Read Also: A Guide Of Top 6 National Parks In Wyoming A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide Top 5 Best Camping Spots In The United States

BY  Sibashree Jul 25, 2024

The wild heart of Katmai National Park harbors 14 active volcanoes. This national park of around 5 million acres surpasses the magnificence of the Grand Canyon National Park, and kayaking, canoeing, and hiking here are one-of-a-kind experiences.  One of the oldest national parks, Katmai National Park, was established in 1918. Novarupta Volcano eruption on 6th June 1912 was destructive, and preservation of the habitation around Mount Katmai was crucial.   The National Park Service website says,  “Lasting three days, the largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century exploded June 6, 1912, from a new volcano, Novarupta. In the process, it created Katmai caldera and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Not only have the 1912 events remained scientifically important ever since, but also the 1912 deposits continue to provide insights about volcanic and magmatic processes that impact us and the land we live in.” (Source)  Today, this national park is a living account of human history, and it is the home for brown bears and salmons. It is also one of the most popular destinations for volcanologists because it’s still active. Further, it has a handsome number of visitors every year, and in 2023, the number of footfall was 33,763. (Source)  Do you also want to explore this magnificent volcanic landscape? Let me be your guide.  Why Are So Many Volcanoes In Katmai National Park?   With “50 discrete volcanic vents,” Katmai National Park is the center of attention of many. But why does it have so many volcanoes?  Volcanoes in the Aleutian volcanic arc and Katmai National Park are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. “The Ring of Fire is home to 75% of the world's volcanoes and 90% of its earthquakes.” (Source)  Many call the Ring of Fire the Circum-Pacific Belt, and many tectonic plates meet here. Due to the constant movements of these plates (especially the subduction of the Oceanic Pacific Plate under the North American Plate every year), volcanic eruptions and earthquakes take place here.   Along with the eruption of  Novarupta-Katmai in 1912, there are also records of the eruption of Mount Trident from 1953 to 1974.   The latest volcanic eruption in Katmai happened with the venting of Fourpeaked Volcano in 2006. Here is an excerpt from a report published on the 2006 volcanic eruption of Fourpeaked Volcano.   “On September 17, 2006 Fourpeaked Mountain, a glacier-clad stratovolcano with no known Holocene activity, produced a plume of steam, ash, and SO2, which rose to 6000 m above sea level. The plume was observed by eye-witnesses, seen on weather radar, and also appeared in SO2-sensitive satellite imagery. Concurrent with the plume, regional seismic stations recorded a swarm of volcano-tectonic earthquakes while an atmospheric infrasound signal was recorded 800 km away. Air and ground reconnaissance revealed a linear series of vigorously steaming vents in the summit glacier, stretching about 1 km down the north flank of the volcano.”  So, are you ready to know about the active and rugged volcanoes in Katmai National Park. The next section gives you a detailed overview.   Know The Volcanoes In Katmai National Park  Volcanoes erupt for a short span if you study the entire timetable of a volcano. However, the eruption is only the outcome of activities that take place for years or even centuries. Similarly, the volcanoes in Katmai National Park have faced long intermittent periods between the occurrences of small and big eruptions.   Further, the volcanic activities and earthquakes taking place in Katmai due to tectonic movements have a major impact on human lives across generations.   Here, I present a brief overview of a few volcanoes out of the 14 in Katmai.  Mount Katmai  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF79ozS_kFA&t=33s Mount Katmai has recorded the highest explosive incidents in the Katmai volcanic cluster. Active for over 70,000 years, the two cones of Mount Katmai were beheaded due to the caldera collapse in 1912.    The eruptive products of Mount Katmai are varied in their compositions, including basalt and rhyodacite.   Mount Griggs Mount Griggs, the tallest peak in the district, is 2,530 m tall. Despite having young lava flows, some of the deposits in Mount Griggs are 290,000 years old.   The volcano is still active and you will get to see the yellow sulfurous steam around its summit.   Trident Volcano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rQVsdsWsIA Trident Volcano is one of the older volcanoes in Katmai. From 1953 to 1974, Trident Volcano had many eruptions. However, the highest and the central volcanic cone of Trident Volcano has been lying dormant for around 10000 years.   Mount Mageik  Mount Mageik has four discrete eruptive centers covered with snow. However, glaciers have caused severe decay in three of these lava centers. It is a younger volcano in Katmai, with its lava aged between 4,000 and 93,000.   The last eruption of Mount Mageik happened 2500 years ago. It caused a crater between two Mount Mageik summits. Today, the crater is filled with an acid lake, exuding steam curls.   Alagogshak Volcano  Alagogshak stands at the southwesternmost corner of the Katmai volcanic cluster. It is also the oldest in the Katmai family of volcanoes. The lavas in this volcano are 40,000-680,000 years old.   Peak 6875, Snowy Mountain   Peak 6875 is a young dome made of dacite lava. The scoop-shaped peak looks like a natural amphitheater.    Spectacular Landscapes Created By Volcanic Activities In Katmai National Park   The volcanoes in Katmai have created some interesting landscapes, and their activities have encouraged geologists to explore the possibilities. Nonetheless, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is the most prominent volcanic landscape in Katmai.   It is the work of the largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century. The Novarupta Volcano eruption on 6th June 1912 created this valley.   There are various exciting destinations in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. For the geologists and people studying volcanoes, Novarupta is the ultimate destination. The dome causing the massive eruption in 1912 still carries warm steam.   It is also the most colorful place in the valley, thanks to its kaleidoscopic views caused by the deposition of ash, pumice, and other minerals.   Another popular destination in the valley is the Buttress Range Ridge. Here, you will catch a glimpse of the extensive wildlife in Katmai. Along with the bears, you will also find ptarmigan, ground squirrels, and caribou.   Other fascinating spots to explore in this valley are Katmai Pass, Southwest Trident Lava Flows, Knife Creek Glaciers, Mount Katmai Caldera, Mageik Lakes, etc.   Did You Know?  Katmai has the largest population of protected brown bears in North America.  It is home to around 2000 creatures.  Robert F. Griggs, a botanist who named Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, played an active role in designating Katmai as a national park.  Dumpling Mountain offers the best view of Katmai National Park.  The annual Fat Bear Week in Katmai is a tournament-style competition, and online visitors can choose the winner of the tournament through voting.  Katmai National Monument was established in 1918. The redesignation of the protected and expanded area as a National Park happened in 1980.   Final Words   Active volcanoes add to the spectacle of Katmai National Park, and they attract the most adventurous souls across the globe.   The volcanoes are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and they have an eruptive history, with the last incident occurring in 2006.   AOV, or the Alaska Volcano Observatory, is in charge of monitoring the activities of these volcanoes. It also records the incidents of eruptions from dedicated monitoring stations. Two webcams are also installed at Fourpeaked and Katmai for continuous vigilance of the volcanic landscape.   So, are you ready to visit Mount Griggs, Mount Katmai, and other volcanoes in Katmai National Park? Do you want to have an exciting encounter with wildlife? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!   Katmai National Park FAQs   How To Explore Katmai National Park?  You cannot reach Katmai National Park by road. You can take a floatplane from Kodiak, Anchorage, or Homer. Further, you can take a boat or floatplane from King Salmon.  Both routes lead to the Brooks Camp shore.   What Is Special About Katmai National Park?  Katmai National Park is known for its active and extensive volcanic landscape. It has 14 volcanoes. Further, it is the home to around 2000 species, including brown bears.   You can enjoy your time here by hiking through the trails or boating or canoeing.   What Type Of Volcano Is Katmai Mountain?  Katmai Mountain is a stratovolcano and it had two big cone-shaped volcanoes. The caldera collapse in 1912 beheaded the two cones.   What Wildlife Is In Katmai National Park?  Brown bears are the most popular animals in Katmai National Park. In fact, the national park has the largest population of protected brown bears in North America.   Moose, gray wolves, sea otters, and humpback whales are fascinating animals here. Overall, it is home to around 2000 species of creatures.   What Type Of Trees Are In Katmai National Park?  Sitka spruce, alder thickets, and willow are popular trees in Katmai. You will also find plants like lowbush cranberry, cow parsnip, labrador tea, and watermelon berries here.   Reference:  National Park Service: “Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 318 million visitors every year. But our work doesn't stop there.”  Harvard University: “Harvard experts, researchers, and leaders all around the globe make contributions—from public health to conflict resolution—that transcend borders, forge connections, and strengthen communities.”  National Geographic: National Geographic is a “world leader in geography, cartography and exploration.”  Also read Plan A Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park: This Is How You Will Do It. Everglades National Park: The UNESCO Heritage Site With Its Quiet Beauty. Welcome To Biscayne National Park: Enjoy Kayaking and Canoeing At This Watery Wonder.

BY  sagnika Mar 30, 2024

Do you know how far Houston is from Austin? Are you planning to make a trip to Houston? Do you know how Austin is also an interesting place to visit? I am here to enlighten you about the distance between the two cities, Austin and Houston.  The two transportation methods you can use to travel to and fro from Austin and Houston are flights and road trips. I will share with you the information that will help you decide when to make the trip and where to visit.  I will share information about how you can plan and design your itinerary when you visit Houston from Austin and vice versa. If you read this blog, you will learn about the total travel time. Therefore, let's start reading about these places along with how to travel, where to visit, and how you should plan.  How Far is Austin from Houston? And Why You Should Visit Both!  When visiting Houston from Austin, a nonstop drive will take about 165 miles or 266 km. If you want to know how long it will take to drive and reach Houston, the time is 2 hours 32 minutes.   However, it is only possible to constantly drive from one location to another by taking a break. If you take stops while traveling, it will take more time to reach. Let us learn how to travel from Houston to Austin via flight.  I will also share what it will take if you plan a road trip from Houston to Austin. Furthermore, you will learn why these places are unique and interesting. I will share the highlights of Austin and Houston, which make them beautiful places to visit.  Houston To Austin By Flight  When you travel from Houston to Austin by flight, you cover 146 miles, while the flight time is 30 minutes. The flight distance across 236 km is 1/4th compared to when you drive.  A very short flight, especially if you take a private plane, but if you take a corporate plane, it will take time. Considering you must take local transportation, taxi, and plane boarding, you will spend more time based on realistic calculations.  Austin To Houston Road Trip  If you plan to take a road trip from Austin to Houston, you must drive for at least 4 hours! It is a full-day trip so you can plan the interesting places you will try in these two cities. You can decide on the itinerary and the important areas you want to visit.  Let us get into the plan so that you can decide where you can stop. For example, you can plan where to stop, watch the performances, and experience adventures. You can check out Hotel San Jose to have delicious food when you are on a road trip!  Of course, there is also Franklin's BBQ in Austin, and if you are an old customer, I am sure you can relate to it.  Why Should You Visit Austin?  One of the most interesting and unique places, Austin, is a great place to visit because it gives you a feel of the local culture. Their food, people, places, and culture are authentic.   There are over 50 breweries where you can drink craft beer, visit local music festivals, and go for adventures like kayaking! Let us delve deeper into knowing more about the places to go and why!  History  It is an interactive history where you visit Austin, with several historical attractions such as the French legation, Texas State Capitol, and others.   There are also several museums in Austin, namely the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, the LBJ Presidential Library, and others.  Yummilicious Food And Craft Beer  There are more than 400 restaurants that serve delicious food with cold beer. You can choose any food, from taco joints to steakhouses. Tacos are quite famous in Austin, as people usually prefer them.  If you are more of a gourmet person, you will get that, or if you like street food, there are several street vendors. Keep exploring food trucks, which are quite popular!  The Live Music  Many people in Austin are music enthusiasts, so several live music performances are hosted in the city. Of course, live music is organized in several concert halls and fields. You can see many famous musicians performing in these places!  You can visit festivals and attend movie screenings, thus celebrating rockabilly culture and food trucks, which are an integral part of the party. Even local artists perform regularly at these events.  Outdoor Adventures  Visiting Austin is very easy as the flights are quite cheap! You can visit Austin, where several popular parks exist, such as Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park. If you love hiking, trail walking, or cycling, this is the perfect place to visit.  The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail and Barton Creek Greenbelt are two of the most popular trails in Austin. Several private and public golf courses are beautiful and dangerous; hence, they will be challenging.   Why Should You Visit Houston?  Why should you visit Houston? For one, Beyonce was born and raised in Houston, paying homage to Queen B! Read about the different reasons why Houston is a damn good place to visit. You can have a hell of an experience, from restaurants to space research centers.  If you love adventures and experiencing adventures, food, and culture, here I am with suggestions. You should take advantage of the experience because it will help you develop.   Diverse Food Culture  Houston's food scene is quite diverse, as more than 10000 restaurants serve food from 70 countries. You can get various foods in Houston, such as Ethiopian, Lebanese, Peruvian, Vietnamese, etc,   Of course, Houston is known for the crawfish season, which shows the Cajun influence! There are also burger joints in several fast food joints. The place's culture is quite diverse as there is an edge in the bustling city!  Drinking is accepted and encouraged in Houston. Houstonians entertain the drink, margarita on the rocks that is common practice! Of course, a mountain of tacos is accompanied by a drink. I suggest one place for fine dining, Theodore Rex because it offers fine dining!  Visits NASA Johnson Space Center  Houston is famed with the NASA Johnson Space Center, so you must see it when you visit. Only some things are allowed for all visitors, but there are some areas you can visit, especially if you have children.  An epicenter of technology, art, cancer treatment, and engineering, Houston is a perfect place to visit for two to three days of celebration without spending too much money.   Finishing Off…  To sum it up, you have to know how far Austin is from Houston. In this article, I have described the distance between the two locations and how long it will take if you travel via flight or road trip. You will agree that the experiences and the boundaries will help you develop special memories.  The itinerary will include many elements that will keep the excitement up and create lifetime experiences. It is all about having authentic experiences from the local culture, food, people, places, and events.  Comment on the places you want to visit when traveling from Austin to Houston or vice versa!  Read More About: Three Reasons To Fly By Private Jet At Any Time Explore These 5 Excellent Yacht Charter Destinations! Entertain Your Guests By Choosing A Private Yacht Charter In Maldives