Category: Sightseeing

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Ushuaia – City at the End of the World

How FAR will you travel?

It’s the End of the World!!! No, we’re not talking about some great apocalypse, Ha!

At the southern tip of South America, sits the Argentinian city of Ushuaia, known as “the end of the world.”. Set with a mountain range to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south, the city is nestled amongst some of the wildest and most unforgiving landscapes in Patagonia. Those who make it there are rewarded with stunning views and an experience that is unforgettable. 

For Argentinean people Ushuaia began to be known in the early 20th century when a prison was decided to be built there. The prison of Ushuaia is part of the city’s history and the prisoners were the “first settlers”.

Today, despite its remoteness and bracing climate, the city is a fascinating place in its own right, as well as a launchpad for wider explorations of wild and wonderful Tierra del Fuego. It has an international airport and all necessary services, It is also a cruise port and the closest deepwater port to the Antarctic.

How to Get There?

The easiest and most direct way to get to Ushuaia (USH) is a direct flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina, which takes about 3.5 hours. 

There are also flights from Santiago in Chilé which stops over in Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas.

If you are adventurous, you can consider taking the 5 days 4 nights cruise from Punta Arenas (Chilé) and cross over the Magellan Straits. This scenic journey takes you across the whole Tierra Del Fuego island and its diverse scenery, it is going to a journey of a lifetime. This is definitely a trip I will be making in the future.

Tierra del Fuego, it literally means Land of Fire is an archipelago at South America’s southernmost tip, shared by Chile and Argentina. It’s known for its dramatic landscape of snowy mountains, glaciers, tundra and wind-sculpted trees.

Check out skyscanner or Aerolineas Argentinas website for more details of the flight going to Ushuaia.

What to Do in Ushuaia?

Most travellers arrive Ushuaia by air, the city is just less than 15 minutes away by car. It is a very peaceful & windy city, it does make you feel like you are far away from the rest of the world. For a city that is so unique with its very own characters, history and geography location, Ushuaia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination.    

Let’s take a look some of the THINGS TO DO in Ushuaia:

Take a Walk in the City

Facing the Beagle Channel and with the Martial Mountains as a backdrop, Ushuaia is a picturesque city by the harbour. 

Beautiful harbour at Ushuaia with the Martial Mountains!

After settling down at my hostel having flown over don’t know how many miles and hours from Asia, the excitement of heading out to the city has definitely overpowered my tiredness. 

It was really nice to take a walk in the city, breathing in the fresh cold air from the end of the world, feeling the tranquility and admiring the surroundings. Feel the vibes of the local life in the market where they sell fresh catches from the sea, local produce and food, you are completely in a Spanish environment. I didn’t understand anything but it’s the unfamiliar feeling and environment made me so happy and excited. 

Met a group of friendly travellers from Argentina!

There’s a beautiful promenade by the sea with benches. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the scenery, having a picnic or running. Walk along the promenade towards the tourist pier and you’ll be seeing many ticketing booths and a tourist information centre. Go get information about some interesting excursions that you must not miss in Ushuaia. 

The “Les Éclaireurs” Lighthouse

The one most important thing to see when you are in Ushuaia is this iconic lighthouse. The “Les Éclaireurs” lighthouse is located in one of the many promontories that populate the Beagle Channel, in front of the city. It’s one of the typical postcards you’ll see of Ushuaia. This lighthouse is a tower painted in red and white stripes, 11 meters tall, and is equipped with a solar energy based lighting device.

The Train of the End of the World

Experience the world’s southernmost railway! Travel back in time as you discover the fascinating beauty of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The Train of the End of the World is one of the biggest Ushuaia’s attractions. It’s true name is “Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino” which, along with the jail, constitutes an icon of the island. An elegant and antique formation of heated wagons, with wide windows and pulled by a steam locomotive, will take you on a 8 km long tour departing from the End of World Station up to the Tierra del Fuego National Park Station. The round trip total time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

Ushuaia’s Jail & Marine Museum

Known as the Alcatraz of Argentina, this historical prison was shut down in 1947. Nowadays most of it still stands conserving its original state, with the cells used by the convicted, their stone walls and the bars and grids.

This jail is the symbol of Ushuaia’s colonisation. It began to be built in 1902 and was finished in 1920. The works were carried out by the prisoners themselves, and had 380 one-person cells.

The main reason for its existence was to lodge re-offenders, but it ended up with a mixture of the most dangerous criminals, thieves, political prisoners, members of the armed forces, etc.

Those prisoners with good behaviour were rewarded with the chance of working outside the jail, or in the workshops. This was paid work, fact that enabled some of them to save some money for the moment they were released or to send it to their relatives outside.

Among the workshops there were: press, photography, shoe repair, tailor, carpentry, bakery, medical service, pharmacy and so on, all of which gave Ushuaia’s inhabitants the basic supplies in order to live. Otherwise they would depend on ships arriving to the port only once a month, or even less. In this way Ushuaia’s life was being built around this prison and along with it.

After a period of restoration since the prison’s closure in 1947, the building has reopened as a museum. Visitors can see the original cells, just as they were left with memorabilia from the final prisoners, look through a detailed photographic exhibition and hear fascinating stories from local guides, such as when a group of escapees begged to be let back in after struggling through the harsh Patagonian wilderness beyond the prison walls. 

Boat Excursion on Beagle Channel 

This half-day sailing experience in a rather small boat along the Beagle Channel is definitely a must do, it is going to be the best part of your trip to Ushuaia.

The journey starts with the boat sailing southwest, away from the city and towards the heart of the Beagle Channel, the narrow waterway in Tierra del Fuego that serves as the natural border between Argentina and Chile.

Firstly, the boat takes you near to the Isla de los Pájaros, or Bird Island. You’ll soon see how it earned this name when you observe the many different species of birds here: from seagulls to albatrosses to ducks and more.

The boat will then sail to another important place in the archipelago, the so-called Isla de los Lobos (Sea Lions Island) for about 20 minutes, which gives plenty of time to observe closely these sea mammals’ games and rituals. The reigning silence emphasises the impression that you are truly at the end of the world. Get your cameras ready, you won’t want to miss snapping photos of the adorable sea lion colony!

After seeing the sea lions, the boat will slowly sail until it reaches the “Les Éclaireurs” Lighthouse, standing on a small island in the archipelago of the same name. This old light house dating back from 1919 is one of the icons of Ushuaia, and the farthest point of the excursion.

After that, the boat starts to head back through a different route.

The final stop of the excursion will be at Puerto Karelo, where you’ll disembark for a brief 20-minute guided tour, during which you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the local wildlife and the beautiful plants on the island. It’s a very pleasant walk before returning to the pier.

End of the World Sign

Don’t forget to check out and take a picture with the End of the World Sign, “Ushuaia – fin del mundo”. It is located very close to the tourist pier.

Antarctica Expedition

The Antarctic expedition is a navigation with a duration of 11 days in which you can discover life enclosing the frozen continent, the surrounding islands, the giant icebergs and sea passages that defy navigators and demand the most from ships that dare to face this adventure. Departures are from Ushuaia sailing through the Beagle Channel. Then navigation continues through the Drake passage to the South Shetland Islands and from there to the Antarctic Peninsula.

photo from https://www.southernexplorations.com/antarctica-adventure-cruises/ushuaia

How Many Days?

There are plenty of things to do and see in Ushuaia, a minimum of 3 days is recommended. One day in the Tierra del Fuego National Park taking the End of the World Train, half a day cruising on the Beagle Channel watching the wildlife & the “Les Éclaireurs” Lighthouse, and a day walking in the city visiting various museums & chilling. 

“ Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. ”

– Ibn Battuta

If you have more time, you can go hiking, kayaking and visit more beautiful nature like Martial Glacier, Lake Escondido, and Lapataia Bay.

Best Time to Go?

Ushuaia is a destination to visit throughout the year, but still, the best time to go is from December through March, during the summer time.

In Summer, the temperatures are very pleasant reaching 20 degrees Celsius and have a medium average of almost 10 degrees Celsius. Sunrise is very early in the morning and it gets dark after 10 pm. This characteristic is essential for those who visit Ushuaia because they may have long days with sunlight to enjoy all type of excursions. However, wear enough warm clothings and dress in different layers because it does get cold, do not forget you are at the end of the world! 

The Movie – “Happy Together 春光乍洩” 

Happy Together (春光乍洩) is a 1997 Hong Kong romantic drama film directed by Wong Kar-wai starring Leslie Cheung and Tony Leung and depicting their turbulent romance. This movie was shot in Argentina, you’ll see places like Ushuaia, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires in the film.

“Ho and Lai are a gay couple from Hong Kong with a tumultuous relationship marked by frequent separations and reconciliations. They travel to Argentina in an attempt to mend their relationship, but break up after they become lost while traveling to visit the Iguazu Falls.”

Happy Together (春光乍洩) had earned Wong Kar-wai the Best Directing award in 1997 Cannes Film Festival and cemented his position as an art-house superstar. Tony Leung also won the best actor award in the 17th Hong Kong Film Awards.

Where to Stay?

We booked 3 nights at Antarctica Hostel during our trip to Ushuaia, this hostel is located in the heart of the city, few blocks away from the tourist pier, and there are restaurants, supermarkets, banks and post office nearby. 

The vibe of Antarctica Hostel is very youthful and lively, you’ll meet young travellers all around the world. I remember meeting a cute couple from Brazil, they were just getting married and travelling around South America, we are still keeping in touch until now.  

As soon as I walked into the lobby, I was already loving the place, it is very bright and beautifully decorated, very cozy. Breakfast is served daily from 0700 on the first floor and the 6 persons dormitory we were renting, we had to share the bathroom & toilet with other travellers, it’s on the ground floor. 

Cleanliness of this hostel is excellent and the staff speak very good English and they are very friendly. They are more than happy to give you some insights about their city and answer your questions. 

There are plenty of accommodation choices in Ushuaia, but if you are visiting during Summer, I’d strongly advice you making your booking in advance to prevent disappointment. 

Check out booking.com and airBnB to look for something you like.  

My Video in Ushuaia

Check out my video in this breathtaking resort town, if you have the chance to go there, you are going to love it as much as I do. 

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Chichén Itzá – Once an Ancient City of the Mayans

a short historical trip to Mexico!

Pyramids often arouse our curiosity, we wonder how & why they are built. There are pyramids all over the world. Some pyramids are tombs, some are temples while the purpose for countless pyramids have been lost to time. There are pyramids said to map out the stars. Numerous pyramids hide in jungles standing as testaments to the technology of ancient civilisations and I’m sure there are pyramids yet to be discovered. 

We all know Giza Pyramid is in Egypt, and in Mexico, there is Chichén Itzá (El Castillo).

Pyramids often invite more questions than they answer, but that mystery is part of why they remain so compelling.

Chichén Itzá

Thousands of years ago Chichén Itzá was full of people. It was one of the most powerful cities of one of the most powerful ancient cultures – the Maya. But today, no one lives there. It is only a group of old buildings. However, people from around the world still come to see it. People come to learn about its ancient culture, the culture of the Maya people.

Chichén Itzá is a complex of Mayan ruins centrally located on the northern half of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Although it’s an important tourist attraction, Chichén Itzá also remains an active archeological site. New discoveries are still being unearthed in the area, providing even more insight into the culture and accomplishments of the Mayan people, who ruled much of present-day Mexico and Central America prior to the arrival of European colonists.

El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan, the famed recognisable stepped pyramid is dominating the site’s centre. 

Chichén Itzá was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and, on the 7th July 2007, it was voted in a global survey as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Why was Chichén Itzá Built?

Chichén Itzá was one of the largest cities in the Yucatan in the pre-Columbian era. It was a major commercial centre and had sprawling residential complexes. Researchers suggest the city even had suburbs. Imagine hundreds of Mayans traveling to Chichén Itzá everyday for work and trade! Chichén Itzá saw the heights of prosperity around 600 AD.

Mayans were also clever in building Chichén Itzá at this location because of pure logistical reasons. The site was close to a huge cenote, also called the Sacred Cenote, that supplied the city with fresh underground water. Remember, we are back in 600 AD when fresh drinking water was still not available widely. The cenote could have played a major role in Chichén Itzá’s rise to prominence.

Maya Civilisation (The Mayans) 

The Mayan culture began almost 3,000 years ago. It grew in parts of Central America. Today we know this area as the countries of Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.

The Mayans were skilled in many areas. Experts believe the Mayans were excellent farmers. They also believe that the Mayans created a complex written language. This may have been the first written language to come from the Americas. The Mayans were also very good at mathematics. Their number system included the number “zero.” Mathematics experts say that using the number zero was an amazing thing. Other ancient cultures of the time did not use this number.

However, people may know the Mayans best for their calendar. A calendar separates time into different lengths, like months, days and minutes. Making a very exact calendar is extremely difficult. But the Mayans used their knowledge of mathematics and their interest in the stars to build a calendar. They carefully observed the movements of the sun, moon, and planets. This knowledge helped them to create their calendar.

Some Interesting Facts about Chichén Itzá

  • There are 2 pyramids under the main one.

El Castillo (30 meters in height) nests within itself two smaller pyramids (20 meters and 10 meters tall). Scientists have compared El Castillo (Kukulkan’s Pyramid) to the Russian nesting dolls.

  • Monuments of Chichén Itzá were astronomically aligned.

The Mayans were strong believers and followers of astronomy. This is quite evident in how and why they built their monuments. At Chichén Itzá, you can see a round-shaped observatory, the El Caracol, which was specifically used to gauge the positions of planets and the sun.

Further, the most iconic landmark – the Pyramid of Kukulkan has 365 steps in total – 91 on each side and one at the top. This equals the number of days in a year. Each side represented one season and was used to figure out the best times for sowing seeds and harvesting crops. The huge pyramid, in fact, functioned as one big calendar.

  • Tourists were allowed to climb El Castillo before 2006.

The pyramid was banned to climbers in January 2006 when a woman tumbled to death while descending the steps. It was an unfortunate incident. The pyramid has now been roped off and can only be adored from a distance. Well, I think this is better to protect the monument and for the safety of the tourists. 

  • The rise & fall of Chichén Itzá.

The glory of Chichén Itzá declined and the city met a mysterious end in the 14th century. The residents moved out and never come back to the city again.

Historic accounts differ as to when Chichén Itzá was built and ultimately developed into a centre of political and economic power. Some accounts place the establishment of the city in the early 400s A.D., while others suggest construction started a few years later, in the middle part of the fifth century. After a few hundred years, the Maya had left their city. They did return later. 

Then about 1,000 years ago a group called the Toltecs invaded the Maya. They did not conquer the Maya. Instead, the two cultures lived together. They even began to combine parts of their religious ceremonies. The Toltecs ruled the city for about 300 years. But they left the city. No one knows why.

A little later, the Itzá invaded the city. The Itzá were invaders from a different area. The Itzá built new parts of the city. And they gave the city its name. The name “Chichén Itzá” means “mouth of the well of the Itzá”. However, the Itzá did not rule the city very long. They left Chichén Itzá after about 25 years. Again, no one knows why the Itzá left.

How to Get There?

The archaeological site of Chichén Itzá is located 2 km away from the town of Piste situated between Cancún and Merida.

Chichén Itzá is often done as a day trip from the neighbouring cities of Cancún (3 hours), Tulum (2 hours), Playa del Carmen (3 hours), Merida (1.45 hours) or the nearby colonial town of Valladolid (40 minutes).

  • By Bus:

Public transport is the easiest and cheapest way to get to the site. First class ADO buses run daily at 0845 from Cancún to Chichén Itzá, with the travel time of 3 hours 5 minutes.

Ticket price is MXN 258 (USD 13).

If the time doesn’t work for you, another option is to first take the bus to the town of Valladolid, since there are many more departures throughout the day, and get another bus from there to Chichén Itzá, same for the return after your visit.

  • By Car:

Most international tourists arrive in Cancún, and the distance from Cancún to Chichén Itzá is around 197 km, with the driving time of about 2.5 hours. The drive to Chichén Itzá is very straight forward, with GPS and navigation app on your cellphone you are good to go.

Renting a car can be a great way to get around during your visit to Mexico. The vast majority of people who rent a car in Mexico find it to be an enjoyable experience that allows them to explore the area they’re visiting on their own timeline without having to wait for buses or rely on others to get them where they need to go.

You will find many car rentals at the airport as well as in the city centre of Cancún. I rented a 4-seater Volkswagen at about USD100 for 48 hours, the price includes Amendments, Theft Protection, Collision Damage Waiver, Local Taxes & Unlimited free kilometres. The gas is not cheap in Cancún, per litre is about USD 1. Make sure you also purchase an insurance, just to avoid any unnecessary hassles in case anything happen, especially in a country where you don’t speak their language. The total price I paid for my car together with the insurance was around USD 160.

Be very careful when you are driving into the hotel zone in Cancún though, there are too many traffic lights, you are very likely to overlook one and run a red light. I got pulled over by traffic police because of that, it doesn’t make sense to me that the traffic lights are so close to one another as if they are arranged in such a way to trap you. Anyway, I tried my best to explain myself and apologise for the mistake but I wasn’t given any chance but a ticket of around USD 30, if I remember well. That was the only bad experience I had during my trip.

Drivers are usually required to be at least 25 years of age in order to rent a car in Mexico. Your current driver’s license from your home country is accepted for driving in Mexico (make sure it’s still valid before your trip). You will need a credit card to make a security deposit on the vehicle. 

 

Note: If you’re driving in Mexico with the idea of fewer traffic laws and more relaxed enforcement, you’re in for a surprise. Between unexpected road conditions and a different legal philosophy, running a red light or exceeding the speed limit could turn into the adventure you’ll share at parties for years to come. If you find yourself pulled over by Federals, remember that Mexican law is Napoleonic – you’re assumed guilty until proven innocent, and the arresting officer is your prosecutor, judge and jury. He might impound your car and put you in jail if you’re uninsured, show attitude or act suspiciously.

  • By Tour:

Taking an organised tour is very convenient, you can book online or from your hotel in Cancún. On the day, you will be picked up on a bus at your hotel in the morning, along with your group and then headed to Chichén Itzá, you will have a guided tour on the site.

Most tours include a visit to a nearby cenote for a quick dip either before or after visiting the archaeological site, as well as a buffet lunch somewhere along the way. Although this option is easy and convenient, but you may be squeezed into a vehicle at its maximum capacity for the hours long drive, which may be made longer as the vehicle goes around to various hotels to pick up people in the morning and drop them off at the end of the day. You’ll also arrive at Chichén Itzá at the time when it’s the most crowded.

So, think about which option suits you best.

You may check out chichenitza.com if you are looking for organised tours to visit the archaeological site.

“ A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.  ”

– Marcus Garvey

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Chichén Itzá is early in the morning when the crowds are sparse. Tour buses start to arrive late morning to midday. Sundays are very crowded because the entrance is free for the local people.

During the year, winter season is the best time to visit Chichén Itzá because of pleasant temperatures. The shoulder months of November to March are also good because of fewer tourists. The temperatures are not that bad. And you can get some good deals on accommodation. 

The Opening Hours & Ticket

Chichén Itzá opens daily from 0800 – 1700.

As of 2019, the government of Yucatán increased the cost to enter the archaeological zone from MXN 242 (USD 12) to MXN 533 (USD 27) for foreign tourists, it’s more than double.

Free admission on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreigners with residence in Mexico, ID is required.

Cenote Ik-Kil

After spending a few hours at Chichén Itzá, exposing under the hot sun, it’s really nice to take a dip & cool yourself at arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico.

Cenote Ik-Kil is located at a close distance to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, on the highway to Valladolid, it is only about 5 minutes by car. 

The walls of Cenote Ik-Kil are covered with green leafs and vines hanging down over 20 meters from the top of the cenote, giving it the dramatic look.

In order to reach the water you have to walk 26 meters down the stairs. The fresh water is 40 meters deep while its diameter is 60 meters.

Compared to other cenotes found in Mexico, Ik-Kil has many facilities for visitors such as lockers, shower and a restaurant on site, there are even cottages within walking distance where one can spend a few relaxing days.

  • Opening Hours: 0900 – 1700
  • Admission Fee: MXN 70 (USD 4) for adults, MXN 35 (USD 1.80) for children. You can also buy a package at MXN 150 (USD 7.50), including a general admission with a life jacket and a locker.

Looking for some adrenaline rush? You can jump into the water from the 2 jumping platforms slightly different in height, 3 meters and 6 meters.

It’s so much FUN!!!

Where to Stay? 

The beautiful beach in Cancún & the turquoise Caribbean Sea!

You can book your accommodation in Cancún and make a day trip to Chichén Itzá and Cenote Ik-Kil.

Or you can also book 1-2 nights around Chichén Itzá or at the laid-back city of Valladolid, where it is located in an area rich with cenotes that you can enjoy.

Check in booking.com and AirBnB, there are plenty of accommodation choices from affordable to luxury. 

In Cancún, you should consider booking your accommodation in Hotel Zone, where you will get direct access to the beach, with restaurants and bars nearby. Enjoy the nightlife in Cancún and meet new friends!

It was a short trip for me but definitely a rich one, discovering the culture and history of the Mayans. 

I hope you enjoy reading. If you have been to Cancún and Chichén Itzá, do share with me the interesting places or things you have done.

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Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend – The 2 Natural Wonders in Arizona

a MARVEL in nature not to be missed!!!

Nestled at the northernmost edge of the Arizona desert, Page is the gateway town to some of the most extraordinary attractions in the great Southwest. Still one of the best kept secrets, Page is a base camp of your adventures to Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, Antelope Canyon, river rafting down the Colorado River, Lake Powell and over ten other famous national and state parks. This locally appreciated town is starting to appear on the international map, and for good reason. 

This small town was established in 1957 as a temporary work camp for builders of the Glen Canyon Dam’s construction. When the dam was completed in the 1960s, the people stayed. Page has then grown steadily to today’s population of over 7,000.

Antelope Canyon

Before visiting Antelope Canyon, I have seen a lot of pictures and videos about the place, I was mesmerised by it. The beauty of this slot canyon with the sharp colours, the shapes & the lines is absolutely a work of art, so unreal. It was in my bucket list ever since. 

(A slot canyon is a long, narrow, deep and tortuous channel or drainageway with sheer rock walls that are typically eroded into either sandstone or other sedimentary rock.)

Antelope Canyon, located near Page, Arizona is home to one of nature’s most wondrous creations – the slot canyon. Carved from the red sandstone for millennia by seasonal flood rains and wind, the canyons are narrow passageways that lead several hundred feet away from the mouth.

It is a photographer’s dream, the canyon is known for its wave-like structure and the light beams that shine directly down into the openings of the canyon, creating a supernatural appearance.

Guided tours are required for visiting Antelope Canyon. There are several authorised tour operators to choose from who will not only bring you to the canyon, but also give you a breadth of information about the history, geology, and culture of the Antelope Canyon area.

Photographers will enjoy snapping photos, but the famous light beams are not always visible. The narrow canyon walls at the top are what helps create the light beams when the sun is at the right angle. Beams occur most often during the summer, between 1030 – 1300, with the best views between late March and early October.

There are two parts of Antelope Canyon where you can visit, the Upper and the Lower.

 

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is the most accessible part of Antelope Canyon and the more popular of the two slot canyons. Often when people talk about Antelope Canyon or pictures you have seen, they are usually the upper one.

The magical light beams at Upper Antelope Canyon!

The light beams, falling sands, and very high canyon walls make it so magical and extremely photogenic.

Upper Antelope Canyon is wider at the bottom, and is only a short and easy walk; unlike Lower Antelope Canyon with stairs and ladders, and more narrow.

Because of the narrow canyon top and wide bottom, with these high, narrow walls make the upper canyon darker and cooler.

Since taking the tour is the only way of visiting this magnificent slot canyon, with social media nowadays it has become extremely popular, and tour often sells out months in advance. You are best to make advance reservations as soon as you know the dates you will be in the area, to avoid disappointment.

You can book this tour by itself, or in a combo with Lower Antelope Canyon or Antelope Canyon by Boat for a more efficient visit. For general tours, tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks & backpacks are NOT allowed. Unless you book a photography tour, which is more expensive. 

No matter which canyon you choose, you are in for an unforgettable experience!

 

Lower Antelope Canyon

In the contrary to the Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon has a wide canyon top and narrow bottom, therefore it is brighter and warmer.

Lower Antelope Canyon is an excellent section of the canyon. The tours travel in one direction, making it slightly easier to get photographs of the canyon with less people in it. 

There are stairs, ladders, and narrow sections, you are going to get some great shots with it. Most importantly, you will have fun squeezing through the narrow passageways and climbing the ladders, it feels more adventurous. 

 

Best Time to Visit

  • If you are looking to take photos of the sun beaming into the canyon, book a tour with the tour groups in Upper Antelope Canyon around 1030 to 1300 for the months of March to October. To get extra time in the canyon, book a tour with a photography group – there may be an extra fee to book this type of tour.

 

  • If you want to do a little hiking and want a little more seclusion, book a tour for the Lower Antelope Canyon area. It is less busy compared to the Upper Antelope Canyon.

 

  • If you want less tourists visit during the non-peak months of November to March.

 

Tour Operators

Below are some tour operators in Page where you can book your tour before visiting Antelope Canyon:

KEN’S TOURS
Lower Antelope Canyon is a global destination for photographers and adventure seekers. We offer tours throughout the entire Lower Antelope Slot Canyon.

ANTELOPE SLOT CANYON TOURS
Antelope Slot Canyon Tours by Chief Tsosie is located in Page Arizona, right next to the great Lake Powell, and in the centre of the Grand Circle. Navajo-owned and operated. You’ll enjoy our personal tour of the breathless Antelope Canyon and other spectacular adventures! A special highlight of the tour, will be the authentic beauty of Native American flute music resonating throughout Antelope Canyon. Hear the wonderful Native American stories associated with Antelope Canyon by Navajo Tour Guides. Come, visit, and personally experience the mystical canyons.

ANTELOPE CANYON NAVAJO TOURS
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours operates on land owned by the Begay family, longstanding members of the Navajo Nation and community. As a part of this family, Dalvin Etsitty has been providing tours of this sacred Navajo site for over 20 years, allowing people from all over the world to visit and enjoy its beauty. Dalvin enjoys meeting people from different cultures and walks of life and introducing them to the Navajo way of life.

ANTELOPE CANYON TOURS
Antelope Canyon Tours is a customer service oriented business that specialising in slot canyon tours around Page, Arizona / Lake Powell Area. Antelope Canyon Tours is a Navajo owned and operated, providing guided tours from Page, Arizona.

ADVENTUROUS ANTELOPE CANYON PHOTO TOUR
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo tours (AACPT) provides quality guided tours, sightseeing tours and photographic tours into slot canyons that are within the Antelope wash basin, located just on the outskirts of Page, Arizona. The slot canyons reside within the Navajo Nation tribal reservation – Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. AACPT operates into 4 slot canyons: the Upper Antelope Canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon, Owl Canyon and Mountain Sheep Canyon.

Even though the beauty of Antelope Canyon is mind-blowing and it’s definitely a place you have to visit, but do expect large crowds of people, especially during midday in the peak months. What you often see in the pictures are either nobody or just the visitors themselves with the canyon. The truth is, there are many other visitors who are behind the scenes. The tour groups get ushered through the canyon rather quickly, making it feel like a rushed experience. 

Horseshoe Bend

Being one of the most photographed spots in all of Arizona. Horseshoe Bend is a definite “Bucket List” must see! It is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River, located in the town of Page, Arizona. The hike is about less than 1 km one way to the overlook from the carpark, about 20 minutes walk. The trail is wide and accessible to wheelchairs, a very pleasant & easy short walk to one of the most beautiful natural wonders. 

Horseshoe Bend at its best before sunrise!

The overlook is about 305 meters high, looking down onto the Colorado River. In 2018, a fenced overlook area was created for viewing safety. However, visitors who want to venture away from the fenced partition are asked to exercise caution; the sandstone edges of the terrain can be unstable causing slides or breaks underfoot.

Horseshoe Bend itself, and that part of the Colorado River, are a part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. About 15 km downstream is where Grand Canyon National Park begins.

Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The busiest times of the day are between 0900 to 1100 in the morning and 1630 to 1830 in the evening. Overnight parking or camping is not allowed.

Entrance fees are based on the passenger capacity of the vehicle, not the number of passengers. For motorcycle, it is USD 5, for car or RV, it is USD 10.

PLEASE NOTE: On Holidays and busy weekends, the City of Page may require all visitors to use a shuttle to visit once the parking lot is full. Check with them if you plan to visit during busy times.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

Although Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are the reasons you travel to Page, but Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is just as astonishing, it is just a 5-minute drive from Page.

From the car park, it is an easy 10 minutes scenic walk to the overlook. From there you will get spectacular views of both Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River. 

The Glen Canyon Dam intercepts the Colorado River at a height of 216 meters and a length of 475 meters and is the only source of water for southwest United States! The dam adds to the city’s popular recreational pulse and is responsible for providing water and electricity. 

“ I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful — an endless prospect of magic and wonder. ”

– Ansel Adams

How to Get There?

Most people usually travel to Page from Las Vegas, Flagstaff or Phoenix. Geographically, it makes sense for travellers combining their visit of Las Vegas & Grand Canyon National Park to Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon. 

The map of Page with the nearby attractions!
  • By Flight: 

Contour Airlines provides direct flights from Phoenix International Airport (PHX) to Page Municipal Airport (PGA). Travel from anywhere in the world via American Airlines to Phoenix International Airport and seamlessly connect with Contour Airlines. Once you arrive at Page, you can rent a car or join tours to visit Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and other national parks & monuments. 

  • By Car: 

If you are in Las Vegas, the distance to Page is around 438 km with the driving time of about 5 hours, the road is pretty straight forward all the way. Just so you know, this drive will be crossing 3 states, from Nevada to Utah and then Arizona. 

If you are driving from Flagstaff, the distance to Page is around 208 km with the driving time of about 2 hours, you will be heading north all the way on Highway 89.

  • By Tour: 

Alternately, you can also take a tour to Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend from Vegas or Flagstaff. This is always a convenient option, having a guide to tell you everything you need to know during the journey while you are seated comfortably in the vehicle. The only downside of it would be lacking of flexibility while visiting, and you also have less time to truly enjoy the magnificent views. 

Where to Stay? 

There are plenty of accommodation choices available in the small town of Page, ranging from affordable inns to big hotel chains like Marriott, Hyatt, Best Western and Holiday Inn. 

You can check booking.com for more options, and if you prefer homestay, AirBnB is always a great choice.