Ecuador Vacation: Take a Drive on the Pan-American Highway

Unlike the portions that go through Peru and Chile, the Pan-American Highway that cuts through Ecuador runs mostly inland. Still, it is a dream of a drive for anyone who loves roadtrips and long cruises through beautiful countryside. Better yet, many of Ecuador's top destinations popular on any South America vacation packages can be found along the way so you don't have to sacrifice any opportunities for fun. Let's see where this famous stretch of road can take you:

Starting from the north, the first notable city that the Pan-American Highway passes is Tulcán. Like many border locations, it is mostly a busy transportation hub for those on the go. One strange but interesting sight to see is the Tulcán Cemetery. The graveyard is surprisingly pleasant and features a labyrinth of sorts of artistically landscaped topiary work that take the shapes of traditional sculpture and art designs.

Next up is Quito, the country's capital. Set between two mountain ranges, those not acclimated with high altitudes may take some time to rest up before moving onward. The lively colonial city boasts a wide array of architectures sure to please any photographer, and the historic Old City center is a complete treasure to soak in. Views of the charming surrounding peaks will be visible wherever you go. As well, a number of cultural and historical museums cater to those who wish to learn. Give the city at least one day to a few days to fully appreciate all of its character.

Driving further along south, you will soon reach Ambato, another transportation center. There is not much to see in the town itself; more of note is Riobamba about 52 kilometers further which is a good place to base yourself out of for any intentions of visiting the Chimborazo volcano. The volcano is a great activity for mountain climbers, while those seeking a more simple adventure can just embark on a few small hikes. As well, there are train rides that depart to the Devil's Nose, a famous South America Andean mountain range set in a gorgeous landscape.

When you've gotten your fill of nature, your last major stop before charging down to Peru will be Cuenca. This city is a truly lovely sight to behold during your Ecuador vacations. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is well founded as a result of all the Inca, Cañari, and Spanish influences that have affected its culture and architectures. And yet, it is a great place to catch up on the modern comforts of home as is often available in large cities.

Scuba Diving in the Waters of Hawaii

If you are thinking about a scuba diving vacation spot, then you should consider Hawaiian waters. Hawaii's waters are warm and clear, filled with different colored fish and coral reefs. No place can compare to Hawaii when it comes to scuba diving. A different world once you are under the water, you will experience an adventure you are sure to remember for the rest of your life. There are eight main islands to choose from, each with their own diving locations, and unique characteristics.

Throughout the islands, diving offers many different types of marine life, color coral, and even lava formations. The water is clear and beautiful and most of the time you can see as far as 100 feet. There are diving shops and resorts located throughout the islands, so you can either rent equipment, or bring your own. If you don't know how to dive, don't worry, most shops will offer certification courses, or lessons if you aren't feeling comfortable.

Hawaiian waters offer diving for all skill levels. There are five main underwater habitats that you can explore. They include the coral reefs, caves, small caverns, lava tubs, drop-offs, basalt boulders, and sandy bottoms. These areas are so diverse that you can gain access to them either from the shore line, or also from boats. Boating out to a dive spot is the easiest access and offers the best conditions. Diving from the shore line is not encouraged when there is high tide.

During the summer months on islands Kauai and Nihau, the water is calm and clear. Some of the best diving spots can be found here. Some spots you might want to visit are the Cannons, Tunnels Reef, or Ke' Lagoon. All offer a wide range of depths for beginner and intermediate divers, ranging from 12 feet to 65 feet. There is also Brennecke's Drop-Off, Sheraton Caverns, and Oasis Reef on the south side of the island. These locations are suggested for intermediate divers. If you are looking for a more challenging environment that includes monk seals, and dolphins swimming side by side with you, then head out to the north side of Nihau.

On the main island of Hawaii you might want to visit the Kohala or Kona coastlines. There are spots like Pine Trees, Place of Refuge, Cavern Point, and Kailua Pier that offer a difficulty level of beginner to advanced. The depths here range from 10 to 130 feet. Maui is also a good choice with locations such as Five Caves, Olowalu and Honolua Bay. There you could encounter tame fish and depths also from 10 to 130 feet.

Best Adventure Vacations in US

If you're looking for some adventure this vacation, these best adventure vacations in US would surely be a treat for you! From driving high to a dive amongst adventures in the ocean, everything awaits you this vacation.

We all seek for some adventure in life, and what makes us seek this adventure is our human nature, to just for some time, hit the off road. Adventure vacations help us to bring out the wild side in us, which normally is under the wraps in some corner of our homes and offices. These vacations help you to embrace life, just as it is, without any liabilities and commitments in that moment. This vacation, discover adventures at these best adventure vacations in the US, and discover a new 'you'. Adventure in general is very important for us to make our lives a tad more interesting and lively. There is always a need to do something that is not done everyday, and this gets us closer to these vacations. Like Helen Keller said, "life is either a great adventure or nothing".

Where Can You Plan an Adventure Vacation in the US?

The definition of adventure varies for all of us. For some, it's nearing the supreme power through meditation, and for some, it's the experience of the adrenaline rush. Whatever maybe our expectations from these adventure vacation ideas, these 5 destinations will surely get you close to them. Let's check out what these best adventure vacations in US have in store for us!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

River rafting through the Grand Canyon can be one of the best adventure vacations for you this year. You must have already heard stories of people going rafting on the Colorado river, which flows through the Grand Canyon. The gigantic beauty of the Canyon makes this adventure not only adventurous but a memory you're bound to cherish your whole life. While you're at the Canyon, you can also check out other adventure sports, such as rafting and paragliding, which are again common at the Grand Canyon. While you're there, make the most out of it!

Scuba Diving, Hawaii

This is my personal favorite when it comes to the adventure vacations in America, and the entire world too. Scuba diving can be an experience in its own, and at the Hawaiian islands, it just gets better! Though there are more than a hundred islands in Hawaii, the ones visited most for scuba diving are Kauai, Oahu, Ni'ihau, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Hawaii (the island) and Kahoolawe. Avoid the islands of Ni'ihau, Molokai and Lanai if you're a beginner. The marine life at Hawaii is one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Scuba diving is done extensively at these islands, so you don't have to worry about finding company. You can also visit Mt. Kilauea, globally the most active volcano.

Road Trip on the Pan American

Traveling through 14 countries and 2 continents does seem an adventure to live for, doesn't it? If this idea interests you, you might want to make a road trip across the Pan American Highway, that starts in Alaska and ends in the southern parts of the South American continent. It isn't a single highway as such, but a network of roads that measures approximately 30,000 miles in totality. It is known as the longest motorable road, globally. This can be a great adventure vacation for a group, or just for a couple too.

Death Valley National Park, California

Considered as one of the best family adventure vacations, the Death Valley National Park has much more to offer than its name suggests. The Ubehebe Crater which is 800m deep, and the Zabriskie Point, are two famous places to visit inside the park. Dante's View and Badwater are other two such places, the former being 5475 feet above sea level, and the latter being 282 feet below sea level. Trained hikers can hike on the Telescope Peak which stands 11,000 feet tall. A visit to the dry lake called Racetrack Playa might even show you the Milky Way at night. The children would love to see that, won't they!

Underwater Volcanoes, Caribbean

No no, I'm not asking you to actually visit an active underwater volcano. There are volcanic fissures in the Caribbean that you can safely visit and see some amazing forms of nature. In Champagne and Dominica, you can witness small bubbles that are released from the sea bed due to these volcanic fissures. Most of the Caribbean cruises will take you to a visit here. You might even be lucky enough to witness these through a submarine ride. A combination of scuba diving and visiting these volcanic fissures would work just great.

I hope these options for best adventure vacations in US did justice to your adventure meter. For those who are tired with day-to-day problems and the various issues life offers, try going for a meditation workshop and learn a few tricks to calm that soul down. After all, there is adventure in doing something that until now you thought you could never do. These are also great options for adventure vacations for couples who are looking for something more than just romance. Pack your bags and hit the road. A lot of excitement, thrill, and of course some truckload of adventure, is awaiting you. Have Fun!