11 Volcanoes in the Americas That You Can Climb

Maybe it’s because they seem primordial, or because you did really well in rocks for jocks, or actually know a thing or two about geology. Or perhaps just because it’s there, and well, so are you. But for some (perhaps magnetic) reason, where there is an accessible volcano, there are travelers (and sometimes locals) bathing in its hot-springs, scaling its slopes and marveling at its lava flows.

As you make your way around this still-forming planet, consider the following fairly accessible volcanoes for part of your next been-there-done-that party. It goes without saying that climbing or getting close to an active volcano carries risks, but most travelers find that those risks pale in comparison to lava, fumaroles, lava tubes, tumbling rocks and the kshgrrrrburbleburble that volcanoes whisper and shout to you when you’re nearby.

Below you’ll find a list of accessible volcanoes for your hiking and viewing pleasure in the Americas. Sadly, Kilauea in Hawai’i is politically but not geographically in the Americas, so we’ll have to save that for a special ring of fire edition of the volcano walking for the mildly intrepid. For now you’ll have to make do with these beauties.

Mount St. Helens – Washington, USA

Since May of 1980, when Washington state’s Mt. St. Helens blew her cone and covered Seattle with ash that my friends tell me looked like snow, she has gained respect from locals and travelers alike. On a clear day, she is visible in the distance, from Seattle and Portland, Oregon as well, a flattened giant that blew her top.

Since 1987, the southern slopes of Mt. St. Helens have been open to climbers who wish to climb close to (but not into) the crater. Monitor Ridge is a popular trail that starts at Climber’s Bivouac, and takes between 7 and 12 hours to climb. Climbers can gain views of the crater, blast area and other nearby volcanic peaks, but those wishing to climb above 4,800 feet (the rim is at 8,365) must seek a permit.

More details are on the Mt. St. Helens website.

Mt. Redoubt – Alaska, USA

Mt. Redoubt is an active stratovolcano that erupted violently in March 2009, and is probably best seen from nearby, as opposed to up close. Until recently, climbing Redoubt required some technical expertise, fixed rope climbing and a peakside scramble to the top, but there’s no telling what things will be like after the eruption finally stops, so do your research before packing your gear.

For now, views of Redoubt volcano (from the Russian Sopka Redutskaya meaning “fortified place”) are best taken from afar. The 9,000-foot volcano is less than 200 miles from Anchorage.

You can also get a (less sulphuric) peek from home at the Alaska Volcano Observatory webpage.

Tequila Volcano - Mexico

In Mexico, there are a number of volcanoes that can be easily accessed, including Tequila Volcano, where visitors can actually drive to the edge of the crater and peer inside to see the forests that have sprung up inside. Not surprisingly, this volcano is located a stone’s throw from the town of Tequila, better known for another kind of liquid fire.

Rock climbers will want to summit “the plug”, a lava column that formed inside the mouth of the volcano and was then thrust upward by geologic pressure. Its sheer walls are not for the uninitiated, nor the acrophobic.

Other climbable volcanoes in Mexico

Also near the state of Jalisco is the Nevado de Colima volcano (inactive), which can be climbed, and Volcan de Fuego, which is active, and therefore best seen from down below. High-altitude treks would take climbers to the peaks of Iztaccihuatl and Orizaba (the highest peak in Mexico at 18,404 feet), but these are not for the inexperienced, the guideless or those who are short of time as they require a few days.

Volcan Arenal - Costa Rica

This starring player in Costa Rica’s ecotourism route is far too active and explosive to be climbed safely. It is often socked in with clouds, but nighttime visits to the nearby hot springs bring vantage points to see the small lava explosions and red-hot rocks tumble forth from the cone.

The area has grown in recent years with Costa Rica’s runaway tourism, and you may find more souls with whom to say “oooh” and “aaaah” than you were expecting.

Several hotels and outfitters in the town of Arenal, and nearby Fortuna, run tours, and the Arenal Observatory Lodge offers volcano views from right inside.

Horseback riding and bicycling are popular in this area, with all eyes trained towards the volcano, day and night.

Pacaya - Guatemala

Guatemala’s Pacaya volcano’s ash-lined slopes have been calling to travelers since the gringo trail first appeared. Volcano-lovers generally stay in the colonial town of Antigua, where tours can easily be arranged, and which is a pleasant, oft-visited spot on its own.

The hike up Pacaya starts with a steep climb through a pine forest, up through a strenuous section up slippery ash-lined slopes (two steps forward, one step back). Views from the top extend down to the pacific lowlands and all the way to El Salvador. A guide is recommended as the volcano’s activity is unpredictable, and the route may not always be clear. Also, historically there have also been muggings on this volcano, so going with a tour is a safer option.

For those aspiring vulcanologists for whom one Guatemalan volcano is not enough, you might consider taking a five-day tour with an outfitter that leads hikers up Pacaya, Sta. Maria, Acatenango and Fuego with camping on the slopes of the volcanoes.

Ometepe - Nicaragua

Nicaragua is home to several active volcanoes, including Masaya, which can be toured at night, and which has lava tubes which visitors can explore. A headlamp is a nice touch, as it keeps your hands free, but a flashlight is fine as well. Nicaragua’s Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua attracts volcano lovers as well for the two volcanoes that comprise the island (Ometepe means two mountains), Maderas and Concepci?n, neither of which tops 6,000 feet.

Concepci?n is the world’s highest lake island and is considered a fairly perfect example of a cone volcano. It remains active. Maderas is terraced in places where farmers take advantage of fertile growing conditions on her slopes.

For those visitors for whom these three volcanoes in Nicaragua have not quelled their need to see the world’s geology lab might consider also visiting Cosig?ina, in the northwest corner of the country. This volcano’s violent eruption in 1859 spewed ash and rock, and contributed to the formation of some of the islands in the Gulf of Fonseca. It’s now considered dormant, and is only 900 meters high, and covered in dense vegetation.

Boiling Lake - Dominica

Of sixteen active volcanoes in the Carribean, Dominica is home to nine, and since no significant eruptions have taken place since Columbus’ time, the rainforests are lush and mostly undisturbed. Visitors to this eco-destination can visit Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a World Heritage site since 1997, which is named for the remains of what was once an enormous volcano.

The park contains several volcanic features, including the hot springs at the Valley of Desolation and a 13 km, 3-4 hour hike up to the world’s second-largest boiling lake, a bubbling, burping greyish-blue 200-foot-wide lake which geologists believe to be a flooded fumarole. Locals consider it to be a right of passage, but except for the guides, you won’t find many repeat visitors. It’s messy business, especially since in addition to being highly volcanic, Dominica is also the rainiest of the Carribean islands. “Stinking hole” is another feature here, a lava tube in the middle of the forest that leaks sulphuric fumes.

For those who prefer their waters a little clearer, Dominica also offers an unusual underwater view of volcanic activity in the form of Champagne, an underground vent system that releases ticklish sulphuric bubbles that visitors can snorkel through. This is accessible by tour, or by kakaying out to the access point.

Soufri?re Hills - Montserrat

The formerly dormant Soufri?re Hills volcano on Montserrat came back to life in 1995, triggering fears of an imminent eruption, and chasing half of the island’s 12,000 inhabitants away. In 1997, the volcano made good on its threats, and covered the southern part of the island, including Plymouth, the 200-year-old capital, with a giant, lava-spilling eruption.

Ever since the volcano stabilized, travelers teem there to see the aftermath, and investments pour in from abroad to keep the economy going. Guests at Hot Rock Hostel get front row seats to the spectacle, and hiking and boat tours are also available. For details on what the volcano is doing at any given time, you can also visit the Montserrat Observatory site.

An overview (if brief) glimpse of the contrast between the two sides of the island, destroyed and unscathed is perhaps best gleaned from up above, which you can achieve by flying to one of the nearby islands, such as Dominica, a volcanic powerhouse in itself (see above). In fact, some experts suspect that Dominica is primed for an eruption on a similar scale to that suffered on Montserrat.

Villarica Volcano - Chile

Villarica Volcano is 19 km from Puc?n, Chile’s adventure sports capital in the Lakes District, in the middle-south of this stringbean of country. Outfitters charge a pretty penny to suit you up with mountaineering boots, a nifty waterproof jumpsuit, helmet, and piolet, or ice axe. A several hour-long climb takes you up to about 9,000 feet, and when the snow cooperates, much of the descent is done on little sleds on snow chutes set up by the guides, and stopped (hopefully) through self-arrest with an ice axe, which has led to more than one emergency-room visit in recent years.

Thousands of hikers climb this volcano every year, though weather turns many people back before reaching the top. Depending on the wind, the sulfur fumes can be blinding, and the temperatures punishing up at the top. Other volcanoes in Chile that can be climbed in a relatively short time period include Guallatiri in the far north, and Lincancabur and Lacsa from touristy San Pedro de Atacama. The Llaima and Chaiten volcanoes (in the south) have both erupted very recently and at the moment are not considered climbable.

There is also a short ski season during the southern winter up on the slopes of Villarrica and Osorno (near Puerto Varas) volcanoes. The mother of all volcanoes, and the highest (probably active) volcano in the world is Ojos del Salado on the Argentine/Chilean border, but this is a several day trip that requires serious mountain gear.

Cotopaxi - Ecuador

Ecuador is home to Pichincha, Riminahui, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, and of these, Cotopaxi is perhaps the most emblematic and the most frequently climbed, though is does require an overnight at a refuge. At 19,347 feet, it is the second highest volcano in Ecuador (the first is Chimborazo), but not on the continent. That honor goes to Ojos del Salado, on the Chile/Argentina border (see above)

From Quito, you can hire a guide, though since the starting point of the hike is at nearly 15,000 feet, a number of days’ acclimation in Quito beforehand, as well as climbing some smaller, nearby mountains would be wise. Hikes up Cotopaxi start the day before, gain several hundred feet of elevation over the course of a few hours, and then have climbers resting/sleeping from 6 PM to around midnight. At 1 AM climbers begin their summit attempt. It generally takes approximately 7 hours to summit and 3 to arrive back to the parking lot. For those who just want to get close and then put the volcano behind them, some Quito outfitters offer mountainbike trips down from the park’s entrance.

El Misti - Peru

Beautifully symmetrical El Misti Volcano is 19,101 feet high, and is accessible from “the white city” of Arequipa in Per?, which itself is 2400 meters above sea level, which will help travelers to acclimate. Misti (which means the gentleman in Quechua) last erupted in 1870 and is the source of much of the white stone of which the city itself (the second largest in Peru) is constructed.

This trip takes two days and one night, and gives hikers the chance to descend into one of the three concentric craters, should energy abound. The first day involves a 4×4 trip to the end of the road, followed by a 6-8 hour hike, a night of “sleep” at 4800 meters, and a 4 AM wakeup to make the summit in about five hours. Participants can expect to drink copious amounts of coca tea and be cold, even in their -15C sleeping bags. Tour agencies recommend booking this trip before arriving in Arequipa, as it is quite popular.

For a list of volcanoes of the world, visit the Global Volcanism Project. For a list of volcanoes with recent and ongoing volcanic activity, please see the International Volcano Research Centre’s website.

If you’ve climbed one of these volcanoes, or another in the Americas, let us know in the comments.

Read about author Eileen Smith and check out her other BootsnAll articles.

Photo credits:
Mt. St. Helens by barcar on Flickr, Redoubt on wikicommons, Tequila by mickou on Flickr, Arenal by pawpaw67 on Flickr, Pacaya by Bruno Grin on Flickr, Conception by tarariffic7 on Flickr, Dominica on wikicommons, Monserrat on wikicommons, Cotopaxi on wikicommons, Villarica by andyinsouthamerica on Flickr, El Misti on wikicommons

New York: Greene County, Catskills Family Vacation Ideas, Butterflies and Bears, Splash Parties, and  a Farm Adventure. Imagine a family vacation spot with golf, tennis, bowling, hay rides, fishing, stargazing, horseback riding, hiking, drive-in movies, bowling, mountain biking, mountaintop picnics, farm adventures and a waterpark. Add to that farm fresh produce markets, awesome ice cream, delicious German pastries and tasty Black Horse Farm pies. You are imagining Greene County in the family friendly Catskills. 

Located between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains two hours north of New York City, Greene County has embraced family vacationers for more than a century. It is a family vacation destination with resort options geared to families. Choices span the gamut of vacation styles filled with traditions – something old, something new. Like an heirloom cake recipe meant to be shared with those who appreciate quality, a family vacation in the Catskills offers a rich mix of traditions and a funky American style uncommon at mainstream destinations. What exactly does Greene County have to offer vacationing families? We have assembled a family vacation list making it easy to take action on your own.

Seek bears and butterflies in Cairo. Okay so everyone knows about the clever cat sculptures adorning walkways and parks in Greene County but new this year visitors will also find hand-painted statues of bears positioned to celebrate Henry Hudson. The bears have been individually painted by local artists to depict scenes relevant to Henry Hudson’s life and legacy. The bears may be found along Main Street in Cairo and in surrounding hamlets. Bonus points: The bears are part of a summer-long interactive quest complete with clues and an “Explore with Henry Hudson” treasure map. The fun and educational quest was created for families to share while learning fun facts about Henry Hudson and his journey. Using the quest map participants find each bear and look for the hidden butterflies somewhere within each bear’s design. Inside one of the butterflies on each bear there is a clue that corresponds to one of the “Quadricentennial ‘Quest”ions” about Henry Hudson. Finalists are eligible for a prize drawing, and coupons from local businesses.

Go Cat’n around Catskill. For the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration Main Street in Catskill becomes the Hudson River as the Catskill Cats help visitors celebrate Explore NY 400.  The 2009 artful felines celebrate the uniqueness of the Hudson River Valley adorned to reflect the culture, art, history, agriculture, industry and landscapes of vicinity. Need to know: Wherever a cat appears you will be in the middle of the fun and if you want to take a cat home, there will be an auction in September.

Pay one price and get it all. The Hudson Valley area offers Brigadoon style resorts where the fun just happens without the support of the outside world. Many have all-inclusive vacation packages offering three meals a day, nightly entertainment, daytime activities and counselors for the kids. From country western dancing, Karaoke and campfire songs to Bocci, horse-drawn wagon rides and ping-pong, vacationing is easy. Some resorts welcome dogs and even have created dog parks onsite while other spots produce Las Vegas nights, fireworks and talent shows. Some all-inclusive resorts add a cultural twist. Think about a getaway with an Irish twist, maybe a resort with a German atmosphere or place with Italian flare - just step inside the Greene box.

Go golfing with family. If golfing is a family tradition then sharing the tradition with your youngsters is a vacation benefit. In Greene County courses offer – no they welcome - junior golfers. There are several courses within the area that have family friendly policies which allow youngsters ages 12 or older to share green space and fairways with parents or grandparents.

Splash down with your kids. Water always makes a summer vacation more fun and Greene County is the home of New York’s top ranked waterpark. The Zoom Flume makes any summer day a little crazier, more fun and definitely exciting. It is the place to zoom down giant winding water slides and careen 300 feet to a splash down pool. Travel the 10,000 gallon-a-minute “rapids” rafting a 600-foot chute and slide, twist, turn and splash in the darkness of the Thrilling Black Vortex. Splash and play in the giant sized lagoon activity pool or relax and float slowly down the Lazy River. For little tykes they have created Pelican Pond - a miniature version of the waterslide fun. Need to know: Mother Nature’s swimming spots include Dolan Lake and North and South Lakes where you will find fishing and rowboat rentals.

Remember the good old days? Not everyone remembers when drive-in movie theaters, roller rinks, and bowling nights were common place but Greene County has two drive-in movie locations and a 1950s era roller rink. So it is still possible to share a vintage night in the car at the movies or skate to the music at Purling Roller Rink and bowl a few games at Hoe Bowl Lanes. Bonus points: It’s also possible to pick your own berries, peaches or apples and ride in a horse drawn carriage at Boehn Farm. At Hull O Farms guests are encouraged to feed calves, milk cows, and collect eggs.

Go for the ice cream. Every family vacation should include at least one, if not two stops for ice cream and the town of Catskill has two promising spots. Cone E Island by Catskill Creek has more than a dozen tempting soft-serve ice cream cone choices, plus soda floats, banana splits, egg creams and simple fast food in a Coney Island atmosphere. The funkiest ice cream flavor is Blue Goo soft-serve which tastes like cotton candy. About a dozen coin-operated mechanical animal rides add to the retro atmosphere. Also in Catskill on route 32 is Kaatskill Cider Mill with a 1950s-style ice cream counter serving burgers and dogs and featuring more than 20 flavors of hard packed ice cream. Try dark chocolate cappuccino crunch or maybe a scoop of cotton candy.

Remember Rip Van Winkle? This is the region that inspired the legends about Rip. The tales of Washington Irving reflect the mid-Hudson Valley, the sleepy home of Rip Van Winkle. Irving’s tales include localized German and Dutch lore and uniquely American tales and legends. His timeless stories create a sense of place. Stories like ‘‘Rip Van Winkle’’ and ‘‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’’ remain timeless signatures of the area which is definitely not a sleepy place.

Ride up and hike down. Not just for snow skiing anymore Hunter Mountain operates its SkyRide - four-passenger chairlift during the summer months. It is the longest and highest in the Catskill region moving riders to an altitude of 3,200 feet above sea level. Imagine gliding effortlessly to the top – seeing plenty of green, feet kicking in the wind. From the drop-off point there are miles of state-maintained hiking trails criss-crossing the area, offering terrain for short scenic hikes of varying difficulty. While it is always an option to ride back down from the crest, there are several trails leading back to the mountain’s base or for the energetic on Hunter’s 4,040-foot summit and the fire tower. Bonus points: During weekends in the warm weather months the spirit of Rip Van Winkle pervades. In homage to the tale of the man who fell asleep in Greene County a giant sculpture of Rip and his faithful dog is being carved on the mountain. Just take the chairlift to the top and watch the sculptor at work.

Bike in the mountains. Any family with young teens knows that energetic days sustain family vacation harmony and that mountain biking is loads of fun and takes oodles of energy. The best bet in the area is Hunter Mountain with miles of mountain bike trails and to make it easy to enjoy a mountain bike adventure they rent IronHorse mountain bikes at the Sports and Expeditions Center. Hunter Mountain’s lift-serviced mountain biking program is flexible providing easy scenic routes for beginners and for expert riders challenging downhill trails and single tracks spread throughout 200 plus acres. Bonus points: For skills practice and mastery Hunter One Skills Center features a learning park with scaled down features and guided tours with staff in a safe and controlled environment. Families with hard-to-please teenagers should make a beeline to the Adventure Park at Windham Mountain to see why paintball is one of America’s fastest growing sports or to try the bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall and skateboard park.

Time travel in Cairo. Each August the annual Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire in Cairo makes it easy to escape to another century. Visit the make believe land of Cantonshire and spend a day with knights, maidens, beggars and fools. Listen to a psaltery played by a lady in waiting and watch a festive joust. Hear stories and listen to court music. Shop for a costume or acquire the perfect accessory. Need to know: Those who approach the gate wearing Renaissance garb will receive $2 off per ticket.

Arrange family spa time. Sharing spa time with a teen has its rewards and spa staff can often provide information without it sounding like a lecture. The Spa at Kaatskill Mountain Club in Hunter offers several appropriate spa experiences including an essential facial geared to teen skin. At Friar Tuck Resort & Spa in Catskill a skin care professional will consult and educate your teen on skin care. During this visit the aesthetician will do a deep cleanse, extract if necessary, and treat teen skin to a therapeutic masque. Bonus points: For expectant moms Friar Tuck offers a special massage to ease back tension, relive water retention and basically calm the body, mind and spirit.

Make it happen. Take a summer vacation in the Northern Catskills of Greene County and make memories with your children. All inclusive seven-day family vacation packages range from $1500 to $3700 for a family of four or for shorter stays, rates start at $150 per person for weekend two-night stay including meals. No two resorts are alike but all offer family fun made easy. Knowing the cost of your family vacation makes it much easier to unwind, relax and enjoy yourself and your kids – no surprises. Greene County Tourism Catskill, NY. Toll-free 1-800-355-CATS (2287), (518)943-3223 or log on to Greene Tourism and make your family vacation happen.

Washington DC: Spy in the City - A New Interactive Game Ideal for Families. This summer, visitors to the nation’s capital can now engage in an entertaining game of Spy vs. Spy.  The International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. has launched Spy in the City, the first-of-its-kind GPS-enabled multimedia interactive game that enables participants to see the nation’s capital through the eyes of a spy.

The International Spy Museum is one of my favorite spots in one of my favorite cities. It is one terrific (interesting and rewarding) museum to share with kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. That said, if you have never been to the International Spy Museum then make it your first stop in the city and if you’ve “been there and done that” then standby for a new twist.

Imagine sharing a spy adventure with your kids; embarking on a high-stakes mission around the Capitol grounds, Ford’s Theatre, the National Archives and other points of interest in the national capital to uncover a double agent threatening to divulge security secrets to the enemy. As special agents with unique identities, each player must find out who this double agent is and foil his or her attempts at sabotage.  By finding evidence along the way, following video clues, cracking codes, answering trivia questions and solving flash-based games and puzzles to earn points, users work their way towards unraveling the mystery.  

Create your own urban adventure. The new GPS-based interactive experience Spy in the City™, at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C. was created by BarZ Adventures and is designed for individuals, small groups and ideal for families. Spy in the City transforms the nation’s capital city into a virtual game board, with the players themselves as game pieces.  Participants embark on a series of exciting self-guided outdoor missions using espionage tradecraft and intelligence collection activities.

Here’s how it works. Equipped with a GPS Ranger® handheld device loaded with the new Ranger Quest™ game technology, participants follow video clues from SSD headquarters solving Flash-based games to earn points as they work their way towards mission completion. As players approach pre-determined GPS waypoints around the Capitol and other points of interest such as Ford’s Theatre, The Newseum and the National Archives, the GPS Ranger will automatically download clues, information, (and possibly misinformation!) delivered by a wide range of media.  This includes messages from filmed characters—from agents to sources to moles—and documents, codes, audio intercepts, and photos for analysis. This adventure style mission offers participants the opportunity to test their spy skills as they explore DC’s neighborhoods. The International Spy Museum is committed to engaging guests and enhancing their experience, particularly through interactive activities that push the boundaries of available technology. The Museum’s permanent exhibit offers state-of-the-art audiovisual effects, film, and hands-on components, making the tradecraft of espionage real while showcasing the ingenuity and imagination of real-life spies and spymasters. With Spy in the City, the Museum takes this dedication to immersive experience outside the Museum’s walls into the streets of our nation’s magnificent capital city.

Spy in the City was crafted in collaboration with former intelligence officers. It delivers unique missions based on real espionage cases. The adventure options range from one to three hours in length and are recommended for ages 12+. Spy in the City is available only at the International Spy Museum. 

About the Museum. I won’t drag on about the exhibits all of which are fascinating however to take advantage of a visit (definitely for first timers) it is essential to try one of the three clever scavenger hunts available at the museum. Not only will it give you something to share long after the museum visit and hunt are through, it is likely to provide incite about family members. The unique competition includes answering questions, solving problems, and decoding messages with the help of top secret bag of tricks. For sometimes apathetic teens I suggest “Operation Spy”, an active experience for ages 12 and older that allows participants to get in the spy game facing plenty of challenges including low light levels, confining spaces, sound effects, and physical and mental challenges in a race against the clock.  Bonus points: There is also a cool way to stay connected with the International Spy Museum. Each month they produce a SpyCast featuring interviews and programs with ex-spies, intelligence experts, and espionage scholars. The SpyCast is hosted by Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum and former CIA operations officer.

Location on the planet. The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC’s historic Penn Quarter, is within four blocks of the National Mall, directly across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, and within one block of FBI headquarters and Ford’s Theatre.  The Museum is conveniently located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station serviced by the red, yellow and green lines. International Spy Museum 800 F Street, NW (202) EYE SPY U ((202)393-7798) or www.spymuseum.org

About BarZ Adventures. The GPS Ranger® and Ranger Quest™ interactive game software are innovations of BarZ Adventures.  Founded in 2005 and combining experts in the fields of computer delivery systems and content development, the Austin, Texas-based company has designed the patented GPS Ranger® and Zoo Ranger® systems, as well as the new Ranger Quest™ gaming software with large venues and their visitors in mind.  The mission of the company is to enhance the visitor experience at high visitation tourist locations using modern technology. For more information visit www.barzadventures.com or
www.gpsranger.com or call (512)732-0135.

1. Times Square - Manhattan:
Times Square is a famous intersection and a iconic image of New York City
lying at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. The whole area is
highlighted with vibrant animated neon and Led signs to such an extent that it
is now compared to the glamour and illumination of Las Vegas. Some of these
adveritisements at Times Square are so huge that they are popularly known as “jumbotrons.”
Times Square is also very popular for its annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop,
millions of tourists pour ito the city around that time. Being the one of the
busiest intersection and a top tourist destination of America, Times Square is
also seen in several films and T.V. shows all around the world.

2. The Las Vegas Strip - Nevada:
It is popularly said that the glamorous city of Las Vegas never goes to
sleeps with “The Strip” being the main tourist area. Las Vegas strip is apx. 4
miles long and consists of some of the largest mega casino hotels in the world
and each one of them is based on a theme and has been lavishly decorated. The
city is also famous for its marvelous shows, adult entertainment and alcoholic
beverages. It is sometimes difficult to believe how such a glamorous city can be
built in the middle of Nevada’s desert and yet be such a famous tourist
destination of America, drawing millions of tourists each year from all over the
world.

 

3. National Mall and Memorial Parks - Washington D.C.
Established in 1965, the area within the National Mall & Memorial Parks provide
several opportunities to visitors to commemorate presidential legacies,
celebrate the United States commitment to freedom and equality and to honor the
courage and sacrifice of war veterans. It consists of following famous icons -
Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, WWII Memorial,
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam
Veterans Memorial. Located in the capital of America, National Mall and Memorial
Parks is one of the most visited tourist destination of America.

4. Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Massachusetts:
This marketplace in Boston is internationally known for its street performances
including Jugglers and clowns, puppeteers and dancers, musicians and much more.
With over 60 street performances, Faneuil Hall Marketplace has performers from
all over the world and has become one of the top tourist attraction of America.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is also famous for its other activities and sources of
entertainment including annual events such as Harborfest and The Holiday
Lighting Ceremony along with community events and fun fairs.

5. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom - Florida.:
Disney is a city in its own with millions of tourists that come here each
year to see mickey mouse and various other Disney characters. The Magic Kingdom
is a part of the Walt Disney World Resort and was the first theme park here. The
main attractions of this theme park are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Galaxy
Palace Theater, Disney Dreams Come true Parade and Dream Along with Mickey show.
There are several tours also to add more fun to your trip, some of the popular
ones are Steam Trains Tour, Disney’s Family Magic Tour, Mickey’s Magical
Milestones Tour and several more. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is a must visit
destination of America and is a world of fantasy, adventure and wonder.

6. Disneyland Park - Anaheim, California:
Located in Anaheim, CA. Disneyland is truely a dream land not only for children
but also for adults. Being one of the top tourist destinations of America, it
has welcomed more than 500 million guests ever since it opened in 1955. The park
features eight themed lands with over 50 shops, 65 popular rides, 35 restaurants
along with live entertainment and mesmerizing night fireworks and Disney shows.

7. Fisherman’s Wharf - San Francisco, California:
Well Known for its historic Waterfront, beautiful bay views, delicious seafood
and unique shopping area, Fisherman’s wharf is a famous tourist destination of
America that is also popular all over the world. Some of the most popular
attractions of Fisherman’s Warf are - Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it Or Not
Musuem, PIER 39, Ghirardelli Square, Aquarium of the Bay and much more. It is
also popular for its street shows and performances, open shopping area, road
side seafood along with authentic restaurants.

8. Niagara Falls - New York:
lying at the border of Ontario (Canada) and New York (U.S.), Niagara Falls is a
must see destination of America. Niagara Falls mainly consist of two sections,
the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American Falls on the U.S.
side. One has to see to believe the majestic beauty and humbling power of these
falls. Its beauty has been a source of inspiration for several writers and
artists. Over the years countless number of people have come here to get over
powered by its sparkling views.

9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tennessee/North Carolina:
The park lies at the border of Tennessee-North Carolina. The Great Smoky
Mountains National Park is home to over 3000 plant species along with several
endangered animal species and is the most visited national park of United States
of America drawing more than 8 million of tourists each year. It is recognized
all around the world as a International Biosphere Reserve and is a World
Heritage Site.

10. Navy Pier, Chicago, Ill.:
Situated near Chicago’s downtown area, Navy Pier is a large pier on Lake
Michigan that has always been a popular tourist destination ever since it was
opened in 1916. It was initially a military training site along with being a
shipping and recreational hub. Today Navy Pier is one of the top visited
destinations of America amongst tourists and has a unique collection of
restaurants and recreational facilities.