For the backpackers on duty and who have possibly watched the movie "in the wild", getting to know Alaska is almost a life challenge. But not everyone knows where to start and what attractions there are. Here in this post I will talk about what to do in Alaska – tips. Let's go?!
time to meet
Before starting talking about the tourist attractions, you need to keep in mind whether you want to go in winter or summer. Yes, there is also summer there.
Tip: going in the summer does not mean not seeing glaciers, you will be able to see them. But the temperature will be more pleasant.
Summer
Predominant between the months of June to September.
It's the busiest time there, it's not so cold and the days are longer (around 19 hours of sunshine) imagine: sun rising at 4 am and setting around 10 pm.
In addition, it is possible to do more outdoor activities such as trails, rafting, among others…
Winter
Predominantly between the months of December to March.
This is the period when everywhere you look, you will see lots of snow. There are those who love all this and really, it's surreal. However, there are some problems caused by the snow, such as roads that are impassable and some tours that are impossible to do.
However, it is during the coldest days of winter that you can be presented with the Northern Lights?? Not everyone can see it, we weren't that lucky.
What to do in Alaska - tips
Trails around Lake Mendenhall
To do this trail, there are two ways: one from the west side (West Mendenhall) and the other from the east side (East Mendenhall). Both are completely disconnected, that is, the access inputs are in different locations and will not connect to each other.
We recommend that you take the East part trail, which is also the most visited and with a level of difficulty – easy to moderate.
You will need to pay to access a value of $5 dollars.
accessing the Visitor Center, request a map of the place and discover the trails that exist in the park, in one day you will be able to do them all, with ease.
Ice trekking on the Mendenhall Glacier
To do this route, it is very important to have a cleat in your trekking boot, as they prevent you from slipping on the ice.
The tour lasts around an hour, you will discover ice caves formed by the spring melting process. Don't forget that this route requires guides, ask for information at Visitor Center.
rafting
You can do it in different places in Alaska. As an example in Lake Mendenhall, Canyon Run, Canyon Wave, Rafting in the Nenana Gorge among others.
I confess that the values for rafting are “salty”, around R$400.00 per adult, some tours last 2 hours, others 3 or more. It depends on the route you choose.
Kenais Fjords National Park
This park is quite large, with more than 40 glaciers originating from the harding Icefied. Here you will be able to dazzle the life of the otters, sea lions, eagles and orcas.
Besides, of course, the gigantic glaciers.
Taking a boat tour is a good option for this tour.
visit to the museum
As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, about the movie “in the wild”, that you will be able to know even more in the post The movie's "magic Bus" in "wild nature" , the bus is at the Museum of the University of Alaska in Fairbanks.
It is really worth knowing the bus and the other stories that the museum has to share.
Anchorage trolley tour
Considered the largest city in Alaska, located in the south-central part, in Cook Inlet.
This city has a lot of cultural history, local crafts, dances and replicas of the dwellings of indigenous groups in the area.
This trolley ride will take you to numerous places such as:
- Anchorage's Historic Neighborhoods
- Seaplanes departing Lake Hood and Lake Spenard
- Westchester Lagoon
- Mysterious Earthquake Park
- Anchorage's famous flowers
- Sighting of the wildlife that inhabits the region
There's a lot to see and record the moments! It's really worth it!
Alaska Rail train ride
I confess that taking a train ride is incredible, however challenging for your pocket $$$, that's because depending on the route you are going to take, you can start at $100 dollars and go from $250.
Go to the train website Alaska Railroad and check the route you want to take, so you'll know how much it costs and if it's worth doing.
Car rental
A super important tip, if your tour is only in Alaska, I advise you not to rent a car, take your tours through tourist buses, which sell closed packages.
The price of gas and car rental is very expensive there, however if you go to other places in the USA, such as California or San Francisco, the values are very affordable and it is very worth it!
What to do in Alaska - tips
Finally, I hope you enjoyed the tips, knowing Alaska is wonderful! But know that hotel, food and tourism prices are different (high costs) than the rest of the country. But I'm sure you won't regret it, but you need to program yourself!
Access our links that we talk about:
Pingback: Travel accessories you need to have in your luggage - Wenttrip