Issue 137: Pallay Punchu

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

• Wildlife Encounters: Orca Beach Hunting

• Hiking Routes: Pallay Punchu

• Films: Remarkable Rwanda

Orca Beach Hunting

Annually, from March to May and again in October and November, Argentina’s Peninsula Valdés hosts a remarkable wildlife show: the intentional stranding of orcas to prey upon sea lion or elephant seal pups.

Peninsula Valdes is one of only two areas in the world where this technique has been observed. This unique behavior is practiced by just a few resident whales, known as ‘strangers’ along a stretch of coastline in Punta Norte Wildlife Reserve.

To carry out the attacks, orcas wait until 2 hours before and 2 hours after high tide. They swim rapidly towards the shore and use the momentum of the wave to push themselves up onto the beach, where they attempt to snatch a seal pup.

To unbeach themselves, they wait for the next wave and use the power of their bodies to wiggle back into the sea.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts come to look out points along the peninsula in hopes of seeing this unique hunting technique.

Explore more:

• Orca's Extraordinary Hunting Technique (video)

• Where to See Peninsula Valdes Orcas (article)

Pallay Punchu

Perhaps you’ve heard about Vincuna, Peru’s Rainbow Mountain but do you know about Pallay Punchu?

Named after the colorful designs on traditional ponchos worn in South America, the mountain has striking teal and maroon colors.

What sets it apart from Vincuna is it has sharper mountains and far fewer tourists. You can also see Lake Langui on the same trip, one of the largest lakes in the Cusco area.

The best time to go and see this Pallay Punchu is from May to October, this is the dry season in Cusco. Visiting during this time gives you the best chance for clear skies and seeing the mountain’s colors in all their glory.

Explore More:

• Pallay Punchu: Peru’s New Rainbow Mountain (article)

• Stunning Drone Video of Pallay Punchu (video)

Remarkable Rwanda

Remarkable Rwanda is a captivating 52-minute documentary showcasing the diverse natural wonders of the country.

From the iconic mountain gorillas and breathtaking landscapes, the film celebrates Rwanda's resilience since the 1994 genocide.

Get glimpses of wildlife, including chimpanzees and elephants, alongside stunning views of volcanoes, lakes, and rivers.

Watch the film for free here »

Travel: Best remote backcountry ski lodges in British Columbia.

Music: Ólafur Arnalds performs live from the volcanic wilderness of Iceland.

Nature: How plants see the world.

Photography: How to photograph seascapes.

Camping: 17 Ikea items for camping that you didn't know existed.

 

Where in the World

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? No worries. The answer is at the end of this email.

Adventure Fix reader Tatjana Aleksić shared her trip to Kamchatka on Summit.

Check out her post and share your own travel adventures here »

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

 ANSWER: Tatry Mountains, Poland