Table of contents for December 2019 - January 2020 in Wanderlust

PARTY LIKE A PHARAOH Book a tour and head on over to Pharaoh’s Island, where you can walk among the island’s castle towers and passageways to imagine its long history, before diving in the water and waving to Egypt, located only 250m away. HI HI BIRDIE Birders rejoice! Eagle-eyed spotters can spy a whole host of migratory birds at Aqaba Bird Observatory. And if you’re keen to tick white-eyed gulls from your to-see list, you’re in luck – they’re endemic to the Red Sea. TAKE ME TO CHURCH Ayla’s ancient church is something of an archaeological wonder. What’s left of the centuries-old mud-brick complex is now lauded as the oldest church in the world – so make sure you get your prayers in order before you go.…

“Route of the Parks is some of the most extraordinary land found anywhere” Tell us a little bit about your Route of the Parks initiative Altogether the route is 2,800km long and consists of 17 national parks, and around 60 or so communities from parts of Puerto Montt [in the Lake District] down to Cape Horn. It’s some of the most extraordinary types of land found anywhere. The Tompkins Foundation created conservation areas, donated national parks and made sure others were well taken care of. This has been the high note of the last 25 years. Have you always wanted to work in conservation? No, not in the least. I grew up in a small agricultural town called Santa Paula in California on our great-grandfather’s ranch so we had an…

This might be the only ‘hotel’ on the planet that asks guests to don a harness and hard hat for check-in. But as you climb a staircase of 170 steel rungs, while attached to a strand of high tensile aluminium wire, you quickly realise this won’t be like anything you’ve ever experienced before. After a 75-minute climb to 400 metres above Peru’s Sacred Valley, guests ascend into ‘rooms’ that are more like space capsules than suites. The three polycarbonate sleeping pods can accommodate up to four guests, with one double bed and two singles. By day, you can ponder inquisitive condors, twisting and soaring in the thermals beside your pillow – and in the middle distance you may catch a glimpse of the Hiram Bingham train as it rolls towards…

Mediterranean diets have long been admired for their health benefits and Crete is no different. It’s likely the Cretan diet hasn’t changed much since the Minoans, with an olive press found at the Palace of Knossos, Heraklion’s 4,000-year-old wine country the oldest continuous one in Europe and herbs still being picked from Crete’s mountainous interior. For a wide selection of food, head to Chania’s Municipal Market to try a signlina (smoke-cured pork cuts) or sample the haniotiko boureki (courgette and potato pie). Sheep and goat herding is one of the island’s most ancient professions so you won’t be short on cheese. It’s a mainstay with every meal and one of its tastiest forms is found in the village of Sfakia, whose pies are filled with mizithra cheese and drizzled with…

The author travelled with New Zealand-based expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions (heritage-expeditions.com; +64 (0)3 365 3500) which offers the 14-night, 3,700km cruise Across the Top of the World. The trip costs from US$9,000 (£7,363) including full board but excluding flights.UK operator Wildlife Worldwide (wildlifeworldwide.com; 01962 302086) offers an 18-day photography tour package out of Heathrow including all flights, Moscow stopover and the cruise, for £13,395. The author flew with British Airways direct to Moscow (ba.com; 0344 4930787).…

KE Adventure Travel in association with the Portuguese National Tourist Board are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a choice of one of two walking trips to Portugal for two, including £500 worth of flights. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the below question: What is the capital of Madeira? a) Porto Moniz b) Funchal c) Porto Santo To enter and for full terms, conditions and data policies, go to wanderlust.co.uk/competitions; state ‘more info’ if you want to be contacted by Wanderlust and KE Adventure Travel. The closing date for entry is 24 December 2019…

Alta Badia is a ski destination like no other. Sitting in the southernmost reaches of the Val Badia valley, and towered over by the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, this South Tyrol (Südtirol) spot is the last stronghold of the Ladin culture, where unique alpine traditions blend with Italian dolce vita (good life). As you might expect, the skiing in Alta Badia is world class. It’s part of Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski resort complex in Europe, so with just one ski pass you have access to 12 ski resorts – encompassing 1,200km of slopes – in the heart of the Dolomites. Whether you’re an experienced skier or a total beginner, you’ll find the perfect slope for you. Conditions are always perfect – with 300 days of sunshine every year, and state-of-the-art snow…

Health Dr Jane reveals how to avoid disease – and disaster – while abroad Gear: Perfect presents What do you get the travel enthusiast with everything? Our gear guru looks into it The Knowledge Training, trekking and tear gas trauma – our Silver Guide Nitin shares his tales from the road Readers’ travel tips Central America is an adventurer’s paradise, but it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, you’ve come to the rescue, tipping us off to epic escapes in the jungle and wildlife havens galore Real wonders of the world From dolphins to dugongs, Australia’s Ningaloo Reef covers all bases for avid snorkellers – time to dive in! The big read: A Month in Siena In his follow up to his Pulitzer…

SEAL OF APPROVAL “I was in the Galápagos Islands on a beach with sea lions and when I was walking in the shallows one of them chased me out of the sea. I have photos!” Tiffany Garrett NEW TEN-ANTS “Camping in Queen Elizabeth National Park, we retired to our tent to find all our belongings covered in ants. We spent the next couple of hours de-anting everything and still we were bitten all night when in bed.” Michelle Barrows CLOSE ENCOUNTER “While gorilla trekking in Rwanda, we were under strict instruction not to get closer than six metres to a family of mountain gorillas. Nobody told the gorillas the rules of course.” Jo Walden BEAR THAT IN MIND “After a two-hour hike in Canada, a man asked me if I’d…

Best time to go October through to June are the best times to go in search of the elusive Bengal tiger, which is an experience on many bucket lists. Where to go? The state of Madhya Pradesh has a major trio of national parks. Kanha with its vast forests; Bandhavgarh, with the great majority of its tigers in a concentrated territory; and Pench which fewer tourists visit. Combine all three and you’re bound to see those iconic stripes moving through the undergrowth. What wildlife to spot? Apart from spotting tigers there are leopard, deer, antelope, langurs, the odd gaur (Indian bison) and wild boar. Why not try? The state of Gujarat for the last home of the rare Asiatic lion in Gir NP and Wildlife Sanctuary.…

Towards the end of 2002 people in Guangdong province in southeastern China became very ill with an unusually severe form of pneumonia. It seemed to be a totally new disease and the virus responsible wasn’t identified until February 2003 in Hong Kong. It came to be called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The disease spread rapidly across the world and as far as Canada. Disaster forecast As is often the situation in a new outbreak, it was the serious cases that drew attention to the disease and initially the death rate seemed high. It triggered a global emergency response and people were thermally scanned at airports to detect and quarantine travellers with fever. These public health efforts were effective. Overall 8,098 cases were reported in 26 countries and 774 people…

A Month in Siena Hisham Matar Viking, £13 After being much garlanded for his bruising, brilliant The Return, Hisham Matar is back with another part-travelogue, part-memoir, this time with a hefty side order of art criticism thrown in. Having revisited his homeland of Libya in the hope of discovering what happened to his father – disappeared by the Gaddafi regime – Matar now opts for a spot of introspection in medieval Tuscany, driven by a longstanding fascination with the 13-15th century Sienese School of Painting. “…Siena was to me as intimate as a locket you could wear around your neck and yet as complex as a maze”Hisham Matar The thoughtful interior dialogue that made The Return so moving now walks you through the corridors of Siena’s Pinacoteca Nazionale and Palazzo…

Get orientated Cape Town is abuzz. As summer (Dec-Feb) returns to South Africa’s colourful capital, so do the travellers, intrigued by the thought of finding a waddling tribe of African penguins marching down Boulders Beach or dancing aside thousands of brightly dressed musicians for the city’s annual minstrel festival, Kaapse Klopse (2 Jan). Casting a long shadow over this cosmopolitan corner of Africa is the mighty Table Mountain (1,085m), where there’s many unexpected encounters to be had with urban wildlife. Although the moulting young penguins of Boulders Beach often steal the show in early January, furry rock hyraxes, or dassies as they're known by the locals, can also be seen lounging on the mountain’s rocks in the warmth of the sun. But it’s not only in summer that wildlife and…

Juliet Rix Wrangel Island Journalist Juliet knows how lucky she is to have made several trips to the polar regions. But on p116, she takes us with her – on an expedition to the remote Wrangel island, in hard-to-access Russian territory… What’s hot in 2020? “I’m planning to get some sun! Perhaps I’ll explore the ‘stans, but I want to return to Malta, too, to see its unique temple culture and the buildings that are older than Stonehenge.” Scott Bennett Georgia Although photographer Scott has travelled across the world, he was looking for a destination different than anywhere he had been before – Georgia certainly delivered then, as we can see in his top shots on p96. What’s hot in 2020? “First up is a photo tour to Iceland in…

HIDDEN TREASURES Cross continents – and time – with legendary travel bookshop Stanfords’ brand-new exhibition, featuring never-before-seen maps, classic globes and lost letters from famous names such as Captain Scott and Florence Nightingale. Hidden in the Stanfords’ vaults for decades, these antique artefacts have only recently been uncovered during a recent move for the store. But now, they’re getting their moment in the sun, with an entire section dedicated to Arctic and Antarctic exploration. Take inspiration from intrepid explorers and examine their epic accounts of extreme journeys to reach the polar regions and shape the world. Best of all, it’s free. Open until 3 January 2020; 10 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London. CHECK OFF YOUR TREKS With a vast network of hiking trails, Dominica’s diverse landscapes are primed for experienced…

3 The number of countries from where you can spot Aqaba’s Arab Revolt Flagpole (Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt). At 137m, it’s the sixth tallest unsupported flagpole in the world. 50 The approximate number of local artisans you’ll find flogging handmade crafts at Souk by the Sea, a weekly street market (Fridays; Oct to May) that works to boost the livelihoods of vendors. 1962 The year British film star Peter O’Toole yelled ‘To Aqaba!’ in scenes from the huge movie Lawrence of Arabia. He doesn’t need to say it twice – we’re there!…

KENYA WHY IT’S HOT: IT’S TIME TO REDISCOVER CLASSIC AFRICA. We say: For many, Kenya IS Africa: its acacia-dotted savannahs, teeming game parks, Rift Valley lakes and remote rustic-luxe camps are the classic image of the continent. Security concerns following a spate of terrorist attacks have deterred some travellers in the past few years. But while the FCO urges against visits to specific areas of the country, many places are still on-limits, including the premier safari destinations – elephant-roamed Amboseli, mountainous Aberdare, uncrowded Laikipia, the matchless Masai Mara – as well as dazzling Indian Ocean resorts such as Mombasa, Watamu and Diani. Tourist numbers are starting to increase – international arrivals in 2019 are predicted to be around 5% up on the previous year – but this still remains a…

Malaysia Airlines is offering one lucky reader a holiday to Malaysia, worth £5,500. With tickets for you and a companion, you’ll enjoy return flights from London Heathrow, three nights at the E&O Residences in Kuala Lumpur, and three nights in a Studio Suite at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang – including all breakfasts, 30kg baggage allowance and private transfers too. To enter, simply answer the following question: What is the name of Malaysia Airlines’ airport lounges – available in London, Kuala Lumpur and beyond? a) Golden Lounge b) Hibiscus Lounge c) Tiger Lounge To enter and for full terms, conditions and data policies, go to wanderlust.co.uk/competitions or send your answer to the Wanderlust office (address on p.7) and state ‘more info’ if you want to be contacted by…

1 Kit up This is the Arctic, so get properly equipped. It may not get many degrees below zero, but when it rains and the wind blows and you are sitting still in a Zodiac you can get very cold, very fast. Lots of layers and proper waterproof top and trousers are essential. 2 Flying can be trying The Moscow-Anadyr flight is the longest domestic flight in the world – but not the most comfortable. Get some sleep ahead of it - seats do not recline. Pack something to do – there is no inflight entertainment. And bring food – Utair’s grub is ‘no frills’ and the flight is eight hours 3 Take it as it comes In the Arctic, the weather rules, and in the Russian…

All of these tips come from Flight Centre’s expert staff, who are based everywhere from head office to high-street stores all over the world. Armed with their insider knowledge, they can tailor-make your perfect South Africa holiday – from the city sights to a safari you’ll never forget. Plan your dream holiday Flight Centre’s Ultimate South Africa trip is an epic 10-day adventure in Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Pilanesberg National Park. It includes return flights with Virgin Atlantic and an action-packed itinerary, with guided game drives and two nights in a luxurious safari lodge. From £1,799 per person, including flights.…

I started trekking in my teens. I was nearly 15 when I started working for my father’s trekking company in Himachal Pradesh (HP) in India. I couldn’t speak English, but slowly I became a guide in my hometown, Chamba. When I was 21, Intrepid Travel asked my parents if they could employ me as a leader. My father was open to it and said to take the opportunity. I started guiding with ElderTreks in 2007. Then I trained in Rajasthan. I always think of the Sanskrit phrase Atithi devo bhava (the guest is equivalent to God), but the more touristy areas of Rajasthan disappointed me. I told my father, “I don’t think I can be a tour leader. I cannot work like this.” He said, “You are face to face…

• What is it? Consider the lifestyle of any animal you eat – Sulawesi street dog will not have had the healthiest diet. • Where is it from? If offered a dish of uncertain origin, try to establish what it is before eating it. Congealed ducks blood might be off-putting but should be safe if well fried. • How is it cooked? Fruit bats were blamed for a recent outbreak of Asian Nipa virus but if you are not the cook eating them should not be risky. • Is it endangered? Conservation should be at the front of everyone’s mind. Think twice in case you are eating an endangered species, and encouraging hunting.…

Wanderlust aims to inform and inspire all your travel adventures. We strive to bring you the most trusted and reliable information in the world. That’s why we are always upfront about whether our writers have travelled independently or with a tour company. When a tour operator has been used, we always try to use those who’ve scored a minimum satisfaction rating of 85% from readers in our annual awards and we never guarantee positive coverage. Responsible, conscious and sustainable travel is at the heart of everything we do. Website Discover more great content at www.wanderlust.co.uk Twitter Catch up on the latest travel gossip @wanderlustmag Instagram See behind the scenes @wanderlustmag Facebook Join the chat at www.facebook.com/ wanderlusttravel magazine Newsletter Sign up to our newsletter for offers, inspiration and all the…

Remembering a trip to South Africa: At first I was not keen for a whole week in one of the hottest and deadest lands I had ever seen before. But as we ventured further into the Karoo, the landscapes became breathtaking.” @aquilastadtherr Recalling Serbia: “Loved Belgrade when I was there. Such a cool, relaxed city.” @stu_mac1970 Sharing memories of Bran Castle near Brasov: “Great memories of our Halloween trip to Romania. Well worth a visit.” Linda Brooks Remembering his favourite thing about a visit to Dubrovnik: “Lopud. Middle island of the Elafites. I’d go back in a heartbeat, given the chance.” Keith Roberts…

Camels, goats and nomadic tribes are among the few that call the dry desert dunes of Wadi Rum home. With its dramatic sandstone and windswept rock formations, the ‘Valley of the Moon’ is far removed from Aqaba’s seaside city looks – and yet, it’s only an hour’s drive south away. Explore this rugged Martian wilderness, then stay on to take shelter under the stars for a night at a traditional Bedouin desert camp. Here, you can sample their nomadic way of life and sample the cuisine, before falling asleep to the gentle lullaby of the lute-like oud.…

WILD WORLD TREK AN UNEXPLORED WILDERNESS, SOUTH-EAST ASIA Venture away from the tourist trails on All Points East’s Unexplored: The Far North, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam trip. Explore the border markets, ancient cities and opium museum of Thailand’s Golden Triangle, before crossing the Mekong to trek through the mountains and forests of Northern Laos. Journey past limestone caves, rice terraces and traditional hilltop tribes, then see how ancient history and modern culture collide to create a beguiling new world in the timeless UNESCO-listed cities of Luang Prabang and Hanoi. Who? All Points East (allpointseast.com) When? Monthly departures How long? 22 days How much? From £2,100pp sharing (excluding int’l flights) CULTURAL ESCAPE HAVE AN OVERLAND ADVENTURE, MONGOLIA Take on Mongolia: The Grand Tour with Goyo Travel and experience all of the…

AT A GLANCE Costa Rica Population 4.9 million Total area 51,100 sq km Famous for Wildlife, volcanoes, two oceans of beaches and having no army Belize Population 374,681 Total area 22,965 sq km Famous for Caribbean, Mayan and Garifuna culture, romantic ruins and the best reefs in the Western hemisphere TOP TIP Thinking of learning Spanish? Learn at a language school within an hour of Belize’s reefs and rainforests (oneworld365.org), in Costa Rica’s buzzing capital city San José or on the beach in Guanacaste (theculturetrip.com). VERDICT: Head to head? You’d be better off head to tail – with a visit to both of these justifiably famous wildlife watching countries. Think of them as more complementary than competitive, and you can tick off all the best must-sees in three weeks. COSTA…

1 One-horned rhino This single-horned rhino prefers to graze and not browse. The last few decades has seen it recover in numbers in Nepal and India to around 3,600. Conservation status (IUCN): Vulnerable. 2 Bengal tiger If the ultimate alpha cat went toe-to-toe with a lion, leo would blink first. Tigers live solitary lifestyles and are efficient hunters that can move in bursts up to 65km/h. Conservation status (IUCN): Endangered with around an estimated 3,000 left in the wild. 3 Swamp deer Living around the swamps of the Terai these large, handsome, endemic deer are known as barasingha. They have impressive antlers and possess webbing on hoofs to deal with watery conditions. Conservation status (IUCN): Vulnerable. 4 Gharial Found within inland wetlands this truly prehistoric looking…

TRAVELLING BY RAIL Conscious of your carbon footprint? In 2020 rail is set to be the new way to travel instead of flying. It’s not only more eco-friendly, but it will allow you to see more of the countries you’re travelling through en route to your final destination. Board a bullet train in Japan to see ancient castles and take part in traditional tea ceremonies or discover the splendour of India aboard a luxury train. GRAVEL RIDING If you’re looking to take the path less travelled, gravel riding could be your next adventure. The growing trend originated in the USA in places such as Colorado and Utah, where there are thousands of kilometres of unpaved gravel roads through mountains and forests. The routes are too uncomfortable with a road bike…

1 Mountains The High Caucuses form the northern border of Georgia and offer spectacular scenery, and superb walking. Svaneti in the country’s north-west has become known for its rich cultural heritage. Try the hiking trails (or hire a horse) in Tusheti in the north-east. It is a lot less visited due to the challenging access and limited season. 2 Churches You’re spoilt for choice for beautiful medieval churches to visit. Famous ones include Jvari set on a cliff overlooking Mtskheta, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta itself. The Cathedral of St George in Alaverdi is known for its winery. But the smaller, out of the way churches, may give you more of a spiritual experience. 3 Cave sites With around 10% of Georgia consisting of sandstone, it has…

Ancient Greece is widely known as the cradle of all Western civilisation and its biggest island is a great place to see the remains of its past. Crete was home to the Minoans, Europe’s first developed society and the first Greek dynasty. But why choose Crete as their kingdom? A glance around gives you the answer: sun-dappled beaches, fertile hills rippling into the mountains and gorges so handsome they must have been handcrafted by the ancient gods. The Minoans must have felt it was a paradise fit to rule, an island territory big enough for beauty to blossom in many ways. Even celebrated Greek poet Homer called Crete ‘hospitable, handsome and fertile. Luckily, Crete has kept its lovely looks since the days of Homer and the Minoans, and culture, nature…

We tethered the horses at a fence, walked along a switchback track and then headed down a metal staircase over the rocks to a small plateau called La Chaquira. The voice of a woman singing hovered like birds on thermals. I looked at the ground falling precipitously to the river surging through a winding gorge hundreds of metres below. There were coffee plantations on many of the slopes, but how people managed to harvest them without slipping down into the river I couldn’t imagine. Examining the view, it felt instinctively like a holy place. Jorge E Peña, my guide, pointed at a rock overlooking the gorge. There was a larger than life-sized figure carved in relief with staring eyes and arms raised. I felt a bit like that myself, gazing…

1 Hit the pool Austins crown jewel is a natural gem: Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park, which has been a source of refreshment for nearly a century. After a dip, hop on board the mini Zilker Zephyr train. 2 Find your groove The soul of funky South Congress Avenue is the Continental Club, a live music venue that specialises in roots rock, bluegrass, rockabilly and country. Its celebrity sightings are legendary. 3 Tuck into Rainey Street This historic street has been transformed into Austin’s hippest dining destination. You’ll find artisan ales at Craft Pride, and superb snags in Banger’s Sausage House. 4 Feast on BBQ There’s some seriously good eatin’ in Austin. Look out for super-soft barbecue brisket, juicy ribs and spicy pulled pork: you can’t go wrong with…

The highlight: Kruja citadel and old bazaar are extraordinary. It’s just like stepping back in time with its cobbled streets filled with souvenir shops selling local crafts. The citadel now houses the Skanderbeg museum where you can learn all about Albania’s greatest national hero. And from the top you have great views over Tirana. Must see: Lake Shkodra. It’s the largest lake in the Balkans and a great place to have a relaxing lunch or simply watch the world go by. Top tip: Avoid visiting Rozafa Castle during the heat of the day as there is little shade. The best time to visit this fortress ruins is late afternoon to catch an amazing sunset. Make sure you wear mosquito repellent as the midges are vicious. Cautionary tale: Get a guide…

1 TURNING OF THE BONES, MADAGASCAR To honour and remember the dead, Highland communities hold a lavish ceremony in which the deceased are exhumed, carried through a parade and reburied. Dressed in matching clothing, the families of the dead dance with the body, before wrapping it in fresh silks. 2 ODISSI DANCE, ORISSA, INDIA This traditional expressive Indian dance (pictured) is performed by Maharis to honour Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and uses movements and hand gestures called mudras to express religious stories. Maharis wear beautiful and elaborate costumes. 3 MORRIS DANCING, UK An English folk tradition, thought to date back to the 15th century, this dance is performed by a group of Morris men or women known as a ‘side’ who step rhythmically while clapping…

SWAROVSKI OPTIK CL Pocket, £590 Binoculars can really enhance your trip – especially ones with a 119m field of view – but they can also be a bit bulky, so we sometimes opt to leave them back at home. Not these handy foldable specimens from optic experts Swarovski, though. The robust aluminium housing means you can chuck them in your bag, the twistable eyecups are suitable even for people who wear glasses and, though they are small, the quality of the lens has in no way been compromised so you can be sure of seeing wildlife even when you’re travelling lightweight. swarovskioptik/outdoor.com JERRY Stainless Steel Vacuum Water Bottle, 750ml, £25 We all know we must use less single-use plastic bottles, but imagine if we could do that and help those…

On the Plain of Snakes Paul Theroux Hamish Hamilton, £20 In his latest memoir, the legendary writer is transporting us into modern Mexico in the time of Trump – not an easy place to sum up. Yet, on his way through border towns and desert wildernesses, he faces deportees, patrol officers, border-divided families and child street performers alike, telling their story with his trademark curiosity and sketching a vulnerable yet vibrant picture of a conflicted region. Hungry Jeff Gordinier Icon Books, £17 When Noma co-owner René Redzepi asked to meet him, food writer Jeff was sceptical. Little did he know that he was about to embark on a four-year adventure to seek out new dishes with one of the world’s greatest chefs. This witty, heartfelt memoir takes us on a…

Gliding down a road as smooth and as curvy as a Scalextric track, tour guide Laura turns to me. “I never get bored of this bike ride,” she smiles. We were in Tenerife’s lunar-like Teide National Park and had spent the morning pedalling to 2,200m above the sea, taking us almost eye level to the tallest volcano on the island, Teide. Teide hasn’t always been the highest point, however. When the duck-shaped island was first formed by the fusion of three smaller volcanoes, another peak wore the crown. But this volcano was too big to support itself, meaning it collapsed, and a landslide formed the valleys and slopes that make up Tenerife’s topography today. Every part of the island’s been shaped by its explosive history. The forests that grow on…

1 Scuba diving Tenerife’s waters are teeming with manta rays, African striped grunts, turtles (pictured) and sunken ships, and there’s more than 60 dive sites spread across the island. Ocean Friends Diving (oceanfriendsdiving.com) can help you encounter the marine life. Instructors can guide both experienced divers and beginners. 2 Hiking Tenerife’s undulating landscape is perfect for hiking fans. For a classic climb, head to the top of Teide with Adventoure (adventoure.com). The six-hour ascent is a tricky one, but the views from the summit make it worthwhile. A little less challenging is a ramble around Teno Rural Park with Canarias Nature Guides (canariasnatureguides.com). The mountainous area, at over 1,300m above sea level, is almost completely surrounded by the sea. 3 Mountain & electric biking Tenerife has over…