Because of its extreme latitude, a journey through Alaska is always an adventure. Leaving Anchorage, the capital, we enter the wilderness. Here, tarmac often gives way to dirt tracks (most in excellent condition), and resources are scarce.
Traveling through Alaska with a guide is certainly the best way to get to know this remote state.
We must be prepared for some long drives and highly changeable weather, from clear skies to rain and extreme temperatures. Our personal travel equipment needs to reflect these conditions.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is in March and April, in the Fairbanks area.
✔️ Alaska
✔️ 10-day trip
✔️ Departures 19 MAR > 9 APR
✔️ Price from 2370€
Conditions in some remote areas covered by this trip may require unexpected changes to the route.
“A very comprehensive trip in every way. Without the Canadian Yukon, it is hard to imagine a trip through Alaska alone and understand the region’s history and geography.” Review by Albert B.
Highlights of the trip
Slana >> A remote rural community in the middle of the boreal forest and near the Yukon border in Canada.
Denali N.P >> Mount Denali, formerly called Mount McKinley, is North America’s highest peak at 6190 metres. With tundra, spruce forests and glaciers, Denali National Park is home to many wildlife species.
St. Elias N.P >> Since 1979, the Kluane National Park–Wrangell-St. Elias National Monument area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its spectacular glacial landscapes and ice fields, and its importance as a habitat for grizzly bears, caribou and Dall sheep.
Climate in Alaska
Alaska's weather is highly changeable and unpredictable. Bring rainwear and waterproof boots for hiking and activities in the natural parks.
Extra precautions are essential when watching the northern lights: we spend long periods outdoors at night in sub-zero temperatures that fall further as the hours pass.
Conditions in some remote areas covered by this trip may require unexpected changes to the route. The guide will decide when and how to make any necessary changes to keep the trip running as smoothly as possible.
Recommended packing
Dress in layers, with outer layers that are easy to put on and take off when going outside. Keeping your head covered and wearing gloves helps prevent your body from cooling too quickly.
Good waterproof boots and thick socks help insulate us from the cold ground and moisture. Insulating insoles are even better. Waterproof après-ski or snow boots, such as those sold at Decathlon, are a good option.
In Anchorage, we can rent almost all the outdoor clothing we need, including winter boots.
Local customs
- It is essential to ask permission to photograph people, both white and indigenous.
- Never drink alcohol in the street or inside a vehicle. Strict laws prohibit it, with zero tolerance.
- Ignore any indigenous people who approach us; they are harmless but are often intoxicated while staying in the capital.
- Always respect wildlife: keep your distance, do not feed animals or disturb them with unnecessary noise. Doing so could be dangerous.
- Smoking is prohibited in most public places and on public transport, including restaurants, museums and hotels.
- Alcohol is only sold to people over 21 years of age with identification and in shops accredited for that purpose.
- Many restaurants are not licensed to sell alcohol, so if you would like a drink, ask first whether they have a licence.
Other trips in Alaska
✔️ Alaska
✔️ 13-day trip
✔️ One departure only: 1 September
✔️ Price from 3522€
Few places in the world are more photogenic than Alaska in autumn. Eduardo Blanco Mendizabal accompanies us, helping us capture autumn colours, giant glaciers, local wildlife and, with luck, the northern lights. The highlight is the seaplane extension to Brooks Falls, where bears catch salmon at the waterfalls. An experienced local guide and a photography guide help you make the most of every moment. Would you like to join us?
✔️ Alaska
✔️ 14-day trip
✔️ Departures 7, 31 JUL > 14, 28 AUG
✔️ Price from 3165€
Alaska remains one of the planet’s last frontiers: the Far North. A land of fortune seekers, it still retains its pioneering character. The largest US state remains wild, with imposing mountains, glaciers and endless forests across its inland plain. Its coastal beaches and cliffs shelter some of the planet’s best-preserved marine wildlife. Exploring with our guide is certainly one of the best ways to discover this remote state.