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Trails of the Ancient - two weeks
Arizona
USA
Join us on a two week journey between and through some of the most impressive valleys and canyons of the Southwest. We start our ride in Utah with the Valley of Gods and overlook parts of the Grand Canyon and then ride into Arizona and the wonders of Monument Valley.
This is a forward going camping ride with some lay-over camps and loop rides full of great scenery and history view. Ride and Explore the canyons that were once the home ancient Anasazi and more recently, the land of the Ute and Navajo then into the Valley of the Gods. Many great spots for pictures and long stretches of cantering in between those rock formations will make this an unforgettable adventure.
The 2nd week we travel towards Mexican Hat and across the river into the Navajo Nation where we will meet our native guides. You have probably seen Monument Valley hundreds of times, but as you ride through it, you will see the real thing perhaps for the first time; And somehow Monument Valley doesn't look like the Monument Valley you’ve seen before. It is rather overwhelming. One night while in the Nation, the Navajos may perform some traditional songs and dancing for us around a camp fire. It is an awesome experience in our canyon camp with the cliff walls echoing the voices of the singers and spirits.
You can join us for week one, week two, or for the complete two-week ride.
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Meeting:
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Blanding
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Airport:
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Cortez
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Transfer:
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Cortez airport at 4pm
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Tent accommodations and last night in hotel, all meals, 11 riding days
| A | 2010 | 15 day Trails of the Ancient, AP | 15d / 14n | $2890 |
| Single supplement (if requested) | $300 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Cortez at 4 PM included
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Transfer pick up Cortez airport at 4PM
Return to Cortez on Saterday around noon, staturday night hotel in Cortez included , departure Sunday.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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05/02
- 05/16
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15d / 14n
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15 day Trails of the Ancient...
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5
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2010
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05/23
- 06/06
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15d / 14n
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15 day Trails of the Ancient...
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5
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2010
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08/29
- 09/12
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15d / 14n
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15 day Trails of the Ancient...
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5
/10
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Sold Out
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| A |
2010
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09/19
- 10/03
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15d / 14n
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15 day Trails of the Ancient...
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5
/10
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Sold Out
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Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag - rental is not available.
Day 1 Sun. Guests will be picked up at the Cortez Airport and driven to camp at Cottonwood wash near Blanding Utah where the Trail Adventure starts.
Day 2 Mon. Introductions and trail briefing before everyone selects or is assigned their horse for the trail then a short ride to ancient dwelling sites in a hidden canyon below an impressive stone arch as well as other hidden settlements, tombs and lookout towers. (15 miles, 5 h)
Day 4 Wed. We ride our camp up Cottonwood wash and will descend the impressive Comb Ridge via a narrow trail called the old Mormon trail. We follow the original Mormon trail down the ridge to Arch Canyon for another visit at a huge cave and remnants of an extensive Anasazi village. Breathtaking scenery of rock cliffs and canyons are the highlights of this scenic ride. Our camp is set among huge cottonwoods along Comb Wash. (28 miles, 8 h)
Day 5 Thurs. A long ride south along the towering sand colored cliffs of Comb Ridge to a camp site at an old "round up " Corral will be the days adventure. Long stretches of trotting and cantering on this sandy stretch will add a feeling of being one of the first explorers of the area. We will finish the day camping under a beautiful star-lit sky. (20 miles, 6-8 h)
Day 6 Fri. Another long day ride into the spectacular and beautiful "Valley of the Gods" (Famed as the miniature Monument Valley – professed by some to be blessed with more breathtaking colors, rock formations, and natural sculptures in sandstone). The endless sand dunes between these spectacular red rock towers invite for a fast and interesting ride. Camp will be back at Comb Ridge corrals. (30 miles, 8 h)
Day 7 Sat. This day will mark the end of the first week. The one week guests return to the Cortez. (Saturday night hotel is included.)
Those of you staying will have the opportunity to take a short but very scenic ride to the San Juan river for a little dip and swim or just relaxing in camp while transfers are taking place. The evening will see the arrival of the new guests in time for dinner under a wondrous sky (pick up for new guests is Cortez Airport @ 6 pm).
Day 8 Sun. We head south towards Mexican Hat. Along the way you will see how this old town got its name. The upside down sombrero made of red sand stone can be seen from a distance in contrast to the natural, colorful painted hill sides of the San Juan. We will camp for the night in the area (just outside of Valley of the Gods on Lime Creek (28 miles, 8 h).
Day 9 Mon. We will load up and drive to Oljato Trading Post in The Navajo Nation and meet our Navajo guide in front of the old Trading Post for a ride to our next camp. The ride will lead us through sand dunes along red rock walls and canyons east towards the prominent volcanic vent called El Capitan ( Navajo - Agathla )where we spend the next two nights. (18 miles, 6 h)
Day 10 Tues. Today we ride into the famous Mystery Valley. Ancient Anasazi ruins and hidden canyons and unforgettable views will make this day a very special ride. We return to camp at the base of El Capitain for another relaxing night under a majestic sky. (20 miles, 6)
Day 11 Wed. This ride is one of our highlights. We ride up to Hunts Mesa following hidden trails through spectacular canyons for a 3 dimensional panoramic view over Monument Valley . An old sheep herders trail leads us down from Hunts Mesa into Kane Valley were we spend the night. (30 miles, 8 h)
Day 12 Thurs. From Kane Valley we ride into Monument Valley and will see all the grandeur of the valley made famous by Western Movie Star John Wayne. Our trail drops down into the Valley behind the famous Totem Pole. We are in for a treat of authentic Navajo meal and entertainment. ( 18 miles, 6 h)
Day 13 Fri. Our guide will take us through Monument Valley today for a visit of the most famous formations like " Stagecoach", "the hand", "the three sisters"," rain god Mesa" and other famous sites from movies and TV will accompany us along the way. In the late afternoon we prepare for our trip to Cortez and our farewell dinner in Monument Valley.
Day 14 Sat. After two weeks of a fantastic and memorable trail. We depart to Cortez with a fond Farewell to all. Overnight in local hotel.
Day 15: Hotel airport shuttle to the airport and departure.
subject to change
Meeting:
Blanding
Airport:
Cortez
Transfer:
Cortez airport at 4pm
Distance:
120 miles - 2hrs
Transfer pick up Cortez airport at 4PM
Return to Cortez on Saterday around noon, staturday night hotel in Cortez included , departure Sunday.
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Tack:
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Western
Hackamores
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Horses:
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Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Arab/Foxtrotter mix, Tennesse Walker
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Pace:
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Some long riding days. Forward going ride. The gaited horses will not gait throughout the trip. Steep mountain trails.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
210
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone’s riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
In regards to our horses. We have horses for all riding levels. From Appaloosas, to Arabians, Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Foxtrotters. The tack is western with comfortable cordura saddles. Cantle bags, saddlebags and canteens will be provided. You will choose your mount in the beginning of the trail, which will be yours for the rest of your time with us. You will be expected to groom and saddle your horse ( of course we'll help you and make sure everything is how it should be) as this is part of forming a bond between you and your 'partner' . Otherwise all you have to do is to enjoy the ride and we'll do the rest. We strictly center around horses and riding and since our horses are as important to us as our guests. Please take your riding ability and physical condition in consideration when choosing a trail.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
Summertime maximum temperatures at Monument Valley can be very warm, averaging in the 90s, with nights considerably cooler. Because of the mile-high elevation, winters can be very cold and snowy, with minimum monthly lows in the 20s.
Average Monthly Temperature (F)
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JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
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HIGH |
43 |
47 |
54 |
65 |
73 |
85 |
90 |
88 |
82 |
66 |
50 |
42 |
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LOW |
25 |
26 |
33 |
40 |
47 |
58 |
63 |
62 |
57 |
41 |
30 |
24 |
On these camping rides we provide
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all camping gear (except sleeping bags). You must bring your own sleeping bag as we don't have these for rent. We have spare “used bags” to use over your own but we do not rent them or recommend you use them in lieu of your own.
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roomy tents with 2 camping cots in each.
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hot showers in camp
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three meals a day (hearty breakfast, bag lunch on trail, and a varied dinner menu). Please let us know of any special dietary requests at the time of booking.
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we do not provide beverages other than coffee, tea and water, but you are welcome to bring your own, or the cook can purchase it for you (at cost) when he goes to town for supplies
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horses and tack (including canteens and saddlebags)
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friendly, knowledgeable staff (all guides are First Aid certified)
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Please note, the first few days at Cottonwood you might have phone service (depending on the winds) with Verizon. Afterwards no service in the reservation.
You just sit back, relax and enjoy.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Comfortable riding jeans or Jodhpurs with half chaps for calf protection can be ideal |
| Cold weather Jacket or coat recommended for early spring and late fall cold nights and mornings. |
| Boots with grips on the sole and ankle support (i.e. lightweight walking boots or jodphur boots with tread). Traditional long riding boots and smooth-soled jodphur boots are not recommended. |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| For Camping trips: |
| Sleeping Bag |
| Flashlight |
| Pillow if wanted |
| Towel and small bar of soap |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun block |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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andrea peterson
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5/31/2009
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matthew dunphy
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11/11/2008
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stuart harrison
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10/12/2008
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nicole mazzoni
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6/30/2008
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..view other reports for different trips
“Three season” tents with cots (we also provide pillows and have spare Sleeping bags for anyone needing the extra warmth on the cold desert nights); Hot shower facility in one of the support vehicles.(Hot water is always available for freshening up of a morning from a large pot and wash basins.) (Although there will always be water available, please remember that it is a precious commodity out here so conservation is the key word.)
Wholesome tasty meals prepared in a modern day chuck wagon are served in a variety of menus throughout the trail. Beef, pork, or chicken, fresh vegetables, potatoes or rice, bread or rolls and some Southwest meals for dinner are served family style around a table. Breakfast menus consist of eggs, pancakes, French toast, bisquits, potatoes, and gravy, bacon or sausage, juice; and a lot of coffee, tea and cocoa.
Drinking water and water bottles are provided; flavored drink mix with electrolytes are also provided and you are encouraged to use them here in this southwest heat.
Portable chemical toilets are provided in camp but while on the trail the bushes and trees will serve your needs.
Beverages other than coffee, tea, and water are not included on this trip but can be brought from town “at cost”. When the cook goes in for supplies.*
*Alcohol is not allowed in the Navajo Nation.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone’s riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
In regards to our horses. We have horses for all riding levels. From Appaloosas, to Arabians, Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Foxtrotters. The tack is western with comfortable cordura saddles. Cantle bags, saddlebags and canteens will be provided. You will choose your mount in the beginning of the trail, which will be yours for the rest of your time with us. You will be expected to groom and saddle your horse ( of course we'll help you and make sure everything is how it should be) as this is part of forming a bond between you and your 'partner' . Otherwise all you have to do is to enjoy the ride and we'll do the rest. We strictly center around horses and riding and since our horses are as important to us as our guests. Please take your riding ability and physical condition in consideration when choosing a trail.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
Hackamores
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Arab/Foxtrotter mix, Tennesse Walker
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Some long riding days. Forward going ride. The gaited horses will not gait throughout the trip. Steep mountain trails.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
|
|
Max
210
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
5 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone’s riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
In regards to our horses. We have horses for all riding levels. From Appaloosas, to Arabians, Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Foxtrotters. The tack is western with comfortable cordura saddles. Cantle bags, saddlebags and canteens will be provided. You will choose your mount in the beginning of the trail, which will be yours for the rest of your time with us. You will be expected to groom and saddle your horse ( of course we'll help you and make sure everything is how it should be) as this is part of forming a bond between you and your 'partner' . Otherwise all you have to do is to enjoy the ride and we'll do the rest. We strictly center around horses and riding and since our horses are as important to us as our guests. Please take your riding ability and physical condition in consideration when choosing a trail.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Trails of the Ancient - two weeks
Tour Code:
RTAZ01-2
15 days /
14 nights
~$2,890.00
Dates :
May to Sept
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Western
Hackamores
Horses:
Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Ara...
Pace:
Some long riding days. Forward going r...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Cortez
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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