Wild Travel Guide

The Land of Enchantment still echos with voices from its colorful past. These voices speak especially clearly from the ghost towns, mining camps, and little-known places that populate New Mexico’s landscape.

New Mexico’s story is rich with history, from the Ancient Puebloan Indians, to Spanish explorers, pioneers traveling along the Santa Fe Trail, and prospectors in the 19th century. These many folks left their “footprints,” not only along the many old trails in the “Land of Enchantment,” but also on the many ruins and ghost towns that remain.

Cuchillo, established by ranchers and farmers in the 1850s, was named for a nearby creek and a local Apache chief, Cuchillo Negro (Black Knife). Midway between the mines at Chloride and Winston and the railroad at Engle, it flourished as a stage stop and trade center from the 1880s to the 1930s. Charming original buildings still stand, including the Cuchillo Bar and Store, and San Jose Catholic Church, built in 1907

Chloride was founded in 1880. Englishman Harry Pye had discovered silver ore there in the late 1870s, and soon after Pye was killed by Apaches, word of the silver find got out. Despite the threat of Indian attacks Chloride grew to over 3,000 people. In its heyday it had nine saloons, a general store, a dry goods store, a millinery shop, a restaurant, a butcher shop, a candy store, a pharmacy, a Chinese laundry, a photography studio, a school, and two hotels. The Black Range newspaper was printed in Chloride from 1882 to 1896. Of the nearly 500 surveyed mines and prospect holes in the Apache Mining District, a dozen or so made big mines, including the Silver Monument, the U.S. Treasury, and the St. Cloud, which is still in operation, though not mining silver. The demise of Chloride began with the Silver Panic of 1893 and was hastened by the presidential election of 1896, which resulted in a drastic decline in silver prices.

Many of Chloride’s original structures still stand. The old Pioneer Store is now a museum; next door the former Monte Cristo Saloon and Dance Hall houses a gift shop and gallery featuring work by local artists. Both are open seven days a week from 10am-4pm. Harry Pye’s cabin is available as a vacation rental. Other landmarks in this tiny town (population 11) include the 200-year-old Hanging Tree and Doodle Dum, the workshop of longtime resident Cassie Hobbs (19041989).
Hillsboro was born in 1877 when gold was found at the nearby Opportunity and Ready Pay mines. Despite fierce Indian attacks, the town grew, becoming the county seat in 1884. Area mines produced more than $6 million in gold and silver, and by 1907 the town had a population of 1,200.

 

Today, this charming, peaceful village of a hundred souls, which boasts flower-filled yards and old cottonwoods lining the main street, offers many enticements, including gift shops; restaurants; artist studios and galleries; the remains of the old county courthouse; the Black Range Museum; Union Church; and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Hillsboros Heritage Day is held annually on the day before Mother’s Day.

Kingston was founded when a rich lode of silver ore was discovered at the Solitaire in 1882. It grew rapidly and was the largest town in the territory—and one of the wildest in the Wild West. The town soon offered all of the trappings of civilization and culture. Numerous hotels played host to the likes of Mark Twain, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Black Jack Ketchum. Stage lines served all major routes, and the town supported twenty-three saloons,some of which advertised fresh oysters 24 hours a day! The town also had 14 grocery and general stores; a brewery; three newspapers; and an Opera House where the Lillian Russell Troupe once performed. Albert Bacon Fall and Ed Doheny of the Teapot Dome Scandal got their start in Kingston.

From those glory days, the old Assay Office and the remains of the Victorio Hotel have been renovated as private residences. The Black Range Lodge, a bed and breakfast, offers accommodations in a setting of massive stonewalls and log-beamed ceilings constructed from the ruins of what once was Pretty Sam’s Casino. Some Kingston residents offer straw-bale and natural building workshops

Traveling is an experience that can change lives and when it comes to visiting the wildlife then you can be pretty sure of a change in life! Wildlife travel destinations guarantee a unique kind of experience for many reasons. Mainly because it is the opposite of what and how we live in our daily lives and also what we expect our holidays to be. Wildlife travel destinations are real inspiring experiences as it not only brings us closer to nature but also to the ancient wisdom of living in the wild, fighting for survival; something that is no longer existent in the highly materialist world.

 

Wildlife travel destinations are exotic and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Therefore they should be chosen very carefully. Also the expenditure involve must not be wasted on a place that you wouldn’t really like to visit. So choose your wildlife travel destination very cautiously so that you get your money’s and time’s worth! Having said that, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast then you will enjoy any and everywhere but if not then you’ve got to put your foot where it will stay. So here are the top 5 wildlife travel destinations of the world where you will enjoy guaranteed:

 

Africa – Think of Wildlife and not mention Africa is like an injustice. The continent is home to the most diverse wildlife there exists. A Safari in the African continent either in Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique or any other famous wildlife travel destinations in the continent is a trip of a lifetime and a chance not to be missed. Enjoy a day of safari ride or running with the zebras, the African continent is a wildlife treasure trove not to be missed at all.

 

South America – It’s not the just the blue waters and Brazilian festivals that South America is famous for. Known as the traveler’s haven, the South American continent also houses some of the best wildlife hot-spots of the world, especially Costa Rica, Ecuador & Galapagos. The South American wildlife as expected is very exotic.

 

Poles – Think there’s only ice at the poles? Well think again because the poles give shelter to the most exotic wildlife of all the other terrains. From polar bears to the penguins, both the Antarctic and the Arctic can become your favorite wildlife destination. However, going to either of the polar regions (especially the Arctic) requires a lot of grit and is not cup of everyone’s tea. But still if you’re more adventurous and can hold on to strength in tough situations than this wildlife adventure trip is for you.

 

India – The country known for its culture and diversity is also home to many wildlife hot-spots. There are wildlife sanctuaries in the northern and middle part of India that offer the traveler a chance of a lifetime. Explore the unique culture of the Indian sub-continent through the way its wildlife is sustained and preserved. India is a land of many unique experiences but the experience of the wildlife is something that will leave you wanting for more. So get on to the next wildlife travel caravan and hop to India.

 

Others – These are rare spots of wildlife in otherwise not popular wildlife travel destinations. These include Canada, Finland and Romania which also boast of a great wildlife.

Wildlife travel packages are easily available and can be bought online or through travel agents.

Making a wildlife exploration trip isn’t like traveling to London or New York for some fun. Traveling to a wildlife travel destination requires a certain set of measures and instructions that must be followed to make the trip even more memorable and one of the cherished moments of your life. When going to see the wildlife, always expect the unexpected. It’s not your regular visit to just any other destination in the world where you can or will get the comfort of the worlds where you come from.

 

Traveling to a wildlife sanctuary has its own super moments but it is not a trip without challenges. As they say,  ‘the wild is an open arena’ or ‘there’s a reason why the wild is not a city’, wilderness is something that demands respect and following the general rules of the game. In the wild, all that matters are your survival instincts and nothing else really. Even though you’re a tourist and will go back to your den after the fun and adventure, you can’t disrespect the wild and expect to get out of it happy and all-smiling. Because neither nature nor the wild forgives its de-tractors.

 

So here’s a bucket list of the things you can and cannot do, so that your trip to the best wildlife travel spots remains the best from beginning to the end.

 

1)    The wild poses many challenges especially to the city dwellers who are not used to the open and the wilderness. The safari ride may be glamorous and seem all great in the pictures but it is one challenging task under the sun and the heat. Therefore, to go on a wildlife travel tip, you must have that passion for the wild and loads of sunscreen to bathe yourself in.

2)    Camping out is another challenge that wildlife travel trips present to tourists. Camping under the stars is as beautiful as it sounds but it sure does not come without its fair share of challenges and grueling moments. Although camping organizers take care of the basic necessities but still it isn’t what you expect to have in a five star hotel room in Singapore or the Big Apple. So be mentally prepared and carry extra supplies (especially toilet supplies when paying a visit to the wild).

3)    Listen to what the guide says if you don’t want to injure or become an animal’s meal. The guide in most cases is a native of the place and knows the tricks (and may be the animals) of the wild. Therefore, he’s your only support system in the wildlife. Listen very carefully to all his instructions and follow them too. If you’re feeling a little more adventures, still don’t leave the group and wander alone.

4)    Rely on your photographic more than your shutter. Many tourists have wound up in dangerous positions just because they were lost in their cameras that didn’t start at the right moment. Don’t stay a place surrounded by wild animals for more than a few seconds. Remember for them you’re the trespasser and unfortunately they don’t sue only attack.

 

These are some basic tips that will help you enjoy your wildlife trip even more. The wild is beautiful as long as you respect and obey the laws just as the animals do. Be humble and let nature guide you.

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