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brooke beyond

outdoor gear

How to choose the best trail shoes, hiking boots & mountaineering boots for every outdoor adventure

15 April 2025

When you’re hiking long distances, carrying weight, navigating scree fields, or climbing snowy ridgelines, the right pair of shoes can make or break your experience. And while no single boot will work for every trip, there are a few key things to understand when choosing the best option for your adventure.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top picks for trail shoes, hiking boots, and mountaineering boots— plus the key technical features to consider, like tread, sole stiffness, shaft height, and waterproofing. I’ll also share the exact pairs James and I use around the world for everything from dusty day-hikes to glaciated summit pushes!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I recommend, at no extra cost to you. I ONLY recommend gear that I personally use (or that James uses) and that we genuinely LOVE— your support helps keep this site going and the adventures rolling!

What's in this guide

Toggle
  • Overview of outdoor footwear styles
  • Choosing the best outdoor footwear for every adventure
    • Tread depth
    • Sole stiffness
    • Shaft height
    • Structure & support
    • Waterproofing & breathability
    • Weight & durability
  • Our favourite trail shoes, hiking boots & mountaineering boots

Check out my outdoor gear guides for the best:

hiking boots
hiking backpacks
cold-weather layers
backpacking tents
outdoor sleep system
backcountry food
camera gear

TL;DR: best hiking & mountaineering footwear ↯

🥾 best trail shoe: La Sportiva Prodigio (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best lightweight hiking boot: adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best backpacking boot: Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best lightweight mountaineering boot: La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather GTX (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best heavyweight mountaineering boot: Scarpa Charmoz HD (women’s) / (men’s)

Overview of outdoor footwear styles

Outdoor footwear can be broadly classified into three categories: trail shoes, hiking boots (trail boots), and mountaineering boots (alpine boots). While there’s definitely some overlap in use-case depending on personal preference, the best choice usually comes down to terrain, trip length, pack weight, and expected conditions.

La Sportiva Prodigio

Trail shoes

Lightweight, low-cut, and built for agility, trail shoes are designed for comfort and speed on established trails. They typically feature aggressive tread for grip, flexible soles, and breathable mesh uppers that dry quickly, compromising ankle/foot support for lightweight speed and dexterity.

Best for: well-maintained trails, ultralight thru-hikes & anyone who prefers a minimalist feel underfoot

Hiking boots

Hiking boots are made to comfortably carry heavier loads across tougher terrain, usually offering a higher ankle shaft, a more structured sole, and better protection from roots, rocks, and sharp terrain. Some are light and breathable, while others are burlier and waterproofed for full backpacking missions.

Best for: rugged trails, multi-day backpacking, rocky or technical terrain & anyone carrying a pack heavier than 10kg

Mountaineering boots

These are the most technical boots in the lineup, built for scree, slab, snow, steep slopes and all variety of technical terrain. Mountaineering boots are stiff, crampon-compatible, have a rubber toe cup for precision climbing, and offer serious insulation and protection at a significant cost to comfort on trail.

Best for: via ferrata, scrambling, mixed alpine climbing, glacier travel & snow climbs, anytime you need technical precision with a loaded pack

lightweight mountaineering boots in Iceland

Choosing the best outdoor footwear for every adventure

Sometimes the difference between trail shoes and hiking boots, or between a backpacking boot and a more robust alpine boot, is razor thin and extremely personal, so technical differences between these outdoor footwear choices— like tread depth, sole stiffness, shaft height, structure, waterproofing, and weight— can help you make the call when terrain and conditions are mixed.

To find your perfect shoe for any trip, you’ll need weigh up these technical features against the terrain (dirt trails call for widely different footwear than scree slopes, icy glaciers, or other rugged backcountry terrain), the weight of your pack, the season and expected weather conditions (wet, dry, cold, hot), and your ideal balance between comfort and performance. Here’s what you need to know about outdoor footwear:

Tread depth

The tread pattern (those rubber grooves on the base of your shoe) determines how well you’re able to grip the ground, similar to how a regular tire vs all-terrain tire perform on the road. 

  • If you’re primarily hiking on packed dirt or dry gravel trails, a lighter tread with shallow lugs is usually sufficient and helps reduce weight
  • If you’re expecting slick roots, mud, or loose rock, look for a hiking boot with deeper, multidirectional lugs that offer better bite
  • For snow, slab, scree, or icy alpine terrain, nothing beats the grippy, stiff tread of a mountaineering boot with a Vibram sole

Sole stiffness

Sole stiffness is one of the biggest differences between these types of footwear—with massive implications for both comfort and performance.

  • If you’re hiking light and fast or value ground feel, trail shoes with flexible soles allow for a natural stride but offer less protection and structure overall
  • If you’re carrying a heavier pack or hiking for multiple days, stiffer-soled hiking boots provide better support and reduce fatigue, but usually at a cost to overall weight and agility
  • For alpine routes, scrambling, or snow travel, mountaineering boots offer maximum stiffness—ideal for edging, climbing, or pairing with crampons, but at a significant cost to comfort on trail

🥾 THE COMFORT–PERFORMANCE TRADE-OFF

There’s always going to be a trade-off between comfort and performance when it comes to hiking footwear— the most comfortable shoe is simply NOT going to be the best for technical navigation on loose scree/talus fields, scrambling exposed ridgelines, or side-hilling on steep terrain.

You’ll need to weigh this trade-off personally for every trip: if you’ve got a long trail approach followed by a bit of easy scrambling, a lightweight hiking boot might be the ideal middle ground; if that same approach ends in a Class 5 alpine climb with a full pack, you’ll likely have to sacrifice some trail comfort in favour of the stiffness required to move confidently and safely on technical terrain. In some cases, it’s worth carrying two pairs— one for trail travel, one for the climb— but that too comes with added bulk and weight.

Like most things in the mountains, it’s about knowing what the day demands— and making peace with the trade-offs. Personally, I opt for rigid stability over trail comfort in almost all instances and I’ll upgrade to lightweight mountaineering boots sooner than the average person (12 days on AV2, for instance; they are a bit stiff on the trail but amazing on via ferrata, I’m personally willing to accept that balance).

Shaft height

Shaft height refers to how high the boot comes up your ankle, which affects both stability and mobility on the trail.

  • If you prioritise freedom of movement and are hiking with a light pack on stable terrain, a low-cut trail shoe or hiking boot is often best
  • If you’re carrying more weight or hiking through rocky or uneven ground, mid or high-cut hiking boots will provide better ankle support and reduce the risk of rolling
  • Mountaineering boots typically extend high above the ankle (and some even to mid-calf) to add stability, insulation, and weather protection in steep, snowy, or exposed alpine environments
Summit day on Aconcagua
Double Boots on Aconcagua

Structure & support

Structure is what gives a boot its overall “feel”— how stable your foot stays over long distances, how protected it is from sharp terrain underfoot, and how well your foot moves with (rather than inside) the boot. It’s what keeps you from feeling like you’re sliding around in your own footwear when the trail disappears or the angle steepens.

  • If you’re moving fast and light, trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots offer minimal structure and maximum agility— great for comfort, but less ideal for rugged terrain or heavy loads.
  • If you’re carrying a heavier pack or tackling variable terrain, hiking boots with reinforced toe caps, heel cups, and firmer midsoles help stabilise your foot, absorb impact, and reduce fatigue by preventing your arch and ankles from constantly compensating
  • Mountaineering boots are the most structured of all, with stiff soles, reinforced uppers, and a full rubber rand that wraps the lower boot— that extra structure locks your foot into place and gives you better control on rock, snow, and scree, but it can feel stiff and unforgiving on mellow trails

Waterproofing & breathability

Waterproofing helps keep your feet dry in rain, snow, or wet grass, while breathability allows sweat and moisture to escape— finding the right balance is key and this typically comes down to season and expected weather conditions.

  • If you’re hiking in hot, dry conditions, a breathable, quick-drying shoe or lightweight hiking boot with mesh components may be the smarter choice
  • If you’re hiking in consistently wet environments (like the Pacific Northwest or Patagonia), waterproof boots are worth the trade-off in breathability
  • Leather mountaineering boots prioritise weather protection and warmth over airflow, so expect them to run hotter and heavier than trail shoes or hiking boots

Weight & durability

The lighter the boot, the more agile and breathable it usually is— often at the cost of long-term durability and overall support/structure.

  • If your goal is speed and comfort on well-maintained trails, trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots are usually best
  • If you’re carrying a heavy pack or travelling on rougher terrain, a heavier-duty boot will offer better protection and support at a (usually justifiable) cost to weight
  • If you’re heading into extreme environments, mountaineering boots are much more durable and rugged, but heavier (which can lead to fatigue)— it’s worth trying to keep your boots as light as the terrain will allow

🥾 MATERIAL MATTERS: SYNTHETIC VS LEATHER

Synthetic boots are lighter, more breathable, and break in quickly— but they also break down faster, especially with hard use on rocky or rugged terrain.

Leather boots are heavier, pricier, and take longer to break in, but they’re significantly more durable. They hold their shape, resist abrasion, and with proper care, they’ll outlast most synthetics— making them a smart investment for backpacking and mountaineering, where boots tend to wear out fastest.

Trail approach + glacier climb of mont Blanc in lightweight mountaineering boots

Our favourite trail shoes, hiking boots & mountaineering boots

Here are the exact pairs James and I currently use and recommend, based on real-world testing across dozens of trails, treks, and alpine climbs. Whether you’re after all-day comfort on the trail or confident footing in the mountains, these are our go-to picks:


La Sportiva Prodigio

Best trail shoe: La Sportiva Prodigio

Lightweight and cushioned with a stable, grippy platform, these are breathable, comfortable, and strike a great balance between trail feel and support— James wears these for most hiking and backpacking trips where we’re spending a majority of time on trail.

Shop at REI:

Women’s
men’s

Shop at Backcountry:

women’s
men’s

adidas Terrex hiking boots

Best lightweight hiking boot: adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0

A great ultralight trail boot with a flexible, sock-like fit that will carry you comfortably across trails. The perfect upgrade for those who want something feather-light that handles like an athletic shoe, but with slightly more structure and ankle support— I personally love this style for hiking and backpacking on-trail!

Shop at REI:

women’s
men’s

Shop at Amazon:

women’s
men’s

Best backpacking boot: Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots

This was my go-to backpacking boot for many years, offering solid support for carrying a fully-loaded pack and navigating rough trail. A backpacking boot in general feels more structured than a trail runner or lightweight hiking boot, but they still aren’t built for technical alpine terrain— once we’re doing an sustained scrambling, I’m upgrading to a lightweight mountaineering boot.

Shop at REI:

women’s
men’s

Shop at Backcountry:

women’s
men’s

Alta Via 1 2 4 Packing List- Italian Dolomites

Best lightweight mountaineering boot: La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather GTX

The boot that I wear for 90% of our outdoor adventures and James wears anytime we’re off-trail! This lightweight/hybrid mountaineering boot offers the ultimate compromise between comfort on trail (passable) and precision performance on technical terrain– it’s brilliant for scrambling, via ferrata, snow and glacier (with crampons), but still flexible enough to survive long trail approaches. I wore these for 12 days on Alta Via 2, climbing Mont Blanc, tackling the Ptarmigan Traverse, and all variety of other alpine trips.

Shop at REI:

women’s
men’s

Shop at Backcountry:

women’s
men’s

Best heavyweight mountaineering boot: Scarpa Charmoz HD

For more dedicated alpine climbing, this is a true mountaineering boot built for alpine snow, glacier travel, and moderate elevation mountaineering. Not comfortable enough for long trail days, but fantastic when conditions call for crampons and serious weather protection.

Shop at REI:

women’s
men’s

Shop at Amazon:

women’s
men’s

The right pair of boots will transform your hiking experience—keeping your feet supported, stable, and protected across every kind of terrain. Whether you’re moving fast on trail or climbing snow-covered ridgelines, choosing footwear that matches the demands of your adventure will always pay off in comfort and confidence. I hope this guide has helped you find your perfect outdoor boot!

TL;DR: best hiking & mountaineering footwear ↯

🥾 best trail shoe: La Sportiva Prodigio (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best lightweight hiking boot: adidas Terrex Free Hiker Gore-Tex 2.0 (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best backpacking boot: Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best lightweight mountaineering boot: La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather GTX (women’s) / (men’s)
🥾 best heavyweight mountaineering boot: Scarpa Charmoz HD (women’s) / (men’s)

Explore more outdoor gear guides on brookebeyond

  • How to choose the best trail shoes, hiking boots & mountaineering boots for every adventure
  • How to choose the best hiking backpack for every outdoor adventure
  • How to build an outdoor layering system for backcountry hiking & extreme alpine conditions
  • How to choose the best tent for backpacking & mountaineering
  • How to choose the best outdoor sleep system: best sleeping bags, sleeping pads & camp pillows
  • How to pack food for multi-day backcountry adventures: our tips for maximising calories & minimising weight
TAGS:choosing gear
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brooke beyond

Hey, I'm Brooke and I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (joined by my life/climbing partner, James). Whether it’s road-tripping through Mexico, climbing alpine peaks in the Andes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or tackling epic via ferrata in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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hi, I’m brooke!

I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (now joined by my life/climbing partner, James). I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

read my story
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recent posts

  • Teton Crest Trail: my epic 5-day backpacking route to Delta Lake + Middle/South Teton summits

    14 May 2025
  • Camera gear for travel photography: what we use as full-time travellers

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@brookebeyond_
brooke ✨travel & mountain gal

@brookebeyond_

  • THIS 👆🏼IS MEXICO 

I’ve spent nearly 2 years exploring Mexico & barely scratched the surface of this incredible country— hands-down my favourite place to travel, even after 60 countries! México es mejor 🇲🇽

Follow @brookebeyond_ for more Mexico off the beaten path 🇲🇽✨

States featured in this video:
- Baja California (Norte)
- Campeche
- Chiapas
- Guanajuato
- Hidalgo
- Jalisco
- Michoacán
- Nuevo Leon
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Tabasco
- Quintana Roo
- Veracruz
- Yucatán
  • Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
  • ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
.
.
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.
.
#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
  • CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
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#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
  • Ethiopia is one of the few places on Earth where you can trek across day-old lava flows & stand at the edge of a crater filled with liquid fire.

✨ Erta Ale & more included on our Ethiopia adventure trip in November, check out full details at bit.ly/beyond-Ethiopia ✨

Would you get this close?! 👀🔥
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.
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.
.
#ertaale #ethiopia #travelethiopia #travelafrica #volcano #bucketlist #travelgirls #adventuretravel #volcanoes
  • Come with us to explore one of the craziest places on the entire planet:📍 Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

✨ this & more included on our Ethiopia adventure trip in November, check out full details at the link in bio! ✨
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#textures #ethiopia #travelethiopia #travelafrica #simienmountains #bucketlist #travelgirls #adventuretravel
  • ETHIOPIA GROUP TRIP 🌈🌋☕️✨

I’ve been teasing it all month, but I’m so excited to finally open  bookings for our group adventure trip to Ethiopia from 3-12 November!

✨click the link in my bio for trip details ✨

our 10-day Ethiopia itinerary includes:
🧆 cooking class + Addis Ababa city tour 
🌋 hiking on Erta Ale, an active volcano
🌈 neon acid springs in the Danakil Depression
⛰️ scrambling to ancient cliffside monasteries in Gheralta to camp with the local monks
🥾 3-day trek through the Simien Mountains
+
 🐋 optional 3-day extension to Djibouti to swim with whale sharks!!

✨full itinerary + booking details at bit.ly/beyond-ethiopia ✨
  • Bolivia isn’t the only place with epic salt flats…

📍Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

✨ this & more included on our Ethiopia adventure trip in November, check out full details at the link in bio! ✨
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#ethiopia #danakildepression #danakil #saltflats #travelethiopia #bucketlist #adventuretravel
  • ETHIOPIA’S TREKKING PARADISE ⛰️🇪🇹

Jagged peaks, sheer cliffs dropping thousands of metres, endless canyonlands & high-elevation plantlife that looks straight out of a fantasy novel.

The Simien Mountains are one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in the world—so why is no one talking about it?!

For 3 days, we hiked through some of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever seen, completely alone except for troops of Gelada Baboons (the “bleeding heart monkeys” that only live here). And at Imet Gogo, the most famous viewpoint, we sat on the edge of the escarpment in total awe & complete silence, no one but our local trekking guide for miles.

If you’re looking for epic trekking without the masses, Ethiopia needs to be on your radar. And luckily, we’ve got a group hiking trip on the calendar for November 😍

✨ DM for early access! ✨
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#textures #ethiopia #travelethiopia #travelafrica #simienmountains #bucketlist #travelgirls #adventuretravel
follow @brookebeyond_

travel beyond the ordinary

Explore my travel guides, custom itineraries & blog posts with an interactive world map ✨

all destinations

  • THIS 👆🏼IS MEXICO 

I’ve spent nearly 2 years exploring Mexico & barely scratched the surface of this incredible country— hands-down my favourite place to travel, even after 60 countries! México es mejor 🇲🇽

Follow @brookebeyond_ for more Mexico off the beaten path 🇲🇽✨

States featured in this video:
- Baja California (Norte)
- Campeche
- Chiapas
- Guanajuato
- Hidalgo
- Jalisco
- Michoacán
- Nuevo Leon
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Tabasco
- Quintana Roo
- Veracruz
- Yucatán
  • Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
  • ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
.
.
.
.
.
#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
  • CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
  • Ethiopia is one of the few places on Earth where you can trek across day-old lava flows & stand at the edge of a crater filled with liquid fire.

✨ Erta Ale & more included on our Ethiopia adventure trip in November, check out full details at bit.ly/beyond-Ethiopia ✨

Would you get this close?! 👀🔥
.
.
.
.
.
#ertaale #ethiopia #travelethiopia #travelafrica #volcano #bucketlist #travelgirls #adventuretravel #volcanoes
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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THIS 👆🏼IS MEXICO I’ve spent nearly 2 years exploring Mexico & barely scratched the surface of this incredible country— hands-down my favourite place to travel, even after 60 countries! México es mejor 🇲🇽 Follow @brookebeyond_ for more Mexico off the beaten path 🇲🇽✨ States featured in this video: - Baja California (Norte) - Campeche - Chiapas - Guanajuato - Hidalgo - Jalisco - Michoacán - Nuevo Leon - Oaxaca - Puebla - Tabasco - Quintana Roo - Veracruz - Yucatán
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. 

It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk.

We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). 

I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. 

And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me.

Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else.

We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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Thanks to everyone who’s checked in wondering where on earth I’ve disappeared to this past month… well, I’ve been dealing with an unexpected & rather serious knee issue and ended up having surgery here in San Cristóbal last week. It’s a long & depressing story, but basically I developed a rare inflammatory condition in the lining of my knee joint (that I’ve had previously in my ankle) and within 2 weeks I went from 100% healthy to literally unable to walk. We’re extremely lucky to have been renting an apartment in San Cris during this time so I had access to high-quality medical care at a price that wouldn’t bankrupt us (uninsured outside Australia, heyooo 🤙🏼). I was able to get an MRI for $100 out of pocket, we found a really awesome local orthopaedic surgeon trained in arthroscopy, and I’ve been going to rehab a couple times a week with the sweetest physios. The fact that this happened in Mexico, where I feel at home and speak the language and everything just happens quickly/without a lot of formality is a true blessing. And still, it’s been really hard. I’ve spent most of the last month in bed, James has to carry me to the bathroom, and I haven’t even been able to shower for 10 days because of bandages. We had to cancel all of our summer climbing plans and not knowing when I’ll be able to walk or hike again has been heartbreaking for me. Sharing this because I think full-time travel can appear perfect online, but beyond the highlight reel, there are plenty of shitty moments too— plans get cancelled, money is lost, injuries happen far from home, recovery doesn’t happen any quicker for me than it does for anyone else. We’re staying put in Mexico for another few weeks and then hopefully moving to the next destination, but suffice to say 2025 is going to look a lot different than we imagined ❤️‍🩹
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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.
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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.
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.
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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.
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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.
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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.
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
.
.
.
.
.
#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
.
.
.
.
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
.
.
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.
.
#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨

Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. 

This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12].

Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. 

On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion.

Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨
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#ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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ገና (GENA) ETHIOPIAN CHRISTMAS ✞🕯️✨ Weeks after most of the world has packed away their decorations (because Ethiopia follows its own ancient calendar, Christmas here falls on January 7th), a million worshippers all draped in white gather around Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches for Gena. This is the centre of Orthodox Christianity in Africa & many have walked barefoot for weeks across mountains just to be here, seeking blessings from the local priests & divinity from the wrinkled monks [photos 3 & 12]. Makeshift camps are set up in the fields around Lalibela [photos 6-7] & strangers become neighbours for a few weeks, cooking & singing & praying & sharing food in the build-up to Christmas. On the night of January 6th, thousands assemble at Bet Maryam for an all-night vigil, Ge’ez hymns & drumbeats reverberating in the candlelight & whispered prayers filling the air [photos 15-17]. By sunrise, the 43-day fast (of animal products) is broken & most families slaughter a goat or sheep for the occasion. Even as a foreign atheist, the whole experience was inarguably divine ✞🕯️✨ . . . . . #ethiopia #lalibela #gena #ethiopianchristmas #christmas #travelethiopia #ethiopianculture #ethiopianorthodox
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
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#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍

✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨

Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do).

And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!!

With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️

For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon

✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨
.
.
.
.
.
#altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
CUSTOM GPS MAPS NOW LIVE!!!!! 🗺️🌎📍 ✨ shop.brookebeyond.com ✨ Before every single backpacking trip, hut-to-hut & alpine expedition, I spend dozens of hours building a custom GPS track to help me navigate along the route confidently, especially when going off-trail (as I love to do). And after MANY requests to share my custom routes, I am finally ready to release super detailed JSON/GPX files that you can use to plan your own epic adventure off the beaten path— navigating right off your smartphone!!! With new detailed notes at every single waypoint, better route beta, more alternatives, and updates based on my successful adventures, these maps reflect a lot of work + I am super excited to share them with the world 🗺️ For now, I’ve got Alta Via 2, Alta Via 4, and Aconcagua summit (via Horcones Valley) for sale, with more in the pipeline sooooon ✨ please share with anyone planning to hike AV2/AV4 or climb Aconcagua✨ . . . . . #altavia2 #altavia4 #av2 #av4 #italiandolomites #dolomites #dolomiti #aconcagua #horconesvalley #aconcaguasummit #solohiking #GPSmaps
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
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Ethiopia is one of the few places on Earth where you can trek across day-old lava flows & stand at the edge of a crater filled with liquid fire. ✨ Erta Ale & more included on our Ethiopia adventure trip in November, check out full details at bit.ly/beyond-Ethiopia ✨ Would you get this close?! 👀🔥 . . . . . #ertaale #ethiopia #travelethiopia #travelafrica #volcano #bucketlist #travelgirls #adventuretravel #volcanoes
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

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