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Season 2 of Adventure Cities Set to Premiere on Discovery Channel Saturday, March 25th

Beachburg, Ontario – Award-winning video production company Heliconia is excited to announce the premiere of Adventure Cities Season 2 on the Discovery Channel on Saturday, March 25th. In the new season, host Jonathan Thompson takes viewers on an exhilarating journey to explore some of the most exciting and adventurous cities in the world.

The premiere episode features visits to Darwin, Australia and Sacramento, California, where Jonathan discovers the unique cultures, histories, and outdoor activities that make these cities truly special. Adventures include a safari, crocodile feeding, helicopter tours, waterfall swimming, rail biking, whitewater rafting, and experiencing the riches of a true farm-to-fork city. Throughout the season, viewers will also get to experience the unique adventures and attractions of Alice Springs, Long Beach, Québec City, Aqaba, Portland, Sapporo, Dallas, and Pensacola.

“We are thrilled to bring Adventure Cities back for a second season,” said Brendan Mark, Heliconia’s Executive Producer. “With Jonathan as our guide, viewers will get to see a side of these cities that they have never seen before. We are confident that audiences will be inspired to pack their bags and embark on their own adventures after tuning in.”

Adventure Cities is produced by Heliconia, a leading video production company known for producing high-quality outdoor adventure programming. The series is sure to be a hit with adventure seekers, travel enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fresh perspective on the world’s most exciting cities.

Tune in to Discovery Channel on Saturday, March 25th at 7 am EST, to catch the Season 2 premiere and join host Jonathan Thompson on an unforgettable journey of discovery and adventure.

ABOUT ADVENTURE CITIES: Adventure Cities follows award-winning travel journalist Jonathan Thompson as he searches for outdoor adventure and reveals the wonderful cultures, allures, and attractions of the world’s most fascinating urban centers. Each 30-minute episode is comprised of two, 10+minute Features and is broadcast into more than 130 million US TV households through Discovery Channel and Bally Sports Network. Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Adventure Cities are encouraged to reach out to Stefanie Manton at stefanie@helipress.com. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces six unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic TrailsFacing WavesAdventure CitiesGreat Family AdventureChad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Second Run of Epic Trails Episodes to Premiere on Public Media in 2023

Heliconia, the video company behind the award-winning television series Epic Trails, is pleased to announce the distribution of the series on public media member stations across the United States. The pairing is an exciting and complimentary one, as both Heliconia and public media have the goal of sharing content that inspires, instructs, and informs viewers on how to live healthy and active, outdoor lives.

The partnership began in 2021 with episodes of Epic Trails airing on WPBS, the regional PBS station serving Northern New York and Eastern Ontario, followed by episodes of canoeing/kayaking series Facing Waves. In 2022, thanks to the sponsorship of WPBS and the support of the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), Epic Trails was rolled out nationally on public media stations with six episodes airing over 2,600 times on over 95 markets in the US.

“WPBS-TV is very proud to be the presenting station for Epic Trails, facilitating the national distribution of this superb outdoor series by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) across the country,” shares Mark Prasuhn, WPBS TV President & General Manager. “Where we are based in Northern New York and Eastern Ontario, we’re blessed with an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities and this series celebrates these in an engaging and inspiring fashion. We are grateful to the team at Heliconia who have been excellent partners and we look forward to working with them and NETA to launch the second season of Epic Trails in early 2023.”

Another 10 episodes of Epic Trails is scheduled to air on public media stations in Spring 2023, with limited sponsorship spots available for partners looking to connect themselves to the project. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Brand Alignment Manager Malvin Young at malvin@helipress.com.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces six unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic TrailsFacing WavesAdventure CitiesGreat Family AdventureChad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Heliconia Brings in James McBeath as the New Director of In4adventure.com

Heliconia, the video production company behind award-winning TV series such as Epic Trails, Facing Waves and Adventure Cities, is excited to announce the hiring of long-time industry marketer, James McBeath. McBeath joined the team earlier this month as Director of Heliconia’s new In4adventure.com project, overseeing its strategic, technical, and promotional development. James will also be involved with strategic sales and marketing initiatives spanning all Heliconia’s projects.

“James comes with experience in all aspects of the outdoor industry and shares Heliconia’s values,” says Brendan Mark, Heliconia Vice-President. “James has invaluable experience in creating instructional content and in working with projects like World Kayak. He brings with him a wealth of modern web marketing savvy to Heliconia.”  

Launched in mid-2022, in4adventure.com is a consumer-focused website that embodies Heliconia’s mission of helping get people outdoors and creating lifetime outdoor participants. The site focuses on four primary pillars intrinsic to the company: Influencers who introduce, inspire, instruct, and inform. In4adventure.com also provides a key new component to Heliconia’s media projects and their content marketing outreach and distribution.

“I am looking forwards to continuing my work within the outdoor adventure industry,” shares James McBeath. “This project opens the door to getting back in touch with outdoors brands who share my passion in encouraging outdoors lifestyles. I look forward to connecting these brands and others to this incredible new initiative and with Heliconia.”

ABOUT JAMES MCBEATH: James has spent most of his professional career working to encourage people to get out and play. A 35-year veteran of the outdoor industry, James’ career has seen him partnered with leading kayak schools in the ‘90’s, spending two decades heading mainstream sport web marketing strategy including pioneer initiatives with the NHL, followed by a decade as an adventure sports marketing strategist with Breathe Productions and, most recently, a fifteen year stint as the Director of Marketing for Jackson Kayak. James was also the Director of World Kayak, an initiative that focused on the growth of Paddlesports. James can be reached at 613.256.0598 or at james@heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces six unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic TrailsFacing WavesAdventure CitiesGreat Family AdventureChad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.  

PaddleTV Announces 2022 “Best in Class” Award Winners

PaddleTV’s second annual Best in Class awards have been announced by world-renowned paddler, instructor, television host, and YouTuber, Ken Whiting. Ken spent the summer testing and creating gear review content around some of the most interesting paddle crafts and paddling gear on the market. To recognize the products that stood out for enhancing the paddling experience in some way, Ken has awarded them his coveted ‘PaddleTV Best-in-Class Awards’.

A natural evolution from PaddleTV’s Buyer’s Guide YouTube series, the Best-in-Class awards celebrate the “best of the best” in paddlesports. Produced by Heliconia, the Best-in-Class awards are an authentic and unbiased celebration of the top paddlesports products that Ken tested in 2022. Each Best-in-Class video features the top products within a specific category. For each product featured, Ken discusses why he has chosen it as one of the top products of the year, and who should consider purchasing it.

The awards are being released to over 100,000 subscribers through Ken’s industry leading PaddleTV YouTube channel, and also being shared to his 135,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, and on in4adventure.com, a new online resource focused on getting people outdoors, and ensuring those experiences are as great as possible.

Without any further ado, the 2022 PaddleTV Award winners are:

BEST PORTABLE KAYAK

  • Sea Eagle 385ft Fast Track the best portable kayak
  • TuckTec Folding Kayak is Best Entry-Level Portable Kayak
  • Pakayak Bluefin 142 Best Performing Portable Kayak 
  • Isle Switch Inflatable SUP/Kayak is Most Versatile Paddle Craft

BEST KAYAK

  • The Swell Watercraft Scupper 14 is the Best Sit-on-Top Kayak
  • The P&H Sea Kayaks Leo HV is the Best Touring
  • The Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak is the Best Gateway Kayak
  • The Jackson Kayak Rockstar V is the Best Whitewater Kayak
  • The LiquidLogic Saluda 12 is the Best Recreational Kayak

BEST PADDLING GEAR

  • Astral PFD & Webber Sandals
  • NRS Guide Shirt
  • Rapid Pure Water Filter
  • Level Six Pack
  • Suspenz Cart

Brands interested in having products considered for PaddleTV Awards in 2023 are encouraged to reach out to Ken Whiting directly at ken@helipress.com. For more information about PaddleTV and Heliconia’s various paddle-focused media projects, visit www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces six unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic TrailsFacing WavesAdventure CitiesGreat Family AdventureChad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

PaddleTV Hits 100K Subscribers – Receives Coveted Silver Play Button

The PaddleTV YouTube channel recently received the highly coveted Silver Creator Award for reaching 100K subscribers. Hosted by Ken Whiting (world champion whitewater paddler turned trusted educator, influencer, and television host), PaddleTV surpassed the 100K milestone in July of 2022.

PaddleTV was launched in 2010 and has had a dedicated following ever since, as Whiting’s voice is one of the most trusted within the industry. Boasting over 20 million views, PaddleTV is the industry’s premier source for paddling videos featuring kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddling, rafting, kayak fishing, and more.

The videos released on PaddleTV are both entertaining and educational. The Paddle Tales series showcase Ken’s paddling adventures in some of the most incredible destinations around the globe. Most recently, in 2021, PaddleTV introduced its annual Buyer’s Guide where Ken provides thorough and unbiased reviews of everything including watercraft, paddles, safety gear and apparel, and which cumulates in PaddleTV’s Best In Class awards.

“Ever since I started teaching kayaking over 30 years ago, it’s been my mission to help get people outdoors, and ensure those experiences are as great as possible. PaddleTV has allowed me to reach and have an impact upon more people than ever,” explains Whiting. “While reaching the 100K subscriber milestone feels great, what I love the most about hosting the channel is reading the comments and interacting with the PaddleTV community. It’s amazing to hear from people who have been inspired or helped in some way by my content. That’s what gets me excited to produce every ‘next video’.”

In addition to YouTube, paddling fans access Ken’s paddling content on Instagram (paddle365), Facebook (GoPaddle), as well as on the long-running Facing Waves television series which airs nationally on Bally Sports, PBS, and OutsideTV.  

Brands interested in working with Ken are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@heliconia.ca. For more information on the series, visit www.heliconia.ca.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces six unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic TrailsFacing WavesAdventure CitiesGreat Family AdventureChad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Road Trip Angler is Set to Hit US Airwaves, July 17th

Heliconia, the video production company behind the award winning tv shows Epic TrailsFacing Waves, Chad Hoover Fishing, and Great Family Adventure, is excited to announce that its newest series, Road Trip Angler, is set to premiere on Bally Sports Network July 17th.

Road Trip Angler, presented by Jackson Kayak, is an exciting fast paced TV series that follows Jackson kayak fishing expert and influencer, Jameson Redding. A regular guest on Chad Hoover Fishing, and the long-running Kayak Fishing Show with Jim Sammons, Jameson grew up with the outdoors in the foothills of North Carolina. After discovering kayak fishing over a decade ago, he took a leap of faith and dedicated himself to the sport. Over the years, he has held many positions in the industry, starting as a sponsored angler and moving from retail, tech, and sales to become the Brand Manager of fishing at Jackson Kayak. Through this, he has developed an unmatched connection to the industry and the community that surrounds it.

Jameson loves exploring new waters, meeting new people, and sharing his passion as much as he loves fishing itself. “For the past decade I have dedicated my life to traveling to, and exploring, new kayak fishing destinations,” reflects Jameson. “Some I check off, and others have become almost like a second home. But what I take away from each trip is new friends, memories, and usually a bit more slime on my kayak.”

In the premiere episode viewers will join Jameson as he visits the extraordinary fisheries in Corpus Christi, Texas. There, he tries out Jackson Kayak’s new pedal kayak, the KNARR, fishes for redfish and trout, and visits the legendary Roy’s Bait & Tackle.

Following his time in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jameson continues his road trip and visits the fisheries of Oklahoma City, Delaware, and Tennessee. Reflecting on the first season of filming Road Trip Angler, Jameson remarks that “the opportunity to travel to new areas, spend time on the water with both new and old friends, and explore a new fishery is such a blessing and one that I hope I never take for granted.”

ABOUT ROAD TRIP ANGLER: Jackson Kayak’s Road Trip Angler is a multifaceted media project designed to help showcase brands and products to a dedicated and engaged audience of avid anglers and outdoors lovers. Leveraging host Jameson Redding and Jackson Kayak’s significant dealer and consumer distribution channels to reach markets across the US, this show hits the road to find the best fishing in America in the coolest regions. Jameson Redding will explore the many fisheries across the US with the businesses and angler influencers who call these regions their home. Each 30-minute TV episode airs nationally across Bally Sports Network. Brand interested in partnering with Road Trip Angler are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Partnership Manager, Malvin Young, at malvin@helipress.com.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces eight unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic TrailsEpic Trails: Mountain BikingFacing WavesAdventure CitiesGreat Family AdventureChad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

Epic Trails Trip Report: Amazonas Region, Peru

The Amazonas region of Peru; A name that conjures visions of dense rainforests, wide rivers, exotic animals, and lush green landscapes. That is exactly what we encountered as we sought out a variety of archeological sites, cloud forests and towering waterfalls on our Epic Trails episode shoot in Peru.  

Below is an excerpt from Eric’s blog post about his experience:

A short flight northwards from Lima is the city of Jaen. Flying directly to the Amazonas region capital of Chachapoyas is also an option, but starting in Jaen allowed our team to see a bit more of the regional landscape during an adventurous 5 hour drive. José of Turismo Explorer, an Amazonas local and knowledgeable guide, was our driver and living History Channel, feeding us endless information about the terrain and sites as we stopped at lookouts and vistas en route to Chachapoyas. 

“Amazonas is one of Peru’s less visited regions simply because Peru is home to so many great spots. But that doesn’t mean Amazonas isn’t just as exciting as the more famous Cusco area or the absurd mountains of Ancash, both of which I was fortunate to have just explored.”  

– Eric Hanson

My goal for this trip was to explore the cloud forest of Peru’s north, trek to see the ancient cities of the region, and see the world’s third tallest waterfall, Gocta falls. This would be made possible with the planning and support of our guide José and the Turismo Explorer team. Since the pandemic began, he has been regularly visiting archeological sites popular with tourists to find them overgrown with the decline of foot traffic. Something we would soon see up close. 

After a relaxing day at José’s hostel, Chachapoyas Backpackers Hostal Boutique, we set off for the Belén Valley. Led along a rigorous trail that meandered up and over ridges and through valleys, I learned the histories of the many Inca and pre-Inca cities that were now being swallowed up by the jungle. Muddy, wet conditions did make the trail slippery and strenuous, with the myth of the Amazonas region as being flat was quickly dispelled within the first mile of the trail. 

After a challenging first day, the team descended down into a small village en route, where gracious hosts offered a room in their home with a cozy bed and shower. There was also an amazing show of true community spirit as there was a fundraising soccer game for a little girl in the village who was suffering from a cancerous tumor—a humbling experience putting the days challenges into perspective. 

The next day, José led us out of the charming village to on a true mission–climb 5,000 feet up, ascending out of the valley and back up into the cloud forest. Along the trail were more lost cities that without a worthy guide, you’d likely miss altogether.   

“Come over here.” José said as he peeled back a blanket of vines. “Look at this. It’s pre-Inca.”   

And sure enough, there was an ancient wall whose stonework was still impeccable even after all the centuries of earthquakes, pouring rain, and creeping vines and tree roots trying their best to consume the walls. 

“There were dozens, even hundreds of rooms here.” José said. “You can still see the levels of the city. The upper levels of course we’re for the most important people.”   

The Amazonas region is a haven for those who enjoy archaeology and history. Here, you’ll find many ancient cities, impressive tombs, and cities of the dead spread all throughout the region which hold sacred burial sites. They are a spooky yet beautiful reminder of the length’s humans go to honor the dead.   

Continuing the trip through the canyons of the cloud forest, we encountered a variety of beautiful waterfalls, including the towering Gocta Falls. It wasn’t until 2004 that a foreign traveler noticed the exceptionally large waterfall and came to find out that it is the third tallest waterfall in the world! 

The Epic Trails crew and I left Amazonas with an appreciation and wonder for the region. This diverse, and interesting destination is far more beautiful than you may expect. Peru does not disappoint. It only invites you deeper into our beautiful world and the next region around the corner.   

Read the full blog article here

About Epic Trails: Epic Trails is an exciting and inspiring adventure travel media series that follows host, Eric Hanson, as he explores the people, places, and adventures surrounding the world’s top hiking destinations. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV, 27 regional networks, and internationally through National Geographic Channel—Asia and Extreme Sports Channel across Europe. Episodes of Epic Trails aired over 2,200 times in 2020. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca. Networks interested in carrying Epic Trails are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.

Epic Trails – Trip Report: Ancash, Peru

The fifth film shoot for the upcoming season of Epic Trails took place a couple of weeks ago. The team headed to the Ancash region of Peru, where they explored the region’s fantastic mountains and hiking trails.

Below is an excerpt from Eric’s blog post about his experience:

“There are few places that truly stir my heart with a wild passion. Ancash, Peru is one of them. Ancash is a region north of Lima that is home to, in my mind, the most beautiful mountains in the world.“

– Eric Hanson

Huascaran, Peru’s tallest peak at over 22,000 feet is, along with this region’s gorgeous landscapes, why mountaineers and trekkers all around the world flock to this destination. The culture and feel of the town of Huaraz, where our adventure began, is a flock-worthy destination too. I was happy to be back. 

Driven by Jose to Huaraz, I was welcomed by Virgilio, the lead guide of our confidence-inspiring team from Explorandes. Explorandes is an award-winning company recognized for its commitment to responsible tourism. Over cerveza with Virgilio, we poured over our backpacking plans at a well-known climbing hangout, The Andino Café. There, we traced our fingers along the map of the Cordillera Huayhuash and the segment of trail we would tackle – a 4-day route (truncated from the classic 12-day version) in a remote pocket of rugged mountains that pierce the sky with the snow-covered needles of Siula Grande, Jirishanka, and Rondoy. 

Altitude in the Huayhuash must be taken seriously. To aid in our acclimatization, with only one day before our Huayhuash trek, we visited Huascarán National Park and Llanganuco Valley for a hike among the Cordillera Blanca mountains. Visiting lakes Chinancocha, Orconcocha and the stunning Llanganuco, that I describe as an azure lake that practically glows in a glacier carved valley of granite. Although only a ‘starter’ for the grand adventure ahead, this acclimatization hike was a worthy adventure of its own.  

After a breathtaking drive towards the Cordillera Huayhuash trailhead, Virgilio introduced us to two more local characters from our support team, our chef Gregorio (a.k.a. Chileno), and Rosalino, our muleteer. With the team assembled and camp set, it was our first moment to sit back and admire the peaks that make up the core of the Cordillera Hauyhuash.

“These mountains are more impressive and awe-inspiring than any I’ve ever seen. The verticality of them seems impossible.”

– Eric Hanson

We embarked on an early morning departure for Sambunya mountain pass. Starting as a flat walk and leading to a steep incline to the pass, our supports, Chilano and Rosolino, both surpassed us. This was something that one might feel slighted at, but in reality, was welcomed as it gave them a head start on preparing an amazing meal for our arrival. Before setting camp, we continued down towards the glacier lake, Solteracocha, hearing and witnessing heart-thumping avalanches nearby. 

Waking at camp near Jahuacocha Lake, we learned that Chilano and Rosalino would be making “pachamanca” that day, a meal cooked underground using hot rocks. The pachamanca tradition honors and celebrates our relationship with the earth. Celebrating our relationship as a team too, we enjoyed the pachamanca and honored the trail with a hike up to one of our guides’ favorite outlooks.

The morning’s frost covered tents didn’t freeze out our goal to hike over another mountain pass (Mancanpunta) to a nearby Pocpa village. Almost as a farewell, Rosalino passed us with the donkeys as we took in the views at the final pass of our adventure before leaving the trails for the city of Chiquan.

Read the full blog article here

About Epic Trails: Epic Trails is an exciting and inspiring adventure travel media series that follows host, Eric Hanson, as he explores the people, places, and adventures surrounding the world’s top hiking destinations. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV, 27 regional networks, and internationally through National Geographic Channel—Asia and Extreme Sports Channel across Europe. Episodes of Epic Trails aired over 2,200 times in 2020. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca. Networks interested in carrying Epic Trails are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.

Epic Trails – Trip Report: Cusco, Peru

epic trails cusco region peru (12)

The fourth film shoot for the upcoming season of Epic Trails took place a couple of weeks ago. The team headed to the Cusco region of Peru, where they experienced an amazing Peruvian adventure.

Below is an excerpt from Eric’s blog post about his experience:

Anyone who has considered a Peruvian adventure will be familiar with the city of Cusco–the former centre of the Incan Empire and starting point to so many tours to Machu Picchu. What they may not realize is that Cusco is also the name of a sprawling Andean region full of snowy peaks, extensive rivers, canyons and varied ecological zones. On a mission to seek adventures less traveled, the Epic Trails team began a month-long Peruvian adventure with a week exploring the central area of the Cusco Region. This trip was three years in the making, as our tickets were originally for early April 2020, right when borders began to close at the beginning of the pandemic. It had been a long wait, and we were ready.

Over lunch at Calle del Medio with guides Porfirio and Alberto of Apumayo Expediciones, the Epic Trails crew and I quickly learned we were in great hands with this team of enthusiastic explorers as we ran through our plans for the week. Our goal, to follow the route of the escaping Incans when the Spaniards had taken Cusco: a unique and lesser known portion of the Inca Trail.

After a brief stint exploring the main square and heart of Cusco right out the door of our accommodations at Andina Hotel, we ventured North by van along mountain roads flanking ravines carved by glacier-fed rivers. Happy to explore the rivers up close, we met with Pepe Lopez, owner of Apumayo Expediciones, for a rafting adventure on the Urbamba River. We put in just below the town of Ollantaytambo and paddled some adrenaline pumping Class III+ rapids. We were able to spy Incan ruins along the banks right from our raft–a very cool perspective that not all get to experience. We ended our day at El Mangal Lodge, a remote hostel, restaurant and agrotourism (cocoa plantation) getaway all in one. There we got to participate in all phases of cocoa production (AND TASTING!) and rested well before the multi-day hike from Yanama to Vitcos to come.

A broken-down truck caused a delay (a reality of travel in remote mountain areas) but once rolling, we enjoyed the views of peaks and passes covered in stunning lupin flowers. We watched dusk slip away as we were welcomed to the trailhead by a local family with a cuy (guinnea pig) dinner prepared for our arrival. 

Embarking on the hike, it was clear from the numbers of porters and pack animals that we were going to be well supported on this trip. After a scenic river crossing, the uphill began. As we pushed our trekking limits, the team of porters, cooks and arrieros (horse and donkey masters or muleteers) always amazed as they hastily sped ahead to set up elaborate meals. We thoroughly enjoyed the catered break after a tiring day of hiking the elevated areas in the region. The Apumayo team spared no expense or effort.

“With three, four, and five course meals prepared regularly, it felt like I was on a luxury cruise liner hiking through the mountains rather than a rough and tumble expedition, something I’m not quite used to.“

– Eric Hanson

The next day was the biggest day for altitude, crossing a mountain pass to get to another valley. Along this pristine section of the Inca Trail, rather than seeing masses of tourists, we encountered a shepherd on our way up to a 15,000ft pass in the mountains. It was at this pass that our guide Porfilio sang a song to honour his father and family. The last time he had walked that trail was with his brother 20 years previous. 

On our descent, there were signs of local inhabitants as we crossed farmers fields where the Inca trail disappeared under the thick soil and grass and where we spent the night. 

After wrapping up camp, we started on our way again, crossing fields and pig farms, and encountered a local farmer wielding an old tool for turning soil. Porfilio, a former farmer, enthusiastically encouraged me to try the tool—making me appreciate my trips to the supermarket all the more. 

During the last leg, we encountered archeological sites, largely former trade route meeting places, some with circular structures designed to honor Mother Earth. I learned about and admired the precise Incan stonework that reminded me that this trail was initially an escape route. Continuing down a terraced hill we came to the end of our trek and the last stand of the Manco Incan empire; the stunning ruins of Vitcos. 

The Cusco Region’s beautiful landscapes, mountains, ravines, and sacred sites have been welcoming travelers for decades, yet on this section of the trail, with the terrain seemingly untouched and local experience so authentic, it felt as if we had discovered it all over again.

Read Eric’s full blog article here


About Epic Trails: Epic Trails is an exciting and inspiring adventure travel media series that follows host, Eric Hanson, as he explores the people, places, and adventures surrounding the world’s top hiking destinations. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV, 27 regional networks, and internationally through National Geographic Channel—Asia and Extreme Sports Channel across Europe. Episodes of Epic Trails aired over 2,200 times in 2020. Learn more about the series at www.heliconia.ca. Networks interested in carrying Epic Trails are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.

Season 2 of Great Family Adventure is Set to Hit US Airwaves, July 9th

Heliconia, the video production company behind award winning tv series such as Epic Trails, Facing Waves and Adventure Cities, is excited to announce Season 2 of Great Family Adventure is set to premiere on Bally Sports Network July 9th.

Recently awarded a 2022 Silver Telly Award, Great Family Adventure is a 30-minute TV series that follows husband and wife world champion kayakers Nick Troutman and Emily Jackson and their two young kids, Tucker and Parker, as they explore new destinations and unearth the exciting outdoor, and off-the-beaten path experiences, that family-friendly destinations have to offer.  Their goal is to inspire families to explore and get outdoors.

In the Season 2 premiere episode viewers will catch a glimpse into the daily lives of this thrill-seeking, fun-loving, adventurous family as they make their annual pilgrimage up to Beachburg, Ontario – Nick’s hometown. Just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving, the episode follows the family as they explore the Ottawa Valley’s signature orange, red and yellow-leaved bike trails, paddle on the Ottawa River where Nick’s love for whitewater paddling was born, camp and go mushroom hunting, as well as enjoy quality family time with Nick’s family.

There will be plenty of opportunities to catch the crazy as Great Family Adventure is distributed to over 100 million US households across the US on the 20+ regional sports networks that make up Bally Sports Network, as well as Outside TV. Between airings, viewers may access inspiring content on the Great Family Adventure’s Facebook page and Instagram account.

Tourism destinations interested in being featured on Great Family Adventure are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Tourism Partnership Manager, Stefanie Manton-Ward, at stefanie@helipress.com. Brands interested in partnering with Great Family Adventure can reach out to Heliconia’s Brand Partnership Manager, Malvin Young, at malvin@helipress.com.

ABOUT GREAT FAMILY ADVENTURE Great Family Adventure is a 30-minute TV series that follows husband and wife world champion kayakers Nick Troutman and Emily Jackson and their two young kids, Tucker and Parker, as they explore new destinations and unearth the exciting outdoor, and off-the-beaten path experiences that family-friendly destinations have to offer. Each 30-minute TV episode airs on Outside TV and the 27 regional sports networks that make up Bally Sports Network. Networks interested in carrying Great Family Adventure are encouraged to reach out to Heliconia’s Vice-President, Brendan Mark, at brendan@helipress.com.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia’s goal is simple – to get more people outside and to help them become lifetime outdoor participants. The award-wining video production company does this by showcasing outdoor adventure and adventure travel through inspiring and educational content with industry-leading influencers. Heliconia currently produces seven unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic TrailsEpic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing WavesAdventure CitiesGreat Family AdventureChad Hoover Fishing, and Road Trip Angler. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.