exploring the beauty of alaska and its people
Matanuska Glacier, Alaska
Hey guys! Welcome back. Have you ever been to Alaska? This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Today I am going to share my experience in this paradise, how was my interaction with the locals, and give you some travel tips in case you decide to go one day.
Alaska, the largest and one of the most sparsely populated states in the U.S., is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich indigenous culture, and a climate that shapes the lives of those who call it home. Alaska offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.
South Sawyer Glacier
To explore Alaska's most significant cities, I had to rely on multiple flights. Due to the state's unique geography and vast distances, many locations are inaccessible by car or public transportation. For example, Juneau, the state capital, is surrounded by lakes and rugged terrain, making it impossible to reach other cities by road. Here's a list of the places I visited:
Juneau (the capital)
South Sawyer Glacier
Hoonah-Angoon
Sitka (The russian capital of Alaska, when Alaska was part of Russia)
Baranof Island
Sutton
Girdwood
Alyeska Resort
Seward Waterfront Park
Denali
Anchorage
Juneau, The capital of Alaska
Downtown Juneau, Alaska
A Land of Natural Majesty
Known as "The Last Frontier," Alaska's sheer scale and diversity of landscapes are awe-inspiring. It's a state where glaciers carve through ancient valleys, where tundra stretches endlessly under a pastel sky, and where wildlife thrives in its natural habitat. Alaska has over 3 million lakes, 100,000 glaciers, and the highest mountain in North America: Denali, standing at 20,310 feet.
In the summer, Alaska’s endless daylight during the Midnight Sun provides the perfect opportunity to hike, kayak, and explore its vast wilderness. I visited during summer for many reasons: as a good Latina I did not want to be freezing cold, I wanted to see wildlife activity, I wanted to be able to visit parks and have access to trails in National parks, and I wanted to fish and take the tours. In the summer the only thing you can not do is watching the Northern Lights.
Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland where the northern lights dance across the sky, drawing adventurers to experience its unique magic.
The People of Alaska: Resilient and Resourceful
Alaskans are a special breed of people, shaped by the challenges and beauty of their environment. The state’s population is a rich blend of cultures, including indigenous peoples such as the Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit, and Athabaskan, whose traditions and knowledge are deeply intertwined with the land. These communities have thrived for thousands of years, relying on their connection to nature and their resourcefulness to survive.
Native Alaskan
Tattos Yupik Tribe
I took the pictures above during a boat tour, where I had the privilege of meeting an Alaskan Native from the Yup’ik tribe. She proudly showed me her traditional tattoos and shared fascinating insights about the diverse tribes in Alaska.
Alaskan Native Americans. Juneau National Museum
She shared fascinating insights about Alaska’s tribes, particularly their tradition of tattooing. Historically, facial and body tattoos were common across Alaska, serving various purposes, some designs were believed to have medicinal value, while others symbolized social status. Many of the designs are also in the Totem Poles.
Totem Poles
Totem poles are an iconic part of Alaska's cultural heritage. These carved poles are often used to tell stories, represent clan lineage, or honor significant events and people. Each figure carved into the pole, such as animals, human faces, and supernatural beings, carries symbolic meaning specific to the tribe’s traditions.
She also explained me that unfortunately, many young Alaskans leave the state after university due to the limited opportunities and jobs available in their homeland. In fact, she herself was living and working in Seattle. She expressed concern about the dwindling youth population in Alaska, as more and more young people seek opportunities elsewhere.
But she wasn’t the only Alaskan I met. I also met a white alaskan called John, who owned a construction company and even let me drive his dump truck! He jokingly offered me a job, explaining how hard it is to find workers for manual labor jobs in Alaska, so much so that he was driving the truck himself that day due to staff shortages.
John was hilarious and unapologetically direct. After living on the West Coast, I was used to politeness and passive-aggression, but Alaskans like John are bold, rough, and refreshingly straightforward.
One unforgettable moment was when he took me to see bears. On the way, a bear suddenly crossed the highway, and John accidentally hit it with the truck, a tear welled up in his eye. I was horrified, but he calmly called city services to handle the situation, got off the truck and warned me to stay in the truck because the mother bear might be nearby. When I nervously asked what about him, he simply said, "I’m Alaskan".
Alaska is a haven for wildlife, boasting some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Its vast wilderness is home to iconic species like grizzly bears, moose, and caribou, as well as marine life such as humpback whales, sea otters, and orcas. The state also hosts millions of migratory birds that flock to its shores, wetlands, and forests each year.
How to Travel to Alaska
Getting to Alaska is an adventure in itself. The fastest and cheapest way to get there is arriving to Seattle and taking a flight from there. Anchorage and Fairbanks are 2 of the main hubs for summer and winter.
Denali National Park
Alyeska Resort
In Alaska, transportation options cater to different needs. Renting a car gave me the freedom to explore glaciers and parks at my own pace, while many Americans opt for RVs, which are perfect for trips to places like the Seward Highway or Denali National Park. For more remote destinations, planes and ferries serve as essential connections, acting as lifelines for Alaskans and visitors alike. For example to reach Sitka and Juneau, I had to take flights.
Tracy Arm Fjord
Matanuska Glacier
What to Do in Alaska
Wildlife Watching: Guided tours and cruises offer opportunities to see these animals in their natural habitats. Must seen places: Baranof Island in Sitka, Alaska Wild Conservation Center (1h from Anchorage).
Glacier Tours: Explore glaciers by boat, plane, or even on foot with specialized guides. Must seen: Medenhall Glacier in Juneau, South Sawyer Glacier in Juneau, Matanuska Glacier (2h from Anchorage)
Outdoor Adventures: Kayak through fjords, hike in Denali National Park, or fish for salmon and halibut. Must seen: Tracy Arm Fjord boat to watch the Sawyer Glaciers.
Cultural Experiences: Visit museums and cultural centers to learn about Alaska’s indigenous heritage and history. Must seen: Alaska State Museum in Juneau, the Sealaska Heritage Institute in Juneau, AlaskaSitka Historial Museum in Sitka the russian capital of Alaska, The Russian Bishop house in Sitka, the Sitka National Historical Park, The Anchorage Museum in Anchorage, & the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage.
Aurora Hunting: In winter, head to Fairbanks or remote lodges for some of the best chances to see the northern lights. The best way is to get a tour since they know exactly the time of the night when the aurora is going to be seen, I recommend you the Fairbanks Aurora tours.
Tips for Travelers
Pack Smart: Layers are essential, as weather can change rapidly. Don’t forget waterproof gear and sturdy shoes.
Plan Ahead: Due to its remote location, accommodation, car renting and tours in Alaska can book up quickly, especially during the summer. To avoid higher prices, it’s best to reserve in advance. I found Juneau to be particularly expensive for both lodging and food, as many goods are imported from mainland America.
Embrace the Unexpected: Alaska’s weather and remoteness mean that plans can sometimes change. Flexibility and a sense of adventure are your best travel companions.
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
Thank you for reading! Hope this info is useful for your next trip to Alaska!
Natalia Cortes
July 2021, Alaska.
