hiking
Exploration by foot remains the most intimate and popular way to experience adventure travel. You will find that all of our trips contain some element of hiking or walking from short walks over smooth trails to strenuous climbs over challenging terrain. All of our day hikes are designed to highlight the surroundings and provide professional interpretation of the nature, culture and history of the region. Group sizes are kept small, generally no more that 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience and a high guide to guest ratio. Our naturalist guides are the best in the business and inevitably become the most memorable aspect of the hike. Hikes are generally on maintained trails, however you may find yourself exploring rural villages, markets, an ancient temple, along a secluded beach, over the surface of a glacier or in the backcountry with no trail at all. Again, it just depends on the trip you choose.
a typical day
Hiking trips vary considerably in distance, duration and difficulty depending on the itinerary. If the day’s hike is long it will begin early. If it’s a shorter hike you will have time to sleep in, relax or explore your surroundings before hitting the trail. Naturalist guides ensure safety as well as illustrating points of interest, finding wildlife and answering questions. Guides also provide a picnic lunch when applicable or seek out a local restaurant for colorful ambiance and tasty cuisine. Longer hikes will continue after lunch, depending on the trip you have chosen. In the afternoon check in to your overnight accommodation or return to your vessel (on Expedition Cruising trips) to freshen up before dinner.
physical requirements
Hikes range from short easy walks to longer more challenging day hikes. Most hikes are suitable for people of all ages and abilities while the latter requires that you have some previous hiking experience and are capable of hiking up to six hours each day. It is important to choose a trip that suits your physical condition and while you don’t have to be an athlete you owe it to yourself to be in the best health and condition possible to enjoy your adventure. Please review our adventures levels for more information on trip difficulty ratings. Our staff can also help decide which trip is best for you.
