North America Tours and Trips

A breathtaking women-only backpacking adventure off the beaten path. A trip below the rim of the Grand Canyon opens the door to a landscape of magic and wonder. In it, you’ll join like-minded women who appreciate big challenges with even bigger rewards. For four spectacular days, you’ll build backcountry skills, forge new friendships and trek through one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Indigenous flora and fauna surround cool swimming holes and hidden oases to create an environment ripe for learning and adventure. And with challenging terrain like this, come seasoned backcountry guides who know the land and its secrets. From the basics of pack fitting to more advanced survival skills and techniques, their expertise will help you build a solid foundation to journey through this unmatched bucket-list worthy experience.

A challenging 4-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon’s South Rim brings extraordinary views and exceptional feelings of personal accomplishment. The Grand Canyon—with its rugged trails and unforgettable scenery—is truly one of America's greatest natural wonders. Avid backpackers around the world seek out its mystic depths in search of a true personal challenge. This strenuous trip is designed for experienced and fit backpackers. We hike on steep, rocky trails with dramatic elevation gains and losses. Our reward is the time spent below the rim—an experience unlike any other, and a milestone accomplishment for avid backpackers. Along our way from the South rim to the Colorado River at the Canyon's floor, we see astounding rock formations, springs and waterfalls, and fossils and relics revealing the immense history of the region. During rest stops, we take in awe-inspiring views and cool off in the canyon’s waters. Camp beneath starry skies, enjoying delicious meals and good stories with new friends. An early start means cooler temperatures we make our ascent to the canyon rim. Enjoy dramatic views of the wide chasm as we revel in our accomplishments. Also check out our North Rim backpacking itinerary for more options to explore this national treasure.

Hone your winter climbing skills with like-minded explorers on this extraordinary 3-day adventure. Towering above us at 6,288', Mount Washington’s peaks are the highest in the White Mountains, and home to incredibly unforgiving weather at higher elevations. With this formidable weather comes great beauty and the thrill of adventure. Our journey takes us through a sparkling winter wonderland, blanketed in crisp, undisturbed snowfall. On this climb we will spend a day brushing up on basic mountaineering skills on a practice attempt on neighboring Mount Willey. Our world-class mountaineering guides teach us crampon techniques, tips for snow and ice travel, ice axe use, self-arrest and navigation. On our final day we push up 3,500' to ascend Mt. Washington itself. As we reach the top, the realization of our accomplishment washes over us. On sunny days, we enjoy crisp views of the surrounding mountains, an unforgettable experience.

For too many people, Cuba is nothing more than a beach resort. That’s crazy; the island practically buzzes with energy and you should do likewise — get moving. Journey through the culture-soaked streets of Trinidad and Old Havana for your fill of drinking and dancing. The music here pours out of open windows. Hit the beach and explore the outdoors, then connect with the locals in homestays and make friends for life as you hit the sites with other young people like yourself. Boring? Impossible!

Glide straight into the core of the Costa Rican experience and hit three of the country's hot spots in a kayak. Beginners and more experienced kayakers are welcome — for the nature lover, the scenery’s the point, not the sweat! Get really wild at Lake Arenal, the centre of adventure sports like paddleboarding, then cruise through the canals of Tortuguero in search of monkeys and sloths. Experience lush greenery and Caribbean flavour from a whole different level when you kayak Costa Rica.

Discover the best of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. From beautiful black-sand beaches to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is something of a natural paradise. Whether you're shopping in colonial Antigua, exploring the intricately carved structures at Copan or relaxing by the sea in El Salvador, you'll get a wonderful insight into Central America during this incredible adventure.

Join in the Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico City. Join in the celebrations of one of the world's most bizarre cultural institutions – Mexico's Day of the Dead – on this special festival-themed trip running over the Halloween period. Visit the museums of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and learn all about their fascination with death. Wander about the sacred indigenous site of Tepoztlan, attend a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony and see elaborate altars dedicated to the decreased. This fun-filled festival trip will leave you with a much enhanced appreciation for the Mexican way of life – and for the dead!

Wander among pincushion hills and colourful orchids on this tour through the "Garden Province" of Cuba. Find out what gives Cuban cigars their world-renowned reputation at a tobacco farm. Experience nature unfold in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Las Terrazas. Soak up local culture in a homestay for an immersive experience that travellers rarely get to know. Let our knowledgeable CEO lead you off the beaten path and discover the cultural treasures of Cuba.

Explore the highlights of Whistler on this 4-day backpacking adventure. Vast, floral meadows, spectacular views, alpine lakes and jagged, snow-covered peaks; Whistler is an ideal destination for backpackers and adventure-lovers. Our journey takes us through the highlights in the company of expert, local guides who lead our excursion, providing us with knowledge of the area, backpacking tips and a positive attitude along the way. We begin by boarding the gondola in Whistler Village, soaring to the top of Whistler Mountain to hike beautiful alpine trails overlooking the valley below. When we arrive at the top, we continue along the High Note Trail, summiting the Musical Bumps through Singing Pass before reaching our high alpine, backcountry camp at Russet Lake. Here, magnificent views of Spearhead Range, Fissile Peak and Overlord Glacier tower overhead. We trade our heavy packs for day packs to explore this area, stopping for a quick dip and a delicious lunch. Our wilderness basecamp adventure is an excellent way to get up-close to the landscapes and diverse geological zones that make this area an unforgettable destination for backpacking adventure.

Journey beyond the national park and backpack the Appalachian Mountains in this unique, 4-day hike among diverse landscapes. Blue Ridge may be known as America’s favorite drive, but it’s a spectacularly scenic place for hiking, too. World-class trails await as we embark on a trip built for backpacking enthusiasts of all experience levels. This trip is a perfect escape to some of the south’s most beautiful landscapes—including cascading waterfalls and epic views. Backpack Graveyard Fields Trail, visiting waterfalls and a bog along the way. Hike up Black Balsam Knob to enjoy the sweeping, treeless mountaintop views. Greet each sunrise with a fresh cup of steaming coffee and the songs of the birds as a soundtrack. Along the way, local guides share insights about how human influence and natural forces combined to create this unique landscape. This adventure takes us beyond the borders of the park onto trails that truly showcase the stunning beauty of Blue Ridge. With plenty of opportunities to witness the grandeur of nature, hone backpacking skills and unplug from the trappings of everyday life, this trip won’t soon be forgotten.

Rejuvenate the spirit on this 3-day backpacking trip through one of the world’s most quintessential trails. The Pacific Crest Trail has long been a place for adventurers to come and find peace in the journey. With minimal elevation gain and loss, the trail is accessible to all levels of backpacker fitness. While our trip focuses on the Mount Shasta region of the trail, it is a wonderful chance to get a taste of life as a thru-hiker on the PCT. Backpacking is an incredible way to roam the world’s wild spaces. Taking the trip with a guide brings the experience to a whole new level. Our local, expert guides share their intimate knowledge of the region and their perspectives on backpacking as a whole. With our guides at the helm, we are led to stunning campsites to swim, explore and enjoy the remote solitude that draw so many to this trail. Our final, optional adventure is a dramatic ascent of Mount Eddy. The challenge is rewarding and filled with a sense of personal accomplishment, as is the entire journey itself.

Encounter the soul of the Pacific Northwest on this kayaking and culinary exploration of the San Juan Islands. This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to learn sea kayaking fundamentals, experience the wild bounty of San Juan Islands, and get away without blowing through a week of vacation. After orientation, we set out exploring in double kayaks. For three glorious days, we paddle with the winds and tides, crossing channels, skimming over lagoons and pausing to picnic in rocky coves while seabirds wheel overhead. Our naturalist guides share insights about the islands’ history and animal inhabitants. Keep your eyes open for Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and curious dolphins. We may even glimpse resident orca whales. Each evening, we enjoy a remarkable backcountry gourmet dinner, with multiple courses sourced from the Northwest and perfectly paired with Washington wines. We camp on remote Stuart Island, away from crowds. The summer sky frames spectacular sunsets and views of the Cascades, Olympic Range and far-off Mount Rainier. You’ll leave renewed by the peace and beauty of this wild refuge.

Explore the majestic San Juan Islands from the seat of a kayak on this unforgettable 3-day adventure. Washington’s San Juan Islands are nothing short of magical. Its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a remarkable place to seek serenity and adventure. Our route is designed to take us through the best kayaking the San Juan’s has to offer. Paddling 7-12 miles per day, we pass tranquil beaches, observe marine birds and harbor seals, and spot the occasional orca from our boats. From the quaint island community of Roche Harbor, we pack our boats and set out for a weekend of adventure. Spend two nights on charming Stuart Island, home to great hiking and beautiful campsites. While gliding through Haro Strait and Boundary Pass, we keep our eyes peeled for Dall's porpoise, endangered Steller sea lions and many different types of birds soaring overhead. Our guides are experienced naturalists, trained to help spot the creatures of the San Juan Islands. This journey hooks us with adventure and inspires us with beauty.

Discover the peace and power of wild places on this three-day backpacking trip on one of the world’s longest hiking trails. Perfect for women who want to try backpacking, advance their backcountry skills or get a taste of life as a thru-hiker, this trip is a learning journey that touches a spectacularly scenic portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT stretches 2,650 miles along America’s west coast, through some of the country’s most rugged and dramatic terrain. Our trail section is accessible to those who want an incredible backpacking experience but don’t have a lot of time. By day, we hike through mountain meadows, along open ridgelines and by the shores of gemlike alpine lakes, with Mount Shasta towering on the horizon. Our expert female guides share their knowledge of wilderness travel and the fauna, flora, geology and history of the land. We camp near lakes, allowing plenty of time to swim and relax. By night, we savor star-filled skies and remote solitude. Our final, optional adventure is an ascent of Mount Eddy, the highest of the Klamath Mountains, providing a literal pinnacle to our wild journey.

Spend three days learning the finer points of mountaineering on Mount Shasta’s northeastern face. Mt. Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascade Range, offers stupendous views and the perfect location to learn and practice mountaineering skills. Climbers come here each year for the amazing scenery and challenging peaks, and they are not disappointed. Physically challenging, our summit attempt ascends the northeast face of the mountain, gaining more than 7,000 feet in two days. We camp on the mountain in backcountry basecamp—comfortable accommodations beneath the vast sky. We start our ascent at about 7,000 feet and climb through the day to 9,400 feet. Once we arrive and camp is set up, we take some time to cover the basics of ice axe and crampon use, specific climbing techniques, as well as an introduction to roped travel in preparation for our summit attempt. Our professional guides are expert climbers, leading our ascent up the mountain. A successful summit attempt leaves us full of personal accomplishment, knowledge of mountaineering skills, and new memories with like-minded adventurers. We also offer more departures in the spring and summer via Shasta's South Face.

Spend 4 days in the soaring peaks and rugged terrain of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. New Hampshire's White Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northeast, and the famed Appalachian Trail takes us straight into the heart of it. Our destination is the Pemigewasset Wilderness, 45,000 acres of colorful, rugged, federally-designated wilderness. The area is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular parks in the United States. Our journey takes us past babbling brooks, picturesque waterfalls and to incredible summits, such as South Twin and Galehead Mountains. We journey from river valleys up to alpine peaks, seeing beautiful and rare plant life along the way. With some luck, we may spot moose, white-tailed deer, fox, and many more creatures. Retire each evening to rustic accommodations in the company of new comrades. Staying in huts allows us to travel with lighter packs than normal, overall enjoying a more comfortable journey. We depart home having experienced a unique blend of adventure and unbridled beauty.

Journey through the dramatic high peaks of New Hampshire's White Mountains on this guided hut-to-hut hike. Rising up at 6,289′, New Hampshire’s White Mountains are a stunning sight to behold. Dramatic, high peaks lead to sweeping vistas, gorgeous sunsets are replaced with spectacular sunrises, and rugged trails lead to rewarding adventure experiences. We spend most of our time following the iconic Appalachian Trail, but we take a few detours through other picturesque routes in the area. As we progress along the trail each day, we experience challenging terrain, stay in remote huts, and—weather permitting—we summit the incredible Mount Washington. Along the way, our expert guides point out rare alpine vegetation, lead us to beautiful waterfalls and join us in experiencing the charm and camaraderie of these remote mountain huts. While our packs will be relatively light by normal backpacking standards, the trails we follow and the unpredictable mountain weather promise to provide a challenge to even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast. Despite the challenge, the journey is more than worth it. Looking for another option on the Appalachian Trail? Check out our Pemigewasset Wilderness hut-to-hut hiking trip.

Volcanoes, forests and lakes – see the best Nicaragua and Costa Rica has to offer. Whether it’s the twin volcanoes reflected in the water of Lake Nicaragua, the smell of rich morning coffee in the streets of San Jose, or exploring the misty canopies of Monteverde's cloud forests – there’s an unmistakeable allure to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Discover this enticing pocket of Central America on an adventure where you can do as much or as little as you like. Grab a mountain bike and tackle the hills of Monteverde, swing through the trees on a zip-line, or simply soak in thermal springs heated by the impressive Arenal Volcano. Hedged in by sprawling forests filled with plenty of exotic wildlife, this is the greatest playground on Earth.

Trust us, the pics you'll take on this trip will need no filters. This snappy seven-day tour takes you through the very best of the Yucatán Peninsula's most colourful sites. Swim in an underground limestone cave through pools of crystal clear water and marvel at the blushing pink hue of the Playa de las Coloradas lake hidden in a biosphere reserve. In between, you'll have time to chill out on the beach and let loose with your new friends on a night out in Tulum (which you may or may not want to leave your camera at home for).

Hit two of Costa Rica's famed features — volcanoes and beaches — on this exciting trip that isn't too hard on the wallet. Get the adrenaline pumping in La Fortuna, then travel to Santa Teresa and relax on the beach. While you're free to choose your own adventure with optional adrenaline-inducing activities like waterfall rappelling, your accommodation and transportation are included. Our expert CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will help you make the most of your time. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials — eight days of maximum Costa Rica at minimum cost.