Trekking & Hiking Tours and Trips

With some of the best hiking in all of Europe, this 9-day Swiss adventure is a hiker's paradise. With its lyrical landscapes, soaring peaks and lush, green valleys, the Swiss Alps are a mountain playground for climbers and hikers from around the world. We tread in the footsteps of legends like Messner and Mallory on a vigorous trip that takes us from tumbling waterfalls to meandering streams and quaint alpine villages. Traverse classic routes from the Bernese Oberland, home to the legendary mountain trio of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, to the jagged Matterhorn. Follow the famous Alpine Pass Route via tranquil Spielbodenalp and onto the Rotstockhütte, where we stop to take in the view and enjoy refreshments. Each day offers a chance to experience a classic Swiss scene: stunning glaciers and crests, charming village homes dotted with colorful flower boxes, and the faint tinkling of cowbells in the clear mountain air. We travel in comfort between two stylish resort villages, Grindelwald and Zermatt, where we enjoy superb cuisine, famous Swiss chocolates, and newfound adventure comrades.

Leap beyond the pages of travel books on this 12-day adventure from the highlands to the islands. By any standards, the Galapagos Islands are a dream come true adventure. Even a few days exploring this volcanic archipelago are enough to see why the area was considered Charles Darwin’s living laboratory. Revered for its incredible wildlife viewing—some animals cannot be found anywhere else in the world—our journey will inspire us to see life from a different perspective. We begin in the volcanic highlands north of Quito, where we take a gorgeous crater rim hike along Laguna Cuicocha. Revel in bursts of color inside the indigenous market of Otavalo. Soak in the day’s adventure in thermal pools at Papallacta Hot Springs. Kayak clear waters teeming with marine life, swim with friendly sea lions and hike along the flanks of active volcanoes. On Isabela Island we bike to the historic Wall of Tears, built by prisoners using huge blocks of lava. Discover natural history, rich biodiversity and endless adventure on this bucket list-worthy excursion. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Amazon Basin – Galapagos Islands Family Adventure.

Marvel at dramatic landscapes, otherworldly geological formations and charming rural villages on our 8-day Iceland summertime getaway. If outdoor adventure is at the top of your list, Iceland is the right place. This beautiful country is brimming with contrasts: fire meets ice, rugged mountains meet cascading waterfalls, and isolated people radiate vibrant culture. During the summer months, we benefit from birds and marine animals making their return to the coast, as well as long, sunny days, excellent temperatures and perfectly blue skies. This stunning North Atlantic island is the perfect place for a summer adventure. We begin and end our trip in lively Reykjavik, Iceland’s coastal capital. Hike amid magnificent landscapes, enjoying national parks filled with obsidian fields, blue lakes and volcanoes. Explore tremendous waterfalls fed by glaciers, vast icecaps and bubbling hot springs. Spend a full day hiking in Vatnajökull National Park—a jumble of rugged peaks, massive glaciers and iceberg-filled lakes spanning almost 600 square miles. Our evenings are spent nestled comfortably in a cozy hotel, enjoying authentic meals in the company of fellow travelers. Considering visiting Iceland during the winter months? Check out our Iceland Winter Adventure trip to see the quiet beauty of Iceland during the other part of the year.

Three Alpine countries, countless mountain scenes and spectacular adventure make this an incredible 13-day journey around the highest peak in Western Europe. After settling in delightful Chamonix, we begin our journey on a trail beneath the Aiguilles Rouges, a crystalline mountain massif opposite the Mont Blanc range. The course of our adventure will take us nearly 100 miles equipped with only a light pack. We navigate around the sparkling glaciers, crossing borders by foot and traversing upon village after village to take in each picture-perfect landscape. Along the way, explore the charm and cuisine of French, Swiss and Italian cultures. About halfway through our journey, we hike right from our hotel to La Montagne de la Saxe, where magnificent views of the Grandes Jorasses and the Italian side of Mont Blanc can be seen soaring high into the horizon. Enjoy the dramatic landscape with a warm drink as the sun dips low in the sky. Cap each night off with a hearty meal, good conversation and a restful hotel stay nestled among the legendary mountain scenery. Tight on time? Consider our new Tour du Mont Blanc Express trip. Experience many of the same great hikes and locations on our 8-day version of this European classic!

Snowcapped peaks, tumbling glaciers, turquoise lakes and golden hills form the backdrop to a 10-day hiking adventure in New Zealand. An enticing blend of adventure and culture, this challenging hiking exploration is an ideal way to experience New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps. Our itinerary takes a page out of Sir Edmund Hilary’s book—these were the native Kiwi’s tramping grounds. We enjoy an especially superb panoramic viewpoint of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the valleys below on our hike to Sealy Tarns. Take an optional hike along a rocky ridge to Mount Ollivier, the first mountain Sir Edmund Hillary climbed. Our evenings are spent in quintessential Kiwi back country huts and small town lodging. Rex Simpson Hut is our home for two nights. It’s perched on an old glacial bench in the Two Thumbs Range with views over the turquoise glacier fed lake. From here, we hike to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown. Trek along historic gold mining water races to the unique Ben Lomond Lodge. We depart with a better sense of the rugged wilderness of the Southern Alps and an enduring desire to return.

Adventure through the breathtaking wilderness of Patagonia. Become an adventurer in the Patagonian wilderness – one of the most remote and beautiful environments in the world. Visit the best of nature's attractions in Argentina before heading to Chile to marvel at Patagonia. From the tango bars and heaving streets of Buenos Aires, head to the striking mountain scenery, vast open plains, dramatic ice fields and advancing glaciers of Patagonia. Trek to the spectacular Laguna Torre and iconic Torres del Paine, hike glaciers and visit the quirky towns at the end of the world. Experience a South American adventure through this spectacular region of Argentina and Chile.

Iconic peaks, impressive glaciers and award-winning lodging; this 7-day adventure is ideal for the multisport adventurer. Experience Patagonia’s impressive landscape from an adventurous, authentic perspective, staying in idyllic, sustainable domes at the end of each action-packed day. Often referred to as “the end of the world”, Chile's Torres del Paine National Park is the perfect place for our hiking, kayaking and biking adventure. Each day brings a new activity in this 1,000 square mile national park. Hike to impressive viewpoints, kayak close to a stunning glacier and bike to an area where guanacos outnumber people.

Wander the larger-than-life landscapes of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on this 10-day wilderness hiking adventure. This trip begins in Christchurch, which blends English colonial influence with Kiwi personality. (In 1982, the city appointed an official wizard.) We head up the Rakaia River by jet boat and sample a variety of trails amongst the South Island’s peaks, plains and golden hills. We explore Mount Cook National Park, with a milky-blue glacial river galloping through it. Stroll a beachy stretch of the Minaret Burn Track. Follow tussock-clad ridgelines to the summit of Beuzenberg Peak, with a panoramic view of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Between hikes, we explore New Zealand’s landscape in other ways, like paddle boarding on Lake Wanaka and sharing a farm-to-table lunch at a woman-owned dairy. Nights are authentically Kiwi, too. We stay in backcountry huts and lodges, including iconic Rex Simpson Hut and historic Ben Lomond lodge near Moonlight Valley. Speaking of moonlight, we experience once-in-a-lifetime stargazing in the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. Encircled by mountain summits, beneath the Southern Cross and the Milky Way.

Experience the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. Travel to Africa and experience some of Kenya and Tanzania's most famous natural wonders on this active trip for those with a passion for the outdoors. The vast Serengeti plains evoke a sense of wonder and deep respect for the animal kingdom, while the imposing peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro inspire awe and rouse a spirit of adventure. Safari through the savanna in search of stealthy predators and try to spot other game in the gigantic Ngorongoro Crater. Rise to the challenge and conquer Africa's highest peak on a difficult trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. This is a trip that will reward those with an appetite for excitement and an appreciation for nature – get ready for thrills, challenges and discovery on this amazing trip!

Spend nine days hiking and exploring among picturesque landscapes in Provence. Provence is a work of art. Great painters like Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse found inspiration in the lavender fields, ancient olive groves, mountain passes and sun-drenched hilltop towns. The region’s varied landscapes are an excellent place to seek adventure alongside top-notch guides and like-minded explorers. In the historic, walled city of Avignon we tour the Papal Palace. The wine region of Gigondas invites us to hike in the Dentelles de Montmirail, a series of jagged limestone peaks that jut over the surrounding landscape of vineyards. In Roussillon, we follow the Ochre Trail, soaking in the deep reds, bright yellows, and forest greens. Mount Sainte-Victoire, celebrated in paintings by Cézanne, is a stunning hike that culminates at a limestone peak topped by the 62-foot Cross of Provence. Nearby to Marseille, we kayak the Mediterranean mini fjords of the Calanques National Park. Each day’s adventure is countered with a chance to enjoy the sensorial pleasures of France: Provençal cuisine, world-class wine and olive oil tastings.

Snow-clad mountains and dramatic vistas color this 10-day journey to the wondrous “Lost City of the Incas”. There are many roads that lead to the Lost City, but only one takes us on an adventure into the cultural heartbeat of the Andean people. Our journey to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco, the original capital of the Inca civilization. Here we spend some time before our journey acclimating to the high altitude and immersing ourselves in the beauty of this red-roofed city. Travel to four beautifully appointed lodges, where we rest comfortably each night feeling weary but exhilarated. Hike up the glacial moraine to the Salkantay pass. The journey takes us through the unforgettable glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range and over a 15,213’ pass, the highest point of our trip. We walk through coffee plantations, banana trees and avocado orchards until we reach the famed ruins. The final two days at Machu Picchu are spent taking in the grandeur and mystery of these iconic hilltop ruins. Also see our 10-day Machu Picchu lodge trek in the Sacred Valley and Lares region. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Machu Picchu Family Adventure.

Experience Signature Camping on our wild northern Rongai Route, a 7-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at Uhuru peak far above the clouds, one understands exactly what continues to draw climbers and adventurers from around the world to Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped crests. It is the highest peak in Africa and one of the seven summits of the world. But it’s truly the personal reward of getting to the summit, and the feeling of standing in solidarity with fellow adventurers while there, that keeps this climb at the top of so many bucket lists. Our journey follows the less-traveled Rongai Route, an approach that begins from the northern side of Kilimanjaro. This trail is a wilder and quieter way to trek across the area’s distinctive ecological zones. The route passes through forest, moorlands, alpine desert and beautiful arctic zones. Along the way, our team of top African guides provide unmatched knowledge and support. Enjoy evenings spent under the night sky in large, comfortable tents, weary but more alive than ever. It is a deeply rejuvenating experience that is second to none.

Travel to Africa and experience the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. Experience two of Africa's most famous natural wonders from ground level on this trip, designed for those with a passion for the outdoors. The imposing peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro inspire awe and rouse a spirit of adventure, while the vast plains of the Serengeti evoke a sense of wonder and deep respect for the animal kingdom. Rise to the challenge and conquer Africa's highest peak on a difficult trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Safari through the savanna in search of stealthy predators, then spot other game in the gigantic Ngorongoro Crater. This is a journey that will reward those with an appetite for excitement and an appreciation for nature, so get ready for thrills, challenges and discovery.

Spend nine exciting days exploring Tanzania’s vibrant culture and captivating wildlife reserves. Tanzania is quintessential safari land. Thousands of animals stream across the vast stretches of savannah. Giraffes gallop past baby elephants still clinging to their mothers and lions move gracefully toward their prey. The whole scene blends seamlessly into a multi-hued sky, where the sun floods the land with life-giving light. This trip provides a chance for the whole family to experience the thrill of safari in the most classic sense. Our safari mixes fun activities with visits to Tanzania’s premier wildlife parks, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Visit a traditional Maasai village and hike with warriors to the top of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Cycle past farmlands and play games with local children at a highlands orphanage. Have cameras ready during a visit to the Serengeti National Park, one of the largest and last remaining wildlife sanctuaries in the world. With kid-friendly, comfortable lodging along the way, the whole family can enjoy a safari dream come true. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under 18? Check out our Tanzania Classic Safari trip or inquire about a private departure of this itinerary.

Choose the activity level that’s right for you as we trace ancient footsteps on this 10-day journey to Machu Picchu. This trip takes us truly off the beaten path, from the most iconic Inca sites of the Sacred Valley to the best trails of the lesser known Lares region. We begin with a visit to Tipon and Pikillacta near Cusco to explore elaborate ancient archaeological sites. We visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, an impressive, well-preserved archaeological site dating back to the 15th century. From the Sacred Valley, our journey takes us into the high Andes of Lares for more discoveries. Activity options on most days of our trip range from relaxed cultural exploration to challenging high altitude hikes over remote passes in the snow-capped Andes. Arriving finally at Machu Picchu, we spend two days exploring the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. As we tour the grounds, our guides will share theories about each structure and its importance to the Incas. We depart having followed in the footsteps of fascinating ancient peoples. Also see our 10-day Machu Picchu lodge trek over the Salkantay route. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Machu Picchu Family Adventure.

Join a unique 11-day opportunity to help conserve this amazing world treasure. The Galapagos Islands are home to a distinct mix of tropical and temperate environments as well as an unparalleled plant and animal ecology. The lack of natural predators has left many of the inhabitants fearless and friendly—meaning we can expect up-close encounters with giant tortoises, penguins and marine iguanas. This trip offers the chance to combine a love of travel and a passion for conservation. In partnership with Conservation Volunteers International Program, we give our time to assist with the preservation and protection of the animals who call this island home. Our adventure begins on the island of San Cristóbal and ends on the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Explore vertical cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky shores, and coral reefs in the company of like-minded adventurers. With supervision from our extraordinary guides, our work provides assistance in the conservation and preservation of sea turtles and the Galapagos giant tortoise. This REI volunteer vacation is offered in partnership with Conservation Volunteers International Program. Discover additional details about the trip on the ConservationVIP website.

Travel off the beaten path on a 10-day journey that pairs Machu Picchu with the epic Ausangate Trek across the Andes. This trip is for intrepid travelers who like challenging hikes—and comfort at the end of the day. Tackle the beautiful Ausangate Trek, a bucket-list trail high in the Andes, in the shadow of one of Peru’s most sacred peaks. Travel with expert mountain guides and members of local communities. Spend five magical days in remote reaches of the Cordillera Vilcanota, the great mountain Ausangate rising above you. Trek amongst glaciers, alpaca herds, candy-hued lagoons and surreal rainbow-striped passes. Visit isolated Quechua communities that practice traditional shepherding. Stay at a series of mountain lodges—rustically luxurious, co-owned with area communities, designed to harmonize with the spectacular surroundings. We bookend our trek with time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Marvel at mysterious Inca ruins at Moray and ancient salt pools at Maras. Hike the final leg of the Inca Trail. Pass through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, and descend to Machu Picchu, then take another day to explore the sacred citadel in more depth. Go home renewed by the wonders of Peru. Limited trekking permits—reserve your trip early The Peruvian Government issues a limited number of Inca Trail permits per day. Due to the popularity of this spectacular route, permits generally sell out six months in advance. Reserve your spot now and leave the rest to REI Adventures!

The untouched solitude and splendor of Bhutan is very much felt on this seven-day trek to Chomolhari, Bhutan's Mountain Goddess. Nestled between India and Tibet along the southern slopes of the Himalaya range, Bhutan gives the sense of being a world away. Bhutan’s people and nature coexist in sacred balance, which we will explore on this world-class Himalayan trek to Chomolhari Basecamp and back. This challenging journey includes eight full days of trekking in the company of like-minded adventurers and knowledgeable, local guides. We journey in search of the high Himalayas, trekking to over 16,000’ through remote villages, virgin forests and crystal lakes. Explore ancient monasteries clinging to cliff sides, ornate temples and colorful fortresses—all while enjoying superb mountain scenery. Along the way, learn about traditional medicine and Bhutanese crafts in a unique cultural immersion. Bring the camera, capturing fluttering prayer flags amidst the swirling mountain mist is—much like this trip—a must.

Our 8-day journey includes hiking, cycling, kayaking and boat trips—a perfect blend of outdoor activities mixed with relaxation. Although Scotland is a small country, it is a mighty one. Vast skies, impressive glens, hidden waterfalls and a deeply-rooted culture are ours to explore. The entire family will enjoy our adventure-filled itinerary and our local guides are there to make sure we have as much fun learning about this great country as we do exploring it. Our trip begins in Inverness, Scotland. We explore the iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle and board a zodiac that whisks us across the lake in search of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Hop on mountain bikes and pedal through the Great Glen, then switch bikes for canoes as we paddle through the loch and all the way back to the hotel. Later, our guides lead us on a geocaching hike through Glen Nevis, past magnificent herds of shaggy Highland cattle. The whole family will love taking a ride on the steam train featured in a Harry Potter movie. Beautiful, fun-filled Scotland is not to be missed. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under age 18? Check out our Scotland Highlands & Islands Hiking trip or inquire about a private departure of this itinerary.

Combine two amazing adventures into one life changing trip as you immerse yourself in the Amazon jungle and the heart of the Andes. Peru is a destination of many landscapes: sea, deserts, mountains, alpine lakes, and rainforests. This trip combines two of Peru’s most mystical regions, the Amazon and the Andes, into one adventure filled with exotic wildlife, ancient tradition, and breathtaking hikes. Venture into the steamy Amazon where you’ll explore the jungle by foot, boat, and bike from your lodge. Watch macaws flock to a clay lick in the early morning light, keep a sharp eye out for capybara on the oxbow lake, and ascend an observation tower to view the life of the upper canopy. Traveling from the Amazon to the Andes you’ll see a completely different side of Peru. In the Sacred Valley of the Incas you cycle along dirt tracks through the Maras salt mines, learn ancient weaving techniques, and hike the Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Our expert, local guides lead us through it all. This journey is a wonderful way to see Peru’s rich natural beauty while discovering the history that make this area such a bucket list destination. Limited trekking permits—reserve your trip earlyThe Peruvian Government issues a limited number of permits per day to access the Inca Trail at KM 104. Due to the popularity of this route, permits generally sell out months in advance. Reserve your spot now and leave the rest to REI Adventures! This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Machu Picchu Family Adventure.