We’re excited to announce that we’re partnering with OneSeed Expeditions to plan a private Local Adventurer hike (you’ll get a special discounted rate for private tours)! It’s been a while since we’ve been on a multi-day hike, but we’re excited to get back out on the trail. First things first deciding which hike to do, and we’d like to get your input! We’ve picked three amazing hikes and want to hear which one interests you most.
In addition to the amazing guidance that we’ll get from OneSeed, we’ll be in a private group of adventurers, so you know everyone is going to be awesome. We can’t wait to meet you guys!
Check out the three trips below, then vote on which one you want to do the most. Once we decide which hike we’ll be doing, we will narrow down the dates and open up the booking process. Please only fill out the survey below if you are interested in coming along!
[ UPDATE: We’re going to Patagonia! Sign up / Check out the details here ]
WHICH BUCKET LIST HIKE WOULD YOU WANT TO DO?
WINTER PATAGONIA HIKE
Most people who hike Patagonia do it in the summer (our winter season), but hiking during winter will allow you to explore a whole new side of Torres del Paine National Park. You can avoid the crowds and experience the pure beauty of Patagonia in the winter. Soak in the serene snowfall and vibrant shades of gold as the austral sun hits the sharp peaks and glaciers during this 7-day expedition.
Price: $2990 (Originally $3497 for private expedition)
Duration: 7 Days (June or July)
Activity Level: 4/5
Total Hiking Distance: 48 miles over 5 days
If you’d like to book your own tour open to the public, the cost is $2690 for adults and $2286 for students.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day 1: Arrive to Punta Arenas by 12pm – Bus to Puerto Natales
Day 2: Depart for Torres del Paine National Park (Total distance: 12.5 miles. Approximately 9 hours of trekking)
Day 3: Hike to Paine Grande (Total distance: 12.5 miles. Approximately 6 hours of trekking)
Day 4: Hike to French Valley (Total distance: 9 miles. Approximately 9 hours of trekking)
Day 5: Hike to Grey Glacier (Total distance: 7 miles. Approximately 9 hours of trekking)
Day 6: Complete the trek and travel to Puerto Natales (Total distance: 7 miles. Approximately 3 hours trekking)
Day 7: Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas
*Please note: Expedition dates indicate when you should arrive and depart Chile.
** This expedition does not include porters. You are responsible for carrying all of your personal gear in your own pack.
***All itineraries are subject to change based on local conditions and the judgment of the guide. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations or the ability of participants as judged by the guide.
INCLUSIONS
- medical/evacuation insurance for all participants confirmed 30 days or more prior to their expedition start date
- 2 nights accommodation in Puerto Natales
- all accommodations on trek in refugios (shared bathroom)
- breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek
- trekking permits and entry fees
- farewell dinner in Puerto Natales
- guide services
- all ground transportation in Chile
NOT INCLUDED
- personal items (laundry, clothing, snacks, etc.)
- trip cancellation insurance (offered as an option)
- international airfare and meals during travel
- snacks during trek
- beverages outside of designated meals
CLIMATE OVERVIEW
May through September are Chile’s winter months so the weather will be cold in Torres del Paine National Park. During this season, the highs fluctuate around 40ºF and the lows can drop down below 20ºF. Expect a combination of wind, snow, and sun!
ULTIMATE MACHU PICCHU
Most people hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but it has become overly crowded. Trek into the Andes on this less-crowded alternative to reach Machu Picchu. Visit local markets, temples, and coffee farms while marveling at the beautiful scenery.
Price: $2250 (Originally $2535 for private expedition)
Duration: 8 Days (June or July)
Activity Level: 4/5
Total Hiking Distance: 38.5 miles over 5 days
If you’d like to book your own tour open to the public, it’s $1950 for adults and $1658 for students.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day 1: Arrive to Cusco
Day 2: Day hike to Sacred Valley
Day 3: Trek to Salkantay Pampa (Total distance: 7.5 miles. Approximately 5-7 hours of trekking)
Day 4: Trek over Salkantay Pass to Colcapampa (Total distance: 12 miles. Approximately 8-10 hours of trekking)
Day 5: Trek to homestay in Lucmabamba (Total distance: 9.5 miles. Approximately 6-8 hours of trekking)
Day 6: Complete trek and travel to Aguas Calientes (Total distance: 4.5 miles. Approximately 2-3 hours of trekking)
Day 7: Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco (Total distance: 5 miles. Optional 2-3 hours of trekking)
Day 8: International departures
*Please note: Expedition dates indicate when you should arrive and depart Peru.
** This expedition includes pack animals for bag transport. You are only responsible for carrying a daypack. A duffle bag will be provided for your carried bag.
***All itineraries are subject to change based on local conditions and the judgment of the guide. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations or the ability of participants as judged by the guide.
INCLUSIONS
- medical/evacuation insurance for all participants confirmed 30 days or more prior to their expedition start date
- airport transfers
- 3 nights accommodation in Cusco
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- 3 nights camping
- breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek
- trekking permits and entry fees
- farewell dinner
- guide & porter services
- all ground transportation to/from trail
NOT INCLUDED
- personal items (laundry, clothing, snacks, etc.)
- trip cancellation insurance (offered as an option)
- international airfare and meals during travel
- snacks during trek
- beverages outside of designated meals
CLIMATE OVERVIEW
The Peruvian winter (June to September) and the late spring (April to May)/ early autumn (October) are the driest months and the best time to go to Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, you should still be prepared for rain. Rain is common throughout the year in Peru and it helps keep the countryside so lush. The rainy season in Peru begins in December and lasts through March and averages 4-6 inches/month. The dry season typically gets less than an inch of rain/month. Machu Picchu is almost 8,000 feet above sea level and like any high altitude trek, the sun is very powerful during the day and the evenings cool down a great deal. Layers are essential in this climate because it keeps you prepared for the quickly changing weather.
HIDDEN COLOMBIA
Everyone hikes the popular bucket list hike, but if you want to join a trek that is on the verge of becoming the next big hike, then join us as we travel back 1000 years to the Lost City of the Sierra Nevada. Soak in the sights and the sounds of the untouched jungle as you travel to a remote corner of Colombia.
Price: $2490 (Originally $2847 for private expedition)
Duration: 8 Days (June or July)
Activity Level: 3/5
Total Hiking Distance: 30 miles over 5 days
If you’d like to book your own tour open to the public, it’s $2190 for adults and $1862 for students.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day 1: Arrive to Bogotá
Day 2: City tour of Bogotá
Day 3: Fly to Santa Marta and hike to Camp 1 (Total distance: 5 miles. Approximately 4-5 hours of trekking)
Day 4: Hike to Camp 2 (Total distance: 5 miles. Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking)
Day 5: Hike to Camp 3 (Total distance: 6 miles. Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking)
Day 6: Hike to the Lost City and return to Camp 2 (Total distance: 5 miles. Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking)
Day 7: Complete trek and head to Santa Marta (Total distance: 9 miles. Approximately 7-8 hours of trekking)
Day 8: Return to Bogotá Airport (BOG) by 1pm and conclude expedition
*Please note: Expedition dates indicate when you should arrive and depart Peru.
** This expedition does not include porters. You are responsible for carrying all of your personal gear in your own pack.
***All itineraries are subject to change based on local conditions and the judgment of the guide. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations or the ability of participants as judged by the guide.
INCLUSIONS
- medical/evacuation insurance for all participants confirmed 30 days or more prior to their expedition start date
- airport transfers
- RT flight from Bogotá to Santa Marta
- 2 nights accommodation in Bogotá
- 1 night accommodation in Santa Marta
- 4 nights camping
- breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek
- trekking permits and entry fees
- welcome and farewell dinners
- guide & porter services all ground transportation to/from trail
NOT INCLUDED
- personal items (laundry, clothing, snacks, etc.)
- trip cancellation insurance (offered as an option)
- international airfare and meals during travel
- snacks during trek
- beverages outside of designated meals
CLIMATE OVERVIEW
Colombia is one of the most diverse countries when it comes to climate. Ranging in elevation from sea level to nearly 19,000 ft, the weather can change quickly depending on where you go. On the Hidden Colombia Expedition, you will be traveling to the Lost City, which is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region.
The weather in this region is warm and wet year-round. It is the jungle! With the average highs in the upper 80s, having streams to jump into periodically will be a nice treat to cool you off during your trek. The lows in the evening tend to stay in the upper 60s, which is why a warm sleeping bag is not needed for this expedition.
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS SURVEY
ESTHER + JACOB
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 50 travel blogs in the world. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They move to a new city every year and currently live in Portland, Oregon.
