North America walking & trekking tours

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

We provide two styles of walking and trekking holidays: 

• Centre-based: this style involves spending most of time in the centre of the action. Think Chamonix in the French Alps, Dobbiaco in the Dolomites or a rustic hotel in Yosemite Valley. Enjoy the comfort of the same room every day (and only unpacking once) and a selection of the best restaurants in the neighbourhood. All you have to do is sit back and relax as we pick the best combination of walks available, either directly from your accommodation or just a short transfer away.

• Point-to-point: this style involves walking from one place to another almost every day; you'll start in A and finish in B. However, we do throw in a rest day every now and then depending on the duration of the trip. Think the Inca Trail, Mount Everest Base Camp, Hadrian’s Wall, or the Mont Blanc Circuit. In most cases, we'll transfer your main luggage to the next destination, so all you need to carry is the essentials (water, sun protection, waterproofs, snacks, etc.).

We include accommodation as per the itinerary, as well as transportation to and from trailheads and to all other included activities (note: this transportation is often public as that's the way we like to travel). We also include ALL hiking permits. On top of that, we provide our highly qualified and experienced leaders to guide you throughout the trip.

We have walks ranging from relatively easy to challenging. But no matter what degree of difficulty or distance you choose to walk, we recommend that you have a reasonable fitness level to ensure you get the most out of your walk or hike. Commit to a physical training program around six weeks before you depart. Here are some suggestions:

• Long walks: go on some long walks of 3-6 hours duration before you leave, wearing the boots you’re taking and carrying a small backpack to get comfortable with carrying your gear for long stretches.
• Aerobic exercise: running, distance cycling and the various aerobic classes offered at gyms (like pump, spin, zumba and circuit classes) all help to give you fitness and stamina.
• Strength training: doing body weight training like pushups, squats, dips, lunges, etc. helps to build up your muscle strength, which is needed for the steady climb up a mountain if you’re embarking on this type of hike (bootcamp sessions are perfect for this type of training).

It depends on where you're going, what the weather will be like and how difficult the walk that you plan to do is. Generally, it's a good idea to ensure you have the following essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes (make sure they're broken in if you buy a new pair!)

• Backpack/day bag

• Leggings, shorts or hiking pants

• T-shirts

• A loose, long-sleeved shirt

• Sweater or sweatshirt

• Sunhat

• Sunscreen

• Retractable walking poles

• Reusable water bottle

We're committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.