Question 1

intro

Accepted Answer

Do you spend your days staring out the window, wishing you could wander around in nature instead? Is wearing muddy shoes a point of pride for you? Would you rather spend your summer outdoors, hiking through the wilderness? A hiking tour abroad can offer you the chance to spend time outside while getting up close and personal with local wildlife, plants, and communities. Whether you&rsquo;re interested in observing penguins for a conservation project or want to challenge yourself on a high-altitude mountain trek, a hiking trip abroad is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new environment.

Question 2

Popular Locations

Accepted Answer

Why settle for a day hike around the same neighborhood pond when you can hike somewhere new and spectacular? Hikes in these places are spectacular.
Costa Rica offers travelers a wealth of options for outdoor exploration. On your hikes, you&rsquo;re likely to spot monkeys swinging through the branches and toucans calling out from above. Be sure to look down too, at the leaf-cutter ants marching in pulsing lines across the forest floor. Any hiking in Costa Rica is guaranteed to bring you closer to nature and awe you with its colorful diversity.
For travelers who are interested in animal conservation, hiking in South Africa can be the perfect opportunity. Different regions offer hikers a range of experiences, from exploring ancient forests and wetlands to spotting whales and dolphins along the coast. Travelers can also expect to spot giraffes, elephants, and lions while on safari, or help maintain game reserves while learning about endangered species.
If climbing up steep mountains is more your style, check out hiking adventures in Ecuador. This South American country has it all: towering Andean peaks, tropical rainforests, and the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. Hike up an old Incan trail at 14,000 feet and camp out under the stars, trek up an active volcano, or float down an Amazonian river while spotting rare birds.

Question 3

What Else You Need to Know

Accepted Answer

Many hiking adventures are paired with conservation projects, which can teach you about local flora and fauna while aiding the environment. Some project options include monitoring nesting sea turtles, surveying penguin populations, or maintaining African game reservations. During these hiking trips, you&rsquo;ll often be provided basic accommodations at a guest house or lodge near the project site. Conservation-based programs often have varying lengths, so you can stay a couple of weeks or several months depending on interest.
If you&rsquo;re more interested in learning about the local culture, some hiking trips offer participants a chance to contribute to community service projects, take language lessons, or go on cultural excursions. Stay with a host family in a rural village, help construct a community center, or trek on horseback with indigenous nomadic riders, you can have it all while hiking abroad.
Other hiking tours abroad are designed purely to get you outside and get the adrenaline flowing. If that&rsquo;s your intention, you&rsquo;ll have hiking opportunities that include white water rafting, volcano climbing, scuba diving, or zip lining, depending on your location. The majority of cultural and outdoor-specific hiking trips last from two to four weeks, but some will be longer depending on the itinerary.

Question 4

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

Enjoy the Outdoors. Scientists have proven that spending time outdoors reduces stress and boosts well-being. Why not get an extra dose of happiness while you travel abroad by spending time hiking? Combine outdoor adventures, learning about other cultures, and taking in new sights, and you just may reach nirvana before returning home!
Feel Accomplished. Hiking tours are the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself. Spending a lot of time outdoors in an unfamiliar environment can sometimes be stressful, but returning home with stories of triumph is always an ego boost. Whether you sleep outside despite the creepy crawlies nearby or make it to the top of a monstrous peak to take in the view, you&rsquo;ll be glad you did it, even if it made you a bit uncomfortable at first.
Understand the Risks. Most hiking trips abroad take place in remote locations where assistance and supplies are limited. Make sure that you&rsquo;re comfortable with the fact that help might be a day or two away. Additionally, ensure you&rsquo;re in good health before embarking on a strenuous hiking trip or choose a program with a more relaxed pace. The good news is that hiking tours are available for hikers of all abilities.
Choosing to spend your time abroad outdoors is sure to reward you! With each dusty step, you&rsquo;ll be leaving footprints on the ground and a lasting impression in your heart. After having traveled across a new country the way ancient explorers did, you&rsquo;ll gain strength you didn&rsquo;t know you had and an appreciation for the intricate ways humans interact with their environment. Use this knowledge to make the world a better place, one small step at a time.