
Touch Grass on These Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Trips
From the Alps to the Amazon, unplug on trips that will connect you to unreal views (and real people who won’t judge you for taking 47 pics of the same elephant).
There’s something about being outside that cuts through all the noise. No notifications. No endless scroll. Just you, Mother Nature, and whatever’s waiting ahead of you on the trail.
If you’ve been eyeing those bucket-list hikes and outdoor adventures but aren’t sure where to start (or don’t want to figure out the logistics on your own), that’s where EF Ultimate Break comes in. We’ve built trips that take the stress out of planning while you get to enjoy the good stuff: the jaw-dropping landscapes, the local guides who can navigate the wilderness blindfolded, and the kind of group energy that turns strangers into friends.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for your next challenge or someone who just wants to get outside and see what happens, here’s your guide to some of the most incredible hiking and adventure trips out there—perfect for solo travelers and anyone ready to explore the world on foot.

Hiking Switzerland
Hike the Alps: Switzerland, Italy & France
Let’s start with a classic. When people picture hiking in Europe, they’re probably thinking of the Alps—and for good reason. This trip takes you through three countries and some of the most iconic mountain landscapes on the planet. You’ll hike through vineyards, past glaciers, and up peaks that have been inspiring travelers for centuries.
The itinerary hits spots like Chamonix, Zermatt, and Aosta, where every day brings a new trail and a new view that somehow manages to top the last one. You’ll trek past glacier-fed lakes, climb scenic ridgelines, and ride the legendary Aiguille du Midi cable car for views of Mont Blanc that’ll run out your phone’s storage space.
But this trip isn’t all uphill. Between hikes, you’ll have time to explore charming Alpine towns, try local cheese and wine (you’ve earned it), and swap stories with your group over dinner. To paraphrase the great outdoorsman John Muir, the mountains are calling and trust us—you have to go.
Patagonia Adventure: Chile & Argentina
If you’re looking for something a little more remote and wild, Patagonia is where it’s at. This is the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way—massive glaciers, windswept mountains, and landscapes that look like they belong on another planet.
The Patagonia Adventure trip takes you deep into the wilderness of southern Chile and Argentina, with stops in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Park. You’ll hike through terrain that ranges from rugged mountain passes to pristine lakeshores, all while keeping your eyes peeled for guanacos, condors, and maybe even a puma if you’re lucky.
You’ll also explore the vibrant cities of Santiago and Buenos Aires, where you can experience the culture, food, and nightlife that make this region so special. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and urban exploration, and it’ll leave you with a whole new appreciation for what "off the beaten path” really means.
Hike Ireland: Cliffs of Moher & Giant’s Causeway
Ireland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think "hiking destination,” but it absolutely should be. The green ridges, dramatic cliffs, and coastal trails here are unlike anything else, and the scenery is stunning.
You’ll hike along the Cliffs of Moher, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against 700-foot-high sea cliffs, and explore the otherworldly rock formations at Giant’s Causeway. You’ll also trek through the rolling hills of the Irish countryside, visit charming villages, and probably get a crash course in Irish folklore from the locals.
And let’s be honest—after a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than cozying up in a traditional Irish pub with a pint and some live music. You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the Emerald Isle after exploring its wilder side.

EF Travelers Hiking Ireland
Hike the Japanese Alps: Nakasendo Trail & Mount Fuji Views
Did you know that Japan also has Alps?! Well, it does. For something completely different, head to Japan’s mountainous heart. This trip is built for nature lovers who want to experience Japan beyond the cities—think cedar forests, ancient trails, and mountain views that feel like they’re straight out of a painting.
You’ll hike the historic Nakasendo Trail through the Kiso Valley, an ancient route that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. Along the way, you’ll pass through preserved post towns that feel frozen in time, where traditional wooden buildings line cobblestone streets and locals still practice centuries-old crafts. You’ll cross suspension bridges in the Kamikochi Valley beneath the towering Japanese Alps, and if the weather’s on your side, you’ll catch views of Mount Fuji that’ll take your breath away.
The best part? After a long day on the trails, you’ll reset in traditional ryokans (Japanese inns), where you can soak in natural hot springs and enjoy multi-course kaiseki dinners.
Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road
Iceland is like nowhere else on Earth. Literally. The landscapes here incredibly surreal—volcanic black sand beaches, massive glaciers, geysers shooting steam into the sky—that you’ll wonder if you accidentally stepped onto another planet.
This is the ultimate Iceland itinerary. You’ll explore the famous Golden Circle, where you can witness the power of geysers erupting and tectonic plates literally pulling apart at Thingvellir National Park. You’ll chase waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss that are so powerful you can feel the mist from hundreds of feet away. And you’ll walk along black sand beaches on Iceland’s south coast, explore the otherworldly Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths—a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon that feels like your own private geothermal paradise.
The Ring Road takes you through dramatic fjords in the north, past volcanic craters and lava fields that look like they’re still cooling, and into the heart of Iceland’s wild, untouched landscapes. You might even spot whales during a fjord cruise in Akureyri, or venture inside the Víðgelmir lava tube to see what it’s like beneath the surface of this volcanic island.
Brazil Adventure: Amazon, Pantanal & Bonito
Now let’s talk about a different kind of hiking. In Brazil, you’re not just walking through mountains—you’re trekking through rainforests, wetlands, and ecosystems that are teeming with life. This is adventure travel at its most immersive.
Brazil Adventure takes you to three distinct regions: the Amazon, the Pantanal, and Bonito. In the Amazon, you’ll wake up with the sunrise, canoe through tributaries, and experience the rainforest in a way that feels both humbling and exhilarating. In the Brazil Pantanal wetlands, you’ll hike through one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, where you might spot alligators, capybaras, and even jaguars. And in Bonito, you’ll snorkel in crystal-clear rivers and explore underground caves that look like something out of a nature documentary.
This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to trade screen time for serene time and reconnect with the natural world in a big way. It’s not your typical hiking trip—it’s a full-on immersion into some of the planet’s most incredible ecosystems.

Waterfalls in Brazil
Kenya: African Safari
So this one’s a little different. You’re not hiking up mountains here—you’re going on game drives through Kenya’s stunning national parks, where the "trail” is wherever the wildlife takes you. But if you’re looking for adventure, connection to nature, and experiences that’ll leave you speechless, this trip absolutely delivers.
In Kenya, you’ll explore places like Maasai Mara National Park and have the chance to see Africa’s Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. You’ll stay in incredible lodges and tented camps, meet members of the Maasai community, and witness sunrises and sunsets that feel like they were designed specifically for you.
And if you do want to get your steps in, there’s an optional excursion to Hell’s Gate National Park, which combines a game drive with a hike through dramatic gorges and geothermal landscapes.
Why hiking trips work for both solo travelers and groups
Here’s the thing about adventure trips: they’re built for connection. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, there’s something about hiking together that breaks down barriers fast. You’re all dealing with the same heart-pumping uphill climbs, the same breathtaking views, and the same "did we really just do that?” moments at the end of the day.
Group travel takes the pressure off planning every detail yourself, which means you can actually be present for the experience. Your flights, accommodations, and transportation are all handled. You’ve got a Tour Director and guides who know the trails, the culture, and the best local spots. And you’re surrounded by people who are just as excited to be there as you are.
Plus, hiking trips tend to attract a certain type of traveler—people who are curious, open-minded, and ready to push themselves a little. That makes for some pretty great group dynamics, and it’s not uncommon to leave these trips with friendships that last way longer than the tan lines.
The bottom line
Hiking and adventure trips aren’t just about the destination or the miles you cover. They’re about stepping outside your comfort zone, connecting with people and places in a real way, and coming home with a new perspective on what you’re capable of.
From the Alps to Patagonia, from Ireland to the Amazon, from the Japanese Alps to the glaciers of Iceland, these trips take you to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on Earth—and they do it in a way that’s stress-free, social, and designed to help you actually enjoy the journey.
So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to see the world from a whole new angle. The trail is waiting and —it’s even better when you’re not walking it alone.
Key takeaways
- Hiking trips aren’t just about the trails—they’re about sharing breathtaking views with like-minded travelers who become lifelong friends along the way.
- EF Ultimate Break handles flights, accommodations, and logistics so you can focus on the experience. Expert guides lead the way while you soak it all in.
- From the Alps to Patagonia, Ireland to the Amazon, these trips offer diverse landscapes and challenges—perfect for seasoned hikers and outdoor newbs alike.
Know before you go
Your most-asked questions about hiking and outdoor adventures.













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