Why Wilderness Travel?
The WT Difference
Since our founding in 1978, we’ve remained true to our original objective: to provide artfully executed and delightfully authentic travel experiences for the most discerning of travelers.
We understand that when you choose Wilderness Travel, you are entrusting us with not only your money and time, but also your travel dreams. We take this responsibility extremely seriously.
Travel with the Experts
1 The Best Trip Leaders in the Industry
WT Trip Leaders are simply the best in the business. They may be authors, archaeologists, photographers, or mountaineers, yet all share an extraordinary knowledge of their destinations, and a passion for sharing it with you. Our Leader pages have the bios of these extraordinary travel companions and show the upcoming trips they will be guiding so you can follow them around the world!
2 Over 45 Years of Experience and Local Connections
Our local hosts, vendors, and friends are more than just partners—after more than four decades working closely with them, they are an integral part of our WT family. Finding these local experts and nurturing these intimate relationships in all corners of the world is our greatest strength and its value cannot be overstated.
Our goal on each trip is to make you feel like you have a best friend in the country you’re visiting, someone who knows just what to share and where to take you. Whether it’s joining a Maasai elder for tea in Tanzania or being warmly welcomed by the owners of a private estancia in Patagonia, our local teams give you an “insider’s” access to every destination.
3 The #1 Adventure Travel Company in the World
We’re honored to have been recognized with every major honor in the industry, including awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast, AFAR, National Geographic, Outside, USA Today, and more.
Award-Winning Journeys
4 Sustainable and Meaningful Travel
We are committed to environmentally conscious, locally focused travel, and believe wholeheartedly that our journeys can help preserve the cultures and ecosystems we visit.
We offset all carbon emissions from our land-based trips, are a founding member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF), and actively support dozens of grassroots organizations across every continent.
5 Artfully Crafted Itinerary Design
It’s not just where we travel, but how we travel that makes our trips unique. The magic of the “how” comes from a meticulously planned and impeccably executed itinerary design, perfectly paced and with the ideal balance of activities.
Our distinctive journeys reveal the culture, cuisine, and history of a destination—and uncover hidden treasures you wouldn’t find on your own. Special access to archaeological sites, sampling a tasting menu with a rising young chef, meeting master craftsmen in a remote village—these experiences make your journey unforgettable.
6 Authentic Accommodations and Local Flavors
Many companies use big, centrally located chain hotels that are easier to book but crowded with tourists. Instead, we put in the extra effort to find boutique, locally owned accommodations and restaurants to immerse you in the spirit of each destination.
Find yourself being welcomed like family in charming chalets in the Alps or dining with a Bhutanese family in their 500-year-old farmhouse. Many of our African safari camps are exclusive for just our groups, and on our mountain treks, you’ll enjoy our celebrated WT camping style, waking each day to a jaw-dropping mountain view and a hot cup of coffee brought to your tent.
7 Personalized Service
From your first phone call, we’ll show you why our rate of repeat travelers is so high. Our Area Specialists will be your single point of contact as you plan and prepare for your journey (no sales call centers here!). They handle all your trip details and are available to answer any questions you may have before you depart.
On arrival, our world-class Trip Leaders and local support staff welcome you and handle all logistics seamlessly. When you’re on a WT adventure, every single detail is taken care of. All you have to do is pack your bags–we’ll take care of the rest so you can relax and savor the moment.
8Endless Range of Activities, Tailored to Your Interests
With more than 200 Small Group Adventures and Private Journeys in over 80 countries across every continent, we offer a trip for every adventurous spirit—from safaris to expedition cruises to hiking and cultural odysseys.
We offer a range of activity levels, experience types, and on our Private Journeys, you can customize to fit your vision. Browse our website by destination, activity, trip type, or date, then give us a call—we offer the dream trip you’ve been searching for.
9 Small Group Sizes
With an average group size of just 10 travelers on our Small Group Adventures (one of the smallest in the industry), we give you more meaningful experiences with local cultures and more authentic encounters with wildlife. If you already have a small group of your own, enjoy any of our adventures as your own Private Journey!
10 Don’t Take Our Word for It – Hear from Past Travelers
Repeat and referred travelers are the core of our business model and a great source of information about our trips. You can always ask us for references from past travelers who have been on any trip. They are happy to talk to you by phone or email so you can hear their experience directly from them!
Client Testimonials
“Absolutely everything about this trip was perfect: itinerary, food, lodgings, Trip Leaders. A perfect example of why WT will always be our first choice when planning adventures.”
Susan W.
Albuquerque, NM
“WT has once again delivered an amazing trip for all aboard. Great leaders, great guests, and a great experience. This is a complex itinerary and yet there was not a glitch the whole trip,”
Dickie A.
Fernandina Beach, FL
“I cannot say enough good things about this trip. Everything was expertly organized, every day was different, I felt extremely well looked after!”
Janet W.
Calgary, Alberta
“The daily choices of spectacular hiking, fabulous gourmet food and wine, comfortable and charming hotels, and our delightful Trip Leaders made it an over-the-top nine days!”
Margaret T.
Holtville, CA
“This was, by far, the best tour I’ve ever taken. My husband and I generally don’t like tour groups or companies, but knew this was the only way to do the Inca Trail. What an incredible surprise for us. This tour was so expertly organized—we felt like royalty. All of your people took great care of us and went out of their way to make us comfortable. The cooks at the campsites were amazing! (My husband is a vegetarian and I was worried—but they served him gourmet vegetarian meals.) I was amazed at what great care they take to make sure the food is safe and that we were sanitized before touching anything. Every single detail was thought through so that I never had to worry about a thing. This was a perfect vacation!”
Margot M.
Miami Beach, FL
“Everyone was so thorough and helpful. It was like being whisked around on a magic carpet. Doors opened, every wish fulfilled, amazing service!”
Marney G.
Montgomery, AL
“Wonderfully planned and executed. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every minute of this fantastic trip—I didn’t want it to end!”
Carrie H.
Santa Fe, NM
“Everything was absolutely perfect. Your staff could not possibly have been better.”
Daniel S.
Temple Terrace, FL
“This is my third trip through Wilderness Travel. The high quality of service, care, friendliness, trip guides, places to stay, etc. has been consistent on all the trips and each trip has surpassed my expectations!”
Jennifer R.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
“This was without a doubt one of the best trips I’ve taken in my entire life. The professionalism and thoughtfulness that was demonstrated time and time again by the crew and the staff was superlative. An outstanding experience for me and my kids!”
Steve L.
Stamford, CT
“A truly memorable bucket list trip! The entire group of seven of us agreed that it was the best vacation we had ever taken. We were as active as we wanted to be, and we always felt safe.”
Gregory B.
Fairport, NY
“You could not have designed a better itinerary. Every day, every lodge, every meal, every experience was (unbelievably) better than the day before. Thank you for making this a phenomenal travel experience that I’ll remember for a lifetime.”
Kathie D.
Belle Isle, FL
“The trip design was brilliant. Each day we thought we had captured “the prize” but the next day was even better. How did you do this?”
Peter G.
Washington, DC
“Impeccable itinerary and outstanding implementation. Every day delivered a new ‘oh my’ because of the variety of the scenery and experiences. Thanks, Wilderness Travel!”
Jan D.
Meyersdale, PA
“This was a truly exceptional trip where we felt that we were able to fully experience the Patagonian wilderness but from the relative comfort of some wonderful small hotels and estancias.”
Paul F.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
“We can depend on Wilderness Travel to offer exceptional trips and great attention to detail, and the quality of the Trip Leaders is unsurpassed.”
Jocelyn S.
Arvada, CO
“I think this was one of the best hiking trips I have ever taken. I loved the guides, staff, itinerary, food, and the MOUNTAINS! The scenery and weather were spectacular. This was my first trip with Wilderness Travel and I think every aspect of it was well designed and planned out, in every detail.”
Scott R.
Woodstock, VT
“Met my hopes and then some. It was an “experience” ––more than a vacation. We learned a tremendous amount about the culture, Inca history and, of course, the country is beautiful and people are so very nice!”
Melanie W.
New York, NY
“The trip was magical and met or exceeded every expectation that we had as experienced travelers. It was one of those experiences that leave you incapable of selecting the best day or best experience. Every day was unique and full of wonder and amazement.”
Steve A.
Medford, OR
“This is the best Galapagos itinerary of any tour company with so many islands visited and such a comprehensive wildlife experience. There aren’t enough superlatives to express the depth of this fantastic experience.”
Ruth M.
San Francisco, CA
“WOW! the trip of a lifetime. It was so well planned. WT thought of every little detail to make it a memorable and stress free trip. Little things like the day room at departure made a big difference. One couldn’t ask for a better guide and leader. He is so organized, calm, warm, fun and knowledgeable. He also went the extra mile at the end of the trip when one of my traveling partners had some trouble at the airport. I cannot possibly say enough positive things about him and the rest of the staff on the trip. WT pulled off what could have been a very challenging and stressful trip and made it the most amazing experience ever.”
Christina Q.
Red Lodge, MT
“This was a dream trip in all respects, one that exceeded every expectation I had. Can’t wait to travel with WT again!”
Kathy G.
San Carlos, CA
“From the first interaction with the WT office to the last interaction with Paul on the trip, our expectations described by Wilderness Travel were fulfilled and in most cases exceeded. Kudos to all.”
Ann G.
Novato, CA
“Thank you, Wilderness Travel, for putting together this wonderful experience. Our trip leaders made every minute count. We appreciated all the planning it took to juggle the tides, the winds, and the calendar to make sure we immersed in as many habitats as possible.”
Alice L.
Pahoa, HI
“This was just about the most perfectly planned, executed, and delivered tour I have ever been on. The pace, scenic hikes, lunch picnics, dinner barbecues, cafes, and hotels were all so well planned and the food all along the way was over the top delicious. It was just awesome!”
Marlene S.
Washington, DC
“The trip far exceeded my expectations. I especially enjoyed the wonderful variety of activities on both land and water. Best of all was our terrific guide who went above and beyond to make it an enjoyable experience for all. Wilderness Travel comes through again!”
Wally I.
Honolulu, HI
“Wilderness Travel is tops when it comes to adventure travel. Food, lodging, and attention to detail are always exceptional!”
Lori K.
Boulder, CO
“This was the trip of a lifetime—over the top wonderful! Every day the trip became more interesting and amazing. I still wake up dreaming I am in my kayak! I have never had so much fun in my entire life.”
Diane H.
Brandon, SD
“The camping locations were far beyond expectations, and sunrises and sunsets beyond imagination. The balance between kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and WW II history was perfect.”
Dean W.
Sorrento, BC
“Where do we start to retell our odyssey? This adventure explored the fascinating history of the area, was surrounded by picture-perfect scenery, and had extraordinary cuisine, unequaled service, and breathtaking nature and geology.”
Gus and Christine H.
Meeker, CO
“This trip exceeded my expectations and fulfilled a desire to see the Galapagos that I have had since childhood. I am still feeling the ‘glow’ of the experience.”
Kay B.
Princeton, WV
“This was a trip of a lifetime for my husband and me. We were celebrating our 10th anniversary and wanted something special and memorable. This trip surpassed all our dreams. We have both traveled for much of our lives, but never experienced something like this. I can’t say enough how much we loved it. Everything was superb—the guides, the camping sites, the organization, the porters, the FOOD (better than any restaurant)! Thank you.”
Margot M.
Miami Beach, FL
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Talk to an Expert
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!