FAQs
What if I am new to hiking, backpacking, or other outdoor activities?
Introducing people to hiking, backpacking and other outdoor experiences is at the heart of Terravana Adventures. We love teaching and watching people try new experiences, master new skills, and become more proficient and confident in the outdoors. Our adventures typically include participants with a range of outdoor experiences and skills.
Each of our adventures is rated with a challenge level, which is based on the activities included in the overall experience. As long as you choose an adventure that’s appropriate for your fitness level, if you are a novice at one or more of the activities, not to worry. Our experienced guides will walk you through the process and build your confidence along the way.
How do I know which adventure is right for me?
We offer experiences for different adventure levels. Each adventure description includes a challenge level and a description of the activities included for that particular experience.
The below guidelines will assist you to assess the difficulty of our adventures and help you decide which are best suited for you:
Level 1 - Light
Activity: 2-5 hours of physical activity each day; easy to moderate walking, hiking or trekking; other activities (kayaking, climbing) are suitable for the novice
Distances: Hike 1-5 miles most days
Terrain: Flat or rolling terrain with little to some uneven footing; may have occasional steeper ascents/descents
Elevation gain: Gentle elevation gains and losses under 1,000’ per day
Altitude: Under 10,000’
Backpack Weight: Day packs or lighter packs
Level 1 adventures may allow for you to opt out of some activities on the itinerary
Level 2 - Moderate
Activity: 2-6 hours each day; moderate walking, hiking or trekking
Distances: Hike 3-10 miles most days
Terrain: Varied terrain with some uneven footing on trails; may be some steep sections and exposed areas
Elevation gain: Gains and losses up to 1,500 feet per day
Altitude: Up to 10,000’
Backpack weight: (Varies by type adventure) Day packs; backpack up to 30-40 lbs
Nights may be spent in tents
Level 3 – Moderate to Vigorous
Activity: 5-8 hours per day; moderate to strenuous hiking and trekking
Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days
Terrain: uneven trails; rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/ descents; may be rocky and steep in places
Elevation gain: Gains and losses up to 3,000 feet per day
Altitude: Elevations may be above 10,000’
Backpack weight: Depending on the adventure, you may be required to carry a heavier backpack (up to 40-50 lbs)
Nights are spent in tents or hut
Level 4 - Vigorous
Activity: 5-8 hours most days; challenging, strenuous trekking
Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days
Terrain: uneven trails; mountainous terrain with steep ascents/descents; exposed areas
Elevation gain: gains and losses of 3,000+ feet
Altitude: may be above 10,000’
Backpack weight: May be required to carry heavier packs (up to 35-45 lbs)
Nights are spent in tents or huts
Level 4 adventures require good aerobic and endurance conditioning and/or strength training prior to departure
Previous experience may be required
Level 5 – Strenuous
Activity: 5-10+ hours; strenuous trekking or climbing
Distances: Hike up to 12+ miles per day
Terrain: Participants should be prepared to hike over mountainous steep, rocky and exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents on uneven trails
Elevation gain: consistent elevation gains and/or losses of up to 5,000’ per day
Altitude: may be above 10,000’+
Backpack weight: Depending on adventure, may be required to carry heavier packs (up to 40-50+ lbs)
Nights are spent in tents
Technical skills required
Level 5 adventures require a high degree of fitness and additional strength, conditioning, and endurance training prior to departure
Previous experience required
Physician’s release required
How old do I have to be to go on a Terravana Adventures trip?
Our adventures are appropriate for participants who are 18 years and older.
Who are your guides?
All of our guides have outdoor experience and enjoy teaching and sharing their love of nature and adventure. The primary focus of our guides is to make sure your adventure is fun and that you are getting to learn or enhance your outdoor skills, all while being mindful of risk.
Our lead guides hold current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications. We may engage local professional guides or partner with a professional outfitter for certain activities offered as part of an adventure. For international trips, we work with local partners, in which case there is a Terravana Adventures guide and the local guide(s).
What if I am traveling solo?
No problem! We provide a supportive and welcoming community for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors. It’s quite possible that you will end the adventure with a new friend or two!
How many participants are on each trip?
We keep our groups small to provide a more engaging experience and have less impact on the places we visit. Most of our adventures range in size from 6-12 participants. Our retreats or other events may have more attendees.
What do I need to pack for the adventure?
Each adventure description provides a general list of what you are required to pack and what is provided by Terravana Adventures. In addition, you will receive one or more emails including instructions, a comprehensive gear list, itinerary, weather forecast and other information you need to prepare for our adventure. We are also available to answer questions and guide beginners every step of the way.
What if I don’t have the right gear?
If you are new to outdoor adventures, traveling from out of town, or missing some items, we’ve got you covered! We have a small reserve of outdoor gear that you can borrow on an as-needed basis. If we don’t have the item, we can help you find another solution, such as renting gear.
What kind of food is included?
Please refer to the specific adventure description for a list of included meals. Our camping and backpacking adventures typically feature a combination of fresh and freeze-dried/dehydrated food, depending on the trip. We also provide an assortment of snacks, such as energy bars and dried fruit to keep you fueled throughout the day.
If you have specific dietary needs, please be sure to let us know ahead of the trip and we will do our best to accommodate you. If you have nut or other allergies typically found in trail snacks and bars, please let us know. We may ask that you bring your own snacks to avoid an allergic reaction.
What is included in your price?
Details of what is included for each adventure can be found in the adventure description. Some adventures cover meals, while others may have some “on your own” meals. Some events may have optional activities that are purchased separately. Travel to and from the start and endpoints of our adventures are not included in our prices unless expressly stated otherwise.
What is expected of me as a participant?
We have a few expectations of our participants intended to respect each other, our environment, the places we visit, and our safety.
These are:
Follow the instructions of our guides/leaders
Be inclusive, respectful and welcoming to all
Leave no trace
We have no tolerance for illegal drugs, weapons or aggressive behavior of any kind
No incendiary smoking devices are allowed
Our guides/leaders reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to remove any participant from an adventure who is a danger to themselves or to others, or whose conduct distracts from the enjoyment of others on the adventure.
Is the itinerary guaranteed?
We strive to follow the adventure description and itinerary. However, adventure travel by its nature often requires plans be modified due to weather conditions, safety concerns, new opportunities, group interests or unforeseen circumstances.
How safe are your trips?
The health and well-being of our participants are important to us. Terravana Adventures has invested time and resources in risk management training and practices.
All travel and outdoor activities pose some degree of inherent risk. Our adventure descriptions provide information about the challenge level of each adventure and the types of activities included. We incorporate risk management practices into each experience and event. For example, we use experienced guides who hold current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications for backcountry trips. For adventures to remote destinations, we also carry a Garmin inReach Explorer satellite messenger, or similar device, to contact authorities and our headquarters in case of an emergency.
Can Terravana Adventures organize a private trip for a group?
We are happy to discuss what you have in mind and work with you and your group to organize a private adventure. If we cannot customize an itinerary for you, we can try to help you find someone who can. Contact us and let’s discuss what you have in mind.
Does Terravana Adventures require travel insurance?
If a particular adventure requires or recommends travel insurance, it will be stated in the adventure description. In any case, we recommend that our participants obtain travel insurance to protect their trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss, an unexpected illness, or injury can happen and impact your trip. A bad injury in the backcountry may require expensive emergency evacuation.
Can I purchase a Terravana Adventures Gift Certificate?
Yes! We are big believers in the gift of adventure. We can provide gift certificates in any amount, for specific adventures, or for use on any trip your gift recipient is interested in. Just contact us.
Who do I contact with questions?
If you do not find the answer you are looking for or have further questions, please contact us at: explore@terravanaadventures.com.