January 27, 2017
REI Adventures is launching a collection of 19 Women’s Adventures in Africa, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand and North America. In addition, REI Adventures is expanding its cycling offerings into fully supported mountain bike trips and growing its Signature Camping itineraries on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and along the Inca Trail in Peru. According to a press release from REI: “REI’s Women’s Adventures are extraordinary journeys designed especially for women who want to experience a destination—not just see it. Guests travel with female guides and a ready-made group of girlfriends. These lively trips blend outdoor activities with local spots, cuisines and communities a traveler wouldn’t find on her own, and include little surprises along the way.”
Examples of REI’s new Women’s Adventures include:
- Baja California Women’s Adventure: Escape to a beachy oasis for an eight-day vacation where women kayak, snorkel, stand-up paddle board, surf and do yoga. In addition, guests meet local artists at galleries, enjoy gourmet meals along the way and have an opportunity to volunteer at a local nonprofit where women build their own greenhouses.
- Greek Islands Women’s Adventure: Perfect for foodies and history-lovers, spend nine days island hopping Tinos, Naxos and Santorini. Guests hike through whitewashed villages and ancient trails of lush vineyards, terraced hillsides and olive groves. They unwind with beachside yoga, wine tastings, swimming in the Aegean Sea and learning how to prepare a traditional Mediterranean meal.
- New Zealand Women’s Hiking – Southern Alps: Over 10-days, hike the wilderness through larger-than-life landscapes of South Island’s peaks, plains and golden hills. Take a break from the trail by paddle boarding Lake Wanaka and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a woman-owned dairy. Evenings are authentically Kiwi with stays at the iconic Rex Simpson Hut and historic Ben Lomond lodge.
- South Africa Ultimate Women’s Adventure and Safari: From Cape Town to Johannesburg, the 11-day odyssey explores the country’s rich heritage by hiking, cycling, sea kayaking and a safari at the famous Sabi Sands Reserve. As one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in the world, the group will wander the backroads and stop at estates to taste the celebrated vintages.
- Yosemite Women’s Backpacking – Half Dome: A four-day adventure to the summit of Yosemite’s most iconic peak. Guests hone their backpacking and wilderness skills during daily hikes, and evenings are filled with hearty gourmet dinner prepared by the guides and camaraderie around the campfire.
Here are the details of REI Adventures’ two new international destinations for its Signature Camping itineraries:
- Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route is an 11-day experience up one of the seven summits of the world and the highest peak in Africa. Known as one of the most scenic routes on the mountain, guests hike across six ecological zones as they acclimatize, take in the scenery and learn about the region from local guides. REI’s unique approach to Kilimanjaro’s Southern Circuit includes new exclusive camp locations featuring REI Signature Camps that keep guests comfy and energized as they summit.
- Machu Picchu – Inca Trail Trek is a nine-day, fully supported journey through lush valleys filled with wild orchids and rainbow-colored mosses to the breathtaking “Lost City of the Incas.” Trek up to seven miles each day with only a day pack, while a Signature Camp awaits your arrival each evening with spacious tents, amazing meals and more.