Frequently Asked Questions

One thing all our guests appreciate is the fact that they spend their time enjoying their hiking adventure rather than taking out their wallets. While you may see lower rates published elsewhere, you may be expected to pay for all the extras - sometimes spending even more than you budgeted. Our packages include virtually everything: comfortable 3-star+ accommodations, spectacular guided hikes, all ground transportation and transfers, special tours & excursions (e.g. winery tours, whale-watching, local folklore shows, etc...), and most meals. The only things that are not included are international flights and the usual things like souvenirs, drinks and other personal expenses, an occasional meal, travel and/or cancellation insurance, departure taxes and tips.

Some countries (like Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Kenya) quote us in US$, and it makes more sense for us to build the package and keep the prices in US$ so that no one has to deal with an ever-changing exchange rate. Otherwise, we would have to convert the prices we get from hotels, buses, guides, parks etc. into CA$, take your money in CA$, and then convert it back into US$ to pay those suppliers. That's a lot of unnecessary loss of funds. With a fluctuating exchange rate as volatile as the CA$/US$ has been, it is fairer to everyone to keep prices in US$ so that our guests pay the most current rate and we don't have to "cushion" the price to protect ourselves.

Airfare, however, will always be in CA$. All flights out of Canada are priced in CA$.

Of course! Single rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and there is an additional fee, known as the single supplement, which varies by trip. Call us for individual rates or please refer to the "Trip Details" page.

Each holiday is rated based on the degree of difficulty of the hikes. Our rating system is as follows:


LIGHT - Easy walking terrain with a minimal amount of ascent. Trails are well travelled. No bushwhacking.


MODERATE- Moderate terrain with ascents and descents on some of the hikes of up to 500 ft. Trails are usually well marked but may sometimes be hilly. May involve light bushwhacking, some rough spots or obstacles. Hiking boots necessary.


CHALLENGING - More challenging terrain with climbs on some of the hikes of up to 3000 ft. Trails are not always very well marked or well-travelled. May involve steep ascents/descents, rock scrambling or other obstacles, and some bushwhacking. Hiking boots necessary.

Hikes range in length from 10 to 23 km each, depending on the trip, and some may have dropout points. Your hike leader will go into greater detail about each hike with you. All the hikes are optional; you can do as many or as few of them as you wish.

All of our hikes are fully-escorted by an experienced hike leader. In addition, each hike has a "sweep" at the tail end to ensure no one is left behind. Hike leader and sweeps stay in communication via walkie-talkies, and the hike leader is certified in first-aid and CPR.

Absolutely! None of our holidays (even the ones rated as challenging) are considered "extreme", or force you to be in professional athletic shape. The only thing we recommend is that you prepare for your holiday by walking, breaking in your boots, and just getting in good shape to make the most of your adventure.

Although it varies from trip to trip, the average hiking day has us departing at 9:00 a.m. and returning to our hotel by mid-afternoon. Our hiking distance can be as short as 10km to as long as 23km, with 14km being the average. Our hike times take into account a lunch stop and several breaks throughout the day. In the evening, we usually meet up at 7:00 p.m. for a group briefing about the next day and then dinner at 7:30 p.m. The evening can be free or perhaps an activity or show is planned.

The best way to answer that is to refer you to our motto: Hike an adventure. Rest in comfort. While the degree of difficulty of the hikes can range from light to challenging, you can always count on having a COMFORTABLE hotel room to relax in at the end of the day. No pitching a tent, no worrying about the elements and no using outdoor "facilities".

No problem. All we ask is that you let us know ahead of time what your requirements are and we will make sure that you are taken care of. We can accommodate virtually all food requests, especially since our main hike leader studied nutrition at university.

We attract hikers of all levels and age groups, from 24 to 84. We do, however, tend to appeal to a more mature market (e.g. 45 +). Generally, our groups are evenly split between singles and couples.

The average group size is 15 to 20 guests.

Currently we do not have a children's program. All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

This is often possible and is known as a "deviation". We will be happy to assist you in planning an extended stay, either before or after our hiking holiday. There is a cost of $100 per person plus any additional airline costs incurred due to the change. Please contact us for details and rates.

Medical and cancellation/interruption insurance is MANDATORY. You are welcome to purchase travel insurance through us (we work with ManuLife Global) or through your own insurance provider. All participants will be required to show proof of insurance.

You could indeed choose to make your own flight arrangements using your frequent flyer points. We will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip's itinerary so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

Many of our new guests come to us by way of referrals. The Hiking Buddy Program is our way of encouraging and thanking past guests for spreading the good word about C.H.H. So, how does it work? As a past guest of ours, simply refer a buddy who has not traveled with us since January 1, 2004 and if s/he takes one of our extended trips (of 7 nights or more), you will receive a $100 discount off your next Comfortable Hiking Holiday! The more hiking buddies you refer to us, the greater your discount. The best advertising is a recommendation from a satisfied guest! Call us for complete details.

Well, we have several reasons why some 70% of our guests are repeat travellers with us:

1. We take you to spectacular destinations!

2. We have some of the most competitive prices in the industry, with no surprises or hidden costs! That's why we offer virtually all-inclusive packages.

3. "Comfortable" accommodations (3-star plus).

4. As we are a small company, we offer personalized service and attention to each and every guest.

5. Our holidays include much more than just wonderful hiking. We pride ourselves on offering you a real taste of the country and culture you are in. That's why we include things like a Galician cooking class in Spain, cigar factory tour in Cuba, whale watching excursion in Iceland and a folklore show in Corfu, to name a few.

6. We include special perks exclusive to all C.H.H. guests, such as hiking clinics and Travel Nights, Hiking Buddy and Trail Blazer rewards program and other special incentives

Email your question to us!