Highlights Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, Gran Canyon National Park

Historic Parks of the American Southwest Map

Historic Parks of the American Southwest


Historic Parks of the American Southwest - NUSWD

Last Updated: July 15, 2010
12 days: United States
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What's Included

Entrance fees to all National Parks with hiking and walking excursions - Ranger guided tour of the Mesa Verde ruins - Navajo guide and tour by 4x4 vehicle in Monument Valley - Ranger guided hike of the Navajo National Monument including Keet Seel and Betatakin cliff dwellings

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Gap Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Validity: Valid for all trips departing May 1st 2010 - Oct 1st 2010


Trip style

Discovery Adventures: Inspired by Discovery Channel’s award-winning programming, Discovery Adventures are designed to engage your curiosity, expand your horizons and push the boundaries of active and intellectual exploration like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

Follow in the footsteps of history and uncover the secrets of long-lost civilizations. Span the chasms of distant cultures and come face to face with the exotic and extraordinary. Head deep into the heart of the wild and witness the awesome majesty of a world you’ve only imagined.


Service level

Comfort: Feed your curiosity for culture and authentic experience while still maintaining the comforts you are used to at home. Relax, your arrival transfer is always included. Expect air conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms, television, phone services, cafe/bar and internet. 24 hr electricity and hot water are the norm and continental breakfast is always included. For the most part, you will be travelling around in air-conditioned fixed route tourist buses, private touring vehicles or planes.

Physical grading

2: Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.

Please note: Many Discovery Adventures trips include more than one 'Physical Grading' element that may increase the overall rating of a trip to a higher level. You can choose not to participate in these activities. For specific trip information, refer to the Trip Details document, or contact our sales department.

Itinerary

Day 1 Las Vegas

Arrive in Las Vegas and transfer to the hotel. There are no planned activities so check in and enjoy the city. In the late afternoon, meet the tour leader and fellow group members to go over the details of the trip.

Day 2 Las Vegas/Zion National Park (B,L)

Transfer to Zion National Park with its variety of trails for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. We spend the next 2 days on various day hikes through the Park.

From the expansive valley floors to the creamy sandstone of towering cliffs rising 2,000 ft (600 m), Zion is a wonderland of visual imagery. The monolithic stone sculptures, lush forests and roaring rivers are breathtaking, and the first-time visitor will be amazed by the diverse array of colors including magenta, azure, vermilion, and cyan.

Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 155 miles (250 km)

Day 3 Zion National Park (B,L)

We spend the day exploring the great outdoors with a hike along the Angels Landing trail for a magnificent, uninterrupted view of the park.

Comprising more than 147,000 acres (59,500 hectares), the park covers a wide range of elevations from 3,700 ft (1,130 m) to 8,726 ft (2,630 m) above sea level. The terrain runs from desert to forest, with a dramatic river canyon known as the Narrows. The weather and temperature in the area is just as diverse, reaching over 100 F (38 C) in the summer, while the higher elevations are often snow-capped during the winter months.

Day 4 Bryce Canyon National Park (B,L)

Transfer to Bryce Canyon where we hike past the fascinating hoodoos and learn about the captivating history of the area.

Bryce Canyon National Park does not contain one main canyon, but rather a dozen smaller ravines eroded into the east side of a ridge at the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southwest Utah. This erosion has resulted in thousands of bizarre and fragile rock formations in many subtle shades of pink, white, yellow and red. The Park is named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon farmer who was the first modern-day settler in the region. The park is located about 270 miles (435 km) northeast of Las Vegas.

The main ridge forms part of the Pink Cliffs, which are the highest and most geologically recent of a series of escarpments known as the Grand Staircase stretching across south Utah, formed by erosion and uplift of differently colored sandstone rock layers. The cliffs are named according to the dominant rock color: Chocolate (running northwards, from the Grand Canyon), Vermilion (visible most spectacularly around Lees Ferry, AZ), White (which surround Zion Canyon), Gray and Pink. Most of the Grand Staircase is now contained within the new Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument.

Water was initially responsible for creating the rock shapes in Bryce. Rain and melting snow flowing down the Pink Cliffs towards the Paria River formed ridges, or fins, which subsequently eroded into the spires, pinnacles and other shapes (collectively known as 'Hoodoos') which are left standing. In time these too will erode, and the whole process will move westwards as more of the cliff is gradually worn away.

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 87 miles (140 km)

Day 5 Canyonlands/Moab (B,L)

Day on the road traveling through the scenic Escalante Staircase area arriving in Canyonlands later in the afternoon. This park contain countless canyons, arches, spires, buttes and a myriad of other spectacular rock formations. The Grand Canyon may be deeper and more dramatic, but Canyonlands has more variety, both in the geological formations and the possibilities to explore them. It certainly offers greater solitude and isolation. We enjoy the sunset at Dead Horse Point.

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 280 miles (450 km)

Day 6 Arches National Park/Moab (B,L)

Today we spend the day in Arches National Park, hiking in Devil’s Garden to the base of the stupendous Delicate Arch. Arches National Park is of course famous for the red sandstone arches that occur there in great profusion. There are over 1000 of them ranging in size. The Windows Section contains a major concentration of arches and other formations, which have self-explanatory names such as Double Arch, Cove Arch and Balanced Rock. We return back to our hotel in Moab for the night.

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hours
Approximate Distance: 32 miles (50 km)

Day 7 Mesa Verde (B,L)

We take a scenic trip to Mesa Verde National Park which contains the largest and most important archeological preserve of Native American culture in the USA. The Ancestral Pueblo peoples populated this area from 500 AD to 1300 AD. They originally occupied the tops of the mesas, which provided some natural protection from their enemies. As their culture developed, they learned to build elaborate fortified communal dwellings on sheltered niches in the cliffs. The ruins of many such ancient cliff-side cities are preserved at Mesa Verde National Park. These ancient cities were abandoned around 1300 AD when a prolonged drought devastated the area. It is believed that the Pueblo and Hopi tribes presently living in Arizona and New Mexico are descendants of this culture. We join a ranger guided tour which will elaborate the rich history found in this area.

Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 140 miles (225 km)

Day 8 Monument Valley (B,L)

We explore in 4X4 vehicles with a local Navajo guide, one of the most beautiful parks in the Southwest, famous for its sandstone buttes. Monument Valley lies entirely within the Navajo Reservation on the Utah/Arizona border near the southeastern corner of Utah. The state line passes through the most famous landmarks, which are concentrated near the small town of Goulding. The Monument Valley area and the Navajo reservation provide some excellent opportunities to explore Native American culture and to learn about the Navajo peoples. We can even observe some traditional Navajo craftsmanship and purchase hand-made items.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 168 miles (270 km)

Day 9 Betatakin/Grand Canyon National Park (B)

Today we visit the Navajo National Monument and take a park ranger guided hike of the Keet Seel and Betatakin (Bitát'ahkin in Navajo) cliff dwellings. The
Navajo National Monument preserves three of the most intact cliff dwellings of the Ancient Pueblo peoples. The monument is high on the Shonto plateau, overlooking the Tsegi Canyon system in the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona.

Later in the day we visit the south rim of the canyon for a first impression. The Grand Canyon stretches before us to the further rim, and as far as we can see on either side. The land at our feet drops almost straight down for over 3,280 ft (1,000 m) and then several thousand feet more into the serpentine canyons below. This vast gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words cannot describe it, it is one of the most magnificent sights on earth.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 168 miles (270 km)

Day 10 Grand Canyon National Park (B,L)

Today we take a spectacular hike to the heart of the canyon at Indian Garden and the Plateau Point trail. Optional activities, such as a helicopter flight or rafting trip are also available. Most visitors only see the canyon from lookout points on the South Rim, but to really experience its natural beauty, we need to descend into it.

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 44 miles (70 km)

Day 11 Las Vegas

Early morning free time in Grand Canyon before transferring to the city of lights, Las Vegas. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore this one of a kind city, take in a show or we can try our hand at the casino.

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 299 miles (480 km)

Day 12 Depart Las Vegas


Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at the time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travelers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your trip details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The trip details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. Discovery Adventures is operated in conjunction with Gap Adventures, the world leader in sustainable adventure travel. An award winning company with over 800 employees and 17 operational offices worldwide, Gap Adventures has 20 years experience in creating culturally interactive travel experiences. Gap Adventures advocates a triple bottom line business philosophy where equal attention is given to the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism to achieve long-term environmentally responsible growth whilst protecting destinations & cultural heritage for future generations.

2) This tour focuses on natural and cultural wonders and the great outdoors of the American Southwest, so be prepared for a fair bit of walking and hiking. While the hikes are not difficult, you can choose not to participate if you are so inclined. The pace of the hikes must be based on the fitness level of the entire group, however, if you are looking for more challenging hikes, this can be arranged on an optional basis with your tour leader locally.

Accommodation

Comfort hotels / motels (11 nts)

About Accommodation

Some areas traveled to on this tour are somewhat remote and while accommodation is in clean and comfortable hotels or motels, they may not have all of the amenities you would be used to in larger cities. When visiting National and State parks, accommodations are located just outside or close to park entrances.

The accommodation level for most Discovery Adventure tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges, guest houses, etc. You'll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodation and amenities can vary by Country and region and please remember that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your trip details for more information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops on tour.

Single Travelers

We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If you prefer to have your own room, The My Own Room option is available on most tours, but some exceptions can apply). Our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Transport

Van, Mini-bus, 4X4 vehicles, Walking

Group Size Notes

Max 12, Avg 8

About our Transportation

The vans used can hold up to 15 passengers and in most cases, the tour leader does the driving. We recommend that travelers rotate seats every driving day to get the maximum of scenery and comfort.

Local Flights

There are no local flights on this tour.

Meals Included

9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches

Meals

Travelling with Discovery Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful foods and flavors that are available in the world. Some meals are included in the trip price in more remote regions or as a highlight where we can share a local specialty or cultural experience. In many places where there is a choice of eating options, we like to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company, but there is no obligation to do this. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Group Leader Description

Please note that the tour leader will, in most cases, be driving the touring vehicle on this tour.

All Discovery Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our expert group tour leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. Group leaders are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Your Fellow Travelers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group. Patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Joining Hotel

Golden Nugget Hotel
129 E. Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV, USA 89101
Phone: (702) 385-7111

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour and our driver will be waiting for you at the airport, with a Discovery Adventures Sign with your name on it.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Finishing Point Hotel

Clarion Hotel and Suites Emerald Spring
325 E. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89169, USA
Phone: (702) 732-9100

Finishing Point Instructions

From the hotel you can get to the airport via taxi (please ask the front desk to call).

What to Take

We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 5-10 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Medium size soft suitcases, rolling bag or backpack are recommended (no XXL ones please!). You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. It can be very warm in the summer, but nights can still be cool, so layering is suggested. We also recommend a raincoat or water resistant jacket and a comfortable pair of hiking shoes.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. Gap Adventures/Windigo Local Office – Montreal, Canada: Emergency Mobile: 514-948-4145.

You may also get a voice mail with another number to contact - have a pen ready.

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467

Checklist

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• USD cash and travelers cheques
• Credit or debit cards (see personal spending money)
• Discovery Adventures vouchers and trip details
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera and memory cards/film and rechargeable batteries
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks/bags
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• 4 shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
• Sport sandals
• Sunblock
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Spending Money

Every traveler is different, therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while some may like to purchase more souvenirs. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances and Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in specific banks. Check with your bank. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Euros and Pounds are relatively easy to exchange only in larger city centers. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

The currency in the United States is the USD, while banks and currency exchange are available in Las Vegas and larger towns, they may not be available in more remote locations. We suggest you bring USD with you or exchange while in the city of Las Vegas.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in the USA to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 15%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $2-$4 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Discovery Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are approximate and subject to change at any time.

Although you wont have much time for optional activities, you could take the extra day in Grand Canyon to partake in these adventures: (if there is availability)
Helicopter flight: from $250 USD
Mule ride down the Canyon from $115 USD
Rafting from $115 USD

Las Vegas activities
As there are so many things to do in Las Vegas we suggest you check the Las Vegas tourist information web site to give you all the rates for all shows and features.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our tour leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please click here.

Detailed Trip Notes

Geography
Southwest Utah and the canyons are known as Color Country; this ranges from hot, relatively low areas around Cedar City to forested mountains 10,000 ft (3,050 mt)high, and is characterized by the many shades of color and forms of the exposed rocks. Here is found the world-famous Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, but there are many other variegated cliffs, canyons, domes and sand dunes that also deserve exploration.
The southeast of Utah is Canyon Country; the rocks also have a great variety of formations and colors, although they are more red in shade. The dominant features are large and small canyons, but there are many other erosional formations such as rock arches, as found in the Arches and Natural Bridges Parks. Most of the spectacular and unusual scenery is concentrated around the Green, San Juan and Colorado rivers and their tributaries, which have been steadily eroding the surrounding rock layers for millions of years. This area is part of the Colorado Plateau, a huge uplifted oval of land centered on the junction of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado which is locally known as the Four Corners region. The landscape has been altered more recently by the construction of Glen Canyon Dam across the Colorado River - this flooded a large area of desert, obliterating the scenic but little-known Glen Canyon and creating Lake Powell which has become one of the Southwest's major recreational attractions.

Climate
Usually hot and sunny during the summer months. It is difficult to plan activities around Death Valley and the Canyons at lunch time, as the heat is unbearable. We propose early morning visits and hikes and late afternoon activities.

Language
English spoken and written. This is the United States!

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage, as a minimum requirement. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered to equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Download the the medical questionnaire.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the law of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world, but it is not acceptable for our travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been shown to your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Keeping in Touch

If you need to be contacted while traveling, we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact information in this document. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.

Planeterra - The Gap Adventures Foundation

Planeterra is a non-profit organization with a long history of supporting sustainable community development through travel and voluntourism. By getting to know local people in the communities, Planeterra is able to help identify individual needs and act quickly to meet them. 

A range of over 30 projects worldwide, from providing water tanks to families in Kenya to a women's weaving co-operative in Peru, Planeterra offers travelers with a few hours, a few days, or a few dollars to spare, a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and communities around the world. Discovery Adventures supports the work of Planeterra and includes community project visits in many of our tours.