Hiking Types:

To enhance your experience, we plan our explorations into the rainforest with three distinct variables, each providing a different experience...  Each excursion may include elements of each variable or may be completed using one variable alone.

A naturalist hike will slowly and quietly move beneath the canopy actively searching flora and fauna such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, hardwoods, forest palms, vines, bryophytes, ferns, bromeliads, orchids, and other epiphytes. This type of hike generally consists of a short, brisk walk to reach an area of interest. Once there, the pace slows and there is more observation and learning than hiking.

All ages and fitness levels can enjoy this casual and invigorating hiking experience. We have plenty of books in our library so you can study up on your favorite plant and animal species, or discover new ones.

A destination hike is more of a cardiovascular workout and can be paced to meet the group's needs. This hike's main objective is to move toward the primary target, such as a waterfall, beach, or cave perhaps, while observing the jungle through a "wide angle lens".

The pace is brisk and distance longer. Short rests will be taken at areas of interest, such as poison dart frogs or blooming orchids. These hikes require a moderate level of physical fitness, and are not suited for children younger than 10.

Extreme hiking is for the cardiovascular workout enthusiast. The primary goal is to cover as much varied terrain as possible. Because of the long distance covered, topography and habitat changes are abrupt and frequent.

You might run down the beach as the trail slips in and out of the jungle, or scale an oceanfront rock face -- the only barrier between you and the next beach.

There will be many hills of steep grade and the terrain variable. When the hike is done you should be wet, dirty, and completely satiated. High fitness levels required, keeping in mind that the distance can be shortened.