AROUND THE WORLD · HIKING & TREKKING

The World’s 5 Best River Walks & Treks

5 tours  ·  from $73 a head

Good river walks & treks fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 5 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour - Bridal Veil Falls adds a quieter forest walk
Half-Day, Hiking & Trekking, Portland River Cruises, River Cruises, the USA River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour

1.Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,108 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $73Our pick

Ride from Portland in a small, air-conditioned van to Multnomah Falls and several Columbia Gorge waterfalls. Guides such as Ana, Carrie, James, Edwin, and Sarah share local history, while short hikes lead to Benson Bridge, Bridal Veil Falls, and Latourell Falls. Expect changing stops during road construction.

“Great way to spend half a day. Carrie is a great tour guide, informative and fun. I would definitely recommend this trip.”

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Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch - Starting at Kayak Kauai in Kapaʻa
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Lunch Experiences, River Cruises, River Kayaking and Canoeing, River Kayaking in the USA, the USA River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch

2.Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 783 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $155

Paddle a tandem kayak about 2.5 miles up Kauai’s Wailua River, then follow a state-certified guide through muddy forest trails to a waterfall. Guides such as Annie, Harrison, Lindsey, Anya, and Jay add local insight and humor. Lunch, snacks, safety gear, and walking sticks are included.

“Our tour guide Annie legit made this experience!! Her commentary and stoke was throughout the whole trip was hilarious! The kayaking was very enjoyable and the picture spots were on point. The hike to the waterfall was an adventure and so worth it! Highly recommend doing this experience.”

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From Khao Lak: Khao Sok Jungle Hike & River Tour - Reading the forest trail with a local guide
Hiking & Trekking, River Cruises, Thailand River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Khao Lak: Khao Sok Jungle Hike & River Tour

3.From Khao Lak: Khao Sok Jungle Hike & River Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 688 reviews · 8h 30m · from $95

Spend 8.5 hours traveling from Khao Lak to Khao Sok with a small group of up to 12. Hike rainforest trails with guides such as Ron, Mong, or Gay, cool off in a jungle stream, eat a generous Thai lunch, then ride a guided bamboo raft and stop for bamboo coffee.

“Ms Gay was an extremely lovely person to show us around the trails. She had a good eye for spotting animals and got the our group together very well. The day was very origized and the food we got very good.”

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Magical River Trek - Two hours at the multi-tiered waterfall
Hiking & Trekking, Malaysia River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Magical River Trek

4.Magical River Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 217 reviews · from $117

Chen leads this small-group rainforest trek from Kuala Lumpur, with a 6 a.m. pickup, Malaysian breakfast, river crossings, bamboo thickets, waterfall swimming, picnic lunch, showers, and a local Chinese dinner. Expect a moderate hike and a long, active day.

“The most amazing and memorable day! This tour will be a highlight of our trip in Malaysia. Chen is an excellent guide, his knowledge and care for the jungle was amazing! The waterfall was absolutely stunning after the hike. You do need to be Read more”

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La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing - River tubing through the Rincon de la Vieja region
Costa Rica River Cruises, Hiking & Trekking, River Cruises, River Tubing, River Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews

La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

5.La Leona Waterfall Hike and River Tubing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $90

Near Liberia, guides such as Ronnie, Brandy, Victor, and Diego lead you through river crossings, ladders, rock passages, and a rope-assisted cave swim before a lively tubing run. Plan on 4 to 5 hours, moderate fitness, wet clothes, and no included food.

“We had an amazing day at Le Loana. We did the hike into the waterfall itself followed by a tubing experience. Made for a long, amazing and well worth it day. Victor and Diego were our guides and did a great job of explaining what we were doing and the safety measures we need to be aware of. We will be back as well as recommend this to our family and friends as a must do!”

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