AROUND THE WORLD · HIKING & TREKKING

The World’s 15 Best River Walks & Treks

30 tours  ·  from $11 a head

Good river walks & treks fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 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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Rubicon Valley Horse Treks - 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek - Chris sets the tone for a calm, personal ride
2-Hour Experiences, Hiking & Trekking, Horses, New Zealand River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Rubicon Valley Horse Treks – 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek

5.Rubicon Valley Horse Treks – 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · from $91

Ride for two hours through Rubicon Valley near Springfield with Chris, heading from a high-country sheep farm to the Otarama lookout. You’ll see the snow-fed Waimakariri Canyon, Torlesse Basin, and Southern Alps, with horses suited to beginners and optional faster riding for confident riders.

“We had an amazing time. For beginners and more experienced riders. Lots of beautiful views and Chris is an amazing guide. Thanks!!”

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Bagni di Lucca: River Trekking In The Cocciglia Canyon - Two hours of swimming, scrambling, and sliding
Hiking & Trekking, Italy River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Bagni di Lucca: River Trekking In The Cocciglia Canyon

6.Bagni di Lucca: River Trekking In The Cocciglia Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 159 reviews · from $67

You’ll ride 15 minutes from Bagni di Lucca to Scesta, then spend about two hours walking, swimming, climbing, sliding, and jumping through the Lima River canyon. Guides including Pietro, Marco, Paola, Federico, and Gaia lead the route, with equipment and shuttle transport included.

“Perfect organized canyoning tour with many highlights. Jumps, slides, climbing. Pietro and Paola are great guides and help in every situation. Everything was well prepared. Neoprene suits, boots, helmets, life jackets, everything included.One of our best experiences. A wonderful experience for me and my two boys.”

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Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Adventure Trek with Lunch - Meeting at Banana Garden and Getting Set Up
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Lunch Experiences, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Adventure Trek with Lunch

7.Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Adventure Trek with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 106 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $112

Join Panos or Alkis for a 4.5-hour small-group trek through Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Swim to a cold waterfall, walk through clear river pools, spot frogs and dragonflies, then enjoy Cretan tapas and a beer at Banana Garden.

“This was a great way to explore the countryside of Crete off the beaten path and really get away from some of the busy spots on the island. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and gave us a memorable day.”

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Mauritius: Black River Gorges National Park 3-Hour Hike - Meeting at Riverview Commercial Centre
3-Hour Experiences, Hiking & Trekking, National Parks, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Mauritius: Black River Gorges National Park 3-Hour Hike

8.Mauritius: Black River Gorges National Park 3-Hour Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 100 reviews · 3 hours · from $64

Walk for three hours through Mauritius’s primary forest with a small group of up to 10. Guides such as Rowin, Jeremy, Henri, and Eliza explain local plants, wildlife, and island history, with viewpoints, steep sections, and a river swim at the end.

“La nostra guida di oggi si chiama Jeremy ed è stato molto attento alle necessità del gruppo, seguendo il ritmo del più lento. Durante il percorso, la guida si soffermava su diverse curiosità che hanno arricchito l'esperienza. Abbiamo avuto la fortuna di avvistare delle scimmie, che hanno attraversato il nostro sentiero. Indubbiamente da inserire tra le attività della permanenza a Mauritius.”

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Kourtaliotiko Gorge River Trek with Lunch! Pick-up Avaliable - Two hours of river walking, pools, and rocks
Hiking & Trekking, Lunch Experiences, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Kourtaliotiko Gorge River Trek with Lunch! Pick-up Avaliable

9.Kourtaliotiko Gorge River Trek with Lunch! Pick-up Avaliable

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 5 hours · from $112

Follow an English-speaking guide through Kourtaliotiko Gorge for about five hours, swimming to its great waterfall and walking through river pools and plane-tree forest. Neoprene suits, helmets, poles, phone cases, transport, and a light lunch at Banana Garden are included. Bring sturdy shoes and dry clothes.

“It was truly an awesome experience from the very start to the end. The guide was well organised and helped walking through more challenging spots in the river. Also told a lot about Crete and the place where we were walking. The views were breathtaking. At the end we had lunch at banana garden where we also got a chance to walk around with the garden owner and see lots of plants/trees. Thanks very much for such a great experience. It was well worth it!”

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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

10.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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One Day Wonder Hike - The Essence of the Danube Bend - The steep climb above Dömös
1-Day Tours, Budapest River Cruises, Danube River Cruises, Hiking & Trekking, Hungary River Cruises, Tour Reviews

One Day Wonder Hike – The Essence of the Danube Bend

11.One Day Wonder Hike – The Essence of the Danube Bend

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 85 reviews · 8 hours · from $170

Leave Budapest by air-conditioned van for a guided 18 to 21 km hike near Dömös. Climb the Vadálló Stones ridge and Prédikálószék, then descend through forest to the ladder-equipped Rám Gorge. Guides including Attila, Gyuri, and András lead in English and adjust the pace when conditions allow.

“I had an amazing day hiking with Gyuri! So wonderful to experience a different part of Hungary. The scenery (although a cloudy day) was still spectacular. So glad I got out of the city to experience this. Thanks to Gyuri too for all the extras that made the experience even more memorable!”

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Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw: River Cruise, Hike & Waterfall - The 8:30 to 9:00 pickup from Luang Prabang
Hiking & Trekking, River Cruises, River Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews

Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw: River Cruise, Hike & Waterfall

12.Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw: River Cruise, Hike & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 53 reviews · 1 day · from $55

Travel from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw by van and private boat, with lunch on board, a village stop, and a waterfall hike. Guide Nouan has earned praise for clear commentary and careful service. Expect mountain scenery, rough roads, and a full day outdoors.

“The hike to the waterfall was beautiful but was a little more challenging than expected. You had to climb over some wooden gates along the path and walk up the slippery rocks in the waterfall to get to the pool. it isn't just a simple path so I think people should know that before they go. The good was really good and the timing was good throughout the day. We liked our guide.”

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Motta Camastra: Alcantara Gorges Body Rafting and River Trek - Reaching Cascata di Venere
Hiking & Trekking, Italy River Cruises, River Cruises, River Rafting, River Rafting in Italy, Tour Reviews

Motta Camastra: Alcantara Gorges Body Rafting and River Trek

13.Motta Camastra: Alcantara Gorges Body Rafting and River Trek

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 51 reviews · 2 hours · from $71

Follow a certified guide through the basalt-walled Alcantara Gorge, climbing the river by foot past rapids and the Cascata di Venere. Then float and paddle back by body raft. The two-hour trip includes a wetsuit, shoes, helmet, buoyancy vest, parking, and free storage.

“The guide was very friendly and patient. Very cool experience!”

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River Trekking at Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfalls to Preveli Beach - The Trail From the Gorge to Preveli Beach
Hiking & Trekking, River Cruises, River Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews

River Trekking at Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfalls to Preveli Beach

14.River Trekking at Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfalls to Preveli Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $156

Join George or Giorgos for a private half-day trek through Kourtaliotiko Gorge. You will swim beneath a waterfall, walk through the Megalopotamos River, then follow a mountain path to Preveli’s palm-lined beach. Expect cold water, uneven rocks, a safety briefing, lunch, and a moderate physical challenge.

“Hiking the Kourtaliotis Gorge was a top highlight for our family’s 3-week vacation throughout Europe. The trek through the river for the first half of our trek was beautiful and refreshing and we opted to hike the bottom half on the hiking trail that provided a whole different perspective as we looked downward to the Libyan Sea before completing the trek. Our guide, George, provided a perfect pace and lots of insight into what we were seeing along the way, and he adapted the trek to our input and abilities. We would highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for a little extra adventure while in Crete!”

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Banff: Bow River E-Bike Tour and Sundance Canyon Hike - Starting in Banff with a ten-minute safety briefing
Canada River Cruises, Cycling Tours, E-Bikes, Hiking & Trekking, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Banff: Bow River E-Bike Tour and Sundance Canyon Hike

15.Banff: Bow River E-Bike Tour and Sundance Canyon Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 36 reviews · 3 hours · from $114

Ride an easy-paced e-bike route from central Banff to Cave and Basin and the Sundance Canyon trailhead, then hike 2 km beside rushing water. Your English-speaking guide handles bike instruction, route safety, and local stories. Small groups have no more than seven people.

“Dylan was amazing, very knowledgable and explained everything well. He was great company on the hike always chatting, very friendly company to deal with would definitely recommend! Thank you!”

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New in Hiking & Trekking

★ 5.0Hiking in Conimbriga and Mouros River ValleyFrom $10211 reviews
★ 5.0Budapest Hike to Visegrád Castle w or wo Sauna/Danube beachFrom $16811 reviews
★ 5.0River Trekking Gole AlcantaraFrom $3911 reviews
★ 4.4Motta Camastra: River Trekking Tour in the Alcantara GorgesFrom $7115 reviews
★ 4.6Khao Lak’s Little Amazon: Canoe, Trek & Waterfall Day TripFrom $10116 reviews
★ 4.6Guided Hike and Kayak or SUP River Tour w/ TransferFrom $9015 reviews
★ 5.0Andros: Achla River Trekking to the WaterfallFrom $7311 reviews
★ 4.2Cochem, Moselle: Wine experience hike with boat tripFrom $10413 reviews
★ 5.0Adrenaline River Trekking in Brembana ValleyFrom $6513 reviews

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