On an Intrepid Suntrek tour, you'll share experiences with a small group of up to 13 international travelers and stay overnight (camping or lodging) next to scenic spots like the Grand Canyon, ghost towns, Indian reservations and many other wonderful locations. We travel in specially customized maxi-vans, equipped with all the necessary gear - all you have to take along is spending money, personal belongings and a sense of adventure and humor!

If you're looking for other information, use the links below to jump to a category or simply scroll down this page.

Your experience

All tours offer terrific value for independent minded, "young at heart" travelers, looking to head off the beaten track. Intrepid Suntrek tours open up a diverse landscape - whether on the highway, or a dirt road, you'll see every sight worth seeing! You'll cross burning deserts and towering mountain ranges, follow the footsteps of ancient civilizations and visit isolated towns. You'll discover amazing stone formations and carved rock canyons, visit famous national parks and lush rainforests, and seek out wilderness, wildlife and other cultures. Above all, you'll be able to get involved in activities that will help make your trip the adventure of a lifetime.

Trip Styles

Our travel styles share a common philosophy of getting out there and experiencing the real world, and yet are quite different from each other.

Overland

Big adventures through big landscapes; whether it's a road trip along world famous highways or an off the beaten track adventure along rugged roads, on an Overland adventure you'll experience the sights, sounds and smells of the world up close. Travelling in purpose built vehicles you'll explore bustling cities or isolated communities, search for wildlife, visit vast national parks, see changing landscapes and camp in tents. On an Overland journey you're more than just a passenger, you're part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food and even cook. And, like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out! Find trips in this style here. Read more...

Basix

The best value adventures on the planet! On a Basix trip, you can expect some amazing experiences, but none of the inclusions or 'extras' that you may not want. Which means simple and often multishare accommodation and a lot of local transport. These trips are ideal for first time travellers seeking fun and independence with the security of a group leader at hand and for backpackers wanting minimum hassle and maximum flexibility at the lowest possible price. Find trips in this style here. Read more...

Original

This is how it all started; the trips that made us one of the world's leading operators of small group adventures. And they're still as popular as ever! Original trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities, and even the accommodation and transport we use. From homestays to market trips to visits to community projects, there's a new experience every day, with many activities included. Find trips in this style here. Read more...

Active

Thrilling adventures is the simplest way to describe these trips. As you'd expect, activity is the key. Though we're talking cycling, kayaking and walking rather than rock climbing or paragliding - we'll leave the extreme sports to the experts! Active trips offer real life experiences, combining a challenging day's hike, say, with a night's stay in a hilltribe village. You don't need to be super fit for all Active trips, but they're ideal if you want a physical challenge along with plenty of cultural interaction. Find trips in this style here. Read more...

Family

A long way from the typical 'child friendly holiday', Family adventures give your kids a chance to discover the world as you do. And the best thing is there's just as much for parents to enjoy too. NOTE: this is not a baby sitting service; far from it, these trips are an opportunity to spend time together in a truly stimulating way. And with the security of an experienced team leader on hand, you don't need to be well travelled - just ready for adventure! Find trips in this style here. Read more...

Guaranteed departures

Because of our small group sizes, we're able to guarantee departures for almost all of our trips. Unlike other operators, we generally run trips on a 'maximum number' basis, not a minimum. So unless minimum numbers are specified, once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is on!

Your leader

Each tour is accompanied by a trained leader/driver who will also arrange optional activities such as hikes, trail rides, scenic flights, river rafting, etc. Our itineraries offer plenty of freedom and flexibility so the level of adventure is up to you!

Your group

We think the smaller the group, the better the experience. That's why we limit the numbers on every Intrepid Suntrek trip. Traveling in such a small group is a bit like traveling with a group of friends -you just haven't met them yet. It also means you get to experience more of the local culture, something that's not always possible in a larger group or by yourself.

Your itinerary

We've allowed plenty of room for freedom and flexibility into our trips. Our trips include the most important sightseeing points and highlights, but there is always room for a choice of activities and other sites along the way. This means that everybody really does have a say in what we do, which makes our way of traveling so interesting. With just the right amount of planning and organization, we can avoid the kind of surprises that you might encounter if you traveled on your own. Our itineraries have been carefully researched and planned by Intrepid Suntrek's team of knowledgeable and experienced travel professionals.

What's included?

• Welcome meeting and briefing
• All van rides mentioned in the travel program
• Campsite fees
• Services of a trained leader
• Use of top quality camping and cooking gear (on camping tours)
• Admission to national parks and monuments, including slide and film shows in the visitor centers
• Entrance to archeological sites, ruins and ghost towns (where applicable)
• Selected activities, boat tours, ferry rides and train rides
• Selected meals as per itineraries
• Use of regional tourism information material
• Special Intrepid Suntrek discount rates for optional activities
• Company "back up" - behind the scenes
• Customer service line (toll free in the USA & Canada) 1-800-SUNTREK

Your meals

On camping tours the food costs are kept low by forming a "kitty" - each passenger contributes around US$50 per week. For specific details please see the Trip Notes. This goes towards breakfasts and mouth-watering evening meals, prepared, fresh each day at camp. Vegetarian meals are available too.

Your transport

Intrepid Suntrek operates a large fleet of specially equipped Ford E350 XLT vans in the USA, Canada and on some trips in Mexico. Each van is specially modified, enabling them to meet the specific demands of this type of travel. They are regularly serviced in our own maintenance facility and continuously checked and serviced by a well established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. All luggage and equipment is carried on our custom-built roof racks or in trailers. Van models in Central and South America include Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Coaster/ Carrier or similar or smaller vehicles such as minivans and cars. On some tours we will also use ferries, trains, jeeps and overland coaches.

Responsible Travel

Wherever we go we travel with a responsible approach. That means traveling in a way that respects and benefits the local people, their culture and the environment.

Traveling with Intrepid Suntrek you will discover the beauty of nature, visit awesome national parks and see many natural wonders. When we visit these places we are careful to "leave no trace" attitude. When we trek we follow marked trails and on our camping tours we:

• Stay in tents instead of energy-consuming hotel rooms
• Camp in designated areas, not disturbing nature reserves
• Conserve water
• Recycling
• Minimize trash
• Use biodegradable cleaning products

Find out more about responsible travel here.