What we’re about
This is not a regular group. Please do not ask to join UNLESS you have hikes regularly with the Sonoma County Wanderers. This is a sub group of the Sonoma County Wanderers. You need to first be an active member of the Sonoma County Wanderers. Once you have an established hiking record (20+ hikes) with the Sonoma County Wanderers and are ready to hit the road and see distant parts of the world then you are ready to join this second group! This is a hiking and traveling group. Adventure and fitness are the name of the game!!
Most important fact to be aware of!!
There is limited availability on the trips. If you are serious about traveling out of Sonoma/Marin county with the group then you will need to have a STRONG presence on the moderate-strenuous and strenuous Sonoma County Wanderer hikes with the organizers...Leigh, Joseph or Yannick. We have found that Annabel and similar hikes will NOT prepare you for hiking outside of California. I will always put the hikers that have been recently hiking the long strenuous and moderate- strenuous hikes consistently on the list first. Those are the hikers that are going to be prepared for these trips. Another hiking habit to develop to prepare for these trips is to sign up for multiple day hikes in a row without a day break in between. The trips sound exciting and adventurous but they are not for everyone. If you truly enjoy the moderate 2-3.5 hour hikes the best and find yourself gravitating to those choices, then a SIGHTSEEING international trip is more suitable for you rather than a trekking trip.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Cyprus...a hikers delight! Moderate hiking-doable by all regular WanderersNeeds location
Itinerary:
Cyprus Zoom Meeting Itinerary.docx
Hiking in Cyprus is a truly captivating experience, offering a blend of diverse landscapes, rich history, and a mild climate that makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The island's varied terrain includes the majestic Troodos Mountains, where dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views create a hiker's paradise. Along the coast, trails like those on the Akamas Peninsula provide breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches adding to the charm.
Cyprus is steeped in history, and many trails wind through ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, and historic villages, allowing hikers to step back in time as they explore. The Kyrenia Mountains, for instance, are home to medieval castles and ancient settlements, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The island’s Mediterranean climate ensures that hiking is possible almost year-round, with mild winters and pleasant spring and autumn seasons. In the higher elevations of the Troodos Mountains, snow adds a magical touch to the winter landscape, while spring brings trails lined with vibrant wildflowers. Cyprus is also rich in biodiversity, and hikers may encounter a variety of plant and animal species, including the island’s unique mouflons, as well as numerous birds and reptiles.
One of the most appealing aspects of hiking in Cyprus is the tranquility. Many trails are peaceful and less crowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. The island's well-maintained network of trails, is,is clearly marked and provides informative insights into the surrounding areas.
Adding to the allure of hiking in Cyprus is the warmth and hospitality of the Cypriot people. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, Cyprus is a destination that promises an unforgettable hiking adventure.The 12 days will be appx $1700
The airfare will be about $1700 - Patagonia Lakes DistrictNeeds location
Itinerary:
Patagonia Lakes Districk Itinerary.docx****Wanderers that did the first trip will get first dibs on this trip. Then people that speak spanish and then....people that are willing to drive and are great drivers will get special preference!🤣
Unlike the dramatic glacial landscapes of El Calafate or the jagged granite spires of Torres del Paine, Argentina’s Lake District offers a gentler yet equally captivating version of Patagonia. Here, the scenery is shaped by lush temperate forests, sparkling alpine lakes, and rolling ridgelines rather than sheer rock walls and ice fields. The hiking is more varied and often more accessible, weaving through native woodlands, along lakeshores, and up to panoramic summits with fewer crowds but no shortage of natural beauty while still capturing the wildness of Patagonia.
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Patagonian Peaks & Lakes: A Journey from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes
This unforgettable hiking trip begins with a flight into San Carlos de Bariloche, the gateway to Argentina’s Lake District, where snow-capped peaks, deep blue lakes, and lenga forests set the stage for a classic Patagonian adventure.
From the airport, we head south to El Bolsón, a laid-back mountain town beneath the dramatic face of Piltriquitrón. Here, we warm up with moderate to strenuous hikes through the Andean foothills, with trails leading to natural wonders like Cascada Escondida, Cajón del Azul, and the high ridgelines of Cerro Piltriquitrón itself. This region is known for its accessible backcountry refugios and well-marked paths, as well as its vibrant artisan scene and organic food culture.
Next, we travel north to the Llao Llao Peninsula, a scenic area tucked within Nahuel Huapi National Park. While the trails here are gentler, the rewards are immense—panoramic viewpoints over Lake Nahuel Huapi, hidden lakes like Lago Escondido, and dense forests of coihue and arrayán trees. We’ll tackle trails like Cerro Llao Llao and the Sendero de los Arrayanes, with options to extend hikes to more remote lookouts.
From there, the journey continues along the iconic Ruta de los Siete Lagos, one of South America’s most scenic drives. This winding mountain road connects pristine lakes and rivers framed by snow-dusted peaks and forests, offering countless trailheads along the way.
We finish in San Martín de los Andes, a charming alpine town on the shores of Lake Lácar. From here, we set out on hikes into Lanín National Park, home to the towering, glaciated Volcán Lanín and a network of trails ranging from lakeside walks to demanding climbs. Treks such as the Sendero a Laguna Rosales or Mirador Bandurrias deliver stunning views and a sense of Patagonia’s wild vastness.
About Hiking in This Region
Patagonia’s Lake District is a hiker’s paradise. Trails here range from gentle lake circuits to rugged alpine climbs. Elevation gains can be significant on some hikes, especially those reaching panoramic viewpoints or high ridgelines, so good fitness and sturdy footwear are essential. Expect a mix of terrain: forest paths, rocky ascents, open meadows, and hanging bridges over glacial rivers. Weather can shift rapidly—even in summer—so layering and waterproof gear are key.
This trip is designed for those ready for moderate to strenuous hiking, with daily excursions typically ranging from 4 to 6 hours. Hikers should be prepared for altitude changes, uneven trails, and occasional stream crossings. The effort is well worth it: every step brings you deeper into Patagonia’s awe-inspiring beauty.
