7 Amazing Lodge-based Adventures

We get it. Not everyone loves sleeping on the ground, in a tent under the stars. And that’s fine, because not every great adventure involves sleeping outside. If you’re not big on camping, but love being outside, these seven lodge-based trips will take you to some of the most amazing destinations in the world in comfort.

Lodge-based Trips for Adventurous Folks Who Love Being Outside, Not Sleeping Outside

1) Patagonia Hiker

On this lodge-based trip in breathtaking Southern Patagonia, start the legendary W Trek at a unique lodge-like basecamp and cozy up in your own geodesic domes, complete with luxurious beds and views of one of the most iconic mountainscapes in the world. After days of rigorous hiking through Torres Del Paine and nights in cozy refugios, return to the comforts of the basecamp for more exploring, including a trip to the constantly calving Grey Glacier.

2) Mystical Peru Lodge Trek

Leave those grueling days of backpacking behind. Experience Peru’s real outdoors on a challenging but comfortable hiking trip along the “Salkantay Inca Trail,” the road less traveled to Machu Picchu, and through the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. Each day of trekking ends in a beautiful lodge with hot showers, gourmet food, and even outdoor Jacuzzis to soothe those feet in some cases.

3) Costa Rica: Pura Vida

Raft the world-class Pacuare River, see incredible wildlife while exploring the rainforest canopy, swim at the base of a waterfall and experience the annual turtle nesting at Tortuguero National Park. And at the end of each day of adventure, relax in simple luxury. The Mawamba Lodge and Rios Tropicales Lodge, two of Central America’s highest rated eco-lodges, become your home base on this week-long Costa Rican adventure.

4) Croatia & Montenegro Multisport

This under-the-radar destination features the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic coast, perfect for exploring via sea kayak, and the vast medieval history of Dubrovnik, a World Heritage Site. Guests on this lodge-based trip reside in quaint private guest houses in Dubrovnik and the historic village on Lopud Island. For the rafting portion of the trip, cozy mountain cabins are reserved along Montenegro’s Tara River.

5) Bear Camp at Chilko Lake

This one-of-a-kind multi-sport adventure takes guests to a safari-style “camp” in the remote wilderness of British Columbia. The lodge offers deluxe elevated platform tents with a unique network of raised boardwalks that create the perfect vantage point for watching the local wildlife. Kayak the lake’s turquoise waters directly from the resort, learn to fly fish, or raft the nearby Chilko River by day. In the evenings, enjoy world-class food and wine, and cozy up next to the fireplace for some off-the-grid rest and relaxation.

6) Yosemite Hiker

Choose from one of four guided hiking and rafting adventures in Yosemite National Park, including hard-to-secure Yosemite lodging. The “Greatest Hits” itinerary kicks off with a day of rafting on the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River, which offers some of the most exciting Class III-IV California whitewater. From there, spend several days marveling at unbelievable views of the world’s most famous granite landscape and hiking some of the region’s best trails, including a bid for a High Sierra peak like Half Dome or Mt. Hoffmann. At night, bed down at quaint nearby hotels like Yosemite View Lodge or the charming Hotel Charlotte.

7) Galápagos Origin of Species

The Galápagos is a bucket list adventure destination, and there’s no better way to traverse the islands than a luxury water-based lodge (a.k.a. the Integrity liveaboard). Before boarding the 16-person private yacht, guests on both the Eastern and Western itineraries fly to Santa Cruz Island for a night in the stunning Royal Palm Lodge, where giant tortoises are just a bike ride away. Once aboard the Integrity, enjoy island hopping through the volcanic paradise with an on-board chef and a naturalist guide who will reveal the wonders of the archipelago.

An earlier version of this post first appeared in February 2013 and was last rewritten and republished January 2022.