FAQ

If you wish to extend your stay after the trek finishes you will need to book a package excluding international flights. Due to the nature of the group bookings we make with airlines, it is not possible for us to change the return date of your international flight. We can arrange your airport transfers which you can book through your Earth’s Edge account.

When booking hotels, we always try to use locally run establishments in an effort to support the local economy. All rooms are clean and comfortable, but please be aware hotel standards are lower in the destinations we visit when compared to western countries. While camping you will be sleeping in two person tents. 70% of people booking with us sign up as solo travellers. We will pair you up with another solo travel of the same gender in a twin room and tent. If you are booking with a friend or partner you can request to share a room at the time of booking. It is generally possible to arrange a single room and tent on Earth’s Edge expeditions which you can book through your Earth’s Edge account.

In keeping with our responsible travel policy, we do not post anything to you. Limiting our printing and the posting of documents greatly reduces our carbon footprint. When you make a booking with us an account is created for you on our website. On your account you can download your information pack and if relevant information on travel vaccines and travel visas. 

Two months before departure we email you with your travel information which includes flight details (if you booked with international flights), meeting times and contact details for your expedition leader. Your expedition leader always carries the flight tickets and accommodation vouchers so you don’t need to worry about these.

You must be at least 18 years of age in order to take part in an Earth’s Edge expedition alone. However, 16 and 17 year olds can take part as long as they are accompanied on the expedition by a parent or guardian. There is no maximum age limit, however, all participants must receive doctors consent before taking part in our expeditions.

Small group sizes is a key element in what makes us different. Most of our expeditions have a maximum group size of 16. On some of our harder expeditions such as Elbrus and Aconcagua we reduce our maximum size to 12. For private groups the group size is flexible. Having smaller group sizes brings a lot of advantages including better guide to client ratios, reduced environmental impact and stronger team dynamics. 

Food plays a huge part in the success of our expeditions. A cook accompanies all expeditions to prepare nutritious, tasty food. All fresh produce is washed using clean water and all perishable items are kept cool. We provide balanced meals which keep participants energised throughout the expedition. We like to cook local seasonal dishes but we also cook western dishes. If you have any dietary restrictions we can accommodate them provided you inform us in advance of departure. You can declare your dietary restrictions on your medical declaration form which you will find on your Earth’s Edge account.

We will try our best to cater for those with dietary restrictions. If you have a dietary restriction, please declare your dietary restrictions on your medical declaration form which you will find on your Earth’s Edge account. We will organise for you to have a suitable meal on your flight where meals are supplied by the airline. It is not possible for us to source specialist gluten or dairy free products locally. We will endeavour to provide suitable alternative carbohydrates, for example, potatoes or rice rather than bread. If you want to have specialist food like gluten free bread and pasta or lactose free milk you will need to bring them with you on the expedition.

The following is a typical day on an Earth’s Edge expedition and most days on your route will follow this general format. However, every day is slightly different and the weather can have a huge influence too.

Wake up, sometimes at sunrise, to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. After a substantial breakfast, we pack up all the equipment and get ready to leave. After giving your main bag to the support team we get moving. You need only carry a small rucksack with a spare jacket, hat, sun cream, water bottle, packed lunch and camera. We move at a pace that suits the group and stop regularly for photo opportunities and rests. At around midday we break for lunch. After a healthy and energizing lunch, we start moving again and by mid-afternoon we will have reached our destination. Once settled in some play cards, explore the area and enjoy watching the sun disappear below the horizon. Meanwhile, the cooks will be busy preparing dinner using fresh seasonal local produce. After dinner, the Earth’s Edge expedition leader will brief you on tomorrow’s adventure. That night you can enjoy the company and stories of your guides and fellow adventurers. Then head to bed for a good night’s sleep to be ready to do it all again the next day!

Earth’s Edge is licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (TA0711), and bonded. When you book an expedition with us, you do so safe in the knowledge that your money is protected.

An experienced expedition leader accompanies all expeditions. Our leaders are highly skilled in expedition leadership. We also send an expedition doctor on all expeditions to look after all your medical needs. Our Earth's Edge expedition leaders and guides are highly experienced and very familiar with the expedition route, local history, cultures and customs of the region. For more information about our staff please visit our about us page.

A RAMS (Risk Analysis and Management System) is in place for all expeditions. The RAMS covers potential minor and major injuries, environmental risks, political risks and evacuation plans detailing the locations of local hospitals, emergency services and airports.

In the event of a sudden change of weather conditions, the Earth’s Edge expedition leader will assess the situation and make an informed decision on what to do. Participant safety is always the priority in the decision making process. Our itineraries are designed taking into consideration possible bad weather. Alternative routes and contingency plans are always in place in case of adverse weather conditions. We always aim to keep to the itinerary as much as possible but please remember that this is adventure travel and changes can occur!

On most expeditions, you only need to carry a small bag with the essentials such as a spare jacket, hat, water, packed lunch, camera etc. The bulk of your luggage will be carried in a separate duffle bag by our team of porters or mules.

Along with the Earth’s Edge expedition leader and doctor, each of our expeditions is supported by our Earth's Edge team of guides, cooks, drivers and muleteers/porters. We select our Earth's Edge team based on their qualifications, experience and references. Our expedition leaders and Earth's Edge team in each of our destinations are familiar with the locations of local medical services and hospitals. Where no mobile phone network is available, expeditions are accompanied by two-way radios and satellite phones. Our expedition leaders have 24/7 support from our team in Earth's Edge HQ in the case of an emergency.

In the event of someone falling ill or getting injured, the expedition doctor will assess and treat the sick or injured person. Often with some rest, participants can continue without a problem. If needed our support team will help the injured person to the next camp where an evacuation to a hospital can be arranged for more serious incidents. In the unlikely event of a serious incident which requires urgent hospital treatment, a helicopter evacuation can be requested from local authorities. The decision to evacuate is ultimately the expedition leaders. You must respect the decisions of your expedition leader at all times. Extra costs incurred as a result of an evacuation must be paid by the participant. Your personal travel insurance must cover such eventualities.

If you arrive at the destination and the airline has lost your luggage it is essential you report the missing bag with the ground staff at the airport. If you book a package with flights the expedition leader will assist you with this. If you booked your own international flights it is essential you contact us to get the correct address and contact details of where to send your bag once it arrives. Personal travel insurance should cover the purchase of any necessary clothes and equipment needed.

If a flight connection is missed because a previous flight was delayed, the airlines will offer an alternative flight and accommodation if necessary. If this disrupts any part of your expedition, Earth’s Edge will do our best to make alternative arrangements to get you back on schedule. Any extra costs incurred due to a missed connection will be covered by the airline or personal travel insurance. To read more about your flight rights and how to make a claim for a delayed flight please visit – https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm.

Yes each expedition has a slightly different recommended level of fitness and experience. On most of our treks a good level of fitness and strong determination is all that is required. On some of our harder expeditions, we recommend previous experience on mountain above 5,000 metres.

We have designed a level system from 1-10 to describe all our expeditions. For more information please visit our levels page.

The fitter you are the more they will enjoy your expedition. Each of our expeditions is given a specific level of difficulty which you should use as a guide on how fit you need to be. Our expedition information packs include information and advice on training. A combination of cardiovascular and strength training is ideal. You should aim to train at least four times per week in the six months leading up to your expedition. You should also go on at least two long hill walks per month prior to departure.

The equipment needed is slightly different for each destination and expedition type. When you sign up, a detailed gear list will be emailed to you. On expeditions where more expensive items are required, we will endeavour to recommend a suitable rental company.

Our prices are very inclusive and only a small amount of spending money is needed on Earth’s Edge expeditions. Most of our expeditions take place in remote areas where there are no shops for you to spend money in! A small budget for tips, shopping at the end of the expedition and items of a personal nature like phone calls is sufficient. You will find exact information on spending money in your information pack.

You should carry money on your person or in an internal pocket of your rucksack at all times.

Yes, it is compulsory for you to have personal travel insurance on an Earth’s Edge expedition. Policies must provide cover for; a) medical injury or sickness b) all activities listed on the expedition booked (c) helicopter evacuation in an emergency situation and d) repatriation to one’s country of residence. You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurers and ensure you receive written confirmation that any pre-existing medical conditions are fully insured. We advise you to obtain travel insurance as soon as you book, which will cover you for unforeseeable circumstances such as illness or injury that might result in you not being able to take part in your expedition. We recommend Trailfinders for your travel insurance requirements as their policies cover a, b, c & d as above and include cancellation cover. To obtain travel insurance with Trailfinders go to www.trailfinders.ie/insurance or call their travel insurance phone line +353 1 702 9102.

The required vaccinations will depend on the country you are visiting. If you have visited a ‘tropical region’ in the past you may have some of the required vaccinations already. With the help of the Travel Health Clinic, we have compiled some travel health advice for each of our expeditions. You will find this travel health advice on your Earth’s Edge account.

Yes, about two months before every expedition we hold a training weekend in Wicklow where you will all get to meet. 

Safety is paramount at Earth's Edge and as such we comply with the relevant Department of Foreign Affairs ('DFA') Travel Advisories for all of our expeditions. When joining an expedition with Earth's Edge, it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the relevant travel and public health requirements as it relates to Covid-19. This may include, but is not limited to, being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or obtaining a negative RT-PCR test prior to departure. Anyone considering travelling abroad should be aware that restrictions are subject to change at short notice.