Hiking with an Open Heart
Five Mindful Trails That Will Touch Your Soul
Quote of the Week
I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.
- Henry David Thoreau
Dear Postcard Travellers,
Hiking is the most profound way to connect with nature. Feel leaves crunching beneath your feet, inhale the sweet fragrance of fresh grass in the sunshine and listen to the whispers of the wind. Each step is a salve for the soul.
Hiking is pure and uncomplicated. All you need are comfy shoes and a heart ready for adventure. It’s a powerful way to unplug from the stresses of daily life.
Whether it’s a short jungle hike, a coastal walk or a mountain trek, we’ve curated our favourite hikes offered by some of our cherished global partners— from Nepal, Costa Rica and Zanzibar to Patagonia and Peru.
So lace up your boots and let’s head out into the wilderness with open eyes and an open heart.
K. Hastings
Editor-in-Chief, Postcard Travel Club
Discover Pristine Patagonia on the La Pampa Hike
Nestled within Torres del Paine National Park, Explora Torres del Paine offers unparalleled access to the region’s stunning hiking trails.
On the La Pampa hike, you’ll take an unforgettable journey through Patagonia's pristine landscapes. Traverse rugged mountains, wind-scoured grasslands and serene valleys, each step revealing the region's raw beauty.
Hear the breeze rustling through coirón grass; admire vibrant wildflowers; and look for guanacos, pumas, caranchyos and condors in their natural habitat. The towering peaks of the Paine range, including the majestic Cerro Obelisco, provide a breathtaking backdrop.
This hike not only immerses you in nature but also connects you with Patagonia's rich history, from ancient geological formations to the legacy of early explorers.
Stay at Explora Torres del Paine
Where? Torres del Paine National Park, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile
Explore Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast on the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge Jungle Hike
Cayuga Collection’s Hotel Aguas Claras is the gateway to the Gandoca-Manzanillo Jungle Hike, a 4.5-hour journey through the lush wilderness on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Your private nature guide will lead you through tropical rainforests and along wild beaches lined with vibrant coral reefs. Look for toucans and motmots. Feel the salt-laced breeze. Spot manatees, crocodiles, pacas and tapirs, and capture breathtaking photos.
This hike showcases endangered species and diverse habitats, offering a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Stay at Hotel Aguas Claras
Where? Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Spot Birds on a Hike in Chitwan National Park
Rise early to experience the Chitwan National Park nature walk, a rewarding journey through Nepal’s rich landscapes. Feel the morning dew underfoot, hear the calls of exotic birds like the red-breasted parakeet and tufted duck, and spot other jungle creatures.
Expert guides will point out the diverse animal and plant life, including some of the more than 500 species of birds found here. The park is also home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinos, as well as sambar, muntjac, chital, rhesus hanuman monkeys and more.
Visit viewing towers overlooking wetlands and grasslands, and bring your binoculars for close-up views. This guided walk offers a unique glimpse into nature’s wonders.
Stay at Sanctuary Resort
Where? Amaltari, Gaidakot, Nepal
Enjoy a Forest or Intertidal Walk on Chumbe Island
Discover Chumbe Island’s dense coral rag forest on a trail that circles its southern reaches. Venture alone or join a one-hour guided walk. Learn about the island’s unique geology, plant adaptations and hidden fauna.
Wander down a footpath into an intertidal pool, shaded by huge baobab trees, where the tides reveal rock crabs and ancient fossilized corals. Feel the serene immersion in a forest with around 180 plant species, and keep your eyes peeled for birds, hermit crabs, skinks and yellow-headed dwarf geckos. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Aders duiker.
During spring low tides, you can also explore Chumbe Island's intertidal walks, where you’ll see rocky pools, seagrass meadows and pristine beaches.
Stay at Chumbe Island
Where? Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Hike an Ancient Inca Trail at Hacienda Urubamba
The Chinchero-Urquillos hike is a must-do when staying at Inkaterra’s Hacienda Urubamba.
After a scenic drive to the vibrant Chinchero community, known as the ‘Rainbow City’, you’ll embark on an eight-kilometre downhill trek along an ancient Inca trail.
The well-preserved stone pathways immediately immerse you in history and natural beauty. As you descend, enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley, accompanied by the songs of Andean birds.
Your knowledgeable Inkaterra guide will highlight plants with medicinal properties and point out archaeological sites. The landscape transitions from dense forest to open fields, offering endless photographic opportunities.
This hike is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history and cultural insight.
Stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Where? Urubamba, Peru
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