HIKE INFO/FAQs
THE HIKES
How difficult are the hikes?
It depends on the hike. Our Volcano Boarding trip is generally accessible to all. Other treks such as San Cristobal are more suitable for the very fit. The difficulty level of the treks depends on fitness level, ability to cope with heat, previous hiking experience, etc. Please check out the specific hikes which interest you for more information on their difficulty.
What is included in the cost of the hike?
With QT, there are no hidden costs on any of our hikes. The list below covers what we provide.
What do I need to bring on my hike?
Please check out the hikes which interest you for specific details on what we recommend to bring.
What if I don't have all of my own equipment?
Quetzaltrekkers has a stockroom of donated gear which includes sleeping mats, sleeping bags, tents, tarps, backpacks, and boots, to supplement anything you may be missing. As all of our equipment is donated to us (and gets a lot of use), the quality of the equipment can vary greatly between items. Equipment rental is included in the cost of the trek, although we strongly encourage each client to use as much of their personal gear as possible.
Do I have to carry my own pack?
Yes, clients are required to carry their own packs. For most overnight hikes, packs weigh about 15 kilos (33 pounds) on average. On most overnight hikes, there is the possibility to rent a horse to carry your pack - the price varies per hike, and more information can be provided if you contact the Quetzaltrekkers office, by e-mail, phone, or in person. Of course, in the case of an emergency, guides can help to carry equipment.
Can I leave spare bags and/or valuables with you whilst I am on a hike?
Yes. Spare bags can be left in a locked room in our office while you are out on a trek.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Definitely! We’ve hosted vegetarians, vegans, lactose-intolerant clients, gluten-free clients, and other seed-eaters on our hikes, and we are well accustomed to accommodating a variety of dietary needs. Overall, we like to eat, and we love to share our enthusiasm for food!
Do the hikes still run if it is raining?
Our treks run rain or shine. We plan for the worst weather and hope for the best!
Are the volcanoes which we hike on active?
Some are, yes. San Cristóbal, Cerro Negro, and Telica are all active volcanoes. Accordingly, there is inherent risk in participating in activities near or on the volcanos.
Prior to participating on one of our hikes, we require clients to sign a medical terms & conditions agreement form to accept any and all responsibility for loss and financial costs of any and all emergency services provided.
In order to minimize the risk, Quetzaltrekkers pays close attention to all governmental warnings and adheres to any governmental recommendations or restrictions. This means that sometimes trips can be cancelled due to unexpected volcanic activity.
BOOKING
How far in advance do I need to reserve a space for a trek?
Your spot will be reserved once we receive payment. This usually must be before 6pm on the day prior to the trek leaving to allow our guides to prepare for the hike accordingly. For Sunset Telica, payment must be made before 12 noon on the day of the hike.
Can I book over the phone or online?
We can take note that you are interested, but as we only take payment in cash, your spot will not be guaranteed until we receive the payment in person.
Is it possible to book a customized trek or a trek on a different date to those listed on the calendar?
Quetzaltrekkers does its best to accommodate individual requests for particular hikes. In order to schedule a hike, Quetzaltrekkers must have guides available and the group must meet the minimum number required (or be willing to pay the difference). If this is the case, we are more than happy to schedule hikes by request. Each request is considered independently, and it is best to contact the Quetzaltrekkers office by e-mail, phone, or in person.
DISCOUNTS
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, but there must be at least 4 paying clients signed up before we can offer any discount.
Those who qualify to receive a discount are:
How difficult are the hikes?
It depends on the hike. Our Volcano Boarding trip is generally accessible to all. Other treks such as San Cristobal are more suitable for the very fit. The difficulty level of the treks depends on fitness level, ability to cope with heat, previous hiking experience, etc. Please check out the specific hikes which interest you for more information on their difficulty.
What is included in the cost of the hike?
With QT, there are no hidden costs on any of our hikes. The list below covers what we provide.
- All transport, leaving from and returning to our main office in Leon.
- Trained guides
- Food & snacks
- Filtered water (we re-use water bottles to reduce waste)
- If Volcano Boarding, the necessary equipment (we also take photos of you!)
- Camping equipment on 2 and 3 day hikes (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Accommodation costs, if applicable.
- A free Quetzaltrekkers T-shirt after your hike
What do I need to bring on my hike?
Please check out the hikes which interest you for specific details on what we recommend to bring.
What if I don't have all of my own equipment?
Quetzaltrekkers has a stockroom of donated gear which includes sleeping mats, sleeping bags, tents, tarps, backpacks, and boots, to supplement anything you may be missing. As all of our equipment is donated to us (and gets a lot of use), the quality of the equipment can vary greatly between items. Equipment rental is included in the cost of the trek, although we strongly encourage each client to use as much of their personal gear as possible.
Do I have to carry my own pack?
Yes, clients are required to carry their own packs. For most overnight hikes, packs weigh about 15 kilos (33 pounds) on average. On most overnight hikes, there is the possibility to rent a horse to carry your pack - the price varies per hike, and more information can be provided if you contact the Quetzaltrekkers office, by e-mail, phone, or in person. Of course, in the case of an emergency, guides can help to carry equipment.
Can I leave spare bags and/or valuables with you whilst I am on a hike?
Yes. Spare bags can be left in a locked room in our office while you are out on a trek.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Definitely! We’ve hosted vegetarians, vegans, lactose-intolerant clients, gluten-free clients, and other seed-eaters on our hikes, and we are well accustomed to accommodating a variety of dietary needs. Overall, we like to eat, and we love to share our enthusiasm for food!
Do the hikes still run if it is raining?
Our treks run rain or shine. We plan for the worst weather and hope for the best!
Are the volcanoes which we hike on active?
Some are, yes. San Cristóbal, Cerro Negro, and Telica are all active volcanoes. Accordingly, there is inherent risk in participating in activities near or on the volcanos.
Prior to participating on one of our hikes, we require clients to sign a medical terms & conditions agreement form to accept any and all responsibility for loss and financial costs of any and all emergency services provided.
In order to minimize the risk, Quetzaltrekkers pays close attention to all governmental warnings and adheres to any governmental recommendations or restrictions. This means that sometimes trips can be cancelled due to unexpected volcanic activity.
BOOKING
How far in advance do I need to reserve a space for a trek?
Your spot will be reserved once we receive payment. This usually must be before 6pm on the day prior to the trek leaving to allow our guides to prepare for the hike accordingly. For Sunset Telica, payment must be made before 12 noon on the day of the hike.
Can I book over the phone or online?
We can take note that you are interested, but as we only take payment in cash, your spot will not be guaranteed until we receive the payment in person.
Is it possible to book a customized trek or a trek on a different date to those listed on the calendar?
Quetzaltrekkers does its best to accommodate individual requests for particular hikes. In order to schedule a hike, Quetzaltrekkers must have guides available and the group must meet the minimum number required (or be willing to pay the difference). If this is the case, we are more than happy to schedule hikes by request. Each request is considered independently, and it is best to contact the Quetzaltrekkers office by e-mail, phone, or in person.
DISCOUNTS
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, but there must be at least 4 paying clients signed up before we can offer any discount.
Those who qualify to receive a discount are:
- Clients who have hiked with us in the past month
- Volunteers working in León for at least 3 months
- Nicaraguans
