A New Stage Every Day
A trek consists of several hiking days that together form one continuous route. For example, you might start in a coastal town and hike to a village further inland that day. The following morning, you leave from this new location for the next stage. The distances vary from one hiking holiday to another. Some stages are relatively short, while other days are longer or involve more elevation gain and loss.
Your Luggage Travels with You
On most Canary-Hiking treks, you do not have to carry your main luggage with you throughout the day. When luggage transfer is included in the trip, your luggage is taken to the next accommodation. During the hike, you only carry a light daypack with things such as water, a jacket, sun protection and other items you need along the way. This allows you to focus fully on the hike.
Independently or as Part of a Group
A trek can be done in different ways. On an individual trek, you hike independently with your own travel companions. You decide when to set off, how fast you walk and when to take breaks. On a group hiking holiday, you hike together with other participants and a guide. At Canary-Hiking, we offer several hiking holidays where you travel independently from one stage to the next. Each trip clearly states how it is organised and what is included.
How Demanding Is a Trek?
The difficulty of a trek is not determined by the number of kilometres alone. Elevation gain and loss, the terrain and the number of consecutive hiking days also play an important role. For example, a 15-kilometre stage with a lot of climbing and descending can be more demanding than a longer hike over relatively flat terrain. That is why we provide information about the distance, elevation changes and hiking grade for our hiking holidays. This helps you get a better idea in advance of whether a trek is suitable for you.
Hiking with a Light Backpack
One of the main advantages of a trek with luggage transfer is that you do not have to carry much with you during the day. Your main luggage is taken to the next accommodation. In your daypack, you only carry what you need during the hike. This makes it possible to walk longer distances without the additional weight of a fully packed trekking backpack.
Staying in Different Locations
During a trek, you usually stay in a different place each night. This allows you to see different villages, landscapes and parts of the island along the way. The accommodation is arranged in advance. Depending on the trip, you may stay in a small hotel, guesthouse or another local accommodation. The location varies from one stage to another. Sometimes you stay in the middle of a village, while on other days your accommodation may be in a quiet location outside the centre.
A Trek Requires a Little More Preparation
Because you hike for several days in a row, it is sensible to prepare your body for this. Regular walking and occasionally doing a longer hike can help you get used to the distances. If your trek involves significant elevation changes, it is also useful to include some hilly terrain in your preparation. You do not need to be a top athlete. The most important thing is that the distances and hiking grade match your fitness level. Good preparation for a multi-day hiking holiday will help you feel comfortable walking for several days in a row.
What is a Trek or Hiking Holiday?
The main difference is the way you travel. During a trek, you move to a new accommodation as you progress along the route. You are therefore travelling on foot for several days. On a hiking holiday based at one accommodation, you usually return to the same place after your hike. Both options have their own advantages. A trek is particularly interesting if you want to cross an island or explore a larger area on foot.
Our Practical Tip
When choosing a trek, do not only look at the total number of kilometres. Look especially at the individual stages, the elevation changes and the number of consecutive hiking days. This gives you a realistic idea of what to expect and helps you choose a trek that matches your hiking experience and fitness level.
