Our Story
At MT Sobek, we believe life is an adventure and adventure is life.
As the originators, innovators and leaders in adventure travel for more than five decades, we passionately create, craft and share indelible, transformative journeys to the world's most memorable places. Our more than 200 unique and once-in-a-lifetime trips are designed to inspire and exhilarate, enliven and excite—opening eyes and minds through profoundly personal connections with nature and culture.
Our small group and custom adventures span the globe and the spectrum—of interests, environments, and activities—every one expertly planned and knowledgeably and passionately guided. And our commitment to making every experience a remarkable one has earned us preferred travel outfitter status for National Geographic Active Expeditions, Active New York Times Journeys, and Smithsonian Active Journeys.
We are the adventure company.
Our Heritage
In 1969, three intrepid mountaineer-explorers, Leo Le Bon, Allen Steck, and Barry Bishop, came up with a then-radical idea: to create a company called Mountain Travel out of their incurable wanderlust for global adventure and their passion for sharing backcountry wilderness experiences with others. Around the same time Richard Bangs and John Yost were rafting first descents of rivers across the globe, and created Sobek Expeditions in 1973. Their collective love for hiking and rafting adventures became a highly acclaimed business venture that still lives strong today.
Our Guides
Our expert guides and trip leaders are passionate about the lands they explore. You can feel it the moment you meet them. Some are locals who live in country year-round; others have made it their second home. All are true adventurers at heart—friendly, enthusiastic and endlessly knowledgeable. Meet a few of the guides that might be on your trip.
- Cruising
- Cultural
- Family Adventure
- Hiking and Trekking
- Rafting and Kayaking
- Wellness
- Wildlife and Safari
- Women’s Adventure
Our Team
Collectively we have lived, worked, trekked, rafted, climbed, kayaked, and cycled on every continent. We've led groups, scouted routes, crafted itineraries, and built relationships in every destination all to ensure you have the perfect experience on every MT Sobek trip. Quite simply, we live for adventure travel.
- Leadership
- Program Directors
- Regional Specialists
- Adventure Coordinators
Preferred Outfitter
The World In Context
Designed for the most discerning traveler, our joint trips promise you will travel smarter, gain understanding and return inspired. A New York Times journalist or subject matter expert accompanies each tour, providing captivating insights and rich context. Through lectures, Q&A sessions and informal discussions, our experts will educate and inspire you throughout your Journey.
Preferred Outfitter
For seven years, we have created authentic immersive and active itineraries that offer travelers access to National Geographic-funded projects and follow in the footsteps of renowned explorers and adventurers. Each trip supports the National Geographic Society's researchers and explorers who work to preserve, protect, and advance our understanding of the planet and its people.*
*National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC, funded in part by your purchase. To learn more, visit www.natgeo.com/info.New Collaboration!
We are proud to be affiliated with the Smithsonian, an organization renowned for inspiring generations through learning and discovery for more than 170 years. Our newest collaboration features eleven history and culture-rich trips, from gentle hikes to more challenging treks.
As Featured In
We are very proud of the awards that we have been nominated for, the accolades that we have won and the press that we receive. Over 50 years our itineraries have been honored as "Tour of a Lifetime," "Trip of the Year," and "World's Best." Here are just a few of our top honors and media mentions.
Travel + Leisure World's Best Award 2011
Finalist – MT SobekAFAR's Traveler's Choice Award 2018
Finalist Best Tour Operator – MT SobekNational Geographic's 50 Tours of a Lifetime
Finalist – MT SobekOutside's Trip of the Year 2007
Finalist – MT Sobek's John Muir TrailTravel Age West 2018 Wave Award
Finalist – MT SobekPure Unsung Hero Award for World's Best Guides
Finalist – MT Sobek's John Baston"World's most luxurious hiking trip"
MT Sobek's Tour du Mont Blanc"The evolution of experiential travel"
Richard Bangs, MT Sobek Co-Founder"The world's most romantic adventures"
MT Sobek's Julian Alps
Giving Back
At MT Sobek, we are not simply observers of the world’s unique cultures and delicate environments. We take an active role in their preservation, supporting worthy organizations that contribute to the betterment of societies around the world and protection of the wild and beautiful places we visit. Here are some of their stories.
Preserve Alaska
The Alaska Conservation Foundation works to ensure that Alaska's inspiring and extraordinary wilderness will retain their beauty and viability for generations to come. MT Sobek supports the ACF through corporate membership and through donations from our guests to Alaska Discovery's "Dollar-a-Day" program.
Save the Tiger
MT Sobek guide Brian Weirum has made saving tigers his life's mission, and a key component of that is our annual Save the Tiger trip, which Brian designed and has led every year for over two decades. A portion of the proceeds from every Save the Tiger trip goes to Brian's non-profit: The Fund for the Tiger. MT Sobek has raised over $300,000 to help support tiger conservation in India and Nepal.
Protect The Galapagos
MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.
FAQ
What are the dynamics of group travel and how much freedom will I have to do my own thing?
Traveling in small groups—generally 16 or fewer—gives you the benefit of close attention from experienced, world-class guides and the companionship of like-minded adventurers. Your entire journey has been carefully crafted to truly experience the best of an area. Often our trips have very full days! However, your guides have the flexibility to adjust during the day for an unplanned tea break with locals, stop for a unique bird or animal sighting, or other unexpected opportunities that make your trip the adventure of a lifetime.
What do your trips include?
Our small group travel includes expert guides with in-depth, boots-on-the-ground experience in their destination, and all accommodations, meals, sightseeing, ground transportation, and airport transfers as noted in the itinerary. Basic medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage is purchased on behalf of all clients. Optional trip protection is available by request for a nominal fee. Your adventure coordinator can help with suggestions for flight routes to and from your trip from our recommended provider.
What are my fellow travelers like?
MT Sobek guests come from all walks of life and all corners of the United States and the globe, from first-time travelers to seasoned adventurers. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a spouse, or with family, you’ll feel welcome. One thing all of our guests have in common: a love of being active in the outdoors! Often strangers meet on an MT Sobek trip and become life-long friends. Your travel companions include our team of enthusiastic, expert guides—park rangers, naturalists, conservationists, photographers, mountaineers, rafters, and intrepid explorers who truly love the chance to share their stories, experience, and intimate knowledge with our travelers.
How do I choose the right activity level for me?
All MT Sobek trips have an assigned activity level from 1-5. Level 1 trips are our most relaxed and often focus on wildlife and cultural experiences. Level 1-3 trips welcome families and new adventurers—you don’t have to be an expert kayaker or hiker. Our Level 4 and most challenging Level 5 trips tend to attract seasoned trekkers and paddlers, and previous experience is required. Please see the trip page for specifics on each trip’s activities, and be sure to contact our knowledgeable Regional Specialists for advice or to ask any questions to help select the trip with the activity you are looking for.
Can you accommodate special requests?
We strive to make your experience on our trips the best it can be. With advance notice, we can often accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or vegetarian meals or assist with arranging extra services before or after your trip. Please be aware that despite our best efforts, due to local customs or logistical constraints, we cannot guarantee that every trip will be able to accommodate your specific needs, dietary or otherwise. Please contact us to discuss your special request.
What do i need to know before my trip?
Once you’ve booked your trip, we will connect you with a dedicated Adventure Coordinator who will lead you through the entire pre-trip process, from confirming travel dates, providing info on visa requirements and suggestions for booking your air, or advice on getting in shape. From beginning to end, your Adventure Coordinator will be there to answer any of your questions.
If I am traveling alone, can you find me a roommate or will I have a private room?
We welcome solo travelers! If you are willing to share with a roommate, there is no single supplement charge for travel in 2019 on most of our trips. If you prefer the privacy of a single room, most trips offer a limited number of fully private single supplements for an additional fee. Contact us for details.
What if I have to reschedule or cancel my trip?
We know that things change and you may not be able to take your trip as scheduled. If you should need to make a change, reach out to your Adventure Coordinator for assistance rescheduling or canceling your trip. We make every effort to be accommodating, but please read the terms outlined here for full details. We highly recommend obtaining travel protection for this very reason.
Is my trip guaranteed to go?
We have over 100 confirmed departures for next year and are adding more all the time. We will let you know when your departure is guaranteed to go as far in advance as possible—at least 95 days prior to departure—so that you can arrange your flights. Please note that due to permit requirements, under-enrollment, or other factors outside our control, we sometimes need to cancel a departure. If this happens, your Adventure Coordinator will work with you to book an alternate departure or trip; or to refund your payments.
I am traveling with a large group. How do I book a trip?
If you are traveling with a large group, it may be possible to reserve an entire MT Sobek departure for only your friends or family. For smaller groups of 4-8 guests, we can often create an unforgettable adventure on an unlisted date of your choosing. For additional information or to get started planning, see our Custom Trips page here.
Do you offer custom trips? What are my options?
The sky’s the limit! We have connections with experienced, knowledgeable guides nearly everywhere in the world. If you’re looking for the custom trip of your dreams, we have crafted the perfect adventures for weddings, family reunions, executive retreats, and singular trip-of-a-lifetime experiences. Click here to see our Custom Trips page and get started making your dream trip a reality!
Do you work with travel professionals?
Yes! We welcome working with travel advisers. For information on working with MT Sobek, please see our travel professionals’ page. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our National Sales Manager Aimee Graham at aimee@mtsobek.com.
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