The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Taiwan

Huānyíng! Welcome to Taiwan. Touch down in Taipei, then hop on the subway to make your own way to your centrally located hotel. Found in one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods, it's surrounded by street food stalls, quirky shops, and vibrant night markets. As this trip focuses mostly on Taiwan’s wild east coast, we highly recommend arriving a day or two early to adjust to the jet lag and soak up the capital’s unique blend of traditional temples, futuristic architecture, and buzzing local culture. Meet your local trip leader and the rest of your group in the late afternoon for a welcome briefing, where you’ll run through the itinerary and get the lowdown on what to expect over the next 10 days. Afterwards, your leader will suggest a nearby spot for a welcome dinner – an opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a tasty meal. Later in the evening, you are welcome to head out and explore further, or simply get some rest in preparation for the adventure ahead.

After an early breakfast, leave the bustle of Taipei behind to head for the lush, forested hills of northern Taiwan. Today’s hike follows a scenic section of the Pingxi Historic Trail, part of the Tamshui-Kavalan Cultural and Historic Trail Network, used since the Qing Dynasty to connect traders and travelers between what are now Taipei City and Yilan County. Expect lush forest, some uneven terrain, occasional stream crossings and some glimpses over Taiwan’s picturesque east coast as you soak in the quiet beauty of this lesser-known part of the country. The hike ends in the coastal town of Wai’ao, where you’ll have free time to grab a late lunch, relax at the beach, or kick back with a drink as you watch the local surfers (bring your swimsuit and a towel if you fancy a dip). Later in the afternoon, take a short transfer to Jiaoxi – a relaxed hot spring town known for its therapeutic waters and laid-back vibe. Check into your comfortable hotel, soak in the thermal waters if you like, then head to a much-loved local spot for a group dinner.

After another early breakfast, lace up your boots for one of Taiwan’s most iconic hikes – to the summit of Matcha Mountain. Officially called the Our Lady Hiking Trail, this scenic path winds past a Catholic sanctuary and up through lush forest to panoramic ridgelines that resemble soft-serve matcha ice cream (yes, it’s as photogenic as it sounds). The trail is steep in parts but well-marked, and the summit shrine offers incredible views over the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. Descend the mountain to hit the road for a scenic drive along Taiwan’s spectacular east coast. You'll arrive in Hualien by late afternoon, where you can check in and freshen up before opting to head out to the buzzing Dongdamen Night Market. It's the perfect spot for dinner if you fancy it – here, you can sample some of the best street food in Taiwan, such as dumplings, grilled skewers and other local treats.

After a couple of days on the hiking trails, today is all about slowing down and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of eastern Taiwan. Enjoy a leisurely morning, tucking into a relaxed breakfast before heading out for a peaceful paddleboarding session on Liyu Lake. Beneath lush mountains, this serene freshwater lake offers a much quieter and less touristy experience than the famed Sun Moon Lake, though Sundays do attract local families who gather for picnics and recreational activities on the lake. After paddling on the calm waters, head to a charming local spot for a laid-back lunch. Then, pedal around the lake on its easy cycling path for a casual 3-mile bike ride, pausing at scenic lookout points along the way. In the afternoon, return to Hualien, where you’ll have free time to roam, explore, and sample more of the best of Taiwanese street food, at your leisure.

Wake up early and embark on a scenic drive to Yushan National Park, home to the Walami Trail – a section of the Batongguan historic path that winds through lush tropical forests, along cliffside routes, and over thrilling suspension bridges. The trail begins high above the Nanan River, cutting through dense jungle and offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you hike, you’ll cross numerous bridges and navigate parts of the trail that are carved directly into the cliffs, adding a touch of adrenaline to your hike. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys in the trees and vibrant wildlife such as birds and butterflies. The hike also includes a visit to the hidden Bunan indigenous stone houses. After a scenic trail-side lunch, retrace your steps back to the trailhead. In the afternoon, head to Yuli and check into a cozy hot spring hotel where you can soak in natural thermal waters, perfect for relaxing your tired muscles. Dinner is included tonight – tuck into a steaming bowl of Japanese ramen, followed by a peaceful evening to unwind and socialize.

Start the day with a final (optional) soak in the hotel's hot springs before a short scenic drive to Chishang, a charming rural town nestled in the heart of Taiwan’s East Rift Valley. Famous for its emerald rice paddies and artistic, slow-living vibe, Chishang is a peaceful retreat after the last few active days on the trails. Upon arrival, hop on a bike for a leisurely guided ride through the flat countryside. You’ll cycle about 12-19 miles past the iconic Brown Boulevard and along quiet backroads, stopping for postcard-worthy views of rice fields framed by distant mountains. Midway through the ride, stop for a traditional lunch – simple, fresh, and full of local flavor – before looping back to return your bikes. From there, head to your accommodation and settle in. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy: relax at the guesthouse, or perhaps explore the town’s small coffee shops. This evening, join your guide for a hearty Amis indigenous dinner, sampling traditional dishes and ingredients unique to the region.

Pull out the shades – you’re off to Taiwan’s subtropical east coast. After breakfast, drive over the coastal mountain range to the iconic Sanxiantai Arch Bridge, the perfect photo stop. You’ll head further, crossing the bridge to explore one of Taiwan’s smaller offshore islands. Hike past surreal rock formations, tangled coastal plant life, and turquoise sea – it’s got a real Jurassic Park feel. Climb to a local lighthouse for sweeping views before continuing south along a scenic highway to Donghe. Grab a quick lunch of famous local steamed buns en route, then meet your local coach for an afternoon of water adventures. You’ll spend around three hours stand-up paddleboarding through a gorge, with the chance to swim and try a bit of rock jumping if you fancy. Afterwards, it’s on to Taitung – a laid-back coastal town with big skies and a creative spirit. After checking in, the evening is yours to relax, explore, or join your guide for a stroll around the pedestrian-friendly Tiehua Music Village.

Today's adventure is all about getting off the beaten path – literally. Expect an adrenaline-filled day as you go 'river tracing' – similar to canyoning, it's one of Taiwan's most exhilarating outdoor activities that combines hiking, climbing, and swimming as you scramble your way upstream through a lush, jungle-framed river valley. Led by experienced local guides, you'll gear up and follow Mulberry Creek into a world of waterfalls, cool rock pools, and untouched nature that only a few travelers get to see. After a safety briefing, gear up with your suit, helmets, life jackets, and river shoes before hitting the water. Navigating your way upstream requires some agility and stamina, but is achievable with just the right balance of adrenaline and fun. A simple riverside lunch is provided mid-adventure (bring a few extra snacks if you tend to get hungry), and afterward, you'll dry off and head back to your hotel in Taitung, no doubt ready to drop after a tiring but truly unforgettable day.

Today, you’ll hike one of Taiwan’s most untouched and culturally rich routes – the Alangyi Historic Trail. This coastal path winds through protected forest and black pebble beaches along the island’s last undeveloped coastline, once used by communities here for travel and trade. After breakfast, head to the northern trailhead to meet your indigenous guide, collect your trail permit, and pick up a traditional 'Hunter’s Box' lunch. The hike offers a mix of forest paths, open coastlines, and sweeping ocean views, with stories and insights shared along the way by your guide. After lunch by the sea, you’ll be picked up at the southern trailhead and transferred to Mudan. Your stay tonight is at the boutique hotel Si Chongxi Qingquan, known for its serene setting and centuries-old, sodium bicarbonate-rich springs. Soak in the baths and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere – perfect for recharging after your hike.

Wrap up your journey with a unique cultural experience in one of Taiwan’s most remote indigenous villages – something very few travelers to Taiwan ever get a chance to experience. After breakfast, you’ll travel by 4x4 into the mountains to visit Laoqijia (Tjuvecekadan), a beautifully preserved Paiwan slate village. Here, you’ll be welcomed by community members with a traditional ceremony, then hike along an old hunting trail before arriving at the village’s historic stone homes and small museum. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch made with local ingredients, before saying farewell to your hosts. From there, drive to Kaohsiung and embark on a scenic high-speed train journey back to Taipei. You’ll check into your hotel and gather one last time for a farewell dinner, to toast an unforgettable adventure.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your guide and fellow travelers. You’re free to depart at your convenience, and if you have later connections, you can store your luggage at the hotel front desk for the day. If you have a bit more time, we highly recommend extending your stay to explore more of Taipei. Don’t miss the serene Lungshan Temple or the iconic Taipei 101, a stunning 101-story skyscraper offering incredible views of the city.