The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Taiwan

Huānyíng! Welcome to Taiwan. Touch down in Taipei, then jump on the metro to make your way to your centrally located hotel. Found in one of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods, it's surrounded by street food stalls, quirky boutiques, 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 fellow travellers 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 optional drinks or a casual bite if you’re keen to head out and start sampling Taipei’s incredible food scene; otherwise, you are welcome to just 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 travellers between what are now Taipei City and Yilan County. Expect lush forest, 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 Taiwan. 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 a hot spring if you like, then head to a much-loved local spot for a group dinner – the perfect setting to get to know your fellow travellers over a tasty meal.

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, stopping for a few photo opportunities en route. Conditions permitting, you'll make a stop at Taroko Gorge, a dramatic marble canyon home to the clifftop Eternal Spring Shrine and misty waterfalls. You'll arrive in Hualien by early evening, 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 as here, you can sample some of the best street food in Taiwan – think dumplings, grilled skewers and 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 the charming Liyu Lake Tree House for a laid-back lunch, complete with stunning lake views. Then, pedal around the lake on its easy cycling path for a casual 5km 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 cosy hot spring hotel where you can soak in natural thermal waters, perfect for relaxing your tired muscles. Dinner is included tonight with a choice of hot pot or Japanese ramen, followed by a peaceful evening to unwind and socialise.

Start the day with a short and 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 your previous active days on the trails. Upon arrival, hop on a bike for a leisurely guided ride through the flat countryside. You’ll cycle about 20-30km 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 at Chishang Train Station to grab a traditional bento box lunch – simple, fresh, and full of local flavour – 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.

Lace up your boots – today you’re heading deep into Taiwan’s wild side. After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for Lisong Wild Hot Springs, one of Taiwan's most spectacular natural spots. The hike down is steep and rugged, with ropes installed to help you safely navigate the trickier sections into the river valley. At the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with steaming hot spring waterfalls flowing from holes in the cliffside, with water temperatures between 45–65°C (113–149°F). Years of mineral-rich trickling have turned the cliffs into a surreal canvas of rainbow-coloured deposits. When river levels are low, you can even build your own stone soaking pool – perfect for lounging between the cool river and the steaming cliff walls. After a simple riverside lunch, hike back up (with ropes to assist) and continue on to Taitung, a laid-back coastal town known for its creative energy and views. After checking in, the evening is yours – relax, explore, or join your guide at Tiehua Music Village for live music and local eats.

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 which 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 travellers 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 snack if you tend to get hungry), and afterwards, 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 indigenous communities 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 moderate 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 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 travellers 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 guided through the village’s historic stone homes and small museum. Enjoy a home-cooked indigenous 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 travellers. You’re free to depart at your convenience, and if you have later connections, you can store your luggage at the hotel reception 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.