Plateaus and Canyons of the American West

An epic journey through the vast and timeless wilderness of the national parks of the American West reveals the grandeur of the United States: green valleys and sheer-walled canyons juxtaposed with immense deserts where cities seemingly emerge out of nowhere... These are the mythical landscapes of the "Wild West"!Let yourself be captivated by the splendor of the Grand Canyon, the delicacy of Arches, the colors of the desert, the maple forests, oak trees, and Cottonwood trees. We traverse Utah, Arizona, and Nevada to discover these wild places where the Navajo Indians still reside. Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon... Evocative names where canyons, spires, arches, or hoodoos, this myriad of amazing geological formations, vie for beauty. An experience that is both legendary and mystical in the middle of disconcerting landscapes, as contrasting as the existence of Las Vegas, our final stop, in the middle of the desert…

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Las Vegas

    Departure from Paris to Las Vegas. Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
    Meals on your own.

    Accommodation : Hotel

  • Day 2 Las Vegas / Zion national park

    After spending the first evening in the extravagance of Las Vegas, we leave this megacity in the middle of the desert and head to the first national park, Zion, located on the vast Colorado Plateau.
    Our guide assesses everyone’s shape and desires each day. They work with you to determine the day’s itinerary. This afternoon, exploration is done through short, easy walks inside the canyons. Depending on the weather and access to the canyon, you may venture into the Narrows Canyon and walk in the Virgin River. The river has sculpted the rock, and the passages between the walls are sometimes very narrow. We set up our camp for two nights.

    Accommodation : camping

  • Day 3 Zion National Park

    Various hikes allow us to gain elevation and enjoy magnificent views. The trails are well-maintained and accessible. Depending on the skill level, we can attempt the Angels Landing hike, with the permission of the park, which offers a 360° panorama of the park. The trail is sometimes steep, but the reward is worth it. In the valley, we encounter deer, and with a bit of luck, as we ascend the ridges, we may spot bighorn sheep.

    Accommodation : camping

  • Day 4 Zion National Park / Bryce Canyon national park

    We leave Zion National Park, stopping to enjoy the colorful cliffs one last time. We arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park in the late morning. We set out to observe the hoodoos, these multicolored limestone towers that can reach over 20 meters high. We hike the Navajo Loop in this limestone city and discover the amphitheater and the cathedral.

    Accommodation : Camping

  • Day 5 Bryce Canyon national Park / Capitol Reef

    A magnificent road traverses postcard landscapes and scenes reminiscent of western movies. We observe sandstone formations surrounded by volcanic peaks. The uniqueness of Capitol Reef also lies in its orchards at the foot of the canyons. Different hikes are possible : Cohab Canyon, Goosenecks or Sunset Point. Depending on the group, another option is available : the Grand Wash trail. We set up our camp for the night.

    Accommodation : camping

  • Day 6 Capitol Reef / Canyonlands / Moab

    We head towards Canyonlands National Park. This park covers a vast expanse of wilderness in the southeastern part of Utah. The park's 1350 square kilometers reveal countless canyons, arches, spires, mesas, and a myriad of other spectacular rock formations. We explore this vast desert landscape sculpted by erosion by minibus and on foot. In the late afternoon, a short transfer to Moab and settling into the campground for two nights.

    Accommodation : Camping

  • Day 7 Arches national Park

    From Moab, we make our way to Arches National Park, famous for its red sandstone arches. We take advantage of the morning to hike to stunning viewpoints such as the "Devil's Garden" or the famous "Delicate Arch." On the horizon, we catch sight of the La Sal Mountains, often snow-capped. We return to the campground in Moab in the evening.

    Accommodation : Camping

  • Day 8 Moab / Mesa Verde

    We head to Mesa Verde National Park and hike to explore the park, gaining an overview of the troglodyte and surrounding canyons. This park contains the largest and most important archaeological reserves. The ancestral puebloans, or ancients, inhabited this region between 500 and 1300 AD. In the morning, we discovered the ancient inhabitants’ homes with a park ranger. Then, in the afternoon, we hike to explore some of the region’s wildlife : elk, deer, marmots, porcupines, and other species. We set up our camp for the night.

    Accommodation : camping

  • Day 9 Mesa Verde / Monument Valley

    We leave for the most cinematic parks, which the vision brings to mind to all the great westerns : Monument Valley. This park, located on Navajo territory, is managed by the Navajo people. Visits are conducted by vehicle accompanied by a Navajo guide, with access to magnificent viewpoints.It’s an opportunity for us to appreciate these mountains sculpted by time and the erosion of wind mixed with sand. We established our camp for one night.

    Accommodation : camping

  • Day 10 Monument Valley / Antelope Canyon / Powell Lake

    We hit the road towards Lake Powell. It's an artificial reservoir serving as a freshwater reserve that feeds into the Colorado River.We visit the famous Antelope Canyon, cherished by photographers. This narrow canyon reveals impressive colors and shapes highlighted by the sunlight. We settle in for one night in the Lake Powell area. In case of severe weather conditions, access to Antelope Canyon may be closed.

    Accommodation : Camping

  • Day 11 Powell Lake / Grand Canyon

    We make a stop at the famous Horseshoe Bend, the renowned meander of the Colorado River. We then continue towards Grand Canyon National Park. We have a day and a half to explore the Grand Canyon.
    We set up our camp for two nights in the park area.

    Accommodation : camping

  • Day 12 Grand Canyon national park

    Our guide suggests descending into the heart of the legendary Grand Canyon, either via the "South Kaibab Trail" to Skeleton Point or via the "Bright Angel Trail" to Plateau Point, which was the first trail opened by pioneers to connect the south rim to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. It takes about two hours to descend, with additional time to reach the plateau. The ascent is longer, but the trail is good, and several water stops allow for rest breaks. We return to the camp in the late afternoon.

    Accommodation : Camping

  • Day 13 Grand Canyon national park / Las Vegas

    Departure in the morning for Las Vegas. We drive along the legendary old Route 66, where we can stop to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere. Arrival in the afternoon with free evening time. You stroll around this city exclusively dedicated to shows, games, and entertainment. After the first part of the trip, very focused on nature, the contrast is striking as you discover the lively atmosphere and frenetic life in the casinos. Dinner on your own.

    Accommodation : Camping

  • Day 14 Las Vegas / End of the trip

    Following the breakfast, our services conclude.

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

No departure for now

Trip code: USAWD

Included

  • Supervision by a tour leader (and an assistant guide for groups of 9 or more participants)
  • Ground transportation
  • Detailed excursions as described in the itinerary
  • Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
  • Full board except for meals mentioned as "on your own" in the itinerary
  • Park permit fees
  • Angel’s Landing permit

Not included

  • Travel insurance
  • International flights and air taxes
  • Registration fees
  • Carbon offset for your trip to the American West: €10 per person
  • United States Travel Authorization (ESTA), approximately $21, to be requested before your departure - see the "formalities" section
  • Airport transfers in case of flights different from the group's

Terms and conditions

Inscription

Booking a trip with Altaï Peru implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.

Invoice

Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Altaï Indonesia reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.

Cancelation

If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altaï Peru require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
  • Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained

Special cases:

Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
  • Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan
  • Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
  • Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.

Please note that fees apply according to the date Altaï Peru receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.

If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.

Contract modification

If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altaï Peru in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Indonesia may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.

Price

The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.

Name transfer

If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.

Practical info

Staff

In the morning and evening, a hot meal is prepared with local products. Lunch is in the form of a picnic. Cooking equipment and utensils are provided by us. Please note that meals in Las Vegas and San Francisco are not included.WaterDuring your stay, drinks including mineral water are at your expense. You can refill your water bottles in villages, springs, and hotels. It is advisable to treat it with purifying tablets (such as micropur or hydrochlorazone). Avoid buying plastic bottles that need to be recycled as much as possible.If you need to buy bottled water, we recommend buying 10-liter (or 5-liter) bottles to refill your bottles as needed. If you wish to purchase these bottles, you can inform your guide at the beginning of the tour to plan a stop at the supermarket.

Accommodation

- Comfortable standard hotels/motels in cities, in double rooms.
- Campsites: 3-person tents for 2 people, Thermarest-type mattresses, picnic tables, and kitchen shelters for dinner and breakfast. Tableware and cooking equipment are provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag and towel. Most campsites offer a restroom block with running water, showers (sometimes with a fee of $3-6), and toilets. Some campsites only offer dry toilets and cold water. Whenever possible, campsites are located inside the parks where there is vegetation, and in privately managed campsites on the outskirts of parks for desert regions.

Transportation

In the United States, we use regular flights departing from Paris (operating all year round and at fixed times). You will mainly fly on American Airlines, Delta Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, or United Airlines. Depending on availability at the time of your registration, we may also offer other companies than those mentioned above.

Private 12-seater minibus, with a trailer from 9 participants.PortageYou carry your belongings for day hikes, including your picnic.

Budget & exchange

To know the real-time exchange rate, we recommend visiting the website www.xe.com.
Using a credit card is the best way to obtain money. However, your bank may charge you fees for withdrawals in foreign currencies. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most establishments and ATMs. Traveler's checks are also easy to exchange in cities but not very practical to use in rural areas.

Tips

Please note that the service charge is not included in the bill at restaurants in the United States. Therefore, you should systematically add 15 to 20% to the total amount of the bill. The same applies to bars and taxi services.

For this trip, we recommend a tip of €5 per person per day for your guide who accompanies you throughout the journey.

Vital equipment


Pack some additional city clothes for the first and last day.
- Cap or hat for sun protection
- 1 pair of sunglasses with a strap to prevent loss
- Wool or fleece hat
- 1 scarf or large scarf, useful in windy and dusty conditions
- Waterproof anorakJacket or Gore-Tex type coat (windproof, waterproof, and breathable)
- 2 quick-drying synthetic T-shirts
- 1 light shirt to protect from the sun
- Sweater or fleece jacket
- Sweatshirt or fleece base layer
- 1 lightweight long-sleeve sweater
- Set of medium-weight thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- T-shirt (Capilene type, polypropylene...)
- Swimsuit
- Nylon pants
- Nylon shorts
- Waterproof pants
- A warm pair of tights or leggings for the evening or to wear under trekking pants in cold weather
- Light clothing for medium-altitude stages and valleys (loose-fitting canvas pants, shorts)
- 1 pair of thin gloves
- 2 pairs of wool socks
- Good trekking or hiking shoes

For walks on trails, walkers can use lightweight and breathable shoes (that allow sweat to evaporate) with a mid or high collar for better foot support. They should have a grippy sole.You can also bring sandals for walking in water.Lightweight shoes.

Material

- Medium 3-season sleeping bag in summer (0 to -5°C) and warm in autumn (-10°C), made of compressible synthetic materials or down.
- Compression sack.
- GEAR
- Walking stick (optional)
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Pocket knife
- Sunscreen (SPF 30)
- 1-liter water bottle

Luggage

We suggest 2 king of luggage :
-1 travel bag with front opening (80 to 100 liters).
- 1 small backpack (30 to 40 liters) for your daily belongings, which can also serve as a carry-on bag on the plane.

It is recommended to have a TSA-approved lock on your suitcase so that customs officers can open it without damaging it: http://www.ma-valise-voyage.fr/cadenas-tsa-homologue-pour-valise/Please note, some countries prohibit the importation and use of electronic cigarettes, so we strongly recommend that you inquire with the appropriate authorities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassy, consulate) before your departure.

Medicine

Your guide has a first aid kit for emergencies during the tour. However, we recommend bringing your own medications:
- Personal medications
- Pain reliever such as Paracetamol
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic treatmentIntestinal bandage
- High-protection sunscreen for lips and skin
- Eye drops
- Moisturizing cream for superficial burns (blisters and sunburns)
- Adhesive elastic bandage, box of adhesive bandages, and disinfectant wipes
- Purifying tablets for water disinfection
- Mosquito repellent
- Moleskin for blisters.

Passport

Passports must be valid for 6 months after the return date.

Upon registration, please provide us with your passport information (Last Name - First Name - Date of Birth - Passport Number - Date of Issue and Expiration). We need this information to book your domestic flights or make requests for entry into certain sites.

ATTENTION:
You must provide us with the information from the valid passport you will take with you. If you need to renew your passport, wait until you have the new one to provide us with the information, otherwise you may be refused entry at certain sites.

ALL CHILDREN, regardless of age, must have an individual passport. Children listed on their parents' passport (even if the passport is biometric) will need to obtain a visa.

As of January 15, 2017, a child traveling abroad without being accompanied by one of their parents must present the following 3 documents:

Valid ID for the minor: ID card or passport + visa if required by the destination country (check the country fact sheets on (diplomatie.gouv.fr)

Photocopy of the valid ID of the signing parent: ID card or passportPermission form signed by one of the parents with parental authority.

NB: This authorization may be required by some countries when the minor child travels with only one of their parents (e.g., Algeria, Morocco, Switzerland: check the country fact sheets on diplomatie.gouv.fr).

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR PASSPORT IS VALID FOR TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES:

Old model passport (vertical reading of the page containing the photo): Not valid.

Optical reading passport (horizontal reading of the page containing the photo and 2 lines of code below the photo): Valid if issued before October 25, 2005.

Passport issued between 26/10/2005 and 26/10/2006, valid if it is optically readable with a digital photo printed on the identification page (the photo must not be glued).

Electronic or biometric passport (horizontal reading of the page containing the photo AND ELECTRONIC CHIP SYMBOL on the cover (below the word "PASSPORT"): Valid.

The information provided is indicative for French nationals. It may be subject to change without notice by the relevant authorities. Therefore, it is advisable to verify it with the consulates in the month before your departure.

Visa

Biometric passports and electronic passports that are valid are accepted for an ESTA request. They are recognizable by the symbol on the cover.

With other passports, a traditional visa request must be made.

Since January 2009, all passengers traveling to the United States must have previously completed the ESTA form on the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ to receive travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program.

This authorization is valid for 2 years until the passport expires. Adults and children (regardless of age) are subject to this procedure. The form can be completed no later than 72 hours before departure, but it is recommended to do so as soon as the trip is planned.

This service is now chargeable: approx. 21 USD.

The form can only be filled out at the following address https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov (there are other unofficial sites on the web that charge more for this service).

ALTAI USA cannot be held responsible in the event that you need to return to France due to non-compliance with these personal health obligations.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into the USA, but we recommend that you keep up to date with routine vaccinations.

Electricity

As in all of North America, the electrical system operates on 120 volts (60 cycles). The plugs have two flat prongs. To use your electrical appliances, you must therefore have an adapter and a transformer.

Altai USA is committed to organizing trips that adhere to equitable principles:
- Developing quality tourism both in terms of services provided to travelers and in optimizing local economic benefits.
- Remunerating services at fair prices.Improving the working conditions of local teams.
- Transmitting know-how to local teams.Informing and raising awareness among travelers.
- Participating in research projects of international and national institutions for the development of ecotourism.
- Engaging in concrete actions for environmental protection and sustainable development.
 
For obvious ecological reasons, Atalante has decided to no longer offer plastic bottled water on its tours. Atalante encourages its travelers to treat water with purifying tablets and to avoid, as much as possible, purchasing plastic bottles in countries where they are not recycled.

Topography

The continental United States extends from East to West, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. Alaska forms a protrusion to the northwest of Canada, and the Hawaiian Islands are located in the middle of the Pacific, 4,000 km from the west coast. The country has three major mountain ranges: the Appalachians in the East, the Rockies in the West, and the Sierra Nevada on the border between Nevada and California. It is endowed with abundant natural resources and vast expanses of fertile land.

The most populous region, the Atlantic coast, bears the imprint of its European heritage. It is home to the oldest cities, such as Boston, New York, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, and was the scene of the country's major events at the beginning of its history.

Watered by the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio rivers, the central region is the country's breadbasket.

Further west, the Great Plains and their pastures are cowboy country. The desert predominates in the Southwest, where population density remains very low due to the climate and the poverty of the soil.

On the other side of the Sierra Nevada, the West Coast was settled by Americans only 150 years ago but has since thrown itself headlong into the future.
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Max

  • Spécialiste des voyages à la carte
  • Passionné par le Canada et les USA
  • Titulaire d'une licence en conception de produits touristiques
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Region
Ouest
Activity
Aventure & nature Trekking et Randonnée
Duration
14 days
Group
4 to 12 people
Code
USAWD
Price
From $4,760
Level
3/5
Comfort
2/5
Language(s)
French

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