First-ever Explora Expedition beyond the borders of South America explores untamed regions of mesmerizing beauty with glaciers, hot springs, and erupting volcanos, first departure on August 10, 2025

The pioneer of lodges and explorations to the most remote corners of South America is expanding to the Northern Hemisphere with Iceland Expeditions. Four departures will be offered in 2025: August 10, 18, September 8, and 16. The fixed-date small-group journeys take travelers through the rugged Southern Highlands of the island nation surrounded by the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Iceland Expeditions is the first of a new line of guided small-group journeys to uncharted destinations in and beyond South America. The 8-day itinerary explores rarely traveled regions in Explora’s signature style, with carefully planned yet flexible activities for just eight travelers. The new Explora Expedition is the second in a lineup of guided small-group expeditions launched in 2024 with the introduction of Expeditions to Tierra del Fuego.

Designed by an Explora team that spent four years working with a local partner to choreograph all ground operations, the exclusive, 8-day itinerary heads roundtrip from Reykjavik into the country’s interior to visit destinations such as Eyjafjallajökull, Fjallabak, Southern Highlands, Vatnajökull, Langisjór, and Landmannalaugar. Days are lively with multiple hikes and overland explorations through regions of stark beauty, alive with volcanoes, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and more. Nights are restful, with accommodation at small boutique hotels and guest houses.

“With our 30-year experience of explorations across South America’s most remote destinations, Explora’s expansion into the Northern Hemisphere marks a milestone. I can’t think of a better destination. Iceland offers incredible landscapes and aligns with the Explora philosophy of creating awareness in regions we believe to be essential to learn about and conserve,” adds Gonzalo Undurraga, CEO of Explora.

Drawing on 30 years of experience operating a collection of award-winning lodges focused on deep exploration of remote regions, Explora launched Expeditions to complement its current South American portfolio of seven destinations and raise awareness of the importance of conservation of the locations it explores. “Far from the main tourist destinations, Iceland’s rugged and awe-inspiring Southern Highlands give travelers an insight into the island’s Viking history and culture. Our newest Explora Expedition is a rare opportunity to truly explore one of the world’s wildest corners,” explains Explora’s Explorations VP, Sebastián Correa.

True to Explora’s travel philosophy, Expeditions combine expert guiding from seasoned professionals with world-class hospitality and the highest levels of service. There is also a strong commitment to safety to ensure secure and seamless experiences and to provide an environment for self-discovery for travelers, with opportunities to break through personal barriers through exploration in the wild.

The Explora Iceland Expedition heads far from the central travel region of Iceland’s main “Ring Road” (Route 1) through vast expanses of pristine highlands wilderness where the Earth’s formation is still in progress. Imagine erupting volcanoes, majestic glaciers, hot springs, and other untamed elements kissed by polar winds.

The route promises unparalleled access to stunning landscapes and hidden gems for rare and unforgettable adventure in a truly untamed corner of the world. There will be ample opportunities for guided outdoor activities during transit between sites to ensure all travelers enjoy Iceland to the fullest. Among featured experiences:

• Þórsmörk Valley – Choose from options to explore one of Iceland’s most unique ecosystems. Popular with hikers, Þórsmörk is decked out with stunning waterfalls and hanging glaciers from Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, which lies entirely under an ice cap. Expect incredible views – whatever the weather.
• Southern Highlands – Step off the tourist track and into the highlands for solitude and remoteness of rewarding intensity. Travelers explore the slopes of Tindfjall Mountain, a glacier covering a stratovolcano along one of country’s deepest canyons, as well as the dark landscapes of Mælifell Mountain and Myrdalsjökull Glacier. Weather permitting, travelers may also hike to Strutslaug Hotsprings, among Iceland’s most remote-yet-accessible geothermal pools.
• Vatnajökull – Europe’s largest ice cap, is riddled with hanging glaciers, canyons, and extraordinary waterfalls. Explora will take travelers up close to Vatnajökull’s many wonders, with five exploration options likely – including guided hikes through canyons and a walk on the ice cap.
• Langisjór, Fjallabak, and Landmannalaugar – Explore the Laki Volcano region, where months-long eruptions from a stunning volcanic fissure resulted in catastrophic famine across Europe in 1783. Anticipate breathtaking perspectives on Langisjór Lake, the northern reaches of Vatnajökull ice field, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, and the kaleidoscopic backdrop of Landmannalaugar, one of the most iconic hikes in the country.
• Þjórsárdalur – The picturesque valley along the route back to Reykjavik is home to many impressive waterfalls including Háifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest at 122 meters.

Explora’s Iceland 8-day Expedition is priced at US $22,050 per person. The four Iceland Expeditions 2025 departure dates are August 10, 18, and September 8, 16. The Explora Iceland Expedition is also available as a private experience at a custom date for a small group upon request. Though the wilds of Iceland are unpredictable, Explora’s skill at planning expeditions of remote regions will see every consideration covered, including:

• All overnight accommodations and services are in cozy hotels and remote cabins. Choice settings include Hotel Borg, a historic landmark in Reykjavik; Hotel Hrífunes, welcoming with authentic Icelandic hospitality amid stunning landscapes; and Sky Lagoon Spa, an oceanside geothermal lagoon in Kópavogur.
• Travelers will lounge in the Sky Lagoon Hot Springs and enjoy the Sky Lagoon Spa.
• Expert Explora and local guides, including a professional mountaineer and adventure consultant and a landscape photographer/natural history cinematographer.
• Transportation between scenic wonders via two overland Super Jeeps, each sized for four passengers.
• All food and beverages, including breakfast, lunch outdoors, dinner, and snacks.
• Transfers to and from the airport are included on the start and end dates of the expedition.
• Every Explora traveler will also receive a jacket from 66°North, founded in 1926 by Hans Kristjánsson to make protective clothing for Icelandic fishermen who braved the North Atlantic.