Explorations in the Heart of the Southern Carpathians – Guided Hikes with Ina & Ionut Join us in discovering a lesser-known side of the Retezat, Țarcu, and Godeanu Mountains – a wild and remote region now part of Romania’s rewilding landscape. We are two brothers who grew up at the foot of these mountains, and our childhood was spent exploring hidden trails, secret alpine lakes, and meadows bursting with rare wildflowers. Our tours are more than hikes – they are immersive journeys into the heart of the Carpathian mountain ecosystem. We’ll guide you far from marked tourist paths, to places where you can still find wild mountain tulips (Tulipa suaveolens), edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), and rhododendron (Rhododendron myrtifolium) blooming in untouched habitats. Along the way, we share our deep knowledge of medicinal plants, native mushrooms, and how these species interact with the surrounding wildlife. You’ll walk through a landscape where large carnivores like european bison, bears, wolves, and lynx are returning, reshaping the ecosystem in powerful and visible ways. We are not just mountain guides – we are locals who know these places with our feet and with our hearts. If you're passionate about rewilding, plant life, and want to truly connect with nature by learning directly in the field, this is the experience for you. 📍 Location: Southern Carpathians (Retezat – Țarcu – Godeanu), part of the Rewilding Romania landscape

Programme

⏳ Duration: 1 day (customizable tours) 🌿 Difficulty: moderate to challenging (depending on the route) 🎯 Ideal for: plant lovers, nature photographers, ecologists, outdoor explorers, and anyone interested in rewilding and authentic nature-based tourism

What's Included?

Guided Hikes in Remote Mountain Areas: Explore hidden trails in the Retezat, Țarcu, and Godeanu Mountains—far from tourist routes. Local, Knowledgeable Guides: Hikes led by two brothers who grew up in the region and know its landscapes intimately. Native Flora & Fungi Exploration: Discover rare alpine plants and medicinal plants, with guidance on their ecological roles. Low-Impact, Small Group Travel: Intimate group sizes to minimize ecological footprint and enhance personal connection with nature. Stories, History & Local Knowledge: Enrich your hike with legends, personal stories, and deep cultural context from the region.

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

Our guided hikes directly support rewilding by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ecosystems in the Southern Carpathians. As locals who grew up exploring the Retezat, Țarcu, and Godeanu Mountains, we offer immersive experiences that connect visitors with the region’s wild beauty—its rare alpine flora, and recovering habitats. By guiding small groups off the beaten path, we reduce pressure on overvisited areas while raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and species reintroduction efforts, such as those involving bison. Through storytelling, plant knowledge, and ecological interpretation, we turn each hike into an opportunity to educate and inspire, building a community of nature advocates who understand the value of wild landscapes. In essence, our work supports rewilding not only by minimizing impact but by nurturing a culture of care and curiosity—crucial for the long-term success of conservation in this region.

Group size

between 3-10 people

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special gear or equipment? Sturdy hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. We’ll provide a recommended packing list before your tour. How long is a typical tour? Our standard hikes are one-day experiences, but we can customize the duration based on your interests, physical condition, and time availability. What is the difficulty level of the hikes? Our hikes range from moderate to challenging, depending on the chosen route. We’ll always match the trail to your fitness level and interests—whether you're after a slower-paced plant-focused walk or a full-day mountain ascent.