Albert Ojembarrena

Hiking in Iceland usually means the Laugavegur Trail — 55 kilometers through the southern highlands, and on a busy day, close to 100 hikers on the same stretch of ground. What’s different here is the alternative: a 150-kilometer backpacking route, roughly three times the length, that two guides carved out simply because it was the version of Iceland they wanted to hike themselves. Perica sits down with Albert to walk through the route — the length, the terrain, the river crossings, and why the smallest huts end up being everyone’s favorite part of the trip.

You’ve heard about the Ring Road and the Golden Circle. You’ve seen the Instagram shots.  But what about the trails no one talks about? The wild, wind-battered valleys, the steaming lava fields where it’s just you and the sound of your boots? This is what hiking Iceland’s Hidden Trails is all about. AIMG mountain guide and photographer Albert Ojembarrena does not do generic trips along touristy trails. Instead, he takes his guests deep into the Highlands, across some of the most surreal terrain on the planet: deserts of ash, rainbow-colored peaks, volcanic valleys, and turquoise lakes that belong on another planet.  It’s raw and real Iceland, where each step feels like discovery. In this webinar, Albert shared everything you need to know about hiking the hidden trails of Iceland; from the practical—gear, logistics, and what to expect on long trekking days—to the experiential—soaking in hot springs, sharing huts in the middle of nowhere, and feeling the silence of Iceland’s vast interior. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Iceland beyond the postcard version, this is your chance to see what it’s really like.

From the soaring heights of Thorong La Pass to the soothing hot springs of Tatopani, the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most engaging hikes in Nepal, if not the world. The trail is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth every step and sweat bead — it blends show-stopping Himalayan scenery with fascinating insights into Nepal’s history, culture, and cuisine. If you want to hear more about this iconic trek and get ready for your own hike in the Himalayas, tune in to our live Q&A session hosted by seasoned guide Albert Ojembarrena! Albert will share insider tips on how to successfully prepare for this logistically-intense trek. From packing and picking the right season to handling the altitude and staying safe on the trail, he’ll provide answers to all your burning questions. From the best routes to the most breathtaking viewpoints, Alberto will leave you armed with knowledge and ready to conquer the Circuit. Get inside info from an expert guide who has been guiding the Circuit, as well as other hikes in the area, for years now.

Nepal houses some of the greatest hikes in the world. And while most stick to the tried-and-true teahouse treks like Annapurna or Everest Base Camp, others find their fortune off the beaten path. Skirting the eighth-highest mountain in the world, the Manaslu Circuit is a week-long pilgrimage winding through subtropical jungles, crimson rhododendron forests, fierce whitewater river crossings, vast Himalayan foothills, and spectacular snow-capped peaks. It’s the perfect choice for adventurers looking to escape the crowds of Everest and Annapurna without compromising on the scenery. Want to learn more about the mysterious Manaslu Circuit and why it’s been a local favorite for years now? Tune in to this FREE WEBINAR. Let Albert Ojembarrena, one of our most popular and experienced guides, teach you everything you need to know about this hidden gem of hiking in Nepal and why it deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Calling all guides! Running a successful guiding business takes more than just technical expertise, which is why we’ve created our Guide Growth Initiative. Each month, we will co-host a community meet-up designed for guides and led by guides, focusing on soft skills and business-oriented know-how. This month we are honored to team up with veteran guides Sunny Stroeer of AWExpeditions and Albert Ojembarrena of Amarok Adventures to host our first-ever meet-up. Sunny and Albert shared tips and tricks during this live event to help you build a successful guiding business, activate community support, create impactful and compelling branding and marketing strategies, and create unique trips from classic trips. Wondering if this meet-up is right for you? The Guide Growth Initiative is designed for guides who want to expand their knowledge base and connect with a community of guides. All guides at any stage in their career are welcome to attend. Perhaps you’re a fellow veteran guide looking to swap tips with the best in the business, or maybe you’re just starting or considering your own guiding business; join us! These meet-ups will provide a space that encourages you to get to know and learn from other guides in a peer-to-peer setting with an open forum for questions. If you’re ready to elevate your business and join a community of guides, check out our webinar recording from a live event hosted by Sunny and Albert.

Between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans floats Greenland, a vast kingdom of ice and the largest island on Earth. In this far-flung land, adventure comes plus-sized. Compared to the more urban west coast, East Greenland possesses a wild, mysterious charm. Its austere beauty abounds in ravishing landscapes, polar wildlife and waterways made for exploration. Fantastic fjords provide easy boat or kayak access to the island’s Ice Sheet and outlet glaciers, while deep glacial valleys hold a lifetime of scenic hikes. Check out this one-hour FREE WEBINAR recording hosted by AIMG Guide Albert Ojembarenna to learn about adventuring above the Arctic Circle. Hear what it’s like to explore secluded anchorages, paddle among humongous icebergs, and chase the elusive Aurora Borealis in one of the most remote locations in the world. You can’t afjord to miss this multisport medley in the Icy North!

Since opening its trails to foreigners in 1977, the Annapurna Circuit has enchanted curious minds and enticed hikers with promise of larger-than-life adventures. The potent mix of rich cultural heritage, dazzling biodiversity and epic views of the Nepalese Himalayas makes this one of the best—and some might say, most enlightening—long-distance treks in the world. What does this epic journey through jungle and clouds entail? In this one-hour session, AIMG Guide Alberto Ojembarrena will take you on a virtual hike from the bustling municipality of Kathmandu to the 5,416m high Thorung La Pass—which is higher than Everest Base Camp! Alberto covered everything from permits and prices to blue-haired goats and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. After the presentation, there was a Q&A session where Alberto answered any questions you had about this spectacular 15-day trip on the coveted Annapurna Circuit. Whether you’re looking to take on this Holy Grail of hikes or simply find inspiration for your next big hike in Nepal, Alberto’s stirring stories and photographs are sure to do the job.

Imagine this: a blanket of untouched snow cracking under your feet, the cool Atlantic breeze filling your lungs, and gleaming in front of you—the vast riches of Iceland’s untamed landscape. Crystal lakes, geothermal valleys and slumbering volcanoes, hidden since the dawn of time. This is what winter looks like in the Land of Ice and Fire, forged by the will of the gods. In this one-hour session, AIMG Mountain and Glacier Guide Alberto Ojembarrena took you on a virtual journey to the remote corners of Iceland, whose rugged landscape holds some of the world’s most spectacular winter hiking trails. In the island’s rough and unpredictable wilderness no two days are ever the same and every journey is utterly unique. If you’ve ever wondered what secrets lie in the mythical domain of the Vikings, now is your chance to find out.

Risen from magma and guarded by furious waves, the faraway and mystic Faroe Islands have adventure written all over them. Not much is known about the archipelago, but one thing is certain – navigating the rugged fjords on a historic Nordic sailboat to explore craggy cliffs and otherworldly hiking trails promises the most epic adventure you’ll ever go on. Tune in as mountain guide and photographer Alberto Ojembarrena lets you in on all the details of this eight-day hiking and sailing adventure, joined by Frank Djurhuus Jakobsen, who runs the Nordic Light sailing operation. The journey kicks off with discovering historic trails woven between colorful, distant villages of Vágar and majestic waterfalls plummeting from deep fjords. Straying far from the beaten path, with locations touted as some of the most beautiful in the world, every day guarantees jaw-dropping sights from the tops of towering cliffs. After touring the wild mainlands of the archipelago and immersing yourself in the Nordic way of life, you’ll explore the furthest reaches of this mythical place on the deck of a historic sailboat, all while basking in the light of the midnight sun. If the photos aren’t enough to fuel your daydreams about coming aboard the Nordic Light to experience the untamed Faroe Islands, check out this free webinar recording and get all the info you need for planning your own trip. Alberto answered all lingering questions about this epic adventure after his presentation.