What book to give for Christmas to someone who loves adventure?

We all have that adventurous friend who is hard to buy presents for. They already have the backpack, the boots, the GPS watch, and they spend their holidays climbing mountains or running marathons. Whenever we see them, they are always talking about adventures and challenges. For that person, a good adventure book is one of the best gifts you can give: it takes up little space, lasts forever and feeds the next dream.

Here are my suggestions, organised by the type of adventurer on your list.

For someone who dreams of Everest

“Last Call for Everest” (€22)

My latest book, first published in Portuguese in December 2025 as “Última Chamada para o Evereste” and now also available in English. It tells how I left an office career at 30 to try to climb Everest, and how I reached the summit on 9 May 2022, the first foreigner that spring. But above all it is a book about failing and carrying on. It has the story of the expedition, the history of the mountain, reflections on time and purpose, and even a love story.

Ideal for: anyone thinking about a big life change, mountaineers, people who love true stories.

If you want to add a dream gift to the book, you can also give the experience itself: the Everest Base Camp expedition, guided by me from the first to the last day.

For someone who travels with purpose

“My Way to Kathmandu” (€10)

In 2017 I walked 1,200 km across India, from the Taj Mahal in Agra to Kathmandu, to raise funds for the victims of the Nepal earthquake. This book is that journey: the pain, the freedom and the wish to help those in need. It is available in Portuguese and English.

Ideal for: backpackers, hikers, anyone who has walked or dreams of walking the Camino de Santiago.

For someone who believes they can change the world

“Vocês Voltam Amanhã?” – “Will You Come Back Tomorrow?” (€10, in Portuguese)

In 2015, Lourenço Macedo Santos and I were in Nepal when the earthquake struck. We stayed to help, on a mission called “Thank you Portugal, we are Nepal too”. The title is the question the children asked us every day. The foreword is by António Guterres.

Ideal for: volunteers, people who work at NGOs, anyone who needs a reminder that one gesture makes a difference.

For younger readers

“Aldeia da Esperança” – “Village of Hope” (€10, in Portuguese)

The story of a Nepalese girl who survives the earthquake that destroys her village but never loses hope. It is part of Portugal’s National Reading Plan and talks about volunteering, solidarity and even how to act in an earthquake.

Ideal for: children, nephews and nieces, godchildren, and teachers looking for a book for their class.

What about someone who has read everything?

Give them the whole collection. Together, the books tell a story of more than ten years: the 2015 earthquake, the walk to Kathmandu, rebuilding villages and, finally, the summit of Everest. Four books bought together cost €52, and from 4 books shipping is free. It is a gift that is hard to forget.

Why a book is better than another gadget

• It lasts longer. The watch becomes obsolete. A good story doesn’t.
• It inspires the next challenge. Many people signed up for their first marathon or first trek after reading a book.
• It is personal. Choosing a book shows you know the dreams of the person receiving it.
• It does good twice. INFINITY gives 3% of its revenue to projects in Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania and Portugal. Your gift also helps someone.

Tips for getting the gift right

How to order

Go to the INFINITY Books page, choose the books and quantities in the order form and enter the delivery address. We will reply with the total price, the payment details and the delivery time. If you like, I can also write a dedication for the person receiving the gift.

Merry Christmas. And may the new year bring your next adventure.