Amazing Off-the-Grid Mountain Adventures Around the World

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Mandi Keighran

Scale awe-inspiring peaks all over the planet by booking yourself onto one of these epic adventures with Culture Trip.

When city life gets too hectic, it’s time to unplug and find an isolated getaway – and nowhere offers this kind of much-needed seclusion than the wilderness of the mountains. We’ve rounded up the very best off-the-grid mountain adventures with Culture Trip, from hikes to remote villages in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia to summiting a volcano in Guatemala. After taking on the challenges of journeying through the wild, you’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.

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Destinations Unlocked:

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Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The Fifth Season hut near Chaukhi Mountain, Juta, Georgia with mountains and mist behind

Exploring the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia

The Caucasus Mountains rise up along the intersection of Asia and Europe, stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. One of the best places to explore these majestic peaks is in Georgia, a country that is quickly becoming a favourite destination for travellers looking for somewhere to get away from it all. Culture Trip’s nine-day journey is all about off-the-grid travel experiences, including hiking to the secluded Gergeti Church and beyond remote Juta village, visiting Unesco World Heritage sites at the city of Mtskheta, which dates back to the 3rd century BCE, and exploring the Lagodekhi National Park.

From US$1199

Next available from 18th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

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ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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A group enjoy a jungle walk in Ecuador along a platform

Trekking through the Andes and the Amazon in Ecuador

Ecuador is home to some spectacularly diverse landscapes, with everything from the Andes Mountains, which stretch through seven South American countries, to the lush jungle of the Amazon – and if you’re looking for isolated getaways, it doesn’t get better than this. Explore the best of Ecuador on Culture Trip’s Ecuador group trip, which passes through the geothermally active peaks of the Avenue of Volcanoes, before heading into the Amazon, where you’ll go white-water rafting through the jungle. At the end of the trip, it’s time to sit back and relax in natural hot springs at a secluded retreat in Papallacta, a village in the Andes Mountains.

From US$1999

Next available from 9th Dec 2023

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Quito, Ecuador

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ENDS AT

Quito, Ecuador

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Holiday Sale
Sakura blossomed under Mt. Fuji

Marveling at Mount Fuji in Japan

Japan might be best known for its bustling mega-cities with neon-lit skyscrapers, but there is also plenty of opportunity for off-grid travel, exploring the country’s bamboo forests, unplugging in traditional ryokan-style hotels and discovering secluded islands. Culture Trip’s 12-day Japan Rising trip combines the best of both sides of the country. It begins in the large port city of Osaka and finishes up in Tokyo – taking in the floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island, views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi, and hiking through bamboo forests and the gates of Fushimi Inari.

From US$4119

Next available from 28th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

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ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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The verdant and immaculate Great Holy Relics Pagoda above the clouds in Nabhapolbhumisiri, Thailand

Hiking Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand

Thailand is more than just beaches and jungles – it’s home to mountain peaks, too. Summit the highest mountain in the country, Doi Inthanon, on our 10-day adventure to Northern Thailand. Watching the sunrise on top of the 2,565m (8,415ft) peak will be a moment to remember. You’ll meet in Chiang Mai for a street art and food tour before heading to Pai, with plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities on offer over the next few days – climbing a sticky waterfall, exploring Pai Canyon and soaking in hot springs, to name a few. After the mountain hike, see an elephant sanctuary before returning to Chiang Mai.

From US$1339

Next available from 20th Jan 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Chiang Mai, Thailand

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ENDS AT

Chiang Mai, Thailand

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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