The Top 5 Eco-Tour Adventures to Take in 2022
Senior Travel Writer
See the world as it was meant to be seen, sustainably and safely, on these eco-adventure Culture Trips.
Preserving the world that spurs our wanderlust is not always as easy as it should be. But there are now ever more ways to tread lightly while you travel, thanks to eco-tours, such as these Culture Trip adventures, which actively embrace the environment and connect you with local communities, so you can support and learn from each other. Also on the list are environmentally friendly activities, such as camping on the Galápagos Islands and wildlife-spotting in the jungles of Costa Rica, which allow you to see the world – and safeguard it – all at the same time.
Destinations Unlocked:
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
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.Next
CentralAmerica
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. Next
CentralAmerica
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. SouthAmerica
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.Next
SouthAmerica
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. Europe
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.Next
Europe
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. Next
Europe
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. Asia
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.Next
Asia
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. Next
Asia
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 Africa
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!Next
Africa
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. Next
Go Wild in the Galapagos
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and David Attenborough on the ultimate eco adventure to the Galápagos Islands. This five-day tour showcases the wildlife-rich archipelago’s biodiversity in all of its glory. Hiking through lava fields, kayaking the Itabaca Channel and wandering uninhabited islands are just a few of the experiences you’ll fill the daylight with. Get unbelievably close to endemic wildlife as you snorkel, stroll and even sleep among Ecuador’s beautiful creatures.
From US$2499
Next available from 13th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Blissful Bali
Settle into island life and savour the splendour of Indonesia on this 12-day tour of Bali. Appreciate every element of this island from the sea to the sky when you climb Mount Batur and dive to the stone statues beneath the water. Low-impact activities like FlyHighYoga and e-biking through rice fields join other equally eco-friendly excursions on the itinerary, such as snorkelling with sea turtles and picnicking by the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
From US$1929
Next available from 16th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bali, Indonesia
ENDS AT
Bali, Indonesia
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
The Real Costa Rica
With a commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral country and a focus on green tourism, Costa Rica is one of the best ways you can see the beauty of the world in a sustainable way. Eco-tour adventures adorn this eight-day trip. Explore the lush jungles and cloud forests on foot, enjoying nature’s purest forms of relaxation like swimming and hiking. White-water rafting down the Balsa River and surfing off the shores of Tamarindo double-down on the fun while helping Costa Rica achieve its green goals.
From US$2199
Next available from 24th Feb 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train
The simplest way to reduce our individual carbon footprints is by taking less flights, and this overland rail adventure is a perfect example of how you can visit multiple countries in a trip without having to get onboard a plane. Our two-week Southeast Asian adventure starts and ends in Bangkok, with stops including Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Lampang in Thailand. You’ll get to learn about local practices during an authentic Thai cooking class, and visit an ethical elephant sanctuary. We’ll explore the luscious bounties of Laos on a cruise down the Mekong, meeting locals in rural villages and learning about old whisky-making techniques. We’ll then take the high-speed train to Vang Vieng, kayak down the Nam Song river and head back to Bangkok via an overnight sleeper train.
From US$2299
Next available from 13th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bangkok, Thailand
ENDS AT
Bangkok, Thailand
DURATION
14
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Georgia and the Caucasus
This tiny Eurasian nation, high in the Caucasus is as good an argument as any that we need to preserve our planet’s natural splendour. From the verdant forests of Lagodekhi National Park to the jaw-dropping Truso Gorge and the majestic old Gergeti Church, found high in the snow-capped mountains. You’ll explore all of the above on our nine-day Georgia adventure, which also pays close attention to local culture and traditions, so you’ll get to learn about ancient bread and wine-making techniques, take an authentic cooking class and have a guided experience at a local farmer’s market.
From US$1199
Next available from 18th May 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
ENDS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Additional words by Gethin Morgan.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
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!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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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