Best Ecotourism Holidays in South America
Concerned about your environmental impact? Keep your conscience clean and green with one of these eco-friendly trips in South America.
South America is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse cultures – and the role of ecotourism is essential in preserving them. All of our trips are designed with the core principle of responsible travel, and we believe these small-group adventures are right up there with the best ecotourism holidays you can have South America – whether it’s following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on the Galápagos Islands, charting the Amazon with local guides, or exploring Colombia’s dazzling Caribbean coastline.
Hiking the Andes to rafting through the Amazon in Ecuador
Ecuador might be one of the smallest nations in South America, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in diversity and awe-inspiring landscapes – which offer a perfect setting for a tour that celebrates the benefits of ecotourism. This eight-day Culture Trip adventure begins in Quito, where you’ll learn to cook an Ecuadorian feast and take part in a chocolate tasting. Here, you’ll take in some of the most quintessential Ecuadorian experiences – from riding the “Swing at the End of the World” and white-water rafting through the Amazon rainforest to soaking in the hot springs of mountain village Papallacta.
From US$1459
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
National park hikes and coastal kayaking in Colombia
Colombia’s dramatic Caribbean coastline offers plenty of opportunity for adventure-filled ecotourism holidays, with spectacular landscapes ranging from the jungles of the Darién Gap near Panama to the La Guajira desert near Venezuela. Join a local guide on this exciting eight-day trip that begins in the colorful city of Cartagena and heads down the coast to Palomino. Along the way you’ll experience many different forms of ecotourism, including canoeing through mangrove forests in La Boquilla, exploring the idyllic Rosario Islands by boat and trekking through Tayrona National Park – where you’ll find howler monkeys, jaguars, and iguanas living in a tropical rainforest. Foodies will love the opportunity to sample local street food in Cartagena, including arepas and ceviche, followed by a rum tasting.
From US$1711
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cartagena, Colombia
ENDS AT
Santa Marta, Colombia
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
A five-day island-hopping adventure in the Galápagos
There’s much to be discovered on the Galápagos Islands, a remote archipelago 1,000km (621mi) off the coast of mainland Ecuador. Think kayaking in the Itabaca Channel past red mangrove forests and lava rock cliffs, snorkeling around Kicker Rock and exploring uninhabited islands to marvel at some of the incredible wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin. Our trip manages to pack all of this into just five days. You’ll even get to spend the night glamping at El Chato Nature Reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands – home to the archipelago’s famous giant tortoises – and swim with sea lions, turtles and marine iguanas at Punta Carola Beach.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
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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
Spot giant birds and visit small native settlements in Peru
Peru is most famous for the remnants of its ancient civilisations, and this nine-day trip does take you to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but it also highlights Peru’s extraordinary natural landscapes. You’ll get to explore the stunning scenery of the Colca Valley, passing snow-capped mountains, lagoons and traditional villages, as well as spotting Andean condors from atop a spectacular viewing point at Colca Canyon. You’ll also spend time paddleboarding on Piuray lagoon, as well embracing local culture by partaking in a traditional weaving session at a cultural centre, sampling locally made coffee and eating your way through Arequipa’s best independent picanterias.
From US$1824
Next available from 1st Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cusco, Peru
ENDS AT
Arequipa, Peru
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
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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