The Top 5 Eco-Tour Adventures to Take in 2022

Hike Mount Batur on an eco-friendly trip to Bali
Hike Mount Batur on an eco-friendly trip to Bali | © Made Widhana / Getty Images
Nick Dauk

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.

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The Banyumala Twin Waterfalls cascade down a lush, greenery-covered cliff in Bali

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 20th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bali, Indonesia

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ENDS AT

Bali, Indonesia

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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A group of whitewater rafters with yellow helmets and paddles hit a steep drop in their raft on a rapid in Costa Rica

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 6th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

San Jose, Costa Rica

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ENDS AT

Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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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 21st Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

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ENDS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

DURATION

14

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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The Fifth Season hut near Chaukhi Mountain, Juta, Georgia

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

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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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Additional words by Gethin Morgan.

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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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