The Most Ecofriendly Countries to Visit

Konstantina Pyrnokoki

Travel Writer

Trying to travel more responsibly? Book one of these small-group tours across glassine glaciers and dense bamboo forests.

With global warming posing an imminent threat, the need to travel more responsibly has never been more pressing. Join one of our exclusive trips and reach the most ecofriendly countries on the planet, which prove that nature-led, sustainable travelling is always best – and way more fun. Spend your days trekking through the biodiverse jungles of Costa Rica or river-tubing in Colombia, treading oh-so lightly as you go.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Read our commitment to Responsible Travel to find out more about the sustainable principles that our trips are built on.

A woman and others taking photos and videos of the Great Geysir in southwestern Iceland

Iceland, for frozen wilderness and hot springs

It doesn’t get more sustainable than Iceland – powered by geothermal energy and fed by all-local produce by virtue of its isolated location. Hike through waterfalls and black-sand beaches, trek along vast glaciers and hop on a snowmobile tour in the Golden Circle. Just beneath your feet, bubbling hot springs call for a long soak, while clear skies above make perfect conditions for an appearance by the Northern Lights. Try the geothermal-baked bread at Laugarvatn Fontana – which is buried in the warm ground and left to bake naturally for 24 hours.

From US$2889

Next available from 17th Feb 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon
Holiday Sale
A person prepares to roll sushi

Japan, for rural delights and sushi-making in the capital

Discover bamboo forests, grand peaks and ancient Shinto shrines on this super-green 12-day Rail Trip across Japan. You’ll tuck into okonomiyaki pancakes in Hiroshima, climb Mount Misen on Miyajima island and hike up to a sacred temple within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on the outskirts of Kyoto. Marvel at old farmhouses in the verdant Hida Folk Village and cruise down Lake Ashi before hovering above volcanic geysers aboard a cable car. You’ll end up in Tokyo, where you’ll learn how to make sushi.

From US$4119

Next available from 28th Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon
A person on a canopy cable ride in the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Costa Rica, for a jungle safari amid affable creatures

Want to feel as close to nature as possible? Then this journey through the wilderness of Costa Rica is just for you. Embark on a wildlife safari around the Arenal Volcano and wave hello to capuchin monkeys and jaguars as you cross hanging bridges springing out of the greenery. Catch sloths hunting their midnight snack on a nocturnal hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and learn the importance of local produce in a Costa Rican cooking class. All of our accommodations are eco-friendly country lodges and retreats, meaning you can immerse yourself in this country’s incredible nature with a clear conscience.

From US$2199

Next available from 6th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

San Jose, Costa Rica

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon
An iguana walking on Tortuga Bay beach in Santa Cruz, with a woman walking in the waves in the background

The Galápagos Islands, for an extraordinary array of wildlife

About 1,000km (621mi) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are a paradise for wildlife lovers. On this five-day exclusive adventure, you’ll have many opportunities to encounter the unique species here in their natural habitat. Marvel at the giant tortoises, snorkel among sea lions and spot the Galápagos hybrid iguana as you travel around this fascinating destination. You’ll even land on an uninhabited island, accompanied by a naturalist.

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

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon

Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting to this article.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

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!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

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

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

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.

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article