Best Ecotourism Holidays in South America

From the islands of the Galapagos to the mountains of Patagonia, there are plenty of ecotourism holidays to explore in South America
From the islands of the Galapagos to the mountains of Patagonia, there are plenty of ecotourism holidays to explore in South America
Mandi Keighran

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.

Aerial view of a waterfall falling into a round lake in the middle of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador

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$2199

Next available from 9th Mar 2024

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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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Visitors enjoy a dinghy excursion to Bartolome Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

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$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

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ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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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.

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