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.

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

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

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ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Winter 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

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

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ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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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

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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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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

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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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Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting to this article.

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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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