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Few things are as exciting as travelling the world. But there’s something particularly special about returning from a trip feeling connected and inspired, and knowing your holiday made a real difference.
That’s the idea behind what G Adventures calls “Community Tourism” – a concept they pioneered over 35 years ago as one of the world’s largest small group adventure travel companies. It means every hotel you sleep in, every restaurant you visit, and every local encounter along the way helps support the people and places that make your trip possible.
We’ve partnered with G Adventures to bring you eight trips with purpose, each one connecting travellers to the heart of local cultures while uplifting the communities they pass through.
Their non-profit partner, Planeterra, has spent over 20 years making sure the places touched by tourism benefit from it – helping local people develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and work towards their own goals. And through G Adventures’ Trees For Days initiative, a tree is grown on your behalf for every day you’re on the trip, in one of 23 reforestation projects around the world – so the impact continues long after you’re home.
1. Amazon to the Andes
From the dense, humid forests of the Amazon to the soaring peaks of the Andes, Peru is a land of extraordinary contrasts. On G Adventures’ 12-day tour, you’ll experience it all: ancient Inca sites, stunning Andean landscapes, and exciting jungle adventures.
Start by taking in the architectural treasures of Cusco, then spend a full day exploring the Sacred Valley on a guided tour. Here, you’ll visit the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op for a lesson in traditional textiles, learning about local weaving and dyeing techniques and the co-op’s impact on the surrounding community. Afterwards, stop for lunch at Parwa Community Restaurant – a farm-to-table success story kickstarted by G Adventures, the Planeterra Foundation, and the Multilateral Investment Fund, and now a thriving boost to the local economy.
From there, a quick van transfer takes you to the start of the Inca Trail, where you’ll spend a day easing in with a hike through striking Andean scenery and ancient ruins. If you prefer, you can opt to hike the Lares Trek or, for something more relaxed, take a scenic rail journey. The following day brings the main event: the climb to Machu Picchu itself, where you can explore its terraces, stairways, and stone temples, and take in views over the towering green mountains and the Urubamba River below.
After your descent, it’s time to trade mountain scenery for two nights in the tropical Amazon rainforest – where you can relax in a hammock, cool off in a local swimming hole, or spot caimans on an evening cruise, all from the comfort of your G Adventures lodge.
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G Adventures Amazon to the Andes*
25% off | Peru | 12 days | Accommodation Included
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2. Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara
If you’re drawn to rugged mountains and desert plains, Morocco might be your perfect match. G Adventures’ eight-day tour begins in colourful Marrakech, home to spice-scented souks and rosy-pink walls.
From there, you’ll journey east over the Atlas Mountains, passing the striking Dades Gorge before entering the vast Sahara, where 4x4s carry you to your comfortable desert camp. Ride camels into the dunes for sunset, indulge in a desert-infused dinner at the camp’s restaurant, and meet local farmers who’ll introduce you to the natural history of the region.
Leaving the desert behind, you’ll tour the historic fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou – a filming location for movies like Gladiator. Then, at the G Adventures-supported Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative, refuel with a traditional Moroccan lunch and a carpet weaving demonstration.
Last but not least, the mountain town of Ouirgane, set within Toubkal National Park, awaits with scenic olive groves, red-earth hills, and the Yacoub el Mansour reservoir. Set out on a walking tour of the spectacular landscapes, and immerse yourself in the daily life of an Amazigh family as they share their lifestyle and traditions.
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25% off | Morocco | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Last minute deals! Save on tours departing within 60 days here.
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3. Solo-ish India
If you’ve always wanted to explore India’s bustling cities and beautiful landscapes, this 12-day tour could be for you. Designed with solo travellers in mind, it offers all the freedom of independent travel with the security and social experience of a small group.
Community impact starts from the get-go, as the G Adventures-supported Women with Wheels initiative – a female-led transport service – will pick you up from Delhi airport. From there, soak up the magic of this eclectic city with a traditional cooking class and a walking tour of sites like India Gate, the President’s House, and Old Delhi.
Heading south to Jaipur, enjoy dinner within the walls of Amber Fort, visit the Galtaji Temple (where hundreds of pilgrims and monkeys come to swim in its holy springs), and go in search of leopards at the nearby Jhalana Leopard Reserve.
In Bundi, Rajasthan’s hidden gem, you’ll have free time to explore stunning architecture, historic sites, and caves full of ancient petroglyphs. Wildlife encounters abound here too: a journey down the mighty Chambal River offers sightings of river dolphins, striped hyenas, Indian wolves, and the endangered gharial, while a visit to Ranthambore National Park gives you one of the best chances anywhere to spot the elusive Bengal tiger.
The tour ends with a final stop in Agra en route back to Delhi, where a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal isn’t to be missed. Watch as bright pink and orange light brings this famous ivory-white mausoleum to life.
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G Adventures Solo-ish India*
25% off | India | 12 days | Accommodation Included
Last minute deals! Save on tours departing within 60 days here.
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4. Costa Rica Adventure
Costa Rica is known for its abundant wildlife and extraordinary natural beauty, and on this 16-day tour, you’ll explore its tropical rainforests, Pacific beaches, volcanic expanses, and Caribbean wetlands.
Beginning in San José, you’ll head west to the city of Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park, where tropical forests, white-sand beaches, and lovely lagoons await – perfect for cooling off in. Then, in the cloud forest region of Monteverde, you can explore canopy ziplines, coffee plantations, local artisan markets, and enjoy guided tours of nocturnal wildlife.
Journeying onward to the vibrant town of La Fortuna in Costa Rica’s northern highlands, you’ll have two days to recharge and explore at your own pace, relaxing in hot springs and swimming in waterfalls. En route to the Sarapiquí Rainforest, you’ll stop for lunch at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative, Mi Cafecito, where you can feel good eating and drinking knowing you’re supporting 200 farmers and their families.
Spot wildlife, take an empanada-making class, and explore nesting grounds for green sea turtles in the Sarapiquí Rainforest and Tortuguero National Park before the tour ends with a few days in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a slice of paradise on the Caribbean coast.
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G Adventures Costa Rica Adventure*
25% off | Costa Rica | 16 days | Accommodation Included
Last minute deals! Save on tours departing within 60 days here.
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5. National Geographic Journeys: Explore Vietnam
Vibrant Vietnam is known for its spectacular landscapes, rich history, and delectable cuisine. Plus, its relatively compact size makes it possible to cover lots of ground in a single trip.
G Adventures’ 13-day tour begins in buzzy Hanoi, with its colourful Old Quarter, mighty Presidential Palace, and extensive selection of egg coffee. From there, it’s on to the Mai Chau Valley for a two-night stay in the countryside, where you can walk through rolling rice paddies, learn about local tribes and customs, and connect with locals.
Next, it’s off to legendary Ha Long Bay, where sparkling waters, towering limestone karsts, and elusive caves await. En route, you’ll stop at KymViet Enterprise, a G Adventures-supported programme that teaches stitching and sewing skills to local people with disabilities. Then settle into your cabin for an overnight cruise on the bay, with time to relax on board, feast on fresh seafood, or paddle in the water by kayak.
Further south, in Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, you’ll explore vast palaces, gardens, courtyards, and other architectural treasures. And in the beautifully preserved riverside town of Hoi An, you can take part in a lantern-making workshop and cooking class with Oodles of Noodles. This community initiative provides young people living and working on the streets with access to practical skills and employment training. Through the programme, participants have the opportunity to develop and practise their English, build confidence and gain valuable experience that can help them move towards more secure and sustainable employment in the tourism industry.
The tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City, where iconic sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Cu Chi tunnels promise to inspire.
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G Adventures Journeys: Explore Vietnam*
25% off | Vietnam | 13 days | Accommodation Included
Last minute deals! Save on tours departing within 60 days here.
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6. Solo-ish Greece
If you fancy an island-hopping adventure, it’s difficult to top Greece. This nine-day tour from Athens to Santorini perfectly balances adventure with relaxation and time to explore at your leisure.
Kick things off with a traditional Greek cooking class in Athens, where you’ll get hands-on making your own delicious dolmades and tzatziki. Then, en route to the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, you’ll stop off at a non-profit cafe, Shedia Home, which supports over 150 individuals experiencing homelessness in Athens by providing purpose and employment.
Next, take an early ferry southeast to the island of Tinos and dive straight in with a walking tour of the old town, meeting local shop owners, sampling fresh products, and learning about island life. With plenty of free time to relax too, you can chill by the pool, take a pottery class, or head to the nearest beach.
Swap one beautiful island for another with a hop over to Mykonos, home to picturesque windmills and lively cocktail bars, before moving on to Naxos and finally Santorini. As you soak further into island life, there’s free time to wander cobblestone streets, admire whitewashed houses, and relax on stunning beaches. For those wanting a bit more adventure, an optional hike along the caldera cliff from Fira to Oia rewards you with sweeping views over the Aegean Sea and distant volcanic islands.
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G Adventures Solo-ish Greece*
25% off | Greece | 9 days | Accommodation Included
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7. Back Roads of Japan
Where ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity collide, few countries are as alluring as Japan. G Adventures’ 11-day tour will take you everywhere from bustling cities to its back roads, which fewer travellers get to see.
Explore the historic temples and futuristic neighbourhoods of Tokyo, where world-class food markets abound with fresh sashimi and Wagyu beef skewers. Then, hop aboard a high-speed bullet train to Nagano, high in the Japanese Alps, where the Jigokudani Monkey Park awaits. Watch snow monkeys bathe in natural hot springs before touring nearby Matsumoto Castle, once home to a 16th-century samurai.
Travelling southwest, you’ll visit Otsu – a city on the peaceful banks of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll. From there, continue to the quaint coastal town of Hagi, where a local host family welcomes you for a two-night community homestay. Hagi is famous for its well-preserved feudal castle town, which a guided cycle tour will introduce you to, before you round off the day with a home-cooked meal alongside your hosts.
Then, it’s onward to the seaside town of Tottori, where Japan’s largest sand dunes and world-class seafood await. En route, you’ll also stop at Miho-misumi to learn about the art of making washi, a UNESCO-recognised traditional Japanese paper. The tour ends with two nights in Kyoto, in the heart of traditional Japan, where peaceful gardens sit beside pretty teahouses and iconic sites like the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
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G Adventures Back Roads of Japan*
25% off | Japan | 11 days | Accommodation Included
Last minute deals! Save on tours departing within 60 days here.
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8. Highlights of Madagascar
Madagascar might be an island, but there’s nothing small about it. And if you love exploring off the beaten path, G Adventures’ 14-day tour could be for you.
Beginning in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, travellers can bask in the sun, soak up gorgeous coastal views, or explore the giant baobabs, bizarre octopus trees, and rare endemic bird species found nearby. Further south, in Ifaty, calm lagoons and a breathtaking barrier reef await, perfect for boat trips and snorkelling.
From there, it’s on to Ranohira, home of Isalo National Park, where you’ll learn how a G Adventures-supported community tree-growing project is working to protect Isalo’s biodiversity, including sifaka, ring-tailed lemurs, and colourful chameleons. Heading further north, Anja Park and the Ranomafana rainforest offer more chances to spot lemurs and soak in local hot springs.
Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll journey on to Antsirabe, where you can connect with locals through a cooking class and learn to prepare koba, a traditional sweet treat made with ground peanuts, brown sugar, and rice flour. With a final stop in Andasibe before the tour wraps up in Antananarivo, you’ll have the chance to explore misty rainforests and spot endemic wildlife, including the indri lemur, which has an unmistakable booming call.
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G Adventures Highlights of Madagascar*
15% off | Madagascar | 14 days | Accommodation Included
Last minute deals! Save on tours departing within 60 days here.
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Final thoughts…
There’s something magical about discovering new corners of the world and getting to know traditions and cultures so different from your own. And returning home having connected with local communities and knowing your trip made a real difference can make it even more special.
G Adventures is dedicated to making sure that the places and communities touched by tourism benefit. Local initiatives like weaving workshops, coffee farm visits, and homestays make all the difference to community life – and you can be a part of it. Plus, with showstopping itineraries led by local guides, all you have to do is sit back and soak up the magic.