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Ecotourism means ‘responsible travel’ to natural areas that also conserve the environment and the well-being of the local communities. Our story dives into the importance of Sustainable Adventure Tourism, and where to go. If you are an outdoor lover and have the urge to plunge into eco-adventure, then this read is just for you. We have listed the top 13+ stunning adventure ecotourism sites in the world that are unmissable.
Adventure Ecotourism Top Places
What is Adventure Ecotourism? Why is it important?
Adventure Ecotourism combines outdoor activities with environmental and cultural conservation. Adventure ecotourism programs typically include activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, wildlife watching, nature education, and more. Your accommodation is often in eco lodgings, campsites, or small-sized guest houses.
Find below a listicle of the best places for Sustainable Ecotravel for an outdoor adventure.
Where To Go?
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda in the African continent is one of the most stunning places to visit for its wonderful scenery, friendly locals and coffee plantations. The Mountain Gorilla Trekking experience here makes it among the best adventure ecotourism sites in the world. You can trek to see the gorillas in the Virunga Mountains who live amid bamboo forests. This is a volcanic range in Central Africa with three national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ecotourism adventure also includes sights of volcanic craters, lava flows, lakes and swamps that altogether make it an ecotourist attraction.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A not-to-miss Ecuador attraction, the glorious Galapagos Islands beckon you with a distinctive ecosystem in the Pacific Ocean. You get to encounter varied marine animals and birds such as penguins, iguanas, and sea lions, an unforgettable experience. Santa Cruz Island has the best Ecuadorian things to do such as snorkelling at Tortuga Bay. Go diving or snorkelling during your stay to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures! Visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station, as well as the endemic wildlife on land.
Kenya, East Africa
Head to Kenya for one of the best safari camps and resorts. The Great Rift Valley and the Kenya Lake system are mind-blowing wildlife spotting attractions. Cheetahs, black rhinos, giraffes, and plenty of bird species among other wildlife roam around the landscapes. Mount Kenya is an awesome peak that stands second tallest in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. Stare amazed at the diverse landscape, forest slopes, impressive glacial lakes and more. Amboseli National Reserve, Maasai Mara National Park, Tsavo National Park, Lamu Island, Lake Naivasha, and Shaba National Reserve, among others, are top eco-tourist sites.
Amazon Jungle, Ecuador
Take an awesome Amazonian experience in eastern Ecuador and glide on one of the many tributaries of the Amazon River. Reaching the Ecuadorian Amazon takes some effort but the experience of the remote jungle is totally worthwhile. Fish for piranhas, look out for pink river dolphins and search for anacondas as you float through the lush rainforest. The jungle also has reptilian life such as monkeys, jaguars, tapirs and more.
Auroville, India
This is among the top self-sustaining and eco-conscious habitats located about 45km northeast of Puducherry in India. It is home to approximately 2000 people who work together to create a sustainable community on renewable energy. You can pick walking or biking around the grid layout. This unique place is a great destination to learn about sustainable ecotourism and is powered by solar energy.
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Witness incredible wildlife drama in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Watch as prey and predators graze the open grasslands and swamps of the crater floor. The park in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a wildlife paradise. See the hippos around the Ngoitoktok Springs and the flamingos around Lake Magadi. Commonly found wildlife include warthogs, hartebeests, waterbucks, and golden & black-backed jackals among others.
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
This is an example of nature-based tourism, a park known for its stunning natural scenery and fauna. It is considered one of the most important places for wildlife conservation. The Maori culture is remarkable and the destination is popular with both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months. Visit to see three active volcanoes: Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, and Ruapehu, which are all part of the Taupo volcanic zone. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, worth a visit.
Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi
Ecotourism in Malawi Lake is about aquatic discovery and water-based activity. This freshwater lake is among the top adventure ecotourism destinations located on the southern tip of Africa. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many endemic species. The preservation of its diverse fish and aquatic habitat makes the park famous. The Malawi Lake which covers over 26900 square km offers plenty of adventure sports in ecotourism such as snorkelling, diving, and boating. Stay in the park accommodation and partake in a cultural program conducted alongside.
Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park, Bohol Island
Bohol Island in the Philippines is famous for the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park, a zipline and outdoor adventure park. This is in a remote forest setting that offers adventure sports in ecotourism such as river activities and zip-lining. Feel the rush as you slide down at a rapid pace with the help of your instructor. There are also gondola rides if you would enjoy the views at a slower pace. Tour around the island, and paraglide to view the surroundings and enjoy a top view of the Loboc River. You can try the Loboc River cruise or try overcoming fears of heights in the Tigbao Hanging Bridge for an amazing adventure ecotourism holiday.
Thenmala Ecotourism, Kerala
Thenmala ecotourism adventure is a top destination for adventure seekers in Kerala, India. The Thenmala ecotourism adventure zone offers attractions such as Elevated Walkway, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, River Crossing, Nature Trails, Resting Spots, Lotus Pond, and more. The nature trail winding through various areas of the region is a nature lover’s top activity. You can also experience the Butterfly Safari, Deer Rehabilitation Centre, Children’s Park, Musical Dancing Fountain and more. Take the guided trekking tour to the outskirts of the Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary along the reservoir to immerse yourself in adventure ecotourism.
Adventure Ecotourism, Quebec
Quebec is a favourite place for lovers of outdoor activities and adventure. Indulge in many activities from sea kayaking, Via Ferrata, and off-piste skiing. Whether for your summer or winter activities, nautical or hiking, with family or friends, Quebec is a memorable adventure ecotourism destination. Pick a package from a company that specialises in adventure tourism, nature tourism and ecotourism. The adventure professionals customize the activity to suit your interests. So, whether a nature travel enthusiast or outdoor enthusiast, your thirst for adventure is fulfilled.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
This truly is an experience in wildlife ecotourism as you witness migratory wildlife that includes the Big Five game animals. The wildlife paradise is where you see abundant zebras, wildebeest, black rhinos, common hippos, spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, and more. Stay at an ecolodge camp amidst wildlife and nature at its best. Enjoy breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment and traverse the legendary Masai plains. Witness the migration of thousands of wildebeests and zebras from July to September every year as they make their way across the famed Mara River between Northern Tanzania and Kenya. This is an eco-adventure paradise.
Pingvellir National Park, lceland
Iceland, famous for glaciers, hot springs and lava fields, is among the best adventure ecotourism destinations in the world. The beautiful park with stunning views is located not far from the capital Reykjavik. It has immense historical and cultural value and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Iceland’s stark geological processes play out right in front of you. The park is where you walk between two continents, which is home to Lake Pingvellirvatn, the country’s largest natural lake. Look out for Arctic foxes, Mink, many species of duck, golden plovers and the common snipes.
Poon Hill, Nepal
Admire mother nature in one of the best adventure ecotourism destinations home to the majestic snow-capped Mount Everest. It is a popular trekking place with breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. It is located northwest of the Everest base camp where you can trek for the sights of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, and Lamjung backdrops. The wonderful rhododendron forests and alpine lakes make Poon Hill a must-see destination. Wildlife viewing opportunities are also plenty.
Pick your next vacation wisely so you can do something good for the planet!
