Top 7 Destinations for Sustainable Travel and Ecotourism Activities

The fascinating landscape and historic culture of New Zealand have long stood at the forefront of sustainable tourism, with the country’s leaders striving to achieve global efforts in economic, community, industry, and visitor sustainability by 2025. The country’s immaculately kept scenery draws millions of visitors each year to drift through the peaceful waters of Milford Sound, spot avifauna on Stewart Island, stargaze in the countryside of the Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve, and learn about the history of Maori culture in the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley.

Best Ecotourism Activities: Alpine crossing | Geothermal landscape tours | Glacier hiking | Fiord cruises

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The Greek island of Alonnisos offers travelers a peaceful escape from the crowds to indulge in the vibrant colors of the azure water, the stoic beauty of the empty sky, the fragrant aromas of the pine trees, and the delicious flavors of the olive orchards. The unassuming charm of the island has resulted in the rise of one of the most sustainable travel destinations in the world with unspoiled fishing villages, remarkable snorkeling, and scuba diving adventures in Alonnisos National Marine Park. There is also a selection of environmentally friendly accommodations focusing on energy conservation that act harmoniously within the larger environment.

Best Ecotourism Activities: Cave exploring | Scuba diving | Island hopping | Forest trekking

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Environmental sustainability has been a focus of the Swedish government for the last 25 years, with significant progress made through district heating and the further reduction of greenhouse gases that has resulted in glistening cities. One such city, Stockholm, which is nicknamed “beauty on the water,” even won the European Green Capitals Award in 2010. The city was built alongside the water and remains surrounded by woodlands, offering visitors dynamic experiences from exploring the city’s best sustainable practices to enjoying skiing, ice skating, cycling, or walking around the islets, islands, and eco-park.

Best Ecotourism Activities: Horseback riding | Fly fishing | Kayaking | Porpoise safari

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Even as more and more tourists flock to Reykjavik and the popular Golden Circle, which consists of the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland maintains steadfast loyalty to its ecological goals. Iceland’s main attraction is the scenery that captures your imagination with cracked lava fields, glistening glaciers, dramatic fjords, active volcanoes, and erupting geysers. The pristine nature provides plenty of ecotourism activities for you to explore its diversity, from whitewater rafting to horseback riding amongst the lush fields and cave excursions to hikes across the icy surfaces of giant glaciers.

Best Ecotourism Activities: Glacier hiking | Laugafell hot springs | Whale watching | Cave exploring

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Portugal’s dreamy whitewashed villages and lush vineyards embrace the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly philosophies that seek to preserve the marvelous scenery, breathtaking views, and fascinating culture for future generations. Large sums of solar energy is gathered, and power is produced thanks to the bright country’s bounty of sunny days throughout the year. Around Portugal, the wilderness is protected, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park, for example, shows the nation’s eagerness to conserve and preserve the natural beauty through eco-friendly accommodations and ecotourism activities.

Best Ecotourism Activities: National park tours | Birdwatching | Iberian lynx spotting | Cycling tours

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Costa Rica is known and celebrated as one of the most eco-friendly nations in the world, with leaders focusing on protecting the country’s fascinating biodiversity that overtakes the mountainous rainforest terrain touching both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Exotic wildlife fills the jungle, and you will search stunning national parks for endangered animals like squirrel monkeys and scarlet macaws or observe turtles nesting along the gold-sand beaches during your travels. In local communities, you will find lavish eco-friendly resorts and small organic farms utilizing the lush volcanic soils and naturally wet environment to grow delicious produce.

Best Ecotourism Activities: Eco lodging | Treetop tours | Farm-to-table dining | Snorkeling

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Rwanda has integrated principles of sustainable development to reverse the loss of important environmental resources and achieve a significant reduction in the loss of biodiversity. Visitors may admire the growing beauty of the Volcanoes National Park as they search for protected Mountain Gorillas. You can also partake in culturally immersive activities in the Iby’Iwacu Village, which preserves the heritage of the region. Others might scour the bush for chimpanzees and other wildlife in Nyungwe National Forest on sustainable safaris. The government has even introduced a rehab program to turn convicted poachers into conservation guides.

Best Ecotourism Activities: Forest safaris | Mountain Gorilla spotting | Birdwatching | Cultural village tours

Learn more: Rwanda Safaris

Race down the alpine slopes of Sweden around the corner from the 2010 winner of the European Green Capitals Award, Stockholm, or tour the preserved heritage villages along Portugal’s coast and protected national park in its northern reaches. Ready to plan your trip? Chat with a travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or calling us on 1-888-265-9707.