Travel
Fact-checked

At WiseTour, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Eco Adventure?

J.M. Densing
J.M. Densing

An eco adventure is a trip that combines adventurous activities and means of travel with environmentally responsible methods. The destinations and activities vary widely and can include canoeing on the Amazon River, hiking in a tropical rainforest, or a safari in Africa. Destinations are typically remote and provide few amenities; travelers need to be sure to have a good guide with them. Eco adventures are usually relatively intense, physically demanding trips designed to highlight the natural beauty of the destination and to disturb the environment as little as possible. Ideally, an eco adventure either leaves no trace of human disruption behind or contributes towards environmental conservation.

An eco adventure combines the trends of adventure travel and eco tourism to appeal to the environmentally conscious visitor. The adventure part of the trip usually involves physical exertion and an element of risk. The eco tourism component focuses on appreciating the beauty of the natural environment in a way that doesn't disturb the area. Some trips incorporate volunteerism and focus on conservation efforts or on ways to help the local communities in or near the destination being visited.

A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for eco adventurers.
A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for eco adventurers.

There is tremendous variety to select from for a traveler who wants to take an eco adventure. The destinations are usually relatively remote areas with an abundance of natural beauty. A popular destination is South America, with its tropical climate, coastal areas, rainforests, rivers, and mountains. Trips often feature canoeing, diving, hiking, mountain climbing, and other physical activities. Often the accommodations are very basic including camps located in the wilderness.

Scuba diving is incorporated into many eco adventures.
Scuba diving is incorporated into many eco adventures.

Another popular eco adventure destination is Africa, with its unique plains and savannahs. Trips often involve safari adventures and visiting and helping native villages. Other common destinations for eco adventures include wilderness areas of Alaska, Asia, and Australia. Activities vary depending on the destination, but these trips usually allow the visitor to spend plenty of time outdoors in natural settings.

An eco adventure trip might include whitewater rafting.
An eco adventure trip might include whitewater rafting.

The typical eco adventure takes place in a remote destination with few amenities. Travelers often stay in rustic accommodations or camps, and transportation is far from luxurious. An experienced, knowledgeable guide is vitally important on a trip of this kind. The guide should watch out for the safety and well-being of the travelers and be able to deal with any emergencies that may arise.

Bicycling may be part of an eco adventure.
Bicycling may be part of an eco adventure.

An eco adventure shouldn't harm the environment in any way. When they camp, eco travelers leave nothing behind, even taking their garbage with them, and try to leave camp sites exactly as found. When used, vehicles are as ecologically friendly as possible. Any organizations involved with the trip, such as those providing lodging, food, or transportation, are supposed to use ecologically sustainable practices. Many trips take this aspect a little further by having visitors participate in conservation efforts or by using a portion of the funds from the trip to support the environment.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for eco adventurers.
      By: magann
      A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for eco adventurers.
    • Scuba diving is incorporated into many eco adventures.
      By: eothman
      Scuba diving is incorporated into many eco adventures.
    • An eco adventure trip might include whitewater rafting.
      By: VILevi
      An eco adventure trip might include whitewater rafting.
    • Bicycling may be part of an eco adventure.
      By: corepics
      Bicycling may be part of an eco adventure.
    • Canoeing is often part of an eco adventure in South America.
      By: Marek
      Canoeing is often part of an eco adventure in South America.
    • Eco-minded safari tour companies offer various ways to view and photograph big game in Africa.
      By: Photocreo Bednarek
      Eco-minded safari tour companies offer various ways to view and photograph big game in Africa.
    • Eco adventures allow vacationers to see new and exciting sights.
      By: rupbilder
      Eco adventures allow vacationers to see new and exciting sights.
    • Camping may be part of an eco adventure.
      By: micromonkey
      Camping may be part of an eco adventure.
    • Hiking eco adventures are ideal for people who want to enjoy nature while boosting their stamina.
      By: Dudarev Mikhail
      Hiking eco adventures are ideal for people who want to enjoy nature while boosting their stamina.
    • Eco adventurists may bird watch exotic birds.
      By: jamdesign
      Eco adventurists may bird watch exotic birds.