Adventure Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a country in Central America with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, is renowned for its lush rainforests and rugged volcanoes. During this experience, travelers will hop from one hostel to another in search of greater and more thrilling adventures. After a relaxing first day in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, the group will travel to La Fortuna, a small town putatively considered the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. Along the way, travelers will stop by the Poás Volcano, an active stratovolcano in central Costa Rica, and visit a community coffee project to learn about coffee production. Once the group arrives at La Fortuna, the real adventure will begin. From rappelling down waterfalls to whitewater rafting and paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, there is no shortage of adrenaline-inducing activities for travelers to experience. From La Fortuna, the group will then head to the cloud forest of Monteverde, where they will fly across the canopy on ziplines. Other activities on offer include visiting the butterfly garden, horseback riding and checking out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and other wildlife. 

This 6-day experience starts at $391 per person and includes accommodation, 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch and transportation. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.

Escape into Nature in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan remains one of the most untouched areas of Central Asia since the country’s declared independence from Russian rule in 1991. Along the southern rim there are traditional, grassroots communities and raw landscapes to explore. A visit to Kel Suu, one of the highest elevated lakes in the world and a trek down the ancient Silk Road caravanserai of Tash Rabat,  a centuries old monastery along a traditional trade route, are a couple of the highlights of a trip through Kyrgyzstan. Visitors can experience the Kyrgyz way of life through the hospitality of locals. They will spend the night in traditional yurts and set out for the day on horseback. 

Those who embark on this thirteen day adventure will find opportunities to see unique facets of nature like the bright red sandstone of Konorchek Canyon and the vast expanse of the Naryn River, or wolves and ibex in their natural habitat. Many of the treks on the itinerary for this trip are challenging and are geared towards travelers interested in a more rigorous itinerary.  This trip starts at $2,750 and lasts 13 days. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS 

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Run The Erbil Marathon in Iraq

The Erbil Marathon in the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan is an annual international sporting event created to promote peace, love and non violence in Iraq. It has helped to create powerful connections to international partners for the people of Iraq who are committed to finding peace and justice for their country. All three marathons at the event are open to both men and women, going against traditional Iraqi oppression in Iraqi women’s sports. There is a full marathon, 10k and 5k run, so travelers looking to participate do not have to be experienced runners to be involved. 

Travelers who attend this trip from Untamed Borders will even be given the opportunity to train with both male and female runners. The trip lasts six days, costs $1450 will cover all expenses, plus entry to the marathon. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS

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Trek Through Unexplored Areas of Nepal

The Lower Mustang is a remote area of the Himalayas that has just recently become accessible to travelers. The Rain Shadow Trekking Tour allows travelers to hike through this region and experience wildlife and landscape views unique to this area. Daily treks, typically ranging between 5 to 8 hours, will include spotting rare snow leopards, viewing some of the tallest mountains in the world and walking through beautiful remote villages. One day of the trip, hikers will witness the Himalayan Rain Shadow, an effect created by the mountain range that keeps monsoon rains from reaching northern areas such as Tibet. Those who embark on this high-activity 13-day travel experience will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Tibetan culture, cuisine and religious practices during homestays. 

This 13-day package costs $2225 per person. This price includes highly experienced tour guides for drives and hikes, accommodations, meals, domestic flights included in the itinerary and all cultural activities and excursions. 

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OFF SEASON ADVENTURES

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Coach Soccer in the Dominican Republic

The sport of soccer—or rather football, as it’s known all over the world—is a shared cultural facet of many countries. In places like the Dominican Republic, it is intertwined with the local culture and national identity. In the town of Samaná, Dominican Republic, volunteers with an interest in the sport can work at a local summer camp built around football. The “Football for Peace” summer camp invites volunteers to train, coach and even partake in soccer matches with Samaná’s local football club. When not on the field, volunteers will support the camp and the town through community service. 

This volunteering trip is offered by Aldeas de Paz. Packages start at a minimum of 2 weeks for $799 with basic accommodations. Volunteers can stay for up to 5 weeks. Fundación Aldeas de Paz is a nonprofit organization that offers volunteer travel opportunities in the Domican Republic. 

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Aldeas de Paz

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Go on a Trekking Adventure in Ethiopia

The Simien Mountains National Park in northern Ethiopia is known for jagged peaks and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After arriving in the capital of Addis Ababa, travellers with a passion for hiking are taken to the city of Gondar just southwest of the Simien Mountains. There, they can tour 17th century royal castles and historic churches donned with ornate paintings. Travelers start their hiking journey in the nearby city of Debark. Once arriving at their campsite, hikers begin trekking up scenic trails through the mountains. For the next several days, travelers will encounter narrow gorges, spectacular waterfalls, grassy plateaus, winding canyons and witness local wildlife. Toward the end of the trek, travelers will visit local towns and see historic religious sites, before returning back to Addis Ababa. 

Travel is booked through Off Season Adventures. This is an 11 night package costing $4,268 per person. Off Season Adventures offers sustainable travel opportunities with a commitment to positive community impacts. 

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Off Season Adventures 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OFF-SEASON ADVENTURES: LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER ABOUT HIS TRIP TO TANZANIA HERE

Dive to Keep Belize’s Marine Habitat Pristine

Off the coast of Belize, volunteers with a passion for marine conservation can remove invasive species of fish and clear out plastic waste to keep the country’s waters healthy. Once travelers arrive in the village of Placencia along Belize’s southern coast, they are taken to a small private island where they can partake in up to three conservation dives. For those who aren’t experienced divers, the program offers PADI Open Water training to become diver-certified. On weekends, travelers can head back to Placencia and from there explore the rest of Belize. In 2019, volunteers were able to remove 7,841 invasive lionfish, carry away 11,645 pounds of waste and hatch 454 baby turtles.

This experience is organized by GoEco and costs $1,150 for one week. Volunteers can extend the program for up to eight weeks. The PADI Open Water course is an additional $150.

Road Trip through Northern Pakistan

Journey through northern Pakistan on this two-week trip organized by Untamed Borders. In recent years, Pakistan has grown in popularity as security improves. This trip provides the opportunity to visit a country that is seldom explored yet stunningly beautiful. Visit the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges, known for being some of the most beautiful on Earth. Explore Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, before flying north to Chitral. Experience an animistic culture in the Kalasha Valleys before adventuring on rope bridges, exploring glaciers and journeying into the high mountains. At the end of the trip, take the famous Karakoram Highway back to Islamabad. This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a remarkable off-the-grid experience. 

This trip costs $2,950 for two weeks.

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Untamed Borders

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Teach Soccer to Children in Ghana

Ghana, located along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, used to be known as the “Gold Coast” for its mineral riches. The capital of Accra is known for its vibrant beaches and markets, incredible food and its wonderful music scene. However, Ghana is still home to many disadvantaged populations and volunteering can be one way to have an impactful experience. One possible trip includes coaching soccer to help develop sports skills for teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds. As long as you are passionate about soccer and love working with young adults, this volunteer trip is right for you.

This volunteer opportunity is located in Accra with working days from Tuesday to Saturday to incorporate weekend games. Off days can be used to explore the city, get to know other volunteers and spend time with your host family. Most work will be done in the afternoons when students can visit the soccer club after school; however, there will be meetings earlier in the day to discuss coaching strategies. The trip is a great opportunity to help students improve their health and fitness, develop motor skills, and learn life skills such as teamwork and discipline. This one-week minimum volunteering experience is run by Projects Abroad, a travel company that aims to create sustainable and impactful trips overseas. One week of volunteering costs $2,270 and volunteering is possible for as little as one week to as long as a year. Start dates are very flexible and the trip itself requires a short application.

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Projects Abroad

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Travel in the Footsteps of the Incas in Peru

Peru, found in the northwestern corner of South America, is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and the famous Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city found in the Andean highlands. Peru is rich in archaeological sites, especially in the region near Machu Picchu which contains the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cusco. One way to explore Peru is by hiking the Inca Trail. However, this trip is not for the faint of heart since it requires nearly six to eight hours of physical activity per day. The trip begins with an arrival in Cusco and a short hike to start acclimating to the high altitude. The following day the hike begins in Chinchero and includes some farm work. Chinchero, while a small village, has many Incan ruins and is home to Peruvian weavers. Following a stop in Chinchero, the trip moves to Ollantaytambo where the Inca Trail hike will begin. The following few days of the trip include hiking and camping as well as exploring archaeological sites along the way. The trip ends with a stunning arrival at Machu Picchu and a tour of the ancient ruins before returning to Cusco.This six-night trip is run by Under30Experiences, a travel company that is geared toward creating sustainable travel options for young travelers. The trip itself costs $1,495 with early sign-up and $1,695 with regular sign-up. 

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Under30Experiences

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Experience Reindeer Migration with the Nenets in the Siberian Arctic

This intense trip to the Siberian tundra is hosted annually. Its aim is to provide a culturally immersive experience with the Nenets nomads during their 37-mile reindeer migration across the frozen Gulf of Ob. The Nenets are an ethnic group native to northern Russia. They have a shamanistic and animistic belief system that stresses respect for the land and its resources, which can be observed throughout their work with reindeers. During the trip teammates will cross the frozen gulf during the reindeer migration, immerse themselves in the Nenets’ way of life, wear traditional herders’ clothes, experience the reindeer herding festival and travel by sledge, snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle. The trip is organized by Secret Compass, a travel company that aims to explore the “remote wilds of this Earth.” They have an upcoming 17-day trip from March 21 to April 6 of 2021 for a cost of £3,849 ($5,036 as of Aug. 1 with a fluctuating exchange rate). 

To learn more about this experience, check CATALYST’s Travel and Purpose Podcast in which Patrick Barrow, a guide for this trip, is interviewed. 

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Secret Compass

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View Otherworldly Landscapes on a Trek Across Iceland

Iceland, a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a topographical vision, crested with fiery volcanoes, steaming geysers and roiling lava fields. During this experience, travelers will veer off the beaten path on a trek through the highlands of the country, discovering some of its many hidden wonders. Departing from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, on the first day, the group will head to their Icelandic basecamp where they will prepare for their wilderness journey for the next five days. Riding past waterfalls, moss-covered mountains and black sand dunes in a Super Jeep, the group will cross into the highlands to begin their hike. From Thórsmörk, the lush valley named for the Norse thunder god Thor, to the many verdant Icelandic forests, the trek offers plenty of breathtaking sights to behold. On the final day, the group will tackle the Fimmvörduháls hike, a magnificent trail that emerges out of the valley between the Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull glacier volcanoes – a true song of ice and fire. Then, after a lunch break on a nearby mountain, the group will descend toward Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

This 7-day and 6-night experience starts at $3,095 per person and includes accommodation, meals, all camping fees, and luggage transport for 5 days.

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Under30Experiences

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Hike the Portuguese Way on the Camino

On this trip, explore and hike the less-traveled Portuguese Spiritual Way on the famous Camino de Santiago from Portugal to Spain. The ancient path includes amazing views of the ocean and allows you to experience the European countryside. Activities include traditional cooking classes, Albarino white wine tasting and an opportunity to earn a certificate from the Pilgrim Office after completing the walk and reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You will see sights such as Foz de Douro Lighthouse, Galician church of Santa Eulalia del Monte, 16th-century Cistercian Monastery of Armenteira and Apostle Saint James’s remains. The activity level recommended for this trip is high energy and it costs $3,990. This trip is run by women for women.

adventurewomen

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Surf and Volunteer in Peru

The idea for WAVES originated in 2004 on the beaches of northern Peru, when a group of international surfers shared a desire to help local youth with little resources enjoy surfing. Today it is an established nonprofit and international network offering volunteer learning opportunities for surfers beginning the first and third weekend of every month in Lobitos. Based on your skills, you will contribute in one of the program areas: English and Arts, Environmental Responsibility, Life Skills, Swimming or Surfing and Social Entrepreneurship. If you stay three weeks or more, you will do an additional community service project. Costs are $495 volunteer contribution, plus $295/week.

WAVES FOR DEVELOPMENT

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Help the Unhoused Get Back on their Feet in the US

Back on My Feet is a nonprofit that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness increase their self-esteem. The group’s goal is to ensure that the homeless can make life changes that result in employment and independent living. To volunteer with Back on My Feet, find the nearest chapter and register to run with a local team. Most teams run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30 a.m. Walkers, joggers and runners are all welcome at the organization’s clubs in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington. Volunteers can participate for up to two weeks on this free opportunity.

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Back on My Feet

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Surf with Kids in Capetown, South Africa

Work in an adventure club for 12-14 year old children who come from disadvantaged areas of Cape Town. The club is primarily focused on surfing and swim lessons and volunteers will receive free surf lessons (no surfing exp. necessary but must be able to swim!). Local kids will be taught sports, hikes, life lessons (HIV, drugs, etc.). Volunteers will work with children 2-5 days a week and can spend their mornings relaxing on the beach, learning to surf, or helping out in a school. Afternoons are spent doing activities through the adventure club with 5-20 different children! On the trip, volunteers will be have plenty of free time to explore the beautiful city, Cape Town, and explore Table Mountain National Park, see African Penguins and explore beautiful hiking trails throughout the area!  The min length for this trip is 14 days for $990 and the max length is 8 weeks for $2,730.  Upcoming Departures: Every Friday.

GO ECO

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