Eco-Tourism Trips
Eco-tourism is more than just sustainable travel—it's about engaging thoughtfully with the environment, supporting local communities, and minimizing your impact while exploring the world. From a sustainability perspective, eco-tourism offers students a chance to connect personal values with global experiences, whether through studying abroad, participating in field research, or planning low-impact adventures.
The Office of Sustainability encourages students to think critically about the intersections between travel, climate justice, conservation, and cultural respect. We invite you to connect with our team to explore what eco-tourism looks like in practice, how you can apply its principles to your own travels, and how to be a responsible visitor wherever you go.
Occasionally, our office also hosts eco-tourism-focused trips that allow students to engage with sustainability in new environments, both locally and beyond. Keep an eye out for these opportunities—or stop by to chat with us about how your next journey can be more intentional and sustainable.
Current Trips
Peru: Summer 2026
Eco-Tourism Trekking To Machu Picchu
Explore the Sacred Valley like never before—with purpose. This 7-day, 6-night trip combines breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and cloud forests, culminating in a sunrise arrival at Machu Picchu. As part of a sustainable travel experience, this trek ensures fair treatment of porters, supports over 500 local workers, and emphasizes responsible tourism. It’s a physically demanding, small-group adventure designed for students who want to connect deeply with place, people, and history—all while minimizing impact.
Trip Dates: June 16-22, 2026
Trip Starting and Ending Location: Cusco, Peru
How to Join the Trip
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Decide if this trip is right for you
This is a physically demanding trip that includes four days of hiking and three nights of camping along the trail. Students should be comfortable with early morning starts, high-altitude trails, and sustained physical activity over multiple days. -
Attend a Required Info Session
Info sessions will provide important details about the itinerary, costs, travel expectations, and sustainability goals of the program.- September 25, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- September 29, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Sessions will be held in the Office of Sustainability (1004 N Weber St.) with a Zoom option available for those off-campus.
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Apply through Summit (Application opens September 25)
Spaces are limited, so please take your time to answer the application questions thoughtfully. Applications are due on October 15. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than October 20. -
Join a Pre-Trip Session (Block 5)
Required for all participants, this meeting will introduce everyone to the trip. We’ll cover group logistics, important dates such as passport deadlines and deposits, and applied eco-tourism practices. -
Complete a Brief Health Check-In (Block 6/7)
To ensure everyone is fully prepared for the trip, we conduct brief, individual health check-ins with all participants. This helps us stay informed and ready to provide support if any issues arise. -
Meet Us in Cusco – June 2026!
The adventure begins in Peru. Get ready for an unforgettable experience rooted in sustainability, cultural awareness, community impact, and the breathtaking landscapes of one of the world’s most iconic trails.
Past Trips
Iceland: Summer 2022
Eco-Tourism Trekking Across Iceland
In 2022, the Office of Sustainability led a group of 10 students on an eco-tourism experience across Iceland. From exploring geothermal energy systems and glacial landscapes impacted by climate change to visiting local towns and riding Icelandic ponies, students engaged firsthand with sustainability challenges and solutions in one of the world’s most unique environments. The trip emphasized responsible travel, local impact, environmental education, and cultural exchange—core values at the heart of our eco-tourism programming.
Trip Dates: June 16-26, 2022
Trip Starting and Ending Location: Reykjavik, Iceland