Incredible & ethical WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES

From walking with elephants to paddling with penguins, these sustainable wildlife adventures will take you closer to the action…

Wildlife encounters can be both memorable and humbling, but considering the sustainability of a trip has become increasingly important. From spying sloths in the rainforest to relaxing on sea lion-strewn beaches, Holiday Architects reveal three of their most responsible wildlife tours…

1

Hop between islands

Blue-footed boobies and tortoises hog the land while sharks, sea lions and penguins fill the sea: the Galápagos Island’s scale and diversity of wildlife is unrivalled. And due to ongoing protection measures, you’re bound to see a mix of animals.

Hop from island to island to study their varied topography and inhabitants, while learning about the many conservation projects in place to protect them. Due to only ever having had positive interactions with humans, the wildlife here is very tame and you’ll be astonished by their fearlessness of people.

2

Walk with giants

Visit Cambodia’s Elephant Valley to see ten rescued ellies living out their retirement.

A guide will lead you through 6.5 sq km of lime-green forest, where the gentle giants roam, bathe and socialise. And you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re giving something back while you watch.

The Elephant Valley Project makes huge efforts to not just protect the rescued elephants in their care, but also those still surviving in the wild. They also offer support to the locals and have so far helped over 2,000 people with stable jobs and healthcare. Your visit ensures the continuation of this support.

3

Laze with sloths

Over 26% of Costa Rica is made up of protected areas with more than 5% of the existing biodiversity in the world calling Costa Rica home, so there’s plenty of wildlife on display here.

Start with the country’s most laid-back residents – sloths. Spot the slow-moving creatures while paddling a kayak through the mangrove forests of Manuel Antonio NP, or while hiking through Arenal Rainforest. Look out for the caiman, turtles and squirrel monkeys that can also be found in Arenal Rainforest. A guide can take you on the most animal-rich route, teaching you about the surrounding endemic flora and fauna as you pass it.

Whichever of these trips you choose, you can be sure that it will be a responsible one.

Animal antics (clockwise from this) Meet the residents of the Galápagos; spot sloths in Costa Rica; walk with elephants in Cambodia