Backpacking Programs in Multiple Countries

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

Experience the best of Western Europe on this high school exploration across Switzerland, France, and Holland. Begin in the Swiss Alps, hiking through alpine meadows, canyoning through mountain gorges, and taking in sweeping views of glaciers and peaks. Continue to Paris to immerse yourself in iconic art, architecture, cafés, and historic neighborhoods. Then set out on a multi-day bike journey through the Dutch countryside, pedaling past windmills, sand dunes, and coastal villages. Conclude your adventure in Amsterdam, exploring vibrant canals, museums, and neighborhoods while building deep cultural connections along the way.

Travel to Southeast Asia for a 13-day, 20-day, or 31-day adventure of a life time. The tour will take you to see the main tourist attractions and less well known hot spots for a memorable experience! The tour is led by a combination of local and western guides, who are experienced in ensuring that their groups have an amazing adventure. Group sizes are typically about 20. The 31-day tour is a circular journey that starts and ends in Bangkok. We also offer a shorter tours: - 13 days: Bangkok to Hanoi - 20 days: Hanoi to Bangkok The top destinations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Phnom Penh, and Siem Riep. For the full itinerary, see our website. Unforgettable activities: elephant sanctuary to bath the majestic animals, watching Muay Thai Kickboxing, zip lining, quad biking, rafting down the Mae Taeng River, Cycle through Northern Thai villages, hiking to waterfalls, staying overnight in a treetop house, traveling on a slow boat down the Mekong River, tubing down the river, rock climbing, exploring the caves, bar crawl, camping on a private beach, island hopping, scuba diving, and visiting Angkor Wat.

Dreaming of a sailing trip to Santorini? Or, are you more of an outdoor enthusiast who prefers the mystery of Machu Picchu? Whatever adventure you have in mind, Contiki will make it happen. We arrange adventure trips for participants 18-35 years old, along with the guarantee of sorting out the details to ensure a stress-free experience. Explore incredible places while discovering yourself. Make new friends and return home with more than just photos, but also lifetime memories. At Contiki, we offer tailor-made tours that include accommodation, food, and, most of all, unique experiences. All these elements help make your trip truly unforgettable. Whether your sense of adventure is roughing it out or immersing in fascinating cultures, we have the perfect trip for you. Contact us today and find out how we can turn the travel of your dreams into a reality.

Volunteer in Asia and combine your travels with our exciting program which takes you through Kerala in South India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. We believe that travel should be responsible and we also believe that you should see as many new places as possible so that you can expand your mind, broaden your horizons and learn more about the different cultures in our world. This unique volunteering program will help you tick all of those boxes and you will get to explore some of our planet’s most beautiful destinations along the way. This volunteering experience includes English teaching and community development and will involve you working closely with young children of all ages in poor, disadvantaged communities. We also promote community living so you will be housed with compassionate and curious travellers just like yourself, so you will always have someone to share your amazing experiences with at the end of a long day. Not only will our program take you to the most incredible destinations and allow you the chance to give back as you travel, but you’ll meet some awesome people too and maybe even make some friends for life.