Trazee In-Depth: WWF-Approved Tours

Meaningful vacations are worth planning ahead for, especially when booking popular tours and destinations. Natural Habitat Adventures definitely falls into the must-experience category that you should jump on early.

Between Nat Hab’s many outdoorsy, adventurous, WWF-partnered wild tours and experiences, there’s a good reason you’ve been hearing this tour name more and more in the adventure travel world. What’s better? When the World Wildlife Fund is onboard, you know you’re making a good call for your nature-loving experience.

Plan for that iconic vacation you’ve been thinking about, like excursions through the Galapagos Islands, Churchill, Canada, and the Peruvian Andes, with help from the experts.

The World of Darwin
Wildlife enthusiasts already know the Galapagos Islands are a dream destination. Visiting this majestic and historically significant ecosystem can be a reality with Nat Hab’s Galapagos Adventure tours. This famous island is home to incredible species, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and sea lions — all of which travelers can learn about in an immersive environment along a seven- or 10-day tour.

Travel with the family and book a Family Galapagos Adventure, where even the youngest explorers can walk in Darwin’s footsteps along the Galapagos archipelago’s diverse and interesting landscape. Learn all about the resident wildlife, natural selection and micro-environments. What would an island trip be without some time on the boat? Set sail on the National Geographic Islander, a family-ready vessel fully stocked with research- and adventure-focused activities.

For something with a little less kiddo time and a little more adventure, the Galapagos Hiking & Kayaking Adventure tour is an amazing opportunity to feel truly immersed in the local flora and fauna. You’ll be face to face with wildlife in more intimate groups with the rare opportunity to kayak through the national park, which actually requires a permit.

For all the up-close-and-personal wildlife experiences you could hope for in such a delicate environment, the Classic Galapagos: The Natural Habitat Experience is your best option. This small-group exploration is truly one of a kind, including chartered yachts, a private stay on the Tortoise Camp and an opportunity to stay in Quito and enjoy more of Ecuador — all with Nat Hab and WWF’s environmental promise to offset any carbon emissions.

Peru’s Lost World

Ahh, Peru. All those pictures you’ve seen of Machu Picchu’s ruins, they’ve been calling to you. Join the club … or book a tour.

Choose something with the family, like the Custom Family Machu Picchu Adventure, which offers a seven-day exploration for all your Sacred Valley needs. See the centuries-old civil and hydraulic engineering of the Inca’s past, while learning about ancient architecture and astronomy. Explore the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu while meeting with local Quechua people in Pisac. Learn about the region’s many necessary conservation projects, spearheaded by the Tikapata School. Feel right at home with accommodations in private stone casitas along the Urubamba River with views to spare. Take in the region’s incredible history and local lore from your private Peruvian guide.

For a more adventure-focused guided tour with friends and fellow travelers, the Guided Machu Picchu Adventure may be more your speed. This six-day trip boasts views of the Andes, ruins and wildlife along rugged trails and expertly curated itineraries. Learning about the region’s ancient civilization is a great way to engage and garner a deeper appreciation with the land.

Churchill Polar Bear Club

For true animal lovers, seeing polar bears in their natural habitat is an actual dream come true. See resident bears in the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” better known as Churchill in Manitoba, Canada.

This Arctic tundra hosts tours fall through winter and showcases the region’s resident wildlife, including the stars of the show, polar bears, but also Belugas, dog-sled teams and the stunning Northern Lights. Learn more about the locals and diverse Arctic cultures, or keep it moving in the Mobile Tundra Lodge.

China’s Wild Side

Speaking of bears, there’s no better way to see pandas than in China. An all-new itinerary, The Wild Side of China: A Nature Odyssey, is a tour dedicated to getting travelers within sight of the elusive, but adorable panda bear. Visit the Minshan Mountains of Sichuan with help from local guides and wildlife experts leading you through the entire tour — this is a huge get and an invaluable addition to the traveler’s overall experience, as the region isn’t necessarily accustomed to English-speaking tourists.

This tour is completely exclusive and unlike any other, as travelers get to visit otherwise restricted areas like world-renowned panda research bases, private access to wildlife reserves with actual wild pandas (permits are required, which the tour provides, but civilians wouldn’t be able to obtain) and even up-close encounters with resident golden monkeys.

When you’re looking to walk on the wild side, there’s no shame in doing it responsibly with WWF- and Nat Hab-approved itineraries.