The Coolest Hotels In The World You Can Stay At With Culture Trip

From eco-lodges to desert camps, safari reserves and island glampsites, these are the coolest places to stay in the world.

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Chilcabamba Lodge, Ecuador

Our eight-day Adventurous Ecuador trip features a range of amazing accommodations, from the hot springs of Termas de Papallacta to the serene surrounds of Kuyana Amazon Lodge. Our pick of the bunch, however, might just have to be Chilcabamba Lodge. This rustic mountain lodge, set 3,480m (11,417ft) above sea level, blends traditional Ecuadorian homeliness with a touch of rural-weekend-away vibes. Everything here is built using local materials, with rustic decor offering a charming, unpretentious cosiness. Rooms are incredibly homely and equipped with ponchos, thick duvets and a wood-burning stove – perfect for fighting off the mountain chills. There’s also a main lodge with lounges to relax in, boasting views of the stunning Cotopaxi volcano in the distance, as well as a games room, outdoor bonfire and a trail around the area that leads to a stunning Cotopaxi viewpoint. The restaurant serves homemade Ecuadorian delights, and dinner here is best followed by a spot of stargazing around the campfire before bed.

From US$2199

Next available from 9th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Quito, Ecuador

ENDS AT

Quito, Ecuador

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Elephants drinking from the infinity pool at Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge (Western Cape Game Lodge)

Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge, South Africa

The only way an infinity pool, set in the middle of 11,000ha (over 27,000 acres) of private wilderness, could be any cooler is if said pool was occasionally frequented by local elephants. Well, that’s the case at Gondwana Kwena, a truly spellbinding safari lodge that features on our 11-day South Africa trip. While here you’ll embark on up to four game drives in search of the Big Five, you’ll also have plenty of time to rent bikes, go birdwatching, have a picnic, a spa treatment or simply lounge by the pool. Dining options are indoor and outdoor – always with a view – while your room will be cosy but luxurious, inspired by traditional Khoi-San huts, and nestled amid natural surroundings. The 180-degree views from your suite offers a constant window into the mountain wilderness of the Western Cape – keep an eye out for local wildlife passing by.

From US$2899

Next available from 3rd Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

ENDS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Volcano Lodge and Springs, Costa Rica

There’s two things we love about volcanoes: firstly, they’re super cool and breathtakingly beautiful to look at; secondly, hot springs. This cosy tropical lodge in the heart of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park takes both of those things and turns it into a once-in-a-lifetime accommodation experience. The volcano itself dominates pretty much every vista you’ll enjoy all over the resort, from bedrooms to poolside views. Amid the sprawling botanical gardens, ripe for exploration, are a number of outdoor pools – one also features a swim-up bar – and a number of jacuzzis fed by the region’s natural geothermal hot springs. That means you can enjoy scenic views of Arenal volcano, while also enjoying the muscle-soothing bounties of its geological powers.

From US$2199

Next available from 6th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

San Jose, Costa Rica

ENDS AT

Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Close up of giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galápagos Magic Camp, Ecuador

If elephants, lions and rhinos are your jam, then stick to South Africa, but the coolest animals to camp out with are older, slower and much more docile. We’re talking about the giant tortoises of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, of course. These gentle, hard-shell slow-movers are the ultimate symbol of this archipelago’s incredible biodiversity, which is celebrated at this glamping site up in the Santa Cruz highlands. Over a hundred tortoises roam around the camp, freely and safely, while visitors can relax at the open-air lodge, lava cave restaurant or around a crackling campfire, as well from the comfort of their safari-style tents. It’s a truly immersive experience, and the best way to understand the unique natural wonder of these incredible islands. You’ll be surrounded by a diverse range of flora and fauna, far away from the noisy clamouring of modern civilisation. What could be cooler than that?

From US$2499

Next available from 13th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.