When you’ve traveled halfway around the world, the last thing you want is to end up somewhere that feels less than extraordinary. That’s why, at AGC, we make eco-friendly choices from the start. True comfort means knowing your stay protects the environment and supports the community around it. You’ve already invested in flights and planning; your accommodations should be the reward, a place that lets you unwind and allows the real adventure to begin.
An eco-lodge is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a type of lodging designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing connection to local culture and nature. From running on renewable energy to sourcing food locally and supporting nearby communities, eco-lodges offer comfort with conscience.
Every lodge we choose isn’t just a bed for the night; it’s a meaningful part of the journey, enriching your experience and leaving a lighter ecological footprint on the world.
Here are some of our favorite eco-lodges, which we hope you'll enjoy as well.
Colpa Lodge – Peru
On our Trekking to Machu Picchu: A Lodge-to-Lodge Journey, we trade tents for a series of remote mountain lodges, including Colpa Lodge. Nestled at the confluence of three rivers, it combines Incan-inspired architecture with cozy comforts and Pachamanca meals cooked in the earth. Staffed and supplied by local communities, Colpa Lodge shows how responsible trekking can directly support the people and landscapes of the Andes.
Casa Cayuco – Panama
During our Paradise in Panama Wellness Retreat, we spend six nights at Casa Cayuco, a truly off-grid eco-lodge accessible only by boat. Solar panels, rainwater systems, and plant-forward meals keep your footprint light while you enjoy the beauty of Bocas del Toro.
What sets Casa Cayuco apart is its deep connection with the nearby Ngäbe-Buglé community. The lodge employs local staff, supports community projects, and collaborates closely with residents to preserve both culture and the coastline. That means every moment you spend snorkeling vibrant reefs, kayaking through turquoise waters, or simply relaxing on the beach directly contributes to conservation efforts and the well-being of the people who call this region home.
Topas Ecolodge – Vietnam
When we explore northern Vietnam on our Wats & Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia trip, we stay at the award-winning Topas Ecolodge, perched high above Sapa. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s most unique and sustainable lodges, Topas pairs stone bungalows and infinity pools with sweeping views of terraced rice paddies and nearby mountains.
Beyond its breathtaking setting, it’s a true model for eco-tourism, with initiatives ranging from wastewater treatment to renewable energy and robust local hiring and training programs. By employing and empowering nearby community members, the lodge ensures every traveler’s stay makes a lasting positive impact on both people and planet.
Itamandi Lodge – Ecuador
On our Ecuador’s Amazon Jungle Adventure, we head deep into the rainforest to Itamandi Lodge. Powered by solar energy and dedicated to cultural exchange, the lodge blends off-grid comfort with guided explorations of the Amazon’s rich biodiversity. Visits with nearby Kichwa communities bring authenticity and connection, while evenings under the jungle canopy highlight why eco-lodges like Itamandi matter for both conservation and culture.
Selva Verde Lodge – Costa Rica
On our Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains trip, we stay at Selva Verde Lodge, located in the Sarapiquí region. The lodge protects more than 500 acres of private rainforest and serves as a hub for conservation, research, and environmental education.
Guests often spot toucans, howler monkeys, and poison dart frogs right outside their rooms, offering a true immersion in the rainforest ecosystem. Selva Verde is also one of Costa Rica’s leaders in sustainable tourism, with eco-certification that reflects its dedication to protecting biodiversity and supporting surrounding communities. By staying here, travelers contribute directly to ongoing efforts to preserve both the forest and local livelihoods.
Jaya House River Park – Cambodia
In Cambodia, our Wats & Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia trip includes a stay at Jaya House River Park, a boutique retreat near Angkor Wat. The lodge is 100% free of single-use plastics, partners with local NGOs, and has planted thousands of trees. Guests can relax in saltwater pools and enjoy modern comforts, knowing their visit supports reforestation and local initiatives.
Chanya Lodge – Tanzania
On our Tanzania Journey: Ngorongoro Highlands Trek & Great Migration, we begin and end at Chanya Lodge, a green retreat near Kilimanjaro. With Swahili-inspired design, lush gardens covering 60% of the property, and locally sourced cuisine, it provides a warm welcome to Tanzania. Rainwater systems, solar energy, and sustainable landscaping make Chanya a natural fit for eco-conscious travelers preparing to explore the Serengeti.
Tobacco Caye Paradise – Belize
As part of our Best of Belize: Snorkeling, Kayaking & Culture trip, we stay at Tobacco Caye Paradise, a rustic gem set on a tiny islet within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Powered by solar and rainwater, this no-frills lodge offers over-the-water cabanas, Belizean meals in a communal dining hall, and hammock time just steps from the reef. Here, travelers experience the joy of simple living while directly supporting marine conservation.
Akizuno Garten – Japan
On our Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail adventure in Japan, we spend a night at Akizuno Garten, a community-led green tourism project in Tanabe. Set in a beautifully renovated schoolhouse, it offers tatami rooms, citrus harvesting experiences, e-bike tours through surrounding villages, and farm-to-table meals prepared with local ingredients.
More than just a place to stay, Akizuno Garten was created to help preserve rural traditions and provide sustainable income for local farmers and families. By welcoming travelers, it connects guests directly with Japan’s countryside living while supporting efforts to revitalize rural Japan through sustainable tourism.
Spring Bay Mill – Australia
In Tasmania, during our Australia: Sydney’s Shores to Tasmania’s Trails trip, we stay at Spring Bay Mill, a former woodchip mill that has been transformed into a sustainable venue. The property utilizes solar power, rainwater collection, and ongoing reforestation initiatives to minimize its environmental footprint.
Industrial buildings have been repurposed for lodging and gathering spaces, creating a practical example of regeneration. Wallabies and other local wildlife are often seen on the grounds, giving travelers authentic wildlife experiences. Staying here highlights how sustainability can reshape even heavily industrialized spaces into places of learning, restoration, and connection.
Edgewater Resort – New Zealand
On our New Zealand's Wild Wonders: Southern Alps & National Parks, we stay at Edgewater Resort, a lakeside retreat on the shores of Wānaka. Though it offers luxury comforts, the resort is also Toitū carbon reduce certified, part of the Single Use Cup Free movement, and a proud supporter of the Love Wānaka conservation fund. With trails leading directly from the grounds, this eco-luxury stay makes it easy to explore responsibly just steps away from adventure.
Stay Somewhere That Gives Back
Travel is about more than the sights we see, the food we try, and the miles we cover; it’s about the choices we make along the way that affect our planet. Each of these eco-lodges shows how accommodations can be both comfortable and impactful, protecting ecosystems, supporting local communities, and enriching the traveler experience. We believe where you stay is just as important as where you go.
When you join us on an adventure, you’re not only exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary places, you’re helping ensure they remain that way for generations to come.
