Unlocking Adventure: The Top 5 Best Intrepid Travel Tours for Every Traveler!

Intrepid Travel is a travel industry expert specializing in providing small group tours for adventurous travelers focusing on sustainable, responsible travel with an immersive style.  

With over 30 years of experience in the game, Intrepid Travel runs over 1000 different itineraries worldwide.  They facilitate life-changing travel experiences in the best destinations worldwide, taking guests to off-the-beaten-track locations that get to the heart of the destinations they visit.  

Wherever your wanderlust is calling you, Intrepid Travel has you covered.  So what can you expect from the best Intrepid Travel Tours? 

Founded in 1988 by two friends from Melbourne whose intrepid road trip to the wilds of Africa in a modified ex-council truck inspired a dream of helping others enjoy adventurous travel experiences.  Intrepid believes strongly in the life-changing power of travel for fellow travelers and the communities they visit.  

As a friendly, inclusive travel operator, they welcome a diverse range of customers.  Expect life-long friendships, deep and meaningful late-night chats, and unique travel experiences. A group tour is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share a love of adventure and new experiences.  

As travel is a personal experience, Intrepid offers various travel styles to allow you to choose an adventure that best suits your interests.  There are a range of different trip themes to choose from.  

Active Adventures take you outside the city limits, providing adventurous, active activities from kayaking, canyoning, and trekking. Active Adventures are great for those who want to add a dose of adrenaline to their itinerary.  

Expeditions Tours focuses on getting off the beaten track and digging deeper into unique locations with the help of local guides.  These are custom, off-the-grid adventures that veer away from well-trodden routes and seek out something a little bit special.  

Food Adventures.  You guessed it! Food adventures create real, local foodie experiences that uncover the stories behind the country’s cuisine.  Food and travel are inextricably linked, and Intrepid’s Food Adventures look to elevate your gourmet travel experience with an authentic journey of discovery.    

As well as these adventure styles, Intrepid Travel offers a range of specialized tours from Cruising and Sailing, Hiking and Trekking, Cycling, Polar, Urban Adventures, and Wildlife. Intrepid also offers different comfort levels to choose your preferred comfort level, accommodation, and budget.  Comfort levels include Basix, Original, Comfort, and Premium.  

With an Intrepid Tour, all your transport between destinations, accommodation, and various activities and excursions are included. After booking your adventure, you will receive a detailed pre-trip information package to get you up to date with everything you need to prepare, from visa requirements to packing guidelines. 

Your on-the-ground travel crew consists of your knowledgeable group leader, a fellow adventure enthusiast with a passion for Intrepid’s grassroots style of travel.  They provide travel insights and support throughout your journey and facilitate a safe and successful guest experience.  

Local leaders are often employed to give guests an authentic experience and a unique perspective on the places they visit. Get to know how locals spend their time, connect with the destinations on a deeper level and get off the well-worn tourist trails with the best local knowledge and tips under the wing of your excellent guide.  

Intrepid’s Tours are open to most age ranges.  There is a minimum age limit of 15, and an adult must accompany all under 18’s.  There are no upper age ranges; however, some trips are physically demanding, and guests must be able to meet the fitness requirements.  Some tours are aimed at specific age ranges, with 18 to 29 trips specifically for younger travelers and family-focused trips offering a range of family-friendly activities. Whatever your age, Intrepid has something for you.  

Costs of Intrepid’s tours vary depending on the destination, trip style, and your preferred comfort level. However, as part of Intrepid’s company philosophy, they aim to offer great value, affordable tours that provide accessible travel for everyone.

Intrepid keeps overall costs down in several ways.  They will often use local accommodation providers, local guides, and their regional connections to utilize competitive rates.  They use shared transport throughout their tours, which is cost-effective and more environmentally friendly, and the tours come with a range of included activities and optional extras to accommodate different budgets.  One of the perks of booking an organized tour is that transport and accommodation are included making it easier to keep track of your costs.   

Intrepid’s grassroots style of travel helps them stand out from the crowd in the group tour market.  With carefully curated itineraries, Intrepid provides its guests with unique, real-life travel moments. Think of that special little restaurant tucked away on a side street, that secluded beach, the best free site-seeing spots or where to catch the perfect sunset.  Intrepid has the lowdown, and by using local guides, they help guests experience more.  

Intrepid’s belief in the positive and transformational power of travel means they are committed to protecting the natural environment and benefiting the local communities they visit.  They have formed partnerships with several local community projects and, where possible, aim to use local services and accommodation providers to ensure tourists’ money goes back into the local communities. 

Many tours visit local communities and community projects that benefit the local area.  Each Intrepid tour aims to promote its goal of positive change through travel for both travelers and local communities.  

Whatever your adventure style, vibes, or wherever you want to go, Intrepid Travel has it covered.  Read on to find out the best Intrepid Travel tours which we have sorted for you to provide the ultimate travel inspiration. 

Mexico Unplugged

This 14-day tour of Mexico’s highlights is rated highly by previous Intrepid travelers and provides a safe, accessible way to explore the wonders of this diverse country. 

Departing from the metropolis of Mexico City, this epic adventure explores ancient Mayan ruins, bustling markets, vibrant cities, traditional communities, the mountainous terrain of the Chiapas highlands, and the balmy shores of Playa del Carman.  

This tour is perfect for those wanting to get out and explore Mexico with a framework already in place.  The logistics of your trip are all taken care of, so your time will be stress-free.  Your knowledgeable group leader will provide essential support and orientation throughout, giving you that extra boost of confidence plus, you will meet some incredible like-minded travelers to share the experience with.  

Hitting seven Mexican destinations, plenty of free time is worked into the travel schedule to allow you the space to craft your own adventure.  With numerous optional extra activities you can add to the itinerary, you can keep control of your budget and customize your tour depending on your budget and interests.  

Launching in style from vibrant Mexico City, hit the ground running with a tasty taco tour to introduce the group to the cities sizzling food scene.  Learn more about the lives of the Nahuatl descendants, the native people of ancient Mesoamerica, and their ancestral traditions and customs.  Experience some culinary history with a visit to the famous La Pasita, Puebla’s oldest and most famous canteens, to taste their unique sweet liquor made from raisins.  

Immerse yourself in the creative vibes of Oaxaca with its thriving art scene, which encompasses traditional crafts, indigenous art, colorful murals, and a buzzing contemporary artist community.  Travel overnight to the cooler climate of San Cristobal de Las Casa, a favorite on the backpacker trail, situated at an elevation of around 2,200 meters and surrounded by the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range.  Marval at the ruins and intricate stone temples of the Palenque archeological site before heading to the city of Merida, the cultural capital of the Yucatan peninsula.  

Finnish this mind-blowing adventure with a stop at the incredibly well-preserved archeological site of Chichen Itza, one of the most important centers of the Mayan empire, before heading to soak in the bohemian vibes, white sand beaches, and spectacular sunsets of Playa del Carmen.  

This phenomenal tour by Intrepid is perfect for those wanting a taste of Mexico’s breathtaking beauty and cultural gems, all packaged together in an engaging, adventurous trip that takes you off the beaten track to get an authentic feel of this stunning country.  

Inclusions

• 13 Nights of Hotel Accommodation
• Expert Group Leader
• Orientation Tours in Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobal de Las Casas, Merida, and Playa del Carmen
• Transport included – a mixture of private transport, public buses, overnight bus, and taxi.
• Informal Spanish lessons with your group leader
• Leader-led taco tour in Mexico City
• Community visit to San Pedro Talhuac with included lunch
• Organized visit to the La Pasita Bar in Puebla
• Visit and entrance fee to Zinacatan Church, San Juan Church, Palenque Ruins, and Chichen Itza Archeological Site (no Guide)

Central American Journey

Expand your travel horizons with this inspiring multi-country tour around Central America.  Hitting up 20 different destinations, the trip provides incredible value for money and a wide-ranging exploration of this dynamic region.  

Join fellow Intrepid travelers in getting-off-the beaten-track in Central America.  Experience the mist-shrouded trees and volcanic backdrop of Antigua, the dense jungle scenery and luscious tropical greenery of the Guatemalan countryside, the secluded white-sand shores of El Cuco, the spirited atmosphere of the Granada’s main street Calle de Calzada and the shimmering cloud forests of Costa Rica.  

This tour is perfect for those wanting to cover significant ground in Central America, taking in the area’s highlights on a thrilling 17-day explorer tour.  With a maximum group size of 16, this intimate travel experience uncovers incredible natural wonders, vibrant city destinations, lush tropical vegetation, and spectacular wildlife.  

Traveling from Guatemala through Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, taking in Mayan ruins, pristine jungle, dark-sand beaches, Central American street food, the volcanic islands of Omepete, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, and the city markets of San Jose.  This tour is one for the adventurers out there.   

Join your Intrepid family, meet new mates, and open the floodgates to new experiences.  The memories and bonds you will create will last a lifetime.  Included transport and organized travel days take the worry out of navigating multiple countries and border crossings.  Your expert group leader has all the info to make sure everything runs smoothly for your group so you can get on with living your best life.  

Inclusions

• 14 nights of hotel accommodation and 2 nights of lodge accommodation 
• Included transport by private vehicle, public buses, taxis, shared boats, and ferry
• Expert Group Leader
• Leader-led orientation walks in Suchitoto, Leon, Monteverde, La Fortuna, and San Jose.
• Salvadoran Pupusa cooking demonstration in San Miguel
• Visit Copan Ruins
• Ferry ride across Lake Nicaragua
• Breakfast at El Cafe de las Sonrisas

Real Food Adventure India

What better place to dive into a journey of culinary exploration than India? 

This 15-day foodie adventure explores the diverse and rich culinary traditions of India, blending street food tours, market visits, shared meals, cooking classes, and demonstrations with sightseeing highlights from the world-famous Taj Mahal, the chaotic energy of the bustling streets of Dehli to the white-washed walls of historic old Goa.  

With several cooking demonstrations and classes, this tour is a fantastic opportunity to explore the regional diversity of India’s cuisine.  You will learn about authentic and traditional cooking techniques, immerse yourself in the rich flavors and fresh ingredients used throughout the country, and meet with local cooks and chefs to better understand this diverse cuisine.  

This is a hands-on adventure with plenty of interactive experiences throughout.  

The Real India Food tour has a raft of inclusions making this culinary adventure incredible value for money, coming with a total of 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 5 dinners included, as well as visits to some of the country’s most popular destinations.  

Meet your group in Dehli, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Dehli’s restaurants.  Next, jump right into Dehli’s phenomenal street food scene with a street food breakfast tour that will elevate your perceptions of what breakfast involves.  Take a visit to the centuries-old market of Chandi Chowk, with its narrow winding alleys, hand-painted signs, and ornate building facades, before a visit to a spice factory to meet with a local seller.  

Also on the agenda is exploring the majestic Taj Mahal and Agra red fort.  Get lost in the flavors of Mumbai, the unofficial capital of Indian street food and experience the unique fusion of Goan cuisine. Uncover the culture surrounding Indian food. The tour takes you to experience a shared meal at a Sikh temple and to explore the farming communities of the Bijaipur countryside.

A safari jeep tour helps you learn more about rural life and farming in the area before returning to your accommodation in the 16th-century Castle Bijaipur, where the estate chef will lead a cooking demonstration using local ingredients.  

Expect an explosion of vibrant flavor, a dose of history and culture, and an immersion into India’s incredible food scene.  

Inclusions

• 11 nights of hotel accommodation, 2 nights of accommodation in a heritage property in the Vindhyanchal Hills, and one overnight sleeper train
• Expert Group Leader
• Included transport by taxi, train, and private vehicle
• Flight from Mumbai to Goa
• Mughlai Cooking demonstration, Rajasthani cooking class and demonstration, Rajasthani desert cooking demonstration and meal, Thali cooking class, and Goa cooking class.  
• Old Dehli walk and rickshaw tour, orientation walk in Jaipur and Udaipur, heritage walk in Mumbai, and old Goa tour.  
• Visit to Jama Masjid Mosque, a Dehli spice warehouse, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and Udaipur City Palace.
• Dehli street food breakfast and lunch at a Sikh temple, Jaipur street food lunch, lunch at Jain temple in Ranakpur, Mumbai Chowpatty Beach Street Food Crawl, 
• Bijaipur countryside jeep safari

Sabah Adventure

Get outside the box with Intrepid’s active adventure exploring the stunning region of Sabah in Northwest Borneo.  This tour blends active adventures, cultural insights, and discovery of the region’s incredible wildlife and biodiversity.  

This tour is perfect for those who want to get amongst the country’s spectacular natural surroundings and enjoy a more active holiday.  Cimb Borneo’s highest peak, explore the wilds of the Kinabatanga floodplains, snorkel the waters of the Sulu Sea surrounding Turtle Island, and be captivated by turtles and orangutans. 

Experience a homestay at a traditional village inhabited by the Dusun ethnic group.  Here you will learn more about their way of life and cultural traditions and join a shared meal with your host family.  Conquer the mighty peak of Mount Kinabalu, the centerpiece of the Kinabalu national park.  The climb is spread over two days. Rise early to summit as dawn breaks over the park casting a spectacular glow over the park’s lush vegetation and surrounding jungle.  

Toast your success and spend the rest of the day recuperating at the Poring Hot Spring, a welcome treat for weary hikers.  Before heading to the rainforest-covered banks of the mighty Kinabatangan River.  Stay overnight in a jungle lodge, the perfect location for discovering the rich ecosystems of the river and its surrounding forest and floodplain. 

The area is a hotspot for wildlife and supports an incredible range of biodiversity.  With an included night jungle walk and afternoon and dawn river cruise, you will have plenty of time to spot exotic animals and soak in the lush surroundings.    

Head to Sandakan to visit the Sandakan War Memorial, which marks the site of a former prisoner-of-war camp.  Learn more about Sandakan’s past and pay your respects to the fallen.  Then transfer by speedboat to spend a day on Turtle Island.  This idyllic tropical island is dedicated to conserving Hawksbill and Green turtles by providing safe nesting habitat. 

Enjoy the stunning tropical surroundings with crystal clear turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches.  Snorkeling gear is available to rent. In the evening, join a ranger to witness their work to protect nesting turtles.  Finnish this epic adventure with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.  

With relatively short traveling times, this adventure is perfect for those that want to prioritize more time on the ground.  With included wildlife experiences, active activities, and cultural visits, this tour is guaranteed to be an action-packed adventure.  

Inclusions

• Accommodation  
• Expert Group Leader
• Transport by private minivan, riverboat, and speedboat to Turtle Island
• 8 Breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
• Mt Kinabalu Climb
• Dusun Village guided walk and cultural performance
• Visit Poring Hot Springs, Sandakan War Memorial, Turtle Island Marine Park, Turtle Hatchery, and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.  
• Kinabatangan River night jungle walk, afternoon wildlife cruise, and dawn wildlife cruise.  

Berlin to Venice

Are you looking to take Central Europe by storm this year? Intrepid can make it happen. Join a small group of fellow travelers for an epic European road trip from Berlin to Venice.

This explorer tour allows you to craft your own experience.  There are plenty of free days worked into the itinerary, allowing you to see where your adventure takes you.  Your group leader will provide orientation tours so you can quickly get your bearings and provide you with the ultimate insider tips, from the must-see sights and hidden gems to the most buzzing nightlife spots, best restaurants, museums, historical landmarks, and art galleries.  

If you are traveling solo, an Intrepid Tour presents an incredible opportunity to meet with like-minded travelers.  Gain instant travel buddies to share this experience with.  Expect plenty of laughs, late-European nights, romantic street-side dinners, and epic city visits.  

Ignite your love of Europe with endless options for things to do. Depart from edgy Berlin.  With cheap food and legendary nightlife, the city is bound to start your trip with a bang. Cross the border into Poland, visiting the water-bound city of Wroclaw.  Situated on the banks of the Odra River, this attractive city combines a stunning mix of architectural styles, riverside promenades, canals, bridges, and a thriving art scene.  

Next, head to Poland’s capital Krakow, with its historic center and magnificent medieval town square. The city’s romantic atmosphere will draw you in, and a shot of Poland’s famous vodka will keep you warm as you explore.  From here, head to fairytale-esq Prague with its whimsical spires and gothic ambiance. Prague will charm even the coldest of hearts, and its lively bars and beer gardens are ripe for a spot of late-night bar hopping.  

Follow the flow of the mighty river Danube to take in two European giants.  The majestic city of Vienna and beautiful Buda and Pest.  A trip to Vienna is all about culture. While away the hours in a Viennese coffee shop, with its rich coffee and decadent desserts, get dressed in your finest clothes for a trip to the Vienna State Opera, or check out some of the city’s art galleries and museums.  

Head on to fabulous Budapest.  The two sides of the city straddle the Danube.  This incredible destination is full of surprises from pop-up bars, river-side cruises, and a gorgeous skyline. Budapest is perfect for walking and exploring.  Next, make a pitstop on the tranquil shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia.  Nestled in the stunning Julian Alps, this is the perfect place to get back to nature. Think rolling green hills, crystal clear glacial lake waters, and fresh Alpine air.  

Finnish your adventure soaking in the romance of Venice, the ideal spot for a slap-up Italian meal before you bid goodbye to your new friends.

Europe has something for everyone, from culture vultures to history and art buffs, foodie enthusiasts to adrenaline junkies, and party people to those preferring something a little quieter.  With Intrepid making your European travel dreams come true is easy.    

Inclusions

• Expert Group Leader
• 9 nights in hotel accommodation, 2 nights in a hostel, 2 nights in a guesthouse, and 1 night in a pension
• Transport included by 
• Orientation tour in Wroclaw, Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Venice