We invite you to join a Crooked Trails travel program and step into a place of subtle yet profound change. Immerse yourself in the social, cultural and economic life of another people – in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, China, India or another of the many extraordinary countries we work in.
Crooked Trails works with indigenous people around the world, creating interactive journeys built on homestays and service projects in small communities. Crooked Trails travel programs also include opportunities to admire historic monuments and natural beauty in your destination country, along with a sprinkling of light adventure.
Benefits:
- a unique opportunity for exploration
- full-time support staff
- affordable programs
- meaningful service projects
- multiple destinations in-country
- small group size (6-12 people)
We provide:
- a North American guide/facilitator to accompany the group
- all logistical organization including transportation, lodging, homestays, service project planning, local guides, meals and interpreters
- assistance with immunization and travel insurance questions.
You provide:
- your energy and commitment.
We develop affordable programs built on local in-country connections and community development projects chosen by the host village with guidance from Crooked Trails. You will live simply yet well, sharing in the day-to-day activities of the local people.
On your journey, you will find the lines that can separate travelers from locals dissolving, creating a richer and more rewarding exchange for you and for your host people.
Each travel program fee includes all in-country transportation, accommodations, homestay meals, guides, interpreters, and more. Outside of the homestay and depending on the itinerary, you buy your own food. The travel program fee does not include international flights or international departure taxes. See individual program descriptions for more details.
“If I have to narrow it down to just one experience from Nepal, I’d say the celebration on the final night of our village stay. On that night it struck me just how profound an impact we’d had on the people of Danda Gaun. The entire village joined us at the town Stupa for speeches, song, and dance. And it was an honor that left me speechless to shake hands with the monk H.E.K. Yangtul Rinpoche, the eleventh incarnation of the Dalai Lama. I laughed and I cried that night, taking in the festivities as the very children who will ultimately benefit from the new school climbed on me and hugged me. It was one of the most powerful moments of my life.” -Erik Rogers, San Francisco