Exodus Adventure Travels Announces New Citizen Science Departures for 2025/2026
by Marsha Mowers
Exodus Adventure Travels has announced new departures for its Citizen Science program which gives travellers an opportunity to take part in scientific research.
Each Citizen Science itinerary gives travellers an opportunity to work along scientists in key locations around the world by helping to take freshwater samples which are then later analyzed by Exodus’ partner Nature Metrics who exact and catalogue their eDNA.
Those samples are used to help build the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature) eBioAtlas – a database which is a key component in identifying the health of the world’s biodiversity.
In 2024, 78 global samples were taken on Exodus’ Citizen Science departures which resulted in the detection of 797 species. Seven IUCN threatened species were identified including the Fire Salamander, the endangered American Eel and the vulnerable Military Macaw.
Once analyzed, travellers receive an update on what valuable conservation data samples from their trip has helped to identify.
Water sampling activity will be integrated into the existing itinerary:
Classic Dolomites – Premium Adventure:
Adventurers on this eight-day tour of the Dolomites will explore the national parks of Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto, and the spires of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Visitors will walk through the flower-filled Braies Valley, under the ridge of Knieberg, up to the summit of Durrenstein and ascend a flat-top mountain towards an open-air museum dedicated to World War I. In the village of Villabessa, guests will stay in the four-star Hotel Adler, enjoying the spa and fine-dining restaurant of the 400-year-old building, allowing the trekkers to relax in between the hikes of each day.
Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Caribbean
On this adventure, visitors can experience Columbia’s fascinating history, vibrant cities and spectacular wildlife, as well as the rich culture of the people who call this country home. Guests will explore Tayrona National Park and the Indigenous seaside village of Katanzama on the Caribbean coast, learning about Arhuaco traditions, culture and agriculture with the help of a local guide. In Bogotá, there is the chance to sample chicha (a traditional fermented corn liquor) and take part in an explosive game of tejo at a Colombian social club. Other highlights include marvelling at Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and taking in the pre-Columbian stone carvings at San Agustín, and the trip ends Cartagena, where travelers will enjoy a local rum tasting and explore this thriving city.
Jordan: Culture & Nature in Depth
This 12-day tour will take travellers to all six of Jordan’s UNESCO sites in addition to incredible nature reserves the country has to offer. With two days in Petra, guests will enter the remarkable city through a narrow chasm to its houses and tombs. Adventure-seekers can opt to embark on the arduous hike to the High Place of Sacrifice to take in the views of the city. A 4×4 tour of Wadi Rum will be led by Bedouins, unlocking the dramatic landscapes of the valley. Other highlights include exploring the Roman city of Jerash, taking in views of the Sea of Galilee from Gadara ruins and spotting migratory birds in the Azraq Wetlands. Guests will also be able to enjoy a moment of relaxation by floating in the Dead Sea.
In the heart of Oulanka National Park, in one of Europe’s most sparsely populated areas, visitors can enjoy an alternative snow break encompassing a variety of winter activities, including dogsledding through silent snow-caked forests, visiting a reindeer sanctuary, cross-country skiing at Juuma Lake and snowshoeing under the iconic Northern lights. Adventure-lovers will jump at the chance to learn wilderness skills, including the ancient art of quinzee (snow-shelter) building, with the option available for guests to stay in their very own construction. Accommodation is at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cosy wooden buildings in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking Juuma Lake.
